Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 11 June 2025

Moe Football-Netball Club PresidentMattHowlett,Lions senior playerJacob Wood,Latrobe CitycouncillorsSharonGibson andAdele Puglsey, Warragul FNCpresident LeighSheehanand Moe Racing Club ChiefExecutiveCassandraRendellbravedthe elementsaslocal clubs combined forthe annual BigFreezetohelp Fight MNDoverthe long weekend. MORE- VALLEY SPORT

THE Latrobe Health Assembly has been notified by the Department of Health that fundingfrom the state government,which has supported the Assembly’s operations since2017, will cease.

As the last remaining legacy of the Hazelwood Mine FireInquiry’s health report, the Assembly acknowledges the detrimental impact this unexpected deci sio nw ill hav eo ni ts abilit y to deliver vital health prevention programs across the Latrobe Valley and elevatethe voice of community in decision-making.

Sinceits inception, the Latrobe Health Assembly hasbeen at the forefront of community-driven health innovation, co-designing and delivering interventions withpartners to transform the health and wellbeing of the community. From pioneering mental health initiatives and early childhooddevelopment programs, tackling chronicdisease and food insecurity, to responding to concerns about community safety andantisocial behaviour, the Assembly has worked hand-in-hand with the Latrobe Valley community to address its most pressing health challenges.

Key highlights include:

 Distributing more than 11,000 free books through the Imagination Library, supporting children’s literacy and early learning;

Accused triple murderer takes the stand in Morwell

By STEFAN BRADLEY and LIAM DURKIN

PROSECUTION went on the attack as the accused,Erin Patterson for the first time took the stand in the supreme court’switnessbox duringweek six of her triple murder trial.

Three people died following afatal beefWellington lunch, whichallegedly contained death cap mushrooms at the accused'sLeongatha home in July 2023.

Donand Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died from the fatal meal. Heather’s husband,Ian Wilkinsonfell ill, however survived the incident. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Themediainterestinthiscase locally, nationally and worldwide is undeniable, and was even more apparentlastweek as amassofpeople lined up outside Latrobe ValleyLaw Courts to watch the trial anticipating the accused giving evidence. Erin Patterson was the first witness called by defence barrister Colin Mandy SC. The case has become very personal, andverypublicfor the accused, as her past and relationshipwithher family has

been examined by lawyers, the media and public,but ultimately it’s thejury who will decide her fate.

The Express was able to attend court on Wednesday and Friday. Erin wore a greyjumper on the Wednesday, and kept aneutral look until spoken to. She was dressed in ablack top with white dots on Friday, where she cut acomposed figure until speaking about her children andlove for Don, Gail, Heather and Ian.

"I loved them, andstill do,"she said, wiping back tears on Friday, upon being grilledduring cross examinationby Crown prosecutor, Nanette Rogers SC.

Whilequestioninghis client in court, the accused said that while she was at Leongatha Hospital, (on July31, two days afterthe lunch) she had asked Dr Veronica Foote (anon-call doctor) whypeople were talking about death mushrooms.

“I asked if she could tellmewhy peoplewere sayingthere weredeath cap mushrooms. She couldn’t tell me because of privacy,” Erin told the court.

“But none of them were her patients anyway.”

The court heardthat Erinwantedto

change her phone number because she was concerned about her privacy and security, and her deteriorating relationship with estranged husband Simon Patterson. But after the fatal lunch she decided againstitbecauseshe needed to keep in contact with Simon and child protection was getting involved. Simon was invited to the lunch, but declined. Text messages between the pair were exhibited, and read aloud by Erin. Erin became very emotional and started wiping tears when she spokeabout Don’s relationship with Erin and Simon’s kids on Wednesday. Erin saidDon had a“very close” relationship with his grandkids.

Mr Mandyasked the accusedabout the deadly lunch and asked if she accepted that there “must have been death cap mushrooms in that meal”, to which Erin said,“yes Ido”.

But Erin told the court she did not tell the fatal lunch guests that she had cancer. But the actual health issue she was concerned about wasapotential gastric bypass surgery to deal with her weight, but she was too embarrassed to tell the lunch guests.

Continued -Page2

access the information, support, and the care they need, and;

 Establishing initiatives such as the People’s Kitchen and Family Assist to provide practical assistance to families and individuals in need.

Chair of the Latrobe Health Assembly, Tanya Rong, said “While we are deeplydisappointed by the Victorian government’s decision to end our funding, we are incredibly proud of the work we haveachieved together with ourcommunity. TheAssembly stands as atestament to the power of local voices and collaborative action in shaping better health outcomes for everyone in the Latrobe Valley."

As the final remaining legacy of the Hazelwood Mine FireInquiry’s health report, the Assembly’s commitment to the community remains steadfast. Despitethis fundingsetback, the Latrobe Health Assembly says it will continue to advocate for and support the wellbeing of the Latrobe Valley community.The Assembly will actively seekalternative opportunities and partnerships to continue delivering innovative, community-led programs that are tailored to the specific needs of the Latrobe Valley community.

“We are not giving up,” Ms Rong said.

Funding cut, but job far from over PATTERSON SPEAKS

 Embedding nurses in local primary schools and preschools, and launching school-based health programs, ensuring children’s health concerns are identified and addressed early in acollaborative way;

 Championing innovative mental health initiatives, that have supported thousands of people to

WorkSafe was immediately notified.

“Our community still faces significant health challenges, and we will continue to fight for the support that Latrobe Valley deserves.”

The La trobe Heal th Ass embly wished to thank the local community, partnersand organisations who have contributed to its success over the past eight years, and stated the journey was far from over.

Opinion pages: 32-33

"We are taking this matter extremely seriously. EnergyAustralia’s priority is to ensure our people continue to remain safe," acompany spokesperson said.

"Our team is investigating the matter to ensure the integrity of similar equipment at the power station. We will continue to work with WorkSafe through its investigations." It is expected totake at least two weeks to return Unit 3toservice.

Pattersonpresentsher evidence

From Page 1

THE accused was asked aboutkey evidence shared throughoutthe trial.She was also askedabout her relationship with her estranged husband and her in-laws, Don and Gail.

The courtheard despite her issues with her estranged husband, her relationship with Don and Gail did not change.

“It never changed. Iwas just their daughter-inlaw, and they just continued to love me,” Erin said. Erin expressed regret about Facebook messages shared with the court that includedcomments about Don and Gail that the accused said were made in frustration. Erin agreedwithSimon’s testimony earlier in the trial that Don andGailPatterson loved Erin, and that she loved them.

The accusedsaidshe was not an atheist, although she was in the past, and eventually became a Christianafter attending church servicesinSouth Gippsland led by Simon’s uncle Ian Wilkinson. It was after one church service that Erin invited Don and Gail to the fateful lunch.

"Why is it that you invited Ian and Heather to thelunch on the 29th of July?" Dr Rogers asked on Friday morning.

"There were afew reasons," Erin said.

"Ian had been my pastor for yearsand years, and Iwould see and speak with Ian and Heather alot after church and Ireally liked them and Iwanted to have astronger relationship with them.

"When Ihad invited Don and Gail for lunch in June, Gailhad said that what Ihad done to the garden was really nice, and Heather would really like to see it.

"I wanted to say thank you to them for being goodtomeoverthe years. Heather helpedmealot when (my daughter) was little and Iwas shy and didn't know many people. Iwanted to say thank you to her," she said, reaching for atissueinthe witnessstand.

Erin hoped Simon would change his mind about not attending the lunch, after saying he felt "too uncomfortable" via text.

Dr Rogerssuggested thatErin madeanextra poisoned beef Wellington for Simon, and when he did not attend, threw it in the bin.

Erinconfirmedshe did throwthe extrabeef Wellington out, but denied attempting to poison her estranged husband.

On the Tuesday after the lunch, Erin spoke to Simon in hospital.

Erin previously said Simon confronted her, asking her if she'd used her food dehydrator to poison his parents. Erin's food dehydrator has been widely discussed in the case as evidence. Simon denied ever asking this. "Itgot me thinking about allthe times that I'd used it (the dehydrator)," she said.

"And how Ihad dried foragedmushrooms in it weeks earlier.And Iwas starting to think, what if they'd gone in the container with the Chinese mushrooms."

"You agree that you told police in your record of interview that youlovedDon and Gail?"DrRogers asked.

"Correct," Erin replied.

"Surely if you had loved them You would have immediately notified the medical authorities that there was apossibility that the foraged mushrooms had ended up in the meal," Dr Rogers said.

"Well Ididn't," Erinreplied. "I had been told that people were getting treatment for possible death cap mushroompoisoning. So that was already happening."

Erin confirmed she didn't tell "a singleperson" that foragedmushrooms might have been in the meal, and that she disposed of the dehydrator.

She also spoke about her own history battling low-self esteem. The court had previously heard she had concerns about her weight and health.

The court heard Erin became interested in wild mushrooms in early 2020. Her kids during the COVID lockdowns would go with her for walks at the Korumburra Botanic Gardens.

The court heard that mushrooms foraged by the accusedwere used in the dehydrator in additionto ones from grocery stores. Erin said over anumber of months she was “confident” in her ability to distinguish between different wild mushroom species.

The accused told the court she was very fond of mushrooms and tried to include crushed mushrooms in her kids’ foods so they could eat more vegetables.

The only other witness last week was Detective Senior Leading Constable Stephen Eppingstall, who was the last witness for the prosecution and finished his testimony on Monday, June 2.

The defence questioned the detective about the limitations of phone records, noting that asim card used by Erin had been used in at least seven devices between January 2019 and August 2023, and that it was difficult to determine when the cards may have changed handsets. The witness had said police believed Erin used three different phones, including one the police did not take during their investigations.

Much of Friday morning's hearing consisted of Erinreplying"Idon't know"toanumberofsuggestions from Dr Rogers.

This trial had originally expected to last up to six weeks, but Justice Christopher Bealeflagged with the jury that the timeline of the trial will be extended.

The trial is expected to continue for the rest of June.

Courtresumedyesterday (Tuesday), after not sitting on Monday due to the public holiday.

Ongoing: Thesupreme cour ttrial against accused triple murderer Erin Patterson is expected to go on foranother fortnight. Thetrial is nowintoits seventh week File photograph

untr y’s most high-profile trial is taking place at Latrobe ValleyLaw Cour ts in Morwell.

Photograph: Stefan Bradley

Readyand waiting: Media

Machetecrackdown

THE stategovernment has used extraordinary powers to totally ban the sale of machetes. Machete sale bans came into effect Wednesday, May 28.

Premier Jacinta Allan joined Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines and Ministerfor Consumer Affairs, Nick Staikos to announce the unprecedented ban on machete sales.

The dangerous knives are coming off retail shelves now to dry up the machete market ahead of alegislated ban on machete possession coming into effect on September 1, 2025.

Interim sale ban on May28: Australia's firsttotal ban on machetesales.

COMMONWEALTHconsumer law allows a stateminister for consumer affairstointroduce an interim ban on the sale of certain consumer goods for atime-limited period.

Usingthese powers, Victoria will ban the sale of machetes from 12 noon on Wednesday, May 28.

The interim machete sale ban will expire when it is supersededbythe legislated prohibition on the sale and possessionofmachetes that will come into effect on September 1, 2025.

When the interim sale ban is declared at noon, asupplier (e.g. aretailer) must not supply the banned item for sale or possess them with the intent to sell during the banned period.

The interim sale ban willcovermachetes, which arebroadly described as acutting edge knife with ablade of more than 20 centimetres.

The interim sale bandoes not include knives primarily used in kitchens.

The purpose of the interim sale ban is to dry up the supply of theseitems as much as possible before the possession ban comes into place.

Asupplier who fails to comply with the ban may be found guilty of acriminal offence.

This is the toughest ban on the sale of machetes that has ever been attempted in Australia.

There will be no exemptions to allow the sale of machetes during the interim sale ban -Australian consumer law doesn’t allow it. It is atotal ban on sales.

This means some consumers who will be entitled to possess amachete with an exemption when machetesare prohibited will be deniedthe ability to buy them at all during the interim sale ban. Machetes will be classified as aprohibited weapon from September 1, 2025.

Therewill be exemptions

IF people wish to get amachete for an allowed purpose such as agriculture, they will needtoapply for an exemption. The government is consulting

with industry on the exemptions framework.

To get these weaponsoff the streets safely, an amnesty will run from September 1toNovember 30, 2025.

During that time, people willbeabletosafely dispose of their knives without committing acrime

Theywill be able to do thisusing secure bins in safe locations at outdoorareasatselect police stations. These binswill startopening on September 1, 2025.

Penalties of two years imprisonment or afine of more than $47,000 for being caught in possession will apply.

 DESPITE the move, the Opposition says there is still gaping holes.

Nationals Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron has described it as “nothing but aface-saving stunt”.

“Last year, Labor refused to support aproposed amendment to the Firearms andControlof Weapons Bill that would have made machetes prohibited weapons,” Mr Cameron said.

“For two years Jacinta Allan has dragged her feet whileVictorians have been held to ransom by machete-wielding thugs.

“It’s only now under immense pressure from the Opposition and outraged communitiesthat Labor has implemented aban on the sale of machetes, after earlier claiming it couldn’t be done until September.

“Jacinta Allan has done more backflips during her time as Premier than Simone Biles at the Paris Olympics. But this is aBand-Aid solution -itwon’t get machetes off our streets, and it certainly won’t make people feel safer walking them.

“We need aban on the possession of machetes, not just aban on selling them.This move shifts responsibility onto local businesses, while violent offenders continue sourcing weapons online or through existing stock.

“This announcementisnothingmorethan a face-saving stunt from Jacinta Allan who is more concerned with keeping her seatthan keeping Victorians safe.

The state government voted down abillput forward by The Nationals and Liberals to immediately ban machetes in state parliament.

Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, MelinaBathtook Labor to task for its political stuntthat removed machetes fromsale, but not streets.

“Machetescan still be possessed because Labor has for the fifthtime in two years refused to close the legal loophole that allows theselarge knives to be carried around,"she said

“Labor’s delays in tightening regulation around machete possession are disgraceful

“The Allan government continues to put headlines before community safety. With serious knife crimegrowing, thepublic just want them off our streets."

State tackling organised crime

By AIDAN KNIGHT

FURTHER crackdowns willensueonthe illegal tobacco industry in Victoria nextmonth, withthe new state government tobacco licensing scheme, aimed at tackling the organised crime currently sweeping the state's tobacco trade.

Quit Victoria has been advocating for a licensing scheme be introduced to retailers since 2014, and were backed by Cancer Council Victoria who garnered strongpublic support at the time for the limiting of availability of tobacco products, and apublicly available licenseeregister.

The reason behind the legislation has changed overthat 11-year periodhowever, to be less aboutthe long-term health effects of tobacco consumption, but more about the criminal activity associated with the products over recent years.

The Express reported on an incident of arson on atobacco shop on Lloyd Street, Moe in January 2024, that lead to the arrest of five men with links to the Finks Outlaw Motorcycle Gang (OMCG), not long before asimilar store on Commercial Road, Morwell was also set alight twice before in 2024. The same Moe store has been alight three times since 2023.

These are part of the ongoing ‘Victoria Tobacco Wars’, which has seen more than 30 fire bombings occur across the state in the past 18 months, thought to be apower-struggle between the key gangs benefitting fromthe sale of illegaltobacco.

This has seen the formationofVictoria Police’s

Lunar Taskforce specifically to tackle the issue.

The state government’s goal to restrict the availability of the products and who can sell them logically reducesthe risk of firebomb attacks, as it furtherlimits the circulation of illegally imported tobacco in the state -taking out the illegal operators at ground level before situations can escalate.

This is afirst-of-its-kind legislation within Australia, and will make Victoria the toughest state in the country for those breaking tobacco laws.

Minister for Police, Anthony Carbinessaid on the scheme, “This willbackthe workof Victoria Policewho arecomingaftercrime lords," emphasising the scale of the wholeoperation, as Victoria Police has been grantedpowersto impose further licensing and extended abilities to search suspected perpetrators.

This comesalong with $4.7 million allocated from thestate budget to allow Victoria Police to handle the issue, as they executive“quicker and easier” raidsonthose linkedtoorganised crime.

Thefees to receive alicense as avalid tobacco seller will be significantlycheaper than New South Wales and Tasmania under the scheme, meaning it will not punish those operating lawfully within the tobacco trade, with an initial setup cost of $1176 (valid for 17 months), before an ongoing annual fee of $830 for every year subsequent. This all comes into effectfrom February next year.

Is Victoria themurder capital of Australia? Study examines

FROM the high country killingstothe Easey Street murders and the deadly mushroom lunch, there has beenaspate of recent crimes in Victoria that have attracted intense media and public attention.

An RMIT criminology expert explains why.

Associate Professor Brianna Chesser, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies said “It's just chance that therehavebeen so many unusual murders in Victoria over the past few years. But there have also been plenty of examples from across Australia that have piquedthe public's interest."

“We have unfortunatelybeendesensitised to reports of violence,and incidents like gangland killings, so when there’s something unusual, like two people murdered in the bush or someone allegedly feeding people poisonous mushrooms, it tends to make ajuicy headline and people get intrigued about who they are and how it happened.

“We’ve always been fascinated with crime, even back to the Edwardian times, there's been areal

interest in serialkillers. It'spartofthe natural fascinationwehave with other humans. And the flipside, Ilike to think, is an extension of human empathy.

“With increased publicinterest, these crimes are being reported more regularly and in greater depth by the media. For example, we're hearing aboutthe cross examination of an accused person, which peoplewouldn’t usually find interesting. The wider community has an increased knowledge of the criminal justice system.

“Oneofthe unifying factors in thesecrimes is mental health.Erin Patterson described her depressionand low self-esteem. The mental health status of Greg Lynn (high country murderer) was also raised. That’s an indication that we need to look at improving community and mental health support.”

Dr Brianna Chesser is aclinical forensic psychologist and criminal lawyer. She is an Associate Professor in Criminology and Justice in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT.

Wurrukman handed EPAfine

EPA Victoria has fined aWurruk (near Sale) man $1976after someone spotted him dumpinga load of waste tyres in acommercial tree plantation near Traralgon.

The witness reported seeingaman throwing tyres from the back of atilttray,while another man drove the vehicle.

Theyreported the offence and the numberplate details to EPA.

EPA officerswenttothe location on May 12, 2025 and found just under 50 waste tyres scattered at locations along atrack in theplantation.

They traced the number plate to abusiness in

Traralgon,where they inspected the premisesand questioned the Wurruk man. EPA says illegally dumped waste tyres will eventuallydecompose, contaminating the land and nearby waterways, and they can burn, producing toxicsmoke if they catch fire.

Under the Environment ProtectionAct 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006,the man has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be consideredbya court.

The public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online.

Slicing through theissue: The saleofmachetes has been banned in Victoria. Photograph: iStock

New FarmersFederation chief

CHARLIE Thomas, ar espected leader in

Australian agriculture and public policy,has been appointedthe next chiefexecutive of the Victorian Farmers Federation.

Mr Thomas, currently deputy chief executive of the National Farmers Federation, will start at the VFF on Monday, July 7. He was appointed after an extensive recruitment search.

VFF presidentBrett Hosking said he was excited to welcome the wealthofexperience and knowledge that Mr Thomas will bring.

“Charlie’s experience and reputation representing farmers and rural Australians over the past 15 years is second to none and we’re incredibly excited for him to hit the ground running,” he said. “He’s known for his workimprovingmemberbasedorganisations through strategic partnerships, successful advocacyand genuine engagement with key stakeholders.”

Mr Hosking said with prolonged drought, a looming state electionand anumberofcritical issues facing farmers, having Charlie’s expertise, guidanceand contacts would be invaluable in helping to represent the interests of farmers and regional Victorians.

Mr Thomas said he’s eager to get to work on behalf of all VFF members and farmers.

“It’s an honourtobeappointed as CEO of the Victorian Farmers Federation, an organisation thathas beenthe respected voice of Victorian farmers since 1979,” he said.

“Many farmersare doingittough at the moment and my focus will be demonstrating astrongvalue proposition for members that enables the VFF to continue to drivepositive change for Victorian farmers and our regional communities.”

With astate election on the horizonin2026,

Mr Thomas joins the organisation at akey time.

“Our farmers and regional communities deserve to be heard. From day one, I’m looking forward to meeting key stakeholders and the government to help ensure farming communities are apriority and alegitimate focus for decision makers,” Mr Thomas said.

Raised on afarm near Condobolin, New South Wales, Mr Thomas's early experiences shaped his deep commitment to advancing the interests of rural communities and Australia’s farm sector.

Over more than 15 years, he has honed his strategic and collaborative approach to political advocacy. Mr Thomas has earned areputation for enhancingthe impact of member-based organisations through strategic partnerships,successful advocacy, and deep engagement with stakeholders.

Before joining the NFF, he held seniorpositions in policy and corporate affairs at the Property Council of Australia and the NSW Farmers ’Association -focussing on sustainability, land use, and regulatory reform.

At the NFF, Mr Thomas has spearheaded the sector’s national advocacy strategy and overseen substantial growth in the NFF’s commercial operations. He has led national campaigns on a wide range of issues, including land use, taxation, and water rights.

Mr Thomas holds legal qualifications from the University of Sydneyand aMasterofBusiness Administrationfrom the Melbourne Business School.

TACurges safetyasice dangerincreases

THE Transport Accident Commission (TAC) is reminding Victorians to plan ahead, slow down and adapt to the challenge of the wetter, slipperier and darker conditions brought on by winter.

It has been adevastating year so far on roads, with 134 lives lost -15more than the same time last year and 24 percent above the five-year average.

It has been aparticularlytragic year on regional Victorian roads, where 80 people have lost their lives.

Lastwinter in Victoria, 72 peoplelosttheirlives on the roads including15motorbikeriders and 15 pedestrians.

Vulnerable roadusers are more at risk in winter monthsdue to shorter days with lesssunlight,and it is the responsibility of all motorists to slowdown, take extra care and adjusttopotential hazards like black ice, fog, rain and landslides.

Motorists are urged to switch on their headlights in low-light conditions, stay vigilant and share the road.Bicyclists,motorcyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to stay visible and predictable by wearing bright or reflective clothing and crossing at the safest points.

TAC Chief Exec utive, Tracey Slat ter said Victorians must prioritise safety and look out for others.

“We’re asking Victorians to plan ahead and adapt to winter driving conditions to ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely," she said.

“It’s alwaysbest to avoiddriving in severe weather, however, if you find yourselfonthe road; slow down, be predictable, be visible and look out for other road users."

The startofwinter also sees many Victorians making plans for aski trip. Driversare encouraged to regularly check their tires, brakes, lights and wipers, and consider using snow tires or chains to improve grip on slippery surfaces.

Those travelling in Alpine areas must carry snow chains and fit them when directed, and should adjust their speed to suit conditions, with stopping distances significantly increasedonwet or icy roads.

Black ice can be common during winter months in Victoria, and motorists whoencounter it should avoid sudden braking or steering and make themselves visible to other drivers by turning on their hazard lights.

Ice-detection stations,which activate warningsto drivers if black ice is present, are installed on the Great Alpine Road, Woodend Avenue of Honour, Midland Highway, Western Freeway, Black Forest Drive and Calder Freeway.

Real-time traffic conditions including black ice warnings, road closures and other hazards are available at: traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Burra Foods confirms new milk price

BURRA Foods has announced its Opening Minimum Farmgate Milk Price Range for the 2026 financial year of $8.60- $9.10 per kilogram of milksolids, applicable from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

As with previous years, the companysays this price range reflectswhatmost milk supply partners can realistically expect to receive, rather than aweighted averagethat maynot reflect the individual circumstances of many farms.

Burra's chief executive, Stewart Carson, said this was an increase over last year’s opening price and reflected the improved market conditions across the season.

"However,the influence of tariffs and global instability cannot be ignored. They pose athreat to the sustainability of current market pricing and milk returns," he said.

“Burra Foods is acutely aware of the tough conditions facing dairy farmers across much of Gippsland. Access to fodder and water are real issues exacerbated by the unexpected drought. This message is growing weekly, and Burra Foods is offering cashflow support to assist where possible.”

To support its long-termgrowth, Burra continuestoinvest in plant expansion, produ ct deve lopmen ta nd commu nity investment.

Mr Carson said: "We remain committed and very proud to invest in our communities through the Burra Foundation, which enablesour milk supply partners to propose localprojects for funding-fostering stronger, morevibrant and sustainable Gippsland dairy communities.”

An evening with

CLAIMS that methanefrom livestock are making global warming worse have been refuted by a German-American scientist,according to areport in the June edition of Gippsland Farmer, now available online and in digital form.

Professor Frank Mitloehner, the headofagricultural research at UCL David, California, said methane producedbylivestock converted back to carbon dioxide when belched by cattle into the atmosphere within adecade and was part of the carbon cycle.

In other stories:

 Cattle Australia has urged the federal environmental and agricultural policy to recognise that the Australian cattle industry is part of climate and environmental solutions;

 The Gippsland Agricultural Group, formed adecade ago after drought, engages in practical experiments at its research farm outside Bairnsdale, seeking ways to improve farm productivity and viability;

 Farmers in many European countries, South Africa, South America and New Zealand

plant their sweet corn using sweet corn seeds developed by Snowy River Seeds in Orbost;

 Three petitions signed by more than 66,000 Victorians opposing more national parks in Gippsland have been tabled in the state's Legislative Council;

 Farmers in Gippsland face new negotiations with VicGrid and offshore wind developers under the state government's draft Transmission Plan, with Victoria's peak farming body saying there are alot of unanswered issues;

 Virtual farming trials are continuing at the government's Ellinbank research farm, bringing use of the technology one step closer, and;

 West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority is on the hunt for irrigators to help ensure Gippsland irrigation practices are world class.

Gippsland Farmer is available from local outlets or at the Latrobe Valley Express office (21 George Street, Morwell). To view online, visit: https://gippslandfarmer.com.au

Thevivacious and thoughtful JacintaParsons (host of Friday Revue and SaturdayMornings on ABC Radio Melbourne) will guide youthrough the music and introduce youtothe people and stories behind the music youhear OrchestraVictoria areproud to be taking centrestage in Gippsland to helpyou experience the full spectrum of musical expression. Conducted by the dynamic Carlo Antonioli,don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music making

Gippsland Performing Arts Centre Saturday14June 2025 6:00pm

Tickets: Adult $39/Concession $29

Incoming: NewVictorian FarmersFederation ChiefExecutive, Charlie Thomas Photograph supplied

Caution: Victorian road usersare being urged to preparefor winter driving conditions,as frost and ice star ts to develop Photograph: iStock

Dalkeith residents notbacking down

By AIDAN KNIGHT

TRARALGON’S Dalkeith Heights Retirement Village has seen residentsfeel unfairly charged in their council rates, leading to the launching of a campaign asking for adiscount within the scheme.

Agroup of residentsled by Alan Burton and Ben Guzzardi, attended Latrobe City Council’s May meeting, and addressed the chamber with aproposed 25 per cent “differential rate” to be applied to those living in retirement homes across the council jurisdiction. This was met with applause from half the gallery, as many fellow residents attendedinsupport of thisaction, resulting in afull gallery as the pair made their case to all present.

Council heard that villagers fund and maintain their own amenities furtherthan their private domiciles –pool,gardens, gyms, restaurant, barbecueareas, games rooms, etc, and declare themselves self-sufficient as residents.

"The only service Dalkeith Heights residents receive from council is rubbish collection weekly," Mr Guzzardi said, declaring the rates an inequitable system.

Mr Guzzardi has been driving this cause for the past three years, one which has gained the support of multiple other retirement villages in Latrobe City: The Range in Moe, Latrobe Valley VillageNewborough, and Yinnar Gardens being themost vocal.

More than 50 residents fromthisassortment of facilities attended the May 2025 Latrobe City Council meeting, to see Mr Guzzardi and fellow

AT its May Council meeting, Latrobe City Council endorsed the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure on Council Land Policy.

The policy provides the framework and guidance for third parties to install electric vehicle(EV) chargers on council land. The policy also supports the coordinated rolloutofEVcharging infrastructure across Latrobe City.

Electric vehicle growth has been steadily increasing, with 9.64 per cent of new car sales in 2024 being EVs, compared to 8.45 per cent in 2023 and 3.91 per cent in 2022.

Plugshare, an EV charging map, shows that therehas been 251 charges in the last two years at the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre and 104 charges in the last seven months at the EV charger opposite Victory Park in Traralgon.

Latrobe City Councillor, Steph Morgan said this policy will make electric vehicle charging points even more accessible.

“This policy addre sses incre ased requests about the installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure from both companies andusers. It creates astrong framework for council to future proof our facilities,aselectric vehicles become alot more common,” shesaid.

“Whether you're local or visitingthe area, Iencourage peoplewithelectric vehicles to utilise the existing charging stations in Latrobe City. We're moving in the right direction, and Ilook forward to seeing what new charging facilities may be considered in the future.”

members of the Dalkeith Heights Residents Association present their case.

This saw the propositionoftheir “25 per cent Differential Rate” scheme, which has been developed over the course of the three-year period.

The presentation saw the association tell the gallery that to grant the Dalkeith Heights residents 25 per centwould cost Latrobe City Council$47,500 annually, which in the big picture of it all is a0.7 per cent reduction rate income overall–which the association has worked out could be offset by inflating other 40,439 rateable properties by $1.18, atomising what income council would lose from the village.

Comparatively, the association say it would save residents $47.5k annually,while Latrobe City Council will still make anet profit of $142.5k per year (based off current figures).

“There are 158 units in the village -81ofthem aresinglewomen. Many are pensioners doing it pretty tough," Mr Guzzardi told the Express

"The average resident is 81-years-old.They’vegot apool, theatre, gym and library inside the village. Why wouldthey paytoaccess externalfacilities they don’t use? How does an 81-year-old get down to the aquatic centre? What do they do -pay $15 for ataxi each way? It’s just not feasible."

Mr Guzza rdi has outlined in an executive summary within the official proposal brochure: “retirement villages formanintegral partofthe community providing safe and secure environments for the elderly sector. Our elderly citizens are a fundamental component of society. There is an obligation on counciltoprotect and supportthe older sector of the community and to ensure the rating system is fair and equitable”.

Mr Guzzardi has personally had multiple meetings with council executive staff,and says Latrobe City executive staff have “given us plenty of time, almost to apatronising extent.”

He says that council saysthey cannotmake these changes for one village alone, and would have to cease charging rates fromretirement villagesacross the board,whichwouldbeabig loss of income that could be applied to public resources.

“They say, oh look, we've got to build the roads, and we've built the art centre, and we've built the swimming pool and all that –all infrastructure that would exist whether Dalkeith did or not,”

Mr Guzzardi said.

His associate and partner in the process, Alan Burton said that upon his independent review of the current legislation, he was of the opinion that

council’s refusal to acknowledge the unique services levels and capacity to pay for residents raises questions about compliance with key principles within the Ministerial Guidelines for Differential Rating (published April 26, 2013).

When prompted for comment, council’s acting chiefexecutive Tim Ellis stated: “Latrobe City Councilconducts an annualbudgetprocess that includes areview of all differential rates, including those related to retirement villages. Additionally, council maintains aRevenue and Rating Plan that must be reviewed every four years, with the next review scheduled for completion by June30, 2025."

Both the Draft Budget and Revenue and Rating Plan were out for communityconsultation until May 27, 2025. Latrobe City Council encouraged anyone interested to make asubmission.

Despite appearing to receive majority support during February's budget sessions, withsources

suggesting afive to fourvoteinfavour, the proposal was ultimately overturned after alleged pressure from council executives, according to Guzzardi. He claimed that two councillorsreversed their votes following internal influence,resulting in a final 6–3 vote against the rate reduction.

“It appears Dalkeith Village residents will not enjoy arate reduction for 2025–26,” Guzzardi wrote in arecent letter to the Dalkeith Heights Residents Association.

“I have been led to understand the main reason forrejection wasthat Latrobe City is only increasing rates by 1.5 per cent instead of theallowed 3.0 per cent. After their disappointing result, the Resident's Association remainsundeterred,and plans to approach Latrobe City Council again closer to the 2026/2027budget, with arevisedapplication encompassing all retirement homes within the council area, not just Dalkeith.

Possible lifeline coming for Pesutto

By LIAM DURKIN

EMBATTLED MP and Traralgon-born, John Pesutto might yet be saved, if a$1.3million Hail Mary loan comes through.

Mr Pesutto missed the deadline to pay $2.3 million in legal fees to state Liberal colleague, Moira Deeming,who the federalcourtfound was defamed by Mr Pessutto after she’d attended an anti-trans rights rally in 2023.

The amount owing threatens to bankrupt Mr Pesutto,which would consequently makehim unlawfully ineligible to serve in Parliament.

Mr Pesutto has secured $500,000 himself, while $200,000 was raised from an online crowdfunding campaign of more than 600 donors.

This accounted for only athird of the money required, and with Ms Deeming initiating formal bankrupting proceedingslastweek, time is ticking for the former Traralgon local.

The Herald Sun last week revealed sources within

the Liberal Party were confident an entity close to the party would loan Mr Pesutto the money he needed.

While former Premier, Jeff Kennet sent amemo to the Liberal Party’s administrative committee imploring them to find asolution, it is understood the committee is split on whether or not to support Mr Pesutto for fear of setting aprecedent.

Mr Pesutto was leader of the state Liberals until late last year in the wake of his defamation case loss.

The loss was adramatic turn of events, as Mr Pesutto had been leading aResolvepoll as preferred Premierover Jacinta Allan just sevenweeks earlier.

Mr Pesuttogrewupand went to school in Traralgon, and played soccer for Traralgon Olympians and Traralgon City.

Under siege: Former stateLiberalleader, John Pesutto File photograph

Up forthe fight: DalkeithHeightsResidents Association Secretar yAlan Bur tonand Ben Guzzardi will again seekwhat they believe is afairer rate when thenextLatrobeCityCouncil budget submission opens.

Photo: Aidan Knight

No heart atthese roominghomes

By KATRINA BRANDON

THE state governmenthas claimed to boost home production through its ‘Big Housing Build’, including rooming houses.

Churchillresident Peter Mortimer however, is concernedabout thedevelopment of rooming houses in his quiet neighbourhood.

After noticing the construction pop-up last year, Mr Mortimer, who is in his 70s, inquired with a local plumber about the work. The plumber pointed outthat the work being done was similar to those in dwellings such as share houses or rooming houses

The street on which thehomes are situatedis narrow with limited parking. Mr Mortimer highlightedthisasa concern, as it would be difficult foremergency vehicles to pass through.

“McCarthy Street is four feet narrower at the start of our court,” Mr Mortimer explained.

“What if an emergency vehicle needs to get in? No emergency vehicle can get through to achild who's fallen off the fence, done damage, or if Iwere to have aheart attack, anything you know, so I've said to the council, ‘Do you have to have adeath before you do something about it?’”

When Mr Mortimer became aware of the potential issuessurroundingthe development, he approached the federal and stategovernments, as well as Latrobe City Council.

Mr Mortimer also raised concerns with Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

Aplumber himselfbefore entering politics, Mr Cameron said thereare many loopholes in the building legislation that allows developers to bypass council and not havetospecify or document the building’s intended use.

“It looks like ahouse from the front,” he said.

“Butthey can set it up insidetohavenineor10separate rooms with acommunal kitchen and communal bathing facilities, and thereisnoneed for the council to come and inspect the properties. They simply continue with their regular planning scheme, get rubber-stamped, and away they go without anyone knowing.

“We're trying to push the ministers at astate level to take charge and help councils out. We know there's aloophole, and these are springing up all over the place. We need to ensure that there is some regulation and accountabilityfor developers, as well as for the state Parliament and local council, to ensure that checks and balances are in place. We know what we're getting in our community.”

BothMrCameron andMrMortimeracknowledged the need for housing. Still, they said there needs to be some oversight and regulations that keep local communities safe and easily accessible to all vehicles.

According to Mr Cameron, crime in Churchill has increased by about 35 per cent in the last year.

“We've had alot of rooming houses right across the Latrobe Valley spring up now,” he said.

Assistance for Gippy Water bills

GIPPSLAND Water is encouraging customers to reach out if they need help paying their bills through its Customer Care campaign.

The company's managingdirector, Sarah Cumming said that confidential financial support is always available for Gippsland Water customers.

“We want our customers to know that we get it and we’re here to help,” she said.

“We offer arange of flexible payment options, and our team will assistand work out what’s best for you and your needs.

“The team can help customers apply for

Police Beat with Aidan Knight

Steep collision

ASINGLE-vehiclecollision on the TyersWalhalla Road leftaman hospitalised with upper-body injuries on Monday, May 26.

The man struck atree near the Coopers Creek Rd intersection around 8am Monday morning, before managing to free himself from the vehicle before emergency services attended the scene.

Mad cow

YALLOURN NorthPrimary School's fibreglass SensoryGardenCow was reported missing last Thursday (June5).

The school is requestinganyone with information to contact the school office on 5115 8500.

Police survey

THEfourthannual Community Sentiment Survey is now open. The findingsofthis survey help policeidentify the issues that matter most to the community and help develop ways to tackle them. Police want to know how people feel about safety in the area, their ideas to improve the workpolicedo, and how they want to engage with police.

The survey, at: engage.vic.gov.au/vicpol-2025, is open until June 30.

govern ment utility rel ief grants and give referrals to no-cost independent financial counsellors.”

Friendly faces from the Gippsland Water team feature in the customercare campaign, and a series of opportunities to receive on-the-spot support in person will be held over the coming months. Locations, dates and times will be announced soon. To find out more ab out the assis tan ce Gippsland Water can provide or request acall back from the customer care team, visit: www. gippswater.com.au/customercare

“Rooming houses have their place, and what they do they house ‘x’ amount of people in one dwelling. They can be people who are fleeing domestic violence who need accommodation straight away, but mostly,roominghouses are accommodating peoplewho have come out of prisonand need somewhere to rent.

“Somehousescan actually accommodate up to 12 people. HereinEmerald Court,wehave two completed houses thatare nearly ready to open, and another one hasbeen earmarked for the corner So the possibility of having 36 peopleliving within 50 metres of each other in alovely new estate in a new court. It just doesn't seemfairtothe residents.

“There is aplace for them, but all of them in one spot? We're just asking for trouble in the future.

Last year, Latrobe City Council confirmed with the Express that developments were “up to code”, but Mr Mortimer said despite this, he feels developments of this nature shouldn’t be allowed to go up in quiet courts.

Based on the Public Health and Wellbeing Act of 2008, with which the development is registered, the requirements include:

 The total floor area of all buildings on the land, measured from the outside of external walls or the centre of party walls, does not exceed 300 square metres, excluding outbuildings;

 No more than 12 persons are accommodated, and;

 No more than nine bedrooms are provided.

Mr Mortimer and hiswife, Robyn, moved to Emerald Ct, Churchill in April 2022, downsizing from theirone-acre block on the other side of town -their home of 32 years.

Before moving to the region, Mr Mortimer had lived his whole life in Melbourne. He and his wife were the first homeowners on Emerald Ct.

“Wethoughtthiswould be beautiful and quiet out here,” he said.

“To have this happen is acomplete and utter shock, especially when you can't stop anything. The state government can't even do anything about it. These individuals can purchase ablock of land and do as they please. And I've been to the council and said, 'There is no town planning'.”

Having spoken to other residentsclose by, Mr Mortimer found out that due to the development, one of his younger neighbours has decided to sell.

The Express reached out to the state government for comment, but had no responseattimeofpress.

In response to further concerns,Latrobe City Council recently commented: "Once arooming house has been constructed and is in operation, it is regulated by Consumer AffairsVictoriain collaboration with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing."

"Owners of rooming houses have totaldiscretion on the allocation of tenants. Council has no power to regulate boarding house tenants.

"If amemberofthe communityhas concerns about how arooming house is being managed, they can report the matter to council. Depending on the nature of the concern, council may try to work with the rooming house manager to resolve the concern, or alert Consumer Affairs Victoria who regulates the rooming house."

SPEAK UP for SafetyinLatrobeCity

Take our quick, anonymous survey and help shape asafer community.

Advance Morwell invites you to share your thoughts on community safety in Latrobe City.

Your insights will help us better understand how safe residents feel and guide improvements where they matter most.

Your feedback is invaluable in shaping asafer, stronger community for everyone.

To complete the survey online follow this link

https://forms.office. com/r/7a10iCRHAM?origin=lprLink or scan the QR code

Issue: Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron and Churchill resident PeterMor timer in front of oneof the rooming houses Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Closequarters: Threerooming houses have been builtinEmerald Cour t, which has raised concerns from localsoverthe safetyand liveabilityofthe area.

Dairyideas clustered into muster

Greatness: John Mulvanyreceived the 2024 OutstandingAchievement Awardfromthe The Australian Dair yIndustr yCouncil forhis significant contribution to theindustr y.

By KATRINA BRANDON

TECHNOLOGY is constantly evolving in every industry, and the dairy industry is no exception.

Earlier this year,GippsDairy held its fourth annualGippsDairyMusteratthe Federation University Gippsland campus. The key theme for this year was ‘Farming into the Future: Imagine, Inquire, and Innovate’.

About 200dairy farmersattended multiple speeches discussing innovative changes in the dairy industry through technology, accompanied by anetworking breakfast and lunch. The event aimed to provide Gippsland’s dairy farmers with ways to enhance the future of their farm business using new and developing technologies.

The MC for the day was Callum Moscript, who dairy farms with his parents in Leongatha South and runs ageneticscompany that has advanced Australianlivestock by importinguniquegenetics from global markets.

“Ca ll um is al ea der in ge neti cs an df arm management and continuestohone his skills in international markets,” GippsDairy board chair and farmer, Sarah O’Brien told the crowd.

“Innovation and fostering leadership is what Callum is most passionate about, and Ithink they're probably the two main ingredients important to our industry now and into the future.”

When asked to be the MC, Mr Moscript told the crowd that to emphasise the farming past, his grandmother had just givenhim apicture of a Fergietractor, barbedwire fences and pilesofhay.

“Isn't it ironic that those barbed wire fences, when put up, were at the forefront of the industry?” he said.

“Nowwe're talking about companies withvirtual fencing. We're talking about internal boluses to manage cow health, and in so many ways, we've been able to push this industry forward.”

Throughout the event, about20people shared their innovative ideas with the crowd, explaininghow the ideas work, where they havebeen implemented in practice, and answering questions related to those ideas.

First up was Alex Turner from New Zealand, who has more than 25 years' of experience in all facets of dairy management andcomes froma 250-cow dairy farm. He has worked in agribusiness across pigs, poultry, dairy feed lots and feed mills; over the past 14 years, Alex has been involved in forage conservationfeed additives, as well as so

many global technologies, including the smaXtec.

Mr Turner spoke about the accuracy of the smaXtec bolus, which allows farmers to read accurate and precise data from their cows, making better and more informed decisions on farm. The bolus helps monitor levels within the cows’ rumen, such as temperature, reproductive health,disease detection and identification.

During his presentation, Mr Turner explained how to read the information from the bolus, noting thatitisafrequent data transmission through the cloud via acellular connection. The device's range varies depending on the topography of each farm. After explaining the technology's use, farmers Glen Gordon and Chris Bagot joined Mr Turner for apanel discussion led by Mr Moscript.

Due to circumstances on his farm, Mr Gordon could not attendthe muster, but he joined the conversation online. He discussed his experience with alamecow, in which the bolus helped diagnose the issue and arrive at asolution more quickly.

Mr Bagotshared similar experiences with the bolus and discussed how his previous experience with different technologies had affected his farming experience. He also mentioned that the bolus currently works better than other devices that he has trialled on his farm.

Moving forward to the next presentation, Mr Moscript welcomed Jason Hornbuckle from Bunyip Drone Services to the stage.

AccordingtoMrMoscript, Mr Hornbuckle comes from an IT background but has always had apassionfor farming. Over the past 10 years,hehas taken steps to bridge the gap in the market to start his ag-training business. He has been at the forefrontoftechnology and working with farmers to provide aservice that isn’t at the cost of ahelicopter or plane.

Taking amore direct approach, Mr Hornbuckle spoke to the group about how drones could be “handy” on the farm and their applicationsfor different purposes. Some of the novel uses included cleaning roofs and solar panels, navigating rugged terrain to install solar panels, and being used on greenhouse facilities.

Farmers Alex Mapleson and Lauren Finger joined Mr Hornbuckle in the drone panel discussion.

Ms Finger owns adrone with a10-litre capacity, which she uses on her dairy farm where she milks about 550 cows.

Throughout the panel,MsFinger shared her experience as afarmer using drones and how she

has utilised adrone herself, rather than hiring a contractor.

During the panel discussion, they discussed the progression of drones,which arenow capable of flying with higher capacities,and the potential for automated settings using artificialintelligence. Some drones can carry up to 40 litresofliquid payload for spraying or 75 litres of spreading payload.

Next up was the Gardiner Foundation’s chief executive Allan Cameron, who has been with the Foundation since 2021. Mr Cameron spoke to the muster group about the various initiatives the Foundation has undertaken, discussed their fiveyear strategic plan, and how they have explored ways to maximise their contributionstothe Victorian dairy industry and communities.

Since2008, the GardinerFoundation hassupported children from mentoring dairy communities.

The Foundation currently supports seven scholarshipopportunitieseach year, withathree-year duration. Mr Cameron added that the amount was $10,000, but the board approved a$30,000 per annum student scholarship earlier this year.

The Foundation also funds the Gippsland Community Leadership Program and aims to hold additional dairy immersion days, enabling participants to understand the region's importance to dairy and vice versa.

Looking at ways to support dairy communities, Mr Cameron saidthat in dairy communities where they want to attract more dairy people, about 98 per cent of all habitable homes in those areas are tenanted. He hopestounlock ideas to secure more housinginVictorian dairy regions.

Alongside supporting communities and students, Mr Cameron explainedthat the Foundation has adiversified portfolio of investments that aims to benefit Victorian dairy farmers and communities.

WolfieWagner,who works within the dairy industry, discussed his involvement with PastureSmarts. PastureSmarts is aweb application tool that helps manage pasture across farms by centralising grazingrecordsand estimatingcurrentpasture availability.

The application providesfarmerswithafeed wedge daily. It was designed using apasture yield modelling system that Agriculture Victoria developed, and from farmer data.

Donna Gibson and David Brumby joined Wolfie on stage after he introduced PastureSmarts and shared its capabilities. Ms Gibson led the panel

session and Mr Brumby shared his experience.

TheGippsDairyMusterwasn’tjust about tech andpanels; it also recognised the hard work put in by one agricultural icon. The Australian Dairy Industry Council (ADIC) awarded John Mulvany the 2024 ADIC Outstanding Service Award.

ADIC chair Ben Bennett said Mr Mulvany became known for his unwavering commitment to developing profitable and resilientfarming practices and ensuring better client outcomes.

“John took aholistic approach in working towards better outcomes for dairy farmers,” Mr Bennett said.

“He’s worked with farmers and farm businesses of all sizes across the country, helping achieve their dreams and improve their operations.

“Most would agree he brought wit, humour and a strong focus in his approach to consulting.”

After Mr Mulvany thanked the room, before the muster moved to the networking lunch.

Presentations after lunch were led by Dairy Farmers Victoria President Mark Billing, who talked about initiatives Agriculture Victoria is working towardsand explainingwhy there is access to the technology today.

Mr Billing said other states have acompetitive advantage over Victoria because they have the necessary technology. Alongside others, Mr Billing is advocating for Victorian farmers to get research help from Victorian farmers to supply them with what they need to thrive. He also mentioned different partnerships working with him to ensure the best for farmers.

Brett Good from Halter also presented. Halter aims to find ways to make dairy farming easier, such as using acollar on cowsand aGPS map. Using the website connected to the collar, users can draw up fences, allocate pasture and look at cows' health.

Troy Ainslie, MeganDouglas and Chris Paynter joined Mr Good and Mr Billing for the final panel discussion.

Mr Ainslie, Ms Douglas and Mr Paynter shared their experiences with the cow collars.

Throughout the muster, all speakers expressed positive outlooks for the future of agriculture in Australia. They are always looking at other ways to make farmingeasierand more efficientwith innovative ideas.

For more information on GippsDairy, go to: https://www.dairyaustralia.com.au/gippsdairy

Discussion: Thepanel at theGippsDair yMuster earlier this year

Speech: Callum Moscript emceed this year’s GippsDair yMuster at FederationUniversity, Churchill. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Prospectors miningfor fee justice

By PHILIP HOPKINS

VICTORIA'S prospectors have threatened acampaign of civildisobedienceifthe stategovernment's proposed 234 per cent hike in mining fees and charges goes ahead. They fear the price rises will drive many small miners out of the sector.

The executivepresident of the Victorian Prospectors and Miners Association, Jason Cornish, said the proposed increaseswouldpush many prospectors "to the wall".

"When is thereenoughpayingoftaxes in Victoria We are being taxed to death," he told the Express. "If the government pushes ahead with this, the PMAV will be calling for civil disobedience from the prospecting and mining community. Beginning with the burning of our miners right. This is how the Eureka Stockade began and that didn't end well for the government of the time."

The proposed newfee for an explorationlicence in Victoria is almost $8000compared to about $1000 in both New South Wales and Queensland, $1600 in Tasmania, about $5000inSouth Australia and less than $600 in WesternAustralia. The government maintains the hikes are necessary to cover regulatory costs.

Aregulatory impact statement about the

proposed increases include exploration licence applications rising from $2380 to $7952; mining licence applications rising from $4283 to $14,307; and an additional fee for native title assessments up from $1200 to $4009.

"How can asmall scale minercopewiththat?" said Mr Cornish, pointing out there was four-five pages of fee increases.One fee went from$1800to $8000; and others went from $20,000 to $67,000, and even $0,000 to $134,000.

"There are aseries of fees across the line. They want us to pay for the regulator who is regulating us," he said.

Even though for prospectors the increase works out to be $9 ayear, for the more than 90,000 that "doesn't sound like much".

"It's the principle of the matter," he said.

"A lot of interstate and overseas visitorswill not be willing to pay $93 to come to Victoria and prospect."

Aspokeswoman for Energy Minister, Lily D'Ambrosio,saidVictorian familieswere paying toomuch for the industry to be regulated.

"The number of mineral licence applications has increased2.5 times since2018. We want to see faster approvalsand better servicefor industry,

helping them reduce costs and get their resources to market quicker," she said.

Mr Cornish said illegal prospecting and mining would skyrocket if the proposedincreases were made policy.

"People are not going to bother and go and get a miners licence. They will just go out and run the risk of not getting caught," he said.

Mr Cornish said miners right holders (prospectors)in2019numbered 50,000 and brought in more than $150 million to the Victorian economy with equipment, costs and property purchases.

"At 90,000 licence holders, the addedvalue to the Victorian economy is well over $300m," he said, citing aMinelab report.

"Small scale mines will cancel planned expansions or shut. Somehave already moved their mining to otherstateswith the recent increases to the mine bonds. Now this.

"Thisisahugeblowtoall Victorians as well, withquarries and building products going up 234 per cent to cover this additional cost (gravel, sand, bitumen, slate/shale, stone, cement, lime and clay). The costs to councils and state government ‘big-builds’ will go through the roof!"

Gippsland is home to many mining prospectors.

Thereissignificant gold in the region's stateforests. Around Erica and east of Warburton are believed to be very high potential for critical minerals, including copper, nickel, tin, tungsten, antimony, zinc, rare earth elements, platinum group elements and cobalt. going to bother and get aminersrights. They will just go out and run the risk they don't get caught," he said.

Mr Cornish said miners right holders (prospectors)in2019numbered50,000and brought in more than $150 million to the Victorian economy with equipment, costs and property purchases. "At 90,000 licence holders, the added value to the Victorian economyiswell over $300 billion," he said, citing areportbyMinelab on the economic contribution of recreational prospecting.

"Small scale mines will cancel planned expansions or shut. Somehavealreadymovedtheir mining to other states wth the recent increasestothe mine bonds. Now this. This is ahugeblowtoall Victorians as well,with quarries and building products going up 234% to coverthis additional cost (gravel, sand, bitumen, slate/shale,stone, cement, lime and clay. The costs to councils and stategovernment ‘Big-Builds’ will go thru the roof!"

Stunning structureusing Gippy timber receivespraise

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Cowes cultural centre on Phillip Island, Berninneit, which extensivelyfeatures Gippsland native hardwood timber from Heyfield, has won another award -the Australia Timber Design Awards Sustainability Prize.

Berninneit has already won several architectural awards, including the William Wardell Award for PublicArchitecture,and theAIA National Architecture Awards for Public Architecture.

The Sustainability Prize was judged by Anthony Burke,the host of Restoration Australia and Grand Designs Australia, and Rebecca Gilling, the chief executive of Planet Ark.

The centre uses glue-laminated timber from Australian Sustainable Hardwoods in Heyfield. The glulam, dubbed 'Masslam' by ASH, involves pressing hardwood timberplanks togetherwith special glue under high pressure to produce a product thatisasstrongassteel. The glulam in Berninneit formscolumns several metres high and more than ametre in width.

The other useofwood in thebuilding is crosslaminatedsoftwood timber from Xlam's plant at Albury-Wodonga,the firstCLT plant in Australia

Professor Burke, aprofessor of architecture at University of Technology, Sydney, said Berninneit embodied the full sustainability package.

"You've got abeautiful use of materials featuring timber throughout the entire building, as well as community involvement," he told the Phillip Island Advertiser.

Ms Gilling, who became chief executive of Planet Ark in 2022, said there were many sustainability elements to the project.

"Thisincludes local sourcing of materials, the Passivhaus envelope, which ensures the ongoing running costs will be minimised, and (of course) using timber as the carbon store," she told the Advertiser.

The building, designed by architects Jackson Clements Burrows, has anumberofuses -a theatre, library, gallery, museum, community function rooms, and offices.

The Masslambeams are 5.9 metres long and columns 4.2 metres high, all 42cm wide.

“Vic Ash glulam timber is the essential structural element for the building,” saidThom McCarthy, thethen interior designer with Jackson Clements Burrows.

No trumping Aussie beef

By STEFAN BRADLEY

DESPITE the US tariffs, Australian beef continues to be in highdemand in theAmerican market and production is strong, according to asenior animal protein analyst, who has heard that interest in Aussie beeffrom the Chinesemarketisincreasing Australian beef production in 2025 is expected to come close to equalling production records set in 2024,Rabobank says in its newly-released Australian Beef Seasonal Outlook 2025.

Theannual report,bythe agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division, says the high beef production volumes are being matchedby growing global demand –with the relativelybalanced market expected to support stable prices and good returns for Australian beef producers.

Report author, RaboResearch Senior Animal ProteinsAnalyst, AngusGidley-Baird said successive favourable seasons –with the exception of ongoing significant dry areas in Victoria and southeastSouth Australia –haveallowed Australian cattle numbers to build.

“The increased calving from this larger cattle inventory is now flowing into markets as finished cattle, with 2024 setting anew record (2.57 million tonnes) in Australian beef production,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

RaboResearch believes 2025 will continue to see high numbersofcattle turned off and,with continuinghighcarcass weights, production volumes are expectedtoremainhighand close to the 2024 record.

Fortunately for Australia, Mr Gidley-Baird said, other majorbeef-producing countriesare expected to see adecline in production in 2025.

“Thiscreates demand for imports and reduces competitioninAustralianexport markets, supporting demand for Australian beef,” he said.

The outlook of highproduction balanced by growing global demandleadstothe bank’s expectation that Australiancattle prices will remainrelatively steady throughout the course of 2025, with some potential upside.

Mr Gidley-Bairdtoldthe Express thatAustralian beef will continue to be well-deserved by the US market despite the tariffs.

“Yes we believe demandfor beef in the US remains strong. With alarge proportion of Australian beefgoinginto further processing, usually blended with US beef, so the consumer themselves are not necessarily making decisions to consume Australian beef. It is more about the demand for beef as awhole,” he said.

“Regardless of thetariff situation, US beef production is declining and their production (in particular) of lean trim (Australia’s main export product to the US) is historically low at the moment so they need to import it.”

Asked if tariffs had eaten into beef profits, Mr Gidley-Baird said he did not have any information at this time.

“We saw that import prices for Australian lean trim dropped threeper cent post-announcement of the tariffs but we cannot conclusively say this was due to the imposition of tariffs,” he told the Express.

Mr Gidley-Baird was in Gippsland very soon after the so-called ‘Liberation Day’announcement of the tariffs.

“At the time there wasa degree of concern about the costs it would addtothe system and the potential impact it might have on Australian exports to the US. Ihave not spoken to anyone in Gippsland since then,” he said.

Australia’s domestic per capita beef consumption is assumed to drop slightly in 2025 due to ongoing economic pressures.

“However, household incomes are forecast to increase by the RBA (Reserve Bank of Australia), which will provide some supportfor beef consumption,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

Whilethe Australian population is settoriseby twoper cent this year, RaboResearch projectsa slightdropinper capita consumption, resulting in domestic beef consumption being steady in 2025 and therefore exports will continue to play an important role, accounting for 75 per cent of production.

Mr Gidley-Baird said the distribution across export markets is expected to remain similar for Australian beef in 2025.

“The US market, which consumed almost as much Australian beef as our domestic market in 2024, is expected to remain the largest market.”

“Theyformthe Grand Hall, the spineofthe building connected to all the rooms –the artistic and library at each end, and the function rooms in the centre. They are the three major tenants of the community facility.

"Glulam columns are very striking; we have had tremendous experience with them in student residential projects.Wewere keen to express them as muchaspossible.Theyformed alot of the internal pallet, and at the library end.”

JCB's design statement says the design feels inherently connected to and of its place.

"Warm, pink brick references nearby dunes and beaches whilstinternal timber columnsspeak to the island'sjettiesand pierstructures,"the statement says.

Awards won by Berninneit include:

 2024 National Architecture Award for Public Architecture;

 William Wardell Award for Public Architecture at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards and short-listed in the other categories -Regional Architecture, sustainable Architecture and Interior Architecture;

 Excellence in Geographic Place Naming at the 2024 Victorian Geospatial Excellence awards (received by Bass Coast Shire Council and the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation);

 The Australian Interior Design Award for Public Design;

 2024 Sustainability Awards -PublicBuilding, and;

 Australian Timbre Design Awards Sustain ability Prize.

1. What were clocks missing before 1577?

2. What kind of animal is aKomodo dragon?

3. What is the nationality of Picasso?

4. Who is the mascot for the fast-food chain, KFC? TWOPOINTERS

5. What was Marilyn Monroe’snatural hair color?

6. What kind of turtle can’t retract into its shell?

7. The films The King’sSpeech and The English Patient feature which English actor?

8. Monza &Silverstone Are Venues For Which Sport? THREE POINTER

9. What kind of animal is afirefly?

10. Acrossbreed between adonkey and the zebra is known as?

11. What was Jack Nicklaus’ nickname?

12. When held to ultraviolet light, what animal’surine glows in the dark? It can be detected when cleaning houses. FOUR POINTER

13. Which Bond film did Daniel Craig’sbegin portraying James Bond?

14. Where on the human body is the zygomatic bone found? FIVE POINTER

15. Name 5ofthe most common movie genres. One point for each answer

Howdid youfare?

0-8: Hit the books.

Beware of scammers

FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester is reminding Gippslanders to remain vigilant online as anew scam targeting age pensioners is circulating the web.

"Scammershavebeen falselyflouting significant changes to the Age Pension in abid to trick age pension recipients into sharing personal, identity and financial documentation," Mr Chester said.

"The scam claims that 'Centrelink has officially set June 15 as the final deadline for identity verification for all Age Pension recipients' as part of a

mandatory process to strengthen fraud prevention and that 'failure to complete the ID check before the deadline results in an automatic freeze of the Age Pension'. This is not true.

"Services Australia has issued awarning about the newonline scam, underscoring that there have been no changes to the payment system, eligibility for Age Pension, or to document verification for pensioners, and has urged internet users to doublecheck everything they read to make sure it's real."

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued asimilar warning afteridentifying clickbait websites claiming there would be changes to superannuation preservation and withdrawal rules from June 1.

Mr Chester is urgingGippslanderstoheed Services Australia advice and only trust information online about its payments and services from its official website, myGov or its official social media accounts.

"If awebsite URL doesn't end in .gov.au, then it isn't an official government website," Mr Chester said.

"Beware of websites that mightbetrying to harvest your personalinformation suchasyour identitydetails,myGovlogin details or taxfile number (TFN) and think twice before acting on information heard from third-party sources, including non-official websites or on social media."

For more information, including identified active Services Australia scams, visit: https://www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/centrelink-scams

Kindergarten cops pay visit

SENIOR Constable Leigh Thorpeand Constable TaraJones of TraralgonPolice provided kindergarten children with an engaging learning experience.

The discussion covered the roles and responsibilities of police officers, their uniforms and equipment, as well as the importance of stranger danger awareness.

Thechildren participated in asimulated exercise on contactingthe policeduring emergencies, and were given the opportunity to listen to the police radio and explore the police vehicle.

The visit concluded with ademonstration of the police car's flashing lights and sirens.

The police incursion was part of the many Li’l Bearz Kindergarten experiences. The kindergarten children are learning about the world around them through community incursion and excursions.

Engaging with the community helps children feel connected and valued. The activities provide hands-on, real-world experiences thatcomplement the curriculum and enhance children's understanding of the diverse world around them. The children were excited to receive an activity book to end the police visit.

Paid firefighters undertake industrial action amid levy crisis

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AMID apivotal time in the history of Australian firefighting, the CFA has begun taking industrial actionfor their paid staff,working across technical and administrative departments,seeking better payand conditions.

This is the firsttimethe CFA has made industrial action, which will be aprotected action under the Australian ServicesUnion (ASU) VIC TAS branch, and is intendedtopave theway forimprovements to be made for 1200 behind-the-scenes workers, who have not received apay rise since 2023.

While this comes at acrucial time for the authority, it is not related to the pressing matter of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy thatiscurrently making headlines around the state, as ASU branch secretary Tash Wark said, "After more than six months of negotiations, CFA management is still refusing to come to the table with areasonable offer."

So while volunteerCFA firefightershavechosen to walk off the job in protest of the state wide tax, paid CFA operational staff are walking off the job in search of "respect and recognition", as per the ASU media release on the matter.

Ms Warkcitedthe disparity between the workers and the authority's management, who silently enjoyed afour per cent rise of their own last year, while only offering amid the negotiations with ASU athree per cent risetothe technicaland administrative staff as per the government's current wages policy.

"It's an outrageousdoublestandard, and our members have had enough," she said.

The ASU assures the public that steps have been taken to ensure it will not affect the services provided by the CFA at ground level, despite the industrial action meaning aban on diverting calls

and emails to management, training processesand recording data. The action also involves using red font and caps lock in all internal communication.

"This is targeted,smart industrial action that does not impact the community or volunteers," Ms Wark explained.

"It's aimed squarely at CFA leadership.

"Our members are takingthisstepbecausethey are sickofbeingoverlooked. Their work is essential, but they've been disrespected and undervaluedfor far too long".

HELP US CELEBR ATE...

Heretohelp: Local kindergarten children learnt about therole of police Photograph supplied

On theball: Darren Chester is awareofonline scammers. File photograph

Coach replacements new norm

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE state governmenthas outlined to the Express what coach replacement services will be available for passengers during awinter construction blitz from June 14 to August 13 that will complete the Gippsland Line Upgrade (GLU).

The completion of the workswill see trainservices every 40 minutes on the Traralgon line.

From June 14 to August 13, there will be amix of replacement coach services for passengers on the Bairnsdale and Traralgon lines.

In short, Bairnsdale line passengers (including Sale, Rosedale and Stratford stations) will have access to acoach going all the way to Southern Cross station, or from Southern Cross to Bairnsdale, throughout this period.

Traralgon line passengers will see coach replacements all the way to Southern Cross on certain days. On other days however, coaches will only replace trainsbetween Traralgonand

Animal welfare front of mind

RSPCA Victoria believes wildlife across the state deserve strong protection, and has made 18 recommendations to the government’s inquiry into wildlife roadstrike.

The submission highlights the need for updates to Victoria’s animal welfare and wildlifelegislation, providing funding for the wildlifecarer and responsesector,ensuring a clear pathway for reportingand responding to roadstrike incidents, and to prioritise protecting wildlife from the impact of development.

RSPCA Victoria’sHead of Prevention, Rebecca Cook, said the organisation welcomed the opportunity to provideasubmission to the inquiry.

“Wildlife being hit by vehicles is aserious and growing problem,” Ms Cook said.

“It causes significant adverse animal welfare impacts for all kinds of wild animals, including vulnerable species, and is also a serious risk to human safety causing an increasing number of injuries to people.

“An estimatedfour millionmarsupials and six million birds across Australia are impacted by roadstrikeevery year,and with the rescue, response and reporting framework required to assist animals hit by cars decentralised and significantly under resourced, work to address this issue is urgently needed.”

RSPCAVictoria is urging the state government to:

 Release the Independent Panel’s report into the review of the Wildlife Act 1975 and the government’s response to this with a view to strengthening protections for native wildlife;

 Table the Animal Care and Protection Bill in Parliament to safeguard the welfare of all animals in the state;

 Provide funding for the wildlife care and response sector, including veterinary services, to ensure responses to wildlife roadstrike are timely and meet expected standards of care;

 Ensure easy centralised incident reporting for drivers that connects to those responding to roadstrike incidents to improve animal welfare outcomes;

 Prioritise the avoidance and minimisation of impact on wild animals during planning stages for development projects;

 Invest in infrastructure such as fencing and over and underpasses, and invest in research into emerging technologies to mitigate roadstrike incidents such as: using artificial intelligence to train roadside cameras to detect animals nearby or on the road, which can then activate lights or a message on aroadside ‘smart sign’ to warn oncoming drivers; in-car technology such as applications to warn drivers when they are approaching awildlife hotspot based on GPS location, and; the use of natural warning sounds across various technology, such as using kangaroo warning ‘thumps’ to deter animals from coming onto roads more effectively.

“With only one in five people ‘definitely’ knowing what to do if their car hit awild animal, it’s vital the government implements a statewide education and awarenesscampaign to achieve better outcomes for animals and people,” Ms Cook said.

RSPCA advocates for the implementation of strategiestoavoid adverse welfare impacts on local populations of wild animals and/or their habitat caused by human activities. For more information, visit RSPCA Knowledgebase at: https://kb.rspca.org.au/ article-categories/policies-wild-animals/

East Pakenham,meaning passengers will need to use Metro trains between East Pakenham and Southern Cross stations.

The government says there are frequent metropolitan trains to get to and from East Pakenham station, with services every six to 10 mins in the peak and 20 mins throughout the remainder of the day.

Staff at East Pakenham will provide marquees to protect passengersfrom the weather. V/Line will have staff on-site at East Pakenham station to supportpassengers transferring from coaches to trainand also provide assistance if required.

The East Pakenham station includes aroof over the platforms, toilets, water fountains and abus interchange with shelters to provide further cover from the weather.

The government said the constructionblitz would complete and commission the Gippsland line's new signalling system, so trains could run more often and more reliably.

"Works during the winter construction blitz will complete the Gippsland LineUpgrade,enablingus to introduce moreservices on the TraralgonLine," astate government spokesperson told the Express

"We thank passengers for their understanding while thesesignificantupgradeand improvement works takeplace along the Gippsland corridor."

The government is encouraging passengers to visit either the PTV or V/Line websites and download the temporary timetables to plan their journey.

Throughout the year, there had already been coach replacement services during GLU works.

Last April,Nationals Member for EasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath in Parliament demanded the state government ensure replacement buses transport Gippsland V/Line passengers for the length of their journey to and from the Melbourne central business district.

"Gippsland V/Line passengers are being dumped at East Pakenham station and shunted on metropolitan trains in astate government cost cutting move. Labor's decision to cut funding for the replacementbus severely disadvantages locals who rely on public transport to access work,study, medical care, or entertainment," Ms Bath said.

"The elderly and people with mobility issues are strugglingtowalk, carry luggage, and navigate this unsatisfactory service. Adding insult to injury, the PTV App and the V/Line journey planner provide conflicting service information for regional services which is leaving passengers stranded.

"Peopleare distressedthat they are missingvital medicalappointments in the city, while those commuting to the city for work and study are furious it's impacting their careers."

The Express understands cost cutting wasnot

the reason for dropping passengersoff at East Pakenham.

While aresponse to Ms Bath was due on May 3, it wasnot answered untilMay 15 by Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams.

"I appreciate that the GippslandLine has experienced significant disruption over recent years, due to several majorprojects and Ithank the Gippsland community for their ongoing patience," Ms Williams said.

"Ongoing Metroand V/Line railway maintenance activities and occasionally non-infrastructure related disruptions havealsotaken place. Unfortunately, projects along the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines on the metropolitan network sometimes result in the forced closure of the Gippsland Line."

Ms Williams addressed March 2025 works, saying that coaches replaced trainsbetweenTraralgon and East Pakenham as aresult of Gippsland line upgrades, not metropolitan works.

Acknowledging the upcoming winter works, Ms Williams said Bairnsdale throughtoRosedale would be abletoaccess "full line coaching to the city throughoutthe disruptionperiod".

Potential discrepancieswiththe PTV app and V/ Line journey planner were not addressed by the stategovernment in its response in Parliament or response to the Express about the coach replacement services.

Ms Bath told the Express,"theEastPakenham bus interchange is 200 metres from the train station, and for the walk to the train station there's no protection from the heat, wind, or rain -after dark it's unsafe."

"Supports for passengers between the East Pakenham bus interchange and train station are severely limited despite the government's claims -the elderly and people with mobility issues are strugglingtowalk,carryluggage, and navigate it. My office has received multiple complaints," she said.

Victorian leader of theNationals and Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said the further disruption "comes after the government's ownfigures revealed last year that buses replaced trains on all or part (of) the Gippsland line for 65 per cent of days last year".

"We were toldbyLabor way back in 2017 that the Gippsland line upgrade was 'shovel-ready' yet here we are eightyears down the track and it'sstill not completed and $300 million over budget," Mr O'Brien said.

The Department of Transport and Planning is developinga new timetable for the Gippsland Line, with further information on timing for the new services to come.

The state government included $52 million in the 2025/26 state budget to deliver train services every 40 mins along the Traralgon line, plus additional peak services for the Seymour Line and longer trains on more weekend services on the Bendigo Line.

The 2024/25 budget papers indicated an additional $31millionhas been added to the $562 million cost of the Gippsland Line Upgrade. The lack of acompletion date at the time was justified by the state government due to "signalling design work and co-ordinationwith the pipeline of projects underway across the program".

Bushfires can still burn during winter

By KATRINA BRANDON

SUMMER may be over, but the Country Fire

Authority (CFA) is warning people that the fire danger isn't.

Due to dry conditions, authorities recently took to their socials to warn people there is still arisk for awinter bushfire season this year.

Fromsome areas of South Gippsland to the west of the state, drought conditions are continuing.

In arecentreportreleased by VicEmergency, March and April saw belowaverage rainfall across much of Victoria and an extension of the Fire Danger Period in some parts of the state for the first time since 2019.

"These conditions, coupled with existing underlying dryness, has led to ahigher level of dried grass and vegetation. In grassland, halted pasture growth has led to grazed-out or bare conditions," the report said.

As aresult,anabove average bushfirerisk is

predicted for muchofsouthwest Gippsland, extending into central, southwest and northwest Victoria, as well as parts of northeast Victoria this winter season. The increased risk isn’t for long-running bushfires, but events caused by uncontrolled burnoffs and other activities.

"Normal rainfall is expectedthis winter, and Victorians can expect normal fire potential across the rest of the state. However, fires are possible on dry and windy days in areas with dry or cured vegetation," CFA said.

"Even in winter, it’s vital for communities to remain vigilant, particularly if burning-off. Register your burn-off and monitor weather conditions. Have sufficient equipment and water to stop the fire spreading and never leave aburn-off unattended.

"The emergency management sector is continuing its preparedness activities with statewide briefings and state-level exercising. Incident management personnel are doing all they can to prepare for emerging risks and respond to any emergencies.

"The Seasonal Outlook for winter is developed by the Australianand New ZealandFire and Emergency Services Council (AFAC) and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology, along with state and territory fire and land managers."

As the winter season approaches, some rural areas, such as Latrobe, will be burning off bits and pieces collected over summer. The CFA is urging people to register their burns to ensure they are done safely.

In the last year, CFA volunteers responded to 936incidents caused by escaped burn-offs. CFA and Triple Zero Victoria are urging landowners to take extra precautions before lighting up. With fire restrictions easing across the state, some residents are now taking the opportunity to burn off grass, stubble, weeds, and undergrowth to maintain and prepare their properties. While encouraged, landowners are reminded to register any planned burn-offs online through the Fire Permits Victoria website at: www.firepermits. vic.gov.au/notify and ensure regulations and applicable local laws are followed.

An online registration is the fastest and simplest option, allowing 000 call-takers to prioritise emergencycalls. Unregistered burn-offs can cause a spike in callstoTriple Zero (000) and unnecessary callouts for firefighters.

Before notifying authorities, farmers and landholders should:

 Follow regulations or laws by the CFA and the local council;

 Notify neighbours if the burn will generate fire and smoke;

 Check the weather forecast for the activity day and afew days afterwards;

 Postpone activity if high fire risk conditions develop;

 Establish agap in vegetation or fire break of no less than three metres cleared of all flammable material, and;

 Have enough people to monitor, contain and extinguish the burn safely and effectively. Never leave aburn-off unattended.

To registeraburn off, go to: cfa.vic.gov.au/contact/ register-your-burn-off

Brace yourself: There will be amix of replacementcoach services forpassengersonthe Traralgon Line fortwo months due to significant works. Photograph: Public TransportVictoria

Encore enjoys Biggest Morning Tea

Importance of defibs heightened

ACFA volunteer has had the chance to say thank you to fellowvolunteers and paramedics who helped save his life.

John Moyes, avolunteer with Yarragon CFA ,s uffe red ac ardia ca rr est whi le responding to agrass andscrub fire on last MarchinYarragon.

Shortly after arriving at the scene, John collapsed.

Crews from Trafalgar were on scene battling the blaze and Commander Greg Fisher said he immediately snapped into action.

"We had to fight the fire, but we also needed to help John," he said.

"Thankfully,our members are first aid trained, and we were able to quickly begin doing what we needed to do.

"Immediately following contactwith TripleZero (000), Trafalgar members Sally Neenan, Colin Proctorand Danny Mynard got to work on John, starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)and attaching an automated external defibrillator (AED) from one of the trucks.

"It was all abit of ablur," Danny said.

"But my training kicked in and Ijust did what Ihad to do to help save John.

"Sally said John collapsed behind her and having justrefreshed her CPR just months before, she was able to rely on her knowledge to help save John.

“It was daunting but it reallydrives home the importance of having your first aid and CPRtrainingeven if you’re just amember of the community,this couldhave happened anywhere,” she said.

Colin said having an AED was ahuge help to their CPR efforts.

“We were really glad to have the defibrillator right there on the truck,” he said.

The trio continued CPR, delivering three shocks with the AED prior to the arrival of Ambulance Victoria paramedics.

At the time of handover, John remained pulseless and unconscious.

Paramedics took over care, intubated John and placed him into an induced coma. He was transportedinacriticalcondition to the Victorian Heart Hospital for specialist care

John said he was "forever indebted" to those that intervened early and saved his life.

"They are the reason Iamhere," he said.

"Because they knew what to do, Ihave another chance."

Gregsaidthe incident was agoodreminder about the importance of earlyintervention, having AEDs on trucks, and completingfirst aid training with CFA.

"We offer basic first aid and CPR training to all CFA members and this really showed us whythis trainingissoimportant," Greg said.

"Our members do more than just fight fires; they are there to help their communities in so many different situations.

"All CFAprimary firefighting appliances are also fitted with AED’s which is an amazing resource.”

AmbulanceVictoria GippslandClinical Support Officer, Dion Meade said John’s recovery was testament to the quick actions of those around him.

“It’s fantastic to see John alive and doing so well, whichisall becauseofhis peerswho immediately started the chain of survival by implementing Call, Push, Shock,” he said.

“We know the significant impact of early intervention, with apatient’s chance of survival almost doubling when they receive CPR and ashock from an AED before paramedics arrive.

“Th eV ic to rian Amb ula nce Card iac Arrest Registry 2023-24 showedVictoria has Australia’s best cardiac survival rate and the third best in the world, which is because of people, like Sally, Colinand Danny stepping in when they see someone in cardiac arrest.

“Anyone can savealifebyrememberingto Call Triple Zero 000, give CPR by pushing hard and fast on the middle of the chest, and use an AED if available.” Call, Push, Shock resources are available in multiple languages on the Ambulance Victoria website: ambulance.vic.gov.au/ translated-resources/

ENCORE Retirement Living’s TrafalgarVillage hostedits annualBiggest Morning Tea in the newly opened community centre.

Theevent drew aMUG-nificent crowd of more than 125attendees.

Residents and guests gathered to not only raise their cups but to also raise money for the Cancer Council.

An impressive $2504 was collected.

Encore Living generously matched the donations, bringing the total to aTEA-rrific $5008.

The day’s fundraising featureda smallentryfee, granting attendees access to adelightful spreadof sweet and savoury treats, lovingly prepared -many by the residents themselves.

Guestspraised the offering, calling it “the best

spread ever,” and are looking forward to future events.

Apoignant minute’s silence provided an opportunityfor reflection, honouring those touched by cancer.

The eventconcluded with amuch-anticipated raffle, with lucky winners taking home avariety of prizes generously donated by local businesses.

Gippsland’suntold

FRIENDS of theTraralgon Courthouse group is launching Courthouse Conversations featuring author, Dr Peter Crowley, whose book on field surveyorThomas Townsendtells apreviously untold story of early Gippsland.

Courthouse Conversations will become aregular event at the historic venue featuring former and current Gippslanders who have fascinatingstories to tell.

The Friends of the Traralgon Courthouse Chair, David Blythman said the group was keen to promote the rich stories of the region, and the historic courthouse was the perfect venue to hold Courthouse Conversations.

“Many Gippsland people have gone on to achieve in the fields including the arts, industry,business, scienceand the media,” Mr Blythman said.

“We are thrilled to launchthis conversation series with Dr Crowley as our first speaker.”

AGippslander, Dr Crowley was raised and educatedinTraralgon and is now adoctor of pathology who lives in Melbourne. Since he was young,he had afascination with the history of the region, resulting in his book, Townsend of the Ranges Surveyor Thomas Scott Townsend (1812–1869) was an elusive, almost legendary figure, closer to folklore than to history. His name is given to the country’s second-highest mountain, but the details of his career are obscure and his personal identity has remained amystery.

stories revealed

If you live in Gippsland, there is agood chance that your town or district has been influenced by his work; he covered ahugeextent of territory and worked furiously hard in acareer spanning two decades.

Acco mpanied by orig inal maps drawn by Townsend, Dr Crowley’s book is abeautifully written portrait of ayoung man fighting loneliness in the wilderness, mappingthe watershed crests of the Dividing Ranges and the contours of south-eastern Australia.

The narrative also revealsapicture of destruction andviolenceassettlers andsquatters moved across the land.

The event will be held at the Traralgon Courthouse on Thursday, June 19 from 7.30pm. Tickets are $10 and include supper and door prizes.

Tick ets are avai lable via: http s:// www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ friends-of-traralgon-courthouse-inc/courthouseconversations-dr-peter-crowley-1133043479 until sold out.

For more information, phone Jenny Hammett on 0418 334 747.

Insight: Dr PeterCrowleywill present at the Traralgon Cour thouse this month. His works have told of the region’s rich histor y. Photograph supplied

Welcome: Mary and Robyngreet residentsfor the Biggest Morning Teaat EncoreLiving,Trafalgar Photographs supplied

Yum: Trish with abatch of delicious cones.

Trio: Residents Lynne andAnnette with village manager,Rosa.

His day: Luckydoorprize winner,Les

Young parentsfinding tailored support

KINDRED Spirits Enterprises (KSE) hasbeen working closely with Kurnai Young Parents Program (KYPP)todevelop an innovative Mentoring Initiative to add to its existing service, whichistoprovide acaring, flexible and supportive learning environmentfor all youngparents under the age of 21.

It was while working on this ground-breaking initiative that KSE crossedpaths with ahighly creative KYPP student named Brooke.

Brooke,one of the girls receiving an education and support to achieve her futuregoals via KYPP, demonstrated an artistic flair that she would like to put to good use in event planning, and use this skilltohelp those like herself withalimited income

“I recently planned the KYPP 10-year anniversary, and Ireally enjoyed it,” she said.

“I designed and helpedcreate atheme,with colours for balloons, table decorations and invitation designs… and it’s something Iwould like to do more of.”

Shealso sees herself as an effective team leader, ready to inspire others to work with her on exciting projects.

However, Brooke’s story of hardshipisn’t an isolated one. She recently faced having to plan a birthday celebration for her one-year-old son with almost no money.

“When you’rea young mum, you don’t get alot (of income),” she said.

Just as Brooke needs support to gain some

financialindependence for herself, she wants to help provide that same support to other young parents in asimilar situation.

“If Iwas to be an event planner, Iwould make it affordable for others like me,” Brooke said, adding that shewould work with suppliers to get the best deals to keep costs down.

KYPP lead,Ang Bolding, said the program

supports girls such as Brooke to achieve their goals.

“It’s all about trying to get some pathways happening. If this is apathway that Brooke wants to pursue, we’ll try and make it happen for her,” Ms Bolding said.

“We can network with people in the community and assist Brooke to make aplan for herself.”

KYPP providesBrooke and other young parents

with the opportunity to complete their schooling while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood. KYPP also providedthe students with the option to complete VET modules and other certificates. KSE has partnered with KYPPand Kids First Australia, with support from Latrobe HealthAssembly, to establish the Mentoring Initiative and provide ongoing guidance to studentsand recent graduates.

“KYPP gives them the opportunity to pursue their education, when they otherwise couldn’t do that,” Ms Bolding said.

“They can bringtheir babies to theclassroom and we make the curriculum flexible, so thatit meets the girls’ needs while also fulfilling the requirements of the curriculum.”

Cooking is part of the VET component and Brooke has been busy baking cookies, some of which are being made withaspecial design to give to supporters of another KSE program, The Little Village Project.

Ms Bolding mentioned, “We try to give them what they need to be successful for themselvesand their children in the future.”

The Mentoring Initiative aims to build on this inspiring work delivered by Ms Boulding and her team. It will provide young parents with the means to create meaningful connections with their community and reach their full potential.

If you’re interested in volunteering as amentor and supportingyoungparents to succeed,send your expression of interest to: info@kindredspirits.org.au

New power for principals to deal with rapscallions

SCHOOLprincipalswillsoon havethe power to suspend or expel students for their behaviour outside school.

The state government has announced that, effective day oneTerm 3this year, Victorian principals will havethe authority to suspend or expel students when their behaviour outside school or online puts fellow students and staff at serious risk, apower currently restricted to within the school gate.

Thechanges bring Victoria into line with New SouthWales and South Australia and will address concerns aroundharmful behaviour that happens outside school hours -particularly online -but affects student and staff safety.

Schoolprincipals will use these expanded powers only when necessarytoprotect their school community. With these expanded powers, the government is putting in place the appropriate framework to ensure school leaders have the authorisation to act where necessary.

The new powersbuild on the $10.4million invested in the recent budget to expand the school-wide Positive BehaviourSupport program, whichhelps schools teach students how to behave

appropriately and create safe spaces for learning

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the strengthened powers sent aclear message that harmful behaviour outside of school or online had consequences.

“The safety of students, teachers and school staff is ourtoppriority-we’reinvestinginprogramsthatfoster more respectful schools and acting to protect school communities,” he said.

“This builds on our nation-leading ban on mobile phonesinschoolsandoursupportofasocialmediaban forkids-keepingkidssafeintheclassroomandonline.”

RMITUniversityLecturerinEarlyChildhood,DrElise Waghorn welcomed the move, but said it was also a trickyspace.“Givingprincipalsnewpowersinthisarea is agood idea," she said.

"I’msurethere'sgoingtobelotsofsupportaroundit, butI’malsomindfulthatschoolsmayfeelit'sanother thing that they have to monitor.

“As technology advances, it's only going to get more challengingtobeabletosupportchildreninthisspace Weneedtogiveareallyclearmessagethatit'snotthe school or the parents in isolation, we need to work togetherandpreventthisbehaviourasacommunity.”

Renewables upgrade set to come with hefty price

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE total cost to households and business to upgrade Victoria's electricity grid to take renewables will be more than the $4.3 billion citedby the state government, according to the Australian Financial Review.

The AFR reported last week that experts estimate thatthe bill to buildthe networkofpolesand cables is likely to be more than $20 billion. The state government estimated that its 15-year plan to build seven new renewableenergy zonesacross the statetoreplace coal-fired power would cost about $4.3 billion.

Gippsland's role in VicGrid's draft transmission plan identified the need for new transmission lines in the regiontosupportboth the draft proposed Gippsland REZ and about 7000MW of offshore wind by 2040.

Thesedevelopments include anew 10-kilometre transmission line between Yallourn and Hazelwood; an REZ between Morwell and Sale; aGippsland offshore windtransmission Stage 2project, which includesa new500kVtransmission line fromthe existing transmission network near Driffield to Woodside, and anew 500 kV line from Woodsideto Giffard; and aGippsland Shoreline REZ between the Gippsland coastand South GippslandHighway, from Seaspray to Reeves Beach, where offshore wind developers will need to locate underground cables that connect to aconnection hub near Giffard.

The AFR said that the Victorianfigure does notinclude key projects, suchasthe Western Renewables Link, the Victoria-NSW Interconnector West andthe Marinus Link cable under BassStrait, which together are estimated at more than $16 billion. Marinus Linkincludes an underground cable from the South Gippsland coast to the former Hazelwood power station site.

ProfessorBruce Mountain, the director of the

Victoria Energy Policy Centre, told the AFR there had notbeen arealistic accountingfor the cost of the transmissionexpansion, as shownbythe Australian Energy Market Operator's recent report. This estimated that the cost of the new transmissionprojects hadrisen between 25 and 55 per cent relative to 2024 figures.

The government modelling said "VicGrid recognises the dynamic market for transmission projects and will consult with industry to further refine the costs and timings".

Professor Mountain said the total capital outlays of the combined grid projects were closer to $17.5 billion, which would rise to $20 billion when accounting for interest expenses during construction.

"This is abit over five times the total regulated value of Victoria's existing transmission network," he told the AFR.

The cost of building and maintaining poles and wires is recouped via consumer energy bills, which Prof Mountain said would rise by about 50 per cent or more under the plan.

The AFR also quotedthe chief executive of an energy business as saying missing from VicGrid's estimates wasthe network stability equipment essential for arenewables-dominated grid, adding billions of dollars more.

But Professor Mountainsaidthe chief executive's estimate did not take account of Marinus Link or interest expenses incurred during the build, putting the cost of the network over $20 billion.

Victoria aims to reach net zero emissions by 2045 and deliver 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, whenLoy YangA power stationisscheduled to close. Yallourn power stationisclosing in 2028 but Loy Yang Bhas no closure date.

Dr Waghorn believes thereshould be more emphasis on educating parents and young people about unsafe behaviours.

“We'reconstantlyputtingmorepressureonteachers. Principals or teachers shouldn't feel they are put in a positiontoexpelchildrenbasedontheironlineactivity," she said.

"It'snotenoughtojustexpelchildren;thereneedsto be education.

“Weknowthatpreventionisbetterthancure.So,we needtolookatwhatweareimplementinginschoolsand inourcurriculumtoteachchildrenaboutsafetyonline, but also the impact of online bullying.

“Schools need to communicate to parents what they're doing within the school grounds, so that these conversations can be followed up at home, and the same continuous message is given to children about the expectations around social media useand online communication.

Meanwhile,thegovernmentwillbeginimplementing severalrecommendationsoftheIndependentReview into Teacher Administration.

The review found seven main issues and made28 recommendations to reduce paperwork for staff.

The government is continuing to consider many of therecommendations, but willimplement the following recommendations from day one of Term 1, 2026:

 Track administration and compliance workload and set improvement targets;

 Streamlining individual student learning, health, andwellbeing plans for 2026;

 Remove ‘recommended’ individual education plan guidance;

 Simplify semesterly reporting;

 Simplify and reduce travel applications for 2025, and;

 Provide administrative support for teacher teams.

Anew operational teaching assistant willalsobe trialled fromthe second half of this year to help teachers with administrative tasks like collecting notesand payments,collating learning materials, and entering data.

Critical rehabilitation research

By PHILIP HOPKINS

NEW research into soil revegetation by Federation University at Churchill is helping to pave the way to successfully rehabilitate the Latrobe Valley's coal mines.

The study, commissioned by the Cooperative Research Centre for Transformations in Mining with supportfrom FedUni and the stategovernment, comes against predictions of achanging climate. Victoria is forecast to have higher temperatures and adrier climate, with declining winter rainfallbut more extreme thunderstorms in summer.

"This would likelycause both an increase in soil drought conditions and the possibility of soil erosion with intense rainfall runoff," the study says.

Key points of the research include:

 These climate conditions require new ways to rehabilitate mine sites to ensure that vegetation grows successfully and landforms are stable;

-Experiments have found that drought forced vegetation to explore deeper soil depth for access to water;

 Underlying coal beneath the soil cover can store water and provide water to plant roots over extended periods of time, mitigating drought, and;

 Vegetation on deeper cover has amuch greater chance to thrive, increasing the chances of successfully rehabilitating coal mines.

The research notes that adrier climate could affect the survival and density of vegetation soilcover on rehabilitated coalmines, as well as increasing the risk of erosion. It details thatincreasing the depthofsoil cover allows vegetation to grow roots deepersoitcan survive drought.

The project team,which included FedUni's Professor Thomas Baumgartl, used measured data and hydrological modelling to simulate soil moisture and water flux. The data showed the

importance of fracture flowofwaterthrough coal.

The Latrobe Valley's climate from 2021 was extrapolatedtosimulatefutureclimate scenarios, and these were used to guidesoil column experiments to assess the water content of the soils and plant growth. Vegetation was planted in thesoilcolumns anda range of soil coverand climate scenarios were modelled.

The results were heartening: plantsunder drought conditionsgrewtheir roots deeper, searching for and extracting water from the coal below.

Professor Baumgartl saidthe new data had implications for mine rehabilitation.

"To most effectively rehabilitate landforms that can withstand future climate conditions, increasing the depth of soil cover designs -toa certain point -could be ameans to providemore opportunity for vegetation to establish and thrive in the long term," he said.

Specifically, plant roots grew to their maximum at the interface between thesoil andthe coal, down to adepth of 0.9metres and may have the potential to grow deeper. Alot less water is stored and available to plants in shallow cover (0.4 metres) compared to deep cover (0.9m), the research found. This may be caused not only by the smaller soil volume, but by the existence of cracks in the coal affecting the drain age of water.

Verification of numerical hydrological modelling by measured soil moisture and water flux data showed the importance of considering fracture flow of water through coal.

The research notedthat constructed soilcovers found in mine rehabilitation are commonly finite in depth, have limited wateravailable to support vegetation, and may be exposed to greater drought risk under future climate conditions.

"To best design effectiverehabilitated landforms for future climateconditions, the water balance of soilcover designs mustbebetter understood, to assess and guide the establishment of viable vegetation cover in the long term," the research found.

Further pathways: Brookemakingcookiesaspartofher VET studiesatthe Kurnai YoungParents Program. With her is KYPP lead Ang Bolding Photograph supplied

HOROSCOPES

JoanneMadeline Moore

Jupiter jumps nto your career zone, so – over the coming year – Lady Luck could send a fabu ous new work opportun ty in your direct on! Then the Ful Moon fires up your learning and ocal environment zones So, t s time to set ambitious goa s, attract mentors and expand your world n excit ng new d rections Study, observe, l sten and earn! Your motto is from b rthday great, writer W ll am Butler Yeats: “Education s not the fi l ng of a pa l but the l ghting of a fire ”

W th Jupiter (planet of expansion and exploration) transiting into your trave zone, foreign shores beckon over the next 12 months So start p anning your tinerary now – and make sure you keep up to date with your internat onal contacts Wednesday’s Ful Moon highl ghts business, financ al matters and self-esteem Be inspired by birthday great Judy Garland: “Always be a first-rate version of yourse f instead of a second-rate vers on of somebody else

Finances and luck are l nked over the com ng year as your ruler Jupiter (p anet of good fortune) transits through your money-from-others zone Some lucky Sagittarians can look forward to a boosted bank balance v a a pay r se, bonus, better job, bumper tax return superannuation payout or extra business Don’t fr tter t away with shopaholic tendencies though Wednesday’s fiery Fu l Moon s n your s gn, so you’ l fee fired up and ready for action and adventure!

have done al the hard work that’s required, so you can take advantage of good luck when it comes along Your motto for the coming year is Preparation + Opportun ty = Success ’ The Fu l Moon fires up your we lbeing zone so focus on your physica health and mental we lbeing v a regular exercise, a nutr t ous diet and regu ar re axat on

It’s a good time to gradual y ntroduce regular relaxat on, meditation, prayer and/or contemp ation nto your da ly rout ne as philosoph cal Jupiter umps into your spir tua ity zone And th s weekend s the deal time to start! On Sunday, hasty Mars (in your s gn) squares impu sive Uranus so expect to feel rest ess and maybe even reckless Impu sive Lions cou d jump from the fry ng pan into the fire whereas clever Cats wi l calm down and reca ibrate

The week starts with Mercury (your rul ng planet) l nking up with Jupiter and Saturn So, you’ l find a combination of optimism and disc pl ne wi l take you far Then Jup ter jumps into your hopes-and-w shes zone unti June 2026 So, t’s time to set goals for the future and make ong-term p ans And don’t make them too safe and sensible, V rgo! Go for gold, as generous Jup ter he ps you env sion ambitious dreams and inspir ng schemes over the coming year

Rowell St, Morwell

Jupiter starts ts transit through your ove zone Wh ch s good news for relat onships over the coming year, as you show more generosity and understanding towards oved ones Wednesday’s fiery Full Moon highl ghts your human tar an side, so being of service to others (with k ndness and compass on) br ngs joy and satisfaction P us, take the time to savour and en oy the simple th ngs in your everyday l fe – l ke a k ss from a chi d or a walk in the park

This week Jup ter (planet of good fortune) umps into your work and we lbeing zones which is pos tive news for health matters and ob sat sfaction over the coming year Try to devise a fitness routine that s sustainable and fun Then the Ful Moon fires up your network ng and peer group zones on Wednesday But be extra careful and caut ous on Sunday when the unpredictable Mars/Uranus square cou d stir up your rest ess, reckless, acc dent-prone s de

The next 12 months is a ucky t me to sell shares or real estate, enter a competit on, buy a lottery ticket, win at the cas no or launch a ucrat ve creat ve project, as Jupiter transits through your specu ation and good fortune zones Wednesday’s Ful Moon fires up your career zone so it’s a good week to set professiona goa s, complete a major pro ect, app y for a ob or seal a business deal But avo d being na ve and gu l ble, especial y on Monday and Tuesday

June 9- June 15,2025 COPYR GHT Joanne Madel ne Moore 20265

IN 1923, Howard Gordon Rowell and Mary Louisa Rowell leftSussex in England and headedfor Melbourne.

When they arrived, they headed to Morwell and purchased four building blocks in Commercial Road: 278, 280, 282 and 284.

Mr Rowell then employed abuilder (Mr D Barton) to build avilla including atankstand and galvanised tank at 278 Commercial Rd for the sum of £850.

Mr Rowell was atailor, and made up suits which had two trousers, one waistcoat and one jacket for the sum of £8.

He also had ashop in Commercial Rd between

the newsagent and the state savings banks for quite afew years.

Mr Rowell died in 1967, age 82. Mary Louisa Rowell died in 1971, age 83. The then Morwell Shire Council named Rowell St after Mr Rowell, as the family was well-known around town.

Mr Rowell's son lived next door at 280 Commercial Road for 53 years with his wife and son. Both houses are still there today and in good condition.

Information and photographsupplied by Robert Rowell.

50 years ago

The Express, June 11, 1975

Blitz on Valley’sdole cheats

state opposition’s proposal to extend the new Yarra Ranges National Park. A-Team co-ordinator, Chris Moody, said the members wanted to deliver a“clear message that the union would create turmoil for the opposition if bi-partisan support was not given for the current national parks bill”. “By challenging the bill the Opposition is jeopardising Maryvale’s chances of securing the proposed $250 million APM investment which could go instead to Tasmania,” he said. Mr Moody said both partiesshould follow the Land Care Council’s recommendations on the issue which put forward expert scientific evidence and provided public consultation. National Party MLC Peter Hall told parliament the timberindustry alsogenerated $40 million in local goods and services purchased throughout the community. “So it is an extremelyimportant industry for the Latrobe Valley,” Mr Hall said.

10 years ago

The Express, June 11, 2015 Blanket ban

LATROBE Valleydolecheatsare in for ashock over the nextfortnight. Six field officers from the AustralianDepartment of Social Security’s Melbourne officewill visit the Latrobe Valley within the next two weeks. Mr Pat Dolton, the district manager said today that the field officers would remain in the Valley for afull week. During their stay they would be checking on people on unemployment benefits who are not genuine in seeking employment. They willalso be checkingonthe efforts being made by long term unemployment to find work. Checks will also be made for people whomay be working fulltimeorcasually and collecting unemployment benefits. Mr Dalton stressedthat the department would not be hounding genuine unemployed persons who were keen to return to the workforce. The six field officers willbejoined by thefieldofficerfromSale and the Morwell field officer to cover the whole of the Latrobe Valley in the five days.

30 years ago

The Express, June 3, 1995

Paperworks stormparliament in protest

ABUSLOAD of Maryvale Paper Mill forestry unionmembers stormedstate parliamentthis week in protest againstthe

ANTI-social pub-goers who are bannedfrom venues in one town will now be barred from establishments across the LatrobeValley underanew cross-town partnership. The Traralgon, Moe, and Morwell and District liquor accordsofficiallyamalgamated this week in abid to address alcohol-fuelled violence. “Those sub-branches will still function as their own being, but if aperson is banned fromany of those sub-branches they will be banned from all licenced venues across Latrobe that are signed to this accord,” Latrobe police inspector Dean Thomas said. He also said all late-night venues in the Latrobe Valley had also committed to a1:30am lockout.

From the with AIDAN KNIGHT

Mr andMrs Rowell: Howard Rowell andMaryLouisa Rowell,whomRowell Street, Morwell is named after. Photograph supplied

TheGuide

TRAVELS WITH AGATHA CHRIST AND SIR DAVIDSUCHET

SBS, Saturday, 7.30pm

Long beforeshe invented the “whodunn and revolutionised themurdermystery g Agatha Christie embarked on an epic wo tour in 1922.The Miss Marple and Poirot journeyed across theBritish Empiretose Southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand Canada,evenmaking acheekystopinH Having spent morethantwo decades pla her Belgian detectivePoirot on-screen, S David Suchet(pictured) wishes he hadm the writer,but followinginher footsteps understand the youngwoman she was is the next best thing.His five-part adventurebeginstonight in Southern Africa, whereChristie found inspiration for TheMan in theBrown Suit

Wednesday,June 11

IE nit” genre, orld scribe ee and awaii. aying Sir met to

Dancing queen: Gold Logie winner

RebeccaGibney waltzesher way onto Dancing with the Stars

PICK OF THE W E

EEK

TARS

DANCING WITHTHE ST Seven, Sunday, 7pm

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

Montgomery

9.25 Planet America Hosted by Chas Licciardelloand John Barron

9.55 QI (PG)

11.00 ABC Late News 11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 YouCan’t Ask That. (PG, R) 12.30 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 2.05 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.25 7.30.(R)

DOC Seven, Tuesday, 9pm

yews presenters and trulystellar line-up of ay into the Dancing with ght foranew season and spins. Gold Logie bney,comic Shaun he Bachelor hostOsher wimming legendSusie ongthe 12 famous faces reality TV’s ultimate nweeks of intense resofspray tan and fsequinned fabric,but finally ready to show ir fancyfootwork and theirstuff forjudges RevelHorwood,Helen ey,Sharna Burgess Mark Wilson.

Olympians, comedians, ne podcasters abound as a t celebritiesmaketheir wa the Stars ballroom tonigh s of shimmies, sashays winner Rebecca Gib Micallef,former Th Günsbergand sw O’Neill areamo undertaking r test. It’stake training, litr metres of they’re fi off the strut t Craig Riche and M

Afterlosingeight years’worth of memories, it’s been along road to recovery forDr AmyLarsen (Molly Parker,pictured) in the first season of this remarkable medical drama, based on atrue story. Dr Larsen has been rebuilding her personal andprofessional lives all season long,and now in the penultimate episode, she’sfinally allowedtopractice medicine again without supervision. However, she faces acomplicated situation when her first patient is Randy(Law &Order:SVU’s Demore Barnes),the father of her protégé, TJ (Patrick Walker). Meanwhile, after Dr Richard Miller (ScottWolf )learns that Larsen has been asking aboutthe Dixon case, the desperate doctor takes stepstotry and contain the truth.

TIPPIN AUSTRA Nine, Mon

NG POINT ALIA:REDEMPTION nday, 5pm

Forevery lucky quiz show with a h change or shinynew w there’sahandful of cont what couldhavebeenif moreanswerright,or, in Point,ifacounter hadlan t season one players get a at redemption. Steve, So deal and risked their priz handed. Can oneofthem

winner who leaves a handsome chunk of washer-dryercombo, estants left wondering they’djustgot one the case of Tipping nded even amillimetremorefavourably. This evening,three fortunate asecond tilt at game show glorywhentheyare invited backfor ashot onya and Lily (pictured,fromleft,withhostToddWoodbridge) alltooka ze money in Jackpot Temptation the firsttime around, goinghomeempty mrewrite historyand triumph overthe Tipping Point machine?

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 9.55 Four Corners. (R) 10.45 Long Lost Family:BornWithout ATrace. (PG, R) 11.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.05 ShortHistoryOfThe EnglishGarden.(R) 10.05 BBC News At Ten. 10.35 Soccer. 2026 FIFAWorld Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier.Brazil vParaguay 12.45 ABCWorld NewsTonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up.(R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGadls,R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Farmer WantsAWife. (PGal,R) 2.05 MotorbikeCops. (PG, R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia

6.00 MastermindAustralia

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (M) 8.30 TheVeil. (Mal) Imogen and Adilah continue their journey to Paris. 10.10 SBS World NewsLate. 10.40 Histor yOfThe Amalfi Coast. (PGa, R) 11.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage4.From Charmes-sur-Rhone to Saint-Peray. 1.25 The Wall:The Orchard. (Malsv, R) 3.05 The World From Above (R) 4.05 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PGad)

7.30 The1%Club. (PGls) HostedbyJim Jefferies

8.30 TheFront Bar. (Ml)Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and AndyMaher takea lighter look at all things AFL.

9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by HamishMcLachlan.

10.00 UnbelievableMoments

Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments.

11.00 Born To Kill? (Mav,R)

12.00 Touching Evil. (MA15+adv)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.50pm Kiri And Lou. 4.00 Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures. 4.15 PJ Masks. 4.25 Rocket Club 4.40 Ariel. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.10 Pfffirates 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee 6.50 IsadoraMoon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.10 JuniorVets. 8.40 BTN Newsbreak. 8.45 Abbott Elementary 9.30 Doctor Who 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

ThePiano. (1993,MA15+s, R) 11.45 Jackie Brown. (1997, MA15+dl) 2.35am Like Water ForChocolate. (1992,Man,Spanish) 4.30 Petite Maman. (2021,PGa, French)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters: Grand MastersOfThe Galaxy.(PGl, R) 1.20 Find My CountryHouse Australia. (R) 1.50 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Swimming Australian Trials. Day 3. Finals.

9.40 TheGrand Tour (MA15+l) Jeremy Clarkson organises aFarmkhana. 11.00 9News Late 11.30 TheEqualizer (Mv,R)

12.20 Freddy And TheEighth. (Ml, R)

1.20 Talking Honey. (R)

1.30 TV Shop:HomeShopping. (R)

2.30 GlobalShop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

TEN (10, 5)

Today 6.00 DealOrNoDeal. HostedbyGrant Denyer. 6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch

10’s Late News. 11.05 TheProjec t. (R) 12.05 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colber t. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

9GEM (92, 81)

11.30 Swimming.Australian Trials. Day3.Heats. 1.45pm Innovation Nation. 2.00 Dad’s Army 2.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Maytime In Mayfair.(1949) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Yes, Prime Minister 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Closer 11.40 TheWestWing. 12.40am My FavoriteMartian. 1.05 Creflo 1.35 MOVIE: Maytime In Mayfair.(1949) 3.30 Late Programs. 10 BOLD (12, 53)

Thursday,June12

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 StuffThe British Stole. (PG, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The One That Got Away.(Mal, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Grand Designs UK. (Final, Ml) Adam and Tassy take on agiant water tower

8.50 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG) Presented by Kevin McCloud.

9.40 Grand Designs Australia: Sutton Farm. (R) Hosted by Anthony Burke.

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R)

11.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.00 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 11.00 Canada’sNational Parks. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. (M, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGs, R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: ASister’s Grudge. (2021, Mav) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Our Medicine. (PG)

8.45 Killing Sherlock With Lucy Worsley: Shadows And Sleuths. (PGh) Lucy Worsley explores the character of Sherlock Holmes. 9.45 Sherlock &Daughter. (Mv) Sherlock and Amelia remain determined.

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 The Day The Rock Star Died: Buddy Holly (R)

11.35 Cycling. UCI WorldTour Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 5. From Saint-Priest to Macon. 1.25 Pagan Peak. (MA15+asv,R) 3.05 The World From Above. (R) 4.05 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.55 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Anthem Sessions. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Waabiny Time. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Road Open. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.45 Tribal. 10.20 MOVIE: The Color Purple. (1985, PG) 1am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 14. St Kilda vWesternBulldogs.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game.

11.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 Inside Detroit. (Mal, R) Ben Fogle explores Detroit.

1.00 Raines. (Mahv) Raines investigates a10-year-old’smurder.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Swimming. Australian Trials Day4.Heats 1.35 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv,R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG)

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 4. Finals.

9.30 A+E Crash Scene Emergency (Mam) Follows medical teams at University Hospital Coventry as they work to save the lives

10.30 Panic 9-1-1. (MA15+v) Awoman calls 911 from under her bed.

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews.

7.30 Airport 24/7. (PGal) Atarmac collision disrupts passengers. 8.30 Law &Order: SVU. (Ma) Benson and Carisi suspect awoman’sassault was prearranged by athirdparty 9.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was.

10.30 10’sLate News. Coverage of news, sport andweather 10.55 The Project. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.00 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 Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 2.10 Insight. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Roswell: The First Witness. 10.05 The UnXplained. 10.55 Homicide. 11.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.25 What We Did On Our Holiday.(2014, Mas) 12.20pm Like Water For Chocolate. (1992, Man, Spanish) 2.20 Helene. (2020, PG, Finnish) 4.35 The Chaperone. (2018, PGals) 6.35 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 7.30 Casablanca. (1942, PGav) 9.30 Apocalypse Now Redux. (1979, MA15+alv) 1.25am Late Programs.

Friday,June13

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The YorkshireVet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Grace. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Resto. Noon American Pickers. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 1.30 Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Billy The Exterminator 4.00 Carnage. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 8.30 Britain’s

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 2pm Yes, Prime Minister 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Seven Nights In Japan. (1976, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 15. Cronulla Sharks vStGeorgeIllawarra Dragons. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 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 MOVIE: Green Lantern. (2011, M) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 Veronica Mars. 12.45am Below Deck. 1.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5. (PG, R) 11.05 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Madlv,R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.25 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Alook at the Carlton Gardens site.

8.30 The One That Got Away (Mal) Investigations intensify as the school gunman is connected to the historic case. 9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery

Spicks And Specks. (PG,

(Final, Mv,R)

(PG)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Mountain Vets. (PG, R) 11.05 Canada’s National Parks. (PGa) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNewsTonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGls, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Shetland: Scotland’s Wondrous Isles. (Premiere, PGa) 8.25 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter: The U-Boat Terror (PGa, R) 9.15 Robson Green’sWeekend Escapes: Northumberland Steph McGovern. (PGa, R) 10.25 SBS WorldNewsLate. 10.55 The Day The Rock Star Died: David Bowie. (PG, R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 6. 1.25 The Head. (Madlv) 3.20 The World From Above. (R) 4.25 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 2.00 House Of Wellness. (PGal, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. Alead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 14. HawthornvAdelaide. From University of Tasmania Stadium. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbest racing.

11.45 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGal, R) Hosted by Natalie Gruzlewski. 12.50 Nurses. (Ma, R) Acancer patient undergoes brain surgery

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 Swimming. Australian Trials Day5.Heats 1.30 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv,R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG,R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 5. Finals. 9.35 MOVIE: Something Borrowed. (2011, Mls, R) After her 30th herself secretly falling for her best

11.50 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)Cosgrove teams up with Detective Jalen Shaw

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7pm Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’sYour Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Walking With Dinosaurs. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 6.30 The Project. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. Newlyweds decide the location 8.30 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show (PGalv,R)Graham Norton chats with Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and Dua Lipa. 10.30 10’sLate News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Patriot Brains. 1.25 Planet A. 2.15 WhereAre You Really From? 2.45 Over The Black Dot. 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.05 If YouAre The One. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Vegas: The Story Of Sin City.(Premiere) 9.20 F*ck Berlin. (Premiere) 9.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.25 Rabbit-Proof Fence. (2002, PG) 11.05 Mans, Italian, Russian) 1.05pm The Program. (2015, Madl) 3.00 Ride On. (2023, PGa, Mandarin) 5.20 What’sEating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PGas) 7.30 The Talented Mr Ripley (1999, Malnsv) 10.10 Pulp Fiction. (1994, MA15+adlv) 1.05am Late Programs.

valleysport

Sporting results from around the Latrobe Valley

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MOE Football-Netball Club partnered with the Big Freeze effort at the weekend in the fight against MND

The Lions welcomed a strong turnout to Ted Summerton Reserve for the club’s annual Fight MND fundraiser, which saw a number of prominent local figures take the icy plunge all for a good cause

While the MCG has the iconic slide at the King’s Birthday clash between Collingwood and Melbourne, Moe’s smaller scale dunking machine still meant the concept of ‘freeze MND’ rang true for those going under the water

This year’s ‘dunkees’ were: Moe FNC president, Matt Howlett, his Warragul equivalent and former Moe player, Leigh Sheehan, former Lions senior captain Jacob Wood (on the comeback trail from injury), Moe Racing Club Chief Executive, Cass Rendell, and Latrobe City councillors Sharon Gibson (Newborough Ward) and Adele Puglsey (Moe Ward)

A sea of the familiar Fight MND blue beanies stretched along the section near the China Rowlings Can Bar at Moe FNC

China’s brother and Hawthorn and Richmond premiership player, Barry was among the crowd, and was one of many who sent video messages in the lead up

Video messages were also received from Billy Brownless, Andrew Gaze, Jonathan Brown and Peter Daicos, to name just a few

The Lions have partnered with the FightMND initiative in recent years, with Moe player Ben Daniher now a staple part of the Lions senior midfield

Fittingly, Daniher was among Moe's best players in the win over Warragul, kicking a goal for good measure

While his dad, the inspiring Neale Daniher AO, was unable to attend, he watched the game online

A mountain of work was put in by the Lions' committee, with members from neighbouring Mid Gippsland and North Gippsland footballnetball league clubs in attendance due to byes in their respective competitions

Further afield, Bairnsdale FNC also hosted its annual Freeze MND game against Traralgon

The Redlegs have set the bar very high for local Freeze events, filling a shipping container every year with ice water

The new Pope himself even went down the East Gippy slide

More Gippsland League: Pages 22-24

Leaders: Moe Football-Netball Club President, Matt Howlett and Jan Daniher (Neale’s wife)

Unit: Moe seniors alongside the Daniher family before the Freeze MND game, complete with blue beanies

Great work: Latrobe Valley Umpires Josh Bellingham, Hunter Bailey, Ben Bailey, Sean Maxwell Robert Blunt Brad Prior Will Ainsworth and Luke Miller showed their support for Freeze MND, sporting the iconic blue beanies at Ted Summerton Reserve

Trusty left: Ben Daniher, son of Neale, kicks forward for Moe

Photographs: JulieSim

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

DROUIN 4.0

MAFFR A3.3

(54)

(90)

GOALS Drouin: Aden Quirk,Benjamin Brasier,Caleb Quirk,Cody Fleming, Kaden Gregg,Cody Fleming KyeQuirk,Zach Mcmillan, Sebastiano Amoroso Maffra: Archer Watt 3, MaxStobie 2, Noah Christy2 Daniel Bedggood 2, Coby Burgiel,DannyButcher,ThomasPhillips

BEST Drouin: KyeQuirk,Aden Quirk, William Brewer,DenverLund,CalebQuirk,Max Williames.Maffra: Coby Burgiel,Jett Killoran, Daniel Bedggood,Max Stobie,DannyButcher,Alex Carr

MOE 2.58.7 14.11 17.13 (115)

WARR AGUL 3.3 4.7 8.8 12.10 (82)

GOALS Moe: Leigh Poholke 3, Nathan Scagliarini 3, Myles Poholke 2, Ben Crocker2, Justin Morrow 2, Declan Keilty2,Matthew Heywood,Ben Daniher, JacobBalfour.Warragul: KaiMacLean 2, Zac Stewar t2 Keenan Boi 2, Sean Masterson, Lucas Carter,Tom Hobbs,Tom Stern, Caleb Mcintosh, Liam Serong

BEST Moe: Nathan Scagliarini, Scott van Dyk, Thomas Blackshaw, Harrison Pepper,Myles Poholke,Ben Daniher.Warragul: Sean Masterson, Sam Whibley,Riley Senini, Isaac Wallace, Patrick Mulqueen, Tom Hobbs

SALE2.3

6.7 9.9 13.10 (88)

MORWELL 4.2 6.3 9.5 12.7 (79)

GOALS Sale: Shannen Lange 3, Jordan Dessent 3, Jarrod Freeman 2, Bohdi Walker 2, Thomas Wrigglesworth, Jack Leslie,Kane Cutler,Mor well: Brandon McDonald 3, Joshua Galea 3, Isaac Abas2, Boyd Bailey,Lachlan Patterson, Cody Macdonald,ZacharyAnderson.

BEST Sale: Shannen Lange,JoshButcher,Cooper Whitehill,HarryTatterson, Jordan Dessent, Thomas Wrigglesworth. Morwell: Joshua Galea, Harrison McColl,Aidan Quigley,AnthonyRosato, Zachary Anderson, Cody Macdonald

LEONGATHA 1.1 7.3 12.4 17.10 (112)

WONTHAGGI

3.24.2 5.4 6.4 (40)

GOALS Leongatha: Jenson Garnham 4, Tallin Brill 3, Nicholas Argento2,Aydan Williams 2, Luke Bowman

2, Dyson Heppell 2, Thomas Marriott, Ty Hall.Wonthaggi: Jaxon Williams 2, Cooper McInnes 2, Noah Anderson, Jai Williams

BEST Leongatha: Luke Bowman, Dyson Heppell,Aaron Heppell,Tallin Brill,Benjamin Harding,Benjamin Willis.Wonthaggi: ReeveMoresco,Noah Anderson, Kyle Reid,Jarryd Blair, Cooper McInnes,Ethan Dickison.

BAIRNSDALE 4.14.3 8.4 11.6 (72)

TR AR ALGON 4.3 5.6 8.7 13.8 (86)

GOALS Bairnsdale: Jamie Dore3,Lachlan Byrne -Jones 2, Jonah Walker 2, Jobe Froud 2, Jesse Bills

2, Traralgon: Jackson McMahon 3, Kade Ruyters 2, Dylan Loprese 2, Liam Willaton, Hugh Dunbar Matthew Nor the,Daniel McKenna, TyeHourigan, Cooper Brown.

BEST Bairnsdale: Ethan East, Jobe Froud,Jamie Dore, Cooper Har vey, LachlanByrne -Jones,Will Mitchell Traralgon: TyeHourigan, Jordan Cunico, Luis D’Angelo,Tristen Waack,Jackson McMahon, Hugh Dunbar

Roaringintomidseason

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE Big Freeze came early on all fronts at Ted Summerton Reserve at the weekend.

Not only with all the brilliantfestivities on display to rally around such agreat cause, butthe chilled winter wind also arrived and agreat contestlooked to be on display (at least for patches).

Moe retained top spot in the Gippsland League after Round 8with a17.13 (115) to 12.10 (82) handling of Warragul -but it wasn’t without its challenges.

While hands were shook from both sets of players, afierce opening quarter got underway, with the Gulls looking to dirty up the game the best they could and get under the skin of the league’s best side through seven rounds of footy.

That would all come,but throughout a majority of the firststanza, Warragul was simply outworking and out-pressuring the favoured Lions.

Winning the ball out the centre bounce at every go gave the Gulls first hit, with Lucas Carter taking aclean grab in striking distance off arebound 50.

Despite an early spring from the visiting side, the Lions gained plenty of the ball in their attackingend,but were unable to come up with significant score.

Warragul then workedagainst Moe’s momentum to gain another through Kai MacLean, which gave thought to those watching that this wouldbemore of amatch than previously expected. Such thoughts were only heightened after another Gulls goal shortly after extendedthe leadto17 points.

For the thir dt im et his season ,t he Lionsbrought in theiryoungguns from Gippsland Power (on bye due to the Under 18 Championships), which added flair and speed but were also put in difficult situations, much like most of their teammates, due to the Gulls' pressure.

Lions one short the rest of the day. Moe found time shortly after to gracefully pass the ball through anumberofplayers, and just as midfielder Trent Baldi was about to deliver inside forward 50, was cleanedup, resulting in adownfield free kick into Harry Pepper’s hands.

While not converting that time, the passage showed equally just how difficult Moe can be to defend with the ball in-hand when they are on their ‘A Game’, as well as how Warragul wished to assert theirphysicality the rest of the way.

Afew minutes later, Pepper produced what was quite simple, but alsobrilliant, electing to lower his eyes to find Justin Morrow closer to home instead of spraying away from the 50-metre line -giving Moe their first lead and showed theimportance of remaining team-first.

Keenan Boi tight angle snap, howeverhis side was still facinga four-goal deficit heading into halftime.

Needing to negate the Lions attackinside 50, the Gulls again sent aspare behind the ball as Moe controlled possessionasplay returned.

The Nathan Scagliarini show arrived for the Lionswith back-to-backlong-range bombs that sent the home crowd ablaze in front of the China Rowlings Can Bar, and pushed the margin to 38 points, looking as though they’d be too much to overcome now.

EvenwhenWarragul found time with hands or by foot, Moe’s key backs the likes of Tom Blackshaw and Nick Prowse cleaned up everyopportunity the Gulls thought they had.

GOALS Drouin: Ben Tranfield,KalebHermansen. Maffra: Luke Dyer 2, Jackson Cottrell,Wil Ross Matthew Phelan, Jovi Kellow, Sebastian Pendergast, Benjamin Harrington. BEST Drouin:Ben Tranfield,PeytonSaddington, William Young,Kaleb Hermansen, Fletcher Lockwood Arli Fleming.Maffra: Ryan Phelan, Luke Dyer,Jackson Cottrell,Will Burgiel,Winston Gieschen, Joel Bristow MOE 1.76.109.1214.17 (101)

AGUL

GOALS Moe: Will Robinson 5, Lachlan Rock 4, Jayden VanDyk 2, Brendan Holt, Shaun Curtis,Rober t Matthews. Warragul: Cameron Thompson.

BEST Moe: Lachlan Rock,Warren Hester,Will Robinson, Jar yn Makepeace, Nicholas Battley,Aaron Wilson. Warragul: James Davidson, Jack Casson, Scott Kelly,Cameron Thompson, Kade Bowie,Lachlan Miller

SALE3.2 5.3 8.5 13.9 (87)

(39)

MORWELL 0.1 0.1

GOALS Sale: Zane Waixels 5, Jack Rietschel 3, Mason Annear,Hayden Potts,Aston Allen, Mitchell McMaster,Bailey Harrison. Morwell: Oakley Howe 2, Brendan Briggs,Corey White, Dylan Makepeace, Riley Johnstone -McCloud

BEST Sale: Shannen Lange,Josh Butcher,Cooper Whitehill,HarryTatterson, Jordan Dessent, Thomas Wrigglesworth. Morwell: Joshua Galea, Harrison McColl,Aidan Quigley,AnthonyRosato, Zachary Anderson, Cody Macdonald

LEONGATHA 2.1 4.4 6.5 10.7 (67)

WONTHAGGI

0.10.1 2.2 2.2 (14)

GOALS Leongatha: Brok Davidson 2, Flynn Materia2,Jay Walker,Connor Watson, Ben Fort,Tadgh Gannon, Luke Marshman, Rhys butler .Wonthaggi: llie Dawson, James Lewis.

BEST Leongatha: Xavier Bolge,BrokDavidson, Noah Fixter,Isaak Fox, Christopher Rump,Jay Walker Wonthaggi: Riley Lindsay, James Lewis, Emanuel Joma, Silas O’Halloran, TomDavey, Andrew McNeel

BAIRNSDALE

0.20.5 1.6 2.7 (19)

TR AR ALGON 5.3 11.6 14.9 17.15 (117)

GOALS Bairnsdale: Matthew Hamilton ,Lachlan Sykes.Traralgon: Oliver Haberl 4, Fletcher Watts 4, Matt McCafferty2,Cohen Ruyters,Beau White, PeterStrong,Damien Hough, Alex Lovison, RileyAdams Goanar Ruach

BEST Bairnsdale: Michael Dunstan, Privateplayer, Harrison Cook,Daniel Kurrle,Max East,Matthew Hamilton. Traralgon: Jarn Macumber,AlexLovison, Oliver Haberl,FletcherWatts,Goanar Ruach, Cohen Ruyters

Moefound time to recoup before quarter time with two of thelastthree goals, matching Warragul around the contest, but were still lucky not to concede even more with some questionable inboard kicks.

That played apartinanother one of firstyear coach Leigh Poholke’s now vintage sprays delivered to the Moe group, who seemed to be playing down to the competition and the occasion, trailing by four points after half-an-hour.

The Lions, almostliketrainedassassins, arrived at their positions well before Warragul had left their huddle, knowing that plenty was still to play out.

Theywould loseone earlyhowever, as young Jordan Shields left the field with an apparentshoulder injury after finding himself underneath atackle, leaving the

The Lions looked to be on now, and fortunes seemed to be switching when Ben Daniher came back with the flight to take amarkand come around thecorner for another Moe goal on what was aspecial day for his family.

The pressure thatWarragul utilised in the first quarter had quickly been subverted, as Moescoredanothermajor (their third straight for the term).

Despitethe Gulls being the ones who wanted to be pestsonthe dayand taketheir opponent’s mindsoff the game, Warragul was givenafree kick centreoffield, yet Baldi smartly held up the ball and Tom Hillard went to retrieve for his teammate, clearly annoyed by Baldi’s antics, asubsequent push reversed the free.

Moments later, Morrow snapped truly and beautifully to give the Lions a20-point lead.

Warragul finally responded off anice

Poholkeinpower

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE BY LIAM DURKIN

ANY coachwilling to drive40,000 kilometres aseason is surely committed.

Moe Football-Netball Club senior coach, LeighPoholkewill call the shots again in season 2026.

Poholkewas re-signed lastweek following ameeting with the club’s powerbrokers. While his initial appointment was “officially” for one year, Poholke said the weekly commute fromSorrento was working well enough to enable him to commit to the job again.

“It was always atwo-year thing,” Poholke confirmed with the Express

Among them is Leigh’s youngerbrother and former Adelaide player Myles Poholke, and former Crow and Collingwood forward Ben Crocker, the current runawayleaderin the league’s goal-kicking stakes.

The new recruits have complemented alistthat already contained former AFL locals Declan Keilty, Brock Smith and Harry Pepper, as well as VFL-listed player Riley Baldi.

“I’ve said numerous times it’s the best football sideI’ve been involved in in my 15 years at local level,” Poholke said of the current Moe team.

“We’re trying to win now, we’ve got all the chips to win and the boys just thrive off it.

Whilethe opening to the secondhalf produced10goals, six went to Moe, showing the desire and experience (or simply talent) to overcome an early blip.

Even when Warragul mounted consistent goals in the last quarter, the Lions had the tools to respond quickly,and nipped any chance of alateand dramatic comeback happening.

Moe kept their distance, over30pointsthe rest of the way home for their seventh win from eight games played.

Scagliariniwas at his bestinthe second half but active all day to collect best-onground, while ScottVan Dyk, Blackshaw, Pepper, MylesPoholke and Daniherstood out in aloaded list of performances.

Sean Masterson, Sam Whibley, Riley Senini, Isaac Wallace, Patrick Mulqueen, and Tom Hobbs werevaliant in defeat for Warragul.

He has also been quick to stamp out any complacency.

During preseason,hehad playerssit down in acircle of truth Malcolm Blight style to discuss attendance.

Having coached in th eh igh-s takes, high-money Mornington Peninsula league (generally considered among the best in the state), Poholke said the Gippsland League more than held its own.

“The Gippsland League is great, grounds are amazing,facilities are incredible,”he said.

“Some unbelievable players,justincredible. Will Leslie (Sale defender) impressed me out of sight,(Sean)Masterson the (Warragul) full back on Crocker, Ididn’tknow there was that many quality individuals.

“Moe’s been top threefor the last three years,been in this position before, we all know we’re going to be judged by how we go in September, there’s no secret there.”

Equally important though, Poholke said the club’s off-field work couldnot be faulted.

Page 22 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 11 June, 2025

“Justthat secondyear before we put it in paper to get comfortable with the travel and the family, it was only amatter of time, it’s probably been in the works for six/seven weeks.

“I’d love to be here for five (years), it’s just gottowork with familylife, and it’s got to work for the football club as well.”

Poholke grew up in Moe before moving to the Mornington Peninsula.

His dad still lives in Tanjil South, and has taken on the role of senior team manager this season.

As manager,hehas had first lookat the number of quality names on the team sheet, which currently sees Moe on top of the Gippsland League ladder.

“It’s blownmeaway. Iknewalittle bit about the club prior but Ididn’t think it was this well ran or organised,” he said.

“It is just so easytocoach, the playing groupisoutstanding, their coachability, their wanting to learn, the way they take feedback is like nothing I’ve come across.”

Whilewinning has undoubtedly made the job easier, Poholke has also been quick to lay down the law.

Those present at Bairnsdale in Round 1 and again at Ted Summerton Reserve last Saturday did not need to get closetothe huddle to know he was less than pleased.

“There’s some genuine AGrade footballers that should be playing higher level, VFL, obviously Hourigan (Traralgon captain Tye Hourigan) should be playing AFL, there’s a lot of blokes that could be playing VFL but maybe due to travel they don’t.

“People are quick to jump on country footy Iwouldthink that therewouldbethree-four teams that would have no issue being very competitive on the Mornington Peninsula.”

The Lions face agood test this weekend, travelling to Wonthaggi to complete the first half of the season.

Moeappears to be playing with great clarityatpresent, although this can hardly be surprising: Poholke has two hours to think about footy every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on the drive up.

Yeah baby: Moe’s Trent Baldi and Nathan Scagliarini celebrateagoal at Ted Summer tonReser ve.Scagliarini lit up the thirdquar ter, kicking three goals in abest-onground display. Photograph: JulieSim

Morwell undone,Heppell

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

WHO wants to play finals?

It’s arhetorical question, but just one look at the Gippsland League ladderafter Round 8paints a very clear picture.

Amazingly, there are five teams all on the same number of points.

Even more remarkably, the team coming secondlast is equal to the team in the top five.

With asizable gap between fourth and fifth, the race to secure the last available spot in finals could take place over nine rounds, after the first half of the season wraps up this weekend.

This might be the second time Gippsland sees a lengthy process used to reachanoutcome this year.

 STILL not sure about Morwell.

If you are only averaging 55 points over five weeks, it leaves the door open for any team to win.

Sale walked through that door and walked back outwithvictoryontheir home turf, after defeating the Tigers 13.10(88) to 12.7 (79).

The result carried vastly different reactions in the immediate aftermath.

For Sale, the pulse of season 2025 remains ever so alive. For Morwell, alarm bells are surely ringing.

The Tigers hold fifth spot but only by percentage, and with just one win since Round 2, it is looming as another unfortunate season of ‘if only’. Morwell started brightly enoughatSaleOval, kickingfourgoals to two in the opening term, before the Magpies hit back with four of their own.

Both sides traded goals in the third, and it was more of the same in the last, yet Sale found itself ahead by nine points when the final siren sounded to give Jarrod Freemanawin for game number 150. Freeman played acrucial part, kicking two goals, while Shannen Lange did Shannen Lange things,

kicking three in yet another best-on-ground display.

Former club captainJordanDessent kicked justasmany, and washelpedbyJoshButcher, Cooper Whitehill, Harry Tatterson (available due to aGippsland Powerbye) and Tom Wrigglesworth.

Josh Galea did his best to emulate Lange’s effort, kicking three goals for Morwell.

Harri McColl also played well, as did Aidan Quigley, Anthony Rosato, Zac Anderson in his 150th senior game, and Cody Macdonald.

On adisappointing day for the Tigers, there was at least onepositive, with youngster JoshSeymour making his senior debut.

 TRARALGON left Bairnsdale with all they desired.

The Maroons survived ascare at avenue that is traditionally hard to take points from, getting up 13.8 (86) to 11.6 (72).

Justthreepoints separated combatants at the final change of ends, before the visitors kicked five goals to three to ensure victory.

Jackson McMahon had asay in the result,nailing three majors, and was one of nine individual goal kickers for Traralgon.

Usualsuspect Tye Hourigan was best in the win, while Jordan Cunico,Luis D’Angelo, TristenWaack and Hugh Dunbar also played well.

SamHallyburton was anotable out for the Maroons,off enjoying the European summer

Hallyburton got agame in for North Gippsland club Cowwarr when Traralgon had abye for the split round afortnight ago.

Ethan East was bestfor Bairnsdale, and remains arguably the Redlegs most important player.

Should the big man go down, it might just signal the end of Bairnsdale’s finals chances.

The Redlegs are among the cluster of five teams on 12 pointstrying to take fifth spot, while the Maroons’ victoryatthe weekend ensures there remains atwo-game gap in fourth.

Job Froud, Jamie Dore, Cooper Harvey, Lachlan Byrne-Jones and Will Mitchellrounded out the best for Bairnsdale.

 MAFFRA and their names.

Butcher, Pleming, Robbins and Burgiel but to name afew.

The Eagleswelcomed amore than handy inclusion at the weekend, slotting former West Coast player Coby Burgiel in for agame.

The son of Maffra champion and Hawthornplayer, Hayden, Cobywas back home for the long weekend, and played astarringrole in the Eagles’ 13.12 (90) to 8.6 (54) win over Drouin.

Taking to Trafalgar RecreationReserve, which musthave felt aliteral worldaway fromPerth's Optus Stadium, Burgiel saw his home club break away from adeterminedHawks outfit searching for its first win.

Just17points was the difference heading into the last, yet five goals to two meant Maffra drove east with athird win for the season.

Jett Killoran was productive, along with Eagles senior games record holder Daniel Bedggood, Max Stobie, Danny Butcher and Alex Carr.

The Quirk boys, Kye, Adenand Caleb foughtwell for Doruin, as did Will Brewer, Denver Lund and Max Williames.

Burgielhas been playing for West Perth in the WAFL,and had abreak in his schedule.

Every elusive in providing too much club information; when asked if his appearancewas aone off or asignofthings to come, all one Maffra official offered to this masthead was “you never know”.

 SOMETHING everyone does know is that Dyson Heppell is very good at football, but surely even he isn’t making 70 points difference.

Everything went to planfor Leongatha, as the club welcomed its favoured son back for the South Gippsland Showdown against Wonthaggi.

While the match between two top-three sides

was expected to be asizzler, it quickly turned into afizzer.

The Parrots rarely faltered after quarter time, and won convincingly, 17.10 (112) to 6.4 (40).

Convincing was the margin, and ominous for Moe and Traralgon, the two teams likely to be fighting Leongatha for the premiership.

After playinginevery Grand Finalacross the last decade,the Parrots started this seasoninsomewhat underwhelming fashion, leading conventional wisdom to determine Leongatha was done.

Afteraperformance like this however, the warningshotcould nothave been any louder.

Heppell,playinghis firstgame at ParrotPark since juniors, was listed in the best, alongside brother Aaron and fellow Leongatha veterans Luke Bowmanand Ben Willis. Tallin Brill and Ben Harding also contributed.

Reeve Moresco,Noah Anderson, Kyle Reid, coach Jarryd Blair, Cooper McInnes and Ethan Dickison battled hard for the Power in club favourite and the man dubbed “one of the club’s greatest backmen”, Shannon Bray’s 150th game.

Wonthaggi’s loss may be attributed to battle fatigue from agutsy five-point win over Traralgon last round, in which they lost key defender Fergus O’Connor and Jakeb Thomas to asuspected broken leg.

Blair will be hoping the weekend’s performance was an aberration,althoughhemay still have some lingering doubts over whether asix-win, two-loss record is an accurate reflection of where his team sits.

Drouin aside, Wonthaggi has struggled to really put any opponents away, while it appears midfielder Ryan Sparkes is carrying ahuge workload. By contrast, formerCollingwood player Isaac Chugg (generally regarded as one of the leading players in the competition) has been named in the best just once this season.

Drouin exploring options away fromGippslandLeague

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY DAVID BRAITHWAITE

MEMBERS of the Drouin football and netball clubs will vote later this month on whether to progress their bid to move from the Gippsland to the West Gippsland league.

Aspecial general meetingwill be held on Monday, June 23.

In 2018, Drouin Football Club members voted 58-4infavour of movingtothe West Gippsland Football-Netball Competition.

"On this occasion, anddespite acompelling business case, our application was declined," the Hawks stated in announcing details of the coming meeting on Facebook.

Theprevious application was to join asingular WGFNCdivision.

Earlier this year, the WGFNC formed an independent boarddevoted to growingthe competition,with the aim of having atwo-tiereddivisional structure.

"Because we have the latest information in 2025 to consider, it creates an opportunity for our members to proactivelyreviewfurther details, vote accordingly based on the updated details, and if in favour, apply to return to the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition," the Hawks stated.

The club asked members to reflect on its time in the Gippsland League from afootball and netball perspective.

Information from both the Gippsland League, WGFNC and the Drouin football and netball clubs (which are separate entities) will be presented to the meeting

Apotential change of leagues comes as the Hawks are enduring atoughseason, with homegames played away from Drouin duetomajor ground works. Thesenior footballteam is withouta win fromeight rounds, however the AGrade netball team is in the top four.

The Hawks have won 14 premierships since joining the single division Gippsland League in 2005, all in netball, with six coming in AGrade.

The bestresultsfor the Hawks'senior football team were consecutive Grand Finalappearances in 2010 and 2011.

Wonthaggi Power Football-Netball Club has also explored apossible move into atwo-tier WGFNC competition.

In astatement last week, the Gippsland League confirmed it granted permissionfor Wonthaggi and Drouin to "review their current and future strategic directions” and said “The league remains committed to ongoing strategic planning with our member clubs."

Footnote: The Gippsland League (then West Gippsland Latrobe FL) had ashort-livedtwo divisional structure between 2002 and 2004. The divisions were purely geographical, withnopromotion/relegation, and came about when the West Gippsland Football Leagueadministration merged with the Gippsland Latrobe FL. The 'Premier'

division consisted of: Traralgon, Morwell, Moe, Maffra, Sale,Leongatha and Wonthaggi Blues. The'Western' Division was: Warragul, Drouin, Garfield,CoraLynn,Kilcunda-Bass, Nar Nar Goon, Phillip Island, Rythdale-Officer (ROC) and Tooradin.Warragul, Drouin and Garfield joined the Gippsland League in 2005. Garfield left in 2009, but

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

TRARALGON Football-Netball Club will welcome astar-studded line-up for itspast players day this Saturday (June 14).

Favourite sons and Brownlow Medallists Bernie Quinlan and Kelvin Templeton are set to headline formalities, as the Maroons gather to celebrate anumberofpremiership reunions.

Of most note will be the 2005 senior flagarguably thegreatest upsetthe Gippsland League has ever seen.

Traralgon will also celebrate its senior flags of 2000 and 2015, the latter being an especially high achieving year when the Maroons did the ‘double’, winning senior football and AGrade netball.

the league gained Wonthaggi Power (who formed when Wonthaggi Blues and Wonthaggi Rovers merged) from Alberton in 2010 and Bairnsdale from EastGippsland in 2011. TheGippsland League hasremained a10-team competitionever since. Western Division records are not included in official Gippsland League records (by Liam Durkin).

Ateam of the quarter century willalsobe named, recognising the best players to pull on a Maroons football jumper since the millennium. Theeventwill be split into aday and evening section.

The lunch event commences at 12 noon in the social rooms, while the main past players function begins at 7pm.

Current Collingwood player and former Traralgon boy,Tim Membrey is expected to be in attendance.

Those wishing to become more involved in Traralgon FNC Past Players, or to find out more,are encouragedtoemail: traralgonfncpastplayers@gmail.com

Morwell 1985 premiership reunion Page 24

IndescribableGrand Final relived

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

IT’S hard to beat someone who never gives up.

It's even harder when there is 20 of them.

Morwell players had every reason to give up in the last quarter of the 1985Gippsland League Grand Final.

The Tigers were 35 points down at the 10-minute mark of the final term, before staging the most dramatic, and improbable comeback ever seen in Gippsland, or country Victorian football for that matter.

The final scoreboard itself speaks of the sheer avalanche of goals Morwell produced: 20.15 (135) to 17.7 (109).

Such ascore linenormally indicates acomfortableenough victory,yet as events surrounding the main attraction played out, it becameclear this was something phenomenal.

In 40 years since, there has never been agame like it.

There may well never be anything that eclipses it as long as the game is played.

Morwell themselves have won their share of unlikely flags. You only have to go back alittle more than adecade when the Tigers of 2013 rolled ared hot Sale.

Yet for asheer, against-the-odds,miraculous premiership victory, there is surely nothing that can top 1985.

To confirm it wasn’t adream,Morwell players and officials from that season gathered recently to reflectfour decades on.

Among the contingent was David Vogel, who in 1985 was a27-year-old car salesman with more than 100 games under his belt.

By that stage he’d already won two Trood Award and Rodda Medals as the best player in the Gippsland League,and wasonhis way to a best afield display in the Grand Final.

Vogel remembers apacked Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe, who paid $17,540 at the gate (worth more than $50,000today) for the showdown between the Latrobe Valley’s two biggest rivals.

He also remembers Morwell supporters beating the traffic, leaving the ground as the last quarter unfolded.

“I got aliftbackafter the game from aguy that was halfway home back to Morwell. (He) heard it on the radio, (and) came back,” Vogel said.

“We were afair bit down but we were still positive. It’s acliché but never give up. (We) just got on a

Worthy: Morwell playing-coach PeterHall is chaired offthe ground by AlanLoweand Steve Sanders followingthe Tigers’ incredible Grand Final comeback. Photograph supplied

Backtogether: Membersofthe Morwell 1985 premiership gather fortheir 40-year reunion.

roll, Alan Lowe and Steve Sanders, centre half forward/full forward started to dominateinthe last quarter, and our running players went from there.

“Any Grand Final is fantastic to win, but we were shot ducks at the time, that’s what makes it quite unique, to come from that far back to win.”

Morwell’s road to the decider was tough enough. TheTigers had to go the long way after finishing third on the home-and-away ladder with 17 wins.

That in itself shows just how more cutthroat the competition was back then. Seventeen wins today would just about guarantee the minor premiership.

Not so in 1985, as avery longseason of 22 games was required to accommodate the 12 competing teams during the league’s halcyon days. Churchill, Newborough, Yallourn Yallourn North andTraralgonTyers United all competed in the majorleague during this time -anunimaginable thought today.

The Tigers wentinto finalswithoutthe luxury of the double chance,and only just pippedLeongatha by three points in the first semi-final.

Aprecursor to the drama that unfoldedtwo weeks later was felt when leading Morwell forward John Featherston was ousted.

Featherston had kicked more than 100 goals for the season, yet did not play again following the semi-final.

In came Sanders from the reserves, who ended up playing arguably the best fortnight of his life, kicking five goalsinthe preliminary final, and half-a-dozen in the big dance.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

That Morwell ended up kicking 10 unanswered goals without the competition’s leading forward availablefor the Grand Final only added to its insanity.

While the Tigers won the preliminaryfinal by 49 pointsagainst Warragul,eventhen it was a comeback victory.

Morwell trailed by 16 points at halftime, yet banged on 12 goal to one after the main break to send the Gulls packing in straight sets.

“Warragul was the best side,” Vogel said of the 1984 reigning premier.

Little was anyone to know such arate of goals and the frequency at which the Tigers kickedthem would prove so decisive.

Adding to the subplots was the fact Morwell playing-coach Peter Hall was recalledfor the preliminaryfinal -the same Hall who’d coached Traralgon to five grand finals, including in the previous season.

Hall, who went on to enjoy alengthy career as The Nationals state member for Gippsland/Eastern Victoria, was perhaps well served to do so given the political backlash that wouldhave surrounded his move from the Maroons to the arch-enemy.

Another familiar name featured in the Tigerslineup in ayoung Rob Dickson. Dickson was already apremiership winner for Morwellin1983, and was looking to the next year when the 1985 Grand

GIPPSLANDLEAGUE GRAND FINAL 1985

Date: Saturday,September 21, 1985

Venue: TedSummerton Reserve, Moe

Morwell goals: SteveSanders6,Alan Lowe 5, RodKerr 2, SteveAllison 2, Peter Henderson 2, RobDickson, Colin McColl, David Vogel

Morwell best: David Vogel, Alan Lowe,Brett Stanistreet, Colin Metcalf,MarkPearce, SteveSanders

Captain/coach: PeterHall

Morwell senior premierships: 1961, 1966, 1983, 1985,1988, 1993,1996, 2013,2014

Final rolled around, signalling his intention to try his luck in the big league with Hawthorn.

Dickson played17games for the Hawks between 1988 and 1990, at atimewhensenior opportunity was incredibly difficult to come by given the club’s success (premierships in '88-'89). He then headed north to the newly-formed Brisbane Bears, while working on his craft as afilmmaker.

His untimely death in 2009 shocked the football world, although his legacy lives on today through Dickson Films, headed by his brother, and fellow Morwell local Peter.

Rob was commissionedbythe AFL to produce adocumentary on the 150th anniversary of Australian Rules Footballin2008: TheEssence of the Game,regarded as one of the best AFL documentary’s ever created.

If adocumentary is ever madeonthe ’85 Gippsland League Grand Final, it may well examine just how Traralgon managed to lose.

On the quarter-by-quarter scores at least, while the Maroons held decent leadsateach of the break they were by no means completely safe.

Traralgon led by 17 points at quartertime, 22 at the half, and 27 heading into the last.

While afive goal lead should have been enough in aGrand Final, it was aclose enough deficit to reel in, especially in agame thatwas relatively high-scoring.

Afew other hidden factors might have also contributed. The Tigers had defeated the Maroons in ahigh-scoringRound11match,puttingup23. (142) on that occasion, and didn’t play Traralgon in any of the finals, which perhaps added asurprise element when they met on Grand Final day.

This was alsoatimewhenthe emphasis on defence wasnowhere near the level it is today.

Morwell averaged 120 points for in season 1985, one of five teams to average triple figure scores each week.

For Rob Popplestone, one of the 20 vanquished Traralgon players that day, he feltMorwell' comeback came down to momentum, and astrok of some good fortune.

“It was quite incredible, the turnaround, the next five minutes, it waslikea dreamwhere everything went in slow motion,” he said in a2022interview with the Herald Sun

“I remember Doggy Vogel (David) running past me and all of asudden they got alittle bit of momentum. They were kicking goals from places you don’t kick goals. You talk about Eddie Betts, you talk about young Daicos (Nick), they’re nothing on the goals this side was kicking.

opposition it was agood five minutes of footy to watch. Most of us (Traralgon players) unfortunately were watching it.”

Vogel admitted to the freakish nature of acouple of the goals, and felt they provided moments when he thought Morwell could go on and win.

“WhenRod Kerr kicked agoal in the goal square on his left foot, Peter Henderson snapped one over his shoulderfrom the boundary line, and then ‘bang’ away we went,” he said.

Popplestone was among the best players for the Maroons, and kickedwhatmost assumed would be thesealer in the last quarter.

“There was no question we’d won the Grand Final,” he said after he’d put Traralgon so far in front.

“I still remember grabbing that ball,‘Bones’ Johnson tapped it down,I tookitcleanly, had a couple of yards on Brett Hayes, the ball off the boot looked fantastic. Icould hear Graeme Eddy in the commentary go ‘that goal from Popplestone, he’s the match winner’, andI ran backtothe centre thinking ‘yeah, we’ve won it here. How can we be beaten?’.”

For their part in the danceoft he dismal, PopplestonesaidTraralgon players were totally stunned.

“The final siren wentand we sort of looked at each other like ‘did that happen? Did we lose the unlosable Grand Final?’.”

Conversely, Vogel simply said“the euphoriawas unbelievable.”

Now living on the Gold Coast, Vogel still keeps close tabs with Morwell Football-Netball Club, where he played close to 200 games.

Despite playing and coaching elsewhere around the traps for many years since, ’85 remainshis only premiership, and an obvious career highlight (ifyou are only going to win one flag, this is agood one to have on your CV).

He says the Morwell team of that time are his “closestmates”, with the bond existingall these years on.

The celebrations might still be going as well.

The final quarter of the 1985 Gippsland League Grand Final can be watched on YouTube.

“They were amazing goals. If you weren’t on the

Stillhappened: TheTigerscame from six goalsdowninthe lastquar tertowin the

Photograph: Liam Durkin

flag

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Wins for Moe, Morwell in AGrade

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

DOMINANT displays were showcased in the Gippsland League at the weekend.

While amajority of Round8playedout with substantial victories, most eyed or kept close tabs on the GrandFinal rematch that took centre stage between back-to-back reigning premier Moe and Warragul.

 SUPREMACY continues.

The Lions inflicted Warragul’s first loss of the season at Ted Summerton Reserve, while simultaneously extending their hot start to eight straight wins.

Moe kept decent distance over the Gulls all day to win 63 to 57.

Returningtothe hardcourt after afew home games spent indoors across at Moe P.L.A.C.E, the chilled weather outdoors didn’t deter the Lions' super team.

The tight-knit premier hadextramotivation to securethe four points, with consistent centre

Charlize Bird celebrating her 100th senior game -one of ahandful of Moe players to feature in all three of Moe’s recent premiership dominance.

While both sides have sat as the two clear top teams through the opening point of the season, once the game got underway, adifference of who was lining up compared to last September was clear.

The two topshooters in the 2024GrandFinal of Ramayer Gourley (Moe) and Emma Ryde (Warragul) were now direct opponents, with the Lions securing the talents of Tasmanian state player Ashlea Mawer during the offseason, pushing Gourley to her more natural position of goalkeeper.

Ryde scored two quick goals within the first 30 seconds, only for Moe to knock in 11 of the next 15 scores to go ahead by five goals.

Despite Warragul’s best efforts and intentions, that cushion carried the Lions through to the first break, with alead of 18-13.

Gulls goal keeper Ella Rees was definitely made to work against Mawer, who seemingly converted every opportunity, or even if she missed, grabbed arebound for asecond chance on every occasion

Addedtothat Mawer mauling, she was also supported by Georgia Moody, finding goals more consistently as well in the second quarter.

That equal scoring boost elevated Moe’s separationwith Warragul evenfurther, as when halftime arrived, the Lions held adouble digit lead.

As playreturned, Moe pressedforward,but Rees garnered some crucial stops against Mawer to then see the ball swing back down the opposite end as Ryde converted automatically -cutting the lead to eight goals.

Even with that quick burst, the Lions’ passing ability was second to none, and despite the still new entrance of Mawer into the attacking circle, Moe’s connection was undeniable.

With that, Moe maintained control and responded

at every push by Warragul to hold asimilar lead throughout the middle stages of the third quarter.

Warragul began to chip away at their deficit, getting it to its closest since the beginning of the match at asix-goal difference.

Moe still managed to withstand and hold fort throughtothe lastrestperiodwith the score reading 47-41.

As Warragul etched the margin to fivegoals, rose JordanPyle, supportingGourley who wastoughly managing Ryde with afew significant deflections which resulted in the ball ending up down the other end for aconversion.

While the Gullsdid not give in at any stage, with the fourth quarter astalemate in terms of score, Moe require an otherworldly zone to overcome if behind.

The Lions held strong until the end with Olivia Barnett, coach Alex Moody and sister Georgia making up some of the best players on the day.

Georgia scored 18 goals to support Mawer’s 45, which subdued Ryde’s 54 tally.

Warragul had Renee Cook, Rees, and Mackenzie Minichiello as their best.

 MORWELL held onto third position with a 55-40 victory over battlers Sale.

Outatthe Sale Oval Court, the Tigers did the majority of their best work during the opening stanza to give themselves leeway throughout the rest of the game.

The Magpies fought hard, especially in the last three quarters, but Morwell are on awarpath to

Hundred up for Lions netball centre

BY LIAM DURKIN

MOE Football-NetballClubnetballer Charlize Bird played her 100th senior match for the club at the weekend.

The Lions’ midcourter celebrated in the best possibleway, with victory in the Grand Final rematch over Warragul at Ted SummertonReserve during Round 8action

The win maintains Moe’s undefeated run in season 2025, as the Lions look to become the first club in Gippsland League history to win ahat-trick of AGrade flags.

Bird has been there for not only the previous two premierships, but all three AGrade titles won by Moe since their breakthrough triumph in 2018.

In addition, she also played in the club’sfirst senior netball premiership when BGrade lifted the trophy in 2017.

Coming full circle, her first AGrade premiership coach was Peter Moody, and the team is now coached by his eldest daughter, Alex.

The former paidcredit to Bird for her determination on court.

"I could be putting her up against the best centre in the world and she wouldn't be worried about it at all," he said in a2020 podcast with the author.

"The beauty is she's simple in the way she goes about it, she doesn't overcomplicate anything." Bird was also apart of the Gippsland Stars' squad for the team's inaugural foray into the Victorian Netball League.

Have anetball milestone at your club? Let us know at: sport@lvexpress.com.au

return to finals after arare miss last season.

Holly Stephens scoredamatch-high 41 goals, while Jayde Parsons and Hayley Stringer performed greatly.

Mahli Stothers,Tash Bedggoodand Ashleigh Keefe contributed well in defeat.

IN the Bairnsdale Big Freeze, the Redlegs froze out Traralgon 50-28 at Bairnsdale City Oval. Whilethe home sidebangedon25goals through to halftime, the Maroons were limited to 13 in the same period.

Traralgon mounted acomeback as play returned, pickinguptheir intensitysignificantly to draw closer.

Bairnsdale switched back on and shut out the Maroonsinthe finalterm, 17-3tostopany chances of an away pip.

Myah Healey (30 goals) and Anna Mooney (20) were difference makers, withSally Dellerand Paris Dunkley other great contributors.

Bronwyn Tebb, Ashlyn Pavey and Montanna Styles were admirable in Traralgon’s loss.

 OTHER results included Leongatha dismantling Wonthaggi at Leongatha Recreation Reserve, 48-31, and Drouin dominating Maffra at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, 62-18.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 8

AGRADE: Drouin 62 def Maffra18, Moe 63 def Warragul 57,Morwell 55 def Sale 40,Leongatha 48 def Wonthaggi 31, Bairnsdale 50 def Traralgon 28.

BGRADE: Moe49def Warragul 44,Traralgon 57 def Bairnsdale 34, Drouin 60 def Maffra 29, Morwell 48 def Sale 38,Leongatha 43 def Wonthaggi 27

CGRADE: Morwell 40 def Sale 30, Moe 42 def Warragul 19,Bairnsdale 32 def Traralgon 28, Drouin 30 def Maffra21, Leongatha 42 def Wonthaggi 23. 17 ANDUNDER: Warragul 39 def Moe 33, Bairnsdale 41 def Traralgon 38, Drouin 44 def Maffra37, Sale 50 def Morwell 19,Leongatha 27 def Wonthaggi 10

15 ANDUNDER: Moe 43 def Warragul 28, Traralgon 56 def Bairnsdale 39, Drouin 29 def Maffra22, Sale 47 def Morwell 16,Leongatha 73 def Wonthaggi 4.

13 ANDUNDER: Moe 41 def Warragul 4, Bairnsdale 33 def Traralgon 27,Maffra26def Drouin 24, Sale 47 def Morwell 18,Leongatha 60 def Wonthaggi 10

MID GIPPSLAND -STANDALONE (ROUND

Birdisthe word: CharlizeBirdduring her 100thseniorgame forMoe at the weekend Photograph: Gippsland League

Mid Gippy racetofinalsheating up

FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

THIS weekendmarks the halfway point of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League home-and-away season (Round 9).

While there remains another month before each team has had alook at each other, pundits have alreadygot agauge on what teamsare on track to lock away atop six spot and afinals campaign. Fish Creek, Foster and Yinnar appear to be definite top three sides, but there remains another nineclubsstill very muchincontention for the remaining three positions.

 YINNAR VTHORPDALE

SOMETIMES the week off comes at just the right time.

Certainly the Magpies found themselves in that position after suffering two losses in three weeks leadinginto the King's Birthdayweekend. Achance to reset and refocus was much needed.

Yinnar Coach, Sam McCulloch said his side was prepared for this weekend'sclash against Thorpdale.

"We will be ready for atoughencounter when we come up against Thorpdale on our home deck after the week off,” he said.

Former Yinnar coach,Daniel Taylor now finds himself in enemy territory as coach of the Blues. Respectful of his old Magpie mates, he also realises he has ajob to do.

“We need to findaway to get ourselvesgoing when the going gets tough," he said.

"Our best has shown we can compete and our worst is nowhere near the level.

"Yinnarthis week away is another big game. They're alwaystough to beatathomeand this will be no different. On apersonal note, win lose or draw I'm looking forward to getting back out to theclub and catching up with alot of great people. It'llbeagood day."

The popular MGFNL figure will certainly be welcomed by the Yinnar community, but the niceities will surely be forgottenwhen the game starts.

 MORWELL EAST VMIRBOO NORTH

MOST of the MGFNL community has been reluctant to write off Morwell East, but this weekend is withoutquestion the Hawks' last opportunity to write the many wrongs of season 2025.

The Morwell East side has had theirshare of challenges, and this weekend is no exception.

“Mirboo North at home this week, who have really pushed teams so far. Hopefully we can get the win to startoff abetter back half to the season,” coach Paul Henry said.

The Hawks,you can expect, will throw absolutely everythingatthe Tigers, in alastditch effortto start some winning momentum.

Morwell East has always been respected as a tough and honest team, and coachHenry would

MID GIPPSLAND FNL

ROUND 7(COMPLETE)

SENIORS

Fish Creek 3.2, 4.5, 6.9, 8.13(61) def MDU 1.3, 3.4, 5.5, 8.7 (55) Fish Creek goals: DBerryman 2, HShaw2,T Gavenlock, J Lamers, JShaw, LWilliams Best: LGale, K Dorling,J Lamers, RLewis,S McGannon, JHayes

MDU goals: SWalsh 3, TMcRae 2, T Harris,W Stewart, SWilson. Best: JHickey, SWalsh, WStewart, KBohn, JHoy,J Leeden

RESERVES

MDU 3.3, 4.5, 7.7, 11.10(76)def Fish Creek 1.1, 1.1, 1.1, 2.4 (14) MDU goals: AKemper, BCantwell, ACasey, BFennell, THarris,K Helms,LHibberson, EO'Loughlin, MSmith, RWeaver. Best: BArnup,ATrease,A Kemper,B Cantwell, LHibberson, SMurphy Fish Creek goals: OBright, OSchnoor Best: OStraw,O Schnoor,B Perks, T Millton, OBright, BBoyd

UNDER 18

MDU 2.5, 5.9, 5.9, 5.9 (39) def Fish Creek 0.2, 0.2, 0.2, 0.2 (2) MDU goals: LHamilton 2, HScrimshaw, BSmith,B Taylor Best: C Bruce,L Hamilton, THibberson, ACasey, BSmith, WCampbell. Fish Creek best: BCocksedge,W Edgelow, RCicero, M Thomson, NSheehan, JRysko (Note: game called offdue to concussion injury)

not want that to be questioned when Mirboo North comes to Ronald Reserve.

Tigerscoach, Damien Turner expects afierce contest.

“After two weekendsoff in arow, we travel to Morwell East chasing our third win in arow," he said.

"We expectatough, physical encounter, as we always do against aproud club. Every game is so crucial at the movement, so nothing changes here.

"Our challenge as ayoung group after some downtime is to hit the ground running and make sure we are ready to go from the first bounce.

"We have really enjoyed areset and with some injuries setting in the double bye came at the perfect time.”

Every indication is that the Tigers are ready to go, however what nobody knows is whether the Hawks are also ready to turn the corner.

Two hours this Saturday afternoon will leave no doubt, one way or the other.

 FISH CREEKV NEWBOROUGH

FISH Creek has been brilliant; the premiership side of 2023 and 2024 appear to be on track for yet another shot at the title, finding away to win against all comers bar one so far in 205.

The past fortnight saw the Kangaroos inflict Foster’s first defeat of the season by asolitary point, while last week Meeniyan Dumbalk United also went close, but fell short by just agoal.The champs are finding away to be in front at the final siren, and will look to do so again when they host Newborough on Saturday.

“Last week was agutsy win for us, but now this week against Newboroughathome will prove another tough test," Fish Creek Coach, Jarrod Walker said.

"Looks like they’ve been abit up and down this year, but with most of our recent results being very close it’s sure to be atight contest.”

Bulldogs coach, Patt Frendo said his side would welcome the challenge.

“Lookingforward to another challengeagainst premiercompetition," he said.

"Hoping to get afew back from injury this week after having another two playersunfortunately sufferseason-ending injuries in Round 8. Fishy have been firing on all cylinders so we will need to be on top of our game for four quarters."

The Bulldogs are very much in the conversation of finals, butinthe backhalf of the year willbe wanting to have alittle more good fortune with personnel.

Fish Creek are good, but remain respectful and readyfor all opposition, no matter their position on theMGFNL ladder.

Given the Kangaroos' recent close margins, they will be hoping for amorecomfortable one this weekend.

 TARWIN VHILL END

TARWIN are just one of many battling as best

Magpies got from theirlatestvictory willbeput to thetest against the Tigers.

“We are really looking forward to the challenge of playing Foster, who in recent times have really gotten ahold of us," Toora Coach, Jay Acardi said.

"Playing them on theirhome deckisalways a challenge as it’s quite unique. Hopefully we can bringthe energyand enthusiasm requiredto disrupt their ability to control the ground. Another massivegame but we look forward to the challenge as we do every week.”

Make no mistake, Foster is avery good side, and their latest andonlyloss of the season, aone point defeatatthe hands of Fish Creek,willserve as motivation as they prepare to bounce back.

“We have areally big game against Toora post bye with our presidentslunch on and guest speaker Justin Leppitsch stopping in," Foster Coach, Sam Davies said.

they can to stay in touch with those valuable top six positions on the ladder.

Unbelievably, only one win separates fourth from 12th, and this weekend the Sharkswelcomea Rovers side yet to register awin, but certainly capable of upsetting the Tarwinseasonifthe home side is not on song.

Sharks coach, Lachie Jones knows this full well.

“We take on Hill End at home thisweekend. They have pushed sides and showed signs throughout the first part of the year so we will look to nullify what we need to and play our style," he said.

"I’m very happy that we have landed back fourfour (win/loss) and we have really worked to our strengths over the last month of footy.

"We are starting to get some playersbacktoo which is pleasing as we have had some significant injuries so far.”

The Hillmen are commended by this writer and others for their resilience and continuedfight without reward, but how longcan they continue to give but not get?

“We should have, maybe could have won agame or two really, we havehad ourchances, Idon't really know what to say, it's aclub rebuilding and it won't happen overnight,but we are learning eachand every week and the Sharksthis week will be yet another toughchallenge," Roverscoach, Adrian Burns said.

As winter sets in, the challenges to train, perform and back up the efforts week to week become greater and greater.

Maybe thisweekend is the onefor the Rovers …maybe.

 FOSTER VTOORA

AS tough as the triptoFoster is expected to be, Toora will approach the Tigers as an opponent they can achieve something special against, especially given the Magpies' surprising but impressive victory against MDU in Round 8.

One win can make aside, but justwhatthe

"Toora have made rapid improvements throughout the year, beating MDU and pushing other top teams for two-three quarters consistently. They still have the best player in the competition, Jack Weston running around for them so we need to be able to absorb and stop momentum and apply scoreboard pressure the other way.

"I don’t think there are any easy games in the competition right now and this will sure be a cracker that will be worth the entry fee."

The match sets up as amust-watch, and in many ways, will also set up the trajectory of aToora side that has proven they can trouble the best, but the question remains canthey do it two games in arow?

MDU VSTONY CREEK



THEY say aweek is along time in football, but a fortnight will have seemed like forever for MDU after suffering ashock defeat to Toora followed by aone goal loss to Fish Creekover the King's Birthday long weekend.

The pressure has quickly built on the Demons, who must bounce back this week against the Lions.

“I was superproudofthe guys and the effort they gave against Fish Creek, something we were well short of the week prior," MDU Coach, Rhett Kelly said.

"We will look to adjust afew things and continue to keep putting in the hard work. We are really looking forward to Stony Creek on the home deck, which is now areally important game for us after having lost acouple in arow."

MDU looked to be alock for atop four spot, but after successive losses are now in afight for a finals position, just like their Lions opponent this weekend.

“We have got our crosstown rival this week in Meenyian, we are looking to stay on the winners list and takeabig scalp,” Stony Creek Coach, Troy Sheperdson said.

It will be these exact games, where awin or loss can send aclub's trajectory either up or down the ladder,

 BOOLARRAHAS THE BYE.

Kangaroos survive secondscare

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

THE standalone game over the King'sBirthday long weekend was billed as aclash between two verygood sidesinMeeniyan Dumbalk United and Fish Creek.

The match was officially played as aRound 7 game, completing the Mid Gippsland FootballNetball League fixture, as the league moves into Round 9this Saturday.

Fish Creek had achieved one of their more memorable wins of 2024the week before, defeating rival andthe previously unbeaten Foster, while MDU suffered one of their most disappointing losses, ashock defeat at the hands of Toora in Round 8.

The Demons, wanting immediate redemption against one of the league's best, camewithin a kick of achieving just that, but fell agonisingly short 8.13 (61) to MDU 8.7 (55).

Fish Creek Coach, Jarrod Walker said it was a great game.

“A gutsy win for us. Conditions actually stayed pretty good for the game after lookingvery wintery in the morning. It allowed for both teams to start using the footy betterand when MDUget their kicking game on they are hard to stop,” he said.

"There were ebbs and flows all day. Ithought we haddone enough at the start of the last quarter to kick away but MDU dug deep to get back within akick. We were able to kill the game abit in the end but had alot of nervous defendingfor the final five-10 minutes.”

There was never much in the game, the visiting Kangaroos lead by 11 points at quarter time, and the Demons refused to go away.

“I was super proudofthe guys and the effort they gave something we were well short of last week. We will look to adjust afew things and continue to keep puttinginthe hardwork," MDU coach, Rhett Kelly said.

"Itwas agreat game of footy.Fish Creek was too strong, areal quality team and looked very well

structured. We look forward to another hit out with them later in the year."

The Demons will get their chance at the reigning premier later in theyear, but between nowand then,they first have to get back on the winners list after successive losses.

Changing colours: Thorpdale coach, Daniel Taylor willcoach against hisold side Yinnar in Mid Gippsland football this weekend. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Premiershipfancies headline act

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOLLOWING the King’s Birthday break, football returnsinfull forceinthe NorthGippsland Football-Netball League.

With both whole league byes out of the way (the other being Easter), all clubs now enter the trying periodsofthe premiershipmarathon that either make or break true contenders.

 THE marquee match as play returns in Round 9has to be Traralgon Tyers United hosting Heyfield at Tyers Recreation Reserve.

Three clear standouts have madetheir game heardthroughout the first eightmatchesofthe season, with TTU, Woodside and Heyfield combined for just two losses on the year thus far.

Whilethe Kangaroos were downedlast round against the Wildcats in adifferential second half, they’ll be up and ready to attempt to dismantle a seemingly undeniable Bombers unit this weekend.

TTU hasn't sustained aloss yet this season, and have won their last six matches by more than 50 points -Woodside in the Grand Final rematch in Round1was theirclosestgame,winningby eight points.

If the Bombers are to win against Heyfield, they likely will get to 10 victories before aloss, with their next significant matchup coming in Round 12 against theWildcats.

The Kangaroos will definitely enter with confidence, with theirrunningcapabilities and offensive firepower mirroring the 2023 premier in TTU.

 TRAVELLING to Yarram, Yallourn Yallourn North will not find it easy against the Demons.

The Jets bounced back from atough two weeks against Woodside and TTU, sneaking by in achallenging matchup against Rosedale the game prior, but will still enter as favourites due to Yarram’s inconsistent form of late.

The Demons have been handled quite convincingly against the top competition, for which the Jets still are, but on their home deck, there’s no counting them out.

Yarram has won two of their three matches on

the season at Yarram Recreation Reserve.

YYN could recoup froma midseason slump with a victory, and get ready for matches against Churchill and Sale City.

 SPEAKING of, who would have tipped afew years ago the importance of this match for both clubs?

Churchillhost Sale City at Gaskin Park with both teams having suffered inconsistent and disappointing form in 2025.

The Bulldogs did lay down the law against Yarram at home the week before, but the Cougars will give themselves every chance in front of a home crowd.

 WHILE Cowwarr poured in aseason-best performance against Glengarry before the King’s Birthday bye, it will take at least two, three times the level they pushed out to beat the reigning premier at home.

After losing to TTU in the opening game of the season, Woodside has nailed in every one of their next six games, and are entering the sweet spot of the season as aunit.

The Saints can pourongoals, but it’ll require four quarters of elite play just to keep close to the Wildcats.

Cowwarr will be buoyed by key forward Keenan Hughes signing for another three years.

 IF this match was played in between the first three rounds of the season, perhaps Rosedale versus Gormandale would have been alittle more exciting.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, the Blues have increased their output tenfold over the last month, and were within moments of being on afour-game winningstreak if they had of closedout YYN away the other week.

To Gormandale’s credit, they have competed honestly against the last two premiers in their previous two matches, and could be in for ahigher scoreline, which will give them hope of an upset this Saturday.

Junior clubs celebrate grand mark

FOOTBALL

TDJFL

THE footystars of the future were on showcase duringa special 70-year celebration for Glengarry Junior Football Club and Traralgonbased Police Boys Junior Football Club.

During their Round 4m at ch up in the Traralgon &District Junior Football League, it was amarked daytorecognised all that had been achieved at both clubs since forming in 1955.

Parents and supporters of both clubs cheered on hardineach of their Magpie black and white and Police Boys navy blue colours across the entirety of the day at Glengarry Recreation Reserve.

Special 70-year anniversary medals were presented in each of the four games to the best-on-ground for both clubs:

Under-nines: Max Hourigan (GJFC), Tate Speirs (PBJFC).

Under 11s: Billy Dawson (GJFC),Mack Prince (PBJFC).

Under 13s: Caden Welch (GJFC), Lincoln Sutton (PBJFC).

Under 15s: Arlo Agustin (GJFC), Archer Tangi (PBJFC).

Both clubs were foundation members of the T&DJFL in 1955, with Glengarry JFC establishedbyKeith Lang and Oswald Martin, while Police Boys JFC was foundedbySenior Constable George Bryden andGeoff Marsh.

Atrue grassroots club,Glengarry JFC is a vital part of the local community, promoting sportsmanship, resilience and personal growth.

Guiding players through Auskick into thesenior club, GlengarryJFC provides apathway that instils lifelong values such as respect, teamwork and friendship to be utilised across aplayer's football journey.

Brownlow Medallist and Coleman Medallist, Kelvin Templeton began his football life at Glengarry JFC, while former St Kilda and

Essendon champion Brendon Goddard and current Collingwood forward Tim Membrey also grew up in the small town.

Police Boys JFC was established with the aim of keeping local boys engaged and out of trouble, as apart of the broader Police Boys movement.

Bryden instilled values of fairness, discipline and mateship into his players, setting acultural standard that still guides the club today.

In their debutseason,PoliceBoyswon the T&DJFL firstUnder 16s premiership,and followed with another in 1958.

Some notable exports to don the Police Boys navy blue includeformer Footscray captain Rick Kennedy, past Geelong and Richmond player CraigBiddiscombe (78 games), former Essendon player Jay Neagle (28 games, 41 goals and also played for Glengarrypost-AFL career), and VFLlisted Box Hillplayer and 2024 Traralgonsenior premiership player Luis D'Angelo.

Potential AFLW selection Ella Stoddart also rose through the ranks with Police Boys.

Be the difference behind wheel

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOOTBALL and netball clubsare ahub for all -which is why it’s importantthat the message comes from within,from them.

AFL Victo ria and the Transport Acc ident Com miss ion (TAC) has anno unced the co nti nua tion of its partnership and the return of the TAC Club Rewards Program, enteringits sixth-year.

Ashare of $700,000 is up for grabs for local clubs across the state to become ambassadors for road safety in their commun ity and promote posi tive change, steering clear of the tragedies that can arrive for any family and sports team.

Clubs are open to apply for rewards of up to $10,000 to spend on club initiatives likeclubtransport, new equipment and uniforms, or facility upgrades.

Afurther$100,000 hasbeen added to this year’s funding pool available to support moreclubs in spreading the message, up from $600,000 last year.

“The important thing about this program is that we are wanting aculture of road safety in Victoria and we are really wanting action at the local level, driving change, and raising key awarenessaround road safety,” TAC Head of Community, Jacqui Sampson said.

“We’ve had atragic start to the year in Victoria, we’ve had 133 lives lost to date and more than 70 of those have been in regional Victoria.

“Ourparticularpartnershipwith AFL Victoria really brings to light the importance, especially in regional areas, around the travel and keeping safe on our roads.”

Afocus is on addressing this message to the young people in regional areas, specifically thosethat make up local football and netball clubs.

The family of Bairnsdale’s Koby

Wellman, a20-year-old footballer who lost his life on the road in 2022, issued adirect statement to ensure that more families and communities don’t have to take that call.

“(It was) heart-breaking, something you don’t ever want to go through,” younger sister Chelsea said.

“He was aloving, caring guy.Bit of

aclass clown, always cracking ajoke, making sure everyone had asmile on their face, but cared for everyone.”

Koby’s father Steven wanted to make it clear that you simply have to be strict when you get behind awheel,and that it begins when you’re coming from your localsporting club.

Sixtyper cent of road fatalities are

happening on the same regional roads that footballers and netballers using to travel to and from games each week.

“Football clubs are avery good place to get the message through because it’s the right age demographic, Ithink most of the fatalities are between 18 and 25 (years-old), and alot of those young

blokes, mostly guys, are playing football, but the netball clubs are associated as well,” he said.

“It’s the perfect environment to spread that message, that it couldbeone of your mates, it could be you, it could be apassenger …making the wrong choice, and it’s all about choices, and unfortunately at that age, (you think) you’re bulletproof, and your ability to make the right choices probably aren’t as good as they should be.

“Think about it, don’t get on your phone, don’t speed, concentrate, don’t drive fatigued …turn up to play footy the next day, because as all of Koby’s friendsand all the rest of our family and the wider community of Bairnsdale know, he’s just one accident and it affects hundreds of peoplefor the rest of our lives, and you’re getting an average of 1100 or 1200familiesayear going through that.”

This year’s mantra from TAC and AFL Victoria is to ‘Be the Difference’, to start the conversation around road safety and see change.

“Country football travel alot more on the roads and it’s important that message gets home for all of those players and supporters,” Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan said.

“Grassroots footballclubs are fullof leaders. Now is the chance for everyone to ‘Bethe Difference’ by becoming road safety ambassadors, making safe decisions and acting as role models to their fellow members.”

The 2025 TAC Club Rewards Program launched on June 2and closes August 25, and is to be announcedinSeptember. Road Safety Rounds across the state in hundreds of leaguesand competitions are to take place from July25toJuly 27

For more information on the Club Rewards Program, go to: tac.vic.gov. au/about-the-tac/community/grants/ tac-club-rewards-program

Message: AFLVictoria and TAClaunched the sixth season of the TACClubRewards ProgramatSouthside Junior FootballClublastweek.

Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Saturday,June14

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 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R)

1.30 Picasso. (Final, PGs, R) 2.30 ACO: Abel Selaocoe. 4.25 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 5.25 QI. (PG, R) Hosted by Sandi Toksvig.

6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney

6.30 Australian Story: Nick Cave With Leigh Sales. (R) Nick Cave speaks to Leigh Sales.

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa) The Turners receive asurprisingrequest.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Final, Mv,R) Bar naby and Nelson investigate when an unpopular local stable owner dies under suspicious circumstances.

10.05 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv,R) Bergerac must save his daughter 10.55 Reunion. (Final, Malv,R)Brennan promises Carly he won’tleave her 11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm Octonauts And Operation Deep Freeze. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Junior 8.55 The Piano. 9.55 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm Nula. 2.45 Living Black. 3.15 First Australians. 4.15 Big Sky Girls. 4.35 Strait To The Plate. 5.05 Revolution. 6.00 Moko. 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 MOVIE: Blood Quantum. (2019, MA15+) 10.15 First Nations Women’sMusic Program. 11.05 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Sailing. SailGP.Round 7. Highlights. 3.00 Cycling. UCI Masters Mountain Bike World Championships. Highlights. 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35

Undermining Nazis: Paris’ Secret Tunnels. (PGav,R) 4.35 American Candy.(PGl) 5.30 The U-Boat And The Rocket.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: Souther nAfrica. (Premiere) 8.25 Secrets Of Britain’sHistoric Houses: Collectors And Collections (Anglesey Abbey, Mr Straw’sHouse, Killerton) (PG) Looks at Anglesey Abbey 9.35 Alone Australia. (M, R) Alook back at the season.

10.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 7. 12.35 Guillaume’sFrench Atlantic. (R) 1.35 R) 3.45 The World From Above. (PGa, R) 4.15 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 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. Winter Cup Day,Sportsbet SandownSaturday and The Star Stradbroke Day 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’sFront Line. (PG, R) Alook at immigration, customs and quarantine.

7.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. (2018, Mv,R)Two former staffmembers of the Jurassic World theme park try to rescue dinosaurs from avolcanic eruption. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard. 10.00 MOVIE: Inside Man. (2006, MA15+lv,R)Adetective negotiates with agang holding the staffand customers of a Manhattan bank hostage. Denzel Washington, Clive Owen.

12.40 Nurses. (Ma, R) Nurse Hannah comforts an elderly man.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGal, R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair 7.30 Swimming. Australian Trials. Day 6. Finals. 9.25 MOVIE: 27 Dresses.

when she is invited to be in her sister’s wedding party because she is in love with the groom. Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman.

11.35 MOVIE: The Sun Is Also AStar. (2019, Ml, R) Ahopeless romantic falls in love. Yara Shahidi.

1.30 Great Australian Detour (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 Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Tracey and Antony must decide to stay or leave.

8.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) Primrose and Brendon want to trade their suburban life for ahome in Sydney’sNorther nBeaches. 9.40 Airport 24/7. (PGal, R) Atarmac collision disrupts passengers. mysterious plane lands unannounced. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv,R)Aman witnesses amurder through avideoart installation. 11.40 FBI. (Mav,R) 12.30HomeShopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Hoarders. 2.25 The Story Of. 2.55 News. 3.00 WorldWatch 5.05 Over The Black Dot. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Icons That Built The World. (Premiere) 10.10 Australia’sHealth Revolution. 11.15 Spinal Destination. 11.45 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.55 What’sEating Gilbert Grape. (1993, PGas) 10.00 The Talented Mr Ripley.(1999, Malnsv) 12.40pm Aline. (2020, Ml, French, English) 3.00 Like Father,LikeSon. (2013, PGa, Japanese) 5.15 Tourism. (2017) 6.40 Paperback Hero. (1999, PGalsv) 8.35 The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button. (2008, Mlsv) 11.40 Late Programs.

6am Home Shopping.

8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’sPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country 3.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 4.00 Escape To TheCountry 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Jeopardy! UK. 3.10 MOVIE: Carbon Copy.(1981, PG) 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Movie. (2014, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. (2005, M) 10.30 Ghost Hunters. 11.30 Young Sheldon. Midnight Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 24 Hours of Le Mans. 2.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.50pm Explore. 12.55 MOVIE: Bar nacle Bill. (1957) 2.45 MOVIE: IWas Monty’s Double. (1958) 4.50 MOVIE: The Kentuckian. (1955, PG) 7.00 Rugby Union. Super Rugby 9.30 Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon. (1987, M) Midnight Late Programs.

Sunday,June15

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (Final, PG, R) 3.35 Grand Designs UK. (Final, Ml, R) 4.40 Walking With Dinosaurs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

Spicks And Specks. (Retur n, PG)

Bay Of Fires. (Retur n, Malv)

9.40 MOVIE: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, Mls, R) Drag queens travel across the Australian desert. Guy Pearce. 11.25 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(PG,R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.30 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under.(R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week. 12.55 Powerchair Football. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 4. 4.00 Going Places. (R) 5.25 The Misty Experiment: Secret Battle For The Ho Chi Minh Trail.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PG, R) 8.25 Queens Of Ancient Egypt: Cleopatra’sDaughter. (PGa, R) Takes alook at Cleopatra Selene. 9.25 The Zelensky Story (Ml, R) AlookatVolodymyr Zelensky 10.25 Tassie Tiger On The Rocks. (PG, R) 11.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour

Critérium du Dauphiné. Stage 8. 1.25 24 Hours In Emergency.(Ma,R) 2.20 The World From Above. (R) 3.50 Welcome To My Farm. (R) 4.20 JSchwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 14. Port Adelaide vMelbour ne. 6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show.(PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever (PGl, R) 1.30 Business Drive. 2.00 Taronga: Who’sWho In The Zoo. (PGa, R) 3.00 Ski Rescue Down Under.(PGl, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’sFrozen Planet II. (PGv,R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (Retur n) Celebrities show offtheir dance skills. 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody: Living The High Life. (Madl) Police in the small towns and villages of Bedfordshire investigate asurge in drug use. 10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: HeroToHit Man –Lindsey Rose. (MA15+av,R)Alook at killer Lindsey Rose.

12.00 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv,R) 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 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy (PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (MA15+av) Piers Morgan interviews Levi King. 10.40 Footy Fur nace. (Mlv) 11.40 9News Late. 12.10 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dmns, R) 1.00 Destination WA 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s VoiceOfVictory.(PGa) 4.30 Business Drive. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

TEN (10, 5)

Today 6.00 The Sunday Project. Alookatthe day’snews. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants retur ns. 8.15 Fake. (Ml) Joe fails to appear at a party with Birdie’sfriends, claiming to be poisoned. Birdie makes alist of reasonsshe cantrust Joe. 9.15 FBI. (Final, Mv) The team discovers arogue terrorist group has to trust, they must work in the shadows to unmask the culprits 11.05The Sunday Project. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.00

Catwoman. (2004, M) 9.35 MOVIE: Batman Begins. (2005, M) 12.15am Gotham. 1.10 Arrow 2.05 Jeopardy! UK. 3.05 Motorway Cops. 4.00 4.30 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.50

Monday,June16

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (PGv,R) 11.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 3.00 ClaireHooper’sHouse Of Games. (R) 3.25 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’sHouse Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story Presented by Leigh Sales. 8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Jane Austen: Rise Of AGenius. (Premiere, Ml) Chronicles the life of English novelist Jane Austen.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Planet America. (R) 11.40 Julia Zemiro’sHome Delivery.(PG,R) 12.10 Love Your Garden.(R) 12.55 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s

Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.10 Dance Life. 10.00 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.50pm Carpool Koorioke. 2.00 Unsettled. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Road Open. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay.(Return) 6.30 News. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.35 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.35 Living Black. 9.05 Paid In Full: The Battle For Black Music. (Premiere) 10.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNews Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 2.55 Travel Shooters. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGals, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Portillo’sAndalucia: Malaga And Ronda. (PGal, R) Michael Portillo celebrates Andalucia.

8.25 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (PGa, R) Michael Palin continues his epic road trip across Nigeria.

9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (PG, R) Ayoung family moves into the castle when Queen Elizabeth II takes the throne. 10.10 SBS World News Late. (MA15+av)

11.30 Kin. (MA15+lv,R) 2.20 The World From Above. (R) 3.25 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 3.55 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.25 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 ToBeAdvised. 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 Home And Away (PG) Eden considers letting her dad back into her life.

7.30 Farmer Wants AWife. (PG) Farmers Corey and Jack visit the family and friends of their remaining

9.00 9-1-1. (Mav) Buck’sHalloween decorations become alittle scarier than he had hoped.

11.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

12.00 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Malv)

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

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (PGal) Four mates set out to embarrass each other 10.10 10’sLate News. Coverage of news, sport andweather 10.35The Project. (R) 11.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning

Programs. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The UnXplained. 2.10 Bamay 2.30 Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.10 The Toys That Built The World. 6.00 Alone Germany 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The UnBelievable. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 7.15 All Quiet On The WesternFront. (1979, PGav) 10.05 Odd Thomas. (2013, Mahv) 11.55 La Tenerezza. (2017, Malv,Italian) 2pm Tourism. (2017) 3.30 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PGahv) 5.20 Flash Of Genius. (2008, PGal) 7.30 Shayda. (2023, Mav) 9.40 Birth. (2004, MA15+as) 11.30 Late Programs.

Tuesday,June17

ABC TV (2)

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 1.30 Australia’s Best Backyards. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 The YorkshireVet. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Shetland. 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 National Drag Racing C’ship. TopFuel C’ship. Replay 3.30 Billy The Exterminator 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 The Agenda Setters. 8.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.00 Gem Hunters Down Under 10.00 Late

7.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy (PG) The teams (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies. 9.45 Players. (Ml) Three of the AFL’s biggest stars talk about all

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml)

12.05 100% Footy (M)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

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. 2pm Maritime Masters: Expedition Antarctica. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: TwiceRound The Daffodils. (1962, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 Recipes For Love And Murder.(Premiere) 9.40 Harry Wild. 10.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix Revolutions. (2003, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Young Sheldon. 12.30 Below Deck. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Late Programs.

Don'tbe Puzzled

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.05 If You’re Listening. (R) 11.20 Gruen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (PG, R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden.(PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’sHouse Of Games. (PG) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs: Band Of Brothers. (PG)

8.50 David Attenborough’sGreat Barrier Reef: Builders. (R) Sir David Attenborough explores the Great Barrier Reef.

9.50 IWas Actually There. (Ml, R) 10.25 ABC Late News. 10.40 The Business. (R) 10.55 Four Corners. (R) 11.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.00 Evacuation. (Malv,R) 12.45 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 1.35 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNews Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 2.55 Jerusalem: Builders Of The Holy City.(PGav,R) 3.55 Plat Du Tour.(R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGals, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? Camilla Franks.

8.30 Insight. Explores relationships that areconsidered taboo.

9.30 Dateline: The Narcolands. Looks at drug crime in the Netherlands. 10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 The Point. (R) 12.00 Headhunters. (MA15+av,R) 1.45 Freezing Embrace. (Malv,R) 3.25 The World From Above. (R) 3.55 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.25 JSchwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00

NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.20 Planet Weird. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG) Dana gets arude awakening.

7.30 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGl) Corey makes the heart-wrenching decision between his two favourite ladies.

9.00 Doc. (Ma) Amy,allowed to practice medicine again without supervision, struggles to diagnose TJ’sdad

10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

11.00 Accused. (Mav) Ajewellery storeowner is put on trial.

12.00 Fairly Legal. (Ma, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy (PG, R) 1.20 Getaway.(PG, R) 1.50 Talking Honey.(R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 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. 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PGa, R) 8.30

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy teams build life-like model cars. (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

9.45 Ski Rescue Down Under (PGl) Awhiteout claims multiple casualties.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 A+E After Dark. (Mlm, R) 12.05 Getaway.(PG, R) 12.35 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) The team searches for kidnapped victims. 10.30 10’sLate News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 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. 2.20 Brady Vs Belichick: The Verdict. 3.15 News 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.10 The Toys That Built The World. 6.00 Alone Germany 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.

6am Race. (2016, PGal) 6.15 Basmati Blues. (2017, PGa) 8.15 Sun Children. (2020, PGadlv,Farsi) 10.00 Shayda. (2023, Mav) 12.05pm Juniper.(2021, Mals) 1.55 Race. (2016, PGal) 4.25 The Life And Death Of Colonel Blimp. (1943, PG) 7.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, Mav) 9.40 12 Strong. (2018, MA15+av) 12.05am Late Programs.

Seinfeld. 12.35am Below Deck. 1.35 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 LEGO Friends: Heartlake Stories. 4.50 Bubble’sHotel. 5.10 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.

Express work car lends helping hand

By AIDAN KNIGHT

WEDNESDAY, June 4saw the development of some breakingnewsinMorwell-orrathernewsbreakingdown. Afteralong morning sittinginonthe topical Erin Patterson trialatLatrobeValleyMagistrates’ Court, Express editor LiamDurkinwas called into the field once more just after midday,after receiving an unusual tip. Jack Morgan of WIN News Gippsland,aformer print journalist himself, had been in the court alongside Mr Durkin. Whilethe Express editor had the luxury of walking the five minutes back to the George Street office, Mr Morgan works out

Rose pruning

MORWELLCentenary Rose Garden

will be holding publicpruning demonstrations on Saturday,June 28 from 10am and again at 2pm.

All are welcome.Comealong and learn how to prune and care for your roses. Limited cuttings will be available.

For more information, phone Pat Claassens on 0434 958 962.

Trivia night

GIPPSLAND FM willhost atrivia night on Saturday, June 14.

QuizmasterGreg Jessep guarantees achallenging evening for everyone.

Doors to the Cocktail Lounge at the Italian Australian Club, Morwell open at 6.30pm for a7pm start. Parking and access is off Chickerell Street.

Get your friends and family together for atable of eight or join atable with other trivia lovers.

Don’t missout on the chanceto support Gippsland FM.Phone 0411 481625 to book.

Entry is $10.

Classic chess

THE loss against Steven Ahernfollowed by aseries of wins gavePeter Bakker the leading position at Latrobe Valley Chess last week.

The early loss es cau sed Pric e

of the WIN station in Traralgon, and the network’s ageing news van had decided to give up the ghost during the proceedings.

Mr Durkin reportedly leapt into action with the editorial car, aset of jumper leads, and an amused grin, offering to “help out only if you let us break the news first”.

While the Express can neither confirm nor deny the van was sabotaged for apublishing lead, Mr Morgan’s bulletin that night did indeed beat the Express’ Wednesday press date.

Whistle-blowers within the company have suggested the van’s last oil change occurred when the

CommunityCorner with Liam Durkin

Samasiea to feel left behind, but fortunes changedwhenthe other confrontations turned positive.

The successes for Ian Hamilton were balanced by severaloversightsthat resulted in defeat.

Carefulplay from Cliff Thornton was suitable to eventually force resignation in the battle with Steve Ahern.

Trevor Poulton showed many signs of an improving technique.

For the first two games the unforeseenattacks were too muchtocope with for Rafy Mabilia, but victory was achieved in the following encounter.

The risks taken by Keegan Just resulted in alossinthe firstbattle but were acceptable in the next game.

Phone Cliff Thorntonon0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more information on local chess.

Mine rehab

LATROBE Valley Sustainabi lity Group will welcome Shannon Rice for apresentation tonight (June 11).

Ms Rice is th eM anag er of Rehabilitationand Project Engagement at Loy Yan g. The pr ese ntat ion will focus on AGL’s plans for mine

rehabilitation.

Rudd government was still in power -and that is news you won’t hear anywhere else.

As for the Express,internal sources say the editor returnedtothe newsroom havingalready sent photos of the saga to every journogroup chat in Gippsland,but regardless of the outletyou work for it’sundeniablethat regional reporterswill always help each other out -even when one of them is stuck in agutter outside court.

The combined forcesofGippslandwriters did indeed get the engine running, but it is unknown if the van survived the entire trip back to Traralgon

AGL is currently preparing and will submit adraft Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plan to the state government.

The community is invited to receive information and ask questions about AGL’s plansfor water-based rehabilitation of the Loy Yang mine site.

The sessionwilltakethe form of a30minuteslideshow followed by discussion.

Commencing at 7pm at the Gippsland Multicultural Services (26 Tarwin Street,Morwell). Anyone is welcome to attend. No need to book.

Allabilities workshop

ASIP &Paint Workshop for people of All Abilities will be held Friday, July 11.

Come alongand enjoy acreativeand relaxing session where you can paint a handmade cement item of your choice.

Cost is $30 per person and covers all materials.

The sessionwillbeheld at 4High Street,Moe from 10am.

To find out more, phone Phillip Chalker on 0400 603 367.

Yallournsingers

YALLOURN Madrigal Singers will present their midyear concert My Familyand Other Animalsfirst at Budgeree Hall on Sunday, June 22nd from 2pm. Entry is by gold coin donation. Another second concert will be held at St James Anglican Church in Grey St, Traralgon on Saturday, June 28 from 2pm.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for school aged children.

Tickets can be purchased at thedoor (cash preferred) or by booking online at: www.trybooking.com/DBXBL Aft ernoo nt ea wil lf ollo wb oth concerts.

Meditationgroup

MOE Meditation Group meets 8.30am Wednesday mornings in theNarracan Hall at Old Gippstown. Email:clem@asis.com or phone0427 262 064 for more information. Cost is $5 per session.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results: Tuesday,June 3: 1st Phillip Goode and Barbara Barr (56.77 per cent); equal 2nd Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker (56.25), Peter Lonieand Carol Cheyne (56.25). Thursday, June 5: Nationwide event,

results not yet available at print time. If you would like to play or learn more about bridge, phone Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528.

Orchid club

GIPPSLAND Orchid Club's next meeting will be held tomorrow (Thursday, June 12) at the Anglican Hall, 100 Grey Street, Traralgon. Doors open at 1pm for a1.30pmstart.

Thismonth, the group willbeholding its annual auction. Naturally, orchids and other plants will be popular plus aw ide range of other items will tempt thoseattending.There is also amonthly raffle with some popular prizes.

Members, don't forget to bring along flowering plants you are proud of. For enquiries, ring Pat Murdoch on 0407 741 621.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

Youcan address correspondence to theeditor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

An assembly tooimportant to miss

THE announcement thatall fundingfor the Latrobe Health Assembly will be cut is not good news for the Latrobe Valley community.

For more than eight years,the Assembly has been identifying and responding to issues that address the wellbeing of the community.

The Assembly works in areasthat are notalways obvious. Better ways to assist those with chronic pain, how to better feed families, addressing mental health issues through mental health first aid in schools, more physical activities, and ways to improve literacy for children, to name afew.

Theconcept of the Assembly is simple. It aims to engage the broader communitytounderstand key health issues, then address the identified areas so there is alocal solution, not acookie cutter response directed by people outside the region. The execution, of course, is more complicated, and that’s where the local knowledge inherent in the Health Assembly model is so valuable.

We need to address the areas of poor health outcomes –physical and mental –atthe front end as they occur in our area. Of course we need funding to support hospitals, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could improve the overall health of the community so that fewerpeople needed hospital services?

If we don’t address the root cause, we’re doomed to the hamster wheel of pressure on hospitals and hospital staff becauseofpoor ongoing healthamong the general population.

Unfortunately, the Latrobe Valley ranks poorly in most of the key areas relating to health:obesity, smoking rates, cancerrates, sedentary lifestyle, heart and respiratory illness, the list goes on. These are long term issues and require along term solution.

This is where the Health Assembly model comes in. Turningthe dial to improvedhealth for awhole community takes time and often the work goes on in the background, not in public sight. That’s why the Health Assembly is important. It should not be regarded as ashort term ‘project’ but rather as an integral part of the overall investment to improve long term health outcomes.

Istronglyencourage people to have acloser look at the Latrobe Health Assembly and the work it has been doing, and encouragegovernment to reconsider the funding cuts.

Ian Needham FormerLatrobeHealthAssemblyExecutive Officer

Communication lacking FORGIVE me if I’mwrong but it is my understanding that the councillors we have elected are there to represent us, the residents in our municipality. Our ongoing issue with Latrobe City Council is the way retirement villages are rated. When correspondenceissent to councillors, both by email or hardcopy regarding this,the least we can expect is areply.

However, on most occasions this is not the case. Our lettersare ignoredorhandled inappropriately We haveofferedmanyopportunities overthe past year to meetand discuss thisissue with councillors, but we have had no reply to these invitations. Surely it’s not too hard to schedule one hour in a12month period!

Jan

Lewis Traralgon

Cheapest and cleanest?

IT was good to read some intelligent letters from young WillShackel,the founder of Nuclearfor Australia ('Nuclear marathon') and JosephLis ('Cononmic doom') in the Express last week. Amazingly, alot of anti-nuclear people don't listentowhatyoung Will, or the young22-year-old American nuclear scientist who visited Australia earlier this year, had to say about nuclear energy. Per hap st hes et wo you ng peopl eh ad mor e intelligence in their little finger than all of the anti-nuclear people put together?

John Gwyther said in hisletter ('Nuclear now irrelevant', 04/06) "Don't spout slogans, show me your calculations".

Well John, Iquotedsomecalculationsinapreviouslettertothe Express on May 21 ('Not so smart energy'), comparing energy costs.

Whatabout showingeveryoneyour calculations, on the total cost of renewables, because it seems there is no one in the government or any writer to the Express who can come up with the cost of renewables?

Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen says that renewables are the "cheapest and cleanest" form of energy, yet the cost of gas has increased by 34 per centand electricityby32since the formation of the Albanese government. What happened to the 2022 election promise of lower power bills by $275? The Albanese government is spending $9 billion ayear on climate change and net-zero programs, but there is no sign of cheaper energy. This cost doesn't include what the states are paying out on these programs. Look what happened

with the collapse of wind and solar power in Spain, Portugal and France that impacted 55 million people. Countries around the worldare now dropping thenet-zero ideology, including New Zealand, and are lookingatreliable nuclear energy,all except Australia.

There is no future for manufacturing or any business jobs in Australia if we have to rely on wind and solar as our energy source.

We are lookingatableak future with no jobs, more blackouts, increasedpower bills and alot more cold winter nights.

Verysad to see such agreat countrycome downto this low level thanks to the 'Working Man's Party'

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

Interest free

THOMAS Quinn, ('Once and for all', LVE Opinion, 04/06),yourself congratulatory, if dubious, cleverness; "I led the case for the No vote in the 1999 republic referendum", "I guided the Liberal Party to victory in the 2010 state election", "I masterminded the federal election win for Scott Morrison", (gee, thatturned out well, didn'tit?), and "I successfully arguedthe No caseinThe Voice referendum", (wow, so much achieved by one person!), is sorely offsetbyasheer inability to grasp simple concepts. If your "relevance forthe past 16 years has virtually been in yourface", apartfrom Express offerings, then I, even as akeen political follower, must have missed it, for which Iamtruly grateful. Areotherssimilarly, but gratefully or regrettably, remiss?

Mr Quinn, you are "obsessive and irrelevant" because"for the third and final time", (we can only hope), you present fruitless definitions and explanations, that are of no interest to me, nor I'm sure DebLeonard voters. Irepeat, and hopefully for the last time, independent or not independent, who cares? And it has nothing, repeat nothing, to do with your "differing point of view".

Am I"growing tiresome", "disrespectful, disparaging and offensive"? Pot kettle black Mr Quinn. Have Iever considered trotting out my CV try to win an argument? No way. Is your"obsession" actually "inrealityajustifiable and honourable commitment to the truth"? Ihave no doubt you think so, and such "truth", ("Liberal values?"), is probably the reason why so many conservatives are feeling beaten up post-election. I call it pure delusion, all of which should fit in nicely with anumber of regular Express contributors. Finally, if one of my former Grade 3's had trotted out the "quackery" line, Iwould probably have thought it clever, if disrespectful.

From you, Mr Quinn, somehow I'm not surprised. John Duck Trafalgar

Not in the league

JOHN Duck can call me delusional about my political beliefs, but Iwill agree with him that the Liberals have to get agriponreality and get their house in order ('Reality bites', 04/06).

On that note, Iwill point out that neither of us are in the same category as Tom Quinn, who is more knowledgeable than either of us on politics.

To John Gwyther ('Nuclear now irrelevant'), the next fiveto15years willbea testingground for bothrenewables and nuclear. Theworldisalready changing as noted in Will Shackel's letter ('Nuclear marathon').

Brian Mawhinney's letter'Silence is taxing (04/06) was enlightening. Iliked his analogy with Chris Bowen beingSergeant Shultz: "I knownothing”. Without stronger laws and more policethe ban on machetes will be pointless

Twoofthe biggestdollar guzzlers in Victoria are the desalination plantand Suburban Rail Loop which are Labor big ideas.

Iamfearful of the 2026stateelection. The sheep may follow the heard again regardless of all the taxes we will incur.

Reading AdrianCosgriff's article from May 28 ('National have explaining to do'), The Nationals can do nothing if the votersare misled by the Labor promises and lies and dirty tricks i.e. Medicare rubbish.

The only test for renewables is for the coal fired power stations to slow downoutput and show if renewableswill support the demand, and then the coal proof would be in the pudding. Those that are driven by climate change, net zero and renewable’s can believe all they want, but only time will show who is right and wrong.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

Independent definition

IAMwriting to reply to Thomas Quinn ('Teals are not independent',21/05, and 'Once and for all', 04/06).

Ih av eat hor oug hu nd er st an ding of the Australian Constitution and Idonot need to reviewit. My research thesis was examined by an external Indigenous senior research/academic

and an external non-Indigenousacademic and legal profession expert. One examiner said that my thesis would be sought after by the academy andhow Imeticulously deconstructed the colonial historical standpoint. The other examiner said he agreed that Indigenous Australians have never ceded their sovereignty and that the sovereignty of the Australian Government is consequently an unsettled issue.

The current monarch’s control to be asovereign ruler over subjects/citizens was removed via the Act of Settlement 1700 (UK) and the United Kingdom governmentappoints the future heirs and successors of amonarchvia TheDemise of the Crown 1702 (UK). Thus, the royal monarch is factually apublic servant appointed by aforeign government. No Queen or King of Australian exists in the Preamble nor the Constitution proper. APreamble crisis exists with the opening statement thatprovided misleading information.A mere seven per cent of the votingadult population viaafranchised voting system based on property qualification. Only Anglo-Saxon maleswere permitted to vote. The ‘United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland’ ceased to exist after the Irish War of Independence. It’s now the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Section 6in the Preamble states that New Zealand is astate in the Commonwealth of Australia. We all know this is not correct.

Se ction 42 -M embers and Senators must subscribe to Oath and Affirmation foundinthe Schedule.

Section 44(1) -Disqualification if found to have an acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to aforeign power. In Sue vHill &Anor; Sharplesv.Hill &Anor HCA 30; 199 CLR 462 (June 23, 1999) the monarch and the United Kingdom were determined to be aforeign authority in accordance with s. 44(1) of the Constitution. Thus, all Members and Senators must pledge allegiance to aroyal monarch appointed by aforeign authority.

In the early1990s, thelate Professor Geoffrey Clements, aUnited Kingdom QC and Emeritus Profes sor in Law at Cambri dge Unive rsity, provided factual evidence to the continued usage of the Australia Constitution (UK) by Australia Governments and its judiciary remains aconfidence trick.

After joining the LeagueofNations, Australia became asovereignindependent nation.Thus, the Australian Government had no further legal power to use, alter or even tamper with the United Kingdom’slegislationasthe United Kingdom has the sole authority.Todate, no requesthas beenmadetothe UnitedKingdom to repealits legislation.

Section 16 and Section 34(i) -qualifications for Members and Senators must be of the full age of 21-years-of-age and entitled to vote.

In 1973, this was altered by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam via the Commonwealth Electoral Act (1918) (Cth) the lowering of the voting age from 21 years to 18 years. No referendum presented to the voting public.

Mr Quinn and Mr Duck (‘Collins or Webster’s’, 28/05), it is irrelevant whether or not acandidate contesting an election is an independent as in Teal or from amajor political party. Whatisrelevant is the successful candidate’s has no legitimacy to be apolitician in agovernment which has been null and void as has the Australian Constitution, The Executive Government, and Judiciary.

Mr Quinn, you congratulated yourself in having politicians elected.

One of those wasScott Morrison, who during the COVID pandemic breached Section 69 Quarantine in Chapter II The Executive Government. Quarantine wasunder the full authority of the federal government and not the stategovernments. He selected his own national cabinet which was an unconstitutional cabal. You successfully campaignedfor aNoVote in the 1999and 2023 Referendums. If eitherorboth were successful, they would be no legitimacy as all levels of government, the Constitution,and judiciary have been null and void.

In 1997, aLordChancellorfrom the United Kingdom's Foreign and CommonwealthOffice for the United Kingdom Government stated the AustralianConstitution Act was enacted by the United Kingdom. The UnitedKingdom government would give consideration to the repeal of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act if a request was sought by the Australia Government. To date no such requesthas been made.

Finally, Iwould like to have adebate about the Australian Constitution with you on Gippsland FM, or with your political contacts.

Samuel Crane Churchill

Gone with the wind

THERE is alinefrom my all-time favourite film Waterloo Bridge (1940) where one of the main characters (played by the dashing Robert Taylor) says to his fiancée (played by the beautiful Vivien Leigh)

during abuggy-ride:"Remember Longfellow's line: 'The thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts ...' Notonly the youth(s) of all of us, say, 50 or 60 years ago, but moreover of the youth of the Latrobe Valley in particular. When the Valley wasvibrant and prosperous and the envy of allotherVictorian regions and Victoria, as aconsequence,the envy of all other Australian states. Beforethe advent of wind turbines and solar panels meant the slow death of coal-fired power stations -and of the Valley's future prosperity and very soul.Before Australia's Energy Minister, Chris Bowen's mad Frankensteinexperiment was extendedand promoted in our ownstate by Victorian Energy Minister, Silly Lily D'Ambrosio.

To be sure, the Victorian government has taken a very big risk with its latest plan to cover seven per centofthe state's landmass withrenewable energy projects and transmission lines, and forsake gas backup for something it admits won't work 24/7. In other words: intermittent/part-time power. The VictorianTransmissionPlanproposesseven renewable energy zones and four new transmission lines to achieve 65 per cent renewables by 2030 and 95 per cent by 2035.

These seven renewable energy zones include the region of Gippsland. Please note, unlike many international counterparts that include nuclear, coal, gas or hydroelectricity in theirenergy mix, as does America, India, Indonesia, and many others, Victoria is relyingalmostexclusively on wind, solar and batteries.

This is unmitigated economic madness and time will prove Iamright.

Given the woeful track record of Labor in Victoria, it is unsurprising thatthe state government is willing to bet the farm and risk it all in what will most probably turnout to be an ecological and ideological disaster for the Latrobe Valley and the other six regions earmarked for economic ruin. Joseph Lis Morwell

Herewegoagain

THANK goodness it's over.

Another electionhas cometoanend. Just so sad for many to see the same goonies have been re-elected.

Many, many people, including myself are obviously disappointed at the outcome. That's life. Peter Dutton and his band of merry men and women of the Libs couldn't scratch the duco off the politically correct, do gooder, left leaning, Albo-led Laborrabble.

Were the painted, dyedinthe wool, rustedon "loyal" Laborites who voted for this nightmare living in another country over the past three years? It certainly appears that way. But Isuppose while they have been 'AWOL' they didn't get the chance to experience what the greatermajority of Australians have painfully had to endure through the past three years, in particular, higher living costs, which, just quietly will be here for some time to come. Personally, Igave neither party my vote.They're both as bad and as useless as each other.

The most wonderful and most importantoutcome of the whole election was the fantastic and overwhelming defeat of Greens leader Adam Bandt. My goodness, that was such wonderful Karma. It couldn't have happened to amore 'deserving' person. On ya bike Adam and keep those pedals turning, don't look back, just ride off into the sunset. Better still, ride off into oblivion.

Teal MP Zoe Daniel was another, seen 'dancing the night away' after claiming afalse victory.But, as it dawned on her embarrassing moment of 'glory', she finishedupdancing to Engelbert Humperdinks, 'The Last Waltz'. Poor little petal,still refused to accept the umpires decision. She finally and sensibly waved the white flag of defeat after asking for arecount.

Another magnificent outcome in this election that brought unbridled joy and dancing in the streets was to those who despise the Greens and the Teals. Raise your hand if you're one of them -I've got mine raised!

Imean, for goodness sake, just where do these bozos fit in? There has beenmanybrilliant articles written by leading journalists across the country over the past five weeks. They dissected this election with precision, purpose and poise. They have given Albo and his cronies no rest and we will all wait with baited breath to see if the 'handsome man' can get Australia out of the massive black abyss of debt they alone have created.

The Victorian Labor Party numb nuts have not done anything anything worthwhile to give long term confidence to anxious, disappointed and fed up Australians.

As long as their pigswill is full and their snouts are in deep, they couldn't give acontinental about Mr and Mrs Joe Blow, the average, low wage taxpayer who are breaking their ass to keep these parasites into living alife of luxury.

Isn't it 'great news' that Albo is sitting on the fence over his upcomingnuptials.When, where, what time etc, etc. Really? Does anyone give a

damn? Anyone? Another mundane, boring,painful, hugely expensive, over the top, charade that the taxpayer will pay for.

The most important question is, will they have aWelcome to Country, athank you to elders past and present, asorry to all Indigenous, or maybe a smoking ceremony?

Oh dear me, this 'event' could go on for days. Count me in! Ijust hope Iget an invitation! Ahugecongratulations to Thomas Quinn ('Once and for all', 04/06) your first paragraph was brilliant, and so, so accurate.

Well said Thomas and perfectlydescribed. Your article was firstclass, but sadly youare sure to receive another bland, over the top, mundane reply from 'the chosen one'.

I'm sure Iwill also be in his cross-hairs. But I'm looking forward to another gut-busting laugh.

Brian Mawhinney ('Silence is taxing', 04/06) also hit the mark.

Your last paragraph does point out that many Aussiesare suckers. Another fact! Yes Brian, November 2026 is not that far away.

Finally, Joseph Lis ('Conomic doom',04/06).Two paragraphs of unadulterated fact! Ah yes, it's so true, we here in Australia are doing it very hard, under stifling, choking, mongrel conditions. But, life goes on and we as meremortals are sadly handcuffed to the Labor misfits, both federal and state.

We can only live in hope, that life willget better.I doubt very much, I'll see this happen in my lifetime but 'Hope Springs Eternal'.

Ilook forward in anticipationtonext week's offering.

Enjoy your week folks.

Oliver Bergens Dandenong

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preferencewillbegiventobrief, 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 reply to a letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged,the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of thewriters, 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.

Letters regard ing 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.

Nuclear versusrenewables safety

COMMENT

BY ANTON GOSSELIN

THE most important issue now facing the nation is the soaring cost of energy.

The resultofthe election will determine the economic future of the countryand our own personal finances for decades to come.

Only nuclear power willenable Australia to reach net zero by 2050 without further damage to the economy.

This piece should dispel some mythsabout the dangers of nuclear power when compared with the safety of renewables

The below facts are drawn from or quoted from reliable government and international sources cited.

Radiation

THE radiation level from anuclear reactor is far less than we are all exposed to every day of our lives.

"Ionising radiation surrounds us everywhere in everydaylife and it is perfectly normal and safe at low doses.

"Living in Australia for oneyear will expose you to an averageof1.7 microsieverts(mSv) of background radiation –anamountthat is completely normal and safe to receive every year during your life.

"Anannual dose 1000 times larger than this would be required to cause harmful effects.”

(Australian RadiationProtectionand Nuclear Safety Agency).

Some partsofthe world haveeven higher natural doses, from10tomorethan 100 mSv/ year (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) 2008 Report: Exposures of the Public and Workers from Various Sources of Radiation).

The commercial use of nuclear energy is subject to strict international regulations limiting the amount of radiation leaving the reactor chamber to miniscule amounts -lower than those found in an average person’s backyard.

Allowable radiation outsidethe reactorchamber is 1mSv/year (InternationalAtomic Energy Agency [IAEA], InternationalCommission on Radiation protection [ICRP] and U.S. Nuclear regulatory Commission [NRC] 10 CFR 20.1301).

For interest,a single CT scan emits 5mSv of radiation.

So havingabarbecue in your backyard exposes you to higher radiation levels than living right up against the wall of anuclear reactor!

Not only that, but the strength of radiation is inversely proportionaltothe square of the distance from its source. (Well known scientific law).

If you held your barbecue just 100 metres away fromthe reactor, the amountofadditional radiation would have fallen to one ten thousandth of amSv. (0.0001mSv)

Arecent comparison shows how many deaths there has been worldwide in the 70 years since 1951 (when the first nuclear power station started) compared to other power industries.

The compar ison is based on the numbe r of deaths per 1000 Terawatt hours of energy produced.

 Natural Gas: 4000;  Hydro: 1400;  Rooftop solar: 440;  Wind: 150; and,  Nuclear: 90

Itsconclusion states “Given theconsiderable disparity in the deaths caused by other forms of

energy versusnuclear energy, one would be hard pressed not to conclude that nuclear energyis the safest and most energy-dense resource in the world. At 93.5 per cent, nuclear energy has the highest capacity ratio of all energy sources in the world today, andproducesnegligible waste when compared to its energy output”. (Engineering. com/whats-the-death-toll-of-nuclear-vs-otherenergy-sources).

Note that the nuclear figure of 90 includes the 61 who died as aresult of the Chernobyl explosion.Excluding them, the figure is 29 deaths over the 70 years and these have been from physical incidents and not radiation related.

Some people mocked Grace Stanke, an American nuclear engineer, when she recently told aMorwell audience it would be more dangerous to work in agrocery store than in anuclear power station,but she was perfectly correct. The death rate in grocery stores is higher.

Overthe last10years there has beennodeaths in the nuclear industry per 100,000 employees, and there has been 300 per 100,000 employees in the grocery industry. (US BLS)

Still, the possibility of accidents deservesa closer look.

Chernobyl 1986

THE Chernobyl explosion is probably the major reason people are afraid of nuclear power.

Thirty one people died, the most from radiation in the months after.Decades later, another30 have died from cancer which might be attributed to radiation.

Investigations showedthat the designofthe reactor was badly flawed and its emergency safety system was deliberately shut downbythe operators trying out apoorly planned experiment.

The flaws in the design of the Soviet RBMK1000 reactorswere corrected after the Chernobyl incident and adozen of the same reactors have since been operatingwithout any radiation incidents for more than forty years. (Source: Chernov D. Sornette D. Man-Made Catastrophes and Risk Information Concealment: Case Studies of Major Disasters and Human Fallibility.Springer. 2015. Page 71).

Three Mile Island 1979

THE Three Mile Island Unit 2reactor, near Middletown, Pennsylvania, partiallymelted down becauseofa cooling pump failure compounded by faulty instrument readings that led to mistakes being made by the operators.

The lessons learned have been incorporated into reactor design and operation ever since.

Its smallradioactive releases had no detectable health effects on plant workers or the public.

In fact,the totalradiation exposure to workers and the public was only one-sixth of that of a chestX-ray. (Source: U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Backgrounder on the Three Mile Island Accident).

Fukushima 2011

THIS disaster, caused by an earthquake of 9.1 magnitude, was the worstsince Chernobylin terms of surrounding radiation levels, but there was no deaths or reported injuries fromescaping radioactive elements.

The cause of the meltdownwas not from damage to the reactors themselves, which were designedtowithstandlarge earthquakes, but the resultingtsunamishort-circuited the local electrical supply grid and literally swamped the backup generators.

The cooling water pumps stopped and overheating of the radioactive core led to the meltdown.

According to the UnitedNations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation: "No adverse health effects amongFukushima residents have been documented that aredirectly attributable to radiation exposure from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant accident".

Earthquakes

NUCLEARpower plants are designed to ensure thatearthquakes and other external events will not jeopardise their safety.

There are twomeasures used.

One is the SSE (Safe Shutdown Earthquake) which is ameasureofthe amount of ground movement under the plant at which the reactor should be shut down.

Most countries have aSSE of 0.5g. Since Fukushima, Japan requires an SSE of 1.0g.

The other is the OBE (Op era tin gB asi s Earthquake) which is the level at which the plant may continue operating without any danger.Thisisusually about half the SSE figure. (World-Nuclear Org Nuclear PowerPlants and Earthquakes, March 2021. U.S.Nuclear Regulatory Commission -Backgrounder on Seismic Reviews at U.S. Nuclear Power Plants Jan 2025).

The largest earthquake ever recorded in Australian historywas at Tennant Creek in 1988.Itwas measuredat6.6 on the Richter scale. (Geoscience Australia).

This is equivalent to an SSE of 0.3-0.5. (The 0.5 is right on top of the epicentre)

The most severe earthquake ever recorded in the Latrobe Valley area was the Moe earthquake in June2012. It measured 5.2. (Geoscience Australia)

This had an SSE of 0.2g, well below the level required to shut anuclear plant down.

Disposal of waste

THE challenges:  Geological stability of the chosen site must be such to accommodate waste for hundreds of thousands of years without disturbance;  Waste must be kept away from underground water tables to prevent contamination; and,  The site should be in an arid or lowpermeability area.

Australian solutions

AUSTRALIA'S size and varied geological structureoffersseveral locationsthatwouldmeet these requirements.

Between the large artesian basins thereare hugeareas of virtuallyuninhabited desertor semi-desert land. Within these are ancient geological formations containing granite andclay -both effective barriers against water leakage. The Australian mining industry should find it easy to burrow 500 to 800m into the side of a granite mountain and create alarge subterranean storage area encased in thick concrete to store, not only Australian waste, but wastefromother countries.

This is an opportunity to earn substantial income from abroad.

The abovefacts show up the scare stories about nuclear energy as ignorant fearmongering.

Abo ut the auth or: Anton Goss elin is a Newborough resident.

Running classroom full of insights

ALW AYS lear ning alo ngside their stude nts, educa tors at St Paul ’s Anglican Grammar School recentlyhad the privilege of attending an inspiring personal development conference titled 'Running the Room', led by renowned classroombehaviourexpert, Professor TomBennett OBE.

Professor Bennett, the UK government’s School BehaviourAdvisor, has worked with more than 1300 schools in

18 countries and is the authorofseveral books on classroom behaviour. Throughout the conference, educators explored research-backed strategies to establish clear routines and boundaries, and promote positive behaviour -tools designed to improve best-practices in theschool environment and master classroom management to help every student thrive, both as learners and individuals.

Head of St Paul’s Traralgon Junior School, Tracey King, described the conference as “incredibly valuable”, noting that the knowledge gained willhave alastingimpact on teaching practice across the region.

“Calm, predictable and focused classrooms that are safe and dignified are essential foundations for effective learning and student wellbeing,” Ms King said.

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Junior School students took part in areflective week of learning and engagement to mark National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week. Guided by this year’stheme,'BridgingNow to Next', students exploredthe importance of understanding Australia’s past to build amore inclusivefuture. Across classrooms, students read books, viewed videos and took part in thoughtful discussionsabout the experiences and histories of First Nations peoples. Educators facilitatedameaningfulschool

community installation from Prep to Year 4studentswho wrote their personal commitments to reconciliation on paper leaves, which were then assembled into areconciliation tree. Students also wrote letters to the Stolen Generations, offering messages of empathy and support that were assembled into asecond installation. Both Sorry Dayand NationalReconciliation Week serve as powerful reminders of the community’s shared responsibility to acknowledge the past and work together toward areconciled future.

Hosted by St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Traralgon Campus, the conference drew educators from the local community and surrounding Gippsland areas and beyond.

“Tom’s messagetoschool leaders and teachers is clear; behaviour is fundamental to all forms of successpersonally and within our community,” Ms King continued.

“To be effective, schools must; teach

behaviour as deliberately as subject content, establishclear routinesand expectations, be consistent school-wide and ensure strong teacher presence. The most effective schools and teachers have high regardand high expectations for their students and they are proactive rather tha nreacti ve to beha viour. Behaviour can and should be seen as a curriculum which can be taught.”

St Paul’sperformance hits key notes for future musos

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Academy of Music students delivered apowerful performance at this year’s Kammer Konzert. Held annually, the Kammer Konzert is a vibrant celebration of chamber music, featuring small ensembles from the Traralgon and Warragul campuses.

Students from Years 3to12performed a diverse repertoire, including 'What Is This Feeling?' from Wicked; 'Omnia Sol' (Stroope); 'Allegro Robusto' from For Children; 'Arrival of the QueenofSheba' from Solomon; 'Fireflies' (Owl City); and 'Mollyonthe Shore'(Grainger).

As partofthe school’s co-curricularmusic program, the Academy of Music allows students to personalisetheir learning, pursuetheir

musical interests and engage with experienced educators and professional musicians.

This year's concert featured aguest wind duo performance from NielsBijl (soprano saxophone) and Matthew Kneale (bassoon), offeringstudents avaluable opportunityto witness high-level musicianship up close. Entry intothe academyisbyaudition,and successful students are offered aclass-timetabled opportunity thatnurtures both musical skill and personal growth, preparingthem for future creative pursuits in and beyond school.

To find out more, or to apply for the academy, phone Ben Sim on 5622 6358 or email: bsim@ stpaulsags.vic.edu.au

Knowledge: Professor TomBennettOBE, pictured with educatorsfromStPaul’sAnglican Grammar School.

Photograph supplied

Culture: St Paul’sstudentsLuca,Mohan, Kyra,Sayaand Katie in front of theletters to the Stolen Generations Photograph supplied

In tune: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schoolstudents during the concer t. Photograph supplied

Outdoor adventures Special cultural school

By KATRINA BRANDON

Just a10-minute walk from the preschool, students have had the opportunity to learn about the local Traralgon Railway Reserve, which volunteers run. Thelocal volunteers also occasionally join kinder students to help embed their knowledge about the local environment and life within it.

“They have really engagedwith the program,” Sara Court Preschool teacher, Holly Stockdale told the Express

“Thisprogram helps the kids get awayfrom screens and out of the classroom, where they can enjoy nature. We have foundthat it has increased the childrens wellbeing,aswell as that of the parents and staff.”

The idea for the bush kinder came from Ms Stockdale, who had found peace in the reserve during COVID-19.

Some of the other community initiatives in which the preschool has become involved include an aged care program, where students spend time with people in aged care homes and hear stories about their lives, awatersafety program, and programs focusing on animal safety and road safety.

At the reserve,studentshavelearnt how to feed ducks and approach them safely, while also

learning about the importance of safety around other animals. They have also learnt about trees and planting them,hut building,and have enjoyed discovering nature's hidden gems.

Earlier thismonth, students participated in a treasure hunt, where teachers hid rocks around asection of the reserve that students had painted and had their namesonthem.

“They enjoy coming up here to the bush kinder We have found that it encourages children to explore other spaces for learning, exercise, and wellbeing," Ms Stockdale said.

“It helps them engage abit more straight away, when we get back, we have the rest, but just even the next day, it gets their bodies moving, which is reallyimportant for emotionalregulation.It’s also agreat confidence booster, just even taking risks, climbing and sliding in the canyon, picking up big sticks and socially better for them.”

The adventures out to the reserve have also helped the parents, according to Ms Stockdale. She said that some people hadn’teven heard of the reserve until the studentshad been there, whichsparked interest from parents to visit on weekends, allowing them to see some of the kids’ work outside of aschoolsetting.

Ms Stockdale also told the Express thatstudents havebecome actively creative with how they spend their time at the reserve, whether it be grabbing sticks to draw in dirt areas or building huts.

Heart Primary School, Morwell was honoured to have Mitch Tambo, awell known singer and songwriter visit the school.

His performance highlighte dh is talent for music, storytelling and an insight to his Aboriginal background.

The seniors had asession with Mitch, where he talked abouthis culture and shared his knowledge of traditional music and storytelling. He then continued with ayarning circle withasmallergroup of children. He taught students astory through dance and music and they performed it in itsentirety at the end of thesession.

The whole school then came together for a performance, where Mitch wore aheaddress featuring ared-tail black cockatoo and emu feather sw hic hr epr esen ted st rengtha nd perseverance. The performance brought about alot of energy through the delivery of music and dance. Mitch played his didgeridoo and performedsongs sung in Gamilaraay language.

After school, teachers and staff had an opportunitytolearn about the authentic deliveryofthe Aboriginal culture. Mitch talked about his own experiences at school and encouraged all staff.

SACRED

Honour: Isabella with sacred Indigenous dress

Tradition: Mitch Tambo on thedidgeridoo

Equipment: Mother Naturetook on the job of theschool playground forSaraCour tstudents.

Leaders: Mitch andschool captainsSunday,Jenna,Maddy and Scarlett. Photographs supplied

Adventure: From planting trees,painting rocks, and learning plentyabout theenvironment, the Sara Cour tpreschoolersenjoytheir weekly visit to the great outdoors. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Indigenousinsights: Mitch Tambo performing forSacred Heart Primar ySchool, Morwell students

NEW adventures await Sara Court Preschool students as they discover anew classroom in the great outdoors of ‘Bush Kinder’.

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DELIVERERS WTD

AGOSTINO

Agostino (Gus)

Born on 4January 1937. Passed away 29 May 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Dearly loved husband of Maria for 59 years.

Loved father and fatherin-law of Giuliana and Sean, Antonio and Megan (dec.) and Mario.

Adored Nonno of Gabriella and Yun us, Tobi as, Nathanael, and Isabella and Sam.

FINDLAY Ron

Passed away peacefully on 2June2025.

Aged 72 years

Loving mate of Anja.

Proud dad to Luke, Rebecca, Jessica and Anja's children Wendy, Michelle and Mathew.

Cherished Pop of Gemma, Izzy, Justin, Jackson, Max ,J ak e, Mika yla, Asher, Montana, Kiarnah, Makenzi, Lyndsay, Georgia, Liam, Aiden, Matilda and Bob. Forever in our hearts

LAY (nee Murray)

Wendy Nancy Passed away surrounded by her loving family aged 87 years. Adored wife to Bill for 67 years. Loving mother of Jim, Judy, Doug and Annette. Devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Forever in our hearts

LAY Wendy Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch deeply regret the passing of their esteemed Affiliate Member and friend, Wendy. We offer our sincere sympathy to her family. LEST WE FORGET

LEE Sharon Passed away peacefully at home in Yinnar South on the 21st of May 2025 aged 68. Much loved mother and mother in law of Matt and Christine, Nathan and Julia. Loved Nana of Isaac, Alana, Hudson, Laylah, Lexie, and Finlay.

MAXWELL Michael Passed away peacefully aged 89 years. Loving husband of Bev (dec.). Loving dad of Daryl and Justine, Sharo na nd Graham. Adored Pop of Brooke, Adrienne, Ash, Amelia and Josh. Poppy Mick to Landon, Hazel, Zara, Otis, and Lenny. Forever in our hearts

McKENZIE

Graham Norman Passed away peacefully at Abbey Gardens, Warragul on 6June, 2025.

Aged 80 years

Dearly loved and loving husband of Margaret (dec.).

Much loved and devoted father and father-in-law of Dean and Paula, Sharyn and Dave, and Craig (dec.).

Adored and proud Pa of Hannah, Adam and Meg, Luke and Matisse, Jack and Danielle, and Ella. Special, caring friend of Pauline.

Alife well lived and alife lived well Forever In Our Hearts

SAN Aloysius Lao

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family. Aged 96 years

Loving husband of Margaret (dec.). Father of Eileen, Eugene, Brigid and their families.

Adoring grandfather of Peter. In the Loving Embrace of God For Funeral information please visit our website at latrobevalley funerals.com.au

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

HELDENS AMemorial Prayer Service to celebrate the life of Toni will take place at St Kevin's Catholic Church, Meeniyan on FRIDAY (13 June 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. The ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit: www.harwood funerals.com.au for digital link. Privately Cremated.

LAY The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Wendy Lay will be held at St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 34 Fowler Street Moe WEDNESDAY (11 June 2025) commencing at 2pm. This service will be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit our website at: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au

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

STEVENSON Bradley Wayne 6/2/1996 -28/5/2025. Passed away suddenly at home in Yarram. Privately Cremated. AMemorial Service will be held at alater date. Please see Harwood Funerals Facebook Page or Website for details. LEE The funeral service for Sharon Lee will arrive at the Cheltenham Cemetery, Wangara Rd Cheltenham, on THURSDAY (12 June 2025) for aGraveside Service to commence at 2:30pm.

AGOSTINO Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr (Gus) Agostino will be held at St Michaels Catholic Church, Traralgon THURSDAY (12 June 2025) at 11.30am. Rosary will be recited in the above church prior to the Mass commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of Mass, the funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FINDLAY AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of Ronald will take place at the Leongatha Golf Club MONDAY (16 June 2025) commencing at 11am. The ceremony will be live-streamed. Please visit: www.harwood funerals.com.au for digital link. Privately Cremated. Please wear casual clothing or your Tigers gear.

CLARK Amanda 13/6/1994

Happy memories of a treasured member of our family. Love Grandma.

DAVIDSON

Robert Leslie Harley 15/6/2017

Another year without your smiling face, your star shines down brightly watching over us. Forever in our hearts. Lots of love Janean, Warren, Storm and Rebecca.

JURUS Bronislawa 23/12/1921 -13/6/2024. Almost ayear has gone by since you were taken away from us. Imiss you more each day Mum. I miss our special times together watching the Gymnastics or Ice Skating routines on Sunday afternoons on TV. We would also play Zingo and Mum you would win most of the time. Precious memories will live on in my heart always Yourlovingdaughter Krystyna.

JURUS Bronislawa

Babcia, Iwas heartbroken when you passed away. You will always be in my thoughts and heart. Love you always. Your granddaughter Julie.

JURUS Bronislawa

Thank you for alifetime of love and memories Babcia. Your spirit remains in our hearts forever.

Love Tom, Bec and Jaxson.

JURUS Bronislawa

The funeral service for Brian Long will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Ave Moe FRIDAY (13 June 2025) commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MAXWELL The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Michael Maxwell will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium Rose Chapel, Cemetery Dr. Traralgon on FRIDAY (13 June 2025) commencing at 10:30am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

McKENZIE

AService to celebrate the life of Mr Graham McKenzie, late of Trafalgar, will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Rd Warragul on THURSDAY (12 June 2025) at 11am.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Graham's Service please visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

APrivate Cremation will follow.

Uniting under the world game for pride

treasurerJames Saliba, seniorwomen’s coach and player ChloeMar tin, seniorwomen’s co-captain DanicaDiCicero, seniorwomen’s assistant coach DionMallia, and committee member andsenior women’s playerBelindaHua Photograph supplied

To my darling Mum, It is ayear since you passed away, but it feels like just yesterday. Iremember the love and kindness that you showed and the warmth on us that you bestowed. You are my role model and I admire your strength and courage. Ithink of you every day and will always have so many happy memories of our lives together. Love you always, your devoted daughter Mary.

JURUS Bronislawa 23/12/1921 -13/6/2024

Always gentle, loving and kind. What lovely memories you left behind. In God's care you rest above, In our hearts you rest with love. Aspecial long time family friend, neighbour and Godmother to Monika. The Karapulka family Monika, Brian and Aniela.

FITZGERALD Anita Lorraine 6/6/1982 -28/5/1996. Remembered with love. We all miss you so very much on this your 43rd Birthday. Not aday goes by that you are not in our thoughts, words and prayers. Love Mum, Dad, Matthew, Caitlin, Jacinta, Willow, Eli, Scarlett, Clay and Aubrey.

PACUNSKIS, Peter. Hap py 70th birth day Poochie. You were someone very special, good and true, You will never be forgotten as Ithought the world of you. Love you so much, my heart is broken. Love Mum and Nicky.

PACUNSKIS, Peter. 10/6/1955

Remembering you on your birthday and every other day, miss you beyond words. Happy heavenly birthday brother, love you always, Inta and family.

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperience to familiesin Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburraand surrounding areas. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offerboth at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funeralsare available. Dignityand respect ,always CREMATION PACKAGES FROM $3300

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THE inaugural TraralgonOlympians Soccer Club Pride Cup will be up for grabs this weekend, when the Blues host Sale United Football Club in acelebration of inclusion, visibility and pride in sport.

The Latrobe Valley Soccer League Round 12 Senior Women's matchatTraralgon's Harold Preston Reserve willserve as the officialPride Cup fixture, showcasing the power of sporttounite and create safer and more welcoming spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event is being delivered in partnership with Pride Cup and the Gippsland Pride Initiative, with support from the Latrobe Health Assembly.

"This is aproud and important moment for our club," Traralgon Olympians Soccer Club Vice President, Damen Francis said.

"We believe sport should be for everyone, and hosting aPride Cup is ameaningful step towards making our club and our game more inclusive and afairer reflection of our community.

"We've seen what's possible when clubs lead withcourage and compassion, now it's ourturn to stand up and play our part and we're grateful to Sale United for joining and supporting us in this initiative."

ForOlympians committee memberand senior women's player Belinda Hua, providingand experiencing asenseofbelongingiswhatthe Pride Cup was all about.

"Growing up in Gippsland, the lack of visibility definitely played apart in me not being able to be my authentic self until later in life," she said.

"So on top of showing that we're an inclusive club, it's also adding visibility to the LGBTQIA+ community that you can be doing the things you enjoy while being yourself and still be accepted."

Ahalftimesocialevent during the featurematch will bringtogether club membersand guests to reflect on and celebrate the region's progress towards inclusion in sport.

Representatives from community groups and organisations willalsobeinattendance with informationand resources, including emergency services such as the Morwell Proactive Policing Unit, which may include uniformed representatives.

Pride Cup will be delivering education sessions at bothparticipatingclubs in the lead up to the event.

Traralgon Olympians has drawn inspiration from local trailblazers in neighbouring sporting codes including the North Gippsland Football-Netball League, Traralgon Tennis Association, Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby and Latrobe Valley Hockey Association, whose leadership and commitment to inclusion havepaved the way for change in Gippsland's sporting landscape.

The club invites the community to attend and be part of this free event.

Gates open at 10am, with the feature match kicking off at 10.30am.

BASKETBALL

THE Express is aware of asituation regarding the Moe Basketball Association, whereitisunderstood asignificant sum of money has been embezzled. Work to piece the storytogether is currently underway.

No further details will be published until facts and figures are confirmed.

LIAM

Deaths •

Trained andready forthe mainevent

Improv: Duetorainyconditions, aspiring local ballkids were ranthrough auniqueprogram recentlyinlimited spaceatthe Traralgon Tennis Association. Photographs: Blake

Grumley honoured

TENNIS

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LONG-TIMETraralgon Tennis Association

figure Susie Grumley was recently bestowed the Victorian Spirit of Tennis Award at the Tennis Victoria Community Tennis Awards. Involved in Traralgon tennis for 18 years, the award recognises someone who has made asignificant and valuable contribution to the advancement or popularity of the sport in any field.

Grumley was surprised with the honour, andhas showed no signs of slowing down hersupportfor tennis locally.

“I still haven’t had time to process it, but Ifeel so humbled and honoured to win that, Istill can’t believe it,” she told the Express “I just feel that I’m very fortunate to do something and be apart of something that Ilove all the time, and be able to help the community in different ways and make a difference.

“I think I’m very lucky to be able to come and do that, and I’m very honoured to be awarded that, it’s really amazing.”

Grumley joins elite company with an impressive honour roll including Margaret Court, Pat Cash, Dylan Alcott, Frank Sedgman,Judy Dalton, Paul McNamee, NicoleBradtke,Wayne Arthurs and Ian Barclay.

Outstanding: Traralgon Tennis Association Manager,Susie Grumley wasrecognised with the Victorian Spirit of Tennis AwardatTennis Victoria CommunityTennis Awards Photograph supplied

TENNIS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

YOUNG and hopeful tennis locals got their first test at gaining towards next year’sAustralian Open as potential ballkids representing the region.

ALevel 1trial was conducted at Traralgon Tennis Club recently, with ahandful of youngsters participatinginauniquetraining to learn the basicskills required to become aballkid at an international tournament.

Due to the constant rain across the day, participants didn’t trial on the tennis court and instead ran throughthe session in limitedundercoverspace near the clubrooms.

Basic skills to understand included speed and coordination in terms of collecting and delivery of the tennis ball, as well as stance and posture.

Tennis Victoria Development Officer, Kate-Lyn Perkin ranthe local trial in Traralgonacross Friday, May 23 as school kids arrived at different times.

Overthe last decade, local youngsters have consistently thrown their hat in the ring, including Traralgon’s Mackinley Eenjes featuring at the Grand Slam event in 2020.

“We’re finding overall across the whole of regional Victoria andincluding Traralgon and Sale that tennis is growingingeneral,” Perkintoldthe Express

“So, to be able to bring some new opportunities

for those teenage years …where we see kids drop out, bringing the ballkids is that sort of program for them.”

Ausual Level 1trial would see participants treated to amuch more open space to specifically showthem how to run acrossthe nets to collect balls with pace.

More than 2000 entrants apply for the National Ballkids Program,that goesthrough twostages and gets worked down to an AO 2025 squad of around 400.

Besides getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be up-close withsome of the best athletes in the world, intangible skillsare developed including teamwork, leadership and resilience.

“The children are really keen to be apartofthe AO ballkids, and Ithink what’s really great, and I know there’s acouple of kids here today that have been ballkids for our tournamentsinJanuary,and thatreallyinspires them and they have agreat time doing that,” TraralgonTennis Association Manager, Susie Grumley said.

“Then they want to go and take the next step and be aballpersonatthe Open, so it’sgreat to see that little pathway happen.”

Ballkids for the Australian Open need to be aged 12 to 15 on January 1ofthe event year.

Other ballkids opportunities can come at the United Cup in Sydney, as well as the Adelaide, Brisbane and Hobart Internationals.

Morwell star set to lead state team

Star: Morwell’sMarleyAlimpic has been selected as team captain forthe Under 16 Victoria Countr ysquad. Photograph supplied

BASKETBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

BE patient, work hard, and reap the rewards.

Morwell basketballer Marley Alimpic will lead the Under 16 Victoria Country Women’s side in their 2025 NationalChampionship aspirations next month as team captain.

Shooting hoopsatthe age of seven,Marley quickly developed alove for the game, which began at the Morwell Basketball Association.

“I was fast but Iwas so small, (so) Icould barely reach the ring when Ishot and Iwould foul alot,” she said.

Marley credits junior coach Jerome Fourlze in shaping her as aplayer, coaching from under 12s through to U16s.

“I feel so lucky to have had Jerome’s support and guidance over the years, he believed in me when others didn’t and always pushed me to reach my full potential,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be theplayer Iamtoday withouthim.”

Once U14s rolled around, Marley tried her luck at localVJBL(Victorian JuniorBasketball League) club Gippsland United, where she played for two seasons in the state’s top junior level.

In 2023, Marley moved to fellow VJBL club Casey Cavaliers to further her development, with herU16 team finishing top two in the state with her as a bottom-age player.

Aclearupward trajectory wasplayingout for the young rising star, and Marley was invited to try out for the U16 Vic Country Women’s side at

the state combine, and was selected as one of two bottom-age players in the squad.

“This was one of my most proudest moments in my basketball journey,” she said.

At the 2024 U16 National Championships, Vic Country finished in fifth-place,withMarley calling it “an amazing experience to play against the best players in the country.”

Despite agreat runupuntil that point, adversity struckMarley last October, as apainful disc bulge kept her side-lined from basketball for three months following on from the highest of stages played.

“This was ahugesetback and it has been achallengetophysically and mentally recover from this injury,” shesaid.

Throughresilience and determination, Marley worked diligently week-after-week to get herself backtothe best of herability, andwas again selected to the U16 Vic Country Women’s team -this time as team captain.

“(This was) ahuge honour, especiallyconsidering this is voted on by my teammates,” she said.

As astate team, training was never going to be locally, almostevery weekend was spenttravelling to places like Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong to mix with teammates and coaches. This, of course, wouldn’t be possible without two special people. “I am so lucky to have parents who support me,” she said.

The 2025Under 16 National Championships takes place in Bendigo from July 4to13.

Traralgon’s Fletcher Adams and Moe’s Seth Fozard were also selected for the Victoria Country Men’sside for the national tournament.

Readying for grueling desert mission

TRARALGON'S Blake Bourne will take on arecordbreaking mission this August: 'Blake's Big Red Run' -running 380 kilometres across the Simpson Desert, in less than three days and eight hours. The goal? To raise $38,000 for Speak and Share, amental health charity focussed on creating meaningful change around mental health in the areasthat need it most.

In the lead-up to the challenge, Bourne is rallying the community to get involved and help spark uncomfortable conversations around mental health through two key initiatives.

Earlier this month, 'Sip &Dip' in Traralgon brought locals together, with music from DJ Keasty, group icebaths and games -all focussedonthe power of community, connectionand embracing discomfort.

Next month,Bournewilllead'The Uncomfortable Challenge', amonth-long fundraising campaign where participants are encouraged to take on a challenge each week that pushes them outside their comfort zone -whether it be acold shower, running 12km every day, or trying somethingnew. Blake's Big Red Run is expected to take several days of relentless effort, with unforgiving weather conditions and lack of sleep providing as much of amental challenge as aphysicalone. Throughhis efforts,Bournehopes to demonstrate that no matter how hard it gets, tough times can be overcome if you "keep moving forward".

Money raised will go directly to Speak and Share, anot-for-profit organisation delivering powerful

programs in schools, workplaces, and sporting clubs to encourage openand honestconversationsabout mental wellbeing.

How you can get involved:

 Join 'The Uncomfortable Challenge' via: http:// blakesbigredrun.com/uncomfortablechallenge

 Share your weekly discomforts online using #uncomfortablechallenge

Chilled discomfort: In anticipation of his‘Big RedRun’across the Simpson Deser tthis August, Traralgon’sBlakeBourne hosted a‘Sipand Dip’ event. Photograph supplied

Standard: Fraser practices his hold and howto delivera tennis ball to players

Metcalf-Holt

Women’ssport again sees setback

SPORT

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

UPROAR has been voiced across Victoria, includinginGippsland,followingthe stategovernment’s decision to axe the Office for Women in Sport and Recreation and the Preventing Violence Through Sport Grants Program.

Both results came during this year’s State Budget, and were revealed during aMay 21 Sport and Experience Economy meeting, with announcements that certain Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions programs would cease.

Female footballers and clubs across Victoria protested the decision, withplayers wearingred armbands and asecond strip to honour the women lost to gender-basedviolence this year.

With the State Budget focussing on the issues of cost-of-living and families, thousandsofpublic sector jobswere put in the firing line as the state government aim to save $3.3 billion.

In astatement provided to the ABC,the state government said: “(We) will always support women and girls’participation in sports and recreation. The functions of the Office for WomeninSport and Recreation will continue to be held within Sport and Recreation Victoria.”

Entering its eighth-year,the Office for Women in Sportand Recreation had funded 580 grants,worth more than $2.9 million in total, for community sportand organisations suchasbasketball,cycling, hockey, surfing, and volleyball across the state.

The government postwereactive in female participation in sport, offering professional development scholarships, community activation grants, and sports media opportunities for women.

Latrobe Valley-based not-for-profit regional sports assembly, GippSport recently secured aChange Our Game community activation grant to deliver anew Youth Women’s Leadership and Governance Program, supporting the next generation of female leaders to be delivered in 2025/26.

The Office for WomeninSport and Recreation also facilitated the Fair Access PolicyRoadmap, an Australian-first policy which aimed to provide women and girls fairer access to community infrastructure, by supporting local councils to develop locally relevant gender equitable access.

ThePreventing Violence Through Sports Grants

Program(PVTSGP)had previously runfor three years, providing funding for partnership projects that focussed on:

 Building the capacity of communitysport and recreation to address the gendereddriversof family violence,sexualviolence, and all forms of violence against womenintheir communities;

 Implementingthe Safe and Inclusive Sport: Preventing Gender-Based Violence Guide for state sportingassociations, regional sport assemblies, women’s health and communityhealth services, local councils, andother organisations,and;

 Building networksand partnershipsbetween community sport and recreation and primary prevention experts.

These were utilised across avariety of community sports including football, netball, basketball and cricket, as well as upskilling local committees, umpires, and coachesontheirunderstanding of gender-based violence.

The much heralded Orange Round campaign across local football leagues and other sports associations (Gippsland League Orange Round is held June 21) is delivered through the PVTSGP, reaching more than200 clubsand associations, and provides local workshops and tailored resources.

GippSport echoed theirs and the region’s disappointmentinthis closure, writing to relevant ministersdenouncingthesedecisions and urging them to reconsider.

It was sent to Minister for CommunitySport, Ros Spence, Minster for Family Violence, Women, and Government Services, Natalie Hutchins, and Minister forEquality, Vicki Ward on behalf of GippSportand its partnersatGippsland Centre AgainstSexual Assault (office based in Morwell) and Gippsland Women’s Health.

“As afunded partner in the prevention program and long-standing supporter of the Fair Access Policy roadmap, we have seen first-hand how critical these initiatives are in advancing gender equity and preventing violence through the powerful platform of community sport,” GippSport ExecutiveOfficer, Dan Poynton penned.

“The decision to discontinue these efforts risks stalling momentum,particularly in regionslike Gippsland,where the needsare great and local capacity is limited.

“We urge the Victorian government to reconsider

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Men’sMonthly Medal (Stroke) May31st 2025.

MonthlyMedal Winner: M. Rennie 63 Nett

ScratchWinner: M. Brereton 84

Putts: M. Brereton 27

AGrade: J. Cahill 74 Nett

BGrade: G. Barnes 72 Nett

CGrade: M. Rennie 63 Nett

D.T.L: 1. R. Welsh67, 2. A. Sharrock 72, 3.

A. Auld 74,4.M.Brereton74, 5. R. King 74 6. P. McGann 76,7.P.Bolding 77 c/b,8.R Sands 77 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdG.Sanders, 5th R. Harvey, 12th

R. King,14th R. Madigan

Birdies: 14th M. Rennie

Target Hole: J. Cahill

Women’sMonthly Medal (Stroke)Ambrose Dropout Tuesday3rd June 2025.

MonthlyMedal Winner: S. Turner 76 Nett

Putts: S. Turner 31

D.T.L: M. Dear 79 Nett

N.T.P: 3rdM.Dear,5th M. Dear,12th M. Dear,14th M. Dear

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday, 3rdJune,Stableford.

AGrade: TWhitelaw(9) 44pts

BGrade: NWhichello (14) 39pts

DTL: BWells, GRenwick, NBaker,35. NTP: 4th BWells, 6th PCummaudo,16th

JHughes

Birdies: 16th NWhichello. Saturday, 7th June,Stroke,

AGrade: PSmart (8) 72 nett,

BGrade: NWhichello,(14)76nett

DTL: MPayne 73, MSnell, SDuff74, R Scurlock75c/b

NTP: 4th MPayne,6th RScurlock, 16th

TimTraill. Birdies: 4th MPayne,RScurlock. MOE

Sunday, 01 June 2025 OPEN Sunday9

hole Stableford

the decision to withdraw investment from thisspace “Maintaining agender equity functionwithin Sport andRecreation Victoriaand funding place-based prevention initiativesinregions like Gippsland wouldbeawise and values-drivendecision -especially in the face of rising gender-based violence across the state.”

Per the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance, four out of five Gippsland LGAs exceedthe stateaverage for family violenceincident rates, with Latrobe City second in thestate for family violencepolice call

outs (per 100,000 population) and East Gippsland number one in the state in 2024.

Latrobe City also saw a14.73 per cent increase in family violence incidents from the year prior, with atotal of 3115 incidents from January to December 2024.

“In Gippsland, the prevalence of family violence remains amongthe highest in Victoria,” Mr Poynton added.

“We cannot afford to lose traction now.”

Gole: Vic Master of the Year

GOLF/HOCKEY

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON-BORN golfer Nadene Gole was the recipientofthe Masters Athlete of the Year at the 2024 Victorian Sports Awards for aphenomenal year on the greenacross the globe.

Held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, 18 awards were handedout on the night, which celebratedindividual and teamathletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, administrators, media personnel,and initiatives that promoted participation across the calendar year.

Gole won two of the biggest senior amateur titles in golfatthe US Senior Women’sAmateur and R&A Women’s Senior Amateur (England), the first Australian to do so.

Sheiscurrentlyranked 123inthe Women’s World Amateur Golf Rankings -byfar the highest-ranked female senior in the world.

While not present to receive her recognition, Gole took time to reflect on amomentous time in her career.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be acknowledged as the Victorian Master Athlete for 2024,” she told the Express

“I had an amazing year on and off thegolf course during 2024 -one year Iwill never forget.

“Lifethrows you many challenges and how you manage these gives one perspective.”

SCOREBOARD

Grade AWinners: Forsyth,Wayne (18) 19

Sunday, 01 June 2025

Competition : OPEN SundayMixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Boorer,Kade (9) 40

Grade BWinners: Bechaz, Paul (11) 42

Grade CWinners: Kim, William (24) 39

Place Getters: Weir,Charles 38 Winters, Jamie 37 C/B, Szabo, Nathan 37, Makepeace,Troy 36 C/B, Attard, Kyle 36 C/B, Stansbury, Les 36, Demczuk, Rohan 35 C/B

Wednesday, 04 June 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Tulau, Susan (36) 19 Wednesday, 04 June 2025 WOMENS MONTHLYMEDAL Stroke

Overall Winners: Wallis,Elizabeth (28) 72

Medal Winner

Grade AWinners: Middlemiss,Kaye(15)74

Grade BWinners: Wallis,Elizabeth (28) 72

Place Getters: Borg, Kathy75C/B,Stewart, Leahann 75 Great Score: Kaye Middlemiss (Birdie) @4 Nearest to Pin: 4th KarynSavige,14th

Elizabeth Wallis

Target Hole Prize: KathyBorg

Putts: AGrade -KathyBorg29

BGrade: Evelyn Mitchell 30

Thursday, 05 June 2025 Competition : OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Kelly, David (11) 39

Grade BWinners: Lalor,Garry(12)41

Grade CWinners: Heland, Jimmy(38) 37

Place Getters: Stirzaker,Jason 38 Backman, Shane 37 C/B ,Dent, Russell 37 C/B,Powell, Vincent 36 C/B,Weir,Charles

36 C/B ,Eastaway,Karl36, Beveridge,Eric

36 ,Morrow,Darren 35 C/B ,Blunt, Philip 35 C/B,Wilkinson, Wally35C/B,Hibbs,Steven

35 C/B ,Pisa, John 35 C/B,Stanlake, Peter

35 C/B,Johnson, Tony 35

Great Score: Alain Babet (Birdie) @4, MarkScammell (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Alain Babet ,8th Tim Lawrence ,14th AnthonyGauci

Saturday, 07 June 2025 Competition : MEN'S Monthly Medal

Grade AWinners: Wilson, Graeme (8) 70

Grade BWinners: White, Rodney(13)70

Grade CWinners: Thompson, Peter(19)74

Place Getters: Agius-Walker,Finn73, Stansbury, Les 74 C/B,Howard, Bernard74 C/B,Bassman, Aaron 74 C/B,Weir,Martin 74,Boorer,Kade 75 Metcalfe, Mark 75 C/B

Gross Winner: Aaron Bassman 70

Great Score: Simon Stephens (Birdie) @14 ,Laurie Veenman (Birdie) @8 ,NickSkicko (Birdie) @14,Graeme Wilson (Birdie) @4, Aaron Bassman (Birdie) @14

Gole had previously quipped that she’dliketo one day be nominated for Australian Masters Athlete of the Year, afterwinning the state level award for the second year running.

Gole won seven of nineworld-ranking events in 2024, and finished every week ranked Number 1inthe world for seniorwomen’s.

Latrobe Valley Hockey Association President, Kelly Godfrey was also afinalist for Volunteer of the Year at the2024Victoria Sports Awards. Godfreyserves manyroles for the LVHA, including as social media coordinator, fundraising and events coordinator, as well as being involvedingameday operations as acoach, team manager and firstaid officer forGippsland senior and junior representative teams and clubs Gippsland Bulls and LVHA Men’s Vic League side (for which she helped form).

“I was completely shocked whenI received the email stating Iwas afinalist, it’s an incredible honour to be recognised in this way and Ifeel deeply grateful for the nomination,” she said.

“This acknowledgmentrepresents all the volunteers who had given and continue to give theirtimeand energy to helpkeep hockey alive andthrivinghere in the Latrobe Valley.”

Alongside her husband Daniel,they have been instrumental in the development of hockey in the region, and will continue to support its growth from community to state level.

Nearest to Pin: 4th Simon Stephens ,8th Laurie Veenman ,14th Simon Stephens MysterySixes PrizeWinner: Bernard Howard Graeme Wilson Playoff with Rodney Whitefor MonthlyMedal

MORWELL

Morwell Golf Club Women Wednesday4th June 2025 Stroke-Monthly Medal

Medal Winner &Div 1: CPeter 75 Div 2: ELau

DTL: STurner 79 &D Vuillermin 80 NTP: 2nd CBoers11th SKarleusa, 15th A Pollutro Count Putts: IYoshimura28putts

TRAFALGAR

Friday, June 6th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: SteveClark37 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: John Dodorico 39 pts

DTL's: NickRowe37, BenSwanson 36, MarkHiriart 36, LukeGilliam 36, Gerard Commadeur 34, Dwayne Jenkins 34, Peter Gilpin 34, Liam West 34, Wayne Forsyth 34 C/B

Birdies: 2nd: RonDavey,LukeGilliam 5th: Neil Regnier,RyanWilson 11th:Wayne Forsyth 13th: NickRowe15th: Darryl Blackshaw, Jeff Hasthorpe

Saturday, June 7th, MonthlyMedal Stroke Medal &A Grade Winner: PeterBurghardt 68 nett

BGrade Winner: RoyWhatmough 70 nett

DTL’s: Wayne Robbins 69, Tony Gray 69, KenStreet70, John Tabuteau 70, Jeff Hasthorpe 71, Glen McCulloch 71, Nick Rowe 71, LukeBrain 72 C/B

Eagle: 14th:Glen McCulloch

NTP’s: 2nd: Wayne Robbins 5th: Peter Burghardt 11th:Brian Wattchow13th: WarwickGriggs 15th:Glen McCulloch

Birdies: 2nd: Wayne Robbins 5th: Peter Burghardt, MarkHiriart, Josh Clarkson 11th: Brian Wattchow, Zavier O’Reilly Tuesday03/06/2025 -Stableford

Players: 23, Women 2, Men 21

Winner: Craig Scanlon (24)

Runner Up: Brian McKenzie (22)

DTL: Vic Hill (20), Graeme Grant (18), Rob Cusworth-Warner (17)

Mystery3(1,3,6): Craig Scanlon (9)

NTP: Tony Shearer (5th)

Thursday: 05/06/2025 -Stroke/Monthly Medal

Players: 46, Women 12,Men 34

Women’s Winner: LynPowell (32 c/b)

Runner Up: Sue Balfour (32)

ScratchWinner: June Tickell (41)

DTL: Olwyn Balfour (32), SandraBalfour (34)

NTP: June Tickell (13th)

Men's Winner: Graeme Harris (27)

Runner Up: John Turpin (31)

ScratchWinner: Tony Shearer (41)

Par3 Event: Tony Shearer

DTL: SteveLawrence (34), Ivan Grant (34), RodBrisbane (34), Max Pugliese (35), Dave Rose (36)

NTP: Russ Balfour (13th)

WednesdayWomen's results -4/6/25

Stableford:

Winner: Aileen McNair (33) with 35 points

Runner-Up: June Tickell (8) with 34 points

DTL: BevKeilyand Ange Bayleywith 31 points

NTP: 5th Sue Balfour

Gobblers: Olwyn Balfour on the 4th

9-Hole playersWinner: Sue Balfour (46) with 16 points c/b

Runner-Up: Sonia Roberts (44) with 16 points

YALLOURN

Yallourn Golf Club Ladies Tuesday3-6-25

9HoleStableford (One Division)

Winner: Donna Brown(35) 22 pts Thursday 5-6-25 18 Hole Stableford (One Division)

Winner: LynMcAlister (14) 39 pts

DTL: Sue Riches (31) 35, BetsyBrown (22) 33 on c/backfromHeather Ware and Betty Dobson. NTP: 2nd Evelyn Graske, 8th BetsyBrown, 12th LynMcAlister,14th Betty Dobson, 16th BetsyBrown and birdie Gobbler: BetsyBrown on 15th PISTOLS

TRARALGON Mon 26/5/25 Air pistol

BGrade: BKelly544-56-600. CGrade: BGoodwin 464-96-560. D Chandler 456-94-550. DGrade: PDePetro480-129-609. L DePetro465-95-560. LMorris 420-132-554. Ladies Air pistol

CGrade: GAdkins 420-132-554. Wed28/5/25 Standardpistol.

CGrade: CBenelli 492-91-583. DGrade: MHoward 476-178-654. D O'Rourke 399-325-724. LMorris 297-199496. DBest 192. Sat 31/5/25 workingbee noscores

Runners giddyduringHarriers course

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY GARYFOX

LAST week's (Thursday, June 5) Harriers Thursday night run was the course known as the 'Gilmour Giddy'.

The run starts at the clubrooms at Jack Canavan Sporting Complex, and takes in InvernessWay, James Parade and Gilmour Street, followed by a

Short passes with Liam Durkin

Joys of it

TRAINERS will certainly be earning their keep over coming months.

Winteristraditionally the peak time of year as far as football injuries are concerned.

As grounds get heavier, the chances of boots getting stuck in the mud increases.

Injury crisis have already hit afew clubs.

Speaking to one local coach at the weekend, he reported having more than adozen first-choice senior players already on the side lines.

Said coach lifted the premiership cup for the same club last season.

What adifference afew months can make.

As he said, the current experience was "character building".

Whatever will be,will be

LOOKS like Drouin could be on the way out of the Gippsland League.

While there are still many hoops to jump through, the Hawks made their intentions clear someyearsago when they votedto move to West Gippsland.

That bid failed, but should this one prove successful, therecan't be too manysurprises.

League changes are as old as the game itself, and locals should expect to see afew more applications submitted before the deadline at the end of the month.

Should Drouin vacate, the Gippsland League will be reduced to nine clubs.

Theleague's preference wouldsurely be to stay at 10 to eliminate the bye, although anine-team competition might not be the end of the world either.

Given today's climate, wherethe strainon club volunteers and resources has never been higher, mostpeople would surely welcome an extra couple of weeks off during the season.

Chance meeting

LOCAL football pundits are again spoilt for choice when it comes to looking back at classic grand finals this season.

In today's issue, thereisa feature storyon Morwell's stunning 1985 flag, while work is underway to look back on Gippsland Power's sole premiership of 2005.

Speaking of 2005, Traralgon will gather this Saturday to recall its miracle triumph that season.

Trafalgar is also set to come together to celebrate50years since its first, and possibly most memorable, Mid Gippsland premiership.

The Bloods only just snuck into finals in 1975, beforegoingontodefeat Newborough in the decider.

Prominent Morwell businessman Ray Burgess played in that premiership. His grandson Cooper enjoyed some notoriety last week, after going viral on Hawthorn's social media pages. Cooper was "left hanging" by Morwell export Changkuoth Jiath high fiving fans after agame, but got back when the pair met each other at Waverly Park.

Slystats

MUCH is being made of individual player statistics in local football.

Ranking points are frequently branded around, while some outrageous possession numbers are also published. Given most of the stats are AI generated, they should be taken with agrain of salt Statistics can so often be spun to distort reality, especially in high number games like cricket.

Looking around local clubrooms and seeing players who have scored 5000-plus runs is generallyreasontothink theyare greats of the game. In reality, most have just played for 15-plus years and chipped away making 200/300 runs aseason.

large lap takinginCrosses Road, StockdaleRd, Johnson Crescent,Douglas Pde and Grubb Avenue and back to the club rooms.

The course was 5.2 kilometres and flat with a total ascent of 25 metres.

Therewas agreat turnout, with more than60 runners taking part in chilly but fine conditions.

Great runningbyDavidBarrsaw him first home in avery impressive time of 20:54, with Courtney Ellis and Daniel Furmston coming in at 21:09, followed by Glenn Graham (21:46).

GreatrunningalsobyYani Cornthwaite saw her secondladyhomein24:01,followed by Liz Kenney (28:06).

It was an impressive effort by Ellis and Furmston, as both had podium finishes at the Traralgon Marathon (held Sunday, June 1) -with Ellis being thewinning lady in the marathon and Furmston taking second place in the half-marathon.

Club legend Kylie Murray wasfirst ladyhome in the half-marathon, and young gun Dempsey Podmore(men's) and Sarah Lewis (ladies) took out the honours for the weekends 10km event.

 LAST Sunday (June 7), the Harriers Athletics Victoria team competed at Jells Park for the first round of Club Relays with abig team of 25 competitors.

The 6km course took in an undulating route on the grass surface within Jells Park, with atotal ascent of 103m.

The Division 2Women’s team was spearheaded by Molly Fitzgeraldrunning 23:56, the fastest woman Harrier for the day.

Next up, after having run 3:07 at the Traralgon Marathon, was the ever-improving Courtney Ellis (24:21). Ellis handed over to Emilie Cutler for her first run of the season.

Cutler ran amere second behind Ellis, before fellow season debutant Sarah Lewis anchored the team to an impressive fourth place finished.

The Women’s Division 3team were ledout by Yani Cornthwaite (26:12), with Kate Jones taking thereinsfor the second leg, Jones too running her first run of the season.

Anna Cardillo put in an impressive shift of 29:33, with ChelseaFox (28:43) fresh off the Traralgon Half-Marathon securing another fourthplacefor the Harriers.

AlyshaDuncanand Mel Jonesworked hard to guide the Division 5team to an eighth-place finish.

On the men’s side of the draw, Corey Milner (20:18) went barnstorming through the first leg in an impressive captain’s performance.

Fordebutant and new Maffra local Ryan Hon, Jells Park was his firstcross-country race since secondary school.

Hon impressed in 22:20, with third runner Daniel Furmston running six seconds faster.

Miles Verschuurheld on in 22:40, before Dempsey

Podmore obliterated the coursein20:19, amere second behind Milner.

The team finished 10th, three places lower than last year,yet three minutes faster; demonstrating the depth on show.

Harriers’ Ian Cornthwaite led the Division 5 men in 23:51, with recentHelsinki half-marathon finisher AndrewGreenhill running the second leg.

Fresh off the 65km West Mac Monster in the Northern Territory, Marty Lynch (24:13)impressed, before handing over to the consistently improving Belkey Podmore, who guided the team to eighth.

In Men's Division7,for once Ron Verschuurand Gary Fox were required to park their much-touted rivalry and work as ateam. Verschuurcommenced proceedings in 28:52 before the faster Fox improved the team’s position.

Ian Twiteconsolidated with Clinton Jolly, bringing up the rear for eighth place.

Race results (Thurs, June 5), 5.2km: DavidBarr 20:54, CourtneyEllis 21:09, Daniel Furmston 21:09, Glenn

Graham 21:46, Trent Kooyman 22:32, Jason Odlum 22:32, Adrian Sutcliffe 22:55, Aaron More23:13, Andrew Broberg23:20, Darrel Cross 23:31, Yani Cornthwaite 24:01, RonVerschuur 24:11, Daniel Wright 24:18, Chris VanUnen 24:38, Geoffrey Francis 24:51, PeterSanders 25:40, Clinton Jolly26:21, GaryFox 26:33, David Hood 26:44, Stephen Renehan 27:27,DaveMann 27:32, Stephen Mcleod 28:06, Liz Kenney28:06, DesleyGray 29:10, Phillip Mayer29:50, Ben Wilkinson 29:59, Claire Macumber 30:03, Kristine Sapkin 30:54, Lee Graham 30:54, Harrison Fenton 31:00, Alfie Warner 31:54, Tania Whitehead 32:26, Lauren Peter32:45, Matilda Lappin 33:13, JyeKaestner 33:13, Mandy Ellis 36:11, Catherine Leonard36:20, Daniel Symons 36:30, Sep Marino 36:33, Shane Wilson 36:53, Danelle Wright 39:06, Ann Bomers 40:00, Andrew Legge 43:05, Bob Duljas 44:44, Barry Higgins 46:00, Kristina Creighton 46:06, SandraBirkbeck 46:48, Anja Norwood 47:00, Michelle Colwell 53:38, Lynda Jones 55:20, MarkLansdown 55:41, NickHodson 55:43, Kylee Earl55:43, BjornLuxmann 55:52, Angelo Gaudiano 56:00, Tony Marino 57:29, AnthonyPulbrook 58:20, Janine Kooyman 58:20, SamFentonNTR, Xavier Fenton NTR, Rose CroftNTR, KarenGraham NTR, Kathy Quinn NTR.

Tough outing for Gippsland Stars

NETBALL VNL BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

ENTERING the final stretch of the Victorian Netball League, Round 12 didn’t produced the result desired for Gippsland Stars.

The Championship side had everychance of a third victory for the season when facing Peninsula Waves last Wednesday (June 4) at Jubilee Park, Frankston.

The Waves sat right around the mark of the local Gippsland side, actually below them as the worst ranked side on the ladder, however secured their second win for the year, 57 to 49.

Aclose-quarters openinghalf had the Stars trailing by just four goals, however, a10-goal swing in

the thirdquarter moved the deficittodouble digits, and was ultimately the difference.

Moe netballer Ramayer Keilty scored 26 goals, followed by Traralgon’s Sophie Lecchino (13).

The Championship side will look to bounce back against Bendigo Strikers tonight (Wednesday, June 11) at the State Netball Centre.

 THE 23 and Under side was equally unlucky in the earlier game, going down 55-43 to the Waves.

After holding aone-goallead,the Stars were outscored 45 to 32 in the next three to trample any opportunity of their first win of the season.

Stars currently sit lastonthe ladder with 11 losses and one draw.

The 23 and Under side also play BendigoStrikers tonight.

Hawks back in flight

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ROUND 13 of the 2025AFL season included a whirlwind of team performances, which saw some shift in terms of ladder percentage and premiership rankings.

Hawthorn recoup from atough month to defeat the WesternBulldogsatMarvel Stadium on Thursday night, 12.9 (81) to 8.11 (59).

While many would have suspected atight affair betweentwo finals contenders, the Hawks kept their distance abulkofthe game.

After astrongpatchofformindividually, Morwell’s ChangkuothJiath only lasted ahalf, finishing with just five disposals.

 ASTRONG start to Gold Coast's season was tested by Geelong, with the Suns succumbing to the Cats, 9.7 (61) to 5.7 (37), at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite only facing aone-goal deficit at halftime, Geelong ran rampantinthe second half to jump into thetop four.

Moe’s Bailey Humphrey finished with 12 disposals and agoal, while Fish Creek and former Moe footballer SamFlanders had seven touches. Morwell’s BenAinsworth was quiet in the wet, ending with three touches.

 COLLINGWOOD and Melbourne played on the King’s Birthday ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ for FightMND after the Express went to press. Traralgon'sTim Membrey was named in Collingwood's starting 22.

Power Girls surging in last month

FOOTBALL COATES TALENT LEAGUE BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOR the fifth straight time.

Gippsland PowerGirls extended theirwin streak to five games after a7.6 (48) to 5.5 (35) defeat of Northern Knights at Preston City Oval on Saturday in Round 9.

Power held strong even when challenged through portions of the match to keep their double digit lead to the end.

Bonnie Williams, Baia Pugh (two goals), Mia Smith-Clark, Siena Lane, Shanelle Kingston and Maya Crestani were standouts in the victory.

The Power Girls currently sit fifth on the ladder,but only agameshort of the most wins in the competition.

Power Girls play this Sunday at Morwell Recreation Reserve against Western Jets. Withthe Marsh AFL Under 18 Championships startingatthe weekend, Gippsland Power Boys had the bye. Power boys also play this Sundayat Morwell against Western Jets.

Crew: Traralgon Harriersgathered, completewithacoupleof‘Big Ts’atthe Athletics Victoria Club Relays Photograph supplied

Olympians all set for return

SOCCER

LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

LATROBE Valley Soccer Leagueresumes this Sunday after aweek’s breakdue to the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Undoubtedly, match of the round will see unbeaten league-leadersTraralgon Olympians face up to the surprisepacketof2025, Sale United. This match will start at the later time of 5pm on Sunday at Harold PrestonReserve, Traralgon.

If Olympians are victorious, they will be well on their way to their first LVSL league title since 2002.

Olympians come into the game in the bestform, after recording abig win against the thentopplaced Moe United 4-1,and then acomfortable 4-nil win over neighbours Traralgon City. Third-placed Sale will be desperate to win to say in the title race, attempting to break a35-year senior men’s title drought.

While aloss to the high-flying Olympianswill put the Swans out of contention(eight pointsbehind), Sale will have reason to be confident given their only loss has been to this Sunday’s opponent, and even then, the score was only 3-1.

Sale United’sdraw againstMoe wasled by their defence, with in-formkeeper Jacob Richardson doing asound job. He can expect to be kept busy by Olympians strikers Moni Eliaser and Alradi Ali, who have both registered 10 goals or more this season.

Reigning champion Falcons are nine points adrift of the league-leaders, and make the trip to Monash at Torres Street, for whatisalways adifficult place to beat the never-say-die home side.

Falcons will need striker Lachie Frendo (nine goals for the season) to fire.

Monash has Marcus Krznaric (six goals) to lead things up front.

In the local derby,Newborough/Yallourn United host arch-rival and second-placed Moe United at Burrage.

The Combinemight struggle to hold outthe free-scoring Red Devils, who have the ever-reliable Connor O’Hanlon in scoring form with 10 goals. Mat tS hea rin g( si x) and you ngster Tu lly

In their hands: Nathan Leak and his Olympians teammates will look to take astep closer to the Latrobe ValleySoccer League championship this weekend.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Anderson (five) have also hit the scoreboard, although Riley Winkleman (10 goals) looks set to again miss.

The Combine are struggling this season with only one win, and their task this Sundaylooks challenging, especially given they will be without Ryan Saunders and Luca Sibly due to red cards in the last game against Monash.

With the league championship out of their hands following defeat to Olympians and adraw against Sale last round, it is amatter for Moe United to win all of its last six matches while also hoping Olympians fall by the wayside.

ROUND 12 FIXTURE

Germaine Otieno will be one to watch for Churchill, as will Kuku Mahammud, making his debut for the Rams. Mahammud is one of thebest goal-scorers the league has seen in recent seasons.

East Gippsland has the bye.

 THE women’s senior competition should see the top three sides in Sale United, Churchill United and Moe United all win against lowly opposition.

The men’sreserves offerssome intriguing battles in the championship stakes.

The championship duel sees league-leaders Sale United face acrucial game in the race for the title when they face third-placed Olympians.

Co league-leaders Moe United should easily account for bottom side NYU, meaning aloss or adraw for Olympians will see Moe rise further in the championship stakes.

The Red Devils’top goal scorer for nearly the last decade, Harley Robinson, is in the hunt for the 2025 leagueand club double with 15 goals already, behind only Monash’s Broden Grover on 16.

Thewinnerofthe MonashversusFalcons game will keep the winner in the hunt for the title.

Churchill should get the pointsagainst lowly Traralgon City.

In Third Division,second-placedOlympians play an improving Sale Untied, while the two standalone sides in Tyers and Fortuna play at Crinigan Road.

League-leaders Churchill and fourth-placed Moe United both have the bye.

 MOE UNITED is holding its past players day for all who were part of the 1975 to 1978 senior and reserves championship teams for the 50 year reunion.

The reunion will be held Saturday, July 12 at Olympic Park, Moe.

Ahugecelebration is on the cards to acknowledge past success, as well as club legend Peter Albanese, who is into his 50th year playing with the club. Also on the day is the club’s annual sponsorship and centurionsday.Matches start at 2.30pm, with all games against Falcons.

For more details, phoneclub presidentHarley Robinson on 0400 119 415, or JohnCardona(0422 518 940).

In the remaining Round 12 match, the battle of the two bottom sides sees eighth-placed Traralgon City (withone point) face up to bottom-placed Churchill (on minus two).The Rams are still recovering from losing points for fielding an ineligible player, but should get the three points in this game.

Falcons begin to vacate premises

SOCCER

LVSL

BY LIAM DURKIN

FALCONS 2000 Soccer Club has begun the massive cleanout of its home ground.

The club needs to vacate Latrobe City Sports Stadiumthisweek, before the venue is demolished to make way for an upgrade.

Theupgrade is part of aCommonwealth Games Legacy Project. Thestadium wasset to hostRugby 7s at the now cancelled 2026 Games, but as a compromise, will still receive what many have calledalong overdue upgrade of the antiquated facility

The upgrade will see the clubrooms shifted to the grandstand side,while the newmainpitch will be on the opposite side to where it currently is Falcons formally bidfarewell to the stadium last month, with the last home game on May 10. It was afitting send-off,with Falcons beating Newborough/Yallourn United2-nil in front of a healthy but emotional crowd.

“It’ sb een our home si nce 196 2, th at was

somethingwespoke about pre-game. It’s abittersweet time at this club, but there’s always a new chapter,” Falcons senior men'scoach,Adrian Salvatore said at the time.

Falconsare now be on the road for the rest of the season while the redevelopment takes place.

Latrobe City Sports Stadium has played a significant part in not only local and state soccer, but even national soccer history. Past players from Falcons’ halcyon days in the

Sunday,June 15

Venue: first listed team

Traralgon City(8th) vs Churchill United (9th)

Monash (5th) vs Falcons 2000 (4th) Newborough/YallournUnited (6th) vs Moe United (2nd) Traralgon Olympians (1st) vs Sale United (3rd)* East Gippsland -bye

Kick-offtimes: 3pm *5pm start

United unlucky

SOCCER NPL

GIPPSLAND United Football Club Under 12 Pre-NPL Boys lost on the road against Dandenong City 4-2 at the weekend.

United had the majority of possession and was first to score, with Jimmy Duncan slotting it in the bottom corner.

Jus tb ef ore the end of the fir st hal f, Dandenong equalised following across into the box.

Earlyinthe secondhalf,United took the lead 2-1 after Mason Hinds crossed abeautiful ball that found Zen Dalli, who made no mistake.

United continuedtoattack but struggled to find the net. Dandenongdug deep defensively and continued to push forward on the counter, and their efforts were rewarded, bagging another three goals to take out the win.

National SoccerLeague cametogether for the last hurrah, as did those who helped build the mighty Don Di Fabrizio grandstand.

As current club president Tony Salvatore mentioned in his address, acrowd of 8400 filled the grandstand and stadium when Falcons played in the NSL finals 30 years ago.

Demolitionisset to commence in comingweeks.

The project is expected to be complete in time for the next LVSL season.

deer,deser t, destroy,DESTROYER, deter,doer, dor y, dose,dost, dote, doter,dree, drey,dryer, dyer,erode,erred, eyed, order, redo,reed, reedy,resor ted, rested, restored, rode,rostered, seed, seedy,sor ted, steed, stored, strode,teed, teredo,tody, toed, toyed, treed, trod.

One last look: Falcons 2000Soccer Clubhas begun vacating its home venue. File photograph