Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 15 October 2025 by lvexpress.com

By KATRINA BRANDON

ONCEalively gospel church,the old Vary Street, Bolger Street Gospel Chapel in Morwellcaught fire.

Afterabout 10 years of silence, the old chapel caughtfirearound 6.30pm on Monday, October 6.

Two teenagers were arrested following the fire at the disused church later that evening.

Police were called to the Vary St property after witnesses reported two teens seen running from the church just after 6pm.

Thepair were followedbywitnesses until police arrivedand arrested the duo, aged 14 and 17.

They have been interviewed and were cautioned in relation to the incident.

According to the Morwell Historical Society, while not much information has been collected about the old chapel, over time it had been used by different churches.

They also said that on February 2, 1965, a Building Permitwas issued to the Trustees of the OpenBrethrenChurch, for aChurch and Youth Building to be built.

Many locals took to social media days after the incident to discuss the establishment.

"It would have been about mid 60s, Mr Jeffrey used to pick up the kids in an old ambulance

Crying in the chapel

for Sundayschool whichwas in the town hall on Commercial Rd. Then changed to the Gospel Chapel when it was built," one user said.

"The Gospel Chapel on Vary Street in Morwell was built between March 1953 (when the first sod was turned) and May 1953 (when the foundation stone was laid),withthe newchurch buildingbeing dedicated in May 1953," another said.

According to realestate.com, the chapel has been sold four times since 2012, with the most recent purchase being December 18, 2024.

Since 2020, the building appreciated in value from its price in 2020 being $115,000 to $741,000 last year. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

CARAVANNING LEASE Moe park residents defiant

By AIDAN KNIGHT

LATROBE City Council has opened community consultation on the future of the Moe Gardens Caravan Park.

The move sparked concernamong residents, who fear the long-running site could soon close.

Located on Mitchell Road, the caravan park sits on 3.2 hectaresofCrown Land within arecreation zone that also includes the Moe Racing Club, Joe Tabuteau Reserve, Apex Park, the Scout Hall, and Moe Pony Club.

The park’scurrentleaseholderhas operated the site since2017, but the agreement is due to expire on May 31, 2026, with no option to extend under the existingterms. Council saysthe decision-making process is guided by the stategovernment’s Crown Land LeasingPolicy,which requires open and impartial processes for future use of the land.

Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman

said council had not made any decision on the future of the site, but that it was important the community helpedshape what comes next.

“The useofthe caravan park has evolved significantly since the start of the currentleasein2008,with a reduction in short-stay caravanning and holiday camping,” Cr Harriman said.

“Thetime is righttoconsiderhow the site can be used to its maximum potential. Council has met with the caravan park operator and current site holders and will continue to work with them while we undertakecommunity consultation.”

Suggestions include continuingto operate as acaravan park, creating an open market space, or transforming the area into abroader recreation reserve.

But not everyone is reassured. Regular guestsand permanent residents say they fear consultationcould be aprecursor to closure.

Park resident Ron Witt, who attended acommunity meetingonSeptember23, said the park regularly accommodates around100 peopleeach week, including seasonal workers and retirees.

"It really is avaluable assettothe Latrobe Valley. We have people who are transitioning from Melbourne to the Latrobe Valley, women who have been subject to family violence, people using the park for respite from their families. We have around 50 or 60 permanent residents,manyofwhom have disabilities anddepend on this park," he said.

Mr Witt has been aresident at the park since 2020, and has worked in theoffice on occasion for the owner, Paul Arnold, and says one of the first things customers have asked when being served is 'where do Iget agood meal around here?', indicatingjust how good the park is for the economy at a ground level.

This is actually supported by council's recentmedia release, announcingthe successof"Events continue to boost Latrobe City’s local economy". The release, circulated on September 29, toutedthe “ripple effect” of major events on the Latrobe Valley’s economy, claiming that tournaments and conventions held across the 2024/25 financial year had generated $23.5 million in economic activity and 42,000 overnight stays.

“Attracting major events strengthens our tourismeconomy,” Cr Harriman said in that release.

“Each event brings asurge of visitors that supports our accom modation , hospitality and tourism sectors.”

However, residents argue the Moe Gardens Caravan Park, alow-cost accommodation option for many of those samevisitors, is beingoverlooked in the broader economic picture.

Continued -Page2

Hard waste collection time in the Valley

By KATRINABRANDON

THE time has come.

Latrobe City Council's free hard waste collection is right around the corner, where locals in declared garbage collection areas, which haveakerbside collection, are able to put their collected items on the nature strip for collection.

With the first lot of hard waste collected in the first weekofNovember,areasfromBoolarra, Yinnar,Churchill, TraralgonSouth,Jeeralang and Hazelwood North are first on the list. Accordingtothe council website, the elected start date may take several weeks to be collected. Throughout the month, each town will have its turn.

Hard Waste items must be placed on the nature strip outside the front of your property for collection at the nominated time for your town.

Residents are still able to use the Hard and Green waste coupons issuedwith the 2024/2025 rates notice at any Latrobe City Council Transfer Station in Moe, Morwell Traralgon and Yinnar South.

Each coupon allows the freedisposal of up to one cubic metre of general hard waste or up to one cubic metre of green waste.

All green waste must still be taken to PineGro Green WasteRecyclingFacilities in Morwell,Moe andTraralgon. The listislong for what can go on the pile, but there are alsoitems thatare not acceptablefor collection.

Things such as liquid waste, anything that can't be lifted by two people, anything longer than 1.5 metres, tyres, mirrors, windscreens, windows/glass, wheelie bin waste, silage wrap, netting, ash, whole car bodies, fuels, batteries, hazardous or flammable materials, asbestos, plystyrene or foam are not accepted.

For more information, go to https:// www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Home/Waste/ New_Annual_Hard_Waste_Collection Youdoyour bit, we’lldoours: Hard wasteitems must be lefton naturestrips in order to be collected. Photograph supplied

Fight to keep Moe caravan park open Locals live through the greatwind

From Page 1

"WE have NBNworkers who can safely parktheir large trucks, overseas farmers who need accommodation, and sporting event attendees. If we're in the midst of a housing crisis, how could we even consider shutting it down?" Mr Witt said.

The parkresident admits he has no problem with the council procedure of consulting the community on the lease, but views the commentsand suggestions made have been unnecessarilynegativeand illogical, and detrimental to the community.

Mr Wittclaims the park had been told by councilofficers that it had been the subject of "adverse reports", whichwould likely have abearing on whether or not the lease is renewed. Mr Witt fervently disputedthis ResidentSandra Wilsonalsowrote to the Express expressing frustrationafter site holders were issued acouncil letter advising of the consultation.

Mr Arnold has beennoted by residents to actively maintain and upgrade the facilities as residents leave, renovating units to keep them aquality accommodation, despite council officers making mention of it's "dilapidated" state.

While council’s consultation aims to explore“maximum potential use” of the land,itisinquestion as to whether process raises broader questions about consistency in planning priorities,and if economic growth narratives are being applied equally across the municipality.

While the consultation aims to explore a range of ideas, the debate has underscored broader questionsabout thefutureofCrown Land assets in growing townships such as Moe, where once-peripheral spaces are now surrounded by residential development.

Council’s survey on the site’s future will remainopenuntil later this month, with feedback to inform areport to council before the lease’s expiry in 2026.

Residents can voice their thoughts at: https://yoursay.latrobe.vic.gov.au/ moe-gardens-caravan-park/surveys/ future-of-1-mitchells-road-moe

The survey closes Friday, October 31.

By KATRINA BRANDON

DAMAGING winds sweptthe region over the weekend.

On Thursday (October 9), Vic Emergency posted to socials of the possibility of damaging windscoming in early on Friday (October 10).

The warning was issue for Traralgon, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Geelong, Hamilton and Portland areas, which saw vigorouswest to northwesterly windsovermuch of southernand elevated parts of Victoria as acold front moved eastwards across the state.

Latrobe Valley's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) daily observations showed wind speeds up to 74km/h with winds speeds topping around noon. Saturday and Sunday showed similar winds speeds,

with atop of 22km/h over the weekend.

During high winds, the Victoria State Emergency Serviceadvises that people should:

 If driving conditions are dangerous, safely pull over away from trees, drains, low-lying areas and floodwater. Avoid travel if possible;

 Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads and fallen trees;

 Be aware of heat, fire or recent storms that may make trees unstable and more likely to fall when it's windy;

 Check that loose items such as outdoor settings, umbrellas and trampolines are safely secured. Move vehicles under cover or away from trees;

 Stay indoors and away from windows;

 If outdoors, move to asafeplace indoors. Stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways;

 Stay away from fallen powerlines -always assume they are live;

 Be aware that in fire affected areas, rainfall run-off into waterways may contain debris such as ash, soil, trees and rocks. Heavy rainfall may also increase the potential for landslides and debris across roads, and;

 Stay informed: Monitor weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency website app or hotline 1800 226 226.

Body found on Old Sale Rd, Newborough

PoliceBeat

POLICE are investigating abodyfound on Old Sale Road, Newborough around5am on Wednesday, October 8.

Major Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene in an attempt to determine whether the person had been struck by avehicle.

The incident was announced by police at 10am that day to be treated as not suspicious.

About two hours later, the road was reopened, after traffic had been diverted down Becks Bridge Rd for much of the day.

Smash, not shot

POLICE werecalled to Savige Street, Morwell, about 5.30pm on Wednesday, October 8, following reports that shots had been fired at aparked car.

Officers attended the scene and determined that an object -not afirearm -had been used to cause minor damage to the car’s windows. No one was injured,and policehave confirmedthatnofirearms were involved.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make aconfidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Door stops thievescold

AN attempted shoplifting at Morwell Premix King

didn’t go as planned earlier thismonth.Footage released on October 5shows three young girls bolting from thestore with armfuls of merchandise, only to be foiled by the automatic door.

The first offender ran too quickly for the sensor, slamming into the closing door and anearby bollard, spilling the goods before fleeing with her accomplices.

Search formissing camper

POLICE hold growing concerns for missing 61-year-old man Troy Milne, who failed to return to his Woodside Beach campsite after leavingto get supplies about 5.30pm on October 7.

$100khaul recovered

TWO people have been arrested after nearly $100,000 worth of cigarettes and alcohol were stolen from several Bass Coast stores between October 6and 8. Police recovered the stolen goods and avehicle allegedly usedinthe burglaries. A22-year-old Leongatha man and a16-year-old Bass Coast boy were charged and bailed to appear in court.

Troy,who has insulin-dependentdiabetes, did not take his medication withhim and may be disoriented or unwell without it. He is believed to be driving ablack and silver 2007 Jeep Wrangler with registration XPZ 342. Anyone who spots Troy or his vehicle is urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately or contact Sale Police Station on (03) 5142 2200.

with Aidan Knight

DPP lodges appeal against Patterson

By STEFAN BRADLEY

PROSECUTORS in the Erin Patterson case claim

Christopher Beale "erred" during his sentencing Leongatha triple-murderer, and that her punishm was "manifestly inadequate", which has warranted them to file an appeal in an attempt to impos aharshersentence. Acting DirectorofPubl Prosecutions Diana Piekusis said she was satisfied that an appeal was in the public interest.

"It wasinappropriate for the sentencing judge fix anon-parole period",and "the non-parole period of 33 yearsismanifestly inadequate,"aswritten the NoticeofAppeal, released to medialastweek.

Patterson (pictured) is serving alifesentence with a33-year non-parole period, including time served for murdering Don and Gail Patterson, andHeather Wilkinson, and for the attempted murderofIan Wilkinson. Including time served, she will be 82 years old if she’s released in 2056.

Pattersonwas spared theharshest penalty of alifesentence withnoparole,with Judge Beale citing the harsh prison conditions and time in solitary confinement (22 hours aday) she is currently enduringassuchaninfamous prisoner.

But the prosecution is challenging that finding by sayingthe judgeerred "infinding that therewas a‘substantialchance’the respondent would be held in ‘solitary confinement for years to come’ when such afinding was not open on the evidence, and that finding infected his assessmentofthe respondent’s likely future conditions in custody and his decision to fix anon-parole period".

Treaty criticised by local elders

WITH legislation to enact Australia’s first Treaty expected to be debated in the lower house of state Parliament this week, the First Peoples’Assembly of Victoria has been preparing for when the Treaty is signed and comes into effect.

It comes as Gippsland Indigenouselders criticised the government for using their local language to name the state’s proposed representative body, Gellung Warl, without approval from traditional elders.

Kurnai elderAunty Cheryl Drayton, aconstitutional law expert, told the Herald Sun the Traditional Owners were never consulted on the use of their language and opposed the new body being set up.

"Under our customary law, peoplejustcan’t come on to country,ordothings relatingtocountry without, at least, speakingtothe elders and getting consent,” she said.

“There was no consent given,but they are doing it anyway, and they are just being very disrespectful.”

Aunty Cheryl said there was aclear divide between city Indigenous groups driving Treaty and regional Traditional Owners, and that Kurnai elders did not support Treaty and were strongly opposed to it being used.

The Statewide Treaty Bill was introduced into Parliament by the government last month. The bill is expected to pass both houses of Parliament without amendment with the supportofthe government and upper house crossbench MPs.

To ensure the First Peoples’ sector is ready for day one of Treaty, the assembly will be convening aseries of Aboriginal-led roundtables that bring togetheragroup of communityexperts, researchers and frontline service providers for the first time.

These will include astatewide forum of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, agathering of Traditional Owners and aspecial session bringing together leaders from each of the Aboriginal governance forums.

Collectively, the roundtableswill work on practical solutions for how Treaty can improve health, education,housing and employment outcomes for First Peoples.

First Peoples’ Assembly co-chair Rueben Berg said Treatywas about getting better outcomes for First Peoples by making sure their expertise and experiences shape policy and programs for First Peoples.

“Just as local residents know whether fixing a certain road or upgrading afooty oval is ahigher priority for their neighbourhood, Aboriginal people are the experts on our communities.Weknow what works for us and what doesn’t,” he said.

“But right now non-Aboriginal peopleare making alot of decisions about our lives and not always getting it right, no matter how well-intentioned they are.

“Treaty is about making sure Aboriginal people can use our local knowledge to come up with and deliver practical solutions for our communities that actually work. It’s about making the most of our expertise to get better outcomes and abetter bang for the buck.”

 THE Express wishes to apologies for use of the term 'Aborigine', published in the September 9issue

No offence was intended by its use.

The Express extends an unreserved apology to any First Nations people who may have been offended.

1563 Scobie Road, Wyuna.Goulburn Valley District Property

Large scale dairy/ fodder operation- drought proof property

•420 HA/ approx. 1030 acreson7 titles

•Exceptional homestead &4additional homes

•50standrotary dairy, BouMatic plant, 15,500 LitreVat

•Goulburn Murray water access plus bore water 926ML

•Quality soil type,location 15 minutes east of Echuca &40west of Shepparton

Expressions of interest closing 30 Oc tober 2025 @2pm

Inspection by appointment. Contac tKevin Hicks 0428271 270

Councilmeetingcompleted in less than 10 minutes

By AIDANKNIGHT

IN what experts are calling a“speedrun of democracy,” Latrobe City Council clockedits shortest meeting in living memory on Monday, October 6. Running for an excruciating seven minutes total, it was almost amiracle the Express team managed to stay awake for the duration.

Aspecial meeting, takingplace purelyfor the sake of asinglemotion pertainingtothe finance report.

All councillors werepresentexceptMorwellRiver Ward's Tracie Lund, who perhaps trusted her colleagues to handle thishigh-stakes 420-second saga without her. Also absent was Boola Boola's David Barnes,who apparently missed theevent because it took less time than finding apark.

The editorialteam noted so few were in attendance in the gallery thattherewas actually an entourage of one security guard per person, ensuring that everyone received their own personal bodyguard experience.

The paperworkfor the authorisation and certification of the 2024/25 finance report and performance statement was not entirely assembled in time for the previous regular meeting, on September 23. Council is bound by legality to move the motion as soon as the groundwork to do so is completed, calling for the shortest of short special meetings, of which nature had not beenseensince the emergencymeeting held in June, opposing the ESVF tax.

With no public participation, no acknowledgements, and no questions ,c ouncillors found themselves already three-quarters done after approving the previous minutes.

Recordtime: Signing the finance repor tisJeeralang Ward

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AGOFUNDME pagehas been initiated for the family of Kaiden Morgan following the young man's death.

Setwithatarget of $10,000 by sister-in-law of

Newborough Ward Councillor Sharon Gibson moved the motion on the financestatement, and it wassecondedbyMoe Ward's Adele Pugsley before being carried unanimously.

Cr Gibson spoke on the efforts of councillors

CouncillorJoanneCampbell and Budgeree Ward’s Cr Leanne Potter,alongsideLatrobe CityChief Executive, StevePiasante

the deceased GeorgiaKelly, on Monday,October 6, it had already received more than twice the target within the first two days of going live. At time of print, the page has garnered close to $30k.

"As manyknow, Kaiden wastragically and senselessly murdered on the 27th of September, 11 minutes after leaving his home, kissing his mum, and leaving with aloud “lub ya’s!”, Kelly said.

"His shocking, absolutely senseless passing has left amassive,gaping hole in both our lives and the many, many lives of those who loved him."

All money raised will go towards funeral and memorial expenses,and directly supportingthe families needs during the difficult period.

As Kaiden was the victim of asenseless crime, CrimesCompensation will pay for basic funeral expenses, but this excludes headstones, and only includes the most basic of services and casket options.

Empathy has resounded around the wider community towards Kaiden's family as well, as businesses do what they can to joininraising money. One such business was Muglife Espresso and Juice Bar, who pledged to donate $2 of every

Youwouldn’tbelieve it: Breaking from the norm, Latrobe CityCouncil’sspecial meeting took justseven minutes

"There's over 200 million (dollars in revenue) that councilactually oversees with our budget, and these two (councillors) are part of the audit and riskcommittee, goingthrough everything that is coming through council.

"They'revery wise in what the risksand proceedings are, and it's very important that they get it right so VAGO(Victorian Auditor-General's Office) isn't after all -and rightfully so.

"I am so so happy to support this so those two councillors who are in this room can sign off on thepaperwork", Cr Gibson concluded, and that they did.

Before proceedingstoscribble their signatures like bureaucratic rock stars, Cr Campbell noted the honour she felt to serve on the committee, as wellasthe work done by the executive team in the space, summing it up with, "I'm pretty happy with this and we're moving in the right direction".

Photograph: Aidan Knight

Joanne Campbell (Jeeralang) and Leanne Potter (Budgeree) on the draft.

"These two councillors are on our audit committee, which is one of the most important we have on council," Cr Gibson said.

Mayor Dale Harriman (Loy Yang Ward) closed the seven-minute meeting wryly, by turning to the two Express reporters and two residents in attendance and informing them "there's biscuits available for the long trip home from the short meeting".

This is handy, as the meeting did not run long enough to evenmicrowave afrozen lasagne for the civic spectacle.

And with that, the curtains closed on Latrobe’s fastest councilmeeting ever,proving once again that politics doesn’t have to be slow …just well-catered.

Fundraiser set up following heinouskilling

October transaction to the Morgan family, "to help with unexpected and saddened expenses". Atotal of $164 was raised by the business on the first day.

Aday before the donation page went live, local politicians paid their respects.

"Out of respect for his family andloved ones, I haven’t commented until now on the brutal and senseless killing last weekend of 18-year-old Kaiden Morgan. But ourcommunity is hurting and it’s important we all stand together to end the cycle of violence," Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said.

"Thereare no ‘rightwords’ at atimelike this but none of us should be afraid to speak up and commitourselves to peacefully fixing the problems which exist."

The funeral service for KaidenMorgan-Johnston is being held at Kernot Hall today (Wednesday, October 15).

in peace: Bouquets laid at Kaiden’s final

Tragic: YoungIndigenous leader,Kaiden Morganwas brutallymurdered last month File photograph

Rest

resting place Photograph: Aidan Knight

ARECENT CFA survey revealed that 40 per cent of Victoriansliving in bushfire-prone areas do not haveabushfire plan in place to savetheir family.

One in five people in these areas do not believe 'leaving early' in afire emergency is the best way to safeguard their loved ones, and16per cent would stay to protect their property.

CFA’s annual post-season bushfire community survey has been conducted every year since 2009 to understand the attitudes, behavioursand preparedness of householders living in bushfire risk locations in Victoria.

Despite the recent AFAC Spring Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicating increased fire risk across several drought-affectedparts of the state,the survey found that out of the 611 people interviewed, 24 per cent did not feel adequately prepared around their home.

Over the last two years, the survey shows the perception of abushfire being athreat to Victorians and their property has declined from very large to small, with 50 per cent of people not showing concern and nearly 40 per cent are not alarmed enough to warrant direct interaction with CFA.

Worryingly, thoseleast concerned, and less likely to be prepared were located just 500metres to one kilometre from bushland.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan expressed his concerns about the distressing statistics, warning Victorians that now is not the time to be complacent with an earlier and more active fire season predicted.

“It is never too early to prepare. Don’t gamble with your safety this season. Residents living in high fire-risk areas must take their preparation more seriously,” he said.

“Take amoment to sit down with your household and make aplan so everyone knows what they need to do and where they need to go if a fire threatens your local area.

“It’s easy to panic and make poor decisions if you’re not prepared, and the last thing you want

in an emergency is to become trapped. Leaving early is your greatest form of protection.”

Afurther 31 per cent of respondents would delay leaving until threatened by abushfire, waiting for the danger to increase or for instructionsfromemergency services.

“It is vital you understand the risks of your residential area and where you are travelling this summer. The best way to do this is to download the VicEmergency App and set your watch zones to your locations so you are alerted to warnings wherever you are,” Heffernan said.

“Don’t wait for an official warning before you take action to protect yourfamily. We have a number of resources availableonour website to actively help you prepare before it is too late, and our volunteersare alwayshappytohelp you with any questions you may have.

“We’re seeing aconcerningdecline in property preparednessaround Victorian households,so we’re really encouraging you to tidy up around your homes over coming weeks.

“Before the warmer weather arrives, ensure you move your winter piles away from your houses and sheds, give your trees aprune, clear your gutters and maintain the length of your grass.

"Get your emergency kit packed and ready to go, fill it with clothes, medications,toiletries, chargers and blankets and take it with you when you head to shelter.

"As we witnessed throughout the fires in the Grampians last season, the mountainof work done in the lead up to summer can make all the difference in lessening devastation on communities.

“We want to be really clear this summer. Our members will always be preparedand on handto assist you, but fire safety is ashared responsibility, and everyone has arole to play.

“Wecannothave afire truck at every property during amajor bushfire.Weneed you to do your bittoo andtake small stepstobemore fire safe this year.”

Grok, AGL at odds

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AGL Energy’s biggest shareholder, software billionaire Mike Cannon-Brookes, by voting against the company’s climate plan, has effectivelybacked the closure of Loy Yang Apower station before its scheduled mothballing in 2035.

Grok Ventures, which owns about 10.4 per cent of AGL, strongly criticised the updated Climate Transition Action Plan at AGL’s annual general meeting as an “only incremental” increase in ambition from the 2022 version, the Australian Financial Review reported.

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

Theopposition from Grok made up the majority of the roughly30per cent of AGL shareholders voting by proxy that opposed the climate transition plan, which was supported by the majority at the annual meeting.

All three of the major proxy advisers recommended in favour.

The 2022 climate plan, under whichLoy YangA’s closure wasbrought forward to 2035, wasopposed by 30.69 per cent of voting shareholders.

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

“In our view, the planshows onlyincremental improvementinambitionwhencomparedwith 2022, is not alignedwith the Paris Agreement, and stilltargets net zero by 2050 on astated1.8-degree

trajectory,” ashareholder spokesperson said.

“AGL is uniq uely positione dt oh elp lea d Australia’s energytransition and shareholders deserve to see aplan that demonstrates leadershipand progression -particularlyinaccelerating renewable generation and battery storage capacity, which the energy market critically requires. We firmly believe amore ambitious pathtorenewable energy best servesthe long-term interestofAGL’s shareholders.”

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

“Our focus continues to be on the execution and delivery of our strategy of whichwehave made significant progressover the last threeyears,” the company statement said.

The Australasia nC entre for Corporate Responsibility, an activist shareholder group that urged shareholders to rejectthe climate plan,said the voting result “sends an unambiguous signal to AGL’sboard and executives that the company needs to do more to drive the energy transition”. Within days of the AGL annual meeting, the federal government approved a$2billion wind farmnearDeniliquin co-owned by AGL. The Pottinger Wind Farm, ajoint venture between AGL and Someva Renewables, an Australian renewables energy company, is located between Hay and Deniliquin. It is proposed to have 247 wind turbines across 1069 hectares that the government says at full capacity will generate enough energy to power about 590,000 homes.

Fleet grounded before dangerous fire season

VICTORIA'S forest firefighting capability has been crippled, with the entire G-Wagon and UniMog fleet pulledoff the road indefinitely amid serious safety concerns- just weeks before fire season.Used by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) for rapid response and access to remote terrain, the fleet has been grounded for the second time,despite PremierJacinta Allan warning this could be one of the most dangerous fire seasons in years.

Launched in 2017 underLabor’s $32 million upgrade, the vehicles were touted as world-class firefighting assets. Now, all areparked up due to chassis and sub-frame faults, forcing CFA volunteers to fill the gap and stretching already overworked brigades.

Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, said it was extraordinary that the same government whichboastedabout thevehicles’ cutting-edge design had now sidelined the entire fleet.

“Labor promised Victorians astate-of-the-art firefighting fleet- eightyearslater –Labor has deli ver ed aw or ld- cla ss fai lure ,” Mr O’Brien said.“When thePremier warnsof adangerous fire season, Victorians deserve answersonhow thisfailure wasallowedto happen and what stepswillbetaken to ensure communitysafety.”Mr O’Brien called on the Premier to reveal how many vehicles are affected and what contingencies are in place to protect communities.“Victorians are payingan additional $3 billion through Labor’s new emergency services tax, yet the CFA is relying on ageing vehiclesand is now being asked to cover for FFMV, an organisation now being funded by these additional taxes,”hesaid.Shadow Ministerfor Public Land Management and fellow Nationals MP, Melina Bath, slammed the stategovernment for leavingregional Victoria

dangerously exposed ahead of ahigh-risk fire season.“Grounding Victoria’s frontline fleet weeks before fire season is an unacceptable failure, given nearly 40 per cent of the state is public land," she said.

“Labor’s flawed bushfire policy ‘Safer Together’ has delivered just 1.6 per cent of land treated for fuel reduction annually since 2015 and the government routinely fails to meet its own fuel-drivenrisk targets.“Victorians are payingmore but gettinglessprotection. Labor’s failure to managebushfire preparedness is putting lives at risk, at atimewhenweneed every piece of equipment and personnel working to reduce risk, it is our CFA volunteers who are asked to carrythe loadwith ageingequipment and limited resources.

The state government confirmed routine inspections as part of preparedness servicing identified issues with chassis on 290 G-Wagens and 59 UniMogs.

DEECA has acontingency fleet available as well as Landcruiser vehicles, firetankers and bulldozers for fire response. They are also supportedbyfirefightingaircraftand rappel firefighters when and where required. VICSESand CFA havealsoprovided vehicles to FFMVic.

"The safety of our firefighters is paramount, that’s why regular safetyinspections of vehicles and equipment are so important," astate government spokesperson said.

"FFMVic has brought online additional vehicles to continue undertaking critical bushfire season preparations and respond to bushfire emergencies.

"These repairs are being fast trackedover the next two months and FFMVic is working on agreements to secure additional emergency response vehicles from other states if required."

Prep: Locals arebeing urged to make suretheyhavetheir bushfireplaninplace forsummer

Picturedisthe Briagolong Fire Brigadeduring the last October fires. Photograph supplied

Industry: Asoftwarebillionairehas backedthe closureofLoy Yang Apower station. File photo

Batterybrillianceonfull display

By AIDAN KNIGHT

THE discussionfor renewable batteriesinthe Latrobe Valley didn't end with the visit from Lily D'Ambrosio in September, as the Hazelwood mine site was treated to an address from the Minister for Skills andTraining, Andrew Giles, on Tuesday, September 23.

This came as the backdrop not so much for the battery project, but for the state governments' recent ambitions to encourage women in trades to join the energy sector as it enters what the Minister described as a"critical skill shortage", amid the gradual transition to cleaner power. Scheduled to appear alongside the Minister was Senator Raff Ciccone, who was absent after aback injury.

Also present was Laura Letteron, speaking on behalf of the corporate side of things representing Engie. Ms Letteron noted the program's broader impact, stating that "the energy transition should reflect the societywehave and provide more opportunities for women, First Nations people,and young people to lead the clean energy transition”.

Ms Letteron also spoke on the sophisticatedautobidder system that allows the battery to optimise energy trading, effectively'buying and selling' powerautomatically. This is made possible by the implementation of new AI based technologies.

"During the day, when solar energy is abundant andpower prices are often negative, the battery charges up," she explained to media present.

"In the evening,whenenergy demand peaks,the battery can discharge electricity back into the grid."

This technology is crucial to Australia's netzero ambitions, as the battery developers have

Collaborativeeffort: Minister forSkills and Training,Andrew Gilesalongside Engie Business Development Manager,Renewables LauraLetteronatthe Hazelwood battery site.

focused on enabling power for when people actually need it, shifting energy consumption to the most efficient times of the day. With windand solar generationincreasing,storage solutions become critical in managing intermittent power supply. The Hazelwood facility can charge when clean energy is plentifuland discharge during peakdemand, helping stabilise the electrical grid.

Jobs and Skills Australia predicts the clean energy sector will require 32,000 additionalworkers by 2030, highlighting the economic potential of this technological transformation. The battery facility

Chargedup: TheHazelwood

demonstrates how AI and renewable technologies are reshaping Australia's energylandscape, creating more efficient, sustainable power solutions.

"Prices rise when the grid needs more (power)",

Ms Letteron iterated, "so we're keeping the grid intelligent,todischarge when people in Hazelwood and surrounding areas need it".

This theoreticallysolves the problem of solar only being useful when there's adequate sun in the warmer months, as "sun's shining, winds blowing, we're charging batteries".

On productivity and economic potential,MrGiles was direct.

"Training people up is obviously one of the best ways we can lift productivity and maintain our living standards," he said.

"By filling these skills gaps, we're not only supporting the energy industry, but creating spill over benefits across the economy."

First Gippsland MP rules themselves out of election

By LIAM DURKIN

IF theLibs didn'thave any further incentive to make arun for Bass

JordanCrugnale has decided two termsis enough,announcingshe will not re-contest the seat of Bass at next year's state election.

Ms Crugnale has held the seat for Labor since 2018, undoing amore than15-year Liberal stronghold in the region.

Ms Crugnale did not specify her reasons for stepping down when announcing her decision earlier this month.

"After much reflection, Ihave decided that Iwill not re-contest the seat of Bass at the 2026 state election," she said.

The 56-yer old mother of two was mayor in Bass Coast Shire before entering politics.

She defeated Liberal incumbent Brian Paynter in 2018, attracting 52.39 per cent on preference, before one of the most insanely tight races played out in 2022.

In aquality field which included currentBass Coast Deputy Mayor,and Wonthaggi 'everywhere man'Brett TessarirunningonThe Nationals ticket, Labor held on by literally202 votes after preference distributions.

As Member for Bass, Ms Crugnalewas at the centre of delivering anew Wonthaggi Hospital, and funding programs and upgrades for more than 20 schools.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan paid tribute to her Labor colleague's contribution.

"Jordan embodies Labor values in everything she does.The daughterofItalianimmigrants, she grew up with astrong sense of fairness, and has always cared about socialjustice," the Premier said.

"Her dad was abuilder, who knew the importance of laying asolidfoundation, and getting things right. As Jordan told the Parliament, it’s both

alesson for life, and aLabor story: layingthe foundations, doing the hard work, and building something together."

Ms Crugnale's jazz hands became something of atrademark during her tenue when posing for community photos.

Elsewhere, The Greens have announced Matt Morgan as theirupper house candidate for Eastern Victoria at the state election.

Mr Morgan is also aGippsland councillor attempting to go from local to state politics.

With the Liberals/Nationals holding state seats of Morwell,Gippsland South and East Gippsland, as well as Gippsland and Monash federally,itis expected the Coalition will be making ahugeplay to get Bass back.

Arguably the biggestchallenge on the campaign

for the major parties could in fact come from One Nation.

The partyperformed very well in Gippsland during the last federal election, and the stateCoalition may have afight on its hands to prevent populist votes going Pauline Hanson's way.

Equally, the Greens and even Labor will likely need to put in alot of resources to staving off the far-right.

Looking ahead evenfurther,itisunderstood Labor is quietly confident it will be in with a genuine chance of winning Monash in 2028.

This year's candidate Tully Fletcher was given just eight weeks to campaign, but having seen the way votes fell, one expects the party will focus alot of attention down South Gippsland way in three years’ time.

The Minister also highlighted the broader economic implications.

"If we're going to realise the opportunities of AI, we needdatacentres. Thosedata centresneed workers, and I'd like to see those workers involve more women electricians."

Mr Giles sees the battery facility as more than infrastructure: "It's abig symbol of the enormous opportunities in regional Australia for women in clean energy occupations."

The battery represents ac ri ti ca ls te pi n Australia's renewable energy strategy, with the Minister positioning it as akey element of the nation's economic andenvironmental future, hopefully hitting many birds with one power line.

Aldred takes aim at Liberal colleague

Mary

has strongly criticised fellow MP, Andrew Hastie, at aparty room meeting in Canberra.

The Aus tra lian re ported that fello w Liberal MPs were stunned as she told the former frontbencher she had no respect for the way he was conducting himself. Ms Aldred argued that the instability within the opposition over policy and personnel could result in the party losing more seats at the next election.

According to several MPs, Ms Aldred told Mr Hastie thatshe respected him but did notrespect his actions over recent weeks. She saidthe way he handled his frontbench resignation and his campaign on several policy fronts- industry protection, migration and net zero -could cause the Coalition to go further backwards at the next election.

Mr Hastie, who quit the frontbench last week after months of personal comments on policy, did not respond at the meeting, and the discussion moved on to other issues Ms Aldred also warned that infighting was how the Victorian state party became sucha basket case and MPs should be more focused on holding Labor to account.

The Australian said conservative MPs were angry at Ms Aldred’sattack, saying she should havekept the criticism moregeneral about the needtofocus on Labor. OtherMPs saidthe content of her remarks was justified but were surprised she delivered the rebuke in aforum of all Lower House Liberals.

battery site.

Photographs: Aidan Knight

Time to move on: Member forBass,Jordan Crugnale hasdecided against running at the next stateelection. Photograph supplied

Step: Chalk messages denouncing coal outside Jordan Crugnale’s Wonthaggi office in 2023.

Photograph: LiamDurkin

THE new Liberal

for Monash,

Aldred,

The biggestforeigninfluenceoperation

in modern Australian history

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AN activist network armed with more than $100 million in foreign funding has demonised Australia’scoal industry and changed national energypolicy, aSenate investigative committee has been told.

(the EDO),” Mr Holland said.

“Based justonpublished reports, there’s at least $11m ayear (or $108m over adecade) that has flowed in from othercountries to attack fossilfuel.”

Mr Holland said this was not speculation.

“Overthe past decade, atightly co-ordinated activist network has embedded itself deep in our democracy.Backedbyover $100 million in foreign funding, it has reshaped ourenergy policy, flooded the public with propaganda and waged waron cheapenergy,” he toldthe Senate Inquiryinto

The chief executiveofthe Page ResearchCentre, Gerard Holland, said money from abroad was flooding Australia’s shores, arming ecowarriors to sabotage the resources sector and dismantle the energy grid.

Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy.

“Forget Russian meddling -we’ve uncovered Aus tra lia’s ho me gro wn fore ign inte rfe ren ce nightmare. At least $108 million -likelyfar more -has flowed into Australia from foreign donors to underwriteanetwork of third-party advocacy groups dedicated to shutting down the use of fossil fuels.”

Mr Holland said these groups masqueraded as grassroots campaigns.

“We’ve seen the documents that name the key players. In 2011, astrategy memo wascirculatedfunded by the RockefellerFamilyFund-explicitly laying out aplan to disrupt, delay, and ultimately destroy Australia’s coal sector,” he said.

Magnesium figures pointto$6.6m spend

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE capital costs of Latrobe Magnesium Group's demonstration plant in Morwell rose to $70.9 million, with afurther estimated $6.6m to spend on the magnesium section of the plant, the company said in its just released 2025 annual report.

In April 2025, LMG raised about $5m in equity and debt to provide funding for workingcapitaland the operating costs to operate the demonstration plant at asteady state for aperiod of two months.

LMG alsoprogressed the development of itsStage 210,000tonnes per annummagnesium plant with the negotiations and finalisation of its proposals forthis commercial plant with GHD, Bechtel and Societe General. The stage one demonstration plant is designed to produce 1000 tonnes of magnesium per annum fromfly ash–awaste productfrom the Yallourn Power Station.

Production of magnesium oxide (MgO) is the prerequisite for proceeding to the next stageofthe operation,acommercial plant withacapacityof more than 10,000 tonnes per annum of magnesium metal.

The annual reportsaidinternationally, LMG established Latrobe Magnesium Sarawak Sdn Bhd (LMS), a100 per cent owned subsidiary, to conduct the development of its 100,000 tpa magnesium Stage 3plant located in Sarawak, Malaysia.During the year, LMS was allocated its preferred 113-acre block of land to site the plant with along-term lease to be negotiated. It has also received an allocation of 250MW of hydropower from Sarawak Electricity Board.

On commercial plant funding, the annual report saidLMG waspursuing three governmentgrants: aUSA Department of Defence grant, an Australian Industry Growth Program grant and an Australian Renewable Energy Arena grant.

“Given these grants are successful, they will be used to assist with the funding of the installation and commissioning of the magnesium part of the demonstration plantand the Stage 2feasibility studies,” the company said.

“LMG are in discussionwith anumberofstrategic investorstoassist with the provision of equity for Stage 2. LMG will look to secure its debt funding from various government agencies being the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, Export Finance Australia and USA EXIM bank in conjunction with Société Générale.”

The company said owing to LMG's offtake agreement with Metal Exchange Corporation for the USA market, LMG is confidentitwill secure a satisfactory debt package for the fundingofthe 10,000-plus tpa plant by mainly government institutions.

“The offtake agreement includes floor prices and the whole output of the 10,000tpa plant,” it said.

An offtakeagreement is along-term contract whereabuyer (the "off-taker") commits to buying afuture productorservice from aproducer. These agreements provide aguaranteed market and revenue for theproducer, which is essential for securing project financing, while ensuring the buyer receives astable supply of the product.

Latrobe Magnesium said key external and business risksthat couldaffect the group’sability to deliverits strategy are:

 Availability of Finance. LMG has no material operating revenue and is unlikely to generate any material operating revenue unless and until the demonstration plant is fully commissioned and magnesium production starts. LMG intends to raise extra funding through grants from both US and federal governments and completing asaleofaportion of its Tramway Road property in Morwell to meet its obligations and implement its strategy.

“If thesegrantsare not forthcoming LMGwill consider acapital raise. Magnesium being acritical mineral allows the grouptoraiseadditional funding from avariety of both Australian federal and stategovernment as well as offshoresources,” the company said in the annual report.

 Commodity prices. The global magnesium market is subject to demand and supply fluctuations. These fluctuations, along with

fluctuations in the A$:US$ exchange rate, will affect the project economics of the Group’s projects.

“Climate change risk creates additional demand formagnesium as ameans to reduce emissions as part of global ‘decarbonisation’ strategies. Such additional demand may create upside pressure on magnesium prices in the future,” the company said.

 Management retention. The Group relies on its employees and consultants. There is a risk that the group may not be able to retain those key personnel or be able to find effective replacements for those key personnel in atimely manner.

“The lossofsuch personnelorany delayin their replacement, could havea negative impact on the group’s ability to achieve its strategy. To address this risk, the group continues to refine its remuneration framework to providecompetitive remuneration to retain key personnel,” the company said

 Government approvals/environmental standards. Advancing the group’s Stage 2 commercial plant is dependent on obtaining approvals from government agencies.

“To date the group, owingtoits newlow emissions technology and its no waste policy,has been able to meet increasinggovernmentand publicsensitivity to environmental sustainability and environmental regulation, which are becoming more stringent,” the company said.

“Except for information disclosed on certain developments and the expected resultsofthose developments included in this report under review of operations, further information on likely developments in the operationsofthe groupand the expected results of those operations have not been disclosed in this report becausethe directorsbelieve these matters to be commercial in confidence.”

 Environmental regulations. The group’s operations will be subject to normal state and federal environmental regulations. There were two breaches of these regulations during the year or to the date of this report.

“It is important to note that the fines issued were administrative in natureand do not reflect the high standards to which the plant has been designed and constructed. At no time was there any risk posed to the community, and our site was, and is, in full compliance,” the company said.

The annual report, commenting on magnesium markets, said in the calendar year 2024, the primaryworld productionofmagnesium continued at 1.02 milliontonnes with China’s estimatedprimary production for the year being about 90 per cent of the world’s production and Russia about six per cent.

“Some 50 per cent of China’s production is used locally. World growth in demand is expected to increase with aprojected demand of some 1.67 million tonnes in 2032,” the report said.

Australian and New Zealand consumption of magnesium was about 7000 tonnes per annum.

“All this magnesium is imported,” the report noted.

In the 2025 year, the US magnesium price was about three times that in China even before the increased US trade tariffs on China product.

“Australian magnesium is still exempt from any USAtariffs.With the adoption of light-weighting of motorvehicles and the legislated emission standards in many countries in the world and the increasedweight of electric vehicles, there is a growing demand by car companies to use more magnesium and aluminium sheet in cars,” the annual report said.

“The car business has adopted aluminium sheet in outside panels and in this sheet, there is up to six per cent of magnesium. With the development of new magnesium alloys and new production techniques, theuse of magnesium car parts and sheet provides many exciting opportunities.”

Latrobe Magnesium last month beganproducing magnesium oxide from its Morwell demonstration plant, paving the way to use its patented technology to produce magnesium for the international market from the Latrobe Valley's brown coal fly ash.

Repeatedmisinformation means peoplebelieve it: ANU

By PHILIP HOPKINS

CLIMATE misinformation by industry and public relations firms is slowing the uptake of clean alternatives to fossil fuels, according to an academic from the Australian National University.

Chr isti an Down ie, Pro fess or of Po lit ic al Science from the School of Regulation and Global Governance at theANU,saidthis misinformation wasshaping publicopinion.

“Have you heard offshore windfarms kill whales? (They don't) Or that electric vehicles catch fire more often than petrol cars?(It’s the opposite) Perhaps you’veheard “natural” gas is clean? (It can be worse than coal.),” said Professor Downie, writingin The Conversation, auniversity site that popularises university research.

“This is what climate misinformation looks like.These claimsare common, influential and damaging. They’re often spread for areason: to slow the uptake of clean alternativestofossil fuels. Unfortunately, they are shaping public opinion,” he said.

“A Senate Inqui ry (Se nate Inq uiry into Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy) is hearing testimony from officials, climate scientists and researchersabout the scaleofthe problem and its effectsonAustralianpolitics. Policymakers are also hearing about the main culprits: oil, gas and coal companies, as well as key

enablers such as public relations firms. Iwas one of the experts called to give evidence.”

ProfessorDowniesaid his research had followed the money trail between the fossil fuelindustry and public relations firms.

“As aco-editor on aforthcoming book on climate obstruction, Ican say that large PR firms have too often put their commercial interests, and the interests of fossil fuel giants, ahead of those of the public,” he said.

“My colleagues and Imadethis clear in our submission to the inquiry. In the climate domain, researchers typically use the word ‘misinformation’ to refer to any falsehoods about climate change Theycan be spread innocuouslyorthrougha deliberate campaign.”

Professor Downie said misinformation matters because it can influence attitudes and behaviours of both the public and political elites.

“Tackling climate change effectively requires public support for cleanenergy and many other changes. Misinformation erodes this support for climate science and climate policies. Themore often false information is repeated, the more likely we are to think of it as true,” he said.

“These campaigns can inflate the sense of oppositiontoclimate action and give policymakers afalse sense of how widespread supportfor climate action is. Australian policymakers have previouslymoved to ban or restrict advertising for products known to be dangerous. Cigarette advertising is banned

because cigarettes cause cancer, and now there’s agrowing push to ban fossil fuel advertising due to the damage done by emissions.”

Professor Downie said PR and advertising firms had longbeen paidtocraft political campaigns for oil and gas companies often to block or slow climate policies.

“These campaigns involve more than simply runninga few television adsfor acorporate client. PR firms often runpolling, focus groups and media and social mediacampaigns. Some undertake astroturfing –creating fakecommunity groups to give the impression of widespread support or opposition for an issue or policy,” he said.

“The largest of thesecampaignshave been documented in the United States.Togauge how muchthe oil and gas industry pours into PR firms to run political campaigns, my colleague and I analysed adecade’s worth of the tax records of industry groups active on climate change issuesin the US. We found oil and gas lobby groups spent A$1.5 billion on publicrelationsand advertising between 2008 and 2018.

“What did this money buy? Here’s one example.

Aheadofthe US presidential election in 2012,a group named ‘Energy Citizens’ ran an ad campaign titled ‘I’m an energy voter'acrossnewspapers, television and online, featuring ordinary Americans saying, ‘I vote …for American domestic energy’.”

Professor Downie said Energy Citizens appeared to be agrassrootscampaign.

“But in reality, it was astroturfing. The oil and gas industry hadcontracted the large PR firm Edelman to run the campaign. The people in the ads were hired actors,” he said. Professor Downiesaidthis was not aUS-specific problem.

“PR firms have along history of helping obstruct climate policy in Australia, too. The effective coal industry campaign against an emissions trading scheme in Australia between 2008 and 2010 was created by PR firms and political consultants,” he said.

“Australia’s poor disclosure practices mean we don’t know how much money industry groups are paying PR companies in Australia. But we do know PR companies are creating misinformationcampaignsand astroturfing groupssuchas Australians for NaturalGas, whichdescribes itself as anon-government organisation. It was set up by the chief executive of gas company Tamboran Resources, with help fromPRfirm Freshwater Strategy, according to media reports.

"Many PR firms in Australia had worked for the fossil fuel industry, as documentedbyclimate communications charity Comms Declare. In response, some PR professionals are pushing to cut ties with the industry.”

Prof Downiesaidthe problem had been recognised at the highest levels by the UN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres, who called on PR firms to ‘stop acting as enablers to planetary destruction’.

ONE POINTERS

Ta ke aB re ak

BRAIN STRAIN

1. WhatdoAmericans call lollies?

2. Whatisthe studyoflivingorganisms called?

3. The firstbi-plane built in Britainwas call aTiger what?

4. Which colour did ElvisPresley sing about the most? TWOPOINTERS

5. Howmanysoccerplayers should each team field at the startofa match?

6. Gwen Stafani is the lead singer of whatband?

7. In the ebaylogo,what colour is the‘y’?

8. What80’smodel wasRod Stewart married to? THREE POINTER

9. What is theonly mammal capableoftrue flight?

10.What colour areMickeyMouse’sshoes?

11. Whatisthe maximum number of clubs youare allowed to carry with youina round of golf?

12. Bombayisthe former name of which Indian city? FOUR POINTER

13. Which part of your body has no blood supply and gets oxygen directly from the air?

14. Howmanymolecules of oxygen does ozone have? FIVE POINTER

15. Name the artists/bands from their album titles. 1. Jagged Little Pill 2. WhenWeFall Asleep, WhereDoWe Go?3.The Dark Sideofthe Moon 4. KindofBlue5.Born to Run

Howdid you fare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books. :rsweAns 1: ndy;Ca 2: Biology; 3: lue;:B;4thMo 5: n;veEle 6: No Doubt; 7: een;Gr 8: Rachel erHunt 0:;1at:B;9 1:w1lloYe een;12:urtFo Mumbai; 13: The earnco in uryo e;ey 14: ee;Thr 15: isnla.A-1 2.e-settMoris Billie 3.h-Eilis ydlokFPin -4. lesMi visDa -5. entepringseSBruc

Using the 9 letters in thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list? Thecentrelet termust be included andeach letter maybeused onlyonce. No colloquialorforeign words. No capitalisednouns, apostrophesorplural wordsending in ‘s’.

BATA SOCKS

Thebeginning of an exciting journey

ThePrincipal at Chairo Christian School in Traralgon, Keryn de Bruyn, understands how important it is for parents to send their children to school knowing they will be cared for,encouraged, challenged and supported.

Keryn said, “Weacknowledge that everychild is unique, and we intentionally provide opportunities for all students to explore strengths and abilities in all aspects of their learning”.

She continued, “When parents are asked what they value most, their answers often include considerations like good education, safety,creative opportunities, caring community,strong friendships for their children and a close partnership between home and school.

Chairo strives to provide each of these things from a biblical worldview perspective for students from Kinder through to Year 8attheir Traralgon campus, and for students who then transition to their Drouin campus for Years 9to12.”

Katie, aChairo Traralgon mum, said, “The transition into starting at anew school has been easy and we have really enjoyed the school community

We appreciate that the staff members have shown genuine care for our family.”

Education is alife-long journey,and it is the early years where the foundation is laid for learning.

Chairo’sKinder and Prep programs ensure that students begin that journey in afun and supportive, yet challenging, environment –anenvironment that equips them through investigative play and foundational skills to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.

Chairo’smission is to provide ‘excellence in Christcentred education, in partnership with families, within a caring Christian community’, while their vision statement refers to students having an impact in the world through their capability,character and commitment.

The Traralgon campus is currently accepting enrolment applications for students at most year levels.

Contact Tonya or Joy on 5173 0500 or visit the school website to discover more and book atour

Saturday 18 to Sunday26October 2025

Childrens Week

Sacred Hear t Primar ySchool

AtSacredHeart

their students are central to all learning and they celebrate their unique gifts. They consider each child individually and assess their attributes when developing astarting point for their learning.

Their students’ voice is heard and is an inspiration for their community projects, their social justice action and their community interaction.

Sacred Heart’steachers care, respect and focus on improving student learning outcomes with specialist lessons in Art, PE, STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics), Aboriginal studies, AUSLAN and LibraryStudies.

Through aChristian lens they…

•Build relationships •Focus on improving learning outcomes •Ensure safety for all.

Enrolments are open for all levels, for information and atour please contact the principal on principal@shmorwell.catholic.edu.au or call the school on 5134 3718

Sacred Heart Primar ySchool

The Sacred Heart school community is looking forwardto welcoming our new foundation students during our Little Learners Program. Students will engage in literacy and numeracy tasks as well as socialising within the school setting.

Foundation Students for 2026 Enrol Now

Dates -Term 4, 2025 9am -10.45am Friday 14th November -9to10:45 Friday 21th November -9to10:45 Friday 28th November -9to10:45 F Friday 5th December - 9 to10:45 Tuesday 9th December - 11:30 to 1:30

StateSchools are GreatSchools Childrens Week Saturday 18 to Sunday26October 2025

Albert Street PrimarySchool

ALBERTStreet PrimarySchool offers acaring, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students, valuing Partnership, Respect, Optimism and Pride.

Visual Arts, Digital Technology,Library,Sustainability and Kurnai Language and Culture are specialist programs offered in addition to P-6 classroom programs.

The playgrounds, yarning circle, community garden and outdoor kitchen are surrounded by high security fencing ensuring students play and explore in asafe environment. An experienced wellbeing team partners with families focusing on the learning, social and emotional needs of their children to help them achieve success.

Albert Street welcomes families and volunteers to participate and support their community

Elizabeth Street Primary

ELIZABETH Street PrimarySchool is awell-resourced, community minded educational setting, located in Moe. Elizabeth Street Primaryschool maintains small class sizes, especially in the early years of schooling.

It is staffed with experienced teaching staff who are passionate about each child’sacademic growth and wellbeing.

These small class sizes, maximise the attention each child receives on adaily basis.

Each class also has Education Support staff available to meet the academic and social needs of the children. They are also heavily focused on the wellbeing of each child as well as their academic excellence.

The school also offers additional support with aschool Wellbeing Officer,School Chaplain and School Nurse.

For further information or to have atour of the school, please contact the school principal, Ian Frost, on 5127 2607.

Narracan Primary

NARRACAN PrimarySchool is situated on top of the hill in Narracan, surrounded by paddocks full of cattle, beautiful trees, kookaburras, and blue-tongued lizards.

The small school provides anurturing and caring learning environment, offering small class sizes in which they cater for different learning styles at all different levels.

Students enjoy playing in their natural environment, growing their own vegetables, and tending to the chickens that provide the eggs to use in their weekly cooking classes.

They provide acomprehensive curriculum, with enrichment programs including Auslan, Science, Art, Music, MARC Van, Physical Education, and aWellbeing program that includes regular yoga.

The Student Representative Council is active in providing students with avoice about their learning, their school environment, and their community participation.

The school minibus travels daily through the Moe/ Newborough area.

Families are invited to visit their wonderful school.

Please phone the office on 5634 8215,tobook atime to meet with the Acting Principal, Monique In der Maur

NewboroughEast Primary

NEWBOROUGH East PrimarySchool offers all students a safe, inclusive and engaging educational program. With high expectations and aphilosophy that ALL students can achieve. Newborough East PrimarySchool provides an engaging environment for learning and play Their curriculum strongly focusses on numeracy and literacy,with the inclusion of specialist subjects Art, PE, Libraryand STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering and Maths –including Robotics), as well as arange of hands-on learning experiences which allows Newborough East PrimarySchool to truly cater for all students.

NEPS has outstanding facilities which include alibrary, gymnasium, school canteen, kitchen garden and soon to be refurbished student amenities, as well as before and after school care onsite.

NEPS prides itself on strong community connections and is proud of its Parents and Friends association, onsite School Nurse and avariety of programs developed in collaboration with external specialists.

If you would like to make atime for atour,please phone the school on 5126 1399

Newborough Primary

AT Newborough Primary School the school values are Be safe, Be Respectful and Be aLearner

They teach their students how to develop the knowledge and skills to become successful and thrive in all their life endeavours.

They understand that all learners are different and require different support and instruction to achieve their goals.

All staff at the school, not only the teachers, focus on where each of the students are currently achieving and how theycan support themtoget to the next step in their learning.

This focus is vital for their academic growth andis equally important for their social and emotional wellbeing. With support of the Wellbeing Team, the staff can assist students in all aspects of their schooling life.

Enjoying being at school is just as important as academic growth.

Newborough Primary’spriority is to have happy students who love learning.

Rawson Primary

RAWSON PrimarySchool is aclose-knit learning community where everystudent is known, supported, and challenged to reach their potential.

Located in the scenic township of Rawson, the school offers spacious grounds andmodern facilities, giving students the opportunity to explore avariety of specialist subjects including Art, Music, STEM, MARC Van, and Physical Education.

As asmall rural school, theyprovide asafeand nurturing environment that prioritises students’ wellbeing and mental health.

The students benefit from strong connections with teachers and peers, personalised learning experiences, and active engagement with the local community through arange of excursions and incursions that bring learning to life.

South Street Primary

THEexperienced and committed leadership team at South Street PrimarySchool is proud to continue guiding their community towards their vision of excellence in education to achieve personal growth and academic success.

Led by Principal Brendan Dawson, Assistant Principal Nic Quenault, and Learning Specialists Erin Beissel and Melissa Pavey,the team brings astrong mix of experience, educational expertise, and genuine care for everystudent.

The school looks forward to building on their success and invite all local families to book apersonalised tour

To meet the team and explore the facilities and evidencebased learning programs, please phone 5127 1512

South Primary

small size fosters atailored learning environment,

enhanced by diverse facilities and programs that keep their students enthusiastic and involved.

But why just take their word for it?

Youare invited to visit the school and let their students and staff share their love for the school and how they CARE.

At Tanjil South everyone learns to Cooperate, Achieve, Respect, and show Empathy

Youare invited to join them and discover the joy of this charming hidden gem.

Willow Grove PrimarySchool

WILLOW Grove PrimarySchool is situated in the heart of the Willow Grove community,inclose proximity to the beautiful views of Blue Rock Dam.

With school values of Respect, Resilience, Teamwork and Community,they provide acommunity minded approach to education within their small school setting.

They offer ahigh-quality education with astrong academic focus in literacy and numeracy

Wellbeing is supported by specialised staff and astudent centred approach that ishands-on and fun.

Theyoperate specialist classes in Art, Japanese, Physical Education andMARC Library

WGPSuses the School Wide Positive Behaviours Support Program and BerryStreet Education Model, to build afoundation that encompasses the whole child with a strengths-based approach.

Willow Grove offers an extensive transition from Kindergarten to Prep and will operate with an on-site Kinder from 2027.

They welcome all new students and their families in a friendly and inclusive manner

Yallourn North Primary

YALLOURN North PrimarySchool is located ashort ten-minute drive from Moe/Newborough.

They are afantastic rural school that has first class facilities.

Students learn from acombination of direct instruction and gradual release.

This gives students the skills they need to be successful.

All of their classroom teachers are supported by learning support staff who ensure everystudent has the tools they need to succeed.

Their specialist subjects include PE, Auslan, Art, STEM and Library.

They have schoolwide processes to support students with their school counsellor and wellbeing leader

In 2025 they launched their own speech pathologist guided STARS program and run after school tutoring every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday until4:30 to support their students’ academic development.

The School Council run the After School Care Program from 3:15pm till 6:30pm during school terms.

Yallourn North Primaryactively supports their community to ensure their students learn vital civic skills.

Tanjil

NESTLED on the edge of the stunning Tanjil Valley,Tanjil South PrimarySchool beckons families with its idyllic setting, 10 minutes from Moe. Their

StateSchoolsAre GREATSchools

The Moe, Newborough and surrounding towns’ government primar y schools work in par tnership to deliver high impac t teaching to suppor t the learning growth of all their students.

The rural primar y schools of Narracan, R awson, Tanjil South and Willow Grove offer smaller class sizes, an ex tensive rich curriculum and a strong suppor tive community for their students and families.

Alternatively, Alber t St, Elizabeth St, Newborough, Newborough East, South St and Yallourn Nor th range in size and specialised programs

Ever y school in this network and the rural schools are committed to strengthening the literac y and numerac y sk ills of each student through inter vention and ex tension programs as required. Ever y school provides a Child Safe environment focusing on student engagement and wellbeing.

Transition programs are also a feature of each school as they have a strong connec tion with their feeder k inders and secondar y school, to ensure each child commences their primar y and secondar y school with all the necessar y information to suppor t continued learning growth. The schools also work in par tnership with higher education providers, including Federation University and TAFE Gippsland, as well as other organisations such as Rotar y, Latrobe Community Health and Emergenc y Ser vices to provide a diverse curriculum.

Fur ther information regarding the individualised programs of these primar y schools can be found on their websites.

Primar ySchools

Alber tStreet,Moe Monique Osborn 5127 1966

Elizabeth Street,Moe Ian Frost 5127 2607

South Street,Moe Brendan Dawson 5127 1512

Newborough Christine Robinson 5127 1448

Newborough East JulieSkee51261399

Rural Primar ySchools NarracanMoniqueInder Maur 5634 8215 WillowGroveTamaraHalket 5635 2271 Yallourn Nor th Kieran Kenneth 5115 8500 Rawson Tristan Mether 51653443 Tanjil SouthJason Hor ton51601255

Art is everywhere and for everyone

By KATRINABRANDON

STUDIOS across the region will host the Open Studios Latrobe exhibition on October 25 and 26.

OpenStudios hasbeenrunningfor around 10 years, organised by the art group Moartz, which is celebrating more than 25 years of service to the local art community.

Moartz was founded in 1999 by agroup of artsminded people who wanted to develop, support and encourage adiverse range of arts and cultural activities within the Moe/Newborough community. Last year, Moatz celebrated 25 years in abook compilation of photos, media, newsletter articles, history and memories from many members. Moatz’s currentpresident, SharonAnderson, told the Express she was very excited about Open Studios.

“It started back in 2015, when agroup of us decided that we'd like to do an open studios based on what they were doing in Baw Baw Shire,”she said. “It went reallywell, and we've been doing it almost every year, apart from one. We've got a wonderful amountofartists here in theLatrobe City area

“In October,wehave acollection of artists, agroup of artists, that openuptheirstudiossovisitors can come around and sayhello and come and see what people do, andthe artists do their demonstrations, which is fantastic, because otherwise people don't know what they do.” Open Studios is an opportunity for people to

explore the local area, visitingartists and broadening their artistic horizons throughout aweekend, while exchanging ideas and insights into the art world.

Looking into photography, acrylics, sculptures, graphic design, screen printing and more, Ms Anderson said thatthere is alarge varietyofartists to see within the event and that the artistic world ventures far and wide, with awealth of talent locally.

“We've had students come in from high schools and primary schools, young people with their families come in andtalktothe artists, and Iknow that they've gone on to do further art, or even just art as ahobby,” Ms Anderson said.

“Getting advicefromthe artists who are in Open Studios, and there are art groups around that peopleparticipateinaswell. And that's what art is about. Art's everywhere. There are artists everywhere.”

Ms Anderson practises her own work in herstudio in Moe,which wasformerly locatedinNewborough. Her main mediums are painting, screen printing, cyanotype, pastel drawing, and experiments with abstract photography.

As part of Ms Anderson’s business, Art-Fx, she designs and screenprints arange of artworks and tea towels, including Art is Everywhere and The Wonders of Latrobe Valley.

For more information on Open Studios, go to: https://moartz.com/open-studios-latrobe-2025/

The best of eat, drink and play in Gippsland

By KATRINA BRANDON

THE best of Gippsland's produce will be on show this Saturday (October 18).

Featured at the Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival at the Leongatha Railway Precinct, attendees will be able to see the best of what Gippsland has to offer.

“It is literally an unapologetic celebration of the best food, wine, drinks and music talent goingaroundthat just happened to come from Gippsland,” the festival’s organiser, Dan Sims said.

“This festival is all about shining aspotlight on the incredible talent that we have in this region, and to how they stand, not only on their own, but alongside some of the best in the state, dare Isay nationally …buggerit, I’ll say globally.”

The Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival is divided into two sessions: Eat and Drink, and Play. Throughout the day session, people will be able to wineand dinewithlocal producers, followed by “play” in the afternoon, featuring local artists. Beyondthe feasting, the program features intimate producer talks, giving festival-goers the chance to hear directly from the people behind the product. Food and wine writer and restaurant critic Kara Monssenwill leadfoodie conversations, quizzing the festival’s chefs and producers, while

The

"Thisisn’t just afestival -it’s acelebration of the region’s incredible producers and the amazing food, wine, and craft they create. From the Railway Precinct to the surroundingtowns, everypartofthe festival shines alight on Gippsland’s bounty, giving locals and visitors the chancetotaste,explore, and fall in love with the region again and again.”

Backed by the state government's Regional Events Fund,Eat DrinkPlayGippsland champions the region's remarkable food, wine,and cultural talent through its innovative dual-format festival. The collaboration unites South GippslandShire Council, Destination Gippsland, and Wine Gippsland with Chair of Wine Victoria and seasoned festival producer Dan Sims (PinotPalooza, MouldCheese Festival), and local entertainment specialists The Hills Are Alive Group, founded by fellow Gippsland natives Aidan and Rhett McLaren. Elsewhereacross the weekend, Ella Hooper brings her acclaimed Linda Ronstadttribute to Meeniyan Town Hall on Friday evening, presented by the LyrebirdArts Council. Then on Sunday, the celebrations spill into neighbouring towns with bonus events including Porchetta &Pinot at Trulli, BanhMiand beats at Fleet Wines,and Movida and cider festivities at Gurneys. Formoreinformation, go to: https://www.visitgippsland.com.au/eatdrinkplay

Topaccolades for Here There &Everywhere

GIPPSLAND’S own original theatre company, Here There &Everywhere (HT&E), recently returned from their tour of theDrama VictoriaOne Act Play Festiva lc irc uit, where they earned aswag of awards.

Perform ing their shows For My Sister,a hard-hitting drama, and Life is Magic,acrazy comedy, the troupe won multiple awards at the festivals, as reward for their hard work and creativity.

Snagging nominations including Best Production, Best Directorand Best Original Script, writer/director Phillip AMayer said, “It’s an honour to be nominated and win awards, but that’s not why we do theatre. The festivals offer competitionand adjudicator feedback, but it’sperforming to different audiences at amazing theatres across the state that attracts us. There’s the creative atmosphere, telling worthwhile stories, and entertaining audiences,there’s building valuable relationships with talented people from acrossthe state, and making wonderful moments of awe, laughter, and applause. Andofcourse we get to represent our region, being judged alongside someamazingtheatre and companies”.

The OAP Festivals are independently adjudicated, with companies from across the state competing for trophies and cash prizes.

“It’slike the theatre versionofsports

Sweep: KrissiCreighton, Linden Hanley,Phillip AMayer,John Reisinger, SamDaddoand Maggie Mayfromlocal theatregroup,HereThere& Ever ywherewon aswagofawardsatthe Drama Victoria One ActPlay Festival circuit Photograph supplied

finals,where companies compete, putting up their best work against others. There are winners, and although art shouldn’t really be about competition, it’s aforum audiences enjoy. It’s a way to attract lots of different styles, and audiences get to make their own

judgments. To walk away winning lots of awards at many different festivals is perhaps validation that our shows areupthere with the best.

“There are some incredibly talented companies and amazing shows, and we’re performingonthe same bill

as they are, holding our own, being recognisedasquality and hailing from Gippsland. There’s no cultural cringe or hesitation that we can compete on these diverse stages”.

The company garner ed multiple awards for Best Production, Best Actress (KrissiCreighton), Best Actor (Mayer), Best Supporting Actor (John Reisinger) and Best Original Show.

Sam Daddo was also nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category, and Maggie May got anod in the Best Supporting Actress bracket.

“Wewere stokedthat the entire cast were nominated across multiple festivals,showingconsistency in thequality of our plays,and an acknowledgement of regional talents,” Mr Mayer said.

“We mixed it with other companies and walked away with awards and nominations.

“Touring aserious drama and a comedyatthe same time,flipping two shows with the same cast, often on the same day, takes serious commitment and dedication. I’m fortunate to have such atalented team, which includes our company’s stage manager Linden Hanley. This is atight ensemble and experience shines through. Aside from the One Act Festivals, we’ve also performed at Melbourne Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe,and independent touring.

“Theatre, likefilm, is acombined effort, it takes ateam to produce, so

individual awards for me personally are abit awkward. Isuppose it’s part of the game but being recognised for the work of the entire company by independent judges, and getting feedback of industry professionals and peers, that’s the real win.And of course,having audiences love the work, winning trophies and awards are anicebonus.”

Mr Mayer stated that “HT&E are working on many projects, including the group’s youth arm the Gippsland Youth Drama Workshop show, set for DecemberatGPAC,and an exciting venture for localaudiences and creative producers.

“We’re working on some dates to showcase our recent winning productions locally. Original contemporary theatreisentertaining, educational, starts conversations, it’s fun, and it’s absolutely still relevant.”

“Local audiences don’thave to go to Melbourne to see great theatre, its right here on our doorstep. We feel humbled and at the same time proud that theatre madeinGippsland,featuring Gippsland talent, gets recognised and awarded like this.”

Anyone wanting to know more about HT&E can phone the director on 0409 878 688, or check out the Facebook page for auditions and show information.

Checkitout: MoatzPresident,SharonAnderson is looking forwardtothis year’s Open Studios Latrobeexhibition. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

acclaimed wine writer Max Allen will explore current top drops and drink trends with winemakers from Bass Philip and The Wine Farm as well as distillers and brewers.

Nearing closer to the day, Mr Sims said he was excited for what could come from the festival.

"We can’t wait to bringEat Drink Play Gippsland to life," he said.

Topdrops:

best of Gippsland food and wine willbeshowcased at Leongatha this weekend. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

InterviewedbyAidan Knight

VIRTUE Homes has solidified its reputation as a premier custom builder,capturing four significant awards at the 2025 HIA EasternRegionalHousing Awards across multiple categories that showcase the company’sdesign innovation and construction expertise.

The awards span Custom Built Homes in two price brackets -$1M -$1.5M and $1.5M -$2M, aDisplay Home up to $500,000, and aNew Kitchen up to $50,000, demonstrating the company’sversatility and commitment to

PROJECT BRIEF:

exceptional residential design.

“We’reverycollaborative with our clients through the building process,” says Nerida Hamilton General Manager.“We build areally big relationship with them over anine to 12 month build, plus the design process.”

One standout project featured amodern mid-centurydesign that pushed architectural boundaries. The team meticulously researched the style, incorporating distinctive elements like adeeplysunken lounge reminiscent of 1970s architecture.

The clients for this project in Inverloch had aclear vision in mind for their dream home: bright and airy, with easy indoor-outdoor flow and timeless design.

The centrepiece of the home is the open plan living, dining and kitchen area, with its high cathedral ceiling and floor to ceiling glazing.

The unique floor plan includes adoublevanity in the hall outside the main bathroom for ease of access with young children. Abuilt-in atrium brings light and indooroutdoor connection to the centreofthe floor plate. Quality finishes areshowcased throughout, and the judges noted the builder has done an excellent job in overcoming the challenges of atricky block and tight budget to deliver an outstanding family home.

This approach reflects their commitment to innovative design that respects bothclient vision and architectural heritage. The company takes particular pride in their ability to attract repeat clients, often building for multiple generations of the same family

“We’ll see we build for the parents andthenwe build for their kids,”Nerida noted.

This generational trust speaks volumes about their reputation andquality of work.

Their business model focuses on establishing themselves in the higher prestige custom home

PROJECT BRIEF:

On display in Traralgon, the Marshall 28 was conceived with versatile family living in mind. The floor plan includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a separate rumpus and an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with adjoining walk-in pantry.

The home is open and bright, with timber accents bringing asense of warmth. Enhanced insulation and double-glazed windows throughout contribute to energy efficiency and temperatureregulation. The judges noted that all works have been carried out with precision, and the finished product is awonderful family home that is both aspirational and attainable.

market, with akeen eye for customisation and client collaboration.”

Each award-winning home represents aunique journey of design, innovation, and personal expression. For Virtue Homes, these awards are morethan just accolades -they’reatestament to their ability to transformarchitectural dreams into tangible, beautiful living spaces that resonate with clients and stand out in the competitive building industry.

Nerida Hamilton, General Manager

PROJECT BRIEF:

Located in Traralgon, this Palm Springs-inspired home successfully captures the essence of mid-centurymodernarchitecturewhile meeting all the needs of ayoung family

The natural slope of the land affords stunning panoramic views to the rear,but required extensive earthworks that wereskilfully handled by the builder

The façade has instant street appeal and inside, the floor plan is centred around alarge in-ground pool, creating an open, resort-style atmosphere. Passive solar design has been thoughtfully integrated, the polished concrete floors provide substantial thermal mass, and arooftop solar system helps offset electricity usage.

The builder’scraftsmanship –inparticular the impressive stonework –was noted by the judges, who described this as an “exceptional home”.

PROJECT BRIEF:

The owner of this home in Traralgon is aprofessional chef, so the kitchen was always going to be aprized space. Purposely conceived as the ultimate host’skitchen, the space is both functional and impressive. Ergonomics and work flow have been carefully considered.

The large island bench is ideal both for prep work and for guests to congregate around. Another highlight is the built-in coffee bar with sensor strip lighting, pop-out pocket doors and integrated shelving. Extensive custom cabinetry and the herringbone flooring areamong the many other noteworthy features.

The judges observed that this kitchen is perfectly matched to the client brief, and has been executed by the builder with first class workmanship.

2025HIA EasternVictoriaRegional Housing Awards

Congratulations to Roseleigh Homes

ABuilder ’s OwnMasterpiece

IN one of Warragul’smost prestigious estates, a striking new home has emerged that is as much a personal statement as it is ashowcase of design and craftsmanship. The residence at Wellington Court, created by Brad Chugg, Director and Builder of Roseleigh Homes, alongside his brother Craig Chugg, is the culmination of his work as owner,designer,and builder —and now,asa proud resident.

From the street, the home makes an immediate impression. Its minimalist single-gable façade is both understated and commanding, defined by reverse-laid bricks that, once painted, reveal a texturerarely seen in conventional construction. Paired with smoothed stucco walls and careful articulation, the design carries acontemporary Australian feel with subtle Mediterranean influences.

Sustainability and innovation werealso central to the project. The home achieves a7-star energy rating thanks to double-glazed windows, advanced insulation, and efficient LED lighting. YetBrad sees innovation not only in energy

performance but in the architectural expression itself. The reverse-laid bricks, expansive raked ceilings, and gable roofline aredesign choices that challenge convention while still prioritising comfortand livability

For Chugg, the project is deeply personal. Living in ahome he designed and built himself is, he says, adaily reminder of intentional design. Each space reflects both his professional expertise and his family’slifestyle, merging his role as builder with that of father

Now,Wellington Courtisearning recognition beyond the family that lives there.

The home stands as atestament to Roseleigh Homes’ ethos of quality,innovation, and homes designed to be lived in.

At Wellington Court, Brad Chugg has achieved something rare—ahome that is at once personal sanctuary, professional statement, and architectural landmark. It is, in everysense, abuilder’s own masterpiece.

2025 HIA EASTERN VICTORIA CUSTOM BUILTHOME UP TO $1 MILLION PROJECT: WARRAGUL

2025 HIA EasternVictoriaRegional Housing Awards

PROJECT BRIEF:

The goal for this build in Warragul was to create a light-filled modernhome with enduring style, and it delivers in all respects.

Tailored to make the most of agenerous but irregularlyshaped block that expands to the rear,its unassuming street frontage leads directly into aMediterranean-inspired garden courtyardand pool area.

Texturehas been thoughtfully applied to the exterior, including bricks laid in reverse and then painted for a unique finish. Inside, highlights include the striking Viola marble benchtop in the kitchen and the high raked ceiling with exposed rafters.

The judges praised the builder’sclear attention to detail at all stages of delivering this impressive and innovative family home.

Congratulations to Sherridon Homes

InterviewedbyAidan Knight

WHEN Dean Currie reflects on Sherridon Homes’ recent success at the 2025 HIA EasternRegional Housing Awards, his pride is palpable.

“We’ve actually been awarded the number one builder in Victoria,” Dean explains, “and these awards show the quality of our homes”

The company’saward-winning display home between $500,000 and$750,000 stands as a testament totheir innovative approach.

“The big highlight is the cathedral ceiling in

PROJECT BRIEF:

The Winslow 322 in Traralgon has been designed from the ground up as arefined expression of family living.

The home’sfloor plan is thoughtfully zoned, with the expansive master suite at the front of the home, and three further bedrooms –all with walk-in robes –located offacentral hallway at the rear providing space for children or guests. The open plan living and dining area boasts a high cathedral ceiling, and the home’skitchen and master ensuite both won awards in their own right in 2025.

Abundant storage, a7.2 star energy rating and the builder’scareful eye for detail bring together an impressive package.

the living areas with an exceptional bathroom, en-suite, and an amazing kitchen”

The standout feature, he emphasises, is “spectacular butler pantry” that sets them apart from typical volume builders. What truly distinguishes Sherridon Homes is their commitment to affordability and quality.“

We seem tobeabletoachieve bringing what customers want at averyaffordableprices“,Currie explains. The company’sincredible procurement team works tirelessly toensuretheycan deliver

high-end features without breaking thebank. The awards in kitchen and bathroom design reflect the team’smeticulous attention to detail.

“We’ve gone over and beyond for what would be described as avolume builder” Currie says proudly.The display home features apodiumbathwith verylarge shower that has become atalking point for visitors.

With ateam of16inGippsland, Sherridon Homes has cultivated afamily-like atmosphere that drivestheir success. “We’reateamhere,”

KITCHEN IN ADISPLAY HOME PROJECT: TRARALGON

PROJECT

BRIEF:

Partofthe builder’sWinslow 322 display in Traralgon, this kitchen has been thoughtfully designed to blend formand function.

The stone island with waterfall edges is the natural focal point, providing alarge work surface as well as integrated seating. Awide picturewindowabove thefarmhouse-style sink contributes ample natural light and indoor-outdoor connection.

Sage-green base cabinetryismatched with warmtimbertones overhead to pleasing effect, and the adjacent walk-in pantryprovides abundant storage as well as additional preparation space.

Currie emphasises, “almost like family ”Their design crew,which he describes as second to none has been instrumental in creating homes that truly resonate with customers.

The recognition is morethanjustanaccolade. “We’ve been striving for this,” Currieadmits, “and it’sanincredible achievement.” For Sherridon Homes, these awards representaculmination of hardwork, innovative design, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Dean Currie, General Manager

BATHROOM IN ADISPLAY HOME PROJECT: TRARALGON

PROJECT BRIEF:

The master ensuite of the Winslow 322 display in Traralgon has been conceived as aserene, light-filled sanctuarythatdelivers indulgence and functionality in equal parts. Afreestandinground bathtub is the centrepiece of the room,positioned beneath dual skylights that bring ample natural light to thespace.Oppositeisa frameless walk-in shower with dual shower heads and bench, and between them the floating vanity offers plenty of storage. The palette is apleasing combination of neutrals with wood grain and the green featurewall. Floor to ceiling tiles and matte black fixtures give the room aspa-like quality and complete the look.

Seeing School Differently: Unlocking Children’sLearning with Behavioural Optometry

When we think of children’seyesight, we usually picture eye charts and glasses. But whatifthe true measure of vision isn’t just t “20/20” eyesight? Whatiflearning and behaviour struggles are being held back by vision challenges thatstandard eye tests can’t catch?

This is where Children’sVision Assessments and Behavioural Optometrycome in. These are an advanced form of eye care that not only checks howclearly achild sees, but examines howtheir eyes coordinate, focus, track, and howvision interacts with the brain to support reading, concentration and learning.

Why it Matters

Manyvision problems, such as myopia (short-sightedness),

What aFull Assessment Looks Like

Acomprehensive vision assessment for children should include:

•Eye health check (conditions inside the eye)

•Refractive error screening for myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, amblyopia

•Binocular vision assessment—howwell both eyes focus, align, and coordinate

If no issues are found at this point but reading and writing issues are identified, then Behavioural Optometryassessment is recommended which includes:

•Visual processing skills—visual memory, tracking, discrimination, spatial awareness, form recognition

Based on results, options may include glasses, contact lenses, vision therapy patching, or in some cases, special lenses or training exercises tailored to the child’sneeds.

How Kay Street Eyecare Can Help Local Families

At Kay Street Eyecare, we believe thatchildren deserve more than clear vision— they deserve vision thatsupports learning, growth, and confidence. Our Children’s Vision and Behavioural Optometryservicesare designed to:

•Detect and treatconditions like lazy eye, eye turns, binocular vision problems, and visual processing delays

•Provide specialist myopia control options to slowprogression of shortsightedness

•Offer vision therapy programs thathelp children with reading, attention, and learning challenges

Because early detection is so powerful, we recommend routine comprehensive vision exams—not just when difficulties arise, but proactively as children grow and start school.

If your child is losing focus, squinting at distantobjects, experiencing headaches, skipping lines while reading, or seems uneasy with near tasks, it may be more than just “growing pains.” Let Kay Street Eyecare assess howtheir eyes see and work. Reach out today to help set the foundation for clear learning and confident vision.

Fit for Life

hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism, binocular vision disordders (whhen thettwo eyes don’’t team welll togetther)),ambblyopiia (lazy eye), or visual processing delays (difficulty decoding or remembering whatisseen) can seriously affect achild’sability to learn—even if they seem to see clearly.Tests limited to sight clarity often miss these “hidden” problems. Manychildren who pass basic screenings still struggle with vision skills essential for school success.

Behavioural optometryalso deals with howvision influences behaviour and learning—issues like losing place while reading, skipping words, headaches, eye strain, or poor concentration can all stem from inefficient vision. Early intervention is key

HOROSCOPES

by JoanneMadeline Moore

October 13 -October 19 ,2025

better and laugh more often There are also interesting connections to be made and new friends to be found within your local community So, get out and about as you explore fresh nooks and crannies in your neighbourhood

Expect a busy bamboozling beautiful week Bulls! Venus (your power planet) transits into Libra opposes Neptune, and then trines Uranus and Pluto So, you re in the mood to socialise with friends but be careful how you communicate, especially with colleagues, clients and/or customers If you are not clear and concise then others may misunderstand your message Creativity and compassion are high as you express your artistic side or help someone in need

This week the Sun and Venus are visiting your creativity zone so its time to write sing dance perform paint or play music as you draw on the richness of your colourful world within And the Venus/Uranus trine will help you turn imaginative ideas into innovative projects Travel, teaching studying and business ventures are also favoured With adventurous Uranus transiting through your sign, keep experimenting and expanding your horizons

With expansive Jupiter jumping through your sign (until next June) its time to be the bold, brave, confident Crab you were born to be (like fellow Cancerians Nelson Mandela and Princess Diana) No hiding in the shadows or sulking on the sidelines This week, crawl out of your cosy cave and take on the world Your motto for the moment is from birthday great writer Oscar Wilde (born on October 16, 1854): “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken ”

The week starts with Venus transiting into your neighbourhood zone, which favours socialising and making new friends at local community events With the Sun (your patron planet) squaring Jupiter (planet of extravagance and exuberance), Friday is the best day for fabulous flirting and/or frivolous escapades Be careful not to overdo it, though, otherwise overeating, over-drinking, overspending and/or over-promising could land you in a heap of trouble

You’ll feel more confident this week as the Sun and Venus both visit Libra, which boosts your sense of wellbeing and happiness But resist the urge to judge or criticise others Remember – you don t have all the facts at hand appearances can be deceptive and no one is perfect As birthday great Oscar Wilde reminds us: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future ” Resist the urge to overdo everything on Friday As always, balance is the key

Scorpios can be very intense, determined and driven –especially at the moment with manic fiery Mars also transiting through your sign But this week the Libran Sun and peacemaker Venus are visiting your solitude and spirituality zones – so its time to cool down, cooperate, mediate, meditate, contemplate and ruminate Your motto for the moment is from Libran great singer-songwriter John Lennon: “Turn off your mind relax and float downstream ”

This week, prepare to inspire others with your high spirits and contagious enthusiasm You re at your buoyant best as Venus, Uranus and Pluto boost confidence levels and put extra wind in your Sagittarian sails (especially involving close relationships, joint ventures, goals and dreams) But a family situation with a child, teenager or friend looks rather confusing Ask for some clarification otherwise you could find yourself jumping to hasty conclusions!

With Sun/Venus in your career zone and Mercury/Mars in your wish list zone, it’s time to make plans and dream big dreams And don’t make them too safe and sensible! Go for gold, as the planets encourage you to be bold and brave about the future This week is also about getting the ratio right between your busy public life and your private inner world With Neptune in your domestic zone, make your home an oasis of comfort and calm for mind, body and spirit

Expect some confusing communication and relationship challenges You’ve got plenty to say but make sure you take the time to really listen to others Jupiter is visiting your wellbeing zone, which is good news for your physical health and emotional wellbeing over the next eight months Theres one proviso though – you must be disciplined Aim to find a deliciously nutritious diet a fun exercise program and a relaxation routine that you really enjoy

Hunter St, Moe

Real outdoor pool: Acommunityswimming pool wasestablishedinthe EdwardHunterHeritage Bush Reserve,Moe circa1950.

HUNTER Street, Moe is namedafter Edward (Ted) Hunter who was born on the Tanjil South family farm in 1883

He attended Tanjil South State School and when he reached the age of 17 took atrip to Tasmania where he stayed for some time.

When he returned to Victoria, he lived with his parents in ahotel at Romsey which they ran. He then successfully applied to enter the Victorian Police Forcebut while waiting for aposition decidedtoreturn to the family farm which had been leased out.

He marriedNin Turnbull of Willow Grove in 1915.

president of the Moe Farewell and Welcome Home Committee (which organised functions for the departure and return of local soldiers), trustee of the Moe Mechanics Hall, member of the Moe Recreation Reserve Committee, memberofthe Moe Masonic Lodge, the local golf, angling, turf and football clubs and president of the Moe Rifle Club. He supported the Moe Fire Brigade and the 1938 Back-to-Moe celebrations. He was very active in reliefworkfollowingthe disastrous bushfires that sweptthe districtin1939

As the report of his death in the Advocate newspaper stated, ‘…. in fact, there was scarcely apublic movement in which he was not actively interested’.

This week the Sun and Venus are visiting Libra, which highlights your financial, business and personal values’ zone So you ll be focusing a lot of time and energy on money – how to make it save it grow it and keep it But don’t lose sight of yourself and your personal, creative and spiritual needs in the process As playwright (and birthday great) Arthur Miller reminds us: “Don’t be seduced into thinking that that which does not make a profit is without value ”

Its not a particularly good week to take on mighty challenges or make important decisions Theres a nebulous Venus/Neptune opposition so life could be complicated physical energies low and relationships confusing A financial matter looks perplexing for many Pisceans So, avoid tasks that require stamina and sharp thinking Instead pace yourself – mentally and physically Wednesday favours memories daydreams and domestic matters

In 1920 the couple moved into Moe to ahome in Anzac St and his sister lived on the farm. Later, he returned to the farm for four years before again moving back into Moe.

He waselected to the Narracan Shire Council in 1919 and successfullyheld his seat for 22 years (serving two terms as president). He was elected to the board of the Moe Dairy Co-operative in 1915 which he held for 27 years.

He was keen to support local community organisations and was involved in awide range of groups. He was aJustice of the Peace, chairman and government representative on the Moe Waterworks Trust, vice president of the Moe Bush Nursing Hospital Committee, vice president of the Central Gippsland Stockowners' Association,

Unfortunately, Edward Hunter suffered attacks of rheumaticfeverwhichweakenedhis heart; the last one in 1940. He was advised to cut back on hiscommunity involvement and his work on the farm but the shortage of labour in the war years and his own interest in community affairs meant he continued his active life. He died in 1942 at the age of 48.

The funeral was one of the largest seen in Moe with 62 cars following the hearse.

The Edward Hunter Heritage Bush Reserve is also named in his honour.

Information from the Moe &District Historical Society.

Moe carols coming to Old Gippstown

AFTER manyyears of presentingthe annual bonfire night and the later Christmas spectacular and fireworks display at Moe’s Apex Park, the Lions ClubofMoe is thrilled to unveilanexcitingnew chapter and approach to its Christmas celebrations.

In partnership with Old Gippstownand Moe Neighbourhood House, the club willhost the annual Christmas Carnival and Community Carols by Candlelight on Saturday,December 13 from 3pmto10pminthe picturesquegrounds of the Old Gippstown Heritage Park.

market stalls, enjoy delicious local food, and support the community groups involved in the event as well as the many attractions of Old Gippstown presenting itself at its festive best. Chat to the Blacksmith, watch the woodturning group at work, experience the old world charm of leaning on the bar of the Cobb &CoInn, walk the haunted passageway of the Bushy Park Homestead, enjoy the experience of buying period style sweets from the Narracan GeneralStore or sit down for alovely Devonshire Tea.

This year's event promisesa magicalevening filled with festive fun for all ages. Families from across theregionare invited to enjoyafullevening of live entertainment,children’s activities and local food and craft stalls. Local schoolchoirs and community singerswill take to the historic rotunda stage throughout the evening, filling Old Gippstown withmusic, laughter, and endless Christmas cheer.

Amajor highlight of this years event will be the stunning neon light display,transforming Old Gippstown into aglowing wonderland of colour and sparkle. The dazzling lights will illuminate the lovely old heritage buildings and gardens, creating the perfect backdrop for festive photos and lasting family memories.

Community spirit is at the heart of this event.

Santa and Mrs Claus will make aspecial appearancetodelight children, posefor photos,and share festive treats. Families can also browse the many

To make attending easier, Latrobe Valley Bus Lines will be operatingafreeshuttlebus service at 30 minute intervals from3.30pm to 9.30pm between the Moe Kmart carpark and Old Gippstown, ensuringthat parkingwill not be a problem and that patrons can travelsafelyand conveniently to and from the event.

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

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

"Withsomany local groups involved,Santaand Mrs Claus making an appearance, and afantastic neon lighting displayplanned, it’sgoing to be a truly magical night for families of all ages." Entry is free, and everyone is welcome. For more details, visit the Lions Club of Moe or Old Gippstown HeritageParkFacebook pages or websites.

Photograph supplied

TheGuide

PROFESSOR T

ABC TV,Friday, 8.30pm

Thetitle of this week’s episode,“DNA of aMurderer ”, gives an ominous clue to the latestchallenge facing brilliant but quirky criminologist Professor Jasper Tempest(Austin’s Ben Miller,pictured). When an artisan baker is found in his car with his throat slit in the middle of nowhere, it appearstobeanopen-and-shut case. Turns outthe victim wasa witness in amurder trial eight years earlier and provided keytestimony that put asuspectbehind bars. The inmate’s son is found with abloodied knifeinhis shed and no alibi, but Professor Tisn’t convinced of his guilt,oreventhatofhis jailedfather Leaningonforensic help, ProfessorT seeks to unmask the real killer.

QUEEN VICTORIA: SECRET MARRIAGE,SECRET CHILD?

SBS, Saturday, 8.25pm

Considered one of the Britishroyal family’sgreatestlove stories,the romance between Queen Victoria and her German-born husband (and firstcousin) Albert is legendary. Thecouplehad nine children in their 21-year marriage,beforehis prematuredeath in 1861left the 42-year-old widow overwhelmed with grief.Victoria withdrew from public dutiesfor adecade and wore black mourningclothesfor the rest of her life. But what if that’snot the entire story? In this compelling documentary, criminal barrister Rob Rinder and historian Dr Fern Riddell (both pictured, below) explorethe rumoured relationship between Victoria andher devotedHighland servant,JohnBrown.

Wednesday, October 15

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

THE

BLOCK Nine, Sunday, 7pm

As TheBlock marks its 1000th episodetonight,aremar achievement forall involved, another potential mileston the horizon.Sofar,every teamwho’s completedthe ulti renovation challenge has alsowon at leastone weekly ro judging. But as 2025’s finalreveal –the front garden –loo Sonny and Alicia (both pictured) arestillwithoutawin. W their fellow teams wrestled with what’sleft of their budg creativity andenergy, theQueensland parents havethro everything at theirlandscaping.Can aluxurycaravan an life-sizekangaroo sculptureimpress the judges and net the couple two MGs and $50,000 off their reserve? Or will House Four miss the mark and make Block history?

kable eison mate oom oms, While get, own d

PICK OF THE WEEK

END GAME WITH TONY ARMSTRONG ABC TV,Tuesday, 8.30pm

Former AFL player Tony Armstrong (pictured) has had enough. Fedupwith PR-friendly excuses and failed marketing campaigns, the Logie-winning journalistisonamission to effectively tackle racism in Australian sport and spark meaningful change forthe next generation of players and fans. As Armstrong shares in Tuesday’spremiere, it’snot an easyproblem to solve–and he’s personally been the target of onlineabuse before. Armstrongchecksinwith his heroAdam Goodes to takethe temperatureofAustraliansport today beforejetting off to the UK,wherehefindsout how the issue is beingaddressed in the Premier League. It’s avitalconversation to have,and Armstrongisthe right manfor the job

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Pilgrimage: The Road ThroughThe Alps (Final, PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch.(PG,R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family (R) 5.00 AntiquesRoadshow. (R) 6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PGa, R) 10.00 Tough Trains.(PGav,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News 2.00 Tell Me What YouReally Think. (M, R) 3.00 Such WasLife. (PGa, R) 3.10 The Cook Up (R) 3.40 Black Cockatoo Crisis. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Spicks And Specks.(PGs, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30 8.00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8.30 Mother AndSon. (PGdl)Arthur attemptstobecomeadifferent person. 9.00 TheAssembly:Julia Morris (Ml, R) 9.45 Guy Montgomer y’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee(NZ) (PG,R) 10.30 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Planet America. (R) 11.55 YouCan’t Ask That. (MA15+, R) 12.25 Grand Designs. (M,R) 1.15 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

FAMILY (22)

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 TheIdeaOfAustralia: Land Of TheFair Go? (Premiere) 8.30 Great British TrainJourneys From Above:The Ffestiniog Railway Looksatthe FfestiniogRailway

9.30 Code Of Silence. (Mlv) Alison meets with Liam.

10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 IAmScrooge. (Premiere, Mal) 11.45 FreezingEmbrace. (Malv,R) 1.25 Charles I: To Kill AKing. (PG, R) 2.30 Tough Trains. (PGa,R) 3.25 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.25pm Super Monsters. 4.40 Ariel. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.15 Big Lizard 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 To Be Advised. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The

Has Landed. (1976,PGv,R) 6.40 Whisky Galore. (2016,PGl,R) 8.30 ForAFew Dollars More. (1965,Mv, R) 11.00 Midsommar. (2019,MA15+ansv) 1.40am A Fistful Of Dollars. (1964, MA15+v) 3.30 Hail, Caesar! (2016,PGlsv) 5.30 The MovieShow.

SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5)

Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 SevenNewsWithAlexCullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl,

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PGa)

7.30 RFDS. (Ma) Eliza and Pete remain at odds.

8.30 Off TheGridWith Colin AndManu. (M) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel headdown the west coast,where they explore caves.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Expertsshare advice on living well.

10.30 Chicago Fire (Ma) 11.30 TheAgendaSetters. (R) 12.30 Imposters (Madlsv, R) 1.30 Harry’sPractice.(R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise

7TWO (72, 62)

RSPCAAnimal Rescue 9.30 NBC Today Noon My KitchenRules 1.30 The GreatAustralianDoorstep 2.00 Room ForImprovement. 2.30 House Of Wellness. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4.30 Better

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 TheBlock. (PGl) Scotty and Shelley walk throughthe front yards.

8.40 Australian Crime Stories: TheInvestigators: TheLost Girls. (Mav) Alook at the disappearance of amother and daughter

9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) Alook at the latest on the AFL trade period.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Resident Alien. (Return, Malv)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 The Garden Gurus. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92, 81)

Tommy The Toreador.(1959) 3.20 Explore. 3.30 Danger Man 4.30 Late Programs.

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

7.30 Dog sBehaving (Ver y) Badly Australia. (Final, PG) Graeme meets athieving terrier 8.30 TheGilded Age. (PGa) Avisit to the Russells shakes the aunts’household. George aimstocontrol the narrative. 9.40 Elsbeth. (PGv,R)Elsbeth

10 DRAMA (12, 53)

Thursday, October 16

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (Final, PG, R) 11.00 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 11.30 Brian Cox: Life Of AUniverse. (Final, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PGs, R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Cygnet Earthship. (Retur n, PG) Acouple buildtwo Earthships in Tasmania.

9.00 Grand Designs New Zealand. (Final) An ex-bricklayer is determined to build one last house for him and his wife.

9.45 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Jay interrogates his suspect.

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R)

11.10 Grand Designs: Lewes. (Ml, 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)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.20 Going Places. (R) 9.50 Soccer.FIFAUnder 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Idea Of Australia. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do You Think YouAre?(PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 24 Hours In ALDI. (R) Explores the history of ALDI supermarkets.

8.25 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve. The second leg of Simon Reevesjour ney takes him from the stunning fjords of Norway to Iceland,

9.30 Blue Lights. Follows three

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Davos 1917. (Mv)

12.05 The Head. (Malv,R)

1.40 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of AChild Queen. (PG, R) 2.45 ToughTrains. (PGa, R) 3.40 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.45 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island Specials. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Remi is in his element.

8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+ls) Jim Jefferies has aquestion for the plusses of the world.

9.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) Anew alliance takes control of the driversseatand aself drive causes stress and anxiety for teams.

11.00 7NEWS: The Balibo Five 50Years On. (R) Looks back

11.30 Gatecrashers.

12.30 Life. (Malsv,R)

1.30 HarrysPractice. (R)

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

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue.

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm First Sounds. 2.00 Talking Language. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Guardians Of The Wild. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: Black Water.(2007, M) 11.05 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Bonneville. (2006, PGa) 10.10 The Grump: In Search Of An Escort. (2022, Mal, Finnish) 12.15pm For AFew Dollars More. (1965, Mv) 2.40 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 4.10 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PGlsv) 6.15 Capricor nOne. (1977, PGalv) 8.30 The Good, The Bad And The Ugly.(1966, Mav) 11.50 Late Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT (PGd, R) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Emergency (Mm) Dr Michelle Thor nhill worries an elderly man might lose his independence after falling offa roof.

9.30 RPA. (PGm, R) Auniversity student presents symptoms of apotentially life threatening collapse of his lung.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+av)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa Georgiadis explores alush rainforest garden.

8.30 Professor T. (Mav) An artisan baker is found dead after receiving death threats.

9.20 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Hosted by TomGleeson.

9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) Arthur attempts to become adifferent person.

10.20 The Assembly: Julia Morris. (Ml, R) 11.05 ABC Late News.

11.20 Silent Witness. (Malv,R)

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

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 TBA. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

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

7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (PGn, R) 8.30 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG, R) Pauline Carroll visits Banteay Toap. 9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: The Pyramid Sun Kings. (PGa) 10.20 SBS WorldNewsLate. 10.50 Catch Me AKiller.(MA15+av) 11.45 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+al, R) 2.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of AChild Queen. (PGv,R) 3.05 Tough Trains.(Maw, R) 4.05 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.35 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

FAMILY (22) 6am The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 7.15 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PGa) 9.05 Hail, Caesar! (2016, PGlsv)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bour ne Identity. (2002, Mlv,R)Aman sets out to discover his identity after being hauled from the ocean with amnesia. Matt Damon, Franka Potente, Chris Cooper 11.00 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekendsbestracing. 11.30 Motorway Patrol. (Ma, R) 12.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PGl, R) 1.00 In Plain Sight. (Premiere, Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 David AttenboroughsAsia: Above The Clouds. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: The Inter n. (2015, Mal, R) A70-year-oldretired widower is hired as asenior intern foranonline fashion startup. Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway,Rene Russo.

11.00 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards.

Saturday, October 18

ABC (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 News. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Professor T. (Mav,R) 2.15 The Assembly.(PG, R) 3.00 Home Delivery (R) 3.30 Boyer LectureSeries. 4.00 Tech Smart Agriculture. (R) 4.10 The Assembly.(PGl, R) 4.55 Take 5. (R) 5.25 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story.(R)

6.25 IWas Actually There: Black (PGl, R) Alook

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

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG) Adying woman goes missing.

8.30 Retur nToParadise. (PG, R) Three hairdressers retur nfrom owner has been killed.

9.25 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Pushed to the edge, Jay interrogates his suspect. Sputty war ns Jay to back off.

10.20 The Following Events Are Based On APack Of Lies. (M, R) Alice and Cheryl build arapport. 11.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 11.35 MOVIE: The Ant Bully.(2006) 1.10pm Guardians Of The Wild. 2.00 Nula. 2.30 The Panther Within. 3.30 4.30 Homesteads. 5.00 Larapinta. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Blade Runner.(1982, MA15+) 10.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. Midnight Late Programs.

(3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.55 BBC News At Ten. 12.25 France 24. 12.55 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 2. Marconi Stallions FC v South Hobart. 3.00 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 2. Wollongong Wolves vHeidelbergUnited FC. 5.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.30 Flying Knights. (Premiere)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Orient Express: AGolden Era Of Travel. (PGa) Looks at the Orient Express.

8.25 Queen Victoria: Secret Marriage, Secret Child? (Premiere) Explores

9.35 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication: The Fall Of A King. relationship comes to ahead.

10.35 Great Australian Walks. (PG, R)

11.30 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Masv,R)

3.00 Qatar: ADynasty With Global Ambitions. (PGav,R) 4.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon 1.40 Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure. 2.35 Road. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 8.30 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Dream Teams. 9.30 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.25 The Final Countdown. (1980, PGalv) 10.20 Unforgiven. (1992, Malsv) 12.45pm OBrother,Where Art Thou? (2000, Mv) 2.45 The Chaperone. (2018, PGals) 4.45 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PGasv,French) 6.35 The Wedding Planner.(2001, PGals) 8.30 (2021, MA15+lnsv) 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. The latest news, sport and weather 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) Highlights from the past week. 12.00 Horse Racing. Stow Storage Gothic Stakes and TabEverest.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan. 8.00 MOVIE: Live Free Or Die Hard. (2007, Mlv,R)Detective John McClane is assigned to capture acomputer hacker but instead matches wits with aterrorist. Bruce Willis, Justin Long, Timothy Olyphant.

10.40 MOVIE: Cold Pursuit. (2019, MA15+av,R)Aman seeks revenge for his sonsmurder. Liam Neeson, Laura Der n. 1.05 In Plain Sight. (Madv) Mary protects a10-year-old witness. 2.00 To Be Advised.

3.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6am Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes. 10.00 11.00 HarrysPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Animal Rescue. 1.30 Better Homes. 3.00 4.00 WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. 5.00 6.00 Har ness Racing. 10.00 Escape To The Country 11.00 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 12.30 My Way.

1.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 3.20 David AttenboroughsAsia. (PG, R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: The Notebook. (2004, PGals, R) An old man reads alove story from afaded notebook to awoman with Alzheimersdisease.

Rachel McAdams, Ryan Gosling.

10.00 MOVIE: The Vow. (2012, PGalns, R) Awoman suffers from amnesia. Rachel McAdams, Channing Tatum.

12.00 Next Stop.

12.30 AustraliasTop Ten Of Everything. (PG, R) 1.30 The Garden Gurus. (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)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 10.30 Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (Final) The team transform asingle mothersproperty. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) Ambulance crews attend to a19-yearold homeless female with leg pain, an elderly patient who has had afall and awoman who has attempted suicide after receiving acouncil tax bill that she cannotpay 9.45 GoggleboxAustralia. (R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Dippers Destinations. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 NDRC NitroFunny Cars. Spring Nationals. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 AFL Womens. Carlton vStKilda. 9.15 MOVIE: The Amazing Spider-Man. (2012, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rugby League. Womens 1. Papua New Guinea Orchids vCook 4.00 Rugby League. Mens 6.00 DadsArmy. 6.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 7.30 To Be Advised. 1am Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Basketball. WNBL. Southside Melbourne Flyers vUniversity Of Canberra Capitals. 4.00 Seinfeld. 4.30 Hot Wheels. 5.30 MOVIE: Tom&Jerry.(2021) 7.30 MOVIE: 17 Again. (2009, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Hangover 2. (2011, MA15+) 11.30 Seinfeld. Midnight 2.15 Below Deck. 4.00 Late Programs.

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

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

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

Sunday,October 19

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Conquest Of The Skies. (R) 3.20 Grand Designs New Zealand. (Final, R) 4.10 The Role Of ALifetime. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow

Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Steve Waugh. (PGl) The students interview Steve Waugh.

8.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal) Marysworld is tor napart

9.10 The Following Events Are Based On APack Of Lies. (Malv) Alice meets another of Robsexes.

10.10 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R)

10.40 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 11.10 MOVIE: Death In Brunswick. (1991, Mlnsv,R)

12.55 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Travel Quest. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Mountain Biking. EnduroMountain Bike National Championships 2025. Highlights. 4.00 Hero. (Premiere) 5.30 Flying Knights.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (PG) 8.30 King And Conqueror (Mlv) Harold and Sweynsattempt to rescue Edith fails.

9.25 Dan SnowsGreatest Discoveries: Stonehenge. (PG, R) Dan Snow visits Stonehenge. 10.20 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 11.20 JFK Revisited: Through The Looking Glass. (Mav,R) 1.30 Billy

3.20 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG, R) 4.20 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary 10.00 Speechless. 10.25 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Football. AFL Womens. Round 10. Essendon vBrisbane Lions. 3.00 Football. AFL Womens. Round 10. Collingwood vRichmond. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: AustraliasFront Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice.

8.10 The Rise And Fall Of Kings Cross. (M) 9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody: ASecond Chance. (MA15+av,R) An insight into English policing. 10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Donald Mackay Disappearance. (Madv,R)Alook at the murder of Donald Mackay

12.00 The Long Song. (Premiere, Masv) 1.20 HarrysPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

34,894

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Cross Court. 11.30 Customs. (PG, R) 12.00 12.30 Young Sheldon. (PGa, R) 1.00 Rugby League. Round 1. Kiwi Fer ns vFetuSamoa 3.30

ToaSamoa

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) The Block celebrates its 1000th episode. 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.45 9News Late. 10.15 AKiller Makes ACall: Killer Pilot. (Mav) Apilot makes acryptic call to police. 11.15 Mobsters: Carlos Marcello. (Madv)

12.05 The Gulf. (Madlsv,R) 1.00 Drive: Driving Value. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGl) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.10 Watson. (PGav) Part of the team falls ill after becoming targets of asinister plot. 9.10 Matlock. (PGals, R) Mattys rusty trial skills areput to the test during awrongful termination case. 11.10 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Superbike World Cship. Estoril Round. 1.00 MOVIE: 76 Days. (2020, M) 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 HistorysGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Suranne Jones 9.30 Uncanny (Retur n) 10.40 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Froth. 2.30 Rugby League. Qld Murri 4.00 The Point. 5.00 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 6.30 News. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.30 MOVIE: 6Festivals. (2022, MA15+) 10.15 MOVIE: EmpireOfThe Sun. (1987, PG) 12.50am Late Programs. NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 8.55 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PGasv,French) 10.45 12.30pm La Jauria. (2022, Madlv,Spanish) 2.05 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PGalv) 4.05 The Movie Show 4.40 The Final Countdown. (1980, PGalv) 6.35 Living. (2022, PGals) 8.30 Zodiac. (2007) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. Noon Escape To The Country 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Escape To The Country 3.30 WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. 4.30 Escape To The Country 7.30 The Marlow Murder Club. 8.30 10.30 Flesh And Blood. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 8.00 Beyond Today 8.30 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 10.00 Getaway 10.30 Avengers. 11.40 MOVIE: Elizabeth Of Ladymead. (1948) 1.40pm MOVIE: The CaptainsParadise. (1953) 3.30 MOVIE: La Douce. (1963, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.00 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 4.30 Young Sheldon. 5.00 Dinner With The Parents. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Movie. (2014, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Shazam! Fury Of The Gods. (2023, M) 10.05 MOVIE: The Beekeeper.(2024, MA15+) 12.15am Gotham. 1.10 Arrow 3.00 Allo! Allo! 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 RedsFishing Adventures. 2.30

Monday, October 20

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mor nings. 10.00 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 10.25 Endeavour.(Final, Mav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Julia ZemirosHome Delivery.(PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 QI. (PG, R) 6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00

7.30 7.30. 8.00 Australian Story Australians tell personal stories.

8.30 Four Cor ners. Investigative jour nalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron. 10.05 IWas Actually There. (PGa, R) 10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PG, R) 11.40 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.25 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens

Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Karla Grant Presents. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Country To Couture. 10.00 MOVIE: The Fur nace. (2020, M) Midnight Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Women Who Rock. (Ml, R) 3.00 Bollywed. (Premiere) 3.30 Lucknow.(PG, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Treasures Of India With Bettany Hughes. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen.

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

7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Rivals. Hosted by Jimmy Carr

8.30 King And Conqueror (MA15+v) Edith is rescued and the Earls take control of England. Lady Emmasplot for King Hardrada is uncovered and crushed.

9.30 SydneysSuper Tunnel: Down And Dirty (R) Teamscontinue to work under neath Sydney Harbour

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Robson GreensWeekend

Escapes: Steve Cram. (PG) 11.35 Four Years Later (Mls, R)

4.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (PG, R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGas)

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Its the second elimination cook-off in Kitchen HQ as two teams battle it out to remain in thecompetition.

9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan

hostage situation while undercover for apublicsafety initiative.

10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) Awhistleblower lieutenant goes missing.

11.00 S.W.A.T (Mv) The team battles afemale robbery crew 12.00 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Golden Bachelor (Premiere, PGls) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

9.20 Freddie Mercury: ASecret Daughter (Mans) Lesley-Ann Jones investigates whether Freddie Mercury could have fathered adaughter in the 1970s and kept it asecret.

10.50 9News Late.

11.20 Transplant. (MA15+m, R) Decisions aremadeabout the ED.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

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 BelieversVoice Of Victory (PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer

7.30 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGl) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. Aweekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring amonologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Talkin Bout Your Gen. (PGls, R) Hosted by Anne Edmonds, with team captains Dave Hughes, Tommy Little andAnisa Nandaula. 10.40 10sLate News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Small Business. 10.00 Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Rap Game UK. 1.35 In My Own World. 2.25 Lost For Words. 3.25 HistorysCrazy Rich Ancients. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Matchmakers. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Oasis: Knebworth 1996. 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.05 Ignorance Is Bliss. (2017, Madlns, Italian) 12.55pm Jump, Darling. (2020, Malns) 2.30 The Movie Show 3.05 The Lunchbox. (2013, PGa, Hindi, English) 5.00 Gulmohar.(2023, PGal, Hindi) 7.30 UnIndian. (2015, Ms) 9.30 Ghoomer (2023, Hindi) Midnight Late Programs.

Programs. 1.30pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hor nby: A Model Empire. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Motor Racing. Supercars Supports. Dunlop Series. Bathurst 1000. 3.30 Supercars Supports. Carrera Cup. Bathurst 1000. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Crystal Hunters. 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Late Programs.

Programs. 10.00 Rainbow Country 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 2.10 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: So Little Time. (1952, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.

9GO! (93,

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: Inception. (2010, M) 11.35 Seinfeld. 12.05am Veronica Mars. 1.00 The Vampire Diaries. 2.40 Supernatural. 3.35 Below Deck. 4.30 LEGO City Adventures. 4.50 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 5.10 Late Programs.

Tuesday,October 21

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Luke NguyensIndia. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Women Who Rock. (Mals, R) 3.00 Bollywed. (PG) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Treasures Of India With Bettany Hughes. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Sharon And Ozzy Osbour ne. (M, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Following Events AreBased On APack Of Lies. (Malv,R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Home Delivery.(R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 QI. (PGl, R) 6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. 8.00 IWas Actually There: The Dismissal. (PGl) 8.30 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Premiere, Ml) Tony Armstrong heads to the UK. 9.25 David Attenboroughs Tasmania. (R)

10.15 DevilsAdvocate. (R) 10.25 Media Watch. (PG, R) 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.15 Four Cor ners. (R) 12.00 Labor In Power.(PG,R) 12.55 Grand Designs. (R) 1.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys. (PGav) 8.30 Tell Me What YouReally Think: Fat. (Mal) MarcFennell

9.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End: Public Vs Private. (Ma, R) 10.35 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.05 The Point. (R) 12.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 1.00 The Unusual Suspects. (Mals, R) 2.00 Lady Jane Grey: Murder Of AChild Queen. (PGv,R) 3.05 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry.(Mal, R) 4.10 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Shark With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.10 Murder In ASmall Town. (M) After afamoussinger and her team go on acoastal trip to write music, things take afatal tur n.

10.10 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Maria James. (MA15+av,R)Revisits the murder of Maria James. 11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Masv) Garden clubbers face afrost. 12.10 Pretty HardCases. (Madv) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, 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 Mor ning. 12.00 The Golden Bachelor.(PGls, R) 1.50 Talking Honey.(PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News After noon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News. 6am Mor ning Programs. 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R)

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Golden Bachelor (PGls) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.

8.50 Bump. (Mdlns) Agirls night and aschool night both end with ahangover

10.10 9News Late. 10.40 Wild Cards. (Mv) Aparanoid biomedical engineer seeks help.

11.35 Forensics: Murder Scene: Parven. (MA15+a, R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

BelieversVoice Of Victory (PGa)

ACurrent Affair. (R)

Talkin Bout Your Gen. (PGls) Hosted by Anne Edmonds. 8.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) Adistrict attor ney is murdered. 10.30 10sLate News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.35 Homicide. 2.30 SBS50. 2.35 MH370: The Lost Flight. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch 5.40 TheMatchmakers. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 HoffRoading. (Premiere) 9.25 Alone. 10.25 Hoarders. 11.20 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Cold Justice. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.20 UnIndian. (2015, Ms) 12.20pm Maja Ma. (2022, Mals, Hindi) 2.45 The Movie Show 3.20 Hum Do HamareDo. (2021, PGl, Hindi) 5.35 Another Country.(2015, PGaw) 7.00 Made In England: The Films Of Powell And Pressburger.(2024) 9.30 IKnow WhereIm Going! (1945) 11.10 Late Programs.

Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Hornby: AModel Empire. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Foyles War. 10.30 The YorkshireVet. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Pink String And Sealing Wax. (1945, PG) 5.20 Explore. 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Raisin. 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 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: Den Of Thieves. (2018, MA15+) 11.20 Seinfeld. 12.20am Veronica Mars. 1.15 The VampireDiaries. 3.05 Super natural. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 LEGO City Adventures. 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Crystal Hunters.

Driving homethe safety message

DRIVING isn't hard, but keeping safe is. This was the message delivered to Trafalgar & District Probus Club's last meeting.

Senior Sergeant Andy Milbourne, who recently retired after30years of service, shared many useful tips about driving responsibly on roads as people age.Heupdated attendees with new road rules and rules about mobile phone use -don’t touch your phone whiledriving as answering aphone call could cost you $593 and four demerit points. Another updated road rule is slowing down to 40 kilometres an hour when passing any emergency vehiclewith flashing lights on the side of the road. This is to protect emergency workers and to keep them safe in adangerous workplace.Forty km/h is aspeed that workers can usually survive if they get hit.The fine for not doing the correct speed is $346. Health and the ageing process can affect driving in oldercitizens, and acrash can resultincomplications and aslowrecovery process. Sgt Milbourne urged people to recognise thesigns thatdriving skills may be decreasing. Be awareofphysical skills, memory andthinking,slowerreactions, hearing loss and increase in medication. Medical issues are part of many incidents.

Senior drivers can now takeaseniordriver

assessment which is a26point checklist and covers all aspects of driver safety.

This can give seniors knowledge of what they can improve to continue to be safe on the road. As well as drivers taking this assessment, it can also be recommended by adoctor or concerned family or friends. Sometimes this assessment may put a condition on alicence, e.g.only drivingindaylight hours. If older people lose their licence, the major concern is loss of independence as catching public transportisnot an optionfor many in the country. On the positive side, there are many cost benefits of giving up alicence: e.g. insurance, registration and the cost of running acar.

Sgt Milbourne stressed that he wasn’t going to tell Trafalgar Probus members to give up their licences, but rather think about driving skills and be responsible on roads. He had aserious message but it was delivered withlots of humour and many laughs.

At many Probus events,members car pooltohelp non-drivers participate.

Probus meets at Trafalgar Park Bowls Club (36 Ashby Street),onthe first Thursday of the month. Visitors are welcometocome along to the meeting which commences at 10am.

Traralgon time capsule ignitesmemories

Morwell’spotteryhistory

HISTORIAN Greg Hill has been researching the history of the Morwell Pottery (1891 to 1918) for 30 years.

While he has collected much historical information about the works,finding actual pottery object hasproven difficult. Morwell Potterymade bricks and terra cotta, but it is the householdpotterysuch as jugs, vases, urns,teapots and cheese dishes that Mr Hill hopes to find.

The bestexampleshave colourful glazesover raised decoration such as avery rare jug with a tulippattern testifies. Someofthesebetter pieces carry an impressed maker’s mark ‘Morwell Tile & Pottery Co/Morwell'.

Samuel Cooper was apartner and manager of the firm for many years and was the driving force

behind the type of household pottery made there andits design. He was trained in Staffordshire, England, migrated to work in New Zealand’s pottery industry and then came to work at the Bendigo Pottery before starting the Morwell Pottery. Mr Hill hopes there might be some of Cooper’s descendantsstill living in the Latrobe Valley who mighthave ‘passed down’ stories, photographs or even examples of pottery.

If anyone hasmore information, phone Greg Hillon(03) 9775 8241oremail:ghillpublications@ hotmail.com

Sculpture: Tulippattern jug, madeatLithgow Potterybut thoughttobesimilar to that made by the former Morwell Pottery. Photographs supplied

LASTmonth, Rotary Club of Traralgon, along with valuable assistancefrom Latrobe City Council, unearthed atime capsule at Victory Park.

This was the second time capsule dug up, the last coming in 2000 after 50 years underground.

The capsule containedmanyprivate letters from Traralgonresidentstotheir descendants.There was also lettersfrom commercial enterprises, including local businesses, service industries and local government authorities. Importantly, many local schools, service clubs and community groups also contributed with information to past and present students. The TraralgonJournaland other newspapers were also discovered.

The community will be advised as soon as possible of adetailed list of contributors and the location/times whendocuments may be viewed/ collected.

Traralgon Rotary intends to returnthe time capsule for another 25 years withnew and replaced contributions for opening in 2050. This will take placeataceremony on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Victory Park.

The Rotary Club of Traralgoncan be reachedvia its website, through mail directed to PO Box 160 Traralgon or by phone 0409 356 469.

Local secrets revealed

AUTHORand researcher Grant K. Robinson hasreleased his latest book, Great Gippsland Mysteries: Secrets Revealed,acaptivating journey through theregion’s mostbaffling phenomena –from sightings of the elusive Thylacinetoghostlyencounters,lost treasures, and unexplained aerial phenomena.

Drawing on more than twodecadesofinvestigation, Robinson revisitsand expands on the success of his first book, Great Gippsland Mysteries,which sold out its firstprintrun in just weeks. His new release continues the quest for truth, weaving together first-hand accounts, historical research, and fresh interviews with Gippslanders who have witnessed the extraordinary.

“These stories are not just folklore; they belong to the people who lived them,” Robinson says.

“Whether fact or myth,they touch something deep in our psyche and keep us searchingfor answers.”

Highlights from the book include:  Reports of Thylacine sightings across Gippsland, decades after the animal was declared extinct;

 Chilling encounters with UFOs and mysterious lights in the skies;  Ghost stories rooted in old homesteads and rural communities, and;  Rumours of hidden treasure and unsolved deaths that still spark debate today.

Great Gippsland Mysteries: Secrets

Revealedismore than acatalogue of strange events –it’sareflectiononbelief,scepticism, and the humanneed to seek meaninginthe unknown.

Thebook is available nowthrough: https:// www.greatgippslandmysteriesiisecretsrevealed.com/

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 15 October, 2025 —Page 27

Wisdom: Retired Senior Sergeant, Andy Milbourne, who gave decades of service to the Latrobe Valley community shared his tips on road safety to seniors Photograph supplied

Buried treasure: TheTraralgon time capsulebrought to thesurface Photograph supplied

Putting pen to paper on dating experiences

By KATRINABRANDON

OPENINGupthe doortoexperienceindating,

Mirboo North local Kris Vallay has released abook.

The Gift,Kris'first published book, shares the life of amother with four children on the spectrum. Her new book The One delvesinto the dating world, sharing experiencesthat she and many other women have had. Drawingonboth good and bad experiences, Kris shares an honest and open story of what she had been through, hoping that other women can benefit from her story.

“I found myself in the middle of COVIDonadate that was set to go on one of the local walks,” Kris told the Express

“I wentonthe walk, and the guywas making weird commentsatone point, and Isaid, ‘How about we don’t meet today,’ and 10 minutes later, Iwalked around the path, and he was walking towards me, completely naked.”

The next day, Kris discussed the incident with her friends, where she then thought about the idea of writing abook.

Kris separated from her then-husband in 2010 and started dating. Between the incident and her experience, the direction for her second book became clear.

Alongside the experience, she had been advised on the dating world from all corners.

"I started to think about writing abook about that, and thenI started to getlots of comments from people saying you need to not be on dating apps. You should be more careful. You should change the way you behave. You shouldn’t be meeting strangers, etc, etc, etc," she said.

“And Ihad this moment of, why am Igetting the blame for something when someone else has done something in the middle of the day in apublic walk?

“I thought the fact that Iwas able to cope with what happenedand have kind of gonewith it in my stride, made me realisehow muchI’d grown and how much I’d developed as awoman, how confident Ihad become in that area, and how much I’ve learned through dating.”

Pointing out whatdating is likefor most women, Kris said there is alot of judgment when it comes to dating, but also, there is alot in the way people think about navigating the dating world.

After sharing her stories, she said that others have also started to share theirs within the dating scene to help others findaway to relateand for people to relate to them.

“Honesty is missing in alot of these things,” she said.

“It’s avery honest take on life, and my life, and Inow have no secrets, so it’s very humbling, but the response has been really great.

“Women have really resonated with it. They’ve really gotten on board and really understood the purpose of the book, and thinking about life from that perspective, how we see ourselves and how we see the world, and how we can connect as women, instead of the divide and conquer that tends to happen with women.”

While her children haven’t delved into the book, Kris noted that she wanted to ensure her children were comfortable with the decision to write about her experiences.

Krisrunsa smoothie barinLeongatha, helps withapodcast anddoes muchmore than just writing. Tying in the book to the podcast, Kris' collaborative space is called Sexand the One. Recently, she welcomedasexologist talking about thesafetyofsex

Looking forward, Kris said there is definitely another book on the way and possibly more in the future. The trio collection will stand together when completed as ‘The Gift’, ‘The One’, and ‘The Only’.

“I always wanted to write three books; that was always going to be my plan,” she said.

“I don’t knowwhereIgot that from, but Ijust cannotsee myselfwith atriadofbooks. And so, the first one, which was about the children, led me to decidethat the next book needed to be about something else entirely.

“Now, I’m writing the third book, and that will be about the strength and power within, and so that’s called The Only.”

For more information, go to: https://www.krisvallay.com/

Great read: Mirboo Northauthor Kris Vallaywith acopyofher latest book, The One Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Swift stroke response

Everyminutecounts: Latrobe Regional Healthissetting high standards in strokepatient treatment. Photograph supplied

THE Latrobe RegionalHealth stroke team snapped into action recently with afast paced exercise designed to help shave precious minutes off respondingtoand treating astroke emergency.

TheCode Strokesimulation training wasrun by an independent assessorfromthe Australian Angels Initiative, which sets global benchmarks for best practice, as part of National Stroke Week.

Latrobe Regional Health stroke unit coordinator Janet May said the activity was apart of a process review to find out how the team could improve their stroke responses to expedite care.

“Every minute means alot, even five minutes can save someone’s brain functionand mean the difference between returning home or living in anursing home with adisability,” she said.

“A personloses between one and nine million neurons in their brain every minute in an untreated stroke, so the quicker we act, the better the outcome.”

Aprofessional actor played the role of 'Simone Sim' who was delivered to ED by ambulance simulating areal stroke case, withslurred speech and right limb weakness.

The paramedicsthen handedher over to

Restarting hearts in Churchill and Toongabbie

CHURCHILL and Toongabbieare now well equipped to help save the life of someone in cardiacarrest -the towns graduating this month as Heart Safe Communities.

It comes as Briagolong and Noojee begin the lifesaving 12-month joint initiative by Ambulance Victoria (AV) and the Heart Foundation.

the LRH stroke team who rushed her into a radiography for series of CT scans to check for any abnormal blood flow in the brain.

'Simone' was transferred backtothe ED where the treating doctor checked her hand, leg and eye coordination to test her reflexes.

The team then loggedonto consultwith an oncall Melbourne-based neurologist via Victorian Stroke Telemedicine,who made adecision to administer clot-busting medication.

The entire simulation took 50 minutes from arrival to medication delivery, well below the recommended 60-minutebestpractice benchmark.

“We are already meeting our targets and guidelines, but now we are looking at how we can cut this time even further by refining our process to give the best care we can,” Janet said

“The ideawas to simulate as closelyaspossible the real-life treatment and to involve as many staff as possible.Someofour juniornurses hadn’t seen astokecode before so this was great exposure.”

Earlier this year, the LRH stroke unit won a prestigious World Stroke Organisation Angels Platinum Status Award for restoring bloodflow to the brain to eligible patients within 60 minutes of arrival.

The Heart Safe Communities program aims to improve survival rates from cardiac arrest with a concerted effort in selected towns across Victoria to teach residents how to give cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED), register publicly accessible AEDs, andincrease the number of active GoodSAM responders.

GoodSAM is alife-saving smartphone app that connects Victorians in cardiac arrestwith the community who are willing to start CPR before paramedics arrive.

Overthe pastyearinChurchill, 281 people learnt to Call, Push, Shock -six per cent of the town’s population -and two new publicly accessible AEDs were registered, one 24/7 accessible, bringing the total number of registered AEDs in thecommunity to nine.

Meanwhile in Toongabbie, 177 people learnt to Call, Push, Shock -16per cent of the town’s population -and two new publicly accessible AEDswereregistered, both24/7accessible, bringing the total number of registered AEDs in thecommunity to four.

AV Gippsland Community Engagement Liaison Coordinator JessShepherd congratulated everyone involved in the program.

“The Heart Safe Communities program is all

aboutteachingVictorians that anyone can save alife-simply follow thethree simple steps: Call Triple Zero(000), push hard and fast on the middle of thechest to giveCPR, andshock using an AED,” she said.

“Every minute matters in acardiacarrest and it’s pleasing to know more people in our region will now feel confident to act while paramedics are on their way."

Victoria has Australia’s best cardiac arrest survival rateand the third best anywhere in the world, largely thanks to high rates of bystander intervention

The Heart Safe Communities program launched in 2019 and there are now 54 Heart Safe Communities across Victoria, with another 12 towns commencing theprogram for 2025/26.

HeartFoundation Victoria General Manager Chris Enright saidinitiatives suchasHeart Safe Communities are designed to support and encourage bystanders to take life-saving action in an emergency.

“In aHeart Safe Community, residents who’ve taken part in the initiative are equipped with the knowledgeand toolstorespond to somebody experiencing acardiac arrest. This support includes giving people the confidence to step in and perform CPR, as well as the use of alifesavingAED to help increase someone's chances of survival,” she said.

“The Heart Foundation is proud to work alongside Ambulance Victoria to provide communities withaccess to life-savingresources and training through the Heart Safe Communitiesprogram.”

Yarram residents facing hourround trip to Traralgon for banking

By STEFAN BRADLEY

BENDIGO Bank closed its Yarram branch and ATMonSeptember25, shiftingcustomers over to their Traralgon branch.Whether they switch banks or not, Traralgon may be the best choice to access certain bank services, potentially increasing foot traffic to the area, but putting pressure on parking spots.

This month will see evenmore hardship for banking customers in Gippsland and all of regional Australiaafter Bendigo Bank closed its bank agency model after 30 years. The Welshpool agency closed on Monday, October 6.

Customers in Yarram face an almost two-hour round trip by car if they want to bank face-to-face at the Bendigo Bank branch in Traralgon, travel

39 kilometres to the Bendigo branch at Toora, or use the Bank@Post service at apost office. The nearest BendigoBank fee-free cash access point is at Community Bank Foster.

Residents and workers in the area have told the Express they'vealready switched banks or planto, and others did not use Bendigo Bank in the first place, so they're used to travelling for services to Traralgon, Sale or elsewhere.

David Miller, coordinator at Twice Blessed Op

Shop Yarram, said the Yarram Anglican Church had to switch from Bendigo Bank. Doing so is not always easy, as signatories were required as a church organisation.

"We'vegot adeposit book, and you used to go into the (Bendigo Bank) branch and deposit the cash. Now we can't do that," he said.

And it's not just Yarram, of course.

Katie Cripps lives in Port Franklin in South Gippsland, but works nearly 40 minutes away as owner of Port Albert Fish &Chip Co. They were not Bendigo Bank customers, so they are used to traveling to Traralgon or Leongatha for major bankingservices. Butonthe waytowork,they would stop at the Bendigo Bank in Welshpool to collect change. However, that agencyisnow closed.

"PortAlbertpost office is really great and we (are) getting change from them now," Ms Cripps said.

"(The closures) just cause so much more trouble for us country people who are already spending so much time on the road and it's especially (tough) for older people in Yarram …Ithink it's areally sad thing."

Nearly everyone the Express spoke to was concerned about elderlycustomers who didn't want to give up their bank book, or may struggle with digital banking and will have to learn how to use it, unless they travel elsewhere.

The Express asked Bendigo Bank about elderly customers in particular who may be struggling with banking digitally, given the closure was announced with less than three months' notice.

"The bank is working hard to support its people and customers impacted by the changes. We

recognise some customers, such as those experiencing vulnerability, may experiencegreater impacts, andencourage these customers to contact us so we can better support them through the transition," aBendigo Bank spokesperson said.

"The bank supports aframework that provides incenti ves for bank st oc ontinue deliver ing

face-to-face banking services in regional communities. Bendigo Bank engages avariety of stakeholders, including the government, on ways to find longer-term options to address access to banking in regional areas."

Bendigo Bank Korumburra has also closed in recent weeks.

Farmers supporting farmers

LOCAL farmersrecently enjoyed aseries of five free community barbecues as part of the ‘Look Over the Farm Gate -Help aMate!’ initiative.

Facilitated by Baw Baw Shire Council, the series of events aims to bring primary producing families together to supporteachother with the

stresses of farmingindry season conditions, as well as provide access to important support resources.

Support services such as Lifeline Gippsland andHead to Health were in attendance.

Baw Baw Shire Mayor, Danny Goss said the sense of community among local farmers was obvious.

“There is no denying farming is atough job, even more so in harsh dry conditions likewe are experiencing now," he said.

"We were pleased to see farmers taking afew hoursoff their land to relax and connect with other famers and access important support services.

“Local Lions Clubs and CWA groups have provided excellent catering and the opportunity to share ameal and talk to each other was appreciated by all those attending.”

As rainfall totals continue to fall well below usual winter and spring expectations, more farmers are experiencing water and feed shortages. Many are becoming stretched financially as they must source and pay for limited supplies of water, and hay and grain fromasfar away as Western Australia.

This series of events was delivered by council, with fundingfrom Agriculture Victoria and the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Shortfall: Bendigo Bank’s latest branch closure leavesYarram as atownwithoutabank. Photograph: Stefan Bradley

Mirboo North High reunion

AREUNION is plannedfor anyone who started in Form 1atMirboo North HighSchool in 1970,orjoined that year level at any time.

The reunion will be held Sunday, November 9.

If you have any queries, phone Brenda Jenkins (Gunn) on 0407 053 843.

Italian Mass

THE Spinete Social Club invites everyone to celebrations in honour of the patron saint of Spinete, Italy: St John the Baptist.

Mass will be held Sunday, October 26 at St Kieran's, Moe (2/4 Wirraway Street) at 12.30pm.

Servicewill begin by praying the Rosary, followed by Mass in Italian. Fr Christian Fini OPI will be officiating, including procession (weather permitting), distribution of fresh bread rolls and holypicture cards that he has blessed.

Following the Mass, everyone is invited to alatelunch at Dal Mondo Restaurant, Traralgon.

All enquiries and to book in for the meal to 0405 762 600.

Field naturalists

BEETLES willbeonthe agenda at the next meeting of the LatrobeValley Field Naturalists Club.

Meeting will be held Friday, October 24 at Moe Library from 7.30pm. Speaker is Martin Lagerwey.

Martin is an amateur entomologist (he studies insects) who has travelled to all Australian states hunting and photographing the Chrysomelinae subfamily of leaf beetles. He has published abook on 100 common insects in Victoria which is afun treasure hunt designed to get children involved and slightly more knowledgeable about local insects.

The presentation will cover the challengesindescribingand identifying Australian species of leaf beetles with aslideshow covering local species.

This projectwilleventuallyresult in afield guide. The presentation will be followed by the club's monthly meeting and supper.

Then on Saturday, October 25 a beetlehunting excursionwilltake placeatMathison Park, Churchill Meet at 10am at the Mackeys Road car park. Everyone is most welcome. For more information, phoneRose on 0410 237 292.

Visit:www.lvfieldnats.org to register if you wish to use Zoom to join the meetingfrom home and/or if you would like to come on the excursion.

Meditation

MOE Meditation Group provides a safe and comfortableenvironment in which to develop breathingand mindfulness techniques together with supporting gentle exercise.

The group meets at 8.30am Wednesday morningsatthe Gippsland Heritage Park (Old Gippstown). For more information, email: clem@ asia.com or phone 0427 262 064.

Historymonth

OCTOBER is History Month, so do yourself afavour and have alook at history at your own back door.

Morwell Historical Society has two Open Days leftfor October

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

-Wednesday, October 15 and Sunday, October 26 from 11am to 2pm at 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell. Take atrip down memory lane, view the displays and relivethose early days growing up in Morwell. There is amember’sgathering today (Wednesday, October 15) from 2pm which is an informal get together of members,friends and the general publicwhere memoriesare shared overacuppa and alight afternoontea.

The MorwellHistorical Society hopestosee as many visitors with aconnection to Morwell so they can share with them the history of Morwell that they work so hard to preserve.

For any queries, phone 0409 436 019.

n MOE Historical Society Open Day will be held this Sunday (October 19) from 1pm-4pm.

Visitors areinvited to come into the rooms and see what the society has to offer those interested in the history of Moe and district.

Adisplay will feature information on Moe High School.

All welcome.

n YINNARDistrict Historical Society and Museum

To celebratehistory month, the Yinnar &District Historical Society andMuseumwill have an additional opening on Sunday 19 October from 11 to 2. The Society have been busy moving displays around and have just installednew lighting,courtesy of a grant from Delburn Wind Farm, so visitors are most welcome to come along and see the changes.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Monday, October 6-1st Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker(70.83per cent); 2nd Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell (59.38).

Tuesday, October 7- 1st Ken Tierney and Anne den Houting(57.41); 2nd Geoff Dixon and Anna Field (56.94).

Thursday, October 9-1st Anne Moloney and Kay Baxter (71.53); 2nd Ken Tierney and Roxy Lamond (56.25).

Monday, September 29 -1st Richard Webster and Ken Tierney (62); 2nd Barbara Brabets and Anne Moloney (57).

Tuesday, September 30 -N/S 1st

Geoff Dixon and Anna Field (63.21); 2nd Phillip Goode and Barbara Barr (56.79).E/W 1st Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam (68.75); 2nd Ken Tierney and Anneden Houting (54.17).

Thursday, October2-1st Glenis Lohr and PeterLonie (71.35); 2nd Don Tyleeand Roshni Chand (64.06).

If you would like to playorlearn more about bridge please call Helen McAdam on 0438 164528. New members are always welcome.

Philatelic society

SPRING is here and thereislots going on at the Latrobe Valley Philatelic Society.

On Wednesday, October29the group has ‘TheStamps of Poland’ presented by Ian Grant. Ian will chat abouthis love of Polish stamps and what led to him collecting these stamps.

Members will alsoshow items purchased at the recent stamp fair.

Asimple afternoon tea will be provided in the boardroom of the Morwell RSL from 1.30pm. Visitors are most welcome, as well as enquiries about renewing an interest in collecting stamps or disposing of unwanted stamps.

For further information, phone Christine on 0427 770 522.

Spiritual centre

LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Rd, Morwell)

Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.

Guestspeaker every weekwith demonstrations from an invited medium followed by acuppaand afternoon tea.

For enquiries,phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Open garden

HARPFIELDS at 124 Cross Rd, Traralgon will host an open garden on October 25.

The garden will be openbetween 10am-4pm. Entry is $10 per person. Children under 18 free.

Light refreshments available for purchase at $5 per person.

Join the iconic and beautiful Harpfields, situated in Traralgon North. These well-established gardens set on eight acres andsurrounding an historic homestead are adelight to experience.

Magnificenttrees, roses, feature plants, hedges and formalgarden are just some of the highlights.Visitors will see this garden at its best.

Note the homestead itself is not open to the public.

All money raised will go toward the Park Lane CommunityGarden project. For more information, visit: traralgondistrict.ucavictas.org.au

Monomeath

ALL seniors thatare looking for activities to do, come and join the Monomeath Senior Citizens Club.

The club runs different activities Monday to Friday. New members are most welcome. Monday: patchwork, (needlework.) Start time: 12 noon. Come and have acuppa andachatwhile enjoying patchwork, sewing and knitting.

Tuesday: cards(500) Start time: 1pm. New players welcome, come and have some fun with the friendly members.

Wednesday:carpet Bowls. Start time: 1pm. New bowlers most welcome, come and havealaugh and a lot of fun.

Thursday:Thai Chi. Start time: 9am.New members welcome,come and meet Marilyne and her friendly group.

Friday: carpet bowls.Start time: 1pm.

Costs: membership is $5 per year. Activities are $3. Morning and afternoon tea provided.

All new members are most welcome. For further information, phone Rhonda on 0438 322 329

Disability support

FOR anyone experiencing disability related inquiries, feel free to join The Jam Club grand opening at 14 Swan Rd, Morwell.

Opening weekend is October 24-26. Gatesopen6pm on Friday,October 24, 12pm Saturday, October 25 and 12pm Sunday, October 26. This is an all ages and family friendly event. No alcohol. For more information, visit: https:// thejamclub.com.au/about-us

WorldOpShopDay

THIS Saturday (October 18), Traralgon Centre Plaza will be collecting much needed clothing donations for Lifeline Gippsland.

All items donated will be sold in their op shops to support services such as 13 11 14 crisis line and suicide prevention programs. LifelineGippsland receives only nineper cent of their funding from the stategovernment. They are alocal

grassroots organisation servingthe community for close to 60 years. Their five Lifeline Gippsland opshops are located from Wonthaggi to Sale, and contribute up to 70 per cent of the organisation’s revenue.

Prostatesupport

LATROBE Valley ProstateSupport group will meet Wednesday, October 22 at the Morwell Club from 7pm. Anumber of members catchup beforehand to enjoy ameal at the club prior to the meeting.

This meeting will provide an opportunity for any members (old and new) to discuss their current prostrate cancer journey.

If anyone has any questions, phone John Ellingham on 0427 337 788 or email: w.john.ellinghan@gmail.com

Chess results

PRICESamaseiae was the leadplayer at Latrobe Valley Chess Club in the latest round, losing only the one game to Ian Hamilton.

Cliff Thornton had one loss and held the draw in the final game before making an early exit.

Peter Bakker managed to recover fromsome trickysituations and stayed on at least level terms with each player.

Steve Ahern posedproblems for every opponent although missed out when the correct defence was necessary.

Kyrson Wardfound two wins but chose the wrong line in the other clashes.

The Victorian Chess Association has announced atournament in November 2025 for chess players who have a disability.

Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330

Recognising scams

AS part of SeniorsMonthactivities, Latrobe University of the 3rd Age, and Morwell Library, are sponsoring asession involving online security. The talk will be held Tuesday, October 21 from 1pmatMorwell Library.

Those interested are encouraged to phone Janet Wallis on 0417 030 768 or Adam Sharp 0422 024 288.

Koala count

THIS Sunday (October 19) the Friends of Morwell National Park will hold their annual koala count.

If you are keen to help spot koalas, meet in the Kerry Rd carparkat10am wearing sturdyfootwear and clothing suitable for the weather on the day. Binoculars will alsobehandy if you have them.

Following the koala survey, the Friendswill lead visitorsonawalk along Stringybark Track to look for native orchids. This walk will begin at the same carpark, departing at 1.30pm.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Page 30 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 15 October, 2025

Open garden: Come and seethe spectacular Harpfields in Traralgon North. Photograph supplied

Reuse: Traralgon CentrePlaza is helping LifelineGippsland, by collecting clothesfor WorldOpShop Day. Photograph supplied

Creature: ADottedParopsine Leaf Beetle laying her eggs.Beetleswill be thetopic of discussion at the next meeting of theLatrobe Valley Field Naturalists

Photograph: Martin Lagerway

Jubilee of migrants celebration

THE celebration of the Jubilee of Migrants held at Sacred Heart church, Morwell on Sunday, October 5was hailed an outstanding success.

Jointly organised by Morwell Catholicparish and Lumen Christi parish, Churchill, the event was one of the many jubilee events conducted by parishes within the Diocese of Sale during this Jubilee Year of the Church.

The day’s activities began with acongregation of around 500 worshippers fillingthe church for aspecial multiculturalmasscelebratedby Bishop Greg Bennet, assisted by Parish Priest Fr JamesFernando and Fr BernardBuckley from the Trafalgar parish. The mass included prayers in different languages, participants in national costumes and ajoint choir from both parishes.

The ceremony began with acolourful procession intothe church with representativesof15different countriescarrying their national flags and depositing them around the church walls. Other highlights were BishopGregleading the congregationina stirring rendition of We are Australian at the end of his homilyand at the conclusion of the mass a beautifully compiled slideshow traced the history of the Latrobe Valley and its industries and the contribution to the community by migrants since the influx of migration after World War 2.

Following the mass, the procession of flags exited thechurch, and preceded by aspectacularly colourful Filipino drum band, led the congregation to the nearby carpark which had been set up with food marquees and astage for entertainment.

What ensuedwas an outstanding program of singingand dancing from many different cultures includingItalian, Filipino, Sri Lankan, Fijian, Indian and Indonesian which was warmly appreciated by the large and enthusiastic crowd. Food from six different cultures,including the Aussie barbecue, was freely available and much appreciated by those in attendance.

Sacred Heart parish priest Fr James said the success of the day wasa testament to the cooperation betweenthe parishes of Morwell and Churchill, and he thanked all those who had worked so hard in the organisation of the day as well as the many generous sponsors and supporters who contributed to the event.

Destination Gippsland and Visit Victoria collaboration

DESTINATIONGippsland is investing in two significant cooperative marketingcampaigns in partnership with Visit Victoria -amplifying Gippsland’s uniqueappeal to audiences Australia wide and inspiring more visitors to discover the region’s many wonders.

While they have been months in the making, the launchofthese campaigns alignsfortuitously with the announcement of Visit Victoria’s fiveyear strategic plan.

The two initiatives - Wonder at Your Fingertips and the Australian Traveller content partnership -highlightDestination Gippsland’s strong working relationship with Visit Victoria and ashared commitment to increasing visitor dispersal to regional Victoria, and particularlyGippsland.

The Wonder at Your Fingertips Campaign has been launched.

This two-month digitaland social media campaign is designed to highlight the surpris-

alight on 14 of Gippsland’s most spectacular natural and cultural ‘wonders’ -from Skull Rock and BuchanCaves to Tarra BulgaNational Park and the Noojee Trestle Bridge.

Through acoordinated mix of influencer content, paidsocial media, new itinerarieson visitgippsland.com.au/wonders, and acompetition to win the ultimate Gippsland adventure, the campaign aims to boost awareness of the region’s highlights and make it easierfor travellers to plan short-break itineraries.

Destination Gippsland Chief Executive Terry Robinsonsaidthe collaboration reaches new audiences in powerful ways.

“This campaign celebrates Gippsland’s diversity and wonder, collaboratingwith authentic storytellers who bring the region to life and inspire others to see it for themselves," he said.

"By partnering with Visit Victoria, we’re leveraging our combinedmarketingspendto showcase the depth and richness of experiences that make Gippsland truly unforgettable.”

The Latrobe alle Express has brought together local employers and employees for generations and it is no different today

People prefer to ork close to home, to save on transport costs, the frustration of travel and to be close to family

Both our printed and digital ne spapers have a highly engaged local audience looking for ne s, sport, local information and jobs every week!

Music: Fijians joined in the celebration. Photographs supplied

Buildinga strongfuture forvocational education

VOCATIONALeducation is vitaltoGippsland’s prosperity and to the future of our communities.

TAFEcontinuestoprovide the skills people need to find meaningfulwork and to help industries respond to change.

The way vocationaleducation is structuredin Australia can be complex, with both federal and state governments sharing responsibilities and local TAFEs delivering training on the ground. While this can present challenges, it also provides areal opportunity when all parties work together

The new National Skills Agreement gives Australia aclear platform to achieve this, offering acoordinated approach that combines government policy, industry expertise and local delivery.

In Victoria, we are part of aconnected TAFE Network that allows institutes to share expertise, resourcesand innovation.Thiscollaboration ensuresthat training is consistent, modernand accessible across the state, while still being tailored to the needs of each region.

Across our region, the demand for skilled workers is growing in critical areas. Cleanenergy is transforming Gippslandand will requireanew generation of technicians, engineers and tradespeople. Health and community services need more skilled staff to meetthe needs of an ageing population and to care for familiesacross our towns.Food and fibre industries are the backbone of Gippsland’s economy, requiring advanced trainingtoremain competitive and sustainable. Education and the trades continue to offer pathways that build both careers and communities.

At TAFE Gippsland we are investing in modern facilities, most notably the forthcoming Victorian government funded Clean Energy Centre in Morwell, while also expanding digital learning and forging stronger partnerships with schools, higher education,adult education providersand local employers.

These partnerships create clearpathways for students and ensure that training is directly connected to real jobs in our region. We are proud to contribute to avocational education system thatis evolving to meet the needs of the future. By bringing together national direction, state coordination and local delivery,wecan ensure Gippsland people have access to world class skills and training that buildstrong careers, support thriving industries andsustain vibrant communities.

When government, TAFE and industry work together, the result is stronger communities, thriving businesses and brighter futures.

Paul Buckley PSM Chair, TAFE Gippsland

Olde tyme town criers

THE dark web reveals descendants of current Latrobe Valley Express correspondents were also prominent speakers in yesteryear town square epistles.

Nearly600 years ago, Galileo and Copernicus demonstrated scientifically that the Earth and other planets orbited the sun and not the reverse. Raging from their soapbox against this ridiculous theory,speakers tossed cheap puerile epitaphs, such as Galling Galileo, and Crazy Copernicus. Much admired local mayor,a bulbousman with aface like orange peel, declared Earth had been thecentreofthe universe for millions of years. ‘An earth that moves and spins is the biggest hoax of all time,’hecalled raucously to his supporters. Future ascendants of current LV Express contributors will express like amusement at the naivety of the current crop. Except of course the subject of their mirth will be their denial of climate change. Ian Whitehead Traralgon

HESC hiccup

IN further bad newsfor the Latrobe Valley and its transitioningworkforce, Woodside and the Western Australian government have signed adeal to supply the Japanesegovernment and industrywith liquid hydrogen.

Liquid hydrogen should ring abell for many in theLatrobe Valley,upuntil recently we were to haveour owndeal to supplyJapan with the same.

The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain or HESC setup up at Loy Yang did in fact send ashipment of liquid hydrogen to Japan, liquid hydrogenmade at Loy Yang from brown coal.The HESC could haveprovided desperately needed jobs for workers transitioning from the coalfired power industry, 2000 in construction and 1000 in production split between the Latrobe Valley and Hastings.

These jobs will now likely end up in WA, astate already prosperous in resources and jobs, astate with its arms wide open to investment and industry

What has happenedt ot he HESC project?

Nothing.

Due to inaction from the state government, the Japanese have takenthe HESC projectbackto Japan. It wasn't for alackoftrying to makeit work or alackoffunding, there was $2.3 billion on thetable from the Japanese government to get the Loy Yang project up and running.

Which other state in Australia would squander such an opportunity? The answer is none.

The Victorian government, with all its debt and the transition of thousands of workers in heavy industry on the horizon, has decided to thumb its nose at aproject rich with economic benefit and employment.

The Latrobe Valley cannot afford inaction. Other states are ready to welcome Victoria'smissed opportunities.

Andy Smith

District President, Mining &Energy

Union Victoria

PLBs save lives

WHEN Ibought my first caravan in 2018 with plans to travel to the outback, not off road, but areas outside the main highways, Ispoke to my family about getting aPersonal Locating Beacon, aPLB. They said thatgoing to the areas Ishould get one, so Idid. It sits in the pocket in my driver's side door.

Alot of areas don't have mobile phone signal -a PLB is by satellite.

Let's look at two recent scenarios -one in Tasmania near Cradle Mountain where two hikers got lost. They had aPLB which they activated and Search and Rescue knew exactly where they were and they were rescued.

Then we had the unfortunate scenario recently in the High Country of Victoria where two people unfortunately lost their lives. If they had aPLB, they had ahigh chance of being rescued, just like the couple in Tasmania.

Please, if youre going into remote areas, and we havethose areas here in Gippsland, buy one of these. Some places even hire them.For around$250 they can be the difference between life and death.

Garry Mitchell

Yallourn North

Have some heart

IN his letter to the editor (‘Fund falsehoods, 01/10), Mr Phillip Edwards appears to regard the Latrobe City Council as some sort of isolated,rebel province because it has dared to speak up against the modified Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund(ESVF) tax that hasbeeninflicted on all Victorians by the Allan Labor government.

Unfortunately,heappears to be unaware that 78 other Victorian councils, i.e. the rest of the state, have unanimously declared their opposition to this new tax also.

Our neighbouring Wellington Shire Council, for instance, supplied the following blunt statement about it on their website: “Wellington Shire does not support the Victorian government’s changes to the Fire ServicesLevyand is activelypushing back, alongside many other rural and regional councils …Webelieve the system is unfair and puts an extra burden on local communities.”

Baw Baw Shire’s website states: “Council is concerned about the impact of the ESVF on our community,especially localfarmers, and continues to join collective advocacy across the sector to highlight council’s concerns.”

Mr Edwards then goes on to suggest that our mayor,some of our councillors and even the UnitedFirefighters’ Union national secretary, were all guilty of repeating falsehoods regarding the ultimate use of this $2.14 billion government tax cash grab. However, when the timing of this tax roll-out is looked at, it would appear that their cynicism is well-founded.

In December 2024, the Victorian government released amid-yearbudgetupdate which revealed the state faced an enormous operating loss of $4.2 billion -$1.4billion larger than forecast. This was the fifth consecutive year of losses for the state.

By sheer coincidence, it was simultaneously announced thatthis higher, modifiedtax would be introduced, with many economists at the time commentingthat, with astate electiondue in 2026, this new tax would mask this deficit and provide the mirage of abalanced budget.

What Ifind most concerning with Mr Edwards’ letter is his failure to even acknowledge or sympathise with the tragic plight that our business community and farmers face.

Whilst he acknowledged that these groups are already facing escalatingproperty insurance premiums, he appears unconcerned about the significant, additional costs that their businesses will have to pay -insome cases totallingtens of thousands of dollars. Instead, he prefers to dwell on irrelevant YouTube videos, Southbank high riseapartments,FMradio levies and the 'extra buck a week' he says he’ll have to pay.

Greg Hansford Newborough (2025 One Nation candidate for Gippsland)

From ETs to EVs

"INSANITY is rare in individuals; but in groups, parties, nations, and epochs, it is the rule," Friedrich Nietzsche.

Coinciding with the closest approach to the Earth of Comet Hale-Bopp, in threewavesbetween March 22-25, 1997, at Rancho Sante Fe, California, charismatic leader of the doomsday cult 'Heaven's Gate', MarshallApplewhite, togetherwith38 of his fanatically devoted followers, committed mass-suicide in anticipation and in the firm belief that an alien spaceship trailing Comet Hale-Bopp would transport their perfected souls to salvation as prophesised in the Biblical Book of Revelation -the so-called 'NextLevel Above Human' as the cult described it.

Using exactlythe same sort of perverse logicand voodoo science to justify his reckless renewables roll-out, Australia's reality-proof Energy Minister, Chris 'Blackout' Bowen, firmly believes that by killing the golden goose so to speak (akafossilfuels) that thereafterCometNet-Zero will magically transport 27 million Australians to the Promised Land of abetter,cheaper, and cleaner(read as transcendent) way of life. And just as 'Heaven's Gate'adoptedthe ancientastronaut hypothesis

due to the then-recent publication of Erich van Danikan's'Chariots of the Gods', evangelical-eyed Bowen is channelling the derangedscience-fiction peddledbycarnival hucksterslike Ron L. Hubbardthe science-fiction writerand founder of the Church of Scientology.

Central to Bowen's apocalyptic crusade, he insists -apart from abandoning 'wicked' fossil fuels that have given us acheap and luxury-filled lifestyle for the last 150 years -that we make the necessary sacrifices in readinessfor the New Age Dark Ages of renewableenergy whichincludes ever-rising power bills for the next 25 years at least, massive job losses,constant blackouts, cold showers in winter, candles at night, food shortages, eternal poverty, and thus adramatically lower standard of living. This is mirrored by the members of 'Heaven'sGate' giving up their earthly possessions in order to live an ascetic life devoid of indulgences and pleasures like sex.

In fact, eight membersofthe cult, including Applewhite, voluntarily underwent castration as an extreme means of maintaining the ascetic lifestyle. Mercifully, Bowen only wants us all to drive EVs and eat bugs so Iguess that's not as bad.

Joseph Lis

Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

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

The editorLiam Durkin, reserves the righttoedit lettersfor reasonsofspace and clarity, and may refuse to publishany letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number, email addressand the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitledtoaright of reply to aletter directed at them.

Whilehealthy debate is encouraged, the editorwill stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflectthe views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers shouldbeequally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support aperson's point of view.

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.

The letters section is designed to allow people to hav etheir say,and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Letters regarding religion 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.

Victoria is broke and crime riddled, bold solutions required

COMMENT BY MIASCHLICHT

THE last decade of Victorian state election cycles has been notable for the absence of serious ideas to combat rising crime.

As aresult, violent offending continues to climb, confidence in the justice system is collapsing, and too many Victorians feel abandoned by agovernment that has lost control of the streets.

Data released by the Crime Statistics Agency revealed that over the previous12months,alleged offender incidents across the state increased by more than 19 per cent to the highest level on record The increasewas drivenbyasurge in theftand assaults.

The answer is notcomplicated. Whatworks, what the evidenceshows, and whatcommunities across the worldhavereliedonfor decades, is that avisible police presence is the single greatest deterrent to crime.

Thisprinciple underpins the broken windows theory.When crime and disorder are visible in the form of graffiti, smashed glass, publicdrunkenness

or antisocial behaviour, it sends amessage that lawlessness is tolerated, and further, more serious, offending is encouraged.

But herein lies the problem: Victoria is broke.

Over the past decade the state government has racked up record levels of debt and deficits. It is no good passing new laws like machete bans when there are not enough police officers on the beat to enforce them.

Yet the Victorian government does not havethe money toinvestinmorepolice.However,Victoriahasoneunique advantagethatnootherstatecanmatch-prisoncapacity.

Unlikeother states, whichare facing prison overcrowding crises, Victoria’s prisons are not full New researchbythe Institute of PublicAffairs has found thatunlikeQueensland, South Australia, and Western Australia, whose prisons are all expected to reach capacity this decade, prisons in Victoria are not projected to reach their designed capacity until the 2040s. There is valuable spaceinVictorian prisons going unused, space that could be turned into arevenue stream that can provide for more investment in law and order.

In addition, Victoria should also makesureprison

places are being used to isolate those who threaten community safety.

Currently, fartoo many violentoffenders are being let off the hook thanks to weak bail laws.

Families have seen the consequences of these failures in brutal headlines aboutinnocent Victorians killed, attacked, and traumatised by offenders who should have been behind bars.

Today, asignificant share of offenders held in Victorian prison posenothreat to community safety yet are taking up expensive prison beds. It costs in excess of $219,000 to house asingleprisoner in Victoria per year andtoday with 42 percentofthe state’s prison population have been incarcerated for non-violent crimes.

These are offenders,suchasfraudstersand lowlevel financial criminals, who could be punished in other ways, such as offender-employment programs thatpunishwrongdoingwithout costing taxpayers half abillion dollars each year.

But the real game-changer lies in what Victoria could do with the cells that remain. The state has around 1782 prison places currently sitting idle.

If Victoria leased out just 20 per cent of its overall prisoncapacity to other states, priced at

the marginal cost of each extra prisoner, it could generate around $289 million annually.

International precedent demonstratesthatsuch measures are feasible without compromising the safe and efficient operation of prisons.

In the United States, prisons in Mississippi and Oklahoma have successfullyhousedprisonersfrom other jurisdictions, earning revenue and easing overcrowding elsewhere without compromising safety.

Around $843 million could be made in savings by reducingthe unnecessary incarceration of nonviolent offenders in conjunctionwith therevenue earnedfrom leasing outempty prisoncells

This couldhelp pay downdebtand bolster policing. For toolong, the government has reliedon flashy headlines and tokenisticgestures when it comes to crime -whatVictorians need is aserious, workable plan to restore safety to our streets.

Let’sturn our parlous financial situation into an advantage by embracinga nation-leading approach that saves money, and makes our state safer.

Mia Schlicht is aResearchFellowatthe Institute of Public Affairs

Latrobe leading an unwanted stat

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LATROBEValley is toppingeven more unwanted categories

Last August, Latrobe City lost $4.8 million on gambling machines, making it by far the highest of any Gippsland local government area (LGA) during that period.

That was the biggest monthly player loss since August, 2024 and places Latrobe City fourth highest of any country LGA in the state.

Intotal,Gippslandtalliedatotallossof$14,889,557 duringAugust,seeingplayersloseonaverage$496,318 perday,withLatrobeCityresidentsspecifically$160,005 out of pocket per day.

ThenexthighestwasEastGippsland,withaplayerloss of$2.9million,followedbyWellington($2.5million),Baw Baw($2.1million),BassCoast($1.8million),andSouth Gippsland ($723,745).

There'snorealsurprisethatLatrobeCityisthatmuch more, with it housing 13 gambling venues and 522 electronicgamingmachines,makingitthefourthmost ofanycountryLGAinVictoriaintermsoftheamount of machines.

Latrobe City has consistently ranked in the top half for net expenditure (player loss) in the state, especially over the last two financial years, and has been the fourth highest country LGAfor player loss in the state both times.

In the 2024/25 financial year, Latrobe City cumulated atotal player loss of $50,142,644 -almost

New directors for Gippsland Water

FORMERLatrobeCityMayor,KellieO'Callaghanisoneoftwo new directors on the Gippsland Water Board.

Ms O'Callaghan and Sam Muir were welcomed to the positionsfollowinganannouncementbystateWaterMinister Gayle Tierney.

The pair commenced their appointmentson October 1. MrMuirisaWiradjurimanraisedonYortaYortaCountry inShepparton.Hebringsexperienceasacorporateaffairs specialist and community volunteer and has previously servedasanAssociateBoardMemberatGoulburnBroken Catchment Management Authority.

MsO’Callaghanisalong-servingcommunityleaderwith extensive experienceinhealth, community servicesand governancewithastrongfocusoncommunityengagement. GippslandWaterBoardChair,TomMollenkopfAOsaidthe new directors would bring valuable perspectives to the organisation.

“Kellie and Sam’simpressive experience and diverse viewpointswillhelpusdeliverevengreaterbenefitstoour communities,” Mr Mollenkopf said.

Mr Mollenkopf also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger.

“Jo played akey role in strengthening our community engagement approach and was instrumental in shaping theindustry-leadingengagementundertakenduringour Price Submission,” Mr Mollenkopf said.

“Chris is highly respected for his engineering and governanceexpertise.Hisabilitytochallengeourteamsand encouragefresh thinking has beenaguiding influence.

“BothJoandChrisleavelastinglegaciesfromtheirtenures, and we thank them for their dedicated service.”

MrMollenkopfsaidMrMuirandMsO’Callaghanwould bring welcome fresh insight at acriticaltimefor the organisation.

“KellieandSam’sexperiencewillhelpusstrengthenour communicationwithcustomersandcommunitygroupsand ensureweremainresponsive,inclusiveandforward-thinking,” Mr Mollenkopf said.

FormoreinformationaboutGippslandWater’sBoardof Directors, visit: www.gippswater.com.au/ourboard.

In the 2024/25 financial year, Latrobe City cumulated atotal player loss of $50,142,644 -almost $13 million morethan the next Gippsland LGA.

$13 million more than the next Gippsland LGA. Gippslanders in total lost $159 million over the course of that period.

In the same financial year, Victorians as awhole lost more than $7.3 billion, with taxes and levies paid to the state government totalling more than $2.4 billion.

In 1995, the Express reported that the number of gaming machines per 1000 people in the Latrobe Valley was almost double that of the entirety of Victoria, much is the same currently.

Latrobe City has 6.6 machines per 1000 people (using the AustralianBureau of Statistics’ Estimated Resident Population), while Victoria as awhole wouldsit at around 3.7 per 1000 people

Got the nod: Wiradjuriman, Sam Muir commenced with the Gippsland WaterBoard at thestart of this month. Photographs supplied

Victoria’sduckabundancesurvey about to begin

THE Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual survey of Victoria’s game duck population on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.

The survey will be conductedbywildlife biologists, who will record the presence, species and number of gameducks at more than 850 waterbodiesacross Victoria,including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatmentplants, streams and rivers.

The survey will also include ground counts where the helicopterisunabletooperate. Satellite imaging will be used to determine how much water is in game duck habitats in Victoria, which informs an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.The GMA

is continuing this researchaspart of the state government’s Sustainable Hunting Action Plan.

The results from the survey will be used as one of the key inputs to support AdaptiveHarvest Management for setting sustainable duck hunting arrangements each year.

GMA ResearchPrincipal, Dr Jason Flesch, said regularly collecting data is critical to understanding what drives the abundance and productivity of game duck populations.

“Results from this survey will help to accurately estimate total game duck abundance, based on the environmental conditions at the time,” he said.

“Thisresearch is themost comprehensive survey of game ducks undertaken in Victoria. It benefits wildlife conservation by increasing our

understanding of the ecology of Victoria’s game duck populationsand the health of their habitats.”

The 2025 survey is scheduled to take place from until Saturday, November 8, inclusive.

The flight schedule may change from day to day, depending on weather conditions or other factors.

Residents in surveyed areas may see ahelicopter flying at low levels for ashort time and for no longer than is necessary.

Disturbancetolivestock will be minimised or avoided. The safety of peopleand livestockisa priority.Theresultsofthe survey will be published on the GMA website in 2026.

For moreinformation, including amap of the proposedflight path, visit: gma.vic.gov.au/ research/duck-research

Ombudsmen coming to Moe

THE Latrobe Community Service Providers Network are hosting their annualCommunity Expo tomorrow (Thursday, October 16t), from 10am to 3pm at the newly renovated Moe Plaza.

Sponsored by AGL and Moe Plaza, the expo is an opportunity for the community to see and hear from more than 40 community services that provide support for community in many differentareas of life.

These services range from Health and Mental Health Services, Disability services, Parenting and Children’s Services, Financial and Legal Services and First Nations Support services.

Ahighlight of the event is having the presenceofthe three Ombudsmen: The Victorian Ombudsman (dealing with any issueswith Victorianpublicservices), The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (dealing with issues from phone or internet service providers) and the Energyand Water OmbudsmanVictoria (dealingwithany issues arising from Gas, electricity or water companies).

People are encouraged to bring their bills, or any issues they have to the expo and take the opportunity to speak directly to the Ombudsmen present.

The expo is interactive, providing community with an opportunity to seek help or support, to find outwhatsupport is available to them, their families and friends and their community, and of course, grabsomefreebies.

Another hat: Former Latrobe City Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghanhas been appointed to the boardofGippsland Water.

Alarming: Latrobe Cityhas the fourth-most gaming machines of anycountryLGA in the state.

Photograph: iStock

Gippsland Grammar appoints new principal

THE first day of Term 4markeda new era in Gippsland Grammar’s history with the arrival of new Principal, Dr Paul Walton.

Hailing from the UK, Dr Walton is an awardwinningeducator and experienced principalwhose career spans more than two decades and three continents. Holding dual Doctorates in Education and Educational Leadership and Management, he is recognised globally for his expertise in school improvement, leadership coaching and innovative teaching practice.

GippslandGrammar Board Chair, Ian Nethercote said Dr Walton brings awealth of experience and adeep commitment to the values that define the school.

“Dr Walton’s arrival marks an exciting new chapter for GippslandGrammar as we continue to upholdthe high expectations and proud traditions that define our school,” Mr Nethercote said.

“He has invested significant time in understandingwho we areand is deeply committedtoleading Gippsland Grammar into its next chapter.

“The board has every confidence that under Dr

Walton’s leadership our school will maintain the highest standards of learning, care, and opportunity for every student, teacher and staff member.”

Dr Walton said it was agreat honour to lead aschool withmorethan100 years of academic excellence, exceptional learning and strong communityspirit.

“Workinginaschool with such astronglegacy and rich history is areal privilege,” Dr Walton said.

“I have enjoyedmeeting our amazing students andthe dedicated staff and seeing the new term commence with asuch positive energy.”

Nowsettlinginto life in Gippsland, Dr Walton and his family have enjoyed exploring the region’s natural beauty, fromencounters with local wildlife right outside their new home to adventures along the 90 Mile Beach.

“Gippsland is truly breath-taking,” Dr Walton said.

“I'vealready tried numerous trailsand look forwardtogetting involved in attending local events and visiting more landmarksthat showoff this region’s natural beauty.”

New generation of scientists

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Junior School students embraced theirinner scientistduring their recent Science Activity Day, ahighlight that brought the curriculum to lifethrough exploration and discovery.

The day featured activities across Earth and Space, Chemical,Biological and Physical sciences, giving students the chance to experiment, investigate and make exciting discoveries. From mixing colourful chemical reactions to exploring the mysteries of metamorphosis, theevent sparked curiosity and encouraged creative thinking.

Educators aimed to not only deepenstudents' understanding of science but also foster problemsolving skills and asense of wonder aboutthe world, all the whileencouraging them to personalise their learning through active discovery.

Dr Walton is also aFellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the InstituteofLeadership and the Chartered College of Teaching, and is passionate about developing staffand inspiring studentstoreach their full potential.

On his first day at the school’s senior Garnsey Campus,DrWaltonpaid tribute to the school’sleadership team, including Bo Power who led the school as acting principaloverthe past 10 months and who will now resume his role as deputy principal.

“I have enjoyed avery smooth transition and already found arhythminworking with awonderful team of caring professionals all committed towards acommon goal of providing the best possible education for our students,” Dr Walton said.

Dr in the house: NewGippsland Grammar Principal, Dr Paul Walton. Photograph supplied

Health equals wealth for kids

CHURCHILL North Primary School was very lucky to be chosen to be apart of FoodBank Victoria Family Cooking Program.

The school was able to select six families, where the students and parent stayed after school on aWednesday night for two hoursfor four weeks and participated in awonderfulcookingprogram

The aim of the program was to supportfamilies to learn new skills in cooking, food safety and meal planning, with afocus on daily consumption of the five food groups recommended for good health.

CoordinatorJaneand Rachael came along every week with smiles on their faces ready to teacheveryone anew skill and new recipe full of goodness while sticking to abudget affordable forall families.

On the first night, all the students and families came in not really knowing what to expect. They knew they were there to cook but didn't know what was on the menu. Aprons where handed out, hands were washed, name tags went on, all families sat at atable where there was an abundance of fresh vegetables, spices,saucesand the recipe to make something new.

The first night attendees made Vietnamese rice paper rolls which most students hadn't tried before. Students and parents were shown how to hold aknife safely, how to hold the vegetables correctly and then they were off, slicing and dicing. Students were very surprised how the food tasted and really enjoyed eating their Vietnamese rice paper rolls.

In weeks two, three and four the students and families made fried ricelettucecups, Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes)and pizzas with adifference using vegetables. The smell in the room after each cooking session was amazing.

The families sat together enjoying their cooking, tastingsomething new every week and taking home samplesoftheir cookingfor otherstoshare.

After each session families were sent home with recipe boxes filled with staple pantry food like oil, flour, spices, rice, pastaaswell as fresh fruitand vegetables and new recipes to cook throughout the week.

This program not only taught students and families new cooking skills but brought families together, new friendships were made and families talked about meeting at each others places to

cook together.Itgavestudentsand some parents new confidence and even inspired some parents to possibly take on aTAFE course next year. Churchill North Primary School would like to thanks Jane from Food Bank Victoria and university placement student, Racheal for travelling each weektopresent thisamazing program which was way more than just learning how to cook. Nourish and flourish workshops ALL Grade 4, 5and 6studentswereexcited to be apart of the Nourish &Flourish Healthy Lunchbox program. Jane from FoodbankVictoria presentedan interactive and engaging workshops for students. Students were also shown and talked about practical,affordable and delicious lunchbox ideas. Theydiscovered how they can prepare their own healthy snacks with minimal help. Students watched Jane quickly make up some very healthymuesliballs using muesli, apple sauce, some spices and some school safe smooth spread (peanut butter flavoured without peanuts in it).

Twilight market roaringsuccess

MIRBOO North Secondary College VCE-Vocational Major students recently held acommunity twilight market at the parent teacher interview afternoon.

All itemsfor sale were designedand made by the students, including relish, cakes, biscuits, 3D printed fidgets, plants in decorated containers, wooden cutting boards, and many more items.

The market was the result of this term’s unit of work focusing on project management, planning, resource management, understanding profit and loss, how to promote an event and market items, customer service and money handling.

Money raisedwillbeshared between the project the students and staff have been supporting a school in Fiji, and with the Voice of Students group at the school, who have been raising money for Wildlife Victoria.

IF you have baby photos you wouldliketohave published, email: news@lvexpress.com.au Include baby's fullname, date of birth, weight, hospital, parents name and any siblings. Mothersplease indicate if you wish to have your maiden name printed.

Charlie led oneofthe plant stalls

Photographs supplied Yum: James,Chevonand Koden prepared cookies.

Skill: Mirboo NorthSecondar yCollege students,Bladen and Bridgette prepared slices and cakesfor the school’st wilight market.

Smooth: Byron, Charlie and Dallas ranthe slushies stall. Givea hoot: Lateesha and Eli managed the book stall.

JJs: Josh andJames ranthe 3D printingand funbag stall.

Incentive: Cooper and Imogen ranthe 3D printed fidgets stall.

Business Guide

THE qualityofthe work at High Tree Tree Services is as high at the trees theyfell.

High Tree Tree Services is not onlycapable of leaving customerssatisfied with how their garden has been pruned, butbeing reliable is amain priority.

“We’re averyfriendly, reliable service.Customersare very happywith the end result,” owner RickKruyt said.

The business star tedin1990, and todayRickremains at the helm with about 40 years’ experience in the industry.

As afamily-oriented enterprise,Rick’sson Daniel will eventuallytakeoverthe operations

High Tree Tree Services is based in both Trafalgar and Pakenham and cuts trees MondaytoFriday, butthe staff aremorethanhappy to offer quotes on the weekend if need be

Services include pruning and removing of trees and shrubs,

stump removal, hedge maintenance,mulching of gardens and supplying mulch.

Offering that exper tise at a reasonable rate andefficiently is whereHigh Tree Service stands out.

“Webasicallyalwayshave customer satisfaction,”Rick said.

“Wealwaysliketoshow customersthrough the work we have done to make surethey arehappy. If there’ssomething

we’veoverlooked we’remore

REAR boat loading Rhino Rack, $400. Ladies r/h golf clubs and men's r/h golf clubs, $200. Exercise rowing machine, $100. 03 51271501

TEENA Incontinence pants. 12 full packs of 9 pads. Large (size 16-18). Traralgon pickup. $100. 0402 787 180

CHURCHILL 18 Firmin Road. Saturday8am-12pm. Moving interstate. TV, household furniture and gym equipment.

MORWELL 76 Bridle Road. Sunday at 9:00am. Huge craft destash, fabric, yarn, paint, macrame. Lots of different items.

0418 514 132

Landscaping Mulch

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.

ORCHIDS

Dendrobiums, Elks and Ferns. Phone 5167 1392

TRAX OPEL models, 3 different EH Holdens, 2 different FC Holdens, 2 different XA, GT Falcons all boxed, exc/cond. $100 each. Ph 0409 919 954.

NEWBOROUGH 1Leadbeater Mews, Saturday, 8am-2pm. Lots of stuff. The street is narrow so park on our nature strip.

TRARALGON 18 Kimberley Drive Sat. /Sun. 9am-2:30pm General household items, bric-a-brac, some furniture. No early callers. WORLD Book Encyclopedia +10 Year Books $100. Invalid Walker $50.00. One office chair gas lifted $25. One ladder $25. Morwell 5134 3007

DID YOUKNOW?

Price: $6 each or 2for $11 (GST incl). Available at the Latrobe Valley Express Office

George Street Morwell Enquiries: 5135 4444

The person most likely to buy your vehicle, caravan or boat etc is a LOCAL PERSON! We have a great package at a great price for you! Ask about our Motoring Package

Phone our Classifieds 5135 4455

TRARALGON 24A Albert St, Sat 8am-12pm. tomato, zucchini, pumpkin seedlings (and others) available. Homemade produce (relish, chutney, jam, sauce and lemon spread). Bric-a-brac kitchenware and cook books. All Saturday's in October. All proceeds to Guide Dogs Victoria.

WHEN YOU GO LOCAL, YOU GROW LOCAL

Help support local business whileweservice, build and repair in our local communities

Notice of annual general meeting. To be held Wednesday, November 12 at 7pm at Moe Racing Club meeting room. All positions to be declared vacant. For further information, email: moelionsfnc @gmail.com

BATHROOM

Remodelling. Call Bill at "Total Home Renovations" Phone 0409 565 497.

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Join the Gippsland Community Foundation Board of Directors

Help shape the futureofGippsland through community-led philanthropy

We’reseeking passionate individuals to join our BoardofDirectors. As alocally driven foundation, we supportgrassroots initiatives that build strongercommunities across Gippsland.

We welcomeinterest from candidates who:

• Aredeeply committedtothe Gippsland region and its diverse communities

• Bring professional expertise in: ›Finance/accounting (CPA-qualified) ›Public relations/marketing and communications

• Have experience in governance, strategy,or communitydevelopment

• Arewilling to contribute time,insight,and leadership to agrowingregional foundation Expressions of interest close Wednesday29 October 2025.

To learn more, visit www.gippslandcf.org.au, email info@gippslandcf.org.au or by contactingthe Foundationon0499 241917

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

HANDY ANDY'S

areas. Hedges big and

•

BonaccordFreightlines is currently hiring full-time Long Distance HC Drivers(Interstate)

Please visit ourwebsite, https://bonaccordingram.com.au/careers for further details and job descriptions. Applications can be emailed to freightlines@bonaccord.net or contact 03 5157 1325 for further infor mation.

LCC-891 Construction of Public Toilet at GeorginaPlace, Churchill

Tenders are invited fromsuitably qualified contractorsfor the above.

See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details

Submissions are to be lodged as detailed in the documentation. Council is not boundto accept the lowest or any tender

Invitation to Supply Expression of Interest –Transition Care ServicesLatrobe Valley Latrobe Regional Health is now seeking expressions of interest (EOI) to engage asuitably qualified, experienced andaccredited provider of residential aged careservices to deliverLatrobe’sTransition CareProgram(five beds)

Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land Management Board

Audit and RiskCommittee, External member Call for Expressions of Interest

GunaikurnaiTraditional Owner Land Management Boards (GKTOLMB) has a position for an external member on our Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).

Informationabout the Board can be foundat http s://guna ikur nai.or g/out-c ountry/j ointmanagement/

The ARC advises the Board on its financial, governance and risk compliance obligations. People with knowledge and experience of the Victorian government governance framework (or similar), risk management, or membership of CPAAustralia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Australia) will be highly regarded.

Enquiries,including meeting frequency, sittingfeesand Committee Charter,orfor a confidential discussion please contactthe BoardsExecutive Officer in the first instance at eo@gktolmb.org.au.

Interested persons are invited to email an expressionofinteresttogetherwith aCVto the BoardsExecutive Officer, by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are encouraged to apply.

Submissions must be lodged by the closing date and tim e, and in th ef orma t, tha ti ss peci fi ed. The EOI specifications canbefound via the Latrobe’sprocurement po rta l https://www .heal thshar evic.or g.au

Closing timefor this EOI is Thursday 6November 2025 @1400 AEST For moreinformation please contact Marie Kerr,General Manager Ambulatory Services marie.kerr@lrh.com.au

Helen.

Loving sister of Ron and Marion. Condolences to her husband Noel, Andrea and Stephen and their families.

MORRIS Ian Kenneth 'Skin' 5/9/1948 -6/10/2025

Passed away October 6 2025, at Winnindoo, aged 77 years. Loved husband of Liz. Che ris hed fat her to Carmel, Carol (dec.), Dianne, Ben, Kate, and Allister.

Treasured Grandad to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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MOTORING SPECIAL

Minimum 6lines$60 without aphoto or $74withacolour photo

Total of 4consecutive editions in the Latrobe Valley Express and 4editions of the Gippsland Times paper THEY DO SELL!

DRIVE YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER Cars and Caravans are in demand

LYONS Richard Charles 8/6/1942 -3/10/2025

Resting peacefully.

AIREY (Nee Duff) Heather June 1/7/1942 -4/10/2025

Daughter of the late Bill and Daisy Duff (dec.). Dearly loving wife of Ronald for 613/4 years. Loved mother of Darren and Rohan. Will be forever missed. Rest in peace my darling. Love Ronald

AMIET David Howard Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital, Morwell, October 13, 2025. Aged 81 Years Much loved Dad of Steven, Sean and Lisa. Granddad to Shani and Nicole. Loving brother to Jill and Dannie (dec.) and their family. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Forever in our hearts. Private Cremation Held.

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

Passed away surrounded by family at O'Mara House on Friday 3rd October 2025, aged 83 years. Loved husband of Joan. Son of Isobel (dec.), and Cyril (dec.). Devoted father of Johanne, Danny, Brendan and Mai, Shaun, Tim and Ali, Kate and Paul. Adored Pa of Ashleigh and Peter, Thomas and Fe li pe, Loc hla in and Paige, Sarah, Lieb, Rigby and Jasper. Great-Pa-Pa to Frankie. Beloved brother of Pat Carter and Angela Geurts, brother-in law, uncle and cousin to many. Akind and loving man who will be remembered forever, loved and missed. Ric's family would like to express gratitude to all the staff at O'Mara House for the loving care and support for Ric and his family.

Thank you for the love and com mitment we shared throughout our 53 years of marriage. Now you are reunited with Carol.

Forever in my heart, until we meetagain. Liz.

The sky's the limit. Dad, you taught me that Ican do anything if Iset my mind to it.

I'll miss you forever. Carmel and Maxx, Liam, Noah, Amelie, Paige and Loc hlai nn, Tess ,T y, Kowan and Kobe.

Forever in our hearts -a devoted father and proud grandad, whose wisdom and support will be deeply missed.

Loved father of Aileen. Cherished grandfather of Chantel, Nicole and Bernie. Always in our hearts.

GAFA Joe Loved brother to Charlie and brother-in-law to Rose. Uncle to Bernadette, Lauren and Josh. Loved brother and uncle to Peter and family. Deepest sympathies to Kate, David, Danny, Jean, Marian and their families. May God hold you in the palm of His hands

HADLEY Helen Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital on the 9th of October 2025, aged 86 years. Loved and loving wife of Noel. Lov ed mo ther and mother-in-law of Andrea and Mark, and Stephen. Loved step-mother of Sarah and Tim, Lisa and Niall. Loved Granny of Matthew, Jeremy, Ruby and Lily. Loved Great-Granny of Elina.

Hooroo Dad, thanks for the chat. Dianne and Cameron, Douglas, Duncan and Mary, Owen and Alanah, Madelyn and Hudson. Remembered by us as a hardworking man whose commitment to family and community shaped our lives. We are proud of the example he set and the values he passed on, which will stay with us always.

Ben and Tanya, Lachlan, Ryan and Hannah. Agift for laughter, mischief and fun. His cheeky ways will be lovingly remembered by all of us. Kate and Jon, Ethan, Daniel, Oliver and Saxon.

I'm so grateful for every moment we shared and everything you taught me. Ilove you Dad andwewill miss you. Allister and Tahnee, Nyah, Kenzie and Aria.

NEEDHAM Peter Robert 7/7/1943

Michael Anthony Loved uncle of Kristy, Brett, Jack and Maeve. Rest in Peace.

PHILLIPS Michael Anthony Passed away 5/10/2025, with his beautiful mum and sister beside him in Broadbeach, formally of Traralgon.

Much loved nephew of Trish and Brian Lythgo. Loved cousin of Katie, Sally and Jackie and families. Forever in our Hearts

Much loved nephew of Betty and Jim (dec.) and Anton. Loving cousin of John and Tania and family.

PHILLIPS

VW GOLF GTI

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HADLEY (nee Mayze)

PHILLIPS Michael Anthony

24/3/1958 -5/10/2025

Ages 67 years

In QLD. Loved and loving son of Bill (dec.) and mother Margie (Tosin).

Loved brother of Anita.

Loved brother of Peter and in-law of Danielle and children. Loved brother of Jason and brother-in-law of Yvi. Reunited with Dad. Forever in our hearts.

PHILLIPS

Michael Anthony

Loved uncle of Simon, Lucy and Mia. Rest in Peace.

SPRYNSKYJ

(née Banbury)

Shirley Joyce Loving mother and friend to Denise, passed away peacefully on Monday, 6 October at the age of 90. Daughter of Aida and Fred Banbury (both dec.), wife of Lubomir Sprynskyj (dec), partner of Jack Bartimote (dec.), and mother-in-law to Sean.

Sister to Ronnie and sister-in-law to Beryl Banbury, Auntie to Byron, Sharon, Angela, Pam, Frank, and great-aunt to Cody and Chris and families.

You loved your garden, neighbours, the bus and Charlie-the-cat and were kind to everyone you met.

Adored by all and will be sadly missed. May the angels carry your spirit to the heavens above to spread the light and goodwill thatyou have whilst on earth.

WILLIAMSON Paul

In loving memory

Imiss you every second. You gave me so much love as Idid you. You were the love of my life as Iwas yours. I'm sorry our time was cut so short. With your last breath, Iwas there as I always promised. Imiss you every minute, we always said till death do us part. No more pain, no more suffering, may you lay your head at rest untill the day we meet again. Love always Seanna Cutting.

WILSON (Richards)

Levina Alice Passed away at Mitchell House Aged Care Morwell on October 7th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Late of Churchill Road, Morwell.

Aged 92 Years

Dearly loved wife of Frank (dec.). Devot ed and ador ed mother of Will, Greg (dec.), Judy, Matt, Steve, Ray, Rhonda, John and their partners. Adored loving Nanna to all her grand and great grandchildren.

Funerals •

AIREY The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Heather June Airey will take place in the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, THURSDAY (16 Octob er 202 5) commencing at 11am. The ceremony will be livestreamed, please see harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

BLACKWELL The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Jodie Louise Blackwell will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on FRIDAY (24 October 2025) commencing at 2pm. The Ceremony will be livestreamed. Please see Harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

CANNOT Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Richard Percy Henri Cannot will be offered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Rd Morwell, WEDNESDAY (October 15, 2025) at 1.30pm.

Burial: the Funeralof Mr Richard Percy Henri Cannot will arrive at the HNFeatonby LawnSprin gval eB ot an ical Cemetery 600 Princes Highway, Springvale the following day THURSDAY (16 October 2025) for a Graveside Service to commence at 11am.

Aviewing of Richard will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437a Princes Dr Morwell, TUESDAY (14 October 2025) at 2pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HADLEY AService to Celebrate the life of Helen Hadley will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Rd Traralgon, THURSDAY (23 October 2025, NEXT WEEK), commencing at 11am. This service will also be livestreamed. Please go to John Galbraith Funerals Facebook page or Gippsland Memorial Park website and click on link provided.

HANMAN Elizabeth The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Elizabeth will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, THURSDAY (16 Octob er 202 5) commencing at 2pm.

LYONS Funeral Prayers for Mr Richard Charles Lyons will be offered at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Church St Traralgon, THURSDAY (16 October 2025) at 1pm. At the conclusion of Prayers, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. Richard's Service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MORRIS

The Funeral Service for Mr Ian Kenneth Morris will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway Sale at 1.30pm on FRIDAY (17 October 2025) followed by burial at the Sale Lawn Cemetery. Please see our website for livestream details.

NEEDHAM Peter Robert AMemorial Gathering to celebrate the life of Peter will take place in the Rose Chapela tG ippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralg on on FRIDAY (17 October 2025) commencing at 2pm. To be preceded by aPrivate Cremation. The ceremony will be livestreamed. Please see: Harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

SABRINSKAS The funeral of Mr Algis Sabrinskas will arrive at the Moe Cemetery, Wednesday 15 October 2025, for aGraveside Service to commence at 11am.

SPRYNSKYJ

AService of Thanksgiving for the life of Mrs Shirley Joyce Sprynskyj will be held at Saint James Anglican Church, Grey St Traralgon on TUESDAY (21 Oc tob er 202 5) commencing at 11am. The Service for Shirley will also be livestreamed, please visit: latrobevalleyfu nerals.com.au for further instructions. Private Cremation. LVFS LOGO MOE MORWELL TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 latrobevalleyfunerals.com .au

LAWRENCE (Hodges)

Alice 6/10/2024

Ithought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. Ithought about you yesterday, and days before that too. Ithink of you in silence, Ioften speak your name. All Ihave are memories and apicture in aframe. You memory is keepsake, with which I'll never part. God has you in His keeping, we have have you in our hearts. ♥♥ Love from Andrea, Darren, Zoe, Michael and Ray.

LEVISTON Peter Robert Remembered with love on October 13, the first anniversary of your passing. Always in our hearts. Angela, Catherine, Caroline, James and Eleanor.

ODLUM (nee Pearce) Carol Ann 1/12/1953 -18/10/2020 5years have passed since you went away. Sadly missed everyday. Mum, Dad and Family.

STEEL YAN, Graeme. 'Graeme'. 20/7/1949 -20/10/2022. Another lonely year without you. Love you forever. Davina.

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you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words Apersonal message in the L atrobe Valley Express can say so much

LESLIE

The Funeral Service to Celebrate the life of Mrs Eunice Leslie will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive Morwell, FRIDAY (17 October 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Hazelwood Cemetery.

WILSON The funeral service for Mrs Levina Wilson will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A princes Dr Morwell, WEDNESDAY (22 October 2025) commencing at 10am. The funeral will leave for the Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Entry Via Police Road arriving at 2.30pm. Levina's service will also be live streamed. To view the live stream please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

KING AMemorial Service to Celebrate the life of Shane King will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Rd Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (22 Octob er 202 5) commencing at 11am. Honour your loved ones and

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Whenyou lose someone close to you it can be hardto put yourthoughts and feelings into words Apersonalmessageinthe Latrobe Valley Express can say so much

Forfriendly advice on how to placeyourmessagecontact

friendly advice on how to place your message contact

Mighty marathon effort by locals

Big win for Morwell women in CBL action

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ROUND2ofthe Country Basketball League for the Gippsland conference offered further intrigue to what this season can offer.

In the men’s division, Traralgon succumbed to Southern Peninsula on Saturday, 102 to 98 at Rosebud Stadium.

The two sides were deadlocked after three quarters, which then brought the tension into the final 10 minutes.

After going back-and-forth through the openingfew minutes, the Sharks jumped ahead by 11 points in aquick span of time, continuing to push doubt into the minds of the T-Birds.

Traralgon did rally in the final two minutes, led by Mitch Evans, however Southern Peninsula clinched the game at the free throw line to addtheir firstwin of the season and hand the T-birds’ their first loss.

The Sharks'Corey Hastingstop scored with 37 points, while Traralgon’sKody Tibballs had 30 and Zac Bezzina 26.

The T-Birdsreboundedemphatically with a28-point victory over Korumburra on Sunday at Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre.

Traralgon had steadily worked towards a hefty lead by the start of the last quarter, but reached their heights through to the final buzzer with a35-point fourth term.

The T-Birds had five double digit scorers led by Bezzina tallying 28 points and Cooper Jeffries 21.

Moe had the largest victory of the round, coming by 54 points over Sale at Latrobe Leisure Moe Newborough on Sunday.

A38-point opening quarter set the tone for the Meteors with the Sonics never able to get within reach at any point in time. Moe pair Josh Parkinson (37) and Austin Shelley (34) combined for 71 points, while Mark Anthony Cordon scored 17 for Sale. Maffradefeated Morwell, 82-55 at Latrobe Leisure Morwell on Saturday.

While the gamebegan quite closely, the Eagles opened the margin up through the middle two quarters.

Maffra’s Sam Whelan had agame-high 20 points, while Matthew Yeates (16) and James De Graaf (13) were best for the Magic  IN the women’s division, Traralgon took down Southern Peninsula, 67-62 at Rosebud Stadium on Saturday.

The T-Birds were able to hold onto victory due to their efforts through the first three quarters, despite being outscored in the final term.

Lauren Tuplin led Traralgon with 22 points, followed by Grace Van Tilburg (19) and Marlie Murphy (14).

The T-Birds couldn’t make it two-for-two across the weekend, losing to Korumburra on Sunday by 24 points at Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre.

The Wildcatsset up theirvictory, outscoring Traralgon by 20 points in the opening quarter, makingitdifficult for the visitors to overcome.

Morwell significantly took down Maffra by close to 50 points, 75-26 at Latrobe Leisure Morwell on Sunday.

The Magicheldthe Eaglestolessthan10 points in each quarter.

Abbey Noblett (13 points), Makaela Zeldenryk(12) andShantelle Thorburn (10) led the way for Morwell. Moe had the bye.

ATHLETICS

By BARRYHIGGINS AND LIAM DURKIN

ANUMBER of locals took part in the Melbourne Marathon at the weekend.

The marathon event attracts thousands annually, taking in the sights and scenes of the city.

Runners are put throughtheir paces before experiencing the thrill of running into and crossing the line at the MCG.

Long distance running has become increasingly popular for footballers in recent years, and some familiar names featured in the results.

Yallourn YallournNorth senior football captain, Jai Massese completed the 42km run in avery respectable time of just over four hours.

Others to take part were former Newborough skipper Alex Skinner and Moe footballer Jayden van Dyk, adding yet another skillset to his repertoire.

Fellow Moe local Lilli Sim also completed her first full marathon.

For amateurrunners,times are generally irrelevant,astofinish amarathon is considered ahugeachievement in itself.

Traralgon Tyers United 400 gamer Chris 'Bucko' Buckley has taken alikingtomarathonrunning post-playing, and hit an insane time of three hours, three minutes.

Traralgon's Blake Bourne completed the MelbourneMara in three hours, eight minutes

The 26-year-old ran the SimpsonsDesert for charity last August, becoming the youngest personever to do so.

Half-marathon and 10km events were also on the card. WINS News Gippsland reporter, Jack Morgan completed the 10km run.

At the Traralgon Harriers, memberstaking part in the marathon chose to either sit out or walk last Thursday's 5km run at Flynns Creek.

Afew however, like Molly Irvine and Fiona Syme, were able to run and talk at the same time. Some call it multi-tasking!

Despite the pre-marathon taper, timeswere remarkablefor such ademanding course. Dempsey Podmore and PeterCutler both broke 19 minutes. SavMavrofridis, after first running arounditto markthe course, ran asub-20 minutes. Other times were also excellent, with runners having to fight a strong westerly wind, despite the sunshine.

Quickest women finishers were sub-three hour marathoner Courtney Ellis,Queen of theMountain winnerYani Cornthwaiteand Kathryn Preston, anational title holder across anumber of sports. It was afamily affairwith TraralgonSouth Harrier members Rob and Kathryn Preston and their two young children taking part. They are the nucleus of theirTeam Thought Sports, also known as Team Gippsland Adventure, the top ranked Australian adventure racing team. In adventure team racing –running, bike riding, kayaking, swimming and more –they have won majorinternational events. Between them as individuals andinteams representing Australia, they have won World Championships in Orienteering,Rogaining and mountain running, and much more.

Backhome, Rob holds the record for the Walhalla Woundup 50km trail ultramarathon –amere three hours 52 minutes.

Beyond the Melbourne Marathon anumberof important events are ahead, with the Geoff Watt MemorialFun Run at WarragulonSunday, October 26 and the 4Peaks Bright Alpine Climb over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.

Former Olympian and Warragul's own Kathy Watt, director of the Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run and Festival, has generously donated prizes to two Harriers who enter, decided by amembers’ lucky draw. Google ‘Geoff Watt’ for event details.

The HarriersMemorialRun supporting Lifeline GippslandisonSunday, November 9atthe ToongabbieGolf Club. You can register online. Seethe Harriers Facebook page for details.

Tomorrow's (Thursday, October 16) run/walk is a6km event at the Crinigan Road Bushland Reserve. Reach the car park along Fairway Drive, off CriniganRd, Morwell.

Prominent Express letter writer John Duck ran third in the 1983 Melbourne Marathon in ablitzing time of 2:21:53

That same year, potato farmer Cliff Young rose to immortality by winning the Sydney to Melbourne ultramarathon at 61-years-of-age.

Editor's note: it is said Cliffy's wife Mary Howell was from Childers,alocation just outofThorpdale Havinggrown up in the areahowever, Inever heard about this nor is there any mention of Childers in Cliffy's biography. If anyone has further information, please email me at: ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au

McMillan’ssilver at taekwondo champs

TAEKWONDO

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AT the most recent TaekwondoNational Championships in Adelaide, one local arrived home with amedal around their neck.

Training out of Traralgon-based sports club, Kim’s Martial Arts Academy, Bonnie McMillan claimed asilver medal in the poomsae category, missing out on the gold by just 0.04 of ascore.

Poomsae involves pre-choreographed attack and defence movements, stances and techniques performed in an exact pattern.

McMillan competed at last year’s nationals in power breaking as opposed to poomsae, the former being perhapsthe more famed discipline, where onedemonstratesphysicalstrength through the breaking of stacked boards or tiles in asinglestrike, either through akick or apunch.

McMillan was eager to put herself in aposition to be successful at that level.

“Definitely naturally Iwas nervous and excited at the same time, so was just the anticipation (in) just getting up on the stage and showing what I’ve been practising for the last nineorsomonths,” she told the Express

“This was probably the first time while Iwas on stage that Iwas not nervous this time when Iwas competing, so afterwards it was just this instant relief after that I’d finally completed it.”

The Taekwondo National Championships were

Former

Hamilton with AIS

BASKETBALL FIBA BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON'S Will Hamilton was one of 20 juniorsselected foracampatthe Australian InstituteofSport(AIS) ahead of the FIBA Under 17 Oceania Cup. Bothmen's andwomen's squad were announced, with the finalteams to be selected off the back of the training camp.

The FIBA U17 Oceania Cup takes place in Samoa from December 6to14.

Hamilton has already worn the green and gold at the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup, where he also was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the tournament.

Photograph supplied

held at Netball SA Stadium from October 3to 5, with more than 2000 competitors from across the country in different categoriesand rankings (belts) arriving.

McMillan also recently took home agold medal at the KPNP International Taekwondo Open Championships in August, alongside anumber of other Kim’s MartialArts Academymembers who medalled.

The Traralgonboy has been busythis year, having played for the VictoriaCountry U18 side whom broke a35-year drought, winning the AustralianJunior Championships in April. He also won the Australian Country Junior Basketball Championshipsfor the U18 Victoria Bushrangers, and was apart of the 2025 National PerformanceCampat the Centre of Excellence with Basketball Australia.

Terrific:

Mirboo North local Bonnie McMillan took home asilvermedal at the Taekwondo National Championships

Good lucktagging him: YallournYallourn North seniorcaptain, JaiMassese ran the Melbourne Marathon at the weekend. Photograph supplied

All systems go: TheGeoffWattMemorial FunRun and Festival is coming up.Picturedwith organiser and WarragulOlympic gold medallist KathyWattare ZariaDalton, Grace Graafsma, Amina Egobi, Safire Pratt, Annabelle Dentonand CadenceFleming Photograph: Liam Durkin

Bowlers warm up forpennant

BOWLS

STREZLECKI

NORTH

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

STREZLECKI BowlsRegion opened its season last Saturday with the Strzelecki North playing area conducting the McGilton and Barry Shields for the first time since COVID-19intervened a few years ago.

The McGilton Shield was held at Trafalgar with seven Division 1clubsalong with Moe making up the eight clubscompeting with three teams of four players.

Competition was fierce with Traralgonand Trafalgar each winning six of the nine matches. Going into the last round of matches after lunch Trafalgar was leading the competition having won five matches to Traralgon’s four with ahandy lead on shots if acountback was needed.

Moe and Traralgon each won one of their first two matches in thisround, leaving thefinal match between Vin McIlwain and his Traralgonrink of TomIrvine, Ian Hilsley and Matt Ecclesplaying Nathan Cook and his Trafalgar rink of Peter Rosenboom, Mick Fleming and Tim Fraser.

After 10 ends, Cook had his noseinfront leading by two shots, McIlwaindrewtwo on the 11th end to level the match and gained afurther two shots on the last end.

That meant Traralgon gained afurther two shots, giving them an overall two-shot victory when all match results were in.

Traralgon were worthy winners over an unlucky Trafalgar,with Drouinfinishing third and Newborough fourth on the ladder for the day.

The Barry Shield was played at Warragul between the clubs not playing in theMcGilton Shield with everyone playing each other once.

The shield was won by Boolarra with their rink of Joel Anderson together with Colin Brick, Jorma Takanen and Terry Parker defeating the Warragul rink of David Gatewood together with Des Stephens, Pat Hammond and Terry Moyle by one shot.

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND

Tuesday7th October2025 ROUND1

RESULTS: Record

Women’s MastersJavelin: Brandy Forget 20.38 (18.02 previous record, Heather Daldry 2005)

Women’s MastersDiscus: Brandy Forget 25.50 (24.05 previous record, Beth Montgomery2019)

100M

Women: U/14– Almasi Keary14.78, Brooklyn Wyatt 14.84, Xanthe Dalton 15.77; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.48; Masters–Brandy Forget 20.44, Fiona Saltmarsh24.16

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 14.04; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 12.03; Masters–Aaron Makepeace 14.87, Simon VanBaalen 17.98, Wayne Seear 18.31

JAVELIN

Women: U/14– Almasi Keary25.48, Brooklyn Wyatt 22.29, Xanthe Dalton 12.25; U/16–Zaria Dalton 13.94; Masters–Brandy Forget 20.38, Fiona Saltmarsh15.98

Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 31.22; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 29.38, Stuart Dalton 20.93, Wayne Seear 20.87 LONG JUMP

Women: U/14– Almasi Keary3.98, Brooklyn Wyatt 3.24; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh1.75, Brandy Forget 1.73

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 4.40; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 4.60; Masters –Aaron Makepeace 3.78, Simon VanBaalen 3.52, Wayne Seear 2.45

DISCUS

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 27.94, Almasi Keary19.40, Xanthe Dalton 15.95; U/16–Zaria Dalton 14.28; Masters–Brandy Forget 25.50, Fiona Saltmarsh16.82

Men: Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 33.20; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 34.70, Wayne Seear 25.38, StuartDalton 24.68

400M

Women: U/14– Almasi Keary1:19.72, Xanthe Dalton 1:22.07,Brooklyn Wyatt 1:27.88; U/16–Zaria Dalton 1:01.87; Masters –Brandy Forget 25.50, Fiona Saltmarsh 16.82

Men: Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 33.20; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 34.70, Wayne Seear 25.38, StuartDalton 24.68

BOWLS

STRZELECK NORTH

NcGilton Shield

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon 16 30121 91 30 18

Trafalgar 16 30121 93 28 18

Drouin 16 30100 92 818

The score was 12-11, with each of these clubs winning their other games,itmeant Boolarra werethe winnersofthe Barry Shield with Thorpdaleand Yinnar in thirdand fourth places

Newborough 15 40109 84 25 15

Morwell Club 13 5196112 -1610

Morwell 13 5182120 -38 10 Moe 13 6095109 -149

Traralgon RSL1 36092115 -23 9

BarryShield

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Boolarra1 600102 54 48 18

Warragul 15 1081552615 Thorpdale 12 316975-67

Yinnar 12 315770-13 7

Churchill 12 404964-15 6

Yarragon 11 325882-24 5

Neerim District 11 505874-16 3

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

4BBB Stableford– Grand Final FunDay Saturday4th October2025.

Winners: I. Fortune/P.Junker 46 pts

RunnersUp: G. Barnes/C.Waring 40 pts

D.T.L: 1. D. Taylor/G. Spowart 39, 2. B. Mathieson/P.Chapple 38, 3. P. Jordan/A.

Auld 38, 4. R. Davidson/R. Able 37 C/B

N.T.P: 3rdI.Fortune (Propin), 12th J. Welsh

Birdies: 3rdI.Fortune

Target Hole: G. Barnes

Monthly Medal StrokeTuesday7th October2025.

Medal Winner: V. Reid 75 nett

ScratchWinner: M. Dear 99

D.T.L: M. Dear 78 nett

Putts: V. Reid 26

N.T.P: 3rdL.Van Rooy,5th S. Caldwell, 12th

M. Dear,14th L. VanRooy

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday7th October, Stableford.

AGrade: GShandley39pts c/b

BGrade: PCummaudo 36pts

DTL: PWoodall 39, GRenwick, NWhichello 34, TWhitelaw33. NTP: 4th PWoodall, 6th SWoodall, 13th M Payne,16th TWhitelaw, Birdies: 4th NBaker,6th GShandley, S Woodall, Eagles: NWhichello 17th.

Saturday11thyOctober,Monthly Medal,

AGrade: TWhitelaw70nett

BGrade: NBaker 68 nett.

DTL: JSmeriglio 70, GRenwick, SMc

Innes,Tom Traill, ALeibe 72, NTP: 4th DTaylor, 6th NBickerton, 13th A Collins, 16th GRenwick. Birdies: 4th NBickerton, 16th SBeitz, Lowest putts: SWoodall24putts

MOE

Saturday,04 October2025 MEN'S Monthly

Medal Mens Stroke

Medal Winner: Kerr,Graham 69

Grade AWinners: Wilson,Graeme (9) 70

C/B

Grade BWinners: Weir,Charles (13) 74

Whilst the day was rather windy with rain threatening, it was agood starttothe season with Pennant seasons beginning yesterday (October 13) andweekendthisSaturday (October 18).

SCOREBOARD

Grade CWinners: Kerr,Graham (20) 69

Place Getters: Johnson, Tony 70, Geisler,Graham 71, Duncan, Jack 72 C/B,Goodwin, Barry72C/B,Weir,Martin 72, Pickard,Andrew 73, Skicko,Nick74, Jackson, Mark74C/B,Nyko, Steve74C/B, Mead, Barry74, Donaldson, Murray 75 C/B, Stansbury, Les 75 C/B,Hancock, Chris 75

Gross Winner: Tony Johnson 72

Great Score: Bob Harland (Birdie) @14, Graham Kerr (Birdie) @14, Graham Geisler (Birdie) @14, Tony Johnson (Birdie) @4, RobertHefford (Birdie) @14, NickSkicko (Birdie) @4,Lee Wilson (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th Tony Johnson, 8th

David Wright, 14th Graham Geisler

MysterySixesWinner: Jack Duncan

Sunday, 05 October 2025 Moe AGM9

Hole Stableford

1st Prize: Anne Mead 21

2nd Prize: Alain Babet 19

3rdPrize: Graeme Wilson 18 C/B

Wednesday, 08 October 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLE STABLEFORD

Overall Winners: Vincent, Sue (18) 20 Wednesday, 08 October 2025 WOMEN'S STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Mead, Anne (24) 43

Grade BWinners: Tulau, Susan (36) 38

Place Getters: Elliot, Christine 40, Middlemiss,Kaye38 GreatScore: Kaye Middlemiss (Birdie) @6

Anne Mead (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Christine Elliot, 8th

Chrissie Backman, 14th Sandy Tate

Target Hole Prize: Christine Elliot

Thursday, 09 October 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Devent, Anton (9) 38

Grade BWinners: Langstaff, Jay(14)39

Grade CWinners: Gauci, Anthony(17)36

Grade DWinners: Symons, Daniel (24) 38

Place Getters: Walshe,Michael 37 C/B

Gambling,Allan 37 C/B,Panozzo, Gavan 37 C/B,Vincent, Ray37, Jackson, Mark36 C/B,Cropley, Mike36, Taylor,Brayden 36 C/B,Jenkins,Andrew 36 C/B,Donaldson, Murray 36 C/B,Williams,Shane 35 C/B, Collings,Dale 35 C/B,Stirzaker,Jason 35 C/B,Matthews,Max 35 C/B,Beath, Ken 35, Carolan, Anthony34 C/B,Hayes,Albert 34 C/B

Great Score: Phil Backman (Birdie) @14, Reggie Reggardo (Birdie) @14, Clinton

Sykes(Birdie) @8,Chris Hogbin (Birdie) @8,BRYAN SCHMITZER (Birdie) @14, William Pace (Birdie) @8,Brayden Taylor (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Brayden Taylor,8th Alain Babet, 14th Michael Ray

MORWELL

Women's Wednesday8th October 2025

Div 1: STurner 38 Div 2: SKarleusa 37 c/b

Gittos honoured with LVUA life membership

FOOTBALL UMPIRES

TO cap off season 2025, awards were handed out for Latrobe ValleyUmpire Association members to accompany milestones throughout the year. HunterBailey was recognised with the highest honourwiththe Golden Whistle for beston-field talent and potential.

Anumberofpast recipients of the award have goneontoumpireatVFL/AFL level

The AFL Community Umpiring 'Rising Star' Award was given to Keiran Swallow, making a positive transition into the senior panel. Steven Buhagiar was acknowledged for his 40 years of service, SteveEsler for20years, and Paul Scholes for 10 years.

Blake Gittos was awarded life membership -a former Golden Whistle winner, having served in the LVUA for over 10 years, and field umpired the last three consecutive Mid Gippsland FootballNetball League senior grand finals.

Otherawardshanded out included: Tim Scholz Memorial Shield -Goal: Josh Bellingham, LukeMiller

Barry Lawrence Shield -Boundary: Will Ainsworth, Ben Bailey, Hunter Bailey

David Esler Memorial Shield -Field Umpires: Steve Esler,BlakeGittos, Sean Maxwell

Development Coach's Award- Goal: SamAinsworth

Coach's Award- Goal: LukeMiller

Coach's Award- Boundary: Bryn Stoiljkovic Coach's Award- Field: Will Ainsworth

1100 Game Milestone: Steven Buhagiar

900Game Milestone: AlexCooper,MarkHarris

700Game Milestone: SteveEsler

200Game Milestone: Josh Bellingham, Michael Jonkers

100Game Milestone: Will Ainsworth, Noah Parkinson, HarryBosch, Jack Webber,Thomas Webber

DTL: BScurlock37 &CBoers35

NTP: 2nd APollutro8th BScurlock11th S Turner 15th Lvan Rooy

Birdies: DVuillermin

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results 8/10/25

18-Holes: Stablefordwith secret partners. 9-Holes: Stableford

18-Hole Winners: Sue Klemkeand Cheryl Deppeler with an aggregate of 64 points

Runners-Up: KarenMacGregor and Jan Griffinwith an aggregate of 62 points

DTL: BevKeilyand Aileen McNair with 59 points

NTP: 5th Ange Bayley

Gobblers: Donna Mellon on the 5th and Ange Bayleyonthe 18th

9-Hole Winners: Heather Savige with 13 points

Runner-Up: Sue Balfour with 9points

Tuesday: 07/10/25 -Stableford

Players: 29, Women 3, Men 26

Winner: Brian Mckenzie (22)

Runner Up: Sue DeVries (21)

DTL: Ivan Grant (19) Nola Fordham (19) RayWilliams (19) SteveLawrence (18) Tony Shearer (18) Max Taylor (18)

NTP: (2nd) Tony Shearer

Lucky Gard: GeoffFallon

Thursday: 09/10/25 -Stableford

Players: 57,Women19, Men 38

Ladies Winner :LynPowell (23)

Runner Up: Aileen McNair (21) c/b

DTL: BevKeily(21) Sam Caldow(20) Heather Savige (20) Donna Mellon (19)

NTP (13th) Donna Mellon

Lucky card: Sue Klemke

Mens Winner: Dave Rose (23)

Runner UP: RonPyke(22)

DTL: MickBennett(21) Andy McCrorey (21) GeoffThomas (21) Hank Fiddelaers (20) Tony Pitt (20) John Dodorico (20) Chris Barfoot (19)c/b

NTP: (13th) John Dodorico

Lucky Card: Duane Baker

Friday, October 10th, Open Men’s&Ladies

Stableford

AGrade Winner: David Winfield 37 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: Craig Scanlan 37 pts

DTL's: NickRowe37, Chris Moody 34, Doug Anderson 34, GarryJansen 34, Nathan Jenkins 33, Bob Baldry33C/B

Birdies: 2nd: NickRowe, Chris Nott5th: NickRowe, Darryl Blackshaw, David Winfield 15th: Ross Anderson Saturday, October11th, Monthly Medal

Stroke

Medal Winner: Tony Shearer 68 nett

AGrade Winner: Tony Shearer 68 nett

BGrade Winner: PeterBurghardt 69 nett C/B

ScratchWinner: Bill Williams 74 gross

DTL’s: Bruce Aplin 69, MarkRobinson 69, Jeff Gray 69, SteveClark69, PeterRhodes

70, RobSaunders70, GarryJansen 70, Stu Marriott70

NTP’s: 2nd: TonyGray 5th: Reno Borg11th: Bob Baldry13th: RobCusworth-Warner 15th:Brian Watthchow Birdies: 5th: SteveClark15th: Peter Hobson

YALLOURN

Ladies Tuesday7-10-25

9Hole Stablefordwinner Div 1: Loretta Booth (27)18 Div 2: JanWilson (54)18

Thursday9-10-25 OctoberMonthly

Winner: Lola Carter 87-16-71

DTL: Loretta Booth 109-29-74Sue Riches

Strong start: Traralgon Bowls Club took outthe McGilton Shield before midweek and weekend pennant commenced. Photograph supplied

Citizen Kane delivers for Moe

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

THIS is why you should never read too much into season previews.

Players you are told either aren’t playing or who clubs haven’t heart from suddenly rock up, much as they did at the weekend.

Cricket Latrobe Valley madea start forRound 2 after the opening weekend was washed out.

Inclement weather still played havoc, with a couple of games decided on DLS and some lower grade matches abandoned.

While early days, the number of players appearing as ‘Fill in’ on PlayHQ might be an early cause for concern.

Clubs across Gippsland appear light on for numbers, and will be hoping they pick up in coming weeks.

Three of four Division 5games were forfeited in the neighbouring Warragul District Cricket Association at the weekend, while Hallora’s Third XI was virtually made up of playersfrom Blackbridge Cricket Club. Blackbridge, based at Rythdale, offers winter cricket and monthly social matchesfor manylocal players.

Gippsland Goannas Over 50s veteransalsowon their match at the weekend via forfeit.

Premier A

NEWLY promoted Imperials got its Premier Acampaign off to apromisingstart,defeating Centrals in acompetitive match at Apex Park.

Chasing 177, the visitors won with two wickets in the shed.

Ahost of double digit scores helped Imperials, led by Ryan Morley at the top (27), Tylah Donoghue in the lower order (27) and Todd Mann in typically no-nonsense fashion, smashing an unbeaten 33 off 32 balls from number nine.

For someone who says he hates batting, he has

apretty good record (having scored multiple A Grade tons).

Centrals captain Tye Hourigan had earlier topscored with 75, while Lachlan Speairs dug in for 48 off 123 rocks.

Marc Fenechdid as he has done for countless years, hoopingthe new ball around, and took three top order wickets for the Lions.

 MORWELL technically wononDuckworth Lewis Stern, although the match against Churchill would have been decided in regulation time anyway.

Posting 5/175 at Andrews ParkWest, the Cobras were given a‘revised’ total of just two runs and two overs less (48).

It mattered little, after the Cobras were bundled outfor 116.

Only Jordan Higham with 32 made an impression, after Brendan Brincat (3/24) and Tim Ford (3/29) did the damage up top.

Usual one day dasher Kris Fortuin showed his adaptability with the stick for Morwell, batting the entire innings to make an unbeaten 61.

 IF you’ve got Jordy Gilmore batting five, you’re going to take some beating.

Ex Studentseasily defeated Toongabbie by more than 100 runs.

The Sharksput up 9/258 on Roger Reis Oval, with Gilmore (71), Mitch Harris (61), Andrew Matthews (38 not out) and Matt Dyke (26) all contributing.

Rams veteranTom Shippensentdown10overs, returning figures of 3/40(to thinkofthe number of overs that man has bowled in his time).

Afew starts punctuated the Toongabbieresponse, but in the end, they were dismissed for 131.

Gayashan Munasinghe made 33, yet his teammateshad little answers for the collective effort so synonymous with Ex Students in the field.

Harris (3/51), Adam Brady (2/13) and the star of last season’s Premier Bfinal, Fletcher Graham (2/13) took seven wickets between them.

 IN Kaney we trust.

On aday when the rest of the order struggled to

hit off the square, Noah Kane delivered arguably the best innings of his career.

The Moe wicket-keeper scored91off 100 balls battingatnumbersix,taking the Lions to 231 against league heavyweightsGlengarryontheir home deck

Kanehit 10 fours and two sixes, partneringwith CallumGrant(30)ina112 runpartnershipfor the fifth wicket.

The Magpies were later bowledout for 205, with Kane again athorn in their side, collecting four catches.

Sam Marks (41), Jay Francis (36) and Brandon Mayberry (30) all made scores of note, yet dual wickets from Ritvik Mahajan (2/4), Grant (2/7), Ben McCarthy (2/28) and new Moe captain Matt Hibbs (2/40) gave the visitors impetus.

While Glengarry was without Nat Freitag, there is absolutely no guaranteehewould have made the 26-run difference the game was decided by.

Anyone who has played cricket for long enough will have seen even the absolute best players go outcheaply.

AGrade

THESE blokes have more runs and wickets than mostoftheir teammates have had hot food dinners.

Latrobe legend AnthonyBloomfield and his counterpart, Dale Banks of Mirboo North, wound back the clock at the weekend.

Bloomfield struck 90 not outoff just 51 balls against Gormandale at Stoddart Oval, in ateam total of 4/246.

The Tigers very nearly won however, given a target of 99 to get in 20.1 overs on DLS.

Ultimately,Gormandale closed at 3/90 after putting up agrand chase.

ConnorBettsworth’s36and Cal Polo’s30not out contributed significantly.

Bloomfield’s son Jacob ensured his daddidn’t get all the glory, snagging 3/38 with the ball.

The Sharks also foundrunsfrom Ed Hopper (46),

Faltum carries Vicswith WNCLton

CRICKET

WNCL

LIAM DURKIN

ANY danger?

Local cricket export Nicole Faltum played alone hand for Victoria Women in Match 7ofthe Women’s National Cricket League.

The wicket-keeper bat made 102 off 123 balls in a losing effort as the Vics failed to chase the 383 set by Tasmaniaatthe Junction Oval last Wednesday. Opening the innings,Faltumstruckat82.92, sending 10 balls to the fence and one over it. She had little support from the rest of the card however, with the next highest score 33.

Faltum batted for 42 overs and went through eight partners, before her dismissal saw the score stay on 239.

On 98, she took asinglefrom the last ball of the 40th over to stay on strike,and brought up her second WNCL ton with apull shot off the first ball of the next over.

“It has been afantastic knock in very difficult circumstances,” the commentator said.

Faltum’scelebration wassubdued, an understandable reaction given she’dkept and battedfor atotalof90overs.

Tasmanianopener, South Africanimportand Faltum's former Melbourne Stars teammate, LizelleLee was player of the match, after smashing 187 off 141.

Tasmania was again victorious in Match 9played last Friday.

The Vics were bundled out for just 137 chasing 246.

Faltum showed just how fluctuating cricket can be, adjudged lbw for seven two days after making her ton.

On another day, she is likely given not out and goes on to score triple figures.

FaltumgrewupinMoe and played women's cricket for Morwell and Saturday seniors and weekday juniors for Trafalgar.

She poppeduponthe Ships socialmediapage last week to congratulate an old teammate on his 200th senior game.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

LPollard3-0-21-0, TGamage 10-1-31-1, MFenech 10-1-37-3, C Whitehead 10-4-33-2, CPerera 5-0-35-0, NGamage 9-3-17-2

CHURCHILLVMORWELL at AndrewsPark West (Morwell won on DLS)

MORWELL BATTING

MCukier cBKearns bRHarvey. 22

KFortuin not out 61

BClymo bR Whelpdale 7

TFordcBKearnsbRHarvey. 7 BMills bJ Higham 20

BBrincat bS Warr 23 TDixon not out 25 Sundries (2b 2lb 4w 2nb) 10 TOTAL 5/175 (50 overs)

CHURCHILL BOWLING

SWarr 7-0-21-1, JKeighran 4-0-19-0, RHarvey10-2-28-2, JHigham

10-0-33-1, RWhelpdale 10-2-31-1, RAyres 9-1-39-0

CHURCHILL BATTING(TARGET173 OFF 48)

MHarveybLGettings 1 SWarr cunknown bBBrincat 4

RHarveyc

RMorley 3-0-24-0

IMPERIALS BATTING

RMorley cunknown bM Fenech 27

LShuttleworth cLPollardb MFenech. 11

BChapman cLSpeairs bM Fenech 11

CPilling cC Perera bNGamage 16

LBlake cJMurdoch bC Whitehead 21

DThilakarathne cHBerry bNGamage 7

AJohnstone lbwT Gamage 4

TDonoghue lbwC Whitehead 27

TMann not out 33

DThompson not out 8

Sundries (0b 0lb 0w 0nb)0

TOTAL. 8/178 (47 overs)

CENTRALS BOWLING

MCukier 3.4-2-3-2, BBrincat 10-4-24-3, LGettings 5-1-23-1, DDay

3-1-4-0, TFord10-2-29-3, TDixon 2-0-23-0, BClymo 2-1-5-1

GLENGARRYV MOE at Fred King Oval

ESheekey cunknown bG Waack-Hawkins........................ 14

AAnubhavc BMayberrybS Marks. 8

APhilip cBMarks bG Waack-Hawkins 5

BZomer cB MarksbB Mayberry. 10

MHibbs cunknown bT Duncan 11

NKane lbwCGraham 91

CGrant lbwS Marks 30

RColgrave cBMarks bBMayberry. 15 RMahajan not out 11

BCake bT Duncan. 10

BMcCartney runout TDuncan. 0

Sundries (0b 3lb 22w 1nb) 26

TOTAL 231 (49.4 overs)

GLENGARRYBOWLING

BMayberry10-1-45-2, AWright 3-0-23-0, MAmjad 2-0-16-0, G

Waack-Hawkins 6-1-34-2, TDuncan 8.4-0-37-2, SMarks 10-0-43-2, CGraham 10-2-30-1

GLENGARRYBATTING

CGraham lbwM Hibbs 14

SMarks cNKanebR Colgrave 41

JHodsonbCGrant 0

BMarks cunknown bM Hibbs 3

JCochrane cNKanebB Cake 4

BMayberrycunknown bBMcCartney 30

AWright cNKanebB McCartney 1

JFrancis cunknown bRMahajan 36

GWaack-Hawkins cunknown bCGrant 3

MAmjad cNKaneb RMahajan 8

TDuncan not out 0

Sundries (0b 11lb 47w 7nb) 65

TOTAL 205 (44.1 overs) MOE BOWLING

RMahajan 2.1-1-4-2, BZomer 4-0-24-0, CGrant 10-5-7-2, MHibbs 10-2-40-2, BCake3-0-40-1,

RhysNoble (36) and Ronnie Chokununga(48), who suited up despite most believing he wouldn’t play this season. (Bloomfield recently returned from national duty Full story in next week’s paper).

 BANKS took 4/15, all unassisted, in the Tigers’ nine wicket win over Rovers.

Mirboo North chased ameagre total of 101 inside 25 overs, thanks to Frankie Ingram (41 not out) andJed Alexander (29).

Compounding the issue for Rovers was the fact the home team actually got away to asolid start, after Liam Little and Tyler Pearce (34) put on 55 for the first wicket.

That being said, the run rate barely hovered above 2.5, so the Tigers wouldn’t have felt much, if any, pressure.

God Banksy would have alot of wickets.  LUKE Payton again stood out on the batting card for Willow Grove.

His 68 (ninefours, one six) wasn’t enough against Raiders,who won by seven wickets at Yinnar Turf. Raiders chased 145 inside 30 overs, with new recruit KeenanHughes smacking an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls (three sixes).

Akila Silva also joined in the fun,making31not out off 38, afterRob Webber set thingsupwith 27 against the new ball.

 DON’T think CATS willbeinA Grade too much longerwith this team

The boys from Traralgon South, withthe inclusions of Josh Keyhoe (Moe), Dane Fawcett (Neerim) and Jamie Cochrane (not retired as it turns out), ran past Traralgon West at Jack Canavan. The Eagles were knocked over for 122, although Alfie Peck (38) and MattGriffiths (36) offered some resistance.

Having aTest match bowlerinyour line-up does help however, and Tinanshe Panyangara snared 4/2 from just 20 balls.

Keyhoe (41) and skipper Nathan Harrap (a patient 29 not out) thenguidedCATSoverthe line.

CLV

GCL

FIXTURE 25/26

Venues TBA, checkPlayHQ

Senior men

Rd 1(Oct 26) vs Bairnsdale (A)

Rd 2(Nov9)-bye

Rd 3(Nov23) vs Leongatha (H)

Rd 4(Dec7)vsWarragul (A)

Rd 5(Jan18) vs Sale-Maffra(H) Final -Sunday,February1

Senior women

Rd 1(Oct 26) vs Sale-Maffra(T20)

Rd 2(Oct 26) vs Leongatha (T20 double-header)

Rd 3(Nov9)vsBairnsdale (A)

Rd 4(Nov23) vs Sale-Maffra(A)

Rd 5(Jan18) vs Leonagatha (H) Final -Sunday,February1

Under 18 (one day comp)

Rd 1(Oct 19)-bye

Rd 2(Nov23) vs Bairnsdale (A)

Rd 3(Dec13) vs Leongatha (A)

Rd 4(Feb1)vsSale-Maffra(H)

Final -Sunday,Feb 15 T20 comp starts January18.

Under 15

Rd 1(Oct 26) vs Bairnsdale (H)

Rd 2(Nov9)vsSale-Maffra(H)

Rd 3(Nov23) vs Warragul (A)

Rd 4(Dec21) vs Leongatha (A)

Rd 5(Jan18) -bye Final -Sunday,February8

Under 13

Rd 1(Oct 26) vs Bairnsdale (H)

Rd 2(Nov9)vsSale-Maffra(H)

Rd 3(Nov23) vs Warragul (A)

Rd 4(Dec7)vsLeongatha (A)

Rd 5(Jan18) -bye

Final -Sunday,Feb 8

New season of rep cricket

CRICKET

GCL BY LIAM DURKIN

REPRESENTATIVE cricket commences this Sunday (October 12).

The Gippsland Cricket Leaguewill again run asenior men, senior women, under 18, under 15 and under 13 competition this season.

Players selected for Cricket Latrobe Valley are set to compete againstSale-Maffra Cricket Association, WarragulDistrictCricket Association, Bairnsdale CricketAssociation and Leongatha District Cricket Association.

While the under 18s begin thisSunday with astandalone game between Sale-Maffraand Leongatha, the bulk of GCL action does not commence until next week.

The under 18s play two separate competitionsfor the one day trophy and the twenty20 Cameron White Cup, named after the Bairnsdale local and former Australian cricketer.

The remaining grades commence the following week, on Sunday, October 26.

Last season was largely hit-and-miss for GCL.

Two of CLV’s four seniormen’s games were abandoned, making for an inequitable competition givenother teams played twice as manymatches.

TraditionalpowerhouseSale-Maffra won the premiership, defeating Bairnsdale with ease.

CLV, coming off atitle-winning 2023/24 season,

lost both its matchestoWarragul and Sale-Maffra respectively.

The Round1gameagainst Warragul saw the Wild Dogs post 263 at Fred King Oval.

CLV skipper Nat Freitag took 3/33, Jake Littleton 2/25 and Todd Mann 2/35.

The home team’s innings never really took off, bundled out for 186.

Jordan Matthews played well for an unbeaten 61, while Conor Robson(37) and Littleton(25) also chipped in.

CLV didn’t get on the park again until Round 4, owing to abandonments in rounds two and three against Leongatha and Bairnsdale.

Acompetitive match againstSale-Maffrasaw

CLV fall short by 42 runs.

Chasing 186 at College Oval, the visitors were dismissed for 142.

In tricky conditions, Brett Chapman made 37 off 91 balls,and LayteenSmith provided some fireworks at Number 11, slapping 30 off 23.

Wickets were shared earlier in the day between JimmyPryde (3/29),Ben Rivers (3/36) and Campbell Peavey (2/32).

CLV did not send ateam to Country Week last season, although it was not on its lonesome there.

The jury has been out on the future of Country Week, with many arguing the week-long trek to Melbourne has been dying aslowdeath for close to adecade.

Where previously, the main attraction was to showcase aleague on the city stage and for local

players to perhaps court the attention of Premier clubs, the advent of live streaming now means pundits can see the best players at local levelfrom the comfort of an office.

Amodernisedversion of Country Weekhas been floated, with one idea to bring the week to regions suchasBallarat, Bendigo andGippsland for a ‘festival of cricket’.

New CLV president Evan Sheekey had previously confirmed the league was committed to representative cricket provided it was facilitated properly.

“Most clubs and players want country week, so the boardwill work to put the right people in those positions,” he said in June.

“(It’s) definitely something we’ve got to work towards. It’s about finding the right leader, the one that wants to be there and having the players that want to make themselvescommitted for that (representative cricket on Sundays).

“I know when Iwas playingGCL it was an honour, and that’s what we’ve got to try and get it back to.

“With being the second-biggest leagueincountry Victoria, we should be at Provincial at Country Week (the highestgrade), but it all depends on the commitment from the players.

“We’ll put it out, get amanager,get acaptain, experienced players that want to go, and get the best side that we can get, we’renot going to go half-asked and mediocre.”

CLVplays Bairnsdale in Round 1ofthis GCL campaign.

GCL RESULTS -CRICKET LATROBEVALLEY SEASON 2024/25

Senior women

Rd 1; CLV6/64 def bySMCA3/145 (S Rockliff 2/11), CLV7/78 (K Peters 20*, FMorrison 20) def LDCA4/63; Rd 2bye;Rd3;SMCA3/86 (A Dean 2/14) def CLV85(KPeters33*); Rd 4bye;Rd5; LDCA5/95 (E Doolan 3/13) def CLV94(KCollins 27); Final; SMCA6/185 def LDCA9/136. Ladder: SMCA24points,LDCA6,CLV 6.

Under 18

Rd 1bye;Rd2;LDCAvsCLV (abandoned); Rd 3; CLV190 (J Murdoch 27,JShields 26) def Bairnsdale 94 (Z Bastin 5/30, DWalsh 4/21); Rd 4(T20s); SMCA98(DWalsh 3/11, JShields 2/11, ZBastin 2/14) def by CLV102 (JLove36),BCA 91 (DWalsh 4/25, BHagley3/11, ZBastin2/23) def CLV88; Rd 5; CLV7/91 (JMurdoch 51*) def by WDCA8/129 (Z Bastin 3/20,T Hood 2/16); Final; CLV143 (JMurdoch 66) def by LDCA6/222 (T Hood 3/30, DWalsh 3/39) on DLS; T20 Final; WDCA104 def by LDCA4/126. Ladder:CLV 15, LDCA 12,WDCA12, SMCA12, BCA9

Under 15

Rd 1bye,Rd2;BCA 95 (P Mills 3/6, LBastin 3/10, FGraham 3/14) def by CLV8/218(SRajapskse 59, KHart-Theissling 50); Rd 3; SMCA187 (B Cake 6/32) def CLV164 (LChila 61, AHurley32); Rd 4; CLV145 (SRajapakse 51, LChila 36, J Hodson 26*) def by WDCA9/154 (F Graham 4/23, PMills 3/23); Rd 5; CLV7/80 (N Gamage 33*) def by LDCA2/81 (P Mills 2/11); Final; LDCA78def by SMCA5/82. Ladder:LDCA24, SMCA18, WDCA 12,CLV 6, BCA0

Under 13

Rd 1bye,Rd2;BCA 97 (R O’Brien 3/6, J Hazelman 2/1) def by CLV103 (BFulham 20); Rd 3; SMCA6/130 def CLV93(BFulham 24*), Rd 4; CLV7/199 (E Dissanayake 53, OStanton 26, APeavey21) defWDCA167 (SDarby 4/9, M Edebohls 2/11, RO’Brien 2/15); Rd 5; CLV3/93 (A Peavey 38*) def LDCA9/87 (S Darby3/10, B Bremner 2/7,JHazelman 2/9); Final: BCAvsCLV abandoned. BCAwon as minor premier.Ladder: BCA18, CLV18, SMCA15, WDCA 6, LDCA3

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

TRARALGON WEST BOWLING

CHughes 8-3-18-2,A Peck 5-0-30-1,JCooke 4-0-21-0, BFleming 10-0-32-0, RFalla 3.4-0-11-0

Under 15s girls countryweek (Sophie Molineux Cup)

Rd 1; CLV3/70 (AShine 23) def LDCA3/69; Rd 2; CLV2/83 (A Murtagh 30*, HBaker 20*) def WDCA 8/81 (L Blackshaw2/0), Rd 3; CLV9/86 def by SMCA3/87.Ladder: SMCA12, CLV8,WDCA4, LDCA0

Kookaburra Cup

Senior men

Ex Students 75 def by WesternPark8/94 (J Pryde 3/15, LStockdale 3/16).

Women

Raiders0/62 (Z Quinsey-Munro29*,GPerry 258) def Rosedale-Kilmany7/60 (H Baker 3/8, J Sanders2/13)

*NB: Kookaburra Cup is played for between the twohighestranking (bystatistical determination) premiership teamsacross Gippsland fromthe previous season.

wononDLS)

BATTING

46 RChokununga cNScammell bPBrooks. 48 RNoble cC Polo bC White.............. 36 ABloomfield not out 90 SFreshwater cBKarunasingha bSGaniga 7 TDhawan not out 3 Sundries (2b 2lb 11w 1nb) 16 TOTAL 4/246 (50 overs)

GORMANDALE BOWLING

PBrooks8-1-32-2, NSoyza 2-0-16-0, YSoyza 10-2-30-0, CWhite

7-1-29-1, CPeavey10-0-31-0, BKarunasingha 3-0-49-0, SGaniga

4-0-19-1, BDissanayake 6-1-36-0

GORMANDALE BATTING (TARGET 99 OFF 20.1)

CPolo not out 30

PBrooksbJ Bloomfield 4 CBettsworth cEHopper bJBloomfield 36 CPeaveycEHopper bJBloomfield 4 NSoyza not out 6

(2b 0lb 5w 3nb) 10

TOTAL 3/90 (20.1 overs)

LATROBE BOWLING

JBloomfield 8-0-38-3, SRasool 3-1-8-0, SFreshwater 1-0-2-0, R Noble 6-0-26-0, KChapman 2.1-0-14-0 ROVERSV MIRBOO NORTH at

ROVERS BATTING LLittle cJ Alexander bFIngram. 23 TPearce cN Thillekarathna bG Fairbairn 34

NReddy run out CAnders,DBanks 0

DWilliams cM Woodall bJAlexander 8 JHayterb DBanks 2 WCoad lbwDBanks 5 NFindlaylbw DBanks 2

MIRBOO NORTH BOWLING FIngram7-0-12-1, MWoodall9.1-2-20-2, JAlexander 10-3-24-1, D Banks 7-1-15-4, GFairbairn 10-1-26-1

MIRBOO NORTH BATTING

JAlexander cW Coad bS Duff 29

FIngramnot out 41

not out 22

ROVERSBOWLING

IBrown 3-0-12-0,M Leslie 4-0-17-0, SDuff 7-0-37-1,NFindlay6.1-018-0, NSingh 3-0-15-0

TRARALGONWESTVCATS at Jack Canavan

TRARALGON WEST BATTING

MGriffiths cunknown bCStewart. 36

HKimpton cBHagley bDFawcett 5

APeck cEPorigneaux bJCochrane 38

JMonacella run out 7

CHughes bT Panyangara 14 CGlynn bCStewart. 0 RWilkiec unknownb TPanyangara 5 RFalla lbwT Panyangara 0

JCooke cEPorigneaux bT Panyangara 0

DCooke cunknown bHCooper 7

BFleming not out 2

Sundries (1b 3lb 3w 1nb) 8

TOTAL 122 (42.2

CATS BOWLING

JMoore 8-2-27-0, CStewart10-4-22-2, HCooper 2-0-12-1,D

Fawcett 5-0-15-1, JCochrane 10-2-18-1, BHagley 4-0-22-0, T Panyangara3.2-2-2-4 CATS BATTING

JCochrane cRFalla bCHughes 4

JKeyhoecJ Cooke bAPeck 41 NHarrup not out

RAIDERSVWILLOW GROVE at Yinnar -Turf

WILLOW GROVEBATTING

KMulley retno. 5

BEdebohls bH McColl................. 4

AForth bHMcColl 11

LPaytoncLMaynardbR Webber 68

JHammond lbwT Robertson 6

Dvan der Stoep lbwH Rogers-Collen 1

SDawson cK Hughes bHRogers-Collen 0

DWalsh cT Robertsonb TGriffiths 16

NWheildon cH Rogers-Collen bT Griffiths 6

LTumino cHRogers-Collen bR Webber 6

RFiddelaers not out 0

Sundries (1b 3lb 19w1nb) 24

TOTAL. 9/144 (40.4 overs)

RAIDERS BOWLING

TRobertson 6-1-27-1, RWebber 6.4-0-24-2, HMcColl 6-0-25-2, T Griffiths 6-0-17-2, KHughes10-1-24-0, HRogers-Collen 6-1-26-2

RAIDERS BATTING

TGriffithsbR Fiddelaers 3

RWebber cBEdebohls bRFiddelaers 27

LMaynard bRFiddelaers 4

HRogers-Collen retno. 6

KHughes not out 58

ASilva not out 31

Sundries (11b 2lb 7w 1nb) 21

TOTAL 3/145 (26 overs)

WILLOW GROVE BOWLING

NWheildon 3-0-28-0, BEdebohls 6-1-22-0, DWalsh3-0-18-0, R Fiddelaers 7-1-32-3, LTumino 4-0-21-0, LPayton3-0-16-0, SATURDAY,OCTOBER 11

PREMIER B(ROUND2)

Ex Students 5/117 (J Robertson 34*, DChurchill 25*) defCATS114 (J Motta 36, SWebley 25, ACanny4/22, LSpiteri 2/14, TChurchill 2/16), Glengarry3/185 (P Henry96, SHenry39) defJeeralang-

Boolarra 7/183 (T Laaks 62, GSmith 34, BMcCormack 33, D McDonagh 2/15, PHenry2/40), Thorpdale 2/162 (K O’Connell81* MGraeme 45) def Churchill 155 (P VanRossum 31, NDuncan 31, STobin 25, KO’Connell 4/27, CDavis 3/41, RKerrison 2/19), Moe 7/101 (M Whitney 30, JWall2/8) drew Toongabbie 1/53), Morwell 1/56 (J Pullen 27*) drew Centrals 1/185 (A Hurley 34, BReside 4/28). BGrade (Round 2): Mirboo North 7/159 (D Matthews50, HBarnes 42, GSwan3/21, A Fonseka2/30) defGormandale 84 (R Hughes 3/17, CSchellekens 2/7, CBickerton2/9), Raiders 2/103 (S Pooni 44, KHutchinson 31*) def Imperials102 (S Pooni 4/14), Rovers 5/117 (J Keiley 3/48, NSallee 2/23) def WillowGrove8/116 (M Jennings 35*, KScott 3/9, JCarney 2/19, SCarney 2/24), Latrobe 4/93 (B Duncan 31, T Cranwell 25, LBermingham 3/13) def Traralgon West 90 (L Phillips 27, BHowe26, KHebbard2/2,M Lawrence2/13, SGedara2/22, B Wilson 2/22).

PREMIER C(ROUND1)

Morwell 5/105 (J Howell 44*, SEsler 35*, JRouse 3/18) def Glengarry100 (R Burke 28, CMonds 3/10, AKays 2/39), Mirboo North 6/151 (L Anders 93, PWoodall 32, ASykes 2/10) def Imperials 8/148 (J Jones 41, TBassarke 3/11), Churchill 121 (G Harvey50, T Kosterman4/16, JChurchill 3/11) def Ex Students 53 (D Hart3/15, T Brighton 2/5, EForbes 2/14), Moe5/146 (S Murphy59*,JElms 3/37) drew Toongabbie 6/65 (J McGown 26, RWhitney 2/13, DBiggins 2/22), Rawson def Centrals on forfeit.

CGRADE (ROUND 1)

Traralgon West 6/157 (P Gibson 43, TGriffiths 25) def Imperials 8/147 (R Martin 44*, PGibson 3/25, TGriffiths 2/35), JeeralangBoolarra 7/124 (N Cameron 34, NSpark 31, DRichards 2/19) def Rovers 122 (D Canning37, NSpark 4/9, OStanton 3/31,E Stanton 2/8), Gormandale 1/260 (J Kendall 109, MSmallwood 105*) def WillowGrove 103 (T Cotter 32, NNikodemski2/3,P Kaohom 2/10, GRobinson 2/17), Latrobe 7/161 (S Wernham 60, SDarby 2/21) def Raiders 8/126 (J Daddo 66, PMooney 3/13, WMohammed 2/27), CATS- bye. Under 16s (Round 1- Friday, October 10) Centrals 2/122 (C Moncrieff 33*, NGamage 32*, def Ex Students 5/118 (A Gore 31*, JHodson 31*, NGamage 2/21), Moe4/110(H Boothman 31*, KMicallef 31*, NKeltie 31*) def Raiders 6/92 (J Webber 26), Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 3/118 (L Chila 30) def WillowGrove 5/102 (L Walsh 33*, OStanton2/8), Toongabbie 6/140 (C Young33*,MMayman32*, BDuncan 2/21) def Morwell/ Latrobe 76(BDuncan 36*,XHurley 5/7, HMartin 2/4), Rovers/ Gormandale- bye

New colours found fornext season

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

LOCAL footballers are on the move.

The first lot of official signings have been made public,with some clubs very activeonthe recruiting front.

NorthGippybattlers Gormandale have picked up ahost of Gippsland League players.

Hoping to help end the club’s more than 50-game losing streak next seasonwill be Peter Strong and EthanRoscoe, who havejoined from Traralgon, and Morwell’s Judah Leak.

Strong, aruckman, played two senior finals for the Maroons this season, while winger Leak also comes across with senior finals experience. Roscoe has made the move to play with his brother, Flynn. Journeyman footballers ChrisWangman (key forward) and Michael Diaz (inside mid) will also wear the yellow and black next season.

Fellow farming clubCowwarr has also recruited heavily.

Headliningthe recruits is Traralgon premiership player Sam Hallyburton, who played agame on permit for the Saints this season.

He is expected to replace the dash left by the departing Haydn Hector, also formerly of Traralgon. Youngster Mitch McMaster is returning to the clubhewatchedhis dad playfor,after playing juniors at Gippsland League club Sale.

Key forward Caleb Michie has also signed from TTU.

Michie’s partner plays netball for Cowwarr, and the leftfooternow looks settojoin KeenanHughes inside 50, makingfor one of the most potentforward lines in the competition.

Michie will also hope for abetter run with injury, after enduring awretchedrun that sawhim miss the Bombers’ 2023 triumph, and run to the grand final this season.

Slightly compounding the situation is the fact his brother Liam remains with TTU. The brothers came to the Bombers from Moe on atwo-for-one deal andhave never played on opposite sides.

Some interest will surround TTU’s fortunes, as there is so far no indication yet who will coach the club, while up to half-a-dozen players are either leaving or will be nursing injuries for all of 2026.

Justhow hard premierships aretowin can be summed up by the fact the Bombers have lost just two home-and-awaygames in the last two seasons for no flag.

After winningin2023, and finishing on topofthe ladder the last three seasons, the reality of ‘what goes up, must come down’ could soon hit home.

By all accounts, the 2024 grand final loss to Woodside cut TTU incrediblydeepasmostplayers had not even considered losing apossibility.

Looking to break through after acouple of preliminary final appearances will be Heyfield.

The Kangaroos have appointed Maffra senior games record holder Daniel Bedggood as senior coach.

Bedggood reported wanting to try his hand at senior coaching while he still felt he could play.

Churchill turns to familiar face

Learnfromthe best: Chris ‘Squid’ Williams, arguably thegreatest Nor th Gippsland playerof all time,has returned to coach Churchill. File photograph

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY LIAM DURKIN

GUESS who’s back.

The favourite son has returned to Churchill Football-Netball Club.

Chris‘Squid’ Williamswillcoach the Cougars in 2026.

His appointment was made official by the clublastweek,confirmingweeks of speculation.

“Already apremiership coach, two times premiership player and seven times club bestand-fairest winner(plustwo leaguemedals), Squidbrings leadership, experience and a commitment to developing our up and coming stars,” the club posted.

Atraditionalpowerhouse of North Gippsland football, Churchill wentthrough the season from hell in 2025, finishing second-last on the ladder after the decision was made to part ways with the senior coach on the eve of the season.

The club also suffered amassexodus of players,including Williams, who finally triedhis hand in theGippsland League for Traralgon after many previous attempts were made to lure him out of Churchill.

He is now seemingly back before his Traralgon career even started, and despite the Cougars comingfromalongway back, brightertimes could be ahead.

It is expected Williams’ appointment will see ahost of former players return or commit full-time, while the club also has agrand final under 18s team graduating into senior ranks.

Generally regarded as one of the best North Gippsland players of all time, the majorleague unfortunately never saw the best of Williams due to injury.

He playedonly five gamesfor the Maroons this season, before being cut down in Round 7. Despite this, Traralgon officialsare adamant he had what it took to play at the level.

“He’s really professional, fit, hungry and just makes good decisions,”Traralgon coachTroy Hamilton told the Express during preseason.

It is expected he will bringafew older senior players from the Eagles across with him.

The Morwell-YallournYallourn North allegiance appears strong once again, with atrio of Tigers making their way to George Bates Reserve.

The inclusions of TomGray, CodyMacdonald and Brandon Mcauliffe alreadyhas the Jets looking like astrongerteam, and one that should make finals. YYN missed finals for the first time in 11 years this season.

Morwell and YYN have enjoyed astrongrelationship over the last decade or so, withplayers coming and going between the two clubs.

YYN boys Tom Hutton and Campbell MacInnes helped the Tigers to the 2013 premiership, while former Morwell greatAdam Bailey is generally credited with changing the fortunes of the Jets during his time as senior coach.

Notwithstanding this,the Tigers will surely be disappointed to lose Gray, Macdonald and Mcaulliffe, who would have been viewed as critical to Morwell’s future.

The Tigers won their first final in 11 years this season, butgointo nextyearwith anew coach ShaunMooney (of East Gippsland fame) and now without ahandful of experienced players.

Moe too will be without the experience of ruckman ChrisProwse,who has joined the town full of surprises on Phillip Island.

Prowse spends most Christmas’ on the island at the family holiday house, makingfor that connection.

Also departing the Lions is defender Luke Mulqueen, who has returned to Newborough where he played in the club’s 2016 premiership.

Joining him will be close mate Tyler Pratt, who played in Neerim Neerim South’s flag this season and with Mulqueen at Moe previously.

The Lions reappointedplaying-coach Leigh Poholke for asecond term halfway through this year, while TraralgonfavouriteDylan Loprese has moved from playing assistant to the top job.

Loprese replaces Troy Hamilton, who achieved what has become almost impossible by defeating

the Leongatha machine in agrand final (2024). Some discussion meanwhile has surrounded if Poholke’s trademark on-field outbursts will have ahand in any other Moe players departing. As an official fromarival clubobserved, Poholke berated everyone from the players to the coaches to the water boys during this year’s qualifying final. That being said, Poholke has maintainedhigh standards need to be met, and there was afeeling Moeneeded some toughlovewhenhetook the job

Youcan’t have your cake and eat it too.

Elsewhere, Warragul has been surprisinglyquiet despite locking in the biggest appointment the league haseverseen by getting Gary Ayres as senior coach.

The situation could spell early danger for the Gulls if they expect players to simply come due to the Ayres factor without picking up the phone and doing aring around.

Guns for hire across local footy

FOOTBALL

COMMENT

BY LIAM DURKIN

Money, money, money, It's arich man's world.

ABBA

NO season like the silly season.

Localfootballersappear to be channelling Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight: “If you’re good at something neverdoitfor free”

Afew willend up with more clubs thanTiger Woodsatthis rate.

“He’s got the skills, fitnessand hungertoplay multiple roles.”

"Absolute superstar, one of the best players

I've ever played with,” current Moe assistant coac hand for mer Chu rchillteammate of Williams, Chris Kyriacou added.

"He'd walk in (to) any Gippsland club and be astarting midfielder.”

Former Express journalist Tom Hayes also played alongside Williams at Churchill.

“Squid is the type of player that has the ability to make everyone else around him perform,” he said.

“He lifts the standard of the game. Playing with him at Churchill, there were many times when we hadour backs against the wall and he would throw the boys on his shoulders and essentially say 'this is how it's done'.

“A game that comes to mind was the 2023 elimination final against Yallourn Yallourn North. We had justscraped into the top five, and were staring downthe barrel of afirst round finals loss.

“Squid played like aman possessedinthat last quarter. Clearance after clearance,henever gave up until that final siren rang.

“But even just the simplicities to his game. Thereisnever anythingtoo technical, which decreased alot of pressure on those who hadn't had much senior experience.

“Therewas nothing better than receiving praisefrom him -evenifitwas for the most niche of moments.”

However brief, local pundits will be glad Williams at least tested the Gippsland League waters.

Plenty of other great local players never did, and it is perhaps disappointing we never saw the likes of Barrie Burnett(YYN), Damien Turner (Mirboo North),Griffin Underwood (Yarram) or Joel Mitchell (Newborough) play higher up.

Like Williams however, mateship and the go-home factor were always arguably too strong to let go.

While playerschangingclubs is nothing new, the amount of movement currently happening across the Latrobe Valley is certainly the most thiswriterhas seeninhis time reporting on local footy for this time of year.

The obscene amount of money supposedly getting tossed around is enough to have the job description of club officials changefrom 'recruiters' to 'poachers'.

With respect to individuals, it is not the role of this newspaper to say how much players are reportedly getting paid, nor how much some clubs have thrown at certain players.

It is concerning however to learn players coming straight out of juniorsare being approached by rival clubs.

For senior players, ballpark figures are ranging from $700 agame to as much as $2000 for some of the most prominent Gippsland League performers to drop back to the minors.

As disappointing as it may be to see players sellingout, it is also absolutely understandable.

We in media are not immune, nor oblivious. It is common for journalists to take up jobs in corporate communications that pay twice as much and require half the hours.

When people have mortgages to pay and mouths to feed, you can’t begrudge anyone for accepting amega deal.

As someone close to this writer accurately said “Everything has gone up except my wage.”

Quiteoften, clubs will keep upping their offer until aplayer has no choice but to say yes.

Do you really think Gary Ablett went to Gold Coastto‘helpgrow the game in Queensland’?

All this said, clubs need to be mindful of player points to try and fit all their recruits in.

The salary cap is there as well, but this has virtually become little-more than an administrative item needing to be ticked off.

It is no great secret either clubs have invented elaborate ways of gettingaround salary cap compliance.

Don’tworry,I’ve heardthem all: Bunnings vouchers, free landscaping, even money going to anetballer who also conveniently happens to be partners with the footballer.

But enticing players with money isn’t always aguaranteed way of gaining their signature. Loyalty might not be as strong as it once was, but it is still afactor for some, not to mention legacy.

Footballers also come from all walks of life. Some areartistic,the type who generally don’t value money all that highly.

There is acastle out at Wilung South just down the road from Gormandale Recreation Reserve. The man who built it made afortune hosting weddings butgavemost of what he earnt to charity.

More money often means more problems as well. Think of the countless high rollers who had failed businesses or went through expensive settlements or multiple divorces.

The GreatGatsy appeared to have everything, but died alonely man once he stopped throwing lavish parties.

Anyone who hastravelled to poorercountries willsurely attestthe peoplethereare often the happiest.

Long beforethe AFLkilled Fitzroy, it was aclub with no money. Late AFL great Robert Walls(who played with and coachedanumber of locals across stints with Carlton, Fitzroy, Brisbane and Richmond) said his time with the Lions were the fondest of his career.

“We were all in it together. The people who were there were there because they genuinely wanted to be,” he said.

Conversely, on his short-lived time as Richmond coach:

“A lot of people were happytoprotect their own area and cast blame on others. Outside people who’d been partofthe club had abit too much to say, and there were acouple of people at the club who listened to them too much.” DareIsay, similar observations wouldbe applicable to any number of clubs across Gippsland.

And much as recruits are important, history would suggest players on big money are not the ones who win finals.

Winners of theStanAitken Medal for best-onground in the Gippsland League Grand Final all but confirms this: 2025 DysonHeppell (technically aLeongatha local), 2024 Luis D’Angelo (Traralgon), 2023 Aaron Heppell (Leongatha), 2022 Tom Marriott (Leongatha), 2019 Mitch Bennett (Maffra/fromSale), 2018 CadeMaskell (Leongatha/from Korumburra), 2017 Hayden Browne (Leongatha/from Tarwin), 2016 Mitch Bennett, 2015 Josh Jennings (Traralgon). The odd exception aside, not many premierships are absolutely bankrolled.

On the move: Chris Wangman (picturedplaying forMorwellEast) has joined Gormandale

Photograph: South Gippsland SentinelTimes

Ainsworth, Flanders come back home to Victoria

FOOTBALL

AFL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IT isn't only local country footballers who are changing clubs.

Morwell's Ben Ainsworth has moved from Gold Coast to Carlton.

In the fifth day of the AFL Trade Period, the Suns 158-gamer had his wish granted in returning to Victoria after eight years on the sunshine coast.

The Blues flipped their small forward play, with athree-team deal including Carlton’s Corey Durdin on the move to Port Adelaide, while Ainsworth and Pick 67 went to the Blues, and the Suns received Pick 29 via the Power.

As one of the most active teams in the trade market,Ainsworth was arelatively surprising revelation that he wanted out of Gold Coast, having recentlycelebratedhis 150th game andasthe Suns reached and won their first final in its club’s history.

Despite that surprise and interest from other Victorian clubs such as Essendon,Ainsworth revealed that the trade happened quite fast, with discussions between the two parties beginning weeks in advance.

“There were acouple of teamsinterested,but the Blues made the initial pitch and were definitely interested from afar,” he told AFL Trade Radio

“I caught up with themmaybe aweek or two ago when they expressed their interested -Icouldn’t be happier.

“We caught up behind the scenes, they pitched where they see me fitting into the Blues and the potential outcome …Isee myself as aplayer that gets up the ground and has an impact, gets back and kicks goals or sets them up.

“Carlton has expressed that’s the way they want me to play.”

Ainsworth will re-join former Gippsland Power teammate, Warragul’s Harry McKay at the Blues

and willbeunder Carlton coach, Traralgon’s Michael Voss.

“He’s aripping fella, Vossy. He just wants me playing to my strength and to bring what Ibring, he’s been fantastic,” Ainsworth said.

McKay opened up about discovering he’s be reuniting with Ainsworth adecade after they playedalongside each other at Gippsland Power and withVictoria Country.

“It was (Jacob Weitering) who texted me saying how good that we got Benny Ainsworth …Ihad to look at my phoneand see what was going on. It happened pretty quickly. Iwas pumped,” he said.

The two also played state gameswith the Carlton vice-skipper, Weitering.

Ainsworth will now have the opportunity to show off his skills on the MCG, in front of away bigger crowd than he’s ever experienced in his career.

The largest he’s ever been subjected to was during the Suns elimination final against Fremantle this season, with 57,507 watching on at Optus Stadium.

Ainsworth will worktowards aRound1 bout with at least 80,000 in attendance for the traditional Richmond opener, more than triple that of the capacity of People First Stadium, Gold Coast.

His movefrom GoldCoasthas been viewed as ameans for the Suns to free up space to gain Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca from Melbourne.

 FORMER Moe junior and Fish Creek’s Sam Flanders has also departed the Suns.

The ‘Freak from FishCreek’ wastraded to St Kilda on Day 3ofthe trade period for Pick 7in the upcoming AFL Draft.

“Joining St Kilda feels like the right move at the right time,” Flanders said in aSaintspress release.

“This group has shownit’sready to take the next step and I’m eager to grow with them. I’m confident the Saints’ environment will bring out the best in me as both aplayer and aperson.

“I want to be part of the group that brings (the fans) the ultimate reward and success.

“Gold Coast will always be important to me as the place where Istarted my AFL journey and grew so much, but I’m fired up for what’s ahead in the red, white and black.”

Rum ours had be en cir cul ating regar di ng Victorian clubs’ interest in Flanders dating back to midseason, which reportedly shortened to the Saints,Essendon, and Melbourne in the last few weeks.

In an offer he couldn’t refuse, SEN’s Sam Edmund reported,before thetransaction wasmadeofficial, that Flanders contract will be $900,000 per year across five years.

Flanders joins aplethora of new recruits at the Saints including former Carlton pairTom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, and West Coast premiership hero Liam Ryan.

McLennan appointed coach of Casey

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND Power boys coach Rhett McLennan has earnt apromotion.

McLennan will coach Casey Demons in the VFL next season.

He is the longest-serving coach in Power's history (six years), having tallied 23 yearsofcoaching experience.

His time with Gippsland saw him lead the team to three of the last five preliminary finals,and achieve the minor premiership twice(it is worth noting GippslandPower plays in ahighly compromised finals system,where private school and scholarship players often becomeavailable forrival clubs during finals, making premiershipsall themoreharder to win for country regions).

McLennanhas also helped develop 32 players who have been drafted to AFL, making Gippsland Power the most successful Talent League program in recent years

McLennan’s playing career also speaks for itself, spanning22years, more than 300 seniorgames and three premierships.

Melbourne GM of AFL Football Performance and

formerStKilda coach Alan Richardson said the club was thrilled to appoint ahighly experienced football person in McLennan.

“After athorough process, we are reallypleased to welcome Rhett as senior coach of the Casey Demons for the 2026 VFL season,” Richardson said.

“Rhett’s coaching philosophy,character and experience in helping his players reach their full potential made him astandout candidate, and we had no hesitation in offering him the role.

“In addition to his VFL commitments, Rhett will also work across our AFL program, with focus on the development space. We’re excited by what he can contribute here.

“We look forward to welcoming Rhett and his family to the club, ahead of an exciting season.”

McLennan replaces Taylor Whitford, following his elevation to Melbourne’s Head of Development.

Caseyisoftenthe VFL home of local players given its relative close proximity at Casey Fields.

Moe's Riley Baldi was Casey'svice captainthis season and won the club award for values.

Afull interview with McLennan will appear in next week's Express.

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE saga between Moe’s Bailey Humphrey and the Gold Coast Suns is still ongoing. Gold Coast list managerand interim head of football CraigCameronshutdownany speculation they’d let Humphrey go.

“I finditahead-scratcher.We’re really clear,we’re not tradingBailey Humphrey,” he said in an AFL Trade Radio interview. Humphrey appears to be the final straw for the Suns, who have seenanumber of starplayers depart overthe lastdecade, and while Cameron said he's willing to accept players meeting with other clubs, the club is still the one who decides on acontracted player.

“The message is pretty clear. We lovehim, we think he’s still in the development phase to become areally goodfootballerfor this footy club,” Cameron added.

Cameron also said that Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick had spoken to Humphrey multiple times in the days followinga photo was released of the Moe export meeting with new Melbourne coachSteven Kingand assistant coach Nathan Jones. Humph re yr epor tedl ym et wit h Collingwood and Hawthorn also, according to Channel Nine’s Tom Morris. Humphreyaddedmore fuel to the fire with acryptic Instagrampost on Wednesday (October 8) with the caption ‘I’M FROM MOE’ (referencing the famous Footy Show street talk segment) and with the song ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ by John Denver. Twomey reported on the Channel Nine program Footy Furnace thatMelbourne’s top priority is acquiring Humphrey. “(Humphrey's) got family reasons to want to be back in Victoria …he's been driving a lot of this,” Twomey said. At the time of writing (Oct 13), it appears Humphrey will remain in Suns colours.

Promotion: Gippsland PowercoachRhett McLennanwillcoachVFL club Caseynext season. Photograph supplied

Official: Former Moe junior andFish Creek’s SamFlanders has landed at St Kilda. File photo

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 15 October 2025

Crying in the chapel

CARAVANNING LEASE Moe park residents defiant

Hard waste collection time in the Valley

Fight to keep Moe caravan park open Locals live through the greatwind

Body found on Old Sale Rd, Newborough

PoliceBeat

Smash, not shot

Door stops thievescold

Search formissing camper

$100khaul recovered

DPP lodges appeal against Patterson

Treaty criticised by local elders

Large scale dairy/ fodder operation- drought proof property

Councilmeetingcompleted in less than 10 minutes

Fundraiser set up following heinouskilling

Grok, AGL at odds

Fleet grounded before dangerous fire season

Batterybrillianceonfull display

First Gippsland MP rules themselves out of election

Aldred takes aim at Liberal colleague

The biggestforeigninfluenceoperation

in modern Australian history

ARCHIVES

Poisoner kills dogs

30 years ago

10 years ago

No morecoal investments

Magnesium figures pointto$6.6m spend

Repeatedmisinformation means peoplebelieve it: ANU

Ta ke aB re ak

BRAIN STRAIN

BATA SOCKS

Thebeginning of an exciting journey

Childrens Week

Sacred Hear t Primar ySchool

AtSacredHeart

Sacred Heart Primar ySchool

StateSchools are GreatSchools Childrens Week Saturday 18 to Sunday26October 2025

Albert Street PrimarySchool

Elizabeth Street Primary

Narracan Primary

NewboroughEast Primary

Newborough Primary

Rawson Primary

South Street Primary

South Primary

Willow Grove PrimarySchool

Yallourn North Primary

StateSchoolsAre GREATSchools

Art is everywhere and for everyone

The best of eat, drink and play in Gippsland

Topaccolades for Here There &Everywhere

PROJECT BRIEF:

PROJECT BRIEF:

PROJECT BRIEF:

PROJECT BRIEF:

2025HIA EasternVictoriaRegional Housing Awards

Congratulations to Roseleigh Homes

ABuilder ’s OwnMasterpiece

2025 HIA EasternVictoriaRegional Housing Awards

PROJECT BRIEF:

Congratulations to Sherridon Homes

PROJECT BRIEF:

KITCHEN IN ADISPLAY HOME PROJECT: TRARALGON

BRIEF:

BATHROOM IN ADISPLAY HOME PROJECT: TRARALGON

PROJECT BRIEF:

Seeing School Differently: Unlocking Children’sLearning with Behavioural Optometry

Fit for Life

HOROSCOPES

Hunter St, Moe

Moe carols coming to Old Gippstown

TheGuide

QUEEN VICTORIA: SECRET MARRIAGE,SECRET CHILD?

THE

PICK OF THE WEEK

Thursday, October 16

Saturday, October 18

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

Childrens Week

StateSchools are GreatSchools Childrens Week Saturday 18 to Sunday26October 2025