Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 17 December 2025

Merry Morwell

Santa dropped by Morwell Town Common last Friday, as hundreds gathered to shareinthis year ’s Christmas cheer.

-PAGE 16

HORROR AMONG THE PINE TREES

CATTLESHOT AT TYERS

By KATRINA BRANDON

FEELINGlikethe “wild west”, Tyers farmer John Williamson has been left disgusted after findingsomeofhis cattle shot.

Livingbeside apine plantation in Tyers, during winter,MrWilliamson walked down to one of his paddocks along the side of the plantation, where his cows had been, only to find some of them dead.

Unfortunately,due to the weather, Mr Williamson was unable to reach the cows in time to determine the cause of their death.

“I had three cows go down,” he told the Express “I was rackingmybrain…itabsolutely threwmewhy Ihad these healthycows thatwere dying,and the placesthat you would find them, it wasn't steep, and it wasn't in the gullies.”

Happening over afew months, he still couldn’t figure out the leading cause of their deaths, until recently.

Last month, Mr Williamson found his bull dead in the paddock less than 200 meters from his house.

After athorough investigation, he began searching for reasons.

“We openedhim up naturally,because we were looking for ahole, looking for a bullet hole,for anything,”hesaid

“There wasnoreason for this bull to go down. He was healthyand had been checked theday before.”

Whe ns ea rchin gt he ri bs, Mr Williamson’sson had foundthey had been broken, whichled to finding a bullet hole.

Naturally, Mr WilliamsoncalledTriple Zeroand theplantation owners,HVP Plantations.

Before the incident, Mr Williamson had also found that some of his fences had been ruined alongside the plantation side.

“I had one of their (HVP) fellows up here, and we went for adrive showing they have alot of trouble with people coming in their pines, trespassing,

because the pines are private property,” he said.

“The people come through the pines, and they rip up the tracks in their four wheel drive and shoot and do whatever else. Ialsohad my fence cut -eight different spots there acouple of years ago as well. There's awhole lot of things that have happened in the last four or five years.”

HVP Plantations sharedthe deep concern of neighbouring landholders regarding any reports of illegal shooting

AHVP Plantations spokesperson toldthe Express, "Any alleged illegal shooting, or property damage in and around plantations is unacceptable."

"Illegal activities are aserious threat to safety and environmentalvalues, and pose risks to neighbouringlandholders, staff, contractors and the community.

"Hunting and the discharge of firearms is not permitted on HVP’sprivateproperty without explicit authorisation. The only circumstances where shootingmay occur on HVP land are authorised pest management and plantationprotection activities, conducted by appropriately

qualified and approved personnel under strict controlsand safety requirements

"HVP has been working with local Vi cto ria Poli ce and GMA (Gam e Management Authority) surrounding illegal shootinginthe regionand will continue to supportenforcement and education efforts."

HVPiscontinuing to collaborate with neighbours and the relevant authorities to address this behaviour.

HVP encourages anyone who witnes se ss uspe cted ill eg al sho oti ng, trespass or related unsafe behaviour to report it:

 If there is an immediate threat to safety or acrime in progress: call Triple Zero (000).

 To report illegal hunting, contact the Game Management Authority (GMA) on 136 186, or via GMA’s online reporting form: https://www.gma.vic. gov.au/enforcement/report-illegalhunting-online

 To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or: https://www. crimestoppersvic.com.au/about-us/ contact/

Lynn granted appeal, retrialnext month

By AIDAN KNIGHT

GREG Lynn has been granted an appeal to his sentence of 32 years' jail for shooting camperCarol Clay in Victoria's High Country Killings.

Asecond trial has been ordered for January 28, 2026.

At the 2024 trial, Lynn (pictured) was convicted of Clay’s murderafterafive-weekhearing, but was acquitted of murderingher camping companion Russell Hill. He has always maintainedthe deaths were accidental -involving astruggleover agun andknife -though he admitted to concealing and burning the bodies, actions thatdevastated the victims’ families.

The appeal outcome be gan at 9.15am last Thursday (December 11).

The same morning 49,000 Victorian students received their VCE results, Greg Lynn received a result of adifferent variety.

Lynn's conviction was set aside in the Court of AppealbyPresident Karin Emerton, citing "serious irregularities" of the trial process that possessed a "substantial" likelihood of amiscarriage of justice.

Cows calamity

DISTURBING newscame to light last month, after it was discovered cattle had beenillegally shot at Tyers.

Anyone who witnessed the event, or has more information, is being urged to come forward.

To report illegal hunting, contact the Game Manag ement Author ity (GM A) on 136 186, or via GMA’sonline reporting form: https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/ report-illegal-hunting-online

To provide info rmation anonymous ly, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000or: https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/about-us/ contact/

He will be held in custody until theJanuary dateofthe Supreme Court Mention,where he will be required to attend in person at 9.30am in Melbourne.

The Court of Appeal’s decision hinged on repeated breaches of fair-trial rules by the prosecutor.

During closing arguments, the prosecutor challengedLynn’s credibility without having fairly exposed him to those allegations during crossexamination,inbreach of the Brownev Dunn rule.

The court also condemned mis-handling of ballisticevidence from apolice firearms expert, whose testimony could have supported Lynn’sversion of events.

Given these serious procedural failures, judges concluded no jury, even withdirections, couldhave returned afair verdict.

Lynn is permitted "without prejudice as to any application for bail he may makeinthe meantime", as President Emerton stated in the court.

His defence lawyer,Dermot Dann KC wouldnot answer questions from the mediaafterwardsasto whetherornot Lynn plans to do so.

Loss: This bull wasshot andkilled at Tyers. Photograph supplied

Lynn’soriginalconviction from October 18, 2024, has been overturned,highlighting the critical importance of safeguarding fair trial procedures.

The retrial for murderisexpectedtodrawkeen attention across the Latrobe Valley and beyond, given the case’s high profile and the serious legal issues raised in the appeal process.

DetectiveSergeant Brett Florence,one of the arresting officers who processed and interviewed LynnatSalePolice Station in 2021 was present at the appeal decision, but wouldnot comment

on the outcome, informing media that the family of the victim's were "devastated". Thecourtwas adjourned at 9.17am on Thursday.

The community, along with those closely following the justice system, will now looktothe next phase as the court prepares to revisit the complex case, which may include previously suppressed information on Lynn's alleged intimidation of his late wife back in 1999, which was withheld in the late trial to prevent bias.

Over the limit

AROUTINE traffic stop in Traralgon uncovered an alleged high-range drink driver on Wednesday, November 26.

Police intercepted avehicle on Cross’s Road about 10.20am, where the 60-year-old woman behind the wheel returned apositive preliminary breath test.

She was taken to anearbystation for an evidentiary test, allegedly recording areading of 0.239, almost fivetimes the legal limit.

As the woman was test-driving avehicle from alocal dealership, police were unable to impound the car.

Sillyspeeding season

A19-year-old Morwell man has lost his licence after he was allegedly caught driving 172km/h in an 80km/h zone on Princes Drive on Sunday, December 7.

Latrobe Highway Patrol intercepted the Holden Commodore station wagon about 6pm as officers operated abooze bus nearby.

The vehicle was impounded for 30 days at acost of $1291 and the driver’s licence was immediately suspended for 12 months.

He is expected to be charged on summons.

Freeway fallout

POLICE detected eight drink and drug drivers during Operation Dazed, amajorroad policing effort on the PrincesFreeway at Trafalgar across December 5–6.

Officers conducted 2314 preliminary breath tests, catching six drink drivers -including a

40-year-old Drouin man who allegedly returned areading of 0.259. His vehiclewas impounded, and he will face court.

A26-year-old Morwell woman also had her car impounded after she was detected driving 112km/h in a60km/h zone.

Two drivers tested positive to drugs during 107 roadside drug tests.

Police also detected five disqualified,suspended or unlicensed drivers, five unregistered vehicles, six defect notices and onemobile phone offence.

Victoria Police says motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, anytime, as impaired drivingenforcement ramps up over summer.

Training wheels gone

POLIC Ea re inve sti gat ing the th eft of a specialised L2P driver-training vehicle stolen from an education facility on Pioneer Street, Foster, at about 6pm on Saturday, December 6. Two offendersallegedly stole a2021 white Toyota Yaris hatch (registration1UR5NL), which is used by local volunteers to teach young drivers.

The car is described as highly distinctive, with extensive L2P signwriting. Police have released images of the vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

PoliceBeat with Aidan Knight

Disgust: Tyersfarmer John Williamson hadhis fences slashed and cows shot

Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Increased fire risk

Christmas publication dates

Express will be publishedonthe following dates over the Christmas period: Tuesday, December 23, Tuesday, December 30, Wednesday, January 7

VICTORIA'S fire season has begunamidtotal fire bans across large parts of the state, as forest management veteran, John Mulligan, launched his new book Our Mismanaged Forests.

The book launch came as the state government unveiled itsaerialfirefighting fleet, which includes two new fixed wing aircraft withinfrared capabilities amongst 54 aircraft.

The latest Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer indicates south-west Gippsland is at an increased fire risk due to underlying dryness. Mr Mulligan’s book brings together the insights of leading forest and fire experts, reinforcing the VictorianBushfires Royal Commission’sfinding thatwithoutlarge-scalefuelreduction burning, megafires willcontinue to devastate communities and the environment.

The Shad ow Ministe rf or Publ ic Land Management, Melina Bath, said the warning comes in stark contrast to Victoria’scurrent position.

"Undert he All an Labo rgovernment, fu el reduction burning has averaged just one per cent over the past five years -well-short of the Royal Commission’s recommendedfive per cent target," shesaid.

"This failurehas left many regional communities dangerouslyexposed. Indigenous cultural burning and broad-scale cool-season fuel reduction must be central to any serious bushfireprevention strategy."

Ms Bath, the Nationals Upper House Member for Eastern Victoria, said bushfires don’t wait for

committees or centralised decisions. "They demand constant, proactive management,” she said.

Ms Bath said the state government has repeatedly ignored expert advice, delivering some of the lowestlevels of mitigation in Victoria’shighest-risk regions.

“Grounded G-Wagons and UNIMOGs, weakened CFA support, and soaring emergency services levies have all contributed to regional Victorians payingthe price for Labor’s mismanagement," she said.

"Research shows that every dollar invested in fire mitigationreturns up to $5 in avoided suppression costs. Without an effective mitigation strategy, history will condemn this failure -and our forests and communitieswillbear the consequences. A Liberal and Nationals Governmentwill restore properfuel reduction targets, support volunteer andcareer firefighters and keep Victorians safe."

Meanwhile, the Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward unveiled the fleet at Avalon Airport, alongsideEmergencyManagement Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, and emergencyservices personnel.

This year’s fleet features 54 aircraft and includes twonew fixed wing aircraft with infraredcapabilities that can capture higher quality images than ever before, enabling better decision making and more accurate mapping.

Two large air tankers will be based at Avalon Airport, and two high-volume aircranes with the capacity to carry10,000 litres of water will be positioned at Essendon and Moorabbin.

Adedicated Super Puma helicopter has returned

to the skies to fightfires at night through firebombing,supported by an Air Attack Supervision aircraft that provides critical fire detection and observation at night.

This fleetunveiling follows the launch of 15 regional aircraft whichstartedtheirserviceperiod early last month. A'call when needed fleet' of more than 100 aircraft is also available including BlackHawk helicopters, and Victoria can request additional aircraft from the National Fleet.

Aircraft can be moved across the state according to risk and have alreadyresponded to severalfires since starting their service period in October -a month earlier thanusual due to increased firerisk Aircraft support emergency services workers on the ground, which includes thousands of dedicated emergency services workers from across the country Fire Authority (CFA), Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) and other agencies.

Victorians are urged to make sure they have afireplanfor theirhomeand anywherethey’re travelling thissummer.

For more informationonhow you can prepare for fires and other emergencies, download the VicEmergency app or visit: emergency.vic.gov.au

People can also create afire plan online customised to their needs and sharable with family and friends via: fireplanner.vic.gov.au

It’sthe economy,stupid: new mayor outlines her priorities

By AIDANKNIGHT

THE 2025/26 Mayoral term is the third in the career of Sharon Gibson.

The recently elected Madam Mayor, many will know as alongstandingNewbrough Ward councillor, recently swapped roles with her now-deputy, Cr Dale Harriman (Loy Yang Ward).

Cr Gibson previously served as mayor in 2013/14, precedingCrHarriman'sfirstterm, and thenagain in 2020/21, taking over from former long-time councillor Graeme Middlemiss.

The Express spoke one-on-one with Mayor Gibson last week, after she'd had afortnight to adjust to the role, one she knows well.

"I didn't expect to be mayor again, no, because you can never really expect anything until it happens (in elections)", she said.

"I said it in my speech as outgoing deputy, alot more comes onto my plateasmayor, admittedly, but over the last 12 months we really have worked as aleadership team," remarking on the effectiveness of aclose-knit and collaborative squadatthe head of thetable.

“When you’re reallyworking as ateam, you can

achieve, hopefully,a lot more, because one person doesn’t have all theanswers.”

This collaborative strategy, the mayor notes, has already proveneffective duringrecent delegations to Canberra, enabling council to address key community issues with aunited front.

Looking ahead, she intends to build on this teamwork-driven ethos to guide council actions and better serve the community.

Mayor Gibson has seen both side of this dynamic, serving as Deputy Mayor for five terms in Latrobe City Council. This renewed focus on sharing the load echoes comments she's made previously, often imploringcouncillors to continue to strengthen their ability to work together.

Many of Latrobe City Council's current line-up have also run for stateelections in various parties, and the Express inquired as to whether Cr Gibson would consider putting herself forward asecond time next year, after running as an independent in 2022.

"Notwhile I'm mayor," sheconfirmed, saying she would prefer to do her role "properly".

"I would hope it'sdifferent to the lasttwo (terms),

Lowering standards rather than setting them

COMMENT

BY MICHAELLEANEY

WAY back in October 2024, the Baw Baw Shire decided on itsown fruition thatsix of the22picnic tables in Walhallawould be replaced. This was never requested by the community nor werethese tables in poor condition having only been installed seven years earlier.

Ithinkthatthere was some leftoverflood recovery funding sloshing around so this seemed like agood way to spend it.

Unfortunately the shire failed to check its own heritage rules for Walhalla and installed noncompliantfaux stone bases for five of the tables and aconcrete base for the other.

Fakestonework and exposed concreteisnot allowed under the Walhalla Planning Scheme which is designed to protect the gold-era heritage values of the township.

Initially theshire attempted to utilise its exemption powers as amunicipality to circumvent their rules, but after ayear of stagnation, frustration and asomewhat bizarre attempt to simply paint over the problem (literally) they have conceded their errorand decided thatthe faux stonework will be covered in asphalt -awidely used material in Walhalla during the gold-era and entirely appropriate.

While this is along awaited positive outcome, everyone should be aware that despite the shire agreeing that they did indeed breached their own heritage planning guidelines, they will not correct the error at the sixth table’s location at the southern carpark as it’s deemed as being simply too difficult. Forthis location, the Baw Baw Shire was warned

of the breach in advance of pouring the concrete yet proceeded anyway.

Ibelieve this was acalculated act on the part of the shire as they knew it would be difficult to change the outcome once the concrete was cast.

Could you imagine what would happen to a private individual if they were warned of noncompliance prior to building works starting yet continued on regardless? The council would come downonyou likeaton of bricks to forceyou to correct the works and comply with the rules.

Clearly what’s good for the publicgoose isn’t good for the shire gander,asthey appear to be happy to breach their ownplanning scheme knowingly yet refuse to correct their error.

Importantly, Baw Baw Shire claims to fully support the World Heritage Listing of Walhalla but obviously this doesn’t translate to them complying with theirown heritage building rules in the town.

This is nothing new as for along time Baw Baw Shire has actually been one of the worse offenders when it comes to compliance with the heritage rules for Walhalla.

Ifind it sad that the shire is opting to lower the standard rather than set them. Their latest actions sends the signal that compliance with the heritage planning scheme is not actually required.

Hopefullythere willbea change of heart and the shire will actually decidetodothe job right, correct the error and comply with their own rules so that Walhallacan maintain and enhance ahigh standard of heritage preservation and sympathetic new building works worthy of aWorld Heritage site.

Michael Leaney is aWalhalla resident and former Baw Baw Shire Councillor.

Moreletters -Pages 30-31

because each time we had emergencies, the mine fire and the floods and storm damage."

Cr Gibson detailed the second of one of her more forefront politicalmemories, when emergency services were droppinginsupplies for affected people they couldn't reach through the floodwaters, "medication and baby formula and such".

"I actually workedtoget different MPs and a particularmorningtelevisionshowtovisit the Latrobe Valley to see the aftermath (of the 2021 Traralgon flood)," she recalled.

Thenacting PremierJames Melinosurveyed the damage in Traralgon, at the time when Daniel Andrews was on crutches.Gibson chuckled that it "didn't stop me", referring to her recent hip surgery which failed to slow down any of her work in council.

Mayor Gibson is of the opinion if such adisaster was to occur again, the support of her deputy and chief executive, Steve Piasente, and their combined experience as ateam, would help Latrobe City manage such an event.

"Going throughthose experiences, you learn, and we havethatknowledgeasthe seniormembers of council -some of which is really needed in the role," she said.

Cr Gibson said the best part of being on council was "youhavethe chancetospeak up for your community, and enact change for the better."

The most challenging aspect was "when people see the need but aren't there on the journey with us, or don't care."

"Let's face it, the Valley has actually empowered thestate to be so prosperous for 100-odd years, off

the back of cheap power. Now our power stations are coming to an end, where are they?", she said, seeminglyreferring to state government assistance. "We were good enough to help you,now where are you in our hour of need?"

Citing clear commitment to leading through cooperationand openness,the mayor remains optimistic about the community’s direction over the next year, focusing on tangible outcomes through unity and shared effort, and declared the local economy as her biggest priority overthe next year of her mayoral term.

"We’re very, very keen to see how we canland with diversifying our economy," she said.

"It has akick-on effectwithcrime too, to apoint. If there is enough employment for everybody, people havelesstimethat createsroomfor some desperate crimes to occur. It wouldn't solve everything, but it would help."

Despitethis,and theeventualpassing of the CBD Outreach Program at November's council meeting,aimed at reducing these issueswithin the municipality,Mayor Gibson maintainsthat she "will follow up with Minister Carbines (Police Minister AnthonyCarbines), and seeifhewill (visit the area), because Itook it (his interest in doing so) in good faith.

"At the end of the day it's about community," Cr Gibson said "That for me is the be-all, end-all about it (being mayor). What you can do for the community. "I want to create hope for the community, one in which some are really struggling."

2Chairswalked

50 years ago

The Express, December 17, 1975

TWO lounge chairs were stolen from a Morwel lf urnit ure sho pd uri ng tradi ng hours yesterday. The chairs, valued at $115 each, were stolen from Howes Furnishing on Buckley Street between 5:15 and 5:30 on Monday afternoon. The heavy skid base chairs, part of athree-piece loungesuite, were on display in the shop next to the window. "Ifthe thieves contact me I'll sell them the set at adiscount", proprietor Cr Bill Howes saidyesterday."There is no other wayI'll get rid of it". Staffatthe shop also noticed yesterday that 24 gold carpet tiles were missing. Valued at $90, they were in astack opposite the chairs.

30 years ago

The Express, December 15, 1995

Shireset to sell hall

ADEAL to sell Kernot Hall and the former Morwell civic centre to Central Gippsland College of TAFE is likely to be finalised early

next year. The Shire of La Trobe and TAFE have already agreed in-principle to the sale, which is notexpectedtorestrictpublic access to Kernot Hall or the surrounding gardens. A present, the shire receives around $145,000 a year in rent from TAFE, but it currently costs ratepayers between $85,000 and $90,000 to maintain thelakeand surrounding gardens. "We don't believe that is agood financial arrangement," Shire CEO John Mitchell said. He claimed the best way for TAFE to securetenureofthe site "would be to own it". "Atpresent there is no firm basis for TAFE to make future investment decisions." He saidthe shire would also be "released from financial obligations" through the sale, which provided awin-win for both parties.

10 years ago

The Express, December 14, 2015 Man injured following 10-metrefall

AMAN lost his footing and fell off the roof of Ryan's Hotel in the early hours of Saturday morning. Traralgon police reported the allegedly intoxicated man climbed the wall of the Kay Street building, lost his footing and fell 10 metres at around 2am. The 19-year-old Newborough man was conveyed to Latrobe Regional Hospital with abroken wrist and bruisingtothe neck. Policesaidthey were investigating the incident and no charges had been laid.

Think of the children Churchillparentsdemand bus stop

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AGROUP of concerned parents say Latrobe City Council’s inaction on establishing asafebus stop on Switchback Road, Churchill is putting children at risk on the busy road.

Thefamilies, representingtheir 13 children who commute to Baringa Special School, allege they have repeatedly appealed to Latrobe City Council to install aformalised bus stop, only to be ignored. On multiple occasions, according to the parent group, there has been "heavy machinery" parked and/or operated directly on thesamesectionof road the bus makes its pickup from, by workers employed by council.

They say the lack of adesignatedstopleaves both drivers and students vulnerable.

“If there was adedicated bus stop there,they wouldn’t be doing it there -it’s avisual cue that these kids get picked up,” one parent told the Express

The sameparent saidit“doesn'tmakesense”that when they phoned council to raise safety concerns, they were placed on hold to apre-recorded message about supporting residents with disabilities.

Anotherchild's mother described this as "an absolutejoke",and adouble-standard that the organisation advertise support for disability communitiesbut seemingly will not followthrough when asked for assistance.

Previously, thebus wouldpick up students closer to the Churchill Police Station, but this becamean issue when more police vehicles began parking on the space, making it impossible for the bus driver to continue doing so.

Parents say the situation has persisted for close to ayear without progress.

“We don’t have astop sign. We don’t have anything indicating abus stop,” one parent said.

“There’s nothing even telling motorists thatit’s a special school bus stop.The kids are getting wet in the winter and in the summer, they’re standing in scorching heat -there’s nothing.”

Others described the challenge of keeping more vulnerable children safe and contained at the makeshift stop, which is simplya patchofgrass between the Churchill roundabout and the police station.

“You’re trying to control these children who are runningoff in every direction,"another parent said.

Attempts to secure council support havebeen frustrating.

“They just keep passing the blame back and forth between council and Transport Victoria. No one is taking responsibility."

The situation has forced parents and children to wait outside in harsh weather or remainsittingin cars, while older kids sometimes walk unprotected along the roadside.

When asked for comment, aLatrobe City Council spokesperson said the organisation is aware of the concerns raised.

“Latrobe City Council is aware of concerns raised regarding school bus pick-uparrangements on Sw itchbac kRd, Chu rchil l, and unders tan ds the importance of ensuring safe and accessible transport for all students, including those attending Baringa Special School,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson emphasised that council

does not manage school bus routes or associated infrastructure.

“Whilecouncil does not manage school bus routes or associated infrastructure for either government or non-governmentschools, we have been requesting the relevant authorities to explore improvements at this location. Council has been liaising with Public Transport Victoria (PTV), including submitting a request in August seeking endorsement of changing abus stoplocationtosupport anew bus shelter request on Switchback Road.”

Regardi ng parent conc erns about heav y machinerypositionednear the temporary stop, the spokesperson said:

“Operationalworks occasionally require temporary presence on roadsides. However,council does not intentionally position heavy equipment in amanner that would compromise community safety.Ifany activityhas caused concern, we welcome residents to report it so it can be addressed promptly.”

The spokesperson said council will continue advocacy efforts.

“Council will continue working with PTV, local residents and relevant stakeholders to support safe and practical solutions for school bus access in Churchill.”

For now, parentssay their children will continue waiting on the roadside each morning -until one of the authorities involved takes responsibility for delivering aformal bus stop, while families simply hope for aresolution before achild is hurt.

VCE results are in: locals scoring high

By AIDAN KNIGHT

LATROBE Valley students received their VCE results last Thursday (December 11) at 7am, joining arecord-breakinggraduatingclass across Victoria

Atotal of 65,586 students will finish the Victorian Certificate of Education in 2025 -anincrease of 3500 on last year.

Acting Education Minister, Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated the “commitment and dedication” shown by students statewide.

Lowanna CollegeNewborough saw its best scorescomefrom biology, general mathematics and psychology, while Trafalgar High School had English and math (general and methods) topping their stats.

This year’s cohort also includes more than 9700 students statewide who completed the Vocational Major, up from 8290 in 2024, reflecting the growing appetite for applied learning pathways.

More than 15,300 students across Victoria earned at least one study score of 40 or above, while arecord 664 students achieved aperfect study score of 50.

Locally, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar reported an outstanding cohort, with adux ATARabove 99. Around 15 per cent of the school’sstudents scored above 90, and 35 per cent scored above 80, with multiple perfect study scores across STEM, humanities, arts and VET subjects.

Lowanna College’s dux achieved an ATAR above 95, with top marks in English, General Mat hemati cs, Bio logy ,L eg al Stud ies and Psychology, while Gippsland Grammar celebrated

Wait is over: VCE resultshavebeenreleased

adux ATAR above97and amedian ATAR of 72.7, higher than thestate average.

About 30 per cent of Gippsland Grammar’s students scored above 80, including several Year

11 students with perfect scores in subjects such as Biology and Applied Computing.

Across these schools, graduates are moving onto university, TAFE, trade pathways and competitive interstate or international programs. Some of the highest-scoring students outside the Valley came fromMazenod College, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Oakleigh Grammar, Northside Christian College, and Casey Grammar.

Across the state, the VCEcompletion rate remains steady at 97.3 per cent, with 3473 students awarded the VCE Baccalaureate for completing advanced maths and language sequences.

Local principals say this year’s results reflectthe resilience and adaptability of students who have completed their schooling in arapidly changing post-COVID education environment.

Victorian Curriculum AssessmentAuthority

Chief Executive, Andrew Smith saidthe organisationwas proudtohelpcelebratethe achievements of everystudentwho received results on the day.

Associate Professor Glen Hosking of Latrobe University warns students: “It’s important not to let disappointing VCE results define you. An ATAR is justanumber- areflection of performanceon specific assessments, not ameasure of your worth, identity or future success."

“If your result isn’t what you hoped for, remind yourself that your ATAR is not your identity. It is also important to practice self-care, seek support from those around you and try to limit comparisons with others -especially on social media.”

From the schools -Pages 14-15

Student debt reduced

By AIDAN KNIGHT

THOUSANDSofLatrobeValley

residents are among the three million people setfor astudent debut cut, as the ATO beganthe rollout last week.

Under the federal government's scheme, thosewithunpaidHECSdebt for tertiary education will see their bill reduced by 20 per cent, in aone-offmeasureaimed at assistingthe current cost-of-living situation.

All eligible HECS/HELPdebt and other government-backed study loans across the country will see the reduction, as long as they are held as of June 1.

Reduction is automatic, and each debtholder will be reached at whatever date their loan reduction is processedbythe ATO, via SMS.

So far, action has been swift, with two Express journalists receiving their text messages the day the legislation came into effect on Wednesday, December 3, and a third the following Monday.

Most reductions are expected to be finalised before the end of 2025, though complex cases -including some VET Student Loans and apprenticeship-support loans -may notbecompleted until early 2026.

Refunds will be issued where the reductionpushes an account into credit, provided there are no outstanding Commonwealth debts.

The 20 per cent cut is calculated on a person’s loan balance as it stood on June 1, 2025, before annual indexation. Indexation will only apply to the remaining balance after the reduction.

Eligible loansinclude: HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP, OS-HELP, VET Student Loans, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, Student Start-Up Loans and the Student Financial Supplement Scheme.

Government figures show about 70 per cent of people repaying HELP debt are aged 35 or under -aperiod typically marked by home-saving,relocation, and familycosts. The government says the reduction is designed to ease financial pressure at atime when many households are struggling with rising living expenses. Nationals Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has criticised the measure, calling it "vote-buying", telling Parliament it disproportionately benefits inner-city electorates and fails to address major barriers facing regional students.

He argued the $16 billion investment should have been directed toward improving access to higher education for rural communities, including overhauling Youth Allowance and expanding regional university campuses to reduce relocation costs. Mr Chester said he would continue advocatingfor Gippslandfamilies who face significant financial and geographic challengeswhenpeoplepursue tertiary study.

Local borrowers are encouraged to ensure their ATO and MyGov contact details are up to date so they receive confirmation once the reduction is processed.

PhotoiStock

Addressingshortage of GPs

FEDERATIONUniversity and medical educationprovider New MedicalEducationAustralia (NewMed) have unveiled alandmark agreement to establish anew School of Medicine, designed to transform how doctors are trained in Australia

The proposed school will offer afour-year, graduate-entryDoctor of Medicine program, purpose-built to help address Australia’s critical shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) –particularly in rural and regional communities.

The model willenable postgraduate students to study virtually from across Australia, using advanced technologies to engage students in facilitated online small group learning.

An innovative regional cluster model will group students geographically and embed them within local healthcareorganisations, providing hands-on experiencethroughouttheir degree. Thrice-yearly anchor events willbring all students together for collaborative learning.

Unliketraditionalmedical schools that prioritise hospital rotations, this program will immerse students in General Practice clinics from their first year, continuing in years two and three, with hospital-based training following for the final year.

Studentplacements willbesupported by

NewMed’s network of medical practices and hospitals across rural, regional and outer-urban areas in every mainland state.

The proposed school is currently being assessed for accreditation by the Australian Medical Council. Subject to finalisation of accreditation, the school will commence in 2027.

Fede rati on Unive rsi ty Vi ce Cha ncel lor

Professor Duncan Bentley said the program was designed with regional and rural students in mind, enabling future doctors to stay in the communities they call home.

“We know thatwhenstudentsleave their communities, they often don’t return,” Professor Bentley said.

“Byenabling future doctors to learn where they live,this offers atransformative solution to the doctor shortage, particularly for GPs, in rural and regional Australia.”

Currently, just 3900 doctors graduate from 22 medical schools each year in Australia, while more than 4000 overseas-trained doctors arrive annually to fill workforce gaps.

The new program plans to commence with around 90 full-fee paying students, with anumberofadditional places available for scholarship students.

Photo: istock

‘Australian’ paper made in Thailand

By PHILIP HOPKINS

Major project status for Blue Mackerel

JERA Nex bp's BlueMackerel Offshore Wind Project has been awarded Major Pro ject Stat us (MP S) by the fede ral government.

The official recognition of theproject’s significance was announced by Australia’s Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Tim Ayres.

The proposed 1GW project has passed another significant milestone with this recogn itio n, which secure sd edic ated support from the Federal Major Projects Facilitation Agency (MPFA). Thiswill helpthe Blue Mackerel project navigate the robust environmentaland regulatory approvals process.

MPS reco gnis es pro ject st ha ta re of economic significance to Australia. Subject to necessary approvals and the award of acommercial licence, construction of the Blue Mackerelproject is expected to deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits.

Located around 10km off the Gippsland coast on Brataualung and Tatungalung Country, between Seaspray and Woodside, Blue Mackerel has the potential to generate 1GW of power.

At full capacity, that’s power into the grid for up to 750,000 Victorian homes ayear by 2032. As Victoria’s remaining coal-fired power stations retire, the project will help deliver new, clean, and reliable electricity into the grid.

BlueMackerelisbeingdevelopedby

JERA Nex bp, a50:50 joint venture between JERA Co. and bp. With more than 15 years’ global experience in offshore wind, JERA Nex bp is one of the world’s largest offshore wind companies and an end-to-end developer, owner and operator.

The company’s combined global portfolio includes around 13GW of net potential gener ating capac ity ,a rou nd 1GW of installed capacity, 7.5GW in development, and 4.5GW from secured leases.

But turning over the package reveals the truth: 'Made in Thailand'. Reflex copypaper,launched in 1975 by Australian Paper, has not been produced at Opal's Maryvale Mill since January 2023, when the state government closedthe nativeforest industry and no pulpwood was available to produce the white copy paper. More than 350 workers directly lost their jobs.

Followingthe closure of Opal’s whitepaper production, acompany, Double A, boughtthe Reflex copypaperbrand from Opal, whichispart of Nippon Paper Group. Headquartered in Thailand, Double Aisaleading global paper supplier with significant market share in Europe and the Middle East and Australia.

“With Reflexremaining an iconicbrand for consumers throughout Australia and New Zealand, this addition to our offer reinforces the strength of our unique proposition to theAustralian and New Zealandmarkets,” Tim Irvine, Double A’s senior channel development manager -A/NZ, said at the time.

“Our Double Apremium brand, complemented by Reflex, will providecustomers with ahighlyrecognised, complete, well-supported, branded product offering,” he said.

Mr IrvinesaidwhenReflex was relaunched, distributionwas regained from scratch,step-by-step Opal has takenlegal action against the Victorian government over the 2023 axing of awood supply contract which was supposed to run to 2030.

In filings lodged in the Supreme Court of Victoria, Paper Australia Pty Ltd (trading as ‘Opal’) began proceedingsagainst the Victorian state government for $402 million in damages following the government’s breach of the Wood Pulp Agreement (Agreement)toprovideastablesupply of wood to Opal.

The Maryvale Mill, acornerstone of the Latrobe Valley for more than 85 years, then employed more than 500 people on the sitedirectly, with additional jobscreated externally in the wider community and supply chain. Its direct economic output generated an estimated contributiontothe LatrobeLocal Government Area of more than $622 million annually.

In May 1996, the Victorian government entered into the agreementwith Amcor, the then operator of the MaryvaleMill,tosupply pulpwood, withthe agreement expiring in June 2030. In 1998, Amcor assigned its rights under the agreement to Paper Australia Pty Ltd (now trading as Opal).

Under the agreement, the Victoriangovernment’s

state-owned enterprise VicForests was providing Opal with eucalypt wood, acriticalraw material for white paper production.InNovember 2022, the government advised Opal it would be unable to fulfil its contractual obligations to supply wood. For the 2022/23 financial year, areduced supply of wood was supplied to Opal by VicForests and subsequently, the state government made it clear that it did not intend to supply any wood to Opal in the future, forcing Opaltoterminate the agreement in May 2023.

In May 2023, then Premier Daniel Andrews put an end to native harvesting seven years ahead of the previously signalled 2030 phase-out. Opal says that with no viable alternatives available to replace the discontinued woodsupply, it was forced to closeits whitepulp and paper production at the Maryvale Mill in early 2023, resulting in the loss of more than 400 jobs across Australia. The closure, together with the reduction in production volumes, consequential redundancies, and the severe commercial impacts on the entire Opal Group arising from the loss of its white pulp and paper business, has caused, and continues to cause, Opal to suffer substantial loss and damage.

LRH honoured as employer of choice

LATROBERegional Health hasbeen formally recognised as an Employer of Choice in The Australian Business Awards 2025.

The award recognised LRH’sabilitytodemonstrate outstanding leadership, workplace culture and employee-centred practices.

The rigorous assessment process involved an independent evaluation of LRH’s organisational policies, practices and outcomes.

LRH People and Culture General Manager, Lee Cochrane said this was aclear demonstration of thehospital’s core values of integrity, respect and excellence in action.

“I am immensely proud of our workforce. Their professionalism and commitment are what make this organisation exceptional,” Ms Cochrane said.

“I thank all staff for bringing our values to life and for ensuring they guidehow we work together to provide better care, everywhere, for everyone.”

LRH employs 3015 people, making it the largest employer in Gippsland.

Jobsvary from cleaners,kitchen hands, administration staff,nurses, doctors, surgeons, pharmacists and allied health teams.

LRH also recently acknowledgedthe long service of 263 staff members, celebrating milestones from between five years, up to an exceptional 45 years of service.

The Employer of Choice award acknowledges organisational culture and leadership, employee education, training and development, health, safety performance management, and remuneration.

Ms Cochrane said thishighlighted LRH’s commitmenttofostering aprofessional environment in which staff are supported, respected, and empowered to deliver high-quality care in Gippsland.

“Thisachievement reflects what can be accomplished when we work collaboratively, place people at the centre of all we do, anduphold integrity,

respect and excellence in our everyday practice,” Ms Cochrane said.

“Latrobe Regional Health extends its appreciation to its staff for their continued dedication and congratulatesthe entire organisation on this noteworthy accomplishment.”

THE gleaming blue colour is familiar,and the yellow lettering confirms the initialperception: Reflex copy paper is still available to buy in Australia.

Congratulations: Latrobe Regional Health is celebrating afterwinning amajoraccolade at The Australian Business Awards Photograph supplied

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Christmas lunch

IF you need somewhere to go on Christmas Day, you are welcome to join the Traralgon DistrictUniting Church (19-29 Park Lane, Traralgon).

Bookingsare essential, so if you would like to come, ring and leave amessage on 5176 1029 or 0483 803 922.

Great food, great company, songsand gifts. Lunch is from12noon to 2pm on Christmas Day.

Op shop

BARGAINSgaloreatthe Lighthouse Op Shop

(next to the Well Street milk bar, Morwell). Everythinghalf price until this Friday (December 19).

Shop is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10am-3pm.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Tuesday, December 9: N/S 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (59.11 per cent); 2nd Don Tylee and Robin Hecker (57.88). E/W 1st Heather Watt and Anne Howes (60.1); 2nd Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (58.8).

Thursday, December 11: N/S 1st Helen McAdam and MoiraHecker (54.17); 2nd Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (53.57). E/W 1st Kerry Mills and AnneMoloney (63.69); 2nd Robin Hecker and Don Tylee (57.44).

If you would like to see what bridge is all about, call Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528.

Dance the night away

LINE dancing is held at the Traralgon Senior Citizens Club, at the corner of Mathews Crescent andCampbell Street, Traralgon (literally just beside Yallambee Community Centre).

Sessionsare Monday and Wednesdays from 9am-11am. Cost is $2.

Beginners are welcome, but those with more expertise are also challenged.

On mostSundays, dancers are encouraged to join the group at concerts held at various local venues.

Give Heidi aring on 0431 936 653 if you would like to learn more, or just come along and you will be warmly welcomed.

Community chess

BRODIE Ward returned to action and was rewardedfor careful play with four wins before astumbleinthe clash with Price Samaseia at Latrobe Valley Chess.

Steve Ahern continued to show signs of improvement, finding the winning line in two battles against adeterminedAithan Vincent.

New skills were on show fromAustin Vincent, providing asolid challenge in each game.

Two wins for Ian Hamilton were balanced by the misdirection in other battles.

Peter Baker adjusted to awinning style after erring in the early contests.

Trevor Poiutltonmisjudgedthe correct line in two games beforeforcing awin in his final battle.

Phone Ian Hamilton on 0400 221649 or Cliff Thornton (0413 330 458) for more details.

Maryvale Probus

AREMINDER to members that the December meeting incorporating the Christmas lunch commences at 11.30am at Morwell RSL this Thursday (December 18).

Wishing all avery happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

For more information, phone Carol on 0439 344 365.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

TUESDAY23DECEMBER 3pm-8pm, Kay Street Don’t

Photo: istock

Ta ke aB re ak

ONE POINTERS

BRAIN STRAIN

1. In beach volleyball, howmanyplayers areoneach side of the net?

2. Howmanygrams arethereinone and ahalfkilograms?

3. Beginning with S, whatisanother name foreye glasses?

4. If Iwas visitingthe town of Hamiltonwhatstate/territorywould Ibein?

TWOPOINTERS

5. Who wonthe 2025 senior football grand final forthe Gippsland League?

6. What cheese typically fillsacannelloni?

7. What is the oldesttennis tournament in the world?

8. What is thename of thefictional town wherethe TV show Stranger Things takes place?

THREE POINTER

9. Which leader succeeded Mikhail Gorbachev, becoming the first president of Russia?

10.Beginning with Lwhatnameisgiven to Viking ships?

11. What shape is Conkelia pasta shaped like?

12. What talk showhostwas known forhis segment called ‘Carpool Karaoke’?

FOUR POINTER

13. Whatisthe term forthe study of birds?

14. Prague is the capital of which country?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll giveyou their real names and yougivemetheir celebrity names? 1. PeterGene Hernandez,2.Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor,3.Caryn Elaine Johnson, 4. Reginald Dwight, 5. Alecia Beth Moore.

HOWDID YOUFARE?

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

James 3:;1enrdCo Ornithology; 14: echCz public;Re 15: noru.B-1 Mars, -2. ePrinc 3.,-Harry Whoopi g,Goldber -4. onElt John, -5. Pink,

otta;Ric 7: mbledon;Wi 8: wkins;Ha 9: Boris ltsin;Ye 10: ngLo Ships; 11: Seashells;

o;Tw 2: 1500 ams;gr 3: Spectacles; 4: oria;ctVi 5: ongatha;Le

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

We’re Open

Cameron calls on ministertoresign

By PHILIP HOPKINS

MORWELL Nationals MP, Martin Cameron, has called on state Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio to resign after adamning report from the AuditorGeneral found Victoria's energy system faces massive dislocation due to bad planning when Yallourn Wpower station closes in 2028.

“Ministerfor Energy, LilyD’Ambrosio should resign.She has showntimeand time againthat she leads with ideology instead of common sense," said Mr Cameron, who is ShadowAssistantMinister for Energy Affordability.

The VictorianAuditor-General foundthat the risk of a“disorderly energy transition” is “almost certain”, leadingtosupply shortages, skyrocketing energy prices andwidespread job losses.

In thereport, the Auditor-General also warned Victorians would face gas shortages as early as next year and confirmed“thecurrent pipeline of generation and battery projects will not be enough to offset Yallourn’s closure from mid-2028”.

Mr Cameronsaidthe Allan Labor government had set itself up for certain failure by accelerating the closure of coal-fired power stations without a proper plan to replace their baseload power.

“Labor has had 11 years to prepare for the transitionawayfrom coal-fired power, but repeated inaction and mismanagement of the grid mean Victoria is in aprecarious position,” Mr Cameron said.

“The Auditor-General has now confirmed Labor willnot meet itslegislated 2032 offshorewind targets and has failed to consider the risks associated delaying approvals and auctions.

“I supporta sensible and considered transition to renewables, but Labor’s plan is neither sensible nor considered.”

The new audit report found the state government has not adequately planned for the renewable energy transition, and risked plunging the state into blackouts afterthe Yallourncoal power station closes.

The Victorian Auditor-General said delays to key

projects such as offshore wind and poles and wire projects had left little buffer in the state’s electricity generation and storage pipeline in the period immediately after Yallourn shuts in mid-2028.

“If forecast gas shortfalls persist or south-eastern Australia experiences prolonged drought conditions, Victoria will face constraints on gas-powered and hydroelectric generation respectively,” the report tabled in Parliament said.

Victoria has legislatedrenewable energy targets of 40 per centby2025, 65 percent by 2030and 95 per cent by 2035. The report said the state government’s offshorewindprogramwould notdeliver its separate legislated two gigawatt target by 2032, citing the delays to the approval of aport -Hastings in WesternPortwas vetoed on environmental ground by the federal government- to support wind turbine assembly and construction.

Also, offshore wind auctions, which were scheduled to begin in September, have since been delayed.

The Auditor-General said the Department of Energy, Environment and ClimateAction’s had

failed to show it had considered the full extent of project delays, weathervariationand contingencies in its advice.

“AEMO [the Australian Energy Market Operator] and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are also concerned that there will not be enough gas to meet Victoria’s gas-powered electricity generation needs,” the report said.

“This could mean that the current pipeline of generation and battery projects will not be enough to offset Yallourn’s closure from mid-2028.

"The department has limited short-term options to address potential electricity shortfalls and guarantee reliability in Victoria’s power supply. It expects Victoria’s allocationunder the CIS [Capacity Investment Scheme] to strengthen supply by 2030.”

The report made four recommendations, which included greatermonitoring of potential future power shortfalls from coal plant closures and increased co-ordination of transmission planning. All have been accepted by the Allan government.

Outrage afteralleged Kaiden Morgan killer walksfree

Warning: this story details an Aboriginal man who has died.

By AIDAN KNIGHT

ONE of the allegedKaiden Morgan killers has walked free,while another has beenapprehended, after homicide detectives withdrew charges against the 19-year-old accusedoftaking the lifeofthe Morwell man on September 27.

Tyson Fenton,alsoofMorwell, was previously remanded until ascheduled court appearance for February 10, 2026, while the 16-year-old also involved (who cannot be named as aminor), was allegedly placed in Police Protection outside of Latrobe Valley until acommittal hearing on January 14, 2026.

The pair were both charged with murder and intentionallycausing serious injury two days after the attack on Morgan and his brother, who survived, on The Boulevard in Morwell, near Princess Drive. Both victims were found suffering from stab

wounds, sparking outrage from the wider Morwell and Latrobe Valley communities, which only increased when footage was circulated by the accused of their pursuit and harming of Morgan, which they also allegedly sent to his family.

Victoria Police released abriefstatement following the charges dropped, sayingthat the decisiontodo so wasmade, "noting this is acomplex investigation that continues to evolve". These were formally recognised on November 28,atthe Melbourne Magistrates' Court,where Fenton was released from custody the same day. During his initial court appearanceatLatrobe Valley MagistratesCourton September 29, Fenton's lawyerBen Lewtasargued thathis client was fearfulofretaliationshould he be imprisoned, and he had no prior criminal history. Morgan's mother, Sascha Johnston, took to online platforms to express her disgust at theturnof events, saying "as my son lays in his grave (sic), they celebrate.Just like in that video. You can film amurder, you can laugh, you can upload and share. And your rights are still more important

than the victim".

Sheisconvinced "they will kill again", blaming the "defective system" for letting her family down, while describing homicide detectives as "well-intended" but ultimately ineffective.

Ms Johnston also claimed there was aconscious effort made to obstructthe justice of her son'sdeath, referencing "destroyedevidence, burnt clothes,hid weapons and phones and deleted messages".

Through it all, the community continues to rally around the family and their memory of the young man.

The Express attended amemorial walk of more than 200participants to Kaiden'sfinal resting place, and his publicfuneral at Morwell's Kernot Hallsaw attendees spilling out of the venue for the service.

Adedicated memorial has also been erected at the site of his final resting place on The Boulevard.

Last Friday (December 12), saw athird suspect arrested and charged in Bendigo at 9am.

The18-year-old male from Morwell was believed to be known to Kaiden, as were the other two

suspects originally charged. It is unclear at this time as to why,ifhewas in hidinginthe area, or as to why he has only been arrested now, as it remains an ongoing case.

But Ms Johnston did make another post to social media, commenting on the new suspect, saying "I can't say who but it's no surprise."

The accused made appearance at Bendigo Magistrates Court later the same day. The outcome was not known at time of print.

As the investigation continues, the MorganJohnstonfamily and the wider Morwell community remain focused on securing justice for Kaiden.

With one of the accused now released, another awaiting a2026committal hearing, and athird now charged with the murder, homicide detectives face mounting pressure to bringclarity to acase that has shaken the Latrobe Valley.

For now, Kaiden’s loved ones say they will keep pushing for answers, determined that hisdeath not be forgotten.

George best at St Paul’s

THE 2025 Dux of St Paul'sAnglican Grammar School is Hanting (George) Huang, from Morwell. He received an ATAR of 99.35. Hanting scoredaperfect 50 in Literature, as well as study scores of 48 in English, 46 in Health and Human Development and 43 in Chemistry. Other impressive performers with an ATAR above

98 were Omkar Joshi of Traralgon with an ATAR of 98.8, Thomas PrestidgeofWarragul with an ATAR of 98.65, including aperfect score of 50 in Legal Studies, and Estelle Dieu of Darnum with an ATAR of 98.45. Other very high achievers included: Philippa Steenholdt of Warragul with 97.6, Aru Korula

of Traralgon with 96.1, Haridu Ka handawa Appuhamillage of Warragulwith 94.2, Aaron CromieofPoowong with 93.55, Anna Sterlingof Ellinbank with 93.1, Troy Aitken of Churchill with 92.75, Riley Pyke of Moe with 92.5, Sydelle Isaacs of Warragul with91.55, William Blackwood of Warragulwith91.55, Sarah Weeks of Warragul with91.3,LuciaTrenton of Neerim East with 90.45, Dylan WilsonofWarragul with 90.2and Giaan McConville Plant of Warragul with 90.2. Year 11 student Husni Fahmi achieved aperfect scoreof50inBiology. Year 11 student Asmi Pathania alsoachieved a50inBiology, in addition to the 50 she achieved in General Mathematics in 2024.

St udy sc ore so fo ve r4 0w ere ach iev ed in Biol ogy, Legal St udies ,Englis h, Li teratu re, English Language, History Revolutions, Visual Communication and Design, Food Studies, Health and Human Development, Physics, Philosophy, Art Creative Practice, Product Design Hard Materials, General Mathematics, Chemistry, Psychology, VET Sport andRecreation, Maths Methods and Accounting.

The school was incredibly proud of the way the class of 2025 embraced every opportunity they were presented with both in and outside the classroom.

In all, 15 per cent of students achieved an ATAR above 90 and 35 per cent of the cohort achieved an ATAR over 80. The fact that St Paul’s does not stream students out of Year 12, or offer aVM stream, means that these results are truly indicative of the environment of learning and teaching at St Paul’s.

This year’s cohort have avariety of plans for the immediate future, from tertiary study in areas such as health, commerce and law, as well as employment opportunities such as apprenticeships and Australian Defence Force traineeships.

The school was pleased to note the increasing number of students who have already secured conditional places in tertiary institutions prior to the completion of Year 12.

"We are equallyproud of the number of students who secured employment as soon as their studies concluded," the school said.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the class of 2025and helping them find apostschool pathway which allows them to pursue their potential.

"We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2025and wish them the very best for the future."

Taking steps into the real world

COMMENT

BY JUSTIN FALLU

THIS is averyimportant timeinthe lives of Year 12 students, with the release of VCE results.

It is the finalisation of 13 yearsoflearning and for many, coincides with other milestones such as turning 18, getting their driver’s license and other coming-of-age activities.

What this time doesn’t represent is the end of the story for Year 12 students who didn’tachieve their desired ATAR, those who completed their VCE unscored,those who completedaVocational Major, or those who had avocational career on their minds rather than going to university.

It’s the beginning of anew story.

If your ATAR wasn’t what you expectedto

expediate you straight to your desired university course, TAFE Gippsland has arange of pathways to get you there.

No matter whereyou live in Gippsland, we have acampus close to you, so you can continue working towards yourcareer goal close to home.

We havealmost30formal pathways with Federation University, which supports diploma students transitioning into undergraduate degrees.

Forsomecourses, there is also apathway that guarantees youaplace at Federation University when you complete your diploma at TAFE Gippsland.

If universityisn’t foryou, we have agreat range of great courses from certificate to diploma levelthat willallow you to study while youearn,

pursue yourpassionsand get work readysooner You can study online, part-time, fulltime, face-to-face, online or in the workplace. Your learning pathway can consist of an apprenticeship or traineeship, university, employment or apromotion.

There are plenty of options! Congratulations to you all for completing your secondaryeducation.It’sagreat achievement! Whateveryour choice forthe futuremay be, TAFEGippsland willbehere to support you, to achieve our visionofaskilled and thriving Gippsland.

Justin Fallu is interim chief executive of TAFE Gippsland

Outstanding: Lowanna College Dux

ZaraFussell hopes to study speech pathologynextyear Photograph supplied

ZARA Fussell stood out as the Lowanna College Dux of 2025.

Zara achieved an ATAR of 95.15. She studiedYear12English, General Mathematics, Biology, Legal Studies and Psychology,and completedYear 12 Health &HumanDevelopment in 2024. Zarahopes to study Speech Pathologynext year, but is unsure whether she would like to study locally or in Melbourne.

“I have so many options, so Iamgoing to weigh them all up," she said.

When askedhow her family felt she said, "surprised and shocked".

Zara’s favourite part of school was the friendships she made with other students and teachers.

Lowanna College Acting Principal Julia Niamh congratulated the graduatingclass of 2025.

“The 2025 VCEresults areatestament to the hard work, perseveranceand commitment shown by our students across the year," she said.

"Theirachievements have created exciting opportunities ahead -whether they choose university, TAFE, apprenticeships or other meaningful pathways.

“We are delighted to congratulate our 2025 College Dux, Zara Fussell. Zara has not only achieved exceptional academic results, but has continually exemplified our core values of respect, integrity, determination, growth and excellence.

"Thesequalities will serve her well as she steps confidently into the next chapter of her journey.”

We will be closed Tuesday 23rd December 5pm andwill re-open on Monday 5th Januar y 8:30am.

Bradman of academics: St Paul’s Anglican GrammarSchool Principal Cameron Herber twith 2025 Dux, Hanting (George) Huang,who received an ATARof99.35. Photograph supplied

Grammar’sclass of 2025 excels

GIPPSLAND Grammar has celebrate outstanding VCE results achieved by the Class of 2025.

This year’sDux was Mia Humphris, with an ATAR of 97.15.

Mia studied Economics, Literature, French, Japanese and Maths Methods as well as Global Politics last year. This exceptional score will allow Mia to pursue her passion in Arts and Global Studies at university.

With amedian ATAR of 72.7 -higher than the Victorian state median -and almost 30 per cent of students achieving above 80 placing them in the top 20 per cent of students in the state, Gippsland Grammar’s 2025 cohort once againperformed strongly across all study areas.

Pri nci pal Dr Pau lW alt on said Gip ps lan d Grammar was proud to celebratestudentswho received an ATAR that placed them in the top percentage of students in the state, who achieved perfect study scores of 50 and who achieved their own individual successes, leading to first choice placements at some of the best universities in the world.

Joining Mia among this year’s Gippsland Grammar’s high achievers is Traralgon's Connor

Rogalsky with an ATAR of 97.1, whichwill provide him with afantasticplatformtofollow his interests in commerce.

School CaptainLogan Mills, from Kilmany, achieved an ATAR of 95.35, helping him venture into Engineering and Aerospace studies.

Year 11 student Isobel McAllister fromTraralgon

South received two perfect study scores of 50 in both Applied Computing: Data Analytics, and Biology.

An incredible accomplishment,madeeven more impressive because Isobel completed these studies in Year 11, setting herself up for astrong VCE result next year.

“We are very proud of every singleone of our students from Gippsland Grammar,” Dr Walton said.

“Everyone deserves ahugecongratulations and should feel immensely pleased with all they achieved. Ourstudentshave been amazing, assisted and inspired by our incredible teachers and supported by our wonderful families in the School Community.Today is avery special day for everyone and we celebrate the results of our incredible students. Well done!”

Across the school’s three campuses -from Early

Exceptional: Traralgon’s Connor Rogalsky(centre) achievedan ATARinthe high 90s

Learning through to VCE -morethan1100students are part of the Gippsland Grammar community.

Of the 73 students who completed Year 12 this year, there are many stories of personal success, including apprenticeships, industry placements, interstate and international offers, and entry into competitive courses spanning engineering, the arts, health, business, design and more.

Head of Year 12 Richard Kemp said these stories of individual success epitomised the breadth of educational opportunities available at Gippsland Grammar.

“For so many of our students, their results are indicative of thewiderange of offeringsatthe school, and the way they have embraced these opportunities,” he said.

“Many of these high-achieving students are our boarders, our rowers,our performing arts stars and our sports champions. Many have now been given the opportunity to pursue their dreams in their respective fields of passion, which is just so satisfying for everyone at the school who has watched these students flourish throughout their time here.”

Clevercookie: Traralgon South’s Isobel McAllister (still in Year 11)receivedt wo perfect study scores.

Leadership: Gippsland GrammarSchool Captain,Logan Mills (third), from Kilmany, returned outstanding VCEresults

Topofthe tree: Gippsland Grammar Dux, Mia Humphries with school principal Dr Paul Walton.

Photographs supplied

Festive spirit enjoyed at MorwellCommon

By KATRINABRANDON

AMERRY time was had at thisyear’sMerry Morwell celebration last Friday (December 12).

Hundreds of people attended the event, settling into the Christmas spirit at Morwell TownCommon (Wooden Playground).

Local students sang carols, accompanied by MorwellCitizens Band. There was also acar show, SESdemonstration,local market stalls, food trucks, and of course, avisit from Santa.

Theeventstarted with heavyrainfallasastorm swept through theLatrobe Valley, making people duck for cover under tents.

However, temperatureswerestill warm, meaning the rain brought awelcome relief and encouraged attendees to converse witheachother and vendors.

As the sun rose, the schools gathered at the music

truck stage. There, they all took turns in flashy outfits and angelic tunes -whether it be aclassic Christmas song or afun parody.

Santa mingled through the crowd, easily being the favourite part of the night for most visitors. Giving candy and high fives to all present, Santa could not be missed as he merged through the crowd,circlingthe grounds to makesureeveryone got to say hello.

Sticking around theevent, Santa joinedthe festivities alongside attendees, whether it was ridingthe festival trainorgetting selfie-busy with festival-goers.

As Santaset off to continue his Christmasduties, the festival continued to lift off, as the last schools took to the stage and people enjoyed the market, food, and other activities on offer.

Busy: Hundredsofpeople attended the Merr yMorwell event lastFriday. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Allstars: SaintVincent de Paul Primar ySchool, Morwell danced around while singing carols on the enter tainment stage

Raise your hands: Merr yMorwell sawpar ticipation from local schools

All smiles: Traralgon’s Har vey(8), Vanessa Symons and Claire (5) enjoyedthe Merr yMorwell festivities

Festive: Latrobe ValleyChoir’sKaren Whykes,Tineke West wood and DesleyGraywereall ears at the Merr yMorwell festival.

On the list: Morwell’sEsme (6) wasjoined by Santaonthe Merr yMorwell trainride

Harriers help through memorial run

ATHLETICS

BY PHILL MAYER

THE Traralgon Harriers Memorial Run was held on November 9, producing an excellent turnout of more than 80 runners.

This year, the coursewas moved to the Toongabbie Golf Clubfor something abit different, and mainly to get the event off the road,makeitsafer,and reduce costs with traffic management.

While the eventwas postponed, originally scheduled to run in October, the response from runners amonth later was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone enjoying the cross-country-like course.

The peaceful country golf clubwas the perfect place to run this event, with tree-lined greens, mixed with more rough terrain, making the run interesting.

The six kilometre runnersdid oneloop, while the 12km racers did two laps.

This event first ran in 1997 in memory of Geoff

'Swaggy' Wilson -who was avalued Harriers club member and avid runner-who tragically took his own life.

It was set up to not only acknowledge his life and contribution to the club, but also as asupport to other club members and Swaggy's family, and to shine alight on mental health.

The 6km eventwas addedin2012, and afew yearslater, was allocated to remember club member

Nick Schilling, who also took his own life.

In 2018, after discussions with Swaggy's widow AnneWilson, Traralgon Harriersdecided to rename the event The Memorial Run, to make it more relevant as an event open to the public.

Lifeline Gippsland was nominated as the singular beneficiary charity, to raise money for their invaluable work around depression awareness, suicide prevention,crisis support and mental health.

Duringthis period, the clubhas donated more $15,000toLifeline Gippsland,who rely on community fundraising and charity in order for them

to provide theiressential services to thecommunity.

Takinghonours in the Open 12km event was SavMavrofridis, followed by Greg Semmler and David Barr.

YaniCornthwaite wonthe Women's Open,followed by Jac Edwards and Emily Scott.

Ian Cornthwaite won the 50-and-over Men's event from Andrew Greenhill and Adrian Sutcliff.

LizaKenney took linehonours in the50-and-over Women's race, with Mandy Ellis second.

In the 6km event, young gun Dempsey Podmore smashedall-comers, winning the Open and under 18 divisions, followed by Jay McGowen and Chris Van Unen.

In the women's event, RickyGloverran first ahead of Molly Irvine and Andrea Evens in third place.

In the 50-and-overcategory, Clinton Jolly crossed the line first, followed by Gary Harding and Theo Politakis.

The Women's 50-and-over event saw Heather

Farley first, with Tania Whitehead and Fiona Griffen third. Seth Bomerand BelkeyPodmore camesecond andthird in the under 18 male race.

This year's donation to Lifeline Gippsland was $2700.

ValuedHarriers legend Anne Wilson, along with Fay Tomholt, shared some heartfelt words and both presented the memorial shields to the male and female winners in the 12km and 6km events.

Aspecialpresentationwas made to Cindy Shanahan and David McInnes, who have been long-time supportersand volunteers for many Harriers events over many years.

It was anotherspecial day for the club and community.

Remember, the Harriers can't run eventswithout membersstepping up to do the work, but it's worth it when days like the Memorial Run happen. Phill Mayerisrace directorfor the Traralgon Harriers Athletics Club.

Mr Football: Lifetime dedication to the sport

FOOTBALL BY LIAM DURKIN

ANDY Theissling is Mr Football.

The Traralgon resident lives and breathes it. Those who frequent local footy matches during winter havesurely comeacross his friendly face over the years.

Andy is there every Saturday, rain, hail or shine, always lending ahand, and always with asmile on his face.

His roles over the years have been, but not limited to: team manager, water carrier and runner, although it is mathematics where Andy perhaps shines brightest.

Possessing some of the most detailed books imaginable, Andy has painstakingly chronicled the statistics of local teams and AFL players past and present.

“Mum said it’s good for the brain, like times tables,” Andy said of his devotion. He can recite footy stats just as easily as well, fromToddGoldstein’s career hit outs to Scott Pendlebury’s career disposals -Andy knows it all.

The diehard Bomber counts Gippsland’s own Pendlebury as the best he’s seen -and Andy has

seen some of the greats: from No 1AFL draft pick Brendon Goddard, to current WestCoastcoach Andrew McQualter.

Andy saw ayoung Goddard come through Traralgon,and has remained close pals with 'Mini' McQualter even with himnow coaching on the other side of the country.

“I’veknown Andy since we were little kids,” McQualter told the Express

“Growing up in the neighbourhood always running around playing sports, particularly footy.

“He has alwayshad such apassion for people and football, loved watching and enjoying others successes.”

It has been these moments that have brought a great deal of joy for Andy, basking in premiership glory with anumber of teams he has assisted.

Involved in them all has been local footyjourneyman Jamie Aitken. Wherever he’sgone,he’s made sure Andy has been there with him.

There has been premierships with Traralgon in 2005 and 2011, (the former of which Andy labels astandout), Yinnar in 2015, and then Traralgon Tyers United in 2023.

As Aitken explained, their friendship goes back

decades. “Since Andy and Imet playing our first footy game in under 10s for WestEnd Junior Football Club, we have forged agreat friendship that has lasted 30 plus years,” he said.

“He has apassion for footy and is the best statistician in local footy.

“Wehave shared many great memories overour 30-plus year friendship.”

Atypical Saturday sees Andy fetch alift to a venue across Gippsland, generally arriving as the reserves are playing, before settling into his game day roles.

While not anervous watcher, he nevertheless has to keep aclose eye on proceedings, marking down the goal kickers. His work is not done once the final siren sounds, as he often has to chase coaches for best players.

The players have been apriority for Andy. When he firstarrived at the Traralgon seniorclub, he wouldcall Bingo numbers fundraising for the players’ trip away.

Their kindness back the other way has been telling, and he counts himself fortunate to call many of them friends, including local legends Tony Lane, Steve Hazelman and Michael Geary.

“Great people, great friendships,” Andy said. Away fromfooty,Andy was along-time Coles employee,only recently retiring. His generosity extends beyond the weekend, assisting the Traralgon District Historical Society and Traralgon Courthouse.

Staying alert is also no issue for Andy, as he walks everywhere. It is estimated daily trips of 20 kilometres are not uncommon.

Whoever he meets on his walksheishappy to chat with, just as the football-netball clubs are happy to have him involved.

Every Friday, he talkstoAndy Maher and Andrew Gaze on SEN. The pair have even invited him into the city studio on occasions.

“Andy and Ihave shared hundreds of texts over the years talking about where footy has taken us both,” McQualter said.

“Although we all know he is adiehard Bombers fan, he has always shownenormous support to everyone on their journeys.”

Whatever the journey is next footy season, you can be sure of one thing.

Andy will have asmile on his face and be all too happy to have achat.

Support: Traralgon HarriersRace Director Phill Mayerand HarriersPresident Sep Marino flank Lifeline GippslandChief ExecutiveCindy Pullar.The Memorial Runraised $2700for the essential service

Awesome effort: Winnersofthe TraralgonHarriersMemorial Runatthe finish line

Photographs: supplied

Locallegend: Familiar face to manyacross Gippsland footy, Andy Theissling

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Magpie armyinvades Morwell

FOOTBALL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

HUNDREDS of young football lovers made their way to Morwell Recreation Reserve for an afternoon with the game’s best.

Collingwood took over the Latrobe Valley last week, beginningwith asuperclinic and signing session, followed by aplethora of school visits.

Amajority of the Magpies squad made their way downlastWednesday (December 10), initially givingsome neat tips and tricks to the young footballers that took the field.

Following on from that, asprawlingblack and white crowd piled along the fence line to grab a photo and sign some memorabilia.

The 2023 pre mier sf eat ure an umb er of local exportsonits list,including Sale’s Scott Pendlebury, Morwell’s Tew Jiath, and Traralgon’s Tim Membrey.

The latter took time to chat to the Express about being back home and getting achancetomingle with the kids, just as he once did.

“It’sgreat,I remember clearly coming to these sort of things as ayoung fella and running around, having akick and meeting some of my heroes growing up,” Membrey said.

“To be able to come back and give back to the community and get some smiles on the kids’ faces, it’s certainly something Ienjoy doing.”

After10seasonswithStKilda,Membreymadethemove to Collingwoodtobeginlastseason, in which he reached the preliminary finalwith the Magpies -the deepest he’d ever been in his career.

“It was obviously an incredible year,” he said.

“We didn’tquiteget to the big dance, but we certainly learnt alot throughout the season and played some really strong footy.”

He added that the group has “hit the ground running” for preseason, and predicts the Pies to be right back up there in contention for the flag next year.

Membrey was once Glengarry Football-Netball Club’s number one ticket holder,and beforebecoming Gippsland Powercaptain, was dominating for the Maroons in the Gippsland League.

CurrentlywithpropertyintheTraralgonarea,Membrey noted he stillgets down to afew local games during the year to soak in that community football feel.

“I try to get down and look over that as much as Ican. I’ve got alot of close friends and relatives that play in the local leagues, so Idoliketokeep an eye on how things are going,” he said.

CollingwoodmadeuseoftheirtimedownintheLatrobe Valley, as anumber of Magpieswere spotted courtside at the Wednesday night NBL showcase between South East Melbourne Phoenix and Tasmania JackJumpers Despite being near the end of the year, the AFL was still front of mind for locals as St Kilda also arrived to Leongatha last Monday and Tuesday (December 8and 9) for an equally jam-packed extended stay.

The Parrots' own Dyson Heppell was also in the news in the last week as it was announced he would be joining Collingwood as adevelopment coach for theupcoming season.

The former Essendon captain did time for VFL club Port Melbourne as aplaying-coach this year,

while also spectacularlyreturning to hishome club to don the green and gold.

Heppellplayedsix gamesfor Leongatha in 2025, including winning duel best-on-ground awards in the Parrots dominating Grand Final win over Traralgon.

Additiona lly, in the women’s competitio n, Traralgon’s Lily-Rose Williamson has beentraded from the Magpies to Brisbane in the lead-up to the AFLW Draft.

Williamson, along with Pick 17 and afuture secondround selection, moved to the Lions in exchange for Pick 15, 29 and 47.

The Traralgon local was added to Collingwood’s list a week out of Round1asareplacement player for Mattea Breed. Williamson had previously played eight AFLW gamesforEssendonandfeaturedintheVFLWstateteam. Williamson played 11 matches in 2025, where the Magpies improved from awooden spoon in 2024. The AFLW Draft took place last Monday.

Simplythe best: Ayoung fangets up close with Nick Daicos

Local hero: Traralgon’s ownTim Membrey alongside fans Blaineyand Brenda

Highflyer: Jeremy Howe together with Isaac and anotheryoung Pies fanatic.

Blackand white: BillyFrampton and Bobby Hill flankthe Magpie army Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Celebrities: Hundreds of young football-loving fans trekked down to Morwell Recreation Reser ve for a Collingwood clinic and signing session last week

Collingwood talks culture, community

FOOTBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

INSPIRE and encourage everyone. Before venturing acrosstoMorwell Recreation Reservefor Collingwood’s super clinic and signing session, afew Magpies stopped into Lowanna College, Newborough for an educational seminar about inclusion and ally-ship.

Steele Sidebottom, Isaac Quaynor and Roan Steelesat down with around 20 Gippsland highschool students about the importance of building an inclusive team culture and embracing the different cultures in communities.

After discussing eachoftheir AFL journeys, the Collingwoodtrio shared what they believed were the cores of a respectful and welcoming club.

The conversation was then turned towardsthose in attendance, asking questions and divulge what their local football-netball clubs do which make them special and the methods used to involve all people.

One note seen was the uniqueness that countryclubs haveinbeing able to connect,for which the Magpie players said is much more different and difficult in acitysporting context.

The primary purpose of the Lowanna

visit was also to showcase Collingwood’s partnership withnot-for-profit teaching support Cool.org through the recently launchedMagpies Minds: Learning Side by Side free resource, delivering real-world solutions to anti-racism and ally-ship through the education space.

With sport participation plummeting for teenagers of acertain age, Cool.org Education ResourceManager, Helen Masters said that everyone, regardless of background or sexual orientation, needs to be uplifted on and off the sporting field.

“If we don’t keep kids in sport, we’re goingtoloseour sportingculture and

we’re not going to have that beautiful teammate-ship and iconic part of Australian culture,” she toldthe Express

“In our teaching and learning resources,wereally leverage the Collingwood team and how iconic they are and how fantasticthey are to get those messages (out)about ally-ship and supporting your teammates and working cohesively together to create an inclusive sporting society.”

Collingwood has anumberofinitiatives promoting these values, including A Nest For All, Magpie Nest Café, Magpie Nest Housing Program, its Reclink community football team, wheelchair

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football program, and FASTA football youth program.

“It’sbeen reallyfantastic to work with Collingwood because they are such big household names, it’s been awesome to bring them intothe schools and actually for kids to hear from theirheroes like Darcy Moore telling how important it is to be an ally,” Masters said.

“It’s beena brilliant vehicle to try and get thesemessages of ally-ship and support and inclusivityinto the classrooms.”

Cool.org,formerly Cool Australia, has been running for more than 15 years, reaching over 220,000 teachers through its teaching and learning resources.

Trio: Collingwood players Steele Sidebottom, Roan Steele, andIsaac Quaynor speaktohigh school studentsabout the importance of beinginaninclusive team culture.

Sidebyside: Collingwood players visited Lowanna College to promotethe club’s latest partnership withteaching supportresource,Cool.org.

Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne MadelineMoore

December 15 -December 21, 2025

Venus (your ruler) the New Moon Mercury and Mars are in your communication zone So you’re at your lively Libran best as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters Compatible companionship is a must, as you surround yourself with stimulating friends, positive peers and chatty neighbours As writer (and birthday great) Jane Austen wrote: “My idea of good company is the company of clever well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation

short timelines could be a problem as you are diverted from professional responsibilities by a tricky personal matter, a meddling friend or a frustrating financial issue With plenty of patience and a dollop of diplomacy, you’ll steer your way through a challenging week

The Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are transiting through your relationship zone so you can’t escape close connections this week! Don’t approach partnership problems with the same old stale attitude Its time to recalibrate If there is a problem: fix it If there is a misunderstanding: sort it out If there is too much distance between you and a loved one: get closer The more positive energy you pour into partnerships the more satisfying they will be

When it comes to daily habits, mental health and physical fitness the more proactive and organised you are the better A Sun/New Moon wellbeing reboot could be just what the doctor ordered! But Saturn and Neptune square the Sun so a lack of direction and discretion could temporarily side-track relationships and confuse you And don t let a dubious acquaintance lead you down the primrose path to trouble Keep your trusty Truth Detector set on high

On Wednesday and the weekend the Sun (your power planet) makes tricky aspects to Saturn and Neptune So it could be a challenging and confusing week especially involving children, friends, joint finances and/or trust issues Clear communication is a must (especially with young children and moody teenagers) You also need to be on alert for secrets, confusing information, fake news and dodgy deals (especially involving friends and finances)

The New Moon (on Saturday) sets the stage for a fresh start involving your home life, a family member or a domestic project But do you have unrealistic expectations about a close relationship, especially with a relative? This week the Sun and Moon also square Saturn and Neptune in your partnership zone So its time for a major reality check as you reassess memories from the past recalibrate your present attitude and set course for a brighter future

This week the New Moon Mercury and Venus light up your money zone and Mars moves into your communication and education zone So its time to be more financially literate, more conversationally engaged, and more curious about the world around you Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, actress and activist Jane Fonda (who turns 88 on Sunday): “Stay curious, keep learning and keep growing ” But friends and finances could be a dodgy mix

The Sun, New Moon, Mercury and Venus are visiting your sign this week, which boosts your self-confidence, energy levels and personal magnetism But nebulous Neptune squares the Sun on the weekend so, if you indulge in gratuitous gossip, make hasty comments or vague pronouncements (in person or online) you could end up in a confusing mess Smart Sagittarians will slow down think things through communicate clearly and double-check often

Its a good week to wind down and calm down as you meditate, contemplate, relax and ruminate With the Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars all stimulating your solitude and mystery zone (plus Saturn squaring the Sun) its also time to look beneath the surface gloss to discover whats really going on Once you have rebooted your energy and rejuvenated your spirit you can make the most of proactive Mars powering through your sign (until January 23)

This week the Sun, New Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all transiting through your networking and goal setting zone So creative partnerships, joint ventures and group projects are all favoured, as you dream big dreams and spark ideas off other people But expect confusing communication resistance to your plans or some financial challenges The weekend is a wonderful time to write a wish list for the coming year full of wildly ambitious aspirations

Its a good time to percolate some original and creative new ideas, as Saturday’s New Moon activates your career zone But the Sun/Neptune square (on Sunday) could drain your Piscean energy and sap confidence so pace yourself and prioritise projects Don t make big commitments unless you have the time and motivation to follow through on your well-meant intentions If a challenging task or project can be put off until another week then do so

COPYRIGHT Joanne Made ne Moore 20G25

Patterson documentaryseries premieres on Stan

By STEFAN BRADLEY

AUSTRALIAN streaming service Stan on December 9premieredpartstwo and threeofa three-part documentary series into Gippsland's most infamous criminal case, Revealed -Death Cap Murders,withpartone released last September.

The streaming platform described the murders as acrime the whole world thinks it knows: four guests fallcriticallyill afterafamily lunch in Leongatha, Victoria,and hostErinPatterson becomes the focus of relentless global scrutiny.

The documentary features interviews with key witnesses fromthe trial,court reporters, data specialists, biologists, the medical professionals who treated Patterson's victims and former Facebook friends of Patterson's.

Part two tracks Erin’s substantive efforts to conceal the truth,the explosive allegations surrounding her attempted poisoning of ex-husband Simon Patterson, her incriminating conduct in the days following the lunch and her continued lack of empathy for her victims.

In part three, in ashocking turn, Patterson takes the stand at her Supreme Court trial in Morwell and brings doubt to every element of the prosecution’s case. Aferociously capable witness, she withstands an onslaught of questioning over

eightgruelling days -but does the jury believe her? All three parts can be streamed on Stan right now.

Demonstrating the global attention of this case, the documentarywill also be screened in the United Statesthis Friday (December 19) on news television channel, CNN, retitled as Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders. The ABC is also developing adramaseries titled Toxic,with the production company approaching the themes of marriage, faith and motherhood into acomplex thriller that avoidssensationalism. Erin Patterson's Supreme Court trial was held at the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell this year and attracted unprecedented media coverage. Patterson is serving alifesentencewith a 33-year non-parole period, including time served for murdering her in-laws Don and GailPatterson, and Heather Wilkinson, and for the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson. Including time served, she will be 82-years-old if she’s released in 2056. She is being held at Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. The saga is notover, with both the prosecution and defence filing appeals in the case. Prosecution filed an appeal on the grounds that Patterson's punishment was not harsh enough. Patterson outlined her grounds for leave to appeal on November 3tothe Court of Appeal.

TheGuide

NEVER MIND THE BUZZCOCKS CHRISTMAS SBS, Monday, 8.30pm

Whether your interests lie in gardening, cooking, sewing or even spelling,there’salmostcertainly a themed Christmas special on the boxtokeep you entertained overthe holidays.This one’s forthe music lovers, with host Greg Davies (pictured) putting a timely twistonthe cheeky quiz’ssignaturerock’n’roll trivia. TomJones’merrymisdemeanours, ThePogues singer ShaneMacGowan’s festivefaux pasand identifying music iconsofyesteryear areall on the agenda forpanellists DaisyMay Cooper,Noel Fielding, Jamali Maddix, Chris Ramsey,Jordan Northand Ella Henderson.Disco legends Boney Mcloseout the festivities with amemorable rendition of aclassic carol.

Wednesday, December 17

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

MOVIE: WhateverItTakes:Inside The eBay Scandal.(2024,Mdls, R) 11.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Australian Chamber Orchestra’s 50th Gala. (R) 2.00 DeathInParadise.(PGa, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG,R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz Battle Of TheNetworks. (M) Presented by TomGleeson.

8.30 TheYearly With Charlie Pickering. (PGa) Alook back at 2025

9.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

10.20 If You’re Listening. (Final,R)

10.40 YouCan’t AskThat (Mal, R) 11.45 GrandDesigns NewZealand. (R) 12.30 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG,R)

1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Pig. 5.10 Big Lizard. 5.20 Millie Magnificent. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40

CHRISTMASWITH D Nine, Sunday, 7pm

ELTA

PICK OF THE WEEK

A(VERY) MUSICAL CHRISTMAS

ABC TV Friday 7 30pm

Returning for a much-anticipated encore after last year s enchanting special, Australias musical theatre community comes together in support of Beyond Blue for this delightful Christmas concert At a time of year that can be difficult for many it s an important reminder of the charity s free mental health and wellbeing support Filmed on the festively decorated set of MJtheMusicalat Melbournes Her Majesty s Theatre the special sparkles with homegrown talent as Zan Rowe welcomes Casey Donovan, Rob Mills (pictured) and Caroline O’Connor to the stage The casts of MJand Beetlejuicealso join in making for an unforgettable evening of song that’s fast becoming a treasured tradition

SEVEN (7,6)

6am Morning Programs. 10.15 The Secret Life Of Lighthouses. (PG, R) 11.10 Who Do You Think YouAre? US. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 PlanetReef.(R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.45 The Cook Up (R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Costco At Christmas. (R)

8.30 Terror On TheSpace Station: Science And Survival. (PGa) Looksatthe creation of the International Space Station. 9.30 Crime. (Madlsv) Abody turns up with similar injuriestoanother victim.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Elvira. (PGa, R) 2.15 Big FatQuiz Of The Year 2024.(Malns, R) 3.50 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.20 RediscoverVictoria.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Down UnderBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test Australia vEngland. Day 1. Morningsession From Adelaide Oval. 12.30 TheAshes: TheLunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Afternoon session. 3.10 TheAshes: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Evening session.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 4. Sydney Sixers vAdelaide Strikers.

10.30 Big BashLeague Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between theSydneySixers and Adelaide Strikers.

11.00 Chicago Fire (Ma) Kidd connects with atroubledteen interested in Girls on Fire.

12.00 MOVIE: TopOfThe Class (2020,Mav,R)Astudent is accused of murder.Jacqueline Scislowski, Kate Watson. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

CHATEAUDIY

(2023,PGal,

MaryShelley. (2017,PGals,R)

(2017,PGal, R)

(2002, Ml, R)

AGood

(2023,MA15+ad, R) 11.55 CrimesOfThe Future.(2022, MA15+ahnv)

1.55am Million Dollar Baby. (2004,Malv) 4.20 Let Me Go.(2023,Mans, French)

Afterfilmingher 2024 sp Delta Goodrem (pictured soil forthis sparkling even entertainment.Taking ov Sydney studio and transf retrowinter wonderland singer invitesCody Simps Bon Jovi, Jordin Sparks a of talented Aussiestope their festivefavourites. Te delightful duets, joyful su and moving moments in as Goodrem shares the s with her famous friends –of course, Santa Claushim Atoe-tapping Christmas tradition that began in 20 Goodrem’s annual specia the perfect waytocelebr the season in style.

pecial in Hollywood, d)returns to home ning of holiday ver Channel Nine’s formingitinto a ,the newlywed son, Jon nd abevy rform There’s urprises store tage and, mself

020, alis rate

9Life, Tuesday, 8.30pm

Narrated by the distinctively sophisticated tones of Adjoa Andoh aka Bridgerton’s Lady Danbury, this festiveedition of the Francophile restoration seriesisfilled with merriment as its participants sprinkle alittle seasonal magic on their efforts to bring abandoned chateaux back to life. In Cendras, Australian couple Janet and Philip (both pictured) take“decking the halls”literally,transforming their hallway with decorations beforetheir family arrives. At Chateau de Dohem in Pas-de-Calais, Wendy and Marcus arepreparing to host their firstChristmasthemed murdermystery party,whileinAlençon, Terryand Ashleyaccidentally “let it snow” indoors when theybring down oneoftheir ceilings.

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00

6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas On The Alpaca Farm. (2023, G) KirstenComerford,MattWells. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG,R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

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

8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) Amotorcyclist crashes intoparked cars. Aflight crew holds arural GP’s life in its hands.

9.30 RPA: Jamie’s Baby (PGm, R) Atoddler is admitted in respiratory distress.

10.30 American CrimeStory. (Madlsv)

12.30 Resident Alien. (Final, Mlv)

1.20 9Honey:HeSaidShe Said (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

TEN (10, 5)

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

7.30Gordon Ramsay’sSecretService. (PGal) Presented by Gordon Ramsay 8.30 FBI:MostWanted. (Mav) After three men impersonating ICE officers raid achurch, the FugitiveTask Force must findthe men who were kidnapped. 10.30 10’s Late News.

Thursday,December 18

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 The Piano UK. (Final, PG, R) 11.25 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv,R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (PGv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. (Final)

8.00 Grand Designs Australia: Yarraville Pigeon. (Final, PG) Aman converts the old Yarraville Pigeon club.

8.55 Long Lost Family (Final, PG) Hosted by Davina McCall and Nicky Campbell. 9.45 Portrait Artist Of The Year (PG, R) Seven artists

10.35 The Art Of. (Mln, R)

11.05 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 11.50 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia: Family Easter Special. (R) 5.30 7.30. (Final, R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PG, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PGl, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 ABBA And Elvis In The Outback. (Ml) Acountry town sets out to hold an ABBA festival.

8.35 The Untold Story Of The Vatican. Chronicles the history of the Vatican as asimpletomb in Rome become the universal seat of Christendom.

9.35 Vigil. (MA15+av) Kirsten begs Amy to come home.

10.40 SBS World News Late.

11.10 Vienna Blood. (Retur n, MA15+av)

12.10 Outlander (MA15+asv,R)

1.35 House Of Promises. (Ms, R)

4.15 Growing AGreener World. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: SingaporeBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.15 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.00 The Wonderful World Of Puppies. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 Black As. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns.

6.40 Wildlife Rescue NZ. 7.29 NITV Weather

7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: The Last Boy Scout. (1991, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 Australia’sSleep Revolution. 1.30 Appetite. 2.40 SBS50. 2.45 Insight. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Rio. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Count Of Monte Cristo. 9.30 History’sGreatest Mysteries. 10.20 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Mor ning Programs. 8.15 The Bookshop. (2017, PGal) 10.20 Million Dollar Baby.(2004, Malv) 12.50pm TooCool To Kill. (2022, Mav, Mandarin) 2.50 The Movie Show 3.25 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 5.20 A Room With AView.(1985, PGnv) 7.30 Up In The Air.(2009, Mlns) 9.30 (2005, Mal) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia v England. Day 2. Mor ning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 2. After noon session. 3.10 The Ashes: TeaBreak 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 2. Evening session. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00 MOVIE:

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 5. Melbour ne Stars vHobart Hurricanes. From the MCG. 10.30 Seven’sCricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with adeep dive into the world of cricket.

11.15 The Amazing Race. (PGl) the Moulin Rouge, the Eiffel Tower and other iconic Paris locations.

12.45 Life. (Malsv,R)Acourt reporter is beaten to death.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather 5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather

6am

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Great Getaways. (PG) The team discovers the Danube in depth. 8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water The team challenges Olympic kayaker Noemie Fox in arough water race.

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

6.30 Nanny 7.30 Survivor 49. 10.30 MOVIE: Within The Pines. (2024, M) Midnight Seinfeld. 12.30 The Vampire Diaries. 2.15 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Cry Babies

Friday,December 19 ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

Australia’s Lightest Scooter

(9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year.(PG, R) 11.00 The Forsytes. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Royal Carols. (R) 2.05 Grand Designs Aust. (Final, PG, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Nick Knowles Into The Grand Canyon. (PGaw,R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

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

7.30 Indiana Jones: In Pursuit Of An Icon. Charts the enduring legacy of Indiana Jones.

8.30 Starring Dick VanDyke. Celebrates the life and career of screen legend Dick VanDyke as he celebrates his 100th birthday

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Sisi. (Mav,R) 11.55 Culprits. (Malv,R) 2.05 Soldiers. (Malsv,R) 3.50 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.20 Rediscover Victoria. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: SingaporeBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.25 My Adventures With Superman. (Premiere) 8.45 Robot Wars: Battle Of The Stars. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 7.40 The Movie Show 8.50 ARoom With A View.(1985, PGnv) 11.00 The Nugget. (2002, Ml) 12.50pm Up In The Air.(2009, Mlns) 2.55 The Movie Show 3.30 The Bookshop. (2017, PGal) 5.35

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia v England. Day 3. Mor ning session. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 3. After noon session. 3.10 The Ashes: TeaBreak 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. ThirdTest. Australia vEngland. Day 3. Evening session.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Victorian State Schools Spectacular (PG) Featuring dance and musical performances.

10.00 NSW Schools Spectacular (PG) Featuring dance and musical performances.

12.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) Dr Harry Cooper and Dr Katrina Warren present information about animals and pet care.

1.00 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns) Logan moves to New York after two deaths.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

Unforgettable Christmas. (2023, G, R) Celeste Desjardins, Brett Donahue. 2.00 Pointless.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Experts help people declutter their lives. 8.40 MOVIE: Elf. (2003, G, R) Aman raised as an elf at Santa’s North Pole home embarks on a father.WillFerrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel. 10.40 MOVIE: Four Holidays. (2008, Mls, R) Reese Witherspoon. 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Hello SA. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop:

Saturday, December 20

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 Retur n To Paradise. (PGdv,R) 1.25 Royal Carols: Together At Christmas. (R) 2.30 All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special. (PG, R) 3.25 A(Very) Musical Christmas. (PG, R) 5.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Muster Dogs: WhereAre They Now.(R) 5.55 Hard Quiz Battle Of The Networks. (PG, R)

6.30 When The WarIsOver: Changi. the Burma-Thailand Railway

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

7.30 Retur nToParadise.

(Final, PGdv) Glenn and Daisy’s wedding is interrupted when an uninvited guest collapses.

8.30 Vera (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope is on track to uncover an intriguing yet puzzling case when the body of a sickly young girl is discovered at the side of an isolated railway crossing.

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

10.55 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv,R) Bergerac must save his daughter

11.45 Rage Best Of The Guests 2025. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.55 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Merry Madagascar 8.00 Kung Fu Panda Holiday 8.25 Chopped Junior 9.10 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.50 Abbott Elementary 10.10 Speechless. 10.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 2.30 MOVIE: Mama Africa. (2011, PG) 4.10 Precious Leader Woman. 5.00 Faboriginal.

6.00 The Barber 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Seeds. (2024, MA15+) 10.00 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edwards. 11.20 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw,R) 9.15 Matched. (PG, R) 10.10 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France

24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 When The World Watched. 3.25 Ethnic Business Awards. (R) 5.30 Bettany Hughes: History Of Mother Earth.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Building The Vatican. (PGa, R) Explores The Vatican. 8.30 AWarwick Castle Christmas: Christmas At The Castle. Follows the team at Warwick Castle as they preparefor their busiest time of the year

9.30 Harrods: The Rise And Fall Of A British Institution. (Ma, R) Charts the story of anationalicon’sincredible rise and tragic fall from grace.

10.25 MOVIE: Robin’s Wish. (2020, Ma, R) Susan Schneider Williams. 11.45 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R)

3.10 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.10 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 12.35 Bamay 1.00 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.30 SBS50. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Inside Legoland: AWorld Of Wonder 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Fast &Furious. (Premiere) 10.20 Snowpiercer 12.10am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Last Castle. (2001, Malsv) 12.25pm Say It Loud. (2020, Mls, Italian) 2.10 ARoom With AView. (1985, PGnv) 4.20 Driving Miss Daisy.(1989) 6.10 The Family Man. (2000, PGals) 8.30 The Royal Hotel. (2023, MA15+l) 10.10 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+ls) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. After noon session. 3.10 The Ashes: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. Evening session.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Animals AboardWith Dr Harry (PG) The team hits the road to save man’sbestfriend. Ateary farewell is made to aspecial needs pup.

8.00 Carols In The Domain. (PG) Coverage of Carols In The Domain from Sydney.Featuring TheWiggles, Marcia Hines, Hugh Sheridan, Erin Holland, Budjerah, Kym Johnson Herjavec, James Johnston and Marshall Hamburger

10.30 NSW Schools Spectacular (PG, R) Featuring dance and musical performances.

1.00 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns) Logan is forced to leave America.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Medical Emergency 11.30 Harry’sPractice. Noon Horse Racing. Royal Randwick Raceday and Pakenham Cup Day 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 TheYorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Heathrow 12.30am The YorkshireVet. 1.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra Summer.(PG) 12.00 (PGl) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.00 Drive Safer 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Ready VetGo: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 2.30 MOVIE: Christmas In Scotland. (2023, G) 4.30 Garden Gurus. 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R) 6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Airport 24/7. (PGa,

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Nugget Is Dead: A Christmas Story (2024, Mln) Awoman retur ns to her hometown for Christmas. VicZerbst, Jenna Owen.

9.30 MOVIE: Bad Moms 2. (2017, MA15+als, R) Three unappreciated mothers rebel against the expectations of organising the “perfect” Christmas. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell.

11.35 MOVIE: Christmess. (2023, Madl, R) Darren Gilshenan. (PGl, 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)

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 Explore. 11.05 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.25pm MOVIE: The Sound Barrier.(1952, PG) 2.50 MOVIE: The Hallelujah Trail. (1965) 5.50 MOVIE: A Perfect Christmas. (2016, PG) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.30 MOVIE: The Living Daylights. (1987, PG) 11.10 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6.00 MOVIE: Dear Santa. (2024, PGalv) Adevilish character posing as Santa wreaks havoc. Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key 8.20 Love It Or List It Australia. (Retur n) Rachael and Ryan can’tagree over their Greenslopes Queenslander, 9.30 The DogHouse. (PGa, R) the labrador cross will help dad Dave getinto the festive spirit. 10.30 Jamie Oliver: Christmas. (R) Jamie Oliver hosts aChristmasparty. 11.30Jamie’sOne-Pan Christmas. (R) Jamie Oliver shows how to make one-pot meals. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

10 COMEDY (11, 52)

10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am Bold. 8.30 The Neighborhood. 10.00 Ridiculousness. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Ridiculousness. 3.00 Frasier 4.00 Friends. 6.30 Big Bang. 10.00 Frasier (PGa, R) 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight South Park. 1.00 Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 2.30 Shopping.

7MATE (73,64) 6am Shopping. 9.00 IFish. 9.30 On

Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Cool Cars &Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. National Drag Racing C’ship. TopFuel C’ship. 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars 7.30 MOVIE: 47 Ronin. (2013, M) 9.50 MOVIE: Dante’sPeak. (1997, PG) 12.10am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 3.40pm MOVIE: Radio Christmas. (2019, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Santa Hunters. (2024, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. (2013, M) 10.25 The Winter King. 11.35 Top20Funniest. 12.35am Love After Lockup. 2.05 MOVIE: Blaze. (2022, MA15+) 4.00 4.30 ILove VIP Pets. 4.50 Bar ney’sWorld. 5.10 Late Programs.

JAG. 3pm Camper Deals. 3.30 Tough Tested. 4.30 Soccer.A-League Men. Round 9. Newcastle Jets vSydney FC. 7.00 Football Tonight. 7.35 Soccer A-League Men. Round 9. Melbour ne City vMelbour ne Victory 10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Hawai’i. 1.45 48 Hours. 3.45 Shopping.

Sunday,December 21

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.25 Matched. (PG, R) 10.15 Inside The Steam Train Museum. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55

ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Figure Skating. ISU Grand Prix 4. Highlights. 5.30 Hotel Chocolat At Christmas. (R)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 ADog’sWorld With Tony Armstrong. (Final, R) 1.25 Gardening Australia: Christmas Special. (R) 2.25 Nigella’sCook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family (Final, PG, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes: Christmas Special. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (Final, PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (Final, PG)

8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year (Final)

8.50 Retur nToParadise. (Final, PGdv,R)Glenn and Daisy’swedding is interrupted.

9.50 When The WarIsOver: Australian Wars (Final,PGa, R) 10.20 WarStories.

10.30 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (Ml, R) 11.00 Nigella’sCook, Eat, Repeat: Christmas Special. (R) 12.00 Rage Vault Guest Programmer.(PGadhlnsv) 3.10 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.40 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.10 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.10 Annabel Crabb’sCivic Duty.(PG,R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (PG) Looks at the secrets of Cleopatra’stemple. 8.30 Ken Bur ns’ The American Revolution. (PG) The Revolution faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City

10.35 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (Ma, R) 11.30 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGln, R) 12.35 Empires Of New York. (MA15+ad, R) 3.05 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.05 Rediscover Victoria.(PG, R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.10pm Piney: The Lonesome Pine. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 MOVIE: Paddington. (2014) 9.00 A(Very) Musical Christmas. 10.30 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.55 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. After noon session. 3.10 The Ashes: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Third Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. Evening session.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 8. Melbour ne Renegades vHobart Hurricanes. (PG) Jackson Warneshares memories of his late father Shane. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Bruce McAvaney meets Gout Gout.

12.00 MacGruber (Premiere, MA15+lsv) MacGruber goes on one last mission.

1.15 Travel Oz. (R) Hosted by Greg Grainger

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

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

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 ExploreTV. (R) 12.00 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 12.30 MOVIE: The Most Colorful Time Of The Year.(2022, G) 2.10 MOVIE: Destination Christmas. (2022, PGa, R) 4.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards Summer.(PG)

6.00 9News Sunday

7.00 Christmas With Delta. AChristmas concert with Delta Goodrem. 8.30 MOVIE: Vacation. (2015, MA15+ln, R) Aman embarks on across-country trip to an amusement park with his family.EdHelms, Christina Applegate, Chris Hemsworth. 10.30 Red Eye. (Mav) 11.30 World’sMostDangerous Prisoners: Pike. (MA15+av,R) 12.20 Wild Cards. (Mav,R)

1.10 ExploreTV. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa)

4.30 TheGarden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

TEN (10, 5)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.30 Key Ingredient. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play (R) 12.00 The Dog Academy.(PGa) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 1.30 Lingo. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 13. Tasmania JackJumpers vPerth Wildcats. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narelle seeks two dogs for her fresh start in the Blue Mountains and meetstwo bonded beagles. 7.00 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Separated parents, who decided to sell their house after their kids left, arestruggling with it still on the market eight months later 8.00 The Imposter (Premiere, Mals) Abeachfront hotel sparks family sell, despite her children’swishes. 10.00 FBI. (Mv,R)The team discovers that the identities ofmultiple undercoveragents have been compromised. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.40 Jeopardy! 4.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The LordOfThe Rings. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Miracles. 9.50 Liaison. 10.50 Myths: The Greatest Mysteries Of Humanity 11.50 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Harry’sPractice. 1.30 Medical Emergency 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Christmas With The Salvos. 3.00 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 4.00 Escape To The Country 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country 7.45 Mrs Brown’sBoys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Incredible Jour ney 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers. 11.40 MOVIE: Attack On The Iron Coast. (1968, PG) 1.35pm MOVIE: Sabata. (1969, PG) 3.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Licence To Kill. (1989, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Road Open. 2.10 Black And Dusty 3.10 Ethnic Business Awards. 5.10 Australian Music Vault: Kutcha Edwards. 6.30 Living Black SBS 50 Interstitials. 6.35 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.45 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.35 Aerial Australia. 8.30 Nat King Cole: Afraid Of The Dark. 10.10 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.55 The Red Turtle. (2016, PGa, No dialogue) 10.25 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, Ml) 12.35pm The Bridges Of Madison County.(1995, Ml) 3.00 Moonlighting. (1982) 4.55 Miyazaki, Spirit Of Nature. (2024, PGav) 6.30 The Boy And The Heron. (2023) 8.50 Freud’sLast Session. (2023) 10.50 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Soccer.English Premier League. Manchester United vBour nemouth. Replay 4.30 Premier League Stories. 5.15 MOVIE: Scooby-Doo. (2002, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: The Polar Express. (2004) 9.00 MOVIE: The Dark Knight Rises. (2012, M) 12.15am Gotham. 1.10 Arrow 3.00 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 Aust. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty 4.00 Mt Hutt Rescue. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border

Monday,December22

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.30 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 10.00 Take 5. (Final, R) 10.30 Vera. (Ma, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (Final, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz Kids. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 IWas Actually There: Boxing Day Tsunami. (Ma, R) Firsthand accounts of the Boxing Day Tsunami.

8.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml) Incarcerated women enter asongwriting program. Nancy Bates.

9.30 MOVIE: Girls Can’tSurf. (2020, M, R) Agroup of surfers challenge professionals. Layne Beachley,Pam Burridge.

11.15 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Tony Albert. (MA15+, R) 11.45 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R)

12.35 Long Lost Family (PG, R)

1.20 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Shaun The Sheep. 6.55 Tiddler 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.30 Who Do You Think YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.05 Diana Ross: Supreme Sensation. 9.55 MOVIE: Saturday Night Fever.(1977, MA15+) Midnight Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Amazon: The Lost World. (PG, R) 2.55 Such WasLife. (R) 3.05 Going

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Secrets Of The Tasmanian Tiger (PG, R) Alook at the Tasmanian tiger

8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. Greg Davies is joined by celebrity guests Chris Ramsey,Jordan North, Ella Henderson and Jamali Maddix.

9.25 Jimmy Carr’sI Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr hosts acomedic game show where paying attention pays off.

10.20 The 2010s: Peak TV. (MA15+av,R) 11.50 The Man Who Died. (Mav)

12.40 Culprits. (Malv,R)

2.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+as, R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (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 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 9. Sydney Thunder vBrisbane Heat.

10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Brisbane Heat.

11.00 Chicago Fire. (Mav) Boden retur ns on Grissom’sorders to runapost-incident analysis after ahouse collapsed during

12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Jo’sex-husband comes to Los Angeles.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) Will races in to rescue aswimmer 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Acouple in Paddington have their dream home within their budget. 8.40 The Imposter. (Final, Madls) Abeachfront hotel sparks family won’tsell, despite herchildren’s wishes. However,the arrival of a woman claiming to be along-lost daughter adds complexity 10.40 NCIS. (Mv,R)Apilot’sbody is found with unusual wounds. 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am

7TWO (72, 62)

WorldWatch. 6.50 The 77 Percent. 7.20 WorldWatch. 8.40 DW Euromaxx. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 RexInRome. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Iceland. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 IAmLuke Perry 10.05 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 A Beautiful Mind. (2001, Ma) 12.25pm The Hummingbird. (2022, Mal, French, Italian) 2.45 The Boy And The Heron. (2023) 5.00 The Red Turtle. (2016, PGa, No dialogue) 6.30 Ponyo. (2008) 8.30 Hachi: ADog’sTale. (2009, PGa) 10.15 Year Of The Dog. (2007, Ma) Midnight Late Programs.

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) Ordinary Australians become travel critics.

9.00 MOVIE: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. (1981, Mv,R)Anarchaeologist and adventurer sets out on a quest to recoverthe fabled Ark of the Covenant. Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies.

11.20 Sight Unseen. (Mv) Avictim from apast case wakes from acoma.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

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

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To TheCountry 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 1.00 MOVIE: Shalako. (1968, PG) 3.20 Antiques Roadshow 3.50 MOVIE: Double Holiday (2019) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: GoldenEye. (1995, PG) 11.20 Late Programs.

Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Ghosts Of Girlfriends Past. (2009, M) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.35am The VampireDiaries. 2.15 Pretty Little Liars. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures.

Tuesday,December 23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 The Art Of... (PG, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Killer Whale: Australia’sMegapod. (PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.35 Nigella Bites. (R) 4.00 Grand Designs NZ. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz Kids. (R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

8.25 The Piano UK: The Incredibly Talented Lucy (PG, R) The extraordinary story of blind pianist Lucy

9.25 The Assembly: Ray Martin. (PG, R) The students interview Ray Martin.

10.55 Escaping Utopia. (Ma, R)

11.55 ACountry Road: The Nationals. (Final, R) 12.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 1.40 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 2.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.35 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.35 Nigella Bites. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Darcey Bussell’sRoyal Road Trip. (R) 2.55 Such WasLife. (PG, R) 3.05 GoingPlaces. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Westminster Abbey: Behind Closed Doors. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys: Edinburgh To Queensferry. (R) Presented by Michael Portillo.

8.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre?Olly Murs. (PG) Olly Murs, while exploring his grandfather’sLatvian roots, discovers his great-grandparents werecircus performers.

9.40 Australia In Colour: Crime And Punishment. (Md, R) Acollection of colourised archival footage.

10.40 The 2010s. (Malv,R) 11.30 Families Like Ours. (MA15+v) 12.30 De Gaulle. (Ma, R) 2.30 Nordland

99. (Mal, R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Ben And Holly 6.45 Supertato. 6.50 Stick Man. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.10 Super Shark Highway 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Candy Cane Candidate. (2021, PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 10. Adelaide Strikers vMelbour ne Stars.

10.30 Seven’sCricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with adeep dive into the world of cricket.

11.15 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal) Mayan makes ashockingdiscovery

12.15 Miniseries: London Spy (MA15+ds) The police accuse Danny of murder

1.30 Travel Oz. (R) Presented by Greg Grainger 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Bondi Rescue. (PG, R) Chappo goes to rescue afather and daughter 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 The DogHouse Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 MOVIE: The First Wives Club. (1996, PGal, R) Three women, dumped by their husbands for younger women, decide to get revenge. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler,Diane Keaton. 10.35 Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas To All. (R) 12.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.15 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch 5.45 Travel Man: 96 Hours In Jordan. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Our Guy In Vietnam. 10.20 Hoarders. 11.15 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.10am Bad Education. 1.20 Count Abdulla. 2.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 The Movie Show 9.00 Hachi: ADog’sTale. (2009, PGa) 10.40 La La Land. (2016, Ml) 1pm Freud’s Last Session. (2023) 3.00 Ponyo. (2008) 5.00 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 6.30 Kiki’s Delivery Service. (1989) 8.30 Starring

7.30 Taronga: Who’sWho In The Zoo: Emu Rescue. (PG) Taronga vets lead akoala rescue mission.

8.30 Jamie Durie’sFutureHouse. Jamie Durie races to complete his late 3D-printed home as walls rise. 9.35 Beyond The Build. Jimmy and Tamsettleinto life on the Sunshine Coast. 10.35 Wild Cards. (Mv) 11.30 La Brea. (Mav,R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

Amity to play

AMITY and other Aussie heavyhittersare coming to Traralgon, in abig winfor Gippsland moshers.

Seminal Australian metalcore outfit The Amity Affliction have announced an extensive regional tour set to start in February 2026, including astop at The Deck in Traralgon on Thursday, March 19. Also playingonthe nightwill be fellowrock and metal heavyweights In HeartsWake, Redhook and headwreck.

Earlier this year, The Amity Affliction released their latest single 'All That IRemember' to widespread support from the industry and fans alike, marking the bands first release with new bass player and clean vocalist Jonny Reeves. The band has becomeone of Australia’s premiere heavy acts over the past two decades; with eight studio albums under their belt (including five albums that have hit number one on the ARIA Charts); seven ARIA nominations; countless sell out toursacross Australia,the US, UK andEurope; and more than one billion streams to their name.

Safety first this harvest season

HARVEST seasonisoften more demanding on both producers and theirequipmentdue to warmer weather and pressure to work longer hours at afaster pace

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer

Sam Jenkin said fatigue and incidents involving vehicles and machinery remained asignificant contributor to workplace harm on farms, with many incidents involving experienced farmers performing everyday tasks alone.

“We know that fatigued workers are at a higher risk of serious incidents,particularly while working alone with machinery, making rest and focus even more important during the demandsofthe harvest season,” Mr Jenkin said.

“The result can be deadly when workers don’thave enough time to recover each day, especiallyfor olderfarmers whose physical capabilities may have changed over time.”

Fatigue is notjustfeeling abit sleepy or tired,but repeatedlypushingbeyond mental and physicallimits- which can severely impact reaction time, co-ordination, concentration, and mental health.

The agriculture industry continues to be over-represented in workplace fatalities, regularly accounting for more than 10 per cent of deaths despite making up just two per cent of the state’s workforce.

Mr Jenkin said amajority related to the use or maintenance of farm machinery and vehicles, including the three confirmed work-related deaths on Victorian farms so far this year -each involving reversing tractors.

“Sadly, WorkSafe continues to respond to too many incidents with vehicles and machinery," he said.

“Simple measures -such as having daily safety conversations, planning ahead, ensuring equipment is well-maintained and guarded and letting someone know where you are and when you’re due back- can all makeabig difference at this time of the year.”

Employers can manage hazards and risks on farms this harvest by:

 Planning ahead to identify potential issues, including weather conditions and lack of rest;

 Training staff in the safe operation of machines and equipment, regardless of their level of experience;

 Using side-by-sides safely, including seatbelts, helmets, and appropriate loads;

 Regularly servicing and inspecting machines and equipment;

 Checking-in with those working alone to monitor potential issues or safety concerns, and;

 Preparing for the fire danger period by ensuring firebreaks are in place and equipment sites are clear of flammable materials.

Coming: Heavy metal band Amity will play in Traralgon next March Photograph supplied

WITH Blake Metcalf-Holt and Aidan Knight currently locked in ameeting room trying to finalise their aggressively overthought shortlist for our Christmas Eve 'Best and Worst Holiday Movies' special(they’ve been in therefour hours already andare nowarguing about whether Iron Man 3 counts), Reel Talk is handing over the reins for a guest edition.

This week, the Express’ resident Grinchspert, FrankieHopkins, steps in to speak her piece on the green Christmas leech himself in How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000).

Known for her strong festive opinions andher steadfast belief that Jim Carrey carried the entire film industry on his latex-covered shoulders for the year of its release, Frankie takes centre stage to dissect the chaos, charm and questionable Whoville energy of the modern Christmas classic.

Unlike the totally unqualified usual critics handling the paper's reviews, Frankie studied film at Swinburn University, and with such background brings auniqueperspective to the column, to which sheprovides commentary on one of the most formative Christmascharacters in everyone's childhood. Now, its time for Reel Talk....

FRANKIE Hopkins: IF soaring fir trees, abundant colourful fairy lights, and general holiday cheerand merrimentmakes your garlicky soul shudder, you might be in good company.

Putting the 'You better watch out' in 'Santa Claus is coming to town', Ron Howard brings the cartoon world of Dr Seuss to life in his live-action magnum opus ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’.

Our loveable festive sourpussisplayed by comedy giant Jim Carrey, delivering acareer highlight performance characterised by his usual silliness.

Featuring songs such as Where are you Christmas? co-written by the queenofChristmas Mariah Carey, this film is full of quirky charmand character andissuretoget your festive spirit soaring.

“It’s because I’m green isn’t it?!” SUCCESSFUL villains are those that audiences can understand and empathise with; the Grinch is asocial recluse whose best friend is his dog -talkabout arelatable protagonist!

From his 'Buzz off' doormat to his fake-monster home-security system, it’s clear he doesn’t want to be disturbed.

But this Y2K cult classic goes beyond Seuss’s blueprint; it explores the reason for the Grinch’s isolationbydelving into his origin story. It challengeshis reputation for Yuletide grumpiness from an innate behavioural defect and asserts; rather, that it is acoping mechanism from his experienced prejudice at the hands of the Whos.

But don’t feel too sorry for him -the Grinch stays busy, keeping apacked daily schedule that includes such quips as “Stare into the abyss”, “Solve world hunger, tell no one”, “Jazzercize” and “Wrestle with my self-loathing”.

Aside from these existentialactivities, this melodramatic diva also recycles and repurposes the Whos’ discarded rubbish from the wastetip he resides near; aconscientious green thumb -ifyou will -that offsets their overconsumption.

The Grinch also keeps afibrous diet by eating overripe slimy vegetables -areal life FOGO

bin -and uses organic deodorant, rubbing onion on his pits for an extra special aroma scent.

This film has goofy gags aplenty -ranging from self-deprecatingdark humour to juvenile jokes andchildish japes. An example pastimeofour mischievous maverick is prank-calling the Whos asking if their “refrigerator is running” and mailing jury duty and chainmail notices. Countless mini-skits and fourth-wall breaks punctuate this movie, building up the character we know and love. It’s atight script that never lets up on the humour, but beyond the countlessgagsand superficial

No Grinches at the Express

empathy, forgiveness and community are the true values of Christmas.

THIS film’s success unmistakably hinges upon our eponymous hero’s performance -and what a doozy Carrey delivers.

His whacky slapstick and gelatinous face is the film’s bedrock-amusing and hard to look away from like vaudevillian voodoo.

In uncharted live-action territory, Carrey crafts a totally originalcharacterisation -from the gravelly, low-pitched nasal accent, his exaggerated mannerisms, to his trudging hunch-backed walk. His physical comedy is ajoy to watch -from riding a pulsatingjackhammer, Olympic-style diving down chimneys, and getting his head bashed in by a symbol-playing giant monkey.

Carrey’s commitment to the countless comedic bits, delightful theatricality, ingenious improvisation,and hilarious vocal delivery is compelling to watch and has created alasting cultural impact.

Productiondesigner Michael Cornbliff’s sets faithfully capturethe feel of Seuss’ illustrations -drawing, figurativelyand literally, from the swirling organically shapedarchitecture of Europe andMorocco thatinspired the original drawings.Constructed inside Universal Studios’ largesoundstages,the synthetic sprawling festive town of ‘Whoville’ serves as the surrealist whimsical backdrop to the world of the Whos.

Rick Baker and Gail Ryan, who won an Academy Award fortheir efforts in Makeup and Hair design, bring the characters to life; crafting adistinctly identifiable archetype using strategic prosthetics and whimsical hair design.

Particularly, it wouldberemiss of me not to mention Cindy Lou Whos’ iconic dessert-themed towering hairdo -anobvious upgrade to her simple blonde-bob-and-bows ‘do from the book’.

The mo re mammot ht as kf or the make up department, however, was the design of the Grinch himself.

Crafted from afull-bodied suit of dyed yak hair sewn onto aspandex base, the entire get-up initially tookeight hours to apply -eventually whittled down to athree-hour operation.

Carrey detested the gruelling procedure so much, he had to be coached by aCIA operative with expertise in torture endurance to withstand the process.

He attributes aportion of his achieved zen to consuming copious amounts of Bee Gees. And the battle didn’t end there-aheadofhim yet was the 14-hour shoot days -while buried under kilos of balmy prosthetics.

Consi derin gt hese con dition s, it is al mo st incomprehensible how Carrey was able to deliver suchcommittedand thumpingenergy to his performance.

Adaptations are fraught endeavours.

Writers grapple with die-hard fans concerned with source fidelity -unwilling to tolerate artistic liberty or deviation from original concepts.

splendour, there are touching moral components that often go overlooked.

“Doesn’t this seem …superfluous?”

ASOLID chunk of the film serves as set-up for the Grinch’s motivations and eventual robbery of Christmas.

Audiences discover that whilst the Grinch has always been an impish Christmas-hatingrascal, it was ultimately the Whos’mean-spirited behaviour that pushed the Grinch to his present-day Whohating self

Flashbacks to his childhood reveal he was avictim of targeted bullying due to his green colouring, hairiness and general pessimism.

Thishumanising scenedrawsa contradictory distinction; the Whos, notorious for good tidings, do not extend their cheer to the Grinch -ahypocrisy stemming from prejudicial fear.

After the Grinch abscondstomountaintop isolation, Whoville grows to regard him as afolk-myth monster -avoiding his existence.

At the forefront of this careless congregation is the Grinch’s nemesis -his childhood bully, now Mayor.

Our secondary character Cindy-Lou-Who notices this disparity and the Mayor’s contempt-fulness, seeking to right these injustices.

Similar to the Grinch, she is disillusioned with the holiday cheer rampant in her community. An earnest young girl, she observes that the Whos have lost sight of the true meaning of Christmas -caught up in the buzz and fanfare of the holiday.

Apivotal opening scene sees astore-clerk shouting; “for the next five minutes only …99 per cent off” -abargaintobesure but highlighting Whoville’s rampant hyper-commercialisation.

Cindy-Lou actsasa character foil to the Grinch: an interconnected parallel that highlightseach others’ traits and flaws through direct comparison

Where the Grinch displays cynical closemindedness, Cindy-Louembodies empathetic curiosity -his philosophical counterbalance.

It becomes Cindy-Lou’s personal mission to right the wrongs of the past, re-unite the community, and challenge the Grinch’s deduction that Christmas is avapid obnoxious pageant.

It is only once the Grinch and the Whos learn their subjective lessons can the cycle of hatred come to an end.

Ult im ate ly this wh oles ome tale abo ut a prejudicial society and amisunderstood gremlin showthe damagingimpacts of ‘Othering’ people simply because they are different, and asserts that

The monumental task of adapting this beloved 60-page children’s book into afeature film was no small feat -anintimidating undertaking to do justice to an incredibly niche IP and win the approval of Audrey Geisel -Seuss’ widow and head of the Seuss estate.

Ron Howard confidently conquers -elevating the original source material by conceptualising the fantastical world of ‘Whoville’ and its colourful inhabitants. He harnesses the storybook feeling with use of sporadic voice-over narration -performed by acting legend AnthonyHopkins(no relation) -whose primp British timbre lends an idyllic sing-song vibe.

With rhyming verses directly takenfrom the book, naturally, it captures the tonal essenceofthe original. ButHoward isn’t afraid to pull from other towers of great media to strengthenhis storytelling.

An earlyshot of the Grinch references fellow monster Nosferatu (1922); elongated fingers, towering silhouette and menacing walk cast against the wall. There are also more satirical additions, such as the Chariots of Fire (1981) theme song playing as theGrinch wins ajumping sack race against children.

These richculturaldetails make this artificial world feel more relevant and recognisable to audiences -asserting it as both areflection and contributor to our media landscape.

For all thesereasons covered and more, How The Grinch Stole Christmas remains my all-time favourite Christmas movie, and when December 25 rolls around, Iwill most definitely be sat in front of my television, crisp glass of Coca-Cola in hand (unsponsored, but willing to be), enjoyingthis movie and taking next foray into grand

Rating: ★★★★★

Ho wT he Grinch

Stole Christmas can be streamed th is ye ar Netfl ix, Pri Video, Dis ney+, Paramount+, Foxtel Now, Stan, and Binge (so basically EVERYWHERE)

Christmas classic: In this week’s review,film exper tand Express production assistant Frankie Hopkins takesadeep diveintothe JimCarrey-led Grinch.

Li ghtUpLatrobe

Morwell

Traralgon

Politiciansneed to wake up now

ISN'T it about time voters woke up to these current politicians with their junkets and dictatorial attitude to the taxpayers of this country?

HereinVictoria, the Allangovernment has banned gas from being part of new housing developments. Our farmers are being threatened with fines for not allowing transmission lines on their properties. Our food bowls are being covered with wind farms and solar panels, resulting in ashortage of food at the supermarkets. Crime is skyrocketing despite the new laws.

The federal government's promiseofcheaper power billsnever eventuated, and nowthe $300 government electricity handout will end this month.

Laborcalls itself the 'working man's party', yet through theirrenewables stupidity, more blue-collar workers will lose their jobs. What will happen to the Valley when the power stationsclose? Where will all the jobs come from?

The latest fiasco about politicians' travel shows how much they care aboutworking-class Australians.

Prime Minister Albanese says that the Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority are looking into it. The IPEA enforces the rules aboutParliamentary spendingoftaxpayers'funds, but it is PrimeMinister Albanese who sets the guidelines and who refuses to change them.

The IPEA reminds me of an email Isent to the IndependentRemuneration Tribunal regarding politicians' pay rises. It turns out that the Remuneration Tribunal send a"recommendation" to the Cabinet, and if the Cabinet doesn't like it, it is returned for a'review'.What we have is a'recommendation'

No water mergers after review

By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

THE state government supports most of the recommendations from areview of the Victorian public service, but will not merge water corporations.

After receiving the review by former Department of Premierand Cabinet secretary Helen Silver in June, the governmentlastweek releasedthe report and its response to the public

The review contains 52 recommendations to achieve “improved operating budget outcomes through program savings, VPS restructuring, entity reform, enhanced budget processes, digitisation and service reform”.

In total, Ms Silver said the recommendationswould achievearound $5 billion in savings and areduction of more than 2000 ongoing full-time equivalent jobs over four years.

The government will be implementing the vast majority of the recommendations, which it claimed would deliver more than$4billion of savings in total.

“This ensures government spending is focused on what matterstoVictorians without cutting frontline services,” the government stated.

The governmen tw ill redu ce executi ve and executive-like roles by 332across the public service, whichthe review estimated will save $359 million from the current financial year and over the forward estimates. The government will also further reduce consultants and labour hire contractor expenditure by 10 per cent.

The government did not support Ms Silver’s recommendation to consolidate 14 water corporations (excluding Melbourne Water)into three, forming metro-regional water partnerships.

Under the recommendation, metro water

COMMENT

BY DANCAFFREY

IMUST take issue with two articles from Philip Hopkins in the December 3issue of the Latrobe Valley Express

Firstly,the story headed 'Laborlegendslams ownparty over energy'(Page 38).

This seemed like adirect lift from The Australian newspaper, not knownfor faircoverage of nonconservative parties.

In the article, Jenni George, aformer Federal Labor MP and previous to that, the first woman to be president of the ACTU,takes aswipe at the presentenergy policies of the Albanese government as creating higher electricity prices. The article would have us believe that she was still amember of the government, but in actual fact, she retired just as JuliaGilliardbecame Prime Minister.

Alot of things have changed in the last 15 years, like the national electricity grid (the NEM), now powered by almost50per cent renewable

followed by areview going back and forward until the Cabinet is happy with the recommendation. Getting the picture, people?

Timetoend the junkets and start lookingafter working-class families so they have jobsand can afford to pay their bills and put food on the table.

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

My journeythrough touch and imagination

THE Blind Creator began after Ilost my sightin 2021.

That moment changed my life completely, but it opened anew way of experiencing and creating. When my vision faded, my other senses grew stronger.I started noticing textures, materials, movement, and the way shape alone could tell astory.Itbecame a new form of seeing -through touch and imagination. Ihadn’t created anything before losing my sight. My artistic journey started afterwards, experimentingwithclay, plaster, cement, beads, gems, stencils, mosaic tiles, and more. Shaping materials with my hands gave me peace andpurpose. Ilearned that Icould conceptualise apiece without needing to see it. My hands became my eyes, and that is how The Blind Creator was born -aname representing creativity without limits.

Everypiece Imakeistactile because art should be something people can feel, not only see. Whether it is abutterfly wall hanger, dolphin chime, dog paw magnet, or lion-head sculpture, each piece

corporations would have acted as the central coordination hubs for their respective partnerships, with regional corporations to act as service delivery arms for their respective partnerships.

The recommendation had Gippsland Waterin the “Eastern Water Partnership” alongside East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Westernport Water, with South East Water serving as acentral hub.

Southern Rural Waterwouldbesplit between the western and eastern partnerships.

Therecommendation to combinecatchment management authorities (CMA) into “three regionally aligned bodies”, to plan and coordinate land, water and biodersity management in all catchment and land protection regions, was also not supported by the government.

This would have had the West Gippsland and East Gippsland CMAs combined to create an Eastern CMA.

Whilenot supported by the government, the government said there were“opportunitiesfor more sharing of back-office functions” among water and catchment authorities.

“The servicesprovided by individual watercorporationsvarysignificantly–particularly across regional Victoria, reflecting the different needs and infrastructure requirements of local communities,” the government response stated.

“Similarly, CMAs have deep local connections, includingwithTraditionalOwners, overseeing things like native vegetation restoration, pest andweed control, riverbank stabilisation, and fencing waterways to benefit both farmers and the environment.”

Building on its Economic Growth Statement and the work already underway to cut the number of business regulators by half, the government will streamline and further reduce the number of government entities.

“Thisistobeachieved by mergingentities with similar functions, returning functions to government departments, or by winding down entities that are no longer required,” the government stated.

“These activities will bring about further red tape reduction and make it easier for businesses and the public to navigate government.”

Among thesewill be the establishment of anew food safetyregulator, Safe Food Victoria, consolidating

invites interaction through touch. Ioften say that imagination changeswhen youuse your hands instead of your eyes -everyone who feels my work imaginessomething different, which makes each piece personal to them.

Working as The Blind Creator has required new strategies and adaptations. Ilabel tools with raised textures, sort materials by shape and feel, and use sound cues in my workspace for safety. Sometimes pieces crack, glue fails, or cement dries too fast, but each setback has helped me refine my techniques and strengthen my patience and resilience.

The environment keeps my work grounded, natural, and connected to community.Overthe past threeyears,Ihave learned underStephanie Schultz from The Palate and Kiln Studio, whose guidance has helped my skills grow significantly.

My workhas been featuredintwo public artexhibitions, something Iamdeeply proud of as atotally blindartist. Ialsoattend local community markets, where Isell my creations and meet people who can experience my art through touch.Theseconnections bring meaning to my journey.

One of my mostmemorable moments was meeting a94-year-old woman who bought abutterfly pot and told me she had never owned something made by ablind person before. She displays it proudly on her TV cabinet.

Each message like this reminds me that TheBlind Creatorisnot just about makingart -itisabout creating connection, inclusion, and joy.

Losing my sight did not end my creativity; it revealed it. Ihope my work shows that creativity depends on heart and courage, not sight.

PrimeSafe (meat, poultry and seafood), Dairy Food Safety Victoria and Department of Health’s licensing and food safety operations.

HealthSha re Victoria and VicHealth will be absorbed into the Department of Health, and the functions of Recycling Victoriawill be moved into the Environmental Protection Agency.

Parks Victoria’s regulatory functions will be absorbedinto the Conservation Regulator, consolidating environmental regulation under asingle authority, while Resources Victoria will take over the functionsofthe Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority. By halving the number of business regulators by 2030, the government claimed, Victoria will have the lowest number of business regulators of any Australian state.

In her report, Ms Silver said consolidating operations would reduce duplication and costs.

The government supported the recommendation to cease the Latrobe Health Assembly, claiming its “functions can now be carried out by local public health units, which were subsequently established to deliverhealthpromotioncommunications and activities for local communities”.

The government supported in part therecommendation to absorb Emergency Recovery Victoria and Emergency Management Victoria into the Department of Justice and Community Safety as asingle branded division.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson said the release of theSilverreview confirmed the government was wasting billions of dollars on a“bloated, inefficient bureaucracy that is failing to deliver for communities”.

“These supposed savings are adrop in the ocean. Since thisreportwas handed to Labor in June, Victoria’snet debt has grown by almost twice the claimed savings Labor’s cuts will deliver.”

The Community and Public Sector Unionwelcomed the long-awaited release for the report and the government’s response that showed potential job losses reduced by over twothirds; but warnedfurther work was needed to achieve budget repair without staff or service cuts.

“We recognise cabinet’s prerogative to determine how the machinery of government is organised, but the essential services and functions Victorians rely on

Energy calculation error

energy, compared to just 10.5 per ent when she left Parliament. Herassertion that the higher power prices now are aresultofmorerenewable energy in the NEM is simply wrong, as wholesale wind and solar pricesare lessthan half the price of coal fired electricity. Nor is therementionofthe fact that on aper capita basis, Australians are the most carbon polluting of all nations except the petro-states.

In Mr Hopkins' reporting of the interview with Nationals leader, David Littleproud (Page 38), there were so many untruths about the transition to renewable energy, becausenoone fromthe other side of politics was asked to give their side of the story. Is this balanced reporting?

Littleproudsaidthat the billiondollar Waratah super batteryinNSW was “kaput” to use his

Phillip

Chalker Traralgon

Tunnel vision

THE Latrobe Valley is aclassic example of stubborn ideology overwhelming common sense. Clearly to anyone with athinkingbrain, the so-called 'transition' to expensive and unreliable renewable energy is surely acatastrophic mistake, and it is just amatter of time before the wind and solar Titanic hits the iceberg of engineering reality. And despite the soothing and selective cheerypicking peddled by Australia's reality-proof Energy Minister, Chris 'Blackout Bowen', cheered on by his fellow Laborstooge and renewables zealot, Victorian Energy Minister 'Silly Lily' D"Ambrosio, the dramatic economic decline of Australia in the last three-anda-half years of Labor's ruinous rule, and Victoria in particular, is obvious even to Blind Freddy. Closer to home, the Latrobe Valley now ranks as the worst area in the state economically, primarily due to Spring Street brutally forcing its renewables-only policy onto us and phasing out cheap andreliable electricityvia coal.

Thus,the state governmentismore than$200 billion in debt, thanks to theBig Build which includes the loopy and Mr Magoo-like Suburban Rail Loop. Its renewables-only policyisjust as loopy and short-sighted and willmoreover lead to massive job losses -particularly in the Latrobe Valley-via the deindustrialisation and decapitation of our economy.

Joseph

Lis

Morwell

need apublic service that is properly resourced and supported, staffed by public servantsworking in the public interest with fair workloads and conditions,” CPSU state secretary Jiselle Hanna said.

Have your say

THE

Valley Express to the editor.

welcomes letters

Preference will be given to brief, conciseletters which address local issues.

The editor LiamDurkin,reservesthe right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitledtoa rightofreply to a letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressedinletters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presentedinletters are selected to support a person's point of view.

As such, statisticscan quite oftenbefabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.

The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Letters regarding religion willnot be published.

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

either about the cost of not doing anything about climate change.

words. The truth is that two out of the three transformers had failures and the other one is still allowing electricity to be supplied to the grid. Both damaged transformers are being repaired.But there is nothing at all wrong with the batteries.

Again,his assertion that “baseload” is essential for the NEM is also false because the planned energy storage rightacross Australia will be able to store the excess rooftop solar from private homes for use at peak times,especially 5.30pm to 9pm, negating the need for having wasteful spinning generators operating 24/7. He also is stickingtohis totally disproven trope about it costing $9 trillion to gettonet zero by 2050. This is despite the group that researched this (Net Zero Australia) saying that it would actually cost $300 billion up to 2050. No mention

When complainingabout government help to establish renewablesand storage over the nation, he forgets to mention that every coal-fired power station in Australia was built by taxpayers Private investment willnot touch more coal-fired electricity generation even if they were subsidised by government, because coal-fired power is already more expensive than renewables now when they don’t even have to recoupthe cost of construction. Litteproud and the Nationals would be of much more use to country people if they argued for more community benefitsfrom solar and wind farms and transmission lines that bring wealth into rural communities and thusdrought-proofing farms, than trying to stir up the locals to resist them. We all know that,asthe miners party,they have to fightthe renewables roll-out to keep those fossil fuel donations coming in.

DanCaffrey is President of Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group.

Latrobe

The end of traditional baseload electricity

COMMENT

BY ADRIAN COSGRIFF

IT seems some people don't realise thatthe old baseload electricityconcept is rapidly becoming redundant. Don't get me wrong. Baseload electricity has served the world fantastically well. It has enabledustoachieve theliving standardthat we have today. There's no question about that. However,justlike any other technology, sooner or later abetter one comes along.

Just as mechanisation replaced manpower, the automobile replaced the horse, the mobile phone replaced the phoneattached to awall, email replaced letter writing and so on.

Just 20 years ago, baseload electricity supplied almost all of our electricity. Today, it is down to just 60 per cent on an annual basis and the pace of changeover is accelerating.

In South Australia, they are getting more than 70 per cent of their annual electricity from renewables and they are generating as high as 150 per cent of their target of 100 per cent of annual electricity in 2027 South Australia isn't aconcept. It is living proof that the engineering and science has solved the problem. Some in the past claimed that we could only handle up to 20 to 30 per cent renewables beforethe grid would become unstable. South Australia has proven that to be incorrect. In fact, now the entire NationalElectricity Market peaks at around70per centrenewables during the day Everyday. In the evenings it drops down to the 25-30per centrangeand is completely stable during the process. This can be witnessed daily vialive data that is freely available to the public. Further to that, some might argue that the only reason SouthAustralia could perform its renewable energy'experiment' was becauseitwas backed up by baseload coal.That is indeed correct. SA couldn't have started this transfer without coal and gas backup. However, at the same time, it has also proved the concept that baseload can be made redundant.

Twenty years ago, South Australia was near enoughto100 percent coal and gas.Today, it is around 25 per cent on an annual basis and that number continuestoreduce. Therefore,

comprehensively proving that baseload coal can be successfullyreplaced with renewables and energy storage.

We nowhavearoundfourmillion households and businesses that have rooftop solar. That's around 40 per cent of the total number of households in Australia. That number is steadily increasingyear on year and as technology getsbetter, the systems get bigger. The average rooftop system is now 10kw and they are also installing batteries with them. That phenomenon did not exist 20 yearsago.

Based on thatgrowth,most of our houses will effectively be off grid in another decade or so. Stealing even more of the market from baseload.

The baseload business case relies on very large generators running for long periods at high outputs. If they can't do that, the economics start to fail.Whatweare seeing in the market today is just that.High output rates are down. Instead of running at 80 or 90 per centoutput constantly, they are down to 50-60 per cent and falling while thecost of operatingthe power station remains thesame.

Abit like owning aBDouble truck and driving it around half-empty because of competition. It justisn't economical and eventuallythe cost of operating exceeds the profit margin.

Our demandsystemusedtobedesignedaround baseload because with baseload, you have to use the electricity as its generated even if that's not the idealtime. That's why we had things like 'night rate' hotwater systems (ask your grandfather) in the past. Systems thatprovided extraloadover night to support baseload.

On the flipside,baseloadalsohas amaximum limit which is whywesee very high costs in peak periods. In peaks, there is not enough supplyso the prices go up. It is not practicaltobuildmore baseloadstationsfor thoseshort peakperiods, so that's why we have gaspeaking stations which are very expensivetorun.They were around long before renewables came on the scene.

Now, due to competition from renewables and energy storage, baseloadoutput rates are down while their running costsare up. That's not a sustainable position to be in.

We are also building grid batteries at arapid rate, which means that the surplus electricity we

Trafalgar the terrific

TRAFALGARHigh SchoolPrincipal, Brett Pedlow has praised the dedication and commitment shownby students following the release of this year’s VCE results.

“I am incredibly proud of the effort shown by our students across the full breadth of the cohort,” he said.

“It is especially pleasing to see one of our SEAL program students, who began at Trafalgar High School in Year 7, progress through to Year 12 and be named Dux.”

Lucas Murphy achieved an outstanding ATAR of 97.30, aresult that reflects his sustained hard work and perseverance across six years of schooling.

Add ing to this success ,1 0o f TrafalgarHigh School’s top 12 ATAR

results were achievedbystudents from the SEAL program.

Strong results were evident across theentire cohort, with eightper cent of studentsachieving an ATARabove 90, 21 per cent above 80, and 36 per cent above 70.

These outcomes highlight the depth and consistencyofacademic achievement across awide range of subjects andlearningareas.

“At Trafalgar High School, we support students to pursue pathways that align with their interests and strengths,” Mr Pedlow said.

“These results reflect the impact of that personalised approach, supported by ahighly dedicated teaching team.”

The school also recordedexceptional

are producing during the day from solar and wind will be stored and made available in the evening peak. Thus, stealing even more business from the baseload generators. Hence, the baseload system is becoming history. It won't be tomorrow but it will be soon. The trend is very clear.

That's why everylarge generator/retailer is planning to close its baseload power stations and are shifting to renewables and energy storage. They arenot proposing any new baseload, regardless of theheating source. That business model is no longer sustainable.

So, when someone says, 'we should build more baseload',they are deadwrong. The market is clearly moving away frombaseloadand no financier would lend money in that case.

Already, solarand wind is producing excess electricity often. We've only recently worked out to offset that. That's why you see the emergence of hybrid solar and wind farms now.Solar and wind farms withbatteries. Just like the new one under construction at Fulham. It will be able to store excess generation duringthe day and dispatch it in the evening during the peak period when demand is high.

We are seeing aflurry of new battery projects both locally andacross Australia. They are also going to grabthat very cheap electricity during the day and make it available in the evening. Those projects will severely impact the part of the day that is supporting baseload business today. The eveningpeak. Baseload had managedtofindaway to slow down during the day and come back up in the evening as the sun goes down. Big batteries chargedduring the daywithvery cheapsolar electricity andare now startingtodischarge during that evening peak in direct competition to baseload coal. Previously, solar has been eating baseload's lunch. Now, batteries are eating baseload's dinner. So,it'sonly amatter of time. It's no longer an idea. It's no longer aconcept.Weare proving it everyday in the electricity market and it's there for anyone to observe. Baseload's share is reducing while renewables and energy storage is growing. The trend is clear. The end of baseload generation is fast approaching. Vale baseload.

Adrian Cosgriff is aTraralgon resident.

resu lts in mathemati cs and scienc e, with strong per for mances acro ss all mathe matics stu dies, including Specialist Mathematics, Mathematical Methods,General Mathema tics and Fo und at io n Mathematics.

More than 20 per cent of General Mathematics students achieveda study score above 37.

Science outcomesweresimilarly impressive,with Chemistry, Biology and Psychology producing excellent results.

These were complemen ted by strong performances in Physical Education and Health and Human Development,along with standout results in Accounting.

“Th es eo ut comes rein for ce the strength of teaching and learning at Trafalgar High School and position the school as aleaderinacademic excellence acrossGippsland,” Mr Pedlow said.

Modern slavery

COMMENT

BY JOHN DE SOUZA-DAW

WHILE many of us prepare for Christmas -buyinggifts, planning family gatherings, enjoyingfestive cheer -itisimpossibleto ignore agrimand growing reality: there are more people living in slavery today than ever before

According to the most recent global estimates by the International Labour Organisation in partnership with Walk Free Foundation and the International Organisation for Migration, around 50 million people worldwide were trapped in modern slavery in 2021.

Of that number, 28 million are held in forced labourand 22 million in forced marriage. Disturbingly, women and children are disproportionately affected -more than half of those in modern slavery are women or girls, and more than 12 million are children.

These are not distant horrors from centuries past. Modern slavery wears many faces: forced labour in factories, fields, homes; sexual exploitation; forced marriage; human trafficking; debt bondage; and coercionso severe thatpeople cannot leave, even when they desperately want to.

Many children trapped in forced labour endure commercial sexual exploitation -of the approximately 3.3 million children in forced labour worldwide,over half are in sexual exploitation.

Some may argue: “But slavery belongs to history.” Yet the data belies that comforting myth. In fact, the number of people in modern slavery has increased by about 10 million since 2016.

We maybethousands of kilometres away from the worst-affected regions, but that does not mean we are disconnected. Many global supply chains -fromclothing and electronics, to agriculture and construction -rely on forced labour. Migrant workers, people from vulnerable backgrounds, are often at heightened risk. ThisChristmas, whenweshare foodand gifts,perhaps we can pausetoreflect not just on our own comforts -but on the lives of others whose basic right to freedom has been stolen. Christmas is supposed to be atime of compassion and hope. But that spirit should not stop at our doors.

We need governments, businesses and communities around the world to take firm action: strengthen laws, enforce labour standards, protect vulnerablemigrants,and increase transparency in supplychains. Butwealso need individuals-consumers, neighbours, everyday people to care. Awareness matters. Demand matters. And in aworld where Christmas celebrates hope, kindness and goodwill, perhapswecan extendalittleof that spirit to those whose hope is denied. As consumers, we can ask questions: Are the goodswebuy ethically made? Are the companies we support committed to decent labour practices? As people in acommunity, we can pay attention to stories of exploitation, we can support organisations working to help survivors, and we can encourage our elected representatives to do more. Becausejustice, compassion and human dignity should not be seasonal. They must be year-round.

JohndeSouza-Daw is aTraralgon resident with degreesinhistory, politics, English and sociology.

Marvellous: Trafalgar High School Dux, LucasMur phy. Photograph supplied

Commonwealth compromise

By LIAM DURKIN

THE Com Games are still coming to the Latrobe Valley.

It’s just that the ‘Com’ now means community.

Upgrades to local sporting facilities originally slated to host Commonwealth Games events next year are underway in Moe and Morwell.

The region wa ss et to host next year’s Commonwealth Games, before the then-Andrews government wasforced to withdraw amid spiralling cost blowouts.

While the 2023 decision to abandon the Games shocked the local community, the Latrobe Valley will at least still see infrastructure projects originally intended for the Games delivered.

Anew grandstandand soccer pitch at Latrobe City Sports and Entertainment Stadium (Falcons Park) willbebuilt, along with upgrades to the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, Traralgon, and major upgrades to Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe.

The venues were to host rugby, badminton and cricket respectively at the Games. Morwell Gun Club, which was to host shooting events,has received asmall upgrade.

Representatives from Moe Football-Netball Club, Moe CricketCluband Latrobe City Council marked the official commencement of works last October.

Under astate government commitment of $2 billionspread, Ted Summerton Reserve will receive anew playing surface, standalone netball facility, lighting upgrades and improved seating.

The facility,known simplyas‘Ted’, is already considered the best in the Latrobe Valley.

“It’s going to be an even better facility than whatitisnow,absolutely fantastic for the local community,” Latrobe City Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman said.

Oncecomplete,itisenvisaged Moewillhave the best football/cricket facility east of Melbourne.

“This is an extraordinary project, there will be nothing quite like it,” Moe Cricket Club Vice President Rob Sim said.

“From acricket club point of view, this is going to be an exceptional surface, exceptional wicket, which will also be balanced off by the ability of the association (Cricket Latrobe Valley)tocollectively usethis facility.”

The Gippsland Cricket Centre of Excellenceisalso located within Ted Summerton, while it is expected the finished projectwill attract theattention of AFL, VFL and Big Bash League clubs.

The cricket and football-netballclubs have worked closely with council over the last few years designingafacility to benefit the whole community.

“It’s going to be acentrepiece, sport is one of those really great things that can bring people together, the benefit forwhat thiscommunity centre will be for Moe is just amazing,” Moe Football-Netball Club President Matt Howlett said.

Also present at the official announcement was Member for Eastern VictoriaRegion, HarrietShing, whowas Ministerfor Commonwealth Games Legacy at the time of the cancellation.

Pressed on whether or not Legacy projects were genuine rather than simple token gestures, Ms Shing moved to reassure people could expect the very best.

“These are world- class facil ities, when we announced the $88 million in funding for the investments in sportinginfrastructure for the Valley back in 2016, it was to deliver world-class facilities, includingthe Gippsland RegionalAquatic Centre,” she said.

“We know that AFL and cricket exhibition matches and competition have alreadyproven really popular, this will mean that more people can enjoy the ground.

“It’salsoabout community facilities, we want the community to be able to come together, whether

Com Games or Con Games?

it’s for informal events, training, or nation-wide competition, thisisabout making sure the community has what it needs.”

As local sw ill un dou bte dly wa tch the Commonwealth Gamesbroadcast from Glasgow next year pondering what might have been for Gippsland, Ms Shing believed the decision to withdraw was justified.

“It would have been great to have these Games in Gippsland, Idon’t think anyone disagrees with that,but at acost of more than $6 billion for a 12-day event, when people are grappling with the cost-of-living, it’sa project that just didn’t stack up,” she affirmed.

“As soon as the decision was taken not to proceed, we immediately allocated $2 billion toward the regional package, that includes $520 million to upgrade sporting facilitiesbut also $1 billion for at least1300social and affordable homes throughout rural and regional Victoria.

“We’re really determined to make the most of thismoney.Across the board we are seeing that local communities includinginMoe,are getting the benefit of that investment.”

For Moe locals especially, they will be hoping this investment in Ted Summerton Reserve puts to bed anumberofprevious botched attempts.

There has been at least two major redevelopments at Ted Summerton in the last15years alone, both failingwithin arelatively short timeframe.

Drainage issues have been the main source of frustration, while council allegedly took cost-cutting measures in 2023, leaving the surface bonedry during football season.

Moe lost its opportunity to host that year’s Gippsland League Grand Final as aresult, on the ironic grounds it wasn’t “aesthetically pleasing”.

Both Falcons Park and Ted Summerton Reserve arecurrently closed while construction works take place.

Callitfor what it is: Local Nationals MPs Melina Bath andMar tin Cameron have slammedthe stategovernment ever since the cancellation. Photograph supplied

"NO matter how the Allan Government and MinisterShing try to spin the Commonwealth Games debacle -Victorians are paying for Labor’s utter incompetence," Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath said.

"The so-called Con Games cost Victorians at least $589 million, including $200 million for Glasgow to host the Games in July 2026.

"Instead of preparingtofeature Gippsland and regionalVictoria on the world stage, Victorians are payingfor Labor’s incompetence in the midst of acost-of-living crisis. "Upgradingsporting infrastructure for community clubs let down by Labor is the bare minimum in compensating for broken promises.

"The Commonwealth Gameswas acon job from the start, and Labor’s legacyis financial mismanagement,more debt, broken promises, and lost opportunities in regional tourism, hospitality, and retail."

Falcons 2000 Soccer Club held asoiree last May during the Latrobe Valley Soccer League season to send off the rooms. The club then used Morwell’s Keegan Street Reserve as its home basefor the rest of the season. Falcons will again be forced to play away next LVSL season, with the new facility not expected until October 2026.

Moe Football-Netball Club was given its Silly Sunday celebrations after the Gippsland League Grand Final in late September to see out the ‘old rooms’, before works commenced on the Monday. Moe Cricket Club has been training and playing at Burrage Reserve, Newborough this season while works take place.

The Gippsland Commonwealth Gameswere perhaps doomed from the start, especially after abizarre revelation came to hand in the wake of the cancellation that sectionsofthe roof at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium would not have been high enough to host badminton events.

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 17 December, 2025

Assembled: Moebusinessman and life member of both Moecricketand football-netball club’s, Brad Law, Moe Football-Netball Club life member Jane Vanden Dolder,Moe Football-Netball Club President, MattHowlett,Latrobe CityCouncillor,Dale Harriman, Moe Fire Brigade’sRachael Mayes, Councillor SharonGibson, MoeFireBrigade’s Tara Paulsen, Councillor Adele Pugsley, CouncillorTracie Lundand Moe CricketClub VicePresident Rob Sim at thecommencement of workstototallyredevelop TedSummer tonReser ve

Moemakes the move to Monash

By LIAM DURKIN

IF you want the rainbow, yougotta putupwith the rain.

Moe footballers and netballers havemadethe move this preseason.

The Lionsare training at Monash Reserve, Newborough while Ted Summerton Reserve is redeveloped.

The redevelopment is part of Commonwealth Games Legacy, expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Until then, Moe will be away from home during the week and on game day. The Lions will play at away or neutral venues for the first half of the next Gippsland League season.

The preseason arrangement is nothing new, as Moe footballers generally vacate Ted Summerton Reserve during cricket season.

Moe CricketClubhas made Burrage Reserve, Newborough its headquarters this summer.

While far from ideal, both clubs are making do in the interim, knowing apremier facility is only months away.

The clubshave virtually relocated everything

for their tenancy. Moefootballersmovedthe club’s entire gym to abrickshed at Monash before preseason started.

The two facilities could not be further apart. Ted Summerton is accessedwith adigital key -Monash by opening apadlock to aroller door.

The move to amore primitive location however may come with some hidden benefits, as players will be forced to learn how to work through challenges nowthat the luxuryofTed Summerton is taken away

Moe players have access to the entire Monash oval, given there is no cricket pitch, while new light towers were recently installed.

There is also aplethora of netball courts at Monash, meaning multiple teams can train at once.

Gippsland League officials have been handcuffed to some extent in recent years due to the unavailability of venues.

Drouin was outofaction alllastseason,while Traralgon will finally welcome new changerooms next year after operatingout of portables since the 2021 floods.

Loaded: Equipment from theMoe Football-NetballClubgym on itsway to anew location. Photographs: Liam Durkin

Home fornow: TheLions’ gym unpackedatMonash Reser ve

Muscles: Moe players relocated the club’sentire gym

Devicechanges for schools

THE state government is removing the requirement for parents to provide digital devices for primary school students.

Parents at Victorian governmentprimary schools will no longer need to buy adevice for their children -saving them more than $500 per student.

Schoolswill be required to provide access to tablets and laptops for students to use at school.

To further support student learning and engagement, screen time limits will also be introduced to all schools.

The changes will be phased in gradually to support schools’ transition to the new arrangements.

From2027,primary schools will benefitfrom updated guidance to help set sensible limits on device use in the classroom.Thiswill mean that primary schools will be required to limit digital device use to amaximum of 90 minutes per day for students in Years 3-6, and minimal device time for those in Prep to Year 2.

Deputy Premier and Minister for EducationBen Carroll welcomed the changes.

“Digital skills are essential for kids growing up in the 2020s, but we know that these devices can also be distracting,” he said.

“It makes sense to minimise the time that primary school students spend on devices when they are at school.”

These new time limits will promote purposeful technology use,reduce overexposure to screens and help students stay focused and engaged.

New guidance and supportmaterials will be distributed to schools in Term 1next year to help schools plan lessons using digital devices. This guidance will ensure that studentslearn essential digital literacy skills, while reducing distractions in the classroom.

Principalsand teachers reportthatthe mobile phone ban has improvedstudent focus on learning and increasedsocialisation and physicalactivity during breaks.

No moresquareeyes: Just likewhenmum took the PlayStation controller, kids willnow only be allowedtospend 90 minutes aday in front of computer screens at school Photograph: iStock

 ELSEWHERE, schools will have stronger protections to ban aggressive and violent parents or carers from entering school grounds.

Mr Carroll has released the statutory review into the School Community Safety Order Scheme, which has empowered schoolprincipals to issue orders for parents or carers engaging in harmful threatening or abusive behaviour to leave school grounds since 2022.

The scheme also allows schools to limit the engagement of aggressive adults with school staff, includingonschool-relatedonline platforms, and hasbuilt in protectionstosupportchildren whose parents or carers are subject to an order, particularly if they are vulnerable.

The recent review found that school staff and principalsatVictorian government, independent and Catholic schools back the schemeasan important tool for protecting school communities which should remain in place.

The importance of the scheme was highlighted in the review through real incidents experienced by schools, including one parent who had a12-month order issued against them for aggression directed at another student who was not their child.

Another schoolusedthe scheme to issuean immediate 14-day order -extended to nine months -against aparent who engaged in unacceptable aggression towards school staff.

The review also identified opportunities to strengthen and refine the scheme, including reducing the admin work that principals need to completetoissue an order,ensuringthey have more capacity to support the students who need them.

Other recommendations include streamlining processes for issuing orders- intended as alast resort option -and clarifying the protections available for school staffonsocial media.

In responsetothis important review and its recommendations the stategovernment willbegin working to strengthen the scheme.

As part of this work, consultation on how best to implement the recommendations began Friday, October 10, with the launch of an online survey for principals, teachers,parentsand carers to share theirviews.

To hav eyou rsay ,visit :engage.v ic. gov.au/ keeping-school-staff-safe

Ban plagued with impossibilities

SOCIAL-MEDIA companies have been forcedto do what many of them have long avoided: confirm how old their users really are.

Age-gating, the digital version of 'No ID, no entry', has existed in aloose form for years.

Most adult-oriented websites, such as alcohol or gambling sites, rely on users ticking abox or entering abirth date to verify their age.

Now, Australian regulatorsare demandingmore. New rules introduced by the eSafetyCommissioner now require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to prevent anyone under 16 from holding an account.

The restrictions aim to reduce the risks young people face online and will apply to platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X(formerly Twitter).

Messaging,educational and gaming services such as Google Classroom, WhatsApp, Messenger, Discord and Roblox are exempt.

Platforms aren’t required to verify every user, but mustdetect, deactivateand removeunder-age accounts and avoid relying solely on self-declaration -orrisk fines of up to $49.5 million.

But whilethe moveisdesigned to protect children, it raisesnew questions about privacy and how age can be safely verified online.

Howwill platforms verify age?

UNDER the new framework, social-media

compa nies may requ est governme nt-iss ued identification but cannot make it mandatory to access the platform.

Other measures could include reviewinga user’s search history or using facial-recognition technology. Yet, agovernment trial earlier this year found that face-scanning technology could estimate a user’s age only within an 18-month range in 85 per cent of cases.

Instagram has announced it will use artificial intelligence (AI) to estimatethe ages of Australian users. Early testing suggests nine out of 10 teen accounts would remain active under the new system.

UNSW security and privacy expert Dr Rahat Masood, from School of ComputerScienceand Engineering, said major technology companies already use AI to learn more about their users.

“Big tech companies don’t need traditional agegating mechanisms to figure out how old their users are,” she said.

“They already know alot from patterns of behaviour -when someone logs on, who they interact with, what they search for, or whether their geolocation matches aschool during the day.”

Dr Masood says many under 16s also don’t have government-issuedID, so companieswill likely rely on AI systems to verify age. But she warns these models are far from perfect -oftenexperiencing hallucinations and biases.

“AI can misjudge age, especially across different demographic groups,” she said. “And how does it tell the difference between someone who’s 15 years

364 days or 16 years and one day? The signals are almost identical.”

Whatever technology is used, the large-scale data collection could expose userstonew risks if sensitive information is stored or shared.

UNSW cybersecurity expert, Dr Hammond Pearce, says while no method is perfect, zeroknowledge proof (ZKP) technology could offer a privacy-first solution.

“ZKP is acryptographic process that letsone party prove astatement -like beingover16- without revealing any other personal information,” Dr Pearce explained.

“We could have asystem where the government issues digital tokens confirming aperson’s age.

“Websites wouldconsume the token to verify the user is over16but wouldn’tlearn anything else -and the government wouldn’t track which sites use them as well.

“It’s amuch saferway to verify sensitive information online.”

While someEuropean countries havealready started to introduce secure digital identity apps, they’re also backed by stronger data-protection laws -anarea Australia lags in, according to Dr Pearce.

Still,DrPearce saysachievingcompleteaccuracy wouldrequireuploading ID -which could create the kind of privacy risk regulators are trying to avoid.

“Theonlyway to be 100per cent sureistoupload apassport or government-issued ID -and that’s not what we want.”

Social media ban now in effect

AUSTRALIA'S world-first social media ban came into force last week.

From December 10, teens under 16 were locked out of popular platforms such as Facebook, SnapChat,Instagram,X(Twitter) and TikTok.

The government made the move to help protect children from harm and help parents push back against tech giants.

Kids have, unsurprisingly,reportedly already found ways around the ban.

Following detailedwork commissioned by the SouthAustralian government and supported by Victoria, the Commonwealth announced aplantodeliver social media age limits through national legislation.

“It’s absolutely time for change. There are benefits to social media, but for children, the harms outweigh the good,” Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan said.

“The voicesofparents, schools and kids mustbeheard as we shape these reforms -we’ll make sure of that.”

"This ban supports teachers, parents,and carers to have important conversationsthat protect young people online,"Minister for Education, Ben Carroll added.

Latrobe University Professor Daswin De Silva, said time will tell on thesuccess of the ban.

"It remains to be seen how effective this minimum-age ban will be and if other countries accept this law as ablueprint," she said.

"The primary limitation is the absence of aregulating/governingbody and the onus on social mediacompanies to set up ageassurance methods to satisfy the law.

"Despite the government’s comparisons to seatbelt and alcohol laws, this absence of aregulating/governing body can makethe law ineffective as social media companies could get away with the bare minimum of deactivating known underage accounts, and not doing much else.

"The European Union, Malays ia and several US states areclosely following the Australian law. In the UK, the online safety act was updated in July 2025 to includechild safety. Without banning children, this law requires platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful and illegal content, another setting to watch closely.”

As for age verification.

“In August 2025, the federal government rele ased a' la ndma rk stu dy' into ageassurance technologies. This report identified three types of methods:verification, estimation andinference," Professor De Silva said.

"All three types require additional data collection fromthe consumerend,inthe form of formal ID checks, biometrics, behavioural analytics, respectively.

"It is unlikelytobealesser-known fact that the business model of all social media companies relies heavily on consumer data thatdrives revenue generationthrough targeted advertisements.

"Having alaw that requires such companies to collect more identifiable data which then becomes proprietary is certain to increase risks to privacy and data security.

"The ban is alsoreferred to as a'delay', as kids can reactivate theiraccounts after they turn 16, at which point it could be perfected targeted advertisements drawing on the high-quality data already shared to enforce the ban. Third-party data brokers and data breaches by cybercriminals are further risk factors of this ban.st what we think they need."

Wheely good effort

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School secondary students embraced the power of community and compassionatthe school's first-ever wheel-a-thon, held in partnership with Traralgon Rotary Club to support the Wheelchairs for Kids initiative. Anon-profitorganisation, Wheelchairs for Kids, designs,builds and donatesrough terrain wheelchairs to children living with disabilities across the world.

Rotary Victoria supplied 40 wheelchairs for the wheel-a-thon,transforming the school’s basketball courts into avibrant track of teamworkand determination. Students fromall year levels rotated betweenpushing and riding in wheelchairs as they completed as many laps as possible to raise money and awareness.

House spirit was strong, with Gilmore House completing an astonishing 464 laps, while Lalor House led the fundraising. The community atmosphere continued into asecond day, with students donating to wear casual clothes and enjoying a barbecue and browniestall supported by staff and families.

Educators supported students throughout the event, creating acaring environment thatencouraged challenge, empathy,and participationina meaningfulact of service connectedtoaglobal cause. The efforts of the school community were apparent, with an impressive $7397.85, raised, enough to fund 24.5 life-changing wheelchairs.

Skill: Rhys making his laps count towardsalife-changing cause. Photographs supplied

Duo: Maya and Agatha take on thewheel-a-thon challenge at St Paul’sAnglican Grammar School.

Speed: Lachlan and Tajdisplay teamwork and determination.

Coretenants: Madeleine andElizabeth enjoyfun,fitness and fundraising

Pair: Zachar yand Brodyworktogether to makea difference

Business Guide

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Consumer mains upgrades, upgrades; Electrical and smoke alarm

Renovations in domestic and and power installs and upgrades/spa faults; fault finding and maintenance; Generator changeover switches,

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Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

ARE YOUSELLINGorBUYING?

GARDENING DONE

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DELIVERERS WTD

Just look in the Express Classifieds for some bargains - big or small, old or new there is sure to be something there for you!! Or place an ad today - turn your clutter into cash $$$$$ Phone the Classifieds 5135 4455 FOUND IT!!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR HAYOR

PRUNING SERVICE

All areas. Hedges big and small, fruit trees, natives, camellias, ornamentals. Over 25 years experience. Phone 0478 658 025.

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FIREWOOD Latrobe ValleyExpress 5135 4455

Avenue, Morwell.

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children

This renaming process initially commenced 2021, with resident and public consultation occurring in 2021via writtencorrespondence to affected residents and publication in theLatrobe Valley Express. The delay since initial consultation has required the process to be restarted. Council is re-engaging with affected residents to ensure allfeedback is up-to-date

This proposal aims to improve emergency service response to the residents.

The Communityisinvited to makeasubmission for or against this proposal.

Please note that to be valid, any objection must demonstrate how the proposal is not compliant withthe current Naming rules.

Youcan make asubmission by:

Sending an email to egovernance@latrobe.vic.gov.au with the subject line Submission –Nathan Avenue, Morwell or in writing to Alba Elling, Manager Governance, Latrobe City Council, PO Box264 Morwell VIC 3840.

Submissions received will be considered at afutureRoad, Facility &Place Name Delegated Committee meeting. All persons submitting awritten submission will be advised of the next Committee Meeting date and invited to attend.

All submissions will be considered public documents unless specified otherwise by the submitter Submissions close Friday30January2026.

If you have any questions or would liketodiscuss this matter further please contact Ryan Murphy,via email at Ryan.Murphylatrobe.vic.gov.au. Proposed renaming of AshleyAvenue, Morwell to Nathan Avenue, Morwell

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• EarlyChildhoodTeacher - Permanent Ongoing positions available

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AUCHTERLONIE

Donald James (Don)

Passed away at Andrews House Trafalgar, Thursday, 11 December 2025. Aged 94 years

CARROLL James (Jim) Masson It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jim. Jim passed away at the Alfred Hospital in the early hours of Friday 12 December.

Aged 74 years He fought until he could fight nolonger. Loved and loving husband of Irene, much loved Father of Brett (dec.) and Aaron and Father-in-law of Sonia. Adoring Grand father

Donald was the only son of James and Marjorie Auchterlonie. Brother of Nancy (dec.), Isobel (dec.) and Heather. Loving husband of Dot (dec.) and adored Father of Tracey and Annabel. Treasured and loving husband of Judy. Stepfather of Tim, Melanie and Ben.

CHARALAMBOUS

Demetre (Jimmy) 20/4/1936 -14/12/2025

Donald had along and happy life andwillbe missed by all his family.

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MOTOR MART

MOTORING PACKAGE

Minimum 6lines$60 without aphoto or $74with acolourphoto

Atotal of x4 consecutive editions in the Latrobe Valley Express and x4 consecutive editions of the Gippsland Times

Responsibility PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD

Please check your ad on the first day andbring any errors to the attention of the Classifieds Department immediately TheLatrobe

The Funeral of Mr Donald James Auchterlonie will arrive at the Narracan Cemetery, Cemetery Road Narracan, FRIDAY (19 December 2025) for a Graveside Service to commence at 11am.

Following the graveside service, aService of Thanksgiving for the life of Donald will be held at Moe New Life Christian Centre, 71 Fowler Street, Moe commencing at 12.30pm.

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Wedding Anniversaries •

Colin &Rita Fleming 18/12/2025

Love and best wishes

Brian &Pauline, Raelene &Peter, Jenny &Gavin, Rob, Kylie and 12 Grandchildren

of credit must be made within seven days afterbilling date We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionableand to change the classification when necessary to conform to the policyofthis newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liability forsuch omission.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

BEECHEY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Margaret Esther Beechey (nee Johnson) of Churchill, on 10 December 2025 Aged 86 years Beloved wife of Cyril John Beechey (dec.). Much loved Mother of Ian and Glynis (dec.) and cherished Grandmother of Kylie, Lee, Amanda, Jason and Tracey, and her 10 great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.

Funeral arrangements: Hazelwood Cemetery, Brodribb Road, FRIDAY (19 December 2025) for a Graveside Service to commence at 10.30am. The service for Margaret will also be livestreamed.

Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital on 14 December 2025 at the age of 89. Loved and loving husband of Kaye. Much loved father of Andrew, Christopher, Nicholas and Kate. Loving grandfather to 8 grandchildren. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

COULTHARD

Carmel Maureen 24/1/1932 -13/12/2025

Passed away surrounded by her loving family. Aloved and cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. The family would like to thank O'Mara House for the care and compassion she received. Reunited with her beloved husband Ron

COX (Keogh)

Patricia Dawn (Pat) 3/8/1937 -11/12/2025

Beloved wife and soulmate of Peter for 68 Years. Loved and cherished Mum of Lesley, Steven (dec.), and Lisa. Motherin-law and friend of Billy and Johnno.

Loving Nan of Kyle and Kels, Jayce, Marley and Rylee. Nan Nan to Rory. Reunited with her beloved son Steven. Always in our hearts. Hooroo till we are all together again.

PRIVATE CREMATION

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

GRANT Marion Yvonne

Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch are deeply addended by the passing of their esteemed Affiliate Member and friend, Marion. We offer our sincere sympathy to her family. LEST WE FORGET.

GRIXTI

John Angelo Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens

Aged Care Newborough on 10 December 2025.

Aged 83 years

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Mark and Alison.

Adored Poppy to Swift and Inca.

HALL (nee Maxfield)

Daisy Florence

Born on 9March 1934. Passed away 9December 2025.

Aged 91 years

Loved and loving wife of Ross (dec.).

Much loved Mother and Mother-in-law of Russell and Anna, Dianne and Clive, Matthew and Katrina, Leanne and Luke.

Grandmother to Aneurin and Adrienne, Stuart and Hannah, Siobhan, Alexander and Amanda, Phillip and Caitlin, Nicholas and Maja, Caitlin and Ross, Gareth, Bryce, Lauren, Ryan and James.

Great-gran dmother to Layla and Bodhi, Juno and Cassandra, Lydia and Evan.

Reunited with Dad.

AService has been held.

Arecording of Daisy's service is available by visiting: latrobevalleyfunerals.com .au

HARRIS Gwenda (Gwen)

The Board of Directors, Officers of the Board, presenters, and volunteers of Gippsland FM 104.7 express their deep sorrow at the passing of our dear friend and supporter, Gwen. We will fondly remember your calls during our programs, your heartfelt encouragement, and the lovingly made sponges you shared. Your captivating life stories, del ig ht ful sen se of humour, joie de vivre and company at station events will be profoundly missed. It is difficult to forget someone who has leftus with so manycherished memories.

JEFFERY (née McQuilten) Susan Roma (Sue)

Born 23 January 1947, passed away 9December 2025.

Aged 78 years

Loving Wife to John.

Much loved Mum to Katrina, Melissa and Adam.

Adored Nanny to Aimee, Emily, Joshua, Jacinta, Amber, Jarrod and Jack. Great-Nan to Charlie, Zoe, Blair, Patrick, Miley and one to be handpicked by Nan.

We'll meetagain, don't know where, don't know when but Iknow we'll meet again some sunny day.

KOOPMANS Paul Ashley

Died peacefully at home

Aged 62 years

Loved and respected husband of Margaret, father of Natalie, John, David and Bonnie, fatherin-law of Nigel, Ashleigh, Rebecca and Julian.

Much loved grandfather of Amber, Bastien, William, Penny and Arthur.

Life is changed, not ended RIP

LOVISON Steve Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon. Husband of Ann. Father of David (dec.), Robert, John, Michael, Chris (dec.) and their families. Private family funeral.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

PATERSON

Ronald David Passed away peacefully at home on 10 December 2025, aged 75 years. Loving, caring and sharing husband of Ann. 'Miss you more than words can say' Safe in the arms of Jesus.

Much loved Father to Ashley, Darren, Leigh and Carl.

RUDY In loving memory of Jan Rudy, brother of Maree and Mick. Father to Paula, and Pop to May. Family member to many. Sadly missed, never forgotten.

RUDY Jan Passed away peacefully, Friday 12 December 2025. Father of Travis. Father-in- law to Linny. Dad, We are thankful for your care and generosity. I will always remember the many good times we shared over the years. Your Grandchildren Kate, Emma, and Quinn will grow up carrying your memory and benefiting from the kindness you showed throughout your life. Sadly missed, always remembered.

WATSON (nee Cooper)

Lauris Elwyn Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Maryvale Private Hospital Morwell, on 14 December 2025. Aged 76 Years

Loved and loving wife of Kerry (dec.).

Much loved Mum and Mother in-law to Olivia and Scott, Lisa and Craig, Katrina and Mark. Adored Grandma to Linkin, Braxton, Murphy, Emerson, and Scarlett.

Loving Sister to Elaine, Shirley, Neil, Howard and their families. Lauris will be sadly missed by her fur baby, Pippa. Reunited with her beloved Kerry. Forever in our hearts.

CARROLL The Funeral Service of Mr Jim Carroll will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon, MONDAY (22 December 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. At the conclusion of this service, aburial will follow on the grounds of Gippsland Memorial Park.

CHARALAMBOUS Demetre (Jimmy)

20/4/1936 -14/12/2025 AFuneral Service to celebrate the life of Jimmy will be held at The Salvation Army, 57 Bridle RoadMorwell THURSDAY (18 December 2025) at 10:30am. SALVOS FUNERALS

COULTHARD

Carmel

Maureen Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Carmel Coulthard will be offered at St Michael's Catholic Church, 33-35 Kay St Traralgon, on TUESDAY (23 December 2025) commencing at 1pm.

Following Mass the cortège will proceed to the Gormandale Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Gormandale, where Carmel will be laid to rest.

GORIS The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Eve Goris will take place in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 50 Stuart Street Traralgon, on FRIDAY (19 December 2025) commencing at 1.30pm, following which, Eve will be laid to rest within the Yallourn Cemetery, Haunted Hills Rd, Yallourn.

PATERSON Aservice to celebrate the life of Ronald Paterson will be held at the Moe New Life Christian Centre, Fowler St Moe, Wednesday (17 December 2025) commencing at 11am. Privately Cremated

RUDY

AGraveside Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Jan Rudy will take place at the Moe Memorial Park Cemetery, MONDAY (22 December 2025) commencing at 2pm. Afterwards, please join us to share memories and a bite to eat at the Moe Bowling Club.

WATSON (Cooper) The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Lauris Elwyn Watson will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon on MONDAY (22 December 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. In lieu of flowers, online dona tion st oT ype1 Foundation would be appreciated, to donate, please visit: type1foundation.com.au The Funeral for Lauris will also be livestreamed. To view please visit our website.

GRIXTI The funeral service for Mr John Grixti will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Ave Moe, on THURSDAY (18 December 2025) commencing at 11am

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

JEFFERY AMemorial Service for the celebration of Sue's life will be held FRIDAY (19 December 2025) at 10.30am at the Gippsland Memorial Park Rose Chapel. Sue's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

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

KOOPMANS Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Paul Ashley Koopmans will be celebrated at St Joseph's Catholic Church, Witton Street Warragul, FRIDAY (19 December) at 1.30pm. The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for The Warragul Cemetery, Victoria St, Warragul. Flowers welcome, home grown preferred.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

DYKES Gavin 21/12/2021

You always had asmile and you left behind beautiful memories over the 40 years we had together. Imiss you everyday and every night. Until Ijoin you again. Love Judy, Pamalee and Bill, Jeff and Sharon (USA).

MURRAY Lee

13/6/1953 -8/1/2023

My darling husband, Lee. It's been 3years since you left. My heart still aches at your loss. Aman of his word, endless generosity, strength and courage. With good humour and an insatiable hunger for travel and new experiences. Imiss your smile, laughter and having you by my side on this journey of life. Forever in my heart, Bev.

SAMPSON Noel Francis (Sam) 19/12/1926 -30/9/2016

Yet another birthday without you here. You were my safe place. Ifound peace in your arms. Imiss the home Ilost, when Ilost you. Love and miss you, Betty and Me

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

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When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelingsinto words Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress cansay so much Forfriendly advice on how

EarlyChristmas presentfor PGR

HORSE RACING

By LIAM DURKIN

MOE Racing Club’s last official meeting for 2025 was held at the weekend.

Festive spirit was alive at Sunday’s meeting, with patrons enjoying the usual Christmas festivities. Anumberofwork groups also used the meeting to hold break-ups.

Windy conditions played some havoc, although the track maintained its Good 4rating across all eight races.

Jockey Ben Allen celebrated ariding double, including one for Moe trainerPeter Gelagotis in Race 4onboard Caelius.

The three-year-old colt has been highly touted by the stable since running second on Moe Cup day. He took short-priced favouritism into Sunday’s meeting,and won the KimMcFarlane Criminal Lawyers Maiden Plate over 1600 metres.

Racing name sponsor Kim McFarlane has been aprominent face around Moe Racing Club, and

ironicallygiven her career as alawyer- aprevious cupday fashions on the field judge.

Caelius came from sixthwith400mtogo, putting in amethodical run to win on the inside from the Anthony and Sam Freeman-trained Leveraged Buyout.

“He jumped better,I said to Ben ‘don’t panic, let it begin and unfold in front of you’,” assistant trainer Manny Gelagotis told Racing.com.

“What pleased me most is he wanted to get past that horse (the leader), he’ll learn alot from that.

“It’s no secret, we’ve got abig opinion of him, I think he could really develop into anice staying three-year-old into the future …the worlds his oyster.”

Allenrode his first winnerinthe Race 1Yarragon CountryStyle Bakery Maiden Plate (1200m) on board Warrior Within for Julius Sandhu.

Cranbourne’s Alex Ray won the Race 2Purcell Painting 3YO Maiden Plate (1100m) with Firerated, whilethe Indulge YourselfBeauty Maiden Plate (ran over1000metres) saw FlatChatwin

for Pakenham-based trainer Colin Scott.

The Moe Refrigeration BM62Handicap (1600m) was won by Oak Beach for Mornington trainer Jim Conlan, andthe AustralianMoving Logistics0-62 Handicap (2050m) by Calypso King for Geelong’s PaulKoumis

Pakenhamtrainersmadethe journeytoMoe the day after their cup, with Mitchell Leek getting awinner in the Race 7Ladbrokes Quick Multi BM56 Handicap (1000m) when Mr Tickles did the business.

Moe Cup-winning trainers Trent Busuttin and NatalieYoung sawout the meeting with victory in the StrzeleckiReality BM62 Handicap (1200m), thanks to the efforts of El Tercero.

Moe might still have one meeting for the calendar year,with this Sunday’smeeting at Sale Turf Club apossibility of being transferred.

Maintenance works generally occur on the Sale track immediately afterthe Sale Cup, however, huge downpours at this year’s cup has meant works have been delayed.

Stable mourns loss of champion horse

HORSE RACING

LEVENDI, arguably Gippsland's greatest racehorse, died recently.

The Peter Gelagotis Racing Group 1winner was alocal champion.

He won the Group 1AJC Derby over2400metres at Royal Randwick in 2018, the same race won by Phar Lap, Tulloch and Kingston Town.

Levendi was selected and purchased at the 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sale by Moe's Manny Gelagotis and James Bester.

He was ranked in the top 20 world ratings post

his AJC Derby victory, and was an Australian champion middle distance galloper, after being one of only nine horsesinhistory to win the Tulloch Stakes/AJC Derby double.

His star rose quickly, winning five of his first 10 starts, including atwo-year-old maiden by four lengths at Ballarat, followed by ametro win at Mornington beforewinningthe Carbine Club Stakes G3 at Flemington. Levendi was retired to stud at Magnum Park, Tasmania. Colic complications contributed to his death.

"Horseslikethisare amiracle to find and we are allvery blessed to have had ahorse like Levendi

in our lives," Manny Gelagotis posted in tribute.

"He was achampionand took the stable around the globe and hadaworld class rankingthat gives his ownership group and the stable great pride.

"To all the people that played arole in his racing and breeding career in particularhis ownership group, staff ,riders and strappers, we thank you for loving and caring for him throughout his life, including the vets recently in Tasmania whom we know tried their hardest to help the horse survive.

"The highlight reels and memories are unforgettable and may his beautiful soul rest in peace -thanks for the memories Levendi. RIP champion."

Sacking comes express delivered

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

THERE’S only two types of coaches.

Richmond has sacked AFLW head coach Ryan Ferguson, following an external reviewofthe club’s women’s program.

The Tigers won just two games this AFLW season, which wrapped up recently. Ferguson, who played 47 games for Melbourne, had been the Tigers’ AFLW coach since 2021.

The44-year-old is the son of Thorpdale FootballNetball Club life member and general Thorpy ‘everywhere man’, David Ferguson.

Also given the flick was women’s footybossKate Sheahan, daughter of legendary journalist Mike. Oddly enough, Richmond has anumberofconnections to the potato farming town. Richmond and Hawthorn premiershipplayer

Barry Rowlings is fromThorpdale, while former Thorpdalefootballer Rhy Gieschen is the current Richmond national recruiting manager.

Gieschen played two seasons for the Blues from 2014 to 2015, winning the club’s senior best-andfairest in his first year.

He is the son of Maffra’sJeff Gieschen, who himself coached Richmond between 1997 and 1999, and won two Trood Award and Rodda Medals as best player in the Gippsland League before being

Team effort: Jockey Ben Allen and Peter GelagotisRacing Stable Hand Michael Gelagotiscelebrateafter Caelius wonatMoe on Sunday

Photograph: Ross Holburt/RacingPhotos

QUICK SINGLES

with Liam Durkin

Bowling bananas

SOMEblasts fromthe pastare appearing on team sheets just before Christmas in local cricket.

Noticed the name Chris Robinson back for Moe in Premier Aand PeteGilpin having ahit for Jeeralang-Boolarra in C Grade.

Darren Wilkie has also been playing up at Rawson,after going MIA once Yallourn North went belly up.

If his figures so far are any indication, he is still bendingthe ball aroundcorners Wilkie returned one of the more astonishing grand final spells nearly adecade ago, conceding just one run across nine overs during aone day game.

They'vedone it again

ANOTHER Mirboo North miracle. THE Tigers this time defended ascore of 56 in aTwenty20 at the weekend. The Premier Cmatch looked headed for an earlyfinish,with the opposition9/29 in pursuit, before anagging 10th wicket partnership was broken.

From chasing 300 after being 5/90, to winning flags after just scraping into finals, Mirboo North has certainly taken supportersonsome wild rides over the years.

Great Scott

THOSE traversing scores last week may have noticed Anthony Scott’s effort. The Yarram big hitter smoked 117 off 50 ballsina marquee T20 appearancefor Ellinbank in the Warragul league. He cracked 11 sixes, andeven faced up left handed at times just to take the proverbial. Again, at the risk of ranking local players, his deeds are sure to be remembered long after he stops wielding the willow. He played what is surely one of the truly great innings during Yarram’s premiership season of 2023/24.

Playingagainst Collegians in SaleMaffra, he scored 194 out of atotal of 272. The next highest score was 23, and the next highest after that 22, coming from champion Yarram footballer Griffin Underwood.

From asportingsense, Yarram will surely be hoping some of these offshore wind projects come to fruition, which will undoubtedly mean people keen on footy, netball and cricket come to the region for work.

Yarram did not field an AGrade netball team last North Gippy season, and struggledfor numbers in reserves and thirds football.

TopTigers

drafted to Footscray.

The Gieschen nameissynonymous withthe Eagles, and the family has combined for more than 1000 senior games between them in the red and black.

Winston Gieschen held the Maffra FootballNetball Club senior games recordon253 until it was surpassed by now Heyfield playing-coach Daniel Bedggood last year.

Other sporting connections from Thorpdale include Essendon100 gamerJason Winderlich, and 1960's Bomber Jim Forsyth, who coached the Blues’ last senior premiership in 1985.

His son Tim was ahigh jumper, who won bronze at the 1992 Olympics

CONGRATULATIONS are due for a couple of Morwell Cricket Club milestone men. Kris Fortuin played his 300th game at the weekend, while Mark Smith became the first player to reach the incredible tally of 550. You could probably easily add another 250 games, taking in games he has played hereand there for variousclubs and touring/social/veterans teams, as well as overseas. In his own words, cricket has "kept me occupied."

Commonwealth Games construction projects underway

COMMONWEALTH COMPROMISE

No Games, but projects will be delivered.

GRISS

Refurbished courts, foyerand broadcasting facilities,new solar panels, and changeroom and other amenity upgrades.

FALCONS PARK

New pavilion with changerooms and amenities, new change pod, redevelopment of two pitches with lighting and player facilities, and an upgrade to an additional fieldofplay and car parking.

TED SUMMERTON RESERVE

New oval,lighting,scoreboard and sight screen, accessibility improvements, new changerooms, refurbishment of the existingpavilionand new terracing.

MORWELL GUN CLUB

New shotgun trap shooting range and security fencing.

These projects are part of 16 across the state, to be delivered through the government's $2 billion Regional Sports Infrastructure Program.

Hamilton’ssilver

BASKETBALL

FIBA

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

STILLquite theeffort.

In his third campaign for the green and gold in the past year and abit,Traralgon’s Will Hamilton claimedasilvermedalfor the Australian Goannas at the FIBA U17 Oceania Cup.

Held in Samoa, the Goannas ran through the group and seeding stages with four wins coming against Fiji, Guam, and New Zealand.

Matching up against New Zealand again in the final,Australiawas overwhelmed in asecond half blitz by the Junior Tall Blacks, defeating the Goannas by 20 points.

This resulted in New Zealand’s first FIBA U17 Oceania Cup title in its history, and their first victory over Australia since 2018 in the U15 Oceania Cup.

It was quickredemption for the Junior Tall Blacks, as they had just twodays earlier succumbed to the Goannas by aclose six points in the seeding games.

However, when it mattered most, New Zealand rose to the occasion, closing out the final by holding Australia to just eight points in the fourth quarter and leading by the most all game long.

Despite poorefficiency,Hamilton scored an equal team-high of 12 points, while also securing two rebounds, two assists and asteal.

During the course of the tournament, Hamilton averaged 8.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.4 steals per game.

This is the Traralgon star’s lowestfinish in each of his internationaloutings, after claiming gold at theU16 Asia Cup in September and earning MVP (Most Valuable Player) honours on his debut for Australia during their U15 Ocean Cup win last year.

Added: Traralgon’s Will Hamilton secured a silvermedal forAustralia at last week’s FIBA U17Oceania Cup Photograph supplied

It’s been abusy year for Hamilton, after playingfor Victoria Country at the Australian Junior Championships, in which he helped break a 35-year droughttowin gold, and also won the Australia CountryJunior Championships with the U18 Victoria Country at the age of 15 at the time. He’s also currently apart of the men’s Centre of Excellence programatthe Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, whichhas developed NBA and WNBA stars the likes of Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne, and Mirboo North’s Belinda Snell.

The Valley’sWNBL showdown

BASKETBALL

WNBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHAT matchups are made for.

The Latrobe Valley showdown between Traralgon's Jade Melbourne andMoe'sJaz Shelley went the way of the former T-Bird in athriller.

Her UC Capitals got over the line against GeelongVenombyasinglepoint at Geelong Arena on December 7.

Both local exports performed well, with Melbourne getting it done late and finishing with 16 points, five assists, three rebounds and asteal.

Shelleycontinues astrong streak in her second WNBLseason, stuffing the stat sheet with 23 points (along with four three-pointers), four rebounds, two assists,four steals and threeblocks.

Geelong also sufferedadditional losses in Round 8against reigning champions Bendigo Spiriton December5and December 13

TheCapitals, on the other hand, are buildingat the moment, currently sitting fourth on the ladder at time of writing,after defeating SouthsideFlyers and Adelaide Lightning.

In the former matchup, Melbourne produced adouble-double of 10 points and 11 assists in a 16-point takedown of the Flyers, which also saw her celebrate her 100th WNBL game.

Previously, Geelong narrowlymissed out on returning to the top four, succumbing to Sydney Flames by three points at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park on November 26.

Afterholding the lead amajorityofthe game, the home side pipped the Venom in overtime.

Shelley played 42 minutes, scoring 12 points on low efficiency, which included missing 10 threes, along with five rebounds, fourassists andtwo steals.

The Capitals also couldn't get it done in Round 7, falling to Perth Lynx, 91-67 at the AIS Arena on November 29.

Never really in the game, Melbourne couldn't get it going, scoring just six points and adding six rebounds, two assists and three turnovers.

The Venom and the Capitals have virtually switched places, as Geelong has fallentothe bottom of the ladder and Melbourne's side has risen into finals contention.

Albeit, they are only separated by two wins.

Eager: Moe CricketClub senior playerFrank Manduci and vicepresidentRob Sim with junior players Sophie Howard,Brady Cake,Lachie Phillip and Callum Phillip excited forwhattheir future home ground will bring

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Makeway: The historic Don Di Fabrizio Stand has been demolished at Falcons Park,tomake wayfor anew structure.The club has insisted the legacyofthe Falcons icon is rememberedin the newfacility. Photograph supplied

Dig: Theentireplaying surface at TedSummer tonReser ve has beendug up Photograph: Liam Durkin

All together: Traralgon’s Jade Melbourne and Sara Blicavs (sister of Geelong player Mark) celebrated their 100th and 400th WNBL matches respectively. Photographs supplied

Keep it going: Moe’s JazShelleyhas gone up alevel in her second season forGeelong despite arecent slumpfor the Venom.

FOOTBALL

Gippsland League to run women’sfooty

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND ATHLETICS CLUB

TheGippsland Athletics Club 2025/26 Vern Curnow Pentathlon Championship washeldonTuesday9thofDecember 2025.

EVENT RESULTS:

Records

U/16Women’s Long Jump: ZariaDalton 4.74m (4.72m previousrecord, Alana Green SCA, Feb2008; 4.72m Sharna Warry, WEL, Dec 2023)

Masters Women’s Long Jump: Sarah Lewis 3.52m (3.30m previous record, Heather Daldry, WGL,Oct 2000)

Masters Women’s Pentathlon: Sarah Lewis 1601points (13.04pointsprevious record, LauraTomic,SCA,Dec 2023)

200M

Women: U/14–BrooklynWyatt 31.53, Xanthe Dalton 32.88; U/16– ZariaDalton

26.22,Masters -Sarah Lewis 29.91, Brandy Forgèt 44.88

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace 31.07;U/16

–LiamMcCandless 27.00; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne dnf; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 31.50,Simon VanBaalen 35.07, StuartDalton 36.84, Wayne Seear38.43

JAVELIN

Women: U/14–BrooklynWyatt 22.95 Xanthe Dalton 10.29; U/16 -Zaria Dalton 10.29; Masters-Brandy Forgèt 18.89, Sarah Lewis 12.01

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace 13.00; U/16

–LiamMcCandless 11.01; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 17.57; Masters –Simon VanBaalen 32.00, Aaron Makepeace 25.10, StuartDalton 22.92, Wayne Seear22.07

800M

Women: U/14–Xanthe Dalton 3:15.29, Brooklyn Wyatt3:30.45;U/16– ZariaDalton

2:45.44;Masters-Sarah Lewis2:34.20, Brandy Forgèt dnf

1500M

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace dnf; U/16–Liam McCandless5:50.61; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne dnf; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 5:57.58, Simon VanBaalendnf, StuartDalton dnf,Wayne Seear dnf

Long Jump

Women: U/14–BrooklynWyatt 3.43, Xanthe Dalton 2.91; U/16– ZariaDalton 4.74; Masters -Sarah Lewis 3.52, Brandy Forgèt 1.51

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace 4.44; U/16

–LiamMcCandless 3.84; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 1.25; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 3.86, Simon VanBaalen 3.58, Wayne Seear 2.99, Stuart Dalton 2.81

DISCUS

Women: U/14–BrooklynWyatt 27.64, Xanthe Dalton 18.06; U/16-Zaria Dalton 20.85; Masters-BrandyForgèt 25.17, Sarah Lewis 12.23

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace 17.72; U/16

–LiamMcCandless 14.87; Open– Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 18.92; Masters –Simon VanBaalen 34.78, Wayne Seear 27.02, StuartDalton 26.78, Aaron Makepeace 18.98

To be eligible to contest the pentathlon for the perpetual trophies the competitorsmust be Athlete memberswith Athletics Victoria and amember of oneofthe 4local clubs.

PENTATHLON PLACINGS

U/14WOMEN: 1stBrooklyn WyattGPA 1448 2nd Xanthe Dalton GPA968

U/16WOMEN: 1stZaria Dalton GPA2163

MASTERS WOMEN: 1stSarah Lewis SCA 1601 Record2nd Brandy Forgèt GPA640

PENTATHLON PLACINGS

U/14MEN: 1st TajMakepeace GPA762

U/16Men: 1st Liam McCandless GPA1138 OPENMEN: 1st Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne GPA381

MASTERS MEN: 1stAaron Makepeace

GPA11042nd Simon VanBaalen GPA 1063 3rdWayne Seear GPA660 4th Stuart Dalton GPA653

VERNCURNOW SHIELD PLACINGS –combined club scores

GippslandAthletics were the winner’s of the club score award, with all athletes except one being from GippslandAthletics Club this year

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEKPENNANT

ROUND 809-DEC-25

DIVISION 1 Morwell Club1356Moe 355 Newborough 16 73 Warragul 046 Traralgon RSL1461Trafalgar 254 Traralgon 14 60 Drouin 254

THE Gippsland League will take over the organisationofthe Female Football Gippsland (FFG) youth girls and women’s competitions from next season.

The outcome follows extensive discussions initiated by the FFG board, aimed at establishing a long-term transition model for the competitions.

These discussions focused on creating astructure that delivers stability, governance support and the organisationalcapacity required for the continued

DIVISION 2

Neerim District 13 59 Yinnar 356

Morwell 14 60 Newborough (2) 249

Trafalgar (2) 14 75 Newborough (3) 242

Drouin (2) 15 62 Traralgon (2) 150

DIVISION 3

Drouin (3) 14 63 Traralgon (3) 253

Yarragon 16 63 Morwell Club (2) 251

Longwarry1461Morwell (2) 247

Warragul (2) 14 67 Churchill248

DIVISION 4

Longwarry(2) 14 69 Traralgon RSL(2) 243

Moe (2) 14 64 Traralgon (4) 242

Morwell (3) 12 64 Newborough (4) 457

Garfield 16 64 YallournNorth 048

DIVISION 5

Drouin (4) 846Trafalgar (3) 225

Morwell (4) 843Traralgon RSL(3) 239

Yinnar (2) 10 38 Neerim District (2)042

Warragul (3) 10 51 Churchill(2) 035

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT 2025 -26LADDERROUND 89/12/2025

DIVISION 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 16 11438 353 85 95

Morwell Club1 52 1420 361 59 85

Traralgon RSL1 43 1420 3764471

Traralgon 14 31 391 421 -30 69

Trafalgar 13 41 411411 060

Drouin 13 41 400 426 -26 54

Warragul 12 51 385 430 -45 41

Moe 11 61369 456 -87 37

DIVISION 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 26 11 482 334 148100

Morwell 16 20 533 387 14696

Neerim District 15 30 464 455 973

Traralgon 24 31 438 451 -1366

Yinnar 13 41393 425 -32 55

Drouin 22 51 364 443 -79 47

Newborough 32 51 407 487 -80 44

Trafalgar 21 61 371 470 -99 31

DIVISION 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Longwarry1 701549 297 252114

Warragul 26 11 474347 12797

Yarragon 13 41 398 422 -24 63

Morwell 23 41433 403 30 62

Drouin 33 41 425 431 -6 54

Traralgon 32 42 351 498 -14749

Churchill 12 42369 454 -85 47

Morwell Club 21 61 341 488 -14726

DIVISION 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Garfield 17 10 547 396 151110

Traralgon RSL2 52 1421 354 67 86

YallournNorth 15 30481 450 31 69

Newborough 43 41 404 451 -47 61

Morwell 34 40 475 479 -4 58

Longwarry2 341395 431 -36 57 Moe 22 51360 418-58 45

Traralgon 41 70 400 504 -104 26

DIVISION 5

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Drouin 46 11303 204 99 61

Morwell 46 11300 260 40 57

Traralgon RSL3 52 1294 230 64 51

Yinnar 23 41263 285 -22 39

Warragul 33 41 250 286 -36 34

Churchill 22 51239 266 -27 31

Neerim District 22 51 258 286 -28 27

Trafalgar 31 61 222 312-90 20

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND

913-DEC-25

DIVISION 1

Traralgon 18 85 Morwell065

Traralgon RSL1574Longwarry370

Trafalgar 16 88 Drouin 272

Newborough 16 99 Morwell Club 269

DIVISION 2

Moe 18 91 Traralgon (2) 059

Boolarra18116 Warragul 071

Garfield 18 96 Traralgon RSL(2) 048

Traralgon (3) 16 84 Neerim District 257

DIVISION 3

Newborough (2) 16 80 Longwarry(2) 270

Moe (2) 14 85 Thorpdale 471

Drouin (2) 18 104Yinnar 059

Trafalgar (2) 16 73 Morwell (2) 268

DIVISION 4

Neerim District (2) 16 79 Churchill 263

YallournNorth 14 86 Yarragon 461

Traralgon (4) 13 78 Newborough (3) 570

Warragul (2) 16 96 Traralgon RSL(3) 263

DIVISION 5

Warragul (3) 14 67 Drouin (3) 250

Morwell (3) 14 69 Trafalgar (3) 238

Traralgon (5) 13 67 Garfield (2) 360

DIVISION 6

Newborough (4) 14 59 Morwell Club (2) 253

Moe (3) 14 76 Traralgon (6)2 64

Boolarra(2) Bye

Longwarry(3) 14 65 Morwell (4) 243

DIVISION 7

Churchill (2)Bye Thorpdale (2)843Morwell (5) 234

Drouin (4) 10 59 Traralgon RSL(4) 031

YallournNorth (2) 850Boolarra(3) 235

growth of female football in Gippsland.

As part of the new structure, Gippsland League pathways programs coordinator Elli Linney will oversee the FFG competitions. Linneywill lead competitionorganisation, fixturing and operational processes, and supportthe integration of these competitions within the league’s administration framework.

The FFG board’sdecision to pursuethis transition reflects key prioritiesidentified through recent consultation, including outcomes from the July 2025 Female Football Forum. Focus areas included

SCOREBOARD

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA

SATURDAY PENNANT LADDER 13 DEC

2025 RND 9

DIVISION 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon 18 01 814559 255144

Newborough 16 21 742695 47 106

Trafalgar 14 32713 675 38 87

Longwarry1 45 0752 666 86 80

Traralgon RSL1 351594 714-12063

Morwell 13 60 665 719-54 62

Drouin 13 51 594 661 -67 62

Morwell Club 12 70 608 793 -18544

DIVISION 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Moe 18 01735 531 204137

Boolarra1 621692 547 145113

Garfield 14 41 618602 16 88

Warragul 13 42552 527 25 77

Traralgon 24 50 648 705 -57 74 Traralgon 33 51 550 637 -87 63 Neerim District 12 52 514536 -2262 Traralgon RSL2 270579 803 -22434

DIVISION 3 Name WL DF ADiff. P Newborough 27 02 592 492

YallournNorth 23 32 231 231 040 Churchill 23 22186 190-435

Traralgon RSL4 341232

GOLF

CHURCHILL AND MONASH

Stableford6 th December 2025

AGrade Winner: P. Kearns 36 pts

BGrade Winner: M. Hammer 41 pts

CGrade Winner: C. Filfillan 41 pts

DGrade Winner: T. Bennett36pts

D.T.L: 1. I. Heppleston40, 2. R. Sands 37,3

A. Jenkins 36, 4. G. Beyer35, 5. S. Caldwell 35, 6. C. Sterrick35, 7. C. Waring 35,8

V. Monument 35,9.C.Gosling 34, 10.J Balding 34

N.T.P: 3rdA.Jenkins,5thC.Gilfillan, 12 th C. Waring,14thR.Welsh

Birdies: 3rdL.Anderson

Target Hole: P. Kearns

Women’sEvent 9hole 3BBB at ToongabbieChristmasBreakup -9th December 2025 –noofficialresults

MIRBOO NORTH

Saturday13th December, Stableford.

AGrade: PDraper(11)42pts

BGrade: NBracecamp (19) 41pts

DTL: SMills, SWoodall 39, SHill-Smith 38, GShandley, JGunn 37 c/b

NTP: 4thRGallagher,6th NWhichello, 13th (M/NPub Voucher) GShandley,16th

MPayne Birdies: 4thT Whitelaw, 6thN Whichello 13th MPayne

MOE

Sunday, 07 December2025OPEN Sunday MixedStableford

Grade AWinners: Schneider,Michael (13)

36 Grade BWinners: Cunningham, Steve(18)

31 C/B

Place Getters: Kovacevic,Daniel 35 C/B

strengthened organisationalsupport, consistentand centralised governance, and flexible and playerfocused fixturing.

According to FFG, transitioning the competitions underthe Gippsland League provides the structural support, resourcing and administrative consistency needed to sustain and expand female football.

TheGippslandLeaguehas begunengaging with member clubs, and expressions of interest for new and returning teams wishing to join the 2026 youth girls and women’s competitions will open soon.

Veenman, Laurie 35 MOSCATO, ANTHONY 33

Thursday, 11 December 2025 OPENMixed

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Fife,Mark(8) 38

Grade BWinners: Bassman, Jeffrey (15) 39

Grade CWinners: Sanders, Greg (18) 39

Grade DWinners: Scammell,Larry(30) 38 C/B

Place Getters: Nyko, Steve38C/B, Wilkinson, Wally38C/B,Kurrle,Ian 38 C/B, Knox, Terry38, Colvin, Anthony37, Ray, Michael 37 C/B,Leggo,Declan 37 C/B

Thorburn, Gary 37 C/B,Leggo,Tobby 37, Harland, Bob36C/B,White,Rodney36 C/B, Stirzaker,Jason 36 C/B,Stansbury, Les 36 C/B,Backman,Shane 36 C/B, Wolski, Ted36, Scammell, Shaun 35 C/B, Jenkins, Brian35 C/B, Gauci, Anthony35, Peel, Michael 34 C/B

Great Score: Gary Thorburn(Eagle)@2, Bob Harland (Eagle) @10, JeffreyBassman (Birdie) @14, TobbyLeggo (Birdie) @8, Stuart Mc KENZIE (Birdie) @8,Graeme Krutli(Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: 4thRob King,8th Graeme Krutli, 14th Wayne Yeomans

Saturday, 13 December2025WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPEN Stableford

GradeA Winners: Borg, Kathy(21)34

Saturday, 13 December 2025 MENS4BBB

Stableford

GradeA Winners: ChrisHancock&Jack Duncan 48

Grade BWinners: SteveCunningham & SteveNyko45

Place Getters: NicholasTaylor &Craig Bourne 47,Phil Backman &Bradley Backman 44 C/B,JustinJamieson &Kevin Ayton44C/B,Ted Wolski &Max Matthews 44,Graham Geisler &Ian Stitt43

GreatScore: DavidHalkett (Birdie)@ 8, Nick Skicko (Birdie) @14, Alain Babet (Birdie) @14, Nicholas Taylor (Birdie) @4, NicholasTaylor (Birdie) @8,Kevin Ayton (Birdie) @8,JackDuncan (Birdie)@4,Phil Backman (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4thAnton Devent, 8th Phil Backman, 14th NickSkicko

Sunday, 14 December 2025 OPEN Sunday Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Kovacevic,Daniel(16) 35

Grade BWinners: Mead,Anne (24) 35

Place Getters: Randall, Damien 34 C/B McKeane,David 34,Cunningham, Steve32 MORWELL

Wednesday10th December 2025 Ladies CanadianFoursomes Winners: BScurlock& STurner 76

DTL: ELau &C Peter76.75

NTP: 2ndA Pollutro8th CScurrah 11th B Scurlock15th Lvan Rooy Novelty Events: 3s &4sB Scurlock

Best3BowlScores: GClark

Eclectic: SKarleusa

Jessie MerseyTrophy: SKarleusa 9Holes: RWhitehead

TRAFALGAR

Tuesday: 09/12/25 -Stableford

Players ;28,Women2,Men 26

Winner: SteveKlemke(21) c/b

Runner Up: Nola Fordham (21) c/b

DTL's: John Turpin(21)MickBennett (21)

Craig Scanlan(21)Graeme Grant(20)Dave Rose (20) Glenn Doolan (20)

NTP: Graeme Grant(5th)

LuckyCard: Hank Fiddelaers

Thursday11/12/2025 -Stableford-Davey Day

Players: 49,Women 17,Men 32 Golden Putter Award: JanJansen (27)

Ladies Winner: JanJansen (27)

Runner Up: CherylDeppler (24)

DTL: Aileen McNair (22)DiBayley(21) Aija

Owen (21)

NTP:13th Lorna Risol

Lucky Card: BevKeily

Mens Winner: NeilWatson (25)

RunnerUp: Ed Hayward(23)

DTL: Duane Baker(21)Uwe Tomski (21)

RobCusworth/Warner(21) RonPyke(19)

GraemeHarris (35) Laurie Snowball(18)c/b

NTP: 13th UweTomski

Lucky Card: MickBennett

WednesdayWomen's results 10/12/25

Ambrose

Winners: DonnaMellon,ChrisPayne and RobynJones with32

Runners-Up: KarenMacGregor,Heather

Savige and Anne Outhred

NTP: 15th Bron Wallace 13th BevKeily

Nearest Santa: RobynJones

Nearest TheLine: Sue Balfour

Friday,December12th,Open Men’s & Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: BobBaldry 38 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: RobCusworth-Warner

39 ptsC/B

DTL's: Di Moody 39,RobertMadigan38, Craig Scanlan 38,Brian McKenzie38, Russell Dent 38, UweTomski 37,TonyGray 37,Peter Smart36C/B Eagle: 12th:RyanHarrison Birdies: 2nd: Grag Beyer13th: Chris Brydon, Craig Scanlan 15th:Dale Reynolds, Greg Beyer

Saturday, December 13th, Stableford

AGrade Winner: Jeff Hasthorpe39pts C/B

BGrade Winner: PeterHobson 41 pts

CGrade Winner: JanJansen 49 pts

DTL’s: Harold McNair 40, Reno Borg39, Hank Fiddelaers38, Di Moody38, Peter Pankhurst 37,Keith Owen 37,Richard Parsonage 37,Max Taylor 37,Chris Griffin 37,BarryDwyer 37 NTP’s: 2nd: PeterHobson 5th: Denis Dyke 11th: Wayne Robbins 13th: John Tabuteau 15th: KenStreet

YALLOURN

Thursday11-12-25Picnic DayStableford Split 6’s, 1person Ambrose,2 Putts, Mulligan.

Winner Div 1: (0-31) Kaitlyn Boers46pts Div1: (32-54)Amanda Ashton48pts DTL: Lola Carter 45 pts,Donna Brown43 pts SueRiches 40pts Maureen Bishop 40 pts NTP: 2ndLyn McAlister8th LorettaBooth 14th Kaitlyn Boers16th Judy Budge

Tuesday9-12-25 9HoleStableford Div1: LynMcAlister 19pts Div 2: Judy Budge 17pts on c/b SueRiches, JanWilson.

PISTOLS

TRARALGON

Mon 1/112/24 Air pistol

BGrade: BKelly531-54-585

CGrade: FBorgnine503-82-585. DO'Rourke 496-97-593.V Baldwin 493-62-555. DGrade: DePetro470-102-572.D Sykes 469-107-576. LMorris431-122-553. HMiller 416-131-547.

LadiesAir pistol

DGrade: RMiller 424-145-569. Wed3/12/25Standardpistol CGrade: CBenelli 480-82-562. BKelly 418-76-494. DGrade: HSheils 489-128-617.L Morris 431-130-561.E Beaufort410-143-553. D O'Rourke 381-159-540. TGoss355. V Baldwin 353. MPeterson 350-210-560. K Beaufort195-296-491.

Sat6/12/25morningRapid fire DGrade: LMorris 410-175-585. VBaldwin 397.L Dunbar 99

Afternoon shoot Standardpistol CGrade: CBenelli487-85-572. DGrade: LMorris 426-124-550. HMiller 399-191-590

TENNIS

Twenty20 regularswrapup, finalsnow

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

THE last pool games of the Cricket Latrobe Valley Twenty20 competition have been completed. Round 1matches were rescheduled to Tuesday, December 9after poor weather forced an abandonment of the original schedule.

The competition then moved into the quarter finals, played last night (Tuesday, December 16) after the Express went to press.

 MOE went undefeated during its qualifying games in Pool A.

The Lions beat Morwell by four wickets and with seven balls to spare chasing 113 at Keegan Street. ChrisRobinsonmade areturntocricket, scoring 26 off 28 balls opening up for the visitors. RossWhelpdale (2/18) and ToddDixon (2/25) were the multiple wicket-takers for the Tigers.

Leading lights with the ball for Moe were Ben Zomer (3/18) and Callum Grant (2/13).

Raiders easily accounted for Mirboo North.

The team from Yinnar posted 3/129athome, before bowling the Tigers out for 60.

Harri McColl was given alicence at the top, and dashed to 53 off 56 balls.

Liam Maynard made abusy 39 not out off 32 balls. McCollcompleted aproductive Tuesday night,

taking 3/17, while Keenan Hughes returned somewhat bewildering figures for aT20,taking 4/3 off four overs with two maidens.

Despite the margin of victory, it was not enough to propel Raiders into the quarter finals.

 TRARALGON WEST accounted for Jeeralang-Boolarra to qualify in Pool B.

The Eagles chased the 96 needed on the Boolarra hard stuff.

Panthers veteran GlenSmith washis side’s top-scorer, noodling 35 off 44 balls.

Wickets were shared among the Traralgon West trundlers. Ben Fleming (2/13),Hayden Kimpton (2/17) and Jack Cooke (2/24) all chimed in.

Alfie Peck (43) and Josh Monacella (30) then did the work with the bat.

Young gun Cooper Stanton took 2/18.

No scores were published for the Toongabbie/ Churchill game, which saw the Rams win with a handful of balls to spare.

 EX STUDENTS defeated Glengarry in Pool C.

Matt Dyke led the way with 60 off 49 balls opening the batting at Terry Hunter Reserve, in atotal of 132.

TheMagpies used six bowlers, fiveofwhomtook wickets. AndrewWinter finished with 2/26.

Paul Henry againshowed he is an AGrader playing BGrade on Saturdays, making 49 off 47

balls flaying the new rock to all corners of the oval.

Glengarry however fell short of the target, finishing at 6/118 after their 20 overs.

Michael Bentley took 2/24 for the winners.

Willow Grove had an easywin over Gormandale. The Tigers were reduced to 5/14, and from there, scrapped to 68.

Rob Fiddelaers (3/15) and Ben Edebohls (2/6) ran riot withthe new ball for the Wolves, before Nathan Wheildon(2/8) came into play later in the innings.

LukePayton then hit five sixes at Stoddart Oval, making his half-century as the game wrapped up just after 10 overs.

Matt Dykes had some joy for Gormandale, taking 2/14.

 ROVERS defeated Imperials by six runs in Pool D.

Battingfirst at Duncan Cameron, the home side closed at 6/126

Skipper Dougal Williams made an unbeaten 58 off 48 balls.

As is the nature of T20 cricket, the match could have easily gone eitherway, with Imperials finishing at 8/120.

Leighton Shuttleworth batted the entire innings, making 65 not out off 54 balls.

Roversthrew the ball around to eight players. Liam Little nabbed 2/24.

Centrals defeated Latrobe in alow-scorer.

Finally some good cricketweather

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

BOWLERS generallyhad more success than batsmen in CricketLatrobe Valley at the weekend. Across the two first grade divisions, there was five five wicket hauls taken on Day 1ofRound 8. This was likely attributed to rust frommost players, who hadn’t had ahit for the best part of amonth due to poor weather.

 MORWELL shouldwrapupfirst innings points against Centrals.

The Tigers are 0/100 chasing 174 at Keegan Street.

Blair Clymo has found form, and is unbeaten on 54 for the home side, partnering with Kris Fortuin on 39, in what could technically be classed as his 299.5th game.

TheLions’ innings was plagued by starts, as five playersreached double figures.

Only TyronGamage (53not out), whowas dismissedoff anoball, and Jaxon Murdoch(32) were able to make an impression.

Morwell bowled well as aunit, with five of six bowlers taking awicket.

Todd Dixon snared 3/9 and off-spinnerRoss Whelpdale 3/41 on return to the club.

 IMPERIALS hold all the aces against Moe. The boys from Catterick Crescent have already won on first innings, and lead by 36 runs with three wickets in hand.

Imperials have the option of going for quick runs to set up an outright, or batting long enough to make the Lions shake hands at arvo tea.

GivenTodd Mann is at the crease, with Aaron Johnstone to come, it appears asafe bet Imperials will hit out.

All this said, outrights are hard to achieve, and Moe could well shut up shop in its second dig if

it doesn’t feel areverse outright is worth risking.

Imperials off-spinner CharliePilling did the damage early in the day, taking 5/21 off eight overs.

Moe was cruising at 2/90 before collapsing.

 EX STUDENTS batted all day.

The Sharks put up 7/261 against Glengarry, headlinedbyMatt Dyke scoring118 in amarathon 252-ball stay at the crease.

The opener hit 13 fours at Terry Hunter Oval, butwas mainly featured in application and deft touches to get off strike.

Ex Students can bat into Day 2ifthey wish, although ascore of 260 should be enough.

Afew Glengarryplayers mighthave alight week on the track, especially Al Jenkin, who sent down 28 overs for 2/93.

 TOONGABBIE might be staring down the relegation barrel already.

The Rams are 1/1 chasing 259 against Churchill at Roger Reis Oval.

Cobrasskipper Ryan Ayres fell just eight runs short of aton batting at four, backing up the good work of opener Brae Kelly, who made 68.

Ric Velardi featured in the side for the first time this season, and played his role with 29 off 94 balls

Gayashan Munasinghe bent his back for 20 overs, and was rewarded with afive wicket haul.

 TRARALGON WEST got past 200 against Latrobe in AGrade

The Eagleswereasked to haveahit at Jack Canavan, and responded through Hayden Kimpton (65), Alfie Peck (57) and Chris Glynn (42).

Of concern however was the number of bowled dismissals -six all up.

Rob Webber and Liam Duncan were the chief destroyers for Latrobe, taking eight polesbetween them.

The Sharks are 0/23 in reply, after negotiating 18 overs before stumps.

 ROVERS declared at 8/254.

Travelling to Stoddard Oval, the team from Duncan Cameron made themostofthe opportunity to bat first on Gormandale’s deck.

Openers Simon Duff and Tyler Pearce both registered half-centuries,pavingthe way for Darion Duncan to come in and make arun-a-ball 64 not out.

Yohan Soyza was the pick of the Tigers bowlers, saluting with 5/50 off 25 overs.

 DOES this say more about Raiders or Mirboo North?

Raiders has already won on first innings, and is primed to roll the Tigers outright.

The teamfromYinnar made 178batting first at home, before left arm quick Keenan Hughes ran through the Mirboo North line-up, to see the visitors skittled for 40.

Hughes took 7/26, following the lead of his skipper, Liam Maynard, who made 63 earlier in the piece.

Raiders enforced the follow on, and Mirboo North will resumeat0/10, still 128 runs shy of even making Raiders bat again.

 IF Willow Grove wins this, it will surely be one of the greatest wins in the club’s history.

The small town club hasa fightingchance to beat the well-resourced CATS on their home turf.

CATS are 6/82 chasing 134.

Willow Grovecaptain Ben Edebohls has so far taken 3/16 and made 43 with the bat, and could hold thekey to what happens this Saturday.

Equallyhowever,CATSstill have CalStewart and Tinashe Panyangara to bat.

If everthere wasa reason to show why CATS recruit playersofthis calibre, now is surely the time.

Stewart has three wickets in the game, as does Dane Fawcett, who can certainly bat.

Josh Keyhoe gave CATS agoodlook at victory openingthe batting, scoring 51.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

TGamage 9-1-19-0, CWhitehead 7-0-27-0, NGamage 3-0-22-0, JDonovan 5-2-8-0, BWilliamson 3-0-17-0, THourigan 1-1-0-0

run out (T Donoghue,D Thilakarathne) 3

cRMorley bCPilling

TMann18-4-62-3, AJohnstone 1-0-6-0, DThompson 3-0-12-0, TDonoghue 8-3-23-1, CPilling 8-2-21-5, DThilakarathne 2-0-5-0

IMPERIALS 1STINNINGS

19

TDonoghue cB Zomer bA Philip 0 HDunstan not out 4 Sundries (0w 0nb 1lb 0b)..................................................................................1 TOTAL (47 Overs) 7/169 MOE 1STINNINGS BOWLING

RColgrave 9-3-35-0, BCake 11-3-28-1, BZomer 5-3-13-1,CGrant 9-1-32-1, BMcCartney 4-0-24-0, APhilip 6-0-27-3, RPhoenix 3-19-0

EX STUDENTSV GLENGARRY at TerryHunter Reserve EX STUDENTS1ST INNINGS

MDyke cB MarksbCGraham 118

JPryde cJHodson bBMayberry. 21

MHarris cJCochrane bBMayberry. 3

LStockdale lbwT Duncan 45

ZBastinc TDuncanbAJenkin. 8 RBattista not out 36

MStockdale run out .11

DTreasecBMarks bAJenkin. 0 ABrady not out 6

Sundries (0w 0nb 8lb 5b) 13

TOTAL (85 Overs). 7/261

JFrancis 3-1-15-0,SMarks 1-1-0-0, TDuncan 8-1-22-1

The Sharks batted first at Apex, but managed just 69.

Ed Hopper scored 26 not out, yet struggled to rotatethe strike, chewing up 45 ballsinthe process.

The Lions got the points inside 15 overs.

Tye Hourigan played smartly, getting to 40 not out off 35 balls.

Express quick Rhys Noble provided an early hope for the visitors, taking 2/7.

Round 3ofPool Dwas completed last Thursday (December 11).

Rovers defeated Centrals in aone-run thriller at Apex.

Defending 126, the visitors took awicket off the final ball, with Alexander Rathbone executing under the most extreme pressure.

Ewan Williams had earlier made 38 against the new ball, as wickets were sharedamong the Lion's line-up. Daniel Doble delivered amaiden in figures of 2/19.

Lachie Speairs registered ahalf-century up top, as he andTye Hourigan(35 off 23) did all they could to see Centrals to victory.

Rathbone however enjoyed his moment of glory, finishing atwo-over stint with 2/8.

CRICKETLATROBE VALLEY HONOUR BOARD

2025/26

Centuries

n

(CATS)

(Gormandale)

(Raiders)

(Ex

(Latrobe)

(Moe)

(Toongabbie) 5/5

Breddels (Rovers/Gormandale) 5/10

n Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 7/14

n Ben Edebohls (WillowGrove) 6/11

n Ben Fleming (Traralgon West) 5/3

n MattStoaddart (Toongabbie) 5/11

n Jagbir Dhillon (Raiders) 5/20

n Waseem Abrar Mohammed (Latrobe) 5/24

n DarrenBrain (Rovers) 7/15

n Angus Murdoch (Moe) 5/3

n Cooper Stanton (Mirboo North/JB) 5/11

n Josh Pearson (Toongabbie) 5/16

n ConnorHughes (Traralgon West) 6/21

n Xavier Hurley (Toongabbie) 5/7

IS THIS YOUR BAT?

CRICKET

ACRICKET batwas handed into Traralgon PoliceStation on Tuesday, December9. Policewould like to reunitethe GrayNichollsstick withits owner

"The batisingood condition,having faced less balls than an English cricketerinThe Ashes,"Police quipped. If it belongs to you andyou have proof of ownership, call Traralgon PoliceStation on 5172 270 0and quotepropertynumber 202512-E-0773.

NSingh2-1-6-0

Latrobe Valley unbeaten

CRICKET

GCL BY LIAM DURKIN

CRICKET Latrobe Valley will go into the new year undefeated in senior representative cricket.

The team has won two games in the Gippsland Cricket League, and split the points in another.

Afterthe Round1match against Bairnsdale was washed out at Meerlieu, the Latrobe Valleyside defeated Leongatha in Round 3, following on from abye in Round2

Battingfirst at CatterickCrescent,the home team closed at 9/204 off its allotted 50 overs.

Most batsmen made double figures. Hayden Kimpton smacked 47 off 40 balls, interestingly hitting three sixes and no fours.

His Traralgon West teammate, Josh Monacella helped out with 35 off 52.

Ed Hopper was more circumspect, scoring 38 off 75,while MattDyke gotto25openingthe batting.

The bowlers then created enough pressure,tosee Leongatha bowled out for 172.

Quick bowler Rhys Noble finished with 4/36 across multiple spells, while younggun legspinner Darcy Walsh nabbed 3/22. The other Round 3match saw Sale-Maffra defeat Bairnsdale at Sale Oval.

Sale-Maffra

The

Chasing

LOWER GR ADE SCORES

PREMIER B

Round 11 (Saturday, December 13): Glengarr y164 (C Dunn 67, DBarr y3/22, MDunn 3/31, JHazelman2/37) def Toongabbie 156 (J McGown 74, DBarr y36, AWinter 5/21, DCochrane 3/28), Jeeralang-Boolarra 7/188 (L Smith52, TDowe28*, BMason 28, KCaldwell 2/11, DTobin 2/31, LUrand 2/38) def Churchill 93 (Hasitha Hewawasam 4/21, NSpark 2/14, JWus 2/23), Thorpdale 6/122 (R Kerrison 48*, JDurkin36*, RBlunt 3/11) def Moe7/117 (J Hecker 3/14,R Kerrison 2/20), CATS 175 (D Wilson 53, LPass 25, JDoble 4/35, Hiran Rajapakse 2/23, Himesh Rajapakse 2/29) def Centrals5/126 (S Rajapakse 33, HCooper 3/20),ExStudents 9/175 (A Jaensch 62, CPotalej 44, GGniel 3/17, CSeymour 3/33, B Williams 2/33) def Morwell 102 (N Cook 34,R Voss 3/7, TChurchill 2/9, DChurchill 2/26).

BGRADE

Round 11 (Saturday, December 13): Raiders 9/99 (P Grima 3/27, SDawson 3/32, MJennings 2/19) def WillowGrove 96 (J Berr yman-Lamber t2/17, PMills 2/19,NSandhu2/26),Imperials 8/181 (T Paulet 37, RMar tin 33, IBrown 2/30, SSbaglia 2/39) def Rovers 162 (K Scott54, RWilliams 4/32,PDunstan 2/12, BSizeland 2/20), Mirboo Nor th 181 (P Woodall 67, DMatthews53, LPhillips 4/15, LBermingham 3/45, DCooke 2/24) def Traralgon West 168 (B Howe 51, NHowe35, RHughes3/28, DTurner 2/19, JSpeed 2/19), Latrobe 3/147 (S Rasool 50*, BAitken 36) def Gormandale 145 (T Lawrence32, SHanning 4/9, SGedara4/11, SRasool 2/25).

PREMIER C

Round 9(Saturday, December 13 -T20 double headers): Ex Students 7/94 (M Bentley 28, ASmith 3/14, JJones 2/6)def Imperials 8/93 (A Spowar t38, NMillington 3/10, MBentley 2/39), Moe3/103 (S Murphy 30) def Mirboo Nor th 9/89 (G Vanderzalm 40*, PCake 4/14, FManduci 2/21), Rawson 1/87 (J Casey36*, J Wiseman 36) def Morwell 9/80 (C Monds26*, DWilkie 3/7, JCargill 2/14, BBrouwer 2/24), Churchill 5/182 (T Brighton 71*, HBrighton 26, BBriscoe 2/35) def Toongabbie 5/126 (C Mitchell 37, DHar t 2/20), Centrals 5/113 (J Downs 37, Brad Howlett 25*, ASmith 2/11) def Imperials 7/100 (J Jones 32*, XPettie 4/22, CHowlett 2/11), Moe3/70(CVeenman 27*, MCarstein 2/9) def Morwell 7/68 (C Veenman 3/13, PCake 2/11), Mirboo Nor th 56 (D Wilkie 3/4, M Williams 3/14, JCargill 2/4, LWatson 2/12)def Rawson 52 (J Corbin 3/12,B Vanderzalm 2/7, LVandersalm 2/11), Churchill 4/203 (T Brighton 69*, SForbes 63, HBrighton 36) def Glengarr y5/126 (J Rouse 32*,RStephens 25), Ex Students 2/206 (D Pr yde100*, N Millington 51, PRichards 28*) def Centrals 5/132 (J Downs 89, M Bentley 3/14), Glengarr yvsToongabbie (no scores entered).

CGRADE

Round 9(Saturday, December 13 -T20

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

chased the meagre total of 65, winning by seven wickets within six overs.

last game before Christmas saw Latrobe Valley wallop Warragul by 139 runs at Hallora. Luke Paytondid most of the heavy lifting, smoking an incredible 89 off 51 balls,sending seven over the fence. Ryan Morley (55), Noble (33) and Dyke (40) also got the total up to 281. Warragul was routed for just 142 in reply. Amal Athulathmudali (2/14), Jimmy Pryde(2/16) and Noble (2/26) shared the wickets. Bairnsdale defeatedLeongatha in the other match.

130 at Bairnsdale City Oval, the home side won by three wickets. Senior GCL returns January 18. Latrobe Valley is home to Sale-Maffra.

Just like magic, Morwell’sfirst CBLflag

MORWELL MAGIC COUNTRY BASKETBALL

BASKETBALL CBL BY

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MAGICAL beyond compare.

Morwell added its first Country Basketball League women’s championship at the weekend, coming in dramatic fashion over Korumburra by three points.

ArrivingtoCardinia Life Aquatic andRecreation Centre, Pakenham, the grand final was truly a matchupofgiants as the two sidescombined for just two losses throughout the season.

The Magic ran through the regular season undefeated until its final game against the Wildcats in Round 8, which came in aone-point thriller.

Ataleoftwo halves played out in the big dance, as Morwell almost seemed out of place when the ball was thrown up to begin proceedings.

The more experienced Korumburra, who won back-to-back CBL women’s titles in both 2023 seasons (in aprevious life, CBL seasons played across years with aChristmas-New Years breakin between), blew past the Magic in the first quarter.

Despite Morwell starting well with a10-3lead, the Wildcats responded routinely, beginning with Gemma Dixon scoring five quick points and then handing over the reins to KrystalArnason as Korumburra went intothe first breakwith a nine-point lead.

Even withanecessary pause in play, it got worse for the Magicasthe second quarter opened,as the Wildcats made their early successes look easy.

Rebounding became aclear issue for Morwell, as Korumburra featured amuch bigger line-up, which also equalledadisadvantagewhenWildcats players made their way closer to the basket.

As such, Korumburra went even further ahead with an 8-2 run, whilethe Magic continued to deliver sloppy turnovers.

Kayla Welsh hoped to get Morwell back on track with atough and-1 bucket inside however, Chelsea Fox respondedimmediatelybydrilling athreepointer for the Wildcats.

The Magic increased their outputthrough to halftime and began to rival Korumburra’s offensive charge.

Morwell still faced a14-point deficit at the main break,inpartdue to the Wildcats nailingseven three-pointers in the first half alone.

Amore fluent game launched as play returned, with the Magic beginning to get out in transition by forcing the Wildcats into making tough choices.

An outofnowhere 13-5 run erupted the stadium, as Morwell found agroovenot seen prior in the match.

Korumburra was forced into atimeout after Abbey

Noblett willed the Magic to the closest position they’d seen in some time with aneat put back lay in.

The Wildcats continued to cost themselves ashot

Morwell players huddle up tightlyafter the final buzzer sounds All photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt unless stated

at redeeming their defensive faults, coughing the ball up, as the Magic found new life through gang rebounding, which equalled plenty of second chance opportunities.

Young gun Oliv ia Ouc hir enko comfortably knockeddown adeep threetocut theWildcats’ leadtoone possession, and with five seconds left in the third term,Morwellpushed the ball up from adead ball with Jordan Pyle zipping the rock to Makaela Zeldenryk, who missed the corner triple, but saw Welsh steal the ball out of the air and score on the buzzer.

Down by apoint with aquarter spare, the game was there for the taking for the Magic.

Almost immediately to begin the final spurt, Pyle completed aslick reverselayup to send Morwell ahead for the first time since the opening minutes of the grand final.

The scoreboard became stuck on 69-allfor a painstaking period of time, as poor passes and missed shots became the norm,until Shantelle Thorburn broke the deadlock for the Magic with a monster three-pointer.

Morwell went ahead further, with Pyle unselfishly and acutelydishingoff to Zeldenryk on the fastbreak and then Noblett finished another put back score to extend the lead to six points with less than two minutes remaining.

Korumburra refused to give in, with Alahna Arnasonfinishing ashort floater, and then Chelsea

Morwell 79 def Korumburra 76

Line-up: Alexa Doher ty,Olivia Ouchirenko, MaecyWade,Shantelle Thorburn, Mackenzie Rankin,Carmen Albrecht, Makaela Zeldenryk, Sharyn Henry, Kayla Welsh, AbbeyNoblett, Jordan Pyle

Captain: Jordan Pyle

Coach: Daniel Scholtes

Fox swishing an all-important three-pointer to bring the margin back to one-point.

As Morwell made its move on one of the final possessions of the game, Magic fans’ nerves went through the roofasNoblett was issued for acharge, handing her afifth foul and thus eliminating her from the game.

The Wildcats had the chance to take the lead in the dyingseconds, withArnason makingher way insidefor another floater, which banged of the backboardand missed.

After the foul game wasinitiated,bythe time the final buzzer sounded, Magic players went into ariot and embraced each other like never before.

Despite not having their coach available on the day with DanielScholtes absent, Andrew Whannell stepped up to lead the bench and Pyle took on addedresponsibilities as team captain, making sure Morwell still got the job done and capped off asensational and historic season.

Welshwas deservedly awarded the grand final most valuable player (MVP) award, finishing with

Moestruck by meteorcrashinmen’sdecider

defeating Pakenham by 17 points and moving to the top of the ladder.

to increase their scoringoutput, the Meteors trailed 22-19 at the first break.

MOE was comfortably defeated in the Country Basketball League senior men’s grand final.

The Meteors lost 103 to 81 against Pakenham Warriors.

In asimilar setup to the women’s decider, both Moe and Pakenham entered the big dance having only sustained one loss each during the regular season.

TheMeteors had actually leapfrogged ahead of the reigning premier in the final round after

After each toppled their oppositioninsemifinal action, the results meant that the previous two CBL men’s champions would be playing off against eachother.

It wasn’t ahorrendous start for Moe, keeping closethroughoutthe first quarter, with timely scores both inside and outside.

How the rest of the game played, the cracks were evident early however, as Pakenham was routinely gifted open three-point opportunities, which they were hitting.

Despite some defensive lapses and the chance

Moe was hit with ablowasTom Portbury exited the gamewith an apparent lower body injury early in the second quarter, which limited their forward options.

All while that happened, Pakenham stormed ahead on a15-3run to begin the second term as they were offered easy shots inside,while the Meteors couldn’t buy abasketatthe other end. Moe did overcome this drought slightly though to halftime, with some pivotal scores through Preston Laidlaw and Josh Parkinson, to trail by 12 points.

Despite showingsome signs of lifeatthe latter stages of the first half, the Meteors failedtohold down the Warriors at asustained period of time to cut into the deficit.

The same margin as halftime read at threequarter-time, but aquick scoring outburst from Pakenham shut the door on Moe’s hopes of returning to the podium as they did in 2023. As such, the Warriorsfinishedthe game ahead by the most they’d been all night.

Pakenham’s Linden Moon claimed the Grand Final MVP with 18 points.

Morebasketball -Page42

Deserved: Kayla Welsh claimed theGrand FinalMost Valuable Playeraward forMorwell. Photograph supplied

Dish: Makaela Zeldenr yk looks forateammateduring the CBL decider

Rings-a-glistenin’: Morwell claimed its first-everCBL women’s championship at the weekend in athrilling grand final comebackoverKorumburra.

NBL showtime arrives in Traralgon

BASKETBALL

NBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGONwas once again ahive for basketball lovers, as the NBL returned for the secondand third time in Gippsland this year.

The region was still in recoveryfrom South East MelbournePhoenix’s previous venture to the LatrobeValleylast January, in which they blitzed Brisbane Bullets, and enteredinto adoubleheader at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium for Round 12.

The Phoenix’s Wednesday (December 10) showcase opened their time in the Latrobe Valley and subsequently resulted in their first loss at GRISS since succumbing to Illawarra in 2023.

In each of the Phoenix’s six trips to Traralgon, they’vewon four of them, including arguably the best game in the league’shistory when they triumphed in double overtime against Sydney Kings in 2022.

The firstleg of the doubleheader madeuppartof the Ignite Cup, the NBL’s in-season tournament.

Tasmania JackJumpers claimed victory over South East Melbourne, 89 to 81, keeping the technical visitors in the race for finals after heading in losers of seven of their last eight games.

Nathan Sobeyopenedthe game by knocking down two three-pointers, which led the charge for the Phoenix in their second home as they poured in 36 first quarter points.

Up until the midway point of the opening term, Tasmania kept in close touch, before the Phoenix scored 11 points in the final two minutes to lead by near double digits.

Almost the opposite played out following the break, as the JackJumpers went on a17-8run to even the score.

Both sides, more specifically Phoenix players such as Wes Iwundu, began to be stirred by some of the decisions and non-decisionswith the whistle as the game progressed.

As such, amore aggressive style of play began to eventuate,whichincluded an increase pressure at the rim defensively, seeing bodiescollide and crash to the floor.

Morwelljunior basketballers taking on court sweeper duties were immediately on the scene to

ensure asafe surface was still on display.

TheJackJumpers took the lead for the first time since the early portions of the game through aNick

Marshall three-pointer that then followed with a tough midrange shotfromBryce Hamilton and insidefinish from Josh Bannan, whichresulted in Tasmania heading into the main break ahead by four points.

After an offensive explosion in the first quarter, the Phoenix were held to just 12 points and seemed more concerned with the long-range shot and how the referees were operating.

The halftime break featured alight scrimmage between Moe and Morwell juniorstoentertain the crowd before the latter half of the game played out.

Former Phoenix player Ben Ayre (whose family is from Morwell) opened the second half with consecutive driving layups to move Tasmania’s lead to eight points.

Hunter Maldonado and John Brown IIIbroke the cold streak for South East Melbourne, as a majority of thethird quarterplayed outclosely with each team trading baskets.

Angus Glover swished home athree for Phoenix to tie the ballgame at 66-all, only for TygerCampbell to scurry his way inside for atough bucket under the rim for Tasmania.

Pandemonium erupted the Traralgon stadium to begin the fourth quarter, withthe JackJumpers holding afour-point edge.

Eyeslit up from the young fans in attendance as Brown III arrived at the free throwline with the Phoenixonascore of 66, and as he rudely missed the first, knocked downthe second, sending the crowd wild as the ‘memeified’ number and gesture took ahold of the crowd.

Phoenix court announcer, Maffra’s Tyson Whelan, was equally encouraging all onlookers to join in.

As the second quarter had previously suggested, Phoenixwas routinely fixated on the outside shot, whichwas not givingthem anything deep towards the end of the game either.

The JackJumperspersevered by attacking the basket to much success, which saw Tasmania out to adouble digit lead with two minutes left.

SouthEastMelbourne desperately fought to etch

close as the clock wound down, in support of their home crowd, but could not overcome their earlier faults.

Hamilton led for the JackJumpers with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Iwundu did his best for the Phoenix with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

South East Melbourne regained their mojo however in Saturday’s matchup againstNew Zealand Breakers.

Sobeypoured in aludicrous 36 points, making ridiculous shotsall night long,asthe Phoenixrode past the Breakers, 92-80 in their secondinstalment at GRISS in aweek.

Motivated to give the local crowd something to cheer about before departing, the Phoenix opened out of the gate strongly through Jordan Hunter and Brown III as they ledbysix points at the firstbreak

The travelling New Zealand squad answered as the second quarteropened, getting the margin back as close as ever, but Sobey being the dangerous option on the court, kept the Phoenix from losing their lead with attacks at the basket.

South East Melbourne saw separation as play resumed for the second half, buckling down defensively and making timely shots at the other end of the court.

While the Breakers desperately tried to fight back in the closing minutes of the game, the Phoenix had alreadydone what was necessary, and withthe backing of the green and black army in the stands, there was no stopping them this time around.

In apost-game interview at centre court, Sobey spoke to howspecial it is arrivingtoGippsland year-on-year and connecting with the region.

“Personally, coming from alittle country town, and to be able to do these sorts of things that we don’tget to kindofexperience as kids, hopefully it’s something they’ll remember and chase their dreams moving forward,” he said.

“As akid,you kind of live for thosemoments where you have NBL teams or professional teams come into your home town …hopefully(Traralgon) was able to enjoyour presence and obviously, ultimately, the games and get awin.”

It is yet to be confirmed by the NBL whether more games are coming next year and the following seasons, but there’s no doubt with the energy provided by the locals and the commitment by the Phoenix that it will return in the foreseeable future.

Backagain: TwoNBL matches featured in the Latrobe Valleylast week,with South East Melbourne Phoenix competing in both. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

High arch: NickMarshallthrowsup afloaterfor Tasmania. Dribble drive: Hunter Maldonado looks toattack for the Phoenix.