Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 19 March 2025

Country expobringsErica together

By KATRINABRANDON

THEfifthannual Erica Country Expo was held at the weekend.

The expo welcomed around 80 people,who enjoyed local produce and met local businesses and groups. Children were able to participate in pony rides, jumping castle and an animal pen.

Emergency services, such as the Erica CFA, brought along their equipment to share with those whocameand to demonstrate how to use some of the equipment.

Multipleroundsofthe woodchop went ahead from12pmonwards, with thosehandywithanaxe chopping away until 4pm.

The heat wasn't the only thing giving woodchoppers struggles as the rounds went on and logs got thicker meaning methods had to be adjusted Starting with the vertical log chops, all participants moved swiftly through the logs.

Woodchoppers ranged from different ages, from the youngest (16-years-old)joining the more experienced ones on the block.

Ole countryfun: Chelsea’sErin(8) wasone of manytoenjoythe events of the day, with horse riding being oneofher favourites

Glen Freeze supporting MND

APLUNGEwas taken at the Glengarry Hotel last Saturday (March 15), with locals taking theplunge for Motor Neurone Disease.

The 'Glen Freeze' was organised to raise money to help the fightagainst Motor Neurone Disease, which kills twoAustralians every day.

“Sadly, the Glengarry locals have had some directexperience of MNDinrecenttimes,and they decided to support the fundraising effort and have abit of fun at the same time,”Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said.

“Patrons paid for the chance to dunk me and several othervolunteers...the icywater was actually anice relief on a30-degree day!”

The Glengarry Hotel shared their appreciation to those who participated, whether they got dunked or not, saying how much of asuccess the day was.

"A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the Glen Freeze such amemorable day for such an important cause!" the pub posted.

"We appreciate those who took on the dunk machine and brought alot of fun and excitement to the event.

"This eventwas held in loving memory of thosewe've lost and for those who are tackling this dreadful disease today. Together, we can continue the fight against MND!"

As of Mondaymorning, the crewhad received $4329 on their donation page, well up from the goal of $1000.

Manypeople were involved in the splash including Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman and Cowwarr Football-Netball Club Vice President, Johnathon Burt.

Protection of mental health at work

THE stategovernment is supporting workers' rights to asafeworkplace withnew protections for mental health.

The state government will introduce new regulations, strengtheninghow psychosocial hazards are managed by the end of the year, recognising psychosocial hazardstobeasimportant as physical hazards and creating new obligations for employers to identify and control them in their workplaces. Psychosocial hazards are work-related factors with apotential to cause harm, such as bullying, sexual harassment, aggressionorviolence and exposure to traumatic events.

These changes are in responsetorecommendations made by the Boland Review,the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Mental Health.

They aim to strengthenworkplace health and safetylawstobetter addressmental health

and align with regulations introduced in other Australian states and territories.

It’s anticipated the regulations will be made in October and take effect on December 1this year.

ACompliance Code will be made to guide employers on how to meet their duties under the proposed regulations. Extra guidance will also be provided on howprevention plans can help identify actions they’lltaketocontrol psychosocial hazards.

Victoria has experienced an increase in workrelated mentalinjuries, which represented 18 per cent of all new WorkCover claims in 2023/24, up from 16 per cent the previous year and nine per cent before 2009.

WorkSafe provides support and guidance to Victorian employers to reduce work-related risks to mental health through the WorkWell program, whichhas engaged with more than 16,000 workplacessince its 2017 launch,through grants, learning networks and resources.

Community: FederalMember forGippsland Chester with Glengarr yHotel ownerKathy Voyer, who also made asplash in the dunking machine to raisemoney forthe FightMND initiative. Photograph supplied

Timber: Woodchoppersswing away at the Erica Countr yExpo Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Rail extension: Warren Smeal, Jason Baldwin, PeterWilson,GregHansfordand DaveBullenat Erica’sWoodchoppingFestival.

Divorce rates the lowest in half-century

DIVORCE rates are at their lowest level since the mid-1970s, according to anew report by the Australian Institute of Family Studies(AIFS).

The repor td raw so nd at af ro mt he Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

In 2023, there was2.3 divorces per 1000 residents aged 16-and-over, which continues the downward trendsince the start of the millennium, when divorce rates were at 3.4 per 1000 adult residents.

Asecond AIFS report shows that the trend of men and women marrying at alater age has continued.

Women now marry at 30 years and men at 31 (median) –around eight years older than theircounterparts were marrying in 1975.

Senior Research Fellow at AIFS, Dr Lixia Qu, said agradual drop in the marriage rate, people marrying at alater age, and more couples living together before marriage, is all contributing to the decline in divorce.

“These daysmost coupleslivetogether before getting married –ifthey marry at all –which was unusual 50 years ago," Dr Lixia said.

"Being ableto‘try before you buy’ was less of an option for young couples in the 1970s and earlier, due to stigma and societal expectations."

Dr Qu said the decline in divorce does not necessarily indicate longer lasting relationships than used to be the case.

“In 2023, 83 per cent of couples had been living together before marriage, compared to just 16 per cent in 1975," she explained.

"Many couples separate without entering into marriage, which is not captured in the divorce statistics."

The age at divorce has also risen for both men and women.

In 2023, the median age at divorce was 47 years for men and 44 years for women –up from early 30s across both genders in 1980.

Other key data on marriages and divorces in Australia, from the AIFS reported while in 1970, 88 per cent of marriages were performed by ministers of religion, in 2023 that flipped to 83 per centofmarriage being performed by civil celebrants. Almostfour percentofall marriages are same-gender couples –with female same-gender marriages outnumbering male same-gender marriages (two per cent and 1.5 per cent of all marriages).

Peoplewho marryata younger age are more likely to divorce.

For men, the high est divor ce rate is between25-29 years, and for women it is 24 years and under, and 25-29 years.

Couples that divorceare doing so later; those married for 20 or more years made up morethan one-quarter of divorces in 2021 –whereas in the 1980s they only made up one in five divorces.

The mediandurationofmarriage for divorcing couples over the last decade (2020/21) was around 12 years, and the median duration of marriage to separation was around 8.5 years–meaning it took around 3-4 years from separation for couples to finalise their divorce.

CountryPress Australia slams teal websites

AUSTRALIA'S largest association of independent newspapers has supported calls for the Australian Electoral Commission to review anumberofonline publications allegedly funded by Climate 200 supporters.

While the AEC’s continues to investigate, Country Press Australia (CPA) President, AndrewSchreyer said this served as atimelywarning aboutthe increased riskofpolitically funded propaganda being passedoff as independent news in the upcoming federal election campaign.

The AEC has an excellent record of strictly monitoringand regulating political advertising, but now there is anew threat where fake ‘news’ sites can become aloophole for political advertising donations to be redirected to fund ‘journalism’ that mainly produces political propaganda.

Mr Schreyer said there was concernsfrom the organisation’s more than 240-strong membership that the level of trust readers had for local papers was being compromised, following the recent emergence of anumberofonline publications produced by Gazette News

He said claims by Gazette News to be committed to providing high-quality local journalism to communities where local news has declined or disappeared were both misleading and wrong, given there were dozens of independently owned mastheads that have existed in many cases for more than 150 years in some of the same areas where Gazette News now operates.

“It’s all too easy now to set up a‘news’ website that publishes political propaganda dressed up as journalism and amplified through social media campaigns.

"Such sites are athreat to the integrity of our political advertising regulations and to the public trust in truly independent news publishers who are reporting objectively and holding the powerful to account.

“Most of our Country Press Australia member newspapers have news websites and ahistory datingbackwell over100 years.Inaddition, many local radio and televisionservices across rural and regional Australia have aproud history of supporting and serving local communities.

“Independently owned place-based public interest journalism providerssuchasour member

newspapers work hard to earn the respect and trust of the communities they serve,” Mr Schreyer said.

Mr Schreyer said it can take years to earn that trust, but it can also be easily put at risk by entities whoseactions can undermine what local papers have fought so hard for, and for so long.

“Our members produce balancedand accurate journalism underpinned by the integrity and respect they share for the community," he said.

"We are concerned that the actions of this single organisation could undermine the respectreaders have for authentic public interest journalism.”

It has been revealed that the three major funders of Gazette News have also donated more than $1.7 million to environmental lobby group Climate 200 and associated candidates, according to AEC disclosures.

“The revelation that Gazette News online publications are fundedbytop teal donors damages the reputation of independent regional, rural and local mastheads,” Mr Schreyer said.

“Consumers of content produced by Gazette News publications need to be made aware of their funding sources and view their content through that lens.

“Balanced,independentand professionally produced public interest journalism such as that produced by our members is the democratic infrastructure that holds communities together.”

Mr Schreyer said as members of the Australian Press Council, CPA publications (which the Latrobe Valley Express is one)are required to abide by acodeofethics that stressesthe importance of fairness and balance in their reporting, and for journalists to not be influenced by outside influences or organisations.

Mr Schreyer welcomed Nationals leader David Littleproud’s interventioninthis matter, and thanked him for his strong representation of local, rural and regional newspapersand the work they do in thousands of local communities acrossthe nation.

“We also welcomecalls by Shadow Finance Minister, Jane Hume for an investigation by the AEC into the origins and foundations of these digital publications and hope for aspeedyresolution to this matter given the upcoming federal election.”

Mr Schreyer is also the general manager of the Warragul and Drouin Gazette,not to be confused with Gazette News.

Muster meets cluster of farmers at FedUni

THE GippsDairy Musterreturns for its fourth consecutive year at Federation University’s Gippsland Campus in Churchill.

Apremiere event for the GippsDairy team, the muster showcases the latest trends, technologies, and practices in dairy farming, and features a line-upofindustry experts and farmer panel discussions.

This year’s theme is 'Farming into the Future: Imagine,Inquire,Innovate',and will aim to provide Gippsland farmers with practical ways to enhance the future of their farm business using new and developing technologies.

The day includes four key presentations:

 Innovations in monitoring animal welfare and performance;

 Utilising drones on farm;  An update on the PastureSmarts technology; and virtual herding.

Attendees will also hear about the latest legislation updates impacting the use of new technologies on farms across Victoria.

Leongatha South dairy farmer,Callum Moscript will be emcee for the event.

Along withhis extensive farm experience,Mr Moscript is aco-owner of First Class Genetics, driving advancementsinAustralian livestock through the importofunique genetics from global markets.

He is committed to guiding innovation and fosteringleadership within the sectortoensure its sustainability and future success.

The muster will be held Wednesday, April 30 from 9.30am.

Federation University is located at Northways Road, Churchill.

For more inf orma ti on an dt o vi ew the eve nt pr ogra m, visi t: dairyaustralia.com.au/gippsdairymuster

Burning off the answer to intensity

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AMAJOR study after the devastating 2019/20 wildfires in Victoria and New South Wales found that prescribed burning dramatically reduced the intensity of the fires, according to abushfire expert Dr TonyBartlett, awinner of the Australian Fire ServiceMedal (AFSM), said after 2019/20,amajor study was undertaken to test the effectiveness of prescribed (fuel reduction) burning at alandscape scale in termsofreducing the severity of thewildfire in awide range of forest ecosystems. Dr Bartlett waspartofa three-person panel that investigated theimpact of the wildfires on Victoria's Regional Forest Agreements.

The major study examined 307 prescribed burns greaterthan 200 hectares that had been conducted in the previous five years and which were within the footprint of the 2019/20 wildfires.

"It found that about half (48 per cent) of these prescribedburnsresulted in significantly reduced wildfire severity," said Dr Bartlett, writinginthe Commonwealth Forest Association newsletter. "It also found thatthe more recentprescribed burns had amore positive impact on reducing fire severity, with 66 per cent of one-year-old burns having apositive impact compared to 42 per cent of five-year-old burns."

Dr Bartlett said Australian academics Professor David Lindenmayer and Associate ProfessorPhilip Zylstra had made claims aboutthe impact of prescribed burning on forest flammability.

"None of the claims are supported by evidence from long-term monitoring of replicated trials where prescribed burninghas been conducted," he said.

The academics in articlesreproduced in the CFA newsletter argued that prescribed burning and logging made Australian native forests more flammable. They said prescribedburning shouldbe

In theknow: Bushfireexper t, Dr Tony Bar tlett File photograph

confined to areas close to high-value assets and that when fire is excluded for more than 40 years, the native forestsdonot burn at highintensity because the vertical connectivity of the forest structure is reduced through natural ecological processes.

In contrast, Dr Bartlett said the late Associate Professor Kevin Tolhurst studied the effects of repeated low-intensity prescribed fire in mixed species eucalyptforest in south-east Australia using repeated trials (including no-burning sites) for almost 40 years.

"He found there was no loss of species but the

impact on understory plant species varied according to the nature of different species," Dr Bartlett said.

"My own observations at these research sites in October 2024 indicated there was significantly less understorey vegetation in the repeatedly burnt sites than in the unburnt control sites -which contradicts the Lindenmayer-Zylstra view that prescribed burning in eucalypt forests promotes dense flammable understorey vegetation."

Dr Bartlett said the academics' propositions ignored the evidence of comprehensive fire research donebythe CSIRO and state governmentland management agencies, as well as the lessons from numerous inquiries after major wildfires over the past 80 years.

"Moreover, the notion that fire can be excluded from most Australian forests for more than 40 years is fanciful, given the increased frequency and extent of wildfiresoverthe past20yearsunder challenging climate conditions," he said.

"Importantly, there are numerous journal articles that either challenge their research findings or present evidence that indicates their findings are incorrect."

Dr Bartlett said the academics' claim that timber harvesting causes the native forest to be more flammable wasundermined by evidence.Wildfire, includingthe rate of spread and fire intensity, depended on three main factors: the quantity and structure of fuel in the vegetation; the prevailing weather -wind and humidity; and the topography of the location of thefire.

Thus the severity of the wildfire was the result of interacting factors, "not asinglefactor such as whether or not timber harvesting hasbeen undertaken in that location".

Dr Bartlett cited several wildfire examples:

-InNSW,the 2019/20 bushfire burnt about 4.1million hectares of forest, including 2.23m ha of nationalparkand 0.76m ha of state forest. Timber

harvesting had made up about 0.21m ha of state forest over the previous 35 years. Official NSW data showedabout 53 percentand 50 per cent burnt at high and extreme severity in both tenures. At the landscapelevel, they concluded that fire severity was much thesameregardless of tenure; -Fire in 2019/20 burnt more than 855,00 ha (79 per cent), 37 per cent extreme severity, of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area,but timber harvesting had no impact in the wilderness area.Areas of prescribed burning fiveyears before had 26 per cent burnt at high or extreme severity, and;

-InEastern Victoria, the 2019/20 wildfires burnt 1.5m ha -89per cent public forest that included 486,000ha of national park and 403,000ha of state forest. Victorian data showed that 48 per cent of national park and 49 per cent of timber harvest areas burnt at high severity.

Dr Bartlett said the academics last year published areview of selected global literatureonthe role that disturbance (fire, timberharvesting or clearing) can play in forest flammability. Much of this relied on their previously published articles.

"They did not quote any of the extensive literature that showed areduction in fire severity in areas where prescribed burning had been conducted," he said.

Concluding, Dr Bartlett said clearly the greatest risk to Australian native forests is the increased frequency of landscape-scale wildfires burning at high intensity.

This would "ultimately change the composition and structure of our forest systems".

"The lived experience evidence clearly shows that timber harvesting is not increasing the risk of native forests being burnt at high severity," he said.

"Far frombeing acause of increased high severity fire,prescribed burning educes fire severityin manyforest areas where it has been undertaken."

Passion for care, community across three decades

WHETHER he is meeting the Queen or apatient in need, Paul James’ passion for patient care and commitment to the community shines through.

Mr James, the Ambulance Victoria (AV) Acting Gippsland Director of Regionaland Clinical Operations, joined the South-East Ambulance Servicein1995following astint in medical equipment marketing.

Inspiredbyhis experiences as an Ambulance Community Officer, he made the leapinto paramedicineeager to makearealdifferenceonthe frontline.

Sincethen, Mr James has witnessed and been part of some significant changes in the profession.

“Back then, we worked out of Ford F150 wagons, carrying multiplepatients in asingleambulance,” he said.

“Training was different too. We attendedthe Ambulance OfficersTraining College for three years before becoming qualified.

“Today’s paramedics graduate with adegree, equipped with advanced skills and technology to support their work.”

Throughout his career, Mr James has been instrumental in implementing key innovations and evolvingclinical care standards and digital patient care records.

He has also played acrucial role in major emergencies, including the 2009 Victorianbushfires, 2014Hazelwood mine fire,and 2019/20 East Gippsland bushfires.

Beyond em erg ency resp onse ,M rJ am es ' leadership has influenced the development of specialist programs such as wilderness and aquatic response, as well as community health initiatives

like assessment centres established during the Hazelwood coal fire to support affected residents.

His commitment to helping others extends beyond AmbulanceVictoria. Avolunteer with Life Saving Victoria sincethe age of 13, he has dedicated countless hours to ensuring the safety of beachgoers and training future lifesavers, including six years as president.

His outstanding contributions to lifesaving and community service were recognised when he wasselected to meetthe Queen, an honour that underscores his lifelong dedicationtoprotecting and supporting others.

“I’ve always believed in being proactive rather than reactive,” Mr James said.

“Whether it’s mentoring new paramedicsor developing new initiatives, Iwant to contribute to meaningful change that improvespatientcare.”

Emphasising passion and resilience, Mr James said the job was incredibly rewarding.

“You need to be driven by the desire to help people. At the end of the day,it’sabout being there for patients during some of the most critical moments of their lives,” he said.

As he marks his 30-year milestone in the service, Mr James remains focused on the future of paramedicine. From telemedicine to emerging technology suchasportable X-raysand even jetpacksfor wilderness responders, he sees an exciting path ahead.

“I’ve been proud to make adifference and Iknow thenextgeneration of paramedicswill continue to buildonthe work we’ve done," he said.

"It’s about giving back to the community we live in and ensuring the best care for patients.”

CLOSING DOWN SALE ofend

“After 30 years we are closing our doors Thankyou to our loyal customers for supporting us throughout the

Honour: Paul James,the Ambulance Victoria (AV) Acting GippslandDirectorofRegional and Clinical Operations,meets theQueen.

Dedication: Paul James has spent30years with Ambulance Victoria. Photographs supplied

Seven yearsfor nuclear: Parker

By PHILIP HOPKINS

A1000megawatt nuclear power stationusing South Korean expertise could be built in the Latrobe Valleyinsevenyears, withafleet possibly in 11 years, at an estimated cost of $10 billion each, according to an Australian nuclear expert, Robert Parker.

Mr Parker, who spoke on nuclearpower last year at the Morwell RSL, was commenting on areport of anuclear powerdelegation to South Korea in January in which he participated. Mr Parker was invited on the tour by the Opposition spokesman on Energy, Ted O'Brien.

"I paid my own way and received no industry funding," he said.

He emphasised that he is not amember of any political party, but in 2007 he was the endorsed ALP candidate for the NSW state seat of Goulburn.

The tour covered meetings with eightSouth Korean nuclear energy companies, manufacturers and educational institutions. It followed asimilar tour in 2018.

Mr Parker said Samsung Construction and Trading Corporation estimated alarge APR 1400MW nuclearpower plant wouldtakeseven years to build.

KoreaHydro &ElectricPower (KHNP), which supplies 32 per cent of the country's electric power, also estimated aconstruction time of seven years.

"They are looking forward to delivering two APR1000MW unitstothe Czech Republic- on time and on budget," he told the Express.

"We were advised by KHNP and the Korean contractors that the last few years has been spent on identifying suitable equipmentsuppliers in the CzechRepublic and identifying opportunities for localisation."

Eachreactor has six teams with11operators per team. Total staffing in each reactor is about 500.

Mr Parker told the Express that the Korean bid to the Czech Republic for the APR1000 units cost $US8b each, or $A12b. This was somewhat "gold plated" and included double-walled containment vessels and other localised features, he said.

The Korean contract for the 5600MW Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates -four APR1400nuclearreactors- was $US32b$US8b each -$A8570/kW, "which is what CSIRO gen cost is reporting". Barakah,whichwas built on time and on budget with no liquidated damages, supplies up to 25 per centofUAE's electricity needs.

Mr Parker said there was agreat many factors that affect prices, such as local labour costs, climate and the ability of the selected nation to construct the civil component competitively.

"Oneofthe really keyissues is finance, which is where thefederal government's role is key to ensuring interest rates are kept low," he said.

Modelling done by Nuclear for Climate Australia on four 1000MW APR1000 units in Latrobe estimatedacost of $A10,000/kW, which is $A40 billion-$1b per 1000MW unit.

"How reliable is this cost? On the plus side, the South Koreans have awell-defined supply chain and areliabletechnologythat works by precedent. Further, the climate in Latrobe is very mild and a full 12 month construction cycle is ensured," he said.

On the down side, Mr Parker said the 1000MW-sized plants would take about the same time to build as their larger 1400MW cousins.

"Building larger plants would need more energy transfer capacity between NSW and Victorian in case one plant went offline. So, this is where network planning and optimisation needs to take place," he said.

"The Koreans offeredtoassist us with amore accurate costs estimates for nuclear power plants in Australia -it'sanoffer that should be taken up very promptly.

"I estimatethatthe actual physicalconstruction will take 11 years and employ up to 4000 people on site during that period."

Mr Parker said the Koreans repeatedly stressed the need for achieving social licence.

"I formed the opinionthat Koreanswork farmore collaboratively than do Australians-they speak continuallyof'Team Korea'. Iwishwehad the same ethicinAustralia with respect to energy provision. Why do we continue to be polarised on this issue when disciplinedcollaborative study wouldlargely resolve the issue?" he said.

Mr Parker said cooling water provision was another matter that must be addressed in asober fashion. Nuclear opponents treated it as a'gotcha' issue.

"Itisresolvable by some innovative solutions," he said

"Those existing large brown coal pits represent partofthe solution." They could be recharged by ground water and surface water and have a much lower water use thantraditional evaporative cooling towers.

He noted that both Snowy Hydro2.0 and the

BorumbaPumped Storage in Queensland were integral partsofAEMO’sIntegrated System Plans.

"Without deep storage, there is no way to transfer huge amountsofenergy over days or weeks to address wind droughts," he said.

"Our nuclear option does not need deep storage because it's teamed with solar and some wind, it does needshorter term four-to-six hourstorage for our 'shoulder' high-use periods in the mornings and evenings and to enhance grid stability if gas turbines are fully eliminated."

Mr Parker said much was made of seismic risk.

"Yes, it must be properly addressed, but in the Australian context was another hurdle created to sow doubt and was a'non-issue' in the large scheme of things," he said.

Hyundai Engineering &Construction, cited in the report, was founded in 1947 and has 14,000 employees.Ithas been involvedinthe construction of 26 nuclear power plants and lead contractor at severalsites, including fouratBarakah.Hyundai's new growth markets include small modular reactors (SMRs), which are advancednuclear reactors that have apower capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit.

Hyundai noted that staffing suitably skilled labour was important. SMRs had abig on-site civilcomponent,possibly proportionally larger than large plants.

Samsung C&T is involved in large-scale nuclear power plant construction as well as renewable energy and transmission projects, plus nuclear plants in Korea, UAE and Romania. In Australia it was focussing on renewable energy and 'green hydrogen'.

The report said Samsung has afavourable outlook for nuclear in Australia; 100 per cent renewable energy "is not possible", baseload power wasneeded.

"Nuclear is the only option for baseload if coal and gas are denied due to emissions constraints," Samsung noted in the report.

Helen Cooksaidinthe reportthat Australia's research reactor meets all safety standards of the InternationalAtomic Energy Agency and "we have signed up to necessary protocols".

"Australia has an existingregulator with a long and established international reputation in ARPANSA(Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency)."

The report said the former Moon government's nuclearphase out had created abacklash,according to KHNP.

WHO'S WHO OF NUKE

THE Korea-Australia Nuclear Co-operation Program January 2025 study tour of South Korea's nuclear industry consisted of experts in nuclear engineering, nuclear law, energy economics and investment banking. These were:

 The Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Ted O'Brien;  Nuclear law expert Helen Cook, the Adjunct Associate Professor, School of Global and Public Law, Faculty of Law at UNSW. She is the author of anuclear law textbook and aformer chair of the World Nuclear Association's Law Working Group;  Mike Newman, an investment banker for more than 25 years and the former NSW government Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, North Asia who has lived in Japanfor 25 years;  Jasmin Diab has aMaster of Nuclear Engineering from UNSW and is the Australia Managing Director of Global Nuclear Security Partners and President of Women in Nuclear Australia;

 Stephen Wilson, Adjunct Professor in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at the University of Queensland and an energyeconomist with 30 years' experience in more than 30 countries, and;

 Dr Robert Parker, acivil engineer with more than 35 years' experience who holds aMasters in Nuclear Science. He is a former President of the Australian Nuclear Association.

"The public want energy security and industrial progress. Korea has high levels of energy use and industry shipbuilding was badly affected. Nuclear phase out drove up energy prices with increased levels of fuel importation. Nuclear provides price stability and is carbon free," the report said. KHNP advised that the nuclear fleet will remain under government ownership for energy security and maintenance of safety -"alesson here for Australia in selling off its coal fleet", the report noted.

Self-appointed expertsliving dangerously

COMMENT

BY BRYANKESBY

IT has been interesting reading the opinion section of the Latrobe Valley Express lately.

As usual, all the 'experts' on renewable energy feature.

Organisations such as Friends of theEarth, the Australian Conservation Fou nd at ion, Environment Victoria, and local councils are having their say. Not one of these experts has acknowledged the lack of integrity of the federal and state environment ministers, not abiding to the environmental issues over the Gippsland Windfarm location in Bass Strait.

This regionwas declaredbythe federal environment department on their website in 2018 as the most sensitive environmental region in South East Australia.

It was intere sting to note the federal Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek shut down the Western Port Bay for windfarm use

due to the Ramsar site, but does not acknowledge that the Gippsland region/northern Tasmanian islands have three Ramsarsites surrounding the proposed Bass Strait Windfarm.

For thosewho arenot aware, the Victorian/ Tasmanian border is almost the southern tip of Wilson's Promontory.

The following is forthe gullible and the ignorant, who believe that destroying the world's ecology and environmentisokay,because of an unreliable, intermittent renewable is the way for the future:

 Corner Inlet is amarine park and international accredited Ramsar site;

 Nooramunga is amarinepark, andsand islands are abreeding area for amarine species that has Gunaikurnai heritage;

 Gippsland Lakes is an environmental region and Ramsar site;

 The Furneaux Islands are marine parks and Ramsar site;

 The Australian Beagle Marne Park between Gippsland and the Furneaux Island's is 2000sq

kilometres, including Hunt and Kent marine parks. Eighty per cent of the marine ecology in this region is found nowhere else on the planet;

 Bass Strait is also the accredited East Asian Australian flyway for the protection of migration birds. Sixty per cent of the birds in Gippsland are migratory;

 Bass Strait is also the migration route for Southern Ocean whales, mammals and fish, and;

 The windfarm would also cause native forest removal for powerlines and intrusion into the Brataualong Heritage Area. If the windfarm is installed, it would also become arestricted area.

It is noticeable the misleading gasconadeon thousands of jobs and millions of megawatts backed by 'federal initiatives'has corrupted many so-called environmentalists.

About the author: Bryan Kesby is a Traralgon resident.

Letters to the Editor: Pages28-29

Straight to the pool room: Traralgon’s Br yan Kesbydelightedthe Express editor withhis letterwritten on genuineSEC stationar y. Photograph supplied

Standing againstnuclear

MOREthan40people took to the corner at the Victory Park traffic lights in Traralgon last week for an anti-nuclear roadside demonstration.

Protestors stood at the site to highlight the town's proximity to Loy Yang, and to mark 14 years since the Fukushima disaster, which the group says servesasareminder of the risksnuclearfacilities may have in Gippsland.

The demonstration invited people to 'honk for anuclear freefuture' and reportedlyhad avery positive response, even from passing truckies. The demonstration lasted around an hour.

Incidentally, ABC program ‘4 Corners’ wason the ground for the event.

Speakers included Hayley Sestokas and Wendy Farmer, who voiced their concern that while there has been technical advancement in nucleartechnology, there is always risks -and thoseare risks Gippsland needn't take.

Response: Thedemostration reportedlyhad apositivereception.

Out in force: Anti-nuclear demonstratorsinTraralgon last week. Photographs supplied

Splendour Festival takes over Fed Uni

By KATRINA BRANDON

BOUNDwith colours, laughterand new adventures, Churchill'sFederation University Gippsland Campushosted aSummer SplendourFestival earlier this month.

Livemusic, food trucks, games,and information stalls highlighted the beginning of the semester, as more than 3000 new students transitioned to university life.

“We'vegot the SummerSplendour Festival, which is fabulousbecauseitallows the students to network, catch up with academics, catch up with previous friends, and also explore alittle bit more,” Federation University’sDirector of Regional Strategyand Engagement, Andrew O’Loughlin told the Express

“We've got all the students back in,and we've got 3000 students starting across the university, which is really good to see. And it's about the busiest I've seen in along while, which is fantastic. That 3000 adds to the 4200 students that are continuing.”

The festival invited new and returning students to the campus for aday of fun interactions and further information about opportunities at the campus, such as orientation, which was held the week before the festival.

At orientation, new students got atasteof university life through campus tours and course overviews, along with the FedReady short course program, which helps students develop the academic skills they needtoget started at university.

Combining the new and current cohort, students engaged in friendly competition, such as board games or trivia, feasted on free food, and relaxed with peers.

"Our goal is to provide students with the best learning experience possible, andevents like the Summer Splendour Festival offer avaluable opportunityfor them to connect with their peers and lecturers while also exploring the various

support services available to them at Federation,” Feder ation Univ ersity Vice-Cha ncel lor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said.

"This year, we’re excited to expand ourcooperative education model, helpingstudents become work and world-ready through direct engagement with employers, enriching work placements, and opportunities to develop essential workplace skills."

Federation’s most popular courses for Semester 1are the Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Social Work (Qualifying) and Bachelor of Information Technology.

Mr O’Loughlin said: “Allied Health is certainly increasingsignificantly, and we're looking to grow it andthe engineering sites".

“Thegrowth in health is significant,and the government has pointedtowards the need for more

people in allied health. And we're seeing agenuine interest in students coming in and studying, not just nursing, but as Isay,the full array of Allied Health,whichisspeech, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, and psychology.

“We've got over 286 scholarships, almost amillion dollarsworth, to give students. So the opportunities for the students to come in and be fully supported in areas and disciplines of their choice.”

The university'sscholarshipopportunities for 2025 are shaping up to be the largest ever, giving students the chance to succeed in their studies without the stress of financial pressure.

Other opportunities have also become available at Federation University, such as the co-op.

The co-o po ff ers stude nts opport unit ies to participate in placement (paid or unpaid), which

allows them to earn credit for their course. Mr O’Loughin explained how this enables students to gain valuable experience.

“We've done our soft launch with co-op,” he said.

“Now the co-op is in full rollout mode across the university, so students willall havethe opportunity to undertake apaid placement, which is also for credit in their courses

“Pretty much every student on aco-op course has beenoffered ajob with their prospectiveemployer So it's areally good way to find work. It's an excellent way to understand what employment will entail andisthe key competitive advantage in this workplace.

“Businesses are alsolooking for students to havethatedge, and that edgeisalsoabout having something marketable: the co-op placement. It was initiated around 2021, but we had our soft launch last year with one of the institutes, the Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability, so that would have been engineering, IT, business and science.”

According to Mr O’Loughin, Federation University is the first university to have created an opportunity like this in Australia.

Within the co-op,students enterthe workforce under employee conditions and experience the full range of the workplace. The idea is students use what they have learnt in the classroom and can apply it in the workforce to see how it operates.

Mr O’Loughin explained that he has found that, in somecases, it improves the classroom experience.

“A lot of the students have reported back that it's thebestway thatthey'vefound to learn because of someofthe issuesthey talk about in the classroom," he said.

“We want them to take what they've learned in the classroom and be able to apply it in the workplace and seehow it operatesinthe workplace. Sometimes it's different, sometimes it's the same, but it also makesfor abetter classroom experience."

Teamwork: Christine Banks,Kryss Parrilla, Roshandeeb Kaur,and AmyForwood camewithplenty of spirit to the Summer Splendour, sharing someFederation Universitymagic.

Friendships: Nursing students Nikhitha Mariam Ann, Alana Eliza Paul,and Shamona Maria Santhosh at theFederation UniversitySummer Splendour event. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Wheelofevents: PoojaReddivarienjoyed the different activities on offer.

50 years ago

-The Express, March 19, 1975

Wrap thoseparcels

EMPLOYEES at AMP, Maryvale, are to be asked not to buy from Latrobe Valley shops that don’t wrap goods. The management committee of the Pulp and Paperworkers’ Federation of Australia (Maryvale) carried aresolution on the matter last week. The local secretary, Mr Les Hilton, said the resolution calls on members and other employees at APM not to patronise stores that don’t give carry-away bags or otherwise wrap goods in paper. Mr Hilton said the paper industry is suffering at present and that APM was struggling to sell paper.

“About 80 percent of APM’s workers live in Traralgon and it is to the advantage of the shop there to use wrapping paper. If they don’t they may find asudden drop in their businesses which could lead to staff retrenchments,” Mr Hilton said. He said that this union had 640 members at APM and that altogether there were around 900 employees and 250 staff. He said he hoped everyone working at the mill would need the union’s resolution.

30 years ago

-The Express, March 21, 1995

Courthamstrung by 60-year backlog

MORWELL County Court is hamstrung by a60-year backlog through a lack of space and ashortage of County Court circuit judges, according to the Labor MLA for Morwell Keith Hamilton. Mr Hamilton claimed the difficulties

now arising in the Morwell County Court were caused by anumber of factors. These factors included alack of judges on the regional court circuit; courts being forced to sit infrequently; alarge number of WorkCovercases, which was peculiar to the Latrobe Valley region; and alack of room inside the courts themselves. Mr Hamilton raised the Morwell Country Court backlog issue in State Parliament during a debate in the Legislative Assembly on changes to the way the salaries of judges are reviewed. “More important issues than how we determine the salaries of judges need to be dealt with in the judicial system,” Mr Hamilton said. He said Attorney General Jan Wade had admitted that technically a60-year backlog existed in the court, but claimed that was only atheoretical backlog. Mr Hamilton was also critical of the atmosphere in Victorian courts, calling them bare, sparse and unfriendly places where judges and magistrates looked down on the court from ahigh bench.

10 years ago

-The Express, March 23, 2015

Boycritical afterutility rollover

A14year-old boy remained in a critical condition in the Alfred Hospital this morning after suffering serious head injuries in autility rollover in Carrajung on Saturday March 21. A Toyota utility lost control travelling south on the Carrajung-Woodside Road around 3pm. The utility then rolled and struck anumber of trees. The driver, a39year-old Woodside man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital. A41year-old Woodside woman, a15 year-old Woodside boy and a14year-old Hiawatha boy also attended LRH with a range of upper body injuries.

Smart water use starts now

GIPPSLAND Water has launched its annual

‘Reduce youruse’ education campaign, encouraging customers to preserve water for futuregenerations.

The compan y's managi ng director, Sarah Cummingsaidthe campaign was aboutproviding practical advice and useful resources to help people develop sustainable water habits.

“Whileour water storages remain in astrong position, we want to empower people with knowledge and tools to make smart water choices every day,” Ms Cumming said.

“Every drop counts. Simple actions like fixing a dripping tap or taking shorter showers can help make adifference.”

GippslandWater staffwill be attendinglocal community events with activities and prizes as part of this year’s campaign.

“We’ll alsohave giveaways, including trigger nozzles, wateringspikesand leak repair kits to help you reduce your water use at home,” Ms Cumming said.

Additional resources are available on Gippsland Water’s website, including downloadable family friendly activities like buildingyour own rain gauge and water-themed colouring sheets. An interactive water wise quiz is also available.

Ms Cumming said the organisation was taking stepsofits own to look afterthe region’s water supply.

“We’ve recently carried out aleak detection survey in West Gippslandand have plans to complete more across our service area,” Ms Cumming said.

“We fixed every leak we found on our side of the meter and notified customers if we suspected a leak on their side.

“We’re also working to improve the health of our catchments by enhancingbiodiversity through plantings, frequent surveys and general maintenance.”

To find out more informa tion, visit: gippswater.com.au/reduceyouruse

1. How many flavours are in abox of fruit loops?

2. What is the largest reptile in the world?

3. Jim Henson is the creator of what beloved cast of characters?

4. Before embarking on asolo career,Beyoncé was part of what R&B group TWOPOINTERS

5. Who is considered the “Father of Relativity?”

6. What is Prince Harr y’sofficial first name?

7. What actor played Alex Keaton on the ‘80s TV show “Family Ties

8. What breed of cat doesn’t have fur?

THREE POINTER

9. What actor-comedian found fame on the TV show “Mork and Mindy?”

10. The classic 1877 novel “Black Beauty” is about what kind of animal?

11. The shoe of which foot did Cinderella leave behind at the ball?

12. What countr yhas the largest population of tigers? FOUR POINTER

13. What is California’sstate animal?

14. Who invented the printing press?

FIVE POINTER

15. I’ll give you five famous deserts and you give me the countr ythey originate from. One point for each answer: 1. Churros. 2. Baklava 3. Waffles 4. Tiramisu. 5. Mochi

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 22-29: Well done; 15-21: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Target Time No. 0256

or

Confidence growingfor newgas field

By PHILIP HOPKINS

Warm welcome for Yourfest return

By KATRINA BRANDON

MORWELL was full of celebration on Saturday, March 8, as the second year of Yourfestcommenced at the Morwell Wooden Park.

Despite extreme weather conditions, hundreds of people joined the festivities, enjoying arts and crafts, music, performances, and animals.

Latrobe CityYallourn Ward Councillor, Steph Morgan was aspecial guest, and took the opportunity to acknowledge anumber of efforts.

“It is such apleasure to be here today with you all to celebrate the secondYourfestinbeautiful Morwell,” she told the crowd.

“Creativity, community, and inclusion are afew things I'm very passionateabout.Aswecan see here today,withthis wonderful programofevents, that's exactly what Yourfest is all about.

“Yourfestisanopportunity for our community to connect and get creative through live music, arts, danceworkshops, festival activities, and film. The festival program has been co-designedbykids and young people in Latrobe City through the Artists

for Kids Culture and Artsbus. It aims to be an affordable and inclusive event for everybody.”

Yourfest is afree festival for young people in the community. It offers an afternoon of networking, activities, and music from local artists.

Multiplelocal groups, as well as local services and businesses, participated in the festival.

Groups and services present on the day included the local Fire Rescue Victoria unit, UnitedMuslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Animals of Oz, Melbourne Starts Chenda, Gippsland Malayalee Community, Spac Ati-atihan Group, Morwell Gemstones Girl Guides,Headspace, Centre for Multicultural Youth, and more.

Attendees could draw, wool chill, read, write, feast on food provided by local providers, paint rocks and skateboards,and get up and closewith reptilesand native animals throughout the afternoon.

Local musicians on the day included Yarram duo Ally Row, Gippsland’s alternative folk singersongwriter Billie Spokes, and Khamis Mazae.

Colourful: TheSpacAti-athan Group shared some Filipinodrumming and dancing performances at Yourfest. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Turnout: Hundreds of people joined the Yourfest celebrations

Community: Local fire rescue team membersLewis Williams,Blake Jones, Scott Pollerd, andAndy Braemar helped localchildrenjump intothe trucks forsomefun.

Talent: Morwell local Hazel (7)showedenthusiasm fortrying all sorts of events and activitiesatthe Yourfest celebration.

Family: Morwell’sLeigh Schulz,Anastasia (11) and Meika (9) spentsometime with the firefighting team.

Tunes: Yarram DuoAllyRow provided tunes forYourfest,heldatMorwell WoodenPark.

Strum: Gippsland’salternativefolk singer-songwriter Billie Spokes sharedsome of her signature songs with the crowdatYourfest celebrations

Tough bail laws, machete ban introduced

By TOMHAYES

VICTORIA is set to have the “toughest bail laws” in the country, after the Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, and Minster for Police Anthony Carbines announced the new ‘Tough Bail Bill’.

The state government introduced the Tough Bail Billinto Parliament yesterday (Tuesday, March 18), while also making machetes prohibited weapons, with exemptions available for legitimate use, in an attempt to crack down on knife crime.

Accordingtothe state government, the Tough Bail Bill is set to:

-Put community safety above all in bail decisions and remove the principle of remand as a‘last resort’;

-Create the toughest bail laws ever for serious offences, including anew bail test that is extremely hardtopass, targeting repeat offenders of the worst crimes, and;

-Ensure respect for the rules with new bail offences, including asecond-strike rule for offenders.

“I have listened and Ihave acted. The tough bail laws will jolt the system: community safety above all, toughest bail laws ever, and consequences for breaking the rules,” Premier Allan said.

Bail lawswereloosened last year, following reforms introduced by former Premier, Daniel Andrewsin2023, after the rate of imprisoned Aboriginal women doubled, as well as the 2020 custody death of 37-year-old Aboriginal woman Veronica Nelson, who reportedly grew up in Morwell.

Ms Nelson was charged with minor shoplifting offences but never convicted. Her death sparked calls for bail and prison healthcare reforms.

The previous reform repealed the bail offences of ‘breachingbailconditions’ and ‘committing further offencesonbail’. Theseoffenceswereprevious found to disproportionately impact women, children, and Aboriginal people with no clear deterrent benefit or improvement to community safety, since the offences’ introduction in 2013.

At the time, Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes

Appeal forassault witnesses

TRARALGONPoliceare investigatinganassault that is alleged to have occurred at Kmart, Traralgon on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The elderly female victim was assaulted by another female around 11.05am.

If you witnessed this incident, contact Senior Constable Vella at Traralgon Police Station on 5172 2700, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or youcan submit an online reportat: crimestoppersvic.com.au

Altercation under investigation

POLICE are investigating an incident in Morwell last Saturday (March 15).

It is believedanaltercation took place between parties on Aherin Street around 1.30am. A29-year-old Morwellman wasinjuredand taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.

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

Heyfield ram

POLICE are investigating aram-raid at the Heyfield IGA supermarket on the morning of Friday, March 7.

It is understood awhite utility reversed into

said: “Remand and custody should be used to keep Victorians safe, not to unnecessarily punish vulnerable community members for minor crimes instead of helping get their lives back on track”.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Victorian incarceration rate decreased over the year from June 30, 2023, until June 30, 2024, from 121 to 108 prisoners per 100,000 adult population for charges relatingtoacts intending to cause injury, prohibited and regulated weapons and explosivesoffences,and unlawful entry withintent.

During the same period for the same charges, male prisonersdecreasedbyeight per cent and female prisoners decreased by seven percent -a total decreaseofeight per cent (522 imprisonments).

Unsentenced prisoners decreased by 17 per cent, while sentenced prisoners decreased by three per cent.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners decreased the most -10per cent, reducing by 83 people over 12 months.

Followingthe changes thatoccurred in 2024, the numberofyoung offenders on remandhas increased, according to the stategovernment. The stategovernment has since highlighted that the current system is not tough enough and does not reflectthe expectations of victimsorthe public, hence the changes to reduce the risk of reoffence.

In regard to youth crime, there was 8157 offenders between the ages of 10 and 17 from June 30, 2023 until June 30, 2024, making up 13 per cent of total offenders within the state during that time.

The offender rate was higher among youth (1243 youth offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 to 17), compared to the total Victorian population (1008 offenders per 100,000 people aged 10 and over).

The most common offences for youth offenders were acts intending to cause injury (30 per cent, 2466 offenders) and theft (14 per cent, 1148 offenders).

“We’re delivering tough new bail laws and we’re backing our hardworking frontline police-ensuring they continue to have what they need to keep our community safe,” Minister Carbines said.

the front of the supermarket on George St about 5am. No onewas insidethe store at the time.

Police were told the offenderstole cigarettes before fleeing in the vehicle.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or information hasbeen asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit aconfidential reportonline at: crimestoppersvic. com.au

Student unharmed

POLICE were called after aTraralgon secondary

The proposed laws will make two big changes to bail decision-making principlestoreduce the risk of reoffending:

-Communitysafetycomesfirst on all bail decisions: Under the laws, community safety will become the overarching principle for bail decisionmaking for offenders of all ages. It will be aclear and unambiguoussignal-community safetycomes first in all considerations, and;

-Nolonger needs to be alastresort to deny bail: Right now, under section3Bofthe Bail Act, an accused youth offender is remanded (detained in custody) only as alast resort. Thenew lawswill remove the principle of remand as alast resort.

Offendersaccused of indictable offences (an offence that attracts amaximumpenalty of two years or more) willface tests to be granted bail under the new laws. The tests will get harder as the offence worsens.

Asimilartest was recently introducedinNew South Wales bail law, which saw the number of peoplegrantedbailmore than halve. Victoria’s test will apply to all ages and more offences.

The newlaws willalso restore respect for bail and its conditions, forall levels of offending and all ages, with consequences returning for breaking conditions.

The offence of ‘committing an indictable offence whileonbail’ will be (re) introduced, subject to the second-strike rule. If an offender commits asecond indictable offence whileonbailfor an indictable offence, they will have to prove compelling reasons for bails, as they would require for amore serious crime.

It will also become asummary offence to breach bail conditions, such as failing to report or meet curfew.

“These lawsare targeted squarelyatthe risksof youngpeoplecommitting serious crimes while out on bail,” Attorney-General Kilkenny said.

IN addition to the state government's crackdown on knife crime, machetes will be declared as prohibited weapons, with jail terms of up to two years and fines of up to $47,000 set to be introduced for

school student was approached by an unknown person on Tuesday, March 11.

The person encouragedthe student to get intoa vehicle. The student was unharmed and praised fortheir decisiveness in raisingthe alarm.

Parentshavebeenurged to speaktotheir children about personal safety, particularly the importance of not engaging with strangers.

Elderly Foster woman scammed

BASSCoast Crime Investigation Unitdetectives are appealing for public assistance after a91-year-old woman was scammed out of more than $130,000 last year.

The woman from Foster received aphone call from aperson purporting to be from her bank on September 19,2024. The scam caller advised the woman that fraudulent charges had been made on her account, before they attended her property to collect her bank card on the same day.

The offender then used the stolen card to purchase gift cards at an umberofs to res in Air port West ,A lt ona ,B acch us Ma rsh, Balaclava, Caulfield, Chadstone,Corio, Deer Park, Elsternwick, Essendon, Footscray, Geelong, Maribyrnong, Hoppers Crossing, Malvern, Moonee Ponds, Point Cook, Port Melbourne Spotswood, Sunshine,Werribee, Williamstown, and Yarraville between September 19 and 23.

Investigators believe the offender usedthe victim’s card over 130 times before it was cancelled.

Police have released images of aman that they believe may be able to assist with their

machetepossession from September1 onwards, following arecord 14,797 knives, swords,daggers, andmachetes were seized in 2024.

"Machetes are destroying lives so we will destroy machetes. The places we meet can't becomethe places we fear," Premier Allan said.

"I am listening and Iamacting, with Australia's toughest bail laws and Australia's first machete ban.

"Under my government, community safety comes first and there are consequences for breaking the rules."

Machetes are broadlydescribed as acutting-edge knife with ablade of more than 20 centimetres. However the state government is to consult with the industry on the definition prior to the ban. Exemptions will be available for allowed purposed of machetes, including agriculture or hunting.

Athree-month amnesty will run from September 1until November30for Victorians to freelydispose of knives, punishment-free.

Search powersare also expected to be expanded, to allow police to conductrandom targeted weapons searches,aspart of an amendmenttothe Terrorism (CommunityProtection) and Control of Weapon Amendment Bill.

The state government is set to extendthe duration of designated search areas from 12 hours to up to six months, allowing police to act on intelligence. Bail will also be tougher from knife crime offences, spe cifically comm itting an offenc einvolvin g controlled weapons (including machete violence), prohibited weapons offences, and offensive weapons offences.

"ThisisAustralia's firstmachete ban,and we agree withpolice that it mustbedone onceand done right. It took the UK 18 months -wecan do it in six," Minister Carbines said.

"We'll always give police what they need to keep Victorians safe -we'll build on the extra powers we've already given them and help them search for more weapons."

enquiries, with can be viewed at: police.vic.gov. au/elderly-woman-scammed-out-130000-foster

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cri me Sto pperso n1 80 03 33 000 or vis it: crimestoppersvic.com.au

BusyOperation Arid

VICTORIA Police detected close to 5000 traffic offencesduringaroad safetyblitz over the Labour Day long weekend.

Operation Arid saw police target high-risk driving behaviour across the state over four days, in an effort to drive down road trauma.

Speeding offences made up almosthalfofall detections, with 75 per cent of drivers caught speeding between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit.

Police conducted 69,166 preliminary breath tests, with one in every 455 motorists (around150 total motorists) caught drink driving. Afurther 197 drivers returned apositive roadside drug test, from the 4266 tests conducted. More than 300 drivers who shouldn't have been on the road because they were unlicenced, disqualified,orsuspended were caught during the operation.

Police also issue d2 27 infr inge ments to motorists for disobeying traffic signs or signals, 145 for mobile offences, and 99 for seatbelt noncompliance.

In the Latrobe Valley, there was 36 speeding offences, five unregistered vehicles, four unlicenced drivers, threedrink drivers, two drug drivers, two disqualified drivers, two impoundments, and one driver disobeying signs/signals.

Incident highlights need for more

By TOMHAYES

AN alleged attack of a49-year-old Traralgon

woman travelling on V/Line’s Gippsland Line has intensified calls from The Nationals, for the state government to act on passenger safety.

Speaking in state Parliament, The Nationals’ Member for Eastern Victorian, Melina Bath said the state government must significantly boost the number of Protected Services Officers (PSOs) at Gippsland train services.

Ms Bath told state Parliament about Traralgon’s Naomi Sheppard, who fellvictim to an alleged attack, which led to aheart attack.

“WhileMsSheppard triedtoprotect herself, the alleged assailant’s actions violently dislodged her implantable cardioverter defibrillator(ICD) embedded in her chest,” Ms Bath explained.

“The heart regulating device malfunctioned, causing Ms Sheppard to go into cardiac arrestfollowing local emergency medical treatment, she was transferred to Melbourne’s Heart Hospital where she spent one week.

“The incident, whichwas not isolated, could have cost Ms Sheppard her life, meanwhile the alleged assailant walked away without capture.

“V/Line staff deservetowork safely without harassment and regional passengersshouldnot have to endure any level of verbal or physical treatment on the service.”

On Thursday, March 12, Ms Sheppard, along with Ms Bath and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, told her story, whichhas left her traumatised.

Following aweekend in Melbourne, Ms Sheppard caught the GippslandLine back to Traralgon before midday on Sunday, February 9.

Aftertaking her seatbythe windowonthe already “packed” train, Ms Sheppard was “aggressively” approached by another woman when the train arrived at another metropolitan station.

“(She) aggressively asked me if Icould move my things, usingsomecolourfullanguage, and Idid

Horrific: Member forEasternVictoria, Melina Bath, and Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron flank Naomi Sheppard, the victim of an alleged attack on aV/Linetrain that gaveher aheart attack Photographs: TomHayes

move my belongings so thatshe could sitinthe seat next to me,” Ms Sheppard said.

Another train passengerthat witnessed the incident informed the conductor of thewoman; however, nothing wasdone to change the situation.

Ms Sheppard said she felt intimidated for the entire train journey.

“When we were approaching the regional stations for her to hop off, she was once again aggressive towards me. Imoved so she could get out of the seat,” Ms Sheppard said.

“After some more colourful language, she chose to spit in my face. At that stage, Itried to defend myself.”

When the woman tried to leave the train, Ms Sheppard asked for the conductor to be called, as well as the police. But thingssoon escalated once again.

“At that stage, she did actually grab me in general armpit region and at that stage Ibelieve she felt my internal defibrillator and as she felt that she actually tried to turn the defibrillator in my chest,”

Ms Sheppard said.

“Straight away, Iknew that something was happening, Iwas quite unwell immediately.”

The conductor arrived at the scene as the woman left the train, but again Ms Sheppard remained uncertain as to why they could not do anything.

At that time, Ms Sheppard identified she was having aheart attack and had to sit down.

“The conductor then approachedmeand assured that it wasn’tpersonal,asshe had been demonstratingantisocial behaviour towardssomebody else on the train prior to myself, which was quite disheartening when nothing was done because we wereclosertoametro station, and I… was assuming that she would have been removed at a further station along,” she said.

Morwell Lionscrisis meeting

THE unfortunate current state of Morwell is having far-reaching consequences.

Ms Sheppard asked the conductortoorganise police and ambulance at Traralgon Train Station, after nothing was done on board.

Once she arrived at Traralgon, Ms Sheppard’s husband had to call Triple Zero (000) as no ambulance was on the scene. She arrived at the hospital at around 3.20pm.

Further tests at LatrobeRegionalHealth showed that she was suffering from aheart attack, which promptedher transfertoThe Victorian Heart Hospital.

After more tests, Ms Sheppard spent aweek in hospital, two weeks off work from her own business, and she says she is still recovering and isn’t at full capacity following what was diagnosedasa stress induced heart attack.

Ms Sheppard said she felt“devastated and disgusted” afterknowing thatnoone wasavailable to come to her aid.

“I assumedthat therewere PSOs at stations, obviously regionalthere are not, which Ihave just

found out. It’s as if we are second-class citizens in regional compared to our metro counterparts,” she said.

Sincethe incident, police have not yetconfirmed the identity of the woman.

Ms Bathdescribed Ms Sheppard’s experience as “truly shocking” and must serve as awake-up call to the stategovernment on the rising crimeand violence occurring on regional public transport.

“Surelywhenyou hop on the train in Melbourneto come home to Traralgon you would expect that you would arrive home safely -but that was the absolute opposite for what happened to Naomi Sheppard recently,” Ms Bath told media last Wednesday (March 12).

“It is unacceptable that one individual can perform multiple acts of aggressions in one two-hour journey andnot be apprehended.

“There is only two PSOs stationed at Traralgon at any given time, which is woefully inadequate. In contrast, every one of Melbourne’s 212 train stations are protected by PSOs,while only four regional stations state-wide have aPSO presence.”

Victoria Police confirmed that one of the four regional PSO hubs is at Traralgon Railway Station, detectingand deterring antisocial behaviour from 6pm until thelast train each day

Despitethis, aVictoria Policespokesperson confirmedthat "there are no plans to change existing PSO arrangements on the Gippsland train line".

PSOs can be alerted to incidents in anumberof way, including calls via000 (Triple Zero), reports from thepublic, or calls from other PSOs or police. They are also known to detect and respond to crime on the spot as they unfold.

"PSOs can request aperson's name and address, arrest and detain persons, search people and property,seizeitemssuch as weapons, graffiti implements, drugs and alcohol, issue infringement notices, and issueadirection to 'move on' from the area," aVictoria Policespokesperson said.

"In addition, Transit police officers roam the public transport network, and local police also carry out regular patrols of regional station precincts to ensure people using public transport are not only safe, but feel safe."

In 2022, Victoria Police received funding for an extra 50 PSOs over two years.

Safety survey launched

IN response to community feedback, Advance Morwell has launched asurvey to assess community safety concerns in Latrobe City.

According to Advance Morwell Chair, Graeme Sennett, theorganisation has received significant feedback from the community and traders in recent months about the increaseofantisocial behaviour both in Morwell and across Latrobe City.

As ar esul t, Advanc eM orwell has met with Latrobe City Chief Executi ve, Steve Piasente, Mayor Dale Harriman, and Deputy Mayor, Sharon Gibson, as well as Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron and the Committee of Gippsland to seek their support to address this issue.

“While we have plenty of anecdotal feedback and know of many people who have experienced anti-social behaviour, we need amuch better understanding of how safe residents and businesspeople feel”.

According to Advance Morwell, it is essential that anti-social behaviour is addressed as soon as possible, as these poor behaviours are not only disruptive but also pose athreat to the safety and wellbeing of those operatingbusinesses and those in the community.

Additionally, Advance Morwell believes the economic impact of antisocialbehaviouris significant, with foot traffic reduced, business turnover impacted, and potential development activities undermined.

The club has also provided and served food for funeral wakes, school lunches and community groups, as well as helping people move and clean their house.

For more information, phone Liz on 0402 849 548, or Geoff (0412 285 913).

Morwell Lions Club has been active for more than 60 years, but is now at risk of closing due to lack of members. If the club closes, it will not reopen and it will be another support service missing in Morwell. The next meetingwillbeheld in theboardroom of the Morwell RSL next Tuesday (March 25). Anyone interested is urged to come along. Over the last six decades, the club has helped during disasters, providing accommodation and food, assisted people with reading and writing, delivered library books to the elderly and cooked and served afree Christmas dinner.

The objective of Advance Morwell’s Community Sa fety Survey is to provide insights into residents’ perceptions of safety, the concerns they have and to help identify areas needing improvement.

“Wewant to hear from our community, and thisisafantastic opportunityfor people to share their experiences and let us know their thoughts on how safe they feel and how effective enforcement activities are," Mr Sennett said.

All of this counteractsLatrobe City’smany years of significant investment in economic development.

“It is essentialthat we gather as much information as possible, as this will support everyone involved (to) understand the scope of the issue and helpusgain the resources needed to address the problem," Mr Sennett said.

To complete the survey,visit: forms.office. com/r/7a10iCRHAM?origin=lprLink

Shocking: Traralgon’s Naomi Sheppard,tells of her terrifying ordeal.

Alexander thegreat of dairy industry

ZOE Alexander’s dairy career didn’t get started until she was in her late 20s.

After returningfrom travellingoverseas, and withabackgroundincustomerservice, afriend suggested she try working on afarm.

Zoe connected with dairy farmer Benn Thexton through amutual friend and started working as amilkerontwo of his farms.

Zoe recalled her first year in the industry was full of questions and hard work. She actively sought out as much information as she could from the people working alongside her to learn about other areas of the farm business.

As the business expanded, Zoe was given opportunities to develop her skills in other areas of dairying, and has grown with the business.

After 12 months, Zoe was promoted to herd manager. Currently she is the farm manager of a Thexton farm in Gormandale, managing around 87 hectares and maximum herd size of 300.

During the past seven years, Zoe, who lives in Rosedale, has completedher Certificate III in dairy production and attended manyGippsDairy and Dairy Australia extension courses.

In 2020,Zoe participated in GippsDairy’s Don Campbell Memorial Tour -asix-day study tour of the northern Tasmanian dairy industry. Coming from anon-dairy background, Zoe found the experience helpful in understandinghow other farms are run,and came away with fresh ideas that could be implemented on farm.

“Seeing arobotic farmfor the firsttime was amazing -itwas great to see the differences in paddock rotations and how the machines work,” Zoesaid.

Oneofthe highlights of the tour was having the opportunity to start networking with othersinthe dairy industry, and meeting people from varying backgrounds. She emphasised the importance of having astrong support system in the industry.

“I have the support of the managers on the other threefarmsthat are part of our company, and this has definitely helped me through alot of times that Ifelt Ididn’t have the right knowledge,” Zoe said.

“Being able to leanonthem for support has been one of the reasons Ihave felt confident to take on the hard jobs and learn the things Ididn’t know yet.”

Zoe felt she was given agreat opportunity when

she beganindairy.Despite the difficult times that farmers face, she truly enjoys her job.

The weather playsahugeroleonher unirrigated farm.

“It’s great to watch astorm come in after weeks without rain in the dry season, and seeing the sunrise every morning in the milking shed is always amazing,” Zoe said.

Zoe finds joy in reaching or beating the previous year’s milk levels, and focuses on keepingthe herd

in great condition for drying off and calving. A highlight of her year is calving season and watching the new calves grow and go out into the paddock for the first time.

In the future, Zoe sees herself maintaining her position as farm managerwhile continuing to develop and fine-tune her skills. She hoped in five years’ time to be enjoying life with her family and animals, perhaps with some additional horses and dogs.

Helpingfind aforever home

By KATRINA BRANDON

PETSTOCK Traralgonand Animal Aid’s ‘Adoption Day’ is coming to Traralgon this Saturday (March 22).

As part of National Adoption Month, people can meet cats and kittens at theTraralgon shop between 10am and 2pm.

“The funds raised during National Pet Adoption Month go to local partners,” Petstock Traralgon Store Manager, Lysa Kewish told the Express

“They will also have information on dogs that need adopting on the day, but only cats will be present at the store on the day.”

According to the Petstock Pet Parent Report 2024,atotal of 97 per cent of Australians agree that pets positively impact their lives and 95 per cent state that pets improve their mental health.

The report also stated that the most significant barriertoadoption is uncertainty about apet’s history, with 53 per cent of prospective adopters concerned about behavioural or medical issues.

“With rescue pets, alot of people will sort of be concerned about them, adopting them, that they may have problems and that sort of thing, but they don't,” Ms Kewish said.

“I personally used to do fostering, but Ihad what Inicely term So,I had to stop fos welland trulyfull at older animal is very afresh start and welcoming into the family.”

"Many rescue pets, including dogs, cats, and smaller animals,are already house-trained and have basic manners," Animal Behaviourist Lara Shannon added.

"Mostofthe time, adopting apet isn’t starting from scratch -it’sabout building on the great traits they already have.”

Whenlooking for anew addition to the family, Animal Aid matches the right animal withthe rightperson, ensuring that the new owner is equipped with as much knowledge as possible Animal attendant at Animal Aid Gippsland, Megan Ashton, said people are more likely to go for kittens than older cats.

"It definitelycan be more challenging to house the older ones. People prefer the cute little kitten stage. But Ithinkwecan learn their personality much more than akitten by adopting an older cat or dog," she said.

Ms Kewish added:“Formany people, the kitten or puppy stage is quite testing. The kitten stage can be alot more hard work than people realise. So yeah, there are alot of benefits to adopting older animals as well.”

The Petstock Foundationisa registered charity that empowers abetter future for pets and people.

Newadditions: Animal Aid Gippsland attendant, MeganAshton and Traralgon Petstock Manager,LysaKewish, welcomedMaiseyand Baby Bean to the Traralgonstore this month.

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Building: ZoeAlexander has ascendedtothe role of farm manager on an 87 hectare parcel in Gormandale Photograph supplied

Bowel cancer is one of the mostfeared diagnoses because of the associated issues witheverything from screening to surgical intervention and perceived risk to life

With this said it is onlyone of anumber of cancers that for themost part affect the bodylater in life.

There are acouple of geneticsyndromes such as familial adenosis polyposis or Lynch syndrome that can affect people early in life,characterised by acarpetof polypswithinthe large bowel but forthe most part the risk of bowel cancer is associated witholder people. Bowel cancer does not strike out of theblue.

Whatisa colonoscopy?

Acolonoscopy is the gold standardto diagnose the cause of the blood in the bowel motion andifa polyp is found it can be easily removed.

Polyps can turn into bowel cancers.

Colonoscopies arerecommended usually at three to five yearintervals or if apolyp is found it is recommended to repeat the colonoscopy ayear later

Colonoscopies aresafeinskilled hands with the risk of misadventurebeing very very low

Both surgeons and gastroenterologists are skilled in doing colonoscopies and most importantly in determining what to do if something is found.

If something is found asurgeon is well placed to advise what to do.

In regional and rural centres the surgeon who did the colonoscopymay be able to offer an operation.

Careisthereforeseamless without travel and alongwaiting time for an operation

It takes a number of years for the precursor polyps to chhange i inttoa cancer and d it isiintthisiintterveniing periiod d thatthey canbeeasilyand effectivelydealt with.

Screening for bowel cancer with afaecal occultblood test is sensitive andquick and easy

It is onlya screeningtestand apositive testdoes not mean you have acancer

The blood can come fromanumber of sources such as haemorrhoids,inflammatorybowel disease or polyps

Blood detected in the bowel motion requires a colonoscopy.

with asurgeon you don’t know

An operation forbowel cancer canvary in complexity depending on thenatureof the cancer,where it is located; its size and whether other organs close by areinvolved.

Keyhole operations areobviously preferred and techniquesvaryfromkeyhole assisted, robotic assisted and classic open operations.

In general mostbowel cancers detected early have agood prognosis.

Early detection is important and can result in chemotherapy or other treatments not even being necessary.

It is important to be properly assessed and referred.

Colonoscopy is verystraightforwardtaking only about half an hour and is only aday case procedure.

The result is durable for about three to five years

Just ask your GP for areferral.

Rare diseases given thespotlight

By KATRINA BRANDON

INTERNATIONAL Rare Disease Day was last month (February 28), and many, such as Newboroughlocal Bernard(Bernie)Detering, brought awarenesstomanydifferent rare conditions.

Bernielives with Kennedy’s Disease, which affects around one in 100,000 people worldwide. Kennedy’s Disease is arare inherited neuromusculardisorderthat presents similarly to slow-progressing motor neurone disease (MND)with gradual muscle wasting, leaving people unable to use theirmuscles, including swallowing and speaking. Unlike MND, Kennedy’s Disease does not impact life expectancy, which Bernie said helped soften the shock of the diagnosis to some extent.

Typically, Kennedy’s Disease shows in patients around 30 to 50 years of age. While Kennedy’s is predominantly in males, rare cases have also been displayed in females.

In 1968, Dr William Kennedy and his co-workers

Newconnections: Bernie has notlet the disease stop him being active, and he hastaken up lawn bowls Photograph supplied

worked around the disease. Unsure of its cause, they became aware of it in the early 1990s.

Before his diagnosis, Bernie was active in the community taking part in skateboarding, surfing, basketball, andfootball.Participatinginmany other activitiesand working at Centrelink for more than 15 years, he said he was shattered when he heard his diagnosis.

“(I was) shattered. It was weird. Ithink by that stage, Isort of knew that there was something that was not right," he said.

“I had trouble getting around, such as going upstairs. Ihad fallen over half adozen times. I was like, ‘What’s going on? Ihave got to get fitter.’

“I was getting tired at work. It's time for achange because of my condition. Iwent and drove trucks-a couple of days there. After jumping in the truck or getting up and down, one day, Icouldn't get backin the cab. Ihad to sit on the side. They asked,‘What are you doing?’Itold them that Icouldn't explain it, but Icouldn't, Icouldn't get up. Iwasn’t in any pain. Ijust couldn’t.”

As ahereditary disease, Bernie foundout his uncles had also beendiagnosed with Kennedy's, and had urged the rest of the family to get tested.

Like manycases of Kennedy’s,the condition was treated as MND because doctors didn’t knowwhat it was at the time.

“The majority of the diagnosis time, or the conditionthat he had, was treated as MNDbecause they didn't really know that it was exactly Kennedy's disease, and then they had adiagnosis,” Bernie told the Express

“One thing that Ifound with my journey was very similar to other Kennedy’s or KD patients that were spoken to, which is that alot of the neurologists and doctors pretty much haven't heard of it either.

“It's never agreat feeling when you hear that from adoctor.”

The process of diagnosing the disease for Bernie took about 18 months to two years to get fully diagnosed, which included wait times for neurologists.

Once diagnosed, Bernie said that support flooded in from services like MND Victoria, which has assisted with mental, social and physical needs.

“My angels, MND Victoria, just flew down and picked me up,” Bernie said.

“They just scooped me up, and Ididn't evenknow what was happening. As the diagnosis happened, the healthsystemsomehowreported all these triggers. Ican't imaginedoing it without these

guys. They've provided my chair, given me access, and helped with the NDIS, walkers, frames, and all sorts of other things.”

Bernienow runs aYouTubechannel,‘Living with Kennedy’s Disease,’ and plays local lawn balls.

Thisyear, he hopes to play in the Victorian Open as apara-player, with the competition in the Latrobe Valley.

After hisdiagnosis,Bernie found community and support from the Traralgon Bowls Club, and still goes surfing occasionally.

Newborough local finalist for community award

By KATRINABRANDON

NEWBOROUGHlocal Fiona Sorensen has been nominated for the state government's Group Achievement in the Community Award at the 7News Victorian Young Achiever Awards.

The award recognises young peoplewho have worked together as agroup to provide aservice, program or project for other young people, which is based on consultation and engagement with young peopleand has resultedinpositive, youth-led changes in alocal community.

Creating her ownbusiness, Ms Sorensen started her cleaning business years ago, but then, with a lot of Indigenous backing and recognition, opened Paid Forward-afood van,where no questions are asked, just kindness is given.

The nominator (who wishes to stay anonymous) said:"Paid Forward foodbankhas aided hundreds of desperate people with food. She (Ms Sorensen) obtains toys for kids, Christmas presents for those who couldn't afford any, donates services to needy people, and so much more that Ican't list".

“She spends hours and hours, days and days, weeksand weeks helpingothers,putting everyone else first rather than herself. She has made such adifference in my life alone with the services she provides for me to live with my disabilities.

“She has such akind heart. She's gentle and far toocaring. Isay she'sfar too caring because she emanates brightness, warmth and joy and alot of people can take advantage of that, and Fiona has experienced thatbit. She's come backstronger every time.”

Ms Sorensen told the Express that she was in shock when she found out she had been nominated.

“Terrified. In shock,” she said.

“It’s really strange because all these people are saying all these things like you are doing so well, we are so proud of you and so on, but Ijust see it as Iamjustdoing what should be done. If there is aspace forpeople in need or aclient is having a bad time with another organisationand they come to us, Iwant to provide them with someone who can do what they need.

“I didn’t expect it to turn out like this, but there you go. That was about sixyears ago when Istarted all of that (the business), and now we are here at 33 employees later. It is goingwell.About six months ago we got the charity paperwork approval on the charity side.”

Ms Sorensensaidshe didn’t know where to start when setting out; only that she wanted to do something about childcare and helping others. Not longafter starting the business, it “grew like wildfire”.

Earlierinthe year, at the LatrobeCityBusiness Chamber People’sChoiceAwards,MsSorensen received the Most Popular First Nations-owned business award. The Young Achiever Awards presentationwill be on May 9.

Unique: Newborough local Bernard(Bernie) Detering liveswith the rare Kennedy’s Disease

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Commendable: Newborough’s FionaSorensen has been acknowledged forher work runningalocalfoodbank. Her son Dean is pictured, alongside local firefighters.

Topnotch: FionaSorensen with her Latrobe CityBusiness Chamberaward earlier this year

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Spiritual Centre

LATROBEValleySpiritual Centre(2Avondale Road, Morwell).

Joinusevery Sunday for service, starting at 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.

Guest speaker every week with demonstrationsfrom an invited medium, followed by a cuppa and afternoon tea.

For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Clean up

FRIENDS of Tyers Park gatheredfor Clean Up Australia Day to removerubbish from the park.

An amazing, somewould evensay disgusting,amount was collected and disposed of in ahugeskip generously supplied by Latrobe City Council.

An estimated10cubic metres of rubbish picked up by the small but dedicated team went alongway towards leaving the park rubbish free.

With weekly wastecollection and free hard waste removal, thereisnoexcuse for recurring rubbishbeingdumped in the park.

Parks Victoria, who manage the park, regularly survey the park for illegal activity with considerable fines applying to offenders.

Dance classes

JOIN Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc to learn old time and new vogue dances, learn new dance skills, have fun, revise and socialise.

Lessons are held at the Morwell Girl Guides Hall (18 Margaret Street)Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm. Cost is $5 per person each night.

Phone Len on 0439 683 834,

or Lynda (0428489 041) for more information. Alternatively, email latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@ gmail.com

Meditation group

MEN are absolutely entitled to learn how to relax their body, breathand mind to good effect.

Alocal group meets from 8.30am to 9.30am on Wednesdaymorningsin the Narracan Hall at the Gippsland Heritage Park (Old Gippstown), Moe. Email clem@asia.com, or phone 0427 262 064 for more information. Cost is $5 per session.

JP training

THE Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices has atraining day coming up.

Delivered by experienced trainers, the day is open to all justicesofthe peace and bail justices.

Training will be held Saturday,May 24 at the Traralgon RSL (109-115 Grey St) from 9.30am-3pm. This facility is disable and wheelchair friendly.

Training will cover: documents with specific requirements,unusual documents, Power of Attorney, Wills, advanced care directives and question time.

Lunch orders will be taken by 11am and are to be paid for by attendees. Refreshmentswill be provided.

RSVPbyMay 21 to Tony McLennan on 0408 513 500, or emailatmclennan@speedweb. com.au

Prostatesupport

LATROBE Valley Prostate SupportGroup will meet next Wednesday (March 26) at Morwell Club from 7pm.

New members mostwelcome. Areport from YallournMen's Shed visit and also from Dr Paul Conway will be tabled.

More information, phone Allan Cunningham on 0458 111 688.

Survey

FRIENDS of Tarra Bulga

National Park are holding an aquatic macroinvertebrate survey at Tarra ValleyPicnic Area this Saturday(March22)

This will be arelaxed, citizen science activity where attendees dip in some nets and discover what is living in the river.

Email friendsoftarrabulga@ gmail.com, or phone 0488 035 314 for further details.

Parkinson's walk

LATROBEValley Parkinson’s

Peer Support Group is inviting people to join for the inaugural ‘A Walk in the Park’ on Sunday, March 30.

The walk willtake placeat The Wetlands (25 Firmins Lane), Hazelwood North. The short, leisurely walk willbefrom10am. The flat, concreted walking track is suitable for mobility aids and prams/pushers.

AWalkinthe Park, a Fight Parkinson’s (Victoria) initiative, aims to providean opportunity for people living withParkinson’s, their friends, family and the local community to show support andraise awareness of Parkinson’s.

For more information, visit: awalkinthepark.org.au/ regionalwalks PhoneFight Parkinson’s (formerlyParkinson’s Victoria) on 1800 644 189 if you would like further insights into supports available.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Tuesday, March 11: 1st Peter Lonieand CarolCheyne (62.96 per cent), 2nd Christine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (56.48).

Thursday, March 13 (Teams Part 1): 1st Fred Kaminski and Heather Henley, Christine Zarb and Moira Hecker (+51). Equal 1st -GregNicholson and Kaye Douglas, Kevin and MarionTaylor (+51).Final resultofThursdayTeams next week.

If you wouldliketoplay or learn more aboutbridge, phone Traralgon BridgeClub President, Greg Nicholson on 0419 365739.

Paws walk

RSPCA'S MillionPaws Walk willbeheld held for the last time on Sunday, May 25.

One of the walks will be held on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail between Traralgon and Glengarry.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Executive, Dr Liz Walker said money raised at every walk

would help end animal cruelty.

"Everyone has such afantastic time at Million Paws Walk, and we're very excited to see all the amazing dogswith their families and friends againas we send the event off in style," she said.

"We appreciate some people may be disappointedtohear this will be the final lap for Million Paws Walk, however the sheer logisticaleffort involved in running events on this scale,continually increasing eventcosts, and the cost-of-living pressures on supporters, means the event is no longer able to provide what it once could -maximum fundingtohelp end cruelty to animals.

"While this willbethe final walk, the money raised will help us care for the thousands of animals coming into our shelter every year, including thoserescued by our inspectors.

"Thecostofcaring for the animals rescued by our inspectorate is increasing every year, and your support is more vital than ever."

More than 6000 people and

around 9000 dogs are expected to participate in six Million Paws Walk events across Victoria thisyear and the RSPCA is looking forward to celebrating with its supporters and finding new opportunities for the public to help animals in need.

Registrations are now open, with adiscount of 60 per cent available until April 7. Register at: millionpawswalk. com.au

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

IF youare acommunity group andhave any news items you need publicised, feel freeto email us at news@lvexpress. com.au

Youcan address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Pleasewrite 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

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

Fantasticfestivities: This year’s Thorpdale Potato Festival, from above

Photograph: Mitchell Hodge

Big bin: FriendsofTyers Park took partinClean Up Australia Day. Photograph supplied

Boolarra’sspecial show of support

By KATRINA BRANDON

COVERING support for womenatalocal level, Boolarra putonaspread for International Women’s Day (March 8).

Duringthe session,women and mencould network and engage in variousactivities, such as listening to speechesand performances and making crafts.

Guest speakersincluded SeniorConstable Brigid Howard, Angelika Lieshout and Margie Mackay. Topics varied from helping out women in need of support, creating different opportunities, upskilling and upcoming local events.

Items on the day's agenda saw avariety of performances(plays, readings,and music) by locals JulesdeCinque and PenelopeSwales, aConference of the Birds talk and invitation,workshops on ceramics, string making, and floral arrangement making, and ascreening of Brazen Hussies,afilm about the women’s rights movement in Australia.

Senior ConstableHowardexpressed her support by sharing ways others could help those in rough conditions, suchasfamily violence, and what support is available, whether it be assisted by the police or in general.

“The definition of familyviolence,asper the Family Violence Protection Act, whichiswhat Victoria Police is working under, is any behaviour by aperson towards afamily member of that person; if that behaviour is physically or sexually abusive, emotionallyorpsychologically abusive, economically abusive, threatening, coercive, or in any waycontrols or dominates the familymember or causes that family membertofeel fear or safety for theirwell being or anyone else'swell being, and also behaviour by aperson that causes achild to hear or witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of family violence,” she explained.

“There are resources out there. If you or someone you knowisexperiencingoryou suspectthey might

be experiencing gender violence, the best thing to do, Isay the best thing, is to go to the police and ask for help, to tell them what's happening, what has been happening. It doesn't matter if it was last week, ayear, or 10 years ago. The police are the people to come and speak to.

“We can take reports, we can take statements. We can apply to the courts for all sorts of intervention orders, and also, if there have been criminal offences like assaults or things, we can look into.”

Senior Constable Howard also talked about how thosewho need support can just go to the Orange Door if required, if they are uncomfortable going to police.

The OrangeDoor suppliesvictimswithasafe, confidentialenvironment and provides multitudes of services.

Movingtoa more positive topic,MsLieshout discussed the different pathwaysavailable for women to upskill.

"One of the things Iampassionate about is education," she said.

“Someofthe peoplethatI've met through my journey in life have been people who are older than me and were not given the opportunity by the time they got to 14 for whatever reason, they had to leave."

Ms Leishoutdiscussed how most university programs offer FASTand Pathway Programsto assist people of any age in reaching their goals. Moving on to the Conference of the Birds, which will occur later this year, Ms Mackay talked with the group about the event. She said the event will include aceremonial welcome and procession led by Gunaikurnai elders, music and dance performances, storytelling, animal lanterns, shadow puppets, illuminated installations, and localartworks. In support of this vibrant,local event,Creative Latrobe has commissioned five temporary artworks to be displayed.

Specialguest: Senior ConstableBrigidHowardspokeatthe event.

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

March 17 -March 23,2025

Sun shifts into Ar es and it’s the Equ nox on Thursday, and then retrograde Venus ( n your s gn) links up with Pluto and the Sun So, this week’s astrology is all about maintaining your equil brium, celebrating your ind viduality and pursu ng your dreams with n a climate of transformation and reflection Draw inspiration from b rthday great Reese Witherspoon: “I be ieve ambition is not a dirty word It’s just be iev ng in yourself and your ab lities ”

Expect professional problems or domestic dramas, as retro Mercury and retro Venus stir up old gr evances

Use your diplomatic talents to he p find so utions If you just sit back and let others make decisions, you’ll fee powerless So strive to be more se f-sufficient especially at home and work Getting the ratio r ght between your public and pr vate ives s cha leng ng But if anyone can juggle conflicting commitments during Equinox week, it’s a well-balanced Bul !

With Mercury (your boss planet) in retrograde mode until April 7, it’s time to ask yourse f: “Am I being too sub ect ve and short-sighted about a current issue?” –especially involving hopes and dreams It’s the Equinox on Thursday, when day and night are of equal length So take a step back, ad ust your focus and review things from a much broader and w ser perspective Ba ance is the key Also, an old fr end could boomerang back into your wor d

Do your best to avoid being a snappy Crab, as Mars (in your s gn), p us Mercury and Venus (both retrograde) magnify mood swings and heighten emotional sensit vities f you’ve been bury ng your head in the sand, then a problem could come to a head and demand to be addressed The planets encourage you to be extra diplomatic when deal ng with cha lenges, espec a ly involving work, finances, ntimacy and trust No su ky side-stepp ng allowed!

On Thursday the Sun (your rul ng planet) transits into fellow fire sign Aries and then l nks up with Venus on Sunday So you’ll be at your fe sty, fabulous best – and your bel igerent, bossy worst! It’s Equinox week, so try to find an outlet for your fiery energy and a way to bring more ba ance into your busy world W th Mercury and Venus both retrograde, doub e-check al arrangements involv ng local trave , business trips, ho idays, and weekend getaways

You’re impatient about making things happen accord ng to your strict timetable but Mercury and Venus are retrograde, so avo d taking shortcuts and re ying on others Don’t expect fam ly friends or colleagues to drop everything and hand you your dream There s just no substitute for hard work and thorough preparat on It’s a so Equinox week, so stop overcommitting! Smart V rgos w ll calm down and reca ibrate to a s ower, stead er and more sustainable pace

Howitt St, Traralgon

Is a close relationship stuck in a stultifying rut?

And how we l do you real y know your nearest and dearest? Mercury and Venus are revers ng through your re ationship zone, plus retro Venus inks up w th powerful Pluto (wh ch is vis t ng your romance, chi dren and friendship zones) So it’s time to dig deeper and gain valuab e insights into the nner mot vations of a lover, fr end or family member as you blast away the cobwebs and look at things from a different ang e

(Sep 23 - Oct 22) Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

You’re a capric ous creature, constant y buffeted by intense emotions and deep desires On Thursday it’s the Equinox (when day and n ght are of equal length) which wil help to stabil se your temperamental moods and ba ance your brooding nature Attached Scorpio –remember there’s a fine ine between ardent affection and clingy obsession Are you unhapp ly s ngle? You cou d find yourself magnet cally drawn to someone with a powerful personality

ALFRED William Howitt wasbornApril 17, 1930 in Nottingham, England.

He was educated at England Heidelberg, a University College, then came to Australia in 1852 with his father William and brother Charlton to visit William’s brother Dr Godfrey Howitt.

He spent two years in the goldfields, after which he decided to stay in Australia.

In 1860, he led aparty to unexplored gold strikes at Crooked Creek, Dargo and Wentworth rivers. He twiceled parties to Coopers Creekfollowing the tragic Burke &Willsexpedition.For those services he was appointed police magistrate and goldfields warder in Omeo in 1863.

In 1864, he marriedMaria Boothby.Their daughter Anne Elizabeth Howittmarried E.J Whittaker in 1894 at 'Heanor' East Malvern.

The pair lived in Omeo until 1866 before moving to Eastwood in Bairnsdale.

Howitt was an early experimenter with hopgrowing on the Mitchell River flats and helped establish the Mechanics Institute in Bairnsdale.

Spontaneous, impuls ve, fiery Sagittarius this week try to tread carefu ly, as Mercury and Venus are both in retrograde mode A chi d could feel misunderstood, a sport ng event could be delayed, a creative project could backfire, or a so-called friend could ta k about you behind your back Avoid the temptation to jump in, overreact and burn a few bridges along the way Keep your eyes peeled, your ears open, and think (carefu ly) before you speak!

(Nov 22 - Dec 21) Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Coo down and calm down, Capricorn! Don’t make major mountains out of minor molehil s and waste t me worrying about annoying problems (especially at home) as Mercury and Venus reverse through your domestic zone Th ngs won’t run according to plan and, if there are complications, then clever communication wi l help you through any temporary turbulence With Mars in your partnership zone, be proactive about improving a troubled relationship

Duringhis 30 yearsresidence in north and east Gippsland he collected geological specimens and pioneeredthe use of thin-section petrology andchemicalanalysis of rocks. He contributed to discovery and exploration of upper Devonian Volcanicseries north of Bairnsdale, furnishing reports on collected botanical specimens and studied to customs and religions of localaborigines. His studies led to contributions to the Kurnai of Gippsland, and he was also amember of the Royal Society, contributing many papers with honours.

He held honorary doctoratesofsciencefrom both Cambridge and Melbourne universities and fellowship of the Royal AnthropologicalSociety.On retiring to Metung he worked on his magnum opus, The Native Tribes of South East Australia (1904), whichremains one of the only contemporaneous scientificstudies of the native institutions of Central Australian Aborigines.

He has many places named in hishonour,namely Mount HowittinVictoria, and Howitt Hall,one of Monash University's Halls of Residence named afterhim.

Here,

There is also Howitt Street in Kingston, Canberra, and amajor streetinthe Porsche suburb of Kingston, not to mention little old Traralgon. It is likely thatHowitt, alocality besidethe Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland, is named after him as many localities in the area are named after those connected to the Burke &Wills expedition. Howitt died on March 7, 1908, aged 77 in Bairnsdale.

The recreational park named in his honour is located adjacent to the Mitchell River Bridge on the eastern side of Bairnsdale.

(Jan 20 - Feb 18) Pisces (Feb 19 - Mar 20)

Qu rky Aquarians can be self-indulgent souls However, over the next few weeks, you’l gradually sh ft your focus further afield Retro Mercury and retro Venus wi l remind you that family matters, plus local community connect ons and social responsibi ities are just as mportant as individual priorit es Your motto for the week is from fellow Aquarian, music icon Bob Mar ey: “Live for yourse f and you w ll live n vain; l ve for others, and you wi l live again ”

The Sun, Saturn and Neptune are v siting your sign, so strive to be more proact ve about pursu ng your creative and sp ritual goals No procrast nation allowed, P sces! Then, on Thursday, it’s the Equinox (when day and night are of equal length) which favours meditat on and contemplation, as you a m for more equi ibrium and perspective With Pluto trans t ng through your solitude and spirituality zones, peace-ofmind and strong self-esteem are highlighted

COPYR GHT Joanne Made ne Moore 2025

Female first responders honoured for service

INTERNATIONALWomen’s Day 2025 (IWD) was celebrated at state Parliament, with aspecial event to honour female first responders for their exemplary community leadership and service. IWD 2025 is aglobal celebration held annually to celebratethe achievement of women in communities.

CFA volunteers Bec Closter (Erica and District Fire Brigade)and VickyClarke(NoojeeFire Brigade) were the special guests of Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath and Member for Narracan, Wayne Farnham.

The celebratory event was held in Queens Hall at the Victoria State Parliament, and brought together 200 women first responderswho work or volunteer in emergency services.

Ms Bath said Bec and Vicky are extraordinary

Gippsland CFA volunteers who give so much to their communities.

“Their dedication to helping others and supporting peopleduring emergencies is genuinely appreciated, and (they) perform their roleswith grace, professionalism and enthusiasm," Ms Bath said.

“Womenfirst responders offer uniqueskills and adifferent perspective in the emergencymanagement field which helps build resilience during times of crisis.

“Living in our mountain communities, Bec and Vicky have attended bushfires, house fires, road crashes and emergency medical responses.I sincerely thank them and all our first responders for their service to Gippsland.”

Local CFAvolunteersBec Closter (Erica and District Fire

Fire

were special guests of Member forEasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath in stateParliament,toformallyrecognise their communityleadership andservice Photograph supplied

thereand everywhere: Alfred Howitt’s name appearsinanumber of towns across the country, including Traralgon.

Photograph supplied

Honoured:

Brigade)and VickyClarke (Noojee

Brigade)

TheGuide

GARDENING

AUSTRALIA JUNIOR

ABC Family,Friday, 7.05pm

Propagatinga love of plants and natureinthe next generation, Australia’s favourite green thumbs get their hands dirty with all manner of family-friendly activities in this spiritedspin-off.Tonight,Costa Georgiadis tracks down some peace and quietwithjunior hosts Y Jehru and Romeo Angelkovski (both pictured with Georgiadis). T trio taketime out in alocal reserve,drawing inspiration from the tranquilwaters and tall timbersbeforebringing what they’velea home to create amindful garden of their own. Wind chimes, a calming pebble swirl and aplace to practice the age-old Chinese movement of Qigong areall on theagenda forthis wholesome project.It’saperfect wind-down beforethe kids’ bedtime.

HARRYPOTTER: WIZARDSOFBAKING

ABC Family, Saturday, 7.30pm

While the wizardryof Hogwarts and the Harry Potter films might not be real, theshow-stopping movie magic that brought the enchanted school’siconic feasts to lifeiswithin reach of us mereMuggles. There’sbubbling cauldrons, gravity-defying desserts and meticulously craftedoptical illusions galore in this spellbinding baking competition hostedbyJames and Oliver Phelps (akathe Weasley twins, bothpictured). Over six episodes with plenty of cameos from the films’stars, pairsofpastrychefs and cakeartists put their skills to the test. In tonight’spremiere, the nine teams make an entranceusing Floo Powder,before creating adessert that captures theirlovefor HarryPotter.

Wednesday,March 19

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News

Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 10.55 Q+A. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National

Press Club Address 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R)

2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG,R)

2.55 Nigella’sCook, Eat, Repeat (R)

3.25 Grand Designs. (R)

4.15 Long Lost Family (PG,R)

5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R)

5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8.30 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) Asatirical news program. 9.00 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (Final, PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery

9.45 PlanetAmerica

10.15 YouCan’t AskThat. (Ms, R)

10.45 ABC Late News. 11.00 The Business. (R) 11.20 Gold Diggers. (Mlsv, R) 12.15 Grand Designs.(R) 1.05 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 GardeningAustralia (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Cook Up Bitesize. (R) 9.05

PICK OF THE WEEK

SKIN IN THEGAME SBS, Sunday, 8.30pm

JoournalistMarlee Silva(pictured) Dunghutti woman, sports com self-confessed rugbyleague In anew,intimate docum mission to decode how nation safer forwom power of sport –in league –todrive p “When Ithink the game’, it’s individual or we areas a says of th Marle league Silva living thin rug tran also ug so it c ag m Go Hynes V’landys and NRLW to work out what th do to be partofthe

p) is aproud Gamilaroimmentator and “tragic”. entary, she is on a wwecan makeour men by using the particular rugby positivesocial change kabout having ‘skin in not justmyskin as an rmyfamily,but who acommunity,”Silva he film’stitle ee is the daughter of egreat Rod“Rocket” and has grownup gand breathing all ngsNRL.She believes by league can nsform lives–and ohighlight some ly truths of modern ciety,especially when comes to violence gainstwomen.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8)

Silvatalks to some of the game’s biggest names –including master coach Phil ould, superstar Nicho ,NRL Chairman Peter player LaviniaGould –he sport she lovescan esolution.

9-1-1:LONE STAR Seven, Monday, 8.30pm

Starring RobLowe(pictured), this series followsthe action-packedlives of emergency service members in Texas. Itsfifthand final seasonisset ayear after the dramatic conclusion to season four and sees Carlos (Rafael Silva) and TK (Ronen Rubenstein) approaching theirfirstwedding anniversaryasCarlos settles into his new role as aTexas Ranger, while other comings and goingslead to movements at the station. Tonight’s episode, “Trainwrecks”, sees the team race into action when atrain derailment causesmultiple injuries. Meanwhile, Tommy (Gina Torres) makes aboldmove in her relationship with Trevor (D.B. Woodside), and Marjan (Natacha Karam) and Paul (Brian Michael Smith) compete for the open position.

TEN (10, 5)

Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(PG,R) 10.05 Food Markets.(PGad, R) 11.05 Grayson Perry’sBig AmericanRoad Trip.(Mal, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline.(R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 The Cook Up.(R) 4.00 DNAFamily Secrets.(PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 AustralianIdol. (PGl, R) 2.30 Border Security: International (PG, R) 3.00 Beat TheChasersUK. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At FirstSight (Mls, R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Drew Barrymore.(PGas) 7.00 Neighbours. (PGa, R) 7.30 GCBC. (R) 8.00 Bold. (PGa,

6.00 SevenNews.

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History. (Mals) Continues to lookatAustralia’s history

8.40 TheJury: MurderTrialUK. (Mal)The prosecution and defence givetheir closing speechesand the juries retire to decide theirverdicts. 9.35 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+av) Mayne adopts adifferentapproach 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Blackwater (MA15+as) 12.20 My Brilliant Friend. (Mn, R)

3.30 Ancient Invisible Cities. (R) 4.30 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

7.00 Home And Away (PGav)

7.30 The1%Club UK. (PGa) Hosted by LeeMack.

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (PGal) Hosted by HamishMcLachlan.

10.00 LiveAtThe Chapel: Birds Of Tokyo. (Ml) Birds Of Tokyotaketothe stage.

11.00 AutopsyUSA: Frank Sinatra. (Ma)

12.00 Covert Affairs. (Mv,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Married At FirstSight (Mls) The secondlast dinner party takes place.

9.00 Scrublands. (MA15+lv) Martin’s investigation leads to revelations thatdraw him deeperintothe secrets of Riversend.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Wild Cards. (Mv)

11.30 TheEqualizer (Mv,R)

12.15 Tipping Point (PG, R) 1.05 My Way. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: HomeShopping. (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 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 TheProject 7.30 GoggleboxAustralia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows.

8.30 Elsbeth. (Mav) After learning the DOJinvestigationisclose to an indictment, Elsbeth and Captain Wagner join forces to expose the real criminal. 9.30 NCIS: Hawai’i. (Mv) Ahigh-value bioweapons expert is murdered.

10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 TheProject (R) 12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 HomeShopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings.

8.30 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 11.20 Good Time. (2017, MA15+) 1.15am WildIndian. (2021, MA15+) 2.50 MichaelClayton. (2007, MA15+) 5.00 The Man WhoInvented

Yeshi The rnt G e s

Thursday, March 20

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent.(R) 10.30 BackRoads. (PG, R) 11.10 The Role Of ALifetime. (Final, PGan, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: Best Interests. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (Final, PG, R) 2.55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (PG,R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.05 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 BackRoads: Bibbulmun Track, WA (Final, PG) RaeJohnston explores WA’s Bibbulmun Track.

8.30 SuePerkins’Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul (Final, PG) Sue Perkins reaches her last stop,Istanbul.

9.15 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) Presented by Kevin McCloud.

10.05 TheRole Of ALifetime. (Final, PGan,R)

10.55 ABCLate News.

11.10 TheBusiness. (R)

11.25 DarbyAnd Joan. (PGa, R)

12.15 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.50 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(R) 10.00 Food Markets. (R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy.(PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving LivesAtSea.(Ma, R) 3.00 Where Are You Really From? (PG, R) 3.30 The Cook Up.(R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: WithinThese Walls. (2020,Mav) JenLandon. 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Mr Mayor.(PGs, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.30 Finding Your Roots: MeanStreets. (PG) Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr

8.30 Super Ships: ARevolution At Sea. Looksathow almost every year,cruise lines launch liners with characteristicsthat surpass their previous. 9.35 BoilingPoint (Mal) The stress of cateringawedding brings hidden issues to the surface. Carly receives bad news about the future of the restaurant.

10.45 SBSWorld News Late 11.15 Breaking Point. (Premiere, MA15+a) 12.05 Blackport. (Mls, R) 2.45 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PGa, R)

4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Football. AFL.Round 2. Carlton vHawthorn. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game.

11.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkinsand Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFLmatches.

11.30 TheDisappearance Of GabbyPetito (Mav,R)A continued look at the disappearance of “van life”blogger Gabby Petito

12.45 Damnation. (MA15+asv) Bessie discovers the plans for Holden

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise EarlyNews. The latest news, sportand weather 5.30 Sunrise

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair.

7.30 RugbyLeague. NRL.Round 3. Melbourne Storm vPenrith Panthers. 9.55 ThursdayNight Knock Off Post-matchNRL news and analysis of the Melbourne Storm versus Penrith Panthers clash.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl) The Busmen trial arookie to operate their drill.

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal Contestants compete in ahigh-stakes game where they must beat The Banker to winacash prize. 6.30 TheProject The hosts and guest panellists take alook at the day’snews, events and hot topics. 7.30 Soccer AFC2026FIFAWorldCup qualifier. Thirdround. Australia vIndonesia. From AllianzStadium, Sydney 10.30 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, nationaland international news, as well as the latest sport and weather 10.55 TheProject. (R)The hosts and guest panellists takealookatthe day’snews, eventsand hot topics. 12.00 TheLate ShowWith Stephen Colbert. (PG)Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMornings. Morning news and talk show. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 MOVIE: Still Standing. (2023, PG) 2.10 Planet A. 2.40 Insight 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.40 TheFastHistory Of 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 History’sGreatest Mysteries. (Return) 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs.

2pm The Casketeers. 2.30 TheCook Up 3.00 Waabiny Time. 3.25 Little JAnd Big Cuz. 3.35 Spartakus. 4.05 Cities Of Gold. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 ArcticSecrets. 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo 8.30 DI Ray. 9.30 MOVIE: The Witches

6am Children’s Programs. 5.50pm Paddington. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6.15 Bluey. 6.25 Octonauts 6.35 Hey Duggee. 6.40 Ben And Holly 6.55 Rocket Club 7.05 OddSquad. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun The Sheep 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of TheZoo.(Premiere) 9.20 Chopped Junior 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Man Who Invented Christmas. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 All At Sea. (2010, PG) 8.35 Walking On Sunshine.(2014,PG) 10.25 Joe Bell. (2020, M) 12.05pm Beyond The Summit. (2022, M, Spanish) 1.40 Another Mother’s Son. (2017, PG) 3.35 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 6.25 Diana. (2013,PG) 8.30 TheYoung Victoria. (2009, PG) 10.30 Mystic Pizza. (1988,M) 12.30am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

Friday, March 21

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 ThePacific. (R) 11.00 The Newsreader (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Unforgotten. (Madl,R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.05 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz.

(NZ) (Final, PG, R)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Urban Conversion.(R) 10.00 Food Markets.(PGaw R) 11.05 Dream Of Italy.(R) 11.35 Soccer 2026 FIFAWorld Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier Brazil vColombia. 1.45 Taekwondo.(R) 1.50 Haka Warriors 2023.(R) 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 TheCook Up (R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! (PG) 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 BetterHomes AndGardens. (R) 2.00 Suits L.A. (Mav,R) 3.00 TheChase. (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 James May: OurMan In Italy:Hey Pesto. (Ml) 8.30 Tony Robinson’s Marvellous Machines: Green Machines. (PG, R) Alook at innovativegreen machines. 9.20 Mysteries Of TheAncient Dead: Maya,Khonkho Wankane, Xiongnu. (PG)Looks at the sacrificial altar of El Castillo 10.15 SBSWorld News Late. 10.45 ABody That Works. (Mals) 11.45 Sisi. (Masv, R) 1.35 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (MA15+a, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 AFL:FridayNight Countdown. Alead-up to the Fridaynight AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL.Round 2. Western Bulldogs vCollingwood. From theMCG 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at allthe action from the game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbest racing.

11.45 SuitsL.A. (Ma, R) Tedand Erica try to save Lester’s movie

12.45 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGa, R) Sketch comedy series 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million DollarMinute. (R) Contestants go head to head in atest of brain power

5.00 NBCToday

6am Diana. (2013,PG) 8.05 TheYoung Victoria. (2009, PG) 10.05 There Will Be Blood. (2007, M) 12.55pm The Young Lovers. (2021,M,French) 3.00 All At Sea. (2010,PG)

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 David Attenborough’s Mammals: Forest (PG) Alook at the forests which mammals call home

8.40 MOVIE: Wedding Crashers. (2005,Mls, R) Twowomanisers begin to see the error of their ways when one of them falls in love.Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams.

11.05 MOVIE: Love YouLikeThat. (2021, Mls, R) Astranger changes life in asmall town. MitchellHope.

12.50 Let’sEat With George (R)

1.20 Talking Honey.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R)

4.30 Global Shop.(R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG,R)

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Killer Vacation. (2018, Mav) AlexaHavins, Jacob Young. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Drew Barrymore. (PGas) 7.00 Freshly Picked. (R) 7.30 GCBC.(R) 8.00 Bold.

6.00 Deal OrNo Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 Sam Pang Tonight. (Mals, R) Presented by Sam Pang.

8.30 TheGraham Norton Show. (Mdlsv, R) Comedian Graham Norton is joined on the red couch by actors Dakota Johnson, SterlingKBrown, Domhnall Gleeson and Colman Domingo.Paul Russellperforms hissingle LilBooThang 10.50 10’s Late News Coverage of news, sportand weather 11.15

Saturday, March22

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00

R)

1.25 Darby AndJoan. (PGa, R) 2.15 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 2.55 ExtraordinaryEscapes. (PG,R) 3.45 The Role Of ALifetime.(Final, PGan,R) 4.35 The Platypus Guardian. (PG, R) 5.30 Great Expectations: Karta The OrangUtan’s Story. (PG,R)

6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney

6.30 Back Roads: Bibbulmun Track, WA (PG, R) RaeJohnston explores WA’s Bibbulmun Track.

7.00 ABCNews. Alook at the top stories of the day

7.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma) Marlon receives amysterious phone call from his fatally-wounded formerboss.

8.30 Vera (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparentsuicide of awell-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace. Thevictimhad been attending areunion with friends, aritual they had repeated for more than 40 years

10.00 Unforgotten. (Madl, R) Anew case begins for Jess and Sunny’steam.

10.50 BoatStory (MA15+alv,R) Twostrangers discovercocaine on aboat.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Nula. 2.40 MOVIE: Hostile.(2022) 4.20 Haka Warriors 2023 4.30 Tradition On APlate. 5.00 Spirit Talker 5.30 Last Land: Gespe’gewa’gi. 6.00 No OrdinaryBlack:Mudskipper 6.10 Carpool Koorioke. 6.20

ASpace

7.20

6am MorningPrograms. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Accidental Renovators. (Premiere) 10.10 Destination Flavour. (R) 10.20 Soccer 2026 FIFAWorld Cup CONMEBOL Qualifier Uruguay vArgentina 12.30 BBC News At Ten. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Race Tasmania. Day 1. 5.00 ABC World News Tonight. 5.30 WarMiners: Covert Mission Beneath Arras. 6.00 NBCToday 7.00 WeekendSunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Golden Slipper Dayand William Reid Stakes Day 5.00 SevenNews At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (R) Apassenger has arun-in with the law 6.00 Getaway.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 7.00

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 TheWonders Of Europe: TheMont Saint-Michel. (PG) Looksatthe Mont Saint-Michel.

8.30 Blenheim: ThePeople Behind ThePalace. Head shepherd Shaun monitors 1500 lambs due to be born. Most sheep lamb in the field without problems, but on a4am round, Shaun has to intervene in adifficult birth.

9.25 RayMar tin: TheLastGoodbye (PGa,R)Ray Martin continuestoplan his own funeral, takingalookinto the rituals around the send-off itself

10.25 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Milan-San Remo

3.30 Ear th’s Natural Wonders. (PG,R)

4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am WorldWatch.

9.55 Fashionista. 10.05 TenYear Old Tom. 10.35 Beyond OakIsland. 11.25 Story Of 11.55 Over The Black Dot 12.25pm Inside Story. 12.55 Athletics. World Indoor C’ships. Morning. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.00 Our Law. 6.35 Engineering Tomorrow 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 The Artist’sView. 9.25 Athletics. WorldIndoor C’ships Evening session. 12.35am Late Programs.

6am The Man Who Brought Down The White House. Continued. (2017, PG) 6.55 Bright Star.(2009,PG) 9.05 The Falcons. (2018,PG, Icelandic) 11.00 Mystic Pizza. (1988,M) 1pm Benjamin. (2018,M) 2.35 Diana. (2013, PG) 4.40 TheYoung Victoria. (2009, PG) 6.40 Nights In Rodanthe. (2008, PG) 8.30 Silver Linings Playbook. (2012, M) 10.45 Sleeping Beauty.(2011,MA15+) 12.40am Late Programs.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) Apassenger’s suitcase with an unusuallining sets alarm bells ringing.

7.30 MOVIE: Gladiator (2000, Mav,R) Asuccessful Romangeneral seeks revenge after he is betrayedand his family is murdered by theemperor’s heir.Russell Crowe,Joaquin Phoenix,Connie Nielsen.

10.40 MOVIE: ThePope’s Exorcist. (2023, MA15+hv) ThePope’schief exorcist investigates aboy’s possession and uncovers acenturies-old conspiracy Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto

12.55 We InterruptThis Broadcast. (PGalv,R)Sketch comedy series.

2.00 To Be Advised.

4.00 It’s Academic (R) Hosted by SimonReeve 5.00 My GreekOdyssey (PG, R)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Space Invaders. (PG) The team helps awoman declutter her home.

8.30 MOVIE: Muriel’sWedding. (1994,Mls,R)A young woman, who dreams of marriage, leaves hersmall town to find romance in thebig city. Toni Collette,BillHunter,Rachel Griffiths.

10.40 MOVIE: RedDog: True Blue. (2016,PGals, R) Aman recounts the story of his dog. Bryan Brown.

12.20 Bondi Vet. (PGm, R)

1.10 Pointless. (PG, R) 2.00 TheIncredibleJourney Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 HelpingHands. (PG, R)

9GEM (92, 81)

7TWO (72, 62) 6am MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 7.10 Children’s Programs. 1.15pm The Nanny 2.15 MOVIE: Nanny McPhee And TheBig Bang. (2010) 4.20 Young Sheldon. 5.45 MOVIE: Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked. (2011) 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum: Secret Of The Tomb.(2014,PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Six Days, SevenNights. (1998,M)

7.00 RugbyUnion.Super Rugby Pacific. Round 6. NSW Waratahs vACT Brumbies. 9.30 Super Rugby Pacific Post-Match. 9.45 MOVIE: Rocky IV.(1985,PG) 11.45 Late Programs.

6.30 TheDog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Acouple’s house is too small. 8.30 Gog gleboxAustralia. (R) Adiverse rangeofpeople open their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows, with the help of special, locked-off cameras which capture every unpredictable moment. 9.30 Matlock. (PGad, R) An important class-action lawsuit leads the team to investigate asorority. Matty bringsAlfie withher to work. 10.30 Elsbeth. (Mav,R)Elsbeth andCaptain Wagner joinforces. 11.30 FBI. (Masv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

Sunday, March23

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

(9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Insiders 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 MontyDon’s French Gardens. (R) 3.30 Sue Perkins’ Big Adventure: Paris To Istanbul. (Final, PG, R) 4.15 Extraordinary Escapes: Christmas Special. (R) 5.05 ADog’s World With Tony Armstrong. (R)

6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

7.00 ABC News

7.30 DarbyAnd Joan. (PGa) Jack and Joaninvestigateasuspicious nurse.

8.15 Unforgotten. (Mals) TheBishop Street team investigates Gerry Cooper’slife and criminalrecord and makecontactwith his widow

9.05 Boat Story. (MA15+av) Janet and Samuel try to find abuyer forthe stolen drugs, whichprovestobetricky

10.05 MOVIE: Irresistible. (2006,Malsv, R) Awoman stalks her husband’scolleague.Susan Sarandon.

11.45 YouCan’t AskThat (Mal, R) 12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.55 Rage Closer.(R) 3.00 Ask The Doctor (PG, R) 3.30 Outback Ringer.(PG, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

(10, 5)

6.00 DW EnglishNews 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Accidental Renovators. (PG) 10.00 FIFAWorld Cup Classic Matches. 11.30 Motor Racing.ProMX Championships. Round 1. 1.00 Cycling ProVelo Super League. Round 6. 4.00 Beach Volleyball. Australian Beach Volleyball Tour Men’s andwomen’s championships. 6.00 NBCToday. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 TheMorning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 SundayFooty Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL.Round 2. North Melbourne vMelbourne. 6.00 Hello SA.(PG,R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair

6.00 Grand ToursOf Scotland’s Rivers. (PG) 6.30 SBS WorldNews. 7.35 Ancient Greece By Train: Ephasus To Troy Alice Roberts visits thecityofEphasus. 8.30 Skin In TheGame. (Ma) Presented by Marlee Silva. 9.40 KingTut: AlliesAnd Enemies. (PGa, R) Acontinued look at the mysteries of Tutankhamun’s life 10.40 Franklin. (MA15+l, R) 12.25 The Burnt Half.(Mal, R) 1.50 Britain’s Great Outdoors. (R) 2.20 How To GetFit Fast. (R) 4.10 Bamay.(R) 4.50 DestinationFlavour China Bitesize. (PGaw,R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France24Feature. 5.30 Al JazeeraNews.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 8.40 7NEWSSpotlight. (Return) Aprofile of the 17-year-old Aussie sprinter Gout Gout,who is on track to become thefastest manalive 9.40 TheHunters: Mr Cruel. (Mav,R)JournalistAdam Shand and ex-detectiveSteve vanAperen reexaminethe case of Mr Cruel. 11.10 AutopsyUSA:DeanMar tin. (Mal) Alook at the death of Dean Martin. 12.10 TheBay (Mal, R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise

(34) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 TheGreat AustralianDoorstep 10.30 DVine Living. 11.00 IEscaped To The Country. Noon Escape To

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Married At FirstSight. (PGls) Thecouples havea bigdecision to make.

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysingand uncovering theissuesaffectingall Australians.

9.40 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) TomMorris, Jimmy Bartel and James Hird recap the highs andlows from the latest round of the AFL.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 See No Evil: Not A Social Person. (Mav) 12.05 TheFirst48. (Ma) 1.00

FBI. (Mav) Aftertwo jurors forahigh-

mafia trialare gunned down, the

jumps intoanorganisedcrime investigation untilitisdiscovered that the jurors may not have been the intended targets. 11.30 TheSundayProjec t. (R) Alookatthe day’snews. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBSMorning s. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Jeopardy! 11.35 Fashionista. 11.55 The StoryOf. 12.25pm Cook Up Bitesize. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 Athletics. World Indoor C’ships. Morning. 5.00 WorldWatch 5.30 Domino Masters. 6.25 Abandoned Engineering. 7.20 Abandoned Americana. 8.15 TheUnXplained With William Shatner 9.55 Video Killed The Radio Star. 10.25 Late Programs. 6am The Falcons. (2018,PG, Icelandic) 7.55 Romeo And Juliet. (2013,PG) 10.05 Argo. (2012, M) 12.30pm Emily.(2022, M) 2.50 The Man Who Brought Down The White House. (2017, PG) 4.45 Bright Star (2009,PG) 6.55 Malcolm. (1986,PG) 8.30 The Big Short. (2015,M) 10.55 OrdinaryJustice.(2020, M, Italian) 12.30am The Daughter.(2021, MA15+, Spanish) 2.45 Late Programs. 6am MorningPrograms. 2.40pm RugbyLeague.NRL.Women’sAll Stars. Maori All Stars vIndigenous All Stars. 4.25 Ub40 Feat. Ali Campbell Live Concert 6.00 Queer & Here. 6.30 News. 6.40 Waterworld Africa 7.30 Australia: An Unofficial History 8.30 Skin In The Game. 9.40 MOVIE: Jackie Brown. (1997,MA15+) 12.20am Late Programs.

PG) 3.05 MotorwayCops: Catching Britain’s Speeders 4.05 Young Sheldon 5.30 MOVIE: Goosebumps. (2015, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, M) 10.20 MOVIE: Fast &Furious

Monday,March 24

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Vera.(PGa, R) 11.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline.(R) 2.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R) 3.00 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat.(R) 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.05 A Bite To EatWith Alice. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am MorningPrograms. 10.00 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PGa, R) 11.10 Dream Of Italy.(Ml, R) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al JazeeraNewsHour. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (PGa, R) 3.00 Where Are YouReally From? (PG, R) 3.30 The CookUp. (R) 4.00 DNA FamilySecrets. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (Return)

6.30 SBS WorldNews

7.35 Lisbon With Michael Portillo: Lisbon 2. (PG) Michael Portillo journeys to Lisbon.

Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Q+A. Presented by Patricia Karvelas. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 TheBusiness (R) 11.10 PlanetAmerica. (R) 11.40 TheWeekly With Charlie Pickering (PG, R)

12.10 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 1.00 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.50 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

8.25 DanSnow’sGreatestDiscoveries:Atlantis Dan Snow travels to Greece to discoverifthere is any truth to the tale of Atlantis, aglorious super-city that disappeared beneath the waves. 9.20 24 HoursInEmergency:The LastRoll Of TheDice. (Ma) A58-yearold is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre 10.15 SBSWorld NewsLate. 10.45 Syndrome E. (Malv)

11.50 TheNight Manager (Mals, R) 2.05 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 3.10 How To Get Fit Fast. (PGn, R) 4.05 Bamay.(R)

4.40 Destination Flavour ChinaBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PG) Rooquestions Eliza’s past.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter andScott Tweedie.

8.30 9-1-1:Lone Star (Ma)

The 126 race into action when atrain derailment causesmultiple injuries.

9.30 TheAgenda Setters. (R) Ateam of trusted and respected footy voices tacklesthe biggest topics in the AFLworld

10.30 Suits L.A. (M, R)

11.30 St. DenisMedical (PGal)

12.00 We Interrupt This Broadcast. (PGas, R)

1.00 Harr y’sPractice. (R) 1.30 Travel Oz (PG, R) 2.00 To Be Advised. 4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Married At FirstSight. (Ml) The couples face anew challenge 9.00 FootyClassified (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tacklesthe AFL’s big issuesand controversies.

10.00 9NewsLate.

10.30 ThePrison Confessions Of Gypsy-Rose Blanchard. (MA15+av) Gypsy-Rose Blanchard tells herstory 11.30 FirstOnScene. (Ma)

Tipping Point. (PG,R)

Hello SA (PG)

Storage Wars:NY. 4.00 Mountain Men. 5.00 AmericanResto 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 The AgendaSetters. 8.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.00 Adventure Gold Diggers. 10.00 Tougher

The Golden Girls. 6.30 TheNanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: In Time.(2011,M) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 TheO.C 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.35 LifeAfter Lockup 2.30 TheNanny

Tuesday, March 25

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 AustStory. (R) 10.30 Poh’sKitchen.(R) 11.00 The Weekly. (PGs, R) 11.30 Space 22. (PGa, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call TheMidwife.(PGa, R) 2.00 ParliamentQuestion Time. 2.55 Nigella’s Cook,Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)

6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Destination Flavour.(R) 9.20 Urban Conversion. (R) 9.50 Earth’s Sacred Wonders. (PG, R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy.(R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World NewsTonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Saving Lives At Sea. (Ma, R) 3.00 The Weekly Football Wrap.(R) 3.30 The Cook Up (R) 4.00 DNA Family Secrets. (PGa,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS WorldNews 7.30 GreatCoastal Railway Journeys: WhitbyToRobin Hood’sBay (R) 8.30 Insight. Presented by Kumi Taguchi. 9.30 Dateline: Lebanon –War Peace And Hezbollah. Looks at the consequencesofthe warinLebanon.

10.00 SBSWorld News Late.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The MorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNationalNewsAtNoon. 1.00 To Be Advised 2.10 Sur veillanceOz: Dashcam. (PG,R) 2.30 Border Security: International. (PG,R) 3.00 BeatThe Chasers UK (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)Levi is concerned forMackenzie.

7.30 TheAmericas: TheAtlantic Coast. (Premiere, PG)Alook at the natural beauty of theAmericas.

8.30 TheHunting Party. (M) Anescaped serial killer from the Pit decidestoadopt anotherinmate’s style of killing.

6.00 Today

6.00 9News.

Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia.(R) 5.30 Poh’s Kitchen. (R)

10.30 Guillaume’s Paris. (PGl, R) 11.00 Prisoner (MA15+av) 12.10 Illegals. (MA15+v, R) 2.15 Earth’s Natural Wonders. (PG, R) 3.20 How To Get Fit Fast. (PG, R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The WorldTonight.

9.30 TheAgenda Setters. (R)A team of trusted and respectedfooty voices tackles thebiggest topics in the AFL world.

10.30 TheIrrational. (Mav,R)

11.30 St. DenisMedical. (PGals)

12.00 MOVIE: Cruel Instruction. (2022, MA15+adsv, R)

2.00 To Be Advised.

4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 SunriseEarly News

5.30 Sunrise.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MarriedAtFirstSight. (Ml) Amemorable couple face the end.

9.00 Scrublands (MA15+lv) The pieces of the puzzleare startingtocome together but Martin’s excitement is short-lived.

10.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 TheEqualizer (Mv, R)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG,R)

1.05 Next Stop (PGaw)

TEN (10, 5)

IWDfar from politicaltoken gesture

SATURDAY, March8was International Women’s Day.

It was aday when women in Australia were able to embrace achievementsthat have been made under the current federal government.

Let’s have alook at some of them: paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, flexibility in working arrangements, and gender pay transparency to name afew. initiatives that all support family quality of life. Strengthening women’s position in society strengthens families.

Overand above the initiatives thatfocuson women-specific disadvantage, add the strengtheni ng of Me di ca re and the com mi tmen tt o superannuation on paid parental leave, and we see an evolving reversalofthe conservative approach to caring for familiesweexperienced under the Abbott/ Turnbull/Morrison governmentsfrom 2013 to 2022.

Pose thisquestiontocandidates in the upcoming federal election: Will these advancements for women receive continuingsupport, or will they be reversed should you be elected/re-elected?

Wendy Castles Traralgon

We need proof

JOSEPH Lis continues his practice of making outrageous claims without meaningful support, evidence in hisrecentoffering 'The end is nigh' (Latrobe Valley Express Opinion,12/03/24).

First, he claimed thatthe followingNostradamus quatrain (Century 2, verse 46)predictedthe return of Halley’s Comet in 2061.

“After great misery for humanity, agreater one comes when the comet returns. It will rain blood, war and plague, fire will be seen in the sky, dragging atrail of sparks.”

Nostradamus died in 1566 and Halley’s Comet next returned in 1607, so where is the evidence thatNostradamus wasreferring to the year 2061?

Mr Lis also wrote that aban on carbon emitting pesticides has already led to food shortages in Europe due to crop failures, due in turn to pest invasion.

Iinvite him to produce the evidencethat supports that claim.

Crop failures can be attributed to the disruption to farmingcaused by thewar in Ukraine and to disruptive weather caused by global warming. Now to the “pertinent and portentous facts” referred to in his fourth-last paragraph: Mr Lis claimed that the year 1607 is mentioned in many of Nostradamus’ quatrains, butheomitted to identify the verses, which would have facilitated fact checking.

Iguess the year is mentioned in the same way that 2016 is not actually mentioned in Century 2, verse 46, i.e. conjured from his imagination. As aresult,the last threeparagraphs of his letter are acombination of irrelevance and nonsense. The warningfromclimate scientists that the planet will become unliveable for humans unless we bring greenhouse emissions under control is confronting.

Who wants to hear that? It is far more enticing to retreat, Walter Mitty like, into afantasy world where scientific knowledge and experience are trumped by non-specific Nostradamus predictions that can mean whatever you want them to mean.

Brian Kilday Jeeralang Junction

True to form

THE controversy over the three Chinese warships that circumnavigated Australia afew weeks ago, promptedformer AustralianDefence Forces Chief, Chris Barrie to say nuclear power stations should not be built in Australia, as they would make the country more vulnerable in an attack.

He said “that every nuclear power facility is a potential dirty bomb because rupture of containment facilities can cause devastatingdamage.With the proposedpower stations all located within 100km of the coast, they are clear and accessible targets.”

Isuppose by this he means that enemy submarines or shipscouldlaunch missiles that target each of Peter Dutton’s seven proposed nuclear sites and destroy them.

If this was the case, then asignificant part, probably 10 per cent (38 if you believe the fanciful Frontier Economics report prepared for the LNP) of the country's electricity supply could be knocked out in afew hoursofasimultaneous coordinated attack.

If that was the case, then the released radioactivity would make these sites almost impossible to repair for years and possibly release radioactive isotopesinto the surrounding countryside, creating further no-go zones.

If the most senior defence people in the country are saying this, thenitshould be an open and shut case, especially when renewable energy is so much cheaper, reliable and spreads wealth aroundrural areas that are missing out economically with the present centralised electricity grid.

But the Coalition have form in ignoring specialist advice.

For example, Dutton rejecting the CSIRO and

AEMOaboutnuclear costsand timeframes. Not to mention the 30 or more yearsofclimate sciencedenial that has resultedinthe slow rollout of renewable energy that may lead to ashortfall of electricity supply in the final years of this decade.

But don’t expect the LNP to take responsibility if ashortfall does occur. It will all be Labor and the Greens fault.

Dan Caffrey Traralgon

Build babybuild

AN interesting story in the Express last week by Philip Hopkins ('Port of Hastings wind project in limbo', Page 8).

The bottom line quotes “If we cannot get this right in Victoria then the entireoffshore wind programme in Australia is at risk".

Ten yearssince Star of the Southwas on the board, how much more time and expenditure do they need to get it right?

As for Deborah O’Connor's pleafor another independent candidate ('Independent always', LVE Opinion, 12/03/25), these are causingabog in Parliament. The Teals, Greens and Independents have no power of their own, only to delay legislation and stop progress. Iagree with other readers, Trump's display was disgusting on Zelensky, who has no time for asuit as he is fighting for the survival of his country. The letterbyAnthony Wasiukiewicz ('Western wakeupcall,12/03/25)was full of interest, and his warning was clear -“no one is coming to save us."

The criticism from Adrian Cosgriff to Darren Chester ('Give us answers', 12/03/25), Iwould point out that the PM only faces Labor supporters.

Thelastparagraph in BrianMawhinney's letter ('TheAustralian bubble', 12/03/25) has questions that need to be answered. How can China, India, Russia and the US do what we cannot and burn coal?

To Wendy Farmer Iask: how many nuclear fallouts havehappened around the world?Two. The nuclear station may never happen here in the Valley, and the skymay never falldown either Ifeel there is more to worry about, such as the juvenile crimes in this area. Let’s take care of the present and let the future take care of itself.

As for John Duck, Oliver Bergens may use your name, but you also use mine. Pot and kettle.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

Ostensibly obsessed

THE idea of Joseph 'Listradamus' Lis, the man who has published abook of his own letters to the Express, accusing anyone of being "obsessed" about anything, is quite amusing, ('The endisnigh', 12/03/25).

Furthermore, Mr Lis, Ihave never actually commented on renewables.

That'snever. So "renewables obsessed"? Is it April 1?

My comments around the topichave beenconfined to urging people to follow the scienceregarding climate change, which in turn of course promotes the phasing in of renewables.

But obsessed? Hardly.

I've had afew obsessions in my life, mostly involvingsport,but your suggestionisn't one of them. Sorry, you're way out there.

And in your case Joseph, maybe it's time for you to return to roses,apparently your number two and healthier obsession.

As for me being "unaware" of the great Nostradamus, the notion of Mr Lis giving more credence to a16th century"scientist" than 21st century ones is interesting but unsurprising.

John Duck Trafalgar

Nuclear hoax

WHEN the Liberal and National Party announced they were embracing nuclear as away of meeting Australia’semission targets and reducing the cost of electricity, Inearly fell off my chair.

Whenitbecame apparentthatthey wanted to build anuclear reactor here in our beautifulregion, Ifelt agrowing sense of dismay and anger.

Nuclear is not the answerfor Gippsland, nor for Australia.

It is expensive, dirty, and dangerous. Icompletely understand why locals want new jobs, morereliable energy supply and adropin electricity prices. The nuclear proposal (it is not a plan) is the slowest and most expensive option as we transition away from brown coal. It will achieve exactly the opposite outcomes being promised.

It is acynical effort to slow down Australia’s efforts to addressclimate change andfroma Gippsland perspective, will not generate the jobs we need.

We do not have local expertise building or running nuclear power stations. If they are ever built, theworkforce that operatesthem willbelargely imported.

The Latrobe Valley is one of the most seismically activeareas in Australia. Building anuclear reactor

here in Gippsland will forever compromisethe safety of communities all the way up and down the highway. Is anyone prepared to guess where they are going to store the highly toxic waste?

Yallourn will close in 2028 and Loy Yang Aby 2035. Given the age and state of the power plants and the cost of minerehabilitation,there is zero prospect of brown coalfired power generation continuing beyond the agreed closure dates.

We already have the answers to the impending shortfall in energysupply -the combination of solar, wind and hydro generation combined with battery storage is the fastest and most efficient way of meeting the community’s need for affordable and reliable electricity.

Nuclearismuch worsethanatoxic thought bubble, it is acruel and expensive hoax.

As the federal election looms, any politician promising lower power bills should properly explain how they are going to achieve it before you give them their vote.

Chris Buckingham Ellinbank

*Editor's footnote: Chris Buckingham is former chief executive of the Latrobe Valley Authority.

Mini tent city?

HAVING just recentlyspenttwo weeks in Traralgon with good friends and family, Iwas horrifiedtosee on full display apictureofhomelessness and dirty, squalid living.

Aminiaturetentcityappears to be set up behind ahousehold fenceinwhatmyfriends tell me is the Newman Park children's playground that lies across the road on the other side.

My friends do not know if Latrobe City Council are aware of what is going on here, or if they have even bothered to inspect the area.

Surely someone would have reported this situation, which Iwas told has been there for some months.

Traralgon, the capital city of the Latrobe Valley, must take action on what is obviously an eyesore and apossible danger to the public.

As we all know,wenow live in ahorrible, twisted, woke world in which solicitors, lawyers andthe like are making alot of money because of the pathetic do-gooders of society.

Victims of crime are completely ignored and the thug, coward, gangbased,miscreant perpetrators are continually showered with love, affection and given the chance to have 'another crack' at another hideous crime.

To make mattersworse, Iand two other walkers witnessed awoman around Newman Park either urinating or defecating into abucket or some other device in full view of those who were out walking.

It's quite possible the local constabulary don't even know about this situation. Maybe, just maybe it's time to take the bull by the horns and go and check it out. Sadly, this type of behaviour is currently out of control in society, butdue to bureaucratic red tape, and pathetic, meaningless spin and BS by Labor nuffies, nothing gets done.

Enough of the so called 'mirror solutions' where they are 'currently looking into it'.

Oliver Bergens

Dandenong

Veterans support

IASK Federal Memberfor Gippsland, Darren Chester: where do you stand on making cuts to thousands of jobs to the Department of Veterans Affairs if elected in the federal election? Will you vote against the cuts or is the Opposition leader saying allmembers must vote along party lines?

In other words,will all Coalition membersbe dictated to by Peter Dutton?

People who servedour country are at risk of finding it harder to get helpifthese cuts go ahead.

Garry Mitchell

Yallourn North

Nowornever

IT IS not aquestion of voting for Labor or Liberal, Greens or Teals in the upcoming federal election.

It is not even aquestion of arenewables-only economy versusa renewablesand nucleareconomy.

It is aquestion of power prices staying high for the next 10 years or so (until the nuclear reactors are built) or forever. It is aquestion of bringing down power prices to consumers and business and industry right now.

Only coal can do that, and it is why Iamvoting for One Nation's Greg Hansford as he and his party are the only ones promoting cheap and reliable coal.

Ihave an Easterdream in the economicresurrectionofbusiness, industry, and manufacturing in the Latrobe Valley. An Easter dream in the immediate lowering of energy bills and consequentresurrection of living standards for the Latrobe Valley community. An Easter dream in the resurrection (and not ‘rehabilitation’) of the Open Cut. And an Easter dream in the resurrection of COAL for the future economic prosperity of the Latrobe Valley through cheap and reliable power.

Joseph Lis Morwell

No bad thing

AS the federal election approaches, we begin to hear worried voices talking of aminority government as if this would be abad thing.

Idon’t see it that way.

True, it will disruptthe cosy political duopoly which has made such amess, but that will be no bad thing.

Whichever of the majorparties can form a minority government willbeheld to amuchhigher standard of accountability by an independent crossbench.

That will also be no bad thing.

They willbeforcedtodebate policychoices in public view instead of doing cosy backroom deals as they currently do.

That will not be abad thing.

The lobbyists and special interests will suddenly lose much of their influence.

That also, will not be abad thing.

In the electorate of Monash,weare luckytohave the chance to elect community independent Deb Leonard as our representative.

She willworkwith all sides to get thebest outcome for the community.

Her vote will be guided by her conscience and what’s in our interests.

She willalwaysvote independently and will always be open and transparent about how she votes and why.

That, again, will not be abad thing.

Bill Legge Warragul

All good fun

MR JohnDuck, Ifind it so amusing for you to think you are "living inside my head, rent free!"

(LVE Opinion, 'Ignoring probabilities', 12/03/25). Ican fully guarantee that if you were, Iwould be charging youanexorbitant rental fee.

My friends and Ireally do find your biting, over the top,mundaneand boring articles very amusing and greatly humorous.

But, Isupposewhenpeople areofthe extreme socialist, left-leaning,woke, do-gooder, green brigade, that's perfectly normal. That also includes the politically correct, hystericalnumbnutswhich thankfully Iamnot (norare my wifeand children). Iand many,manyothers believe in staring people right in the face with fact, not fiction! Isuspect deep down Mr Duck, you have agood sense of humour and you prove that in yourletters Laughter is and always will be the best medicine. Mary Poppins made famous the song that goes: "A spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down". I'mofthe belief that life is too short to be serious all the time.

Enjoy the week folks and stay happy.

Oliver 'Shadow' Bergens Dandenong

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues. The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish anyletter 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 entitled to aright of reply to aletter directed at them.

While healthy debateisencouraged,the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

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

Readersshould be equallyaware thatfacts presented in letters are selected to support aperson's point of view. As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.

The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Lettersregarding religion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com. au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Ironing out the details: nuclear risks

COMMENT

BY ANTON GOSSELIN

RAY Peck’s letter fromWednesday,March5 about the health dangers for employees and residents living near nuclearplants was interesting but misleading.

He unfortunately omitted important parts of thereport (Health Effects of Occupationaland Environmental Exposure to Nuclear Power Plants) that give balance to their findings.

The below extracts from the report emphasise what people need to know.

“Workers had asignificantly lower riskfor all cancer."

Although the regulatory doselimit for nuclear workers’ radiation exposure is higher than that for the general public, workers are required to wear personal protective equipment during work and enjoy better medical care and greater health-seeking behaviours, whichmay makethem healthier than the generalpublicand decrease disease risk.

However, we observed asignificantly higher risk for mesothelioma among workers exposedtodoses under or near the established limits compared to thosewithout or at the lowest occupational exposure level.”

“Researchers show that workers in nuclear power plants had ahigh risk of exposure to asbestos from pipe lagging,insulation, gaskets, and some personal protective equipment, such as aprons and gloves, as asbestos fibres were used as insulation materials

in mostworkplaces withhightemperature risk forall cancerand asignificantlyhigher risk for mesothelioma.”

Everyone now knows that asbestos is aleading cause of mesothelioma, and this study included results from old nuclear plants in which asbestos had been used.

Obviously, asbestos would never be allowed in a new power plant. It’s already banned in all construction projects because of asbestosis.

So actually, the report found workers in nuclear power stations were healthier than the general public (apart from the asbestos exposure) which is opposite to the impression Mr Peck’s letter gives.

In regards to the finding that peopleliving within 30km of the plant had ahigher cancer rate, the report began and ended with the same provisos:

“Some included studies did not adjust for cancer riskconfounders,whichcouldoverestimate the associationbetweenradiationexposure and cancer risk and increase the risk of bias.”

It is clear to any thinking person that the report “hasoverestimated”,not “couldoverestimate”, the association!

Design of nuclear power stations is strictly internationallycontrolled so that they may not emit more than one microSievert (1mSv) of radiation per year outside the reactor chamber.

Anyone with very basic science knows that the strength of radiation is inversely proportional to thesquareofthe distance from its source.

So 1mSv fromthe outside of the reactor wall

would be diluted to one 10,000th of amSv by the time it reached 100m away (0.0001mSv).

It would be undetectable 1km away, let alone 30km away!

Perhaps Mr Peck is not aware that ionising radiationsurrounds us everywhere in everyday life and is perfectly normal and safe at low doses.

Living in Australia for one year will expose you to an average of 1.7 microsieverts (mSv) of background radiation -anamountthat is completely normal and safetoreceive every yearduring yourlife. It would require an annual amount 1000 times greater to cause harmful effects.

So just having abarbecue in yourbackyards exposes you to higher radiation levels than living right up against the wall of anuclear reactor!

To suggest that 1mSV (measured at its source) could cause cancer up to 30km away is completely ridiculous. It flies in the face of both science and common sense.

Does Ray realise that he in Hawthorn and millions of others in southeast Melbourne live within 30km(as the crow flies) of aradioactive facility that has been running continuously since 1971?

That is the Steritech Plant in Dandenong that providesAustralia with essential gamma irradiation services to sterilise medical devices and products, food and many other applications. The radiation level inside is 25,000,000 mSv (5000 times the lethal dose for humans). Yet it too has a1mSv limit for emissionsoutside the chamber, (the same as nuclear power stations) which rapidlydiminish to pretty much nothing within 100 metres.

There is zero evidence that the millions within this radius haveahigher cancer rate thanthe general population.

There are many occupations with ahigher risk of cancer than nuclear.

Firefighters, construction workers, miners and health workers to name afew.

“A comprehensive study by the National Institute for OccupationalSafetyand Health (NIOSH) involving nearly 30,000 firefighters from Chicago, Philadelphia, and SanFrancisco (1950-2009) found anine per cent increase in cancer diagnoses and a14per cent increase in cancer-related deaths compared to the general US population.”

It is everyperson’schoicewhatcareer they want to follow and there are many who have chosen to work in the above fields. They have ahigher cancer risk but don’t let it get in the way of their dedication to their job.

Even just living in Australia gives us anearly 50 per centhigher risk of getting cancer thanpersons living in the USA.

As the Express said so well in an advertisement last week about its reporting: “We do let facts get in the way of agood story”.

The publicdeserve the facts about nuclearpower, not biased opinions.

About the author :Anton Gosselin is a Newborough resident.

Coach service set to remain as it currently is

By STEFAN BRADLEY

IN response to communityoutcry, the state government has committed to not make changes to the Yarram/Leongatha to Southern Cross V/ Line coach service that would have instead seen the bus terminate at East Pakenham station.

The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish newsletter reported in its March issue the coach service, which begins eitheratYarram or Leongatha and finishes at Southern Cross station in Melbourne, would instead run to East Pakenham Station after the Koo Wee Rup stop, and passengers would need to transfer to atrain, under this change.

"SouthGippslandispoorly serviced by public transport. This seems to be taking that poor service to another level," the publication said.

The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish noted drivingto the train station, transferring and waiting for the train would add additional time to the trip to Southern Cross, and make theYarram/Leongatha coach "less viable as acommuter service".

"There are people who regularly commute in and out on the bus, some from much further out in South Gippsland," they said.

"By diverting to East Pakenham, we lose the easy airport transfer. Many locals stow their suitcases under the bus and walk them over to theSkyBuswhenthey arrive at Southern Cross. Taking your luggage on acommutertrain isn't nearly as stress-free."

AChange.org petition set up on March 2opposing the change wassignedbymore than2000 people within days.

The Yarram /Leo ngat ha coach begi ns at Yarram, and stopsatAlberton, Welshpool, Toora,Foster and so on.The other major stops include Leongatha,Korumburra, Koo WeeRup, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Caulfield, and ending at either SouthernCross or Flinders Street Station.

The 6.26am coach from Yarramonweekdays arrives at SouthernCross at around 10.21am, makingthe entirebus trip around four hours After Koo Wee Rup, the coach skipsTooradin, Five Ways, Cranbourne, Dandenong and Caulfield, instead going straight to Southern Cross.

If you wanted to go to those other stops, another coach departs at the same 6.26am time but requirescommuterstochange to another coachat Koo Wee Rup, and then switch to ametropolitan train at Dandenong, and it arrives at Southern Cross at 11.02am, adding about 40 minutes extra to the trip.

The same two coachesrun againfrom Yarram at 11.08am and3.08pmonweekdays. There are five othertimes during the day you can catch the line, but they beginatLeongatha only. Similaroptions exist in the opposite direction from Southern Cross to Leongatha/Yarram, but some of the journeys begin on trains and depart at different times to the coaches.

There are fewer services on Saturdays and Sundays, but they are the same on both days.

The now-abandoned change wouldhave seen the coach sometime after Koo Wee Rup terminate at East Pakenham and then passengerswould switchtoa traintogotoSouthern Cross or elsewhere.Presumably there would also be more train and bus transfers for those travelling from Southern Cross to Leongatha/Yarram.

State Member for Gippsland SouthDanny O'Brien said on March 3hespoke to thePublic

Transport Minister's office, which confirmed no final decision had been made.

"I have made clear to the minister's office that I would fight any such proposal -and that likely it would be very poorly received by most travellers from South Gippsland (and Bass Coast for that matter)," Mr O'Brien said.

Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale commented on the report and the "heapsofemails" she received about the matter.

Ms Crugnalesaidnoted community consultation on the matter would start in June and encouraged those in the publictohave their say on thematter

Last year in the state budget, the government announced $30 million for improved bus and ferry services, including more frequent bus services for Leongatha and Yarram.

"Anychanges to any timetables are expected to be made in early 2026," Ms Crugnale said.

Ms Crugnale also acknowledged public transportoptions in theareawere"notgreat",and "current service timetabling does fail to provide good connections between routes and enough frequency, significantly impactingsmaller towns and communities accessing larger centres".

"With the V/Line currently(sic)timetables, what Ihave heard manytimesover is that regional

studentscan't get to and from their tertiary institutions in atimely manner, families have to drive to attend afooty match in the city, and the added cost or hindrance altogether for people wanting to go to aconcert or major event on any given night because they need to factor in an overnight stay," she said.

The state seat of Bass covers from the south-east Melbourne suburb of Clyde through to Inverloch and Phillip Island.

The next day, on March 4, the state government ruled out any plans to terminate the Yarram/ Leongatha coaches at East Pakenham.

Regional spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), Paul Westcottsaid they received anumberof"annoyedcorrespondence"about thedumped proposal when it came up.

"The issue is connections, to and from the train stations.There's uncertainty about continuation and going to thenextservice. It can be ahassle," Mr Westcott said

"We have complaints about the lack of frequency of the Yarram/Leongatha line. The coach is slow, goes along way and gets stuck in peak hour traffic in Melbourne, but at least you're on the bus.

"It does seem like abus transfer to Pakenham or Dandenongisoff the table because of the reaction

to this, so they'll have to go back to the drawing board."

Based on whathe'dheard fromthe community, Mr Westcottsaidthe best thing to do in this instance may be to simply increase the number of services and keep the route the same.

"Make transfers as easy as possible, and the best way to havethat is frequency of services," he said Setting up new services on the Gippsland Line has proven challenging for awhole host of reasons, but addingmore coaches to the Yarram/Leongatha line should be easier.

"Thereisnothing(stopping them). It's just a question of buses and drivers," Mr Westcott said.

Editor of the Yarram-based newspaper The Bridge,Deb Lucas told the Express thatmany locals in thearea usedthe Yarram/Leongatha coach, including the elderly, students and those without cars.

"People who contacted me were quiteupset (about the now-cannedchange). Uni students use it to go to Southern Cross, instead of going to the train station.Some useittoaccess medical services at Foster, or Leongatha," Ms Lucas said. "It's fairlylong and arduous. Some are better offgoingtoTraralgonfirst (viabus). Butfor the elderly it's very helpful."

Buddy seat project

TRARALGON Men’sShed (TMS) volunteershave been making 20 buddy seats for primary schools from Traralgon to Drouin.

Avarietyofcolourful seats were deliveredthis month to Drouin, Nilma, Hazelwood North, Moe (ElizabethStreet), Newborough,Willow Grove, Traralgon (SouthSt),and Grey Streetprimary schools.

Willow Grove Primary School were very appreciative of the shed's efforts.

“The buddy chair represents an invaluable resource for our school, offering not only physical comfortbut also asymbolic gesture of inclusion and support," aschool representative said.

"Designed to assiststudents who may experience challenges in engaging with their peers or in classroom settings, the buddy chair will provide a dedicated space where children can interact and learn in away that promotestheir individual needs while encouraging collaboration and empathy.

"Willow Grove Primary School are particularly excited about the opportunity to partner with Traralgon Men’s Shed in this initiative. The work that men'sshed does to support local communities, particularlyinproviding functional, well-crafted items such as the buddy chair, is something we deeply value. The hands-on, community-driven approach of men’s shed aligns perfectly with our school’s values of community, teamwork,resilience and respect."

TMS Sec ret ary /Trea sur er, Ly nM atth ew s explainedgrant fundingenabled thisproject to materialise.

TMSwished to thank the AndrewsFoundationWarragul for awarding the shed $7000 to cover the materials and delivery of the buddy seats. Men's shed volunteers have been working on this project for the last two months,and it was awonderful project for teamwork and nearly all the members were involved in some part of the process.

The shed also wished to pay aspecialthanks to Bunnings for the donation of bright coloured

exterior paint, the designofthe buddy seat and the assistancereceived from the community officersat Traralgon, Morwell, and Warragul.

The buddy seats stand out and are attractive to the students, and the donation of paint will enable additional buddy seats to be made.

TMS is seeking othergrant opportunitiesto expand this project, which it hopes will enable more primary schools to receive buddy seats. TMS currently has fourschools already on awaitinglist.

Expressions of interest from other primary schools in Latrobe are beingwelcomed. Email traralgonmensshed@outlook.com to register your interest.

As aresult of increasing membership, TMS will be openonMondays from Mach 17 from 8amto 2.30pm.

This will be in additiontothe current open hours of Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 7am-1.30pm.

Motorists remindedtokeep an eye out for children

RACV is calling on motorists to remain vigilant aboutdriveway safety, and to maintain the success of 2024 and prevent the injury or death of children in driveways.

The Coroners Court of Victoria did not record the death of achild in adriveway last year -a welcomechangeafter 13 children aged between one and 10 lost their lives in driveway tragedies between2020 and 2023.

RACV Head of Policy,James Williams said that operating avehicle in adriveway requires the same level of mindfulness and risk mitigation as driving on the road.

“We have seen asubstantial improvement in reversing camera technology in recent years, and motorists understand the needtocheck for

children and other obstacles when reversing down driveways,” he said.

“Motoristsmay notbeaware thatmanyofthe driveway deaths we are seeing in Victoria are now forward-facing. Young children are not always visible when they are just below the front of the car, especially largervehicles and SUVs that have higher bonnets.

“Parents and carers would know that young children are unpredictable and do not have the same cognition as adults do. This places young children at an increased risk in driveways, no matter how slow avehicle is travelling.

“We ’re relie ved that Vict ori ans prev ented driveway tragedies last year, but we must remain vigilant to keep it that way.”

Elective excitement

GRADES 3-6 student sa tMorwell Central Primary Schoolhave been thoroughly enjoying electives.

Some of the groups that are taking place during this time include knitting, cake decorating, science, paper craft, working in the sensory garden,

netball, diamond art, playing board games, and animation.

As wellaslearning useful lifelongskills,the students havehad the opportunity to pursuetheir talents and spend time with teachers and peers who share acommon passion.

RACV advises motorists to follow these driveway safety measures:

 Always look for children before starting the vehicle;

 Always look for children when entering a driveway;

 Do not over-rely on avehicle’s cameras and sensors to detect children;

 Ensure children are actively supervised and kept well away from moving vehicles;

 Educate family members and visitors about the risks of driveway incidents, and;

 Encourage children to play in safe areas away from driveways.

Mr Williamsalsoreminded motorists thatin

Victoria, the driver of avehicle must not reverse the vehicle unless the driver can do so safely.

“Reversing safely is important to consider especially on driveways that lead into main roads," he said.

"Road Rule 296 provides afine of up to three penalty units for not reversing safely from a driveway.

“RACV also reminds motorists that it is legal to use the horn to warn other road-users or animals of the approach or positionofyourvehicle.This may include when reversing down adriveway.”

For more informationondriveway safety, visit the driveway safety page of the Kidsafe website.

Community: South Street Primar ySchool, Traralgon students test out thenew buddyseats,generouslymade by Traralgon Men’s Shed members.

Photograph supplied

Winter ready: Montanah and Sophieenjoy learning howtoknit.

Artsy: Charleecompleting somepaper craft.

Hands on: Morwell Central Primar ySchool student, Julian had funmoulding fondant.

Future farmers: Ryderand Lennywateringplants in the sensor ygarden. Photographs supplied

Serving smiles with perfect pancakes

YEAR 6s tu de nts from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School recentlyspread the joy on Shrove Tuesday (March 4) at St James Church, where they perfected pancakes and served smiles to those in the local community.

In addition to actively engaging in the pancakemaking and cooking process, the event was made even more special by musical performances from students, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

The experience helped buildstrongerconnections between students and the community, with educators focused on fostering asense of responsibility and belonging, encouraging students to continue making meaningful contributions.

Back at school, studentslearnt aboutthe significanceofShrove Tuesday and AshWednesday, but the highlight of the day was the pancakes themselves!

Students from Prep to Year 6enjoyed lively pancake relay races, showcasing theirpancake-flipping

skills, along with afew entertaining mishaps.

Afterwards, students enjoyed eating their very own 'fresh' pancake smotheredwith their favourite toppings.

The school’s dedicated education supportstaff andparentscooked more than 500 pancakes to ensure everyone left with full hearts and satisfied appetites.

 ST PAUL'S also has its annual Easter Egg Hunt coming up.

The time-honoured tradition will be held on Wednesday,April 2commencing promptly at 4pm at 46 Cross’s Road, Traralgon.

The event is open to all children aged under 12 in the community, who must be accompanied by asupervising adult.

Thosetaking part are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to check in.

Registrations are essentialfor catering purposes. Register via the St Paul’s website: stpaulsags. vic.edu.au

Concentration: Shaivi concentrates on the pancakeathandduringthe St Paul’spancake relayraces

Delicious: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School student, Estelleengaging in the pancake cooking process at St James Church. Photographs supplied

Trio: Har per,Abi, and Graceengaging in community ser vice at St James Church.

Grins: Serving up smiles in the communityare Lachlan, Ilias,Nicholas,and Bosco

Balance: Benji carefullyflips his pancakeat the St Paul’s pancake relayraces forShrove Tuesday.

Skill: Blairraces carefully during the St Paul’s pancakerelayrace

Timing: Kainefocuses on the pancakeflip

Catholic schools, parishes spreadhope

CATHOLIC Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet, joined students, teachers and guests from school and parish communities to mark the beginning of Lent and to officiallylaunchthe 2025 CaritasProject Compassion appeal in the Diocese of Sale.

Each year during the season of Lent, Project Compassion brings together thousands of Australian schools and parishes to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable communities to help endpoverty, promote justice anduphold dignity.

The theme of Project Compassion 2025 is 'Unite Against Poverty'.

As Catholic communities celebrate aJubilee Year in 2025withthe theme 'Pilgrims of Hope',Caritas invites peopletoaction the theme of Hope by coming together to Unite Against Poverty. Actions taken today can make alasting difference for future generations.

During Lent, parishes and Catholic schools are encouraged to donate and host fundraisers in the name of Project Compassion. Money raised will support Caritas’ work in assisting vulnerable and needy communities in Australia and overseas.

Student leaders from seven Catholic Secondary Colleges and four Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Sale joined the launch.

Secondary colleges included LavallaCatholic College, Traralgon; Marist Sion College, Warragul;

St Peter’s College, Cranbourne; St Francis Xavier College,Beaconsfield; Mary MacKillop Catholic RegionalCollege, Leongatha; Catholic College Sale and Nagle College, Bairnsdale.

Primary schools included St Laurence O’Toole Primary School, Leongatha; St Joseph’s Primary School, Korumburra, St Joseph’s School, Wonthaggi; and St John the Baptist Primary School, Koo Wee Rup.

Eachschoolrepresentative received aCaritas candle to take back to their school, presented by Bishop Greg and Caritas Australia’s Community Partnership Specialist, Sally Murphy.

Following the launch, Bishop Greg joined students, staff, and guests for the traditional Shrove Tuesday pancakes.

Students in schoolsacross the Diocese also got intothe spiritofProject Compassion,holding pancake stalls in their schools to fundraise and mark Shrove Tuesday, the day beforeAsh Wednesday when the period of Lent begins.

Those wishing to support Project Compassion can download resources or join aMission in Action webinar to learn more about Caritas Australia’s development programs at: caritas.org.au / project-compassion

To donate, look out for Project Compassiondonation boxes in schoolsand parishes,visit the Caritas website, or call 1800 024 413 toll free.

TrafalgarHigh School ahead of the curve: IWD

TRAFALGAR High School celebrated International Women’s Day during the week of March 3.

Students and staff took on the theme of ‘Accelerate Action’ every day by accelerating a‘smoothie bike’ loaned from alocal health service and making healthy berry smoothies that were shared at lunch time.

“At Trafalgar High School, teachers and students champion equity, inspire change, and empower one another,” principal Brett Pedlow said.

“Together, all parts of the school community are creating afuture where women and girls can continue to lead, innovate and thrive.”

Trafalgar High School has been alead school in the RRRR (Rights, Resilience, Respectful relationships) curriculums that along with the school values of Respect, Kindness, and Effort support the messages of International Women’s Day.

Refreshing: Trafalgar High School Acting Assistant Principal, Hayden Draperbeing cheeredonbythe school’smental health practitioner,Danni Mills Photographs supplied

Osborneaccelerating

Shared experiencesfor familiesthisPlaygroup Week

NATIONAL PlaygroupWeek is an opportunity for local communities to celebrate playgroup and welcome more people to take part.

On Tuesday (March 18), many people gathered at Newman Park, Traralgon for 'STEM in the Park'. Tuesday'sactivity allowed childrentobecome hands on,explore,experiment and discover things through play.

This Friday (March 21), littleexplorers will be able to participate in afree day of outdoor fun and creativity, with activities like scavengerhunts,nature art, androck painting from 9.30am to 11.30am in Apex Park, Moe.

This year, Playgroup Victoria are focusing on the little discoveries, adventuresand connections to makeatplaygroup.Playgroup Victoria believe these little things come together to form significant bonds -among them asense of belonging, shared enriching experiences, and the support needed to thrive.

“Harry Chapin’s song ‘Cats in the Cradle’ reminds us that we must make time for the moments of playwhere children discover, explore and connect with us,” Playgroup Victoria Chief Executive, Danny Schwarzsaid.

“It’s these shared experiences, where together we cultivate asense of belonging, nurture growth and create memories that last. This National Playgroup Week, let’s celebrate time with our children each day and remember that these shared moments bring the greatest joy.”

Throughout National Playgroup Week, Playgroup Victoria encourages members of the playgroup communitytonominate their Playgroup Champions Families, facilitators and volunteers can write in and share their local stories about the generous folk who make playgroup possible.

Playgroup Victoriawillaward the 2025Playgroup Champion and runners-up with prizes courtesy of theirfriends at the Melbourne Museum,plus playgroup-inspired goodies.

For more information, go to: playgroup.org.au/

Solemn: Bishop Greg Bennet (right) withstaff andstudentsfromthe Diocese of Sale,marking the beginningofLent. Photograph supplied

Example: Students Owan Dart andJack

action.

Pedal power: HunterRober ts gives the bikea go making smoothies forhis peers.

Come one, comeall: Playgroup Victoria is inviting parentsand kids to par ticipateinNationalPlaygroup Week adventures in Moethis Friday. Photograph supplied

Students buckle down for NAPLAN

THE annual NAPLAN assessments commenced last week (March 12), and saw almost 1.3 million students take the tests in more than 9400 schools and campuses across Australia.

NAPLAN is the only national assessment that helps teachers, parents, and carers see how students in Years 3, 5, 7and 9are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time.

This year,students in Years 5, 7and 9willcomplete asecond NAPLAN cycle since the annual test changed from being held in March instead of May and the introductionofthe new proficiency levels. Whileproficiency levels become more demanding as studentsmove through the NAPLAN years, thisnew data will give theopportunity to seehow this cohort of students has progressed between 2023 and 2025.

Schools and education authorities willagain receivepreliminary school and student results from the assessmentsearly in Term 2, around fourweeks afterthe test periodends thisMonday (March 24). This means teachers will have more time to review the results to inform theirteaching and learning programsinthe current schoolyear.

“This year, you will be able to compare how the same cohort of students have progressed in their NAPLAN assessment results since 2023 when the annual test changed from being held in March instead of May and set against the new proficiency levels,” Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) Chief Executive, StephenGniel said.

“This will help education authorities, schools, parents, and carers to see how Australian children are reaching important literacy and numeracy goals and are progressing again st national standards.

“NAPLAN is just one aspect of aschool’sassessment and does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachersabout student performance, but it can provideimportant additional information about astudent’s educational progress.”

Mr Gniel explained that NAPLAN is alargescale operation, with more than 4.4 million tests expected to be taken this year. ACARAhas developedmore than 2500different testquestions,which will assesshow Australian students areperforming in reading, writing, grammar and punctuation, spelling, and numeracy.

ACARA has been working closely with the QueenslandCurriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA)and the NSWEducationStandards Authority (NESA) over the past week to support schools impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Queensland and northern NSW. The safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and school staff is the highest priority.

ACARA says it has tried and tested procedures in place to manage disruptions.

An expert from Australian Catholic University in standardised assessment has called for calm during NAPLAN.

Speaking before the tests were taken, Associate Professor Steven Lewis urged school leaders, teachers, families, and students to take acollective breath amid the start of the nationwide testing window.

Associate ProfessorLewis, of ACU’s Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education, said while NAPLAN was aworthwhile test for about 1.3 million students in Years 3, 5, 7, and 9todo, the focus should ultimately be on what was done with the results.

Associate Professor Lewis also welcomed plans announced by ACARA to release results to schools and parentsfaster, allowingtimely NAPLAN data to morereadily inform student learninginthe classroom.

“NAPLAN is asnapshot of where students are

“NAPLAN is just one aspect of aschool’sassessment and does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide important additional information about astudent’s educational progress,”

-ACARA CEO, Stephen Gniel

tracking at agivenpoint in time. It is not definitive of all that they are or what they will achievein life,” Associate Professor Lewis said.

"The mostimportant thing for everyone involved is to treat it as whatitissupposed to be -ameasure of student achievement to inform educators about where children are at and, more importantly, what learning and supports are needed to fill any gaps as well as where teachers need to focus to ensure students continue to advance their learning.

“Getting thoseresults intothe hands of educators and parentsfaster is agood move to allowfor early teaching and learning interventions and targeted support.”

Associate Professor Lewis said stressing about the tests -which will assess numeracy, reading, spelling,writing, grammar, and punctuationand trying to teach to the tests would not help to improve real outcomes.

“Teaching to any test is never going to work to create long-lasting, rich learning among students," he said.

"Evidence-based practices addressing the needs of eachstudent are always the way to go.

“And we need to focus on the end-game -how are school systems and policy makers using results to notonly identify areas of need and disadvantage, but also to act upon this with real measures to level the playing field for primary and secondary school students wherever they are and whatever their background is?"

Preliminary results will be provided to schools in all domains except writing, which takes longer to mark.Schools will receive their full results, including writing,fromJune 2025, after which parents and carers receive their child’s Individual Student Report at the start of Term 3. ACARA is expecting to publish the National Results in late July/early August 2025.

For more information about NAPLAN, visit: nap.edu.au/naplan

Calls to cease the sale of historic school site

ARECENT advertisement in local newspapers advising the state government'sintentiontosell the historic Tarraville school site has been met with outcry from the local community.

Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien said he had been working with the Tarraville Residents and Ratepayers Association (TRRA) since late 2023 to support it in forming anew committee of management for the site, and said he was blindsided by the news of the sale.

"My officehas received several emails and phone calls pleading for assistance in having this decision overturned," Mr O'Brien said.

"Itisclear thatthe community feels let down by this decision and that further consultation is needed."

The Department of Energy, Environmentand Climate Action(DEECA), which is currently responsible for the managementofthe site, has claimed the old school is surplus to community needs.

"This is astrange claim from DEECA when thereisnoother suitable community facility available in the town," Mr O'Brien said.

"There also seems to have been no consideration given to the historical significance of the site despite it having aprotectiveheritage overlay.

"I have no doubt that the community would makegreat use of the hall if it were brought up

to standard and made availablefor community use."

Mr O'Brien said he understood the old hall would needextensive works to bringitupto ausable standard, but was alarmedthat it appeared the decision had been made to sell without proper consultation with the community or anyrealconsideration to funding the necessary works.

"I strongly encourage anyone within the community of Tarraville and surrounding areas who would like to see the hall remain available for community use to contactDEECA directly and share their thoughts," he said.

Mr O'Brien said those wishing to reach DEECA regarding the proposed sale can do so by phoning 5172 2111, or emailing traralgon. propertyservices@deeca.gov.au

As asidenote, the story of Tarraville opera singer Ada Crossley is quite an extraordinary one.

When the Titanic sank in 1912, survivors in lifeboats believe Crossley’s version of the hymn Nearer, My God, to Thee was played out by the Titanic’s band, who bravely went down with the ship as it sank to its icy grave.

How incredible to think asong performed by agirlfromTarraville was played during one of themost recognised events in world history

Test time: Students across the countr yare in the midst of NAPLANtesting

Photograph: iStock

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Star ting in 2022 by IanBuxton, the convenient coffeevan format becomes even more accessible as the business expands,now adding a‘coffeesupplyrun’toits available services.This option will see the team delivering high-grade coffee supplies throughout the Latrobe Valley, while still catering to abroad range of events across the region. Bringing experienced baristas to you, thebusiness makes sure your eventisbeing servedonlythe best brews, from staffwho liveand breathe coffeetoensureyour cup makes your day.

“By being mobile we have greater access at events," Iansaid.

“Our goal is to makeevery occasion memorable with premium nd friendlyservice."

versatilenatureofthe

siness allows the team to to abroad rangeofevents

suchasand including:

•Schools; •Childcarecentres; •Markets; •Auctions; •Weddings;

•Birthdays;

•Sporting events ,and;

•Corporatefunctions

Whether it’sateam-building function or acasual familyevent, Blue Cup Coffee have youcovered and promise to add valuetoeach and everygathering,adding to an event that will remain memorable

Forbookings and enquires, visit: mobilecoffeevanmelbourne com, call 0499 990 655,oremail infomobilecoffeevanmelbourne@ yahoo.com

Guide

MORWELLSat/ Sun, 13/127 Vary St. Bosch washing machine, Miele vacuum, household items, tools. 8am onward.

Landscaping Mulch

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.

Secondhand

windows and sliding doors, good for shed.

Phone 0423 444 355.

SINGLE powder coated cream bed in mint condition. With trundle and mattresses incl. $150. Used for one week only. Phone 5133 6813

NEWBOROUGH. 45 Murray Rd. SAT 22/3. 8am-2pm. Dec. estate. Bamboo and fibreglass surf rods. Sinker moulds. Coleman Shellite lanterns x2and spares. 3Seater couch with 2matching recliners. 6drawerpine tallboy. Sewing machine cabinet,bookshelf, 6 drawer dresser (wide) with large mirror, toy box/ chest, convection M/W. Fridge/ freezer. Washing machine. Kitchen table/ chairs. Dining set. Crystal glasses, pots/pans. Coffee table. Dehumidifier.

TRARALGON

13 Greenwood Gr. 8am-12pm. Futon, bric-abrac, prints, DVDs, Stihl chainsaw, clothes, glass sliding doors Ford Ranger grill. Lots more. Come have alook this weekend!

Advertise in our paperifyou want to locals! We have an audience of OVER 76,000! You’re guaranteed to reach MORE LOCALS!

Price: $6 each or 2for $11 (GST incl). Available at the Latrobe Valley Express Office 21 George Street Morwell

Enquiries: 5135 4444

your current marketing hit the correct audience? Reach morethan just your facebook friends -reach the whole of

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

The Latrobe Valley Express welcomes photos of your newest arrival Parents are welcome to email

WHEN

Help support our local Tradies while they service build and repair in our local communities - check out our Business Guide Pages and Home Maintenance Section in

BATHROOM

CUT

Cash in Hand! d!

Letusdothe

J.C CONCRETING

Sheds, driveways, footpaths, crossovers etc. Phone Justin 0409479737

Deliverers Wanted TRARALGON, andMOE

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

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

DELIVERERS WTD

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 younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

COULTER (nee Kelly), Margaret Caroline. Passed away at Mitchell House in Morwell on Friday 14 March 2025 Aged 89 Years. Loved daughter of Walter and Winifred Kelly (both dec.). Dearly loved wife of Ian (dec.). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Jennifer, Michael and Debbie. Adored Gran of David and Emily, Ian and Tanya, Liam, Ella and Matt. Adored Great Gran of Maddi, Mia, Kobe, Elle, Miahanna (dec.), Hannah and Georgia Much loved sister, sisterin-law aunt and cousin to many. In our hearts you will stay,/cLoved and remembered every day./c

Selling avan?

DALTON, David Gary. 25/7/1940 -17/3/2025 Aged 84 years Loved son of Richard and Jean Dalton (both dec.). Lifelong friend of Chris and Marie Gerish. Loved andalways remembered.

DANIEL, James Ronald (Jim).

HARDING, Kenneth Edwin Noel. 25/12/1942 -8/3/2025. Rest in peace Dad. You lived alife full of love, wit, and wisdom. Now that the fat lady has sung her final note it will be hard to carry-on without you. You've givenusall so much, and the memories we have of youare with us forever.

Love Mandy, Anthony and Jessica.

HARD ING, Ken. 25/12/1942 -8/3/2025. 'What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.'

Lovedfather, grandfather, great-great grand father of Chris, Gail, Molly, Luke, Riley, Summer, Grace, Jack and Bella.

SIBLY, Willian Richard (Dick). Passed away surrounded by family at LRH, 8/3/2025. Aged 86 years./cLoved and loving husband of Barbara.

Dearly loved father of Jane, Darren and Alana, Allison and Grant.

Treasured Pa of Dylan and Kayla, Jonathon and Michael, Jess and Tom. Loved older brother of Brenda (dec.) and family, and Joe. Friend of Bek, Sarah, Ethan, Mikayla and partners, and Sam. Awonderful person, so loved and kind, what beautiful memories you have left behind. Sharing and caring, always content, loved and respected wherever you went. Resting in God's care.

0408 086 776.

Would you liketodeliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individualhomes on Tuesdayand /or Wednesdayafternoons in Traralgon and Moe.

Please apply to: The Circulation Manager 0456 000541

HYUNDAI Getz 2009 Man. RWC. Two owners and regularly serviced $3600 O.N.O. Ph. 0427 688 989. VIN KMHBT51DLAU94 1577 SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY and BUY LOCALLY ADVERTISE IN YOUR LOCAL PAPER

8-3-2025 Passed away peacefully at LRH with his family with him. Age 80 years./cLoved and loving husband of Cheryl for 60 years. Loving father to John and Geoff. Father in law of Yvette and Debbie. Pop to Alex, Lauren, Chelsea, Braden, Jace, Mel and Rebecca. Their partners Bess, Hendriek, Amber, Julie and Mark. Great grandkids, Parker, Mila, Elias, Levi, Archer and Thalia.

HILL, Douglas (Doug). 31/7/1945 -9/3/2025. Loved husband of Liz (dec.). Loved dad to Duane, FIL of Kay. Cherished pop to Cass and Rick, Madz and Lachlan and Tobie. Adored great-poppy to Lachy and Livvy. Forever in our hearts. Private cremation. Celebration of life at Boolarra Bowls Club, Sat. 3May at 1:30pm.

BREW (Fitzgerald), Nola Terese.

20/12/1943 -15/3/2025

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon Aged 81 years.

Much cherished and loved wife of Mervyn. Dearly loved mum of Leanne, Dianne and Wendy. Loved and respected mother in law of Graham, Mark and Michael.

Adored Gran to Nicole, Jake, Janelle, Carlie, Tessa, Emma, Sofie and Rick. Cherished Great Grandmother to Jimmy. Loved andremembered always. Forever in our hearts.

We will always love and miss you./cOur words are few, our thoughts are deep, wonderful memories are ours to keep./cYou shared our joys and troubles, The laughter, and the tears, and you gave us love and kindness, throughout the passing years, we will miss you. In our hearts you will stay. Loved and remembered every day./cFuneral was held on Tuesday 18 March, 2025.

HARDING, Ken. 25/12/1942 -8/3/2025

JAMES, Coralie. With heavy hearts, we invite family and friends to gather in remembrance of Coralie James on MONDAY, 24 March 2025 commencing at 1pm at the Traralgon Golf Club. Please join us in celebrating Coralie's life, sharing cherished memories, and offering support to one another. Forever loved, forever remembered. For further details, please contact the family.

SMITH, Ronald

There will always be a place for you at our campfire. Brian and Elaine,

and Suz,

and

and the grandchildren.

LARSEN, Raymond Peter. 11/1/1936 -13/3/2025. Aged 89 years. Husband of Eleanore (dec.) for 65 years. Father of Daryl and Keryn. Gramps to Fiona, Chris, Ben and Ashlee. Big gramps to Brandon, Mackenzie and Peyton. Reunited with Elly. Forever in our hearts. Private cremation.

SWINGLER, David Ian. Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens Aged Care, Moe on 16 March 2025 surrounded by his loving family Aged 83 years. Dearly loved husband of Rhonda (dec.) and Rex the fur baby. Much loved father and father-in-law of Tracey and Paul, Michelle and Brett (dec.). Adored Poppy to Rachael, Jake, Ericand Kaysi.

Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit. Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome

COLLINS (Scott, nee Dunbar), Mavis Jean. Passed away peacefully with family by her side at theWest Gippsland Hospital, Warragul 10 March 2025.

Aged 81 years.

Dearly loved mother of Ian, Keith (dec.), Neville and Sue, Patrina and Steve. Adored Nanna of Rose Anne and Anthony. Much loved sister of Raymond (dec.) and Margaret, Peter and Trina. Loved Aunty to all her nieces and nephews. Resting Peacefully.

MOTORING PACKAGE

Our beloved dad and Pa, Ken Harding, is now resting in peace after along illness. We will miss his sharp and clever wit, his impeccable dress sense, his steady, guiding hand and his unwavering love and support. Forever in our hearts and happy memories. Ali, Harry and Sof X

HARDING, Kenneth Edwin Noel. 25/12/1942 -8/3/2025 To my darling husband, I loved you forever, and always will. You were a wonderful husband, amazing father and grandfather. You gave me the world, I will miss you forever. Your loving wife, Jan XX

MAYZE, Keith Brendon.Sorry for the years we missed. Thank you for the last few months and weeks together. Memories that will last a lifetime. Brother Ron.

MAYZE Kei th Brendon.8/1/19468/3/2025.

Much loved brother of Helen, David (dec.), Marion and Ron. Lovely uncle of Bill, Corina, Joe, Andrea, Stephen, Anthony and Jane and their families. He will be missed./c

TULLIO (Christou), Ilinca (Lily)

forsuch omission

HARDING, Kenneth Edwin Noel. 25/12/1942 -8/3/2025 My brilliant Dad adored horse racing, Essendon FC, True Crime and Literature -and us. Loving Pa to Billie Roisin and Paddy Kenneth Paul Carey. Legendary fatherin-law to Brendan Carey. And much loved dad to Belinda Carey. 'The true philosopher is aman who says 'All right," and goes to sleep in his armchair.' -P.G. Wodehouse.

MAYZE, Keith. The members of Traralgon Field and Game Club, mourn the passing of our respected Life Member. Rest in Peace.

SAMSON (Millward), Lorrel Margaret. Passed away on 14 March 2025, aged 84 years. Dearly loved wife of Greg for 56 years. Loved mum of Lyndon, David (dec.) and Melinda, and mum-in-law to Sameena and Andrew. Loving Dadee to Ali and Zainab.

Passed away on March 9, 2025, at Latrobe Valley Village Aged Care Newborough. Aged 97 Years./cDearly loved wife of John (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Olga, Phillip and Maureen,Marieand Peter. Adored Nan to Daniel, Alec, Matthew, Holly, Warrick, Natalie and Great Nan to 10 great grandchildren. Reunited with her dearly loved husband John./c

WILLIAMS, Janice Lorraine (nee Cummins) 11/4/1942 -17/03/2025

Passed away peacefully with family by her side. Aged 82 years. Wife of Desmond (dec.). Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Brett and Lyn, Dean and Justin and special friend to Jo and Rhonda. Adored 'Mama' to Matilda and Adam, Dougal, Ewan, Harriet and Ollie

Our hearts are broken. We love you with our whole hearts and miss you dearly XX For Funeral details please visit our website, Latrobe Valley Funeral Services.

(Ron) John.

Luke

Anna

Dave

SIMPSON (nee Mackie), Shirley Elizabeth. Passed away peacefully with family by her side at Heritage Manor Maryvale, Monday 10 March 2025. Aged 97 years. Loved wife of Bill (dec.). Loving mother of Gordon and Jenny. Mother-in-law to

SIBLY, Richard (Dick). Dearly loved brother-inlaw of Peter and Jenny Dal Pra. Uncle of Sue, Chris and Lee, Julie, Mark and Emm and families. Sadly Missed.

Caravans

WILLISCH (Steinhauer), Katharina (Karin).

03/07/1942 -14/3/2025. Passed away surrounded by loving family.

Loved wife of Anton (dec.).

Loving mother of Marina.

Adored Oma to Johnny and Chelsea. Great Oma to Sienna and Mason. Daughter of Joseph and Katharina (both dec.).

Sister to Joe, Anna, Liesel, Eva, Barb, Magda, Michael and Marietta.

Sister in-law to Bernice, Richard. Friend to Ann.

Though your smiles are gone forever, And yourhand we cannot touch, We shall never lose the memory, Of the one we lovedso much

WINTERS, Colin Edward. Born 10/4/1952. Passed away at home in Morwell 6March 2025. 2nd youngest of 8children to Fred and Margaret Jean Winters. Survived by sister Helen, and brothers Eugeneand Henry. Father to Jamie, Shane and Jeanne. Father in law to Kirralee, Sarah, and Luke. Grandfather to Sam, Hayden, Scarlett, Logan, Isabelle and Zoey. Afriend to many and Mayor of Mount Panorama. Forever be remembered./c

WISEMAN, Richard. Service No. AF13641112

The President, Committee, Staff and Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch deeply regret the passing of their esteemed Service Member and friend, Richard. We offer our sympathy to all his family. LEST WE FORGET

COULTER. AFuneral Service to Celebrate the Life of Mrs Margaret Coulter will be held at the Rose Chapel Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon on MONDAY (24 March 2025) commencing 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon.

BREW.

The Funeral of Mrs Nola Terese Brew will be held at the Willow Grove Community Centre, 12 Moe-Willow Grove Road, Willow Grove on FRIDAY (28 March 2025) commencing at 10.30 am. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Willow Grove Cemetery, Willow Grove. In lieu of flowers, donations to Gippsland Cancer Care Centre would be appreciated. Envelopes available at the service.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

COLLINS. (Scott, nee Dunbar).

AService to celebrate the life of Mrs Mavis Collins will be held at the Nielsen Fune ral Chap el, Korumburra Rd, Warragul on MONDAY (March 24) at 1.30pm. Following light refreshments, the cortege will leave for the Warragul Cemetery, Victoria St, Warragul.

TURNYOUR CLUTTER INTO CASH!

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/ c TULLIO. The funeral service for Mrs. Lily Tullio will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church 50 Monash Rd Newborough, THURSDAY (20 March 2025) commencing at 11am The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery.

DALTON. The Funeral of Mr David Gary Dalton will arrive at the Moe Memorial Park Cemetery, Cemetery Rd, Moe on THURSDAY (20 March, 2025) for aGraveside Service to commence at 2pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/ c

KARCEW. The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gaynor will take place in the Rose Chapel, at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr., Traralgon TUESDAY (25 March 2025) commencing at 11am.

Lorrel

place at the Uniting Church, Park Lane, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (26 March 2025) commencing at 11am. All welcome. Light refreshments to follow. The service will be livestreamed for those who can't attend. APrivate burial will have taken place.

SIBLY.

AMemorial Service for Mr William (Dick) Richard Sibly will be held at Traralgon Uniting Church, 19-29 Park Ln. Traralgon, FRIDAY (March 21, 2025) commencing at 11.30am.

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

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/ c

WILLISCH. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Katharina Willisch will be held at Gippsland Memorial Park Rose Chapel, Cemetery Drive Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (19 March,2025) commencing at 1pm.

WINTERS. The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr. Colin Edward Winters will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Drive, Morwell on FRIDAY (21 March, 2025) commencing at 11am. The Service for Colin will also be livestreamed, please visit our website for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/ c

In Memoriam •

Bereavement Thanks •

SMITH. The funeral service to celebrate the life of Michael will take place in the Rose Chapel, at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr., Traralgon on FRIDAY (21st March 2025) Commencing at 2pm CARPINTERI andRedi families wish to express heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who have supported us following the death of our beloved Mum, Nona and Bisnonna, Maria. We are truly grateful for the flowers, cards, donations to the Heartfelt foundationand the outpouring of support we have received. We find comfort in knowing that Maria was loved by so many. Aone month memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church Morwell ,23March 2025 at 10:30am.

SWINGLER. The funeral service for Mr David Swingler will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue, Newborough WEDNESDAY (26th March 2025) commencing at 11am. Private family burial.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/ c

LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors

bring35years experience to families in Traralgon,

What can youdo when wordsare not enough?

Whenyou lose someone closetoyou, it can be hardto put yourthoughtsand feelingsinto words

Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress can say so much

Forfriendly advice on how to placeyourmessagecontact The Classified Department 5135 4455

Traralgon dominates Gippsland swimming

SWIMMING

FOR the 26th year in succession, Traralgon Swimming Club won the Gippsland Championships points score.

Traralgon accumulated 2008 points, more than second-best South Gippsland Bass (1564) and third-place Warragul (624).

In adominant performance, Traralgon's 131 member strong team won 89 gold, 44 silverand 47 bronze medals at the all-Gippsland championships.

The club also won the 14 years/under champion team, the relay points score, the open and the interclub points score awards for 2024/25.

Individually, many of its swimmers won the major trophies on offer.

Congratulations are duetoAsh Nicholes, who won the male champion (Charles Ford trophy), Henry Arnup; 14 years/undermalechampion(Alan Harlow Trophy) and 14 under individual highest points insideGippslandfixture (GeoffPeterson Memorial Trophy), Pheobe Balcombe; 14 years under femalechampion(Alan Harlow Trophy), KodySaid; mostoutstanding performance from aseniorswimmer outside Gippsland (Jeremy Saunders Trophy), and Hayden Rawson; male encouragement award (Alan Godfrey Trophy).

Traralgon Swimming Club Senior Head Coach, Bri an Ford ,a tt endi ng his 60 th Gipps land Championship as coach, parent and/or swimmer, sang the praises of the team.

“It is amazing how the team comes together for amajor meet to continue this challenge of winning another championship," he said.

"It’s great to have the fantastic swimming of our better swimmers, however when we consider that 111 of our swimmers contributed to the points score, we know its takes ateam effort to achieve the success we have.

"Most pleasing were our relay teams, who won 25 of the 31 relays swum, an incredible result.”

The club now gets to the business end of the season, with the famous Country All Junior Competition this weekend, followed by the AustralianAge, MC andOpenChampionshipsinApril.

If you are interested in joining the Traralgon Swimming Club, phone Ford on 0419 584 145.

Traralgon swimming medallists

AshNicholes (18yo): 10 gold, one silver; BrodyCargill (16): five gold, twosilver, one bronze;

Kayla Pratt (17): five gold, twosilver;

HenryArnup (10): five gold, one bronze;

Phoebe Balcombe (14): five gold;

Tahlia Maccubbin (10): five gold;

Olivia Baillie (17): four gold, three silver, one bronze;

Archer Marsland (14): four gold, one silver, one bronze;

Kaiden Warne(12): four gold, one silver, one bronze;

Lochie Bellion (17): four gold;

Jessica Whiting (17): three gold, three silver, one bronze;

Zayden Burton(15): twogold, three silver, one bronze;

Kody Said (15): twogold, one silver, threebronze; Ruby Paulet (16): twogold, one bronze; Darcy Connell (17): one gold, three silver, threebronze;

Cameron Juha (31): one gold, one bronze;

TomPendergast (14): one gold;

Milla Said (13): one gold; RileyBartlett(10): four silver, one bronze;

Kayla Wilson (18): three silver, one bronze;

Chloe Rawson (12): three silver, one bronze;

Dylan Rawson (7): twosilver; EmilyAuteri(17): one silver, twobronze, Shannon Lorimer (43): one silver, one bronze; Jordan Gallicchio (12): one silver, one bronze; Jayden Tran (13): one silver; AlizaCouling (13): one silver; Zoe Dowler (19): twobronze;

Nicolette Wight(18): twobronze; RileyLowe(16): twobronze; Dave Vercoe (44): one bronze; Sam Wells(18)one bronze; Lara Landels (15): one bronze; Chloe Szwarek (13): one bronze; RileyO'Mara (10): one bronze; Hannah Rochstad-Lim (9): one bronze; Willow Orchard(9): one bronze

Records -14Gippsland, 14 Event

Jess Whiting –4Gippsland, 2Event

Girls 17 &Over50LCMeter Butterfly –28:50 (Heat) –Gippsland &Event

(Previous record: Mikaela Cornelissen 2018 –28.87)

Open Girls 50 LC Meter Butterfly –28:50 (Heat) –Gippsland

(Previous record–Mikaela Cornelissen 2018 –28.87)

Girls 17 &Over50LCMeter Butterfly –28:08 (Final) –Gippsland &Event

(Previous record–Heats –28.50) Open Girls 50 LC Meter Butterfly –28:08 (Final) –Gippsland(Previous record–Heats –28.50)

Kayla Pratt –3Gippsland, 3Event

Girls 11 &Over50LCMeter Freestyle –27.24 –Event

(Previous Record–MollyCargill 2023 –27.53)

Girls 17 &Over50LCMeter Freestyle –27.24

–Gippsland

(Previous Record–Fabienne Schoutens 2017 –27.50)

Open Girls 50 LC Meter Freestyle –27.24 –Gippsland

(Previous Record– Fabienne Schoutens 2017 –27.50)

Open Girls 100LCMeter Freestyle –58.42 –Gippsland &Event

(Previous Record– Mikaela Cornelissen 2015 –59.32) Girls 17 &over50LCMeter Freestyle –27.34 -Event

(Previous Record– Maggie O’Keefe2015– 27.78) HenryArnup –3Gippsland, 2Event

Enough bronze to build statue

LITTLE ATHS

CASEY Fields Cranbourne hosted two days of intense competition to crown state champions for Little Athletics Victoria.

With amembership exceeding 17,000, athletes qualification to competeatstate level is itself an honour.

Moe Little Athletics Club was wellrepresented, with12athletesdemonstrating true grit against fierce competitors.

Medallistswere Kaydence Fleming, who took home two bronze medals in the Under 16 girls 200 metre and 400m.

AnnabellaDenton also medalled, with bronze in the U15 girls 200m. Hattie Macpherson (U9 girls) took bronze in the 200m, while Lachlan Rosato won abronze medalinthe U15 boys 400m.

Remarkably, the Moe representatives also achieved15personalbests from 25 events, upping their game against Victoria’s best. Moe LittleAthswill soon began its crosscountry season. New members are welcome to email moe@ lavic.com.au to learn more.

Moe Little Athletics results -state championships: U16G: Kaydence

Podium: Moe’s Annabelle Denton won bronzeinthe Under

Table Tennis coming to town

TABLE TENNIS By

KATRINA BRANDON

IN big news for the localtable tennisfraternity, the2025Table Tennis Victorian Open will come to Traralgon next month.

Not only is the Victorian Open starting, but the Table Tennis Australia's (TTA) Tourwill be hosted at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium immediately after.

The TTA Tour is set to bring players from across Australia, with international players also achance to feature.

Throughout the events, people will be able to

watch and cheer on local players and watch incredible games between the best-of-the-best.

Last year, the Victorian Open brought four-time Paralympian, three-time Olympian Melissa (Milly) Tapper,who has just recently retired intocoaching. By far the best game of last year's open was betweenTapper and international newcomer Connie Psihogios.

There is no telling how exciting the open and tour willbethis year,especiallywithmoreVictorian players (which is almost 50 per cent of the table tennis communityinAustralia) being inducted into the international tours.

The open will be staged Saturday, April 5and Sunday, April 6, with the tour to follow.

Leaders: Traralgon Swimming Club captains Olivia Baillie and Ash Nicholes with GippslandSwimming President, JackiMadden

If yousay so: Bestperformer Outof Gippsland winner,Kody Said Photographs supplied

Great work: Gippsland swimming legendAlan Harlowwiththe trophynamed in his honour, presented to Traralgon youngster Henr yArnup,who wasthe 14 and Under champion.

International star: Connie Psihogios was recently welcomed intothe WorldTable Tennis line-up,and is expected to competeinTraralgon next month.

Headline: Australian Olympian Melissa Tapper competing in Traralgonlastyear

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Traralgon crowned Strzelecki’s best

BOWLS

STRZELECKI REGION

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

THE Strzelecki Bowls RegionPennant season concluded on Saturday at Wonthaggi in excellent warmconditions, withvery little wind allowing players to play excellent draw shots each end. Leads showed the way for many competitive heads.

The midweek match between Wonthaggi and Trafalgar started wellfor Wonthaggi, when Kathleen Simpson andher rinkofJoy Phillips, Robert Allan and Bryan Donohue drew six shots

on the second end against Matt Schreyer and his rink of Shirley Melsen, Heather Taylor and Ted Kuklinsky, givingWonthaggianearly lead.Atthe halfway mark, Trafalgar had caught the home team after Adam Proctor and his rink of Sue Robinson, Helen Robertson and Paul Dawson gained five shots against the rink of Mary McBain and her team of Denise Silver, Caroline Donohue and Glenn Birt.

After 45 ends, each of the Trafalgar rinks had their noses in front, with Ian Miles and his rink of Pat Tatterson, Noel Rubenstein and Matt Ogilvie going on to finish strongly against Janice Jeeves and her rink of Michael Raman, Wendy Donohue and Frank Seaton, ending up 19 to 14.

Proctor won the last six ends to win 22-10 while

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

ParSaturday8th March 2025.

AGrade Winner: R. King +3 c/b

BGrade Winner: S. Caldwell +5

CGrade Winner: Rene Zomer +3

D.T.L: 1. D. Burridge +3, 2. R. Madigan +2, 3.

V. Reid +1,4.T.Collins +1, 5. D. Byers+1, 6.

B. Rowley0,7.B.Kilday-1, 8. J. Cahill -1, 9.

G. Barnes -1

N.T.P: 3rdG.Barnes,5th M. Allen, 12th P. McGann, 14th P. Bolding

Birdies: 5th M. Allen, 12th P. Bolding,J Langstaff, 14th D. Burridge

Target Hole: C. Wilson

StablefordMary Mitchell DayTuesday 11thth March 2025.

Winner MaryMitchell Trophy: C. Carder 37pts

DayWinner: C. Wilson 39pts

D.T.L: 1. S. Caldwell 33 c/b,2.C.Barnes

33 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdB.Skinner,5th V. Reid,12th S. Caldwell,14th C. Carder

MIRBOONORTH

Sunday9th March,3 BBB.

Mens winner: TomTraill, BPinner,J Taylor, 79pts

Ladies winner: WGervasi, DKidd, M Beruldson 84pts

DTL: Ladies MThompson, BStimpson, JWhite, Mens,GShandley, DJerram, S Beitz, NTP: 4th JWhite, SBietz, 6th ,J White, P Draper,13th MThompson, 16th BStimpson, JRobbins

Monday10th March,Mixed American

Scratch: DTrengrove &BSutton86nett

AGrade: SMarriott& BMarriott74.75

BGrade: TomTraill &MBeruldson 72.5

DTL: S&J Bietz 74.375 J&D kidd 75.25

NTP: 4th BMarriott, IGibson 6th JWhite, GFowles, 13th DTaylor, 16thBKeily, B Spokes

Mens overflow: SWoodall 38, BSpokes 35, GWilson DWoodall 34, Eagles: ALiebe 5th

Tuesday11th March Stableford

AGrade: PWoodall, (9) 36pts

BGrade: SMcKenzie (20) 38pts

DTL, IBlencowe 36, MPayne,34, D Woodall 33.

NTP: 4th GDawson, 6th IBlencowe,13th J Smeriglio,16th TWhitelaw, Birdies,13th JSmeriglio

Saturday15th March 4BBB

Championship (R1)

Leader Board: S&P Woodall 46, N Rutledge &MRichter 46

SEvison &J Taylor,44B &T Bradshaw44 MOE

Monday, 10 March2025 Labor DayOPEN Medley

Grade AWinners: Devent, Anton (8) 36

Grade BWinners: Mead,Barry(15)36C/B

Grade CWinners: Mead,Anne (26) 38

Place Getters: Holt,Tom 37 C/B

Azzopardi, Nato37

Toet, Wiebe 36 C/B

Great Score: Dale Collings Birdie @8

Anton Devent Birdie @14

Rose StewartBirdie @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Craig Dunstan 8th Craig Dunstan 14th Anton Devent

Wednesday, 12 March2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Hale,Jan (53) 19

Wednesday, 12 March2025 Twilight Stableford

Winner: N. Boskma 22 Birdies: A. Bassman -14th

Thursday, 13 March2025

Competition :OPEN Medley Stableford

Grade AWinners: Yeomans,Wayne (8) 42

Grade BWinners:Taylor,Amy (11) 39

Grade CWinners: Spiteri, Patrick(16)39

C/B

Grade DWinners: Symons,Daniel (20) 38 C/B

Place Getters: Backman, Shane 39 C/B

Pace,William 39 Johnson, Tony 38 C/B Boorer,Greg38C/B Devent, Anton 38

Azzopardi, Nato38C/B Morrow,Darren 38 C/B Borg, Kathy38Morrow,Brett 37 C/B Poole,Justin 37 C/B Chambers, Jason 37 C/B Bruce,Shane 37 C/B Buckman, Peter 37 C/B Beath, Ken37C/B Postlethwaite, Aj 37 Colvin,Anthony36C/B Boad,Dave 36 C/B

Great Score: Shane WOODALL(Birdie) @8 RodneyWhite(Birdie)@4MarkFife (Birdie) @4 Anton Devent (Birdie) @14

Alain Babet (Birdie) @8 RichardLloyd (Birdie) @14Peter Rodaughan (Birdie) @4 NatoAzzopardi (Birdie) @8 AmyTaylor (Birdie) @8

Darren Morrow (Birdie) @4 Max WOODALL (Birdie) @4 Daniel Aird(Birdie)@8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Graeme Brien

8th GavanPanozzo 14th Anton Devent

Simpson fought back to win 24-18 against Schreyer, leaving Trafalgar the winners by 11 shots, 59-48.

The weekend match between Wonthaggi and Traralgon followed, with the visitors getting aflying start, winning the first three ends on each rink.

James Scullin and his rink of JeddLadgrove, Wayne Barnesand Ian Kirkup won 24-14 against Frank Seaton and his rink of Michael Raman, Robert Shaw and Bruce Cameron.

Matt Ferrrari and his rink of Michael Morgan, Shane Chapman and WayneLynchwere too strong forBen Mattock and his rink of Trevor Teer, Wayne Mattock and Robert Aitken, 22-14.

Vin McIlwain and his rink of Pat Trewin, Ian Hilsley and Michael Yacoub defeated Bryan

Donohue and his rink of Janice Jeeves, Fred Kellow and Glenn Birt, 20-19, leaving Traralgon the winners by 19 shots with the scores 66-47.

Traralgon and Trafalgar now head to Moama to play in the State Pennant playoffs in late April. Bowls continues locally over thenext fortnight with the Victorian Open being based at Traralgon and Morwell Bowls Clubs, and greens throughout Gippsland, allowing the best players in Victoria to test themselves against the locals and ahost of interstate and overseas bowlers.

The Vic Open starts this Friday (March 21) and continues until Sunday, March 30.

SCOREBOARD

Saturday, 15 March2025 MENS Stableford

Grade AWinners: Bassman, Aaron(+3)

38 C/B

Grade BWinners: Williams,Shane (14) 42

Grade CWinners: Scullin, Jack (42) 40 C/B

Place Getters: Evans,Robert40 Cunningham, Steve38C/B Harber,John 38 C/B Pisa, John 38 C/B Wilson, Graeme 38

Spiteri, Paul 37 Stephens,Simon 37 C/B

Scullin, Sebastian 37 C/B Wilson, Lee 37 C/B Goodwin, Barry37C/B Backman, Phil

37 C/B

Great Score: Aaron Bassman (Eagle) @3

RobertEvans (Eagle) @5Lee Wilson (Eagle) @2

Brad Scott(Birdie) @14

Toby Fruend (Birdie) @8

Shaun Lee (Birdie) @8

AnthonyColvin (Birdie) @8

BarryGoodwin (Birdie) @4

Shaun Doak (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th BarryGoodwin 8th Toby Fruend 14th Brad Scott

Saturday, 15 March 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPEN Stableford

Grade AWinners: Mead, Anne (25) 41 MORWELL

12th March 2025- Stableford Winner: LFrench 39

Runner Up: JGriffiths 38

DTL: IYoshimura35

NTP: 2nd APollutro8th APollutro11th J Griffiths15th JGriffiths

TRAFALGAR

Friday,March 14th 2025, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Glenn Roberts 39 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: MarkAndo 40 pts

DTL's: Tony O’Reilly 39, Chris Brydon 39, Steven Fue38, UweTomski 37,Kevin Ayton

37,Jordan Chapman 37,Beau White36

Birdies: 5th: MarkAndo,Uwe Tomski, MatthewSilk, Steven Fue13th: Stuart

Stevenson 15th:MarkCollison, Tony O’Reilly, UweTomski, PeterHobson, Glenn

Roberts

Saturday, March 15th 2025, Leon Christie

Memorial 4BBB Stableford

Men’s Winner: Graeme Ayre &Phil James

51 pts

Women’s Winner: Di Moody &Matilda McKinnon 56 pts

DTL’s: Hank Fiddelaers&MickPoxon 49, Nic Blake&Ross Anderson 48, RonPyke &Graeme Grant 48, Alison Bailey&Maria

Brien Williams 46, Max Taylor &Jim O’Brien

46 C/B

NTP’s: 2nd: Nic Blake5th:Colin Jean 11th: Reno Borg–DiMoody 13th:Reno Borg 15th:Zavier O’Reilly

Tuesday11/03/2025 -Split 6

Players: 30, Women 4, Men 26

Winner: Sue DeVries (26)

Runner Up: Les Pearce (24 c/b)

DTL: Glenn Doolan (24), RodPollock(24), Brian McKenzie (23), SteveGould (22), Nola Fordham (22), GeoffThomas (22)

NTP: SteveGould (13th)

Thursday: 13/03/2025 -Stableford

Players: 63, Women 19, Men 44

Women’s Winner: Cheryl Toyne (22)

Runner Up: LynPowell (21 c/b)

DTL: Sue DeVries (21), Di Bayley(20), Jan Griffin(20), BevKeily(20)

NTP: BevKeily(13th)

Men’s Winner: Graeme Grant (22 c/b)

Runner Up: Wayne Dunn (22 c/b)

DTL: Max Pugliese (22), David Balfour (22), John Dodorico (21), SteveLawrence (21), SteveKlemke(20), Franc Kiss (20), Ron Keith(20), RobDeVries (19), Tony Price (19), Dennis Scambler (19)

NTP: RobDeVries (13th)

WednesdayWomen's results 12/3/25

Foursomes Championships,

Foursome Winners: June Tickell (7) and JennyEvison (23) with 64 nett

Foursome Runners-Up: Lorna Risol (21) and Aileen McNair (33) with 72 nett

DTL: Chris Payne and Aija Owen with 75 nettand Donna Mellon and SamCaldow with 76 nett

NTP: 2nd June and Jenny13th Lorna and Aileen

Gobblers: JennyEvison on the 8th

9Hole-Winner: Beth Lansdown (41) with 18 points YALLOURN

Thursday13-3-25 18 Hole Stableford

BronzeTeams Winners: Loretta Booth 36

Judy Budge 33 Evelyn Graske34

Average34.33

Runnersup: BetsyBrown 35 Sue Riches 28 Donna Brown37

Average33.33

NTP: 2nd LynMcAlister 14th SueRiches 16th Loretta Booth

Birdies: LynMcAlister 5th Loretta Booth 16th Gobbler Heather Ware 1st

Tuesday11-3-25 9HoleStableford

Div 1: 0-29 Heather Ware (28)20 pts

Div 2: 30-45 Sue Riches (30) 20 pts

TENNIS

RIVERSIDE TENNIS ASSOCIATION

GrandFinal Results

Section 1Mixed

Moe 7- 49 def Drouin Maroon 2-37

Riverside –Semi FinalResults

Section 1Singles

Moe White2- 4- 32 def Moe Blue 1-2 –24

Moe Red2 -4- 27 def Trafalgar 1- 2-22

Section 2Mixed

Warragul White5- 42 def by Neerim District 4- 45

Hallora6 -43def Warragul Blue 3-27

Section 2Singles

Trafalgar 1- 27 def by Neerim District 5–45

Warragul 3-41def Drouin Gold 3- 34

Preliminary Finals will be playedon

Saturday22 March

Section 1Singles

Moe Blue vs Moe Red

Section 2Doubles

Warragul Whitevs Hallora

Section 2Singles

Trafalgar vs Warragul

PISTOLS

TRARALGON

Mon 3/3/25 air pistol

BGrade: BKelly545-57-602. WMcGlyn 493-75-568.

CGrade: DChandler 479-95-574. DGrade: LDePetro488-95-583. B Chapman 450-136-586. PDePetro 429-255-684.

LMorris 427-162-589. DSykes 368-187-555. JKonrad 294-151-445.

Ladies air pistol

DGrade: RMiller 337-192-529. Wed5/3/2550mtpistol

CGrade: BKelly 387-158-545. DGrade: BChapman 189. LMorris 182. Sat 8/3/25 Centrefire

BGrade: WMcGlyn 473-119-592.

CGrade: DFarnham 507-79-586.

DGrade: LMorris 168-293-461

25 mt pistol DGrade RMiller 374-213-587

Best in Gippy: Traralgon confirmed their status,winning the Strzelecki Region Weekend Pennant.

Next challenge: Trafalgar areoff to Moama forthe state pennant playoffs,after winning the local league-wide midweek title Photographs supplied

Mini’sdebut outshone by localSuns

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS

BY TOM HAYES

ALL 18 clubs were in action duringRound 1ofthe 2025AFL premiership season, which saw many more locals take the field.

Round 1became the highest-attended round of footballofall time, with431,505 fans attending matches, with it being just the fifthtimeinhistory thatmorethan400,000 fans attended asingle round. Three of those five rounds over 400,000 are Round 1rounds.

Results throughout the week caught many by surprise, with upset winners and drawn out margins, not much could have beenpredicted to that extent.

Nonetheless, it’salong season ahead, with many more twists and turns still to come.

 HAWTHORN was hopeful of welcoming Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiath back into the best 23, but returning from another injury, he was instead named as an emergency.

The Hawks prevailed anyway against Essendon, winning 17.9 (111)to12.13 (85) at the MCG on Fridaynight (March 14). Hawthorn essentially led for the whole game despite asmall period during the opening quarter.

Jiath will hope to get another chance when the Hawks play Carlton tomorrow (Thursday, March 20) at the MCG. He hasn’t played since the start of August last year.

 THE following evening, Collingwood embarrassed Port Adelaide and the start of the Ken Hinkley farewell tour, winning 21.10 (136) to 6.9 (45).

It was purely aparty at the MCG,asthe Magpies went fromstrength to strength to dismantle the Power in heated conditions.

Leadingby21points at the first break, that soon became 34 at the main change as the intensity shifted.

The Magpies were quick out of the gates again, piling on seven goals to one in the third term to open up a70-point three quarter time lead. Collingwood finished the Power off in style, nearing the triple digit mark, smashing them to the tuneof91points when the final siren sounded.

Traralgon’sTim Membreyappears to be digging life at Collingwood, kicking four majors, including three in the space of eight minutes during the first quarter. He also had 17 disposals, 10 marks, and two goal assists.

Marking 50

SPORT

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AS the townshipofYallourn wasless than adecade away from being fully demolished,the initial stages were set half acentury ago that would lead to the amalgamation of Yallourn Football Club and Yallourn North Football Club.

On August 10, 1975, the first formal meeting was held with both football clubs present and many further meetings to comeoverthe next 12 or so months.

Justoverayear later, the decision was made to relocate Yallourn’sNumber 1Ovaland its buildings to Yallourn North as aclosure package fromthe SECV, which was ratified by independent arbitrator for the SEC, Ray Burkitt. Arival bid for the ground was made by Newborough, however, proved unsuccessful.

Part of the agreement that was to be honoured meant the new ground and club was an amalgamation of thetwo, as Yallourn North was moving from its Reserve Street site as well, and therefore that the Yallourn name would be kept. Since1977, the club has been known as Yallourn Yallourn North.

Atotal of $275,000 was set aside for the replacement of the oval, with the previous LGA Narracan Shire agreeingtocover any additional costs above $25,000 for earthworks. It was left to the clubs to find assistance in relocating the buildings.

The old rooms from Yallourn became the club’s socialrooms, with the originalscoreboard also being relocated.

Original plans for the reserveand the reason for the chosen location was that anew residential estate was to be built, which would approach the reserve from the south-west.

BeginningatLatrobe River Road (colloquially known as ‘the old road’ being the original entrance into town), the plansnever eventuateddue to anew noise pollution bufferwith the area situated closest to the Yallourn Power Station of any residence. The new oval became known as George Bates Reserve, named after the generalmanager of the SECV, who was also along-time servant of Yallourn FC. The reserve was officially opened in 1981, though somegames were played on the ground prematurely.

Morwell’s Tew Jiath remains out of Collingwood best side. It remains unknown whether he will be able to break into it, after the Magpies seemingly got stronger in the off-season.

 SUNDAY afternoon football between Melbourne and GWS saw the Demons introduce six debutants, but lost narrowly 11.11 (77) to 11.8 (74).

Unfortunately, Morwell’s Ricky Mentha wasn’t one of them,however, Leongatha’sXavier Lindsay did earn his first game.

The Demonstook GWS all the way, the same GWS side that took Collingwood apart the round before.

But it ended in heartbreak for Melbourne, who squandered achancetogoeight points ahead in thefinal minute, only for GWS to go coast-to-coast and go up by three points themselves with just seconds remaining.

Lindsay was one of the more impressive players for Melbourne, collecting 22 touches, making six tackles, and added two clearances on debut.

 THERE was ahive of local action in the west

when West Coast hosted Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday (March 16) night.

The Eagles wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the Suns’ poor away form of last year, going down heavily, 20.16 (136) to 7.7 (49).

Traralgon’sAndrew McQualtertook charge of the Eagles for the first time, officially. It was also his first, official, time as ahead coach.

He was Richmond’s caretaker coach during the 2023 season,after Damien Hardwick parted ways with the club, who eventually landed at the Suns.

Things looked positive for West Coast for about halfofthe firstquarter, kicking two goals. But those two goalswouldbetheir only ones scored for the entire first half.

The Suns went up by 16 points at quarter time, extending out to 45 points at the main change.

West Coast managed to add to their score during thethird quarter, but most of the time, Gold Coast would reply straight away, and then some, as they shotout to a60-point three quarter time advantage.

The Suns blastedsix goalstotwo in thefinal term to record the biggest win in the club’s history, 87

years since YYN merger

George BatesReserve,features JimFry and Alec McGregor (third and fourth from left), eponymous of the seniorsand reservesbest-andfairest awards at YYN Photograph supplied

Yallourn was amember club of LatrobeValley Football League (previously CentralGippsland Football League), the amalgamation meant Yallourn Yallourn North enteredLVFL for the 1977 season.

The newly formed club were not there to make up numbers either. Yallourn Yallourn Northmade the 1978 LVFL Grand Final in their second season after upsetting reigning premier Leongatha in the preliminary final.

This early conglomerate featuredmanylocals fromboth Yallournand Yallourn North,including

points, surpassing the previous record -86points against Hawthorn in 2017.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworthwas handy for the Suns, grabbing 18 disposals, five marks, and a goal assist, while Moe’s Bailey Humphrey was just as impressive gaining midfield minutes with 20 touches,four marks, five clearance, and five goal assists.

Moe and Fish Creek’sSam Flanders was not included in the squad, following aback complaint He is achancetobeready for selectionahead of the Suns’ next match in Round 3, after the Round 2bye. Heyfield’s Asher Eastham also missed out on selection

For the Eagles,Inverloch’sArcher Reid was granted his debut by McQualter. He too was handy with six disposals, three tackles, and three clearances.

Post match, McQualter shared his thoughts.

“We’re bitterly disappointed, we expected better, unfortunately we didn’t get it right,” he said.

“The beauty of footy… you getanopportunity, you go away and watch this tape, and I’m confident in afew days I’ll have pretty clear answers on how we can improve quickly. I’ve never watched atape andnot had answers.”

WestCoasthave atough task ahead, with BrisbaneLions this coming Sunday(March 23) at the Gabba.

 MORE Gippsland debutants took to the field during the clash between Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday (March 15) night.

The Bulldogs, despite the abnormal amount of casualties on the injury list, still prevailed 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97) over the Kangaroos.

Former Sale resident Sam Davidson was given achangefor the Dogs, following an impressive preseason.Hemanaged 10 disposals, four tackles, and agoal on debut.

Davidson lived in Sale briefly playing for Sale City whileonplacement studying for his medical degree. Also starting his career was former Lowanna student Jacob Konstanty. The forward moved to North Melbourne this offseason fromSydney, who drafted him in 2022.

With more opportunity at the Roos, Konstanty was given his debut straight away, getting 10 touches, six tackles,and agoal assistfor his troubles.

Be mouth guard safe

FOOTBALL

WITH up to 100,000 sport-related concussions occurring in Australia eachyear, Aussie parents and local athletes are being urged to be ‘mouthguard safe’ aheadofthe 2025 football season.

The warningcomes amidst research suggesting there is one concussion every 5.7 games in youth Rugby League.

Separate studies from theAustralianDental Associationsuggest sports-related injuries account for nearly 40 per cent of dental injuries, yet only 36 per cent of Australians wear amouthguard when playing contact sport.

BupaDental HeadDentist, Dr Cathryn Maddensaidaproperly fitted mouthguard is aplayers’ bestdefence againstserious sports injuries like broken jaws, fractured teeth and even lacerated tongues, which can be involuntarily bitten during an unexpected hit.

“Whilst less expensiveover-the-counter boil and bite mouthguards are certainly better than zero protection, they run asignificantly higher risk of being dislodgedornot protecting all essential areas which increases the risk of sustaining aserious injuryfor players,” she said.

“A custom-made mouthguard will be designedtofit aplayer’sindividual mouth shape and dimensions, providing aplayer with the protection they need on game day or training and aparent with valuable peace of mind when watching from the sidelines.

“Once you have your mouthguard sorted, you can focus more on enjoying the game and all thephysicaland mental benefits that come with being involved in community sport.

1975 Mid GippslandFootball League best-andfairest RayDeCarli, John Sheekey and the Lovison brothers, Chris and John, and recruits the likes of Gary Young (future senior coach and formerly Moe) and coach Ray Koelman (Coburg).

The formidable side would however succumb to Traralgon in the Grand Final by 10 points.

After seven years, Yallourn Yallourn North moved to Mid Gippsland FL (whereYallourn North,previously Brown Coal Mine, once resided) accumulating fiveseniorpremierships before movingtoNorth Gippsland Football-Netball League in 2020.

“All it takes is ashort visit to your friendly local dental clinic to get ascan or impression of your teeth and choose your favourite team colours for the mouthguard before a subsequent visit to ensurethe mouthguard fits firmlyand comfortably.”

Editor’snote: Having played country football for close to 20 years, it still shocks me when people don’t wear amouthguard. It should just about be the first thing you pack. Think, your teeth are the most expensive part of your body -Liam Durkin

Mini: Traralgon’s Andrew McQualter completed hisfirst game in charge as the coach of West Coast at theweekend. File photograph

Historic: YallournFootballCluband YallournNorth FC held initial conversations about amalgamating 50 yearsago.Thisphoto,pictured at the soon-to-be

Getting there is the hardestpart

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

FINALS really are awhole new season.

The semi-final again proved its standing in local cricket as being the hardest game to win, although what happened in Cricket Latrobe Valley at the weekend addedeven furthermystic after returning some of the most unlikely results imaginable.

Glengarry, the best team by some distance in Premier A, looked to be headed home early, before rollingCentrals for an under 12s score.

Churchill, who had lost one game all season in AGrade,were done by Saturday night.

Rain fell heavily on Day 2(last Sunday), washing away all play, meaning Ex Students (Premier A) and Imperials (A Grade) qualified for their respective deciders.

There was also scarcely believable happenings in thelower grades.

Glengarry won Premier Bbyliterally five metres, after acatchwas taken in the last over to deny Thorpdale victory. By all reports, the Blues could not have been any unluckier.

Churchill batsmen Rob Harrington may never have to buy abeer from the Snakepit again, after hitting asix offthe last ball of the CGrade semifinal at Gaskin Park against Latrobetoget the Cobras into the big dance.

There will be plenty of beer (possiblyhomebrewed) up at Rawson this Saturday night if the Kookaburra’s happen to beatChurchill in the Grand Final.

Rawson has returnedtothe field in recent seasons, and this willbetheir firstGrand Final since2011/12 (there was some genuine BGrade bullies getting around at that time, with scores of 400 not uncommon up at Dunstan Oval).

Moe is also setfor abig weekend, with its BGrade and CGrade teamsindeciders. The Lions won

alow-scoring thriller in BGrade,defending 115 against Centrals.

Making things even better for the Lions, both games will be played at Yinnar on opposite grounds

Undoubtedly the biggest story to emerge from the weekend was theperformance of Latrobe in AGrade

TheSharks, whotasteddefeat more often than victory in home-and-away games this season, and only made finals by one point, defeated aChurchill side that finished on top of the ladder by 15 points and looked Winx odds of winning the flag.

David truly beat Goliath.

MuchasMirboo North caused Latrobe immeasurable paininacoupleofgrandfinalsduring the last decade, even the Tigers would have been proud of what the Sharks pulled off.

This was aMirboo North victory if ever there was one -just makingfinals and then turning into world beaters.

Possiblythe main issue for the Sharkswill be suddenly scrambling to prepare for aweek even they in their heart-of-hearts thought they were never going to get to.

Sharks legend Anthony Bloomfield probably thought he would be selling houses this Monday. He might have anotherpremiershipmedal around his neck by then.

Latrobeskipper Steven Freshwater must surely be pinchinghimself.

His father, the late, great Graeme Freshwater, must be looking down with immense pride.

The junior Freshy took on the captaincy last season, virtually filling the role out of the goodness of his own heart following amassexodus of senior players.

The Sharks finished with the woodenspoon, and now they are into aGrand Final just12months later, and with the chance to gain promotion no less.

Followers of CricketLatrobeValley should have

known this was always going to happen-Latrobe doesn’t lose semi-finals.

Adding another subplot to this weekend’s AGrade Grand Final is the venue -Peter Siddle Oval, home of the Sharks.

When league officials were choosing avenue, it is likely they chose Peter Siddle thinking there was no chance Latrobe would be anywhere near thelastgameofthe season.

Politely speaking, if the Sharks do happentowin, you can’t imagine it will be the rowdiest celebration ever back in the rooms. After all, most of the team are either over 40 (some over 50) or under 18.

Imperials on the other hand will surelybe confident playing such ateam, albeit knowing all the pressure is now on them.

AfterwhatRichmond did to Carlton last Thursday night however, Imperials will be well aware the dangers an underdog with confidence possess.

Churchill do not escapethe subplotsthis weekend, as the Cobras are already guaranteed promotion.

In the two-up, two-down system,the top side from AGrade andeventual premier gains promotion.

While Churchill would dearly love to be playing this weekend, they may also not care agreat deal given they have got what they wanted.

In fairness, the Cobras made no pretentionsabout their desire to gain promotionfrom the start of the season. They hardly mentioned the premiership, only promotion, which is what they’ve got.

It would be ludicroustosuggestChurchill shouldn’t be promoted followingone poor dayin aseason where they were by far and awaythe dominant side.

With that, the GrandFinal combatants are locked in across the grades.

Best wishes to all teams fighting for glory.

Regardlessofsport, perceived standard,orthe quality of opposition, grand finals provide much joy and ahighlight for any player fortunate to be on the winning side.

Curse returns after just oneseason

CRICKET

CLVPREMIER A

BY LIAM DURKIN

“STANDARD was better in our day”.

Future historians may look back on the Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier Asemi-final between Glengarry and Centrals and questionanyone from Gen YorGen Zwho makes such aclaim.

In ascorecard generallyonly found in pre-World War1times when batsmen were armed with fenceposts and matches wereplayed in cowpaddocks, the Magpies somehow got through to the Grand Final after being knocked over for just 85 in their first innings.

Had Glengarry been playing anyone other than Centrals, the game at Fred King Oval may well have seen the team battingsecondget theruns two or three down at most.

As it turned out, the Lions, notorious for batting horrorshows in finals,sunktoevengreater depths on Day 1, and were bowled out for amere 24.

The carnage count returned some grim figures. It was Centrals’ lowest ever score, ‘beating’ their record of 29.

The Lions had one foot in the door to the Grand Final by tea last Saturday,and were out on the gutter by knockoff.

Centrals’ decision to bowl first appeared justified, andwhenleft arm swinger Marc Fenech walked off with figuresof7/35,all looked to be going according to plan.

TyronGamage also took2/28, but was to later become avictim in Nat Freitag’s hat-trick.

Either Centrals can’t bat or Freitag is really, really, reallygood at cricket,because he ended with the insane figures of 8/7 off 8.2 overs. Looking at some of the dismissals,itwould be fair to say both.

COLLAPSE-O CENTRALS

Fall of wickets vs Glengarry (semi-final)

1-0, 2-2, 3-2, 4-3, 5-10, 6-16, 7-16 , 8-16

9-21, All out 24

Centrals' lowest ever total

Comparatively(firstgrade)

Historic: 9-NewboroughvsMorwell (1943/44)

Modern: 14 -YallournNorth vs Moe (2008/09)

Bizarre: 20 -Imperials vs Raiders(2017/18) and still wonreverse outright

Lowest Test score: 26 -New Zealand (1955)

Lowest ODI score: 35 -Zimbabwe(2004)

Yes it is difficult facing anew ball, especiallyfrom aleft armer coming from an unfamiliar angle, but when the top four all get clean bowled, there must be some technical issues at play.

As atop orderbatsmen, especiallyanopener, you should have atight enough defence to not get bowled.

Atotal of seven Centrals players wereeither bowled or lbw, as things completely unravelled.

Some batsmen looked like total deer in the headlights, leaving balls hitting halfwayupoff stump (it’s abold strategy Cotton).

Much as this writer is cursed for his low strike rate, it was disappointing as aneutral to see no application at the crease given there was agrand final at stake. At least dig in for 10 overs and wear afew if youhaveto.

Cam Graham took two of the first three wickets to fall, before Freitag took the rest.The number 24 came backtohauntthe Lions, as the Magpies batted for 24 overs to stumps, and were 2/67 overnight.

The Magpies may have been tempting fate, as it is understood one player had already booked out all

of next week for his premiership celebrations, but they were possibly saved by Sunday’s rain, which washed out all play and saw Glengarry through to the decider, having won on first innings.

 NO need to block out this time.

Amid all the commotionfurther north, the match at Terry Hunter Oval was played in total contrast.

Ex Students did what Ex Students do bestpartnerships and patience.

The Sharks needed just batting partnerships last Saturday given Sunday’s rain, and qualified for the Grand Final as the highest ranked team.

Ex Students responded to the challenge of being asked to have ahit by Morwell, and posted 6/222 across 85 overs.

Jimmy Pryde lived up to his reputation as ‘Mr March’, making 50 at the top of the order.

The skipper combined with MattDyke, who made 44 in anear-century opening stand.

Runsalsocame from some familiar names in Lee Stockdale (38),JacksonMcMahon (32) and the ever-reliable Rick Battista (29 not out).

Most batsmen struck between 40-50, the perfect approach for two day cricket.

Tim Fordbowled very well for the Tigers, and couldn’t have done much more, taking 4/64 off 35 overs, which included 15 maidens.

Morwell tried eight bowlers in an attempt to create more breakthroughs, but couldn’t quitefind all 10 scalps.

Their fate was taken out of their hands by Sunday, as no play was possible.

How cruel this game can be -Morwellmissed finishing above Ex Students on the ladder by one point, and consequently missed the GrandFinal as aresult.

How bizarre it can also be -ExStudents have now qualifiedfor consecutive grand finals without winninga semi.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

Look at any premiership photo,and you will be hard pressedtofind anyone who looks ‘bad’. They are like wedding photos, people just always naturally look better.

With any final though there is also adark reality, for there is no escaping the fact there has to be a loser.

As someone who has won acouple of flagsin summer and never got close in winter, let me just say: You never realise how many photos you don’t have from your career when you haven’t played in apremiership.

Mighty Mercer

CRICKET

CLV BY ROVER

MIRBOO North Cricket Club extended its deepestsympathy to the family of life member, JohnMercer, its former captain, president, committeeman,groundsmanand keen spectator –following his recent passing.

Mercer’s sportsmanship and sense of fair play on and off the cricket field were exemplary.

In October 2022, the MNCC named its turf wicket table in honour of Mercer and Stuart McKenzie, that recognised acombined 100 years of service. It also marked more than 10 seasons of fastidious pitch preparation by the pair. Mercer’s playing career spanned five decades, duringwhich time he made 19 centuries and dozens of half centuries for Mirboo North. His top score was145 retired versus Glendale.

Opposition teams knew if they didn’t get Johnny Mercer out early, they’d be chasing leatherall afternoon.

Mercer also captured hundreds of wickets for Mirboo North as aspin bowler and took countless catches in the slips and covers. He represented Boolarraand District in Gippsland CricketLeague matches and Traralgon-Boolarra at Melbourne Country Week.

Mercer was awinner of the annualVin Kallady MemorialTrophy as MNCC’s best player during numerous cricket seasons. In 1987, he was awarded MNCC life membership Mercer played in eight MNCC premiership sides, six in AGrade Prior to the last roundofthe regularseason in Cricket Latrobe Valley (played Saturday, March 8), MirbooNorth seniorcricketer WillCheatley paid tribute to John, before aminute’s silence was held on the Eastern Oval, involving Mirboo North’s Band CGrade teams and respective visiting sides. Black armbands were worn, with stumps and boundary markers painted red, white and blue, in recognition of Mercer’s lifelong love of the Footscray/WesternBulldogsFootball Club.

Vale: Mirboo North CricketClub great, John Mercer Photograph supplied

Sharks swimtomiracle

CRICKET

CLVAGRADE BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

RUNS can come at any point, even if it’s only in the last few precious weeks.

Semi-final action ran at the weekend in Cricket Latrobe Valley AGrade,with only one of the top two from the regular season able to light that spark from the rest of the season and capture victory. Rain last Sunday meant the game between Imperials and Rovers ended in adraw, landing the former in the GrandFinalasthe highest ranked team.

Latrobemeanwhile featured in one of the biggest upsetsinrecent times,takingdown minor premier Churchill.



SCRAPING into finals in the last week of the regular season, Latrobe would have been given little chance to reach aGrand Final, let alone get past Churchill in the process.

Well, the Sharks did what only one team had done all season (Rovers in Round 5), defeating the Cobras at Andrews Park West during the most crucial stage of the season possible. Winning the toss on Saturday, Churchill elected to bat.

The Cobras featured as the most dominant side all season long, crossing the 200-run mark six times overthe course of the year and routinely getting to theirtargetwith relative ease andinlittle time.

Things looked testy for Churchill after Brae Kelly was exited withinhis first 15 balls for just one, having been one of his side’s most reliable contributors throughout the season, averaging 52 in his previous five matches.

Trouble continued for the Cobras as Ric Velardi’s day ended before it had even started off the back of Latrobe’sSalmanRasool (already his second wicket for the match withinthe first 10 overs).

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY LOWER GRADES Semi-Finals

Premier B

Ex Students 2/77 (A Jaensch47) def Jeeralang-Boolarra9/75(LPanwar3/3, M Warne2/10, CPotalej 2/22), Glengarry154 (P Henry35, ANewton27, AHodson 26, M Powell 5/14) def Thorpdale 152(MPowell 40, KO'Connell 32, CMillsom 28, PHenry 4/10, GWaack-Hawkins 2/18, TDuncan 2/30).

BGrade

Moe 115(MJohnstone 40, LPollard3/16) def Centrals 92 (J Atkinson 4/28, DFarmer 2/11, RBlunt 2/29), Raiders7/169 (K Arora35, AJoshy27, RSidhu 26, JAnderson 3/30, L Hegarty 2/21) def Imperials 5/168 (R Williams 63*, TPaulet 32, NSandhu 2/23).

Premier C

Ex Students 7/286 (P Richards 121, S Thomson 55, JRobertson 28, ADegennaro 3/41) def Mirboo North 119(PBanks 32, A Ferguson 4/31, MBentley4/35). Moe 8/155 (R Semmens 40, SMurphy38, GEdwards 32*, BWall 2/19, DVeale 2/24, BHood2/32) def Toongabbie 97 (F Manduci 3/12, TOakley 2/13, JPickering 2/15).

CGrade

Churchill 9/168 (R Harrington 32*, SWernham 32, CDekaste31, BJones 29, TAllen 2/27,B Atkinson 2/51) def Latrobe 6/166 (R LawsonPepper 107, SWernham 2/19,S Tobin 2/36), Rawson 8/167 (J Cargill37, MWilliams 29, C Stanton 5/33) def Jeeralang-Boolarra124 (A Baker 47,J Cecil 28*, NSpark 26, JWiseman 3/22, MMetcalfe2/14, OBrouwer 2/17, M Williams 2/21).

Opener MatthewHarveywas then oustedbyJacob Bloomfield just two balls later.

Out of sorts and in aposition rarely seen throughout the season,Stephen Warrarrived at the crease andcouldn’t change his side’s fortune, making just two before being taken by Bloomfield for his second wicket.

Captain Ryan Ayres began to provide some life for the Cobras alongside Ben Kearns with a 32-run partnership, before Kearns (18) was done by Cameron Freshwater.

Ayres exited for 25, and then John Keighran was taken by Freshwater.

RossWhelpdale (17) was the only other player of significance for the Cobras before he was stumped by Cody Mackay, ending Churchill’s stand producingameasly total of 98.

Freshwater took 3/18, Rasool 2/20 and Jacob Bloomfield 2/14.

Now armed with the faithtoslaythe giant, Latrobe readied to chase.

Openers JamieColtman (42)and Sam Wilson (39) began with a69-run partnership, as the Cobras looked out of sorts from the get go, producing five extras in the first three overs of the innings.

Anthony Bloomfieldwould be the deciding factor for Latrobe, making 47 not out on route to the Sharks surprise upset.

Latrobe was 4/175 at stumpsonDay 1with alead of 77 when Churchill conceded defeat.

 ONE more game left in them.

Imperialsmade theirsecond straightGrand Final, again at the expense of Rovers.

Batting first, Imperials looked to work themselves intothe match,with Tom Starkey and Dilshan Thilakarathne exiting early with little to show for it. Captain Ryan Morley produced 20 with four boundaries before being taken by Ewan Williams.

Flipping the game on its head, James Skingle arrived and tallied an unbeaten 69 run stand which gave Imperials the necessary energy to keep pushingforwardatCatterick Crescent.

Todd Mann (22) and aplethora of others in the backend of the orderwere also the difference in seeing Imperials make 171.

Williams took 4/42 and Simon Duff 4/55 for Rovers.

Rovers wouldn’t get the startthey hoped for with the bat, as opener Oliver Grant exited for aduck after 10 balls -lbw to Mann, and Tyler Pearce (11) doing only slightly better.

Williams tried to get the ball rolling with 20 not out, but rain Day 2denied him the chance to add to his total.

Mann took 2/13 with seven maidens on Day 1.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY GRAND FINALS

Saturday, March 22 (and Sunday, March 23 forPremier A/A Grade)

Premier A

Glengarry vs Ex Students (at Keegan Street, Morwell -11am)

AGrade

Imperials vs Latrobe (Peter Siddle Oval, Maryvale -11am)

Premier B

Ex Students vs Glengarry (Morwell Rec-11.30am)

BGrade

Moe vs Raiders (Yinnar Turf -11.30am)

Premier C

Ex Students vs Moe (Yinnar Rec-11.30am)

CGrade

Churchill vs Rawson (Maryvale No 2-11.30am)

Women’s premiers crowned

CRICKET

CLVWOMEN’S

EX STUDENTS and Raiders cricket clubs

saw in the weekend on the best possible note, winning their respective Cricket Latrobe Valley women’s premierships.

TheSharks took out the Championship title, whileRaiders won the Premier Division flag.

Credit must also be paid to Willow Grove, who had sides in both grand finals.

Ex Studentsbatted first in the Championship match,posting5/95fromtheir 16 overs at Terry Hunter Oval last Friday.

Demi Godenzi and Alexandra Hood led the way, both retiring on 30.

Julie Christie hit good areas for the Wolves, snaring 2/11.

Willow Grove fell afew runs short in reply, finishing 3/61 off their allotted 16.

Christiedid well with 26 not out, but the Sharks bowlersproved hard to get away.

 RAIDERS were far too strong for the Wolves in Premier.

Willow Grove decidedtobowl first,but such a decision ended up being disastrous as Raiders closed at 2/103 at Apex Park.

Zoe Quinsey-Munro retired on 32 off 30 balls, while her opening partner Zoe Hustwayte scored 21.

Raiders then had adream start with the ball, as Jindivick import Jess Sanders took awicket with the very first delivery of Willow Grove’s innings.

Sanders, who was recognised at the Warragul District CricketAssociation presentationfor her services to women’s cricket, endedwith figures of 4/11, all wickets coming unassisted. It became only amatter of time before the premiership was sealed for the team from Yinnar, as WillowGrovewas bowled out for just 29.

PREMIERSHIP TEAMS

Ex Students: Jasmyne Akkerman, Demi Godenzi, AlexandraHood, Jasmine Langstaff, Jorja Millington, Annette Petersen, Lara Richards,AlexandraRobertson, Emily Robertson, Chelsea Suttonand Ruby Adams Raiders: Zoe Quinsey-Munro, ZoeHustwayte, Susanna Blines,Jess Sanders, Gracie Sanders, Olivia Allen, Harpa Baker,Anna Quinsey-Munro, Denise Sanders, Roxanne Townsend and EbonyWebb.

Victory: Ex Students capped offastrong season in CricketLatrobe Valleywomen’s,winning the championship division premiership lastFriday.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

1STINNINGS BATTING

MHarveycADuncan bJBloomfield 15 BKelly cADuncan bSRasool 1 RVelardi cS Wilson bS Rasool 0 SWarrcJColtman bJBloomfield. 2 RAyres cADuncanbS

Success: Raiderswon the CricketLatrobe ValleyWomen’s PremierDivisionflag Photographs supplied

Gippsland United to get underway

BASKETBALL

BIG V BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THISSaturdaybringsthe returnof GippslandUnitedbasketball, as Big Vrains down on the region once more.

United will host Men’s, Women’s (returning after season-longhiatus) and Youth LeagueMen at the Gippsland RegionIndoor Sports Stadium (GRISS) from 3pm.

The men’s squadwill once again be headed up by Scott McKenzie,who was awarded Coach of the Year honours in 2024, as United enter theirthird-straight season in Big V Division 1, with the aim still to climb into the Championship division.

The United men return asimilar outfit to what was featured on the court last year, which saw aGrand Final appearance.

Gippsland lost to powerhouse RMIT by 11 points in the final match. The Redbacks have been promoted and United stayed put.

Traralgon’s Ben Barlow will lead the United team as captain, and did not hold back when asked what expectations were.

“Our sole expectation for the year is to win the championship, anything less than that is afailure,” he said.

American import Jalin Wimberly returns for his second season with United after a phenomenalyearsaw himgain All Star Five honours with averages of 26 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.

Wimberly arrived to the region from the US state of Georgia, and has had apositive impact on the team in his short time.

Newsignings for the men’s squad include former Pakenham guard MichaelJohns,who won the Youth League MVP (Most Valuable Player) in 2022 and was instrumental last year in the Warriors rise to Championship level.

Standing at aridiculous 213cm, JoelCoffey arrives from Sunbury and originally New Zealand, adding much sought after size and rebounding to supportthe efforts of vice-captain Stephen O’Brien (Moe).

Mitch Evans arrives from Warrandyte, giving United additional back court depth and three-point shooting.

Younger players to look out for include 2024 Youth Player of the Year,Kody Tibballs (Traralgon), sharpshooterRohan Demczuk (Moe), and Riley Morehu (Warragul) who tore up last year’s CBL finals on route to Warragul’s Grand Final berth.

Whittlesearemain as one of United’s closest rivals for promotion this season, after the Gippsland side defeatedthe Pacersinthe first week of finals 116 to 109, as Wimberly dropped astaggering40points on them.

 RETURNING to the fold for the first time in more than ayear, Gippsland United will feature awomen’s side, beginning in Big VDivision 2under formerOpal and Mirboo North’s BelindaSnell

After initially agreeing to coach United’s Youth League Women’s team,Snell was quickly talked into coaching the senior side, with astrong contingent of younger players coming through the ranks to build on for years to come.

Thelikes of junior Morwellplayers Olivia Ouchirenko and Grace Schill will be supported by the more experienced on the roster, including captain and returning champion Lauren Tuplin, Ellie Coutts, and Michelle Clarke (both Moe).

United Women host RMIT in their first game of the season at GRISS, and with only eight teams featured in the Division 2competition, asurprising finish could be on the horizon.

In UnitedWomen’slastBig Vseason, they took out the Division 2title in 2023.

The Youth League Men’s will open the evening’s proceedings at GRISS against Darebin.

Unitedwill host the first two rounds of the season before departing for three away games in arow.

US-bound Nightingale winsWNBL

BASKETBALL

WNBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON’S Asha Nightingale has started her 2025 as well as you possibly can.

Nightingale featured in Bendigo Spirit’s WNBL championship-winning side as adevelopment player this season, an appropriate stepping stone as sheheads towardsher DavidsonCollege career in the US in afew months time.

After aseason as atraining player with the Spirit, Nightingale was elevated to adevelopment player forthe 2024/25WNBL season, which meant she was available to play in games.

“I was very excited. It was the fact that Kennedy (Kereama, Bendigocoach) had faith in me and from watching me trainand show up every day, (he) had confidence in me to then go to that next level and be able to suit up for aWNBL team,” Nightingale told the Express

“It was pretty special because it was more than anything Icould have dreamed of for this season.”

Nightingale played 14 games across the season, which included debutinginRound 1against Adelaide Lightningwhere she scored herfirst points.

The following game,Bendigowas matched against GeelongUnited featuring Moe’s Jaz Shelley. Nightingale produced her best game of the season with seven points and three rebounds.

While she was only exposed to limited minutes throughout the year, Nightingale took away plenty of wisdom among avastly experienced side.

Despite securingtheir last WNBLtitle more than adecade ago, Bendigo is scattered with winners the likesofnow five-timeWNBL champions Kelly Wilson and Kelsey Griffin,and WNBA champion SamiWhitcomb.

The Spirit featured over 1000games of experience, including Wilsonasthe WNBL games record holder with 475 appearances.Her first Grand Final was in 2004,before three Bendigo players(includingNightingale) were even born.

Nightingale said she particularly drew to Griffin and Marianna Tolo as mentors in her first year of WNBL.

“I think it’s because we’re the same position and just all the things they’ve had to deal with in their careers and just finding out about their stories and what to take from it,” Nightingale said.

“There’s so much I’ve taken from this season.

Ithink areally big one is being abig advocate for yourselfand making sure thatyou get the treatment that you deserve in these sorts of environments but also just to keep pushing (and) don’tlet the small thingseffecthow you play,you’ve got to keep moving on and just be tough.”

Afterfinishing high schoollastyear, Nightingale has asix-month break before she ventures off to Davidson College in North Carolina.

In the meantime, she’ll enter her third season withNBL1team Casey Cavaliers, whichalso happens to feature fellow Traralgon player Myah Healey (who also plays for Victorian NetballLeague club Gippsland Stars).

“I’ve really been takingevery moment as it comes, (I’m) really trying to live in the moment because so many things have happened thesepastfew months that Iget abit excited but also emotional thinking about the months ahead moving halfway across the world,” Nightingale said.

Nightingale has been in consistent contact with her futureteammates and coachesaheadofthe NCAA season.

Whileitisdifficulttolook too farahead with alreadysomuch close in frame, Nightingale is excited to see what doors can open from her time at Davidson.

“I guess we’ll see where Iend up at the end of my collegecareer... one of my biggest bucket list things to do after college at the moment is go and play in Europe, kind of connect with my roots abit andget to experience what basketball is like over there,” she said.

“But also if the opportunity presents itself and I can work hard enough, I’d love to one day get an opportunity to go somewhere like the WNBA but also definitely want to come back and win aWNBL championship as afully rostered player.”

White answers, United one win away

BASKETBALL NBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON’S Jack White has moved one game closer to securing his third major basketball title.

Melbourne United withstood Illawarra Hawks in Game3 of the NBL Championship series to win 83 to 77 at WIN Entertainment Centre.

White responded Sundaynight followinga Game 2performance where he failed to attempt asingle shot in United’s loss to the Hawks, but returned 20 points, five rebounds, two steals, and ablock to get himself back on track.

“I just wanted to enjoy the moment. Not only (was it) mine, but the team’s goal to be in this situation at the end of the year, we’ve done all the work throughout the regular season… at the end of the day, this is basketball man, we’re all privileged to play it,” he said postgame.

“I think when I’m just playing and not overthinking and having fun, (it) gets the best out of me, (alongwith) my assertiveness and my aggressiveness.”

Questions surrounding White’s aggression were put to bed instantly in the first quarter, when he rose and knocked down athreeonthe first possession.

Despite Illawarra handling United’s pressure and holding the lead all the way through to halftime, Whitemanaged 12 points in the first halfthat included aseven-point run in the second quarter with afew timely buckets inside and abeautiful step-back three that kept Melbourne close.

Trailing by just apoint entering the second half, White began United’s stretch with anice finish off an alley-oop pass from Matthew Dellavedova. Three-point shots were dropping for the Hawks during the third term, holding their lead at seven points come three-quarter time.

While White didn’t score in the final quarter for United, hisrebounding and defensive efforts were integraltoMelbourne’s come from behind win, holding Illawarra to just 10 points the rest of the way home as Melbourne scored23toclaim victory andmoveone win away from the championship.

 THIS is why you can’t let your guard down, especially in ascenario with achampionship at stake.

United failed to extend their series lead following defeat to the Hawks, 102-100 in Game 2.

In their firsthome game of the seriesatJohn

Cain Arena, United was unable to move to a2-nil series lead despite alastquarter surge, almost stealing it from the Hawks,which covered the cracks of many issues.

Starting forward, White was unable to even attempt ashot during the Wednesday, March 12 game -recording just six rebounds and accumulating four fouls in 18 minutes during the night. White was once again pushed into the spotlight for the second time this NBL finals, after his free throw struggles became atopic of conversation during Melbourne’ssemi-final series against Perth Wildcats.

White did recover from that and so too did his team, as United finished off Perth closely in three

games. However, Melbournecoach and Warragul’s Dean Vickerman said the former NBA champion needed to respond.

“We need himtobemore aggressivethan not shooting ashot tonight,” Vickerman said postgame.

“We’ll put some positive messages to him and tell him to continue to be aggressive, and down the stretch Ithought he rebounded well.

“Thatwas the partofhim that he can really help us with as well and hopefully his rebounding can ignite some pace for us… I’m confident that he’ll be super aggressive going forward.”

Vickermanwas recently announced as Associate Head Coach of the Australian Boomers under Head Coach Adam Caporn for their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup campaign and beyond.

United appeared off from the start,withsome lazy turnovers and lacklustre offensive possessions, but were able to sit right behind, down by just two points at halftime.

Illawarra then opened on an 8-2 run to start the third quarter that would epitomised what the Hawks set out to do, led handily by Sam Froling with nine quarterpoints as United looked at an 11-point deficit with 10 minutes spare.

Melbourne sixth-man Ian Clark got things off as well as he possibly could with eight quick points, including two tough three-pointerstobegin the fourth quarter.

Athree-point barragerained down John Cain Arena reminiscenttoUnited’s Game 1performance against Perth where Chris Goulding made afinals record 10 threes.

Goulding (two) and Dellavedova each made longrange buckets to bringthe game to within one point. With achancetotakethe lead and swing momentum fully their way, Goulding threw an untimely pass mid-shot as Illawarra comfortably ran the fastbreak for an easy score moving them ahead by three points.

Each team responded through the next two minutes of play as only 10 seconds remained on the clock and Melbourne was ahead by one point thanks to apairofClark free throws.

Illawarra’s TylerHarveythen found the ball, sizing up his defender Clark, making arisky shot that gave the Hawks the win with limited time remaining as Goulding was forced into atough three that nearly went in anyway.

Ahome team is yet to win agamethis series. Game4,potentially the finalgame of the season, takes place tonight (Wednesday, March19) at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm.

One more: Traralgon’s Jack White(right) and Melbourne United could securethe NBLtitle tonight (Wednesday, March 19). Photograph supplied

Stellar: Traralgon’s Asha Nightingale (second from left) wonthe WNBL title with Bendigo Spirit. Photograph supplied

New soccer season kicksoff

SOCCER

LVSL

BY TOM HAYES

THE Latrobe Valley Soccer League returned at the weekend, with four games going ahead to kick-off the season.

With anew season comes new opportunities, and teams were on show with hopes of writing anew story for their club.

Falcons spoil City’sreturn

BY JOE AUCIELLO

AFTERatwo-year hiatus fromthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League’s top division, there could be no more daunting task for Traralgon Citythantravelling to play reigning league champion Falcons 2000 on their home turf. With the scuttlebutt and innuendo that normally accompanies the local football scene, the home side was ready to defend their crown on awarm Saturday evening, thatsaw alarger thanexpected crowdin attendance.

Falcons began the season on apositive note, winning 3-nil.

New Falcons signings Jayden Unmack, Lachlan Frendo, and Lachlan Spiteri were all named in the starting 11, while the travelling Roostershad alargely young side take the pitch.

Falcons were dominant from start to finish, but it did take some time for them to hit their straps as they become accustomed to anew game style under third-year coach Adrian Salvatore.

Chance after chance went begging in the first half, but eventually the home sidewas rewarded as Jordi Vacca finished at the back post from adeep cross.

Unmack was dominating the middle of the park, while Frendo wasstarting to warm to the new look strike partnership with experienced striker Jamie Pistrin. It wouldbe that exact combination that brought about the second goal, as Frendo was fouled in the box with Pistrin expertly converting from the spot just before the break.

The secondhalf wasmuch of the same, and if it weren’t for the Birds lack of conviction in front of goal the score would have been far greater.

Nonetheless, the home side got their third and final goal midway through the half when asumptuous Pistrin strike from outside the box left the City goalkeeper no hope as the ball nestled into the far corner.

One of the more impressive take outs from the game was the fitness edge that Falcons had over their more youthful opponents. Renowned over the years for emphasising game-like conditioning, it was clear to see that season 2025 has been treated no differently in that regard.

Falconshost Churchill this Saturday at Latrobe City Stadium from 7pm, for the Rams first game of the season.

 MOE United was held by Traralgon Olympians at home, 1-all.

Olympians were predicted to cause astirin2025, withasweepofnew players reinvigorating the squad.

Afterfinishing behind Moe last season,adraw is not abad result. They will get another chance at them later in the year to assess how much they’ve improved.

Moe, too, might not be entirely happy with the result, especially dropping points at home.

Nonetheless, both sides are on the board, and should find success against the lower teams.

SALE United got their seasonstarted on the right track, with a3-1 win over East Gippsland United.

This was amust-win for Sale, who will most likely be battlingNewborough/YallournUnited and Churchill United in the middle of the table.

An important three points should go quite the distance for the eastern side.

 NEWBOROUGH/Yallourn United drew nilall with Monash, perhaps adisappointing result for both teams, being unable to score.

 CHURCHILL United had the bye. The Rams will start their season against reigning champion, Falcons this Saturday night.

That same night, Sale United will host Moe United,wherethe visitors would be expected to take the points.

The following day, Traralgon City and Olympians will do battle, as the Olympians search for their first win of the season.

Finally, Monash will take on East Gippsland, while Newborough/Yallourn have the bye for Round 2.

 FORMER men’s side Fortuna, who have opted to play in State League 5this season, kickoff their campaign this Saturday (March 22) on the road to Endeavour Hills. However, last week Fortuna waseliminated from the Dockerty Cup, after getting as far as the third round.

After getting the first round bye, Fortuna were put up against State League 3side, Middle Park FC, who they beat 3-2, coming back form a2-nil deficit.

Then the Morwell side drew Chisholm United, aState League 2team. Afirst halfgoalfrom Chisholm United’s Jamie Mammino was enough to get the State League 2sideoverthe line Fortuna will now pour their focus towards the State League 5, and gaining promotion after arun of performances worthy of higher levels.

Stars stalemateonbig time debut

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND STARS

BY TOM HAYES

GIPPSLAND Stars had themselves amixed bag of resultsonthe opening night of the Victorian Netball League.

The 23 and Under side began their secondseason in the league, while the Stars also debuted a Championship side, as the two teams matched up against the North East Blaze.

To start their seasons, both sides took to the courts of the State Netball Centre in Parkville on Wednesday, March 12.

 THE 23 and Under side suffered aheavy loss to the Blaze, going down 80 to 27.

Thingslooked out of hand early, as the Blaze shot out to a17-point lead in the first quarter, keeping the Stars to just seven goals.

By halftime, the deficit had reached27points. During the third quarter, the Stars had their best period, despite being outscored 16-10, however, the Blaze were now up by 33 goals with aquarter to play.

The Stars were seemingly run over in the final term as the Blaze put up 22 goals to two, claiming a53-goal win.

defence

Morwell’s Anna Solomon was recognised as the Stars’ Player of the Match for avaliant effortin defence. Traralgon-raised Myah Healy top scored with 14 goals (at 61 per cent accuracy).

 PLAYING simultaneously, Gippsland Stars took it to the Blaze in the Championship division, with the two sides unable to be separated after an hour of netball.

In an entertainingbattle, bothsides looked as though they could have won the match, each gaining ascendancy at various stages.

The Blaze shotout early withfive of the first six goals, but the Stars then took the lead shortly after. Going back and forth, the Blaze finished the stronger of the two, finishing the first term two goals ahead.

Just about going goal-for-goal in the second quarter, alaterun of consecutive goals for the Starsgave them ahandy one-goal advantage at the halftime break.

The same couldbesaidfor the third term, as late on, the Stars had the chance to go three goals clear in the final minute, but amissedshot allowed the Blaze to quickly hit back. The Blaze, too, missed agoal, which would’ve had them one behind going into the last quarter.

With alittle under 10 minutes left in the final term, the scores were tied at 36 apiece, but another three consecutive goals to the Blaze gave them the advantage.

Stars captain, Daisy Hill, stepped up whenit mattered, making three goals in arow to again tie the score at 40-all.

It seemed to be the case of scoring events, with no more back and forth, and more momentum shifts, as the Blaze squandered two attempts, but still managed athree-goal advantage, once again, heading into the final minute of the game.

Before the gameentered the final minute, Hill scored once again to decrease the deficit to two. Up stepped Stacie Gardiner, who scored twice in the final minute to again tie the scores.

Before anyone could even think about getting ahead, the siren blew, endingthe encounter in adraw.

Hill put up 25 goals, while Gardiner scored 16, including two clutch shots at the end of the match. For the Blaze, Moe’s Georgia Moody scored seven goals, playing primarily in goal attack.

Both GippslandStars sides have atricky fixture tonight (Wednesday, March 19) coming up against City WestFalcons, who are third in the 23/U competition, and first in the Championship division.

Work rate: It wasatough dayatthe office,but Morwell’sAnna Solomon worked tirelesslyfor the Stars23and Under

Leader: Morwell’sDaisyHill is captaining the GippslandStars Championshipteam. Photographs supplied