Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 21 May 2025

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE Gippland Line Upgrade is set to finally be completed this year after anumberofdelays and cost blow-outs,but local commuters will need to put up with nearly two months of coach replacement services to accommodate arushof construction for thenew signaling system.

The state government has included $52 million in the 2025-26 Victorian State Budget to deliver train services every 40 minutes along the Traralgon line, plus additional peakservices for the Seymour line and longer trains on more weekend services on the Bendigo line.

Due to Gippsland Line Upgrade works –along with Victoria’s Big Build works impacting the metropolitan section of the network –coaches will replace trains on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines for part or all of the journey between Saturday,June 14, and Wednesday, August 13. The constructionblitz will complete and commission the line’s new signalling system, so trains can run more often and more reliably.

Tale of two pubs

To complete the newsignalling system, crews will carry out variousworks along the line including installing cabling and trackside signalling equipment between Drouin and Traralgon.

Works will also include testing of new infrastructure along the 70-kilometre stretchofrail line and enable trains to safely operate next to the new platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations.

Regional spokespersonfor the Public TransportUsers Association (PTUA), Paul Westcott said the improvements flagged for services on the Gippsland line are positive.

“Service frequency is the basic determinant of whether apublic transport service is usable or not,” Mr Westcott told theExpress.

Mr Westcott said it was unfortunate that the infrastructure work that makes the improvements possible is running behind schedule and that “an extended period of bustitutions (coach replacements) beyondTraralgon, stretching over two months, will precede the changes”.

“Forty-minute frequencies for trains from Traralgon will be a very positive step. It's certainly likely that passengerswill drive to Traralgonfromfurther afield to takeadvantage of the increased frequency there.

Continued -Page7

Court hears from infectionexperts

By TOMHAYES and STEFAN BRADLEY

DESPITE ashortened trial week of four days, the information heard by the jury was packed during the third weekofErin Patterson's Supreme Court trial.

Three people died following afatal beef wellington lunch, whichallegedly containeddeath cap mushrooms at the accused’s Leongatha home in July 2023.

Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson all died from the fatal meal. Gail’s husband, Ian Wilkinson fell ill, however survived the incident. The accusedpleaded not guilty to three counts of murderand one count of attempted murder.

Day10(May13)

THE court heard the read-in statement from the friend of the accused’s son, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Of note, he recalled platesinthe kitchen sink when they arrived home in the afternoon of Saturday, July 29. He said the backs of the plates were white.

Monash Health Infection Prevention Director, Rhonda Stewart toldthe court she had to get information from the accused to ensure there was no public health issue.

She told the court that the accused told her she used dried mushrooms from an Asian grocer in Oakleigh or Glen Waverly, making it into apaste to go on the beef.

Ms Stewart told the court that the accused said she only ate half of her meal on July 29.

Monash Health Emergency Registrar, Laura Muldoon had the accused under her care in the toxicology department on Monday, July 31.

Theaccused told Ms Muldoon that she did not have any packaging from the mushrooms, and denied thatshe foragedthem, Ms Muldoontold the court.

Ms Muldoon told the court that on Tuesday, August 1, the accused was well, “feeling better”, and her blood and vitals were “normal”, showing no signs of poisoning.

Ms Muldoon said she was tasked with sending the leftover sample to amycologistatthe Royal Botanical Gardens.

Monash Health Emergency Physician, Dr Varuna Ruggoo told the court that on Tuesday, August 1, the accused’s liver function tests were normal with no evidence of toxicity in the liver.

She added that the accused had normal responses to her respiratory rate, blood pressure, and temperature, while her conscious state was alert.

“She appeared clinically well,” Dr Ruggoo testified.

Mycologist, Tom May took the stand, describing how difficult it is to distinguish death cap mushrooms from other non-toxic mushrooms.

The court and Mr May were shown many images of death cap mushrooms, to which he described why he believed them to be death cap mushrooms. He testified the characteristics including appearance and common locations they are found.

He told the court that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, wild mushroomforaginghad increased in popularity.

He told the court he had identified death cap mushrooms to be growing in Outtrim, south-west of Leongatha, logging the find on the website ‘iNaturalist’ on May 21, 2023.Hetold the court he was in the Outtrim area to presentapresentation, before finding the mushrooms on awalk.

Mr May said sightings of death cap mushrooms had also been recorded in Loch and near Morwell. The prosecution previously toldthe courtthat the accused’s phone records suggest she was in the Loch area on April 28, 2023 and Outtrim on May 22, 2023.

Mr May told the court that death cap mushrooms

often grow aroundoak-family trees,needing a reasonable amount of soil and moisture. He added that while the growing season varies, it generally lands in May in Victoria, but is usually anywhere between January and July.

Day11(May14)

DR Tom May told the court of anotherinstance, where aChinese tourist ate death cap mushrooms, picked from agarden.

He said he had previously picked mushrooms from agarden and ate them with no sickness in April 2024. Upon finding more mushrooms in May 2024, thesamewoman ate them and died,DrMay told the court.

During the re-examination with the prosecution, Dr May confirmed to the jury that death cap mushrooms have no particular smell until they are dried, to whichthey develop avery unpleasant smell.

Research ScientistinMycology at the Royal Botanical Gardens,DrCamille Truong saidit was rarefor her to look at aphysical mushroom evidence.

Shetold the court she examined the leftover food sample of the beef wellington lunch.

She said she first did so at her home under a telescope on Monday, July 31, finding no signs of deathcap mushrooms, instead identifying field mushrooms -often sold at supermarkets.

Dr Truong said she examined the sample once againtwo days later on Wednesday, August 2at Royal Botanical Gardens, again coming to the same conclusion.

During her crossexamination, Dr Truong told the court that it was harder to identify, as the mushrooms had already been cooked. She added that she could not exclude the possibilitythat it was death cap mushrooms entirely.

Her advice, heard in court,suggested that it was unlikelythat supermarket mushrooms caused any illnesses. She also said it was unlikelythat an independent shop would sell them, as someone would have to forage all deathcap mushrooms.

The DASMAGroupOperations Manager, Darren Canty took the stand, confirming he was approached by police for videoevidence on the day of Wednesday, August 2.

Mr Cantytold the courtthat he confirmed a womanhad dropped off a"microwave dehydrator".

Thecourt was shown still pictures of the account, as well as CCTV footage of the woman arriving at the Koonwarra Transfer Station.

Mr Canty told the court he told an employee to find the item in the e-waste skip bin.

Mr Canty confirmed transaction records of the account, which included the registration of the car.

The evidence was given to the police, confirmed via aread-in statement from Detective Leading Senior Constable Paul Burns, who collected the evidence.

His statement read to the court said he took photos of the dehydrator,before transporting it to the Wonthaggi Police Station.

Intensive Care Specialist, Andrew Bersten, who had been supplied with the accused's medical records throughout her stay in hospital from July 31 to August 1, gave evidence to the jury.

He first told the jury that there was no evidence to suggest that the accused had cancer, after her initial screening tests returned normal results.

Despite never assessing the accused herself, Prof Bersten confirmed via the medical notes that she had elevated haemoglobin levels and low potassium readings. He also told the court that the accused showed normal levels of lactate and urea.

After following the accused's medical journey, Prof Bersten concluded to the court that there was enough evidence to suggest the accused had adiarrhoeal illness.

Following questioning from the defence, Prof Bersten concluded thatthe accused's symptoms of diarrhoea, abdominal pain, low potassium, and high haemoglobin showed that she suffered from dehydration and adiarrhoeal illness.

Whenre-examinated by the prosecution, Prof Bersten affirmed to the court that her symptoms were consistent with asevere illness.

Day12(May15)

THE morningsession was delayedafter it was found that ajuror had talked about the case with family and friends.

Justice Bealesaidthe juror had not made a"positive finding" of the matter, but could not dismiss the possibility that they had discussed the case to someone else other than the fellow jury members.

There are now 14 jurorsobserving the trial,while only 12 will retire to make averdict.

Aunanimous guilty verdict is needed for the accused to be found guilty.

Child Protection worker, Katrina Cripps was questioned on her communication with the accused and her family.

Theyinitiallyspoke in hospital,but then met the accused and her children at their Leongatha home on Tuesday, August 1, where notes were taken.

The court heard the children did not want to stay withSimon Patterson, the accused's estranged husband, on the weekends.

Ms Crippstold the court thatthe accused toldher Don and Gail had been "the parents she never had".

The accused toldMsCrippsthatSimon was "controlling", and that the pair had agood relationship that had deteriorated up until that point, the court heard.

Ms Cripps told the court that the accused"wanted to do something new and special", finding arecipe in a'RecipeTinEat' cook book.

The court heardthat afterthe accused was asked again where the mushrooms had come from, the accused told Ms Cripps she purchased them from Woolworths,while thedried mushrooms came from an Asian grocerineither Oakleigh or Clayton.

Child Protections visited the accused's home againthe followingday,looking for evidencevia bank statements to seewhich grocer the accused had purchased mushrooms from. Ms Cripps told the court the accused couldn't find the statement, saying she would have used cash for such asmall purchase.

Two days later, on Friday, August 4, Ms Cripps told the court she had aphone call with the accused, asking if she had any updates regarding the lunch guests. The accused said she hadn't been told anything, finding it "distressing".

Ms Crippstold the court that at thetime, Heather Wilkinson had already passed, but decided "it wasn't (her) place".

The court heard that whenthe accusedwas asked by Ms Cripps if she had foraged any mushrooms, she didn't answer.

Ms Cripps told the court that the accused was concerned for her security and privacy, floating the idea of changing her phone number.

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine Headof ForensicScienceand Victoria's Chief Toxicologist, Dr Dimitri Gerostamoulos told the court he had providedadvicein"hundreds"ofcases,whencalled to give evidence.

The jury was shown various tables revealing toxicology results on the accused, her children, and the lunch guests.

Dr Gerostamoulos said tests were usually done on drugs and alcohol, and that it wasn't routine to look into mushroom poisoning.

Dr Gerostamoulos toldthe court the toxins in the mushrooms are "very toxic compounds".

"Only small amount of the alpha, beta, and evenless of the gamma are found in death cap

mushrooms," he could the court.

He said estimates include three tablespoons for the mushroomstoxinstobelethal for a70-kilogram adult, about 0.1 milligrams per kilogram.

The court heard that samples from Don and Ian tested positive for death cap toxins, alpha and beta amanitin found in their urine. Leftovers from the lunch and from the accused'sdehydrator also tested positive for toxins.

Gail and Heather tested negative, as did the accused and her two children.

When asked if testsconducted could detecta mushroomcrushed intoapowder,Dr Gerostamoulos told the court 'yes'.

Day13(May16)

DR GEROSTAMOULOS, who was examined on the stand on Thursday, May 15, resumed his cross examination by the defence, confirming foilwas in the sampled contents to the jury.

Dr Gerostamoulos saidtothe court smaller samples were tested as “it’snot possible to test the whole sample”.

He explained to the court how the testing process is played out, involving the concentration of samples to maximisethe chance to find compounds of interest.

Dr Gerostamoulos told the court that the earlier asampleistaken,the better chance there is of finding evidence of toxins.

The court heard that all guests of the lunch were tested between25and 32 hours after the fatal lunch, while the accused was tested more than 50 hours after the meal.

Dr Gerostamoulosconfirmedtothe court that Don and Ian both returned detectionsintheir urine samples, while Ian also returned adetection in his blood.

As for the accused, Gail, Heather, and the children, all blood samples returned with no detections, and no urine samples were taken.

Dr Gerostamoulos told the court that the toxins sit in the urine for much longer than in blood, explaining it wasn’t uncommon for Don’s result.

He explained to the court of the variables that could contribute to the severity of poisoning, including amount consumed, concentration of toxins, toxin tolerance, and the health, age, and weight of the individual.

Ashort break was taken due to the objection of aquestion directed at Dr Gerostamoulos by the prosecution. The objection was later repealed by thedefence, and answered toward the end of the hearing.

Dr Gerostamoulos answered the question regarding the health of two people who consumed death cap poisoning,where onlyone survived. He told the court that this has happened before, as recent as last year (2024). He reiterated to the court that it once again depends on the variables.

Plant Health Australia Manager of Diagnostics, David Lovelock took to the stand to end the third week of the trial.

In August 2023, he was askedtoexamine and analyse two samples of the beef wellington lunch, as well as thefruit platterand jug of gravy. He also told the court that he received seven tubes which included debris from the dehydrator.

He said avisual inspectionwas madeonthe fruit platter revealingnomushrooms, while an examination of the gravy also returned no results.

Dr Lovelock told the court that the two samples of beef wellington only returned traces of button mushrooms.

He toldthe jury thattwo of the seven tubes containing debris from the dehydrator detected death cap mushroom traces, adding the positive results had a99per cent similarity to the DNA.

Monash officially declared, Libs win

By LIAM DURKIN

MAKE sure the books add up.

Everyvotereally did count for Monash, as the race to determine the electorate’s next federal member was not officially decided until last Wednesday -almosttwo weeks after election day.

The Australian Electoral Commission finallyput voters and candidates out of their miserybycalling victory for Mary Aldred and the Liberal party.

Ms Aldred led by more than 8000 votes when the AEC announced her victory when more than 90 per cent of votes had been counted.

In what was always predicted to be apreference election, the margin was enough to tip Ms Aldred to 54.1 percent, aheadofLabor’s Tully Fletcher (45.9)

While preferences, as expected, played avital role in the outcome, there was littlereason to think the count would go into asecond week.

Ms Aldred’s had been the frontrunner for most of the count,only for preference distributions to delay the seemingly inevitable.

The AEC wasforced intoarecount, as an outside victoryfor Labor’s Tully Fletcher and Independent Deb Leonard remained alive chance.

Mr Fletchertookthe admirable step of conceding defeat two days before the AEC officially declared the result.

“I called Mary to concede the seat and congratulate her on retaining Monash for the Liberal Party. Iwishher well for the next three years,” he said.

“It's been an honour to standasLabor's candidate in Monash, and stand up for the people and communities who made me.”

Ms Leonardalso congratulated Ms Aldredon her victory.

"While the result is not what we had hoped for, I

“It has been an honour serving you as the Member for Monash for the past 20 years,” he said.

“From the bottom of my heart, Ithank each and every volunteer and supporter for their dedication and support, not onlyduring thiscampaign but over the past four years.

“We fought the good fight!”

Ms Aldred’s congregation declared hervictory on election night (May 3), where she was presumptively introduced as the “next Member for Monash” by long-serving Liberal and former state Member for Narracan, Gary Blackwood.

Ms Aldred tookinthe applause of well-wishes at the Warragul Country Club, which included her mother and two brothers.

Aldred said.

“I want to also acknowledge Melina Bath (Nationals Memberfor Eastern Victoria Region)and Danny O’Brien (Nationals Member for Gippsland South) for their support during thecampaign, and of course my local teammate in Narracan (Liberal Member for Narracan), Wayne Farnham.

With the result etched in stone, Ms Alred said it was time to get down to business.

“I’m keen to get to work ASAP. I’ve got alot of groups I’m keen to engage with and get arun on being able to secure support for the priorities I’ve identified, be astrong, effective local representative,” she said.

Electionpremiership: GaryBlackwood (former Memberfor Narracan), MargaretAldred (Mary’smum), FederalMember forMonash, MaryAldred, John Aldred (Mary’sbrother) and Wayne Farnham (Member forNarracan) celebratevictory

“Feeling tremendously privileged and humbled by the strong indication of support,” she said speaking to the Express on election night.

“I’ve worked every minute of every day over the last 18 months as the Liberal candidate to put my best case forwardabout why Ideserve the trust and confidence of people in the electorate.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

am so incredibly proud of the positive, communitydriven campaign we ran together," she said.

"I want to express my deepest gratitudetomy amazing campaign team and the hundreds of volunteers who workedtheir hearts out over many months to put forward abold vision for Monash's future."

The result means Monash returns as atraditional Liberal seat. Former partymember Russell Broadbent served Monash as an independent following apreselection loss to Ms Aldred in 2023.

Mr Broadbent released abrief video message after it became apparent his time was up.

“We’ve run apositiveand constructive campaign, focused on local issues and working as amember of astrong Coalition team nationally.”

In an especially poignant moment, Ms Aldred madementionofher late father and fellow Liberal leader, Ken Aldred, who served the party for nearly 20 years in the House of Representatives.

“It’s good to thinkofhim tonight, Iwishhecould be here,I’m sure he would be smiling down,” she said.

Ms Aldred will work closely with neighbouring federal member, Darren Chester, who retained the safe seat of Gippsland for The Nationals.

“Darrenisa great localmember, I’m really looking forward to being able to call him acolleague,” Ms

“I love this region and I’ve dedicated 20 years of my life to serving it indifferent capacities. Ihope now to be able to secure what this region needs to grow and thrive.

“I’m passionate about Gippsland, I’ll always put this community first.”

Local political buffs have become accustomed to recounts in recent months, with Monash following what happenedduring last year’s Latrobe City Council election.

The Yallourn Ward was decided by less than 10 votes, and saw current councillor Steph Morgan rolllong-sitting councillor and Labor man,Graeme Middlemiss.

Interestingly, two local recounts have resulted in Labor defeat.

Theparty will likelymakeahuge push to win the seat of Morwellatnextyear’s stateelection, after narrowly losing to the Coalition in 2022 after preferences were distributed.

Federally at least,what’s oldisnew: Gippsland is safe Nationals territory, and Monash has adegree of safety for the Liberals.

Draft energy transmission plan out for consultation

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ANEW 10-kilometre transmissionline between Yallourn and Hazelwood, and aRenewableEnergy Zone between Morwell and Sale are key features of the draft Victorian Transmission plan released late last Friday.

Thedevelopments in Gippsland are part of the draft state-wideblueprintthrough to 2040 that targets seven giant REZs and astring of new transmission lines,several deemed‘’urgent”, to prepare for the closure of the Valley’s brown coal power plants.

The seven draft proposed zones in regional Victoria cover seven per cent of the state’slandarea.

The state government, through VicGrid, is planning for between 320 and 240 megawatts (MW) of new onshorewind energyinthe Morwell-Sale REZ. Regarding asecond Hazelwood-to-Yallourn 220 kilovolt transmission line,VicGrid will investigate followingthe route of the existing transmission easement, but this will be subject to further technical work.

Other Gippsland features in the plan are:

 Adraft proposed Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone between the Gippsland coast and South Gippsland Highway, from Seaspray to Reeves Beach, where offshore wind developers will need to locate underground cables that connect to aconnection hub near Giffard. This zone is not designed to host onshore wind or solar projects;

 AGippsland offshore wind transmission Stage 2project, which includes anew 500 kV transmission line from the existing transmission network near Driffield to Woodside, and anew 500 kV line from Woodside to Giffard. New terminal stations will be needed at Driffield and Woodside.

VicGrid is already planning the Gippsland offshore wind transmission Stage 1project

Thisprojectincludesaconnection hub near Giffard and a500 kV transmission line that will connect the first two gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy to the grid in the Latrobe Valley.

This year, VicGrid will refine the study area to a corridor and then aroute for the new transmission.

The draft proposedrenewable energy zone between Morwell and Sale includes parts of the local government areasofWellingtonand Latrobe.

It sits withinthe Registered Aboriginal Party boundary of the GunaikurnaiLand and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

When identifying this zone, VicGrid says it has carefully balanced complex land use issues across the region with the pressing need to position renewable energy zones with the best access to wind energy.

“We sought to coordinate access to existing transmission infrastructure to avoid the need to build more transmission lines for onshore wind generation,” the government authority said.

VicGrid says initial planning suggests asecond Hazelwood-to-Yallourn220kV double circuit line will be needed by 2028.

“Thisproject is needed to ensure energy from the draft Gippsland REZand Gippsland offshorewind area canflow to consumers across the state,” the authority said.

Renewable energy zones are areas identified as the best places to host wind and solar projects and batteries for storage.

“In proposing theseareas, we’ve considered significant feedback from communities, cultural heritage, existing uses of land, and quality of wind and solar energy in the region,” VicGrid said.

The draft proposed shoreline renewable energy zone along the Gippsland coast from Seaspray to

ReevesBeachisa limitedarea where offshore wind developers will need to site and coordinatetheir connections (underground cables) to the power grid while minimising impactsonhostlandholders, communities, nearby towns and landscapes.

Unlikethe other proposed renewable energy zones,the GippslandShoreline RenewableEnergy Zone is not designed to host onshore wind or solar projects.

Communitiesaffected by the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone will receive new dedicated benefits, similar to the approachfor onshore renewable energy zones. These benefitswill be in addition to any discretionary benefits paidbyoffshorewind developers.

The draft Transmission Plan identified the need for new transmission lines in Gippslandtosupport both the draft proposed Gippsland REZ and about 7000MW of offshore wind by 2040.

“The location where each transmission line will be built has not yet been identified. To deliver these projects by theproposed dates, we will need to start the detailed planning process within three years following the releaseofthe final2025Victorian Transmission Plan,” VicGrid says.

“The first step in the planning process will be to consultwith communities, landholders, Traditional Owners, First Peoples and industry, and carry out technical investigations to help determine astudy area for the new transmission."

In working to narrow the study area to acorridor, then aroute, then an easement, these various groups would also be consulted, VicGrid said.

The state authority said it is introducing mandatory payments to landholders who host newtransmission lines, aboveand beyond the compensation paid for impacts on land value and business operations.

“We’re also introducing guidance for payments for

significantly impacted neighbours of new transmission lines,” VicGrid said.

These new benefits will be in addition to existing compensation payments,aswell as any discretionary payments made by transmission project developers.

Victoria aims to reach a40per cent renewable energy target this year andthenacceleratethe rollout of solar, wind and batteries to reach 65 per cent by 2020 and 95 per cent by 2035 when AGL Energy’s Loy Yang Apower station is due to close. Yallourn Wpower station is scheduled to shut in 2028.

The developments in Victoriagohand-in-hand with thefederal government’s aim to more than double renewableinvestments to 82 per centofthe power grid by 2030.

Victoria’sdraft transmission plan says energy imported from other states will help maintain a “reliable and affordable” electricity supply in the coming years.

The Australian Financial Review on theweekend quoted the Victorian Opposition warning that an estimated $4 billion to build the seven new REZs could more than double.

TheOpposition energy spokesman, David Davis, told the AFR the plan would turbocharge increases in the bills of every Victorian household and small business.

“The $4.3 billion estimate is not worth the paper it is writtenonand it could be easilymorethan twice this number,” he said.

The community is invited to make submissions on the draft RenewableTransmission Plan by June 24.

People can talk to the VicGrid team at the authority’s hubs in Gippsland, or call 1800 418 341, or email vicgrid@deeca.vic.gov.au

Churchill reeling at loss of its local

By KATRINABRANDON

COMMUNITY treasure, the Churchill Hotel, was engulfed by flames on the morning of Tuesday, May 13.

Emergency services were called to the establishment just before 5am, where they were met with ablaze.

AChurchill local, who wished to remain anonymous, was heading to work nearby and alleged they saw ablack hatchback coming out near the puband down PhillipParade. Not long after, he startedtosee flames.

“I heard some small explosions, and then Isaw acar go past and saw the pub on fire, so Icalled Triple Zero,” they told the Express

“I didn’t know what was going on. Ijust noticed that the pub was on fire.”

Local authorities from Churchill and surrounding areassoon arrived on the scene, and wereabletoget the fire under control, but not before the majority of the building was destroyed.

Along with the fire, multiple explosions echoed throughout town.

“It wasn’t alot to see other than the flames and acouple of big explosions. Couldn’tevenreally tell what it was -just alittle hatchback car,” the anonymous local said.

As the fog lifted, morepeoplearrived to check out the damage. Local authorities redirected those

driving past, and others stuck to offeringtheir condolencesonthe local community Facebook page.

Lions Club of Churchill President, Robin King was present to watch authorities try to save what was left of the establishment.

“Thismorning, my wife got up and asked if I couldsmell smoke,and then she looked at her phone," he said.

As Mr King explained, the pub has been where the Lions club holds its weekly raffles.

“I have been coming here for 18 years,” he said.

The pub's owner, Guy Martin, opened up on the devastation of losing his "second home".

“Today has been one of the toughest days of my life,” he said.

“The Churchill Pub -aplacefilled with memories, laughter, and community -has been destroyed by fire. At this stage, it’s believed to be apossible act of arson, which makes it all the harder to process.

“I’m heartbroken. This pub wasn’t just abusiness- it was home. Aplacewhere friendships were formed,milestones werecelebrated, and locals felt like family.

“To my incredible staff, thank you for your strength and support. Iknow how much this place meant to all of us.

“Toour loyalcustomersand friends, your kind messages and offers of help have meant more than Ican say.

“We’re still coming to terms with what’s happened and what the future holds. But Iknow one thing for sure -the spirit of the Churchill lives on in all of us.”

Police told the Express the fire is being treated as suspicious and that acrime scene has been established.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyonewithinformation or anyone who may havewitnessed any suspicious activityinthe area is urged to call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000,orsubmit aconfidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Good riddance as Moe eyesore finally demolished

By LIAM DURKIN

THE eyesore that greets drivers into Moe will soon be no more.

The infamous Baw Baw Hotel, which has stood as aderelict building for close to 20 years, is finally being demolished.

Works commencedTuesday, May 13, and are expected to be finished by next week.

The Lloyd Street building has drawn the ire of Moe residentsfor years, andhas becomeahang-out for anti-social and criminal behaviour.

It will make way for anew Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) station, which was promised by the state government on the eve of the 2022 state election.

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron has campaignedheavily to have the building demolished, and was pleased to see calls finally answered.

“I have written to the Minister for Emergency Services five times and raised the issue in Parliament on several occasions in the last 18 months to askfor updates,soI’m pleased that demolition has finally started,” he said.

“This is awin for Moe residents who are justifiably sick of looking at this eyesore and are frustrated that it has sat in aderelict state for more than a decade and detracted from the town’s amenity.

“Lloyd St is the gateway to Moe and the

dilapidated oldBaw Baw Hotel is unfortunately one of the first things people see when enteringthe town, so it’s high time this building was levelled.

“I’m advised thatworks to connect water, sewerage and electricity to the site -which arerequired for the FRV station -are also well underway.

“I am hopeful that now demolition is underway, the government can get on with delivering this asset that was promised for Moe.”

The pub's history saw it change hands many times after opening in the late 1960s.

Originallyknown as the 'Aurora', the hotel became the Baw Baw, and then officiallyMoe Lions Hotel afterbeing purchasedbythe Moe Football-Netball Club in the 1990s.

The club purchased the pub as ameans to generate revenue, but in doing so detracted fromits own social scene at Ted Summerton Reserve.

That being said, nights at the Baw Baw were reportedly"huge" accordingtoclub officials, and the walking distance to McDonald's for alatenight feed made it all the more convenient.

Moe Football-Netball Club games record holder, PeterAinsworth still listed the Baw Baw as his favourite pub in a2018playerinterview.

The pub featured along bar, and more than a dozen rooms for accommodation.

Plans to convert the accommodation into retirement residences fell through previously.

Next on the list is surely the old Moe hospital and Presentation College campus.

Shocking: Devastation hitthe Churchill community, as fire destroyedthe town’s pub Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

So long: Thewreckerscome in to demolish theold BawBaw pub

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Tributes flowfor CFAchampion

TRIBUTES have flowed for local CFA champion, Simon Lund.

Mr Lundwas an enormousfigurewithin the Country Fire Authority for close to 30 years.

Starting as avolunteer firefighterwith CFA in 1998, he spent 25 years as aCFA employee, working as asenior technical fieldofficer. He worked at many majorincidents, including the BlackSaturday and Black Summer bushfires, as well as the Hazlewood Mine fire.

Throughout his career, Mr Lund served as vice president and acting presidentofthe Gippsland Trades and Labour Council,and established aunion sub-group for CFA members.

He ledthe chargeinenterprise bargaining at CFA, as well as numerous other campaigns. His mantra as adelegate was ‘Respect and Recognition’ In acruel fate, he was diagnosed with oesophageal

cancerbrought on by his work. Fighting to the end, he led acampaign to have CFA professional, technical and administrative staff covered by the Presumptive Rights legislation. The campaign is ongoing.

Mr Lund was awarded life membership to the Australian Services Union this year.

He passed away peacefully on Monday, May 12, aged 56.

He is survivedbyhis wife and Latrobe City Morwell River Ward Councillor, Tracie Lund and their three children.

LatrobeCityCouncil acknowledged Mr Lund's passing at its additional council meeting on Monday, May 12.

Cr Lund has understandably taken extended leave from official duties.

Fatal crash rocks Trafalgar

EMERGENCYservices were called to reports two cars had collided at the intersection North Canal Road and Willow Grove Road, Trafalgar on Sunday, May 11 about 5.55pm.

One of the vehicles rolled off the road and down an embankment as aresult of the collision.

Apassengerfrom that vehicle, a49-year-old Dandenong North woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a52-year-old man, and remaining occupants, a19-year-old woman and a15-yearoldboy, all from Dandenong North, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the second vehicle, a60-year-old Yarragon man, sustained minor injuries, while the passenger, a58-year-old Yarragon woman, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Investigations into the collision remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police, is urged to contact Crime Stopperson1800 333 000orsubmit aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

EARLIER this year, Trafalgar Fire Brigade helped extinguish agarage truck that had caught

fire. The truck's driver was forced to dump the load at the town's recreation reserve.

Baw Baw Shire Community Infrastructure Director, Ben Wood reported extensive damage to anew garbage truck, that was integrated into council's fleet this year.

He said the SOLO Resource Recovery waste collectionvehicle caughtfirewhilstcollecting mixed recycling bins in the Trafalgar area.

"An electrical motor was found in the recovered material and is thought to be the cause of the fire," Mr Wood told the Warragul Drouin Gazette.

"For the safety of the driver, residents and protection of the waste truck, the load was off loaded at the Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, where the fire was successfullyextinguished by the combined effortsofthe Trafalgar CFA Fire Brigade, SOLO Resource Recovery and Baw Baw Shire Council staff."

He saidthe incident was areminderfor residents that batteries and e-wastemust not be placed in any kerbside bins.

Saputo confirms milk price

SAPUTO Dairy Australia (SDA) advised its suppliers earlier thismonth of astepupinminimum milk price of $0.15 per kgMS for the 2024/25 season.

Thisstepupincreases the weightedaverage farmgatemilkprice to $8.30 -$8.45 per kgMS for exclusive supply in the Southern milk regions (being Gippsland, South-West Victoria and South Australia, Northern region and Tasmania).

This payment will be made with April proceeds duringMay and automaticallyappliedtoall qualifying milk supplied under SDA’s published exclusive milksupplyagreements fromJuly1, 2024.

SaputoDirector of Milk Supply and Planning, KateRyan saidthe companyremained committed to paying acompetitive milk price.

“During the current season, we’ve seen continued stabilisation of commodity prices for the start of calendar year," she said.

"Meanwhile,domestic market challenges persist as cost-of-livingpressuresimpact the local trading environment.Consumers remain cost sensitive and value focused.

“As we look to the 2025/26 season ahead, the outlook for domestic and global demand remains uncertain and volatile, with geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures still impacting purchasing activity.”

Updated milksupplyagreements will be published on SDA’s website at: www.saputodairyaustralia.com.au/milk-supply

The milk prices quoted above are aweighted average across SDA’s supply base.

Milk prices achieved at individual farm level will vary and final milk prices will be influenced by a variety of factors on farm.

Bega committedtoMorwell -Page31

Vale: Simon Lund, pictured with wifeand Latrobe CityCouncillor,Traci Lund,isbeing remembered as alocal CFAlegend. Photograph supplied

Ultimate spreadsheet

THE VictorianState Budget was handed down yesterday (Tuesday, May 22).

Details from the budget were not known at the time theExpress went to press(TheExpress goes to press earlyTuesday mornings).

Express reporters Stefan Bradley and Liam Durkin were in Melbourne for the budget lockup, as state treasurer Jaclyn Symes delivered her first budget.

The state government did however release a number of details before the budget was officially handed down.

The government has included $152.3 million to increasethe Camps Sportsand ExcursionsFund, and $15 million to deliverGet Active Kids vouchers for another two years.

Currently,eligible primaryschool students receive $154 per year, while eligible secondary students receive $256.

With an investment of $152.3 million, all payments will be increased to $400 from Term 1, 2026.

The government says this support will help around 200,000 kids from families with aHealth Care or concession card every year, and has supportedmore than two million students since it was introduced in 2015.

Families with multiple children at the same school can pool their allocated funding to use on one child or for one specific activity –helping in situations where the costsfor activities in acertain year level are higher than others.

The state government also says the budget will deliver more support for sports, activities and equipment through the $200 Get Active Kids vouchers.

The vouchers will help more than 65,000 kids who need it, and help cover the cost of memberships, registration fees, equipment and uniforms for sports and popular activities, and is available to families with aHealth Care or concessioncard

The program covers morethan 70 sportsand more than 2100activity providers across the state, making sure everychild across Victoria has the chance to take part.

“We’re focusedonwhat matters most –realhelp with cost-of-living for families, and real support for every child,” Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“The cost of camps, sports, excursions and activities add up. We’re making sure no kid misses out, because every child deservesevery chance to learn and play alongside their classmates.”

End in sight for rail upgrade

From Page 1

AFTER the budget was delivered in May last year, Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien, said Gippslanders had suffered long enough from construction-related delays and were wondering if there would ever be any benefits from this project.

“This is yet another blow for Gippsland commuters who are sick of delays and underperformance of the Gippsland V/Line service,” he said.

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

Locally, the Opposition pointed to investmentin country roads as amainbudgetpriority.

“At theriskofre-stating the bleedinglyobvious and repeating what we all know, the state of Victoria’s country roads is the worst in recent history,” Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull said.Speaking in Parliamentrecently, Mr Bullsaid‘traffichazard ahead’ signs had in some cases been aconstant in the one location for four years without any proper fix being applied.“When you have both the roads’ resealing budget andgeneral maintenancebudget slashed over recent years, there is only evergoing to be one outcome and that is what we are seeing," he said.“When we raise this, the Minister (Minister for Roads, MelissaHorne) blamesthe weather and floods, but Bureau of Meteorology data tells us our weather patterns in Gippsland have been incredibly normal over recent years with no major events.“It is an attempttodeflect thecutsthat are clearly statedinthe government’sown Budget papers and is adirectresult of their inability to manage money.“Unfortunately, we have arrived at apoint in time where their own figures indicate a debt of $187 billion with interest payments alone of more than $1 million per hour, or $1 billion every six weeks.“Theresultiswesee cutsinfunding programs (like roads) and services (like fisheries officers), but it is just acaseofLabor being unable to manage money and country Victorians paying the price.

“I am aware we won’t get all we need, but it is about time we started knocking afew of these projects off the list,” he said. Afull wrap fromthe budget, including what it means for Gippsland, will feature in next week's issue.

Books: StateTreasurer Jaclyn Symes File pic

Police dedication fitting tribute

By LIAM DURKIN

AS longasGippsland Rotary Centenary House stands, the legacy of late local Detective Sergeant, John Hodge will also proudly stand as apermanent reminder of his dedicated service.

Almost 50 years since his passing, the family of John Hodge proudly gathered at Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, Traralgon to see the unveiling of ‘Stage 3’ named in his honour.

Det Sgt Hodge died while on duty in acar crash in Drouin in 1976 aged just 43.

His son Michael(one of five boys) was 13 at the time, and spoke on the family's behalf at the dedication.

“An amazing honour, to think that after nearly 50 years since dad’s passed thatwecouldcommemorate him in the way we have, attachedto such an iconicfacility as Centenary House,”hesaid.

“Dad wasDet Sgt at Warragul Police Station and CIB (Criminal Investigation Branch), very senior and prominent position in the local community, that’s what Iremember, the standing in which he had in the community. When you pass at 43, you leave alot on the table.

“I’m sure he’d be alittle bit embarrassed (by the honour) but he’d certainly be quite proud.”

Det SgtHodge wasespecially pivotal in establishing youth groups around the Warragularea, including the Warragul District JuniorFootball League, which is still going today.

TheWarragulBlues Junior Football Club under 14 best-and-fairest is named in his honour.

The policededicationwas also especiallypoignant,

as Det Sgt Hodge’s wife,Isabel diedonlysix months ago, aged 90. Aphoto of Isabel looked proudly on those assembled, along with Det Sgt Hodge’s police service medals.

Befittingthe occasion, Victoria Police Acting Chief Commissioner, Robert Hill APM addressed those assembled, in what wascoincidently his first official duty after assuming the role following the resignation of interim police chief, Rick Nugent on Thursday, May 8.

Otherdignitaries to speak were past Victoria Police Blue RibbonFoundation Gippsland Branch President, Sergeant Leanne Evans, Blue Ribbon FoundationChief Commissioner, Neil Soullier OAM (who also emceed), andGippslandRotary Centenary House Deputy Chairman, Dave Swainsbury.

Among the special guests was VictorianPolice Minister, Anthony Carbines, the state's shadow police minister, David Southwick, Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, and Latrobe City Mayor, DaleHarriman,and deputy mayor, Sharon Gibson

Victoria Police’s Blue RibbonFoundation supports anumberofhospitals across the state, including Centenary House -anot-for-profit self-care accommodation facility for patients of the Gippsland Cancer Care Centre and specialist medical services at Latrobe Regional Hospital.

The house, located behind LRH, contains 30 motel style guests’ rooms, and aims to ease the burden on Gippsland cancer patients and their families, who would otherwise have to travel to Melbourne for treatment.

Providing critical care for prostate cancer

ALARMING new data has revealed acritical patient care gap for Australian men with prostate cancer, with only one specialist nurse for every 239newly diagnosed patients nationwide.

The figureswere released ahead of International Nurses Day (May 12), and prompted Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia to double down on calls for more specialist nurses, especially in regional and rural areas, where men face a24 per cent higher risk of death.

More than 26,000 Australian men are newly diagnosedwith prostate cancereach year, making it Australia’s most commonly diagnosed cancer.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) ChiefExecutive, AnneSavage, saidAustralia’s nursing workforcewould continue to face high burnout rates without asignificant boost in investment for specialist nursing positions.

“There are nearly 176,000 Australian men alive today after adiagnosis of prostate cancer in the past 10 years, and many of these men continue

on complex treatments thatrequirespecialist nursing care,” she said.

“The Australian government’s own report into building theevidence base for anational nursing workforce strategy admits that the value of nurses is not fully recognised, and that the important work nurses undertake is not always fairly valued.

“Thisisparticularlytrue for Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, who undergo extensive training and professional education to support men impacted by prostate cancer.”

PCFADirector of Nursing, AdjunctProfessor SallySara,saidaround 90 per cent of the consultations providedbyPCFA nursesare for pre-existing patients.

“Thereisnoother program like oursinthe world –aprogram that offers expert clinical and psycho-oncological support provided by nurses who are expertly trained in screening for and managing the impactsofprostate cancer in men, with an understanding of the masculine behaviours and traits that are so often

abarrier to accessing support,” Prof Sara said.

“PCFA nurses play acriticalrole in ensuring thatmen do not suffer their diseaseinsilence, ravaged by the physical and mental health impacts of their disease and its treatment.

“In 2024,our nurses provided 146,000consultations nationally, delivering asocialreturn on investment of $1.62 for every dollar invested in the program.

“Butwithincreasing numbers of men in our community being diagnosed each year, we must do more to build strong foundations for Australia’s nursing future, creating ahealth care system that can cope with the threat of prostate cancer as Australia’s most common cancer.”

Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse, Cheree Masterson, who works with Latrobe Regional Health, said the specialist roles were pivotal for men impacted by prostate cancer.

“The introduction of aProstate Cancer Specialist Nurse has madesuch adifference locally," she said.

“My role involves being acentral contact for men and their familiesfor education,information and support.

“Prostate Cancer nursesalso play an important role across the hospital and health sector by supporting the important work of doctors and nurses involved in cancercare., We are able to assist with assessment, side effectmanagement,referrals, education and follow ups.”

Ms Masterson encouraged local men to reach out for prostatecancer support and evidence-based information.

In the Latrobe and Gippsland area, more than 2600 men are living with prostate cancer, and a further 250 men are newly diagnosedwith the disease each year.

PCFA has called for $7.7 million in funding over the next three years for 21 new nurses to meetanurgentshortfall in numbers. For more information about prostate cancer,visit: www. prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with aspecialist nurse.

Special: Victorian PoliceMinister, AnthonyCarbines,LatrobeCityMayor,Dale Harriman, deputy mayor, SharonGibson and Michael Hodge Photograph: Liam Durkin

Game-changingtechnology

IN AGippsland first,Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) has introduced real-time surgical updates for patients’ families and carers through anew Patient Procedure Tracker, which went live late last month.

The system allowsloved ones to track apatient’s journey through surgery -from waiting, to theatre, recovery,and discharge-via unique identifying numbers displayed on dedicated screens throughout the hospital.

“This simple system providesreassurance. Families can see where their loved one is in the surgicalprocesswithout needing to ask staff for updates,” LRH Acting General Manager Surgical Services, Janelle McInnes said.

Beyond patient experience, the Patient Procedure Tracker improves clinicalaccuracy by removing reliance on paper records.

“We perform over 10,000 procedures ayear, and each onetraditionally involves up to 15 individual paper forms. By removing the paper trail and

committing that informationtoanelectronic platform this ensures records are updated in real time,” Ms McInnes said.

Early feedbackfrompatientsand familieshas been overwhelmingly positive.

“Even in its early days, we’ve seen how valuable it is for familiestoindependently checktheir loved one’s progress,” Ms McInnes said.

The system’s design was shaped in consultation with LRH’sCommunity Advisory Committee to ensure it met the needs of carers and families.

“The Community Advisory Committee helped us focus on what information was genuinely helpful including how we could protect patient privacy. Additionally, they gaveadvice on where to place the screens and how information could be provided to consumers in advance” clinical lead for the project, Georgia Zammit said.

Over thecomingmonths, the tracker will be rolled out to more screens acrossLRH and made available through the hospital’s website.

Justone word with so manypositives

HELLO. DAY will be celebrated tomorrow (Thursday, May 22)

Hello. Day is acommunity-wide initiative by the Latrobe Health Assembly that shines alight on the power of asimple “Hello” to spark connection, reduceloneliness, and build astronger, more socially connected Latrobe Valley.

The Hello. campaign, launched in 2019 to foster social connection across the Latrobe Valley,isa community-led initiative developed by the Latrobe Health Assembly.

At its heart, it’s about the power of one simple word -“hello” -tobrighten someone’s day, spark a conversation, and reduce the burden of loneliness.

This initiative draws on national research, including the State of the Nation Report: Social Connection in Australia 2023 by Ending Loneliness Together, which highlights the growing need for meaningful connections in communities.

Social isolation and loneliness are not just emotional experiences -they’re public health concerns. According to the Stateofthe Nation Report:

Social Connection in Australia 2023, nearly one in threeAustralians report feeling lonely. Young adults aged 18 to 24 are particularly vulnerable, with 27 per cent reporting social media addiction linked to loneliness.

Loneliness has been linked to increased risks of chronic diseases, including heart disease and dementia. Building socialconnections isn’t just aboutfeeling better, it’s about living healthier, longer lives.

The Hello.campaignbrings people together through simple, inclusive, and creative activities.

Hello. Day is the annual celebration of community connection.

To mark the occasion, participating cafés across theLatrobeValley will offer free coffee between 10am and12pm on Hello.Day.

“Hello. Day encourages us to connect with each other and is an important reminder for us all to be kindand look after each other,”Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong said. Participating cafes are: Claudia’s Cafe Morwell

(37 George St), Turn Back Time Cafe, Moe (Shop 9/36 George St), Cafe 3869 Yinnar (32 Main St), Pizza HQ Churchill (Shop 1/1 Georgina Pl), and Platform3854Glengarry (16 Main St, Glengarry).

Simple, yeteffective: Just one word has the potential to change alife. File photograph

Trio: Latrobe Regional Health Theatre Education supportteam, Kacie Etherington, Astrid Hill and Lauren Bauer Photograph supplied

ONE POINTERS

1. What variety of sour apple was discovered by (and named after) Australian Maria Ann Smith?

2. Airlie Beach is atown located in which Australian state?

3. Daryl Braithwaite was the lead singer of which band before embarking on his successful solo career

4. Which “Titanic” actor appeared on the children’sTVshow “Romper Room?”

TWOPOINTERS

5. Eagle Farm is aracecourse in which Australian capital city?

6. Dwayne Douglas Johnson is also known as?

7. Psalm, Saint, and Chicago are the names of what?

8. What is the symbol of the Starbucks’ logo?

THREE POINTER

9. Whitney Houston went to the top of the music charts in 1992 with which Dolly Parton song?

10. Who is the highest paid sports player in 2024?

11. Who is the biggest-selling solo artist of all time?

12. Which science deals with the motion of projectiles?

FOUR POINTER

13. What sits on Bennelong Point?

14. Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft with which of his childhood friends?

FIVE POINTER

15. List five actors of the six actors who have played Batman in live-action feature films released in cinemas since 1989. Ipoint for each correct answer

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room for improvement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Howtoplay. Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page45

Howtoplay... Solution page45 Fill the grid so that evry rowand every3x3 squarecontains the digits 1to9

George Cloo-

Christian Bale; -5. Ben Affleck (Bonus: Robert Pattinson)

Slow down around school zones

RECENTLY Ihave walked near schoolzones in Traralgonduring the timesmotorists are meant to be driving at amaximumof40kilometres per hour adjacent to Traralgon College and Lavalla College in Grey Street, and Grubb Avenue and along Cross's Road across from St Pauls Anglican Grammar School.

Very few motorists are travelling at or below this speed, and the majority are well over and not seeminglyaware or evencaringthat theyare doing this. Grubb Ave is the worst for blatant speeding. Apart from individuals taking responsibility for following the road rules, who is responsible for putting astop to this dangerous behaviour?

Is it the local police, highway patrol or is it those in the community to note the registrationnumbers and pass this information onto authorities?

It is very concerning that many of the people flaunting the rules are parents dropping off their children at school. Action is needed urgently.

Greg Jessep Traralgon

Informed views

THANKyou to the Latrobe ValleyExpress for publishing the informed views of Professor David Lindenmayer and Associate ProfessorPhilip Zylstra on forest management ('Alternative view on prescribed burn-offs', 23/04/25).

We all want to safeguardcommunities and preserve nature, but climate change is increasing the risk of fire.

Listening to scientific insights seems asensible way to protect forests and our communities.

The proven increased flammability of forests in the yearsfollowing prescribed burns, in combination with detrimental health impacts from fire smoke, seems reason enough to question the practice of prescribed burns in areas other than in the direct vicinity of homes and other infrastructure. Increasingour use of dronetechnologies that will allow us to quickly detect and rapidly suppress fires may offer asensible alternative path forward.

Karin Ruff Yanakie

Chester promotion

AFTER the most boring election in living memory, where both major parties engaged in arace to the bottom to see who could be less inspiring, less engaging,lesscourageous, and less visionary,itis clear that Australian politics is in desperate need of ashake up. There could have been light at the end of the tunnel, with Nationals Senator Matthew Canavan announcing he would challenge for the Nationals leadership, only to see incumbent David Littleproud remain.

Canavan as leader would have brought refreshing and positivechange forthe National Party and all Australians.

He is aformer Cabinet Minister with solid academic and economic credentials as aproductivity commission economist anddirector at KPMG More importantly for Gippslanders, Canavan has beenconsistent in recognisingthat thenet zero emissions policy is adelusion that will not result in net zero global emissions, but only net zero Australian jobs whereby China, India, Korea, and elsewhere industrialise and prosper at the expense of the Australian worker.

The truth is that theonly way to build an Australia with an advanced industrialeconomy is to ensure reliable, affordable base load power supply from coal or nuclear, which is as important for hospitals and factories as it is forthe powerintensive data centres at the heart of the modern digital economy.

Australia is in desperate need of conviction politicians with the intellectual firepowertoarticulate a stand instead of feebly attempting to curry favour with urban media elites and the green left. Canavan was just the tonic the country needed. Our local Nationals MP, Darren Chester should havesteppedforwardand nominated for deputy leader of The Nationals under Canavan's leadership.

This wouldhave put the Latrobe Valley's economy at the frontand centre of the national conversation and enabled the National party to take astrong policy stand to defendand expand thecoalindustry, which is essential to our future prosperity.

A Canavan/Chester leadership team that campaigns against net zero and woke insanity would be an unstoppable electoral force.

Nicholas Tam Traralgon East

Recordsays otherwise

THERE was much to appreciate in last week's election fallout (14/05/25) fromthe Express Opinion page. Fine contributionsfromDan Caffrey, Lyndsay Paech, Dave Sweeney, Dr Jillian Carroll, and especially the perspectiveofAnthony Wasiukiewicz, ('Time for reflection', 14/05).

On the other hand, amid anational welter of

conservativewailing, whinging and breast beating, blamingall and sundry but especially the punters, we have the usual Express suspects.

Brian Mawhinney asks ('On the up', 14/05), "wherewas the accountability with all the lies and spin?" It came in the form of afederal election, Brian, if not with the accountability you desired.

Joseph Lis ('Election post-mortem', 14/05), likes to watch Home and Away, followed by the even more fancifulSky News After Dark, and apparently seriously believes Dutton was the only reason the election was lost.

The inimitablePatricia Correa ('Something to hide', 14/05), actually makes somegood points, but blows it all with "we have lost our right to object".

You just had it ,Patricia, and until the next election, no doubt you will continue weekly to "object". Sigh.

Finally, congratulations to Greg Hansford, afine and honorable man, on his election result, despite his party's policies, leaderand luminaries, such as Malcolm Roberts and Mark Latham, which and whom Iabhor with apassion.

If One Nation's policies are not racist, Greg, let's check the record of the leader,overdecades, andtell me, Greg, with astraightface, she's not xenophobic and racist.

And Mr Editor, if Pauline Hanson was actually "dancing around her house with agin and tonic" upon hearing of the political demise of Adam Bandt, let me say there will be much dancing and many gin and tonics when thatparticularpolitical leader finally kicks the political bucket.

John Duck

Trafalgar

Teals arenot independent

MR Duck ('Picking season', LVE Opinion, 30/04).

My use of apublished definition of 'Independent' from Collins Dictionary was true and correct.

Whilst Inote your inclination to play semantic word games, Ifind it apoor substitute for relevant, reasoned and intelligent interpretation. According to Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, 'independent' means not connected with or influenced by something else, or not connected with each other.

Justtoreinforce my point, millionaire Simon Holmes aCourt, in this 2025 federal election, has funded Climate 200 and Get Up to campaign for some 35 alleged independent or Teal type candidates,including the Teal candidate forMonash, Deb Leonard, who failed to secure anymore than just over 17 per cent of the primary vote. Despite her handlers and benefactors spending well over $500,000 on multi-media advertising for several months.

Mr Crane (LVE Opinion,'Technicality', LVE Opinion, 07/05)). Your misunderstanding of The Australian Constitution deservesreviewand repudiation.

Iwould recommend you read Chapter II Section 61 on Executive power. The executive power of the Commonwealth is vested in the Kingand is exercisable by the Governor-Generalasthe King's representative, and extends to the execution and maintenance of this Constitution, and of the laws of the Commonwealth.

Yourmisuseofdescriptions or implications of authority, are merely ajuxtaposition of errant concepts, out of contextabstracts and selective misunderstandings.

When reading law, especially Constitutional Law, Iwould recommend you not exercise flawed interpretations or embrace outright misinformation. Your suggestion of anation state crisis since 1788 is utter nonsense!

If you truly believe you know more than anyone else in AustraliaaboutThe Constitution,it's jurisdictionand Indigenous culture,you should in good faithstate your 'homelearnt' casetoThe High Court of Australia Thomas Quinn Moe

The Pauline Hanson delusion

EXPRESS Editor, Liam Durkin was effusive in his praise of One Nation federalelection candidate, Greg Hansford’s results in the seat of Gippsland ('Hansford "extremely pleased" with local result', 14/05).

Mr Durkin’sdeclaration that One Nation is not a sideshow anymore was plain wrong, and alook at the results this time compared to the 2022 election proves the point.

The Australian Electoral Commission website shows in 2022, Mr Hansford earned 9.36 per cent of the vote and the Clive Palmer United Australia Party got 4.55 per cent, giving the right of politics atotal of 13.91 per cent.

Thistime around,with no Clive Palmer party candidate, Mt Hansford picked up those votes, getting 14.32 per cent -ameagreincrease of .41 per cent for hisside of politics.

The increase was after three years of weekly broadcasts, campaigning on Gippsland FM radio and relentlessly attacking National MP and current FederalMember for Gippsland, Darren Chester

over the state Labor government’s native timber policy.

Federal election party's in Australia get federal election public funding at the rate $3.386per eligible vote.

Mr Hansford’s tally of 13,937 votes means that about $53,797 will be remitted to the Pauline Hanson’s party in Queensland.

All Mr Hansford has achieved is to prove the lack of clout of the FM station and deny the National party of funding that could be used in Gippsland to employ people in future on printing and media advertising.

The Pauline Hanson delusion sewed the seeds of the recent defeat of the Liberal Party nationally, whenyears ago they pushedthem to the right and away fromthe centre of politics.

The resultsofMrHansford’s delusionalcampaign has certainly proven the point that One Nation Party is asideshow.

As an ALP member, Ilove it.

Phillip Edwards

Hazelwood South

Disappointing conduct

VOTINGmight be over,but accessibility issues need to be addressed and some illegal/dirty behaviour throughout the course of the campaign has unfortunately left avery bad taste.

Thepre-poll voting in Morwell wasat34Princes Way. This is situated below McDonalds, between the chemist and the car wash.

In attendance were volunteers from Labor, The Greens, The Nationals, and myselffor One Nation, among others.

The AEC selecting this site for the polling booth was, Ihave to assume, done with no forethought to the safety of the community, especially the elderly, those with walking frames/sticks, parentswith children etc.

Anybody familiar with that area will know it’s not an easily accessible venue for all-abilities.

Disabled parking directions were not positioned appropriately. Plus there was adangerously paved slope just before the building entrance.

Peoplehad to park in the McDonalds carpark or below at the chemist, then cross avery busy road that didn’thave acrossing, while trying to manoeuvre gutters/kerbs with their walking frames etc. or struggle walking up the steep incline from the chemist.

Because of this, at one stageIleftmyposttohelp an elderly ladycross the road safely and escort her to her car.

During the time Iwas absent, atimespanof approximately five minutes, both One Nation's coreflutes were tampered with -theywerenolonger standing in their individual and separate positions. One, which had been tied to the fence, was untied and laying face down, the other had been hidden behind the retainer wall -further behind where all the other coreflutes were still standing.

Ihad seen reports in the news and on social media of coreflutes being removed/tampered with in other areas,but did not expect to seeithappening here -especially by volunteers.

It is such ashame that this wonderful country has declined to such alow state that the ‘fair go’ values we always aspired to are no longer true for some. It’s un-Australian.

Ihavebeen able to ascertain how, and by whom, the tied coreflute wastampered with. Hopefully by the time the next elections are held, these types of people will have learned about the Aussie values which built our nation and act more fair-spirited in future.Further,Itrust the AEC will be more thoughtful and selective in their choice of venues.

On apositive note, the volunteers at theYallourn Northpolling booth treatedeachother with respect. We had afabulous day getting to know each other.

Teresa Gorbal Yallourn North

Not so smartenergy

IWONDER how many Express readers have read the two recent articles about the Star of the South wind farm and the committed question about nuclear energy (LVE 07/05)?

Obviously not Dan Caffery or Dave Sweeney from the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Let me just ask you both: do you support the toxic wasteflowing into the ocean and killing the fishing industry, along with some of those employeesin Indonesia as shown on the Spotlightprogram, and do you support the demolition of native trees to make way for the 40 wind turbines in Lotus Creek, Queensland as shown on ACurrent Affair, all in the name of 'Going Green?

More 'Green' issues surfaced recently in Spain, Portugal and France, with 55 million people without energy, becauseSpain's 100per centwind and solarcould not maintain thesamelevel of stability enjoyedbygrids without intermittent renewables.

Let's toss around some figures here.

China recently announced it would build 10 nuclear plants for $41 billion. Shortly after 2030, they will have 102 nuclear plants with acapacity of 113GW -that's 1.01GW per reactor.

AccordingtoAlbanese, Federal Energy Minister, Chris Bowen and the Smart Energy Council, the cost of nuclear in Australia would be $600 billion or $46 billion per plant, equal to 13 power plants. Building anuclear plantinthe Valley was estimated at $10 billion (committed question article on Page8 of the May 7issue), so 13 nuclearplants would cost between $130 billion and $174 billion, depending on the size required, not$600billion It takes 125 Star of the South wind turbines to create 2GW of power. This is equalto0.013GWper turbine; 102 nuclear power plants create 113GW of power, equal to 1.1GW per plant. Which is the more reliable and runs 24 hours aday?

One final pointisthe fact that nuclear power plants last between 60 and 80 years, while wind turbines last between 15 and 20 years. Thatmeanswind turbines would have to be replaced four to five times over the lifetime of one nuclear plant.

Imagine the cost of replacing 675 wind turbines, four to five times the lifetime of one nuclear plant, and whatwill happen to all these used turbine parts?

Iguess Danand Dave will have to consult the 'Book of Bowen' to get the answer.

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

Nothing will change

THE electionwas lost by aDuttondream of nuclear. We are not Europe; Australia is not ready for nuclear. According to Labor, renewables will sustain our needs, but be aware that we may have timeslikeSpain and Portugal. By the time their term of threeyears is up, we will have our answer. But like AnthonyWasisukiewicz('Time for reflection', 14/05), Ibelieve the Yallourn power station will be used as apropup. Hisanalogy of the Great Hangover was quite correct. My generation had leadersofproductivity and prosperity, now the Labor party is over.

His quote "The past that will never return or a dream of afuture that was never going to happen", was quite correct.

The youngvoted for what waspromised, but beware of aman whowill not put his hand on the bible should he to be trusted with his word. Thefutureyears will open theeyesofthe young, when that happens they will start to rebuild. Thankfully, The Greens were eliminated, never to return Ihope.

Iagree with Brian Mawhinney ('Smart energy council', LVE Opinion, 30/04/25), should we only have one energy supplier and the government ceases subsidies that voters are relying on, there will be another load on the cost of living. May Ijustadd, Zoe Danielwillnot be dancing Queen for the next three years

To answer the letter by Lindsay Paech ('Solutions sought', LVE Opinion, 14/05/25) your thoughts are those of all who did not vote Labor;but alas because of the majority vote, those who think as you do, have lost the democratic right to have asay There will be no change for the next three years. TheletterbyBrian Kilday ('Consult the handbook', 14/05) was noted.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

Heads Iwin, tails youlose

"THE welfare of humanity is always thealibi of tyrants," -Albert Camus.

As June 12 draws near, it is timely to reflect on Frankenstein's creation of the Family Law Act 1975 which was enactedbythe WhitlamLabor government nearly 50 years ago by avote of 60 against 59.

During those50years, therehas been muchcommentary (extremely limited Imight add due to the strict secrecy provisions of Section 121 of the Act) on the pros and cons of the controversial concept of "no fault"divorce which effectively meansthat "the child's best interests" (the overarching priority of the Family Court) trumps all other considerations, includingthings likefairness, perjury, and even human morality.

Indeed, the unvisited graveyard filled with the tens of thousands of good and loving fathers who have committed suicide over being unjustly denied access to their young children attests to just how soul-destroying aprocess it can be. That's apart from the social-evils created by the lawyer-inflamed violent disputes, resulting in street kids,drug abuse and endemic suicide among young people.

In his 2005 book titled Kangaroo Court: Family Law in Australia, John Hirst (1942-2016), awidely respected Australian author and Australianhistorian and former reader in history at La Trobe University, and also listed in the 2025 edition of 'Who's Who' of eminent Australians, concluded at Page 56 of his book as follows: "The Family Court, though supposedly committed to the best interests of the child, is itself achild abuser".

Joseph Lis Morwell

Teacherbyday,skydiver by flight

LOCAL primaryschool teacherand skydiver, Kallan Fitzclarence, achieved great success at the Australian &New Zealand National Canopy Piloting Championships in Sydney last month. Mr Fitzclarence clinched the overall gold medal in the intermediate category, showcasing exceptional skill across three disciplines: speed, accuracy and distance.

Having previously won anationalchampionship in adifferent format of skydiving (SportsAccuracy) last year, Mr Fitzclarence took on the challenge of "swooping", where competitorsdive their parachutes towards the ground before planning out to skim over water at high speeds. He demonstrated precision and agility as he navigated his parachute through the challenging course, outperforming competitors from across the country.

"The competition was really fun and everyone is so supportive and encouraging. it was tight between Ronnie (SouthAustralian competitor)and Ibut we're all friends and are happy to see each other do well," Mr Fitzclarence said.

Looking ahead, Mr Fitzclarencehas set his sights on even greater heights in the sport.

His future ambitions include downsizingtoa smaller and faster parachute, which will allow him to compete in the open category against some of the world's best canopy pilots.

"I've got afew goals Istill need to tick off before progressing to asmaller chute but I'm excited for the challenge," he said.

"It'sprobablyawhile away but I'd love to represent the country one day."

Walking all over heart disease

Does wonders: Walking

LATROBEHealth Assembly, the Heart Foundation’s Walking group host for the Latrobe Valley, together with the HeartFoundation, brought together local walking groups for National Heart Week (May 5to11).

The morning tea united the walking groups for thefirst time in years, with some newer groups andwalkers having never met before. Beginning the eventbyjoiningthe Moe Pet-Friendly Walking Group gave everyone the chance to make connections and get to know each other while being active.

Elaine, who has been awalking group leader in Traralgon for 13 years, said the benefitsofwalking groups include being active, staying healthy and providingsocial interaction.That last one is what's mostimportant to Elaine as, living by herself, she says it gets her up in the morning.

GP for aheart health check.

CoronaryHeart Disease is the leading cause of deathinthe Latrobe Valley,and is largely preventable through diet and exercise.

Walking just 30 minutes aday can reduce your risk of heart disease by 35 per cent, which is why Heart Foundation Walking Groups go along way toward maintaining aheart-healthy lifestyle.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongsidethe Heart Foundation as the new host for walking groups in the Latrobe Valley," Latrobe Health Assembly Chair, Tanya Rong said.

"This is an integral part of the work we are doing in physical literacy,whichisabout building the skills, knowledge and behaviours to lead active lives, while also creating opportunities for social connections and friendships to form."

As the new host for the Latrobe Valley, the Assembly will continue connecting the groups, and can assist in recruiting and retaining those in the community, and can supportnew groups starting out.

“This was afantasticopportunity forthe local Heart Foundation Walking groups in the region to meet and mingle –itwas agreat eventorganised by the Latrobe Health Assembly, and we look forward to working together to get more people across Latrobewalking,” Heart Foundation Walking Program Officer, Alicja Najbar-Kaszkiel said.

This year, National Heart Week encouraged AustralianstoNever miss aBEATbyseeing their

To learn more about walking groups in the Latrobe Valley,visit: https:// www.healthassembly.org.au/projects/ heart-foundation-walking-groups-latrobe-valley/

Not forthe fainthearted: Local primaryschoolteacher,Kallan Fitzclarence is also athrill seeker

elanding: Kallan Fitzclarence demonstrateshis skydiving precision. Photographs supplied

Great game: Kallan Fitzclarence wongoldfor Australian competitor Ronnie

Boolarra helps do it for Dolly

By KATRINA BRANDON

BLUEwas scattered throughout Australiaon

May 9. May 9isthe official Do It For Dolly Day -aday to spark conversations and end bullying. On alocal level, the Boolarra communityput on their fourth annual boot-scooting fun time for Dolly's Dream.

While the official day is May 9, due to it being a work day, the group moved the event to May 10. Morethan120 peopleofall ages attended the Boolarra Memorial Hall from across the region. Prior to the event, locals lined up ready to get in

so they could start chatting, sit on either table sets or hay bales, get up and dance, participate in amullet contest, and enjoy dinner surrounded by like-minded people. For Dolly, the Boolarra lot got their country on and put on areal show for future events. With no lack of activitiesoraction, locals kept the conversation going into the night.

Dolly’s Dream was established in 2018 by Kate and TickEverett in memoryoftheir 14-year-old daughter Dolly, who tragically tookher own life followingsustained and ongoingbullying and cyberbullying.

Kate, Tick, and Dolly’s older sister,Meg, have

sincebeencommitted to changing the culture of bullyingbyaddressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide through education and offering direct support to young people and families. Do It For Dolly Day is anational fundraising andawareness campaign dedicated to bringing the community together, spreading kindness and to 'Go Blue to End Bullying'. Every year in May, thousandsofsupportersacross Australia come together to honour Dolly by going blue (her favourite colour), participating in fundraising activities or making adonation to help support the important anti-bullying work of Dolly’s Dream.

The Range Retirement Village is aretirement living community in Moe, boasting alive-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside agated community

The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-pla appointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage

Plan your social life with your new community

Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life wi billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bin make use of our community bus to getaround

Now is your time to down si

Enrolments open, kinder

LATROBE City Council’s three and fouryear-oldkindergarten enrolments for the 2026 school year are now open, and close June 30, 2025.

From 2026,three-year-old kindergarten willbeoffered for 15 hoursper week, a significantincrease from thepreviously available five hours. This expanded access gives children more time to develop key skills in asupportive, play-based environment. With 25 council-runkindergartens across Latrobe City, families are encouraged to list their preferences. Placement availability will depend on the number of applications received.

Children who turn threeorfour-years-old on or before April30, 2026 are eligibleto enrol. Kinder is free for all families as part of the Best Start, BestLife reforms, which aims to increase access to qualityearly childhood education and care for all Victorian children. Exploreany council-operated kindergarten in person during the open day on Tuesday, June 3from 3pm to 5.30pm. You can also take avirtual kinder tour at: www.latrobe. vic.gov.au/Kindergarten

Online information sessions will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4.30pm and 6.30pm

Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Dale Harrimanencouraged localfamilies to take this opportunity to supporttheir child’s early learning.

“Kindergarten gives children the chance to build confidence, make friends and develop essential skills that support their transition to school,” he said.

“Ourearlychildhood educators create nurturing and engaging spacesfor children to explore, learn and thrive.

“Families also benefit from the connections and community support available through our kindergartens -it’sa valuable experience for everyone involved.”

To find out more and submit your child’s enrolment, visit: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/ Kindergarten

FROM $429,000

Community: Morethan 100people attendedthe BoolarraMemorial Hall in supportofDoItFor DollyDay

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

teeth or tired of loose dentures?

Get your smile back with All on 4/ All on Xdental implants, alife changing solution thatreplaces afull set of teeth using just afew implants. The teeth are fixed in places, look natural, and are custommade to fit your bite, face and smile.

Our experienced dentists team up with one of Melbourne’stop implant specialists, the most experienced in the area to make sure you get the best care and long lasting results.

Whether you need to replace asingle arch or afull set of teeth, our expert team and advanced tools ensure a

efficient process from start to

Fit for Life

At Latrobe Family Dental, we use the latest digital technologytomake your treatment fast, accurate and comfortable. We’re the only clinic in Traralgon with our ownin-house 3D scanner (CBCT), which means no outside referrals or long waits, everything is done under one roof.

Call thefriendlyteam today on

May19- May25, 2025

a wonderful week to get your hair done, buy a fabulous outfit, enjoy an indu gent facia , manicure, pedicure or massage, plus eat del cious food as you socialise with c ose o d fr ends or exciting new acqua ntances The weekend stars favour short tr ps, ntense conversations and oca community connect ons

The Sun’s spending the last days in your sign, which provides a golden opportun ty to fine-tune who you are and where you’re going – quick smart! Thursday’s Venus/Mars trine pushes you to draw up a creative plan, as you start transforming your dreams into rea ity Then Mercury and Uranus hook up in your sign, which encourages you to th nk outside the box Be nspired by Taurus birthday great, Cher: “If you can’t go straight ahead, go around the corner ”

t’s a big week for Twins as the Sun trans ts into your sign and makes a transformat ve trine to P uto So, it’s time to be powerful, adventurous and generous Make the most of the next three weeks as Jupiter (p anet of travel and prosperity) finishes jump ng through Gemini Exp ore, experiment and enthuse – here, there and everywhere! Your motto for the moment is from birthday great Bob Dylan (who turns 84 on Saturday): “There is noth ng so stable as change ”

It’s a wonderful week for relationships, parties, b rthdays, engagements, wedd ngs and anniversar es! Venus (transiting through your partnership zone) makes a lovely l nk with Mars (in your peer group zone) So, love, romance, friendship, social sing and celebrating are a l favoured as you m x and m ngle, socialise and fraternise And, with the Sun shifting into your adventure zone (where it joins Jup ter), you could also book a trip or travel somewhere spec al

Transformation is the name of the game, as the planets push you to rise Phoenix-like from the ashes of a difficult situation A challenging c ose relationship has the potentia to be reborn into a much more positive partnership The Sun/Pluto trine (on the weekend) will help you release old grudges let go of the past forgive and forget, and move on But it wi l take time, and a s tuation with a child teenager or friend could be stressful for at least another week

The Sun jo ns Jupiter (your patron planet) midweek n your partnership zone So – when t comes to close relationships – t’s t me to be creat ve attentive adventurous and generous Attached Archers – pamper your partner and show them they are st ll Number One Unhappily sing e? You could fa l for someone from another country or culture Thursday’s Venus/Mars tr ne is terrific for creat ve projects, pleasure, leisure, romance friendsh p and travel

Have you been burning the midnight oi and now you’re suffering from burnout? Or have you been running around on autopi ot, making care ess m stakes? The Sun and Jupiter activate your sol tude zone, so slip into hermit Crab mode as you s ow down, s mplify your ife, prune projects or organise a digital detox Meditation, contemplation and relaxat on are a must You cou d also receive creative ideas or an important message from an ntense dream

It’s your time to shine! The powerfu Sun/Pluto trine favours big dreams, pass onate partnersh ps and joint ventures, as you combine dazzling creat vity with powerful determinat on Plus, use your ferti e maginat on to help manifest your preferred future v a goal setting, a practical plan and a patient approach So, your mantra is from human rights act vist Ma colm X (who was born on May 19, 1925): “The future belongs to those who prepare for t today ”

Early in the week the Sun powers nto your career zone and the focus shifts to professional matters Then Mercury (your rul ng planet) hooks up with Uranus on the weekend, when it’s a good time to question, phi osoph se, explore and innovate, as you throw out the old rule book and try something new Be nsp red by music great Bob Dy an (who turns 84 on Saturday): “Gonna change my way of thinking, make myself a different set of ru es ”

Avoid be ng a gul ible Goat A friend or fam ly member could try to pull the wool over your eyes, so stay alert Tuesday s terrific for completing a personal project or a business plan This s the last week that Saturn (your patron planet) is transit ng though the sign of Pisces So, aim to channel your creat ve Capricorn energy into educat on, communication, neighbourhood connections and/or commun ty projects It’s a very good time to think global, act local!

Courtesy of the powerful Sun in Gemini/Pluto in Aquarius tr ne, the buzzword this week is transformat on But don’t worry about try ng to change (or control) those around you Focus on yourself first Can you be more proact ve in relationships, pivot professionally or transform your phys cal appearance? Your motto s from th s week’s birthday great, entertainer Cher: “The on y th ng in the world you can change is yourself and that makes all the difference ”

After two long years, Saturn is spend ng the last week trans t ng through Pisces So, it’s a good t me to be focused, disc p ined and patient But don’t l sten to your nner critic as it tr es to undermine your confidence and shake your self-esteem! Be inspired by s nger-actress Cher (who turns 79 on Tuesday): “If you’re waiting for someone to believe n you, you’ll be waiting forever You must bel eve in yourself ” On Thursday, share a dream with a special family member

Savige St, Morwell

LT. GEN Sir Stanley Savige was born in Morwell, and this article relates to his connection to Savige Street,Morwell and the establishment of 'Legacy Place' in Commercial Road in August 2006.

When you walk the subwaythrough to Commercial Rd, Morwell,doyou wonder why there is then an area adjacentnamed‘LegacyPlace’?

Who was Sir Stanley Savige?

It is believed Stanley George Savige was born behind abutchers shop not far from Legacy Place on June 26, 1890. H is father, Samuel, had abutcher’s shop in Tarwin St (near Keith Williams Real Estate). Stanley and his parents lived in Morwell for only three years before the economic depression of the early-1890s forced the Savige family to move to Korumburra where Samuel could work in the coal mines.

Stanley Savige enlisted in the AIF (Australian Imperial Force) in March 1915. He quickly rose through the ranks to Captain and was decorated with the Military Cross in 1918 and the Distinguished Service Order in 1919. In January 1918, he was selected for the secret Dunsterforce and sent to Persia to bolster British defences on the Russian border following the recent Bolshevik Treaty with the Central Powers.

But it was for Stanley Savige founding Legacy that he is most remembered.

Savige organisedthe Melbourne Legacy Club, which had its inaugural meeting on September 11, 1923, andheremained LegacyAustralia’s most powerful leader during its first 30 years.

Under Savige’sleadership, the movement expanded throughout Australia.

In October 1939, Stanley Savige was appointed

Commander of the 17th Brigade, 6thDivision and Ancillary Troops, 2nd AIF. Stanley Savige fought with distinction through the North Africa and South-West Pacific campaigns –fromBardia to Bougainville. At thewar’send his command included more than 30,000 men.

Lt. Gen. Stanley Savige was awarded an OBE in 1941, aKCB in 1943 and aKBE in 1950. One of Australia’s greatest generals and community leaders, Sir Stanley Savige died on May 15, 1954. Astate funeralwas held for himin Melbourne.Hewas buried in theBoroondara Cemetery, Kew.

‘Legacy Place’ was aproject initiated by Advance Morwell to recognise the birth of Sir Stanley Savige in Morwell and his achievements. Abronze bust was unveiled on August 31, 2006. Savige St, Morwell is named after him. Information and photographs supplied by the Morwell Historical Society.

One of the greats: Sir Stanley Savige circa 1942.

Photographs supplied

ARCHIVES

COPYR GHT Joanne Madel ne Moore 2025

Helped in escape,court told

AYOUTH alleged to have aided two prisoners to escape from Sale jail has been remanded to appear in Sale Court on June 10.PhillipCharles Powling of VincentRd, appeared beforeMrG.Wheelhouse SM in SaleCourtlastweek.Powling has been charged with aiding Ronald Mathieson and Eugene Vincent Gilders to escape from the jail on May 5. Both are still at large. He is also charged with unlawfully assaulting Snr Const D. Smithwick at Moe, resisting Const Smithweek in the lawful execution of his duty and escaping from legal custody.

50 years ago

TheExpress, May 21, 1975

Women priests forGipps

THE Anglican Church in Gippsland approved the ordination of womenaspriests.The Synod of the Gippsland Diocese, meeting in Sale last Saturday, passed abill allowing the ordinationofwomen, withclergy and lay members alike voting overwhelmingly in favour. The issue had been debated in

the Synod two years earlier when the vote of clergy wasnot decisive. The Clergy has since made time to discuss differing views, and this is thought to have influenced the final decision. Over the past few yearswomen have been ordained as priests in many parts of the Anglican Church throughout the world, more than 1300 in England in the past year alone. Although there are already women in Gippsland whose call to the ministry has been affirmed by appropriate advisors, Bishop ArthurJones said he wouldnot be taking any immediate steps towards the ordination of candidates.

30 years ago

TheExpress, May 23, 1995

Breaking thelearning bubble

TWO Gippsland Waste Services directors haveeach been sentencedto18-month community corrections orders after beingconvicted of falsifying records. Joseph Agostino of Maribyrnong and Rodney Alan Young of Hazelwood North were sentenced yesterday in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court to 250 hours of community service each. They each faced more than 130 charges including falsifying records in 2012 and2013, which resulted in the underpayment of Wellington ShireCouncil by thousands of dollars. The courtheard Agostino and Young were directors in the company. The men had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges.

10 years ago

TheExpress, May 21, 2015

TheGuide

THE ONE THAT GOTAWAY

ABC TV,Friday, 8.30pm

Awill-they/won’t-they romance hidden beneathlayers of criminal intrigue and forensic examination, this psychological thriller based on the Welshseries Cleddauis not your average crimeseries. It follows the huntfor akillerwhose modus operandi echoes that of the fictional HeartKnot murders, a crime which detectives (and former lovers)FfionLloyd (ElenRhys) and RickSheldon (RichardHarrington, pictured with Rhys) thought they solved 12 years ago.Amid locals fears of acopycat killer,Lloyd is called back to PembrokeDock, the Cambrian seaside town she left behind, to work withher ex-fiancé Sheldontounravel amystery that spans decades.

Wednesday, May21

ABC TV (2)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 10.45

Q+A. (Final, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National PressClubAddress 1.35 Media Watch.(PG,R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R)

3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.00 ABite To EatWithAlice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

7.30

Gruen.

TheWeekly WithCharlie Pickering. Asatirical news program. 9.05 Planet America Hosted by Chas Licciardello andJohn Barron 9.40 Big Boys. (MA15+l) 10.10 Mayfair Witches. (Mal, R) 10.55 ABC Late News 11.10 The Business. (R)

11.25 Anh’s Brush WithFame. (PG,R) 12.25 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 1.15 Long Lost Family:What HappenedNext. (PGa, R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 GardeningAustralia (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

FAKE

10, Sunday, 8.30pm

In this disturbing yetbrilliantly addictiveseries, there’smany moments when youwish alarm bells would ring forAsher Keddie’s wide-eyed character and shewould simplystrut away when faced with atroveofred flagsfromher new love interest. This gripping eight-part drama is based on Aussie journalist Stephanie Wood’sblisteringly honest book about her experience dating aman who turned out to be acompulsive liar and manipulator. Keddie plays Birdie, alonely writer who falls intothe webofgrazier

Joe (David Wenham, pictured with Keddie) after meeting him online. Despitearocky firstdate in tonight’spremiere, Birdie second-guesses herinstincts and agrees to meet him again.

PICK OF R

F THE WEEK

THE FLOOR Nine, Mond

day,7.30pm

If you’vefoun this competit hear the actu started as 81 is now just ni defend their neighbours’t entireboard

Can one of th titled) ‘whale majority stak underdog se to take over? Corser (pictu as the finalist forthe lasttim can wipe the their compet claim the $20 prize. Let’sdu

ndyourselfcallingout theanswers to tivequiz show so loudlythatyou can’t ual contestants,you’renot alone. What Aussiesstandingonagrid of trivia topics ne clever contenders hopingto territory, conquer their tiles and securethe forthemselves. he(unfortunately es’ hold ontotheir ke? Or will an izetheir chance ? HostRodger ured) oversees tsbattle it out me. Only one e floor with tition and 00,000 uel!

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour 10.00 Destination Flavour.(R) 10.10

SEVEN (7,6)

The Bridges That BuiltLondon. (PGa, R) 11.00 Dream Of Italy. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNewsTonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 PlatDuTour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage 10.Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Farmer WantsAWife (R) 2.40 SurveillanceOz: Dashcam. (PGl,R) 3.00 TheChase (R) 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia

6.00 MastermindAustralia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alone Australia. (M) The survivalists makedifficult decisions

8.40 Mysteries Of Sink Holes: Hidden Worlds (PGav,R)Aninvestigation into the subterranean mysteriesthat sinkholes can actually help solve 9.35 TheHandmaid’sTale. (MA15+) June facesher biggest challenge.

10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 My Brilliant Friend (Mal) 12.05 The Wall:The Chateau Murder. (Malv R) 3.25 JSchwanke’sLifeInBloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home AndAway. (PG)

7.30 The1%Club UK (PGl, R) 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. (PGa) Hosted by HamishMcLachlan.

10.00 UnbelievableMoments

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

11.00 Born To Kill? (MA15+av,R)

12.00 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4pm Andy’sSafari Adventures. 4.15 PJ Masks. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 4.40 Ariel. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 PeppaPig 5.10 Pfffirates. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 BenAnd Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary 9.25 Doctor Who 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Viajeros. (2022, PGa, Spanish) 7.30 ArthurAnd The TwoWorlds War. (2010, PGav) 9.25 Courted. (2015,PGal, French) 11.15 TheLastVermeer.(2019, Malv) 1.25pm Belli Ciao.(2022, Mal, Italian) 3.00 TheMovie Show. (PGa,R) 3.35 AHandfulOfDust. (1988,PG, R) 5.45 RBG. (2018,PG, R) 7.35 TheFlood (2019,Malv) 9.30 AMostViolent Year (2014,MA15+av,R) 11.50 Mindscape. (2013,MA15+an) 1.40am Pride And Glory.(2008,MA15+alv) 4.00 Salvation Boulevard.(2011, Madlsv)

NINE (9,8)

ANIMALSUP C

BERTIE GREGO

ABC Family,Tu

CLOSE WITH ORY esday, 8.40pm

Acinematograp

Attenborough’s well as a Nationa adventurer and w Gregory(pictured incredible amoun 32 years.For his s Gregorybraves snow-capp suspen the d anim the To Gr Ga th ig li r b

pher on David PlanetEarthdocos as alGeographicexplorer, wildlifefilmmaker Bertie dbelow) has fit an tofexperience intohis second standalone series, sub-zero seas, climbs ped mountains and sleeps ndedinmid-airtobring daily lives of extraordinary mals and the challenges ey face to your livingroom. onight’sepisode finds regoryand his team in the alápagosIslands, where hey spend timewithmarine guanas, sunbathe with sea onsand swim with eagle rays andsharks. Youwon’t believeyoureyes.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheFloor.(PG,R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. 1.30 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv,R) 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)

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 TheHundred With Andy Lee. (Mls) Comedy panel show

8.30 TheGrand Tour (Ml) Jeremy drives the 1479 HP Bugatti Chiron from the south of France to Turin via the Alps.

9.50 To Be Advised.

10.50 9News Late.

11.20 TheEqualizer (Mv,R)

12.05 Young Sheldon. (PGadlsv, R)

12.30 TippingPoint. (PG,R) 1.20 Talking Honey 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News 5.30 Today

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 9.00 Motor Racing. FormulaE WorldC’ship.Tokyo ePrix. 10.05 Bewitched. 10.35 Jeannie 11.05 YoungSheldon. 12.05pm MOVIE: The Mask. (1994, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30

6am Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction. 7.00 MervHughes Fishing. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 Boating. Australian V8 Superboats Championship.Round 6. Replay 9.00 Cities Of TheUnderworld. 10.00 Storage Wars:New York 11.00 Storage Wars 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 2.30 Train RescueDownUnder 3.30 DuckDynasty 4.00 Cities Of TheUnderworld. 5.00 American Restoration. 5.30 StorageWars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BehindThe Line. 9.30 World’s WildestPolice Videos 11.30 Late Programs.

Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30

Friends: Girls On

4.50 ILove

5.10 Spidey And His

Friends. 5.30

6.00 DealOrNoDeal

6.30 TheProject. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia In Sydney, teams competefor immunity 8.40 Elsbeth. (Mv) Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of along-running police procedural is brutally murdered in hisoffice. 9.40 FBI: International (Mv) Amember of the team goesmissing. 10.40 10’s

Thursday,May 22

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Weekly.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Sherwood. (Final, Mlv,R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To Eat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Grand Designs UK. Acouple build a400sqm home in Lincolnshire.

8.50 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Atlantic: Madeira And Azores. (PG) Hosted by Martin Clunes. 9.35 The Kimberley (R) Hosted by Mark Coles Smith.

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.40 The Business. (R)

11.00 Grand Designs: House Of The Year (R) 11.50 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.25 Vera. (Mav,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Dream Of Italy.(Ml,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Alone Australia. (M, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI WorldTour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 History’sGreatest Mysteries:

The Sinking Of The Titanic. (PG, R) Alook at the story of the Titanic

8.25 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Germany (M) Looks at footage and eyewitness testimony which shows the true cost of liberation across WesternEurope during the last year of WWII.

9.15 Sherlock &Daughter (Mav) Amelia goes undercover

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Carmen Curlers. (Mas, R) 12.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 2.50 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s

Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2pm The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia.

7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Tribal. 9.25 MOVIE: Kiss The Girls. (1997, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Lethal Love Letter (2021, Mav) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 11. Geelong vWesternBulldogs. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria.

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

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

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.05 Raines. (Mahv) Ahomeless woman is found murdered.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

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

6am Morning

Programs. 9.00 Medical Emergency 9.30

NBC Today Noon Better Homes. 1.00

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Hundred With Andy Lee. (Mls,

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Ml) Hosted by TomGleeson. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.40 The Graham Norton Show (Mv,R)Graham Norton is joined by guests including Renée Zellweger,Leo Woodall, Sterling K. Brown and Anthony Mackie. 10.50 10’sLate News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 12.45pm Super Maximum Retro Show. 1.45 Fanatics: TheDeep End. 2.15 Insight 3.15 News. 3.20 WorldWatch. 5.20 Forged In Fire:Best Of. 6.10 Over The Black Dot 6.40 TravelMan 7.10 Jeopardy! 7.35 News. 7.40 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 Elon Musk’s TwitterStorm. 9.10 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour Girod’Italia. 1.35am LatePrograms

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.50 T-34 (2018, Malv,Russian, German, Belarusian, Ukrainian) 1.55pm After Yang. (2021, PGal) 3.45 The Kids AreAlright. (2021, PGal, Spanish) 5.25 CapricornOne. (1977, PGalv) 7.40 Arctic. (2018, Mal) 9.30 Gangster Squad. (2013, MA15+lv) 11.35 Late Programs.

Friday,May 23

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

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

8.30 Emergency (Mm, R) After asurfer has aheart attack, Caitlin and Martin arenot suretheycan save him.

9.30 A+E Crash Scene Emergency. (Mam) Aman is left with life-changing injuries as emergency medical

10.30 Panic 9-1-1. (MA15+av)

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

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

9GEM (92,81)

Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 My Impossible House. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away 7.30 Father Brown. 8.40 Grace. 10.40 Late Programs. 6am Morning

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Survivor 48. (Final) 10.30 Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience. (Final) 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am Love Island UK. (Final) 1.45 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00

7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly 8.30 Britain’s Got Talent. 10.30 The Amazing Race. Midnight Late Programs.

SEVEN (7,6)

Programs. 2pm Yes, Prime Minister 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Some Will, Some Won’t. (1970, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 12. Canterbury Bulldogs vDolphins. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Shopping. 8.00 What’sUpDownUnder 8.30

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5. (PG, R) 11.10 Bergerac. (Mal, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv,R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 ABite To EatWith Alice. (PG) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’sHouse Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa gets playful with planting design.

8.30 The One That Got Away (Premiere, Mal) Twodetectives hunt akiller whose modus operandi echoes ahistoric series of murders.

9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.00 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

10.30 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R) 11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Father Brown. (Ma, R)

12.00 Mayfair Witches. (Mal, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Dream Of Italy.(R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Autun: Rome’s Forgotten Sister.(PG, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage12. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 MOVIE: Call Me Kate. (2023, PGa, R) Katharine Hepburn. 9.05 Snowdon &Margaret: A Scandalous Affair (PGa, R) Explores Princess Margaret’smarriage. 10.00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes: North Yorkshire– Jill Scott. (R) 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Atlantic Crossing. (PGa, R) 12.10 Rex In Rome. (Mlv,R) 2.00 The Head. (Malsv,R) 3.50 JSchwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.20 The Flood. (2019, Malv) 12.15pm Salvation Boulevard. (2011, Madlsv) 2.05 RBG. (2018, PG) 3.55 Earth To Echo. (2014, PGalv) 5.35 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PGalnsv) 7.30 Bandit. (2022, Mlnsv) 9.50 The

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

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. Alead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 11. Essendon vRichmond. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbestracing.

11.45 To Be Advised.

1.25 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Temptation Under The Sun. (2022, Mav) Annika Foster,Mike Markoff. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG,R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Find My Country House Australia. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

8.30 MOVIE: My Sister’sKeeper (2009, Mal, R) Ayoung girl decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation to avoid donating akidney to her dying sibling. Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin, Alec Baldwin.

10.45 MOVIE: The Rebound. (2009, Mdls, R) Catherine Zeta-Jones. 12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

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

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 6.30 The Project. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. Acouple search for aretreat in the Blue Mountains.

8.30 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns, R)Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show (Mhs, R) Celebrity guests include Sigourney Weaver. 10.3010’sLate News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Patriot Brains. 1.25 Planet A. 2.15 Fast And Furious Face-Off. 3.00 Over The Black Dot. 3.30 News. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.30 Forged In Fire. 6.20 If You AreThe One. 7.20 Jeopardy! 7.50 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. 1.35am Late Programs.

valleysport

Sporting results from around the Latrobe Valley

Luff’s love for footy gets him to 600

Incredible: Traralgon boyand former SydneyplayerTroyLuff is stillplaying, and notcheduphis 600th game recently. Photograph supplied

FOOTBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IN his 38thseason of open-agefootball, former Sydney Swan and Traralgon-boy Troy Luffreached the miraculous milestone, strapping up his boots for the 600th time at senior level.

Playing for his much belovedUNSW Eastern SuburbsBulldogs, the 55-year-old and his side were rarely tested on the day againstSydney University in the AFL SydneyDivision 5competition, with Luff basking in the occasion with abag of 10 goals in their 109-point victory (played May 10).

“To be honest, Iwas overwhelmed,” Luff told the Express.

“I was humbled by the day itself, the players that cametowatchfrom the other divisions, someof the old boys from the Bulldogs were there, (and) friends were there.

“I was just so overwhelmed by the support and Iguess the love shown by everybody.”

While Luff said it was an unbelievable thrill to snag the amount of goals he did on hisspecial day, he also admitted that afew extra were forced down his throat by his teammates.

“It got to the last quarter and Iwas sitting on about eight goals and even though Iwasn’t thinking ‘I’m going to kick 10’, but the players almost made me kick 10,” he said.

“They were getting me to lead to them when they were 25 metres out of goal… (so,) two of the goals were quite cheap.”

Luff grew up in Traralgon,playing for Cumberland Park Junior Football Club (since defunct) and played aseason for the Maroons in Latrobe Valley Football League beforemoving to Nelson Bay in New South Wales forhis final school years.

Kicking 70 goals in the Newcastle League in 1989, the next year Luff was picked up by Sydney,having now lived in the state long enough to be selected as aterritorial AFL pick.

“Backthen, all of New South Waleswas the Swans’ recruiting zone, and after living in New SouthWales forthree years, Ieffectively became aNew South Welshman,sothey could justput me on the list and they did,” he said.

Luffdebuted in Round12, 1990 of the AFL season -a 45-point loss to Fitzroy at the SCG, managing six games for the year.

He wouldonly manage 21 games in his first four seasonsduring astruggling period for the club.

“When Istarted,there were some legends of the game like DennisCarroll (the last South Melbourne player to retire for Sydney), Merv Neagle, David Murphy,Bernard Toohey, David Bolton, Gerard Healy, just to name afew,” Luff said.

“They were all sort of getting towards the end of their careers and when Ifirst started, we didn’t have agreat year in 1990,and then slowlyasthose

guys retired, the performance got worse.”

It wasn’t until the 1994 season that Luff began to breakinto the sideconsistently (albeitwhen Sydney werewinning justfive gamesover two years) -this was all during atimewhenthe great

Ron Barassi was at the helm.

Luff was delisted and redrafted twice all before the age of 26, but the best was yet to come.

Luff played 23 games in the 1996 season, as the Swans made the Grand Final, with all-time AFL leading goal-kicker Tony Lockett and coach Rodney Eade leading the way.

Despitefacing just atwo-pointdeficitathalftime of the decider, North Melbourne stormed past Sydney in the second half to win by 43 points.

Luff came alive during that finals series, which cumulated with 18 disposals and two goals in the big dance.

Retiring in 2001 after playing 155 games for the Swans, Luff has since split his time in the AFL Sydney league playing for UNSW and Balmain.

He’s kept himself in good shape and kicked along for an extra 23 years playingagameheabsolutely loves.

“At the end of the day, footy’s just agame, and if the body allows you to, why not keep playing?” he said.

“I still feel as sore as Idotoday after agame as Idid 10 years ago, so nothing much has changed.

“I might be alittle bit slower or can’t kick as far, but Istill get around the footy field okay.

“It’s no different than when you’re 15-years-old, when you’re 25-years-old -you love playing footy, even though I’m pretty old to do it.

“I just enjoy the game, the whole social aspect of it, playing the game, the end of season trips and mad Mondays, all that sort of stuff.”

Luff has also ventured overseas and taken the game aboard in an effort for the AFL to expand interest across the globe.

Playing for the Bali Geckos on and off for 20 years (and alife member), Luff has played in Phuket, for Indonesia in the Asian Championships,over in Kuala Lumpur, and other parts of Asia.

“It’s agreat thrill to say that you’ve played footy in so many different parts of Asia, not to mention I’ve played in the USA as well. Itook Balmain there many years ago and played against the American national team,” he said.

“It’s just agreat concept playingfootballfor other areas of the world, and playing for Bali has certainly broadened my footy horizons.”

Given he’s played at the top level and at amateurlevel for more than 35 years, it's hard to say he exactly needed that additional experience, but it just goes to show his love for the game.

Morelocally,acouple of MidGippsland players celebrated majormilestones at the weekend -Pages 24-25

Tough outings for the Stars

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND STARS

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ROUND 9ofthe Victorian Netball League came and went last week.

Gippsland Stars suffered atough round of resultsasthe Championship and 23-and-Under sides faced off against Boroondara Express at theState Netball Centre last Wednesday (May 14).

 THE Championship side couldn't keep with Boroondara for four quarters, going down 72 to 29 in Round 9.

JessicaBlack gotoff to ahot start for the Stars, with seven goals in the first quarter, and while the Gippslandsideled early, theiropponent still manage to lead by six goals come the end of the term.

The backend of that first quarter carried over into the second, with a22-3term that included an 11-1 run to end the first half.

The Stars returned hoping to put adent into their deficit, but couldn't overcome whathad already transpired and were outscored by nine goals in the third quarter.

An 18-9 final term summed up the evening for the Stars, unable to halt the runs of Boroondara.

Alahna Arnason finished with ateam-high 12 goals, while Sally Dellar was deemed player of the match for the Championship side.

 SIMILAR results were seen in the earlier game for the 23-and-Under side.

The younger Stars were out to secure their first win of the season,after adraw with Peninsula Waves in Round 5, and jumped out to a6-1 start.

GraceVan Tilburg and Charlize Traumanis were on from the word go, as the Stars got out to a17-8lead at the end of the first quarter.

While Boroondara finally came to the party, tying the game within the first10minutes of the second term, the Stars withstood, and Traumanisand Anna Mooney continued to see theirside leadbyfive goals at halftime.

The Stars knew they had to sustain this energy and shooting output to see out their first victory of the year, however Boroondara ran out of the second half with nine of the first 11 goals of the third quarter.

In the blinkofaneye, Boroondara now held a six-goal lead, with all signs pointingupfor them and worrying signs for Gippsland.

The Stars answered with a5-3 run to negate some of Boroondara's momentum, to be down three goals entering the final turn.

Nothing could stop the Stars' opponent in that 15-minute stretch however, and Boroondara ran home winners thanks to a22-8last quarter.

Traumanis was player of the game for the Stars with agame-high 30 goals on an impressive 96.77 per cent shooting rate.

Gippsland Stars come up against Hawks tonight (Wednesday, May 21) in both grades at the State Netball Centre.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

SENIORS

(58) GOALS Traralgon: DLoprese 7T Hourigan 6SHallyburton2 TWaack 2L Willaton 2LD’Angelo 2KRuyters 2JZappulla JMcMahon CBrown BRoscoe JCunico.Drouin: SAmoroso 4CFleming ZMcmillan BBrasierTUnferdorben. BEST:Traralgon:THourigan DLoprese LWillatonTWaack LD’Angelo KRuyters.Drouin: SAmoroso CQuirkAQuirk KQuirk BBrasier RWierzbicki WONTHAGGI 3.46.4 9.8 13.9 (87) BAIRNSDALE

LByrne-Jones EEast BVickery. BEST: Wonthaggi: RSparkes K Patterson HDawson JBlair EDickison JShone.Bairnsdale: WMitchellR Tatnell HLongbottom JLando EEastC Harvey MORWELL

(47) GOALS: Morwell: BMcDonald 3IAbas CMacdonald BBailey CCampbell.Maffra:JMcQuillen

2CCalwyn NChristyA Watt BMonk LDyer. BEST: Morwell: AQuigley BBailey IAbas SWalsh BMcDonald BMacfarlane.Maffra: DButcher JRead TScott JMcQuillen AWattJ Boyd

(104)

2.0 3.2 7.2 9.3 (57)

GOALS: Leongatha: JGarnham 5AHeppell 3P Ireland 2T Brill 2ZLamers THallHLindsay Warragul: BFowler2R Senini 2LCarter2 THillard THobbs TStern. BEST: Leongatha: B Harding LBowman JGarnham AHeppell CMaskell TNash. Warragul: SMasterson RSenini I WallaceS Whibley APhillips THobbs

MOE 4.57.9 12.12 15.14 (104)

SALE5.1 7.4 8.7 10.10 (70)

GOALS: Moe: BCrocker 8DKeilty4 TMurphyJMorrow BSmith. Sale: JFreeman 3SLange 2J Simic JLeslieTCampbell JMclarenTWrigglesworth BEST: Moe: ADijkstra NScagliarini Svan DykT Baldi JBalfour TMurphy. Sale:W

Valley teams sweep league

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

NO major surprises came out of Round 6of the GippslandLeague, as all Latrobe Valley sides recorded wins.

With one-third of the regular season now complete, the competition will enter asplit round for Round 7.

Traralgon is in action thisweekend,hosting Wonthaggi,while Warragul welcomes Maffra to Western Park.

Given thecoldermonths are approaching, teams havealsolikelyturned one eye to navigating the upcoming grind.

With seemingly every second person sick at the moment, the last thing any coach can afford is to have half their squad unavailable through illness, so the next fortnight appears as good atime as ever for players to get their flu shots.

 STILL more questions than answers for Morwell.

TheTigers avoided double déjà vu against Maffra, winning by three points on the road, 7.8 (50) to 7.5 (47).

Remarkably, it was the same margin but opposite result from the last time the two sides met in Round 14 last year.

The visitors had to dig deep in the second half, after going into the sheds faced with a 17 point deficit.

In what turned out to be aclassic ‘game of two halves’, Morwell kicked four goals to one after the break.

The win was timely for Morwell, who moved back into the top five as aresult.

The Tigershad losttheir last threegames, albeit all by less than two goals against predicted finalists Traralgon, Wonthaggi and Leongatha. By the same token however, athree-point win over Maffra won’t exactly go down as convincing, which could leave Morwell with much to ponder over the break.

 THANKFULLY for Sale, they still have Will Leslie.

Had he not played, Moe forward Ben Crocker may well have doubled his final tally of eight goals.

The Lions broke away from adetermined Sale at Ted Summerton Reserve, winning 15.14 (104) to 10.10 (70).

Moe maintained its scoring spree of recent weeks, cracking the ton for the fourth week in arow.

Such areturn was somewhat contradictory to how the game was played, with the ball spending agreat deal of time betweenthe arcs.

Once the Lions got inside 50 however, they made the most of their opportunities, especially late once it wasclear the Magpies had run their race.

Weightofnumberseventuallywore Sale down, although the visitors were well and truly in with ashow right up until three quarter time.

“Itwasn’t supposedtobethis close,”one motivated Magpie player quipped.

For first-placed Moe meanwhile, if ever there was areflection of how much apremiership means to those lucky enough to experience one for the Lions,itwas surely seen at China Rowlings’ funeral.

Of the three people who spoke, one of them was fromthe 1991 thirds flag China coached.  TRARALGON smacked Drouin. The reigning premier did as expected against ahapless Hawks, posting 28.15 (183) to 8.10 (58).

Traralgon slammed on 10 goals to one in the opening term, and added afurther seven to go into the dogboxchangerooms ahead by 85 points.

Adozen players got on the scorecard for the winners. Dylan Loprese slotted seven and Tye Hourigan six, whileLiam Willaton, Tristen Waack,Luis D’Angelo and Kade Ruyters were all busy.

SebAmoroso,Ben Braiser, Riley Wierzbicki and the Quirk boys, Caleb, Aden and Kye, battled manfully for Drouin.

 IN other games, South Gippsland clubs Leongatha and Wonthaggi recorded victories.

TheParrots led Warragulatevery change to win15.14 (104) to 9.3(57).

Jenson Garnham kicked five for the winners, and was helped by Ben Harding, Luke Bowman, Aaron Heppell, Cade Maskell and Travis Nash.

LEffenberg. BEST: Maffra: WGieschen CHenry RPhelan SPendergast Astobie DO’Brien. Morwell: LDalziel JSeymour LPatterson RLoprese CWhiteE Porigneaux

GOALS: Leongatha: BFort3C Watson 3JStewart 2KMcGrathCRump NFixterBDavidson JCochrane DKratzat.Warragul: SKelly BEST: Leongatha: NFixterB Grabham AndrewsB Fort JCochrane IFox BDavidson. Warragul: HCant JCasson SKelly CMacLean XLaFrantz

GOALS: Wonthaggi: TDavey3 ABusana2CKrause 2C De Alwis.Bairnsdale: CCroftsM Hamilton MFalls SO’Kelly BFroud EThomas. BEST: Wonthaggi: JLewisJ Williamson EJoma C Krause CBrown TDavey. Bairnsdale: TScott HCook MHamiltonCCroftsDEastman

ABattista M Parise.Sale: JGreenwood FWilson RMizzi JPower DDavidson DVandervoort

4.5 4.9 7.12 9.14 (68)

0.0 1.3 2.4 5.5 (35) GOALS: Bairnsdale: RHargreaves3 MNeate RCullinan BNugent- BrownJFarley O Emmett. Wonthaggi: SCarterBMartin MOri JJoske JBrouwers BEST: Bairnsdale: DAshby RHargreavesCCook MNeate RCullinan XLane.Wonthaggi: LLidstoneH Smith JBurns J Brouwers BDockeryO Feather

TRARALGON 4.4 6.4

1.0

(52)

6.3 (39)

Traralgon: TDavidson 2MFarley 2W Ambler 2JBalcombe Matters.Drouin: RBaker 4BPitt JHuston. BEST: Traralgon: EPassLMacumber ZBastin MFarley TDavidson CTatchell Drouin: JEtchell RBaker SStark JHuston WVirtue JProctor LEONGATHA 1.0 5.0

Leongatha: EBerryman 3A Logan 2CBickertonJDeering MCroattoH Bowler M Carter.Warragul: RNettle3C Thompson LMoore. BEST: Leongatha: ALogan SBradley T McKenzieE Berryman FDonohue IBolge.Warragul: LMoore XOlsson TWardT Logan JBoote CLeighton

Not for the first time, theEagles stifled scoring by dropping both wingers back. Maffra employed the same tactic against Moe acouple of years ago, backing their leg speed to try and catch teams on the rebound.

While part of theplanworked at the weekend,italsomeant Morwell generally had loose players scattered across the ground.

The Tigersweretherefore able to chip the ball around, especially when the game needed to be killed late. Amazingly, there was 66 marks between the two teamsin the final quarter.

Morwell survived afew nervous moments late, especially whenthe balltrickled out the back toward Maffra’s goal,only to bounceinto the post at the 19 minute mark.

That madethe margin threepoints, and scoresremainedunchangeduntilthe final siren sounded.

Zac Anderson had some big moments late for the visitors, controlling tempoand nailing acrucial holding the ball on the edge of attacking 50.

Relief wasevidentbythe body language of Morwell players, while equally, frustration clearly showed for Maffra’s Tom Scott, who hurled his mouth guard to the ground.

Scottwas among the Eagles’ best, along with the returning Danny Butcher in his firstgamefor the season.Fellow veteran James Read also played well, as did Archer Watt, Jonathan Boyd and Jack McQuillen, who took some timely contested grabs and slotted two goals.

Aidan Quigley was best for Morwell, followed by BoydBailey, Isaac Abas, Sam Walsh, Burkeley Macfarlane and Brandon McDonald, who kicked three goals in his 100th senior game.

Always one to play with maximum intent, be it football or cricket, McDonald (who reportedly devours feedbackand information),has been aconsistent goal-kicker for the Tigers over the years.

Sale’s prime movers in Jack McLaren and ShannenLangeinfluenced the game greatly in the firsthalf, but much likeFinalFurlong in the arcade, simply ran out of carrots.

Moe kickedfive goals to one in the third term, one of which came via a100 metre penalty, giving Lions defender and skipper Brock Smith his first goal for the season.

Lange and Moe midfielder Myles Poholke also shared verbal barbs on the three quarter time siren, with money beinganaudible topic of discussion.

Sale fought the game out admirably, but there was simply no denying Crocker.

He kicked an insane checkside set shot in frontofthe now appropriatelynamed ‘China Rowlings Can Bar’, turning to the appreciative crowd.

The late China Rowlings wasgivenahuge send off on the Mondaybefore the match, and asigndenoting the bar where he spent many Saturday’s now proudly hangs.

Crocker followed with agather and snap from the opposite side ashort time later, making for another productive afternoon.

Best playersfor the winners wereAlex Dijkstra, Nathan Scagliarini, Scottvan Dyk, GaryMoorcroft(aka TrentBaldi), Jacob Balfour and Tom Murphy.

Bothsides hadyoung debutants who acquittedthemselves well. Paul Gatpan playedhis firstseniorgame as abottomaged thirds player for Moe, while fourths player Archer Gerrand was named in the best for Sale.

Will Leslie was an obvious best-on for the Magpies, and was joined by McLaren, Jack Leslie, Lange and Jarrod Freeman.

After making the GrandFinal three years ago, thecruelreality of the footy cycle has set upon Sale.

Just seven players from the 2022 decider played at the weekend, and not many would have predicted the Magpies to now be sitting second-last on the ladder with awin-loss record of 1-5.

Sean Masterson and his man bun were prominent for Warragul, as was Riley Senini, Isaac Wallace, Sam Whibley, Alby Phillips and Tom Hobbs.

 WONTHAGGI held off Bairnsdale.

The Redlegs, making what is believed to be thelongest road trip in country Victoria, were only eight points down at the main break, before travel fatigue set in.

Power midfielder Ryan Sparkes was best in the win, kicking five goals. Others to rack up toucheswere Kaj Patterson, HarryDawson, JarrydBlair, Ethan Dickison and Jasper Stone. Wonthaggi was again without Jye Gilmour, who was spotted in amoonboot. The midfielder was leading the league’s MVP after Round 4, but has not played since. Will Mitchell,Ricky Tatnell, Hugh Longbottom, Josh Lando, Ethan East and Cooper Harvey collected the plaudits for Bairnsdale.

Not to let anear three-hour trip get the better of them,the Redlegs arranged to make aweekend of it, booking rooms at the North Pier pub in Cowes. That amatch between the two most geographically opposed teams was played on the same week Wonthaggi was linked to apotential move to the West Gippsland Competition gave rise to aconversation that couldbeput on repeat every five or so years. Addinganother layer to the story, the Power celebrated 20 years as amerged entity on Saturday night (Wonthaggi Blues and Wonthaggi Rovers combined in 2005). Part of the Power’s history saw them move from the now defunct Alberton League to Gippsland League at the start of the 2010s, much the same as Bairnsdale, who moved fromEastGippsland to the major league around the same time.

Wonthaggi has confirmed it is committed to the Gippsland League.

However, it is understood West Gippsland has grand planstobecome the Number 1 league east of Melbourne, and would presumably target clubs like Wonthaggi, Pakenham and Beaconsfield to fulfil this vision.

Twoclubs united show true power

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

WONTHAGGI Power Football-Netball Clubcel-

ebrated 20 years of combined forces last Saturday night.

The 'new' club was formed by merging Wonthaggi Blues and Wonthaggi Rovers.

Blues competed in the Gippsland League, and Rovers in the Alberton Football-Netball League. Old rivalries were put aside for the betterment of football and netball in the area, which has since seen the Power united under one club banner. Past presidents, coaches and players joined their

Bailey appointed

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

NOW this is astacked coaching crew.

Morwell senior playing-coach, Boyd Baileyhas beenappointedhead coach of the Gippsland League team to compete at the annual under 18 interleague carnival. He will be ablyassisted by reigning senior league best-and-fairest winner Riley Baldi (Moe), 2023 league MVP, Ryan Sparkes (Wonthaggi), andmultiple premiership winner Cade Maskell (Leongatha).

Bailey has been head coach of Morwell since 2023 and was instrumental as aplayer in the club’s premiership wins in 2013 and 2014.Since returning from VFL and NEAFL duties in 2021, he has taken on the Tiger’s senior coaching role and has also been a senior representative coachinthe Gippsland League Senior All Stars event in 2023. Squads have been announced.

Moe: BobbyHiggins, Paul Gatpan,Keller Holmes,XavierBerquez

Morwell: Mac Blewett, Oscar Kalan

Traralgon: Jake Zappula, Cooper Anderson,Will Ambler,Ben Hagley, Levi Macumber

Bairnsdale: Kael Frith, Charlie Cook,Max Neate,RyanCullinan, Jobe Froud

Drouin: Max Williames,KaidynWalmsley, Blake Bibby

Leongatha: Aydan Williams,Finn

Donohue, Mitch Croatto,AlbyLogan

Maffra: LeoStephenson, Harper Walker, Jack McQuillen, ThomasPhillips, Elijh Berry, SamRichards,Will Burgiel,Sam Anderson

Sale: Mitch McMaster

Warragul: Caleb McIntosh,RileySenini Levi Moore,Xavier Olssen,RoryNettle

Wonthaggi: JasperShone,JaydenBurns, Leevi Lidstone

modern contemporaries at the Wonthaggi Club to reflect on the journey.

Predictably, thePower foundimmediate success playing in Alberton, winning three flags from five consecutive grandfinals, before moving to the major league in 2010 after being deemed 'too strong' for the AFNL by the then Victorian Country Football League.

Wonthaggi's on-field fortunes in the big league havegenerally reflected resources aroundtown at the time.

ThePower made theGippsland League Grand Final in 2014 at atimewhenthe desalination plant was in fullswing and local work plentiful, and again in 2023 with favourite son and Collingwood premiership player, Jarryd Blair at the helm.

Blair is still coaching, and while the Power are yet to win apremiership in the major league, have featured prominently in finals the last three seasons.

Some notable names have also worn the teal colours, including past AFL players Isaac Chugg, Nathan Brown and Earl Shaw, and current West Coast player Jack Hutchinson, who was taken in the 2023 midseason draft.

Amonglocal legends, seven time best-and-fairest winner and former captain Aiden Lindsay would have to rate among the club's greatest.

Of all the great moments in the last 20 years however, the club's most memorable is surely the miracle 2014 senior preliminary final.

PlayingSale, the Power came back from 45-points down at three quarter time.

Wonthaggi players found motivationfrom an unusual source -Morwell players leaving at three quarter time to pencil in aSaleversus Morwell decider.

The Power are not the only club since the turn of the century to merge and make aone-town club.

Orbost and Snowy Rovers came togetherin2003, puttingbehind what was reportedly one of the biggest rivalries in Gippsland footy.

Afull wrap of the Power's reunion will feature in next week's issue.

Whereitall started: Wonthaggi Power inaugural presidents, David Beaumontand Geoff Jones.The twocametogether 20 yearsago to merge Wonthaggi Blues andWonthaggi Rovers

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Connections running wall to Walls

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

LATE AFL legend, Robert Walls had connections to aplethora of local footballers.

Walls died last Thursday following abattlewith leukaemia. He was 74.

He played more than 250 games for Carlton and Fitzroy, before going on to coach close to 350 at the Blues, Lions, Brisbane Bears and Richmond.

Of the eight players to feature in all three of Carlton’s premierships alongsideWalls in 1968/70/72, half were from Gippsland.

They were: Garry Crane (Yallourn North), AdrianGallagher(Yarram),NeilChandler (Welshpool) and Ian Robertson (Dalyston).

Joining Walls in the 1970 triumph was late Moe footballer, Ted Hopkins, who famously came on

after halftime and kicked four goals.

Morwell pair Vin Waite and Bryan Quirk also played alongside Walls in Carlton premierships -Quirk in 1968 and Waite in 1972.

Maffra’s Bill Bennet only played 11 games for the Blues, but one was in the ’68 success.

Sale’sIan Collinsexperienced the highs and lows of football with Walls. The pair were premiership teammates in 1968, yet little more than 20 years later, Collins, in his role as Carlton executive director, sacked Walls as coach.

Walls wasalsosackedasRichmond coach in 1997, succeeded by Maffra’s Jeff Gieschen.

The Gieschen name is synonymous with Maffra, and coincidentally, Winston Gieschen broke the Eagles all-time games record at the weekend.

Gieschen went pastold teammate,Ben Batahla’s mark of 284.

Wallsalsoplayed alongside and coached Traralgon legend and BrownlowMedallist, Bernie Quinlan during their time at Fitzroy.

Late filmmaker,Rob Dickson played in Morwell’s 1983and 1985 premierships, and was coached by Walls at theBrisbane Bears, as was Moe’s Lachlan Sim.

Dickson’s younger brother Peter is from Morwell, and currentMorwell senior player, Judah Leek is Rob’s nephew.

Simconfirmed Walls was as hard ataskmaster as what was perpetrated.

“He wasvery, verytough,” he said in a2020 podcast with the author.

“If you didn’t put your head over the footy, you copped it big time. He didn’t hold back, he didn’t hold back on senior players either, he told them how it was.”

Moe once again putting freeze on MND

FOOTBALL

MOE Football-Netball Club will host is annual Fight MND round on Saturday, June 7.

The Lions have partnered with the campaign in recent years, showing their support for the Neale Daniher-led initiative. Moe footballer Ben Daniher (Neale's son) has been afixture in the Lions senior team forthe last four years.

Patronsare beingencouraged to attendTed Summerton Reservefor the local instalment of Big Freeze,which willsee local identitiesgounder the ice water for the worthy cause.

The familiar BigFreeze beanieswill be available to purchase from the club.

Nationally, Big Freeze is now into its 11th year. Held annually on the King's Birthday, the 'Freeze on MND' attracts huge crowds to the MCG for the Melbourne/Collingwood clash.

Neale Daniher AO was named Australian of the

Year at thisyear'sawards for his work as co-founder of FightMND.

“Big Freeze 11 is atestamenttothe strength, compassionand determinationofthe Australian community," he said

"I want to express my heartfeltgratitude to our partners, friends and the Australian community who have rallied behind this cause.

"Big Freeze 11 is more thananevent. It’s our signal to the world that the fight to find acureis on.Toeveryone who’s beenpart of this story,by donating, spreadingawareness, or simply donning your Beanie, thank you for standing with us.

Together we’ll beat the Beast.”

Neale Daniher has been on hand to see anumber of Moe games in the past.

Love: Moefootballer BenDaniher withmum, Jan.

Photograph: JulieSim

MID GIPPSLAND

Thorpdale celebrates

FOOTBALL

SFalla 2CMeloury2CMillsomJJones.HillEnd: LCumiskey3D Paul BEST: Thorpdale: LWallaceT Patten GLow JDeVirgilio SPickering J Jones.Hill End: JBurns HMooreADaly MFerguson AUliando DPaul

(71)

(47)

GOALS: Foster:SChaseling 4JBest 2MCooke 2JRathjen JFlavelle.Tarwin: DBrosnan 4 THarley 2T Vanderkolk BEST: Foster:S Chaseling LRathjen MAllott MClark DWilliams C Banbury. Tarwin: HCumming BChalmers DBrosnan DHouston MWilliamsF Brosnan

MDU 6.1 7.4 9.5 15.9 (99)

YINNAR 4.1 6.2 13.4 15.6 (96)

GOALS: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: NNagel 6S Walsh 2T McRae2 JHickey JKennedy LWright SForrester WStewart.Yinnar:H McKay3KGrinstead-Jones 3MGeary2N Hall 2JBugeja CMillsJ Notman WRobertson SFamularo BEST: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: SWalsh TCorry SWilson ABattersbyB VanderZalm JLeeden.Yinnar:C Mills MRobertson NHallB VanDer Meer MGearyJ Bugeja

FISH CREEK3.6 8.14 10.20 18.25 (133)

MORWELL EAST 2.0 2.1 4.3 5.3 (33)

GOALS: Fish Creek:D Berryman 4L Williams 3J Shaw3 TVuillermin 2J HarryBShawB Mitchell JLamers SMcGannon KDorling.Morwell East: JQuinn 2T Wilson JFrancis BEvans BEST: Fish Creek:LGale BShawT Vuillermin JShawJKennyJHayes. MorwellEast: ITerrick K Hearn JMackenzie DField DCooper MDiaz

(53)

MIRBOO NTH

(45) GOALS: Mirboo Nth: EWoodall 2A Woodall DTurner JBrooks HKerr JChila ROddy.Toora: L Smart2 SFrawley JGriffin JWeston. BEST: Mirboo Nth: JChila BPeters AWoodall ROddy H Mahoney JBlair.Toora: JPintus LSmart JFrench LMarr JWeston JSmart

MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

WITH so much more known aboutwhat each of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League clubs appear to be able to deliver, the weekend justgoneloomed as possibly the most anticipated of the year. Round 6results hadadramaticimpact on ladder positions, as the senior football competition heads towards the halfmark of the season.



NEWBOROUGHV BOOLARRA

THE Bulldogs had been aroundthe mark, butwere well aware the bar was to be lifted and they therefore needed to find another level as they welcomed amuch improved Boolarra side to the Kennel.

The Demons, who started the season so brilliantlywiththreewins fromasmany rounds,had since come off afortnight of losses and desperately needed another "W".

However, the fiercely foughtencounter was claimed by the home side, 8.13 (61) to 4.11 (35).

Newborough Coach, Pat Frendo said he was happy with what transpired.

“Solid win from our boys," he said.

"We started off dominant but were unable to put any scoreboard pressure on Boolarra responded really well in the second and we went into the main break only up two points

"Put afair bit of pressure on the boys to lift the intensity in the second half and they answered really well, only allowing 12 total points in the last two quarters.

"A greatteamwin with eight different goal scorersfor all our majors. It was past players day at the Kennel so awin in front of apacked Can Barwill do wonders for ourmomentum.”

GOALS:Yinnar:NMcCafferty JGarlick KElphickL Pollard. Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: BTomada. BEST: Yinnar:JFindlayD YatesT Hutchinson LPollardD Webster MO’Toole.Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: JBallagh MHoober SBright JBrydon ATreaseBMartin

(27)

GOALS: Fish Creek:ABright 3O Bright 2NBucklandLBucklandAEdgelowPMueller Morwell East: BMarks BAtkinson KChapman. BEST: Fish Creek:L CocksedgeO Schnoor LBucklandEFarrell TMillton. Morwell East: BAtkinson Tscott KChapman JLansdown M Williams SWinmar

(15)

GOALS: Newborough: JMcMahon 5L Vaninetti 3SMaxwell 3DEngel 2HRobinson A Fanning KKnowles ZGuatta. Boolarra: DBryne ABaker BEST: Newborough: JMcMahon SBurns AFanning ZGuatta KKnowlesD Engel.Boolarra: JMaggs JGill GDyerDBryne J Jones CMeers

(44)

(30)

GOALS: Mirboo Nth: DPinneri 3BPeters JHutton TMcGrath. Toora: JCripps AVeningC ButinarLdeBoer. BEST: Mirboo Nth: TKelly LPoljak DPinneri XSpaull WJackaLGervasi Toora: LdeBoer MGlowrey AWalker JDows ZLewis AVening

3.2 8.4 11.4 13.6 (84)

0.3 1.5 2.10 (22)

Tarwin: TO’Loughlin 2B-Gibson 2LAnderson2 HWatt2 CScott JOsborne NTucker

DWindsor NTucker.Foster:JGay BSmith JPryor JDavyJLewis TDaldy

NMcRae.Foster:NDaldy NGundrill BEST: Tarwin: NMcRae CScott DWoolf J

As the Bulldogs momentum starts, Boolarra's has stopped -three early season wins followed by three losses.

“In agamethatfailed to reach great heights we were out-worked by amore mature and desperate Bulldogs outfit," Boolarra coach, Brendan Mason said.

"Two game day changes seemed to unsettle the side and the Dogs were deserved quarter time leaders.

"After working hard to level things up at halftime, the Dogs poured on the pressure andwere more efficient going forward than us after the main break.

"Whilst we made them work hard for their five second half goals we could only manage one ourselves and look forward to another big clash next week against Thorpdale.

"We will be keen to put on abetter performance at home and keep our noses in front of the ledger by going 4-3 with avictory."

Both of these teams are capable of playing apart later in the season, but are equally aware that improvementswill need to be made.

With limited positions in the top six available, there might not be room for both.

 THORPDALE VHILL END

FRESHENED up after abye and back on their home deck, the Blues were expected to roll up, grab the win and turn their attention to the next contest.

Their opposition however, as they have done in everyclash to date, were keen to throw their very best at the home side and snatch their first win of the season.

Unfortunately the Rovers will have to wait alittle longer, after going down11.21(87) to 4.14 (38).

THIS clash promised plenty and delivered mostofwhatwas expected.

The Magpiesrolled into Round6withfive winsfrom as many matches, welcomingan in-formDemons side that hadn't tasted defeat since Round 1.

Meeniyan Dumbalk United edged ahead in athree-point thriller, 15.9 (99) to Yinnar 15.6 (96) in one of the games of the year.

MDU Coach, Rhett Kelly said it was atop game.

“Another greatgame of footy.Weunderstood that it was going to be ahugechallenge to take on Yinnar on their home deck but I knew the lads were up to it afterplaying somegoodfootythe lastfew weeks,"hesaid.

"I thought we started that game really well, but to Yinnar's credit, they kept spreading hard from the contest and put some pressure on us across the second and third quarters.

"I asked the boys for abig effortinthe last quarter, which is what they delivered. The game could have gone either way, but I am proud that we fought it out till the end.

"Yinnar is asolid team, and we look forward to another hit out in the second half of the year. We have the bye this weekend, so we will have some time away from the club to refresh and regroup after asolid block of footy.”

As good as the Demon's were, acase could be made that the home side had their chances.

“Solid win on the weekend against Morwell East, who from all reports have been struck down with abig number of injuries.

"Credit to them for fighting the game out and hopefullythey can get somenumbers back soon. Still abit forustowork on with our skills and ball movement awork in progress.

"A nice early bye next (this)week before what will be abig month in shaping our season.”

The Hawks will be focused on getting more soldiers on the park, and then on turning theirfortunesaround after ahorror start to the year.

“We were undermanned coming into a game you don't want to be undermanned in. We battlehard!Tobehonest it was seven minutes at the back endofquarters two and four where the heavy scoring was done. Other thanthat, like Isaid, we battled hard,” Henry said.

Coach Henry defends his team, as he should, but this Hawks outfit needs to find something from somewhere, and they need to do it as soon as possible.

Fish Creek on the other hand are cruising through another season.



TOORAV MIRBOO NORTH

IT wasstill reasonablyearlyinthe seasonto highlight this clash as a"must winmatch", but that was the reality for the combatants.

Mirboo North, with two wins, and Toora, searching for their first, both needed the premiership points to keep in touch with the top six sides in the competition.

The Tigers however found away on the road, winning by eightpoints, 8.5 (53) to 5.15 (45).

Mirboo NorthCoach, Damien Turned described it as atough slog.

“Tough road trip to Toora on the weekend. They certainly came to play and never once went away," he said.

"They let us off the hook alittle with some waywardkicking,but it was great for our boys to take our chances and keep pushing to the end.

"A scrappyaffair but agood tough hard fought win, what’s more avery important one for our season.”

It was acostly loss for Toora, whocertainly had their chances, but some bad decisions made can turn agame quickly, and in this instance, there was no coming back.

“A really tough loss against Mirboo North who hadacrackall day," Magpies coach, Jay Acardi said.

"Quite afew missed opportunities in front of goal and some undisciplined acts were very costly and in atight contestunfortunately they are the difference.

"So now we face another big challenge against Morwell East who play their ground extremely well.”

The clash between the Hawksand the Magpiesloomsasa must-winfor both clubs. The losing team can probably kiss goodbye any chance of playing finals this season.



FOSTER VTARWIN

FOSTER may have comfortably accounted for most opposition to date, but nevertheless had also prepared themselves for afiercer contest in the shape of aTarwin side on the rebound.

Cicero2H Cocksedge BEST: Newborough: OHansonT McCabe LNelsonAKorab Z Daley JGibbs.Fish Creek:R Cicero JRysko AHamlett TTaylorO Bright JMorgan

MDU: AMcinnes 7LHamilton4JCleator 3AHulshof 2HScrimshaw. Yinnar:H McCulloch 2B Durea. BEST: MDU: AMcinnes JCleator LHamiltonC Amor AHulshof C Harrison. Yinnar:BBeecher HBugeja GRyanH Berechree HMcCullochIKrizanac

Thorpdale Coach, Daniel Taylor said it was agood win on aspecial day for the club.

“It was agreat day with club legend Dan Hammond playing his 400th seniors/reserves game for the club which is abloodygood effort!" he said.

"It was great to see the twos boys put in abig performance for Hammo and get their first win of the season.

"In the seniors it was tricky conditions which meantfor someinaccurate goal kicking by bothsides.Wehad the game under control all day but to Hill End's credit they never went away. Glad to bank the points and get through the game unscathed.”

It was alittle like Ground Hog Day for the Rovers. The visitors did their best, and were not embarrassed at all, but still alittle way off where they need to be

“Very disappointing loss. We played some really good footy at different periods throughout the day, but weren’t able to maintain it for four quarters, which won'twin games against good opposition," Yinnar Coach, Sam McCulloch said.

"(We)willlearn alot from the game and work on the areas which let us down.

"Can’t waittohave the opportunity to respond and redeem ourselves against Foster. Will be agood test to see where we are at the moment against what looks like the team to beat right now."

The league ladder has four teams vying for position at the top: Yinnar, MDU, Foster and Fish Creek, and afew mistakes by any one of the four will have another group of teams ready to take their spots.

 FISH CREEKV MORWELL EAST

ALOT was going to be learned about Morwell East as they prepared to take on the reigning premier on their home ground -one of the toughest challenges in the competition.

The Sharks have been competitive, but their long list of injuries has started to take its toll, and it showed, eventually defeated 10.11 (71) to 7.5 (47) at Foster Showgrounds. Foster coach, Sam Davies said it was a hard-fought win.

"We were really challenged today, they’ll (Tarwin) beat teams and really contend for afinals position if they stay healthy.

"We showed alot of grit and just found away to score and keep pressure on when we were up against it though so I’m really proud of the group".

Foster now sitsatopthe MGFNL ladder with five wins from as many matches. The Tigersare good and gettingbetter as the competition dives deeper into the season. Tarwin however should not be forgotten in this contest,asthe Sharks at one stage looked as though they might actually stealthe win. Sharks coach Lachie Jones said there was plenty of positives.

“A tough loss to swallow for us," he said.

"I can't complain about the boy's efforts, they areplaying somegoodfooty, Iasked the boys to hit the scoreboard 20 times, but Iwould have rather they kicked afew more goals than we did, but we are getting opportunities, we justneed to keep on improving," Hill End Coach, Adrian Burns said.

As tough as the season has been to date, as winter looms the real challenge starts for Burnsand his men to hold tough and believe in the long journey they are on.

The Hawks have appeared to be ashell of their normal selves of late, and this contest loomed as one that would give coach Paul Henry alook at how his men handle the adversity they are currently going through.

The result was maybe not atrue indication of the Hawk's efforts, but surely worrying nonetheless, as they lost 18.25 (133) to 5.3 (33).

Fish Creek Coach, Jarrod Walkerkept the margin in perspective.

"We tookthe gameuptothem in lots of areasbut aseven minute lapse after halftime proved costly and was probably thedifference. Good sides don’t have these lapses so we willfocus some time on that in our review Afew injuries again doesn’t help the cause but we will keep persisting."

The Sharks are starting to loom as one of a few clubs capable of forcing themselves into the top half of the MGFNL ladder.  STONY CREEK had the bye.

 YINNAR VMDU

Legend: DanHammond is chaired offthe ground by goodmates Michael Chapman and Daniel Martin afterplaying his 400th game forThorpdale.Chapman and Martin came outofretirement forthe occasion. Photograph supplied

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 6

AGRADE: Warragul 67 defLeongatha 42, Moe

74 def Sale 34, Bairnsdale 52 def Wonthaggi 40, Morwell 66 def Maffra40, Drouin 52 def Traralgon

43.

BGRADE: Leongatha 55 def Warragul 34, Moe

62 def Sale 31, Wonthaggi 53 def Bairnsdale 29, Morwell 49 def Maffra46, Traralgon 64 def Drouin

49.

CGRADE: Leongatha 49 def Warragul 26, Moe

33 def Sale 31, Wonthaggi 39 def Bairnsdale 35, Morwell 58 def Maffra17, Traralgon 40 def Drouin

36. 17 AND UNDER: Leongatha 40 def Warragul 35, Sale 48 def Moe 45, Bairnsdale 64 def Wonthaggi 22, Maffra38def Morwell 19,Traralgon 67 def Drouin 32

15 AND UNDER: Warragul 48 def Leongatha 38, Sale 48 def Moe 39, Bairnsdale 56 def Wonthaggi 6, Maffra21def Morwell 17,Traralgon 59 def Drouin 22

13 AND UNDER: Leongatha 53 def Warragul

3, Moe 27 drew Sale 27,Bairnsdale 45 def Wonthaggi 6, Maffra42def Morwell 31, Traralgon 39 def Drouin 13

MID GIPPSLAND- ROUND 6

AGRADE: Foster 83 def Tarwin 32, Yinnar 64 def MDU 40, Mirboo North 65 def Toora35, Hill End

34 def Thorpdale 33, Fish Creek 65 def Morwell East 33, Newborough 69 def Boolarra42, Stony Creek -BYE.

BGRADE: Foster 63 def Tarwin 31, Yinnar 50 def MDU 36, Hill End 38 def Thorpdale 28, Mirboo North 54 def Toora43, Fish Creek 58 def Morwell East 32, Newborough 65 def Boolarra23, Stony Creek -BYE.

CGRADE: Fish Creek 41 def Morwell East 26, Foster 38 drew Tarwin 38, Newborough 45 def Boolarra26, Hill End 50 def Thorpdale 10,Mirboo North 41 def Toora29, MDU 35 def Yinnar 33, StonyCreek -BYE.

DGRADE: Tarwin 40 defFoster 14,Mirboo North 33 def Toora20, Yinnar 56 def MDU 15 Fish Creek 35 def Morwell East 19,Newborough 40 def Boolarra24, Hill End 62 def Thorpdale 4, StonyCreek -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Tarwin 35 defFoster 22, Mirboo North 33 def Toora21, Fish Creek 35 def Morwell East 18,Yinnar 37 def MDU 29, Boolarra74def Newborough 17,HillEnd, StonyCreek -BYE.

15 AND UNDER: Yinnar 27 def MDU 7, Boolarra 39 def Newborough 30, Morwell East 26 def Fish Creek 8, Toora37def Mirboo North 12,Foster 38 def Tarwin 22, Hill End, StonyCreek -BYE.

13 AND UNDER: Boolarra22def Newborough 18,Foster 28 def Tarwin 25, Yinnar 46 def MDU 4, Mirboo North 32 def Toora5,FishCreek 44 def Morwell East 7, Hill End, StonyCreek -BYE. NORTH GIPPSLAND- ROUND 6

AGRADE: Churchill 48 def Rosedale 28, Sale City62def TTU 48, Woodside 56 def YYN 41, Gormandale 56 def Glengarry36, Heyfield 71 def Cowwarr 20.

BGRADE: Rosedale 46 def Churchill 31, Sale City65def TTU 37,Woodside 55 defYYN 53, Glengarry49def Gormandale 43, Heyfield 59 def Cowwarr 10,Yarram -BYE.

CGRADE: Rosedale 39 def Churchill 25, TTU 29 def Sale City 26, Woodside 45 def YYN 36, Glengarry37def Gormandale 32, Heyfield 48 def Cowwarr 23, Yarram -BYE.

DGRADE: Rosedale 41 def Churchill 40, Sale City42def TTU 31, Woodside 34 def YYN 33, Gormandale 37 def Glengarry24, Heyfield 44 def Cowwarr 17,Yarram -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Rosedale 43 def Churchill 25, Sale City 32 def TTU 24, Woodside 56 def YYN 13,Glengarry37def Gormandale 30, Heyfield 49 def Cowwarr 12,Yarram -BYE.

15 AND UNDER: Rosedale 54 def Churchill 10, Sale City 51 def TTU 38, Woodside 39 def YYN 19,Glengarry56def Gormandale 19,Heyfield 46 def Cowwarr 9, Yarram -BYE.

Moe, Morwell in top three

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

WINScame for Moe and Morwell in Round 6of Gippsland Leaguenetball, while Traralgon proved its worth,giving traditional powerhouse Drouin an almighty scare.

Morwell made the trip to Maffra, and led at every change on the way to a66to40victory.

An 18 goal opening term set the tone, and while the Eagles fought back with 13 goals of their own in the second, the class of Tiger veterans Courtney Garth and Claire Marksshone through, as did the work of skipper, Chloe Radford.

TillyPendergast, Ava Bucklandand Kirby Boyle were best for Maffra.

Moe was again forced indoorsatTed Summerton Reserve, as the outdoor court resurfacing has still not cured.

The Lions continued on theirmerry way, making it six straight wins to open the season, accounting for Sale with abig margin, 74-34.

Perhaps scarily, the home side was without star shooter Ash Mawer, and VNL defender Olivia Barnett.

Elise Demczuk stepped up from BGrade and shot 29 goals, alongwith best-on-court Georgia Moody, who nabbed 27.

Her older sister and coach, Alex Moody was also among the best, as was Ramayer Keilty.

Kate Van der Voort, TashBedggood and Hannah Abdalla worked hard for Sale.

Traralgon led at quarter time againstDrouin, but thenwatched the Hawks put up 14 goalsto six in the second quarter at Trafalgar.

The Maroons got the game back on even terms in the second half, but were made to rue their second term lapse, losing 52-43.

April Bethune, LucyMcKellar and Christie Edwards were best for the winners.

Montanna Styles, Cassidy Smith and Emma White played well for Traralgon.

Warragul easily accounted for Leongatha at Western Park.

Emma Ryde again did virtually all the scoring for the Gulls, shooting 65 of their 67 goals in a final scoreboard that saw the Parrots put up 42. Ryde was best for Warragul, and was helped by Lily Sheehan and Jaime Rollinson.

Leongatha clearlyweren’t happy with the performance, naming no players in the best.

Bairnsdale overcame the longest road trip in the league, and possibly country Victoria.

The Redlegs made it amemorable trip home from Wonthaggi after winning 52-40.

The visitorsled at every change, but had to break away after just two goals separated the teams at the main break.

Paris Dunkleywas againprominent for Bairnsdale, as was RubyDunkley and Alison Dwyer.

Mia Plenkovich, Ellie Bates and Cassidy Bowman received accolades for the Power.

Wonthaggi needs to get amove on if it wants to playfinals,and is currently seventh with awin-loss record of 2-4.

The Power’sseason was dealt acruel blow early in the campaign,whenstarrecruit and former AFLW player Shannon Danckert went down.

The league now has asplit round. Traralgon, Wonthaggi, Warragul and Maffra will play this Saturday.

The ladder

Granger the great plays 450th game

NETBALL MID GIPPSLAND BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LIVING and breathing Newborough Football

Netball Club for closeto30years, Chelsea Granger celebrated her 450th club game in the earliest senior match of the day at the weekend.

The DGrade girls dug deep for their teammate, getting the chocolates 40 to 24 overBoolarra at NorthernReserveCourt in Round6ofthe Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.

Celebrations were already queued before the game, however to the surprise of the club's games record holder (in either netball or football).

“It was abit of asurprise, Iobviously knew it was my 450th… but Iwas sort of just expecting that maybe my mum and dad would come along and that would be nice, with my sister and her family,” Granger said.

“But then when Igot down to the courts, the girls just made such abig deal of it.

“I was greeted with all these old phots of me (that) they were wearing them as masks almost, so that was quite funny and just good value.

“I just have so much gratitude towards the club and the people who did all that work, it just honestly still gets me emotional thinking about it because it was just really overwhelming and Ijust felt incredibletobehonest.”

The club organised aguard of honour to take place following the game, with club members and Boolarra surrounding and participating -amark of respect Granger was definitely worthy of not just for the milestone alone.

Granger arrived at Newborough,starting offinC Grade (the club and Mid Gippsland did not feature juniornetball at the time) and has cultivated a great fondness and many relationships at the club, calling it "warm and welcoming".

“The old guys would ask you how you went and all that, but really what has kept me there is the lifelong friends I’ve made… I’m very lucky, some of my best friends are at the footy club,” she said. Granger has served many roles across the journey,

including as secretary, committee member, former coach and current netball director.

She haswon six club best-and-fairest awards, wonthe Kylie Todd Most Potential Award, and is alife member.

“I’vebeen also awarded the KylieTodd Jacobs Trophy, which at our club that is an absolute honour,someone who lost their life very young and was an absolute club champion,” Granger said.

“For anyone to receive that trophy, that’s sort of like the pinnacle that you can get. I’ve been very fortunate with the accolades and thehighlights over the time.”

Highlights for Granger are also two premierships, namely Newborough’s lone BGrade flag in 2005. She was also apart of the CGrade premiership in 2017, which she won alongside her sister, Kristy.

is: Moe (24 points), Warragul (24), Morwell (20), Drouin (12), Leongatha (12), Bairnsdale (12), Wonthaggi (8), Traralgon (4), Sale (4), Maffra (0).

Strikeapose: Newborough playersfittedpictures of teammate Chelsea Granger in front of themto celebrate her 450th game forthe club. Photograph supplied

NORTH GIPPSLAND

Bruising encounter for Jets

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

OUT at GeorgeBates Reserve, nothingcould deter Woodside from picking up their fifth straight win in a14.7(91) to 8.6 (54) defeat of YYN in North Gippsland football.

Turning into quite the rivalry, the two clubs have playedeach other in three impressive finals over the last three years -with two coming during lastyear’s postseason campaign,finishing within agoal difference.

The Wildcats proved to be too strong and too determined in Round 6, despite missing ahandful of players (which forced some up from the reserves who only endedupwith 19, eventually 18, players in the earlier game).

YYN also missed multiple key position players in the marquee matchup.

Jets playing-coach Dean MacDonald snagged aquick goals for the Jets working against apressuringWoodside who inflicted early minor scores before sustaining agoal.

The Wildcats then mounted three successive majors, pushing the lead to 14 points before MacDonaldresponded again,getting

loose on his opponentatall the right times.

Woodsideoffered adifferent optionthis season with the inclusion of ruckman Chris Witchell(who spent last year at Yinnar despitebeing alongtenured Wildcat), which lessened the burden on premiership captain, Ryan Foat.

Witchell was seen throughout the match, as the Jets tried to negate both big men despite lacking the matching size in the ruck, being as physical as was allowed by the match’s umpires.

Woodside clearly wanted to make apoint to the side they could well see in the back end of the year. Witchell nailed wingman Lucas Fry with an elbow to the face, which set off the home spectators and bench.

To his credit, Fry bounced up quickly and continued the rest of the game, but the point had been made.

The second quarter turned into quite the bloodbath, with each midfields going at it and the scoreboard not nearly reflecting the tough, drawn-out nature the term displayed.

Bodies began to fly at every ball, and defenders at both ends of the ground dup deep, although Woodside still manage to

findmajor scoreswhenneeded, as alateone from Cameron Whiteoak gave the Wildcats a10-point edge at halftime.

The quarter had taken atoll, with anumber of Jets andWildcats players desperately needingthe rest,however each side returned knowing there was still plenty to transpire.

Despite that notion, once the next siren sounded to pick up where the game left off, that was the closest YYN would get for the rest of the game.

Woodside booted eightofthe proceeding 10 goals to finish in dominant form, while the Jets scrounged to findanything their way in the second half.

The pressure that Woodside continued to lay, just not when stopping the Jets’ attack, but when they themselves had ball in hand, had YYN working on the back foot for the majority of the second half.

Jon Fythe and Josh Morgan were both standouts for the Wildcats. Jai Massese was once again strong for the Jets. Dylan Bath, Callum Robertson, Matt Twaddle,Dylan Bentley, and Fry all battled hard in defeat.

The Jets will look immediatelypastthis match, as they prepare for TTU.

Glengarry reap the rewardsinvictory

during the first term to sit just eight points down, that would be the closest they’d come the rest of the day.

the lead out to 43 points at the last change.

CBass DMartin THood AParsons LKennedy

Woodside: DDobson 6JMattern2BKerr 2T Albert2C Earles RHinkley AFrancis DTaylor ESwasbrick CPrestianni CPeach. YYN: TDuff ALong JBiliew BEST: Woodside: CEarles AFrancis D Dobson TBatters RMaiden JMattern. YYN: DBriggs ALong TWhiteAFrench TDuff RBartlett

GLENGARRY1.2 6.7 8.13 8.13 (61)

GORMANDALE 2.3 7.7 7.8 7.8 (50)

GOALS: Glengarry: CPoulton 4F Rowley 2MMcDonagh ARigby. Gormandale: BWilson 2LDillon2 D WhelanM Cropley JCarney BEST: Glengarry: LPepper JVardy FBlizzardFRowley JLipman JWhateley Gormandale: BForrest NArchibald FFraser-Hanley RHarding ZNolan RMusgrove

SALECITY2.1 5.1 7.3 11.9 (75) TTU1.0 3.2 5.7

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHILE one side has definitely pulled themselves into the top echelon in the North Gippsland Football-Netball League, there’s still aclear demarcation throughout the senior ladder.

 THE young Roos impressed once again. Heyfield ran past Cowwarr, 12.12 (84) to 7.9 (51), despite some fight from the Saints on their home deck during Round 6. Adetermined side all season thus far, the Kangaroosweren’tabout to afford any lapses to begin the match, as they banged on six of the opening seven goals.

The Saints gained slight momentum during the middle of the second term with three goals to one during the period, but alate one fromKyleGraham gave Heyfieldafive-goal margin, which felt even larger.

That portion in which Cowwarr rose to the occasion may have paid dividends as play returned afterhalftime, with the match turning into areal battle to score anything of significance.

Only two goals were laid down during the third quarter,one apiece,which stillkept things interesting heading into the final term.

The first 10 minutes of that last quarter played outrelativelysimilar to the preceding one, as both teams weren’t giving an inch.

The Saints tacked on the first goal of the term, bringingthe margin backto25points, but Heyfield withstood that mounting to nail three of the final four goals of the game.

 JUST keep streaming.

TTU found no difficulty in traveling to Stephenson Park, taking down Sale City by 10 goals, 12.17 (89) to 4.5 (29).

The Bombers opened up aquick 14-point lead in the opening term, looking to be on a warpath over apremiership they deemed lost last season.

While the Bulldogs tacked on two goals

That’s evendespite just one goal kicked in the second quarter, coming from TTU’s Riley Denovan. TheBombers withstoodsome heavy pressure fromthe homeside,and also some missed opportunities in front of goal, which kept the score still within reach.

Samuel Curtain opened up the third term for TTU, with the Bombers locked in on what had to be done to see through not just avictory, but asubstantial one.

Despite JacobSchuback nailing one in return for Sale City, TTU kickedseven of the final eight goals of the match to surmount afifth consecutive win out of the gate. Kade Duncan was best for the winning Bombers,followed by young Denovan backing up his 11-goal haul against Churchill with a further bag of six. Trent Hourigan, Hayden Willaton (two goals), Michael Jacobsen and Frazar Brouns were also lively.

Despite finding themselves back in finals forthe first time in some time last year, this season is acompletely different beast, and Sale City look to be right back in the clutter of teams hoping to fill out the final slot in the top five.

HudsonTollner, KadenMcCulloch, Jaxsyn Whitehill, Flynn Read (three goals), Schuback, and Daine McGuinessperformed admirably for the Bulldogs.

 BACK on track for the Blues.

Rosedalealmost madeitsuccessive 50-point victories, defeating Churchill at Gaskin Park 15.16 (106) to 9.6 (60).

While both clubs hover around asimilar position on the ladder this early in the season, it’s safe to say both have different goals for the foreseeable matches ahead.

The Cougars didn’t go down without a fight in this one, keeping closethroughout thefirst half, downbyjust 15 pointsatthe main break.

The Blues set themselves up in the third quarterwith five goals to one, which pushed

Bothsidesstood strongthroughtothe final siren,bothcontributing four goals in the final term.

Riley Atlee, Declan Barnett (three goals), Jay Diamond,LukeStuckey,Blake Safstrom (two), and Spencer Fox (four) were best for the winners.

Blakeand Joe Whykes, Jye Williams, Bradley Brereton, Tom Stevenson and Calen Hill battled strongly for Churchill.  AMAGPIE swooping of the highest order.

At Gormandale Recreation Reserve, Glengarry handled the Tigers with ease, 21.17 (143) to 2.4 (16).

Despite both sides positioned as the bottom two sides in the competition across the last handful seasons, the Magpies have showed significant improvementover the course of the preseason withsome young, firing recruits.

That proved to be more than what was required, as Gormandale never appeared close to their opponent on the day.

The Magpies smacked on 15 of the first 16 goals, which says it all, and they backed it up through to the end with six to one in thefinal term.

Glengarry had five multiple goal scorers, with Shae Duncan nabbing agame-high five. Michael Ryan was best-on-ground for the Magpies, followed by Luke Healy, Jesse Lee, Cassidy Bartley, Duncan, and Austin Blackford.

Riley Hughes, Darion Duncan (on debut), Hayden Richards, Blake Hearn, Jordan Cochrane and Flynn Roscoe tried their best for the Tigers.

Gormandale have likely missed their windowfor awin thisseason, but they will look ahead to healthy chances against Churchill in Round 11 and again against Glengarry in Round 17 (albeit hard to make up a19-goal difference).

 YARRAM had the bye.

Standing in the Gormy Hall of Fame

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AGOLDEN era for Gormandale Football-Netball Club was remembered following on from their home match against Glengarry at the weekend.

The club’sHall of Fame Night returned many pastplayers and celebrated the 1985 Reserves and CGrade,2005D Grade, and 1995 Senior premierships.

The latter was acumulatingflag in what was adominant period for the Tigers in which they secured six premierships from 1982 to that day in 1995 against Churchill.

Gormandale defeated the Cougars in ahardfought Grand Final at Heyfield RecreationReserve, 13.13 (91) to 12.11 (83).

The Tigers enteredthe day with afar more experienced side, having played in theprevious fourgrandfinals (winning back-to-backin1991 and 1992), while Churchill had just moved to the North Gippsland Football-Netball League after years spent in the Gippsland League.

The Cougars kept close in various stages of the game, howeverGormandale established drawn-out leads multiple times which made it difficult for their opponents to overcome.

Tigers’ recruitGeoffWhite took out the VCFL medallion for best-on-ground, while veteran

ruckman Rudi Bence (previously Yallourn Yallourn North), Latrobe cricketinglegend, Anthony Bloomfield, and former Footscray player, Allan Jenningswere others of significant note to play well.

Since playing in thesameleague,Gormandale and YYN have played for the Rudi Bence Memorial Shield, recognising the multiple premiership player at both clubs and fierce competitor.

When collecting the premiershipcup,captaincoach Brett Szabo beckoned Bence, Jennings and Shane Hollingsworth (who bootedanequal-high three goals) up onto the dais -amoment to honour the three in what waspresumedtobeeach of their last games.

As for the night itself, recognition was bestowed upon 13 valued individuals.

Lee Cattanach waspresented life membership for her north of 20-year servicetothe club.Beginning helping to organiseAuskick programs at the clubat the turn of the century, Cattanach has beencanteen manager, bar manager, committee member, and helped with club fundraising over the course of her time.

As for Hall of Fame entrants, that was handed to Roy Lane, Daniel Domaille, Ellen Sykes, Stacey King, Ted Biddiscombe, Rebecca Gardiner, Casey Callanan, Jodie Mills, LorelleNolan, PaulMatters, Gavin Swan and Steven Burgess.

Blues set to celebrate dual flag success

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

ROSEDALEFootball-Netball Clubwill host a day of celebration,reflection and reunion this Saturday (May 24).

Thisyear’sPastPlayersand Premiership ReunionRound will hold specialsignificance, as the Blues celebrates the 10-year anniversary

of the 2015 senior football and AGrade netball premierships. Afull day of football and netball will be played across all grades,culminatinginthe headline matches as the club honours the players, coaches and supporterswho brought home the 2015 flags.A vast collection of the club’s memorabilia will be on display also highlighting other premiershipmilestones.These include the 17 andunder netball 2010 triumph and 2005 thirds football,

all the way back to the 1965 senior football team. Past players, officials, and members from all eras are warmly encouraged to return and reconnect with teammates, friends and the club community. Adding depth to the day’s meaning, this round also aligns with the North Gippsland FootballNetball League’s Mental Health Round. Rosedale FNC proudly supports thisinitiative,withBP TraralgonEastand Leeson’s Logging &Cartage

sponsoring the clubs navy and green players' uniforms on this occasion.

Whether you have been player for the navy blue, cheered from the boundary, or volunteered behind the scenes, the club would love to see you there. The event will be held at Rosedale Recreation Reserve (Duke Street, Rosedale). First match is 9am, with feature matches from 2.15pm. RSVP to Fiona on 0402 745 097 or Alanna (0428 377 386).

Playing for pride across North Gippsland FNL

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

NORTH GIPPSLANDFootball-NetballLeague

hosted another successful Pride Cup.

Crowds attended Cowwarr Recreation Reserve on Saturday, May 10 to celebratediversity, inclusion, and acceptance, as Cowwarr Football-NetballClub hosted Gormandale FNC for the annual AGL Loy Yang Pride Cup.

It’s been 10 yearssince AGL Loy Yang lit up their110 metre cooling tower in support of the first ever Pride Cup in the NGFNL. The message of supporting inclusion and diversityinGippsland sporting clubs is still an important one.

The AGL Loy Yang Pride Cup serves as aplatform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and support, fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel welcomed and respected.

Both AGLLoy Yang and the North Gippsland FNL are dedicated to creating an inclusive sporting culture that embraces diversity and celebrates inclusion.

“Weare thrilled to partner once again with AGL Loy Yang to deliver another Pride Cup," North Gippsland FNL president, Martha Truin said.

"Sport has the powertobring peopletogether and create positivechange. This eventisatestament to our commitment to diversityand inclusion within our league and the broader community.”

“We are proud to standalongside the North Gippsland Football-Netball League in support of the LGBTQ+ community," General Manager,AGL Loy Yang, Christo van Niekerk added.

"Sport should be aplace where everyone is safe and accepted. The Pride Cup game is an opportunity for AGL to demonstrate our commitment to equality and respect.”

Gormandale FNC took the AGL Loy Yang Pride Cup home on the day, winning all six games of netball. The day highlighted the importance of acceptance and diversity in grassroots sport.

AGL Loy Yang is also proud to support the upcoming AGL Loy Yang &Mindfull Aus Mental Health Round in the North Gippsland FNL next Saturday, May 24.

Support: Gormandale and Cowwarr netballers during the North Gippsland Football-Netball League Pride Round.

Still champs: Rosedale celebrates winning the 2015 North Gippsland Football-Netball League AGrade netball premiership

Handyins: Rosedalewon the 2015 senior footballpremiership. The team featured current West Coast coach, Andrew McQualter and Hawthornflag winner,Max Bailey. Photographs: Fiona Nicholson

Invaluable: Honourees forGormandale Football-Netball Club’sHall of Fame night.

Photograph supplied.

Have your say on football’sfuture

FOOTBALL

AFL GIPPSLAND has announced the launch of the Gippsland Junior Football Retention Project, a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the enjoyment, participation, and long-term retention of young footballers across the region.

Recognising the vital role junior football plays in theGippsland community, this project will work closely with clubs, leagues, players, parents, and coachestodevelop and implement effective strategies for athrivingjunior football landscape.

The vision is to create an environment where young players feel moreconnected,supported, and passionate about the sport, leading to increased participation and astrongeroverall football community.

The project willunfoldinphases, commencing with acrucial"Discover" phase focused on gathering insights from the football community.

As part of thisinitial stage, AFL Gippsland is calling on allinterestedstakeholderstocontribute their valuable perspectives through consultation sessions and surveys.

AFL Gippsland Region Manager, Tim Cotter is leading the project and is enthusiastic about the collaborative approach.

"Webelieve that by working together with our community, we can ensureabrightfuture forjunior football in Gippsland, fostering alifelong love of the game for our young participants," he said.

"We urge everyone involved in junior football across Gippsland to engage with this project.

"Your input is crucial in helpingusdevelopstrategies that will ensure the health and sustainability of our clubs and leagues, and most importantly, a lifelong love of the game for all our players."

This project is being supported by adedicated team including;

 Mark Answerth (Churchill FNC President);

 Ken Hutchinson (Mid Gippsland FNL Junior Development Officer);

 Damian Blackford (Combined Saints JFC President);

 Clinton Taylor (Moe FNC Football Operations);

 James Blandford (Lindenow FNC Vice President);

 Luke Short (Inverloch-Kongwak committee);

 Shara McAuley (Warragul District Junior FL President);

 Wayne Langford (Sale City JFC Committee);

 Bobbie Lee Blay (West Gippsland, South Gippsland and Traralgon District Junior FL league operations)

 AFL GIPPSLAND invites all members

of the junior football community -players, parents/guardians, coaches, and club/league administrators -tobook a60-minute online consultation session to share their experiences and ideas.

This is afantastic opportunity to directly influence the future of junior football in Gippsland.

Book your consultation session here: https://www. picktime.com/aflgippsland

 IN addition to the consultation sessions, AFL Gippsland is also launching aseries of surveys tailored to different groups within the junior football community; players, parents/guardians, coaches, and club/league administrators.

Thesesurveys will provide valuable datato inform the project's direction.

All information regarding the Gippsland Junior Football Retention, including updates and survey links, can be found at: www.aflgippsland.com.au/ retention

At long last, McQualter gets win

THE AFL circle of parity is complete as Sir Doug Nicholls Round arrived.

With every club now securing the four points this season after Round 10,the AFL competitionhas now began to hit its crescendo.

Whilethe ladder has stretched out with the clear premiership favourites entering theirzone, plenty of seasonstill remains with more than ahandful of teams still within the finals window, including those with the Valley’s exports.

 CHASING the opportunity to tick off seven of their first nine matches for the first time in club history, Gold Coast Suns did so in thrilling fashion once again, this time defeating Hawthorn 16.8 (104) to 15.6 (96) at TIO Stadium, Darwin.

After ahot start early either end, Moe’s Bailey Humphrey collected the ball,running central of the 50-metre arch before launching and securing the Suns’ third goal of the day.

That lit aspark in the already fiery Gold Coast unit,asMorwell’s Ben Ainsworth shortlyafter gathered aballofawobbly delivery fromHumphrey to snap his first and complete five consecutive goals for the ‘Darwin’ home side.

It looked as though it was going to be a complete demolition the way of the Suns, reading the conditions better in what was their second straight matchinthe Northern Territory.

The lead got to its peak of 32 points as Moe and Fish Creekfootballer Sam Flanders ran in for an easy in-play goal off the centre bounce.

Thanks to the heroics of club champion Touk Miller (playing his 200th game for the Suns)and four goals from Ben Long, Gold Coastwere able to hold on to victory despite ascare as theHawks drew the game back

The Latrobe Valley contingent from Gold Coast allfeature prominently in the win Humphreyhad 19 disposals, Ainsworth eight touches and two goals,and Flanders

13 touches and a goal from 78 per cent time on the ground. After afew weeks of utter dominance, possibly the bestofhis career thus far, Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiathhad amodest 12 disposals in defeat for the Hawks.

 COLLINGWOOD and Adelaide once again featured in aanxiety-filled affair, moreover at the MCG, as the Magpies secured top position on the ladder after a 11.12 (78) to 10.8 (68) finish.

While thematch went back and forward over the early stages, all the way through to the middle portions of the third quarter, the Magpies then enacted upon everything thatmakesthem apremiership favourite withfour straightgoalsintothe fourth term.

Adelaide finished with the last two goals to keep their percentage marginal as afellow finals contender.

Traralgon’s Tim Membrey was again impactful with agoal and 10 disposals.

 HERE they are.

West Coast finally nabbed its first win of the season with a16.12 (108)to12.8(80) defeat of St Kilda at Optus Stadium to cap off the round.

While the Eagles had been under the pump at every stage of the season thus far, they never faced adeficit all day and had their largest lead by the time the final siren sounded.

After going through the first nine matches of the season without singing the song, Eagles coachand Traralgon’s Andrew McQualter celebrated his first win as an AFL senior coach.

Previous to that, West Coast lost the final two matches of the 2024 home-and-away season, with their last victory coming in a five-point thriller against North Melbourne in Tasmania back in early August last year.

Relief: West Coastcoach and Traralgon’s Andrew McQulater pickeduphis firstwin as an AFL headcoachatthe weekend. Liam Bakerembraces him in the roomspostgame

Photograph: DanielCarson/AFL

Saturday,May 24

ABC (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend

Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.30 MSO Beethoven’sNinth. 3.40 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 4.10 The Piano. (PG, R) 5.10 Landline. (R) 5.40 Australian Story: Better Angels –SamuelJohnson. (R)

6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) Father Brown investigates adeath at adance school.

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

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Dr Turner and Shelagh are blindsided when May’sfuturewith them is called into question.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv,R) After acycling competition comes to the village of Burwood Mantle, the race leader is murdered. Barnaby themselves drawn into aworld of blackmail and bloodshed.

10.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac goes rogue with anew lead.

10.45 Reunion. (MA15+l, R) Adeaf ex-prisoner seeks revenge.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Cycling. UCI ProSeries. Tour of Hungary.Highlights. 3.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic Apparatus World Cup. Highlights. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage13. Highlights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.35 Cuban Missile Crisis. (Premiere, PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Fame. (Mal, R) Takes alook at Elizabeth Taylor

8.25 Secrets Of Britain’sHistoric Houses: Non-Conformists (A La Ronde And Kingston Lacy) (Return, PG) The team explores two unique houses. 9.30 Alone Australia. (M) The survivalists make

10.35 Guillaume’sFrench Atlantic. (PG, R)

11.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.40 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R) 4.10 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.40pm Peter Rabbit. 5.50 Hey Duggee: Songs. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.10 Chopped Junior 8.50 The Piano. 9.50 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.35 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Undiscovered Vistas. 2.50 Nula. 3.20 Living Black. 3.50 Something Of The Times.

4.35 Tradition On APlate 5.05 Wild Kitchen.

5.30 The Barber 6.00 Moko. 6.30 News.

6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Poltergeist. (1982, M) 10.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 12.05am Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Raceday,Sandown Saturday and Doomben Cup Day 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Americas: The Caribbean. (PG) Takes alook dive for squid and millions of red crabs migrate to the sea.

8.00 MOVIE: The Lost World: Jurassic Park. (1997, PGv,R) Aresearch team is sent to investigate an island populated by dinosaurs. JeffGoldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite.

10.35 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv,R)Aparolee is caught up in ahijacking. Nicolas Cage, John Cusack.

12.55 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGas, R)

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Destination WA 12.30 Find My Country House Australia. (PG, R) 1.00 Great Australian Detour.(R)

6.00 9News Saturday 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel &Ryan. (PG) Rachel and Ryan create three guest bedrooms.

8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, Mlv,R) In the wake of abotched operation and the apparent death of 007, to resign. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem.

11.30 MOVIE: Double Impact. (1991, MA15+slv,R)JeanClaudeVan Damme

1.35 Destination WA. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.30 The DogHouse Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List ItAustralia. Afamilyisfeeling cramped in their current home.

8.40 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) Acouple search for ahouse but she wants aHamptons-style cottage with apool and he seeks ahome with character and atoolshed. 9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to achild’s in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv,R)ATVshowrunner

11.40 FBI. (MA15+v,R) 12.30Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 TheMovie Show. 12.05pm MOVIE: Wild Target. (2010, M) 1.55 WhoGets To Stay In Australia? 3.00 News 3.05 WorldWatch 5.05 OverThe Black Dot. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 The Day TheRockStar Died:Elvis Presley. 8.50 Cycling.UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. 1.35am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.35 Arctic. (2018, Mal) 12.25pm Rob The Mob. (2014, Malsv) 2.25 CapricornOne.(1977, PGalv) 4.40 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German, Hungarian) 6.40 Finding Graceland. (1998, PGs) 8.30 Ben Is Back. (2018, Madl) 10.25 Stars At Noon. (2022, MA15+ls) 12.55am Late Programs.

Sunday,May 25 ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 Harry’sPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country 3.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 4.00 Escape To TheCountry 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 12.30am My Greek Odyssey 1.30 Late Programs.

Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Australia ReDiscovered. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC TopDoorslammer.H’lights. 4.00 Storage Wars:Barry’sBest Buys. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. VFL. Round 9. Richmond vEssendon. 10.00

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Hunting Hitler: The Final Chapter 4.00 Jeopardy! UK. 5.00 YoungSheldon. 5.30 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. (2002, PG) 10.45 MOVIE: Suburbicon. (2017, MA15+) 12.45am The Originals. 2.35 Jeopardy! UK. 3.30 Planet Earth III. 4.30 Late Programs.

(7,6)

NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast.

vNSW Waratahs.

9.45 MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road. (2015, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.

(9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs UK. (R) 4.20 First Nation Farmers. (R) 4.40 The Kimberley.(R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 6am Morning Programs. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 North Beach Football Club. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. ProMX Championships. Round 4. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Girod’Italia. Stage14. Highlights. 5.30 Codename Lucy: Spies Against Nazis. (PGavw)

6.30 Compass: The Conclave. (PG)

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

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller

8.30 Bergerac. (Ml) Bergerac’s enemies aregaining momentum and there’sashocking revelation about the ransom.

9.20 Reunion. (Mlv) Brennan and Carly head to his school reunion, where Brennan meets some old friends.

10.15 MOVIE: Strangerland. (2015, MA15+an, R) Twochildren disappear into the desert. Nicole Kidman.

12.05 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)

12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.00 The Split. (Ml, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History (PG, R) Explores the 2000-year history of London. 9.15 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PG, R) Nick Knowles heads to Mongolia to explorethe vast wilderness of the Gobi desert.

10.05 Hindenburg: The Cover Up: The Titanic Of The Skies. (PGa, R) Alook at the Hindenburg disaster 11.00 Face Down: Killing Of Thomas Niedermayer (Mal) 12.00 24 Hours In Emergency (Malm, R) 3.40 JSchwanke’sLifeInBloom. (R) 4.10 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls) Hosted by Jim Jefferies. 8.00 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Unusual Suspects. (Mad) New routes behind large scale cannabis importation areleading police to some very different suspects. 10.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Baby In The Suitcase. (MA15+adv,R)Alook at the case of Khandalyce Kiara Pearce. 11.30 Autopsy USA: VerneTroyer (Ma) 12.30 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv,R) 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

(10, 5)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGls) 8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Ma) Piers Morgan sits down with Rod Covlin, the man who almost got away with murdering

10.10

he seems. 9.30 FBI. (Mav) After ayoung girl goes missing in Queens, the team discovers the kidnappers used her as leverage to carry out amajor explosives heist, sending them on a hunt for the dangerous culprits. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) Alook at the day’snews. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon Motorcycle Racing. Superbike World C’ship. Czech Round. 1.00 FigureSkating ISUWorld C’ships. Part three. Replay 2.30 Jeopardy! 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.00 PBS Washington Week. 5.25 Abandoned Engineering. 7.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour Girod’Italia. 1.35am Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German, Hungarian) 10.30 Bandit. (2022, Mlnsv) 12.50pm The Daughter.(2015, Mals) 2.40 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PGalnsv)

Monday,May 26

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (Mv,R) 11.30 The Art Of...

(Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R)

2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story Presented by Leigh Sales. 8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Picasso.

iconic surrealist artist Pablo Picasso.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Planet America. (R) 11.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(PG,R)

1.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Isadora Moon. (Premiere) 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.30 MythBusters “There’sYour Problem!”. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Niminjarra. 1.50 Yiyili. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Living Black. 9.00 Art From The Heart. 10.10 Late Programs.

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour

2.00 Masha And Valentyna. (Ml, R) 2.55 Travel Shooters. (PGl) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI WorldTour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. Highlights.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Stockholm With Michael Portillo: Stockholm 2. (PG) Michael Portillo gets crafty with ceramics.

8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Estonia. (PGa, R) Bettany Hughes explores Estonia, whose culturecombines modernity with ancient traditions.

9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (R) Explores what it’slike to live in Windsor Castle.

10.15 SBS World News Late. (Mlv)

11.35 Kin. (MA15+dlv,R)

2.30 Along Ireland’sShores. (PG, R) 3.30 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Island Of Shadows. (2020, Mav,R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa)Kirby andRemi try to reconcile.

7.30 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGal) Anew farmer joins the mix.

8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star (Ma) Owen and the 126 deal with the aftermath of the asteroid crash in Austin while agreater threat looms.

9.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

10.50 Code 1: Minute By Minute: The Cronulla Riots. (Malv,R) Alook at the 2005 Cronulla Riots. 11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGa) 12.20 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Premiere, Mal)

1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: AMissedConnection. (2023, PGa) Meggan Kaiser,Alex Trumble. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Floor (Final, PG) Hosted by Rodger Corser (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

9.50 Players. (Ml) Alook at all the AFL news.

10.50 9News Late.

11.20 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml)

12.10 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup: Is This My Life? (Mal)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa)

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Taskmaster Australia. (Ml, R) Comedy game show featuring comedians performing aseries of tricky tasks. Hosted by TomGleeson. 10.50 10’sLate News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning

6am Morning

Programs. 9.00 Major League. Matchday14. Atlanta United FC vFCCincinnati. 11.30 Small BusinessSecrets. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Movie Show 1.35 DraculaUnearthed. 2.55 WorldWatch. 5.10 ForgedInFire. 6.00 Alone Denmark. (Final) 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The UnBelievable 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.35 Belle. (2013, PGa) 10.30 Ordinary Happiness. (2019, Mls, Italian) 12.10pm Ben Is Back. (2018, Madl) 2.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PGs) 3.55 Summerland. (2020, PGa) 5.50 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PGavw) 7.50 We AreStill Here. (2022, Malv) 9.30 November.(2022, Malv,French) 11.30 Late Programs.

Tuesday,May 27

ABC TV (2)

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 1pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 1.30 Australia’sBest Backyards. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 The YorkshireSteam Railway: All Aboard. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Shetland. 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. 3.30 Duck Dynasty 4.00 Cities Of The Underworld. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 TheAgenda Setters. 8.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.00 Gem Hunters Down Under 10.00 Late Programs.

SBS (3)

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Boss. (2016, MA15+) 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The O.C. 12.30am Below Deck. (Return) 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00 Late Programs.

10

Programs. 10.00 Rainbow Country 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow 2.30 MOVIE: Happy Go Lovely (1951) 4.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 2. Midnight Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Camper Deals. 8.30 Reel

Don'tbe Puzzled

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 If You’reListening. (R) 11.20 Gruen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.00 ABiteToEat. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. 8.00 The Kimberley (Final) 8.50 David Attenborough’s Galapagos: Evolution. (Final, R) Hosted by Sir David Attenborough. 9.40 Australia’sWild Odyssey: Carving The Landscape. (Final, R)

10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Four Corners. (R) 12.00 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.15 Books That Made Us. (Malv,R) 1.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 2.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 ABC World News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Walkatjurra: Our Actions Will Never Stop. (PG, R) 3.15 Arts Centres Keep Our Elders Connected. (R) 3.35 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 4.05 The Cook Up. (R) 4.35 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? Mark Coles Smith. (Mlv) 8.30 Insight. Hosted by Kumi Taguchi. 9.30 The Handmaid’sTale. on her experiences in Gilead. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Living Black. (R) 11.30 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv,R) 2.50 Along Ireland’sShores. (PGa, R) 3.50 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.50pm Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.20 Croc Watch With Steve Backshall. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.15 The Chaperone. (2018, PGals) 10.20 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, Mls) 12.40pm November (2022, Malv,French) 2.40 Hamlet. (1948, PGasv) 5.40 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir.(2018, PGalsv) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, Madlv) 9.40 No Man Of God. (2021, MA15+av) 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.20 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away (PG) Leah extends an olive branch.

7.30 Farmer Wants AWife. (PGal) Farmer Jack’sremaining ladies arrive.

8.50 Doc. (Ma) Amy and Jake try to uncover the cause of aunique patient’sworsening condition.

9.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

10.50 Accused. (Mad) Awrestling coach goes on trial.

11.50 Autopsy USA: Kate Spade. (Ma, R) 12.50 The Act. (MA15+ans, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Floor (Final, PG, R) 1.20 My Way. (R) 1.30 Getaway.(PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG)

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Tipping Point: Travel Guides. (PG) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge. (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 The Equalizer (Mv,R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.20 Talking Honey (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 6.30 The Project. Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.40 The InspiredUnemployed: The List. (PGalv) The boys areinMalaysia. 10.40 10’sLate News.

The Project. (R)

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

Home Shopping. (R)

CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show 12.10pm WorldWatch 12.40 Homicide. 2.30 Cryptoland. 3.00 News. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.05 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 5.55 The UnXplained With William Shatner 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour.Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 1.35am Shoresy 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

Youth impressjudges

IF the quality of speakers is any indication, the future is in safe hands.

The Lion's Australia convention, which took place in Traralgon earlier this month, saw six outstandingyoungsters present on the national stage.

Six high-school students from each statecompeted for the title of Lion's Australia Youth of the Year.

The competition required arigorous selection process climbing through the ranks, before two days of intense questioning and public speaking.

Contestantswere quizzed on national and international issues, and requiredtopresent their ideas in discussion to six judges.

Topics included the new socialmedia law and its potential impact, Australia's role in delivering foreign aid, and ways in which to possibly deliver better aged care.

Students were also asked to discuss their academic, community and sporting endeavours.

The public speaking component saw each student present aprepared speech on atopic of their choice in front of hundreds at the Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium, and respond to questions from amoderator regarding the significanceof Anzac Day and what they view success to be.

Judgeshad atough task picking an overall and public speaking winner, but ultimately, both accolades went to Queensland's Jasper Robinson.

Judges were local businesswoman, Julie Mack, school principal Belinda Ludlow, previous Lion's Youth of the Year, Cadence Taylor, Latrobe Youth Space's, David Blythman, previous Latrobe City Citizen of the Year, Rick Teychenne, and Latrobe Valley Express Editor, Liam Durkin.

Morwell to remain in Bega restructure commitment

BEGA Cheese will close its cheese processing and packaging operations in northern Victoria, but will maintain its other five manufacturing facilities, including Morwell.

Following an extensive review, Bega Cheese announced the consolidation of its Strathmerton operations into itsexisting site in Bega, New South Wales. Aphasedclosureofthe Strathmerton site is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

Bega Group Chief Executive, Pete Findlay said as thebusiness maintained its focus on delivering productivity improvement and

growth,itcontinued"to look at opportunities to simplify our operational footprint and invest for the future ensuring we maintain globally competitive infrastructure".

Bega Group is working closely with the about 300 employees at Strathmerton whose roles are impactedbythe change, and where possible, will offer re-deployment.

The company will continue to have astrong presence in Victoria, retaining five manufacturing facilities in the state, at Morwell, Tatura, Chelsea, Koroitand Port Melbourneand employing more than 1700 Victorians.

Decision: Lions Australia Youth of the Year winner Jasper Robinson (fromQueensland) with judges JulieMack, Liam Durkin, Cadence Taylor,Belinda Ludlow,RichardTeychenneand

David Blythman. Photograph supplied

TRAMPS

(TRARALGONand Morwell Pedallers Inc) rode on Anzac Day.

Riders began the weekend on Fridayafternoonwitha ride along the Gippsland East Rail Trail from Johnsonville to Bruthen.

The slightly undulatingtrail goes through arailway tunnel alongthe way, always in the beautifulbush With ashort break in Bruthen, the returntrip wasalongthe same route, but included ashort ride to the mouth of the Tambo River to watch passionate fishermen casting into Lake King.

The club, as usual, enjoyed abarbecue in the eveninginthe caravanpark where riders were staying.

On the following Saturday, the group wentwestalong the rail trail to Bairnsdale for lunchinthe Bairnsdale SkatePark. This part of the trail, although longer, is flatter.

The Sunday, with overcastweather, saw the trip go southonaslightdetour to view Lake King from its east side, then onto the wonderful resort town of Metung for lunch at ShavingPoint. With perfect weather, the club rode through the farming country to Swan Reach, then back to Johnsonville for coffee at the local store.TRAMPS welcomes new riders. For more information, visit:www.tramps.org. au or the club's Facebook page.

Club contacts are Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

End of lifeplaying

WE plan for allour special life events -engagements, weddings,births -yet we don't give consideration to our death.

Come along to the Moe Library on Thursday, May 29 from 6.30pm to discuss everything from dying at home, disposal options, what are the legal requirements and paperwork and the process of dying.

This is asafeand inclusive environment. Bring afriend.

Formoreinformation, call Glenda on 0409 529 588.

Jazzy tunes

MOE Latrobe Valley Jazz Club is pleased to welcome Steve Temple to its next function.

Steveisrecognised as one of the leading jazz trumpet players in Australia.

He will bring experienced and widely acclaimed musicians Richard Mander and Willie Purcell together with some young up and comers in the jazz scene.

The club is excited to hear the young players who are the future of jazz.

The band will play at Moe RSL this Sunday (May 25) commencing at 1pm.

Enquiries to Bruce on 0427 743 516.

Orana seniors

ORANA Seniors Club is located at 5 Ollerton Avenue, Newborough.

Head up Ollerton Ave, past the two letter boxes and turn left into Gate 2, then go straight ahead to the rooms on the left abutting alarge carpark.

The club welcomes prospective members.Games played are Rummikub and 500 on Tuesdays from 1pm until

groupmeetsfrom 10am until noon. No craft to do? No worries, just come along for apleasant morning and acuppa.

The club hasits general meetingand atwo course lunch ($20) on the first Thursday of the month.

On the third Friday night there is a takeaway meal from one of the local eateries. These are well attended and softdrinksmay be boughtorbring your own is welcomed.

On Friday mornings, staff from Moe Community Health guide attendees throughgentle strengtheningexercises for an hour from 9.30am at a cost of $5.

The annual membership fee is $10 and due on June 30. Weekly activities fees are $2.

For more information, phone Heather on 0429 862 196 or Jocelyn (0493 496 296).

Spiritual centre

LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Road, Morwell).

Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.Guest speaker every week with demonstrations fromaninvited medium followed by acuppa and afternoon tea.

For enquiries,phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Streets of Moe

THE next topic of interest presentation of the Mid GippslandFamily HistorySociety Inc will be held tomorrow (Thursday, May 22) from 2pm.

The sessionisbeing held in the society room at 44 Albert Street, Moe directly opposite the post office.

The topic of interestis'Streets of Moe'and guest speakerRod Donnelly will reveal how the street names evolved.

Rod is alife-long local and as well as being amember of the Family History Society, he is also amember of the Moe Historical Society.

All are welcome to attend.

With winter almost here, why not spend some timedelving into your family history? The FamilyHistory Centre is open to the public every

and 4pm.

The group welcomes anyone interested in learning more about their ancestors and background –whether araw beginneroranexperienced family historian/genealogist–tocome along and have achattoone of the experienced researchers who are keen to help you navigatethe resources we have. You’ll be amazed at what you can discover about your ancestors by usingsuchresources as Trove, Find aGrave, Family search etc. and the group's large holdings of cemetery records and transcriptions.

For further information, phone 0403 611 730.

Woodcraftgroup

GIPPSLAND Woodcraft Group will celebrate its40thanniversarywith an open day on Saturday, June 7, at their clubroomsonMaffra-Rosedale Rd, Nambrok.

Demonstrations will include carving, woodturning, pyrography, timber slabbing, scrollsawing and Woodwizz machining. An opportunity to “try your hand” may be available.

Woodworkingaccessories and wooden items including bowls, pens, toys andnic-nacs will be available for purchase.

Afeature will be raffles and door prizes, vintage car display, along with abarbecue lunch.

Further information is available from Graeme on 0437 510 950. Entry is free for attendees.

Morwell Historical Society

OPEN days for the remainder of May and Juneare today (Wednesday,May 21), Sunday, May 25, Wednesday, June 4, Wednesday, June 18 and Sunday, June 29 at 12 Hazelwood Rd, Morwell between 11am-2pm.

Current displays featureboth Morwell bowling clubs, Morwell streets namedafterthe Hourigan family, Mitchell House and the Bell’s house at 4JaneSt.

After the open day on Wednesday, June 18 at 2pm, the club will hold the bimonthly member’s gathering, which is an informalget together of members, guests and the general public to sit and reminisce and share stories while enjoying some afternoon tea.Put thedates in your diary so you don’t miss out. For any queries, email: secretary@morwellhistoricalsociety. org.au

Biggest morning tea

MOE and District Cancer Council Volunteer Group will host this year’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea tomorrow (Thursday, May 22) at the Moe RSL from 10am till midday.

Aselection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, slices, and scones, along with afew savoury items, to tempt your taste buds are available. Cost is $10 per person.

have asmall plant sale, as well as a regular trading table, and will also have araffle on the day. The current research project is for Lymphoma and Leukaemia.

Next meeting will be held Monday, May 26 at Moe RSL from 1.30pm.

For more information, phone volunteer group contact Diane on 0438 517 470orLinda (0427 671 780).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85

Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20

Quit Line: 13 78 48

Prostatesupport

LATROBE Valley ProstateSupport Group will meet Wednesday, May 28 at Morwell Club from 7pm.

Members can also meet at 6pm for acounter tea. All welcome.

Business report will hear from the Blue Ball Game that took place at Churchill Football-Netball Club last Saturday (May 17). Also up for discussion is atable at the Big Blokes BBQ on Friday, June 20. For more information, phone Allan Cunningham on 0458 111 688.

Catalyst

PENTECOST Churchisa new church that has just started meeting in the Uniting Church in Traralgon on a Sunday from 4.30pm. Pentecost Traralgon is acatalyst for people to livetheir lives to thefull. Join each Sunday at 19 Park Lane, Traralgon.

For more information, email:traralgon@pentecostchurch.com.au

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results: Tuesday, May 13 -1st Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (65.19 per cent); 2nd Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (62.59).

Thursday, May 15 -1st KenTierney and RoxyLamond(61.85); 2nd Kevin and Marion Taylor(54.81) If you would like to playorlearn more about bridge, give Helen acall on 0438 164 528.

Mid year social dance

LATROBE Valley Dance Promotions

dance on Thursday, May 29 at the Morwell Girl GuideHall (18 Margaret St).

Start time is 7pm andcost $5 per person. Those attending are asked to bring aplate of supper to share.

This will be the group's last session before the winter break.

Dance lessons will resume Thursday, September 4.

PhoneNormon0428543 737 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information, or email: latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com

Chess results

WITH only one loss, Price Samasiea took the prime post at Latrobe Valley ChessClub.

PeterBakker managed to stay on top in most games and claimed second place. Mistakes were too frequent for Ian Hamilton.

Samantha Juers returned to the chessscene and worked to refine skills.

Goshen Wu joined the contests but overlooked too many threats.

The highlight for Steve Ahern was forcing the checkmate against Cliff Thornton in afinelybalanced game. Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more details.

Generous donation

TRARALGON CentrePlaza centre owners Fawkner Propertyrecently donated$1000 to each RSL located within the centre’s trade area to support the Anzac Day appeals. TraralgonRSL wasthrilled to receive adonation of $1000 to help those who stillsuffer as aconsequence of their military service and to their dependants who need help.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue. Community Corner with Liam Durkin

The group is also planningto

Incinvites all to their mid-year social

Community: Traralgon CentrePlaza Marketing Manager,Adele Nardino handsovera chequetoBrian Soall and KarenSoall from Traralgon RSL Sub-Branch. Joining them forthe presentation is Traralgon Centre Plaza CentreManager,Daniel Logan. Photographs supplied

Mighty trumpet brings the freaks out to the floor: Steve Temple,one of the country’sfinest trumpeters, will performinMoe this Sunday.

Academyrecognisesexcellence

SPORT

By JUDE BERGMANN

MORE than 170 guests attended the 28th annual Gippsland Sports Academy Awards Night at the Italian Australian Club, Morwelltorecognise and celebrate the graduation and achievements of athletes in nine sports over the preceding 12 months.

Seventytwo youngGippsland athletes were in attendanceand received graduation certificates on the nightfromtheir respectiveprogram’s coaches.Thisyear, Gippsland Sports Academy was delightedtowelcome Traralgon Paralympic swimmer, Emily Beecroft OAM as guest speaker.

Emily talked about her journey leading up to and attending three Olympics Games, culminating in her relay gold in Paris last year.

There was four major awards presented:

The winnerofthe Phil Shelley Award went to Kelly Godfrey of Churchill.

Since2021, Kellyhas significantly supported Latrobe Valley’s hockey community through leadership, coordination, and development work.

Her management of regionalteams and initiatives has enhanced local talent pathways and strengthened the academy’s impact on hockey in Gippsland. Hertimevolunteering with the GSA Hockey Program since its establishment in 2023 has been invaluable to the coaches.

Kelly has dedicated four years to transforming hockeyinGippsland,servingaspresidentofthe Latrobe Valley Hockey Association (2021 to 2024).

Her visionary leadership, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships have revitalised local sport, expanded athlete pathways, and strengthened regional–metroconnections across Victorian hockey, earning her state-wide recognition and awards.

The David DraneAward was won by tennis player, Campbell Scott (15-years-old) of Bairnsdale.

Campbell had shown exceptional growth during the program last year through his dedication, resilience, and eagerness to learn. Always coachable

Congratulations: Winner of the Darrel White Award, Ruby Shieffelbein pictured with the awards namesakeand former Latrobe City Mayor.

Proud: TheTim Forsyth Awardwas wonby Traralgon’s JackBateson, whoispictured with Gippsland Sports Academy Chair and noted marathoner,Sandra Timmer-Arends

and committed, he’s embraced both the technical and mental aspects of the game, resulting in clear progress. Though not always the top performer, his consistency and drive have stood out. Campbell represented Gippsland Sports Academy at the Inter-Academy Challenge in Ballarat, reflecting

Kudos: DavidDrane Awardwinner Campbell Scott, pictured with TimMatthews Photographs: Doug Pell

Stars: The Phil ShelleyAward went to Churchill’s KellyGodfrey forher effortshelping revitalise local soccer.She is picturedwithguest speaker and Traralgon Paralympian, Emily BeecroftOAM

both personal developmentand team spirit. His journey embodies the values of this award, making him adeserving winner and arole model for others in the program.

The Darrell White Award was awarded to Ruby Shieffelbein (12) of Bairnsdale.

Ruby has demonstrated significant growth in her confidence, particularly in her role as goalkeeper in hockey. She has notably improved her ability to useher voice to direct and support her defenders, showcasingstrongleadership qualities. Ruby consistently displaysattentivenessduring training sessions and shows agenuine willingness to listen to and apply feedback. Her dedication is further highlighted by her perfect attendance throughout the 2024/25 Gippsland Sports Academy program, underlining her commitment to personal and team development.

TheTim Forsyth Award wenttoJackBateson (17) of Traralgon. Jack had an outstanding year in shooting.

He won the Australian National 20 Gauge Skeet Championship, which is ahuge effortfor athen 16-year-old.Jackrecently had averysuccessful competition in Perth at the nationals, shooting a98/100 in the National20gauge 100 target championship. This put him in ashoot-off with four other competitors, who also shot 98/100. Jack managed to win that shoot-off to win the 2025 Australian Skeet 20 gauge open champion. He is also the junior champion for the same event. He was also awarded 20 hall of fame points for his win. He also took home abronze medal in the 28 gauge 100 target event,shooting 92/100 in juniors, abronze medal in the Commonwealth 100 target event shooting (94/100) in the junior category and asilvermedal in theChampion of Champions100 target event junior category with 96/100.

 ELSEWHERE, Pony Club Victoria held its State Showjumping and Dressage Championships at Tonimbuk (north of Bunyip) recently.

TheShowjumping was held indoorsdue to the February heat. Dressage events were also held. East Gippsland Zone HorseTrialstook place following the championships.

Traralgon ridersMia Fitzpatrick, Phoebe Cavill, Layla Young and Rosedale's Gypsy Rohde and Lily Bennetparticipated, and had encouragingresults.

Trafalgar primaryleading the way in active kids

SCHOOL SPORT

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRAFALGAR Primary School has been recognised as the School Sport VictoriaSchool of the Yearfeaturingoutstanding initiatives, programs and community partnerships in 2024.

After receiving the 2023 Victorian School Sport award for Outstanding Schooland Community Partnerships, the local primary school leapt even further in the last12months with arecord-breaking 764 student-participation for interschool sport.

To increasethat participation among the student cohort, Trafalgar Primary School staff emphasised new and innovative methodsand sports with azero tolerancefor kidssitting out of physical activity and also aconcentrated approach for students to improve.

“By having those two separate ideas and two goals,for students who weren’t after the excellence pathway, they knew that all Iwas expecting them to do was participate and have ago,” Trafalgar PrimarySchoolSportand PhysicalEducation teacher Rick White said.

“We developed acouple of core values behind the program that we shared with the students as well, things like everyone has arole on the team, you can contribute in different ways.” Operating withtwo to threeclasses at atime for asportssession, modificationswere madeto

ensure inclusivity and also splitting up the large class based on confidence and ability. This participation growth was personified by the

introductionofdifferent sports to keep interest high, suchasthe school’sfirst-everAFL girls team, the return of hockey after more than adecade, volleyball, tennis, downball, and NFL flag football.

The development of more inclusivesports allowed roomfor morestudents to participate, and also gave students achancetoexpose themselves to skills they perhaps didn’t know they had, withsports like lawn bowls and downball included.

“We’re takingaway some of thebarriers… we’re usingdifferent skills, introducing them to competitive elements in those sports, and then they’re going ‘hey!I’m actually pretty good at his!’… We’re letting them build their confidence and that natural ability translatesinto other sports from there,” Mr White said.

Key strategic partnerships werealsoforged between organisations like AFL Victoria, Cricket Victoria, Hockey Victoria, Cycling Australia, and DisabilitySport andRecreation to help deliver programssuchasAfter SchoolAuskick, Cricket Blast, and WheelTalk (wheel chair basketball).

Additional collaborations were also developed with local sporting clubs such as Trafalgar’s football, netball, cricket, tennis, croquet, golf and soccer clubs, as well as Rhee Taekwondo and Leongatha Gymnastics Club.

MONDAY19MAY

Piper Jones turns 9

Mokshitha Naik turns 12

WEDNESDAY21MAY

Skyla Healey turns 10

THURSDAY22MAY

Milo Auteri turns 9

Mackenzie Masut turns 9

FRIDAY23MAY

Aengus Heily turns 12

Tully Vodden turns 5

Active: Trafalgar PrimarySchool wasnamed the 2024SchoolSportVictoriaSchool of the Year Picturedisprincipal Cameron Nicholls,assistant principal Naomi Landmeter,sportscaptainsAurora Coffey and Elisha Ijiyera, and sportand physical education teacher,RickWhite. Photograph supplied

Trot along Meadows

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS BY MILES VERSCHUUR

ABEAUTIFUL sunsetprovided the backdrop for the Traralgon Harriers’ sixkilometre Meadowpark DriveCourse on Thursday, April 24.

Sixty-eight runners,walkers, andtrotters venturedout to appreciate the pleasant evening.

Starting with asmall wiggle around StirlingAvenue, beforecircling Wirilda Crescent, Cross’sRoad, andGrubb Ave twice, this is an excellent course to test the running rhythm.

Daniel Furmstonmadeitback-to-back wins across two weeks in atimeof22:42 Furmston aimed to and succeeded in hitting the necessary pace to go under two hours and 40 minutes to also score amarathon personal best.

Next across the line was the trio of Dempsey Podmore,Miles Verschuur, and Ian Cornthwaite (23:10), withCornthwaite catching up with adecidedly determined finish. Glenn Graham (25:18) and Scott Syme (26:28) showedgood consistent improvement over several weeks.

Karen Graham (26:39) continued her excellent start to the Harriers’ winter season, with Courtney Ellis not far back. Ellis too made the trek to the city of Steve Moneghetti for the Ballarat Marathon, an excellent event in its second year. Next up was Bec Anderson, who was just three secondsaheadofher trainingpartner Rickie Glover. Chelsea Fox continued to make moves towards the top runners.

Harriers clock up thekms

ATHLETICS TRARALGON HARRIERS BY

BARRYHIGGINS

IN abusy few weeks, many Harriers, along with friends and locals, have enjoyed taking part in a variety of running events, including urban marathons, trail runs and fun runs with anoble cause. Many took part in the Run for the Kids in early April.

Navigating the Bolte Bridge,the Domain Tunnel and Southbank, it provided many different views of the city while raisingmoney for the GoodFriday Appeal.

Tanjil South-basedHarrier, CarlyKorab also ran afast time around the 3.8km Tan loop, finishing high in the public fun run and also sprinting up thenotorious ‘Heartbreak Hill’ in the King/Queen of the Mountain hill race.

On the Sunday after Anzac Day, more than 2000

people competed in the Ballarat Marathon, with morethan 3000 runners and walkers doing the half marathon.

In the marathon field, Daniel Furmston ran a sub-threehour time to place in the top echelon of talented runners, as did CourtneyEllis in the women’s division. Courtney had aheart stopping race to the finish line to also achieve asub-three hour finish.

On the same day as Ballarat, the Springwood Trophy trail runs –perhaps more accurately designated “hill climbs” –were conducted by the Harriers in the Crinigan Bushland Reserve in Morwell. It is adelightful remnant bushland with many (steep) walking tracks thatthe runnersfollow. After their victories in the recent Tarra-Bulga 25 kilometre events,Sav Mavrofridis and Kylie Murray again ledthe fields home in the 8km men’s and women’s divisions.

Back home, the stillcold air provided perfect conditions for the Thursday, May 1run/walkfromthe

SwinburneCrescent pavilion.Sixtyeight members braved the chill night air, many of whom had run the Springwood Trophy trail runs on the Sunday. Quickestwomen was Rickie Glover, with Courtney Ellis in cruising mode close behind, followingher marathon run afew days earlier. Kimberly Imperial and Rose Croft were next,a few seconds apart.

Sav Mavrofridis was the first of the men home, ahead of talented multi-sports juniorDempsey Podmore and seasoned veteran Ian Cornthwaite, with possibly ahalf-century gap.Relativenewcomers JyeKaestner and Daniel Symons also performed well.

Annual membershipisnow open anddue and all members are encouraged to renew their membership.

For anyone who is considering joining the Harriers, now is agoodtime. See: traralgonharriers.org.au.

Greatness: Kylie Murray has wonthe Run Tarra-Bulgaand Springwood Trophydoubleon morethan one occasion. Photograph supplied

Toptime: Courtney Ellis finishedstrongly in the Ballarat Marathon women’s field, runningunder three hours. Photograph: JayMcGown.

Leader: SavMavrofridis wonthe Run Tarra-Bulgaand Springwood Trophybefore leading the Harriershome on last month’s run. Photograph: JayMcGown.

Busy: MarkRossiter wasatop finisher in the Tarra-Bulga42km marathonbeforecompeting in theRun the Tan. Photograph supplied

Embrace: CarlyKorab ranthe FunRun and the notorious ‘Heartbreak Hill’King/Queenofthe Mountain hill race at theRun the Tanfestival. Photograph supplied

Hardyards: Daniel Furmston ranhigh in the field in the BallaratMarathon against prestigious competitors. Photograph: JayMcGown.

Fit: Bob Duljus enjoying his runwiththe TraralgonHarriers. Photograph supplied

Coopercoming forTraralgon mara

RUNNING BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

AFTER completing Bravehearts777 Marathon last year, Curtis Cooper is picking up the pace dramatically this time around.

Next month,the former Morwell resident will once again take on the behemoth task of running seven marathons in seven states in the matter of seven days,which only kick starts his real challenge of 52 marathons in 52 weeks.

The year-long campaign is for the child protection charity, Bravehearts. Cooper will push past blood, sweatand ailment to raise $250,000 for the prevention of child sexual abuse.

“After last year’s event, Imet some pretty inspiring people, people Ididn’tthink Iwould meet… victims of child sexual abuse, then as adults, toed the line and started raising funds and awareness so it didn’t happen to other kids,” Cooper told the Express

“It’s never happened to me… and if these guys can come and tell their story and toe the line and run the marathons and raise the money, then someone who hasn’t been affected there’s more Icould do.”

Cooper got in touch with the Bravehearts foundation shortly after finishing the 777 last go around, andsaidtheir response was one of excitement and were keen to offer their partnership.

Bravehearts provides medical support throughout the 777 Marathon,but Cooper sought out some

additional assistancewith arunningcoachfor his long journey.

“I’veactually engaged acoach through aconnection of mine, aguy PeterBaines, he’s apretty inspirational guy himself,” he said.

The founder of charity ‘Hands Across the Water’, BaineslastDecember embarked on a1400km run across Thailand in 26 days in memory of the Boxing Day tsunami, for where he was deployed 20 years ago following the disaster as aforensic investigations expert.

“He’s actuallyhelped me engage Nedd Brockmann’s coach Matty Abel (who’s) now coaching me for the next year, so that’s pretty exciting,” he revealed.

Brockmann rose to notoriety over the last few years as an ultramarathon athlete raising money and awareness for many causes including mental health, which cumulated in a1600kmrun over 12 gruelling days for homelessness.

With Abel in his corner and having completed ahandful of marathons in between then and now (two beingthe MelbourneMarathon in Octoberand the Nagano Olympic Marathon in Japan), Cooper is looking forward to the task ahead.

Cooper will return home and take part in the Traralgon Marathon on June 1before beginning the 777 Marathon on June 30.

“It’s going to be awesome (taking part in the Traralgon Marathon). I’ve eyeditoff for awhile but never had the chance to do it,” he said.

Cooper said it’llgive him achance to be back

with family and thank in person the countless local sponsors who have jumped on board in support over the last 12 months.

After completing the 777 Marathon, which takes Cooper from Perth to Adelaide to Melbourne to Hobart to Sydney to Canberra and finallyfinishing at the Gold Coast Marathon, he will look ahead to other organised events such as Sri Chinmoy Marathon around Princes Park, the Sydney Marathon in late August, the Run for Young around Lilydale, and again taking part in the Melbourne Marathon.

Towards the end, Cooper has also scheduled to return for the 2026 Traralgon Marathon, which will nearly complete his 52 weeks.

“I was lucky enough to do the 777 last year, and the guys are incredible, the medical team and everything, really exceptional,” he said.

“Post the 777, they’re (Bravehearts) going to get right behind me and give me everything Ineed to get this done.

“I’ve got agreat coach on board, I’m pretty motivated, pretty dedicated. Ifeel lucky and privileged to be able to run afew ks if it means that some kids who are battling and some kids who need support are going to get it -itmeans nothing to me to run a few ks to help them out of that situation that they otherwisecan’tget themselves out of. It’sjust a small thing Ican do to help.”

You can support Cooper’s 52 in 52 by donating at: https://fundraise.bravehearts.org.au/52-in-52

Fantastic five hits advantage along Franklin St

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS BY MILES VERSCHUUR

SIXTY-FOUR excited Harriers venturedtothe Traralgon Tennis Courts on Thursday, April 17 for the Franklin Street five-kilometre course.

The notably quick two-lapper did not disappoint, with plenty of speedy times recorded.

Karen Grahamproved her consistent running skills, running 23 minutes flat, ahead of RickieGlover (24:40) and Rebecca Anderson (25:08). Chelsea Fox,Lauren Peter, and Rose

Croft are all in good form, running fast times.

Daniel Furmston led the gentlemen, just under aminute ahead of Andrew Greenhill and recent marathoner ClintonJolly. Aaron More (22:45) made aspeedy debut. Out of the dynamic duo of Ron Verschuur and Gary Fox, Verschuur was able to pull away and establish a43second gap.

The eveningconcluded with ahearty clubdinner at the nearby Butter Factory on Franklin Street.

Thirty-five Harriers also ran avariety of distances as part of the 'Run Tarra-Bulga' event on Saturday, April 12.

Across the marathon distance, which included 1500m of elevation that tookinCyathea Falls,

Mount Tassie, and two iterations of the dreaded Drysdale Road ascent, the battle was fierce.

Mark Rossiter (4:39:09) completed his 27th marathon, just ahead of the dueling Daves. Mann edgedout Barr by seven minutes. Shane Wilson andClinton Jollywere neck-and-neck across the run, with under two minutes between them, with the multi-disciplined Jason Odlum putting in an impressive day’s work.

The 25km course included theCyathea Fallsloop, one dastardly Drysdale, before finishing with an odyssey across the much-photographed Corrigan Suspension Bridge.

Sav Mavrofridis led fromgotowhoa, in an impressive time of 2:13:04.

The three musketeers of Ian Cornthwaite, Greg Semmler and Miles Verschuur found themselves yet again next to each other in atightly fought trail race.

Asmart attack allowed Semmler to clear out by two minutes and claimthe bronze podium position, with Verschuur (2:23:02) and Cornthwaite (2:23:21) amere 19 seconds apart.

The evergreen machine Kylie Murray (2:26:37) easily took out the women’sgold, with Richard Ogilvie eight seconds in arrears.MrConsistent, Steve Renehan, churned out another excellent race.

Aquintet of duos dominated the Harriers field: BecAnderson and Rickie Glover (3:08:38), Anna Cardillo and Travis White, and the inseparable pair of Ron Verschuur and Gary Fox (3:18:34).

In running across the suspension bridge, Verschuur was able to appreciatehis old and very astute carpentry work. Concluding duos wereEmmaand GiuseppeMarino,and Samantha McGown and Megan Scott.

In the 6km dash around the park closest to Balook, Kate Mayer secured the women’s third place, earning afittingfern as the prize. Promising junior Seth Bomers snagged himself a10thplaced finish.

Advertising in the Express

The Range Retirement Village are ong time clients of the Latrobe Valley Express and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Jenny and her teaminthe advertising department.

Theyalwaysgoout of their waytomakesure our company has the best advertising forour business, always lookingfor ways to improve our ads, so we achieve the best results.

We recommendthe LatrobeValleyExpress to anyone looking to promote and advertise their business.

LeighBrown

The Range Retirement Village

Gathered: Traralgon HarriersatRun TarraBulga lastmonth

Photographs supplied

Speed: RonVerschuur hascontinued his excellent running form

Head down: Former Morwell local Curtis Cooper completed the Nagano Olympic Marathon in Japaninthe lead up to his ultimatechallenge, 52 marathons in 52 weeks. Photograph supplied

Business Guide

GUTTER Gleam Gippsland is here to help local residents maintain their properties

The recentlyestablished family owned and operated business based in Hazelwood South offers a range of property cleaning services forresidential, industrial and commercial buildings,GutterGleam specialises in vacuum gutter cleaning,which effectivelyclears sludge,debris and blockages from gutters,promoting proper rainwater flow and preventing costlydamage to properties,and other services including -solar panel cleaning, pressurewashing,roof cleaning and watertank cleaning

Using high qualityequipment and the rightexpertise to fulfil most cleaning tasks,including the ability to access hard-to-reach places and high buildings (up to 15m).

GutterGleam Gippsland understands thereare many people who simplydon’t have time,orthe ability, to scale the roofs of their homes to undertake maintenance.This is wherethey assist in not onlysprucing up operty,but also prolonging eofhouse gutters,thus ducing therisk of waterdamage issues,allergens and fires.

Servicing the Latrobe Valleyarea and all surrounding districts,the team pride themselvesonbeing reliable,convenient, trustworthy and efficient.

On-siteworkiscompleted by Jay, with wifeLaurenhandling all the admin and business side of things

GutterGleam Gippsland’sJob Management System allows customerstoviewtheir quotes and

accept at the clickofa button

Customerswill also receive maintenance reminderswhen their next clean is due and the important JobService Report with beforeand afterpictures on completion of jobs

Protecting your property is thetop priorityofGutterGleam Gippsland, being fullylicenced and trained in Working at Heights, fullyinsured against injuryand

property damage with aminimum of $20 million in Public and Product LiabilityInsurance,as well as holding

Equal access for women and girls

SPORT

THE state government’sFair Access Policy Roadmap is now state-wide, ensuring women and girls right across Victoria have equal access to sporting facilities and opportunities.

Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence joined councillor Timothy Hanson from Mitchell Shire Council and representativesfrom local sporting clubs at RB Robson Stadium in Wallan to mark statewide adoption of the policy.

All of Victoria’s 79 councils and Alpine Resorts Victoria will now adopt the framework for their local communities.

Sincebeing launched in August 2022, the roadmap is helpingcouncils and their local sportingclubs create equal access and opportunities for women and girlsso all Victorianscan takepartinthe sports they love.

As part of the roadmap, councils must have policies in place in order to be eligible for community sport program funding.

The policies are tailored to the local community and designed to achieve long-term change,resulting in more equal participation for women and girls.

Examples include how women and girls will be considered when it comes to allocating community sport facilities, like ovals, changerooms and courts.

Developed in partnership with Sport and RecreationVictoriaand VicHealth, the roadmap supports councils with obligations under the Gender Equality Act 2020.

To learn more about theFair AccessPolicy Roadmap, visit: changeourgame.vic.gov.au/ initiatives/fair-access-policy-roadmap.

Morwell’sace tennis visit

TENNIS

THE prestigious Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup visited Morwell Tennis Club as part of this year's Australian Open trophy tour.

This popular initiative bringsthe excitement of the AustralianOpentoregional communities across Victoria,giving tennisfans the chanceto see and even pose with the magnificent trophies. Australian tennis champion and former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald made aspecial appearanceatMorwell,meeting fans and celebrating the spirit of tennis.

“AO on the Road is awonderful initiativethat connects communities across Victoria to the AustralianOpen," Tennis VictoriaChief Executive, Kim Kachel said.

"It’s agreat waytoshowcase our vibrant tennis communities and encourage more people to get involved in the sport.

"We are proud to bring this opportunity to regional Victorian clubs.”

AO on the Road saw the trophies travel to more than 20 locations across regional Victoria, giving local communities the chancetoexperience the excitement of the Australian Open.

Tennis Victoria also launched a $1 million sustainableregional tennis project at this year's Country Week.

Thegroundbreaking investment is designedto transformthe futureoftennis in regional Victoria.

For more information, including aproject overview and fact sheet, visit: www.tennis.com.au/vic/ community/sustainable-regional-tennis.

Up close: Morwell Tennis Clubrepresentativeswith the Australian Opentrophies Photographs supplied

On site: TheAustralian Open men’s singles trophy(Norman BrookesChallenge Cup) during its special appearance in Morwell.

TRARALGON 20

Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

All ENGAGEMENT and MARRIAGE notices must carrythe signatures of EITHER party,a parent or guardian.

BIRTH NOTICES: The witnessed signature of one party will be accepted subject to the nomination of

each or 2for $11 (GST incl). Available at the Latrobe Valley Express Office 21 George Street Morwell Enquiries: 5135 4444

Clearing Sale

Saturday, May 24, 10am 50 Berkley's Rd, Flynn A/c Gilmour and Bourchier

Items include:

Case International 895 2WD tractor +FEL Farmliner 445 2WD tractor, New Holland 275 baler, 1983 Mitsubishi farm ute and tilt tray, Hustler 4000 bale feeder, New Holland Super S6 trailing hay rake, UFO twin drum mower, 5' 3PL slasher, Silvan 400L spray unit 6' boom, fire fighting unit 1000L pod, 3PL hay spike, 3PL post hole digger, old. Rotary hoe, 18 plate 3PL discs, 10' steel roller, 3hay rakes, various coils poly pipe, mesh, large qty. gates, various sizes, large amount roofing iron, steel pipe, PVC pipe, railway sleepers, large qty. firewood, large qty 2nd hand timber, 9tyne cultivator, 6' grader blade, old saw bench, 14 run Connor Shea 3PL seed drill, super spreader, soft hands bale grab, John Deere lawnmower.

TRARALGON 6Licola Ct. 8am-4pm. Lots of tools, large air compressor, small scaffold, kitchenware, clothing and ladies shoes, small sizes.

your garage sale in ourpaperifyou

have an audience of OVER 76,000! Youare

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be. We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

GUITAR LESSONS

Gippsland Guitar School, all ages, 8-80, beginners to advanced, banjo and ukulele lessons also available. 0439 111 610.

Moe Self Storage

various sizes from $85 p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki Realty on 5127 1333.

Antiques and collectables: Furfy water cart in GC, spring cart in GC, 4wheel carriage, horse drawn, seed drill, horse drawn super spreader and hay rake, single furrow plough, 2wagon wheels and axle sets, various farm implements suitable for garden art, cast iron baths, 12 milk cans, qty. slate roof tiles, old wooden farm gates, vintage sowing machine, bed frames, radio gram, hall stand, display cabinet, dresser and large qty. tools and sundries. Photos on Lions Facebook page. AHeyfield Lions Project. Enquiries Damian 0427 451 286

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Responsibility

PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD

Please check your ad on the firstday andbring any errors to the attention of the Classifieds Department immediately The LatrobeValley Express makes everyefforttoavoid errors. We regret thatwecannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bring it to ourattention. No allowances can be made for errors not materially affecting the effectiveness of the ad. Position cannot will not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be made within seven days afterbilling date We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classificationwhen necessaryto conform to the policyof this newspaper In the event anadisomitted from publication, we assume no liabilityfor such omission.

Expressions of Interest Community AssetCommittees

GIPPSLAND ARBORICULTURE SPECIALISTS TREE REMOVALS

Pruning, stump grinding, hedging, nest boxand habitat hollows creation, insured and qualified. FREE QUOTES Brent 0403 080315 SERVICING ALL AREAS

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.

ROCTECH CUSTOM FABRICATION

available

We areseekingaLight Vehicle Mechanic to join our modern and growing business. We work on a wide range of vehicles, handlingeverything from servicing and maintenance to repairs, as well as installing Ironman4x4 accessories andupgrades.

Preferred Experience:

•Qualified Light Vehicle Mechanic

•3-4 year apprentices are also encouraged to apply

What We Offer:

•Competitive wagesabove the industryaward negotiable based on experience

•Aspacious, state-of-the-art workshop and modern office with allthe necessary tools and equipment for efficient workflow

•Afriendly, supportive team with agreat reputation for qualitywork

If you’re looking to join athriving business with opportunities for growth, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply: Call or email Clint to discuss this opportunity on 0356 821 211or fosterservicecentre@gmail.com

Business Manager

Nambrok Denison PrimarySchool

Position Title: Business Manager

Classification: Education Support Level1,Range 3

Employment Type: Full Time -Ongoing

Job ID: 1476331

Closing Date: 2June 2025

Location: NambrokDenison PrimarySchool, Victoria

School-based experience is preferred, but not essential –training will be provided for theright candidate

Why join us?

At Nambrok DenisonPrimary School, we pride ourselves on our welcoming, community-focused environment. You’ll be joining asupportive team that values respect, communication, and shared commitment to student success.

How to Apply: Visit Recruitment Online for the full positiondetails and application process.

For further information, please contact Kryshia Speirs on (03) 5149 2410.

Personals

BORG (Grixti)

Rita Milvia

Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens

Aged Care Newborough 16 May, 2025.

Aged 77 Years

Dearly loved wife of Charlie (dec.).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Rachel and Gary, Jeremy and Tammy, Shane and Tarin.

Adored Nanny of Kavanagh, Molly, Deegan, Javier, Nyah, and Jensen.

FAIRLEY Neill Passed away peacefully 10/5/2025 at Mercy Place Melbourne.

Aged 81 years Will be sadly missed by brother Adrian, sister-inlaw Dianne and nephews Grant and Blair. He will be remembered forever

HARDJONO

Rayner Joseph 14 May 1939 -15May 2025

Much loved husband of Susy for 53 years. Adored father of Melanie, Jane and Susan.

Proud father-in-law of Lance, Edwin and Tristan.

Loving Pop of Mary Rose, Thomas, Henry, Lily, Milo, Ivy (dec.) and Elanora. Gentle, warm and knowledgeable teacher of many "I simply cannot put into words how much Ilove you" Rayner said these exact words to his beloved Susy just months ago. And we, all of us, say the same to Rayner

HAVERKORT Edmund (Eddy)

We are heartbroken to announce, Eddy passed away peacefully 18 May 2025, after acourageous battle. Beloved son of Cornelia (dec.) and Marinus (dec.), along with his 4siblings. Devotedhusband to Tracey. Loving father to William, Thomas, Lachlan, Isabella and their partners. You were someone special someone good and true, you will never be forgotten, we thought the world of you. Wonderful memories silently kept, ofatrue friend I'll never forget

JAMES Kenneth Francis Formerly of Morwell. Passed away peacefully 25/4/2025. Son of Les (dec.) and Jessie (dec.), step-son of Elsie (dec.). Brother to Patricia (dec.) and Kevin (dec.). Husband to Nancy (dec.) and Christine. Dad to Kerry and Julie. Gramps to Shanti and Khadi. Much loved and missed by all You made it into the paper, Dad!

KELLY James Michael

22/7/1950 -15/10/2025

Passed peacefully in his sleep.

At rest now after along battle with illness.

Reunited with parents Bill and Ethel, brothers and sisters Robert, Maureen, Peter, Ann-Marie (all dec.).

Rest easy now Jim. We will miss you always. Gerard and Debbie, Michelle, Gerard, Adrian, Felicity and families.

Great mate and little brother to Bob, and friend to Gayle.

Cheeky uncle to Rachael, Laurie, Meagan and Simone.

Great Uncle to Ella, Jake, Tobi, Tarra and Leticia.

So many wonderful memoriestocherish forever… you're now at peace Jim.

Sweet is the sleep that ends all pain. RIP.

To our most beloved Uncle Jim, we will miss you so very much. You were the kindest man with the biggest heart, and we wouldn't be where we are today without you.

Love always, your little fish's Tarra and Leticia

Loved brother of Maureen (dec.) and brother-in-law to John. Much loved uncle to Robert, Stephen (dec.) Fiona, Michael, Chris and Partners.

Thank you, Uncle Jim for everything you have done for us. We will treasure the memories of past Christmas' and Easters and the quality time we spent. We are so grateful for everything you did for our mother in her times of need and for us as well.

We will dearly miss you but hope you are reunited with Pa, Nan and your brothers and sisters.

Rest in Peace, Love the Dorrington Family.

LUND Simon The Chairman, Board, Management and members of CFA regret the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

LUND Simon The Mayor, Councillors, Chief Executive Officer, and staff of Latrobe City Council extend their deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the Lund family. To our Morwell River Ward Councillor, Tracie, her children Cooper, Matilda and Kate, and family, we are saddened to hear of the passing of Simon, a much-loved husband, father and valued member of the community. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

MISSEN Phillip Gregory 2/4/1954 -5/5/2025

Loved brother of John and brother-in-law of Lois, and loved uncle of Dennis and Belinda.

PORTER (nee Low)

Avis Annie

STEWART Robert H 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, Robert. We offer our sympathy to all his family. LEST WE FORGET

SUTHERLAND Ian 16/4/1952 -9/5/2025

Passed away at LRH after along illness.

Father of Jason, Amy, Jessica and Ryan. Grandfather of 10. Resting peacefully Private cremation was held

SUTHERLAND Ian Reginald

Passed away 9May 2025.

Much loved brother of Margaret and brother-inlaw of Charlie. Uncle to Katie, Fiona and Travis and families. He will be sadly missed and forever in our hearts Rest In peace

TWOMEY Lionel Francis Born 10 April 1940. Passed away peacefully 5 May 2025 at Latrobe Regional Health. Aged 85 years Dearly loved husband of Ann. Much loved dad of Michael, Daryl, Wendy, Chris, and Matthew. Adored pop to 11 grandchildren and 15 greatgrandchildren. Always gentle, loving and kind. What lovely memories you leave behind. In God'scare you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love Funeral was held on WEDNESDAY (May 14 2025) at Traralgon.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

YOUNG Allan Dennis Passed away peacefully at the Alfred Hospital on 25 April, 2025. Dearly loved husband of Krystyna for 49 wonderful years. Much loved Dad and father-in-law of Loretta (dec.) and Gary, Alison and Suriya, Daniel and Fionna. Adored Pop of Sarah, Brayden, Bella, Ella and Harrison. Your love and kindness will stay with us always In accordance with Allan's wishes, aPrivate Cremation will be held.

BORG Requiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mrs Rita Borg will be offered at St. Kieran's Catholic Church Lloyd Street Moe on THURSDAY (22 May 2025) commencing at 11am. Private Cremation to follow. Rita's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HARDJONO

The Funeral of Mr Rayner Joseph Hardjono will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon FRIDAY (23 May, 2025) commencing at 1.30 pm At the conclusion of refreshments, the funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HAVERKORT

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr. Edmund (Eddy) Haverkort will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon on MONDAY (26 May 2025) commencing at 1pm. The Service for Eddy will also be livestreamed, to view the livestream please visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KELLY Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr James Michael Kelly will be offered at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church Street, Traralgon on WEDNESDAY (28 May 2025) at 1.30 pm. At the conclusion of mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr, Traralgon. Rosary will be recited in the above church prior to Mass on Wednesday (28 May 2028) at 1pm. Jim's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

PETRUCCI, Giovannina. 4/3/1940 -21/7/2022.

Three lonely years without you, It's the saddest Ihave known, Itreasure every thought of you, When Iamonmyown. Although Icannot see you, You are with me every day, For the love that was between us, Death cannot take away.

Your loving and devoted husband Armando. Lovingly remembered by her daughters, son, and family and friends near and far. Rest In Peace

AMemorial Mass will be held on Sunday 27th July at 11am at St Bridgid's Catholic Church 378 Nicholson St, North Fitzroy, Melbourne. AMasswill also be held on the same day in Italy at the San Padre Pio Church in San Giovanni Rotondo (FG) Italy.

SKINNER Bob (Poppy Bob)

23/9/1941 -24/5/2023 2years that you have been gone. Miss you every day. Love Shirley and family.

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperience to familiesin Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburra and surrounding areas. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offerboth at-need and pre-paid funerals. All

Apersonal

12/6/1952 -16/5/2025

Loved eldest sister of Floretta McInnes, Dorothy Kitwood (dec.) and family. Passed away after a long battle. Formally of Morwell/Churchill, lately Wangaratta.

WAITE Malcolm We say farewell Malcolm at the Cemetery on FRIDAY May 2025) at 2pm.

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KESBY Janine 20/5/1990 Memories of you will forever. Until we meet again. Your loving family.

When you lose someone close to you,

Note on scores

FOOTBALL

SCOREBOARDS for newspapers are supplied through acomputer-program linked with PlayHQ.

Therefore, scores need to be submitted and results made officialinorder for the system to work.

If not, scores simply come through blank when retrieved by the Express.

Club and league administrators are asked to ensure scores are in by Sunday 5pm in order for scores to appear in the paper.

White takes to Germany

BASKETBALL EUROLEAGUE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE playoffs in BundesligaBasketball League got underwayatthe weekend, with Traralgon’s Jack White and FC Bayern Munich beginning to soar.

Bayern Munich defeated Syntainics MBC, 78 to 60, to take a1-nil lead in the first round of playoff action.

White contributed 10 points, four rebounds and two assists in the blowout victory.

That win completed White’s eighth game with Bayern Munich since signing with them following the end of the NBL season with Melbourne United, in which they lost to Illawarra Hawks in an excruciating five games.

He’saveraging 7.3points and 4.6 rebounds per game in ashort time overseas.

Not only does White have Bundesliga playoffs to look forward to, but also Euroleague finals later on.

There is still apossibility that White makes another attempt at an NBAcampaign before venturing back to the NBL.

United girls scrape home

BASKETBALL

BIG V BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

OPPOSITE equations played out in Round 8ofBig Vbasketball for Gippsland United at the weekend.

Both Men's and Women's arrived at Coburg Basketball Stadium to take on the Giants in what was amarquee matchup in both grades.

 AFTER asplit of results the previous round, United Women inched by Coburg, 72 to 69. The result shoots them into the top three on the ladder.

The Gippsland side fought back after sustaining a24-12 first quarter, before outscoring their opponent by 15 points the rest of the way home.

Shantelle Thorburnnailed amatchwinning three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, while Ellie Couttshit crucial free throws in the dying moments.

Alahna Arnason poured in agame-high 17 pointsand nine rebounds, followed by Thorburn with 13 points and eight boards.

ArelativeofWNBA and Opals star Ezi Magbegor,Elo Magbegor started forthe Giants Women's side.

 IN amatchup of the top two sides in the competition, Gippsland United Men fell to Coburg 79-72.

Having both gone through the first seven rounds of the season undefeated, one had to be downed and it was unfortunately the local side.

Astrong start from United Men was subdued by astruggling second half in which they were outscored by 13 points.

JalinWimberly scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and four steals in defeat.

All is good however, ahome rematch will occur later in the regular season, before an expected rerun during finals time.

Gippsland United men play in Warrnambool this Saturday night (May 24), while the women play in Wallan.

Four games is allittook

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND BY BLAKE

METCALF-HOLT

TAKING his opportunities to the max.

In just his fourth game of senior football, Riley Denovan kicked abag of 11 goals in Traralgon Tyers United’s demolition of Churchill in Round 5ofthe North Gippsland Football-Netball League

Afterwaiting patientlyfor hissenior debut, even despiteadominant juniorcareer (hisfinal two years of under 18s specifically), Denovan has proven to be astrong contributor in asidelittered with talent and expectation.

Denovan has lauded the senior playing group he’s walked into, headedbypremiership coach, Jack Brown.

“It’s just unbelievablehow welcome Ifeel in such ashort amount of time (even with) missing most of preseason injured,” he said.

“It has taken me awhile to adaptbeing and playing around the boys (that are) alot older than me, especially with how professional the group of boys are -knowing when to have fun and when to put the foot down and really get to work.

“From me, I’m just paying backthe club for everythingthey’ve donefor me andtreated me in the past two-and-a-half years of being here by giving everything Ican each week.”

That 11-goal claim (that included seven majors in the final quarter) wasn’t merely an aberration either, it wasn’t even his career-high, as he booted a totalof13ina2023thirds match against Woodside, and has completed the ton now six times in the last three years.

Playing against men is an entirely different beast, but Denovan has boasted an eye-opening scoring output in his time for the Bombers, with the best part of 200 goals in the last three seasons. That has included 91 goalsinhis firstyear of thirds competition at TTU.

His final junior gamewas capped off theright way with apremiership in 2024, kicking six goals in the decider, ironically against Churchill also.

Future is now: First-year TTU seniorfootballer RileyDenovanbooted 11 goals against Churchill in Round5 Photograph supplied

Gippsland Power’sgreat comeback

FOOTBALL

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

COATES TALENT LEAGUE BY

RESPONDINGfrom aheart-achingfour-point losstoGeelong Falcons, Gippsland Power Boys answered the call, defeating Sandringham Dragons 11.17 (83) to 10.7(67) at Morwell Recreation Reserve.

The Gippsland side took the Round 7game right out of thehands of the Dragons, having faced a deficit at every turn beforeeventuallyrunning over their opponent in the end.

Power let through five Sandringham goals to one in the firstquarter, before looking at a17-point gap at halftime.

It was amiraculousturnaround from Gippsland to say the least, who still faced athree-goal margin in the early stages of the fourth quarter.

Jesse Bills kicked things off for Power, followed by goals from XavierLadbrook, Foster’sWillem Duursma, and Keenan Boi as the Gippsland side went ballistic through to the final siren.

JobeScapinwith amatch-high four goals was best-on-ground, followed by Duursma, Brodie Atkins,Ladbrook,and Moe pairLuke Cheffers and Liam Masters.

Gippsland Power Boys sit second on the ladder as it stands at awin-loss record of 4-1, trailing Gold Coast Suns Academy by percentage.

With Morwell having abye in the Gippsland League,the Boys will play in primetime on Saturday afternoon at home against Oakleigh

Chargers this Saturday (May 24).

 TRAVELLING to Shepley Oval (Dandenong), Gippsland Power Girls showed the best they’ve got offer so far this season, defeating Calder Cannons 12.13 (85) to 6.3 (39) in Round 6. After aback-and-forth first term saw Power lead by just seven points, five goals to just apair throughout the proceeding two quartersballooned their lead out to 34 points.

Power ran home easywinners,and had time to celebrate with three additional goals to one in the final term.

AbbyHobson (four goals), Traralgon’s Lily Miner, Grace Dillow, Brooke Kelly, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, and Baia Pugh were outstanding in victory. GippslandPower Girls havethe bye this weekend

Traralgon Harriers by the numbers

TRARALGON HARRIERS

RECENT RESULTS

Swinburne Crescent -6km (May 1)

SavMavrofridis 20:51, DempseyPodmore21:40, Ian Cornthwaite22:57,Andrew Greenhill 23:09, Clinton Jolly 24:37,Glenn Graham 24:44, ScottSyme 25:11, Daniel Wright 25:19, Adrian Sutcliffe 25:24, Jason Odlum 25:31, Darrel Cross 25:51, Owen Notting 25:55, Belkey Podmore 26:04, PeterSanders26:16, Shane Gavin 26:35, Rickie Glover27:41, Andrew Broberg28:01, David Barr 28:02, RonVerschuur28:04, Seth Bomers29:09, Daniel Furmston 30:00, CourtneyEllis 30:00, Nicholas Talerico 30:40, Kimberly Imperial 31:12, Rose Croft31:16, Ree Graham 32:00, Lauren Peter32:13, Stephen Mcleod 32:31, Chris VanUnen 32:40, Toby Grzmil 32:56, Phillip Mayer33:27,Collette Hofmann 33:49, ClaireMacumber 34:02, Kristine Sapkin 34:02, Adam vanbaalen 35:45, DesleyGray35:59, Liz Kenney36:00, WallyLappin 36:02, Shane Wilson 36:05, Matilda Lappin 36:11, JyeKaestner 36:17, Alysha Duncan 37:50, Angelo Gaudiano 37:50, Tania Whitehead38:08, Yani Cornthwaite39:11, Daniel Symons 41:01, Des Dalton 44:30, Kristina Creighton 46:00, Lynda Jones 46:37,TimothyGraham 47:08, Luke Witham 47:08, BarryHiggins 49:50, Ann Bomers52:15, KathyQuinn 56:57,Bob Duljas 57:55, NickHodson 58:01, KyleeEarl58:01, Ian Heafield 58:16, Tony Marino 58:29, Sep Marino 58:29, MollyIrvine 1:01:00, Marieka Reilly NTR, Kaye Livingstone NTR, KarenGraham NTR, Andrew Legge NTR, Helen WhitbyNTR, Michelle Colwell NTR, StaceyPodmoreNTR.

Meadowpark Drive Course -6km (April 24) Daniel Furmston 22:42, DempseyPodmore23:10, Ian Cornthwaite23:10, Miles Verschuur 23:10, Andrew Greenhill23:52, David Barr 24:17, Glenn Graham 25:18, Trent Kooyman 26:08, Stephen Renehan 26:26, Scott Syme 26:28, Adrian Sutcliffe 26:35, KarenGraham 26:39, CourtneyEllis 26:47, RonVerschuur 27:52, GaryFox 28:22, Shane Gavin 29:02, Daniel Wright 29:02, Aaron More29:20, Rebecca Anderson 29:20, Rickie Glover 29:23, Belkey Podmore30:10, Chelsea Fox30:35, Stephen Mcleod 30:50, AlexYeates 31:30, LukeYeates 31:31, Samantha Riddle 31:37,Ree Graham 32:20, MariekaReilly32:52, DesleyGray32:52, Chris VanUnen 33:00, Angeline Snell 33:05, Rose Croft33:17, Andrew Broberg33:45, Alfie Warner 34:53, Phillip Mayer35:02, Megan Scott35:16, Collette Hofmann 35:18, Vicky Atkins 35:20, ChesneyPodmore35:58, KatKent 36:14, Angelo Gaudiano 37:15, Paul Smith 38:01, Gab Browne 38:38, Adam vanbaalen 38:39, Tania Whitehead 39:42, Mark Lansdown 43:20, Daniel Symons 43:27,Bjorn Luxmann 45:12, PeterSanders45:59, Danelle Wright 47:42, Ian

Heafield 49:17, Des Dalton 51:03, Ann Bomers55:42, Helen Whitby58:23, Bob Duljas 58:58, Michael Higgins 59:11, Andrew Legge 1:00:00, Belinda Heafield 1:01:27, Kylee Earl1:02:00,NickHodson 1:02:00, Nicky Semmler 1:02:30, SarahMckie 1:02:30, KathyQuinn 1:06:43, Michelle Colwell 1:06:43, BarryHiggins 33:20 (one lap), Kaye Livingstone NTR. Volunteers: Kristina Creighton, Sav Mavrofridis,Andrew Greenhill. Franklin Street -5km (April 17) Daniel Furmston 18:45, Andrew Greenhill 19:38, Clinton Jolly21:05, Trent Kooyman 21:18, Adrian Sutcliffe 21:24, Andrew Broberg22:15, Aaron More22:45, KarenGraham 23:00, RonVerschuur 23:31, GaryFox 24:14, Chris Van Unen 24:30, Rickie Glover24:40, Rebecca Anderson 25:08, SavMavrofridis 25:08, LukeYeates 25:16, Alex Yeates 25:16, Stephen Renehan 25:25, Chelsea Fox 26:05, Stephen Mcleod 26:07,Lauren Peter27:05, Rose Croft27:14, Andrew Panayiotou 27:23, ReeGraham 27:26, CarlyKorab 27:32, Sep Marino 28:04, Phillip Mayer28:05, ClaireMacumber 28:39, Jarn Macumber 28:41, Toby Grzmil 28:58, Collette Hofmann 29:23, Kat Kent 29:37,Catherine Leonard30:00, Melissa Jones 30:02, SarahBerryman 30:30, Liz Kenney30:30, Kaye Livingstone 31:16, Paul Smith 32:01, Gab Browne 32:06, Tania Whitehead 32:08, Adam vanbaalen 32:11, Daniel Symons 34:11, Alfie Warner 34:53, Danelle Wright 35:30, Alicia Turner 37:46, Vicky Atkins 38:00, Lynda Jones 39:49, BarryHiggins 40:05, Des Dalton 41:36, Kristina Creighton 42:26, Mandy Ellis 43:00, SandraBirkbeck 45:00, Tony Marino 45:37,Andrew Legge 46:00, Mark Lansdown 47:15, Bob Duljas 47:47,Michelle Colwell 51:09, KathyQuinn 51:09, Ian Heafield 52:00, Nicky Semmler54:29, SarahMckie 54:29, Helen Whitby59:59, KyleeEarlNTR, Ian CornthwaiteNTR,MariekaReilly NTR

RunTarra Bulga (April 12, selected results) 42km: MorganLane 3:47:23, Ruby Greig-Hurtig 4:21:13, MarkRossiter 4:39:09, Dave Mann 4:53:42, David Barr 5:01:38, Shane Wilson 5:10:09, Clinton Jolly5:11:50, Jason Odlum 6:03:01. 25km: SavMavrofridis 2:13:04, Greg Semmler 2:21:10, Miles Verschuur 2:23:02, Ian Cornthwaite2:23:21, Kylie Murray 2:26:37,RichardOgilvie 2:26:45, Stephen Renehan 2:31:03, Curtis Lloyd-Webb 2:50:47,Bec Anderson 3:08:38, Rickie Glover3:08:38, Anna Cardillo 3:14:12, Travis White3:17:25, RonVerschuur 3:18:34, GaryFox 3:18:34, GerardCallinan 3:21:50, Tobiasz Grzmil 3:41:28, LauraFoat 3:44:02, Giuseppe Marino 4:13:47,Emma Marino 4:26:09, ReeGraham 4:39:05, Samantha McGown 5:52:15, Megan Scott5:52:15. 6km: Fraisse Matthieu 27:44, Jacqueline Edwards 37:59, Kate Mayer40:04, Seth Bomers40:21, Phill Mayer50:08, CatLeonard51:19, BarryHiggins 1:03:39, SarahMcKie 1:32:51, Nicky Semmler1:32:51

Ballarat Marathon (selected results) 42.2km marathon: Reece Edwards 2:16:0 (1 M), Kate Mason 2:33:05 (1 F), Daniel Furmston 2:42:36, Courtney Ellis 02:59:19, Giovanni Marino 03:14:09, Bill Barry 03:15:38, Mandy Clancy05:05:32. Half marathon: MariekaReilly1:55:55,Hayden Maximiw 2:15:48.6. 10km: Glen Hadgkiss 53:47

Tough day in league hockey

HOCKEY LVHA

LATROBE Valley Hockey Association Vic League girls struggledtofind their rhythm in achallenging match againstRMIT at the weekend, eventuallyfalling 5-2despite a determined effort.Maddy Hall got the scoreboardticking witha well-placed strikeoff a short corner, however, the team struggled to maintain momentum and slipped out of their usual style RMIT capitalised in the second quarter, equalising with astrongcounterattack. They came out firing in the third, netting three quick goals to surge ahead 4-1, putting Latrobe Valley on the back foot. Carly Thompsongave the team aglimmer of hope in thefinalterm, squeezingina second goal. The comeback was short-lived however, with RMIT sealing the result with agoal after the whistle.

The Vic League men went down 7-nil to La Trobe University.

Despite the heavy loss, the boys showed strong determination and teamwork throughout the match. The defence held firm underpressure, and the midfield worked hard to support both ends.

Though La Trobe’s experience proved decisive, Latrobe Valleynevergave up, fighting hard until the final whistle.

Specialvisit from the oldest Ship

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

THE oldest man in the state, and therefore, oldest living past player of the Trafalgar Cricket Club, was back in town last week.

Reverend Bill Morgan, who turns 110 in October, returned to the club where he played in the late 1940sand 1950s.

Trafalgar was one of many ministerial appointments for the Uniting Church Reverend, in alife certainly well-lived.

Though wheelchair-bound and legally blind, the Reverend’s recall is still remarkable.

He was able to reel off anumberofplayers from his Trafalgar days, including Lester Tatterson, Bob Trail, the charismatic Dr Bill Ferguson, and the legendary Rankin brothers, Alan and Laurie. Rev Morgan also played football for Trafalgar, and fondly remembers the coaching of the great Clarrie Swenson.

He recounted the time someone from the club quipped at his abilitytokick proficiently with both feet, to which the Reverenced replied he could do so "one at atime".

The Reverend was given atour of the Trafalgar Cricket Club clubrooms, and overlooked the oval, still located in the same spot as it was when he played.

As he recalled, the wicket was mathoidbackthen. Rev Morgan played in two premierships for the Ships, in 1949/50 and 1950/51.

Retrospective premiership pennants hang in the Trafalgar CricketClubclubrooms, andthe Reverend had his photo taken with them last Thursday.

An accomplished bat, Rev Morgan's highest A Grade score was 134 against Warragul Blues in 1951.

Rev Morgan rated Tatterson as the greatest cricketer he playedwith, and still remembered him taking all 10 wickets in the 1949/50 Grand Final.

"When he had eight, one or two were playing dead. It was too good achase to let go," he joked.

Another funny story involved the Reverend and Tatterson when it came to running between wickets.

"He could get up and down the wicket twice as fast as Icould," Rev Morgan said.

"I admitted it, and he understoodit. So when he hit aball toward the boundary, he would say

GOLF

CHURCHILL &MONASH

StablefordSaturday10th May2025.

AGrade Winner: B. Downie 41 pts

BGrade Winner: M. Harvey35pts

CGrade Winner: J. McCafferty34pts

DGrade Winner: D. Radnell 36 pts

D.T.L: 1. D. Burridge 38, 2. N. Lugton 37,3 Adam West 36, 4. R. Vesty36, 5. R. Zomer 36, 6. B. Mathieson 34, 7. B. Cluderay 33, 8. A. Sharrock32, 9. C. Waring 32, 10.R King 32.

N.T.P: 3rdM.Soppe,5th D. Byers, 12th S. Caldwell (Propin), 14th D. Byers

Birdies: 3rdR.King, P. Bolding,M.Soppe, 12th D. Byers

2Person StablefordAggregate Tuesday 13th May2025.

Winners: S. Caldwell/J.Blizzard67c/b

D.T.L: 1. A. Jenkins/M. McQuillan 67

N.T.P: 3rdA.Jenkins,5th M. McQuillan, 12th S. Turner,14th M. McQuillan

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday, 13th May, Stableford.

AGrade: NWhichello,(15)33pts

BGrade: KWilburn,(31) 39pts'

DTL: RHoskin,34, CJames,30, DWoodall, 32. NTP: 4th MPayne,6th MTethington 16th D Woodall. Saturday, 17th May, Stableford, R2 Playoff Capt,Trophy.

AGrade: RScurlock(9) 37pts

BGrade: NWhichello (15) 41pts

CGrade: LMcGaughey(36) 45pts

DTL: JRobbins 38, DWoodall. RClark,S Woodall, NBickerton 36, NTP: 4th, BBradshaw, 6th NBickerton, 13th PDraper,16th DWoodall, Birdies: 4th NWhichello,S Woodall, 6th S Woodall, NBickerton, 16th JWoodall, JHughes def TimTraill6/4,RScurlockdef

PSmart2/1

Capt TrophyFinal, JHughes VRScurlock. Tuesday6th May, Stableford.

AGrade: NWhichello (15) 34pts c/b

BGrade: NBaker,(20) 34pts

DTL: MTethington 34, CJames,S Evans 32 c/b NTP: 4th SMcKenzie,6th GShandley, 13th MTethington 16th CJames, Saturday10th May, Stableford, Capt Trophy1st Rd PlayOff

AGrade: RScurlock(9) 34pts

BGrade: NWhichello,(14)36pts,

three and we’d take three. I’m told his mother was there one day watching and said “that lazy bastard Morgan won’t run!”

Rev Morgan was also secretary of the club, but admitted it was "no work in those days".

"I think we had two committee meetings in the whole time Iwas there," he told this reporter when interviewed after his 100th birthday close to 10 years ago. "If we had 10 people watchingacricket game that was abig crowd."

Not much has changed at all.

CGrade: SMcKenzie,(20) 38pts

DTL: SJordan, JHughes,36, TomTraill35, NBracecamp,MSnell, JSmeriglio 34, NTP: 4th LWright, 6th JMcFarlane,13th R Scurlock16th JHughes

Birdies,4th,JKidd, RClark,6th JWoodall, JMcFarlane.16th, JHughes,M Snell, M Payne

R2 Capt TrophyPlayOff,J Hughes vTim Traill, RScurlockvP Smart, MORWELL

Morwell Golf Club Women 14th May2025

-Stroke2nd Rnd Club Championships

Div 1: CPeter 75 nett Div 2: Lvan Rooy 80 nett

DTL: IYoshimura79nett

NTP: 2nd NTePaa 8th CBoers11th I Yoshimura15th Lvan Rooy

Birdies: 11th IYoshimura MOE

Sunday, 11 May2025

OPEN Sunday9holeStableford

Grade AWinners: MOSCATO, ANTHONY (9)17

Sunday, 11 May2025 OPEN SundayMixed

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Skinner,Ben (9) 35 C/B

Grade BWinners: Spiteri, Patrick(15)34

Grade CWinners: Kearns,Patrick(22) 43

Place Getters: Doak, Shaun 35 Downie,Brodie 34 C/B Donaldson, Murray 34 C/B Lugton, Nathan 34

Wednesday, 14 May2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Puddy,Kimberley(47) 14

Wednesday, 14 May2025 WOMEN'S STRAIGHT FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP

Winners: 27 Hole Scratch: Robertson, Jenna &Taylor, Amy-129

27 Hole Handicap: Auchterlonie,Janice & Middlemiss,Kaye-111.5

Place Getters: Bates,Linda &Lang, Marj -150 Beuthin, Jan& Wallis,Elizabeth -155

Backman, Chrissie &Borg, Kathy-157 Thompson, Pat& Tulau, Susan -159

Thursday, 15 May2025 OPEN Mixed

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (1) 36 C/B

Grade BWinners: Halkett, David (13) 38

Grade CWinners: Coffin,Phillip (16) 38 C/B

Bowling club’shuge honour

BOWLS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MORWELL BowlingClubwere recipients of the Club of the Year award (4+ employees) at the Bowls Victoria 2023/24 Awards Night. Held at the Mulgrave Country Club, Morwell Bowling Club was nominated alongside Deer Park Club, recognising the significant contribution made to the growth of bowls in the state whether through the runningofBowls Victoria events or the implementation of initiatives during the calendar year.

Morwell BowlingClubhad previously ran programs like Bowls Gr8 for Brains alongside Invictus Victoria, and hosted days during the Bowls Victoria Open in Gippsland.

“It was abit surreal really because we were up against the Deer Park Club, who are apretty amazing club, and the fact thatwewon against them was pretty impressive,” Morwell Bowling Club General Manager, Teena Johnson said.

“In the 113 years, we’ve never won that award, so it was quite outstanding.”

Theclub has been on astrongroad back to recovery after the tragic fire that ravaged the establishment in August last year -reopening just afew months later on Christmas Eve.

“It’s just arecognition of all the hard work that was put in to getting us reopen and the community support, our members,our bowlers, the customers thatwalked through the door every day, and then the outstanding support fromour staff and the board members as well,” Johnson said of the accolade.

“We wouldn’t be able to open without (all of) their support and be able to do whatwedo without them being here every day.

“To be able to reopen after the fire in August, it tookanarmy of peopletoget to where we were able to open on Christmas Eve last year.

“From the local trades to the insurance company, to the builders to community support to get behind us. Also, the support from the staff,

SCOREBOARD

Grade DWinners: Carolan, Anthony(23) 39

Place Getters: Shearing,Jason 38 Scammell, Mark37Fue,Steven36C/B Langstaff, Jay36C/B Donnison, Terry36 Makepeace,Troy36Backman, Bradley35 C/B Babet, Alain 35 C/B Richmond, Paul

35 C/B Fazioli, Mark35C/B Collings,Dale

35 Backman, Shane 34 C/B Garlick, Karl

34 C/B Ford,Tim 34 C/B Gauci, Anthony34 C/B Wilkinson, Wally34

Great Score: Troy Makepeace (Eagle) @7

Jason Shearing (Eagle) @3 TerryDonnison (Eagle) @3 Eric Beveridge (Birdie) @8 KenBeath (Birdie) @14Peter Stanlake (Birdie) @14John Soppe (Birdie) @14Eric Beveridge (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Eric Beveridge 8th Phillip Coffin 14th PeterStanlake

Friday, 16 May2025 WOMEN'S 4BBB STABLEFORD -JUNE WOZNICADAY

Overall Winners: Sue Gosling &Christine Sterrick47

Grade AWinners: A-1Sheryl Barker&Sue Gillespie 44

A-2GwenYoung &Karen Shaw42

Grade BWinners: B-1 Sue Gosling & Christine Sterrick47 B-2 Kerryn Del Piccolo &Margaret McQuillen 46

Place Getters: JennyGriffiths &Amanda Pollutro42

Susan Tulau &Lee Weaver 41 Nearest to Pin: 4th KathyBorg 8th Amanda Pollutro 14th LindaBates

Saturday, 17 May2025 MENS Par

GradeA Winners: Poole,Joel (6) +4

Grade BWinners: White, Rodney(14)+2

GradeC Winners: Thompson, Peter(21) +4

Place Getters: Weir,Martin +3 Scullin, Sebastian +2 Donnison, Terry+1C/B Johnson, Tony +1 C/B Yeomans,Wayne +1

C/B Stephens,Simon +1 Devent, Anton +0

C/B Backman, Phil 0C/B Radovich, David 0 C/B Downs,Craig 0C/B

GreatScore: Simon Stephens (Eagle) @3

PeterRodaughan Birdie @14Paul Bechaz (Birdie) @8Phil Backman (Birdie) @14

Simon Stephens (Birdie) @8Paul

Richmond (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Wayne Yeomans

8th Paul Bechaz

14th GavanPanozzo

TRAFALGAR

Friday,May 16th, Open Men’s&Ladies

Stableford

AGrade Winner: Ryan

once we were able to start rebuilding, they were coming in and helping out.”

Bowls competition also re-emerged at the club at the same time, and during the period where the greens weren't able to be used, neighbouring bowls clublent their supportand offered their grounds for the local bowlers to continue playing.

Other awards handed out during the Bowls Victoria2023/24 AwardsNight includedthe Lightning (Female) Bowler of the Yearbestowed to Clayton Bowls Club’s Lisa Phillips (from Yallourn North)and Warragul’s Samantha Atkinson recognised as Female Bowler of the Year.

DTL's: Tony McGrath 38, SteveKlemke 37,Leigh Winter 36, Jack Marshall 35, PeterHeathcote35, MarkHiriart34, Ray Wiseman 34, Paul Fogarty34, Les ellis 33 C/B

Birdies: 5th: PeterHeathcote, Dale Reynolds 11th:JackMarshall, Les Ellis 13th: DannyBullen 15th:Uwe Tomski

Saturday, May17th, GreenkeepersRevenge 4Person Ambrose

Winner’s: John Tabuteau, sue Tabuteau, Keith Owen, Aija Owen 53 nett

DTL’s: Sonia Roberts,Glen Roberts,Neil Rankin, Wayne Robbins 53.625, Peter Collier,MickPoxon, WarwickGriggs,Bruce Aplin 55.875, Di Moody,Chris Moody,Reno Borg, Alison Bailey56.375

NTP’s: 2nd: PeterBurghardt 5th: Keith Owen –BronWallace 11th:Neil Rankin

–Karen MacGregor 13th:Peter Burghardt

–Bev Keily

Tuesday13/05/2025 -Aggregate Stableford

Players: 23

Winners: Stephen Klemke, Graeme Harris, Chris Barfoot (58)

RunnersUp: John Turpin, MickBennett, Franc Kiss (50)

DTL: Glenn Doolan (18), Tony Shearer (17), NickSolohub (17)

NTP: RodPollock(5th)

Thursday: 15/05/2025-Strokeand Putting

Players: 51, Women 17,Men 34

Women’s Winner: Aija Owen (31 c/b)

Runner Up: Beth Lansdown (31)

Putting: Beth Lansdown, Karen MacGregor,June Tickell, Aija Owen (13)

DTL: Nola Fordham (32), Lorna Risol (33), Olwyn Balfour (34), LynPowell (34)

NTP: June Tickell (13th)

Men's Winner: Chris Barfoot (31 c/b)

Runner Up: SteveGould (31 c/b)

Putting: Harold McNair (11)

DTL: Tony Shearer (31), Tony Price (31), Glenn Doolan (33), Harold McNair (33), Russ Balfour (34), Max Taylor (34), Keith Owen (34)

NTP: RobCusworth-Warner (13th)

WednesdayWomen's results -14/5/25

1st Round Neilsen's 4BBB

Championships

Winners: Cheryl Toyne (24) and Cheryl Deppeler (22) with 45 points

Runners-Up: SamCaldow(10)and Aileen McNair (33) with 41 points

DTL: Donna Mellon and Aija Owen and Bev Keilyand Jo baker with 39 points

NTP: 5th JennyEvison 13th Sue Klemke

StablefordWinner: Donna Mellon (20) with

34 points

Gobblers: KarenMacGregor on the 7th, Cheryl Deppeler on the 4th, Cheryl Toyne on the 7th, June Tickell on the 9th, Ange Bayley on the 8th, and JennyEvison on the 4th 9-Hole players Winner: Olwyn Balfour with 14 points

DTL: PatHarris with 13 points YALLOURN

Ladies.Thursday15-5-25 18 Hole

Stablefordwinners

DTL: Betsy Brown(23) 38 Loretta Booth(27) 35 NTP: 2nd Heather Ware 8th LynMcAlister 12th target hole Lola Carter 14th Lola Carter 16th Sue Caldow Birdies: Lola Carter 5th, 14 th and16th.Gobbler BetsyBrown 5th Tuesday13-5-25 9Hole Stableford Div 1: LynMcAlister (18) 15 pts on c/backSue Riches Div 2: JanWilson (54) 15 pts PISTOLS

TRARALGON Air pistol mon 5/5/25/ BGrade: BKelly501-54-555. CGrade: VBaldwin 518-74-582. DGrade: DSykes 443-113-556. B Chapman 440-134-574. LMorris 422-123-545. Ladies Air pistol DGrade: RMiller 402-174-576. Wed7/5/2550mtpistol DGrade: CBenelli 296-192-488. LMorris 239-317-556. JStringer 231-213-444. DO'Rourke 222. PLeys 150-413-563. Sat 10/5/25Centrefire DGrade: BChapman 393-254-647.B Goodwin 393-143-536. VBaldwin 374. JWynguard232-284-516. DO'Rourke 310. 25 mt Pistol BGrade: DFarnham 519-55-574. CGrade: CBenelli 531-54-585. DGrade: LMorris 468-254-722.

Remarkable: Trafalgar CricketClub’soldest living past player,Reverend Bill Morgan, whoturns 110 this year Photograph: Liam Durkin

Incredible: Morwell Bowling Club General Manager,TeenaJohnsonwiththe Bowls Victoria Club of the Year award.

Photograph supplied

Falcons fall further behind leaders

LVSL Ladders

Seniors

Olympians: 20 points (6-2-0 record, +31 GD)

Moe: 17 (5-2-0, +30)

Sale United: 17 (5-2-1, +7)

Falcons: 14 (4-2-2, +9)

Monash: 12 (3-3-1, +5)

Newborough-Yallourn: 6(1-3-4, -13)

East Gippsland: 3(1-0-6, -23)

Traralgon City: 1(0-1-7, -30)

Churchill: -2 (1-1-5, -16)

Reserves

Sale: 21 (7-0-1)

Moe: 21 (7-0-1)

Olympians: 17 (5-2-1)

Monash: 15 (5-0-3)

Falcons: 10 (3-1-3)

Churchill: 6(2-0-5) East Gippsland: 6(2-0-5)

Traralgon City: 3(1-0-7)

Newb/Yall: 1(0-1-6)

Women's

Churchill: 19 points (6-1-0)

Sale: 18 (6-0-0)

Moe: 14 (4-2-0)

Olympians: 10 (3-1-4)

Traralgon City: 10(3-1-4)

Newb/Yall: 8(2-2-4)

Tyers: 6(1-3-4)

Falcons: 6(1-3-3) Monash: 1(0-1-6)

3rdDivision

Olympians: 17 points (5-2-0)

Churchill: 15 (5-0-2)

Moe: 13 (4-1-2)

Fortuna: 13 (4-1-2)

Tyers: 9(3-0-3)

Sale United: 6(2-0-5)

Monash: 3(1-0-6)

Falcons: 3(1-0-5)

Match of

the round

SOCCER

LVSL BY JOHN CARDONA

THE second half of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League season begins this Saturday night (May 24).

Spectators will converge on Harold Preston Reserve, Traralgon to see equal league-leaders Moe United and Traralgon Olympians face off.

The winner will hold advantage in the race to the 2025 league title.

Waitinginthe wings andlurkinginthe backgroundhoping either teamfaltersis Sale United,only three points further afield. In the opening round of the season, Moe United and TraralgonOlympians played out a1-all draw.

The Red Devil’s held the advantagefor most of the game, but could only convert one goal from numerous chances.

MoeUntied held the one-goal lead until virtually the final minute, when the visitors grabbedthe equaliserfromthe penalty spot. Since the opening round, both sides have remained undefeated.

Moe United has dropped points only against Sale (1-all draw), while Olympians dropped points against Monash (2-all).

The Red Devil’s title chanceshave been boosted by the return of striker, Connor O’Hanlon, and keymidfielderOscar Sceney

In what should be ahighly-entertaining game, both sides will be keen to grab the ascendancy in the chasefor the 2025 league.

IN the reserves, Moe United’s only loss so far this league season came at the hands of Olympiansina 2-1 home defeat, after leading 1-nil at the break.

Olympians are two points behind Moe in third, who are level with Sale United.

THE senior woman’s match will see Moe enter favourites,while theopposite will apply in Third Division, where Olympians head the table.

Moe United played alone game at the weekend in Third Division, beating Fortuna 4-nil at Crinigan Road in Round 9

Goal scorers were Levi Heusmann (two), Dane Baldwin and Adam Cassar. Best for the winners was Cassar, Levi Heusmann,JakeHeusmann and Zane Poxton.

SOCCER LVSL

ON aperfect autumn evening, Falcons 2000 travelled east to face an in-form Sale United side that have been the bolter in season 2025.

Coming into Round 9, the Swans were only one point off top spotonthe Latrobe Valley Soccer League ladder, while Falconswerethree points behind in fourth position.

The away side had extra motivation to take all three points, with club games record holder Joe Auciello playing his 300thgameonthe night, and withthatitwas testament to the club that many supporters made the trip to help support the occasion.

The Birds started like the proverbialhouse on fire as their relentless high-pressure game had the home side scramblingtostamp theirauthority on the match.

It was thisintensitythat brought about afreekick 20 yards from goal, and the ensuing set piece was

tucked away in the top corner by Falcons leading goal scorer,LachlanFrendo. It should’vebeentwo soonafter as awonderful crossacross the goal line by wingback Josh Patterson was skiedoverthe bar by Josh Gangi.

At the half it was the away side in the lead, yet it ought to have been more.

Come the second half, Sale seemed to awaken fromtheir slumber and within minutesofthe restart started to show the reason why they are where they are on the ladder.Falcons' defence held firm untilSaleeventually equalised in the 60th minute.

Sale continuedtoheap on the pressure, but goalkeeper Callum Dominguez and his fellow defensive unit were up to the task to stave off anumberof Sale chances that went begging for the home side.

As the game reached its climax, Falcons seemed to get asecond wind and were denied an obvious penalty in which many asupporter are still flummoxed as to how it was not awarded, as aSale defender blatantly handballed in the box.

WillMedd wasthen given agoldenchance to

snatch awin for the Birds, but an unfortunate first touch gave the United defence an opportunity to close him down to avoid conceding late. The match finished 1-all and in truth was afair result given the balance of play.

Neither side will be happy as they both now move further away from top spot, however with half of the season officiallydone and dusted, season 2025 is proving this has been the most even of leagues in many ayear.

IN other results, Monash defeated Traralgon City 2-1 at home, and Olympians pumped Newborough/ Yallourn United 8-2 at Burrage.

Churchill suffered ashock loss to East Gippsland 5-2 on the road, driving afurther nail into the Rams' seasonthat was derailed recently by the loss of premiership points for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.

Round 10 matches are (venuefirst listed team): Olympians vs Moe Untied, Traralgon City vs Falcons, Monash vs NYU, Sale UnitedvsEast Gippsland. Churchill-bye

Fortuna marches on undefeated

SOCCER

STATELEAGUE

BY ALLAN ROBERTS

ROUND 8ofthe Veto Men's State League saw Fortuna '60 play away to fourth placed Casey Panthers Soccer Club, in what was tipped to be atough game for the undefeated Fortuna outfit.

Coming off astrong result, the Lions were keen to keep the momentum up and secure another win, but with the team missing OllySpiteri,Jordan Campbell and Jake Budija,itwas going to require some solid work from the squad to get the result.

The conclusion of the game saw Fortuna come away with a3-1 win in an entertaining match.

Similartothe previous round, there was no sign of aslow start for Fortuna, as the Lions pressed the home team from the get go. Casey going to a repetitive play out of the back game plan that the visiting Fortuna quickly workedout and began to exploit via an attackingand pressing style of football.

Try as they might, the Lionscouldnot penetrate the home team's goal, and at the conclusion of the first half the score remained deadlocked at nil-all.

At the start of the second half, it was the home team that capitalised on adefensive blunder from theLions andput the first goal on the board for the day.

Thisseemed to wake up the visitingFortuna, and they developed asense of urgency and desire in their game.

In the 72nd minute, Daniel Cooper whipped in another pin point corner that would again find the head of Damon Scott,who ensured the ball went nowhere other than the back if the net. The

pairing are proving to be unstoppable from corners this season.

Not longafter in the 74th minute, Nonda Lazaris broke through the middle of the parkand put a shot on goal that hit the left upright, ricocheting backinto the path of Hayden Tanti, whodispatched the ball into the net to give the Lions a2-1 lead with around 20 minutes left

As the gameran into the 89th minute, it was last week's best-on-ground, DJ Matar who put the resultbeyond reach of the home teamwithanother blistering break away and sublime finish. The young Fortuna winger, playing under the weight of the passingofhis olderbrother during theweek, to which the club and wider soccer communitypass on its condolences.

The win sees Fortuna maintain their six-point advantage at the top of the table as they near the halfway point of the season.

This Saturday (May 24), the Lions are home to 10th-placed Bunyip Strikers in what may now be the club's new local derby.

Entry is free to all games at home (Crinigan Road Reserve).

 EARLIER in theday, Fortuna's reserves took to the field and were hoping to bounce back after the previous week's drubbing.

Fortuna took a3-1 lead over the hosts, but the wheels fell off the visitor's bus in the second half, as wereleft to only eight players followinga series of red cards.

The numerical advantagetothe home team resulted in them running over Fortuna in the latter stages of the game, securing a5-3 win.

Moe to commemorate golden era

MOE UnitedSoccer Clubissending out theinvite to all playersfromthe club’s dynastyofsenior and reserves squads from the 1975/76/77/78 seasons.

The Red Devil’s won senior titles from’75-’78, and also claimed the Battle of Britain in 1976 and ’77, Charity Bowl in ’77, Six-a-Side trophy in ’77 and Joe Hutchinson Trophy in ’78.

Moe had exceptional bench strength during this time, with the reserves winning four league championships in five years between1974and ’78.

The 1977 seasonwas of particular note, with the Red Devi’ssweeping the Latrobe Valley Soccer League clean, winning all league trophies on offer in the seniors and reserves.

Sadly, quite afew players from these squads have passed away, so the club is sending invites to family.

This year’s reunion will take place on Saturday, July 12 when Moe plays Falcons 2000 at Olympic Park.

Kick-off times are: 7pm (seniors), 5pm (reserves), 3pm (senior woman’s) and 2.30pm (third division).

Those attending can enjoy hospitality, food and drinks from 3pm, before moving upstairs later in the night to reminisce.

For further information, get in touch with John Cardona on 0422 518 940.

Does it all: Damon Scottis proving dangerous with both his leftfoot and head in stateleague forFortuna. Photograph: Peta Roberts

Glorydays: Moe United is inviting anyone connectedtothe club’s1970s dynastytothis year’s past players day. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Generations of Harriers run course

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY BARRYHIGGINS

AHAPPY horde of hardy Harrierstackledlast

Thursday’s(May 15) sixkilometre course from thefrontofthe Liddiard RoadPrimarySchool, Traralgon, again enjoyingperfectrunning conditions.

After running along Liddiard Rd, runnerstraversed the racehorse precinct -along uphill grind along Tulloch Way, crossing the streets named after past Melbourne Cup winners to McNairn Rd, and then down Shakespeare Street back to the start/ finish line twice.

First home were Dempsey Podmore and Ian Cornthwaite, who crossed theline together,but about 50 years apart. They were just ahead of David Barr, Clinton Jolly and Dempsey’s rapidly improving brother, Belkey Podmore.

Quickest woman was again Karen Graham, with Samantha Riddle andMatildaLappin finishing side-by-side, just ahead of talented veteran,Liz Kenney.

Tomorrow's run/walk (May 22) is another new course, from Balfour St, Newborough.

This Saturday (May 24), the Harriers Athletics

Victoria team will take part in the second Athletics Victoria Cross Country (XCR) event-a12kmcross country at the picturesque St Annes at Myrniong

With the 58th Traralgon Marathon only aweek away (June 1), time to register is running out.

The Aussie Broadband Half Marathon is almost sold out, and limited places remain in the WIN Gippsland Marathon and the Gold 1242 10km events, but there is still an opportunity to be part of Australia'slongestrunning marathon and running festival.

The pasta carb-loadingdinner and guest speaker night is the evening before marathon day, on May 31 at Dal Mondo restaurant.

Marathon and ultramarathon legends, Kylie Mayne and Nikki Wynd are guest speakers. Both will run as pacersfor the marathon the next morning.

Annual membership is stillopen andall members are reminded to renew. For anyone who is considering joining the Harriers, now is agood time. See: traralgonharriers.org.au.

Members are also asked to bring along acan, or two, of food for the ‘Give aDamn –Give aCan’food appeal. Look out for the red bins around Traralgon.

MoreHarriers-Pages 34-35

Results -LiddiardRdcourse (6km) DempseyPodmore23:33, Ian Cornthwaite23:33, David Barr 24:16, Clinton Jolly24:34, Belkey Podmore25:30, Trent Kooyman 25:38, Stephen Renehan 26:26, Ryan McLeod 26:48, Andrew Broberg27:10, KarenGraham 27:13, Glenn Graham 27:13, RonVerschuur 27:21, Gary Fox 27:42, Aaron More27:45, Darrel Cross 27:57,Peter Sanders28:16, Jason Odlum 29:50, Adrian Sutcliffe 29:57,Stephen Mcleod 30:13, WallyLappin 30:51, Shane Gavin 30:58, Samantha Riddle 31:12, Matilda Lappin 31:13, Liz Kenney31:52, ChesneyPodmore32:08, Phillip Mayer32:10, Daniel Wright 32:20, Chris VanUnen 32:32, ReeGraham 32:55, Sep Marino 33:58, JyeKaestner 34:30, MarkLansdown 34:41, Seth Bomers34:42, ClaireMacumber 34:47,Vicky Atkins35:08, Rose Croft 35:34, Alfie Warner 36:04, Gab Browne 38:34, Adam vanbaalen 38:35, DesleyGray39:33, MariekaReilly 39:33, Tania Whitehead 39:41, Catherine Leonard39:53, Melissa Jones 40:07,KayeLivingstone 40:07,Kat Kent 40:20, Mandy Ellis 40:56, Collette Hofmann 41:14, Daniel Symons 41:55, BarryHiggins 46:30, TimothyGraham 46:35, Kristina Creighton 52:14, SandraBirkbeck54:25, Bob Duljas 56:43, Tony Marino 56:44, Belinda Heafield 57:00, Ian Heafield 57:19, Anja Norwood 58:38, Michelle Colwell 58:38, KathyQuinn 58:38, Helen Whitby59:50, MollyIrvine 1:00:00, SarahMcKie 1:01:14, Nicky Semmler 1:01:14, AnnBomersNTR,GregSemmler NTR, Yani CornthwaiteNTR

Traralgon celebrates topswimmers

SWIMMING

TRARALGON Swimming Club recently celebrated its team and individual achievements for the 2024/25swimming season at its annual presentation and awards function.

The evening commenced with awrapupofthe year’s results, highlighting the club’s top 10 at the state championships for the 25th consecutive year.The club also achievedastrongsecondatthe country championships, and won the Gippsland

Championships for the 26th year fromthe year 2000 to 2025.

Three long-standing members of the club, coach and swimmer, Cam Juha(27 years), coach and administrator, Renee Cargill (13 years) and high performance coach, Dean Gooch (13 years) were all honoured with life memberships for their dedication, loyalty and "Making adifference” to the culture, performance and standards of the club.

With ahost of individual awards then following, the night concluded with the announcement and

awarding of the top 10 swimmers. Male club captain, Ash Nicholes won the coveted No 1position for the third year in arow.

The club is againlooking forwardtoabig 2025/26 season with its own Blast Off Meet to be held at GRAC on Sunday, June 15, and Traralgon Masters Meet also at GRAC on Saturday, May 31.

If you wishtojoin the club, Traralgon takes swimmers from adults through to its junior development squad. Phone seniorheadcoach, Brian Fordfor an assessment on 0419 584 145.

bile,bill, billed, bled, blood, boil, boiled, bold, bole,bolide,boll, deil, dell, dill, dole,doll, felid, fell, field, file, filed, fill, filled, filo,fled, floe, flood, foible,foil, foiled, fold, folio,fool, fooled, idle,idol, libel, lido,lied, lief,life, LIFEBLOOD, lobe,lobed, lobo,lode, obeli, oiled, olio

Accumulators: Top10point scoring Traralgon swimmers forseason 2024/25 with winner,Ash Nicholes on the farright.

Recognition: Traralgon Swimming Club’snewest lifemembersCam Juha,Renee Cargilland Dean Gooch. Photographs supplied

Generations: Ian Cornthwaiteleads acheeky Miles Verschuur (left)and ayoung Dempsey Podmore. Photograph supplied

LEADER AD BOARD BOAR