Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 24 September 2025 by lvexpress.com

Opal takes govt to court

PAPER Australia Pty Ltd

(trading as ‘Opal’)began court proceedings on Monday against the state government for $402 million in damages after claimingthe government breached an agreement to provide a“stable supply of wood” to Opal, the operator of the Maryvale Paper Mill.

Employingmore than 500 team members on the site directly, the millhas been acornerstoneof the Latrobe Valley for more than 85 years.

In May 1996, the state government entered into the agreement with Amcor Limited, the then operatorofthe Maryvale Mill, to supply pulpwood. Theagreement was due to expire in June 2030. In 1998, Amcor assigned its rights under the agreement to PaperAustralia Pty Ltd (now trading as Opal).

Under the agreement, the government’s state-owned enterprise VicForests was providing Opal with eucalypt wood, acritical raw material for white paper production. In November2022, the government advised Opal it would be unable to fulfill its contractual obligations to supply wood.

For the 2022/23 financial year, areduced supply of wood was supplied to Opal by VicForests. According to Opal, the government stated it did not intend to supply any wood in the future, forcing the company to terminate the agreement in May 2023.

Opalishoping that,withthe casenow beforethe Supreme Court, the matter will be determined “fairly and in atimely manner”, providing resolution not only for Opal and the government, but also for the Maryvale Mill, theLatrobe Valley, andthe wider Victorian community. More in next week’s Express.

Traralgon line fourthbusiestand third slowest

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AFTER years of delays, replacement coaches, and passengerfrustration, Gippslandcommuters finally welcomed afaster V/Line timetable on Sunday, September 14.

The Traralgon line hasshifted from hourly to 40-minute services, the first tangible sign of progressinaproject dating back to 2018 when the Regional Rail Revival project first commenced. But alongsidethe improvements, seriousconcerns remain over passenger safety and service quality.

Part of that upgradeincluded the rebuild and duplication of Longwarry’s platforms, which were then used to host the state government’sofficial presser on the upgrade last month -the same date thecoaches were vanquished from the line. However, there are still short platforms on the Gippsland line at Garfield, Tynong, and Nar Nar Goon. AV/Line representative told the Express

Flynn fatality

POLICE are investigating afatal collision at Flynn lastWednesday night,September17. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Flynns Creek and Ingles Roads about 8.10pm after acar left the road and crashed.

The male driver was treated at the scene but could not be revived.

The exact circumstances remainunder investigation

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit aconfidential report at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Crash claims teen

POLICE are investigating afatal motorcycle incident in Newborough on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3. It is understood the young man driving was traveling from Shanahan Parade onto MonashRoad when the motorcycle crashed into afence before 1pm.

The18-year old died at the scene,and his passenger, ateenage girl, sufferednon-lifethreatening injuries and was transported to hospital

Tight turns

ATRUCK caused road closures near the Latrobe River Bridge in Yallourn on the morning of Friday, September 12.

Around 7.30am,the heavy vehicle reportedlyroundedthe cornertoo sharply, causing the cabin to jack-knife,blocking Latrobe River Road, which was closed for the rest of the day. Yallourn North Urban Fire Brigade worked on the scene, dispatching a significant quantity of absorbentmaterial to the large diesel spill caused by the accident. Nobody was harmed.

Hot wheels

LATROBE Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the theft and arson of avehicle stolen from Morwell.

Overnight between September 8and 9, ared 2017 Subaru Impreza was allegedly taken from aHolmes Road address.

The vehicle was found burnt out about 9.50pm the sameday on Callignee South Road,Traralgon South.

Detectives are appealing for information or dashcam footagethat may assistthe investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to contactLatrobe CIU on 51315000orCrime Stopperson1800 333 000 or at:www crimestoppersvic.com.au

Road reckoning

TRARALGONpolice detected 48 offences during atwo-day road safety blitz as part of Operation Screenlock.

The operation ran across Monday, September1and Tuesday,September2, and targeted road trauma in the Latrobe Valley. Offences includedmobilephone use, failing to wear aseatbelt, failing to stop at ared light, using an unsafe vehicle,and drug driving.

Threedefectnotices were also issuedto unroadworthy cars.

With three road deaths in Latrobe in as many weeks, police are urgingdrivers to take care on roads.

these threeplatforms fitall but the last door on the platform, and there is aprocedure in place where the conductor stands in place at that specific door to prevent access. Arecent incident on the SwanHill line though has proved there is still room for risk. This is especially topical as news has surfaced of aman falling and breaking his leg severely on anotherV/Line service at Pyramid Hill,because of the short platform, now being investigated by the Office of National Rail Safety. This has prompted speculationofV/Line’sperspectiveoffunction, rather than safety, as they justify the platform extension at Longwarry but not at other stations.

Conductors are expected to make announcements alerting passengers when astopinvolves ashort platform, but errors or unclearmessages canoccur, leaving travellers vulnerable, particularly in lowlightconditions (the Pyramid Hill incidentoccurred at 9.45pm). V/Line has described this incident as

isolated, but if investigations prompt broader safety reforms,the state government could face significant costs and renewed commuter disruption.

The olderplatformatTraralgonstation can only fit three-car services, which V/Line manages by onlydirectingoff-peak trips to that platform. Further along the Gippsland line at Bairnsdaleand Rosedale are also shorter platforms, and allservices headingpast Traralgon exceed threecars, meaning the proceduresused at othershortplatforms on the Gippsland line are not applicable. This was previously mitigated by the placementofbarricades across doors overhanging the platforms, but since Bairnsdaleservices have been upgraded to use the faster VLocity trains (as opposed to the old-school ‘N Set’ type) these are not compatible withthe style of doors on the new cars.

On the whole, it is up to passengers to care for themselves when departing carriages, and there

is no protocolinplacebesides the assumption that allpatrons have heard the announcement, which are not always clear.

Data released by V/Lineinearly September revealed the Traralgon line was the third slowest service in Victoria, ahead of only Bairnsdale and Echuca. In terms of reliability, it holds the same position out of the state’s 13 lines, ranking above both Geelong (V/Line’s fastest service) and Bendigo The Traralgon line is also the fourth busiest of the short-haul routes. Each year, it carries almost as many passengers as all the long-haul services combined, including Albury, Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Shepparton, Echuca, Ararat, Maryborough and Bairnsdale. With such highpatronage, passengers might reasonably expect the state government would ensure asafeand high-quality service, and only time well tell what will come of the short-platform debate.

Beware the magpies this swooping season

By AIDAN KNIGHT

LATROBE Valley residents are once again being urged to take careoutdoors, withswooping season underway across the region.

Magpiesaren’t the only culprits. Plovers are alsoknown to defend their nests duringSpring, swooping at passers-by for up to two months while protecting their hatchlings. Both species are driven by instinct rather than aggression,and usually only swoop as awarning to ward off perceived threats.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has reminded residents that swooping season is short-lived but serious, and that harming native birds is illegal.

DEECA senior wildlife project officer, Simon Ruff said not everybirdwill swoop, but thosethat do can remember faces and reactions for years to come.

“Not all magpies swoop during the breeding season, so the presence of birds doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be targeted,” he said.

“The behaviour normally stops soon after the young leave the nest.”

While mostswoops are harmless, injuries can occurifproperprecautions aren’t taken. Authorities recommend cyclists dismount in known hotspots, or add deterrents like zip ties or stick-on eyes to their helmets. Walkers and joggersare encouraged to travel in groups, slow down in high-risk zones, or carry protection such as umbrellas and widebrimmed hats.

Latrobe City Councilhas urged residents to remain alert, look out for warning signs in parks and alongshared paths, andavoidknown swooping zones where possible.

Aswooping bird map is available online at: www. wildlife.vic.gov.au/managing-wildlife/swoopingbirds, where residents can also log new sightings.

Protection: Wearing awide-brimmedhat is one measurepeoplecan take to minimise magpie attacksduring swooping season.

Stocking up lakes for school holidays

THOUSANDS of rainbow trout have hit Victorian lakes for the school holidays -giving familiesmore reasons to getoutdoorsand enjoya fun, affordable fishing adventure.

Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos last week announced almost 80 lakes are being stockedwith more than 35,000catchable-size fish, in time for the break.

“We’re making it easier for families to get outdoors and enjoy nature -stockingthousands of rainbow trout across Victoria so kids can cast aline these school holidays,” Mr Dimopoulos said.

“Our nation-leading fish stocking program ensures families can have afun, free and healthy day out.”

Backed by the state government’s $96 million

2—The Latrobe ValleyExpress,Wednesday, 24 September, 2025

Go Fishing and Boating plan and the reinvestment of recreational fishing licence fees, these rainbow trout are amongst10million fish being stocked annually into lakes and rivers to improve fishing opportunities.

Many of these family-friendly locations feature fishing platforms,walking tracks,playgrounds, barbecue facilities and toilets ensuring parents, kids and angling enthusiasts can enjoy agreat day out together.

Eight hundred trout have been stocked in Lake Hyland,Churchill; 250 in Lake Guthridge,Sale; 300 in the Heyfield Racecourse lake, and 250 in theGarfield lake. Kernot Lake,Morwell, cannot be stockeddue to water contamination.

All the trout stocked were delivered by the team at the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Snobs Creek hatchery and weigh approximately 180 grams each -anideal size for newcomers.

Rainbowtroutcan be caught in avariety of ways ranging from low-cost baits to lures that are cast and retrieved from the shore.

One of the big advantages to thisspecies is people don’tneed fancy gear to getinonthe fun. Common garden worms, Tassie Devil lures or spinners, will do the trick when rigged on asmall spinning outfit

Anglersare reminded that in FamilyFishing Lakes adaily bag limit of 5trout applies, of which only two can exceed 35 centimetres.

More information about bag and size limits, permitted equipmentand licensing can be found in the VictorianRecreational FishingGuide,available free from bait and tackle shops, at vfa.vic.gov.au/

Photograph supplied

PoliceBeat with Aidan Knight Relased:

Newkinder soonfor

By KATRINA BRANDON

KOSCIUSZKO Street is soon to welcome anew kindergarten.

Gro und breaki ng on the Kos ciu szko Street Primary School -Traralgon Kindergarten started recently, with Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing, coming to celebrate the new establishmenton September 12.

Ms Shing highlighted the importance and need for the new build.

According to Latrobe City Council, the new kindergarten, set to open in term 1, 2026,will have two rooms for up to 66 students.

“There is ahugedemand across Latrobe City for extrakindergarten places and for facilities,” Ms Shing told the Express

“The council is managing about 26 kindersacross the LGA. We want to make sure also that when we plan and design and we deliver new kinders, we're doing so in away that meets that growth.

“We're also determined to make sure that provides support to people, but building the new kinders is also areallyimportant part of this work,and that's exactly what this project is about.”

Situated down the road from Lavalla Secondary College and the Kosciuszko Street PrimarySchool, Ms Shingsaidthat the proximity of the kindergarten will help kindergarteners adjust to primary school more easily.

According to Ms Shing, the build is set to be ready for term one of next year.

“A kinder next to aprimary school is really important,” she said.

“Not only does it help the Kinder kids to adjust to primary school once they finish in the Kinder environment, but it also reduces the amount of pick up and dropdrop off timefor families, and then when that'slocated closetosportingfacilities, we're just over the road from the stadium that we build here, and across the road again from asecondary school environment really close to the rest of the education precinct.

“We know that makes ahugedifference, not only in enabling kids to connect to the school community and to stay connected to education, but also in terms of convenience.”

Also excited about the new early opportunity was Latrobe City Mayor Dale Harriman.

"Latrobe City Council is proud to operate anew purpose-built kindergarten at Kosciuszko Street Primary School, opening in Term 1, 2026. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our community, giving childrenthe verybest start to their learning journey," Mayor Harriman said.

"Research tells us that kindergartens located on schoolsites createsmoother transitions and stronger outcomes for children. This new service at Kosciuszko is areal win for families and the future of education in Latrobe City."

"This is more than just anew kindergarten -it’s an investment in continuity, connection, and community. Latrobe City Council is delighted to see children begin their education journey in aspace designed to set them up for success.”

The KosciuszkoStreetPrimary School -Traralgon Kindergarten is one of many kindergartens being built around the state, and the local Traralgon build is one of four in the construction stage.

Education: Latrobe CityCouncil CEO Steven Piasente and Minister forHousingHarriet Shing took astroll around what is going to be the next kindergarten in Traralgon. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Alert: Dodgy $50 dollars

COUNTERFEIT $50 notes have reportedly been circulating in the Moe area.

Residents are warned to check their notes for the word 'PROPS' underneath the clear window, which has been hard to pick for some in ahurry.

Police advise people should attempt to make a smalltear in the note corner, and if the note tears, then their suspicions should be raised.

People can also do ascrunch test. If the counterfeit notes are made of paper, then when you scrunch the note, it won’t return to being flat.

Unlike the genuine polymer notes, the fakesare known to crumple like paper and often all of their serial numbers are identical.

Any discrepanciesregarding the size of the note or withthe plasticwindow might alsohelp

identify acounterfeitnote. You can also confirm the legitimacy of anote by comparing it to one you already have in your wallet or cash register.

Anyone who believes they may have been handed acounterfeit note is askedtoretain them and hand them over to local police.

Police also encourage people to get descriptions from people who hand the notes over and any vehicles they may have travelled in.

The notes should then be placed separately in an envelope or similar so it can be handed to police.

Anyone with informationisurged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make aconfidential report at: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Upcoming: Ground-breaking developmentis being madeonKosiuszko Street with anew kindergarten in the worksrightfromthe primar yschool

Watchout: An example of acounterfeit $50 noteallegedlycirculating around the Moearea. Note the word ‘PROPS’ under thewindow. Photograph supplied

Let’sget down to business

By AIDANKNIGHT

THE Latrobe Business Festival has set out to bridge the gap between urban and regional businesses, with fresh perspectives on what the region has to offer and how to achieve it.

The event, which ran from September 3, culminated Thursday, September 18 at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.

One of the events that took placeover these three weeks wasthe C3 City CountryConnect masterclass. Brought to the festival by The View From Here,a Traralgon-based brandingand communication consultancy,the event aimed to break down the barriers between metro and rural zoned businesses and their interactions with each other, providingnetworking opportunities and potential collaboration platforms

"It's about encouraging deeper connection along the M1," The View From Here director, John Calabro said.

"Something I've been doing the past nine years is getting myself involved in business groups in Melbourne. And Ifind that there are different groupsfor different flavours. So,depending on what you're after as abusiness owner,there's always somethingthere for you, if you're willingtoput your neck out and sort of go introduce yourself."

reflecting growing interest in regional business collaboration.

Speakers like Greg Harding from the Business Owners Alliance and Peter Angelica from SEMA (South East Melbourne Alliance) provided valuable perspectives on manufacturing, networking, and business growth strategies.

The masterclass went beyond traditional networking, offering deep-dive sessions on topics ranging from mergers and acquisitions to mental health support for businesses. PhebaDaniels from Olivia's Place, for instance, shared insights intosupportingfamily businesses and creating resilient community networks, from anon-profit point of view,polarising to many of the business representatives in the room on the day.

it remainedthe topic of the day for many of the speakers.

Mr Harding put it best, stating "If you're doing it alone you're doing it the hard way," referencing businesses owners high probability of keeping ideas to themselves.

Steve Palmer, director of The IQ Club, an industry leaders' networking organisation, carried that same message when speaking on the vast differences between networking online and face-to-face.

"Timidity hides behind the veil of technology. If youhave the courage to step out in front of it, then there's so much more opportunity for you," he said.

The event featured an impressive line-up of speakers,including Emma from Emma and Thomas Juices, anationally recognised food and drink producer, and Chris Anstee, asuccessful recruitmen tb usiness owner origin ally from Morwell.

This second iteration of the event attracted more than 80 business leaders from around Victoria,

Mr Calabro has made many careers out of his ability to network, facilitate, and conduct business, as the cofounder of the Gippslandia publication, The Borough departmentstore Korrumburra, and also founder of the Made In Gippsland group.

The event underscoredthe LatrobeValley's potentialasahub of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit. By bringing together urb an andregion al bus inesses, the C3 City Country Connect masterclass demonstrated that geographical boundaries need not limit business opportunities.

"For the city folk, it's about trading skyscrapers for country air for the day -reboot yourmindset and make real, meaningful connections with Gippsland’s key business players," Mr Calabro saidofthe visiting metro component of the session.

While it may seem silly to sell networking as a concept to aroom full of corporate networking,

The importance Latrobe City holds specifically in the conversation of metro-regional businesses handshakes is nottobeunderstated, withmuch of the outer city industrialareas suchasDandenong becoming toocongested in recent years for further expansions closer to the city. Latrobe City presents itself as notonly ahost, butahub for this potential growth.

As the Latrobe Business Festival continuesto grow, events like this promise to play acrucial role in showcasing the region's business ecosystem, fostering connections, and driving economic development.

The Latrobe Business Festival is becoming a fixture on the business calendar, reinforcing that Gippsland is positioning itself as not just aparticipant buta leader in regional–urban collaboration.

Federal government sets new emissions targets

THE federal government’s new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 per cent by 2035 has been labelled a“charade” by federal Nationals leader, David Littleproud.

The Prime Minister,AnthonyAlbanese, said the government’s decision, made as part of itsdrive to reach zero net emissions by 2050, was based on advice from the Climate Change Authority’s advice.

“It’s the right target to protect our environment, to protect and advance our economy and jobs, and to ensure that we act in our national interest and in the interest of this and future generations,” Mr Albanese said.

“It’s based upon the science, and it is independent advice to the government.”

Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, said the government hadmodelled the economic impacts of a65per cent 2035 target, saying it would lead to alargereconomy and higher wages than if the country failed to act.

However, Mr Littleproud said Labor’s 2035 emissionsreduction target wasanexpensive charade on Australian families thatwouldlead to more taxes, higher electricity costs and families paying moreatthe checkout. The 2035 target was

adeception, given Labor was falling well short of its 2030emissions reduction target, and Labor could not explain how it would reach its reckless target or how much it would cost working families.

“Labor is recklessly trying to achieve the impossible, rather than doing what’s sensible, and those families and communities that can least afforditwill bear theburden,” Mr Littleproud said.“This reckless target opens the door to more and higher taxes under Labor, like broadening the Safeguards Mechanism to tax moreindustries and businesses. It also opens the door to aCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, taxing products like the steel and cement that build houses and fertilisers and chemicals that help grow our food.

“When Labor taxesindustries,transport and businesses, Australian familiesend up paying, through higher prices at the checkout and local job losses.”

Mr Littleproud said the 2035 target was more reckless Labor ideology being forced onto regional Australia, withdevastating consequencesto regional communities, industries and jobs.

“Labor’s failing renewables-onlypolicy is impacting regional communities right now –damaging

Patterson documentary series hits the screens

Open: The firstepisode,whichis55minutes long andisnow available to stream on Stan. Pictured is journalist John Silvestergiving his account of the events Photographs: Stan

STREAMINGserviceStanhas premieredPart1 of athree-part documentary series into Gippsland's most infamous criminal case, Revealed -Death Cap Murders, withparts two and three expected later this year. The streaming platform described the murders as acrime the whole world thinks it knows: four guests fallcriticallyill afterafamily lunchin Leongatha, Victoria,and hostErinPatterson becomes the focus of relentless global scrutiny. But the documentary series gained access into the small town murders, uncovering new details,

untold perspectives, and deeper truths notyet part of the public conversation, exposing hidden layers and lasting consequences of Victoria’s most infamous small-town tragedy and the worldwide media frenzy it ignited.

The series includes interviews with doctors, psychologists, local residents, mushroom poison experts, and Erin’s former colleagues, classmates and flatmates, and examines the impact of the global media furore and explores the limitations of truth, justice and motive. The series is directed by Emmy-nominated Gil Marsden.

agricultural land and food production, steamrolling the rights of communities and increasing energy costs for families and businesses,” he said.

“Labor is destroying the very thing it’s meant to protect –the environment –with its all-renewables obsession at any cost. We are seeing the native environment being ripped up with transmission lines, industrial solar panels and wind turbines.

“The government will still not tell us their integratedsystem plan, which is what the energygrid will look like, what the actual cost of it is, despite the fact Australia only produces alittle over one per cent of total global emissions.”

Emissions have fallen by about 27 per cent since thebaseline year of 2005, with federal previously emissions projected to fall by 51 per cent by 2035.

“No country of theindustrial size and scale of Australiahas an all-renewables approach. For Labor to achieve any kind of target, it has already givenout more than $60 billionworth of subsidies, but our energy bills continue to increase.

Listen up: Regional and metropolitan business leaderscombined fora dayofdiscussion at GPAC. Photograph: The ViewFromHere

Valley ‘abandoned’ by govt, unionboss claims

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state governmenthas abandoned the Latrobe Valley, itsinactionresultinginnoindustryto replace the Yallourn power station whenitcloses in 2028, according to the head of the Mining Energy Union, Andy Smith.

Mr Smith, the union’s president, was speaking at the recent Gippsland New Energy Conference in Traralgon in asession that dealt with the future of jobs in the energy transition. Other speakers were Lisa Gooding, Yallourn transitionleader at Energy Australia; Steve Dodd, secretaryof the GippslandTrades and Labour Council; and Adam Monument, business operations manager at EarthworkerEnergy,aMorwell manufacturing company.

Mr Smith said the human element oftengot lost in the energy discussion. The damning statistics in the area were wellknown- the highest rate of domestic violence in the state and the highest rate of ambulance call-outs for domestic violence; school leavers, dropping outearly; and preventable disease.

“Ourmembers and othersare startingtofeel what’s coming. The sense of hope that might have beenthere afew years back in relationtoindustry, offshore wind taking off to pick up some of the slack from Yallourn, that ship has sailed. It’s not going to line up, people are becoming aware of these things,” he said.

Mr Smith said the government had seven years to plans for the closure of Yallourn.

“Four years have gone already. Very little has been done in that time to bring investment and newindustry into the Latrobe Valley. Because of inactivity through various government bodiesand the state government in particular, we now face the Latrobe Valley not having any new industry in place for the closure of Yallourn,” he said.

“I categorically state: there will be no new industry in place by the closure of Yallourn. That’s something that’s hard to swallow, particularly for the workers. Unless something happens, we will have the same conversation in eight years’ time for Loy Yang.Wemust start improvingthe processes for approvals for new industry, for funding for new industry.

“If we sit on our hands and wait for governments to do it for us,itwon’t happen. Communitiesneed to take charge and make sure Yallourn workers are looked after 100 per cent of the way keep focusing on what happens. Ten years might seem along time, but it will happen quickly.”

Ms Gooding,who had given an overview of Energy Australia’s retraining programs for its workforce, said she was also on the board of the Committee for Gippsland,which is tasked to generate business investment in Gippsland.

“Thereisaneed for co-investment in government and business.Weare tryingtoadvocate to government for afund so that businesses can come and locate in this region, or businesshere can grow,” she said.

Theregionhad ahighly skilled workforce. Most other regions have skills shortage.

“We have asocial licence for heavy industryfrom the power sector. Yallourn owns land on either side -there is huge opportunity to place industry there and create jobs,” Ms Gooding said.

“There is opp for new generation technologies in terms of energy, heavy industry, defence manufacturing, construction, perhaps even work withgeothermalpotential. We willhave to call on the state and federal governments to support us.”

Ms Gooding saidthe Latrobe Valley would do the heavy lifting for Victoria in terms of decarbonisation.

“On that basis, this region has the right to call out and ask for support to invest in businesses.

Business create the long-term jobs, the new industries that are ongoing. Yes, the Latrobe Valley Authority came and went with short-term construction, basketball stadiums ...we need businesses that will continue to operate year in and year out,” she said.

Out of Yallourn’s workforce of 500, people moving into new and wonderful ways through the training program,becoming midwives, primary school teachers, azoologist whowillfocuson eradicating invasive species in Gippsland and in media/communications.

“A cohort at Yallourn-the older 20 per cent,will seek to retire,” she said.

“Marinus Link will start soon at Hazelwood.”

Ms Goodingsaid“Create ajob, there is no social security paymentinvolved”.

“It’s asaving; invest in abusiness and create a joband opportunity and get them off Centrelink,” shesaid.

Mr Dodd saidthere werelotsofprojects,“but they are all in the parking bay at the moment -coal to hydrogen fertiliser, biomass, waste to energy”.

“There needs to be some support. We have to advocate alot harder,” he said.

The state government made money available after Hazelwood closed, which the GTLS used for retaining. More than 2000 workers overall picked up 4000 qualifications, but nationally accredited qualifications were lacking.

“More than 85 per cent went to other jobs. That will be the issue for us when the next power station shuts –where are they going to go?”

Therewere other training programs for migrant women, teaching them to drive, and 38 apprenticeshipsfor young people through the Men’s Shed, he said.

Mr Monument said he had become adaptable and resilient in the ‘transition’ since he was a teenager, having experienced privatisation of the SECand the looming closure of Hazelwood. It was adifficult time, in and out of work.

“I did go to Yallourn, but resigned at the announcement of the closure, “hesaid, finding work at Australian Paper.

“In 12 months, Iwas back on the chopping block whenthe paper linewas shut. Afew families went to Queensland, aminimal amount went West. I elected to stay here in the Valley, where Iwas born; most stayed, some were lucky enough to get ajob.

Thepercentage of peopleIknow who got full-time job early is not high.”

Mr Monument said his company, Earthworker,

Mr Gaycalls it time

By STEFAN BRADLEY

Aprincipal who began his teaching career in Gippsland has ended it in Gippsland.

Jamie Gay began his working life in education in 1988 as aPEteacher at Churchill North Primary School,and he workedatvarious different schools across the state since then. His last day as principal of Sale and District Specialist School was on Friday, ending his 37-yearrun in education whilealsomarking the beginning of anew personal chapter in retirement.

Aschool assembly on Thursday was called at the Sale school to give Mr Gay asend off, with students,staff andparentsalike in attendance.

It didn’t take long at all for Mr Gay to become teary and emotional as he began his short, but sweetfarewell speech. He emphasised how much he enjoyed his time at the school and how great the students are.

“For thoseofyou that have gotten to know

me really well, you will learn how much Ienjoy coming to work every day and being here, (but) Iamlooking forward to retiring,” he said.

After the assembly, there were plenty more activities for the students,including carnival games, delicious food and reminiscing on Mr Gay’s time as principal. Starting Term 4, Ewen Jondahl willtakeover as acting principal at Sale &District Specialist School.

Asked why he decided to retire, Mr Gay responded by saying, "because it’s time”.

“The school is in aposition where it needsa new principal…so rather than renew my contract for just ashort period of time, it’s time to let somebody else come into the position where they can be principal for the next five years,” he told the Express

Mr Gay started at the school in the middle of 2020during Covid -needless to say achallenging time. His retirement will be all about spending time with family, and lots and lots of fishing.

which makes tanksfor hot water and retails complete hot water units, began about the time of Hazelwood’sclosure with backing from the trade union movement.

“Small, we hoped for more growth than we have had, but it’s proof it’s possible to bring a new industry to the Valley. No one made hot water services in the Valley but we have skills and the rightattitude. It is alive, but we don’t want to ask the government for funding or anything like that, butone of the challenges we face, is based on this inaction,” he said.

“The government likes photo opportunities of what we do, but the assistance we really need for us to grow -and maybe other businesses set up in the same way -itneeds to be properly driven by the stategovernment. We exist and are trying, and could be amodel for the transition,but not just the backing of the trade union movement and people who believe in us, it would need endorsement and assistance from the government.”

Mr Monument added:“We are not parked, but are in holding pattern; we just require that minimum to get us to the next step. We could be something for the region, but are asking for apaltry amount to grow and create more jobs.”

Mr Monument emphasised the need for better education for young people comingthrough TAFE and the secondary school system.

“Put courses in place. Electrification of everything will require amassivenumberofelectricians. Let’s start building curriculum and making courses available, not just for people leaving the industry or transitioning, but the kids coming up through the ranks,” he said.

“They are here because their parents are here. They can’t just pack up and go.”

Mr Smith concluded: “Coal is adirty word and it has been for along time, and it’s not going to getany cleaner.”

“Thebest way to recognise work done is to providereal opportunitiestocontinue livingin this area. The best way to support coal workers is to keep them goinginameaningful way,”hesaid.

“We have environmental groups,community, unions, business, local government, government -differentbodies lookingatthe same thingbut from different lenses. Until the groups start to come together and work for acommon cause, we won’t be able to make progress in the community.”

Council rehab plan submissions

AT the August Council Meeting, Latrobe City Councilendorsed submissions to the Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plans (DMRPs) for the Hazelwood (Engie) and Yallourn W(Energy Australia) mines.

DeclaredMine Rehabilitation Plans are a legislated requirement under the Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Amendment Regulations 2022 and are designed to outline the steps that adeclared mine licence holder will take to rehabilitate land impacted by mining activities. These plansare developedbymineoperatorsand approved by the State Government.

Latrobe City Mayor Dale Harriman said the rehabilitation of Latrobe City’s mines represents one of the most significant land transformations in Victoria’s history and will shape the region for generations to come.

“Council looks forward to ongoing collaboration with mine operators Engie and EnergyAustraliato ensure the rehabilitation of the mines they own is undertaken in amannerthat is responsible, safe, and environmentally sustainable -delivering long term benefits for the Latrobe City community,” the Mayor said.

“Council remains committedtoworkingin partnership with government, industry, and the community to ensurethat mine rehabilitation efforts contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration, economic diversification, and the long-term resilience of the region.”

Across the two submissions council made atotal of eight overarching recommendations which draw on Council’s previously endorsed positions aligning with advocacy requirements. This includes: Transfer land ownership to State and Federal Government;

Further investigate the cumulative impacts of water usage;

Apply alegacy project or initiative that will benefit the Latrobe City community;

Applyaninterrelationship model between mine rehabilitation plans; Support the Government’s proposed recommendation for abulk water entitlement fee; Consider Council’s request to maintain aportion of land for the Inter-township Trail Network project;

Support the use of the Environmental Effects Statement, and;

Consider council’s requesttomaintainaportion of the minelicenceland3005for aproposed Centre of Automotive Futures (CAAF).

Council emphasised the need for strong coordination across allthree Latrobe Valley mines -Hazelwood,Yallourn Wand Loy Yang A-toensure rehabilitation efforts are integrated, transparent, and deliver maximum benefit to the region

Councilisstrongly advocatingfor the rehabilitationofYallourn Wtobereferred to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process. While Council is alreadydeeplyinvolved in the HazlewoodEES, EnergyAustralia has not yet initiated the same process for Yallourn mine.While ENGIE and Energy Australia have released their DMRPs for Hazelwood and Yallournmines respectively,AGL’s plan for the Loy Yang Aminehas been deferred by theState Government until 2027. Council is actively contributing to the Environmental Effects Statement process for Hazelwood mine and will continue to advocate for the use of this process at the Yallourn mine site.

Farewell: Jamie Gayhas finished histime as principalofSale &DistrictSpecialist School. Photograph: Stefan Bradley

The panel: LisaGooding(EnergyAustralia), SteveDodd (Gippsland Trades and Labor Council), Adam Momument (EarthworkerEnergy), and Andy Smith (Mining EnergyUnion). Photograph: Aidan Knight

Offshore wind auction delayed

By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

THE state government has delayed the first round of auctions for offshire wind project to bid for publicly-funded supportpackages.

During awind energy summit in Melbourne last week,Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed theauctions would not start this monthasinitially planned, with anew timeline to be announcement by the end of the year.

The auctions involve developers bidding for government support packages to help get their offshore wind projects over the line.

Victoria has set agoal of having two gigawatts of offshore wind by 2032.

The announcement of the delay came after potential developers of offshore wind farms pulled outofthe process amid financial concerns.

The state government is alsoseeking federal funding for the support packages, which would include subsidisingoffshorewind generators to back up their investment decisions.

Minister D’Ambrosio said she had been told by the

Fire at Morwell chemist

ABUILDING fire broke outinMorwell around 10pm last Tuesday.

Alert so ft he fire becam ep resen to n VicEmergency around 10.20pmalerting locals that there was abuilding on fireon Monash Wayand that peoplenearby may see or smell smoke.

Fire Rescue Victoria issued the alert, soon to get the blaze under control by 11pm. The fire was marked as not suspicious and was saidthat the fire started at the pizza shop next door to Chemist Warehouse. Unfortunatelyfor the chemist, the roof of the establishment was stingedaround the brims with walls of the building intact and visiblyuntouched on the exterior.

industry it needed more time because of uncertainty over fundingand where ships could dockfor the construction of the first turbines.

“While our aspiration was to have those preconditions in place by the end of September, and great effort has gone into attempting to achieve this, it has not been possible,” she said.

Ms D’Ambrosio said Victoriahad lost12months from its original timeline due to issues with feasibility licences, finalising regulations and the initial rejection of an offshore wind construction hub at the Port of Hastingsbecauseofenvironmental concerns.

“In addition to that, we are very conscious of changes in the international market and supply chains that need to be factored intoour planning,” she said.

“To be clear, what Iamannouncingtoday is not an end to Victoria or Australia’s offshore wind aspirations …weare absolutely committed, and Icontinue to be optimistic about the possibilities of anational partnership.”

Ms D’Ambrosio said aport to construct turbines was essential and the government remained focused on gettingthe PortofHastings project approved.Star of the South, off the Gippsland coast, is Victoria’s most advanced offshore wind farm.

The chief executive of its proponent, Southerly Ten, Charles Rattraysaidwhile thenewswas disappointing, it didn’t “change the reality that offshorewind is essential to Australia’s energy future”.

“With 90 per cent of coal-fired capacity forecast to retire by 2035, offshore wind energy is needed to ensure energy security,price stabilityand a pathway to net zero,” Mr Rattray said.

“Gippsland has poweredVictoria for over a century -and it can continue to do so with offshore wind. With consistent winds, existing port and grid infrastructure to tap into,and askilled energy workforce, Gippsland is uniquely positioned to deliver Australia’s first offshore wind project.

“A successful first project in Gippsland won’t just deliver much-needed new capacity, cut emissions and create regional jobs -itwill pave the way for anational offshore wind industry.”

The Seaspray Windfarm Strategy Group (SWSG), which opposesoffshorewind farms within 25

kilometres of the coast, statedthe delay was an opportunity to get the planning for projects right.

“This week’s release of Australia’s Climate Risk Assessment makes it clear that coastal towns like Seaspray are on the frontline of climate change,” the group said in astatement last week.

“The Seaspray community is not against renewableenergy, in fact, we understand betterthan most that reducing climate change impacts is essential to our future, but offshore wind must be done responsibly. Thatmeans genuineconsultation with affected communities and ensuring projectsare located no closer than 25km from shore, so the burden of visual,and social impacts is not unfairly placed on towns like Seaspray.

“As adirectly affected community, SWSG will continue to advocate for transparent planning and balanced outcomes that both advance renewable energy and protect Gippsland’s iconic coastline.”

The delay of theauction rattled investorsand underlined the need to remove unnecessary risks, according to BetterTransmission Gippsland, which is campaigning for transmission lines between the offshore wind farms and the Latrobe Valley to be underground.

Better Transmission Gippsland chair Kirra Bott said the solution was already on-the-table.

“Underground transmission gives proponents confidence that projects will not be held up by community backlash. It’s the fastest way to remove uncertainty and get steel in the water,” she said.

Ms Bott said underground high-voltage direct current transmission was not only safer and more reliable, it also smarter in the long run.

“By installing conduits at the start, future lines can be added more efficiently and more cost effectively, further drivingdown costs. It’s a‘build once, buildright’ solutionthatkeeps costs down over time,” Ms Bott said.

Mr Rattray said Minister D’Ambrosio reaffirmed at last week’s summit Victoria’s commitment to offshorewind as acornerstone of the state’s energy plan.

“With seven yearsofdevelopment work behind us on Star of the South, we knowGippslandhas some of the world’s best offshore wind conditions -we are ready to deliver and harness this untapped

resource for Australia,” he said.

“We will continue to engage constructively with government, industry partners and communities to unlock the full potential of offshore wind for Australia.”

Clean Energy Council offshore wind general manager Morgan Rossiter said the government’s decision wouldprovide moretimetoensure the first auction would succeed.

“Today’s decision reflects the Victorian government’s commitment to ensuring the auction design process is fit-for-purpose, giving developers more time for projects to advance their business cases, so that we can establish an industry for local workers to turn to when coal exits the system,” Ms Rossiter said.

“These projects are large and complex, and like any new industry,requiresupport to establish and mature. Forthe 11 feasibility licence holders in the Gippsland area, awardingofftake contractsfor the first 2GW is critical to providing revenue certainty.

“The Gippslandoffshore wind areaoff the cost of Victoria is capable of generating enough energy during peak summer periods, to reduce the need to drawongas peaking plantsorsee large industrial sites turnoff on hot summer days when energy demand rises.”

Friends of the Earth offshore wind campaigner Anna Langford said her organisationremained hopeful the federal government would commit the funding needed for Victoria to hold its first offshore wind auction by the end of the year.

“Communities in future offshore wind regions deserve greater certainty after hearing the benefits of offshore wind talked up for so many years,” she said.

Voices of the Valley president Wendy Farmer said Latrobe Valley communities couldnot wait any longer for the roll-out of offshore wind to begin.

“Our communities need the offshore wind industry to create thousands of good jobs, hope for the future, and ensureour futureenergy security,” she said.

“Victoria’s ageing coal fired power stations have all announced closure dates. If offshore wind is not constructed on time, we will not be able to replace their energy supply.”

Auction delaycondemned, page 39

Migrant community settocelebrate

THE Italian Catholic Federation of Morwell warmly invites the community to attend aspecial Mass in Italian in honour of St Francis of Assisi, thepatron saint of Italy, the environment, and peace.

Masswill be held at SacredHeart Church (262 Commercial Road, Morwell) this Sunday (September 28) from 2pm.

Bishop of Sale, Greg Bennet will celebrate Mass, assisted by localparishpriest, Father James Fernandez.

This culturallysignificant celebration will be conducted entirely in Italian, reflecting the rich heritage of the Italian Catholic community in the Latrobe Valley.

The Mass will be followed by light refreshments and an opportunity for fellowshipinthe Sacred Heart Primary School Hall.

St Francis of Assisi is widely loved for his humility, love for creation, and dedication to peace and the poor. Hisfeast dayisamoment of spiritual reflection and cultural pride, especially for those of Italian descent.

Ride on

TRAMPS (Traralgon and Morwell Pedallers Inc) rode from Warragul to the awesome Rokeby/Neerim South Rail Trail on Sunday, September 14.

The ride passed the old wooden trestle bridge at Crossover. The ride was adventurous and challenging at times with sudden short, steep rises and drops.

Following lunch at Neerim South, the group stopped to admire the carved tree on the way out. The return ride through Nilma seemed mostly downhill.

TRAMPS next ride will be this Sunday (September 28), which will be ashort ride followedbythe annual meeting. There willthen be an overnight ride on October 11/12 from Traralgon to Heyfield.

The Saturday ride will be via Rosedale and the return ride on Sundaywill be on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders.

For more information, visit: www. tramps.org.au or phone club contacts Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Hansfordtospeak

STORIESOfWalhallaisthe topic of interest presentationofthe Mid Gippsland Family History Society Inc to be held tomorrow (Thursday, September 25) from 2pm.

The session is being held at the Moe Community Groups Hub (44 Albert St,opposite the post office) and is open to all.

Greg will be using his extensive photograph collection to lead the group into the history of Walhalla and environs,taking prompts from the audience. This is agreat opportunity to learn more about this historic gold mining township and its people.

The Family History Centre is open to the public everyWednesday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm.

The centre welcomes anyone interestedinlearning more about their ancestors and family history –whether araw beginner or an experienced familyhistorian/genealogist -tocome along and have achat to one of the experienced researchers who are keen to help you navigate the resources available.

You’ll be amazed at what you can discover about your ancestorsbyusing suchresourcesasTrove, Finda Grave, Family search etc, and large holdings of cemetery records and transcriptions are available.

For further information, phone 0403 611 730.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Monday, September15: 1stDon Tylee and Robin Hecker (68.75 per cent); 2nd Ken Tierney and Richard Webster (52.08).

Tuesday, September 16: 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr(67.78); 2nd Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (60.74).

All are welcome to attend -whether you speak Italian or not -toexperience the beauty of this special liturgy and to honour one of the church’s most beloved saints.

For further information, phonethe Italian Catholic Federation of Morwell on 0459 123 799, or email: grdisisto@gmail.com

IN addition, ajubilee celebration of migrants will be held Sunday,October 5, also at Sacred Heart.As partofthe jubileeyear announced by the late Pope Francis, TheLumen Christi and Morwell Catholic parishes are combining to celebrate an event that recognisesthe many migrant groups within the community and acknowledges the significant contribution migrants have made to society.

The event will commence from 2.30pm, and includeamulticultural Mass in which BishopGreg Bennet will be the chief celebrant.

Mass will be followed by afestival, to be held in the church grounds, which will showcase the foods, dancing and singing of various cultures. Many different groupswillbea part of the church service,

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

which will include prayersinvariouslanguages and members of the congregation dressed in cultural costumes taking part in the ceremony.

At the conclusion of Mass, the congregation will process to the nearby carpark, led by different migrant groups bearing their various national flagsand accompaniedbytheir ownmusic.The afternoon will include entertainment from various ethnic cultures, as well as an opportunity to sample different foods from the migrant nations.

Chieforganiser of the festival, Marie D’Alia said “This is awonderful opportunity for our community to gain an insight into the many migrant cultures that make up our Latrobe Valley community and to acknowledge their contribution and integration into our Australian society."

Special guest: Bishop Greg Bennet will make twotrips to Sacred HeartMorwell over the next fortnight. Photograph supplied

games, and educational resources for children aged 0to12.

It's an affordable and sustainable way to keep playtime fresh and exciting while supporting your child's development.

Come along, learn to dance and enjoy the great friendship and health benefits of dancing.

Thursday, September 18: 1st

Barbara Barr and Maria Mactaggart (60.58);2nd Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (59.9).

If you would like to play or learnmore about bridge, phone Traralgon Bridge Club President, Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528. New members always welcome.

Spiritual centre

LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Rd, Morwell).

Joinevery Sunday for service, starting at 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. Guestspeaker every weekwith demonstrations from an invited medium followed by acuppaand afternoon tea. For enquiries,phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Jointhe Facebook page -Latrobe Valley Spiritual Centre for updates on who is on Sundays.

Jazzy tunes

MOE Latrobe Valley Jazz Club will hold its monthly functionatMoe RSL this Sunday (September 28).

Featured willbethe Gippsland band The Wonderdogs.

Thisbandwas formed more than 20 years ago and has performed at jazz clubs in Melbourne and been a regular performer at the Merimbula Jazz Festival over that period.

Due to the passing of acouple of its members, it is likely to be your last chance to hear one of the best bands to come out of Gippsland. Forenquiries. phone Bruce on 0427 743516.

Chess action

LATROBE Valley Chess Club action saw Peter Bakker seize on amistake by Ian Hamilton who recovered to win every clash thereafter.

Page 8—The LatrobeValley Express, Wednesday, 24 September, 2025

The guidance provided by Steve Ahern wasfollowed up withvictory to Kyson Ward in aclash against Cliff Thornton,who found formtocomplete the round with only two losses.

Price Samaseia accepted the offeringstoclaim three wins but was punished for the errors in other games

Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more details.

Traralgon Cancer Group

NEXTfundraisingeffortisone you don’t want to miss.

The classic car collection will be the final showing of the collection owned by Ray and Nan Ikin. It will feature theCharger Club, Ford Capri Club, Valiant‘R’ and ‘S’ Club, held at 32 McMahon St, Traralgon on Sunday, October 19 from 10am to 2pm. Entry is by donation. There will be abarbecue, sandwiches,salad rolls, slices,tea and coffee and cold drinks to purchase.

Therewill be araffle and an auction of donated goods. Catering will be provided by the Traralgon Cancer Volunteer Group and all proceeds go to cancer research.

All enquires to 0419 524 671. For more information about the group, phone Raelene on 0407 368 848.

 Cancer Council Supporters Hotline -1300656385

 Cancer Council Help Line131 20  Quit Line -137848

Toylibrary

DISCOVER the joy of play at Moe Rainbow Toy Library.

Located in Moe P.L.A.C.E.(Ted Summerton Reserve), the toy library offersa wide range of quality toys,

Visit: moerainbowtoylibrary.setls. com.au for more information.

Social tennis

AGREAT morning every Monday and Friday from 9.30am at Morwell Social Tennis. Short modified games to suitall levels of fitness and injury. Everyone can play.

Ex players to newbies willbenefit from the fun, laughter and friendship. Phone Naomi on 0405 738 819 for more information.

School reunion

MIRBOONorth Secondary College class of 1970 are hopingtoget back together.

It is believed quite afew past students still live in the Latrobe Valley.

The reunion is being held Sunday, November 9atNarracanHall from midday.

If you are apaststudent, email Wendy Harrison at: typeworks.wh@ gmail.com

Moe CWA

DURING OctoberSeniors Month, the Moe CWA is holding aflower making demonstration and participating in the Positive Ageing Festival.

Flower making demonstration will be held Monday, October 6from 10.30am to 2.30pm.

Light afternoon tea provided at the Yallourn Production Centre.

Traralgon Croquet Club

IF you would like to try anew sport which is suitable for all ages,the Traralgon CroquetClubhas social playeveryTuesdayand Saturday at the Courts(66-110McNairn Rd, Traralgon).

This sport can be as gentleoras dynamic as you like.

Come along at 12.30pm and members will lend you amallet and give youthe basicinformation for you to give it atry

Flatsoledenclosedshoes are required.

For further information, phone Alison on 0447 276 783.

Moe social dance

MEMBERS are currently learning a new dance calledthe Debbie Blues which is being taught by Gael and Lindsay. It is being danced in other places so it is great to get the opportunity to learn it.

Moe Social DanceClubisluckyto have so much expertise at the club and to have people willing to share their skills.

Lessons are also being held at the Morwell Girl Guide Hall on Thursday evenings.

The Octoberballiscoming up Tickets are $15 asingle. For more information, phone Russell on 0457 543 856.

Dance lessons

GET dancingthis Springwith Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc.

Head to the Morwell Girl Guide Hall (18 Margaret St) from 7pm to 10pm on Thursday nights to learn or brush up on new vogue/old time sequence dances.

Waltz into better health and make new friends. Admission is $5 per person. Wear comfortable footwear. Phone Len on 0439683 834 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information. Email: latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com

Rooms closed

DUE to the AFL Grand FinalLong Weekend,the MorwellHistorical Society rooms will be closed this Sunday (September 28).

Volunteers will be back on Wednesday, October 1from 11am to 2pm to assist with any queries or research.

Come down for avisit, stay for a cuppa and take atrip down memory lane.

For any queries, phone 0409 436 019.

Come and Try Croquet

IF you would like to try anew sport which is suitable for all ages, Traralgon Croquet Club is holding Come and Try day on Sunday 5th October 11.00am -3.00pm 66-110 McNairn Road Traralgon.

Flat soled enclosed shoes are your only requirement and the Club will provide everything else including assistance from the members to understand the game.

There is no charge for the day and you can come along at atime that suitsyou between 11.00am-3.00pm We also have social play on a Saturdayand Tuesday 12.30 for 12.45 start.

On Wednesday nights starting 8th October 5.00pm till 8.00pm we run TwilightCroquet which is atime that may suit working people better have atry at Croquet.

Further Information Contact Alison 0447276783

Youcan be apartof

Community Corner

IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Spectacular: TRAMPSridersonthe Rokeby Neerim South trail. Photographs supplied

With love and dignity

MARYVALEPrivateHospital has launched its annual fundraising appeal with adeeply personal initiative,raising money for apalliative care‘cuddle bed’ -a specially designed bed thatexpands to allow loved ones to lie beside patients in their final days. Theinitiativewas sparked by the story of Simon Lund, along-servingCFA staff memberand volunteerwho dedicatedmore than 25 years to serving the Victorian community.

Throughout his career, Simon responded to nearly every major emergency in recent decades from bushfires and floods to mine fires. His commitment on the frontline, however, came at adevastating personal costwhen he was diagnosedwith a terminal illness linked to toxic exposure during his service.

In his fin al chapte r, Sim on rec eiv ed pal liativ ec ar ea tM ary vale Pr ivat eH osp ital, whe re the imp orta nce of clo seness and comf ort fo r familiesb ecame clear. His wif eT racie,a nd the Lund family joined forces with the hospital to rais em on ey for ac ud dl eb ed, en sur ing oth er fam ili es cou ld share thos ep re cio us fina l

momen ts with di gni ty, love an dc on ne cti on.

Thanks to the generosity of the community and the Lund family’s efforts, the fundraising goal was achieved.

The cuddle bed has sincebeenpurchased and was officially unveiledatthe hospital by Tracie Lund, marking amoving tribute to her husband’s service and sacrifice.

“This addition enhances our palliative care services and demonstrates Maryvale’s continued commitmenttopatient-centredcare,”Maryvale Private Hospital ChiefExecutive, DanielScholtes said

“Weare deeply gratefultothe Lund family and the wider community for their generosity and support. It is aprivilege to help honour Simon’s legacy in such ameaningful way.”

Simon’s story also shines aspotlightonthe urgent need for legislative change to better protect emergencyworkers for occupational illnesses. But within Maryvale’s walls, his legacy now lives on in abed that ensures families can share their last moments with love and dignity.

50 years ago, September 22, 1975

Darkstreet scares

women, children

WOMEN are too frightened to walk down a dark Moe street and they dare not let their children use it after dark, Moe Council was told on Tuesday. Mr D. Bodak and 13 other ratepayers in Barry St requested to have astreet light installed. At present, there are lights only at each end of the street. “Due to this fact we consider it adangerous street because women are too frightened to walk upon it to attend to essential services such as using the public telephone on Alexander Ave and it is too dangerous to send our children to the dairy on the corner,” Mr Bodak wrote. “We request therefore that anight light be strategically positioned in Barry St itself to alleviate the most dangerous situation we must face at the moment”. On the motion, council referred the matter to the SEC for immediate action.

30 years ago, September 26, 1995

Four getsuspended jail term forthreatening to kill

FOUR members of agroup of young people, who burst into aTraralgon home and made threats to kill, have been convictedand sentenced to a12-month jail term suspended over 24 months. In Morwell court last week, Judge Shelton said he seriously considered the implications of the five defendants actions but decided “a suspended jailtermwould be appropriate”. Debbie Anne Soall, Julie Anne Burgess, Mark Edward Burgess, Jason

Apex advantages

APEX Club Traralgon welcomes new members.

Goingalong to an Apex meeting is averyrelaxed, enjoyable experience.

Apex attracts members from all walks of life, creating manydifferent friendships. Thesefriendships are enhanced and deepened through what Apexians do together for others.

The relationships formed in Apex can be just as valuable professionally as personally. Whether it'sthe pride and achievement felt by doing things for others or the interesting and

unusual socialactivities, Apexmakessure their clubs combine the workand 'seriousstuff'with agenerous doseoffun and good times, all while helpingthe community.

Every Apex experience differs for every member. You can participate at alevel that suits you. You chooseyour level of involvement, while being exposed to priceless opportunities to develop leadership skills.

Everyone at Apex is avolunteer, working together with friends and families to help the community. For more information, email: traralgonapex@ gmail.com

Members must be aged over 18.

Leaders: Tracie Lund and Mar yvale PrivateHospital ChiefExecutive, Daniel Scholtes.

l Fi h f Robert

with AIDAN KNIGHT

Ta ke aB re ak

ONE POINTERS

Did you hear about the actor who broke his leg onstage? Hes still in the cast

1. What arethe firstnames of folk rock duo Simon &Garfunkel?

2. If Iwas visiting thetownofAlbany, what statewould Ibein?

3. What show is thecatch phrase ‘Book ‘emDanno’ best knowfrom?

4. What is the nameofthe singer/songwriter whowrote and performed the song ‘It’s StillRock and Roll To Me’? TWOPOINTERS

5. In August, 2025, who did AFL club Melbourne sack as their coach?

6. Who wonthe AcademyAward forBestActor forhis role in the 2020 film ‘Joker’?

7. What colour shirt does Winnie the Pooh wear?

8. In banking terms, what does ’PIN’ stand for? THREE POINTER

9. Yesorno. Is Java atype of Operating System?

10.The fashion designer,GianniVersacecame from which country?

11. If avolcano hasn’t erupted but isn’t considered extinct, what do scientists classify it as?

12. In theMortein insecticideadvertisements, whatisthe name of thecartoon fly?

FOUR POINTER

13.What year waseBaylaunched?

14. Which ocean is the smallest?

FIVE POINTER

15. What arethe five basic tastes? One point foreach correct answer.

Howdid youfare?

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

rs:weAns 1: ulPa and Art; 2: ernstWe lia;rastAu 3: iiwaHa e-O;Fiv 4: Billy Joel; 5: Simon Goodwin; 6: Joaquin Phoenix; 7: d;Re 8: Personal Identification Number o;:N;9 10: Italy; 11: Dormant; 12: ouie;L 13: 1995; 14: ctic;Ar 15: -1 eet,Sw -2. 3.,-sour 4.,-salty erttbi and -5. umami ).ryvo(Sa

Using the9let ters in thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list?The centre letter must be included and each letter maybe usedonlyonce. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words endingin‘s’

Victorian Seniors Festival 2025

Celebrating its forty-third year, the Victorian Seniors Festival returns in October 2025 with a fabulous month-long program full of free or low cost events and activities

This major state-wide festival is spearheaded by

the Victorian Government, and is bolstered by all of Victoria’s 79 local councils alongside community, groups, clubs, and organisations including COTA Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria The Victorian Seniors Festival is held for and

with older people, and puts the emphasis on fun and good times This year’s Victorian Seniors Festival theme is “Connect, Create, Celebrate” and invites older Victorians to come together, discover new interests, and celebrate

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 living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area, wellappointed 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 with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo, cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to get around our local area.

Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

FROM $350,000

VictorianS eniors Fest ival 2025

Mary’sLatrobe Regional Galleryjourney

It’sbeen 54 years since Latrobe Regional Galleryfirst opened at the former Morwell Town Hall. For local art-lover MaryBishop, 75, she’sbeen agallerymember for morethanhalfof them.

But, like many locals, Mary’shistory with the gallerywas forged long before. “Back when it was the Town Hall, there used to be astage and my husband actually played in aband thereonce!” Marysays.

Today,Maryisstill treading those original 1930s floorboards, just at a different pace. She’sone of the gallery’s volunteers, taking visitors on guided tours, like the behind-the-scenes tour on offer for Seniors on Tuesday 7 October,partofLatrobe City Council’s Positive Ageing Festival. When it comes to her contemporaries, Marysays the galleryisbeyond welcoming.

“The spaces inside aresoaccessible,” she says. “They’rebig, light and flat, and that makes it veryeasytoget around, and to see and hear things. There’salift, too.

“I’ve never been to the gallerywithout the front desk staffbeing friendly.They still welcome me as if I’m anew visitor everytime, which is lovely.”

For Mary, the highlight of her frequent visits is the gallery’sveryown art collection. With morethan1500pieces, most arestored securely in the gallery’s back area, not often open to the public,

except for special events like the upcoming 7October tour

“The gallery’scollection is incredible, including abeautiful set of perfume bottles, which Ifind lovely,” Marysays. “But going behind the gallerywalls is just fascinating. To see how things are stored, and how the artwork is looked after and put up, it really surprises and impresses me.”

Free behind-the-scenes gallerytour forSeniors: Tuesdsay 7October, 2pm-3pm. Register: 5128 5700 lrg@latrobe.vic.gov.au

WALHALLA GOLDFIELDS RAILWAY

Get your group together and enjoy an amazing day out at Walhalla Goldfields Railway! Take astep back in time and marvel at the sights of Stringers Gorge on our historicrailway Take advantage of our group discounts by contac ting our office today! Want to become part of our team? We have positions available for everyone. Training is provided along with uniformand atravel allowance. Contact us at: office@walhallarail.com.au or; 03 5165 6280 for moreinformation

VictorianS eniors Fest ival 2025

CONNECT CREATE CELEBRATE

Victorian SeniorsFestival LOCAL EVENTS

WALHALLA TOWN TOURS

EveryWednesdayofeachmonth or by special arrangement

1:45pm foraprompt 2pm start.

Walhalla Wanderings is ahistorical walking tour hosted by local guide, Mr Watson.

Learnabout the rich historyofthe unique township that is Walhalla. Hear about the triumphs and the tragedies of the gold rush years. Visit historical buildings and landmarks.

Tours run for approximately 90 minutes.

Please note: some stairs are required, but the tour can be modified for individual needs.

Location: The Corner Store, Walhalla Bookings or Moreinformation: 5165 6250

CREATE AVESSEL USING WET FELTING TECHNIQUES

Friday3 October,2025

9.30am -3.0 0pm

Have fun with members of the Baw Baw Arts Alliance while creating your veryown small, unique wet felted vessel. This traditional craft formuses warmsoapy water to bind colourful fibres into beautiful, decorative and useful items. BYO lunch or purchase food at local cafes. Materials, equipment, tea and coffee supplied. Some physical activity required.

Location: ArtSpace 1Trafalgar, Trafalgar Railway Station Bookings essential Phone 0490 055 313

CROQUET COME AND TRY DAY– TRARALGON

Sunday5 October,2025

13.0 0am to 3.00pm

Participants must wear flat shoes and weather appropriate clothing as it’sanoutside event.

All other equipment provided. Sausage sizzles will be provided, along with tea and coffee.

This is afreeevent.

Location: 61-66 McNairnRoad, Traralgon

Formoreinformation phone 0423 659 663

MOE CWAFLOWERMAKING DEMONSTRATION

Monday 6October,2025

10:30 am -2:30pm

Moe CountryWomen’sAssociation (CWA) invites you to afreedemonstration of flower making, including a light lunch. Free event.

Location: Yallourn Drive, Yallourn

LATROBE REGIONAL GALLERYTOURAND DISCUSSION

Tuesday7 October,2025

2.0 0pm –3.0 0pm

Get to know this local Gallerywith a

free behind-the scenes-tour and a discussion of the current exhibitions. Youwill be guided by the Gallery’s knowledgeable team and learn about our local cultural heritage. Limited accessibility for behind the scenes tour

Location: Commercial Road, Morwell

CREATIVE TEXTILES

Sunday7 October,2025

9.30am –12.30pm

Have fun with members of the Baw Baw Arts Alliance. We will startwith an activity to loosen up our minds.

Using cloth paint and creative

stitching we will create an exciting piece.

All materials tea and coffee provided.

Location: ArtSpace 2, Trafalgar Railway Station

Bookings Phone 0403 206 179

VictorianSeniors Festival 2025

GETTING DRESSED WITH JANE AUSTEN: 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Wednesday8 October,2025

6.00pm –7.30pm

Jane Austen must be one of the most popular and adored authors of the 19th Century.

Using the letters of Jane Austen, some historical background and opinions of the day,let’s step through the doors of aGeorgianwardrobe, to aworld of whitemuslin, satin and silk and spend an hour or so getting dressed with Jane -fromthe underwear to the outerwear and beyond! Free accessible event with light refreshments.

Location: TraralgonLibrary, 34 –38 Kay Street, Traralgon

FOREVER CLASSIC –HITS OF THE 60’S

Sunday12October,2025

1:30am -12:30pm 2:00pm -3:00pm

To celebrate the Latrobe City Council Positive Ageing Festival, take atrip down memorylane with the Forever Classics Show –Hits of the 60s, starring the charismatic Glenn Starr This incredible performance celebrates the smooth sounds and classic hits of the 60s, an era where

music ruled the airwaves and dance floors.

Free fully accessible event with complimentarytea andcoffee one hour prior to the show

Location: Kernot Hall, Princes Way, Morwell

Bookings: Free tickets. Gippsland Performing Arts CentreBox Office, 5176 3333 or the GPAC website

LATROBE VALLEY PHILATELIC SOCIETY INC STAMP AND COIN FAIR

Saturday18October,2025

9.00am –3.00pm

Come along and see local and Melbourne dealers, Youcan buy and sell stamps coins and accessories.

Free valuations on the day Wheelchair accessible, children welcome, ample parking and refreshments available. Gold coin donation.

Location: Uniting Church, Park Lane

Traralgon

Event contact: 0427 770 522

WELLNESS MEETUP: CONVERSATION, CUPPAAND CONNECTION

Saturday18October,2025

9.00am –12.00pm

Come along to the Moe Libraryand meet with members of the community aged 55+ and their supporters.

CONNECT CREATE CELEBRATE

Enjoy acuppa and achat, learn how to use your microwave to create delicious and nutritional meals. Learnfromlibrarystaffabout the seed library, howtocreatea podcast and ask all of your technology questions.

Loads of fun and informative activities to keep you engaged.

Location: 1/29 George Street, Moe Event contact: 1800 621 409

POSTIVE AGEING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION INFORMATION EXPO

Tuesday21October,2025

11.00am –3.00pm

The Latrobe City Council Awareness and Prevention Information Expo is aimed at community members who areaged 55+ with afocus on raising awareness of services and supports that areavailable in the community The expo provides information about health and wellbeing prevention and education.

Location: 1/29 George Street, Moe To register your attendance phone 1800 621 409

LATROBE VALLEY MALTESE MUSEUM TOUR AND AFTERNOON TEA

Thursday23October,2025

2.00pm –3.30pm

Australia’sfirst and only Maltese Museum was launched by Mario Sammut, amigrant who came to the Latrobe Valley in 1985.

Visitors can experience ahugearray of Maltese artefacts and memorabilia, including miniaturereplicas of Maltese buildings.

Free entrytomuseum and complimentaryafternoon tea.

Location: 1Henry Street, Morwell To register your attendance phone 1800 621 409

GIPPSLAND MEMORIAL PARK OPEN DAY

Thursday26October,2025

2.00pm –4.00pm

Come and see the 40th Anniversary of the Crematorium Historic Display and go on the self-walking tour of some of our pioneering women’s graves with their stories.

Crematorium Tours 2.30pm & 3.15pm.

Arrow Foundrycan show you how to carefor your bronze plaque

Our showroom will be open to discuss cremation options

Funeral Directors/ Stonemasons/ Celebrants/ Florists –all hereto answer your questions

Free Teaand Coffee provided

Location: 1CemeteryDrive, Traralgon

Event contact: 5174 9071

Applying fora SeniorsCard

The Seniors Cardencourages older Victorians to keep active and engaged in the community through offers and incentives that make it affordable to get out and about.

The easiest way to apply for aSeniors Cardistouse the online application formfound at seniorsonline.vic. gov.au/seniors-card and have your Medicarecardwith you.

Allow up to four weeks for your application to be processed and for you to receive your card.

Visit the Seniors Card‘Frequently

Asked Questions’ page for more information.

If you arealready partofthe Seniors Cardprogram, visit ‘Manage your card’ to update your contact details, replace or cancel acard, or manage your e-News subscription.

The Seniors Cardisavailable for those who are60years or over,apermanent resident of Australia residing in Victoria, and working less than 35 hours per week in paid employment or fully retired.

If you have aSeniors Card, you are eligible for free or concession public

transport, and areexempt from a fishing license in Victoria.

All cardholders can take advantage of discounts and services from businesses via our Discount Directory.

SeniorsBusiness Discount Card

The entrypointinto the Seniors Cardprogram, the Seniors Business Discount cardisfor people who work for morethan 35 hours per week in paid employment, are60years of or over,and apermanent resident Australia, residing in Victoria.

This cardallowsyou to obtain discounts on arange of goods and services from participating businesses, but does not provide public transportconcessions nor does it provide free travel vouchers.

All cardholders can take advantage of discounts and services from businesses via our Discount Directory.

Look out for the ‘Seniors Card Welcome Here’ logo or ask for Seniors Carddiscounts when you are shopping.

Whatisthe SeniorsCard program?

Commencingin1991, the Seniors Cardprogram acknowledges and celebrates the contribution seniors have made and continue to make to our communities and the State of Victoria.

The Customer Services team at Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged,would liketo invite youtoattendour Independent Living Open Day High Tea. Join us on Wednesday 22nd of October 2025 from 1.00pm to 3.00pm to view our fully renovated 1&2 bedroom units which arenow available for purchase! Please RSVP to reception on 5132 3500 by Friday the 17thofOctober 2025. Your Community,YourRetirement,

VictorianS eniors Fest ival 2025

8daysoffreepublic transpor t

Victorian Senior Cardholders can enjoy Victoria with 8days of free public transportfrom5 to 12 October 2025.

Free public transportisavailable to all Victorian Senior Cardholders. Jump on public transportfor free to visit attractions across Melbourne as well as regional and rural locations.

Victorian seniors arealsogetting cheaper public transportfromnext year

From 1January2026, Victorian SeniorsMyki holderswillbeableto travel forfreeonall public transport, everyweekend.

Whereyou can go

You’ll be able to travel for free on all public transportinVictoria, including:

•Melbourne trains, trams and buses

•Regional trains, coaches and buses (including regional town bus services) as listed below

Howtotravelduring the free travel period

Remember to always carryyour Seniors Myki and Victorian Seniors Cardwith you on public transport.

From Sunday 5toSunday 12 October 2025, tap on and offasusual, you won’tbecharged. On regional services that don’tuse myki, just show your Victorian Seniors Cardtothe conductor or bus driver

Throughout the rest of the year,top up with myki Money if you travel

occasionally,ormyki Pass if you travel often. Your cardisn’tlocked to myki Money or myki Pass –choose each time you top up.

Find out moreattransport.vic.gov.au or call 1800 800 007.

Mobile myki is also available for Victorian seniors with Android phones. For moreinformation visit Public TransportVictoria’smobile myki web page: transport.vic.gov

au/tickets-and-myki/myki/myki-types/ mobile-myki.

•Werecommend travelling during off-peak hours. You’ll be morelikely to find aseat.

•You need to reserve aseat on long distance V/Line trains and some coaches. To book aseatonV/Line services requiring reservations, visit your nearest station or agent or call 1800 800 007 from 10:00 amon Tuesday 2September 2025.

•Seats can fill quickly so book early! You’ll need to collect your tickets within 48 hours.

•Tomake agroup booking for up to 19 travelling on aV/Line train service, or 12+ travelling on aV/Line coach service, visit your nearest station or agent.

•For larger group bookings, please submit agroup booking request from 10:00 am on Tuesday 2September at: www.vline.com.au/grouptravel

•Ifyou book and can’ttravel, please let TransportVictoria know prior as your seats can be reallocated to other customers wanting totravel.

Mobility AndMore Moe

eniors Fest ival 2025

Special Saturday openings forOctober

EncoreRetirement Living Trafalgar is entering its FINAL STAGESand there’snever been abetter time to visit!

Here’saspecial invitation:

Forthe entiremonth of OCTOBER, our Trafalgar Village will be OPEN EVERYSATURDAY from 10 AM to 4 PM! This is in addition to our Monday to Friday opening hours. This is a perfect opportunity to visit at your convenience, exploreour community, and discover what EncoreRetirement Living is all about.

We’ve reached afabulous milestone: our beloved Community Centrehas officially been open for one whole year! From Morning Teas, Milestone Birthdays, Morning Melodies to Yoga, Tai-Chi &Happy Hour,it’sbecome a vibrant hub of laughter,connection, and creativity.Welook forwardto many morememorable moments ahead.

The Community Centre features:

•Indoor,heated, salt-chlorinated pool used daily

•Well-stocked librarywith books generously donated by residents

•Multi-purpose/craft room, kitchen, dining and lounge areas for all kinds of activities

•Brand-new HUR gym equipment tailored for seniors, offering personalised programs to supporthealth and wellbeing

Outside, residents enjoy acovered billiardand BBQ area, plus beautifully landscaped surrounds that invite relaxation and socialising.

Trafalgar Village is home to 83 likeminded residents who embrace life with joy and purpose.

Exploreour thoughtfully designed villas, each offering:

•Double garages for secureparking and extra storage

•Spacious, modernkitchens perfect for entertaining

•Open-plan living areas that flow seamlessly

•Lumin Screen with 24-hour emergency call system direct toMePACS

•Private alfresco spaces for outdoor comfort

Take astroll through our gardens, connect with welcoming neighbours, and enjoy the freedom of low-maintenance living in asupportive community

Secureanew villa in Stage 5and receive aBONUS Pergola valued at $10,950—the perfect addition for outdoor entertaining and relaxation. This limited-time offer addseven more value to your new home.

Construction has also begun on our next village at Paynesville. Curious about what’scoming? Trafalgar Village showcases two villa designs that will be replicated atPaynesville -giving you afirsthand look atthe lifestyle on offer.We’d love to welcome you for a cuppa, afriendly chat, and aguided Village Tour

For moreinformation about Trafalgar Village or theupcoming Paynesville development, contact Rosa, Village &Sales Manager forTrafalgar &Paynesville at EncoreRetirement Living on 1800 362 673 (1800 ENCORE) or visit encoreliving.com.au

TheGuide

AIR FRYER DIET:LOSE WEIGHT,COOK FAST

SBS Food, Friday, 8.30pm

According to a2024 survey,two in threeAustralians haveanair fryerin their household. Feted forspeeding up cooking times, clean up and using less oiltoget crispier results, the ubiquitous convection ovens area modern marvel. But odds are, notall of us aregetting the mostout of our favourite appliance when we chuck in a packoffrozenfriesorchicken nuggets. In this two-part UK special, presenter CherryHealey (pictured) teams up with chef Dean Edwards and nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche to find cheaper,quicker and healthier versions of everyone’s favourite meals that will also workwonders foryour waistline.

HEALTHY,WEALTHY &WISE

Seven Saturday 7pm

PICK

K OF THE WEE K

I, JACK ABC TV

K WRIGHT V,Sunday, 9.10pm

MURDER IN A SMALL TOWN

Seven, Tuesday, 9pm

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September 24 ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

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Exactlywhatit says on the tin, this Canadian seriesisset in a seemingly idyllic seaside townthat has morethan its fair shareof murder mysteries to solve.Yes,it’sfamiliar territory, but y sense thatthisversion is slig aware. DetectiveKarl Alb by Rossif Sutherland,so actinggreat Donald) m Gibsons, British Colum quiet life, but that’sfurt than ever.Seasontwo s sleuth with an increased and new complications relationship with Cassan Kreuk, pic Suthe she ru counc also tr the h in the

(7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(PG,R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 MediaWatch. (PG, R) 1.55 RestorationAustralia. (PG, R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame (PG, R)

Grand Designs. (R)

Long Lost Family (PG,R)

Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News 8.00 DD India NewsHour 9.00 Great LighthousesOfIreland. (PGa, R) 10.00 North SeaWonders: ACoastal Journey (PG) 11.00 Overbooked. (PGa) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies (PG) 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 1.00 SkiRescueDownUnder (PGal,R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30 [VIC] TippingPoint Australia. (PG) 5.00

Hard Quiz.(PG,R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30 8.00 Hard Quiz (PGs) 8.30 Mother And Son. (Return, PGdl) Maggie falls for an activities director on aholiday 9.00 TheAssembly: Richard Roxburgh. (PG, R)

9.45 WouldI Lie To You? (PG,R) 10.15 ABC Late News. 10.30 The Business (R) 10.45 PlanetAmerica. (R) 11.20 YouCan’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 11.50 Grand Designs. (R) 12.35 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 BenAnd Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Wallace And Gromit: AMatterOfLoaf And Death. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 ThePeople Vs Robodebt. (Premiere, Mal) 8.30 SecretsOfFlying Scotsman. (Premiere) Looksat TheFlying Scotsman

9.30 Code Of Silence. (Mlv) Alison’s role grows treacherous. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 COBRA. (Mal) 11.40 FreezingEmbrace.(Malv,R) 1.25 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Maw, R) 3.35 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.05 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English NewsMorning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 HomeAnd Away (PGa) Eden is met with adrunken confession.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules (PGal) Hosted by ColinFassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.15 Off TheGridWithColin And Manu. (Premiere, Ml) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel embark on aNew Zealand road trip

10.15 House Of Wellness. (Return, PG) Expertsshare advice on living well.

11.15 Chicago Fire. (Ma) 12.15 Imposters. (Madlsv, R) 1.15 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 TheBlock (PGl) Some favourite all-stars return.

8.40 Clarkson’s Farm:Parking. (Ml) Jeremy Clarkson brings in the Chairman of the British Deer Society to helpwith the deer managementissuesonthe farm.

9.50 Players. (Ml) Alook at all the AFL news.

10.50 9News Late 11.20 La Brea (Mav, R) 1.00 Let’sEat With George. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 Home Shopping 4.00 Believer’sVoice

Lunana: AYak In The Classroom. (2019,PGa, Dzongkha, English) 6.50

7.25 Malcolm. (1986,PGlsv) 9.00 Sissi: TheFateful Years. (1957,PG, German) 11.05 The Man

Wasn’t There. (2001, MA15+) 1.10pm India Sweets AndSpices. (2021, Mls) 3.00 The Emperor’sClub. (2002, PGlns) 5.00 Oink. (2022, PGav,Dutch) 6.25 The Company.(2003, PGals) 8.30 Intolerable Cruelty. (2003) 10.25 Finding Your Feet.(2017,Ml) 12.25am Chino.(1973,Manv) 2.15 The Hudsucker Proxy.(1994,PG) 4.15 Oink. (2022, PGav,Dutch) 5.35 TheMovie Show

Gay who ma an ca

Mayo Holm

Thursday, September 25

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.30 Back Roads. (R) 11.10 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 11.40 If YoureListening. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow (R) 6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Overbooked. (PGas) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The People Vs Robodebt. (Mal, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads: Tambo, Queensland. (PG) Guest presenter TomForrest heads to Tambo.

8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. Acouple embark on arenovation.

9.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Jayshopes of anew beginning areshattered.

10.10 ABC Late News.

10.25 The Business. (R)

10.40 Grand Designs. (R)

11.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 12.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.45 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by MarcFennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 9/11: One Day In America: The Cloud. (M) Survivors become separated. 9.35 Snowpiercer (MA15+v) The rebel forces areonthe ropes when adangerous foe defects to their side.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R) Activists take action against Purdue.

12.05 Blue Lights. (Mal, R)

2.20 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Mav,R)

4.40 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Addicted Australia. 1.40 Kim Yo Jong: The Red Princess. 2.40 Bamay 3.00 Insight. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Laceyand Theo areatodds.

8.30 The Front Bar (Ml) In the lead-up to the 2025 AFL Grand Final, Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher sharealaugh about theworld of AFL and catch up with stars of yesteryear and today (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan.

10.45 Kick Ons. Apreview of the upcoming AFL matches.

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

12.15 Life. (Malsv,R)

1.15 Travel Oz. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today Noon My Kitchen Rules. 2.00

6am Morning Programs. 2pm This Is Indian Country 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Yarning CultureThrough Film. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 The Big Dry 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. (Premiere) 9.30 MOVIE: Australian Rules. (2002, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.15 The Good Lie. (2014, Madv) 12.15pm Unruly.(2022, Masv,Danish, Swedish) 2.40 (1970, PGa, Italian, Russian) 4.40 Sissi: The Fateful Years. (1957, PG, German) 6.45 Clockwatchers. (1997, PGl) 8.30 The Big Lebowski. (1998, MA15+) 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Footy Show Grand Final: My Room Telethon. (PG) The show joins forces with My Room ChildrensCancer Charity on the eve of the Grand Final.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) Chicago PD steps up Sharonssecurity.

12.00

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG,

HardQuiz. (PGs, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) Maggie falls for an activities director on aholiday

10.35 The Assembly: Richard Roxburgh. (PG, R)

11.20 Silent Witness. (Mal, R)

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

6.30 SBS World News.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Italy (PGal, R)

8.25 Living Black. (R) Celebrates the 50th anniversary of SBS.

9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Secrets Of The Megatombs. (PG) Looks at tombs of alittle-known chapter of Egyptian history

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Catch Me AKiller (Malv)

11.50 Pray For Blood. (MA15+av,R)

1.30 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Mav, R) 3.45 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R)

4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.30 MOVIE: Jerry Maguire. (1996, Mls, R) Asportsagent has amoral epiphany which costs resolves to rebuildhis career with theone athlete who stayed loyal to him and acolleague who believed in him. TomCruise, Cuba

11.30 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekendsbestracing.

12.00 The Front Bar (Ml, R) 2.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

valleysport

Sporting results from around the Latrobe Valley

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

THE trade-off for inclement weather and at times freezing temperatures at this year’s Gippsland League Grand Final was certainlyworthit(depending on who you support).

In return, pundits saw anumberofremarkable results, the likes of which probably wouldn’t have occurred on any other game other than Grand Final day.

But, there lies the beautiful uncertainty of football and netball -once you get to the big day, anything can happen.

Afew teams found this out the hard way, none more so than Traralgon’s fourths.

Having waltzed through the season, winning every gameand finishing with apercentageof870, the young Maroons were left stunned early in the day, going down by four points to Maffra.

The Eagles continued to show just how much qualitythey have coming through, winning the thirds the game after.

Wind and showers turned most matches into old fashioned scraps, and this was especially true in the reserves.

In abizarre scoreline, Leongatha kicked just 4.0 (24), and held on to win despite not adding to its score after the main break.

Similarlytothe fourths, Traralgon reserves also

Wetand wild grand final day

Viewfromuphere: An aerial shot of Morwell Recreation Reser ve during GrandFinal week. Photographs contributed

suffered ashock Grand Final loss having dominated the home-and-away roster.

Things only got worse for the Maroons when the senior game rolled around, resulting in aquite unexpected near-100-point thrashing.

It was the third highest winning margin for a Grand Final in league history.

The Maroons had better luck over on the netball courts, winning the 15 and Under.

Traralgon senior player, Dylan Loprese was spotted courtside supporting the team, encapsulating the whole-club spirit synonymous with Grand Final day.

Former Essendon championDyson Heppell, who

latertook out best-on-ground honoursinthe senior Grand Final, was also spotted talking to Foster’s Willem Duursma, the expected Number1draft pick this year.

Other AFL luminaries such as Gold Coast Sun and former Moe player, Bailey Humphrey and Inverloch’s and Fremantle midfielder,Caleb Serong were also among the crowd at Morwell.

The Lions entered the record books as the first team to win three AGrade netball premierships in succession.

Wonthaggi waswell-represented on the court, with alarge contingent coming to support its B and Cgrades, the latter of which won.

The Power’s BGrade was essentially its AGrade from afew yearsago, yet they had to contend withrunning secondtoSouth Gippslandrival Leongatha.

Keeping premierships in the family, Leongatha ruckman Chris Rump, fresh off winning aflag with the reserves, jumped the netball fence to join his wife Kasie in her celebration -still in his full footy gear, boots and all.

Grand Finalday wasa day for families. Some wholesome content saw gun Parrots defender Cade Maskell embrace his kids during the senior warm-up, showingfull well that whilethere was a game to be won, family always comes first.

Similar sentiments were seen when Warragul’s Renee Nobelius departed thepresentation area, kids clinging to her legs after being awarded best-on-court after the AGrade Grand Final loss.

Mum was still awinner in their eyes.

The host club, Morwell was represented on the day, as was Sale and Bairnsdale, meaning an astonishing nine of 10 member clubs had ateam on the league’s biggest day of the year.

The Redlegs took the 17 and Under cup back to East Gippsland, whilethe Magpies fellshortin the other two junior netball grades.

The Tigers lost the CGrade decider after dominating the home-and-away season, yet if you were to go through each and every Grand Final from any given year, you would likely findanexamplewhere the same thing has happened.

Granted the weather kept people away, ahealthy enough crowd still packed the grandstands.

Some patrons ignored the ‘no overnight parking’ rule, while cars were lined up Travers Streetas early as 6am Saturday morning.

One especially keen pundit was first in line at 4.30am.

The Express paid avisit to the ground last Friday night,and witnessed at least two carstrying to get in even though the main gate was barricaded.

In many ways however, the Grand Final was a case of ‘same old teams winning’.

Leongathamadeitthree out of the lastfour, and five out of the last seven in senior football, while Moe continued its AGrade dominance.

While not discrediting the effort of those teams, Gippsland League officials will be hoping it is not acase of ‘the strong getting stronger’.

Mightyroar heardyet again

NETBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

Five per cent pleasure, 50 per cent pain, Ahundred per cent reason to remember the name. Fort Minor

ONE team now stands aloneasofficially the greatest in Gippsland League netball history.

While debate will surely rage on, the fact of the matter remains:onlyone teamhas ever won three consecutive AGrade premierships.

Thatteam is Moe,after the Lions defeated Warragul63to59inthe Grand Final at the weekend.

Just two words from first-year Moe playing-coach Alex Moody as she accepted the premiership cup was all that was needed to perfectly encapsulate the feelings of all wearing the maroon and blue: “Hat-trick baby!”

Two words, and yet for two quarters at least on the Morwell Recreation Reserve court, the Lions

had to fend off adetermined Gulls outfit that simply refused to lie down.

Warragul might as well have spent the entire first quarter doing exactly that however, after the Lions put in abreath-taking display to lead 20-8 at quarter time.

The Gulls, seeking redemption from last year’s narrow two-goal loss, certainly had sentimentality on their side, and cameinto the Grand Final fresh after aweek off having handed the Lions their only loss for the season in the second semi-final.

The loss may well have jolted Moe into sharpening up, and if the first quarter was any indication, the Lions were absolutely primed both tactically and physically.

Put simply,everything Moetouched turned to gold in the first quarter.

Conversely, not much went right for Warragul.

Nerveswereclearly evident right from theoutset, with Gulls giant Emma Ryde needing to shoot three times following consecutiverebounds justtoget her side’s first major on the board.

The Lions reportedly planned to counter Ryde

(who shot more than 1000 goals for the season) by bodying-on and playing in front, and early wins came to the minor premier in more waysthan one.

Warragulsubbed captain AlexCole outofcentre midway through the first quarter, sending veteran Renee Nobelius in to presumably provide some composure under increasing scoreboard pressure.

Moe’s biggest win however may well have come in defence -atleast judging by the reaction from the bench after Ramayer Keilty and Jordan Pyle worked in tandem to win the ball out of Ryde’s reach.

At thatmoment, the Lions coaching stafferupted in the knowledge they had agame plan that was working.

Up the other end, goal attack Georgia Moody was sinking goals from some distance, with her unique but highly effective stop-prop routine paying dividends.

ThejuniorMoody was involved in agood display of sportsmanship following acollision with Cole midcourt. Both players were quick to check in on each other before resuming play.

Moe got out to a13-6lead before the game had any chance of settling down, and the Lions then blew it out to 7-16 in ascoreline even they themselves perhaps didn’t see coming.

The ball lived in Moe’s end for agood solid five minutes, which felt like an eternity giventhe context of the match, while an uncharacteristic dropped pass from Ryde justbefore the quarter time siren perhaps summed up Warragul’s woes. Come quarter time, it was high 10s all round in the Moe camp, and for the Gulls, the chance to get adesperate reset and set about aresponse.

The second quarter didn’t start much better for Warragul,with some players visibly frustrated with how things were panning out.

Moe however kept playing, taking the score to 27-13 before things took adramaticturn.

The Gulls were abletostemthe bleeding, and then get arun on, trimming the margin under double digits.

Their comeback was personified by Lily Sheehan, who literallyput her body on the line trying to fetch aloose ball, tumbling into the crowd in the process.

United: Moeplayers at the post-match presentation. Pictured lefttoright is Olivia Barnett, Jordan Pyle,Charlize Bird, Georgia Moody,AlexMoody,RamayerKeilty, Hollie Bugeja, Ash Mawerand Macy Gardiner Poise: OliviaBarnettpasses to AlexMoody during theGrand Final.

Part 2: Then came anarrowtwo-goal win last season.

Part 1: TheExpress front page detailing the firstofMoe’s hat-trickin2023. ng

Every playerwearing aGulls dressseemedtolift from that moment, and before too long, Warragul had momentum and adeficit of seven goals.

Momentum for the Gulls and muddled defence for the Lions,asplayers started getting in each other’s way amid some more bizarre happenings.

Moe vice captain, Macy Gardiner somehow ended with the ball on her back during one passage of play, while the game had to be stopped to clear an errant Great Northern can that had made its way onto the arena.

TheGullsshot 19 goals to 14 in the secondterm, well and truly achieving the response they desired Contrasting body languagewas seenatthe main break. Where the Lions had been‘up andabout’ just aquarter before, now Warragulwas the team seemingly with its tail up withthe scoreboard reading 34-27 Moe's way.

Moeperhaps buckled alittle as the third term started and irritatingshowershit. An early rebound and another costly turnover forced Keilty to play a settlingrole in the defensive third, trying to arrest some calm and stability.

By now, the Gulls had well and truly arrived at the contest, nabbing three consecutive intercepts midcourt, reducing the margin to six following some big moments,particularlyfrom Sheehan,who just about turned the game.

Warragul sensed they were areal chance when they got within four goals.

Both Nobelius and Cole were very animated when that goal was scored -the former holding both arms aloft, andthe latter clapping wildly from the interchange.

Moe arrested the situation with some steadying goals through Ash Mawer, but Warragul simply kept coming, making it atwo-goal game in what seemed only amatter of minutes.

All was set for afinish befitting of agrand final, with just one quarter of netball left to determine the champion team of 2025.

“We couldn’t, couldwe? Hell of astory,”one Warragul supporter quipped.

The story could well have been abestseller, yet acrucial miss early in the last from Ryde gave the Lions ahuge let off.

Ryde cursed herself as the ball went away from goal, and most Gullssupporters within earshot audibly expressed that might have been Warragul’s big chance.

The Lions scored first to calm some nerves, and steadied when the game required, getting the score out to 56-49.

Some bewildermentmeanwhile was seen over at the Warragulbench,with captain Cole stilloff the court when her teamneededher most.

Moe was not prepared to rest on any laurels, exemplified by Keilty colliding solidly with the post in adefensive effort.

The Gulls got the margin back down to four, although time became afactor, and there was an undeniablefeelingthe Lions wouldbeabletohold on Lions vice president Ash Johnson frantically had one eye on the clock as the last term played out, and would have breathed ahugesighofrelief when Keilty took an airborne intercept coming from some distance.

That wasarguably the moment the premiership was won, however, there was at least one more twist in the tale -anincredibly bizarreone at that.

Amid the understandable chaos of aGrand Final, Moe defender Olivia Barnett mistakenly thought Ryde was an open teammate.

Ryde, who was only free because she was busy lamenting aprevious decision, acceptedthe easiest of goals to again make it afour-goal game.

The error hadlittleconsequence(and proved even VNL players can make mistakes) as the siren sounded shortly after, etching Moe’s name into league history books.

The finalscore was63to59, and Moe officiallythe

first team to ever win three consecutive AGrade premierships.

Somewhat subdued celebrations followedthe siren, aperhaps natural reaction for aprofessional team like Moe now accustomed to success.

Most fittingly, the sun shined brightest as soon as thegame ended, fully illuminating the Lions as thestandout team of the competition.

Warragul coach, Kim Weller credited Moe on its victory, saying the Lions’ first quarter was simply outstanding.

In ashowofjust how good agameshe played, Nobelius achieved the rare feat of being named best-on-court in alosing Grand Final.

Clearly not chasing individual accolades,the 34-year-oldtook the medal off as soon as she exited the presentation area.

Winning coach Moody graciously acknowledged Warragul in her speech.

“You really made us earn it. You are avery hard team to stop and you’ve been the strongest opposition we’vehad for the last two years,” she said.

Turning to her team, Moody was beaming with pride as she addressed them.

“I absolutely love this club, the support that we’ve had this year has been unmatched,” she said.

“Thisisn’t just AGrade’s flag, we’ve had CGrade girls and BGrade girls fill in for us this year, so this is as much theirs as it is ours.

“I love playing with this group as much as Ilove coaching it. Really, really proud of all you girls, you showed up and did everything that we spoke about.”

Alex joined her youngersister Georgia in another premiership, along with dad Peter, who coached theclub’s first AGrade flag in 2018, and was sidesaddle as an assistant this season.

Georgia has nowplayed in an incrediblefourMoe premierships (2018, 2023-25), as has Charlize Bird.

Both have also played more than 100 games for the Lions -and are still yet to turn 25.

The entireteam has been there for the last three,

with the exception of Mawer, who came in from the Tasmanian state league thankstoconnections through Barnett and Alex Moody in VNL circles. Those behind the scenes have also been crucial to the Moe machine of 2025.

Netball director and specialist coach, Belinda Parise addedanotherflag to themany shehas had her fingerprints on, while team manager, JessHutchinson stayed involved this seasonafter needing to sit outdue to pregnancy.

Her dad, Ken umpired the fourths football earlier in the day, witnessing one of the great upsets as Maffra rolled an undefeated Traralgon.

He witnessed that, and Jess witnessed the completion of anetball dynasty.

With another premiership to take space on the wall at Ted Summerton Reserve (which will be the ‘new’ Ted Summerton by the time the Lions are backfor next season following the Commonwealth Gamesupgrade),the subsequent pathwaysofMoe and Warragul offers an intriguing forecast.

The Gulls were clearly desperate to win this year’sflag, and while there is no denying Warragul possesses agun shooter and gun midcourters, time could now be their greatest enemy.

Nobelius, JaimeRollinson and Jade Finn areall well into their30s, while Naomi Allardyce is 31 and Ryde turns 30 next year.

The Lions meanwhile are arguably in their prime or justabout -ascary proposition for any team that has just gone back-to-back-to-back.

Barnett,Bird, Gardiner,Georgia Moody and Hollie Bugeja are all still yet to turn 25 -the age generally considered the start of anetballers peak years.

AlexMoody and Jordan Pyle meanwhile are in that bracket, while the experience, height and sheer athleticism of Keilty (30) and Mawer (29) means they likely have afew more years left in them.

On that basis, Ted Summerton Reserve might need an Olympic Games-standard upgrade.

Premiership family: AlexMoody andGeorgiaMoodywithdad and assistant coach, Peter.

Appropriate: Moe players belt out the cultclassic ‘Heybaby’ by DJ Otzi followingtheir premiership win.

Athirst well earnt: Moe playing-coach,AlexMoodydoes

honours

Cue celebrations: Moeplayers embrace on thefinal whistle Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Parrots againflaptheir golden wings

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THEY are pretty, pretty good those Gatha boys.

In their most convincingly grand final performance yet, Leongathablewpastreigning premier Traralgon by 95 points, returning to the podium for the fifth time in their last seventries. Even the most critical viewers of the Gippsland League couldn’t have predicted quitethe thumping of this magnitude.

Just two weeks prior, the last two premiers met in the second semi final at the same ground the grand finalwouldbeplayed at, Morwell Recreation Reserve, and the Parrots had to buckle down intensely in the second half to qualify for their ninth consecutive decider.

Even if the margin wasn’tanything as closeto what wasseenatthe weekend,bythe time the fourthquarter arrivedinthat game,Leongatha perhapshad realised what was required to see them secure their redemptive flag.

Upset by ayoung, fast-paced Maroons side 12 months ago, the Parrots would have accepted either of Traralgon or Moe as opponents via the preliminaryfinal,but buried underneath, they surely were hopeful of achancetoenact revenge on the side who denied them the chance of athird consecutive premiership -something that hadn’t beendone in two decadesinthe Gippsland League. Entering the big day, it wouldbehard-pressedto pick adefinitive winner, given that each side had splittheir previous four matchups going back to the2024Grand Final.

To add to last year’s decider, the two clubs also did battle adecade earlier in the 2015 Grand Final, whichalthough began Leongatha’s streak, saw Traralgon come out on top by five goals. Everything would be determined by thestart that either great outfits got out to.

Arriving for the first bounce, the surprise had now been stripped of Leongatha in regards to who they featured in the midfield.

Captain Tom Marriott entered the grand final having played just one senior game in the past three months (the Parrots’ previous finals win over Traralgon) after undertakingsuspected seasonending ankle surgery.

Leongatha coach Trent McMicking and the rest of the Parrots powerbrokers understood aclear timeline for his return, playing five games in the reserves before being selected for the seniorsin the semi final.

The other Parrots midfielder on notice for the Maroons was former Essendon captain Dyson Heppell.

Heppell was in the spotlight most of the season as apotential feature player for Leongatha, having only retired from the AFL last year and was now undertaking aplaying coach role at VFL club Port Melbourne.

After lengthy deliberationbetween relevant clubs, the Gippsland League and AFL Victoria, Heppell eventually qualified for finals with his home club after four home-and-away matches played.

Once the ballwas slammeddown to begin the day’s proceedings, the Parrots quickly locked the ball inside their forward 50.

Afteranice entry from Sam Forrester,Aaron

Heppell (brother of Dyson) flew for asweet mark over Traralgon’s Jackson McMahon.

Quickly goingback and booting his and the side’s first of the game, Leongatha had six points on the board just two minutes in.

It could already be sensed how the Parrots wanted to see out awin and negate Traralgon’s proficiency, much to what they did in the second half of their last matchup, by limiting their ability to move the football by pressuring in tight and getting great numbers to the contest throughout.

After Traralgon defender Joel Scholtes gained the ball from akickout on the full, he looked to give the Maroons their first chance of an attack, switching through the defensive 50 to captain Tye Hourigan.

In an uncharacteristic turn, Hourigan misjudged the wind when looking to connect across goal with Mitch Membrey, as the ball continued to carry centre of the ground and was almost intercepted by Leongatha full forward Patrick Ireland.

Then rushing over to help recover his misplay, Hourigan collected the ball again in the opposite pocket, but was tackled mid-exiting kick and sent the ball out on the full.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

While agoal wasn’t conceded directly after, what was seen by Traralgon’s captain and arguably the league’sbest player was an early sign that perhaps it wasn’t to be for the Maroons.

Even as the Traralgonbacklinestood up against aheavy push by Leongatha,every timetheycame out, the ball was routinelysent straight back in due to the set up behind play by the Parrots.

Jenson Garnham then took Leongatha’s second contested mark inside forward50, stuck in between two opponents, going backand sending through the second major.

Thenext centre bounce led to Traralgon’s first inside 50 entry of the day, 10 minutes in, which was instantly worked out by the Parrots defenders and saw the ball quickly back in their attacking end.

Forrester sent another ball insideLeongatha’s forward line, with Ireland going back with the flight to be rewarded with the mark.

Edging on the boundary, close to 40 metres out, Ireland timed his boot perfectly through the wind for the Parrots’ third.

While Houri gan’s earli er blip disp layed Traralgon’smisgivings for the game thus far,

Ireland’s close to impossible goal showcasedall that was going right for Leongatha.

The Maroons gained acentre clearance through Hayden Willaton, which eventually saw Harvey Neocleous taking Traralgon’s first shot on goal from the 50-metre arch, swinging far left and kept in play.

They eventually got aset shotthrough afree kick to Mitch Mustoe, which also went awry but gave the Maroons their first minor score.

Despite finally finding some opportun ity, Leongatha continuedtopoundthe ball through their attacking end, and found Garnham’s second and the Parrots fourth straight.

Pressuremountedfurther for Traralgon, as Nick Argentoand Kim Drew slotted each as well to give Leongatha asix goals to nothing lead in time for the first break.

With their backs againstthe wall,Maroonscoach TroyHamilton told his grouptoremaindisciplined, as afew free kicks were concededlateinthe opening term and some player being caught out of position. Traralgon defenders were stuck in one thought, that being to get the ball out of danger, routinely

Gusto: Leongatha seniorsand reser

Photograph: Gippsland League

Powerhouse: Leongatha claimed their fifthflag over the lastseven completed seasons in theGippsland League

kicking downthe line, and Hamilton implored them to “move laterally” to find options of attack.

Willaton sent the ball into Traralgon’s forward 50 to begin the secondquarter, but due to the high numbers pressing up, no players werecloser home as the ball dribbled through for theirsecondpoint.

DysonHeppell gainedthe ball out of aboundary throw in on the far wing, connecting with brother Aaron who marked the ball on his second try over Scholtes.

Soon after, Garnham out-bodied Membrey easily and added his third goal in the early stages of the second quarter.

Hourigan, who had now been inserted into the midfield by Hamilton to begin the second term, found the ball out wide on Traralgon’s 50-metre arch, butashemadehis step towards goal, had his jumper grabbed by Tom Sauvarin and span

Hourigan around until he was pinned holding the ball. By the time Jack Hume addedhis first witha snapinthe goal square, the scoreline read 52 to 2, and with the dominance of the Parrots shooting the excitement out of the crowd as the margin already appeared too far to make up for, the Maroons also looked shot for energy.

Dylan Loprese took amarkfrom 15 metres out and sent through Traralgon’s first at the 14-minute mark of the second quarter, as they reset to slowly chip into theirdeficit.

The Maroons almost made it two in arow as Sam Hallyburton kept the play aliveinthe goal square and followed up just before the ball dribbled through for apoint, rising to hit the ball off the bounce for amiraculous highlight that could have sparked Traralgon. It however, hit the post.

Garnham slotted another easy goal after a

downfieldfreekickand Aaron Heppellsnapped one through the middle of acontest just before halftime to see the margin at 57 points.

As the cool wind preserved, and especially given the blowout result almost sewing up the premiershipwith ahalf to go, it could be sensed thepacked-outcrowd hadsoonsimmered bar the Leongathafaithful

Due to what was on display with an enticing contestover at the AGrade netball, spectators were much more transfixed by what was going on there rather than what was on the football field.

Eight minutespastwithout anything of note before Traralgon youngster Blair Roscoe had the chance to bootthe firstgoalofthe second half however, missed.

As the ball exited from the kick out and as Leongatha made theirway up the bench wing, Dyson Heppell rose for one of the most gracious hangers you’ll ever see from a33-year-old, over the top of teammate Ireland.

Soon after, as the ball was locked in the Parrots forward 50 and that same Heppell read the ball beautifully out of the throw in, tapping the ball onwardsand dribbling through hissolegoalfor the day.

Teammates mauled him, and boxes were continuing to be ticked of aperfect day for Leongatha supporters.

The younger Heppell then bashed through two Traralgon defenders, dropping themboth in his path on the Parrots’ next attempt, chipping the ball in front to give Xavier Lamers the easiest of goals.

As if it wasn’t already without adoubt, close to stoppage time in the third quarter, a71-point differencemeant it was nothing but party time the rest of the way for Leongatha.

Hourigan took anice pack mark virtually on the goal line to give Traralgon their second major of the day at the 21-minute mark,and Loprese added his second just before the three quarter time siren to subdue what Leongatha inflicted earlier on in the term.

Despite this, the Parrots finished the match in strong form with seven goals to one, affirming an almighty victory to cap off grandfinal day.

As the siren sounded, the Heppell’s could be seen in afit of jubilation, as Aaron jumped intoDyson’s arms, lifting his little brother above.

An emotional coach McMicking acknowledged in an immediate post-game radio interview with TRFM that last year’s grand final loss reallyburnt him and the group, and that the performance put forth was “as powerful afooty as I’ve seen in the Gippsland League in my four years.”

McMicking adds athird premiership to his cap in those four seasons as coach.

In his first season returning to his home club, DysonHeppell cleaned house by being awarded both the Stan Aitken Medaland AFL best-onground medal, stamping his phenomenal impact.

Aplayer hadn’t won the duel grand final best-onground medals since Ash Close did so for Morwell back in 2014.

Heppell expressed post-game his delight in capturing glory and playing alongside his brother for the first time ever.

“I had an absolute ball today, I’ve had alot of fun comingbackand playingwiththe boys,” he told TRFM radio.

“I’ve got alot of love for this club, grew up playing all my junior footy and to roll outtherewithsome of

the boys that Iplayed in under-12, under-13 flags with, especially my little brother Azza (Aaron), I’ve never played with him before, so Ijust had an absolute ball.”

Marriottand McMicking then arrived to the dias to be presented the premiership cup, and from there on out, it would have beenindescribable joy for the green and gold army the rest of the weekend. In atrue whole club celebration, Leongatha claimed trophies in seniors, reserves, BGrade and 13 and Under netball during the course of the day. Garnham made it aseven-goal haul in his second premiership with the Parrots,while star recruit Ireland added four to finish with 61 goals in his first year in the major league after arriving from Buln Buln.

Jack Hume, Aaron Heppell (three goals), and Sauvarin were others of key note for Leongatha. Willaton, Roscoe, Hourigan, Luis D’Angelo, Conor Little, and Connor Ambler were the best for Traralgon.

While the Maroons are still well in the premiership window foryears to come,still gifted withaplethora of young talent, they will be seeking someone new to guide the aspiring group with Hamilton exiting after two seasons and apremiership to his name.

Four in arow for Leongatha’slunchtimers

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ONLOOKERS, and more specifically Traralgon supporters, were given abit of awarning to what was to come in the following game after what took place in the reserves decider.

Leongatha upset the Maroons by three points on route to their fourth consecutive reserves flag. Despitebeing separated by just one win come the end of the home-and-away season, Traralgon still entered the day as favourites after claiming the minor premiership with just one loss throughout the course of the year.

Ironically, thatone blemishcame all the way back in Round 1atthe hands of the Parrots, and following on from that, the Maroons were undeniable from there on out.

After the morning rain cleared, all that was left to even the playing field was acombative, gusty wind, making it difficult for players to create any dynamic passages.

Close to 10 minutes went by before amajor score was seen,coming from Leongathaplaying coach Jack Cochrane, sendingthrough the openinggoal short from home.

In the late stages of the first quarter, the Parrots would have another shot at extending their early lead through Flynn Materia.

Materiagainedafree kickfrom 15 metresout directly in front of goal. Finishing his run-up, he had the ball smothered from the Traralgon player manning the mark.

However, the umpire ruled an infringement, meaning a50-metre penalty and created atwo goals to nothing lead by the first break.

As play returned, Leongatha kept focussed and

Got the quaddie: Leongathaclaimed their fourth consecutivereservespremiership,defeating Traralgonbythree points

added theirthirdmajor within the opening minute of the second term through Christopher Rump. Rarely seen in this position (if at all) throughout the year, Traralgon had to be asking themselves in this moment what was going wrong?

While the game was scratchy,asany twos grand final would be, plenty of hard-hitting tackles and bumps were on display, which added to the intensity on the contest.

After aback-and-forth few minutes Tadgh Gannon made the lead four goals to none, before therestofthe first half played out with little score to be seen

Returning from the main break, the Maroons knew that there was no other option but to force themselves back into it.

Traralgon got on theend of their first score froma50-metre penalty,which also resulted in

Leongatha’s JacobWarne beingsent off with a yellow card.

Not longafter that, with the margin now just two goals, Materia was then also sent off with a yellow card for Leongatha, resulting in Traralgon now with atwo-player advantage on the field for the rest of the quarter.

Momentum seemed to be going the way of the Maroons, as they returned from the three quarter timehuddletoboot the opening goal of the final term through Kade Marsh.

For the next 18 minutes, nothing could break the deadlock for either side, and the Parrots held on through sheer will having not kicked agoal after halftime and still securing the premiership.

Despite how dominant they’ve been in both openage football grades over the last number of years, Cochrane notedhow his reserves side was written off to beginthe year havingseen many players move on to other clubs for senior opportunities.

One such player was Materia, who departed for Mid Gippsland club Fostertobegin the season,and after being dropped after six games, returned to Leongatha in pursuit of another premiership and added 41 goals through 16 games in the green and gold.

You can’tblame him, given what eventuated in comingback,but ironically theTigers upset back-to-back Mid Gippy premier Fish Creek for the senior flag just two weeks ago.

Regardless of what was expected, the Parrots achieved history as oneofonly afew teams to mount four premiershipsinarow across Gippsland football.

Traralgon’s Riley Adams was awarded the beston-ground medal.

Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Familyaffair: Leongatha boys Aaron and Dyson Heppell took out theirfirst premiership together Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt unless otherwise stated

Twopeas: Dyson Heppelland TomMarriott embrace followingtheir premiership win.

Power lights its way to CGrade flag

NETBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MORWELL suffered the unfortunate fate that besets many on Grand Final day.

The Tigers finished the CGrade season well clear on top of the ladder, and took the shortest pathinto the Grand Final, yet lost on the big stage.

Morwell was undone by adeterminedWonthaggi outfit 40 to 32,denying the Tigers what would have been afairy tale premiership on their home court.

Astrong second termfromthe Power, where they shot 10 goals to five,essentially broke the contest open.

With alead of six at the main break, Morwell was unable to ever bridge the gap.

The Tigersgot it back to aseven-goal margin during the final term, yet never truly looked like reeling in the deficit.

Despite the margin, the Power had beaten Morwell duringthe season, so the result was by no meansanabsolute upset.

Wonthaggi supporters travelled well, with its B Grade side also in the decider straight after.

The Power’s BGraders were quick to congratulate their club mates before resuming their own warm-up.

Wonthaggi’s Brigette Tack was awarded beston-court after adominant display as goal shooter. Goals may well be away of life forthe Tack family, with Brigette the daughteroflegendary local football full forward Rod.

Tack won consecutive Gippsland League reserves goal kicking awards well into his twilight years in 2013 and ’14, amassing 59 and 63 majors respectively.

Maroons too good

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY ERIKA ALLEN

TRARALGON stormedhome to claimthe 15 and UnderGippsland League premiership, defeating Sale 41 to 27.

Rain burst over the court as players took their positions, and the opening quarter set the tone for afierce first-half contest. Scores stayed level until the final minutes when Sale edged ahead 9-7. Sale’s Alexa Doherty,workingquickbackand-forth passeswith Jessica Gerrand at the top of the circle, created space under the post, while Emme Johnson combined smartlytobreak away just before quarter time.

In the second term, the Maroons hit back. Ruby Bridger, who went on to claim best-on-court honours, netted seven of her 23 goals for the match as Traralgon overtook the Magpies. With the Maroons leading by only agoal, the third quarter opened with the game in the balance.Amily Smith set the tone by delivering a measuredlob to Bridger,who converted from the centre pass. Traralgon then forced aturnover from Sale’s centre pass, and Bridger’s accuracy extended the margin to four. Johnson broke arun of five unanswered goals with asteady conversion after apass from Doherty, who again fed from teammates around the top of the circle, including GeorgiaRawson. The Magpies closed the margin to two, but Traralgon’s relentless pressure pushed the lead to six at the final change.

The Maroons sealed the result in the last quarter with adecisive 12-4 run. Jayme Davis sparkedthe surge by turningoverthe ball inside Sale’s attacking circle before Smith threaded a direct pass to Bridger under the post.Wingattack Harper de Dios produced two crucial turnovers, one heavy contact temporarily sidelining Doherty for afew crucial minutes.

Sale eventuallybrokea drought when goal keeper Addison Aurisch found Arabella Fowler in space. Fowler linked with Rawson and Olivia Stothers, who launched ahugepass fromthe centre circle to Gerrand in the goal third, and Doherty finished the move.But Traralgon’s12-goal buffer proved unassailable,and the Maroonsclosedout the grand final with a14-goal triumph.

For Sale, Gerrand, Johnson, and Aurisch stood out, while Davis and Smith provided strong support to Bridger in Traralgon’s winning performance.

Fling: Morwell’sEdieVan Der Velden digsdeep during theCGrade Grand Final.

He is estimated to have kicked close to 2000 goals during his career, with abestof135 in aseason for thePowerin2006.

Libby Hutchinsonwas another connection of interest from the Wonthaggi CGrade team.Her brother Jack is the current West Coast player.

The team had avery knowledgeable coach in none other than Wonthaggi local and Australian men’s netballer, Zac Mabilia.

It is understood Mabilia will coach the Power’s AGrade team next season.

Powertowin: Wonthaggi took out theGippsland League CGrade premiership

Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Find: AmilySmithscansthe goal third for options Photographs: ErikaAllen

Eyes on the prize: Har per de Dios looks for the ballasthe Maroonsattackthrough the midcour t.

Blistering: Manysuppor ters andplayers braved cold conditions to begin grand final day.

Premiers and champions: Traralgon claimed the 15 and Underpremiership afteranundefeated season. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Eaglesend Maroons’hopes of unbeatenyear

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND

LEAGUE

BY DAVID BARITHWAITE

MAFFRA upset the previously undefeated Traralgon to claim the Gippsland League fourths premiership.

The Eagles showed skill and pace when it mattered most, winning Saturday morning’s grand final,byfour points,4.7 (31) to 4.3 (27), with midfielder Leo Stephenson voted by the umpires as best-on-ground.

Maffra has claimed its third fourths premiership in four seasons -avenging its loss to the Maroons in last year’s grand final.

The match began in rain, which soon eased. With the wet conditions and pressure of the occasion, it took nearly 10 minutes for the game’s first score, when Maffra captain Mac Pendergast’s kick was touched off the boot.

Two minuteslater, Lucas Nicholls booted the first goal for the Maroons with along kick. Traralgon was pressing, but the Eagles were holding strong.

When the siren went, Traralgon was leading by four points, but an off the ball incident saw the Maroons awarded afreekick. BrodyStevenson made the most of his chance,kicking agoal to give the favourites a10-pointadvantageatthe first break.

Early in the secondterm, Pendergastkicked the ball into the forward line, and it was gathered by Jimmy Little, who dodgedopponents to kick agoal for the Eagles.

The margin was back out to 11 points at the

10-minute mark, when, following aboundary throw-in, Kade Thorley kicked afine goal on the run for the Maroons.

As was the story for much of the match, both teams were not willing to give their opposition much room to move with the ball, with scoring at apremium

It took under the 18th minute for the next goal to be kicked. Jack Armstrong chased down akick into the Eagles’ forward line, and handballed to Taj Grumley to put Maffra back within six points.

WhileTraralgon hadmore of the ball, Maffra wasable to play on the counter attack, kicking two goals for the term to trail by five points at the main break.

With abreeze across the ground, as well as tight defences, there were few scoring chances during thethird quarter.

In fact, only one goal was kicked, in the 17th minute after adown-the-field free kick was paid following ahit on Eagle Isaac Brown after akick.

Little was the benefitiary of the decision, and kicked agoal to put the Eagles four points in front.

After kicking 1.3 to nothing for the term, the Eagles led by four points with aquarter to play -and could sense an upset.

Again,scoring was difficult to start the fourth quarter.

In one of thekey momentsofthe match, Stephensonpounced on aMaroon kick out of defence.His kickbackinto the forward linewas spoiled by aTraralgon defence, only for the ball to land in arms of Nate Brady in front of goalBrady’s major put the Eagles 10 points ahead with 10 minutes to play.

Maffra double up for junior premierships

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY DAVID BRAITHWAITE

JACK McQuillen kicked six goals, with five in the first half, to star in Maffra’s 52-point victory over Leongatha in the Gippsland League under 18s grand final.

The Eagles secured their second thirds premiershipinthree seasons with the 12.4 (76) to 3.5(24) win on Saturday.

McQuillen, whose early goals set the Eagles on course to win, was awarded best-on-ground honoursbythe umpires.

McQuillen kicked all three of theopening term’s goals -the first was booted from one forward pocket, the second from the other -asthe Eagles took a19-point lead intoquarter-time

There was life in the Leongatha camp after AydanWilliams kicked the Parrots’first goal seven minutesinto the second term. That joy was short-lived as McQuillenkickedtwo goals and Elijh Berry and ZachO’Keefeone each to put the Eagles 36 points up at half-time.

O’Keefe’s goal, at the end of achainofhandballs, highlighed how well the entireEagles’team was playing, giving the Parrots very few chances while also being effective with their moves forward. Play wasscrappy in the third term as the Parrots were trying hard to get back in the game and nullify the Eagles’ potent line-up.

Leongatha got the breakthrough with the first goal of the second half through Rhett Hume.

The Parrots still had hopes of completing a remarkable comeback, but acrumbinggoal from

Archer Stobie and aDarcy Scott major from a free kick late in the term saw Maffra lead by 40 points at the final change of ends -effectively securing the win.

McQuillan’s sixth goal was arguably his best, as he took on three Parrots to extend the Eagles’ lead to 46 at the seven-minutemarkofthe final term.

Judd Burgiel’s kickforward set-up afinemark taken by Stobie, who then bootedhis secondgoal, before Leongathapegged agoalbackthrough Hamish Gill.

With the full-time siren only moments away, Harper Walker sent the ball to Scott, who handballed back to the on-running Walker for agoal, sealing a52-point victory, and high fives from the premiership-winning Maffra fourths who were sitting behind the fence at thatend of the ground.

While McQuillen took best-on-ground honours, the Eagles had plenty of contributors.

Ruckman Fabian Vera was great around the ground, while O’Keefe -who,along withJudd Burgiel, came into the side following the end of Gippsland Power’s season -and Sam Anderson were stand-outs through the midfield.

Captain Jack Dowsett and Will Burgiel gave theEagles plenty of drive off half-back.

For Leongatha, Finn Donohue played well on the ball and Sam Bradley more than held his own in the ruck.Klayton McGrath,CampbellReid and Archie Gannon were strong under pressure in defence, while Angus Livingstone served the Parrots well in the foward line.

With Maffrawinning both junior premierships, thefutureispromising forthe Eaglesasthey look to return to finals in the seniors.

the Maroons weren’t going to go away. Quick movement of the ball out of defence saw it kicked long into acrowdedTraralgon forward line, where Nicholls readthe playwell to snap his sidetowithin four points.

That goal set-up afrantic final five minutes, but the Eagles held on in the final moments to record atremendous victory.

Stephenson, Pendergast, Koda Tuau and Harry Bartlett put in great efforts through the midfield for the Eagles, while Angus Weatherley and Armstrong were outstanding in defence.

and Fletcher Adams also standing out for their side.

Maffra:LStephenson,MPendergast,AWeatherley,J Armstrong,KTuau,HBartlett,Traralgon:MFox,BStevenson, LNicholls,LPass, KThorley, FAdams; GOALS: Maffra: J Little 2NBradyTGrumley;Traralgon:HConnollyLNicholls BStevenson KThorley

Drouin told to stay put

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY DAVID BRAITHWAITE

THE Drouin football and netball clubs will remain in theGippsland League nextseason after AFL Gippsland last week upheld and appeal regarding the Hawks’ proposed transfer to the West Gippsland Football-Netball Competition.

In astatement, AFL Gippsland said the decisionwas guidedbyacommitment to the long-term sustainability and stability of community football and netball across the region.

“The AFL Gippsland region council concluded that upholding the appeal was in the best interest of the entire regional ecosystem, outweighing the benefits of asingleclub’stransfer,”AFL Gippsland stated.

“The council determined that while Drouin’s concerns around its men’s football teams’ competitiveness were valid, approving the transfer would not solve aproblem but rather shift it, potentially creating new instability within the Gippsland League and the broader regional ecosystem.”

Whilethe majority of Drouin memberswho voted on thetransfer supported the matter, whichwas also backed the WGFNC, the Gippsland League didn’t wish to let the Hawks go.

Afactor in Drouin’s desire to change leagues was the distance to travel to games, needing to go as far as Bairnsdale, Sale and Maffra, and how it made recruiting players based closer to Melbourne difficult.

The appealprocess was conducted in accordance with the AFL Victoria regulations, with the council’s decision based on three key areas:  Club viability and premier league status: The appeal noted Drouin possessed the key characteristics of apremier league club,

including arapidly growing population and strong junior pathways, with the Drouin Junior Football Club the largest junior club in Gippsland by participant numbers.

 Competitive imbalance: According to the council, the transfer wouldn’t have enhanced the competitive balance in the WGFNC and would have “simply shifted the issue from one league to another”.

 Systemic risk to the Gippsland League: The departure of Drouin would have threatened the region’s premier league status, according to the council, and “caused financial and logistical strain on remaining clubs”.

In astatement on the club’s Facebook page, Drouin Football Club president Luke Gilbert thanked members and sponsors for their support during the process.

“The decision is much like an umpire’s decision on aSaturday. Youdon’t have to agree with it, but you have to respect it,” he said.

“As aclub, we now move one, proactively and with haste to secure astrongfuturefor football and netball in the region.

“We were proud of our submission (to transfer leagues). It highlighted many years of hanging touch, with peaks and toughs, and despite the result, we are stillextremely excitedfor our future as we look to club towards the summit again.”

TheHawks’seniorfootballteam finished this season on the bottom of theladder,winning one match, with their cause not helped by playing all bar one of their home games away from Drouin because of ground renovations. Drouin’sAgrade netball team had abetter year, reaching the semi-finals.

AFL Victoria, AFL Gippsland, Netball Victoria and the Gippsland League will work with the Drouin footballand netballclubs to assist in their ongoing competitiveness, health,and sustainability.

But

Playing in defence and midfield, Mitchell Fox lead the way for the Maroons, with Stevenson, Nicholls, Thorley, Lachlan Pass

Bright and early: Spectatorswereout in full forcetobegin grand finalday with the under16s

Dominance: Maffra went past Leongatha convincinglyfor thethirds flag

Photograph: Blake Metcalf-Holt

One forthe ages: Maffra upset raging favourites Traralgoninthe FourthsGrand Finalafter the Maroons went theentire season undefeated. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Gippy League netballpremiers

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Mulligans -StablefordSaturday13th September 2025.

AGrade Winner: P. Kearns 41 pts

BGrade Winner: D. Ireland 40 pts

CGrade Winner: D. Taylor 40 pts

D.T.L: 1. R. Dent 40, 2. J. Balding 39, 3.

M. Allen 38, 4. M. Hutchinson, 38, 5. W. McGrath 38, 6. P. Flanigan 38, G. Beyer

36 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdJ.Langstaff, 12th D. Burridge (Propin), 14th C. Thompson

Birdies: 3rdJ.Langstaff, 12th C. Thompson

Target Hole: P. Smart

StablefordTuesday16th September 2025.

Winner: L. Brent 25 pts

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday16th September,Stableford

Winner: MPayne,(11)39pts

DTL: GShandley, SBeitz 37pts

NTP: 4th SMills,6th SMills,13th G Shandley, 16th MPayne

Birdies: 13th MPayne,GShandley.

Saturday20th September,Stableford

Winner: GShandley(13)34pts

DTL: TBradshaw, SWoodall 33 c/b

NTP: 4th TWhitelaw, 6th SWoodall, 13th P Woodall, 16th SHill-Smith. Birdies: 13th PWoodall

MOE

Sunday, 14 September 2025 OPEN

Sunday9holeStableford

Grade AWinners: Spowart,Geoff(26) 21

Sunday, 14 September 2025 OPEN

SundayMixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Jansen, Garry(11)38

Grade BWinners: Mead, Barry(19)35

Place Getters: Babet, Alain 37 Hamilton, Alec 36 Hamilton, Ian 34 C/B

Wednesday,17 September 2025 WOMEN'S

WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Auchterlonie,Janice (44) 16

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

WOMEN'S PAR

Grade AWinners: Mead, Anne (23) 0

Grade BWinners: Griggs,Andrea (35) -2 C/B

Place Getters: Wallis,Elizabeth -2 Savige,Karyn -4

Great Score: KarynSavige Birdie @4

Marj Lang Birdie @4 Nearest to Pin: 4th Marj Lang 8th Leahann Stewart14th Leahann Stewart

Target Hole Prize: Marj Lang

Thursday, 18 September 2025 OPEN

Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (7) 44

Grade BWinners: Harber,John (14) 39

Grade CWinners: Papettas, Maurice (15) 38

Grade DWinners: Walshe,Michael (25) 41

Place Getters: Cook, David 40 Savige, Bruce 39 C/B Dent, Russell 38 C/B

Hamilton, Alec 37 C/B Bruce,Shane 37 Millar,Travis 37 C/B Mead, Barry37C/B Randall, Damien 37 C/B Brien, Kevin 37 C/B Taylor,Amy 37 Stansbury, Les 36 C/B Soppe,John 36 C/B Carolan, Anthony36 Gartung,Clinton 35 C/B Beveridge,Eric35 C/BEastaway,Karl35C/B Fisher,Dean 35 C/B

Traralgon track works ready to proceed

CONTRACTORS have been appointed for the redevelopment of the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track.

The appointment followed an extensivetender process.

Several options for the redevelopment were extensively researchedwith afocus on improved maintenance,racing and trialling opportunities, as well as club sustainability.

The works, drivenbythe Traralgon club, currently under the administrationofthe Sale GreyhoundRacingClub (SGRC), with the support of Greyhound Racing Victoria,have begun,with aims to have the track ready for trialling and racing in early 2026.

The new track is aone-turndesign, in similar shapetoSale, with racingdistances of 350, 425 and 570 metres, and atrial only start of 280m for education purposes.

Traralgon hasnot hosted racing since July lastyear, due to problems withthe luresystem.

Theimminent return to racing will likely be a welcome boostfor Gippsland’sparticipantbase.

SGRC general manager Peter Johnson saidit was apleasing to see the Traralgon redevelopment commencing, and with arelatively short build.

“If the weather can be kind, we will see trialling and racing return to Glenview Park early in the new year,” he said.

“The trackdesign and distances complement what we have at Sale, which is proving popular, and Iamconfident the more traditional layout willbebothpopularamong participants,servicing the needs of the greyhounds,aswell as provide the club with asustainable operating model.”

GRV congratulated the club and its working

SCOREBOARD

Great Score: BradleyPower (Birdie) @14

Chris Murphy(Birdie) @8

GarryBuckland (Birdie) @8

Russell Dent (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th David Cook

8th Travis Millar 14th ChrisHogbin

Saturday, 20 September 2025 2nd ROUND MENS 4BBB PAR

Overall Winners: Michael Enzinger &Paul Bechaz +6

Place Getters: BradleyBackman &Andrew Pickard +5

Les Stansbury&Laurie Veenman +4

Great Score: Alain Babet (Birdie) @14

Tony Johnson (Birdie) @14

Simon Stephens (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Andrew Pickard

8th Tony Johnson 14th Alain Babet

MORWELL

Women's Wednesday17th September

2025

Winner: STurner 33

DTL: LFrench 32

NTP: 2nd STurner 11th ELau &15th C

Peter TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results 17/9/25

18-Holes: Irish Medley

9-Holes: Stableford

18-Hole Winners: JanJansen and Karen MacGregor (31.5) with 74.5 nett

Runners-Up: Lorna Risol and Anne

Outhred (24) with 76 c/b nett

DTL: Sue Klemkeand Nole Fordham with 76 nett

NTP: 5th BevKeily

Gobblers: Anne Outhred on the 12th

9-Hole players

partyonthe work which had gone into the project and providing apathway for areturn to racing at Traralgon.

 AFTER 10 years on the GRV boardsix of them as chair -Peita Duncan has announced her departure in line with the state government’s 10-year maximum service policy for board members.

Duncan will step down this Sunday. Known as atough and pragmatic leader with enormous courage,Duncanhas never shied away from the hardbattles- standing up for the industry and calling out critics. But throughitall, her compass hasnever wavered: the greyhound itself.

One of Duncan’’ proudest moments came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Victoria was locked down, but greyhound racing never stopped. Under her leadership, not asingleday of racing was lost -safeguarding thousands of jobs, protecting the welfare of the dogs, and proving the resilience of the sport.

Duncan also broke new ground for women in racing. She is one of only ahandful of women ever to chair aprincipal racing authority in Australia, and only the second female to chair GRV after the late Jan Wilson.

“Every decision Imadestarted and ended with the welfare of our greyhounds,” Duncan said.

“I love this breed with everything Ihave. They are athletes,companions, and champions -and they deserved an industry that matched their heart. Together, we built that. Together, we showed the world that elite integrity, welfare and racing success can go together.”

Anew chair will be announced by the Minister for Racing in coming weeks.

Winner: SandraBalfour (35) with 18 points

Tuesday; 16/09/25- Stableford

Players: 17,Women 2, Men 15

Winners: CraigScanlan (22)

Runner Up: Tony Shearer (21)

DTL : Hank Fiddelaers(20) Ivan Grant (19)

Sue DeVries (18) NormMether (18)

NTP: NormMether (5th)

Lucky Gard: Stephen Klemke

Thursday: 18/09/25 -Mixed American Foresomes

Players: 59, Women 23, Men 36

Winners: Garry &Jan Jansen (27)

RunnersUp: RayWilliams &Wayne Dunn (28)

DTL: RichardGould /Frank Kiss (30) Ron Pike/Cheryl Toyne (31) Heather Savige /NormMether (31) Tony Shearer /Karen McGregor (31) Di Bayley/Sue Balfour (311/2)

NTP: BevKeily&Garry Jansen (13th)

Lucky Card: Aija Owen /Sam Caldow

Friday, September 19th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Craig Blackshaw37pts

BGrade Winner: MarkAndo 33 pts C/B

Women’s Winner: Angela Bayley34 pts

DTL's: Greg Evison 35, David Winfield 35, MarkScammell 34, Dwayne Jenkins 33, MarkHiriart 33, Glenn Doolan 33, Darren McCafferty33, GarryJansen 33 Birdies: 11th:MarkHiriart13th: Jamie Winters, Darren McCafferty Saturday, September 20th, Par

AGrade Winner: GarryJansen +1

BGrade Winner: Neil Rankin +4

DTL’s: RobSaunders+2, Nathen Jenkins +1, Greg Dononhue Sq, Charli Killeen -1, LukeBrain -1, Brian Wattchow-1, Russ Grant -2 C/B

NTP’s: 5th: Jeff Hasthorpe 11th:Jeff Hasthorpe 13th:Lachlan Dart 15th:Brian Wattchow

PISTOLS

Mon 8/9/25 Air pistol

CGrade: VBaldwin 525-66-591

DGrade: CBenelli 476-90-566. DO'Rourke 439-114-553. LMorris 404-117-521.H Miller 380. Wed10/9/25 50 mt pistol

DGrade: CBenelli 311-188-499. D O'Rourke 233-341-574. LMorris 229-287516. TMcMahon 153. Sat 13/9/25mornshoot centrefire

CGrade: CBenelli.509-83-592. DGrade: DO'Rourke 424-215-639. BChapman 399-144-543. JWyngard 245-273-518.

25mt pistol

BGrade: DFarnham 517-59-576. DGrade: AUrban 503-87-590. VPardini 427-142-569. RMiller 389-179-568. HMiller 326.

Afternoon 50 mt pistol

DGrade: LMorris 284-282-566. HMiller 251

Toogood: Defeating Leongatha by 18 goals,Bairnsdaleliftedthe 17 and Under premiership cup.

Grand opening: Throughtrying early morningconditions,Leongathatook out the 13 and Under flag over Sale,25to23. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt unless otherwise stated

Anotherone: Leongatha claimedthe BGrade premiership over Wonthaggi by four goals Photograph supplied

Saturday, September 27

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

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.30 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.15 I, Jack Wright. (Mal, R) 3.00 The Larkins. (PG, R) 3.45 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 4.15 The Assembly.(PG, R) 5.00 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Only Fifteen Sarah Kopp. (R) Takes alook at Sarah Kopp.

6.30 Back Roads: Tambo, Queensland. (PG, R) Guest presenter TomForrest heads to Tambo.

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

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) Humphrey investigates an inexplicable crime.

8.30 Beyond Paradise Christmas Special. (PG) An investigation is launched when aburglar breaks into four homes over awintersnight.

9.30 Mystery Road: Origin. (Ml, R) Jay Swanshopes of anew beginning with Mary areshattered when hes nearly sideswiped by astolen car 10.30 I, Jack Wright (Mal,R) 11.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 10.10 Tiddler 10.35 Childrens Programs. 6.45pm Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Final) 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Inside The Pack. 2.45 Nula. 3.15 Lagau Danalaig: An Island Life. 4.10 The Lake Winnipeg Project. 4.30 OffCountry 5.00 Hunting Aotearoa. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: ChildsPlay.(1972, MA15+) 10.15 Rebel Country 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.00 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under.(PGa, R) 10.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 11.00 BBC News At Ten. 11.30 France 24. 12.00 PBS News. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 5. Day 1. 5.00 Grand ToursOfScotlands Rivers. (R) 5.35 World War2:The End. (Premiere, PGaw) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 9.00 AFL Grand Final Brunch. 10.30 AFL Grand Final Countdown. 12.00 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game. 2.00 Football. AFL. Grand Final. 5.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Presentation. Coverage of the post-match presentation. 6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 TodayExtra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 1.00 Destination WA.(R) 1.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R) 2.00 Garden Gurus.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Orient Express: AGolden Era Of Travel. (Premiere, PGa) Looks at the Orient Express network. 8.25 75 Years At Longleat. (Premiere) Looks at Longleat house and safari park, one of Britains busiest tourist spots with around one million visitors ayear. 9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Liguria. (PGas, R) Stanley Tucci visits Liguria. 10.10 Great Australian Walks: Wadjemup/Rottnest Island To Fremantle. (R) 11.05 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R) 2.25 Secret Nazi Bases. (PG, R) 4.05 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan. 8.00 MOVIE: Die Hard. (1988, Mlv,R) on terrorists who have taken

building. Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman. 10.45 MOVIE: Contraband. (2012, Mdlv,R)Aformer smuggler retur ns to alifeofcrime. Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster 1.00 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv,R)Irina reveals afamilysecret to Negrescu. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Four Weddings And A Funeral. (1994, Mls, R) Abachelor whoisoften called on to be the best man at friends weddings meets his ideal partner at areception. Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell. 9.55 MOVIE: Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. (2022, Malns, R) Awidow hires ayoung sex worker.Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack.

11.45 Next Stop. (PGaw,R) 12.15 My Way. (R)

12.30 Rugby Union. Womens Rugby World Cup. Final.

3.15 Innovation Nation. (R)

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

(10,

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Michelle and Garry wanted to invest in aproperty

8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Paramedics race to the scene of a nasty motorbike and sidecar crash. Acallcomes in for awoman who has fallen offher balcony while trying to retrieve her friendscat. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 The Gilded Age. (Mav,R)George facesasurprising development 11.40FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v,R) 12.30HomeShopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon One Armed Chef. 1.50 AFork In The Road. 2.50 12 Dishes In 12 Hours. 3.25 News. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 The Bob Ross Experience. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. (Retur n) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Skin: AHistory Of Nudity In The Movies. 10.50 Australia Come Fly With Me. 11.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.50 White Tiger.(2012, Mav,Russian) 12.50pm Nostalgia. (2022, Malnv,Italian, Arabic) 2.55 Clockwatchers. (1997, PGl) 4.40 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 6.40 Bring It On. (2000, PGals) 8.30 Moonstruck. (1987, PGal) 10.25 The Book Of Delights. (2020, MA15+s, Portuguese) 12.20am Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 HarrysPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Yulong Golden Rose Day and Sandown Stakes Day 5.00 The WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 1.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Dippers Destinations. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC TopDoorslammer 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Show 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Spider-Man. (2002, M) 10.00 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 11.50 The Baron. 12.50pm MOVIE: The Brain Machine. (1955, PG) 2.30 MOVIE: Scott Of The Antarctic. (1948) 4.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964, PG) 7.30 Rugby League. 9.45 MOVIE: 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Motor Racing. FIA WorldEndurance Cship. Lone Star Le Mans. Hlights. 3.30 Ski Rescue Down Under 4.30 Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge. 5.30 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Coyote Ugly.(2000, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Spy Who Dumped Me. (2018, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

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

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

Sunday,September 28

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week 12.55 ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 5. Day 2. 5.00 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 World War2:The End.

(9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 David AttenboroughsKingdom Of Plants. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.10 Bill BaileysWild West Australia. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow

6.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. (Retur n, PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 The Assembly: Guy Sebastian. (PG) The students interview Guy Sebastian.

8.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal) Jaysbrother Sputty is implicated in amurder 9.10 I, Jack Wright (Final, Mal) Charges arelaidfor the murder of Jack Wright.

10.00 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 10.25 MOVIE: Embrace. (2016, Mn, R) 11.55 AnhsBrush With Fame. (M, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(PG,R) 3.30 The Art Of... (PG) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.40 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Naachtun: The Forgotten Mayan City Looks at Naachtun. 8.35 The Lost EmpireOfPalmyra. Investigators explorethe ancient city of Palmyra, Syria. 10.20 Bombing Brighton: The Plot To Kill Thatcher (Malv,R) 11.45 Yellow House Afghanistan. (MA15+aw) 1.35 Women Who Rock. (Ml, R) 2.35 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.10 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.50 Soccer.FIFAUnder 20 World Cup. Group Stage. Match 7. Italy vAustralia.

SBS VICELAND (31)

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

6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Behind Behani. (PGal, R) 1.00 Football. AFL Womens. Round 7. St Kilda vPort Adelaide. 3.00 Football. AFL Womens. Round 7. Brisbane Lions vRichmond. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: AustraliasFront Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger

8.40 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.40 7NEWS: The Balibo Five 50 Years On. Nick McCallum revisits

Australian jour nalists in East Timor

10.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Body In The Grass. (Malv,R)Police investigate awomansmurder.

11.40 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Night Caller Eric Edgar Cooke. (MA15+av,R) 12.55 Miniseries: The Victim. (Mav,R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.30 The Block. (PGl, R) 2.30 Postcards. (PG) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL.

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.30

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace. 7.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal) Hosted byBeauRyan. 8.30 Watson. (PGav) Watson is unsure whether the patient he is treating for alienhand syndrome, one of the most rareailments in the world, is guilty of killing his brother by pushing him in front of abus. 9.30 FBI. (Mav,R)The assassination of aBrooklynplumber launches the team into an investigation. 11.30 10 News+. (R)Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon One Armed Chef. 1.50 SBS50. 1.55 Jeopardy! 4.00 Decoding The Antikythera Mechanism. 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.50 Alone Sweden. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Sue Perkins Big American Road Trip. 9.25 Uncanny (Premiere) 10.35 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.55pm Something Of The Times. 3.45 Black As. 3.50 Bamay 4.10 The Point. 5.10 Rebel Country 6.40 News. 6.50 Great Blue Wild. 7.40 Aerial Australia. 8.30 IAmSmokin Joe Frazier 10.00 MOVIE: The Chant Of Jimmie Blacksmith. (1978, M) 12.10am Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show 6.35 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 8.35 Bring It On. (2000, PGals) 10.25 True Grit.(2010, Mv) 12.30pm The Code Of Silence. (2022, Madlv,Italian) 2.45 AHardDaysNight. (1964, PGs) 4.25 Moonstruck. (1987, PGal) 6.20 Becoming Jane. (2007, PGav) 8.30 ShakespeareIn Love. (1998, Ms) 10.50 Late Programs.

NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise. 6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Block. (PGl) The judges must critique 25 spaces. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 9News Late. 10.10 Footy Fur nace. (Mlv) Alook at the latest roundofthe AFL. 11.10 Mobsters: Tommy Lucchese. (Madv) Looks at Tommy Lucchese. 12.10 The Gulf. (Madlsv,R) 1.00 Our State On APlate.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

BelieversVoice Of Victory (PGa)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. Noon Escape To The Country 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Escape To The Country 3.30 WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. 4.30 Escape To The Country 7.30 Mr Bates Vs 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Flesh And Blood. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Getaway 11.00 NRL Sunday Footy Show 12.30pm NRLWWrap. 1.15 Rugby League. NRL WomensPremiership. Second semi3.00 DadsArmy. 4.00 MOVIE: How To Murder Your Wife. (1965, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Ready VetGo: The VetParamedics. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience. 4.30

Monday, September 29

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 11.00 Beyond Paradise Christmas Special. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cor nwall. (PG, R) 2.55 AnhsBrush With Fame. (R) 3.20 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGav R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Robson GreensWeekend Escapes: Kieran Reilly (PG) Robson Green and Kieran Reilly exploreNorthumberland.

8.35 Portillo In The Pyrenees: An Emotional Jour ney. (PGa, R) Michael Portillo retur ns to Spain.

Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron. 10.05 ABC Late News.

10.20 The Business. (R)

10.40 ALife In TenPictures. (PGa, R) 11.30 Grand Designs. (R) 12.20 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators. (Premiere) 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Anthem Sessions. 2.00 This Is Indian Country 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Yarning CultureThrough Film. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 Black And White. 11.25 Late Programs.

9.30 Into South America With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R) Nick Knowles reachesArgentina.

10.20 SBS World News Late. (Final, MA15+v)

11.40 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller.(R) 3.30 J SchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 12.30pm TenYear Old Tom. 1.00 In My Own World 1.55 Lost For Words. 3.00 WineLoversGuide. 3.30 Historys Crazy Rich Ancients. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food ThatBuilt The World 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 JoeLycetts UnitedStates Of Birmingham. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. 10.10 Late Programs

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.10 Best Sellers. (2021, Mals) 1.05pm An Almost Perfect Town. (2016, Mlns, Italian) 2.55 The Movie Show 3.25 The WorldsFastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 5.45 Widows Peak. (1994, PGalv) 7.40 The Tracker.(2002, Mav) 9.30 Open The Wall. (2014, German) 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa)Leah and Justin rally around David.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.

9.05 The Rookie. (Mav) Harper remains suspicious of Liam causing chaos in the city

10.05 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Retur n, M) Acollegiate womens rowing team goes missing.

11.05 S.W.A.T (Mav) The team hunts down three female fugitives.

12.05 Hooten &The Lady (Mav)

1.05 Travel Oz. (R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. Noon The Voice. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Great Rail Restorations. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams disagree with the judges decision.

8.40 100% Footy (M) Features the latest rugby league news, with exclusive insights from an expert panel.

9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) Hosted by Brad Fittler,Danika

7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Rainbow Country 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon M*A*S*H. 2.00 DadsArmy. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: The Iron Maiden. (1963) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.30am Pretty Little Liars. 1.30 Super natural. 3.30

Tuesday,September 30

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (Mav,R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys: Chichester To Amberley

8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi looks at the topic of digital technology

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

6.00 Seven News.

TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 News. 1.00 I, Jack Wright. (Final, Mal, R) 2.00 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cor nwall. (Final, R) 2.50 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG)

1.20 Grand Designs. (R) 2.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

9.30 Dateline: Americas Autism Wars Looks at the way America treats autism. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 The Point. (R) 11.30 Spies Of Terror.(Premiere, Mals) 1.40 Billy Connolly: Great American Trail. (Mas, R) 2.30 Curious Traveller (R) 3.30 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 5.45pm Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.20 Bluey 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Eden walks down the aisle. 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.00 Murder In ASmall Town. (Retur n, M)

10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

11.00 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Masv) Birdies friendship with Joel is tested. 12.00 Pretty HardCases. (Madv) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Acontentious body corporate is held.

8.40 Paramedics. (Mlm) Paramedics Sally and Olivia fear the worst for ayoung motorcyclist in agonising pain. 9.40 To Be Advised. (MA15+l) 10.40 9News Late. 11.10 To Be Advised. (MA15+l) 12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Bamay 2.50 The Mega-Brands That Built The World. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch 5.45 The Food That Built The World. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Calipari: RazorsEdge. 12.10am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm This Is Indian Country 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Yarning CultureThrough Film.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Shakespeare In Love. (1998, Ms) 12.20pm The Tracker (2002, Mav) 2.10 Sun Children. (2020, PGadlv,Farsi) 4.00 Grandpas. (2019, PGal, Spanish) 5.50 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998, PGa) 7.30 An Angel At My Table. (1990, Malns) 10.25 The Tunnel (Part 1) (2001) 12.05am Late Programs.

(34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 Room For Improvement. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Great Rail Restorations. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue.

Macpherson accepts new challenge

TAFE Gippsland departing chief executive, Laura Macpherson has been appointed as the new chief executive at Bendigo Kangan Institute.

Ms Macpherson will conclude her time with TAFE Gippsland tomorrow (Thursday, September 25).

During her time as chief executive, Ms Macpherson has provided inspirational and strong leadership, guiding TAFE Gippsland to record organisational performance and positioning the institute as aleader in vocational education and training.

Under her stewardship, TAFE Gippsland was namedVictoria's Large Training Provider of the Year in 2023, recognising excellence in delivery, innovation and impact.

TAFE Gippsland also achieved the highest organisational levelsever recorded of student satisfaction,industry engagement, regional market share, student contact hours, and staff engagement, and positioned itselfasVictoria's leading TAFEInstituteinclean energy skills,through the development of the Clean Energy Centre, due to open early next year.

Ms Macpherson was also akey player in establishing the Koorie Advisory Committee and significantlystrengthened engagementwith First Nationscommunities and partner organisations. Sheaddressed learner inequity through developing and delivering programs specifically

for under-represented cohorts experiencing intersectional disadvantage, and launched the Strengthening for Success program, uplifting organisational capacity to meet the growing demands of industry, government and the wider community.

Strategic partnerships were also strengthened during her tenure, most notably with Federation Universitytoexpand pathways and opportunities forstudents across the region.

Ms Macpherson implemented aproduct and innovation portfolio designedtomeet theevolving needs of industry, while enhancingrevenue and brand through the introduction of new training products.

TAFE Gippsland Board Chair, Paul Buckley PSM, said while Ms Macpherson's departure was unfortunate, her significant contributions to the provider will be felt for years to come.

“Laurahas made an outstandingcontributionto TAFEGippsland, leaving the organisation stronger, more resilient, and more future focused than ever before," he said.

"On behalf of the Board, Iextend our thanks for her commitment to our students, staff, industry and communities, and we wish her every success in her new role.”

The Boardisundertakingacomprehensivesearch for TAFE Gippsland’s next chief executive.

Morwell street names

THOMAS Houriganmarried Margaret ComansatKilmore in 1883 and they later lived at Youanmite, between Shepparton and Yarrawonga.

Margaret and Thomas had six children: Michael Francis, ThomasComans (Tom), Joseph Cornelius (Joe), Mary Margaret, Daniel (Dan) and Vincent (Vin). Thomas senior diedin 1896, the year Vincent was born. After Thomas Sr’s death, Margaret and the children moved to Dumbalk, where she selected 160 acres at Gunyah in 1898.

Vincent (Vin) Hourigan married Winifred (Winnie) Duffy at Cobram in 1925 and they had six children: Thomas, Mary, Theresa, John (Jack), Julia and Vincent.

Vincent Sr purchased several properties on thenorthern and eastern outskirts of Morwell before, during and immediately after World War 2. His first subdivision commenced in 1935. Soon afterWW2,the HousingCommission acquired1000acres from Vin Hourigan and the Alexanderfamily for amajor publichousing estate in Morwell East.

After his marriage, Vin Hourigan moved from Gunyah to Hazelwood North before moving to Morwell and living on the Princes Highway, east of the Top Pub. Vin named 18 Morwell streets:

 Vincent Road after himself;

 Hourigan Rd after the Hourigan family;

 Winifred Street after his wife;

 Therese Ct after his daughter;

 Rachael Way after his granddaughter Rachael McGauran;

 Moira St after his daughter-in-law, Moira

Anne Hourigan;

 Margaret St after his mother;

 Comans St after his mother’s maiden name;

 Cynthia St after his niece Cynthia

Elizabeth Hourigan;

 Denise St after his daughter-in-law Mary Denise Hourigan;

 Foster Avenue after the town of Foster in South Gippsland where he met Winnie;

 Granya Grove, possibly amisspelling for Gunyah where the Hourigans previously lived;

 Cavan Ct after County Cavan in Ireland;

 John St after his son John;

 Paul St after his grandson Paul Hourigan;

 Urbans Cres after the surveying firm that surveyed parts of Vin Hourigan’s subdivisions;

 Vindon Avenue -acomposite name after his friend Don Rogers and himself (Vin and Don), and;

 Wicks Crescent after his youngest son Vin’s nickname. When Vin was atoddler he often had jam on his face from eating ajam sandwich. Vin used to say he had ‘wicks’ on hisface because he could not pronounce ‘whiskers’.

Vin took an active interest in Morwell public affairs. He was Morwell Shire Councillor from 1949 to 1966 and president in 1954/55. He was amember of the Morwell Water Trust for 24 years, Gippsland Development League, Morwell AgriculturalSociety, Justice of the Peace, adriving force in the establishment of the Latrobe Valley Airport and an active Catholic parishioner.

While living in Morwell, he was described as agrazier,contractor and businessman.

Vin Hourigan died in Morwell in 1967 and is buried in the Hazelwood Cemetery with his wife Winifred.

Wordsand photograph supplied by the Morwell Historical Society.

FedUni ranks highly in Victoria

FEDERATION University Australia has been named the Number 1university in Victoria for undergraduate teachingquality andstudent support.

The newly released 2024 Quality Indicators for Learningand Teaching (QILT) Student Experience and Graduate Outcomes surveys showthat Federation ranked one in Victoria, one in regional Australia and five in the nation for undergraduate teaching quality and one in Victoria, two in regional Australia and six in the nation for undergraduate student support.

The university was also first in Victoria for overall postgraduate employment, two in Victoriafor overall undergraduateemployment, one in Victoria for median postgraduate salary, and number two in Victoria for median undergraduate salary.

The latest surveyresults showed that 83.1 per cent of undergraduate students reported being satisfied with teaching quality and engagement –a leap of an incredible 18 ranking spots nationally.

This is the first time Federation has ranked in the top five nationally.

The university also leads in student supportwhich encompasses health and wellbeing, career development and financial services and support –with77.2 per cent of undergraduates reporting a positive experience, and 78.3 per cent of postgraduate students.

FederationUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said the results speak for themselves.

“This result reflects Federation’s singular focus on student experience. We pride ourselves on great teaching and apersonalised approach to supportand today’s ranking reflects that,” he said.

“Number oneinteaching qualityand student support could not be possible without the work and care of our academics, staff and entire university community -and we couldn’t be more delighted."

“This is further encouragement as we continue striving towards anew, innovative +approach to learning -including embedding the co-op education model across our courses from 2026.”

Federation continuestoexcel in outcomes for students finishing their degrees, with 95.1 per cent of postgraduate students in work,earning amedian salary of $104,200 -upfrom $94,500 in 2023.

Theuniversity also boasts strong outcomes for undergraduate students, with an overall 88.3 per cent in work, with amedian salary of $75,700 -an increase from $71,400 in 2023.

Encompassing both the Student Experience Surveyand Graduate Outcome Survey, QILT is the only comprehensive system of higher education surveys in Australia.

Financial market daysuccess

MONEY management is an importantskill for everyone, and at the Morwell Community Hub, run by leading disability provider and charity, Aruma, the team are passionate about ensuring its NDIS participants understand more than justthe basics.

As part of the IndependentMoney Skills Program, the Morwell Community Hub hosted amarket day to support people with disability to build their financialliteracy in apractical, engaging way.

“The participants were involved in every step of the day. From purchasing or crafting items for the market to preparing them for sale," hub lead, Adam Skilbeck said.

"They helped set up stalls, priceitems, create flyers and of course, chat with customers from the general public on the day. It really boosted their sense of ownership, group management and their understanding of money and value."

In the lead up to the bigday, each participant was given $10 to spend.

Theirmission? Buy something to resell for a profit.

This was achancetothink like entrepreneurs, plan and make decisions.

Many participants also chose to sell their own

artworks, mosaics, and beadwork created in the art program.

“A standout moment on the day was seeing the faces of our participants light up when they sold something," Mr Skilbeck said.

"One of the participants cried happytears,itwas so moving. She said, “I didn’t do it for the money” and Itold her that’s why it’s all the more deserving.”

Theteamset up signs and balloons to draw people in from the service station across the road (and it worked). They also invited families and the local community to come along.

The event raised more than $1000 for the Morwell Community Hub.

This money will enable the organisation to continue updating the facility and equipment, to bring the best possible experiences to locals with disability.

“It was amassive community effort. I’d also like to thank local business, Jasi Cakes, who donated over 90 cupcakes and helped raise an incredible $300,” Mr Skibeck said.

To find out how Aruma can support you or your loved ones, phone 1300 538 746.

Behinditall: Vin Hourigan namedmanyofthe

Our loss is their gain: TAFE Gippsland ChiefExecutive, LauraMacpherson has accepted anew role at Bendigo Kangan Institute. Photograph supplied

Gippy Water providing emergency support

GIPPSLAND Water has launched anew community emergencysupportteamtoprovideon-the-ground assistance during emergencies such as bushfires, floods, storms and extended power outages.

The team will help communities access safe drinking water and receive timely advice and updates during emergency events.

Gippsland Water Managing Director, Sarah

Cumming said the initiative was developed in response to customer feedback.

“This idea came directly from our customers during the development of our 2023-28 price submission,” she said.

“We heard how muchour presence matters during emergencies, and we’ve delivered on that promise. It wasfurtherreinforced during the 2024

Moulded data an issue

NEW research from Airtasker has found that Latrobe is one of the mouldiest regions in Victoria.

Australia’s unusually wet winter has set the stage for amould surge, and the problem may not be easing anytime soon.

Victoria’s Spring forecast points to wetterthan-usual conditions, creatingthe perfect environment for mould to thrive.

But which areas of Victoria are most at risk?

Air tas ker ha sa nal ysed sever al fact ors , including internaldataonthe number of mould removal tasks by region, Google search data, climate factors such as humidity,rainfall and temperature,and dwelling conditions to reveal which Victorian cities and regions are the ‘mouldiest’.

The 10 mouldiest regions in Victoria are:

 Melbourne Outer East;

 Melbourne -South East;

 Warrnambool South West;

 Melbourne North East;

 Latrobe City;

 Melbourne Inner;

 Melbourne Inner South;

 Hume;

 Melbourne Inner East, and;

 Melbourne -North West.

Melbourne also ranks as the fourth most mouldycapitalcity in Australia.The city’s cool, wet winters and frequent rainfall create the perfect conditions for dampness and mould growth, particularly in older homesand apartments withlimitedventilation.Whilenot as high as Sydney or Darwin, Melbourne’s mould

risk is still significant, making it important for residents to stay on top of prevention and removaltoavoidcostly damage and health issues.

Mouldcan damage walls, ceilings,and personal belongings, and if left untreated, may require expensive remediation. It’s important for residents to limit mould growth to protect their property and safeguard their health.

“To effectively treat small patches of mould, supermarket mould sprays and adry cloth can usually take care of mould on walls and corners,” Airtasker mould remediation specialist, Anthony Johnson said.

“But forlarger infestations, or when mould appears on porous materialslike couches, mattresses or other furniture, it’s best to call in a professional. Different surfaces require different treatments, and aprofessional can ensure the mould is removed properly while preventing it from returning.

“To prevent mould, keeping humidity under control is key. To reduce humidity in the home, simple steps likeinstalling adehumidifier, fixing leaks promptly, drying clothes outside, using air conditioning, and improving airflow can make a big difference. Bathrooms are the number one hotspot for mould, so proper ventilation is key. Ceiling vents work best, especially when placed directly above the shower, as wall vents often don’t remove moisture effectively. Around the house, keep windows and curtains open where possible to let in fresh air and sunlight.”

To view the full study, visit: www.airtasker. com/au/lp/australias-mouldiest-cities

storms,whenour staff supported communitiesin Mirboo North and Morwell.”

The community emergency support team will work alongside emergency services and community groups to provide coordinated support and share essential information.

“Ourteam will be alocal point of contact for customers, helping them stay informed and supported during difficult times,” Ms Cumming said.

“They’ll also be on hand to distribute free potable water if needed, using our new 2000-litrecommunity water trailer.”

Team members were recruited from across the

organisation to roles including teamleaders, community liaison and resources officers.

The concept builds on Gippsland Water’s existing emergency management capabilities, which includes adedicatedstate-of-the-art incidentroom and highly skilled incident management teams.

“This additional capacity means we can now have people on the ground supporting communities in times of emergency,while keyoperationalstaff remainfocused on getting taps running and toilets flushingasquickly as possible,” Ms Cumming said.

Customers can find emergency updates and information at: gippswater.com.au/emergencies.

Crew: Gippsland Water Managing Director, Sarah Cumming with members of the new community emergency suppor t team

Photograph supplied

HOROSCOPES

JoanneMadeline Moore

September 22 -September 28 ,2025

This week is all about bringing more balance and harmony into your hectic world as we celebrate the Equinox (when the Sun transits into Libra, and day and night are of equal length) With Mercury also visiting your sign it’s time to tap into your personal creativity So your motto for the moment is from fellow Libran legendary stage actress Sarah Bernhardt: Life begets life Energy creates energy It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich ”

understanding and some deft diplomacy will see you through Your mantra is from birthday great, writer F Scott Fitzgerald: “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat

The Solar Eclipse suggests a fresh start on the domestic front as you entertain at home or tackle a DIY project Mercury is moving through your leisure zone so sharing a sport or hobby with a loved one brings mutual benefits But don t promise more time and effort than you can actually deliver Attached Twins – plan a romantic rendezvous with your sweetheart Unhappily single? You could be introduced to your future partner through a relative or family friend

The week starts with a Partial Lunar Eclipse in Virgo which heightens emotions and amplifies sensitivities Then Wednesday looks tricky, as the Mars/Pluto square stirs up conflict secrets and dramas Remember it’s Equinox week when day and night are of equal length Time to bring more harmony and balance into your busy world! Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, the Dalai Lama: “A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation of your life

Leo is ruled by the Sun and Lions can expect a complicated week! It starts with the tail end of a Solar Eclipse signalling a fresh start (especially financially) Then the Sun transits into Libra and opposes Neptune, which can lead to confusion misunderstandings and mistakes Then – on Wednesday – the Sun trines Uranus and Pluto, which boosts individuality, inspiration and creativity, plus passionate communication and purposeful transformation Go Cats!

The week starts with the Solar Eclipse in Virgo, so it’s a good week to plan organise clean tidy declutter and detox Plus – with Venus also in your sign – its the perfect time to update your wardrobe, get a new hairstyle or launch a personal project But nebulous Neptune opposes the Sun on Tuesday so beware dubious information and fake news Your motto for the week? Be patient, do your research, and look to the future with a flexible long-term plan

On Monday mighty Mars moves into your sign, which will help you approach challenges in a more direct and proactive way And the tail end of the Solar Eclipse encourages you to network with colleagues and talk through issues with friends Wednesday looks challenging, as the Mars/Pluto square boosts stubbornness and encourages power struggles But the Sun/Pluto trine could see you emerge from a difficult situation like a Phoenix rising from the ashes!

Monday’s Partial Solar Eclipse signifies a fresh start at work as you reorganise your daily routine, start a new job or launch an exciting project Wednesday’s Mars/Pluto square could be problematic but smart Sagittarians will sail through – as long as you’re not ridiculously rash or unreasonably argumentative (especially involving complicated issues in your local community) Remember its Equinox week – so try to relax, reboot and rebalance

Wednesday is a day that could soar or crash depending on your attitude If you are a bossy and controlling Capricorn, then expect a fiery drama involving friends, groups or finances If you are flexible and maintain your sense of humour then it will soon settle down You ll feel incredibly curious at work as you shake off the mental cobwebs and get passionate about a proposed overseas trip, an online project or an exciting new international connection

The Sun/Uranus trine activates your aspirations zone, so it’s time to be bold, brave, inventive and adventurous! You’ll also feel like displaying your bohemian nature and expressing your eccentric views – but don’t expect everyone to appreciate your quirky and rather chaotic ways Your motto is from the late, real-life Superman (and birthday great) Christopher Reeve: “Either you decide to stay in the shallow end of the pool or you go out in the ocean

Close relationships and joint ventures are set to improve as Venus and the Solar Eclipse activate your partnership zone But Tuesdays nebulous Sun/Neptune opposition could temporarily scramble your inner compass and blow you off course, especially involving creative projects and financial matters You need to dream inspiring dreams and set long-term goals and then draw up a detailed plan to follow Daydreaming will only get you halfway there!

Kindness: Jemma,Ally, Elise and Amanda getting to knoweachother better

A-ok: Maggie,Angus and Kim made surethat theywereall okay

Centralised support

ON RUOKAY? Day, September 11, staff at MorwellCentral PrimarySchool enjoyeda delicious breakfast together. Staffwere encouragedtouse this opportunity to check in with each other by actively listening and offering advice where needed. This was agentle

and Ariana withtheir R

reminder that conversations can savelives and should occur every day.

The staff also learnt how to use the Converge app and services which can be helpfulwhenfeeling overwhelmed and under pressure.

Duo: Pamand Kristywith theirRUOKAY? cookies

Support: Jarn and Flynnchecking in with each other by followingthe steps on the RU OKAY? chart. Photographs supplied

Matters: Morwell CentralPrimarySchoolstaff, Jamie and Jessica in conversation.

Sue Lawson and illustrated by Leanne Mulgo Watson.

THE state government is helpingtoeasethe costof livingfor familiesbyproviding Prep students with the tools to start theirlove of readingand learning with abag full of free, engaging and fun books.

Acting Premierand Ministerfor Education, Ben Carroll shared the titles of next year’s books provided to around 65,000 government school students in their Prep bags. Prep bags in 2026 will include five children’s books, selected by apanel of experts, to spark a lifelong love of reading and to lift students’literacy outcomes.

Each Prep student will receive:

 Chooks in Dinner Suits,written by Diane Jackson Hill and illustrated by Craig Smith;

 The Concrete Garden,written and illustrated by Bob Graham;

 Frank’s Red Hat,written andillustrated by Sean EAvery;

 The Bin Monster,written by Annabelle Hale, and;

 Sharing, written by Aunty Fay Muir and

The books will also be produced in Braille, with tactile illustrations by the Statewide Vision Resource Centretosupport studentswho are blind. This will make sure every young learner can follow the stories.Researchshowshow important it is for parents and carers to regularly read aloud to young children,particularly as they move from kindergarten to primary school and adjust to the next phase in their learning.

By reading together, families can help children expand their vocabulary, make connections betweenspoken and written words,and strengthen the bond they share with their children. Victoria’s approach to reading, which includes mandatory phonics education, is already working to set up the youngest students for life-long reading success ahead of full implementation from 2027. This is supportedbythe new Year 1Phonics Check, which was introduced to

ment primary schools this year.

Smiles: TeachersBek

UOKAY? cookies

SacredHeart enhances Book Week

SACRED Heart Primary School, Morwellbegan itscelebrationsofBook Week with aparade, with children dressed in many differentbook characters. On display were anumberofWednesdays, princesses, dinosaurs, Thing One and Thing Two, Cat in the Hat, super heroes, and Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.The theme for 2025 was ‘Book

an Adventure’.

Students then went on to view awebinar hosted by the StateLibrary featuring author Andy Griffiths.

Studentsalsoparticipated in amixtureof groups activities based around the 2025 awarded shortlisted books of the year.

Community: Mel Fabris (ED Nurse,Latrobe Regional Hospital), Grace, Chloe,ClareDonlon (Leading Senior Constable, Victoria Police Latrobe ProactiveUnit),Bosco,Oliver and Bosede Adetifa(Workplace Support Officer,Latrobe Regional Hospital).

St Paul’sstudents

learn

eBike and eScooter safety

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Years 5 and 6Junior School students took part in an engaging Police in Schools program focused on the safe and responsible use of eBikes and eScooters.

Students learnt about the rules of riding, the potential consequences of unsafe riding, including injury and fines, and the role of police officers in keeping them and the wider community safe.

The session also reinforced how responsible ridingsupports health,wellbeing and community safety.

Delivered by the Victoria PoliceLatrobe Proactive Unit in partnership with Latrobe Regional Hospital, the session highlighted the gro wing pop ularity of these devices amongyoung people and the importance of understanding both the risks and responsibilities that come with them.

Important: Leading SeniorConstable of the Victoria Police Latrobe ProactiveUnit, Clare Donlon, explaining some responsibilities of riding eBikesand eScootersinthe community. Photographs supplied

The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 24 September, 2025

Costume: Juliaand Harrison during Book Week. Photographs supplied

Howdy: Riverdressed as Woody from ToyStory

Strength: Saxton taking inspiration from theMar vel universe

Great fun: Liaraand Erin.

Attire: Sacred Hear tPrimar y School, Morwell student, Hunter

Creative: Sacred Hear tPrimar ySchool, Morwell children Sarah, Maddy, Peyton, Scarlettand Jenna dressed forBook Week.

St Paul’spromoting healthy choices

SECONDARY students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School embraced the opportunity to try something new in celebration of this year’s National Health and Physical Education Day. Educators organisedadiverse program of activities including 3x3 basketball, volleyballand tennis as well as netball, soccer, dodgeballand mind game challenges.

The day highlighted the importance of wellbeing in all forms, physical, mental and social, while giving students ataste of some of the co-curricular activities available to support their ongoing health. As anationwide day, it was apowerful reminder thatstayingactive and makinghealthy choices can be fun, social and rewarding.

Chance for youth to have federal say

FEDERAL Memberfor Monash, Mary Aldred has encouraged young people in the electorate to nominate for the National Youth Parliament.

“I’m passionateabout promotingcivicseducation in our schools and the National Youth Parliament is afantastic way to encourage young peopletotake an interest in our political system and get involved in their local community,” Ms Aldred said.

The National Youth Parliament will bring together 150 senior school students, each representing one of Australia’s federal electorates, to engage directly with civics and the Parliament.

Throughhands-on learning experiences,including simulated parliamentary debates, students will gainadeeper understanding of how Parliament works.One hundred and fiftymotivated young Australians -one from every federal electorate-will be selected for afive-day residential program in Canberra in 2026.

All young people who willbeaged 16-17and living in Australia in August 2026 are welcome to apply -regardless of background, education or experience.

Ms Aldred attended the launch of the 2026 program in Federal Parliament during the last sitting. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Milton DickMPofficially launched the program, whichisrun by theHouse of Representatives in partnership with TheY(formerly known as YMCA). YAustralia is anationally recognised leader in youth civic engagement, with more than 40 years of experience delivering Youth Parliament programs across the country.

Art fosters compassion among students

MUSIC and the arts are far more than just creative outlets- they are powerful toolsfor developing the confidenceofchildren and even theiremotional intelligence.

Research and experience show that engagement in the arts boosts self-esteem and confidence, enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination while improving memory, concentration and cognitive development. It also fosters better listening skills, creativity and imagination -all vital tools for lifelong learning and personal growth.

According to Gippsland Grammar Director of Performing Arts, Dr Kevin Cameronchildrenmakesense of the world aroundthem whenthey are able to express themselves well and connect with others.

“Artseducation fosters imagination, empathy and curiosity,helping students to become not only better learnersbut more thoughtful and compassionateindividuals,” he said.

At Gippsland Grammar, programs are designed to be inclusive and accessible, supporting every student from beginners to those pursuing afuture in the arts, and those who will carry their love of music and creativity throughout their lives. In schools where the arts are prioritised, students benefit from awide diversity of experiences- on stage, in ensembles and as solo performers.

It is through this kind of learning that students are first introducedtomovement, storytelling and visual expression, which are central to all cultures and avital part of human experience.

“Ithelps ourstudentsunderstand what is familiar to one person may be new to anotherand that sharing creative work builds connection and understanding,” Dr Cameron said.

“The arts are essential in education becausethey bridge the divide between ‘what is’ and ‘whatmight be’. If we want our young people to enjoy alifewithfeeling, empathy, deeper meaning and emotional intelligence at the foundation, the arts are crucial.

“Music, drama and visual arts are offered at Gippsland Grammar from kindergarten throughtoYear 12, at our three campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale.

“Our students benefit from ah igh standard of music education, supported by exceptional educators and resources and a commitment to excellence across all three campuses.

“In the end, it’s not justabout performance, it’s about possibility.”

Five D’s: Oliver, Sam, Flynn, Jimmyand Arihaveagoatdodgeball

Smash: Cooper,Omand Max get involved with agame of tennis

Bounce: Tharuja, Lachlan and Christienbeing active with3x3 basketball Photographs supplied

Yum: Georgia and Isabella making healthy smoothies

Pass: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schoolstudents,Alice and Gretaget involved with agame of netball.

Balance: Mia, Lacieand Stella tr ythe mind challenge games

Great minds: Speaker of the HouseofRepresentatives Milton DickMPand FederalMemberfor Monash Mary Aldred MP at thelaunch of the NationalYouth Parliament 2026 in Parliament House, Canberra. Photograph supplied

Access to faster internet beingmade easier

THE state government is making it easier for Victorians to access faster and more reliable broadband internet, with more than 100 Connecting Victoria Fibre-to-the-Premises upgrades completed across the state.

Ministerfor Government Services, Natalie Hutchins announced the completionof101 projects which are boosting connectivity right across regional Victoria.

The Fibre-to-the-Premises upgrades replace existing copper with high-speed fibre optic cables that plug directly into each premise. This means residents and businesses can nowaccess download speeds of up to 1Gigabit per second through their chosen internet provider.

The 101 projects delivered have been jointly fundedbyConnecting Victoriaand NBN Co. More than 99,000 households and businesses across 70 Victorian towns and suburbs can now switchto NBN Fibre-to-the-Premises technology thanks to these upgrades.

Work hastaken placeacross the state, including Greater Geelong,Greater Bendigo, Hume, the

LatrobeValley, and most recently on the Surf Coast in Lorne.

Whilethe Commonwealth is responsiblefor telecommunications services in Australia,the Labor government is investing significantly to fast-track state telecommunications infrastructure upgrades.

Connecting Victoria has already completed 140 broadband projects. By the end of the year, Victoria is set to have the largest percentage of premises in Australia, capable of gigabit speeds through NBN’s fixed line network.

Delivered by the Department of Government Services, Connecting Victoria is the single largest investment in mobile and internet infrastructure made by any state. The majority of projects are set for completion by June 2026.

Victorians can check if they’re eligible for an upgrade via the ‘check your address’ function on NBN’s website at: nbnco.com.au/ residential/upgrades/more-fibre, or find out more at: vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria

Park protection for Mirboo North

MIRBOO North Immediate Protection Area will be protected as anew Conservation Park under the Parks and Public Land Billrecently introduced into the Victorian Parliament.

The Bill will create more than 65,000 hectares of national parkinVictoria’s Central West.The new legislation will deliver the Mount Buangor, Pyrenees and Wombat-Lerderderg national parks, the Cobaw and Hepburn conservation parks and expand the BendigoRegional Park. These new parks were arecommendation from the 2021 response to the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s Central West Investigation Final Report.

The Yellingbo Landscape ConservationArea in the Yarra Valley will undergo aformal name change to Liwik Barring Conservation Area.

‘Liwik Barring’ means ‘Ancestors Trail’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri People.

The Minister for the Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, said deer hunters wouldalsohave the opportunity to hunt for deer in areas of the national parks, helping to control deer that damage the ecosystems and take part in an important recreational activity.

After the establishment of the three new national parks, the government will prioritise maintaining existing national parks and public land for all Victorians to visitand enjoyand will not be creating anynew national parks.

For more information, visit the website: forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au

Koori

campfire connections

STUDENTS,their families, staff and the wider Mirboo North community held acampfire night recently.

The school’s Marrung lead, Chloe Hogg, explained, “We held awarm and welcoming campfire night to celebrate and acknowledge our Koorie students, their families, and the people who support them.”

“The eventwas ajoint gatheringfor students and families from both the primaryand secondary schools.”

Throughout the evening, there was adiscussion about the cultural trip to New Zealand, aproject being planned in partnership with Kurnai College. Families also had the opportunity to provide feedback on their child’s progress.

The event was considered aw onderfu ln ight tha tb rou ght the communi ty together in celebration.

Together: TheKooricampfireheldatMirboo Nor th Secondar yCollege Photograph supplied

TAFE roadblocks need knocking down

FOR jobs, prosperity and our children’s future, Gippsland people and industries need aflexible, effective TAFE system of vocational education.

Ithink that the paths to amore effective local TAFE are currently being blocked by the wasteful and illogicaldivision of responsibilities between federal, state and local TAFE decision makers.

Successive federal governments have allowed the bureaucratic game of ‘pass the responsibility parcel’ to develop and dominate, particularly in federal/state TAFE dealings.

Among the unintended consequences is the use of outdated studentlearning materialsand low morale among TAFE teachers.

Iworked in TAFE for 40 years -from Warragul to Bairnsdale, from Fulham to Leongatha, with a very wide range of students and programs.

In this era, when students have voice recognition software and internet access in their pockets, the TAFE system is still using dated textbooks from last century and amodel of vocational education derived from the training of auto workers for the assembly lines of the 1950s.

Thecreation and maintenanceofhigh quality, diverse,multilevel, electronic ‘TAFE Learning Platforms’ would be alarge investment of public money and national expertise. It would be the action of afederal government prepared to give leadership in vocational education.

The current default decision making process in federal TAFE -passing responsibility to states (who in turn, pass it to managers in individual TAFEs) leads to wasteful duplication at best and frequent failures.

TAFE Gippsland’s Chief Executive has recently resigned to take up an appointment at aMelbourne TAFE.

Iask readers of this paper to pass on their experiences of our local TAFE Gippsland to all their federal, state and local politicians, in order for them to participate in areview and reset of Australian Vocation Education arrangements toward amore productive future for Gippslandand the nation, and to give the incoming chief executive an indication of Gippsland community opinion.

Neil Hauxwell Moe

Farmerssuffering

PHILEdwards’letter ‘Council playingpolitics’ (Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 16/09) which, in part, seeks to minimalise the impact of Premier JacintaAllan’s controversial Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy, glaringly overlooks anumberofkey considerations in regard to its impact.

Mr Edwards mentions in his case the financial effect of the modified tax is minimal, having resulted in him having to pay only an extra dollar aweek,whichheargues washardlya capital offence requiring the Premier’s resignation. Whilst Iamglad that he managed to get off so lightly, unfortunately he seemstobeblissfullyunaware thatothersinhis community won’t be as fortunate as him in the payment of this new tax.

Firstly,each of the five ESVF classifications, i.e. residential, commercial, industrial, primary production andpublic benefit, are charged at different percentage ratesapplied to the CIV (Capital Improved Value) of aperson’s property. The cheapest of these, the residential rate, which Ipresume Mr Edwardsfallsunder, is calculated at 17.3 cents for every $1000 of the house value. Asmall business person, on the other hand, who owned that same house would be charged at a significantly higher rate -$1.33,i.e. seven times as much!

Thesecond consideration he needs to take into account is that the amount of ESVF tax paid depends on how much your house/property is worth. If his neighbour’s house is valuedhigher than his, then they would be required to pay tax at a much higher rate. Whilst on the surface this may seem reasonable, consider the typical farmer who, of necessity, owns alarge property in order to stay economically viable. Typically, on paper, this farm might be valued at anywhereupto$6million, on which ahigher tax of 28.7c per $1000 of CIV has been imposed by the Allan government. The farmer now faces the payment of additional taxes significantly higher than the extra dollar aweek Mr Edwards had to pay, and more in the order of an extra tens of thousands of dollars.

Mr Edward’s claim that by protesting against this augmented levy, somehow certain Latrobe City Councillors are discriminating against other equally worthy emergency servicesvolunteers, can be neatly refuted by the words of the United Firefighters Union NationalSecretary,Peter Marshall, who said: “We’ve done the math; what you’re seeinghere is an extra $2.14 billion of public money, through atax that will not go towards fire fighting, will not go towards emergency services when you see dirty deals that are at the expense of good, hard working people, done in the dead of night, [that says] something …about ourparliamentary process.”

Greg Hansford Newborough (and One Nation candidate for Gippsland 2025)

Whereisthe relevance?

IWOULD like to ask the following:

The criteria for letters in the Latrobe Valley Express is clearlystated -they must be brief, concise and address local issues.

Let’s look at the letter last week fromOliver Bergens from Dandenong (‘So what’s new?’).

How is Dandenong local to Latrobe Valley? He didn’t address local issues. He went over ground that is so old that Adam walked on it.

Concise and relevant to the Valley. How is stale gutter talk about aformer Premier relevant to the Valley? His speech took up more than two columns. Why can’tletters be about what they are supposed to? Local issues affecting people in the Latrobe Valley, not someone ranting on about old stuff.

Garry Mitchell

Yallourn North

Without prejudice

IWRITE in response to Ian Whitehead’s letter in the Express (‘Truly great pollies’, 17/09).

According to the 2021 census (ABS), Australian women constitute 50.7 per cent of the population.

Mr Whitehead,Inote your focus on Liberal womeninParliament in praising Julie Bishop as ForeignMinister, yet forreasons only known to yourself you criticised formerSpeaker of The House of Representatives, Bronwyn Bishop AO. You needtoappreciate the travel and accommodation responsibilities of government MPs, especially senior persons like Speaker of The House are performed by Parliamentarystaff and not herself.

“The Speaker had anumberofmeetings during her visit to Victoria and always seeks to fit in as many meetings and events into her schedule as is possible,” astatement released by Mrs Bishop’s office said to the ABC.

In comparison, heaven forbid, if we ever see President Trump stepping out of ahelicopter going to and from the White House! Ifound your comment on Peta Credlinwrong and misrepresentative.

As Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister,Tony Abbott, she was literally one of the most important women in Australian politics. Her professional acumen in managing many of the mostchallenging issues facing the nation cannot be dismissed. The essential role demandedexpertjudgement, astute political skills and often assertive responses to parliamentarians and the media alike.

As foryourdislike for Liberal men, Iwould remind youthat Sir Robert Menzies AK was an ardent supporter of women’s equality.

“Withthe Liberal Party appealing to female voters, its founder and leader made no bonesabout his guiding belief in the inherent equality of men and women. In thetradition of the English liberal philosopher, John StuartMill, Menzies argued that there were no rational grounds for believing that women should be denied the same opportunities as men in society simply because of their sex.”

(Menzies Research Centre).

Thomas Quinn Moe

Real motive

IN reply to Oliver Bergens’ letter about Dictator Dan’s recent overseas trip (‘So what’snew?’, 17/09) wherehewas photographed nearby North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.

IfearthatMrBergens has overlooked afar more innocuous explanation for the international showboating of the former Victorian Premier. Could it be that Dictator Dan’s real agenda was to lobbyfor membershipofPyongyang Golf Club? Perhaps he wanted to challenge the course record purportedlyheld by the dictator’s father, Kim Jong-il, who according to North Korean propaganda accomplished 11 holes-in-oneinthe very first round of golf ever played in his life. The only certainty is that no Australian golf course will tolerate the parasitical former Premier as aclub

member -proof positive that there is such athing as karmic retribution!

Nicholas Tam Traralgon East

Quoteunquote

WHO is best placed to run Victoria or act as our local political representatives?

Is it aman or woman and should political parties be forced to reach certain quotas?

In Victoria we have afemale Premier, afemale treasurer, afemale local member who is also a Minister, and under their watch, Victoria has earned the unenviable reputation for being broke and taxing us into poverty.

Quotas are ajoke. Only the best person should be given the honour of representing Victorians. In fact, there are 14 female ministers in the Allan government out of apossible 24.

Likewise,ifwelook at the Liberal/Nationals, most of the male politicians have no business holding office and the fact that they have been in oppositionfor adecade proves this. Recentpolls indicate that under Brad Battin, Labor will win the next election. This is asad indictment for the Libs/Nats considering how bad Labor is. When willpolitical parties select the best person forthe job and stop appointing unqualified people to roles that affect us all?

Politicians whoare out of theirdepthshould resign, but then again, where wouldmediocritybe rewarded like politicians are -nowhere.

Patrick Ansell Morwell

Government our greatest enemy

“AN evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes,” Joseph Lis.

Sanctimonious,virtue-signalling, self-serving politicians like Australia’s reality-proof Energy Minister, Chris ‘Blackout’ Bowen never tires of parroting the mantra that climate change threatens civilisation, whereas the real threat to civilisation, or in this case Australia, is coming from climate change hysteria which is behind theworst selfinflicted energy crisis in this nation’s history. In essence, this man-manufactured pseudo-crisis is adirect consequence of wrong policy decisions made by ideological and extremely biased politicians like Bowen.

Tightening the lenstoalocal focus, the single mostdamaging decision to the Latrobe Valley economy was the decisiontoclose down Hazelwood Power Station.

By the mere stroke of apen from his Spring Street office, former Victorian Premier, the detested and demented ‘Dictator Dan’ Andrews, railroaded the coal-rich Latrobe Valley into hosting unaffordable

Homelessness is at crisis levels, so how about some solutions?

COMMENT

BY DR ROCHELLE HINE

LIKE elsewhere in regional Victoria, homelessness is becoming more common in theLatrobe Valley,acutely affecting those on low or no income.

Women over 55-years-of-age identified as the fastest growing homeless population, and increasing numbers of young people and Aboriginal people are also unable to find ahome.

It has become disturbingly common for people to sleep in their car, rough in parks or to be perpetually couch surfing.

With 55,000 households on the public housing waitinglistinVictoria, the root of the problem is the state government’s neoliberal policy approach to this human rights issue. Houses are predominantly valued for wealth generation, rather than being viewed as an essential resource for survival. Where public housing was once an affordable and sustainable long term housingoption for many peopleonfixed incomes with no assets, the state government has been systematically eroding the public housing system, in favour of ‘community’ or ‘social’ housing where for profit and non-for-profitorganisations compete for lucrative contracts. Although fundingcommunity housing to build, maintain and manage homes, over governmentadministered public housing is actuallyalot more expensivefor the taxpayer, like child care, aged care, energy systems and Australia Post, both Coalition and ALP governments have taken this path of handing over responsibilitytoexternal providers, with few accountability mechanisms in place.

One of the consequences for rentersinthese social housing enterprises is that where public housingrental costs are capped at 25 per cent of income, in community housing establishments, the cap is 30 per cent of income, often with extra hidden fees, meaning less disposable income for renters during an ongoing cost of living crisis.

In 2022/23, the Latrobe Valley recorded the highest use of specialisedhomelessness services in regional Victoria, with an 85 per cent increase in homelessness in the fiveyears prior.Aspart of the state government’s ‘BigHousingBuild’ Program, landoff English Street, Morwell is being released for new social (not public) housing development. Yet, for the Latrobe City municipality, there are estimated to be more than 600 householdswaiting for priority access to public housing.

While 12,000 houses across the state forthe ‘Big Housing Build’ may sound impressive, this willdolittletoaddress the problem of 55,000 households waiting for public housing, and likely future increases in numbers, due to the ongoing high cost of living.

As many people on the waiting list are part of familyorcouple households, the list comprises more than 100,000 people, including over 64,000 adults and 36,000 children. For those in themost desperate of circumstances who qualify to be on the priority list, the time to get ahouse has increased from 9.5monthsin2014/15 to astaggering19.8 monthsduring the 2023/24financial year.

If you are not considered apriority, you will wait literally years. Statistics for December 2024 show that 32,100 people accessed aspecialist homelessness service for supportwith housing

in Victoria, and these services are also woefully under-resourced to meet the demand.

The role of local council is in advoca cy. Councillors who genuinely want to address this issue should advocate to the state government to build more public housing rather than more expensive community housing.

All levels of government favour the needs and wants of developers and investors over the needs of homeless people, and so we need amassive compassion injection to turn the tables.

We need strong leadership to make decisions about what is built and where, informed by the needs of those who are most disadvantaged by the current arrangements -thosewho havenohome

About: Dr Rochelle Hine is asenior lecturer in rural and mental health at Monash University. She also ran as The Greens candidate at the last federal and state election.

Closer to the action

MY concern is for the homeless. The government keeps talking about the need for more housing, and the rate of homelessness is growing.

Ihave been in my unit in Newborough for more than five years.Thereiscurrently eight units empty; some are two bedroom and othersone bedroom. Some of these units have been vacant for at least six months.All of these units are ready for the next tenant to move in. All the carpet is replaced, freshly painted, and all maintenance has been done.

For me and many others who live in these units (82 in total), Iknow for afact that these eight

units are now available. What on earth is going on? Iamsure there would be eight to 10 people who would be glad to have their own place.

Many people are going through domestic violence and homelessness and need afresh start. Icannotunderstand what government is doing or should Isay -not doing.

Lynn Jensen Newborough

Rooms areready

IHAVE lived in social housing for the past decade.

Twice at the same location Ihave brought a situation to the attention of alocal MP. The unit complex where Ilive has 82 units, two street addresses, properties joining, and there is currently at least eight units empty.

Recently, Icontacted my MP regarding empty units, and how longthey have been sitting empty. We were told the units either had property to be collected, maintenance work to be carried out or applications were being processed. These units are totally ready for renters. Some have been empty for more than eight months.

After reading astory in theExpress last week by KatrinaBrandon ('Addressing the housing crisis', 17/09) one would think these units wouldn’t sit idle.

The Department Families, Fairness, Housing, ministers and politicians should all be held accountable.

Julie Dunn

Newborough

and unreliable renewables. And just as we were hoodwinked by ‘Dictator Dan’, his sycophantic successor, Jacinta Allan,withthe eagerhelp of Victorian Energy Minister, ‘SillyLily’ D’Ambrosio, are peddling the line and lie that renewables are our salvation from an impending apocalypse that is forever 10 yearsaway for the last 50 or so years. In reality,arenewables-only economy is the deathknell of the Latrobe Valley and these globalist puppetsI have just mentioned will always put their careers and bloated bank balances ahead of the goodofthe people. Thuswecontinue to cripple our economy via this irrationaland ideological obsession with renewables.

However, it turns out renewables ‘alone’ cannot do the job, as Germany has found out the hard way. We will always need coal and gas on standby for our primary baseload source of 24/7 energy.

To be sure, Net Zero is afailed experiment. No amount of taxpayer billions in the form of subsidies will paper over the cracks. Australia needs an energy policy rooted in reality, one that obeys the laws of physics, not Bowen’s press releases. Bowen and AnthonyAlbanese,‘Dictator Dan’, Allen and D’Ambrosio will not be around in 2050 (the fabled year of net zero Nirvana)toface the music.

Do not these clowns realiseorreally care that in order to get to their utterly impossible 2050 target that millions of Australian jobs will havetobe sacrificed on the pagan altar of net zero?

Do they not realise or really care that exporting coal and gas to China and India (the world’s two biggest emitters of C02 greenhouse gases by far) is actually dramatically increasing‘global’C02 emissions? And do they not realise or really care that it will be ourchildren andgrandchildren who will pay the costs of their folly in terms of eternal poverty and lifelong misery?

Many of us will be dead and gone by then,but we owe it to those who follow not to destroy their way of life in such areckless and utterly unnecessary fashion, just because naive extremists want to radically change the economy and way of life.

‘Progress’ is an indispensable and necessary thing, but growth for the mere sake of growth is the ideology of acancer cell.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe ValleyExpress welcomes letters to the editor.

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

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

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

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

Readers are entitled to aright of reply to aletter directed at them.

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

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

Readersshould be equallyaware thatfacts presented in letters are selected to support a person’s point of view.

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of dataused or people involved in surveys.

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

Lettersregarding religion will not be published. Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include ‘Letter to the Editor’ in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Windauction delaycondemned

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state government’s decision to postpone the development of Gippsland’s offshore wind industry hasbeen condemned by the state Opposition as ascandal

The ShadowMinisterfor Energy in Victoria, David Davis, said offshore wind in Victoria had been adebacle. The Minister for Energy,Lily D’Ambrosioand the Allan Laborgovernment had botched theiroffshore wind strategy, leaving Victorian industry and households exposed.”Lily D’Ambrosio should immediatelyresign or be sacked. Labor’s incompetence and its blunders on offshore wind are ascandal,” Mr Davis said.

“Investors need certainty and predictability not chaos and the poor management epitomised by the Port of Hastings decisions. Victoria faces serious risks directly as aconsequence of Labor’s incompetence with the offshore wind planned as a coal replacement now looking unlikely. This risks leaving agap in supply. It’s no wonder investors are stepping back from Victoria under Labor.”

The government’saction followedconcernby developers that they wouldnot invest without certainty over government funding support.

Ms D’Ambrosio said last week that the state’s plan to hold acompetitive auction for project underwriting in September had been indefinitely

delayed at the request of developers.

Spanishdeveloper Blue Float Energy,has officially withdrawnfrom the Gippsland zone.

The metropolitan media reported last week that Navigator North, which is backed by Origin Energy, wasputtingits proposed $8 billion Victorian offshore wind farm on ice amid fears of theeconomic viability of the industry.

The Australian reported last weekthatone licence seen as vulnerable is Macquarie Group’s Corio Generation, which is developi ng the proposed2.5GW Great Eastern Offshore Wind projectabout 22 kilometres off Gippsland

However, Southerly Ten remains confident, but the chief executive, Charles Rattray, said the government’s announcement wasdisappointing

“With sevenyears of development work behind us on Star of the South, we know Gippsland has some of the world’s best offshore wind conditionswe are readytodeliver and harness this untapped resource for Australia,” he said.

“We will continue to engage constructively with government,industrypartnersand communities to unlock the full potential of offshorewindfor Australia.”

Southerly Ten, aspecialist offshore wind energy developer for Australia and New Zealand backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), Cbus Super and Australian Founders, is

regarded as Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project.

The offsh ore win da uc tio nw ou ld all ow developers to bid for government underwriting support and potentially other funding. It has beennegotiatingwiththe federal government overhow to fund the “offtake” arrangements. These give developersa guaranteedfixed price for electricity, regarded as crucial to guarantee long-term private investment financing.

Ms D’Ambrosiosaidaninability to arrive at ajoint funding arrangement with the federal government was the central dilemma for offshore wind in Victoria. Anew timetable would be announced before the end of the year.

There are 11 proposed projects in the Gippsland zone, but not all are believed to be advanced enough to bid.

Victoria aims to have two gigawatts of offshore wind up and running by 2032 and four gigawatts by 2035. They are integral to Victoria’s broader target to have 95 percentofits electricitysourced from renewables in 2035.

Better Transmission Gippsland chair, Kirra Bott, said the solution was already on-the-table.

“Underground transmission gives proponents confidence that projects will not be held up by community backlash. It’s the fastest way to remove uncertainty and get steel in thewater,” shesaid.

Private capital vital in any nuclear future

AS the federal government releases its new 2035 emissions reduction target of 62-to-70per cent, Oppositionenergy spokesman DanTehan is paving the way for the Coalitiontorenew itscommitment to nuclear power, The Australian reported last week -but this time, private capital will drive any rollout of the zero-emissions technology.

Mr Tehan warned that Australia was in danger of missing out on massive advancements in nuclear energytechnology,after meetingswith researchers at key US researchcentres in Idaho and Tennessee.

Mr Tehan said thatUSofficials and researchers were now optimistic they could produce -onan assembly line by the end of the decade -new 10MW micro-reactors capableofbeing transported inside threeshippingcontainers. Lifting the nuclear ban in Australiameant, for example, thatremote mining sites could replace diesel with these reactors, he said.

Mr Tehan said tech companies in America were exploring 50MW-100MW small modular reactors to help power their data centres. Prototypes for the SMRs would be up and running by the end of the decade, and getting them ready for export was a “little further off” at about2035, The Australian said.

The Coalition policy at the last election was for the government to build nuclear power plants, including one at Loy Yang in the Latrobe Valley.

Mr Tehansaiditwas now clearthat private capital can be used to develop anuclear civilindustry in Australia, after the nuclear ban was lifted. “There’s no question about that, and it’s happening in the US already,” he said.

Mr Tehan said government could still have arole to ultimatelyprotect safety. “It could play arole so thatitwould ensure that the capital thatwas being used is the type of capital that you would want invested into such acriticalnew industry,” he said.

He visited amajor nuclear hub at Oak Ridge in Tennesseethatspecialises in research and development and hosts the Frontier supercomputer -the world’s second fastest.

He also toured the Idaho National laboratory, home to 6400 researchers and support staff. Mr Tehan said there was more than 150 companies setting up at the Idaho site “so they can advance

all the nuclearresearchthat’s been undertaken, and spin it off into commercial entities”.

He alsoargued Australia could tap intothe nuclear renaissance underway in the US by playing alarger part in the supply chainfor uranium. With growing energy demand in Asia, Africa and Latin America, “we need to be playing apart in that”, he said.

Police remembrance services

NATIONAL Police Remembrance Day is held September 29 each year. The day gives peopleanopportunity to honour the lives of fallen police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty or as aresult of their duties.

National PoliceRemembrance Day (NPRD) is asolemn occasion to pay tribute to the courage, commitment, and dedicationofpoliceofficers who protect the community

ServicesacrossGippsland are:  Bairnsdale at St John's Anglican Church (10am), and;  KorumburraatStPaul's Anglican Church (10am).

Respect: Flagsfly at half-mast at Traralgon Police Station to honour the officerskilled at Porepunkak File photograph

Business Guide

GIPPSLAND Steel Centre has been in operation since 1999, providing customersacross the region with the largest rangeof steel, roofing and accessories With 40 years' valuable industry experience,Gippsland Steel Centrestaff areabletotailor their services to meet the needs of customers. Countonthem to always be prompt, reliable, customer-oriented and to always provide superior products

your needs.Whether you’dlike to pickupyour products or have them delivered to your site, they will gladlyaccommodateyou.

Being family-owned, Gippsland Steel areproud of their ability to offerpersonalised services to customers, and will makesureto provide youwith an option to suit

Gippsland Steel Centre is proud to be home to the largest steel product inventoryinGippsland. Come to them fortop-quality materials and reliable delivery

services.Whether yourequirea small piece of steel or alot of par ts foraproject,you can count on their professional, friendlyteam to get your job done right. Phone Gippsland Steel on 5135 6600 or come see the team in person at 527 Princes Drive, Morwell.

MALTESE xPoodle, 4Fem, 1M, vacc, D.O.B 23/7/25, RBN-211780. M/C 95600001 8815 520 ,2 477 4, 26249, 14825 and 09914. $1,000, Kath 0438 453 063.

TEDAS

COMMODORE VZ 2006 Executive. 1WG4GF reg exp 1/9/2026. Auto, runs excellent. Current rwc, reverse camera. No longer needed. $4,000. 03 51671619

YINNAR COMMUNITY HOTEL CO-OPERATIVE LTD

Nominations of candidates ar ei nvited for the positions of Director with the above Co-Operative. Thereare 3vacancies due to the effluxion of time and to resignation. Pursuant to the rulesthe retiring Directors aredeemed to have been nominated again unless they notify the Co-operative to the contrary Nomi natio ns othe rt han in the case of re tiring directors aretobesigned by two or moremembers andare to be ac compan ied by anoticei nwriting signed by the candidate accepting the nomination. Nominations must be lodged with the Secretary, Yinnar Community Hotel Co-Operative Ltd, c/o 33 Breed Street, Traralgononorbefore 9October 2025.Pursuant to the rules any nomination lodged must include the followingdetails for it to be provided to members with ab allo tp aper should ab allot be re quired:

a) Age.

b) Qualifications &experience.

c) Length of any previous service as adirector of the co-operative or with any other co-operative

Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted

Door Installer

local Tradies while they service, build and repair in our local communities - check out our Business Guide Pages and Home Maintenance Section in the Classifieds every Wednesday, for your

ELECTRICIAN

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 0438 998 849.

GARDEN WORK

10% cheaper on any quote. Mowing, whipper snipping, weeding. Call Gavin 0422 021 732

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

GREENWOOD

Margaret Joy 22/2/1948 -17/9/2025

Passed away peacefully aged 76 years.

Loving wife of John (dec.).

Loving mum to Troy, Craig, Scott and Caroline.

Adoring nan to Nicholas.

Forever in our hearts, now with dad.

LORENZ Robert Francis (Bob) 24/7/1945 -16/9/2025

Most dearly loved husband of Rosemary and much loved father of Elizabeth,

LORENZ Bob (Robert) The Chairman, Board, Management and members of the CFA are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

LORENZ Robert (Bob) The Board, Bowls Committee and Members of the Traralgon Bowls Club express their sorrow at the passing of Bob. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Lorenz family during this sad time.

HERNI Marietta Catharina Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family Wednesday 17 September 2025. Aged 78 years Much loved wife of Rob. Adored mother of Diana, Deborah, Sean and Catherine. Cherished grandmother and great-great grandmother. Forever in our hearts.

LUSCOMBE Grace Ellen Born on January 8th 1937, passed away 16 September 2025. Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens aged 88 years. Our Amazing Grace. Loving wife of Geoffrey (dec.) for 66 years. Bel oved mo th er and mother in-law of Dan and Eileen, Dawn and Stephen, Glenn (dec.),Ruth and Ross.

BATT Rhonda Lorraine "Onion" Passed away on her terms, at LRH on Tuesday 16 September 2025, after along battle with cancer. Aged 58 years Loved daughter of Alison and Ron (dec.). Loving sister of Warren, Marg, and Nev. Loving and adored aunt of Adam, Malison, Jayden, Chris, Aaron, Ellece and Ezra. Finally at rest with 'Skip'.

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

LEE Harry Fond memories of our cherished friend Harry, who will never be forgotten. Urszula Horbacz and family, Stefania Gabbedy and family and Irena Horbacz (dec.).

LEWIS Bernard (Ben) It is with great sadness that the family of Ben announce his passing on 17th September 2025. Dearly loved husband of Sheila (dec.). Much loved Dad to Carol and Lynn. Grandad to Todd and Laura; Nick and Cassie and Tyler. Great Grandad to Leni and Arie; Noah, Wren and Charlie; Ziggy and Sonny. Gone but not forgotten.

Loving Nana to Ben and Hannah, Chris and Holly, Abby and Dave, Matthew (birth name Gemma), Molly and Sam.

Adored Nana Grace of Sophie, Ella, Zach, Ollie, Annabelle, Lily and Xavier. We would like to thank all the staff of Dalkeith Heights where Grace was living for the last six months. Their care, kindness and friendship to her and us during this time was outstanding. Though her smiles are gone forever and her hand we cannot touch, we shall never lose the memories, of one we loved so much.

MOORE Kevin Passed away peacefully at his home in Moe in the presence of family. Aged 95 years

Dearly loved husband of Dot (dec.).

Much loved father and father-in-law of Phillip (dec), Suzanne and Sam (dec.), Peter and Nathalie, Christine and Damian, Pauline and Michael. Adored Poppy to all his grand and great- grandchildren. Loved byall. Cherished memories in our hearts forever.

ROBERTSON Darren (Robbo) Passed away peacefully surrounded by his girls, 11 September 2025.

Aged 56 years

Adored Father to Darcy and Hayden, Chloe, Amy and Jeremy.

Cherished Poppy to Remi and Billie. Son of Peter (dec.) and Diana, brother to Mark (dec.) and Brett. Partner to Rose. With tears we watched you suffer, and watched you fade away, with courage and concern for others you fought so hard to stay. No longer suffering, now you rest peacefully. Though his smiles are gone forever, and his hands we cannot touch, we shall never lose the memories of the one we loved so much.

"WE LOVE YOU DAD" Funeral Service was held on Monday 22nd Sept.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on

ROY Natalie (Nat) Yvonne

Of Budgeree and Leongatha, died on Friday, 12th September, aged 99, after a short illness. Natalie lived afull life and was the beloved wife of Charlie (dec.), mother of Marjorie, Allan (dec.) and Chris. Grandmother of Phil, Danni, Tamsin, Jessica and Katie.

Great grandmother of Olivia, Joshua, Sienna, Angus, Ryan, Heidi and Addy.

SAID Charles Francis (Charlie)

Late of Cooloola Cove and formerly of Traralgon, Victoria. Passed away peacefully Thursday 11 September 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

Aged 80 years Bel oved husb and of Josephine. Loving father and father-in-law of Irene and Mark, Damien and Kerry, Tim and Fiona, Anthony and Brooke, Chris and Dani, Cherished Poppy to 11 grandchildren.

Sadly missed brother, brother-in-law and uncle. Afuneral service for Charlie will be held in the Gympie Funeral Home Chapel, 236 Brisbane Rd, Gympie, FRIDAY (19 September 2025) commencing at 2pm. Followed by acommittal service at the Coolooa Coast Cemetery

SANDERS Murray James Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Aged 78 years

Loved and loving husband of Glennis. Cherished father of Scott (dec.) and Ronnie. Respected friend to many. At peace.

TEWIERIK

SPARK Tobias (Toby) Lloyd 8/12/1975 -14/9/2025

Died unexpectedly at home.

Dearly loved husband of Cindy

Doting father of Bronte, Frankie, Joey and Neesha

Admired uncle of Lily Priest-Spark and Antony and Samantha Saunders.

Adored son of Ian and Maureen Spark.

Devoted son-in-law of Joe (dec. )a nd Mau re en McConville.

Grandson of Herb and Betty Spark, and Simone and Vera Pecunia (all dec.).

Adored brother of Rebecca, Nathan and Monty (dec.) Spark.

Cherished brother-in-law to Jodie and Greg Saunders.

Cherished nephew of Ray and Lynne, Andreina and Bob and Andrew and Carol

Cherished cousin of Alana, Zach, Zoe and Hannah

It is difficult to accept that we will never see Toby again. We will miss his loving support.

Toby will be sorely missed by his fabulous friends.

He was the life of any gathering and the glue that kept everybody connected.

He will be sadly missed at Gippsland Water, where his ability to solve water quality problems was greatly appreciated.

Maureen, Ian, Rebecca and Nathan Spark.

SWAN Sophie Katherine. Passed away 13 September 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Cherished Mum and Mother-in-law of Jacquie, Melanie, Megan and Brent and Carley.

Loved Nanny to Ruby, Jac k, Made line and Annalese.

Cherished Sister and Sister-in-law to Wanda and Greg. Mum, saying goodbye to you left us heartbroken, to know you are not physically here to chat with, laugh with, and cry with, fills us with sadness. We were so blessed to have you as our Mum and will treasure all the memories of your love forever more. Rest in Peace.

SWAN Sophie

The family of Joan and Jack (dec.) Swan, their children and partners, Doug and Gie, Noeleen (dec.), Valma and Barry, Allan and Anne, Greg and Elaine, including their families ,wish to extend our deepest sympathy and love to enfold Jacquie, Mel, Ruby and Jack, Megan and Brent, Maddie and Annie, Carley, Wanda and Greg in their time of grief. We will miss our lovely and vibrant Sophie who was the kindest and the most generous human to all her in-laws and out-laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews. There will always be aplace at our family table. Rest peacefully dearest Sophie.

TEWIERIK Theo 13/9/1943 -18/9/2025

The depths of your love and caring for family and friends were unending, a legacy that lives on in your children and grandchildren. We will miss you Dad/Opa but never forget you. Love always, Leonie, Artemis, Zac and Lydia.

Theodore William (Theo) 13/9/1943 -18/9/2025

Born in the Netherlands, proud Australian, died suddenly, though peacefully, at Latro be Reg iona l Hospital.

Loving husband of Judy, loving father of Corrina and Paul (Chalmers), Leonie, Geoffrey and Nicole, Michael and Fiona, Chiara and Dave (Collins), Tim and Rachel, and our cat, Meggie. Loving Opa of Cameron, Emily, Rachel and Krysten. Artemis, Zac and Lydia. Maai ke and Elia na. Lochlan and Calvin. Mara, Ayla and Lila. Brother to Tonny (dec.), George, Louis, John, Marcel (dec.) and Paul. Acreative woodworker, avid reader and passionate gardener, we will miss all the deliveries... Thanks for all the vegies Theo! Funeral to be advised

TEWIERIK Theo 13/9/1943 -18/9/2025 Nicole, Maaike, Eliana and Ilove you always and are going to miss you. No longer will Iwonder whether you've got one of my gardening books. No more comparing planting schedules dictated by the differences in our weather patterns. Imissed talking to you one last time by mere minutes, Your loving son, Geoff.

te Wierik Theo 18/9/2025 Passed away peacefully but unexpectedly. So sad to know you're gone, but know also that you're still here. In our hearts and in our minds you will always stay. As you move on to tend God's garden. Iwill miss our weekly breakfast. Brother to Paul, Christine and uncle to Glen, Chris and Kevin. Treasured memories remain.

TWYEROULD Keith Graham Passed away peacefully at the Rosebud Hospital 16 September 2025. Aged 96 years Dearly loved husband of Jo (dec.). Much loved father and fathe r-in-law of Bla ir (dec.), Paul and Cheryl. Adored Pa to Dannii.

LORENZ The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Bob will take place in the Rose Chapela tGippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on Wednesday 24th of September commencing at 10.30am. The ceremony will be livestreamed, for link please visit: harwoodfunerals.com.au

LUSCOMBE The funeral service and committal for cremation of Mrs Grace Luscombe will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Rose Chapel, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, THURSDAY (25 September 2025) commencing at 10am. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dementia Australia. Please go to the link on Latrobe Valley Funeral Services website to donate.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOORE The Funeral of Mr Kevin Moore will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe on Thursday (September 25th, 2025) at 1.30pm At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Moe Memorial Park Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

ROY Afuneral service to celebrate the life of Mrs Natalie Roy, will be held at the Boolarra Co-operating Churc ho nM on day , September 29, at 10:30 am. At the conclusion of the service, the funeral will leave for the Hazelwood Cemetery. In celebration of Nat's life, please wear colours.

Funerals • SANDERS

GREENWOOD

ARequiem Mass for the Repose of the Soul of Mrs. Margaret Joy Greenwood will be offered at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church Street Traralgon TUESDAY (30 September 2025) at 11am. At the conclusion of Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

LEWIS The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Bernard (Benny) Lewis will take place in the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr, Traralgon on Tuesday 30th September 2025 commencing at 11am. The ceremony will be livestreamed, for link please visit: Harwoodfunerals.com.au

TWYEROULD The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr Keith Graham Twyerould will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Ave, Moe WEDNESDAY (24 September 2025) commencing at 1.30pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SAMPSON Noel Francis (Sam) 19/12/1926 -30/9/2016

Love of my life Memories of you will not grow old. They are carved in my heart forever to hold. Love you and miss you so much.

Donata (Maria) 1/10/1935 -24/9/2023

In loving memory of our dear Mother. Deep in our hearts you will always stay, loved and remembered every day. Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you as always, forgetting you never. Your loving children, Peter, Rosie, Lucio and families.

AMemorial Service to Celebrate the life of Mr Murray James Sanders will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, MONDAY (6 October 2025) commencing at 2pm. Murray's service 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

SWAN The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Sophie Swan will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr Traralgon TUESDAY (30 September 2025) commencing at 2pm.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

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When you lose someone close to you, itcan be hardtoput your thoughts and feelings into words Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much Forfriendly advice

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VIGGIANO

HORSE RACING

By LIAM DURKIN

THE race that stops the nation stopped by the Latrobe Valley last week

Local clubs had the honour of being in the presence of the Melbourne Cup, the very same cup that will be presented on the first Tuesday of November after the iconic race

As part of the Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour, the 18-carrot Melbourne Cup trophy was guest of honour in Traralgon and Moe

Stopping by Traralgon on Tuesday, September 16, the cup visited Loy Yang power station, Traralgon Centre Plaza and Liddiard Road Primary School, before making its way to Latrobe Valley Racing Club

Next stop was the Grand Junction Hotel, where members of the Gormandale Cricket Club were

treated to an up close and personal look at the

$850,000 trophy Moe Racing Club then got its hands on the trophy, with the cup on display last Wednesday (September 17)

The tour had an important charitable connection, with Traralgon Apex Club and Moe/Newborough Good Friday Appeal now in the running to win

$50,000 should the horse drawn by that charity’s barrier win this year’s Melbourne Cup

Renowned race caller, Greg Miles travelled with the cup to Traralgon and Moe, regaling attendees with stories from his career

idols Collins’ legacy has lived on at Moe Racing Club through the naming of the Bill Collins Bar in the main function room

“I loved coming here,” Miles said of Moe where he called during his career

“One of the big challenges at Moe is that setting sun when you get to the last race, but it’s great that you’ve got a mounting yard where you can see the horses, see the jockeys good place to call ”

Further Melbourne Cup royalty came to Moe for the cup tour, with 2015 winner Prince of Penzance and 2020 winner Twilight Payment making an appearance

Racing’s top prize in the Valley

Miles called more than 30 Melbourne Cups,

(2003-05)

The champion mare, who Miles declared the greatest ever, had early success at Sale Turf Club

Fittingly, Miles also pointed to legendary race caller and Moe’s own Bill Collins as one of his

to do so, carrying the same saddle cloth Trainers, jockeys and owners are given prominence on the Melbourne Cup trophy, with the three handles representing each of these important roles

The trophy contains a hidden microchip, meaning any efforts to steal the cup can be easily tracked by the Victorian Racing Club

Shock-jock radio host Derryn Hinch did however manage to ‘steal’ the Melbourne Cup long before microchips were around, as a prank during a party with Lloyd Williams after the 1985 running Hinch spent time behind bars at the former Morwell River Prison Farm not long after this for a separate incident in 1987

Prince of Penzance rose to immortality after winning at 100-1 odds, with female jockey Michelle Payne also becoming the first woman to ride a Melbourne Cup winner

In an incredible coincidence, Rosedale horse, Patrobas won the Melbourne Cup 100 years earlier, and was the first horse owned by a woman

Moe and Latrobe Valley Racing Club received miniature Melbourne Cup trophies as a memento of the visit from the real deal

Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairman, Frank Bezzina also invited Miles to call a race at the club’s upcoming Derby Day or Traralgon Cup

Workers: TheLatrobe ValleyRacingClubcommitteehad thehonourofwelcoming the Melbourne Cup.Pictured is PeterGuy,Ian Davison, Phil Gibson, Wendy Bezzina (holding cup), Dennis Lineham, FrankBezzina and Sepp Albanese

Generations: Traralgon youngsters Sam, Harr yand Annabel withLatrobe Valley Racing Club legend, PeterWightand the Melbourne Cup

Legends: Representing the Moe/Newborough RoyalChildren’s Hospital Good Friday Appealare KarynReed, Lunda Beatson, LilliSim and SueBechaz, holding the Melbourne Cup Photographs: Liam Durkin unless stated

Sportcrossover: CricketLatrobe ValleyPresident,EvanSheekey andGormandale Cricket Club President, NickScammell with the Melbourne Cup at the Grand Junction Hotel.

Up forgrabs: Moe Racing Club ChiefExecutive, Cass Rendell andtreasurer,Pauline Turrawiththisyear’s Melbourne Cup and MoeCup trophies

Safekeeping: Traralgon’s AlexMar tin keeps aclose eye on the Melbourne Cup.

Getting the cup to the Latrobe Valley was mainly instigated by Gormandale Cricket Club President, Nick Scammell, and Sue Bechaz, the driving force behind the annual Moe/Newborough Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal

Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron was on hand at Latrobe Valley Racing Club to see the cup up close

“It’s probably the most sought-after cup in thoroughbred racing right around the world,” he said

“To have it in the Latrobe Valley Racing Club, this joint’s run on volunteers, and it’s great to see so many people here

“I know that Tim Bull (Member for Gippsland East) who is the Minister for Racing, and Minister Carbines (Racing Minister, Anthony Carbines) work really well hand-in-hand promoting the sport

“Unfortunately these days inside Parliament we have elected MPs that are against thoroughbred racing and greyhound racing, so every opportunity that we get to be able to promote and talk about this wonderful sport we talk about the horses and the trainers and the jockeys, but it is the village that lives around those particular individuals, we actually employ thousands and thousands of people around our thoroughbred racing industry ”

Duo: Traralgon’s Chris Membrey and Terr yMembrey with the Melbourne Cup.Notethe whiteglove that must be worn whentouchingthe gold section of thecup

Memories: Moe’s BevKerrigan and granddaughter, Summer, 4, get up close withthe Melbourne Cup

Pairing: Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairman, FrankBeziinaand Member forMorwell, Mar tin Cameron holdingthisyear’s Traralgon Cup and Melbourne Cup.

Hands full: Thenumber one stats man in Gippslandfooty, Andy Theissling with the MelbourneCup at Traralgon Centre Plaza. Photograph supplied

Trophy: Staffand students from Baringa School mingle around the Melbourne Cup.

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 24 September 2025

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