Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 25 June 2025 by lvexpress.com

OF PETS

Nowhere to go Holy moly

Certainlya long way from home foran old Moe boy.

David Doddhad the honour of meeting Pope LeoXIV -read his fascinating storyon PAGE 5

By AIDAN KNIGHT

ATRARALGON woman on amercy

mission is stranded in Cambodia.

Her husband is seeking help from Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and the federal government to bring her home.

GavinMcHale hasbeen aLatrobe Valley resident allhis life, andhis wife, ChanmaneeOntam (now McHale), has been aresident of Australia for three years after emigrating from Thailand in February 2022.

Mrs McHale’s mother has since been the caregiver for her granddaughter back home in north-east Thailand, but died late last year.

Mr McHale claims that his stepdaughter witnessedtoher best friend being tragically killed outside their school gates as partofThai-Cambodian tensions back home.

The Cambod ian gover nment has claimed escalation by Thai ultranationalist and extremist groups complicate the situation, after both sidesexchanged

gunfire on last month, causing both Thailand and Cambodia to strengthen their military presence on their border.

Mrs McHale and Ms Ontam currently reside within 25 kilometres of the Kantharalak district, an area Mr McHale says they describe as awarzone. Their current location is listed at number five on the Thai government's evacuat ion list. Mr McHale’s wife returned to Cambodia as ameans to collect heryoungest remaining child, and bring her back safely to Australia.

She has been stranded with no government support in the country for 22 months,while thefamily saysthe Department of Immigration have been unhelpfulinprocessingthe required visas to make their return possible.

Mr McHale claims he is experiencing an uncaringlackofservice and accountability from the department, or anyone in government he turns to for help, particularlyinhis outcry to Mr Chester.

“I fear Imightnot have awife and stepdaughter tomorrow," he told the Express.

“The department charge for this processing, won’t give my money back, and can’t tell me when they’ll come home.”

Mr McHale also suffers fromischemic heart disease, and his wife acts as (and is officially listed) as his personal carer –alevel of support he has been left without for the duration of this ordeal. He has proceeded with doctor’s letters to immigration appealing for them to “bring her back to look afterme”, currently to no avail.

“It’s as if any time Icontact them they put it to the bottom of the list”, he said emotionally. However,whenreached for comment, Darren Chester confirmedwith the Express he'dwritten on Mr McHale’s behalf to severalrelevant members Seeing theseverity of thesituation, Mr Chester went straight to the top -the Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke only to hear back from the former Assistant for Immigration instead.

The former minister, the Hon Matt Thistlewaite, advised Mr Chester as follows: "All visa applicants must meet

therequirementsset out in migration legislation."

Assessments of achild visa application often cannot be completed quickly, because of the need to consider applicationsagainst arange of criteria such as family relationship, health, character and identity before avisa can be granted.

To ensure equity for all applicantswho may be in similar circumstances, the department generally considers child visa applications in the order in which they are received. While there is provision to prioritise an application where there are compelling or compassionate circumstances, this is limited to asmall number of circumstances; for example, where the applicant is in danger in their current location.

"While Icannot give atimeframe for when Ms Ontam's application will be finalised, please be assured that the authorised recipient will be contacted when the application reaches the next stage of processing," Mr Chester said.

Continued -Page16

See Pages 40 &41 of today’s paper forfurther details

Marathon trial nearing final stages

By STEFAN BRADLEY

THE trial of Erin Patterson entered its final stages as of last week (Monday, June 16 to Thursday, June 19), when both the prosecution and defence gave their closing address to the jury.

Court was adjourned on Thursday afternoon after the defence finished, and did not sit on Friday, or on Monday this week.

Three people diedfollowing abeef Wellington lunch at the accused's Leongatha home in July 2023.

Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson all died fromthe fatal meal which contained death cap mushrooms. Ian Wilkinson fell ill, but survived the incident. The accused has pleaded not guilty to three charges of murder and one of attempted murder.

Crown prosecutor Dr NanetteRogersSCduring her closing address on Monday and Tuesday told the jury that there were four "deceptions" created by Erin Patterson.

The first was telling her lunch guests afabricated claim she had cancer; the second was the lethal poison doses she "secreted" in the meal; the third was that she pretended to be sickafter the lunchto make it seem shehad poisoned herself as well; and the fourth was an attempt to "conceal the truth" after the lunch through her actions.

“The prosecution submits to you that when you considerthe wholeofthe evidenceinthis case, you will find that …each of these deceptions has been exposed,” Dr Rogers said.

“You can safely reject any reasonable possibility that this is all aterrible accident …and you can be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that she committed each of the crimesallegedagainst her.”

Dr Rogers told the jury, “it is clear from the evidence that the accused used afake medical issue as the reason for the lunch”.

The prosecution referred to the beef Wellington recipe in theRecipeTinEats cookbook that Erin used to make the meal. Dr Rogers noted that the recipe was only for one beef Wellington to serve, not “multiple individual pastries” for each guest.

“Why deviate so significantlyfromanunfamiliar recipe?” she said. Dr Rogers also questioned why Erin would use dried or foraged mushrooms, and that it didn’t make sense “she would add smelly” mushrooms to the dish.

Dr Rogers said there is “no direct evidence” as to where the accused sourcedthe death cap mushrooms, but said Erin visited the citizen science website, iNaturalist on May 28, 2022.

“However, what the evidence does demonstrate is that she was aware of a website that could be used to locate death cap mushrooms and that she had the opportunity to source thosemushrooms at atimeapproximate, or near to the lunch.”

Dr Rogers told the jury that Erin showed a “remarkable memory” and couldrecall dates, evidence and details easily in the witness box.

“Yet, in August2023, she could not recall the shop or even the suburb where she purchased the mushrooms from, an Asian grocer in the same April of 2023. It simply beggars belief,” she said. The prosecutionsaidthat Erin dumped the

food dehydrator at the Koonwarra Transfer and Landfill evidence. Dr Rogers said was incriminatingconduct.

“He rs to ry abou (estrangedhusband Si mon Patter son) accusing her in the hospital of using the dehyd rator and this sending her into apanic is nonsense. Simon Patterson categorically denied to you ever saying suc hat hing to the accused,” Dr Rogers said.

“If there was nothing incriminating about the dehydrator, why hide it? Andt is only one reason explanation: she knew incriminate her. She knew that she had dehydrated death cap mushrooms in that applianceand thatshe had deliberately done so, and she knew that keeping it was going to be far too risky.

“So one of the first things that she did after gettingbackfromthe Monash Hospital wastorace out to the tip and dump it, try to make it disappear."

Dr Rogers said the accused “deliberately sought out and picked” death cap mushrooms. Dr Rogers said that Erin called her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson “a lost cause” and noted “bitter” and “angry” messages Erin made about them.

AfterDrRogers concluded her closingarguments for the prosecution on Tuesday, Erin's defence lawyer Colin Mandy SC began his closingaddress that afternoon.

"Members of the jury, your consideration of the evidence in this trialcomesdown to twosimple issues that you have to determine. First, is there areasonable possibility thatdeath cap mushrooms wereput into this mealaccidentally, that's the first issue,” Mr Mandy said.

“Second,isitareasonable possibilErin Pattersondid not to killorcause serious injury to her guests? And the end, after you have considered allof the evidence,ifeither of those is areasonable possibility on all of the evidence, then you find her not guilty and that' st he law because if either of thos et hings are reaso nab le possi bi lities on all of the evidence, then you would have areasonable doubt.

“The prosecut ion has referred, we say, selectively to the evidence, ng the bits they like eir theory, in avery deliberate way, and then arguing to youthatyou should accept thosebits that they like, while they don't draw your attention to the bits that they don't like.”

Mr Mandy says the prosecutor’s arguments fall apart.

“The prosecution has just made an argument to you. That’s not evidence,” he says.

He also said that some witnesses called by the prosecutionmademistakes while giving evidence.

Mr Mandy said that “not only is there no motive, thereare verygoodreasons not to harm (the lunch guests)”. He described the lunch guestsas“support” for Erin and her children.

The court heardthat Erin had the “right to silence” and didn’t have to answer any questions during the trial.

"Shecould havestayedinthe dockand said absolutely nothing -and not give evidence in the case. The prosecution has to prove the case, and that's part of that exercise, she doesn't have to prove anything,” Mr Mandy said.

“Not only your scrutiny,ofcourse, but the scrutiny

of the whole world, being closely cross-examined about the finedetailsofher account andabout every word that she said to other people two years ago in 24 hours, 48 hours, however long it was.

“Admitting to you that she lied to the guests at the lunch; admittingtoyou the lies that she told once she realised that foraged mushrooms might have been in that meal.”

The Express wasincourt last Wednesday (June 18)asMrMandy continued the defence address for asecond day, which ended up dragging into Thursday.

Mr Mandywarned the jury about “hindsight reasoning”, which he said was “dangerous reasoning”, and an “invitationtoapply moral judgement”.

“She’s not on trial for being aliar,” he said. Mr Mandy went through the case chronologically. He said that Erin moved the family from Western Australia to Victoria to be closer to Don and Gail Patterson. Mr Mandy said that Simon had agreed thatErin’s relationshipwith hisparents was “loving”, and that Erin and Don were close.

The defence argued that Erin did get sick after the lunch. Mr Mandy also noted that there have only been “two sightings”ofdeath cap mushrooms ever in SouthGippsland, sayingitwouldberemarkable and extraordinary thathis client acted on those two sightings.

On Thursday, Mr. Mandy said the accused was “freaking out” after the lunch, and “people were blamingher”. Mr. Mandy concluded his address by saying the jury must determineifthe poisoning was deliberate.

"She doesn't have to prove her innocence to you, because she is innocent,and it is for the prosecution to disprove her account of accidental poisoning beyondreasonable doubt before youcan movefrom that position, before you could find her guilty of anything."

The courtwas adjournedfor the week and Judge Christopher Beale wished the jury agood long weekend.

On Tuesday, Judge Beale began delivering his final instructionstothe jury after the Express went to print, with this process expected to take two days. It’s after this that the jury will retire, examine all the evidence that’s been presented to them, and deliver their verdict.

Scene: Defence barrister ColinMandy SC at Latrobe ValleyLaw Cour ts in Morwelllast Wednesday. Photograph: Stefan Bradley

Revolves around: Deathcap mushroom (located in Loch)image postedbyChristine McKenzie, one of the prosecution’s witnesses Photograph: iNaturalist

Lived to tell the tale: IanWilkinson, who sur vived themeal. His wife, Heather didnot. Photograph contributed Central: Don andGail Patterson. Photograph contributed

We needPSOs, not security guards

THE need for Protective Services Officers (PSOs) at train stations across regional Victoria has been underscored, accordingtothe Opposition, after the state government confirmed it has hired private security guards to staff train stations in regional Victoria.

The Nationals’ Memberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron, wrotetothe Ministerfor Public and Active Transport,Gabrielle Williams, after local parents raised concerns abouttheir children being assaulted at train stations after school. In response, the Minister confirmedsecurity

Not solving theproblem: Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron, said it was“ludicrous” the state government has hired privatesecurityguardstostaff train stations in regionalVictoriainstead of deploying PSOs. Photograph supplied

Treaty negotiations continue

THE state government and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria have been holding regional meetings to continue negotiations for Victoria’s first statewide Treaty.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Assembly co-chairs, Rueben Berg and Ngarra Murray attended the opening ceremony prior to negotiations on Dja Dja Wurrung country.

Treaty is about making abetter and fairer state for all Victorians,byensuringFirst Peoples have asay over the policiesthat impact them and their families.

Negotiations have progressed on how an ongoingrole forthe First Peoples’ Assembly will ensure First Peoples can make decisions on matters that impact their futures and play an ongoing role in truth-telling, including capturing stories from across Victoria and retaining an archive of this information.

The ongoing representative body will be able to advocatefor First Nations communities, provide advice,work on building community leadership capability and work with the state government to close the gap between First Peoples and other Victorians.

Negotiations also emphasised the nationleading work of the Yoorrook Justice Commission and the importance of ongoingtruth-telling across local communities.

Parties discussedthe significance of the official public record beingcreated by the Yoorrook Justice Commission, and that this could be avaluable resource for teachers to use when educating students about Victoria’s history.

Treaty is apathway to acknowledging the past and making real, practical change to achieve better outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

Since Treaty negotiations began, more than 700 local government,community and multicultural leaders have been engaged in Treaty Forums across Victoria.

The stategovernment is represented by senior Department of Premier and Cabinet executives, and appointed Member Negotiators represent the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria.

Established in 2018, the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria has proven effective in enablingAboriginal Victorianstorepresent their communities and negotiate Treaty.

guards had beendeployed to at leastone “unstaffed” train station whereassaultshad occurred, and impliedV/Line employees were responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers at other “staffed” stations.

“It’s ridiculous that Labor is paying private security guards to stafftrainstations instead of deploying more PSOs across the regional rail network,” Mr Cameron said.

“For the Minister to also suggest that V/Line employees are enough of apresence to deter anti-social behaviour is simplyunfair, especially considering someofthese employeeshave themselves been victims of assault.

“Some schools are also asking staff members to attend local train stations before and after school in attempts to deteranti-socialbehaviour from students, which they should not have to do.

“PSOs have adedicated presenceat216 train

stations in Melbourne, yet just four stations in the wholeofregional Victoria are patrolled by PSOs.

“The Latrobe localgovernment area has the highestcrime rate of any municipality outside Melbourne, and we haveaserious problemwith anti-social behaviour at train stations

“The presence of PSOs is atried and tested method of deterring anti-social and criminal behaviour, and regional Victorians deserve to be offered the same protections as Melbournians.

“Instead of passing the buck to V/Line staff and hiring private security guards, the state government should get serious about deploying more PSOs across the regional rail network."

Bath calls forguarantee after winter shutdown -Page7

Moe local meeting religious royalty

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FROMworkingatMoe McDonald’sand KFCto meeting the Pope.

It’s hard to believe that trajectory could be achieved, but that’s exactly what former Moe and Westbury boy David Dodd did recently, shaking the hand of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV earlier this month.

Mr Dodd serves under the Australian Ambassador to the Holy See, dealing with operations to advance the country’s interestsand strengthen ties with the Vatican and other faith-based organisations.

Over the course of eight years, he has met not only the newest Pope, but also the late Pope Francis and other high-endpoliticalofficials,world leaders

David's father Leigh said his son felt it to still be "quite asurreal moment" when meeting Pope Leo, despitethe people he's already crossed paths with.

“He doesn't usually get star struck, and in this role as he's met many high profile individuals, but he admitted he was abit nervous,” Leigh said. David was even escorted by Vatican officials through the Apostolic Palace, with roads blocked off and all, to get to the Pontiff.

"David said he was incredibly kind and down to earth. Ihave afeeling he’ll do alot of good in the years ahead,” Leigh said.

During the time PopeLeo was elected earlier this year,David rushed across to St. Peter’s Squarewith his visitingfriend, American actress Erin Murphy (who played young Tabitha on the hit 1960s show Bewitched), where the white smoke appeared and theman himself stepped out onto the balcony.

David was shockedtodiscover the new Pope was American.

After working at Emirates Airlines for seven years and living in Dubai, Mr Dodd moved to Rome in 2011, beginning to study Italian, where he serendipitously met afuture colleague that led him on his next journey.

“He appl ied for ap os itio ns uppo rt ing the Australian Ambassador as their Residence Manager,” Leigh said.

Smash cut to now, David serves as aquasi-chief of staff under the Australian Ambassador, Hon Keith Pitt.

Besides the administrative and personal support

David providestothe Ambassador, he also oversees and coordinates operations and events -including events inside theVatican for visiting Australian dignitaries such as prime ministers and ministers forforeign affairs, among others.

David has quipped to his father that in doing what he does means no two days are similar, with anyone from across the globeliabletowalk through the door.

He’s also had the honour of meeting former Prime MinisterJulia Gillard and then GovernorGeneral, Sir Peter Cosgrove, as well as former deputy PM, Tim Fischer.

The sole female Australian Prime Minister was offered aprivate tour of the Vatican by David.

Perhaps mostm emorably,D avid was also fortunate enough to meet Pope Francis.

“He's always had adeep admiration for Pope Francis, he was truly the people’s pope,” Leigh said.

“He lived simply, famously choosing to drive a

Housing insights collated

By AIDAN KNIGHT

FOLLOWING arecent stop by the Legislative Assembly Environmentand Planning Committee in Traralgon, aparliamentary inquiry relating to the supply of homes in regional Victoria is underway.

As well as Traralgon, the committee recently visited Colac and Ballarat in the public hearing phase of the inquiry, which is now in it’s final stages, focusing on northern Victoria.

The concludingpublic hearing took place in Parliament last Friday (June20),and will see consultation with stakeholders within the reaches of Mildura and Swan Hill rural city councils.

The Traralgonhearing, which tookplace at the Traralgon Century Inn, heard the perspectives from organisations such as Gippsland Homelessness Network, One Gippsland, Caravan and Residential ParksVictoria, construction company’sParklea Developments and G.J. Gardner Homes, and Wellington and East Gippsland shire councils.

Theinquirywas putforth withthe intent to distinguish the key issues facing housing in it’s different forms in regional Victoria, enabling the

committee to source aroadmap thatlooks at the best methods of building and accommodating regional workers.

While the final hearing will not pertain specifically to Latrobe City and the greater Gippsland region, the closure of the public hearing phase will mark asignificant step in the process that couldpotentially have agreat impact not only on Latrobe residents,but thoseinregional areas across the state.

The hearing itself was held at the Treasury Reserve in St Andrews Place Melbourne, with many of the aforementionedrepresentatives being present virtually.

“Holding this final hearing in ahybridformat gives us the ability to meet with witnesses who couldn’tmake it on thoseprevious occasions,” Committee Chair, Juliana Addison said in the lead-up.

The process of the inquiry mimics that of the 2001s Inquiry into the impact of structural changes in the Victorian economy, whose outcome dictated policyimplemented to improve banking and postal services in regional areas, as well as an increased focusing on V/Line infrastructure and the amalgamation of regional councils.

small Ford Focus instead of aluxury vehicle, and David heardfrom SwissGuards thathe’d often walk past them at 4am andask if they wanted something to eat or drink.

“He also quietly did so much behind the scenes, including visiting women who had been victims of human trafficking in Rome on regular basis.”

David even had the privilege of visiting St. Peter’sBasilica to pay his respects on Pope Francis’ passing.

While most waited full working days to send off HisHoliness, through his relationshipsand position, David was able to be front of line.

One particular person David has come across

includes Princess Elettra Marconi, the daughter of Guglielmo Marconi -who invented the radio (or wireless telegraphy) in 1895- with the Princess and David developing aclose bond until her death.

Growing up and attending Albert Street Primary School, Moe, David transitioned to Lowanna College (then Newborough High School).

Leigh ran aphotography business, 'Happy Medium', out of the old Gala Restaurant above Shaw's Arcade in Moe, working with celebrities like singer Marcia Hines and TV personality Denise Drysdale when they visited the region.

Following in his father'sfootsteps, David also tookupphotography, working with artists such as singer-songwriter Wendy James from the '80s pop rock band, Transvision Vamp.

David has shot two album covers and is touring with the pop singer on her Australiantour with the band next year.

Recently returning to his hometown, David was delighted to see the growth of the region -noting some great restaurants like Twenty20 Tapas in Moe.

After Leigh was convinced to take some time off after fighting in the Black Saturday Bushfires in 2009, he rang his son to organise atrip to Italy. Instead they went straight to New York City, before then heading to Salzburg in Austria. It held greatsignificance to Leigh, who'slate father Frederick was athespian and adored the musical classic The Sound of Music.

The famous scene where Julie Andrews dances through the MirabellGardenswith levityand freedom, the father and son got aplaque made up for their patriarch -and while gardeners come through and fix up the hedges and bushes of the gardens constantly -that plaque of Frederick Duncan Dodd remains there adecade on.

These twohavesomany more storiestotell, perhaps David could write abook?

Lift nuc moratorium: Littleproud

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AUSTRALIA is already falling behind in theAI revolution and will need nuclear power to provide the reliable power that AI will require, according to the leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud.

His comments came as Nuclear for Australia highlighted the growing trend towards nuclear power throughout Western Europe.

Mr Littleproud was responding to aquestion on Sky News regarding the growing demand worldwide for 20-year-contracts for nuclear energy. Mr Littleproud saidAustralia was falling behind in this worldwide trend.

"That's why TheNationals walkedawayfrom theCoalitionacoupleofweeks ago, because we believe that we should have atechnology agnostic approach. We're going to have to face up to the reality we will need nuclear energy at some point to have acompetitive economy," he said.

"And when you've got the Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn running around espousing the virtues of AI, which Iagreewithtotally -we'renot going to be able to do it here in Australia unless you have areliable baseload power to provide the energy to underpin it."

Mr Littleproudsaidthat if chief executives want AI in this country, "we are going to have to have the courage to face into it".

"The world economy is moving. We're getting

leftbehind. Australian jobs will be leftbehind and the cost of puttingbaseload power in will go up unless we face into it now. And that's the missed opportunity," he said.

"But we'renot giving up on it. We should lean into it. The world's giving us strong signals about howweshould do energy, how we should have our economy run in acompetitive way. And if we don't take those signs, then unfortunately Australian jobs are going to be lost. And that's all because the ideology isn’t meeting the practical reality of physics and economics."

Mr Littleproud said the moratorium on nuclear energy should be lifted.

"It should never have been traded away by John Howard in adeal with the Democrats and Greens to get legislation through. The reality is you can and it is more cheaper than an all-renewablesapproach Frontier Economics clearly identified that," he said.

"But if we take away the moratorium, youwill see organisationslike Meta and other AI organisations thatwant to get intothe economy and growthe economywill be able to do it here in Australia rather than other parts of the world because you will need three times, maybe more, the energy generation from renewables with batteries that don't even exist, that lastmore than20minutes to be able to underpin this, that giveany confidence."

Mr Littleproud said the government shouldcome

Pesutto still in power, but facing huge debt

By LIAM DURKIN

EMBATTLED Traralgon-born MP, John Pesutto looks set to continue his political career.

The former state Liberal leader was facing bankruptcy and automatic disqualification from serving in Parliament, after being unable to stump up the money from his defamationlawsuit against Liberal colleague, Moira Deeming.

The federalcourtfoundMrPesuttoguiltylast year and ordered him to pay Mr Deeming $2.3 million in damages.

He secured $500,000 himself, while $200,000 was raised from an online crowdfunding campaign. With time running out, agroup of white knights haverode in to save the Member for Hawthorn with apersonal guarantee of $1.55m. AmarathonLiberal board meeting last Thursday voted to support the bailout.

“Thisdecisionwas not about personalities or past disputes –itwas about protecting the interests of the people we serve and ensuring our party can continue its important work,” party leader Brad Battin, who replaced Mr Pesutto in the top job late last year,said

“The loan arrangementensuresthe party avoids further financial and reputationaldamage, allows us to put this matter behindus, and refocusesour efforts where they belong.”

With the money coming forward, the Liberals have avoided apotential by-election loss, which could have put them even further out of pocket. However, given the stateelectionisjust under 18 months away, the full collateral damage could yet be uncovered.

Mr Pesutto will still need to eventually repay his debt, understood to be at acommercial interest rate of just under six per cent over 30 years. He would be into his mid-80s by then.

Mr Pesutto was leader of the state Liberals until late last year in the wake of his defamation loss.

The loss was adramatic turn of events, as Mr Pesutto had been leading aResolve poll as preferred PremieroverJacinta Allan just seven weeks earlier.

Mr Pesutto grew up and went to schoolin Trara lgon, and played soccer for Traralgon Olympians and Traralgon City.

clearonthe total costoftheir renewables-based policy.

"They've beenveryquick to denigrate the Coalition on whatour planswere, which was $330 billion, not the$600billion they said. So what's their cost? Why aren'tthey telling the Australianpeople, they're the government,whattheirintegratedplan will cost in terms of energy. They're not being upfront and honest," he said.

"AndI thinkit'snow timefor the government to tell us exactly what their energy grid, their renewables approach will cost the Australian people, not just in capital costs but also their energy bills moving forward. Because if you remember, they promised us a$275reduction thisyear in 2025 and it hasn't come. It has gone up by $1300."

Nuclear for Australia indicated that the nuclear tide was turning in Europe.

 Belgium has repealed its 2003 nuclear exit law, which imposed aclosure date on the country’s reactors and banned the construction of nuclear power plants. With four reactors still in operation, the Belgian parliament has reversed course -extending thelifeofkey units and re-integrating nuclear energy into the country's long-term energy strategy.

 Germany has dropped its long-held opposition to nuclear power, agreeing to support France’s push to remove anti-nuclear bias in European Union legislation.

LATROBE Valley Sustainability Group hosted

ShannonRiceand Ben Snell from AGL to speak about Loy Yang A’s Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plan (DMRP) as part of AGL’s community engagement process.

The culmination of the plan will see the handback of the mining licence for the rehabilitated mine to the stategovernment in 2065 to satisfy the requirements for closure set by the government. By this time, the open cut pit will be alake filled to adepth of 45 metres above present-day sea level, with fresh water and the surrounding land useable for many other purposes.

The water will be sourced from an extension of the present-day offtake from the Latrobe River catchment of 35 GL per annum as well as aquifer water that is currently being used to depressurise theaquifers. Other watersources such as recycled water from Melbourne and desalinated water can be options if needed and have not been discounted.

The need to fill the void with waterisfor stabilityofthe surrounding countryside and as weight to prevent the eruption of the underlying aquifers, which at present are prevented from erupting by pumping from these aquiferstoreducethe pressure.

AGL has plans to develop land surrounding the pit lake to upgrade the switch yards to incorporate the connectionofoffshore wind and other renewable energy sourcesfromthe GippslandRenewable Energy Zone (GREZ) as well as installing asolar farm and possibly alsoa floating solar farm on the pit lake. They are also developingplans to install big batteries to be able to providearbitrage and frequency control and other services to keep the grid stable.

The company sees this as away to provide an extraincome stream after the planned closure of theLoy Yang Apower station in 2035.

When asked about the possibility of using the site for anuclear power stationpost-closure, the speakers referred to AGL’srepeated rejection of nuclear at this site and stated multiple reasons why this sitecouldnever be used for nuclear power, such as huge cost, cooling water

 Denmark is considering lifting its 40 year-old ban on nuclear power, approving an analysis of the potential benefits of nuclear technologies to enhance its energy security.

 After hosting one of Europe’s largest power blackout in decades, Spain is revisiting initial plans to shut down the country’s seven nuclear reactors by 2035, signalling an openness to keep some reactors online to ensure stable energy supply.

 Earlier this year, the Italian Council of Ministers approved aplan to revive nuclear power nearly three decades after the country turned its back on atomic energy.

"Currently 17 European countries have nuclear power.Poland begins construction of its first nuclear power plant next year, bringing the total to 18," Nuclear for Australia said.

"As the energy crisis worsens, nuclear energy is making acomeback across Europe as the obvious case for nuclear continues to grow. The fact is nuclear power is inevitable in Australia. All we lack is the political will.

"Which is why our mission is singular: to keep nuclear energy on the national agenda until our government recognises, as theseEuropean governments have, that our country cannot keep pace with the fast-rising demand for low-carbon energy without nuclear power."

availability, waste and overallsocial acceptance.

AGLisconstantly consulting variousgovernment agencies on aweekly basis to develop and refine the DMRP, as well with many other stakeholders, including Gippsland Water, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and First Nationsrepresentatives, especially GLAWAC.

AGL General Manager Loy Yang, Christo van Niekerk said turning the mine into alake was themostsuitable option.

"We have conducted technicalstudies that currently indicate the most viable rehabilitation optionistodevelop the mine to afull lake," he said.

"A lake creates new habitats for wildlife and maximisesopportunities for the mine pit to be useful for arange of future purposes, such as suitable areas accessible to the public.

"AGL’s LoyYang Minehas played akey role in generatingelectricity for Victorians for four decades, and as part of AGL’s strategy in transitioning to renewables, we are planning to achieve asafe, stable and sustainable future for the site after the scheduled closure of theLoy Yang APower Station in 2035.

"AGLLoy Yang Mineisrequired underthe legislation to submit aDeclared MineRehabilitation Plan (DMRP) for assessment to DEECA’s Earth Resources Regulator by October 2025. As part of this process we have commenced consultation with key stakeholders includingTraditional Owners, government and the community to understand what is important to achieve the best outcome."

AGL requires access to surface water to build alaketosupport final mine rehabilitation, and has applied to the state government for aBulk WaterEntitlement (BWE) to accesssurface water from the Latrobe River system for water-based rehabilitation.

ABWE is alegal right to access and use water for aspecific purpose. Adecision is expected later this year.

Questions asked: Member forEasternVictoria Region, Melina Bath has writtentothe Public and ActiveTransport Minister, seeking guarantees Gippsland’sV/Line rail ser vicewillbefully-reinstated following the winter shutdown.

Guarantees soughtover Gippsland rail

STATE Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath has written to Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams seeking aconcrete ‘guarantee’ Gippsland’s V/Line rail service will be fully reinstated following the winter shutdown.

Ms Bath said there was genuine concern that Gippsland may lose its direct passage to Southern Cross Station as newly-released Metro train routes highlight significant track changes when the metro tunnel finally opens.

“The mapappears to indicate the Pakenhamline will no longer travel to Southern Cross or Richmond stations," she said.

“The Gippsland’s train has traditionally followed the Pakenham line and terminated at Southern Cross Station.

“Residents are questioning whether their V/Line servicewillterminateearlierthanSouthernCross Station.”

Ms Bathsaidafter10years of delays, bus replacements, poor punctuality and alackof communic ation, loca ls were understanda bly disillusioned.

“The forced disemb arkation at the Ea st Pakenham interchange imposed upon Traralgon Line passengers during the Metro Tunnel works is inadequate and poorly conceived," she said.

“It has significantly increased travel time, disadvantaging workers, students, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

“It is unacceptable that the journey to the city

now takes three-and-a-half hours on agood day.

“It is reasonable for locals to expect improved connectivity and enhancedaccessibility fromtheir regional trainservice to access jobs, education, and healthcare in the city.

“Quality regional rail helps our economy grow, delivers social benefits, increases tourism visitation, and removes road congestion.

“Minister Williams must give eastern Victorian passengersaconcreteguaranteethat theywill have areliable, punctual and direct V/Line train service to SouthernCross Stationinto the future.”

The Gippsland Line Upgrade's final construction blitzhas begun,with Traralgon Line passengers to enjoy services every 40 minutes after its completion Coaches are replacing trains on the Traralgon and Bairnsdale lines for part or all of the journey until Wednesday, August 13. Temporary timetables are available from V/Line outlets, and via: ptv.vic. gov.au/gippsland

This construction blitz will complete and commission the line’s new signalling system, so trains can run more often and more reliably, and enable trains to use the new platforms at Morwell and Traralgon stations.

During this time,workersare completing and commissioning anew traincontrol system between Drouin and Traralgon; safety testing the new system; and undertaking driver training.

Once the works are complete, atimetable change will be coordinated by the Department of Transport

andPlanning to introduceadditional services between Traralgon and Melbourne.

People travelling from now until August 13 have been encouraged to download the temporary timetable to plan their journey.

At times during the disruption, the V/Line and PTV Journey Planners, Google Maps and other trip planning apps will not show altered departure and arrival times. People need to check before they travel as the service plan may be different on the return trip-plan aheadand allow an extra two hours for the journey.

People travel ling towards Traralgon and transferringatEastPakenham should refer to the temporary timetable and catch the Pakenham Line Metro train that connects with aV/Line coach. Metro trains on the Pakenham Line depart from Platform 12 at Southern Cross and Platform 6at Flinders Street station.

People have been encouraged to depart at least one hour earlier than usual if travelling from the city towards Traralgon and connecting with a scheduled coach service.

For accessibility assistance, phone 1800 800 007 before travel.

Traralgon and Bairnsdale line passengers will also cop an additional week of coach replacements from Friday, August29, to Friday, September 5, to allow trials for the Metro Tunnel project, and works on the Suburban Rail Loop project, both in Melbourne.

Aiming to strengthen the regions

THE stategovernment has put in place a new independent Chair and members to a body that aims to support economic growth across Victoria’s regions.

The Ministerfor Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes,has appointed Margaret O’Rourke OAM as Chairfor the Regional Development Advisory Committee (RDAC) alongside the appointment of members represented by the chairs of Victoria’s nine Regional Partnerships.

Ms O’Rourke brings leadership and businessexperience from current and former roles in regional Victoria. Currently head of La TrobeUniversity’s Bendigo Campus and former Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute, she also sits on the V/Line Advisory Board, with previous roles as mayor and councillor at the CityofGreater Bendigo,Chair of Regional Cities Victoria and former senior positions with Telstra and Bendigo Telco.

Ms O'Rourkesaiditwas an honour to chair RDAC and to continue to lead the committee’s work in connectinglocal priorities across the regions -ensuring the voice of regional and ruralcommunities areheard directly at the heart of government.

RDAC was established in 2002 alongside the state’s lead agency for regional economic development –R egional Development Victoria (RDV) –toprovide independent advice to government on cross-regional matters. The committeeconsists of an independent Chair and the Chairs of the nine Regional Partnerships as committee members. Together, they provide acoordinated, statewide voice to government on the issues and opportunities impacting Victoria’s regions. The committee also plays avital role in identifying emerging issues that may affect regional development across multiple regions, and advocates for policy and investment opportunities championed by the Regional Partnerships.

RDV’s nine Regional Partnerships bring together local leaders with strong connections to local community, industry and business groups who work together to set priorities, make the case for investment, and ensure regional voicesshape government decision-making.

RDV chief executive, XavierCsar, said RDACensuresVictoria’s regional policies and opportunities are shaped by people who understand the local challenges and strengths,whichmeans initiativescan be targeted, effective and locally responsive. For more information, visit: rdv.vic.gov.au

Photograph contributed

Deep-coated chocolate parody

GIPPSLAND Youth Drama Workshop will hit the stage thisweekend with itsnew production, the comical send-up Wally Winka and the Confectionary Manufactory!

The original show wasconceived by young performers from across the region, and pays homage to Roald Dahl’s magical masterpiece.

Drawing inspiration from the movies and the original book, the play is set in the fictional Wally Winka’s confectionary factory, where the orange Trumpa-Lumpas work hard to make the world’s most famous chocolate and sweets.

The story follows the adventures of the ten golden ticket-winning kids, who all display some less-than-admirabletraits, includingentitlement and alack of appreciation,aswell as their greed for sugary treats.

The show includes an eclecticbunch of characters includingthe darkconfectionary cartel,who will stopatnothingtofindout whatWally’s secret ingredient is, and the Candy Bloke, who not only sellsall the amazing confectionary, but also serves as narrator.

All the characters have their own secrets, motivations and agendas which drives the comedy towards an inevitable and unlikely end.

The show deals with various comical dilemmas andtopical issues,asthe characters come to terms with their own realities and home truths.

Workshop director, Phillip AMayer, who guides theyoung actors and scripts their ideas, said “with Charlie and the Chocolate recent Wonka films still being known,the young actorsc sion, with many twists, changes, and character swaps," he

"The production uses satire comical send-up, using the

changes their genders to great comic effect, and exploring modern themes which are important to young people.

“The local performers, who travel from across the region, were involved in building plot, characters, themesand humour basedontheirideasand improvisations. The audience will know the source material, but have no ideaabout what direction the show will go."

Since startinginGippsland in 1993, the Gippsland Youth Drama Workshop has produced more than 100 original shows, involving morethan2000 local youth, and is supported by many community organisations.

The workshops focus on building performance skills, as well as confidence, team work, self-esteem, communication, responsibilityand various other life assets.

The wor ksho pa ims to en han ce th ey oun g performer’sendeavours, and provide apositive educational experience in asupportive environment

“Participants are involved for various reasons from wanting to be an actor, to simply building their confidence, and they enjoy participating in a creative activity, establishing new friendships and learning about the performing arts," Mr Mayer said.

"The excitement of performing in front of alarge live audience is an experience they remember forever."

Wally Winka and the Confectionary Manufactory! is for all the family, and is showing for one night

Langford St, Moe

LANGFORD Street is one of the earliest streets in Moe.

It is located one block back from the railway line, and is named afterone of the longest serving officers of the Narracan Shire Council.

At the time the councilwas establishedin 1878 it was ahugeshire, covering avery large area including Moe.

Benjamin Langford was appointed engineer in 1885 andgaineda favourable reputation for good work in atimewhenthe roadswere described as being in avery bad state.

In ahistory of the Narracan Valley published in the Narracan Shire Advocate in 1909, his positionwas described as beingdifficult and thankless.However, he showed ‘conspicuous abilityinlaying out roads in very difficult country’.

He was later appointed as the shire secretary and thushad two positions to manage for around four years until an engineer was appointed, leaving Benjamin as the shire secretary.

In carrying out this task he was described as ‘one of the most able shire secretaries in the state. In an auditor’s report of December 1898 high praise. sbooks and accounts were described tly well-keptand considering the duties devolving upon thesecretary well as in the office,wethink the

condition of things reflects much credit on that officer’

By 1909 he had served the council for 25 years, so the council decided to presenthim with a gold watch and his wife with agold bangle In presenting the watch, the shire president said, ‘he had actedinvarious capacities -as engineer, secretary, valuer and rate collector; in fact, he at one time held anumberofpositions and was practically the whole thing in one. And it was most gratifyingtohim to know that he filled the positions with not only credit to the council and ratepayers but with creditto himself. As an engineer, he gavegreat and general satisfaction. In the position of secretary, he had been remarkably successful, and he could not refrain fromsayingthat they were indeed fortunate in having such aman to act in this capacity. As valuator and collector, his efforts had also proved successful, and he might mention that during the whole of the time Mr Langford conducted the valuations of the shire, there had never been an appeal’.

He resigned in 1920, by which time he had completed 35 years of service to the shire.

He died in September 1930 at the age of 82 and was buried in the Moe Cemetery. His wife had died in 1912. Text provided by the Moe &District Historical Society.

Good luck: Youngactorsready to hitthe stage this weekend. Photographs supplied

And counting: TheGippsland Youth Dramaworkshop hasproduced morethan100 originalplays

Ruralrates are in the spotlight

By AIDANKNIGHT

LATROBE City Farm Ratepayers

Association are making aformal objection to Latrobe City Council, in relation to the proposed rates under the 2025/26 draft budget.

The associationand many farmers it represent say they feel council is unfairly tighteningeligibilityfor the differential farm rates, fearing it will have an adverse effectonamajority of farmersand risk, pushingout smaller-scale landholders/ producers.Under the draft budget, which includes arevised differentialrating strategy outlined on Page 36 of the document titled 'Draft Budget2025-26 v4 After Agenda Review',the farm rate is set at 0.0022612,significantlylower than the general rate of 0.00301482 or the derelict property rate of 0.00904448. However, access to this discounted rate now comes with stricter conditions.

Greaeme O’Hara, afounding member of the association for more than 40 years, has raised his voice against the Farm Differential Rate, the minimum threshold of which now requires farmers to have 40 hectares of primary productionlandto qualify for (under Criteria 1– Land Size).

“It used to be two hectares, now anything under 40 won’t comply to receive the differential”, Mr O’Hara says. This is the association’s key point of contention.

Farmers invited to have say on Blue Rock water

SOUTHERN Rural Water is seeking expressions of interestfrom Latrobe Valley farmers about additionalwater allocations from Blue Rock Dam. Victoria's Ministerfor Water, GayleTierney, recently announced 16 gigalitres (GL) of water previously set aside for power generation will be allocated and shared equally to supply agriculture, Traditional Owners and the environment. The decision wasmade through the Centraland Gippsland Region Sustainable Water.

This means 5.3GL will be available to support operations, expansion or drought-proofing for irrigators in the Latrobe region. The allocation will openupmore water for production, providing opportunities for innovation, expansion or future-proofing of operations. This will lead to

economic improvements and the creation of more employment. Expressionsofinterest can be madebycompletinga form and returning it to VicAg by July 30, 2025.

Farmers willneedtoprovide evidencethatthey canaccess the water via aproperty they own, or that they have permission to use.

Farmers may express interest in as much water as they like. However, they must be able to demonstrate that they can use the water.

Those who are successful must meet relevant licencing requirements under the Water Act 1989. Also, this mayinclude other statutory requirements, depending on the intended use. For more information, call 1300 139 510.

Small earthquake recorded

By KATRINA BRANDON

WHILE small, amagnitude 2.7earthquake occurred around the Walhalla/Rawson area last Wednesday (June 18) around 7.30am. According to Earthquakes@GA website and the Seismology Research Centre on Facebook, at least 10 people reported the rumble. Theshock could be feltinMoe and Traralgon accordingtothe website. Following the thread on social media, residents in the Rawson area commented it was loud rather than ground shaking. On average,100 earthquakes of magnitude three or more are recorded in Australia each year. According to GeoscienceAustralia, the size or magnitude of earthquakes is ameasure of the energy releasedbythe earthquake and is determined by measuring the amplitude of the seismic waves recorded on aseismometer, together with the distance of that seismometer from the earthquake. For every one unit increase in magnitude,thereisroughly athirty-fold increase in the energy released. Small, shallow earthquakes may produce aloud booming sound like an explosion, as seismic waves transform into sound waves at thesurface.These sounds can be heard even whenthe groundshakingisminimal or not felt at all, such as the one in the Rawson area.

The associationsaysthey feel the requirement to prove their farm has a"substantial commercial purpose", outlined in Criteria 3–CommercialViability (i), is not relevant, and that alot of the questions being asked in application forms for farm ratesare "overreaching' and "make the council sound more like the ATO than alocal council".They also expressed concern at being able to prove if they make aprofitfromtheir farm every year beingarequirement, in such adifficult time for agriculture, in regard to drought and unpredictable events. In astatement withinthe budget draft notes,council says the farm rate differential is intended to reflect the "larger landholdings and disproportionally higher rates" thatcommercial farmingoften requires, and that the criteria is designed to ensure the rate is only applied to "genuine, commercially substantive farming enterprises.” Latrobe City Council was approached by the Express for comment, whichhad not been received in time for publication.

H2O: Sailing on Blue Rock Dam File photograph

ONE POINTERS

1 What meat is used in a shepherd’s pie?

2 What is the national sport of Japan?

3 What is the world’s best-selling stout beer?

4. What art form is described as “decorative handwriting or handwritten lettering””

TWO POINTERS

5 How many dots (Total) appear on a pair of dice?

6. Who famously crossed the Alps with elephants on the way to war with the Romans?

7 What animal has the largest brain relative to body size?

8 Hurling is a national sport played in what European countr y?

THREE POINTER

9 What is the smallest unit of matter?

10 In which countr y was Elon Musk born?

11. What was the first name of Argentinian soccer star Maradona?

12 Gwen Stefani was the lead singer of what band?

13. In which countr y would you find Mount Kilimanjaro?

14 Mickey Mouse was originally named what? FIVE POINTER

15 What are the 5 basic areas of engine operation? 1 point for each correct answer

How did you fare?

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

Howtoplay...

Using the 9letters in the gr id, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page49

Howtoplay. Solution page49 Fill the gr id so that evry rowand ever y3x3 squarecontains the digits 1to9

By Dr.Duncan Borland

Valley Vets Latrobe

BEING amobile vet allows us to help those who find it difficult to access veterinary care—and the reasons aren’talways as straightforwardasyou might think. Whether it’smobility or transportchallenges, workfrom-home schedules, or pets who simply don’tcope well in clinics, we’regrateful to offer carewhere families and animals feel safest—at home.

We often meet the “missing pets”—the ones who can’thandle clinics, or who carry so much tension that it’shardtosee what’s really going on with their health; pets that would panic in the clinic. At home, these same pets slowly drop their guard. Some even startout tough, only to become total silly geese with alittle patience and kindness. We’ve cared for animals who haven’tseen avet in years, not because their people didn’tcare, but because access was too hard. That weighs heavily on families. The biggest thing we’ve learned? The people of the Latrobe Valley truly want the best for their furryand feathered companions. It’sa privilege to partner with them and help make that carepossible.

AdoreAll Pet Care

AT AdoreAll Pet Care, we offer many services to suit your family’sneeds whilst you requiretime away from your pet/s. Whether you’reholidaying and looking at careoptions or you want your dog exercised whilst you’re

Caring for Pets WhereThey Are Happiest -InTheir Home

Why Regional Emergency Vet Clinics Matter Now MoreThan Ever

Gippsland Pet Emergency

IF your pet had asudden accident or illness after hours, wherewould yougo?

For too long, pet owners in regional areas have been left with limited or no options when emergencies happen outside regular clinic hours. As veterinaryprofessionals, we’ve seen the heartbreak that comes with delayed care—cases that could have been resolved with early treatment but became life-threatening due to the tyranny of distance and time.

That’swhy Gippsland Pet Emergency was created. As alocally operated emergencyonly veterinaryservice,our mission is simple: to be therewhenyour regular vet can’tbe.

Emergency clinics in the regions don’tjust benefit pet owners. They arevital in supporting the sustainability of the wider veterinary community.Manyvetsingeneral practice arestruggling with burnout, made worse by being on-call night after night. By centralising after-hours care, we allow local vets to rest, recharge, and continue providing the highquality service they’reknown for—without sacrificing patient care.

Veterinaryemergency medicine is a specialised field. Our clinic is equipped to handle urgent cases—from snake bites and car accidents to sudden collapses and obstetric complications. We work closely with referringclinics to ensureseamless handover and continuity of care, because

collaboration, not competition, is at the heart of what we do.

At present, we’reopen weekends and public holidays—but our aim is to expand to full-week emergency coverage in the future,

ensuring that pets and their people can access urgent careeveryday of the week. Emergency careisresource-intensive. It requires staffing, equipment, and infrastructuretobeready everynight and weekend.

When you supportyourlocal emergency vet, you’reinvesting in the futureofaccessible, compassionate carefor animals in Gippsland.

As pet ownership continues to rise, regional emergency services like ours arenolongera luxury—they’rea necessity

Eastside Boarding Kennels

EASTSIDE Boarding Kennels have been providing exceptional quality careonour working farm, located in the beautiful Flynn (Traralgon East) for over 20 years.

We understand how difficult it can be to leave your furryfamily member,which is why our dog loving team go above and beyond to make it an enjoyable experience for you all.

Our kennels aresuper spacious allowing plenty of room for our guests, with ample room to sharewithother familydogs. They areattached to grassed exercise yards so everyone gets aturnout for arun around.

Whether it’saday stay or you’reheading away on atrip of alifetime, we keep our prices affordable.

We also understand how much you can miss your pup while you’reaway,which is why we aremorethanhappy to send you updates and photos to ease your mind.

Inspections arewelcomed and encouraged so both you and your pup feel right at home!

ONE ON ONE WITH Brendan Yeates

In this weeksinterview, Express journalist Aidan Knight catches up with ex-local, dancer and accomplished choreographer,BrendanYeates about his journeytothe worldstage, working alongside the likes of Katy Perry.

BrendanYeatesisa LatrobeValley born-and-raised Choreographer having workedacross some of the biggestproductions gracing Australian stages,ranging from Hamilton,WestSideStory,Matilda, KinkyBoots,and even the ICCT20 Opening performance by Katy Perry. He is currentlythe AssociateDance Supervisorfor the Oliver and Tony Award-winning MJ the musical Yeateshimselfisa Syndey Theatre Awards nominatedChoreographer.

Aidan: What are your rootsinthe LatrobeValley?

Brendan: Ioriginally lived in Churchill, andthen movedout to Jerralang when Iwas about 10 or 11,toabit of acreage, andmyparentsare still there to thisday IwenttoChurchill PrimarySchool before attending Kurnai College,and afteryear 10 IwenttoMelbourne afterreceiving a scholarship formyfinal twoyears at the Victorian Collage of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). Istayedwithafamily there organizedthroughthe school,and studentsundertake the usualsecondary curriculum, while also undertaking a sortofelite-leveldance training. It’s an audition basistoget in,but it’s areally greatgovernmentschoolthatmakes it affordabletohavereally good dance training forpromising young people.

AK: When did dancing begin foryou?

Brendan: Iwas really inspiredbymy grandadwho gave me aVHS of Mary Poppins, andwas mesmorisedbyDick VanDykeinthe film, whomademe really want to starttap dancing. And youabsolutelyget bulliedfor it as a kid, but Mum took me into whatisnow JazFlowers Performing Arts School in Morwell,and Iasked to just do tap dancing andthe owner at thetimetold me Ineedtodoeverything. Ballet, jazz,tap,the wholekit andkaboodle, whichwas areally polarizing thing to my matesall playing football,basketball andcricket.Itried allofthese thingsand couldn’t find myself to be good at anyof them, but wascertainly good at dance, andI clung onto thattopush throughthe bullying Isuppose.There is so much in it that teaches aperson discipline and body awareness,and there is something about the difficultyofit, that sets you up with so many skillsthatare in some wayapplicabletothe rest of your life. It’s something that canbelookedatinways other than as acareer, or even just an appreciation forthe arts

AK: Before your scholarship,did you have anymentorsorprogramsinthe

Valleythathelpedyou to where youare today?

Brendan: Before JazFlowers took over theschool Iwas taught by her mum Vicky, andshe wasthe first person to pull my mumaside andsay ‘Brendan is pretty decent, do we want to invest? Is he interested?’ And that wasthe first kind of mentoring Iexperienced,against thebackdropofbeing bulliedfor something Iloveina school or peer setting, it hit me pretty hardtohearsomeonesay ‘ohthiskid is really good let’spushhim in theright direction’. Mumand Dadthen startedtakingmetoMelbourne twice aweektotakeclasses there before I startedatVCASS. It wasthroughVicky andthe localcompetition that really put me on atrajectorytocontinue exploring this thing that Iwas decentat.

AK: What wasthe first production you sawthatmadeyou think ‘I want to do this’?

Brendan: here used to be atoursgroup fromthe Valley, Ican’t rememberwhat they’recalled, that wouldessentiallytake abunch of pensionersona bustoa matineeinthe city Mumtookmeonone of those tourstosee The BoyFromAus,when Todd McKenny was in it.Itwas at the Princess Theatre, where Ilaterworked forMatilda The Musical.Wehad the crappiest seats,but Istill rememberthe feeling of connectednesstowhatthey were doing on stage. Iwatched it and knew Ihad to do that AK: What wasitlike working on Katy Perry Performance?

Brendan: Forthe Women’s T20 World CupIwas partofthe team alongside Katy’s peoplefromthe US in charge of making sure thedancer’sgot taught their choreographyand then getting them teched into theMCG. It wasa monster effort to get350 dancers,with no foolproof waytoget them to rehearse in separate cohorts on basketball courts andovals before we had accesstothe venue to have them do it all in onebig collective-because yousimplycan’t rehearse that many peopleata time Thatwas also thesameperiodIwas working on Hamiltonthe musical, so partwaythroughI had to be working on both projectssimultaneously when Iflew offtoLA forthat.

AK: What’s your favouriteshowyou’ve workedonsofar?

Brendan: MJ The Musical,itjusthas this incrediblegroundedand athletic choerographythatspeaks to thekind of dancer Iam, andissomething I’ve workedonfor ayearsofar.It’sareally chalengingshowwith international success, anditfeels uplifting forthe audience

AK: FavouriteMJsong?

Brendan: The WayYou MakeMeFeel,but it’s notinthe show,soI’ll say Wanna Be Starting Something

The WayYou Make Me Feel wasa numberin Centre Stage,a classic early2000’s dance film that waspivotal notonylfor dancers but 90’s kids in general

AK: What wouldyou saytoaspiringdancers/ choregrapherscoming out of theLatrobe Valley?

Brendan: If Ididn’tget ascholarship I don’tsee there being away formeto do what Idonow.The schoolsinthe Valleyare topnotch,and Ithink there’s something about diving into apassionwhether ahobbyorasport -inanarea when there is lessdistraction,thatallows youtojustzoneinonit. Forme, it was really the scholarship that allowedmeto push myselftogrowwhere Ineededto gettothis level. It became achecklist, work in Melbourne,workinSydney, work in LA,greatnow NewYorkisnext. The best thing youcan do is findascholarship or agrant,somesortofwaveyou canridetoaccessthe training,thatisn’t alwaysbasedonthe cost or privilege Nowthere’s alot more access in social media changingpeople’strajectory, but formeitwas just building those skillsin the Valley with peoplewho recognized the capabilities andthenfinding that avenue to enablemetotakeitall the way, in away that my family,coming froma regional area, couldsupport AK: Most underatedmusical of all time? Brendan: That’s atoughone,I’d have to saythe first thing to come to mindwould be Movin’ Out, the BillyJoeljukebox musical. It’s agreat catalogue of his music, with incredibly intense dancing witha lotofpeoplethrowing themselves around.It’snever come to Australia, but it’s so demanding that theyhaveto have twoversions of thecasttobeable to maintain the qualityofthe athleticism involved,night afternight.Jukebox musicals overall are great, they’re alot more accessible, alot less ‘heavy’in the storyand thethemes. Afterworking on thingslikeHamilton,which are not the most uplifting show in theend, while audiencesare going home having seen an amazing work of art, they’re notjumping to their feet the same way an MJ audience is.Ilovethe platform a jukeboxmusical gives youtoelevate the connection peoplealreadyhavewithan artistora piece of musictheyknowand love before theygotosee theshow.

Brendan’s journeyfromChurchill to some of thebiggest stagesinthe worldisatestamenttothe power of passion, persistence, andregionalresilience.

From VHStapes andlocal dance classes to Broadway-boundproductions andgloballive spectacles,his storyprovesthatworld-class careers canbegininthe most unassuming places

Foryoung artistsinthe LatrobeValley dreamingofafutureindance or choreography,Yeates is livingproof that thestage is never too far away—solongasyou’re willing to take thefirst step.

Issue cannot be silenced anymore

Teamwork: QuantumSuppor tSer vices,Gippsland Multicultural Ser vices,Gippsland FamilyViolence Alliance,Centrefor MulticulturalYouth and

Overseas departmental battle

From Page 1

AS of 2025, the Department of Home Affairs takes up to 39 months to process subclass 101 visas.

This is the classification of an Australian permanent residency visa that allows achild (i.e, Mr. McHale’s surviving stepdaughter) living outsideAustraliatomove to Australian soil to reside with their Australian parent, guardian or eligible sponsor.

Acompleted subclass101 visa provides the child with permanent residency, with eligibility for citizenship, and access to education and healthcare within the country.

However, an immense demand for such aprocess due to similar international conflicts and various other scenarios in less fortunate parts of the world creates a significantbacklog for these applications. This is await that leaves many families in limbo, andlike Mr McHale,strainedboth emotionally and financially.

Mr Chester added his officereceivesdozens of similar visa inquiries from constituents each year.

“There needs to be areview of the way these processes work," Mr McHale said.

“It’s obviously not efficientenough and Ican’t seemtobeabletoqualify it as a dangerous enough situation for it to be fast tracked. We wouldn’t be theonly family effected like this.

“With the best friend shooting, losing her main care giver, her mum flying there to take care of her and the current conflict where they are constantly living in fear, somehow they still don’tmeet the criteria to look at adependent child visa,.

“The governmentdoes not support us in any way".

Aft er his corr esp onde nce with Mr Thistlewaite, Mr Chester has repeated his attemptstoreach the Minister for Home Affairs on behalf of Mr McHale, but is yet to receive aresponse.

By KATRINA BRANDON

*Warning, this story includes intense themes and potentially triggering content.

CREATING avoice for women from all corners of the globe, multiple groups collaborated in making adocumentary standing against violence toward women, and in particular, those with multicultural backgrounds.

The joint forces behind the film screened the documentary, Silent No More,atthe Little Theatre in Traralgon.

Those behind the documentary include Quantum Support Services, Gippsland Multicultural Services, the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance, the Centre for Multicultural Youth and Deakin University.

“This is adocumentary sharing the lived experienceofwomenfrom multicultural backgrounds who have faced family violence. This film aims to raise awareness and provide amessage of hope to women across our region and beyond,” MC Tanya Hancock from Quantum told the group.

Melbourne City Mission Chief Executive, Vicki Sutton, added “Silent No Moreispowerful. It's deeply human, and it reminds us of the strength and resilience of victimsurvivors. It amplifies voices thatoftengounheard, and it brings forwardstories that deservetobeseen,heard and honoured by the people here today who have sharedtheirstories in this film.”

Beforethe screening, Ms Sutton welcomed the group, while DeakinUniversity Associate Professor in psychology, Dr Lata Satyen, discussed the work leading up to the screening.

Dr Satyen is the founding co-convenor of the DeakinNetworkAgainst Gendered Violence (DNAGV). She is also the Victorian State Lead of theAustralianDomestic, Family and Sexual Violence Recovery Alliance.

Dr Satyen’s recent project aimed to understand how services support multicultural communities, especially in regional areas, and particularly from communities that have not been previously examined in terms of their experiences and support needs. She discussed withthe crowd that she focused mainly on Gippsland and Geelong, as crime statistics showed an 84 per cent difference in the number of family incidents per 100,000 population betweenregional and metropolitan areas in Victoria.

Greater areas for concernincluded Latrobe, Wellington, East Gippsland, Baw Baw and Geelong.

Dr Satyen’s research appeared in four stages.

The first stageincludedconsultationswithpractitioners in both the Gippsland and Geelong regions, specifically those who had supported and were currently supporting multicultural communities.

Stage 2involved talking with people, conducting two hourinterviews with victimsurvivorsfromthe study regions to sharetheir stories and discuss how community support could be improved.

Consulting with community and faith-based leaders was the third stage of the project, aimed at understanding the challengesmulticultural communities face in regional areas and the need for greaterintegration and successful collaboration between different types of services.

Lastly, Dr Satyencombined the findings and put them together as recommendations outtothosein the other phases, asking whether their experiences had been translated accurately, and wanted them to rank whatwas the central area of fragmentation that was apriority for them.

“As other multicultural community groups in both Gippsland and Geelong have done, this worked really well in helping them understand the complexity of the cases, but also supporting them adequately," she said.

"People also spoke quite greatly about the interest in providing person-centred care.

“Theyalsofound that therewas successful integration of services when they had an ease of access with an interpreting service, so when they werereadilyavailable, it worked really well in terms of supporting the multicultural communities.

Some of theareas for improvement include cultural competency.

“Practitionersspoke about the needfor ongoing, regular training in relation to understanding cultural humility, understanding the needs of new and emerging multicultural communities who are starting to migrate and live in different areas and where they may not have had great interaction with them previously.

“Someofthe main things that we need to understand are that they experience alot of shame and

stigma in sharing their experiences. So reporting their experience of family violence formally is a huge barrier because of the shame and ostracisation thatthey have experiencedfromtheirown families, friends and community members.”

Dr Satyen also highlighted there was many other complications for those in rural and regionalareas, such as travel to and from practitioners and support services, alackofawareness of services, language barriers, visa status complications, challenges in the justice system, and limited long-term support for recovery.

According to Dr Satyen, for some victims, deportation fears shroud them against reaching out.

Throughoutthe project, Dr Satyensaidher team had meetings with FamilySafety Victoria to ensure they truly understood the underlying issues and experiences, as well as ongoing supportthroughout the creation of the documentary.

Before the screening, Dr Satyen answered questions from the audience about her project.

SilentNoMorefeatured multiplesurvivors, including one who spoke at the screening, Victoria Police representatives, and others whoprovide supportinthe family and domestic violence sector, sharing their stories and experiences.

Kim Adams fromthe Gippsland Family Violence Alliance, featuring Sally Gafa from Gippsland Multicultural Services, Jill Page from Quantum Support Services, and Dr Satyen also led apanel discussion.

Silent No More will be made readily available as astanding resource, freely accessible to anyone interested in usingand learningfrom it.

Deakin Universitycame together forthe screening of the poignant documentar

Launch: SallyGafafromGippsland Multicultural Ser vices,DrLataSatyenfromDeakinUniversity, Kim Adams from Gippsland FamilyViolence Alliance and Jill Page from Quantum Support Ser vices sat on thepanel at the screening of SilentNoMore. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

By AIDAN KNIGHT

WESTBURY-BASED musician Blaike Murphy, fresh from the International Songwriting Competition semifinals, has another major milestone to celebrate in his creative field -this time much closer to home.

In celebration of his debut full-length album, Murphy (or Cheap-Skateasheisknownmusically), hosted aspecial one-night-only launch show at Traralgon’s Good Land Brewery. The celebrations didn’tstop there, with Good Land producing an extremely limited run of Cheap-Skate Hazy Pale beers as part of the event- complete with can design in the theme of the album, by artistWill Johnstone.

“Feelsweird being able to say I’ve got my own beer”, Blaike admitted ahead of the show.

He then promptly pulled off an unrehearsed 45-minute set with afull band, including adrummer he’d never played with before, in front of beer distillers and fermentation tanksasifitwas the most normal stage setting ever.

While the whole appeal of his signature sound is thatitis‘rough aroundthe edges’, Cheap-Skate is a surprisingly polished live act, each of the four-piece having their own moment to shine throughout the setlist while graciously sharing the (pseudo) stage without ego, as they powered through 11 tracks like riding abike.

“The album touches base on themes of life and death”, Blaike said, “the fear of getting old having not pursued your dreams,parting,regret, and baking in the sun.”

While theydidn’t perform the album front-to-back, that’s being reserved for the national tour later in

the year, Cheap-Skate successfully converted many unfamiliar Good Land patrons seated for dinner at the venue, many of whom rose from their tables to join the crowd to watch the band, and headed to the merch table afterwards for ashirt or CD.

"To go with the DIY garage feel", Blaike explained to customers on the CDs, which were "hand-cut with hours of love by my pop, partner and myself".

The Hazy Palemid-strength, formulated by the brewers at Good Land to match the sonics of the album, was abig hit. Thenightsaw several people purchasing the impressive can design (that one audience member tookhome unopened as a keepsake), and many buyingagainfor the great taste, making it agreat business venture for both the performers and the venue.

“I had the idea to teamupwiththem [Good Land] after doing asimilar show at Sumo Skate Shop in Moe”, Blaike told The Express

This event took place on April 5, arowdy,freeset within the store set-up for the purpose of filming a music video for the recent single, Feddie No Friends.

While he admits it’s often hard to summon acrowd in aregional area, Blaike obviously understands the importance of keeping true to his roots and doing his best to raise afanbase close to home, all while showing support to local outlets and venues to foster arelationship with and promote throughout hisshows.

Cheap-Skate’s debut album, Remember You Will Die,isavailable on all platforms, and the limited edition Good Land beer can be found at: https:// shop.goodland.beer/product/cheap-skate-hazy-pale4-pack/731?cs=true&cst=custom

Custom Can: Good Land’s very ownCheapSkateHazyPale Mid

New future for folk festival Signature tunes worth drinking to

Accomplished conductor makes stops by

LATROBE Orchestra, based in Traralgon, had the privilege of hosting guest conductor Peter Moore OAM for an enriching six-day workshop series, culminating in aSunday afternoon concert.

Originally from London, Peter Moore has enjoyed adistinguished career as aprofessional bassoonist, performingwith ensembles such as the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, West Australian Symphony Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra. He also served as Principal Baroque and Classical Bassoon with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra.

In addition to his performance career, Peter is a seasonedconductor and was Associate Professor and Head of Wind Studies &Conducting at the University of Western Australia.

During his time in Traralgon, Peter worked intensively with the Latrobe Orchestra, supporting and inspiring musicians throughworkshops and rehearsals.His expertise and passionwere also shared with students from Lavalla Catholic College, where he led sessions with the Intermediate Band, Senior Choir and VCE music students, offering valuable guidance and mentorship.

The workshop series was further enriched by specialist instrumental tuition fromBen Anderson (Orchestra Victoria) and James de Rozario (Director of Music, Xavier College and member of the Australian String Association), who provided focused support to orchestra members.

Ahighlight of the final concert was astirring performance of Warrior Legacy, acollaboration between 90 Lavalla Catholic College years 8to12 musicians and the Latrobe Orchestra, showcasing the supportive music-making community.

The Latrobe Orchestra wished to thank Lavalla's music department, staff and students, and Latrobe City Council for their generous support through the community wellbeinggrant,which made the event possible. The orchestra also appreciated the attendance enthusiasm of Latrobe City Moe Ward Councillor, Adele Pugsley.

The Latrobe Orchestra are performing with the Sale City Band on Sunday, July 27. The orchestra is always looking for more violinists, cellists and doublebassists to join. Email:latrobeorchestra@ gmail.com for more information.

sync: Lavalla CatholicCollege and Latrobe Orchestraflutesection

AFTER 22 years of delivering successful, free, all day music festivals, the Boolarra Folk Festival Committee is considering options to scale-down and promote smaller and more frequent events at local venues.

The committee remains committedto supportinglocal musicand cultural events, and will continue to work toward bringing people together and showcasing the town. However, the considerable time and effort required to deliver an annualall-day festival, has become too much for current resources, the committee says.

Significant funding mustbesought each year to provide afree festival, alongside costs that continue to rise. Delivering the all-day folk festival requires 60 volunteers to set-up, manage and bump outthe festival. There has also been an increasing administrative burden placed upon the committee, who are all volunteers.

Key members of the committee are stepping down following, in some cases, decades of service to the Boolarra community. The festival has played asignificant role in building the town's musical reputation as part of the arts corridor in the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland areas.

During these years, more than 800, mostly local,musicians haveplayed on the main stage, theBoolarra Memorial Hall and ARC Yinnar, and more than 170,000 people have attendedthe festival, generating around $1.2million each year within the community.

By scaling down and focusing on more frequent localevents, however, the cost, organisation and labour will be less demanding upon volunteers,and the community will still benefit from musical performances.

The committee would like to takethis opportunity to thank the many people who have supported the festival for over two decades.

"Our volunteers, musicians,performersand market stall holders createda festival that became an iconic event in the Latrobe Valley," the Boolarra FolkFestival Committee said in amedia release.

"Our sponsors and funding bodies, especially the Latrobe City Council, made it possible to keep the festival free and accessible.

"And the committee is grateful to the thousands of audience members who enjoyed and appreciated the multi award-winning Boolarra FolkFestival within the beautiful setting of Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges.

"While we appreciate and accept that this necessary decision will be disappointing to many, the committee looks forward to working with the community to support, promote, and celebrate localmusicand culture through anew approach."

Proud as punch: BlaikeMur phywithhis ownCheap-Skate beer

Photographs: Aidan Knight

Well played: Bassist Iseabail Joy, BlaikeMur phyand TommyOke on guitar

Follow: PeterMooreOAM conducting Latrobe Orchestraand Lavalla musicians.

Photographs supplied

working together

Rose pruning

MORWELL Centenary Rose Garden will hold publicpruning demonstrations this Saturday (June 28) from 10am and again at 2pm.

All are welcome. Come along and learn how to prune and care for your roses. Limited cuttings will be available.

For more information, phone Pat Classens on 0434 958 962

Jazzy tunes

MOE Latrobe Valley Jazz Club will hold its next function at Moe RSL this Sunday (June 29).

Led by local musician, Matt Dixon and comprising some of Melbourne's best young jazz musicians, entertainment will run from1pm to 4pm.

Light snacks are available from the RSL and agreat afternoon of jazz is assured.

Spiritual centre

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

JoineverySunday for service from2pm.Doors open at 1.30pm.

Guest speakereveryweek with demonstrations from an invited medium, followed by acuppa and afternoon tea.

For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Morwell Senior Citizens

ANYONE who would like to enjoy agame of cards (500), knitting, crocheting,orjust having a cuppa and chat, are most welcome at theMorwell Senior Citizens (2-4 Maryvale Crescent)ona Tuesday between 1pm-4 pm.

For more information, phone Heather on 0412 812 256.

Moe Rotary

ROTARYClubofMoe recently celebrated a remarkable milestone, honouring Rotarians David Power, Ross Maxfieldand Julian Yeatman for 50 years of dedicated service.

David Power and Ross Maxfield reached this achievement in March and May respectively, while Julian Yeatman will celebrate his milestone in October.

To mark this special occasion, the club hosted acelebratory dinner, joined by District Governor Colin Byron, past Rotarians, members, and partners.

David and Ross received congratulatory letters from 2025 Rotary International President, Stephanie Urchick, with Julian set to receive his upon reaching his anniversary.

The eveningwas filled with tributes, as members and past Rotarians shared cherished memories and stories about the honourees.

The celebration culminated in the cutting of a commemorative cake -ameaningful tribute to their enduring commitment and service to the Rotary Club of Moe.

Community

Philatelic society

THIS month, Latrobe Valley Philatelic Society will have guest speaker, Peter Treadwell, tellingmembersabout the challenges he facedto collect one stampfrom every country, even from countries that no longer exist.

Members will also be submitting their completed wordsearch with the targeted stamps and/or illustrations.

Of particular interest to somemembers is that the Australian Philatelic Federation has set up aFacebook group aimed at promoting stamp collecting among females called Stamp Sisters.

As usual,the club will meet on the last Wednesday of the month(today, Wednesday, June25) from 1.30pm in the Morwell RSL's Boardroom. Visitorsare most welcome, particularlyifthey want help with their stamp collections or have aquery about stamps they no longer need or don't know what to do with.

For further information, email Christineat: czarb7@outlook.com or phone 0427 770 522.

Familyhistory

THE next topic of interest presentation of the Mid Gippsland Family History Society Incwill be heldtomorrow (Thursday, June 26) from 2pm.

The session will be held in the society's room at 44 Albert Street, Moe directly opposite the post office.

Discussion on this topic will be run by the society’s secretary Peter McNab and bring a new dimensiontoa family tree. All are welcome to attend.

The Family History Centre is open to the public every Wednesday afternoon between 1pm-4pm. The so cie ty welc omes anyoneinterested in learning moreabout their ancestors and background –whether araw beginner or an experiencedfamilyhistorian/genealogist –to come along and have achattoone of the experienced researchers. You’ll be amazed at what you can discover about your ancestors by using resources such as Trove, Find aGrave,Family searchetc. and the society's large holdings of cemetery records and transcriptions.

For further information, phone 0403 611 730.

Social dance

MOE Social Dance club danced the night away to fabulous music supplied by Norm Lade.

Next dance is this Monday (June 30) June, with the very popular band The Silhouettes performing.

Still time is 7.30pm and admission is only $8.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results:

Tuesday, June 17: 1st Peter Lonie and Carol Cheye (63.8 per cent); 2nd Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (58.72).

Thursday ,J une 19: equa lf irst Maria Mactaggartand Anne Moloney,Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (60.19).

Don'tforgettogivethe club acall if you would like to play or learn more about bridge -itisa great way to exercise your brain.

Phone Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528.

Madrigal singers

THIS Saturday (June 28) will see the Yallourn Madr igal Singers pre sent their mid-yea r concert at St James Anglican Church in Grey St,Traralgon.

The concert, startingat2pm,istitled 'My Family and Other Animals' and includes many songsabout birdsand animals (and people), with music dating from the 16th to 20th centuries.

The choir has had alot of fun preparing this program and are reallylooking forward to

presenting the music to all those who attend. Hig hlightsw il li ncl ude solo ists Tamar a Warden (flute) and Claire Morrissey (soprano).

Afterthe concert there willbeanexcellent afternoon tea at no extra cost.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for school students, and can be purchased at the door (cash preferred) or online through: www.trybooking. com/DBXBL

Chess results

PETER Bakker was in control of each game until he met the in-form Keegan Just.

Some difficulties in the early games were followed up by success for CliffThorntonwho completed the round with two wins.

The adviceaswell as the resultsfor Brad McClaren allowedothers to learn more about aclever technique.

Lorretta Novell [pseudonym]enjoyed the deep analysis of each puzzle.

Most situations did not work in favour for either Ian Hamilton or Steve Ahern. Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more details.

Viewclub

MOE View Club's July meeting will be held Wednesday, July 2atMoe Hotel (Leggies) from 10.30am.

Apleasant lunch was held at Turn Back Time Cafe, Moe this month. Good company and a raffle raising money for the Smith Family. This monthisalso the SmithFamily Winter Appeal.

For more information, email: view@thesmithfamily.com.auorphone Sue on 0417 515 745 or Maureen on (0458 842 256).

Prostatesupport

MEETNG of Latrobe Valley ProstateSupport Group will be held tonight(Wednesday, June 25) at Morwell Bowling Club from 7pm. All welcome.

For more info rmatio n, phone Allan Cunningham on 0458 111 688.

Youcan be apartof

Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin

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

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

Pace &A ssociatesL aw yers hasutilised Jenny and the fantastic team at the LatrobeValleyE xpresstoextendour reach acrossGippsland andbroaden our alreadystrongclientbase. Thetailoredadver tising packagesoffered both in the paperand digitaleditionshas notonly attr actednew clients buthas allowedour of fice to promote our pr actice areas and continue to strengthen ourreputation within the communit y.

Whether youare advertising services or anew business searchingfor clients, Jenny andthe team will tailortoyourneedsand provideyou with the appropriateadver tisementpackages.

(03) 5176 2785

Corner with Liam Durkin

Snap: Sunrise at the papermill.

Photograph: Rae-Anne Vincent

Congratulations: Julian Yeatman, David Powerand Ross Maxfield were honoured fortheir ser vice to Moe Rotary.The trio arepictured with district governor ColinByron and Rotary Club of Moe President, LynCassar Photograph supplied

Well deserved: Long-ser ving MoeRotarians Julian Yeatman, Ross Maxfield and David Powercut themilestone cake. Photograph supplied

June 23 -June 29, 2025

Po ite L brans are the peacemakers of the zodiac

And you l certainly requ re your d plomacy sk l s th s week, when a re ationsh p w th a partner, child or friend cou d be confus ng and frustrat ng The best way to hand e the situat on s with plenty of patience and understand ng The Sun, New Moon and Jup ter activate your career zone, so don’t be a wal flower Speak up and promote your ta ents!

If you procrast nate, then a go den opportun ty wil pass you by

ting connect ons and l ve y commun cation And with Venus and Uranus v siting your s gn it’s also t me to break a few ru es and ruffle a few feathers – in a planned and responsib e way You cou d be asked to do some volunteer work n your local community or contribute to a humanitarian project, as you reach out to those who are ess fortunate

The New Moon shines a spot ight on your current bank ba ance as we l as money mistakes you’ve made in the past If your finances are n a mess, then it’s t me to sort them out Mercury and Jupiter are also v siting your $$$ zone, which increases your extravagant side Be carefu you don’t indu ge n a comfort shopping spree that you later regret Slow down and think things through Remember good things eventual y come to Geminis who wa t!

Sensitive Crabs are ru ed by the si very, changeable Moon so you can’t he p but be affected by this week’s New Moon in Cancer, as it stirs up your emotions Plus the planets agitate profess ona partnerships or financ a nsecur ties But becoming overemotional and unreasonable won’t help matters Instead, tune nto the mag cal promise of the new moonbeams as you earn to love yourse f ce ebrate your strengths and fol ow your dreams

Expect a rather stressfu week, as Saturn and Neptune square the Sun (your ruler), and P uto opposes Mercury (in your sign) So, your bossy, demanding, Diva side could take over If you sweat the smal stuff, then you’l end up fee ing tired and emot ona by the end of the week t’s time to de-stress, as the New Moon ights up your sp ritual/sol tude zone and you meditate, contemplate, rum nate and re ax Ca m down, Cats – you might just enjoy t!

With the New Moon act vating your hopes-andwishes zone t’s time to art culate (and wr te down) your goals and dreams for the future Then you can put them nto act on Saturday favours discip ined, creative work But don t et a loved one or workmate man pu ate you on Sunday as they try to persuade you to do something against your better udgment Have the strength – and common sense – to stand your ground and say: no w th a firm sm le

It s a good week to channel energy into educating and expanding your m nd Your commun cation ski ls are firing, as you extend your peer group and make creat ve new connections Unhapp ly single?

W th Venus and Uranus v s t ng your relationsh p zone, it’s t me to ook for love online Coupled Scorp o – surprise your sweetheart w th a special romant c gesture But obsessive th nk ng is a danger on Sunday, so try to relax body and m nd

Is it always appropr ate to be fear ess y frank? s honesty always the best po icy? Your natura nclnation is to be ncredibly blunt but not everyone s ready for your brand of Sagittar an truth serum

The New Moon Mercury and Jupiter are n your secrets zone, so a dollop of d scretion and a pinch of diplomacy wi l smooth troubled waters If you’re smart, then you’l ta k a ot ess and listen a lot more It’s time to hold your tongue and uncover a mystery (or two)

The week starts w th the lingering Sun/Saturn square, which could trigger an old problem w th a partner or relat ve Wednesday’s New Moon s n your relat onship zone, so put the needs of loved ones at the top of your to-do ist Then Mercury trines Saturn on Saturday, wh ch boosts drive, ambition and organ sationa ski ls But avo d tel ing other people what you think they shou d be do ng Remember – the on y person you can contro s yourself!

The New Moon (on Wednesday) st mu ates your ob zone, so soc a is ng with customers, cl ents and/or col eagues wil help improve workplace relations f you’re ooking for emp oyment, then put the word out amongst fam ly, friends and w thin your wider peer group At the moment, t s not what you know but who you know! The Mercury/Uranus l nk (on Thursday) s wonderfu for innovat ve ideas, l vely commun cat on and bri l ant, ight-bulb moments

Be carefu on Monday, when the Sun/Neptune square cou d scramble your bu ldust detector Then Wednesday’s New Moon ights up your self-express on zone, so channel your energy nto a personal project or a creative venture Draw inspirat on from s nger-songwriter Car y Simon (who celebrates her 82nd birthday on Wednesday): “There’s a ways a creative s de to me, even when t’s quiet mus cal y L ke painting, decorat ng or p ant ng a garden

Fall risks at work major concern, and callsfor more attentiontodetail

WORKSAFE Executive Director of Healthand Safety, Sam Jenkin says construction inspectors are referring duty holders for legal action, regardless of whether an incident has taken place.

This comes as, already thisyear, 18 matters related to fall risks have been the subject of comprehensive investigations across the state.

Furthermore, 21 businesses have received formal written warning letters.

“It’s too late to act once someone has fallen, that’s why inspectors are cracking downonall observed falls risks, including considering more serious action on issues that might previously have first prompted an improvement notice,”MrJenkin said.

“Falls from height continue to be aleading cause of fatalities and workplace harm in the constructionindustry,despite well-knownprevention measures.”

More than 1400workers,anaverage of four people aday, were injured due to falls from heights in Victoria last year. Tragically, two workers lost their lives due to falls in 2024.

Castlemaine father Brett Struhs knows too well the horrific cost of aworkplace fall.

It was lunchtime on Friday, November 30, 2018 when Bretttook aphone call that would shatter hisfamily’slifeforever. He learned that his son Kyle, 21, had fallen from aladder while working as asolar panel installer in Bendigo.

Brett and his wife spent the next few hours living every parent’s nightmare, driving to reach their son after being told he was air-lifted to Melbourne, only to turn around and head back to Bendigo when they learned his condition was too unstable to be flown.

Whenthey arrivedatthe hospital, Brettand his wife received the crushing newsthat Kylehad died ashort while earlier.

“It’s changed our lives dramatically. Every birthday, Christmas, Fathers’ Day, Mothers’ Day -there are so many thingsthatremind you of havingKyle around, and it doesn’t get any easier,” Brett said.

“The pain’s always there, you just learn to live with it.”

Sadly, Brett’s family is not aloneintheir loss. In thepastfiveyears, 36 Victorian workershave lost their lives as aresult of falls from height.

WorkSafe construction inspectors are also conducting week-long targeted inspection programs.

RecentblitzesinHobsonsBay,Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham saw inspectors visit 56 sites and issue 73 notices, including 10 for falls hazards such as incomplete scaffolding or working at height without guard rails.

Mr Jenkin said preventing falls was an enforcement priority for WorkSafe and the risk needed to be considered and managed across all industries and trades.

“Whether you’re abuilder, asubcontractor, employer or anyone with control or management of aworkplace -health and safety is your responsibility,” he said.

“Fall prevention isn’t an optional extra, it’s the standard, and WorkSafe will take thestrongest possible action against those who fail to uphold it.”

For Brett, the message that falls can and should be prevented is apainful one -but it’s amessage he’s passionate about sharing in the hope that it mayprevent other familiesfromexperiencing the loss he andhis family continue to endure.

“Kyle only fell 2.4 metres -people don’t realise you can fall that far and die,” he said.

“Solar installers might only be on site for aday, and they’re trying to get in and out as soon as possible, but if there was scaffolding, guard rails, or evenaharnessinplace, perhaps Kylemight still be alive today.”

To prevent falls from height, employers should implement the highest possiblemeasuresfrom the five levels in the hierarchy of controls:

 Level 1- Eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from asolid construction;

 Level 2- Use apassive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevated work platforms;

 Level 3- Use apositioning system, such as atravel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within asafe area;

 Level 4- Use afallarrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the riskofinjuries in the event of afall, and;  Level 5- Useafixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.

valleysport

Short Passes with Liam

Desperatetimes

SCROLLINGthrough results over the weekend, one name certainly stood out.

Newborough legend,GlennMichie pulledon the boots for the Bulldogs reserves, helping to fill aside for the trip to Toora.

He last played ‘a’ game in 2021 for Tooradin DalmoreVeterans,while his last proper season was nearly adecade ago. Good on blokes like this for playing, but it really does show how tough it can be for clubs this time of year.

It doesn’t take much to change eitherNewborough are the reigning twos premier.

Durkin

Alittle-known fact is that Voss was born in Traralgon and grew up in Orbost.

His dominance in juniors was such that he got around the rule against bouncing the ball by simply kicking it to himself.

Some local insider knowledge at Carlton says the Blues’ training standards leave abit to be desired.

Not to compare local footytoprofessional sport, but the ‘train as you play’ principle is generally applicable regardless of standard.

Goes around, comes around

Maffratraining during their last dynasty (2016-2019) would be full ‘mouth guards in’ affairs. Trafalgar won the Mid Gippsland flag in 2018, and it would not be unusual to drive past the ground and still see the lights on at 8pm of aTuesday/Thursday.

Stratford is one of the most successful cricket clubs in Gippsland, but speaking from firsthand experience, there is no such thing as a light net session. They bat on practice wickets that spin sideways.

NOT wanting to kick aclub while they are down, but there can be little doubt there is an obvious revengefactor against Churchill in North Gippsland footy this season.

The Cougars’ preseason woes were well documented, after amassexodus of players and the parting of ways with the new coach.

Aprevious regime at Morwell Cricket Club reportedly enforced push ups for anyone bowlingdownleg

Hardlyany of the club’s 2019 premiership team remain, and given the routine pumpings handed out by Churchill over the years, afew clubsare surely wanting to hand back afew beltings given the shoe is now on the other foot.

A200-point margin featured at the weekend (although it was against apre-Churchill dominance NorthGippy opposition), while margins of 188 and 152 points have also been recorded

Set the standard

CARLTON supporters wouldhave every right to be frustrated by how theirteamisgoing. The Blues have awin-lossrecord of 6-8, with two of those losses against three of the bottom sides. There will be something of astory for the Express should Michael Voss get his marching orders.

As Kevin Pietersen, who would face bouncers on the bowling machine for hours on end, said: “Practice tough, play easy”.

Future foretold

ONE of the three books I’m currently reading details the period of Australian cricket between thetwo Asheswhitewashes (2006/07, 2013/14). Morwell’s own Peter Siddle was apartof the latter.

An interestingexert speaks about the lack of former players becoming coaches, which in turn leftthe dooropen for peoplefrom other fields to take on those roles.

Issues however arose when those people felt they were only listened to the more outlandish their suggestions became.

SomehowIcan’t help but feel that line of thinking has filtered into the modern world.

TheGuide

GRANTCHESTER

ABC TV,Saturday, 7.30pm

Take one 1950s Cambridgeshire village, add ajaded cop and alocal vicar with atalent forsolving crimes and youhavethe winning formula forthis cosymurder-mysteryseries. After asomewhat rocky start, new vicar Alphy Kotteram (Rishi Nair) has found ahome in Grantchester, and agoodfriend in DI Geordie Keating (RobsonGreen, pictured, left,with Nair). But love is proving alittle harder to come by.Season 10 begins with a double episode tonight,which seesthe Easter fete upended by asuspicious death, while theremight be romance on the horizon forAlphy.Then, amurder at the university uncovers some deadly academic rivalries and plunges the pair into the thick of arace to publish research first.

LOUIS THEROUX: THE SETTLERS

ABC Entertains, Sunday, 8.55pm

Fourteen years on from TheUltra Zionists,Louis Theroux (pictured) returns to what is nowahot-button subjectwitha new documentary. It sees the journalistembed himself with religious-nationalistJewish settlers in the West Bank, who see it as their divine right to driveout the Palestinians who have been living therefor generations. Emboldened by therise of ultra-nationalists in the Israeli government,the settlershave begun to push harder,and their ambitions haveexpanded. Theroux meets some of the leaders of the movement,and sees first hand the consequences of what they aredoing,meeting with Palestinians impactedbytheir actions. Typically forTheroux, TheSettlersis athoughtful takeonadivisivesubject.

Wednesday, June25

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

DEAL OR NO DEAL

10 Monday 7pm

Headline act: Grant Denyer welcomes Sandra Sully to Dealor NoDeal

RAMSAY’S KITCHEN NIGHTMARES USA

Seven, Tuesday, 9pm

Shes the best in the business when it comes to breaking news but can Sandra Sully keep her cool when faced with Grant Denyer’s high-risk, high-reward guessing game? Kicking off a new timeslot for the Deal the legendary newsreader is competing for SpinalCure Australia which funds groundbreaking research into curing spinal cord injuries Sully s instincts as a newshound are finely tuned, so shes hoping they can lead her to the $100,000 case and a game-changing amount of cash for charity Celebrating her 35th anniversary at Channel 10 there’s no prize for guessing the number of the case Sully picks: after all 10 is her lucky number The headline? It s bad news for the Banker

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 ABite To Eat With Alice.(R) 10.30 The Korean War: 75th Anniversary 11.30 ABC News Mornings. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG,R) 3.30 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 9.15 Destination Flavour.(R) 9.25 Expeditions With Patrick McMillan. (R) 9.55 Outside: Beyond TheLens. (R) 10.50 Mountain Vets.(Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABCWorld News Tonight. 1.00 PBS News 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 The Cook Up.(R) 4.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGals, R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 StrandedOnHoneymoon Island. (Mals, R) 3.00 TheChase (R) 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by LarryEmdur 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30

6.30 Claire Hooper’s HouseOfGames. (PG) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Gruen.

8.35 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG) Presented by GuyMontgomery 9.25 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello andJohnBarron.

9.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 10.30 QI. (PGs) 11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 YouCan’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 12.35 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.20 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 2.10 Rage (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.00 MastermindAustralia.

6.30 SBS World News

7.30 HuntFor Truth:Tasmanian Tiger. (PG, R) TimNoonanaims to solve the mystery of the Tasmania tiger

8.30 Harrods: TheRiseAnd Fall Of ABritishInstitution (Ma) Charts the story of anational icon’s incredible riseand tragic fall from grace.

9.25 TheVeil. (MA15+av) Imogen takes matters into her own hands.

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 My BrilliantFriend (Malv) 11.50 L’Opera (Mls, R) 3.40 Colosseum. (Mav, R) 4.30 Bamay.(R)

5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 The1%Club UK (PG,R) Hosted by LeeMack

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

9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by HamishMcLachlan.

10.00 Shaking Down The Thunder. (Premiere, PGl) Follows the2005Sydney Swans.

11.00 Stags. (Premiere, MA15+adv) 12.00 Touching Evil. (MA15+av) 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping (R) 4.00 NBCToday 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia.

5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Australia’s Most Identical. (Final, PG) Australia’s most identical twinsare found.

9.10 TheGrand Tour (MA15+l) The guys takealookatJaguars.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 SkiRescue Down Under. (PGl)

11.50 La Brea. (Mv,R)

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

9GEM (92, 81)

8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Abbott Elementary 9.25 Doctor Who 10.55 LatePrograms. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 Nanny. 9.00 Jeopardy!

7.50 LittleLunch. 8.05 Junior Vets

6am TheFinal Countdown. (1980,PGalv) 6.10 Dancing At Lughnasa. (1998,PGa) 7.55 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 10.00 TheAssistant. (2019,Mal) 11.35 Decision To Leave. (2022, Malsv, Chinese, Korean) 2.05pm The Movie Show 2.40 Remi Nobody’sBoy.(2018,PGav,French) 4.40 Discovering Film: Gene Hackman. 5.40 Queen Bees. (2021, PGadls) 7.30 SingStreet. (2016,Mal) 9.30 Love Proof. (2022, Malns,Swedish) 11.10 The RedRidingTrilogy:1980.(2009,MA15+alv) 1.05am Godland. (2022, Manv,Danish, Icelandic) 3.40 While We’reYoung. (2014,Mdl) 5.25 Late Programs.

(93, 82)

11.30

12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 2.30 Train Rescue Down Under 3.30 Billy The Exterminator 4.00 Frozen Gold. 5.00 AmericanRestoration. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 HighwayPatrol. 8.30 The Force: Behind The Line. 9.30 World’sWildest Police Videos. 11.30 Late Programs.

Filmed in thelead-up to Super Bowl LIX, with crowds about to descend on New Orleans, this ninth season premierefinds the Iberville Cuisine and OysterBar in the heart of the French Quarter in dire need of tough love.Nurse-doctor couple Bonnie and Camille bought into therestaurant business to fulfil long-held dreams, but whenthey serve chef Gordon Ramsay(pictured) two-day-oldoysters full of grit –which he refusestoeat –it’sclear that under their clueless stewardship it has quickly become an unsanitary nightmare. It’sgoing to be atough ask, but if anyone can whip this rabble into shape beforethousands of Chiefsand Eagles fans arrivein the Big Easy,it’sRamsay

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 DealOrNoDeal. HostedbyGrant Denyer. 6.30 TheProject Alook at the day’snews. 7.30 MasterChef Australia Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Elsbeth. (Mas)While investigating the deathofa wealthy real estate developer,Elsbeth is led to the last persontosee himalive. 9.40 FBI: International. (Mv) Ayoung American woman is murdered. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 TheProject (R) 12.00 TheLateShowWith StephenColbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

PICK OF THE WEEK

Thursday,June26

ABC (2)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The One That Got Away.(Mal, R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (PG, R) 3.25 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 ClaireHoopersHouse Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by David Speers.

8.00 Joanna LumleysDanube. (PG) Joanna Lumley visits AustriasWachau Valley

8.45 Grand Designs Australia: Strath Creek. (R) Hosted by Anthony Burke.

9.45 GriffsGreat Australian Rail Trip: Rawalinna To Sydney What Is An Australian? (PG, R) GriffRhys Jones explores Australia by train.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Love Your Garden. (R)

11.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Mountain Vets. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNews Tonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 SBS50. (PG, R) 2.05 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGals, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. Presented by MarcFennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 TreasuresWith Bettany Hughes: Bulgaria. Bettany Hughes explores the Belogradchik rocks.

8.30 7/7: The London Bombings: Fragments Of Evidence. (Ma) Following the 7/7 attacks, politicians, survivors and police come to terms with the impact. 9.40 Sherlock &Daughter (Final, Mv) Sherlock and Amelia confront their foes.

10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 The Silence. (Malv) 1.00 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av,R) 2.45 Colosseum. (Masv,R) 3.30 9/11: Four Flights. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Saved By The Barn. 10.10 Secret Life Of The Wombat. (Premiere) 10.55 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Family Rules. 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 AfricasUnderwater Wonders. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Warm Props. 9.30 MOVIE: Kill Bill: Vol. 1. (2003, MA15+) 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Chris Watts: Confessions Of AKiller (2020, Mav,R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 16. Port Adelaide vCarlton. From Adelaide Oval.

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

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

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.15 Life. (Madv,R)Aman rejoins the police force.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

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

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) Apatient having seizures needs help.

8.30 Emergency (Mam, R) Luke and Emma aregrateful for agood early sign from amotorbike rider who collided with acar

9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mmv,R) Amotorcyclist has internal bleeding.

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

11.20 9News Late. 11.50 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Mal)

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer

6.30 The Project. Alook at the daysnews. 7.30 Airport 24/7. (PGdl) Arevolutionary airport trial 10 years in the making faces cancellation. Australian Border Force new 8.30 Soccer Womensinternational friendly.Australia vSlovenia. From HBF Park, Perth. 11.30 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport andweather 11.55 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) 12.55 The Project. (R) 2.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 3.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Dirty Rotten Cleaners. 2.10 Insight. 3.10 News. 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 The Toys That Built The World. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Roswell: The First Witness. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.10 Godland. (2022, Manv,Danish, Icelandic) 12.45pm While WereYoung. (2014, Mdl) 2.35 The Movie Show 3.10 3Days In Quiberon. (2018, PGans, French, German) 5.15 The Way. (2010, PGadl) 7.30 Ali. (2001, Mlsv) 10.25 Quake. (2021, Mal, Icelandic) 12.20am Late Programs.

Friday,June27

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The YorkshireVet. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Line Of Duty 9.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 10.50 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Under Siege. (1992, M) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 Veronica Mars. 12.40am Below Deck. 1.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Addams Family 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs.

Programs. 2pm As Time Goes By 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Josephine And Men. (1955) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 17. Penrith Panthers vCanterbury Bulldogs. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.30 Take 5. (PG, R) 11.00 Little Disasters. (Mdls, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv,R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.00 House Of Games. (PG, R) 3.30 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R)

6.30 ClaireHoopersHouse Of Games. (Final)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia.

8.30 The One That Got Away (Final,Mal) Helen is missing as day seven nears.

9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.00 Guy MontgomerysGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 10.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.20 ABC Late News.

11.35 Silent Witness. (Mav,R) 12.35 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Outside: Beyond The Lens. (R) 11.00 Search For The Last Great Tusker 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 ABC WorldNewsTonight. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 SBS50. (R) 2.05 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGls, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Shetland: Scotlands Wondrous Isles. 8.25 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck TreasureHunter: Slaver Ship Secrets. (PGa, R) Ross Kemp dives on the Iona II 9.20 Robson GreensWeekend Escapes: Northumberland Rosie Ramsey. (R) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Atlantic Crossing. (MA15+a, R) 12.05 Exterior Night. (MA15+v,R) 3.15 Colosseum. (Mav,R) 4.05 Growing A Greener World. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 7pm Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Teen Titans Go! 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 MythBusters TheresYour Problem!. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Walking With Dinosaurs. 10.45 Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm Love Proof. (2022, Malns, Swedish) 2.00 The Movie Show 2.30 What Do We See When We Look At The Sky? (2021, Georgian) 5.20 ARoom With AView.(1985, PGnv) 7.30 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, Ml) 9.40 Margrete: Queen Of The North.

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

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. Alead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 16. Sydney vWesternBulldogs. From the SCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews taking alookback at all the action from the game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekendsbest racing.

11.45 To Be Advised.

1.35 Nurses. (Ma, R) Apatient undergoes deep brain stimulation.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 NBC Today.

TEN (10, 5)

Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: One Perfect Match. (2023, G) Merritt Patterson, Joshua Sasse. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG,R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 [VIC]

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Find My Country House Australia. (PG) Catriona their perfect country house whether in the mountains, on a farm or near the beach.

8.30 To Be Advised.

12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Mark meets amarine biologist.

4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) Madeline checks out the Frida Kahlo Exhibition.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

6.30 The Project. (Final)

7.30 House Hunters Australia. Acoupleneed alargerhome in WesternSydney

8.30 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.30 The Graham Norton Show (Ml, R) Guests include Dominic West, Michelle Keegan, Jacob Anderson, Alan Carr and TeddySwims. 10.30 10sLate News. 10.55 The Project. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs 1.50pm Where AreYou Really From? 2.50 Over The Black Dot. 3.20 News. 3.25 WorldWatch 5.20 HistorysGreatestOf All-Time With Peyton Manning. 6.05 If YouAre The One 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats 8.30 Vegas:The Story Of Sin City 9.20 F*ck Berlin. 9.55 Getting Naked: A Burlesque Story. 11.30 LatePrograms.

Happy birthday coach

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MOE gave coachLeigh Poholke awin for his birthday.

The Lions maintained top spot on the Gippsland League ladder after accounting for Bairnsdale 20.14 (134) to 8.11 (59) in Round 10.

While the margin wascomprehensive, the game itself was hardly one for the highlight reel.

The sheerdiscrepancy in classwas virtually the difference in an error-ridden game at Ted SummertonReserve.

Bairnsdale battledhard, but made anumber of bewildering skill errors under seemingly no pressure which the Lions duly capitalised on.

If the sight of aBairnsdaleplayernearly dropping the ball when receivingahandpass from little more than ametre away wasn’t indication enough, the Redlegs were clearly well off their game.

Moe was not let off the hook either, and despite leading by more than 10 goalsatthree quarter time, Poholke sensed the team was playing as if they were “bored of winning".

“Good footy sides are ruthless,” he said during his final address, urging the team to burythe opposition further with greater attention to detail

The Lions had afew highlightstocelebrate in the last quarter, namely defender Aaron Paxton drifting forward to kick his first goal for the club.

The assistant coach had hobbled to the bench moments before, but was told to rest forward.

Any such injury was quickly forgotten when he went back and slotted aneat set shot from 45 metres out, joining youngster Keller Holmes who also kicked his first goal in senior colours.

Undoubtedly the best goal however came from Harry Pepper in the second term.

With the Can Bar behind him, the mercurial playerkickedaset shot banana from atight angle that went straight through the middle.

If that was goal of the day, Lions midfielderAlex Dijkstra took mark of the day, after getting aride on the clubhouse side wing and cradling the ball in his right arm on the way down.

Pepper’s four goals saw him named best-onground, and awarded the inaugural Moe Racing ClubCup medal. Theracingclubinitiatedthe cup between Moe and Bairnsdale given its presence and support of both clubs (Moe Racing Club operates Club Eastwood in Bairnsdale).

Bairnsdale and Moe also recently hosted

FightMND days, adding another connection to their long-distance relationship.

Myles Poholke, Trent Baldi, Scottvan Dyk, Dijkstraand Chris Prowse were all prominent for the winners.

Tyran Rees, Will Mitchell, Ricky Tatnell, Ryan Cullinan,Lachlan Byrne-Jones and Charlie Cook gotthe votes for the Redlegs.

Bairnsdalethirds player Max Neate kicked a very neat running goal in the last termtoward the scoreboard, curling one in on his left.

Moe however just had too many answers, even after asomewhat challenging week saw illness spread through the playing group.

Poholke was unable to take training on the Tuesday, and reported being that sick he couldn't eat for close to 100 hours. Around half-a-dozen players also called in crookduring the week, while league leading goal-kicker Ben Crocker and key defender Declan Keilty did not get up for the game.

With the 50 all to himself, Poholke kicked four goals, as did his younger brother Myles.

The brothers could surely not believe their luck at theway in which some of the goals came about, especially when two Bairnsdale players flew for thesameballinthe goal square, leaving Leigh to accept the easiest of gifts.

The coach(and the entire Moesquad forthat matter) however will know full well Traralgon will offer no such reprieves this weekend.

The Lions go into the clashwith eight consecutive winsunder theirbelt,and are lookingveryhealthy across the board.

Moe’sseniors are first, reserves second, thirds onewin off first, and fourths third. In netball, the Lions are undefeated in AGrade and top-three in BGrade.

While there is little time to rest on any laurels, hopefully those behind the scenesare sitting back and noddingwithpleasure at what is surely a benchmark of whole-club consistencyanywhere in the state.

Theweekend to come presents somethingofa full circle moment.

This round lastyear, Moe’sseniors lost to a third-string Sale team, while the reserves lost to ateam that was literally dragged out fromthe pub.

If anyone had of said to me ayear ago Moe's twos would be playing for top spot thisweekend,Iwould have told you to seek medical advice.

Morwell wins at Traralgon -Page24, Maroons win thriller -Page25.

theChina

forthe Lions,kicking

Racing to get hands on cup

By LIAM DURKIN

MOE Racing Club hosted apacked10-card meeting last Thursday.

The club again welcomed high-calibre stables, including those led by Gai Waterhouse, Peter Moody and Ciaron Maher.

Locals tested themselves against the best, while others toasted victory and strong showings.

Sale’s Angela Bence won the Race 8Harvey NormanMoe BM58 Handicapover 2400 metres, after seven-year-old gelding Clinched won by two lengths.

The track was rated aSoft 7throughout.

Never AT hou ght won the Race 1S &S Equipment Rental &Sales Maiden Plate (1000m) for Colin Scott.

The three-year-old gelding edged past Maher’s Satin Diva in aneck-and-neck finish, literally lifting its head at the line to come first.

Moody had awinner in the Race 2Ladbrokes Owners Bonus Maiden (1600m), with Southby getting in on the outside from Tsarina Diamonds by ahead.

Traralgon-cup winning trainer LiamHowleyhad to contend with third, although Takemetothemoon was some distance awaybymore thantwo lengths

Everybody heard about the bird in the Race 3 Clearview Radiology3YO MaidenPlate (1200m), with Waterhouse’sthree-year-old filly Surfin’ Bird winninganothercompetitive race decided by less than half-a-length.

The Race 4Ace Earthmoving Maiden Plate (1200m) saw yet another tight contest, with Standupandfightdoing its namejustice for the

duo of Grant and Peter Dalziel. Trafalgar jockey Jason Maskiell rode Alesund to third, alength or so off the winner. An incredibly tight finishplayedout in the Race 5Bidfood BM58 Handicap (1200m). Aquartet of horses scrambled to the line, all separated by less thanalength. There could only be one winner however, and after aclose call, Grinzinger Earl for Shea Edenhad its nose in front.

The Race 6Moe Cup Save the DateBM58 Handicap (1200m) was won by Electric Tommy for Anthony and Sam Freedman, who broke from the fast-finishing field.

Race 7, the Ladbrokes Form Genius BM58 Handicap (1000m) became atwo-horse finish, which saw New York Star win for Simon Zahra. Race9(Myracehorse.com BM58 Handicap, 1600m )w as virt ually identical ,w ith Miss Tramwell holding out Ideelistic to give Amy and Ash Yargi victory.

More alliteration followed in the Race 10 Moe Refrigeration BM58 Handicap (1600m),after Purler Patch won for Ken and Kasey Keys. LastThursday’s meeting was appropriately timed, as Moe Football-Netball Club played Bairnsdale FNC at the weekend.

Moe Racing Clubsupports bothfootball-netball clubs, and as such, the Lions and Redlegs played for the inaugural ‘Moe Racing Club Cup’. The Lions took the inaugural trophy following their victory.

Moe RacingClub’s next meeting is the Christmas in July meeting on Friday, July 11. Thisyear’s Moe Cupwillbeheld, Sunday, November 16.

Up forgrabs: TheMoe Racing Club Cup,playedfor bet ween Moe and Bairnsdale footballnetball clubs,and whom the racing club both suppor ts Photograph: Liam Durkin

What dreams aremadeof: Harr yPepper celebratesagoal in front of the Moe faithful at

Rowlings CanBar at TedSummer tonReser ve.Pepper wasbest-on-ground

four goals in the win over Bairnsdale Photograph: JulieSim

HORSE RACING

Cranbourne

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Premiershiprace reduces

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

MAYBE global warming does exist*.

8.8 (56)

Morwell: SWalsh 3CMacdonald 2BMcDonald 2IAbas 2SMillsA RosatoSGissara

JGalea. Drouin: DLund JMarshall KSmith RWierzbickiAQuirk MWilliames SAmoroso K Walmsley BEST: Morwell: BMcauliffeS WalshBCouling ARosatoCMacdonald AQuigley

Drouin: BTranfieldW Young KQuirk AQuirk DLund MWilliames

TR AR ALGON 3.1 4.5 7.7 11.10 (76)

LEONGATHA 3.1 6.3 10.5 11.7 (73)

GOALS: Traralgon: DLoprese 4JMcMahon 4T Hourigan 2MNor the.Leongatha: JPellicano 3PIreland 2JHume 2T Hall 2ZLamers JStewart BEST: Traralgon: TWaack DLoprese T Hourigan MMembreyJ CunicoC Little.Leongatha: JHume KDrewAHeppell SForrester J Walker TNash

WARR AGUL 4.5 7.8 8.12 14.15 (99)

WONTHAGGI 1.22.5 4.6 5.10 (40) GOALS: Warragul: JStewart 4BFowler3 THobbs 2I WallaceKMacLean RSeniniLSerongJ Harrison. Wonthaggi: KPatterson 2J Williams JShone BEST: Warragul: SMasterson THobbs RSeniniS Whibley TStern JStewart.Wonthaggi: KYannNAnderson HTiziani EDickison R Sparkes BMabilia

Morwell meanwhile took its ledger to an equal five-wins, five-losses, keeping the five theme goingbymaintaining equal-fifth on the ladder for now.

side before clearances close this weekend.  ROBO’S husky tones work wonders sometimes.

BEST: Maffra: EStables SRobbins BDowsett WRoss DScott BMckenzie Sale: JCantwell MMalone CKelsey FWilson JRoads JHalligan

Traralgon: OHaberl 2B Cheetham 2DHough GRuach BWhiteRAdams.Leongatha: BVan RooyMDeKleuver. BEST: Traralgon: CRuyters BWhiteJ Macumber ALovison F Kennedy RAdams.Leongatha: MDeKleuver IFox NFixterB VanRooyNSkewes TRichards

GOALS: Wonthaggi: ABusana6 BRansomRKay-Dar ts.Warragul: PCarpenter 2V Kuol 2S Kelly DPearson. BEST: Wonthaggi: EJoma SO’Halloran ODawson ABusanaJ Douthat C Krause.Warragul: PCarpenter JHughes THillardV Kuol SKelly DRidgway

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Morwell: CWangman 5T Shankland 3JMooney 2J Leak 2LPatterson JSeymour Drouin: TBaker 2CKleeven

Grounds werebathed in gloriouswinter sunshine at the weekend, as the Gippsland League enteredthe second half of theseason. Combatantsfaced each other for the second time this season (just at opposite venues), with the Round 10 fixture mirroring what was seen in Round 1.

Just afortnight after five teams were on thesamenumberofpoints, the ladder now shows aclear gap near the top.

So much so, it would not be too controversial to say the premiership race is down to three teams: Moe, Traralgon and Leongatha.

Away from the on-f ield tensi on, the GippslandLeague united for Orange Round at the weekend.

Footballers and netballers across the league wore orange armbandsinsolidarityagainst family violence, and promoting gender equality in sports.

*This is just tongue-in-cheek, before anyone loses their mind.

 AHOME game that was located closer for the visitors.

Drouin’s magical mystery tour took them to Terry Hunter Oval, where asomewhat mundane contest playedout against Morwell. The Tigerswon as expected, and as they needed, 13.10 (88) to 8.8 (56).

The technical visitor sbroke aw ay as the game went on, but had to shake off a persistent Hawks outfit.

Drouin virtuallymatchedMorwell for goals in the second half, kicking seven to eight.

The Tigers however always had something of abuffer, helped by the efforts of Brandon Mcauliffe,Sam Walsh (threegoals), Blake Couling, Anthony Rosato, Cody Macdonald and Aidan Quigley.

The Hawks shared the love with eight individual goal-kickers, although those to get amention in thetop sixbest players were: Ben Tranfield, William Young, Kye Quirk, Aden Quirk, Denver Lund and Max Williams Drouin is more than halfway there getting back to its home ground.

Much rides on the result of this weekend’s clash however againstWarragul, who are on the same number of points.

Dare we say it yet againfor Morwellelimination final in June.

 DID Warragul just make finals for the first time in almost adecade?

The Gulls took ahugestep to achieving that dream,after comprehensively rolling Wonthaggi by 59 points at Western Park.

The 14.15 (99) to 5.10 (40) demolition made it two from two for Warragul against Wonthaggi this season, and leaves the Powers’ season precariously placed.

While Wonthaggi are still fourth, they have lost their last three and are (unbelievably) in danger of missing finals.

Unlike their one-point victoryearlierinthe season, there was no suggestion Warragul fluked it this time around

TheGulls putup4.5 (29) to 1.2 (8) in the first term, and wentontheir merry way from there.

Wonthaggi hadsomething of asniff at three quarter time, down by five goals,before Warragul blitzed them with six goals to one in the last.

JordanStewart kicked four goals in the win, while the ever-reliable trio of Sean Masterson, Tom Hobbs and Sam Whibley were busy. Riley Senini and Tom Stern also played well.

Kyle Yann, Noah Anderson, Hunter Tiziani, Ethan Dickison, Ryan Sparkes and Brodie Mabilia fought admirably on adirty day for the visitors.

Wonthaggi findthemselves in asimilar position to this time last year, where wins aresuddenly at an absolute premium.

The differencethis time however is that Jack Blair, Aiden Lindsay, Isaac Chugg and Fergus O’Connor won’t all be available.

Power coach Jarryd Blair dived into his Collingwood contacts last year to get Nathan Brown to play afew games.

Doeshehaveany other numbers he can call?

If he does, he’ll have to get them into the

Whatever Maffra coach, Anthony Robbins said to hischarges at the weekend did not fall on deaf ears, after the Eagles totally obliterated Sale by 81 points.

The win kept the ‘Battle of the Birds’ title with Maffra, and at the same time, sent further alarm bells off in the Magpies nest. Put simply, Sale needs players, and they needed them yesterday.

Among the outs at the weekend was: Sh an ne nL ange, Ashto nW right, Jack McLaren, Lachie Ronchi and Jarrod Freeman.

More philosophically, the Magpies’ 2026 season has probably already started. Maffra put the game to rest early,piling on seven goals to one in the opening term.

The processionfollowed fromthere,with goals coming at aregularrate on the Maffra home ground.

Caleb Calwyn filled his boots with five majors, while Brayden Monk (four), Jack McQuillen and Harper Walker did likewise.

Monk and McQuillen were among the best, as was Jett Killoran, Noah Christy and Archer Watt.

Cooper Whitehill, Thomas Glenn, Tom Wrigglesworth, WillLeslie, Harry Ronchi and Jack Leslie were admirable in defeat for Sale.

The Eagles remain an outside chance of making finals, and are just one game away from thetop five. That beingsaid, Maffra has made it very clear it wants to build for long-term success, and has already doubled its number of wins from last year. Conversely, Sale finds itself going in the opposite direction.

After makingfinals every season for the last five years, including the 2022 Grand Final, the footy cycle has come around, and the Magpies may well end this season in the bottom three.

Not that this is something which brings much joy to even their fiercest rival.

As one Maffra official quipped “We need them (Sale) strong for the sake of the eastern end of the league.”

Masters masterful in Power win

FOOTBALL

COATES TALENT LEAGUE/AFL EXPORTS

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

GIPPSLAND Power Boys moved two wins clearfor the bestrecord in the Coates Talent League after a9.8 (62) to 8.11 (59) defeat of Eastern Ranges at MorwellRecreation Reserve.

LMoore JSimpson. Wonthaggi: JBrouwers 2LLidstoneT Prasad-Taylor BEST: Warragul: CThompsonXOlsson TLogan DBonaddio J Simpson DHammond.Wonthaggi: LLidstone JBrouwers BDocker yJ Joske SCar terNPatch

MOE 2.1 4.7 9.10 11.11 (77)

BAIRNSDALE 2.3 4.6 4.8 5.11 (41)

GOALS: Moe: MMalady3 ERomano DWalsh MMoroney ABattista MPariseD Polimeni M McQualter.Bairnsdale: OEmmett 2COtuonye RHargreavesHCloak BEST: Moe: MMalady MMoroney PGatpan AJones BBlandfordDPolimeni. Bairnsdale: COtuonye HCloak H McGuinn CReed NTough SBuckley DROUIN 7.4 8.5 10.8 14.8 (92)

MORWELL 0.0 1.1 3.1 7.2 (44)

GOALS: Drouin:RBaker 4ECroucher 2OOckwell-Payne BPitt CKleevenCStone LMcdonald JEtchell JHuston OHermansen.Mor well:H Gaunt 3CPage2 KHumphrey LAinswor th S Dawson. BEST: Drouin: JObernhumer DBritt CStone CKleeven RBaker WVir tue.Mor well:T James GJiath OKalan LCarpino HGaunt SMakepeace

2.3 2.5 4.7 4.7 (31)

Leongatha: MCroatto2JBrown 2. Traralgon: MFarley 2HPirie DTaylor.

KBerryman TMcKenzie

The Round 12 affair started with a2.13 (15)firstquarterfromPower, whileEastern Rangescouldn’t capitalise in front of goal with four behinds on Saturday.

However, the visitors recovered, booting five of the nextseven goalstohalftime, giving themselves anine-point cushion.

Only threegoals werescored as play returned, but Eastern Ranges got the most of them, and led by 14 points heading into the final term.

Power’s turn began with an early goal from Moe and Yinnar footballer Luke Cheffers, and was supported immediately by another from Foster’s Willem Duursma.

Shortly after, Jesse Bills had Power hit the front, and as Duursma slotted the sealer, brought down Power’s eighth win of the year from nine games.

Moe’s Liam Masters was best-on-ground, followed by ZacharyO’Keefe, Brodie Atkins, Duursma(twogoals), Bills (two), and Harry Tatterson.

Power Boys play MurrayBushrangers this Saturday (June 28) at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn.

GippslandPowerGirls had the byeand don’t playtheir next matchuntil Sunday, July6 againstEastern Ranges at Tony Sheehan Oval, Bundoora.

 IN the AFL ranks, Collingwood

continued their road back to the premiership with ahard-fought victory over St Kilda on Saturday night (June 21), 16.12 (108) to 11.8 (74), at Marvel Stadium. Traralgon’s Tim Membrey finished with two goals and 10 disposals.

The Expansion Cup wentthe way of GWS, who defeated Gold Coast Suns, 16.10 (106) to 14.15 (99) at ENGIE Stadium, Sydney, on Sunday afternoon. Moe's Bailey Humphrey was lively all day, and kept Gold Coast with aslither of hope with alategoal, booting 2.3 from 23 disposals.

Morwell's Ben Ainsworth kicked two goals straight and garnered16disposals, while Moe and Fish Creek's Sam Flanders finished with 29 touches.

Gold Coast movedoutside the top eight for the first time all season Hawthorn and Morwell’sChangkuoth Jiath had the bye in Round 15.

Loprese on the left snaps late winner

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

OF all the ways to win agame.

It is doubtful anyone in their right mind would havepredicted Traralgon centre half-forward, Dylan Loprese would kick aleft foot snap on the run deep in red time to see the Maroons to agutsy victory.

Traralgon pulled off the great escape (fairly common for any team coached by Troy Hamilton) in Grand Final rematch Take #2, holding off Leongatha by just three points, 11.10 (76) to 11.7 (73).

In agung-hogame that saw countless momentum swings and lucky breaks at Parrot Park, the headlineact for Round 10 of the Gippsland League certainly lived up to the hype.

Traralgon dominated play early, getting their running game up and going in conditions tailor made for such.

Loprese, the club veteran and former senior captain, stamped his authority withinthe first three minutes, taking astrongcontested grab againstthreeopponents,and kickingtruly from a45degree angle at the entrance end.

Fello wp la yin g-assi stan tc oa ch ,J ack son McMahon was also busy, kicking two goals in the opening term.

McMahon has been arecent revelation after being moved from defence to attack in recent weeks, with his pace causing opposition defenders headaches.

Traralgon’s asserted control by taking 17 marks in the first seven minutes, opting to play ahigh possessionstyle,keeping the ball alive but with an equal amount of control.

The Maroons’foot skillswere at elite levels early, highlighted by ConnorLittle finding Luis D’Angelo with adeft touch while being tackled, CooperBrown slicing an inboard bullet around the corner, and JordanCunicosnapping off one step as frontal pressure arrived to get the ball out wide to Tate Marsh.

Leongatha however wrestled back momentum, and had eight consecutive inside 50s as quarter time approached.

One of these50s was due to the Traralgon runner being penalised for interfering with play. Scores were levelatthe first change, after the Parrots kicked three goals from set shots, including back-to-back efforts from Justin Pellicano.

Pellicano threatened to take the gameawayfrom Traralgon at the start of the second, after kicking his third goalfrom longrange justthree minutes in The big man was evidently ‘pumped’, and could be seen high-fiving teammates around the ground over the next few minutes at various contests. His eagerness however boiledover in inexplicable fashion, and he was given his marching orders at the 15 minute mark after allegedly giving Connor Little one to the face.

Leongatha had dominated up until that point, yet thered card (greetedbya few audible bronx cheers) gave the Maroons both anumerical advantage and achancetoreset.

“That is ag ame-cha nger, ”T RFM’s Rob Popplestone said on commentary.

Traralgon had been under seize, and facing an 18 point deficit at the 13 minute mark following goals to Leongatha key forward Patrick Ireland and the long sleeve-wearing Ty Hall,who found himself unguarded 30 metres out straight in front. Hall’s major made it fiveinarow for the Parrots, and forced Traralgon to ring some changes.

McMahon wentinto the midfield, while Maroons skipper and usual centre half back Tye Hourigan was sent forward.

His presence had immediate effect, taking afew timely pack marks (including an insane juggling

grab from three deep) and kicking his side’s only goal for the term. “How many times do Traralgon have to rely on this move?” Popplestone quipped.

Hourigan then went into the midfield, and saw the Maroons get the ball inside 50 again.

DespiteLeongatha’sdominance, the Parrots lead was only 10 points at the main break, after Traralgon got some good looks going forward during red time.

The Maroons were denied what would have been acrucial goal, after an errant Leongatha handball bobbled inside 50, onlytobetouchedonthe line by Levi Hickey.

Tristen Waack stood up in the absence of Hourigan in defence, taking three intercept marks for the quarter.

Traralgon had adream start to the thirdquarter, kicking the first two goals.

Astrong pack mark to Matt Northe was followed by asnap just two minutes in, while McMahon’s third gave the Maroons the lead at the six minute mark.

McMahon’sblistering pace was on full display, as was his desperation in close, with his thirdcoming after he nabbed Jarrod Stewart holding the ball, who wasrelayed pressure from Beau Grabham Andrews dropping amark.

Adropped mark at the other end of the ground from Ireland gave the Maroons ahugelet off after he was clear goal side, as did aprofessional free kick by Kim Drew drawing high contactfrom Luis D’Angelo

In one of the stranger sights, D’Angelo manned the markstanding sideways. His ploy may have worked in putting Drew off, as his kick faded to the far side.

Leongatha however took backthe lead, primarily through Jake Hume.

His strongmarkand resultant goal from directly in front at the 13 minute mark was followedup withacourageous mark goingbackwith the flight at centre half-back ashort time later.

Hume kicked another goal at the 23 minute mark after ahorrendous turnover at centre half-back saw the ball rebound inside the Parrots' 50.

Pinpoint accuracy wasrequired from Hume deep in theforward pocket underneath the commentary position, and his kick went straight through the middle,givingLeongatha a15point lead, which felt likemuch more

Some excellent quick hands fromParrotsmidfielder Luke Bowmanreleased Drew, who drove the ball in long, where two Traralgon players collided, leavingZavier Lamers goal side on his own.

He snapped the ball to Hall straight in front, who kicked his second.

The Parrots were soon two men down however, after Hayden Lindsay wentinto the roomswith suspected broken ribs.

Lindsay was crunched in amarking contest with ateammate and Loprese at half-forward, stopping play for afew minutes.

He was helped from the ground by trainers of both clubs, the incident coincidently taking place not far from asimilar yet less harmful knock in the opening quarter.

Loprese got one back for the visitorsafter sending the ball out wide to Cunico, who in turn kicked it high to the goal square and back to Loprese.

The marginwas nine points after that, but Leongathaextended again aftera bizarre sequence of events.

Aclear mark to Leongatha ruckman Ben Willis in front of Hourigan was not paid, instead seeing aball up called deep into red time.

The mark would have given the Parrots aset shot well within range.

Willis was given another crack however, taking acontested grab at half-forward and hitting up Ireland.

While he missed,his contemporary in Stewart made no mistakeafter apanicked kick out of congestion from Traralgon saw the ball land in his arms.

Stewart’s conversionled to the home side taking a16point lead at the final change.

Perhaps most alarmingly for the Maroons, Leongatha took nine marks inside 50 during the third term alone.

Desperately needing the firstgoal of the last, Traralgon surged the ball forward after McMahon nabbed Hume and found Loprese in the goal square througha series of manic handballs just two minutes in.

The Maroons could have taken the lead ashort time later, yet veteran forward Dan McKenna missed from point-blank range after working his opponent under the ball.

It wascertainlynot the only heart-in-mouth moment during afrantic finalterm, which saw Grabham-Andrews and Stewartbothgodown with cramp.

The Maroons made it athree-point ballgameafter D’Angelo was taken high just inside 50. Ever-alert, he handballed off to Hourigan, who nailed the goal.

Anew game was suddenlyemerging,with Traralgon having all the playinthe first seven minutes, and Leongatha not scoring until 10 minutes in.

The Parrots missed afew opportunities following somestrongpassages, keepingthe margininsingle digits.

“It’sgoingtocome down to the wire,”commentator Daryl Couling predictedatthe 13 minute mark. Traralgondebutant Levi Macumber,upfromthe thirds, stepped up at acrucial stage, sending the ball forward into an open 50.

There, McMahon again gave Traralgon the lead, putting the after burners on inside 50 to run in and kick his fourth at the 16 minute mark.

He very nearly extended the leadfurther,but managed ahandy point nonetheless with adribbling effort from the boundary.

Traralgon’s fitness was starting to show, as the Maroons appeared to be running over the top of Leongatha, who were admittedly downtozero rotations.

The Parrots looked well and truly outontheir feet by the 20 minute mark, yetashehad done so often during the game, Hume again made an impact. His set shot from deep in the forward pocket as the clock tickedinto red time wasmarkedby Waack on the goal line, adding another critical save to his tally.

Leongatha wasn’t done with yet however, and a goalmouth scramble saw Lamers emerge with the ball to break away and get the Parrots back in front by four points at the 22 minute mark.

Needing something special, the Maroons found it. FirstlyinLiam Willaton,who showcased his little-known gymnastics background to dance aroundafew opponents on the wing,before the ball was sent deep into attack.

Ahugepack of players flew, and the ball, somehow, bobbled to Loprese’s left hand side.

Without thinking, he threw it on the boot from 35mout, andthe ballheldtruethe entire journey.

Hourigan was underneath the trajectory, and let out both arms in celebration as the ball went through for agoal and put Traralgon ahead once again.

It was the third lead change in nine minutes.

The Maroons thensenttwo players backin defence to try and kill the game.

Loprese had another chance to goal from underneath the commentary box, but just missed from long range at the 28 minute mark following another timely grab.

Leongatha had no choice now but to go hell-forleather from the kick out.

They did so,and thought they had afree kick when Drew appeared to be taken high only 15m out from goal. Alas, aballupwas called, and the siren went a shorttime later, making for one of the games of the season.

Waackwas best for the winners,while Loprese’s four goals were highly commended.

Hourigan did what he usuallydoes,marking everything, while Mitch Membrey, Cunico and Little contributed significantly.

Hume was easily Leongatha’s best, while Drew, Aaron Heppell, Sam Forrester, Jay Walker and Travis Nash gave their all.

Despite the result, Leongatha’s challengers will surely be on notice given the Parrots were without five genuine stars in Tom Marriott, Cade Maskell, Tallin Brill, JensonGarnham and Sean Weataway for this game.

For the Maroons,they may seeitasa levellerfor the lossagainst Wonthaggi, agame they had every chance to win in similar circumstances.

It is now all beautifully set up: Traralgon versus Moe, third versus first, at Terry Hunter Oval this Saturday.

Clutch: Traralgon’s Dylan Loprese kickedthe winninggoal at theweekend, as the Maroons wona thriller against Leongatha.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

MID GIPPSLAND

Magpies swoop by Hill End

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

THE back-half of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League season sees clubs getting close to having had alook at each one of their opposition, with 10 rounds now complete.

It is becoming obvious there is nowhere to hide. The spot you find yourself is the spot you deserve and the chances to improve are slowly starting to diminish.

Bright. Newborough: JRobinson 5Bvan Dyk2 ABertoli PAinsworth M Rowlings BEST: Toora: LCraig JWeston MBezzene JPintusS Bright SFrawley.Newborough: KJennings JPearce JRobinson PAinsworth HGallagher NCurtis

TARWIN 4.5 5.7 6.11 9.15 (69)

BOOLARRA3.1 5.3 9.8 10.8 (68)

GOALS: Tarwin: THarley 3D Brosnan NJones RO’loughlin LJones JStaleyM Williams Boolarra: BMason 4J Holmes 2BFlanigan 2JFelmingham SNoy BEST: Tarwin: THarley JStaleyDHouston NMcRae LJones MChalmers.Boolarra: JMason BMason BFlaniganM Porykali JNoy TReiske YINNAR 3.5 5.10 10.11 12.15 (87) HILLEND 2.2 6.5 8.8 9.8 (62) GOALS:



HILL ENDV YINNAR

THE Rovers were under no illusions as to the enormity of the task that greeted them when they welcomed Yinnar.

Yinnar had already taken the scalp of reigning premier, Fish Creek to open up the season,and since that time have been quietlyputting together the squad and game style they hope will hold them in good stead later in the year.

Thatsaid, the Magpies haverespectfor any opponent, and that included the winless Hill End, who put up agood fight in a12.15 (87) to 9.8 (62) defeat.

Yinnar Coach, SamMcCulloch admitted to breathingasigh of relief.

“Was asigh of relief to come away with the four points," he said.

"Certainly was not one of our better performances of the year, so credit to Hill End fortheir game. They were up and about and played some good footy.

"We were able to get our game going when challenged which was pleasing.Plentyto work on duringthe week, our skills certainly weren’t up to an acceptable standard.”

The Magpieswerefortunatetoget away with some rare errors and sloppyplay, as their young opponents continue to work on their own craft.

MDU coach, Rhett Kelly happy to have more than doubled the opposition score.

“Facing ayoung team, you're never quite sure what to expect, and Mirboo certainly started strong, putting us on the back foot early," he said.

"However,wewere able to regroup at quarter time and get the game back on our terms. I'm super proud of the boys for their work rate around the ball and their ability to spreadand movethe footballforward, creating plenty of opportunities for us.”

The fast startbythe Tigers, although soon reeled in by MDU, shows that they are capable,but youth will need to be developed and patience given. Slowly but surely the improvements are coming, achieving amore consistent effort, but like all clubs, Mirboo North would rather it sooner than later.

Tigers coach, Damien Turner said the opposition was just too good.

“Full credit to MDU, they showed their class across the majority of the game," he said.

"We started strongly and had some great moments, and whilewecouldn’t maintain it, the effort and attitude never wavered.

"Injuries continue to challenge us, but the boys showed real resilienceand awillingness to adapt which is super-impressive. Another under18debutedthis week, which is agreat sign for the future and valuable experience for our young brigade.”

TheTigers' best days may well be in the future,whilefor the Demons, right here, right now is the moment they must seize.

Afortnight of losses aside, MDU has performed extraordinarily well, and with a top six six position seemingly locked away, it’s nowall about maintaining performance.

 THORPDALE VFISHCREEK

were the better team for the rest of the day. Some basic skill errors really hurt us again, we need to clean that up if we want to be able to compete with the best teams."

Thorpdale must now turn their attention to Toora.

Less than amonth ago, you might have pencilled in aThorpdale win, but with the Magpies winning two of their last three, this will be yet another tough test for the Blues.

 TOORAV NEWBOROUGH

THIS clash was always going to be determined by one of the last men standing.

Both clubshave been hit hard by far too many injuries, and as aresult have also spat out some inconsistent performances.

Even so, both seasons are far from over, yet Toora's might have moreofapulse after winning21.14 (140) to 10.7 (67).

Toora Coach, Jay Acardi was pleased with what transpired.

“A perfect winter's day for football at Toora and we had agreat contest against ayoung up and coming team in Newborough," he said.

"They jumped out of the blocks early and kicked two goals before we even touched the ball. To our boys credit we didn’t panic and got the game on our terms.

"Really proud of how the boys responded after the previous game.”

NewboroughCoach, Pat Frendo saiditwas adisappointing display.

“Very toughloss. Started off really well and quickly went away from what got us an early lead.Toora showedthey were hungrier andcracked in harder at every opportunity,” he said.

The loss is abad onefor the Bulldogs, not devastating,but bad enough to put their season under pressure.

KElphick RMayo.HillEnd: L Ravenhorst DRussell JCoombs SDamschke KWoolstencroftZ O’Hara

Fish Creek:LMoonA Bright BThomson JArestia TPiasenteCMcphee.Thorpdale:T Mackenzie DHammond L Swain DTaylorC WestburyW Allan

15.14 (104)

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StonyCreek:LRow 4R McKnight 4J Gheller 2C TerryT Horsburgh JByrnesL Byrnes NSvenson. Foster:DBurton. BEST: StonyCreek:LRow SRoche AGeyer RMcKnight B Chadwick MSemken. Foster:T Daldy ALomax JPryor WRoffey KDavyMHouse TARWIN 0.0 6.7 9.9 13.11 (89)

(24) GOALS: Tarwin: RWaddell 4B-Gibson 2JCameron2 E2 TCameron TO’Loughlin DCardy Boolarra: THolley TDoweCRiseley BEST Tarwin: SGriffin ABell TCameron CScott R Anderson E.Boolarra: MWindsor CRiseley DBryne JGillT Beamish GRichards

6.6 11.12 18.14 (122)

1.1

Yinnar will be better preparedagainst better opposition, and they will need to be, as the Rovers, although eager, are not quite ready to take advantage of the opportunities they are given.

That being said, Hill End Coach, Adrian Burns felt his side had turned the corner.

"Our first half was really good and maybe our best footy this year," he said.

"We were up at halftime,but some skill areas cost us. Ireally believe we could have won the game, but anyway, we just keep going."

The Rovers, if nothingelse,can hopefully get something from the fact they were able to lead lastyear'sgrandfinalists,andoneofthisyear's contenders at the halfway mark.

Maybe, just maybe they are getting close to awin.

 MIRBOO NORTH VMDU

MIRBOO NORTHneeded to steal awin back after losing to Morwell East the previous round.

The task to take on Meeniyan Dumbalk United however was never going to be easy, as it proved in the end at Walter Tuck Reserve.

The Tigers went down 21.8(134) to 9.7 (61), to remain part of ahandfulofclubs fighting to stay in touch with the league's top six clubs.

THORPDALE had been admirable in their loss to Yinnar the previousround,and again left it all out on the park when they took on league leaders Fish Creek at the weekend.

The Blues' honesty and attack on the ball cannot be questioned,but they do appear to be just afew soldiers short to take on the very best.

Fish Creek winning 12.13 (85) to 8.7 (55) on the road.

Kangaroos coach, Jarrod Walker said his side was tested.

“A really solid game for us," he said.

"We had probably our youngest team in for afew years so we stripped the game right back to afew simple KPIs for each group.

"We were able to tick these off at each quarter time break which was areal positive andprobably one of our more consistent four quarter games for the year.

"Thorpdale was good all day, also battlinga few injuries but stuckatitright until the end. It was probably only the last 10-15 minutes we were able to kick acouple of goals in a row and end up with anice lead.”

The Blues' efforts are as they have always been, honest, but they still trailed at every change by four points, 10, 13 and three.

ThorpdaleCoach, Daniel Tayloragainhad reason to be positive and negative.

"We started the game off really well but didn't get any scoreboard pressure which was alittle frustrating," he said.

"After quarter time Fishy took control and

The Magpies have now won two from their past three, and seemingly from nowhere are starting to surge.

 STONY CREEK VFOSTER OPPOSITION clubs appear to be paying the pricefor Foster's recent one kick loss to Fish Creek.

The Tigers did anumberonToora in Round 9, and last round it was Stony Creek's turn to feel their wrath.

Thetravelling Tigers won with ease 15.11 (101) to 6.5 (41).

Foster has many admirers, and their weekend performance has done nothing to dampen opinion they may well be the next big thing of the MGFNL.

Tigers coach, Sam Davies acknowledged his side's consistency.

“Solidfour quarterperformance fromus with acouple of really good moments," he said.

"Stony definitely hadstrongpatches, especially for the first 10 minutesofeach quarter and really tried to play ahigh contest game.”

The 10 goal margin indicates aone way affair,however in reality,the Lions had moments every bit as impressive as their opposition.

“The scoreboard didn't reflect how close the game was,with ourboys well in the contest,” Lions coach, Troy Shepherdson said.

 MORWELL EAST HAD THE BYE.

Winsall roundfor Valley netball

NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE typical winners were seen across all three leagues in netball ranks.

As we officially have moved past the midway mark of each seasons, the backend of the year will shape the sides that will be destined for more and show those who are ayear away.

 MORWELL snuck past adetermined Drouin outfit by four goals in Round 10, as the Tigers create further separation between the top three in the Gippsland League and the rest.

The first quartere nde di na stal emate, 11-all, but Morwell created agap at Traralgon Showgrounds (Drouin playing home game there due to the Hawks seeing excavations at their home venue, keeping footballoff the park) extending their lead to three goals at halftime.

The Hawks continued to mount however, and kept the margin within two goals heading into the final term, but the Tigers held strong for their eighth win of the season.

Holly Stephens surged with47goals,while Hayley Stringerand Jayde Parsons werealso significant contributors for Morwell.

Lucy McKellar and Ella Henderson were best for Drouin, while Charlie Traumanis added 28 goals and Karin Proctor 18.

 MOE extended to a10-winstart to the season with a78to32win over Bairnsdale at Ted Summerton Reserve.

The matchwas at its closestand most competitive during the first term, but that would be the only time the Redlegs would surpass the double digitmark foraquarter,asthe Lions added 43 goals in the second half.

Olivia Barnett was best on court for Moe down in defence, followed by goalkeeperRamayer Keilty and Ashlea Mawer with 61 goals.

Sally Deller, Sophie Scott and Ruby Dunkley all performed admirably for Bairnsdale.

 THE Maroons keep themselves in the hunt for finals with afour-goal win over Leongatha.

Out at Leongatha Recreation Reserve, Traralgon created the necessary separation in the first term, leading 16-12 at quarter time. They extended that slightly through to halftime, but theParrotsdidn’t give in andbrought it back to atwo-goalmarginatthree quarter time. Traralgon displayed guts and determination to see out their fourth win of the season.

Emma White with her 40 goals was best on court for the Maroons, followed by Milly Murphy and Emily Scholtes.

LaurenRedpath, Gemma Meadley and Ausrey McGannon (19 goals) were best for Leongatha.

Other results saw Warragul dominat e Wonthaggi, 87-30 at Western Park, and Maffra collected their first win for the season, coming in athree-goal victory over Sale at Maffra Recreation Reserve.

 YINNAR continued on their path for retribution for the Mid Gippsland flag with a 54-goal thrashing of Hill End at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve in Round 10.

Patty McInnes finished with 41 goals for the Magpies, supported by Claire Thorburn (34).

Newborough suffered their fifthloss on the season after afour goal loss to Toora at Toora.

The Bulldogs were outworking the Magpies throughthreequarters, leading at every turn including afive-goal margin at halftime, but succumbed when it mattered most.

Hannah Weston’s 36 goals for Toora combatted the efforts of Demi Caldow (28) and Caitlin Demczuk (19).

Boolarra lost 64-52 to Tarwin at Boolarra Recrea tio nR eser ve, Fish Cree kh andl ed Thorpdale 70-13 at Thorpdale, Foster defeated StonyCreek 78-34 at Stony Creek Recreation Area, and MDU snuck by Mirboo North 52-49 at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.

Yinnar and Foster sit atop the Mid Gippsland ladder with nine wins each to date.

Morwell East had the bye.

 DESPITE whatwas predicted before the North Gippsland netball season, there’s areal bloodbath at the top of the ladder.

Heyfield defeated Rosedaleconvincingly, 48-25 at Gordon Street RecreationReserve to get their year back on track.

The Kangaroos moved tied with TTU for fifth spot after the win.

However, the Bombers maintained the finals positionwith a71-53 defeat of Cowwarr at Cowwarr Recreation Reserve.

Churchill moved agame behind Woodside for first place after a58-26 handling of YYN at George Bates Reserve.

Skye McDonald scored43goals as the Cougars continue to redeem themselvesfrom last season’s finals disappointment.

The Wildcats defeated Glengarry 59-42at Glengarry Recreation Reserve for their seventh winfromnine games played.

 Sale City and Gormandale had the bye.

Netball scoreboard-Page42

Don’t discount Traf this season

FOOTBALL

ELLINBANK DISTRICT

BY LIAM DURKIN

NOT for the first time, former Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League club Trafalgar appears to be flying under the radar.

The Bloods are third on the Ellinbank District FNL ladder, aftercoming within13points of rolling undefeated Neerim Neerim South on their home deck in Round 11 action at the weekend. Despite the shortfall,such aresult will surely giveTrafalgar confidence should they meetthe same opposition again.

The Bloods may be primed for another crack at the ultimate, after quietly plotting things in the background.

Former coach and Newborough premiership player, Tom Hallinan took the seniorteam to consecutive finalsin2022 and 2023, and also

sought to make inroads in other important areas.

In the EDFNL umpire-voted ‘most disciplined club’ judgingplayer and spectator behaviourafter every game, Trafalgar went from one of the bottom clubs to the top in recent years.

Warragul Industrials Football-Netball Club legend,Shane Brewsterisnow in the Bloods coaches’ box. That appointment itself is understoodtohave been more than six months in the making.

The Bloods are somewhat accustomed to proving apoint come big finals, even when it borders on ridiculous.

For instance, Trafalgar's lastMid Gippsland premiership in 2018 came after the Bloods finished on top of the ladder by three games, yet for whatever reason, it still seemed no oneratedthem

Therecould yet be achance for afew of the club's veterans such as Klay Butler, Jace Butler, Blake Slater, Jamie Hinesand Matt Swenson to possibly add another flag to their collections.

Massconfusion in Mid Gippy ending

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB

POPPLESTONE

THE matchbetween Boolarra and Tarwin in Round 10 of the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League was one for the ages.

Two clubsthat have shownpatchesofvery good football sprinkled with some disappointing performances met at the home of the Demons

The result was to have amajor impact on either sides finals chances.

Prior to the start of play, Tarwin sat fifth and Boolarra seventh, only percentage separating them.

Come game's end, it was anail biting finish that fell the way of the visitors 9.15 (69) to 10.8 (68).

Boolarra assistant coach, Scott Berechree said neither side deserved to lose.

“A heart breaking one point loss with ashot for goal rightonthe siren fallingagonisingly short," he said.

"In afinish that will be spoken about for many a year, the two sets of supporters may never agree on whether or not the ball crossed the line or not, with Bailey Flanagan'sshot from outside50having plenty riding on it with the margin one point and the siren ringing out while the ball was mid-air.

"The maninlimegreen however, after aquick conference with his companions, declared no score and to the winner goes the spoils.

"Tarwinjumped us early and hadtheir nine scoring shots been moreaccuratethey could’ve had the game wrapped up very early. To our boys' credit though we fought back well over the next two quarters to take a15point lead into the final change.

"With our bench reduced to one due to injury, it was always going to be abattleofattrition over the last term.

"To Tarwin'screditthey managed to find the front and hold on for the last few minutes and walk away winners with the narrowest of margins.

"Joel Mason was excellent all day with his brother Brendan hitting the scoreboard too. Simon Noy was excellent in his return from injury as was Matt Dyer who played his first game for the season."

Tarwin's11point quartertimelead was whittled back to four at halftime, before Boolarra took some sort of control and appeared to have amatch winning buffer at the last break.

Sharks coach, Lachie Jones hadtotake some time to comprehend the result.

“Well that’s the definition of stealing awin," he said.

"We looked done but surged late to hit the front and then just held on.

"Likesomanytimes this year we havebeen in atough spot late, butthe message at the three quarter time break was 'let’s take out chances and don’t dwell on any mistakes'.

"Wehung tough andwereabletoplayareally strong last 15 minutes and when we hit the front we put Jordan Staley behind the ball and he iced the game with three strong pack marks.

"Earlier in the game it was free flowingfrom both sides with afew momentum shifts and Boolarra had their chip and mark game going well.

"We had an under 18s player in Indie Cameron (son of club legend Travis) make his senior debut and thatgave us areallybig boost. He played a greatgametoo and didn’t look outofplacefor a 17-year-old. It puts us in astrong spot and this week we have abye to refresh and reset before we take on Yinnar at home."

Tarwin appears as though they are ready to make amove, with the bye an opportunity for arefresh and aplatformfromwhichtolauncha genuine challenge in the back-half of the year.

Solomon, Stephens stars rise

NETBALL

MORWELL netballers Anna Solomon and Holly Stephens weretwo of the 10 Victorian netballers recently announced to represent their communities and culture on the national stage, with the announcement of the 2025 Victorian First Nations state team.

Led by head coach Noel Halton, aproud Palawaman,and assistant coach Lee BevanWoodley, aproudKijawoman,the team will competeatNetball Australia's FirstNations tournament from August 20 to 24 at Jubilee Park in Frankston.

"It's an honour to be back coaching this team and to continue building on what we started last year," Halton said.

"This tournament is more than just competition-it'sacelebration of culture, connection, and leadership.

"Each of these athletes bringsstrength, pride anddetermination,and I'm incredibly proud of the squad we've assembled."

The athletes selected, all aged under23 years-of-age and identifying as Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander, represent the next generation of FirstNations talent in Netball Victoria's high performance pathway.

The team will again be supported by training partners embedded in the squad environment in the lead-up to the tournament.

This is the secondyearVictoriawill have arepresentative First Nationsteam at the national tournament which began last year, following the success of the inaugural 2024team, which finished fourth in the competition.

The FirstNationstournament provides avital platform for First Nationsplayers, coaches and officialsfrom across the country to connect and compete in aculturally empowering setting.

Netball Victoria General Manager High Performance and Pathways, Sharelle McMahon said "we are proud to support this program and the athletes who have been selected to wear the Victorian dress."

"Their achievements reflect the strength and vibrancy of First Nations netball in our state, and we are committed to ensuring these pathways are inclusive, welcoming and sustainable for years to come."

Maffra netballer Brigitte DeMamiel was also selected to the state team, with Woodside's Madi Charlie announced as one of the five training partners for the squad.

NORTH GIPPSLAND

YYN pummel Cougars

FOOTBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

EVERYONE who tuned into North Gippsland football last roundmust thank the collective of Heyfield, Rosedale, Traralgon Tyers United and Cowwarr for saving what could have been acomplete snorefest.

Three of the five games in Round 10 all went close to a20-goal margin, or even well beyond that, but due to the aforementioned sides, it didn’t make it all too bad.

 THE Bombers dug deep.

TTU displayed their premiership prowess to withstand afiring Cowwarr unit, in the end winning by 40 points, 13.16 (94) to 8.6 (54).

Played at Cowwarr Recreation Reserve, each sidewent outwith confidence, which equalled to atight,low-scoring opening.

The Bombers still foundtimetotake an eight-point lead at quarter time, but the Saints were right there.

That momentum continued in the second term, and while TTU banged home three goals towards halftime, Cowwarr did equally as much to sit right there, ready to take the game when play returned.

Belief was sensed from the Saints faithful, when the match was tied all up midway through the thirdquarter after goals from Kyle Stamers and Matt Johnston.

However, TTU combatted with backto-back majors that quickly extended the margin out to 13 points.

Despite Ash Smith returningthe favour for Cowwarr, bringing it back to seven points, the Bombers flipped into focus and continued through to the last term with the next five goals to shut down all possibilities of aSaints upset.

WilliamCurtain was best forthe winners, followed by Frazar Brouns with three goals, Kade Duncan, Stuar tGodda rd, Qui nn Sinclair andSam Curtain.

TTU have now run out of the gatewith an undefeated nine win start, making them the consensus favourite for asecond flag in three years.

Cowwarr impressedmanywith three hard-fought quarters, but couldn’t sustain it during the most crucial stages.

BenjaminRioli, Daniel Weetra, Patrick Tainsh, Haydn Hector, Ben Coffey and Robbie Farnham stood up for the Saints.

 JETTING through from start to finish.

YYN was untouchable at George Bates

thrashing of Churchill.

Photograph: Lyns Snaps

Reserve against Churchill, completing their second200-point win of the seasonina35.14 (224) to 2.6 (18) effort.

The Jets went over the 50-point and 100point lead in relatively short time in the first half, and didn’t let up as play returned.

TheCougars were almost held scoreless, but managed majors before the day wasdone through two first-year senior players Lleyton Hecker and Tyson Crawford.

This was perhapsone of the toughest days of the season for Churchill, who were forced to call-up multiple thirds footballers to double up on games for the day.

YYN featu red playin g- coach Dean MacDonaldwithabag of 10,whileDylan Kehoe finishedclose behind with nine goals

Dylan Bath (three goals), Jai Massese (two), Lucas Fry and Riley Byrne were others to play well.

The Jets now move closer and closer to

stealing adouble chanceinfinals, beinga game behind Heyfield for third place on the ladder.

Nic kT wom ey ,B ill yW ight ,J orda n Fenench,Joe Whykes, LucasMarinoand Christopher Gardiner were named in the best for Churchill.

 THE Demons did anumber on Gormandale.

Yarram defeated the Tigers, 23.17 (155) to 5.5 (35) at Gormandale Recreation Reserve to collect their fourth win for the season.

The Demons banged on 13 goals to nothing heading towards halftime, and almost doubled their score in the second half.

Gormandale added a couple of goals, but again couldn’t keep closewith their opponent.

Liam Bentley was best afield for Yarram, followed by Kayleb Pearce, Matt Clavarino, Dylan Garnham, CodyHarrisonand Ben Mattern.

Taylen Griffiths finished with aseason-best six goals in his first seniorgame for the year, while JoshSwiftaddedfive.The Demons had seven multiple goal scorers.

The Demons, after afrustrating start to the season, move to equal-fifth on the ladder with Rosedale and Sale City.

Jarvis Kirk, Flynn Roscoe, Isaac Copland, Cooper Jeffries, Liam Deering and Marshall Cropley were admirable for the Tigers.

 READYING for their next matchup, Woodside made light work of Glengarry.

The Wildcats smacked on 24.23 (167)tothe Magpies7.6 (48) to take home their ninth straight win.

Woodside openedwith the first five goals at Fred King Oval to prove their worth and knock any hope of being caught off guard. They continued into the second quarter and towards halftime, with a49-point lead at the main break.

An evenbetter scoringoutput of 13 goals in the second half meant the match was done and dusted at three quarter time.

ThomasKing, LukeJohnson, Zac Richards (eightgoals), JoshKennedy, Liam Leeson and JeremyMorgan wer ebest for the Wildcats, who await apivotal match in two weeks time.

After the bye this weekend, Woodside ready for aGrand Final rematch against TTU. Austin Blackford, Thomas Harris, Declan Massaro, CallumMitchell, AndrewMay and Jack Burgess were named in the best for Glengarry.

 SALE CITY had the bye.

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

ROUND 10

AGRADE: Moe 78 def Bairnsdale 32, Morwell 50 def

Noble Cowwarr:T Armstrong RO’Donnell DMartin KJenningsA Parsons BCooper

GORMANDALE -12.16 (88) YARR AM -4.12 (36)

GOALS: Gormandale: MCropley 3BNicholls 3B Wilson 3RMusgrove LBastin BForrest. Yarram: LWells 2 ABrunton SClarke BEST: Gormandale: JCarneyT HallT Duncan BNicholls BForrest RMusgrove. Yarram: CFarley ABrunton BMcAlpine

Drouin 46, Warragul 87 def Wonthaggi 30, Traralgon 51 def

Leongatha 47,Maffra43def Sale 40

BGRADE: Moe 60 def Bairnsdale 41, Morwell 57 def

Drouin 48, Wonthaggi 41 def Warragul 39, Leongatha 57 def Traralgon 39, Maffra52def Sale 38

CGRADE: Bairnsdale 44 def Moe 41, Morwell 41 def Drouin 35, Wonthaggi 55 def Warragul 28, Traralgon 32 def

Leongatha 30, Sale 39 def Maffra20 17 AND UNDER: Bairnsdale 61 def Moe 27,Drouin49def Morwell 35, Wonthaggi 41 def Warragul 38, Traralgon 48 def Leongatha 20, Sale 50 def Maffra36 15 AND UNDER: Bairnsdale 45 def Moe 35, Drouin 35 def Morwell 19,Warragul78def Wonthaggi 8, Traralgon 75 def Leongatha 27,Sale 54 def Maffra25 13 AND UNDER: Moe 22 def Bairnsdale 9, Drouin 33 def Morwell 23, Warragul 22 defWonthaggi 21, Leongatha 26 def Traralgon 16,Maffra42def Sale 33

MID GIPPSLAND

ROUND 10

AGRADE: Fish Creek 70 def Thorpdale 13,Tarwin 64 def Boolarra42, Yinnar 81 def Hill End 27,Foster 78 def Stony Creek 34, MDU 52 def Mirboo Nor th 49, Toora51def Newborough 47,Morwell East -bye

BGRADE: Boolarra46def Tarwin 39, Fish Creek 65 def Thorpdale 26, Mirboo Nor th 50 def MDU 41, Foster 63 def StonyCreek 39, Yinnar 57 def Hill End 33, Newborough 55 def Toora47, Morwell East -bye

CGRADE: Foster 39 def StonyCreek 27,Fish Creek 60 def Thorpdale 11,Boolarra42tiedTarwin 42, MDU 39 def Mirboo Nor th 17,Yinnar 44 def Hill End 34, Toora45def Newborough 35, Morwell East -bye

DGRADE: Fish Creek 67 def Thorpdale 8, Tarwin 35 def Boolarra28, Mirboo Nor th 40 def MDU 18,Yinnar 34 def Hill End 23, Foster 32 def StonyCreek 30, Toora35def Newborough 34, Morwell East -bye

17 AND UNDER: Toora68def Newborough 18,Boolarra57 def Tarwin 12,MDU 30 defMirboo Nor th 27,Yinnar 43 def Hill End 28, StonyCreek 31 def Foster 15,Fish Creek -bye, Morwell East -bye

15 AND UNDER: Boolarra47def Tarwin 18,Foster 33 def StonyCreek 23,Mirboo Nor th 28 def MDU 23, Yinnar 35 def Hill End 32, Toora44def Newborough 22, Fish Creek -bye, Morwell East -bye

13 AND UNDER: StonyCreek 21 def Foster 16,Mirboo Nor th 28 def MDU 9, Yinnar 32 def Hill End 12,Tarwin 36 def Boolarra31, Newborough 36 def Toora3,Fish Creek -bye, Morwell East -bye

NORTH GIPPSLAND

ROUND 10

AGRADE: Heyfield 48 def Rosedale 25, TTU 71 def Cowwarr 53,Churchill 58 def YYN 26, Woodside 59 def Glengarry42, Gormandale -bye,Sale City-bye

BGRADE: TTU 63 def Cowwarr 30,Heyfield46def Rosedale 44, YYN 44 def Churchill 38, Woodside 55 def Glengarry38, Yarram 47 def Gormandale 27,SaleCity-bye

CGRADE: TTU 56 def Cowwarr 12,Rosedale 43 def Heyfield 37,YYN 55 def Churchill 27,Woodside 48 def Glengarry24, Gormandale 44 def Yarram 29, Sale City-bye

DGRADE: TTU 72 def Cowwarr9,Churchill 45 def YYN 27, Woodside43def Glengarry28, Gormandale 44 def Yarram 26, Rosedale 39 def Heyfield 19,SaleCity-bye 17 AND UNDER: TTU 59 def Cowwarr 3, Churchill 31 def YYN 24, Glengarry46def Woodside 24, Gormandale 38 def Yarram 23,Heyfield 42 def Rosedale 40, Sale City-bye 15 AND UNDER: TTU 67 def Cowwarr 18,YYN 29 def Churchill 18,Woodside 45 def Glengarry27, Rosedale 26 def Heyfield 21, Gormandale 55 def Yarram 7, Sale City-bye

Oh so many: YYN playing coachDean MacDonald booted 10 goals in the Jets’

Remarkable: Traralgon 2005 premiership players Troy Adams,SeanFahy, Leigh Cummins,Trev Haley(front) ShayneSimpson, JaimeAitken and MichaelBurge recall an incredible momentintheir career

Liam Durkin

Theday footy’sDavid beatGoliath

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

ALL premierships are special, memorable and surrounded by euphoria.

It’s just that some are even more so.

Bonds between premiershipteammates often last alifetime.

It is not often however abond between an entire team stands the test of time.

Abond that could well be tighter than family. These teams have something extra, something romantic, something even magical.

Traralgon 2005 is one of them.

TheMaroons have wonthe most premierships of any club in the Gippsland League.

So fullistheir trophycabinet, there literallyisn’t enough room to house them all in the clubrooms.

Only one premiership however has its own sign, greetingall who enter the Maroons' headquarters Traralgon 2005 is commemorated with that sign.

The team was commemorated further recently, as Traralgon Football-Netball Club gathered for a reunion celebratingthe Maroons’ quartercentury.

While the night acknowledged all Traralgon FNC success sincethe millennium,itwas clearthe team of 2005 was held in the highest esteem.

When Tony Lane, coach of the victorious team, and whose name adorns the grandstand at the Maroons spoke, total reverence was reserved.

“It is so special. That day, 17th September 2005 is the best day of my football life. I’m indebted to you,” Lane said facing players from the game, 19 of whom were at the reunion.

“The longer the years go, the stronger that bond is, you appreciate it more as time goes on.”

The Maroons of 2005 were not the best team Traralgon has ever had, but they completedthe greatest performance the club has ever seen. In doing so, they proved that no team is unbeatable,nothing is impossible,and that anything can happen on Grand Final day.

For atruly magicalagainst the odds triumph, there can surely be nothingthat compares to what Traralgon managed to pull off on that September day in 2005.

Even beyond Traralgon it is one of the most famous Grand Final victories in Gippsland football history

Coming into the decider against arolledgold Maffra on the hunt for aleague-record fourth consecutive premiership, the signs could not have been more ominous.

The Eagles went into the decider with aleague record 45 consecutive wins under their belt, and had beaten Traralgon by 64, 51 and 81 points in their previous three encounters-the 81 pointmargin coming in the second semi-final just afortnight earlier.

In that game alone Maffrakicked 11 goals in the last quarter.

This was the Eagles at the absolute peak of their powers as well. The Burgiel brothers, Adrian and Hayden, and Trood Award and Rodda medallist, Garry Jones just some of the stars of the show.

“They’re best eight-nine players were as good as you would get,” Lane said.

“They were an incredible outfit, just awonderful side."

Traralgon appearedtohave little in their favour for the Grand Final, other than ahome ground advantage and the beautifuluncertaintiesof football.

The Maroons however had afew tricks up their sleeve.

“That second semi-final we had five players out of the side, four keys players, the McCulloch boys and Tommy McQualter,” Lane recalled.

“At three quartertimewewere 30 (points)behind and kicked the first goal of the lastquarter,sofive minutes into the lastquarter we werewithin four goals of them.

“I don’t thinkwewere going to beat them that day, it was probably ablessing that we didn’t.”

As the result of the semi-finalbecameobvious, the Maroons took the strategic step of resting a few players, after which time the margin bled out beyond 80 points.

Incredibly, Maffra kicked 10 goals in 15 minutes.

“But that was fine. We set ourselves for Moe (in the preliminary final), had arecovery week, had a terrific contest with Moe at Morwell, it was awet day,” Lane said.

Little was anyone to knowhow much Traralgon’s conditioning to wet weather footy would benefit them just seven days later.

If the Maroons neededagift from the football gods, their prayers were answeredwhenthe heavens opened up on the Friday night before the Grand Final.

Rain carriedover to GrandFinal day,and continued to fall throughout.

Taking a“you only need to beat them once” approach, Lane felt something special was brewing.

“Grand Final week you couldjust sensewe weren’t going to die wondering,” he said.

“You can sense as acoachinthe rooms before the game, Ijust thought ‘we’re areal chance here’.”

Conditions on Grand Final day may well have beenbest summedupinthe Thirds match, as Sale defeated Maffra in ascoreline of 2.4 (16) to 0.2 (2).

By the time the seniors started it was clear the game was going to be an old-school slog.

Traralgonstayed with Maffra in the first quarter,

before taking ahandy nine point lead at the main break.

With the sniff of an upset, the Maroons carried on in the second half and were 16 points ahead with one quarter to play.

“The energy at three quarter time -they weren’t going to lose. Iget emotional thinking about it now,” Lane said.

From there, Traralgon was able to fend off some nervy moments early in the last, before Dane McGennisken booted the sealer with five minutes remaining.

Agoal to Jarrod Zuehlkefrom the goal square courtesy of two 50 metre penaltiesthen made sure of it.

Theend result: a23-pointwin to Traralgon.A result that shocked even the most diehard Maroons supporters.

While the rain was undoubtedly afactor, Lane rightly pointed out there was still 16 goals kicked for the match.

“Althoughitwas wet, slippery and greasy, you’ve justgot to adjust to the conditions, Idon’tthink Maffra did,” he said.

“They were avery skilful side and had aset way that they played, and Idon’t think they really deviated from that to adjust during the game.

“We just played the percentages, crackedit, it was just contest by contest by contest.”

In thosemoments, as much as strategy and theory are important, Lane said mindset was the deciding factor.

“Every one to aman at some stage put his body on the line when he had to,” he said.

“It was asurreal day. We were rank underdogs, but if yourheart'sfull of belief and yourmind's full of belief you can achieve anything, and we certainly did that day.”

Accepting the premiership cup and addressing players and supporters, Lane, who enjoyed a 20-year playing career for Traralgon, told players and supporters he “couldn’t be prouder” following the win.

Adding to the subsequentstoryline, the Maroons provedthey didn’tneedassistance from theelements to beat Maffra.

In Round 2of2006, the Maroonsdefeated the Eagles on adry day.

The football gods were at work afew years later in 2009, this time helping Maffrawin the premiership against Traralgon with akick after the siren.

The football universe certainly has away of levelling out.

Photograph:

Still happened: Traralgon players and suppor ters celebratethe club’smiracle 2005 premiership File photograph

Legend: Traralgon Football-NetballClub icon and 2005premiership coach, Tony Lane speaking at the 20-year reunion. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Bond: Traralgon’s 2005 senior premiership team,who pulled offarguably thebiggest upset in Gippsland Leaguehistory,reunited.

Photograph: Liam Durkin

TRARALGON &DISTRICT JUNIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Saturday,June28

(2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00

Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Mountain. (PG, R) 1.40 Jane Austen: Rise Of AGenius. (PGl, R)

6.00 Landline. (R) Hosted by Pip Courtney

6.30 Australian Story: Break It Down The Raygun Phenomenon. (R)

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

7.30 Grantchester (Retur n, Mv)

Asuspicious death interrupts the Easter Fete.

9.05 Bay Of Fires. (Mlv,R)Tensions rise to boiling as Stella scrambles to adapt to her new way of life.

10.00 Little Disasters. (Mdls, R) Police and Social Services investigate jointly 10.50 David Attenboroughs Great Barrier Reef: Visitors. (R) Sir David Attenborough examines the Great Barrier Reef. 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: New Zealand. Sir David Suchet heads to New Zealand.

8.25 Secrets Of BritainsHistoric Houses: Power And Persecution (Chirk, Oxburgh And Penrhyn) (Final, PG) Looks at three historic houses. 9.35 Irish Road Trip With Miriam Margolyes. (PGa,R)Presented by Miriam Margolyes.

10.35 GuillaumesFrench Atlantic. (R) 11.35 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R)

3.10 Colosseum. (Mav,R) 4.00 Growing AGreenerWorld. (R) 4.30 Bamay.(R)

5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 5.35pm Peter Rabbit. 6.00 Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Kids Baking Cship. 8.10 Chopped Junior 8.55 Dance Life. 9.45 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.25 Dragon Ball Super 10.50 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2.05pm Nula. 2.35 Living Black. 3.05 First Australians. 4.05 Dolly Parton: Still Rockin. 5.05 6.00 Moko. 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 MOVIE: Blade Runner.(1982, MA15+) 10.30 Stompem Ground 2022: Yatangal. 11.00 Late Programs.

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Hoarders. 2.25 The Story Of. 3.00 News. 3.05 WorldWatch 5.05 Over The Black Dot. 5.35 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 The Secret Genius Of Moder nLife. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 The Icons That Built The World. 10.10 Glastonbury: 50 Years And Counting. Midnight Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 9.50 The Movie Show 10.25 Quake. (2021, Mal, Icelandic) 12.20pm On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, Ml) 2.30 81/2. (1963, PG, Italian, English, French, German) 5.00 The Glassworker (2024, PGav,Urdu, English) 6.50 LordOf The Flies. (1963, PGa) 8.30 Only The Brave. (2017) 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australias Front Line. concer ned apassenger may be up to alot morethanhesletting on.

7.30 MOVIE: FordVFerrari. (2019, Ml, R) American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles try to build arace car for Fordsothey candefeat Ferrari. Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Ber nthal.

10.40 MOVIE: Baby Driver (2017, MA15+v,R)Agetaway driver gets involved in adoomed heist. Ansel Elgort, Lily James. 1.00 Nurses. (Ma, R) Aroofer has fallen from aladder 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGals, R)

6am Home Shopping.

8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 11.00 HarrysPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Escape To The Country 3.00 Better Homes And Gardens. 4.00 Escape To TheCountry 6.00 Every Bite Takes YouHome. (Premiere) 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 1.30am My Greek Odyssey 2.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 My Road To Adventure. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC NitroFunny Cars. NitroChamps. 4.00 Storage Wars:BarrysBest Buys. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. VFL. Port Melbourne vCarlton.

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Barbie. (2023, PGlv) time. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling. 9.50 MOVIE: Crazy,Stupid, Love. (2011, Mls, R) Amiddle-aged manswife asks for adivorce. Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling. 12.00 MOVIE: Love Road. (2023, Mls, R) Shalane Connors. 1.35 Great Australian Detour (PGl, R) 2.00 The Incredible Jour ney Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Awoman is suffering buyersremorse. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (R) Clareand her best friend Brid are ahome in Wester nSydney 9.40 Airport 24/7. (PGdl, R) Arevolutionary airport trial 10 years in the making faces cancellation.

9GEM (92,81)

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.50pm Jeopardy! Australia. 3.50 MOVIE: Over The Hedge. (2006) 5.30 MOVIE: The LEGO Ninjago Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince. (2009, M) 10.30 MOVIE: American Pie. (1999, MA15+) 12.30am The Originals. 2.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.30 4.00 Bar neysWorld. 4.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Edgar Wallace Mysteries. 12.50pm Avengers. 2.00 Explore. 2.10 MOVIE: Im All Right Jack. (1959) 4.20 MOVIE: ItsA Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. (1963, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. (2017, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 3. (1992, M) 12.25am Late Programs.

Sunday,June29

6.00 Hello SA. (PG,

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6am Mor ning Programs. 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 Joanna LumleysDanube. (PG, R) 3.15 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.40 Martin Clunes: Islands Of America. (PGd, R) 4.40 Walking With Dinosaurs. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow

6.30 Compass: YesInMy Backyard. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by Adam Hills.

8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv) Stella forms an unlikely alliance. 8.55 Little Disasters. (Mals) The investigation continues. Shocking discoveries aremade and cracks form in the perfect family

9.45 MOVIE: The Tracker (2002, Mav,R)Four people search for an accused murderer.David Gulpilil. 11.20 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 11.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.00 Ask The Doctor.(PG,R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.20 Worlds Most Amazing Festivals. (PGa, R) 11.25 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under (PGa, R) 11.55 SBS50. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week. 12.55 SBS50. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 3. Day 2. 5.00 Going Places. (R) 5.30 From The Ashes Of World WarII. 6.00 NBCToday 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 16. Richmond vAdelaide.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Paris: Mystery Of The Lost Palace. (PGav,R) 8.30 ArcDeTriomphe: ThePassion Of ANation. (PG, R) Takes alook at the ArcdeTriomphe. 9.30 The Zelensky Story (Malv,R) AlookatVolodymyr Zelensky 10.30 New Zealand From ATrain. (PGa, R) 11.25 Jerusalem: Builders Of The Holy City (PGav,R) 12.30 24 Hours In Emergency.(Ma, R) 3.15 Colosseum. (MA15+v,R) 4.05 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

6am Childrens Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 Super Monsters. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Andy And The Band. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Moominvalley 8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs. 8.50 Secret Life Of The Tasmanian Devils. (Premiere) 10.25 Abbott Elementary 10.45 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.55 LordOfThe Flies. (1963, PGa) 11.35 The Ides Of March. (2011, Mals) 1.30pm Children Of Heaven. (1997, PG, Farsi) 3.05 ARoom With AView (1985, PGnv) 5.15 Petite Maman. (2021, PGa, French) 6.40 8.30 Body Of Lies. (2008, MA15+av) 10.50 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm MOVIE: Alick &Albert.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Dancing With The Stars. (PGa) Celebrities show offtheir dance skills. 8.45 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.45 24 Hours In Police Custody: Murder On Prescription Pt 2. (MA15+dlv) The original murder suspect is found dead and alarge quantity of heroin is unearthed. 10.45 Crime Investigation Australia: On Borrowed Time The Michael McGurk Assassination. (Malv,R)Alook at the murder of Michael McGurk. 12.00 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Travel Guides. (PGl) 8.30 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.30 The Wrong Man: 17 Years Behind Bars. convicted Andrew Malkinson. 10.50 9News Late. 11.20 The First 48: Last Rap. (Mal, R) 12.10 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dmns, R) 1.00 Destination WA 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believers VoiceOfVictory.(PGa) 4.30 Business Drive. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 The Dog House Australia. (PGa) Emily and her son meet achilled-out pug. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants retur ns. 8.15 Fake. (Ml) Joe scrambles to cancel the auction of his family home. 9.15 FBI. (Mav,R)After abioweapon attack leaves two people dead, the FBI tries to determine who is behind it andthe location of their next target. Jubalspast demons surface when Tylersuffers another health scare. 11.05 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mav,R)The team is called in to apprehend an active shooter 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Black Comedy In America. 1.50 Make America Swift Again. 2.50 Jeopardy! 4.55 WorldWatch. 5.25 PBS Washington Week. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Engineering Reborn. 7.35 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 10.10 Late Programs. SBS VICELAND (31)

Monday,June30

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 MOVIE: The Tracker.(2002, Ma, R) 11.35 Nigella Bites. (l, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 2.55 ClaireHoopers House Of Games. (Final, R) 3.25 Back Roads. (R) 3.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R)

6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story

Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Cor ners. Investigative jour nalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Jane Austen: Rise Of A Genius. (Final, PGl) Jane Austen writes Emma and Persuasion

10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 The Business. (R) 11.05 Planet America. (R)

11.35 Julia ZemirosHome Delivery (PG, R) 12.25 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 France 24 Inter national SBS Midday 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 SBS50. (R) 2.05 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 3.00 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck TreasureHunter.(PGa, R) 3.50 Plat Du Tour.(R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (R) 4.30 SBS50. (R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGls, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 PortillosAndalucia: Huelva And Aracena. (PGaw,R)Michael Portillo visits the port city of Huelva.

8.20 Sue Perkins: Lost In Thailand. (PG, R) Sue Perkins explores Thailand, beginning in the north in the highlands.

9.15 Stephen Fry: Willem And Frieda. (PGa, R) Stephen Fry documents the story of painter Willem Arondeus and cellist Frieda Belinfante. 10.30 SBS World News Late. (Mlv)

11.50 Kin. (MA15+lv,R) 1.45 Colosseum. (Mav,R)

2.35 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Hard Quiz Kids. 9.10 Dance Life. 10.00 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs.

2.00pm Family Rules. 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 AfricasUnderwater Wonders. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Living Black. 9.00 Paid In Full: The Battle For Black Music. 10.10 Late Programs.

6.00

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 ToBeAdvised. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGad) Kirby puts on the performance of her life. Breesconcer nfor Remi grows. Sonny makes ashocking discovery 7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island.

8.50 9-1-1. (Mav) Athena begins to question her abilities when she is assigned arookie to mentor

10.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) Ateam of trusted and respected footy voices tackles the biggest topics in the AFL world.

12.00 You, Me AndThe Apocalypse. (Mals) Ariel embarks on amission.

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 Parental Guidance. (Retur n, PGa) Eight sets of parents with very different parenting styles put their methods to the test. (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFLs big issues and controversies. Hosted by Sam McClure, Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel and Damian Barrett.

10.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1Late. 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. (Premiere) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants retur ns. 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. (Ms) The Jokers hijack security in an electrical store. 10.10 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 10.35 10 News+. (R) 11.35 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30

Mornings. 6am Morning

Programs 11.50 Small Business Secrets. 12.20pm WorldWatch. 12.50 TheUnXplained 1.40 The Movie Show. 2.40 Wine Lovers Guide. 3.10 WorldWatch 5.10 SBS50: Hotline Silvios WayWith Words. 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.10 Alone UK 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats 8.30 The UnBelievable. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm All The KingsMen. (2006, Mv) 2.55 The Movie Show 3.30 Children Of Heaven. (1997, PG, Farsi) 5.05 The Movie Show 5.40 Cheerful Weather For The Wedding. (2012, PG) 7.30 The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, Mls) 9.20 The Talented Mr Ripley.(1999, Malnsv) 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Business Builders. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 The YorkshireVet. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Shetland. 11.10 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon MOVIE: Dentist On The Job. (1961, PG) 1.50 DadsArmy. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Night Boat To Dublin. (1946, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Wimbledon 2025 Pre-Show (Retur n) 8.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 1. 10.00 The Closer 11.00 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Deep Blue Sea. (1999, M) 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 Veronica Mars. 12.40am Below Deck. 1.40 Super natural. 3.30 Addams

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

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

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

Tuesday,July1

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

innovation and thecivicfuture of Australia’s countr ypress

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 If YoureListening. (R) 11.20 Gruen. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.00 ABiteToEat With Alice. (R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Love Your Garden. (R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Walking With Dinosaurs: The Jour ney North. (PG) 8.50 David Attenboroughs Great Barrier Reef: Survival. (Final, R) Sir David Attenborough

9.50 IWas Actually There: Woomera Detention CentreBreakout. (PG, R) 10.20 ABC Late News. 10.35 The Business. (R) 10.55 Four Cor ners. (R) 11.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.00 Evacuation. (Final, Mal, R) 12.45 Love Your Garden. (R) 1.35 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

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

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 France 24 Inter national SBS Midday 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 SBS50. (PG, R) 2.05 The Supervet. (PGa, R) 3.00 Ross Kemp: Shipwreck TreasureHunter.(PGv,R) 3.50 Plat Du Tour.(R) 4.00 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.30 SBS50. (PG, R) 4.35 Jeopardy! 5.00 Letters And Numbers. (PGls, R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? Matthew Nable. (Final) 8.30 Insight. Alook at Australias superannuation system. 9.30 Dateline: LetsTalk About Sex, Habibi. Looks at sex education in Egypt.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Living Black. (R) 11.00 The Point. (R) 12.00 Headhunters. (MA15+av,R) 1.45 Freezing Embrace. (Malv,R) 4.15 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.45 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 Little Lunch. 8.05 Junior Vets. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.10 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Marrying Mr Darcy (2018, G, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away (PGad) Kirby hopes to get her big break.

7.30 Stranded On Honeymoon Island. (Mals) The couples look at an intimacy crate.

9.00 RamsaysKitchen Nightmares USA. (Retur n, MA15+) Gordon Ramsay helps struggling New Orleans restaurants get reinvigorated beforeSuper Bowl LIX.

10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

11.00 First Dates UK. (PG)

12.00 Fairly Legal. (Mav,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

34,894

Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00 Parental Guidance. (PGa, R) 1.30 Getaway.(PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News After noon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.40 Tipping Point: Wimbledon Special. Atrio of Australian tennis royalty,including John Millman, Sam Stosur and Dylan Alcott, trade their racquets for buzzers in aspecial tennis legends edition in the name of charity 9.10 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 12.00 Tennis. Wimbledon. Day 2Late. From the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, England. 5.00 Today Early News. Alook at the latest news, sport and weather 5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.

TEN (10, 5)

10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants retur ns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) Four detectives areshotduring aprisoner exchange. 10.40 10sLate News.

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Brady Vs Belichick: The Verdict. 3.10 News 3.15 WorldWatch. 5.15 Help, Ive Gone Viral! 6.15 Alone UK. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 Alone. (Return) 10.25 Dark Side Of The Cage. 12.15am Late Programs.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.45 The Talented Mr Ripley.(1999, Malnsv) 2.15pm Malcolm. (1986, PGlsv) 3.50 Lunana: AYak In The Classroom. (2019, PGa, Dzongkha, English) 5.55 The Snow Foxes. (2023) 7.30 Thunderbirds AreGO. (1966, PG) 9.15 But Im ACheerleader.(1999, Mals) 10.50

FedUni helping speech pathology shortage

ANEW student-led speechpathology clinic has been officially launchedatFederation University’s Gippsland campus.

The clinicaimstobridge the gapinaccessible services for the local community.

The Federation Speech Pathology Clinic was establishedinresponse to the growingneedfor speech pathology services in the community.

The wait time for public health services can be months or more for interventions.

A2023Speech Pathology Workforce Analysis Report highlighted that speech pathology services in Australia are not meetingdemand, resulting in delayedcare for many patients, which can lead to problemssnowballing

This shortageisespecially pronounced in regional areas like Gippsland, with limited access to allied health professionals.

Federation University is addressingthisgap by training more students locally and embedding them in the community throughsupervised clinical placements.

This clinicwillprovide accessible, high-quality speech pathology servicestothe local community while offering students valuable hands-on experience.

All sessions will be supervised by qualified speech pathologists and Federation staff, with both inperson and telehealth appointments available.

The clinic will also serve as aplacement site for Federation students, reinforcing the university’s

commitment to practical, community-focused education.

The Federation Speech Pathologyclinic will offer arangeoflow-cost essential services, including paediatric screenings at pre-schools and primary schools, assessment and treatment for young people aged three to 16 years, addressing issues such as pronunciation or articulation/phonology, early literacy skills, and language skills.

Federation Universityhas partnered with public and privatehealth services in SoutheastMelbourne and the wider Gippsland area to form an advisory group to assess local speech pathology needs, ensuring the clinic provides necessary services and develops best practice referral pathways and relationships with interested clinicians to support theirhealthservice and caseloads.

Two Master of Speech Pathology cohorts from the Gippsland Campushave already graduated,while the first cohort of Bachelor of Speech Pathology students will complete their studies at the end of this year and enter the local workforcein2026, further bolstering community healthcare support across the greater Gippsland region.

Enrolments in speech pathology courses at Federation have seen significant growth,nearly doubling over two years.

This year, atotal of 198 students will studyspeech pathology enrolled across undergraduateand postgraduate courses across Federation University’s Berwick, Mt Helen and Gippsland campuses and

online, up fromthe 101 whoenrolledtwo years ago.

Federation Universityopened aBerwick Speech Pathology Clinic late last year, and will officially openanotherstudent-led clinic at Federation’sMt Helen Campus in the coming months.

Master of Speech Pathology student, Kirsten Brimblecombe will be one of two students leading thefirst roundofclinical placements at the new Gippsland clinic.

After working in ahospital setting, Kirsten was drawn to the opportunity to make ameaningful impact in amore family-friendly profession.

She also experienced first-hand the challenges of accessing speech pathology services for her son in regional areas.

“Wewere travelling to Melbourne becausethere were no speech pathologists that we could get to locally… that was atwo-year wait,” she said.

"Now,asone of the firststudentsplaced at Federation University’s new Gippsland Speech Pathology Clinic, Kirsten is excited to contribute.

“I’m honoured and looking forward to being one of the first students to undertake placement at the newclinic. The increaseinspeech pathology services in the regioncan only be agood thingfor the community,” shesaid.

Pro fes sor Ch yri sse Hein eO AM, Hea do f Discipline, Speech Pathology, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, added, “We are delighted to be launching the Federation Speech PathologyClinic in Gippsland,auniversity student-led clinic dedicated to serving the community."

"This initiative represents asignificant milestone in our commitment to providinghands-on learning experiences for our students while offering essential speech pathology services to those in need.

“Our students are eager to apply theirknowledge and skills in the clinic, making apositive impact on the lives of our community members. We look forward to seeing the clinicthriveand grow, fostering aspirit of partnership and collaboration.”

Honour forMorwell student

MORWEL Ll ocal ,U ma nd aF ernand ow as honoured at the Chisolm Education Awards, named Higher Education Student of the Year.

Umanda studied aBachelor of Community Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs to begin acareer in counselling.

During her studies, she secured two highly competitive placements: one with Latrobe Community Health Services and another with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing.

As an international student, Umanda worked in acafé and as amedical receptionist to pay for her college fees and support herself.

One of the obstaclesshe faced was the distance needed to travel to attend classes.

With dedication, and without complaint, she took public transport to travel 100 kilometres each way to her classes.

Umanda consistentlydemonstrated strongacademic skills, attending every class and achieving ahigh distinction average.Her classmates often asked her for help or to jointhem on grouptasks Her friendly nature and quietself-assurancewill serve her well as acommunity worker.

Umanda always made time for her classes and studyontop of herwork and community commitments.Some members of her church were aware that she was studyingmental healthand cametoher for advice.She also helped her church with social media promotion.

Chisholm Chief Executive Officer,Stephen Varty, said this year’s awards continuetoinspire excellence across Chisholm."Thoserecognised should be proud of their exceptional achievements," he said.

"The finalists and winners have demonstrated outstanding commitment to education, setting them apartfrom Chisholm's community of over 33,000 students and 1600 dedicated staff. "We are excited to see whatthey go on to achieve as great employees, businessowners, mentors, and community members whowill make adifference in the community. This is a testament to the power of education and its role in enriching lives.”

The Chisholm Education Awards celebrated exceptionalstudentsand educators, with winners and finalists displaying outstanding commitment to educational excellence.

Clinic: Clinical educator,EmilySherr y, with Federation UniversitySpeech Pathology Masters students,Kirsten Brimblecombe and Hannah Bonnington. Photograph supplied

Endeavouring to explore what’savailable

YEARS 5and 6studentsatStPaul’sAnglican Grammar School broughttheir creativity and curiosity to the forefront during the Endeavour Program Showcase, markingthe culmination of asemester-long exploration throughthe school’s innovative electives program.

The Endeavour Program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselvesininterestbased learning, with student-drivenelective options spanning the arts, technology and outdoor education. Eachweek, studentsdedicated an hourtotheir chosen elective, developingnew skillsand building confidence along the way during the semester.

The Endeavour Program Showcase welcomed students, families and staff to celebrate the diverse outcomes of the program. Fromalively performance to hands-on demonstrations, each display reflected the enthusiasm and effortstudents havepoured into their projects.

Highlights included aperformance from the ‘Dancin’ Up aStorm’group, who explored various dance styles and their culturalorigins, and atrailer screening from ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ students who showcased video editing and multimedia skills by producing apromotion for the upcoming school production.

Attendees were treated to sweet samples prepared by the ‘Café Culture’ students, who have developed their kitchen confidence and nutrition knowledge across the semester. Meanwhile, ‘TechGurus’ proudly demonstrated the interactive games they created using ‘Scratch’ coding software.

Studentsin‘Outand About’ impressed with theirmastery of practical outdoor skills such as knot-tying, shelter-building, fishing and campfire cooking, while 'Design It, Make It’ students demonstrated the design, building and toolsafetyskills they have learnt.

Other projects on display included vibrant rainbow fishpropsby‘Edgy Art’ students forthe Preps to use at the upcoming school production, and avariety of hand-sewn, tie-dyed and finger-knitted items by ‘Snip and Sew’ students, intended to be sold at a future school market day.

The St Paul’s Endeavour Program not only nurtures creativity and independent learning, but also prepares students for secondary school by encouragingthem to takeownership of their own learning.

With newelectivesonthe horizon nextsemester, students are eager to continue their journey of discovery.

Gippy Waterwelcomesschool-based apprentice Xavier

GIPPSLAND Water is helping shape tomorrow's workforce by giving alocal high school student an opportunity to get ahead start on his career through the school-based apprenticeship/traineeship (SBAT) program.

Year 11 Kurnai College student Xavier began his careerinthe Environment and Healthy Country teamasthe organisation's first member of theSBAT program.

Gippsland WaterManagingDirector,Sarah Cummin gsai ds chool -base dapp re ntices hips and traineeships were aterrific initiative to give students ahead start on their careers.

"We're creating opportunities for local students to get hands-on experience while completing their studies," Ms Cumming said.

"Students undertaking aschool-based apprenticeship or traineeship spend one day of paid employment at Gippsland Water,one day at TAFE

and three days at school over the course of aweek.

"This programprovides academiccredittowards the student's secondary certificate, combining onthe-job training with formal learning.

"In his position, Xavier will gain valuable work experience on top of anationallyrecognised qualification, the Certificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management."

XaviercompletedYear 10 work experience at Gippsland Water last year.

"I thoroughly enjoyedworkexperience in Year 10 and was extremely grateful for the experience and information Igained during my time there," he said.

"During my work experience, Ifound areal interest in the day-to-daytasks that Gippsland Water cover.They werealso extremelywelcoming, and the workplace as awhole wasareally positive experience."

Xavier said he had already noticed professional

and personal growth sincestartinganSBATat Gippsland Water.

"I think I've alreadygained critical workplace experience, as well as personal growth with being independent and learning how to manage my own time and priorities," he said.

Xavier hopes to gain full time employment once he completesYear12and hisCertificate III in Conservation and Ecosystem Management.

For more information on school-basedapprenticeships and traineeships,visit: www.gippswater. com.au/about-us

Foot in the door: Kurnai College student, Xavier,has been completing aschool-based apprenticeship withGippsland Water. He is pictured with learning and developmentadvisor Danielle Photograph supplied

Adventure: Oliverand Harrison shared their ‘Out and About’ stories theyhavecompleted throughoutthe term

Perform: Ellie,Annabel, Shriya, Manan and Willowshowcasing their skills in visual media.

Dance: St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schoolstudents Ada, Anna, Lil,Charli, Cassie (hidden) and Chloeare in full swing as theyget readyfor this year’s production.

Stitch: Grace demonstrating newtrade secrets with thecrowd at the St Paul’s Endeavour Show.

Tanjil South PrimaryMoki Challenge

TANJIL SouthPrimary School students are stepping up to aglobal challenge, quiteliterally, taking part in the Moki School Challenge.

This is an international initiative that promotes physical activity and wellbeingamong school-aged children.

The Moki Challenge encourages students to movemore by tracking their daily steps with special wristbands. These devices recordeach child’s physical activity, with schools competinga gainst other sa round the worldt os ee who can accumulate the most steps. While the challenge is largely dominated by schools in the UnitedKingdomandtheUnitedStates, Tanjil South

is proud to be one of only

ahandful of Australian schools participating.

Beyond the international leaderboard, Tanjil South has also introduced in-schoolchallenges, sparking some friendly competition between teams and students.Whether it’s alunchtime walkoractive learning breaks, the initiativeis already inspiring students to find newways to keep moving.

The Moki Challenge is morethan justa step counter -it’sabout building lifelong healthy habits and showing young people that movement can be both meaningful and fun.

St Paul’ssun,sandand swings at Waratah Bay

YEARS3and 4students at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School returned from awhirlwindcamp at Waratah Bay, filled with laughter, happiness, adventure and sandy shoes.

Sunnyskies greetedstudents on arrival, and remained forthe full threedaysofjam-packed fun that was filledwith team-building challenges, long beach walks, the giant swing, marshmallow roasting, exploring rock pools and the much-loved disco night.

For the Year 3students, it was their very first school camp. Year 4studentsalsohad an amazing time, as evidenced by their classroom reflections: Methma said, “My favourite part of camp was watching the teachers on the giant swing and succeeding on the Nitro Crossing.”

Will said, “My favourite part of camp was doing the sandcastle challenge. My group won the challenge!”

Max said, “I hadanamazing timeatcamp

because of the teachers. Ienjoyed the giant swing and the Nitro Crossing.”

Izzysaid, “Campwas fun because Igot to be in agroup with people Ididn’t know that well.”

Victor said, “I really enjoyed camp. The food, activities, cabins, discoand the walk on the beach were great.”

It was acamp full of connection, confidencebuilding and community.

MONDAY23JUNE

par tofthe Moki Challenge.

Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Team effort: Bentlee,Trenton, Malachi, Paislee, Oaklee,Matilda, Matildaand Maddeline areall par ticipating in the Moki Challenge.

Party: Meeva, Prisha andTinulya enjoying the disco Photographs supplied

Music: Singing around thecampfirewithSt Paul’sAnglican Grammar SchoolChaplain, Glen Treble,are Archer,Elijah, Caleb, Manendu, Myraand Methma.

Smiles: Caleband Lainienjoying time in the sand.

Leap: Hooria flyies highonthe giant swing

Builders: Mason and Harrison duringthe sandcastle challenge

News in

Football royalty: 1980 Brownlow Medallist and two-time ColemanMedal winner,Kelvin Templeton backhome at Traralgon Football-Netball Club Photograph: Liam Durkin

he Junior Championships Singles division, KaylaDukes now gets her opportunityfor Australia at international levelnextyearPhotograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

as the companyannounced itsrestart under iginal ownership

Photograph: Liam Durkin O’

og ph: Liam Durkin

Voice: Apeacefuldemonstration took place

in thewakeoffundingcuts

Photograph: night

Everywhere: Amural of Erin Victoria Market.

Great work: TraralgonCroquet Club host Photograph suppl

Bruce’sBBQ legacy lives

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOR the 14th consecutive year, thousands of people from all corners of the community tuned out for another successful Latrobe Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ at Kernot Hall, Morwell

Raising more than $90,000 on the day, the prostate cancer fundraiser surpassed the $1 5 million milestone since its inception in 2013 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA)

The late Bruce Ellen, former general manager of the Latrobe Valley Express, was awarded the prestigious Max Gardner Award for consistent and profound contribution to the PCFA cause

It was the first time someone had received the award posthumously

Mr Ellen put in a mountain of work in previous BBQ’s, serving as chair of the Latrobe Big Blokes BBQ committee for many years

The award was accepted by Mr Ellen’s two

a few words, commemorating their late father Australian comedian Tom Siegert served as emcee for the event for the third straight year, carrying the crowd through raffle draws, the phantom race call (the Bruce Ellen Memorial Cup) and table countdowns

‘The Suburban Footballer’ has been living large, visiting a number of country club (not contributing much on the field, but even better around the grounds in other ways) and appeared on the popular football program The Front Bar just a week prior to emceeing in Morwell

Former AFL umpire ‘Razor’ Ray Chamberlain opened as first guest speaker, discussing his relationship to the game, the players and the fans as an umpire, his love for Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin, and the drawn 2010 Grand Final

Australian comedy legend Brad Oakes took to the stage midway through proceedings, providing some old school laughs, with the event definitely sitting close to his heart given he is someone

who has survived prostate cancer himself

American comedy sensation Arj Barker then capped off the evening with a great routine, having turned into an honorary Aussie during his stand-up career

Local Lions Club members were on deck, supporting and offering additional support and clean up across the day

One in seven Australian men will develop

Gippsland and Latrobe region, there is a 30 per cent higher mortality rate compared to other areas of Victoria

Alongside the PCFA, a small committee of volunteers, some of whom are personally affected by the disease plan and run Big Blokes barbecues across the state The Latrobe Valley committee has funded a number of services including research projects through Monash University Medicine, Nursing and Health Services, local awareness campaigns, research projects and financial assistance to aid

Legend: Longstanding Latrobe Bigges Ever BlokesBBQ committeemember, BarryWhitehead withcomedian Tom Siegert

umpire Chamberlain wasone of the three special guest speakersatthe 2025 Latrobe Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ.

Awar Australia.MrEllen’s twochildren, Nicka the family, and arepictured alongsidePCFACommunity Engagement Of Watson and Latrobe Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ committeechair Ian Nethercote.

25 Latrobe BiggestEverBlokes BBQ Photograph supplied

Only waytopower is underground

NEW engineeringresearch featured in Create Digital confirms that overhead powerlines are no longer fit for the conditions we’re facing.

The towers being built today stillrely on outdated standards, and they simply won’t stand up to the more extreme weather ahead.

This is especially concerning for Gippsland, which is set to host Australia’s first offshore wind farms and become the state’s primary energy source. You cannot build energy security on infrastructure that collapses in astorm.And when towers fail, it’s not the power companies who pay –it’s households and businesses. All of us.

That’s why Better Transmission Gippsland is calling for underground transmission. It’s not just smarter –it’s essential.

KirraBott

Better TransmissionGippsland Chair

Blindsided shame

WELL, once again the state government appears to only pay lip service to the community of Latrobe

The short notice to cut funding (one month) for the Latrobe Health Assembly, despite an agreement for funding to continue until 2028, is another brick in the wall between Melbourne and the Valley. When we do get our act together as acommunity, start something we need and are offered long-term supporttokeep on developing healthand wellbeing gains in the community, we are suddenly cut off at the knees. Shame!

Len Cairns

Moe

Self-governed expertise

SO,there you go, ThomasQuinn, justwhen I thoughtmyderisionhad reached its zenith, you bring up Tony Abbott, ('Interest free', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 18/06).

Modestly though, of course, you do not claim sole responsibility for the Abbott election victory, unlike your other political achievements, trotted out again, Trump-like, in case we missed them.

Mr Quinn, you were banging on about the Teals for manyweeks beforethe election, and now, weeks post-election, you still are.

Now, that truly is, after adecimation, consistent anddefiant obsession. Will your 'Repeal the Teal' t-shirt make areappearance next time?

And I, "repetitive and obsessive", have simply responded, on occasion,asIdotoyourself proclaimed political honour roll, that all this esoteric debate on subjects such as what makes an Independent, the Constitution and yourperceived superior qualifications cuts no ice with most readers.

"I still have the documents that were published in more than 70 newspapers and magazines"- I'll bet you have, Mr Quinn!

No doubt you are aking in your own personal Liberal fiefdom,albeit now considerably diminished since the election, but sorry Patricia Correa, ('Not

in the league', LVE 11/06), Mr Quinn is not "more knowledgeable thaneither of us on politics",he just likes to think he is, and you're not helping!

Finally Mr Quinn, in the style of "duelling banjos", you give me OscarWilde, andI'll giveyou two of his right back -"consistency is the last refuge of theunimaginative", and "to love oneself is the beginning of alifelong romance".

John Duck

Trafalgar

Grateful generosity

IAMconstantly amazed by the ability of Australians to come together when it matters most.

We have seen it countlesstimes in our history as anation, during times of national crisis, natural disaster, financial unrest andsomuch more. Aussies know how to come together and help out amate.

As The Salvation Army, we have also seen this time and time again. We have been helping people doing it tough for morethan 145 years, through times of extreme hardship, and the common thread during all those times has been the abilityfor people to help each other out when they are struggling.

Indeed, we have seen it once again through our Red Shield Appeal this year. While there is still a long way to go, we have been blown away by the generosity of Australians to our Appeal so far. It is through Aussies digging deep and giving what they can that allows the Salvos to help one person every 17 seconds in Australia.

Obehalf of The Salvation Army and all those we support every day, we want to offer an enormous thank you.

We know times are toughfor so many right now, which makes the generosity we have seen so much more powerful. We can’t do our work without your support, so again, thank you.

But it’s not over yet. The Salvation Army are still calling on Aussies to dig deep for the Red Shield Appeal, which aims to raise $38 million by June 30. This money will ensure we can continue to support those in the community doing it tough into the future.

You can be the hope people desperatelyneed right now. We trust that Aussies will once again be generous to the Red Shield Appeal this month, and this isn’t ablind trust. It is founded on the fact that we have seen it many times before, and we believe we will see it again.

So once more, to allthosewho have supported theRed Shield Appeal so far, and to all those who will, we say thank you.

To make atax-d eductible donation to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, please visit: salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS.You can also donateatany Salvos Store.

Colonel Rodney Walters The Salvation Army

Loose ends

MR Phil Edwards' letter in last week's Express 'Up To Code' (18/06) demonstrated two things: he does not understand the councillor code of conduct process, and that any differing opinion to his own is apparently "extreme" or "fringe".

Mr Edwards made the false claim that the councillor code of conduct system is availableto the public -thisisnot true.

The councillor conduct process is ahighly flawed process where only fellow councillors can apply against another councillor, or council officers can apply against acouncillor.

Mr Edwards also made the false claim it takes amajority council vote to raise these complaints. This is also not true. It only takes one authorised person to raise acomplaint.

This system has been criticised by legal experts and even the supreme justice.

Unlike our legal system, the councillor code of conduct process has no open justice, no rule of law and no ruleofevidence.The findings are only based on the interpretation of one so-called independent arbiter.

The arbiters who determine if acouncillor is innocent or guilty are supposedly 'independent', however, this hasalso been criticised as they are hand-selected by the Labor minister of local government.

When acomplaint against acouncillor is raised, thosewho raiseithave their legal expenses paid for by us -the ratepayers, while the councillor who is forced to defend themselves hastopay out of their own pocket to seek legal advice but are denied legal representation during the hearing.

All findings in this matter are based on the interpretations of one person-the arbiter -who doesn't require evidence to back up their claims.

Taylah Ling Churchill

Heed this warning

DURINGthe King's Birthday long weekend, I visited Walhalla and the grave of James Mitchell (died 1880 aged 34).

There is an inscription on his headstone which eerily reads: "Oh let my sudden doom be awarning untoall/ erewhilstbending overmytombthou may as quickly fall".

Extending Mitchell's warning, Ibelieve the inscription, which many regard as acurse,refers notonlytomyown mortality, but moreover, to the imminent death (fall) of the Latrobe Valley as well.

In its heyday, Walhalla was athriving township of around 8000 residents, reliant on two main gold mines. However, the closures of the Long Tunnel Extended Minein1911and the Long Tunnel itself in 1914, resulted in the mass-exodusofmany workers and their families from the town to find work and residence elsewhere.

The once-thriving township gradually descended

Final VicGrid plan coming

By PHILIP HOPKINS

SUBMISSIONS on the state government's draft renewable energy zones (REZs) and transmission linesclosedonTuesday this week, but VicGrid's chiefexecutive, Alastair Parker, said the immediate deadlines were not Gippslanders' last chance to comment on the proposals.

"It'sjustthe 'big picture' strategy," Mr Parker told the Express,ascritics maintain the total cost to households and business to upgrade Victoria's electricity grid to take renewables will be closer to $20 billion, not $4.3 billion cited by the state government.

Mr Parker said the finalplan wouldbepublished on July31. Based on this, the Energy Minister would consult further on the REZ boundaries, and once this process was completed, in OctoberNovember, the boundaries "will be declared".

For the transmission projects in Gippsland, the study area will be published.

"We will work with landholders over the next couple of years," he said -"hundreds of landowners, Isuspect, but we will narrowdown and end up with 80 to 90".

Mr Parker said the first offshore wind farm project was expected to be in place by 2032.

"There is time for the right decisions to be met," he said, but Yallourn power station would haver closed by then.

"The projectedpreliminary cost of the Gippsland transmission lines at this stage is $4.3 billion, but clearly that is not the final amount. There is still alot of work to do, still decisions on whether over ground or underground. Underground would have abig impact on costs," he said.

“The government will spend a certain amount on transmission and will have acompetitiveprocess to build and operatethe transmission lines with atimeline of 40 years. The aim is to lower electricity bills for consumers.”

Alastair Parker VicGrid’s Chief Executive,

"Thegovernment willspend acertain amount on transmission and will have acompetitive process to build and operate the transmission lines with a timeline of 40 years. The aim is to lower electricity bills for consumers."

Mr Parker said VicGridwas aware of the existing infrastructure in Gippsland such as Bass Link, but also of the new infrastructure projects being undertaken like CarbonNet andMarinus Link.

"We work closely with CarbonNet and Marinus Link, althoughthe latter is in adifferent area, and also work with plantations," he said. Marinus Link includesanunderground cable from the South

into ghost town status. These days, with apopulation less than 100, Walhalla is asleeping hollow hamlet thatseemstohave entered the Twilight Zone- forever suspendedintime, and where it's always 1862-the yeargold was first struck. Mutatis mutandis the LatrobeValley, which depends on two main power stations: Yallournand Loy Yang, now finds itself in similar circumstances. Indeed, with the dire prospect of Labor being in government for the next sixyears, and during which it will fully implement its economy-wrecking, onesize-fits-all, eggs-all-in-one-basket, all-or-nothing renewables-only agenda. Ifear history is about to repeat itself.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Gippslandcoast to the former Hazelwood power station site.

The Australian Financial Review. reported that experts estimate the bill to build the network of poles and cablesislikely to be more than$20 billion.

Gippsland's role in VicGrid's draft transmission plan identified the need for new transmission lines in the region to support both the draftproposed Gippsland REZ and about 7000MW of offshore wind by 2040.

Thesedevelopments include anew 10-kilometre transmission line between Yallourn and Hazelwood; aREZ between Morwelland Sale; aGippsland offshore wind transmission tage 2project, which includes anew 500kV transmission line from the existing transmission network near Driffield to Woodside,and anew 500 kV line from Woodside to Giffard; and aGippsland Shoreline REZ between the Gippsland coast and South GippslandHighway, from Seaspray to ReevesBeach, where offshore wind developers will need to locate underground cables thatconnecttoa connectionhub near Giffard.

The AFR said that the Victorian figure does notinclude key projects, such as the Western Renewables Link,the Victoria-NSW Interconnector West and the Marinus Link cable under BassStrait, which together are estimated at more than $16 billion.

Professor Bruce Mountain, the director of the Victoria Energy Policy Centre, told the AFR there had not been realistic accounting for the cost of the transmissionexpansion,asshown by the Australian Energy Market Operator's recent report. This estimated that the cost of the new

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference willbegiventobrief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin,reservesthe right to editletters 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 viewsexpressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support aperson's point of view.

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.

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

Letters regarding 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. Have your say

transmissionprojects had risenbetween 25 and 55 per cent relative to 2024 figures.

Professor Mountain said the total capital outlays of the combined grid projects were closer to $17.5 billion, which would rise to $20 billion when accounting for interest expenses during construction.

"This is abit over five times the total regulated value of Victoria's existing transmission network," he told the AFR.

Victoria aims to reach net zero emissions by 2045 and deliver 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035, whenLoy Yang Apower stationisscheduled to close. Yallourn power station is closing in 2028 but Loy Yang Bhas no closure date.

Big picturestrategy: VicGrid expects the first offshorewind farm projectwill be in place by 2032. Photograph supplied

Construction certainty hopefully here

COMMENT

BY JONDAVIES

THE High Court’s rejection of alegal challenge to the appointmentofanadministratorfor the CFMEU’s Construction and General Division brings much-needed certainty to an industry that has seen little of it in recent years.

The challenge, brought by former union leaders almost nine months ago, has been hanging over the sector like acloud.

Its resolutioniswelcome,but it does not solve the broader challenges facing construction.

An abundance of Ford Rangers on roads gives the impression that the industry is in rude health, when this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Many companies are teetering on the edge, one bad job away from collapse.

Women still make up only 13 per cent of the construction workforce, and workers in the industry are six times more likely to die from suicide than aworkplace accident.

The health of the constructionindustry is important because the industry is Australia’s fourthlargest employer, employing more than 1.3 million workers and contributing nearly eight per cent of GDP.

It’s critical for fixing the housing crisis, building the infrastructure needed for our growing population, installing the new poles and wires to meet our decarbonisation commitments and ensuring our nationaldefence through the construction of bases to house nuclearsubmarinesand defencepersonnel

If there is one industry that should be front and centreatthe government’s recentlyannounced Productivity Summit, construction is it.

The constructionindustry is now less productive than30years ago, puttingpressure on government budgets and impacting living standards for all Australians.

If productivity growth in the construction industry had kept pace with other industries such as manufacturing, the economywouldnow be $60 billion better off every year.

There is no shortage of solutions.

The construction productivity tree is groaning

with low hanging fruit, but real progress will require support, especially from government.

This is not an industry in aposition to invest in reform on its own. An industry that accounts for more than aquarter of all business insolvencies cannot afford to focus on workforce development.

An industry that could get better returns if it left its money in the bank is not going to be investing in productivity-enhancing tools and technologies.

That has to change –and only government can change the rules of the game.

As the largest customers of constructionservices in the country, governments can lead the change that is required by acting as amodel client –fairer contracts,better risk-sharingand more transparent procurement.

It’s time to stop expecting contractorstofix prices on projects that takeyears to build and to carry

allthe risk for factors beyond theircontrol from extreme weather to supply chain disruptions. Governments should reward value, not just low bids. Pay contractors on time. Provide clear longterm work pipelines to give industry the confidence to invest.

These are practical steps that would drive real productivity gains.

Industrial relations is another critical area. If the administrator now managing the CFMEU is given the supportand resources needed to reset the culture, we can finally move awayfromanapproach too often driven by personal power overproject outcomes. But that reset must be permanent. That means further legislative reform to ensure long-term industrial stability.

We also need to revisit the idea of amodern-day productivity accord.

A new compact, between government, industry and unions,could help align incentives and rebuild trust.

Everyonewantsthe samething: value for money, safe and secure jobs and asustainable industry that delivers fair returns.

Right now,noone is getting what they want. But that can change if we agree that productivity is the path to abetter outcome for all.

The government has indicated that industrial relations will be off the table at the Productivity Summit, but the impact of IR, particularly in the construction industry, cannot be ignored. We recognise that the government is unlikely to repeal legislation that has already been introduced, but this is no reason why consideration shouldn’t be given to the development of an accord that aligns and incentivises governments, industry and unions, to improve productivity in the sector.

The construction industry is usedtosolving complex problems every day.

There is no more complex aproblem than turningthe industry around and, following the High Court’s decision, there has also never been abetter opportunity or more pressing need to do this.

About the author: Jon Davies is chief executive of the Australian Constructors Association.

More thorough Constitutional knowledge required

COMMENT

BY SAMUEL CRANE

IAMwriting to reply to Thomas Quinn of Moe ('Interest free', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 18/06).

Irespect your opinion and your honestyindeclining an open debate. My view is that no federal government ALP or theLiberaland Nationals would have the courage to ask the Australian voters for aRepublic Referendum.

If either of the two major political parties did, it would open up acan of worms.

Why? As Ihave stated, at the earliest being 1920, the Australian Constitution, all levels of government, and judiciary have all been null and void. The political partyingovernment would have to explain to the Australian voters that for more than 100 years, the AustralianGovernment had no further usage of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act1900[63 &64Vict] (UK) legislated by the United Kingdom Government.

Inow bring my attention to Patricia Correa (‘Tired subject', LVE 18/06). No, Iamnot unhappy with the Australian Constitution. Iamannoyed with the Australian public who have been ignorant in

questioning the Australian Constitution with their elected politicians.

The debate with Thomas Quinn was based on his previous view that Ihad no knowledgeor understanding of the Australian Constitution. The offer of an open debate was not apersonal attack, it was purely to educate the voting public.

The Treatyyou are referring to, IasanIndigenous person, have attended local community meetings regarding this.

The signing of such aTreaty will be fraughtwith danger.

Why? ATreaty is alegallybinding agreement betweentwo or more parties. Each party must hold possessionofanindependent sovereign nation status.The Victorian Governmentdoesn’t hold possession of an independent sovereign nation status. Why?Like the Australian Government, the VictorianGovernment still remains acolony of the United Kingdom via its lawful Constitution being VictorianConstitution Act 1855 [18& 19 Vict C55].This remains in force with no facility to repeal it without the approval of the United Kingdom Government.

The Victorian Constitution Act 1975 replaced the United Kingdom legislation by the Victorian

Government. The signing of this Treaty can only be conducted with the United Kingdom’s Crown as per the Treaty of Waitangi. Yet, Ihave previously stated that the royal monarch/Crown is amere public servantofthe UnitedKingdom Government.

Iconcur with Ms Correa that electricity bills have gone sky high as has gas and water.

Let’s not forget the cost of petrol.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett sold off Victoria’s state assets gas, electricity and water to private companies, many are foreign owned.

Chris Bowen and the Australian Government green energy policies are not solely to blame.

The green energy policies they thrust upon the Australianpeople arenot theirs,astheyare following their puppet master the United Nations zero emission targets.

It is the same United Nations that in May 1975 enacted the United Nations Industrial Develop Organisation -Lima Declaration and Plan of Action on Industrial Development and Co-Operation. This declaration assisted least developed countries to equally compete economically with well-developed countries.

Thus, the downsizing of Australia’smanufacturing, technology and farmingindustries was for

the benefit of under-developed countries and has remained.

This agreement was signed by former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam’srighthand man Senator Don Willesee and successive prime ministers have continued with it. Furthermore, the Australian Governmentcontinuously pays its membership fees to the United Nations via the taxpayers.

In closing, Iamananarchist as Ihave no trust in the political system, the system of governance here in Australia, and the judiciary.

The preferential voting system,preference deals done prior to an election, and compulsoryvoting are all cancerous in the highest order.

If voters want to complain about apolitical party, an electedgovernment or an independent/Teal voters, then they need to take some responsibility for electing them.

There’s nothing wrong for the voters to vote for no one on the ballot paper if the voters have no confidence in anyofthe candidates and/or their political party affiliations.

About the author:Samuel Crane is aChurchill resident and university academic.

Nuclear, construction times andotherobstacles

COMMENT

BY ANTON GOSSELIN

THEtime taken to construct anuclear power station is often raised as an objection to getting started.

However, if we had started buildingthem three years ago, we could have had them operational by 2030!

The CSIRO statesthat: “The total development lead time needed for nuclear means it cannot play amajor role in electricity sector emission abatement."

“In the lastfive years, the global median construction time for nuclear has been 8.2 years.”

But they go on to say: “Total development time in Australia for large or small-scale nuclear is at least 15 years.” (CSIRO The question of nuclear in Australia’s electricity sector).

Why should Australia take nearly twice as long as the global average?

They mention that times are longer in democratic countries.

Are they perhaps factoring in years of

anti-nuclear 'lawfare’ by activists in the courts?

In 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (an intergovernmental organisation) compared the time taken for construction by different countries

Japan (also ademocracyincidentally), which has built atotal of eight nuclearpower plants since 1996, was the fastest, takingonly46months to build each plant.

Japan's Kashiwazaki-KariwaNuclear Power Plant Unit 6isthe world's fastest-built nuclear power plant, takingonly39monthsfor completion.

SouthKorea (a flourishingdemocracy) was second. Its Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Reactor 3took 49 months to build, while China ranked third, building 28 nuclear power plants duringthatperiod and averaging 68 months each. (Paper presented at IAEAConference 2 October 2023)

In summary:  The global average for construction of large nuclear power plants is 8.2 years. (CSIRO);

 The average for small modular reactors (SMRs) is three to five years;

 The longer times and cost overruns in the US and Europe can be attributed directly to licensing and regulatory delays, and;

 We could have our first reactors up and running by 2035 or earlier if government policy promoted it;

As regards to development lead time, we won’t be inventingour own designs;we’ll be using tried and tested designs from experienced companies

We couldbuy standard Japanese or South Korean off-the-shelf designs and get them built in five years.

Our engineers -civil, mechanical and electrical -aswell as our builders, are world class.

Are they not up to constructing large projects to world standards?

Afurther objection to nuclear power is that it needs about 1.4 times more water for cooling and steam generation than coal fired stations.

The combinedwater usageofLoy Yang, Loy Yang B, Yallourn and Hazelwood (when still in operation) was 105 gigalitres. (Environment Victoria).

Thiswas taken fromdams and the nearby

Morwell and Latrobe Rivers as well as underground sources.

Assuming the planned Latrobe nuclear power plant producedthe same power as allfour of these combined (6250MW), the water requirement would be 105 x1.4 =147 gigalitres.

The Wonthaggi Desalination Plant could supply the extra 42 gigalitres as high-quality run off water for steam generation.

This would givethe plant an ongoing customer and avoid the need to mothball it whenever the dams are full, as happened over the five years from 2012 to 2017.

Victorianswouldfinally be getting some return for their annual $608 million payment to the owners!

As for the other states, Queensland, NT and north WA get more water than they can handle anyway.

SA andNSW could buildtheirown desalination plants powered by nuclear. About the author: Anton Gosselin is a Newborough resident.

In theknow: Australian Constructors AssociationChief Executive, JonDavies Photograph supplied

Business Guide

ALLISON MyersisThe Tap Specialist –and she’s back!

With morethan 30 yearsof experience in small domestic plumbing and maintenance,Allison provides services as an exper t plumber across Gippsland, with morethan 3decades in the trade, and afterawell-deservedbreak is nowbackatfullpace!

Whether it’safaultytoilet or a leakytap,Allison’s 3decades of experience will have youcovered, with the skills and know-howto get the job done and solving your plumbing headaches

“I star tedmyapprenticeship with the Gas and Fuel in 1989,” Allison explained.

“I wasone of asmall handful of women takenintotradesthatyear as equal oppor tunitywas high on the government’sagenda.”

Alison specialises in:

• Tapinstallation and rejuvenation

• Toilet installation and rejuvenation

Kitchen/laundrytap installation

Dishwasher installations rfiltration systems

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Building astrong reputation for her top-notch service,punctuality and professionalism, Allison takes pride in her efficient and competitivelypriced work.Asa local, honest and effectiveprofessional,

who loveswhat she does, now doing it backatfull speed to cater to allher clients’plumbing needs and problems

“I’vealwaysloved what Ido, but nowmorethan ever,I appreciate the hands-on work andthe relationships Ibuild with my customers, so I’m so happytobe backatitagain!”

Covering theentireGippsland region with an impressiveability to getjobs doneontime,ifyou have aleakytap that needs fixing or replacing,The TapSpecialist should be your firstpor tofcall.

Formoreinformation or to request afreequote youcan contact Allison on 0405 430 061

Roos rally for last quarter win

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE Kangaroos got back on their bike with agutsy performance over abuilding Rosedale in Round 10 of North Gippsland football.

Out at Gordon Street Reserve, Heyfield was made to work for the winning result, but got by nonetheless with a16point victory, 9.9 (63) to 7.5 (47).

While the Kangaroos had suffered successive losses before the weekend to the two proceeding premiers (TTUand Woodside), the Blues had claimed wins in four of the previous five matches played.

Despite being played at home, this was going to be areal test for aHeyfield side desperately trying to cling to atop three position on the ladder, and they would have welcomed achallenge on theday instead of an easy rollover.

Adesperatebattle was played out in thefirst quarter, with both sides eyeing finals, either was not prepared to give an inch.

That was proven in the first minutes of the game as Rosedale’s Blake Safstrom threw himself into a pack inside Heyfield’s forward 50, coming in from the side and going over the top of multiple players, unlucky not to have been claimed the spectacular mark by the umpire.

Despite the equal amounts of pressure, Heyfield nailed the first punch with a stoppage win in the middle, facing the sticks as Tyson Graham sent on through the middle for the first goal of the day.

Just afew minutes later, the Kangaroos coughed up with acostly turnover exiting their backline, which immediately found the Blues’ Spencer Fox, who went back and nailed their first.

Rosedale continued to control possession for a majority of the first term, and even when Heyfield lookeddangerous in an attacking position, the Blues sentmultipledefenders at each of Kangaroos coach Leigh Brownand fellow key forward Darren Sheen (who returned after not playing against TTU).

Usingthe corridor and kicking efficiently, Rosedale found Fox again on alead after utilising just afew fieldkicksfrom deep in their backline, and Fox capped it off to take afive-point edge.

The Kangaroosnailed the first punch of the second term from Sheen, who made little work of his opponent and swung around on his right close to home while being tackled.

They continued to hunt and followed up almost instantly, with another major from Kyle Graham to extend the lead to seven points.

Rosedale didn’t stop however,staving offHeyfield’s pressure to win the ball in the contest outright, especially fromthe likesofDeclan Barnett,who found Fox again for his third and to tie up the match.

In agame played in close quarters, the goal scorers stood strong in the first half,and Fox added afourth shortly after to get his side back in front.

When the Kangaroos looked to turn the switch immediately after, Sheen missed an easy one from 20 metres out.

Rosedale’s Will Logan banged home one on atight anglejust before halftime to takea10point lead at the main break.

While Heyfield knew they had to lift -toavoid costing them perhaps their most disappointing loss of the season -just 40 seconds into the third term, Rosedale found Logan out the back after Fox again flew at the ball in the air, giving them a15-point edge. It could have been even better for the Blues, who won the ball out of the middle again to find Fox, who went back but missed his opportunity.

Even with that, Rosedale weren’t giving an inch with play beginning to get alittle chippy. Heyfield finally gota chance as Sheen tookdown aclean contested grab close to home and sent it through. That lit the spark that was needed, and the Kangaroos were able to capitalise with five of the final six goals of the day -four of thosecoming from Sheen.

Even with all the attention goingtowards him, Sheen found time to slot the one that gave Heyfield the lead for the first time since the early stages of the second quarter.

The smarts of Brownwereondisplaywhenmoved out of the forward line, not just to create aspare at the contest and behind play, but also to give space to Sheen -who shortlyafter bodied well to go back and nail the sealer.

Sheen, in the end, booted five, all in the second half, with Robert McMillan, Will Kelly, Thomas Marchesi, Max Gravener and Dylan Patmore all standout contributors for the Kangaroos.

Awin like this does wonders for Heyfield’s confidence as they move forward, who now travel to Yarram for another testing affair.

Despite the result, and now holding on dearly for fifth spot on the ladder, the Blues should hang their heads high for their performance.

Luke Stuckey, Thomas Northe, Harper Fox, Declan Barnett,Jay Diamond and Spencer Fox, with an equal-best five goals, were Rosedale’s best players.

MoreNorth Gippy-Page28

Grylls lifts onto the world stage

Stars winless yet again

NETBALL

VICTORIAN NETBALL LEAGUE BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ROUND 14 of the Victorian Netball League continuedastruggling season for Gippsland Stars. The Stars Championship side, in their inaugural year, fell to North East Blaze 69 to 48 at the State Netball Centre.

A21-14 first quarter then ballooned to a12-goal deficit heading into halftime for the Stars.

The local side did add 20 goals in the second half, but the Blaze themselves added 29. Moe netballer Ramayer Keilty contributed 25 goals for the Stars, followedbyTraralgon's Sophie Lecchino with 16.

 THE 23-and-under side was let down by apoor first quarter, which led into a 10-goal hole at halftime.

The Blaze then added 19 goals to the Stars' six, which ended all hope of acomeback. No one could stop Olivia Cawthray, who finished with 44 goals for North East, while Myah Healey scored 16 and Charlie Traumanis 14.

Local netball wrap -Page27

WEIGHTLIFTING BY

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE nextsteps have been taken for Trafalgar East’s

Izzy Grylls to continue her dreams in weightlifting.

In her most recent venture, the junior athlete finished overall seventh in the world at the Youth and Junior World Weightlifting Championships in Lima, Peru.

Not only that, she broke an Australian record for her age, hitting the overall mark of 176, and more specifically, 101 in the cleanand jerk section-a record she already held.

To top everything off, she also claimed top placement in the 77kg category at the Oceania Youth andJunior Weightlifting Championships held in Hawthorn,just two weeks before the international event.

Grylls qualifiedfor the globalstage after taking out gold at the AustralianWeightlifting Championships last year, lifting 97 kilograms, but still needed to add 2kg to her total to official qualify.

While never having competed at international level before, Grylls said her training regime didn’t change drastically over the course of the last nine months under weights coachWiles Wydall,and with support from her mother, fellow weightlifter Bonnie Grylls-Graham.

“My training was more altered towards Oceania’s, and then directly after Oceania’s, Ihad atraining camp, so the intensity increasedsignificantly,”she told the Express

“It had been about the same because Ihad just gotten out of abusy period… (it) stayed the same as it was before nationals.”

Despite now facing the best in the world, Grylls still kept herself focussed on the big picture, eliminating the anxiousness one would understandably have.

“It was more surreal than it was nerves until the day of, because I’dbeen so busywith everything before leaving for Peru,” she said.

“It was still surreal as Iwalked out on to the stage, it was still surreal as Iwas lifting.

“I just couldn’t grasp the fact that world records were being set on the same platform that Iliftedon.”

As oneofjust two young Australians makingtheir

way over to Peru, anddespite the local 17-year-olds historic performance, Gryllsdidn’t give it much thought in the moment or post stepping off the stage what she had actually done.

“During competition, Ijust lift what the coaches told me to lift. Itry not to think about the numbers too much, so that Idon’t freak out about the number,” she explained.

“But Irealised after Icompeted,and Iwas just like ‘oh yeah, that’s cool’… (that I’d) broken my own record.”

After her first experience competing against the best across the globe and proving herself as the best in the Oceanic ranks, Grylls hopes to continue this to one day become an Olympian in the green and gold.

She’ssoon to step out of junior competition and enter the open field to further succeed in her ambitions.

“It would be making the new totals, so they’ve put the new qualifying totals up by 15 to 30 kilos, so adding that to my total.”

Podiumingatthese junior world events and then gettingtothe 2030 Commonwealth Games places her in the best positiontosee outthose Olympic dreams.

White thriving overseas

Opportunity: Afterfinishingupwith Melbourne United in March, Traralgon’s Jack Whitehas playing withGerman basketball team Bayern Munich in the Euroleague and Basketball Bundesliga.

Photograph supplied

BASKETBALL

EUROLEAGUE BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TRARALGON’SJackWhite could stillclaim achampionship this year.

The former NBA championand Melbourne United forward is currently battling it out for BasketballBundesliga glorywith his new team FC Bayern Munich.

After falling in the NBLGrand Final series to Illawarra Hawks, White joined the German basketballclub, competing in their final seven regular season games,beginning in April, before heading towards the playoffs. White and Bayern Munich ran through the first two rounds of the Bundesliga playoffs, defeating Syntainics Basketball Clubinathree-game sweep, before handling Academics Heidelberg in four games. During thosefirst two series, White averaged six points and threerebounds heading into the final series matchup against Ratiopharm Ulm.

Bayern Munich took Game 1onJune 15 at SAP Garden, Munich, 82 to 66, with White finishing with seven points and arebound across 15 minutes of action. However, Whiteand BayernMunich succumbed in the next two matches to face a2-1 deficit, whichincluded atwo-point loss in apivotal Game 3.

While in Game 2, Whitepoured in possibly his best game of the Bundesligaplayoffs with 10 points, eightrebounds and three assists -heexited early in Game 3, playing just 12 minutes.

Game 4, the possible final match of the Bundesligaseason, was played yesterday (Tuesday, June 24)afterthe Express’ deadline.

The side that White is going to battle with includes former NBA player Shabazz Napier as Bayern Munich’s leading scorer.

United see mixed results

BASKETBALL

BIG V BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

GIPPSLAND United men fell 105 to 95 againstWesternPortatSomerville Recreation Centre.

After leading by seven points at halftime, United were outscored by 18 in the second half to see their third loss for the season. Jalin Wimberly still showed out with 25 points, four rebounds and four steals. United men still sit second on the Big V Division 1ladder, narrowly behind Coburg.

 MEANWHILE, Gippsland United women travelled to RB Robson Stadium, Wallan, defeating the Panthers 70-68.

Thanks to their middle two quarter effort, United staved off a22-14 final run by Wallan to win athriller.

EllieCouttsstuffed the statsheet, scoring ateam-high 21 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out five assists, and notching eight steals.

United women also sit second on the Big VDivision 2ladder with 10 wins and four losses to date.

Backontrack: Heyfield responded aftera two-week blip with a16-point defeat of Rosedale in Round 10 of the Nor th Gippsland Football-Netball League season.Heyfieldcoach LeighBrown pictured. Photograph supplied.

Strength: Trafalgar East’s Izzy Gr yllsfinished in thetop 10 at theYouth and Junior World Weightlifting ChampionshipsinPeru. Photograph: MomentsByBilboSpor ts Photography

FUTON double bed, navy mattress, lightweight, aluminium frame with wheels. Exc. cond. $200 56332492.

HYDRAULIC machinery spare parts lot, will not separate, must go, make an offer. 2car radios, 1 genuine VK-VL Commodore Eurovox MCC-6711J, 1 Vin tag eK enwo od KRC-390 ex/working cond. $300 for both, Ph 0439 161 340.

Landscaping Mulch

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.

Price: $6 each or 2for $11 (GST incl). Available at the Latrobe Valley Express Office 21 George Street Morwell Enquiries: 5135 4444

NEWBOROUGH 30 Dinwoodie Drive. Sat and Sun (28th, 29th), Household Furniture lounge suites, dining suite, bedroom suites, white goods, tools and more. Everything must go! ORANA Seniors Club

Not Just AGarage Sale NEWBOROUGH 57 Dinwoodie Drive (in side street) Saturday and Sunday 8am -2pm Most items are new. It's a cake makers dream, plus craft, doll making items, fabric, bric-a-brac, etc. The list just goes on. No Early Callers

A.G.M.

OLDER GENT

Looking for older lady for relationship. Reply to 'Retiree, Box 3284 c/- LV Express, 21 George St Morwell'.

Check out the “FOR SALE” listings in the Classifieds

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in

Tenders are invited from suitably qualified contractors for the above. See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details

Submissions are to be lodged as detailed in the

Note: This isa summary.Fulldetails of theproposalare contained within theapplication documentation

Responsibilit y

In June, the Boardresolved to apply the following serviceavailabilityand usage charges from 1July 2025 to 30 June 2026 in accordancewith clause 2.3(c) of the Essential ServicesCommission’s 2023 Gippsland Water pricedetermination.

Monthly Support Group East Gippsland

For those who have lost aloved one to suicide This is asupport group

Meets first Tuesday of each month At The Star Hotel, in The Sails Function Room.

Vic Marino's Painting

Concession

registerunder My Account on ourwebsite or phone us on 1800 050 500.

TheBoard resolvedthe discretionary applicationof interestfrom1July2025atthe rate of 5.7% perannum consistent withthe Essential Services Commission approvedrate.

Interestisnot applicabletocustomerson apaymentplan, in ourCustomer Care Programoreligible concession card holders

types of residential fences and gates. Free quote, call or text Doug 0409 433 110.

GARDENING DONE

BATHROOM

disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider. Reliable and efficient. Police check. Fully insured. 18 yrs exp. Chauncy The Gardener. ABN 17268203656. Call Richard 0401 345 345.

GARDEN WORK

2025.

Fulham CorrectionalCentre is part of The GEO GroupAustralia Pty Ltd (GEO). GEO is the leadingproviderofprivately managed correctionalservices in Victoria.

Were lookingfor an experienced and forward-thinking Principal Psychologist to join ourdynamic team at Fulham Correctional Centre -someone whosnot just clinically sharpbut also passionate about making ameaningful difference in peoples lives. Our vision - To transform lives andcontributetosafer communities drives

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Location: Traralgon, VIC

Hours: (FT) Monday to Friday,8:30am -5:00pm

Start Date:Immediate

A busy structural engineering company in Traralgon is seeking a motivated and reliable Office Administrator to join our team. This is afull-time role, ideal for someone with strong computer literacy and excellent organisational skills.

Key Responsibilities:

General office duties

Job data entr y

Organising and maintaining job lists

Tracking job progress and updates

We arelookingfor someone who is efficient, detail-oriented, and thrives in afast-paced environment.

Enquiries and Applications:

Please contact Stacey Zimora at stacey@wamoore.com.au

SouthGippsland Team Leader

Gippsland Portsisaprovider of waterway management ,dredging, marine infrastructureand assetmanagement services along the Gippsland coast from Anderson InlettoMallacoota.

We arecurrently seekinga suitably qualified and experienced person to assist the Managerto accomplish allaspects of day-to-dayoperationsof the Port Welshpool Depot ,including administration and programming of works,on-the-job supervision of staff,adherence to OHS policiesand procedures and to take aleadrole in the construction, repair and maintenance of marinebased assets.

The ideal candidate should have strong construction experience andknowledge, good interpersonal andsupervisoryskills, and be able to work independently and in ateamenvironment

Enquiriesabout this position should be directedto the South Gippsland Manager, Jake Griffinon0400 932 576.

To be considered forthisposition, candidates must addressthe keyselection criteriafound within the position description

Forafull position description and application details,please visit ourwebsite www gippslandports.vic.gov.au/employment .php or phone Jaine Watt ,Human Resources Coordinator on 0417 489 936.

Assistant Nurse Unit Manager -ANUM –Theatre

2positionsavailable from.6 to F/Tacross Monday to Friday workinginpartnership withthe Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) and other senior staf fto ef ficiently delivercare based on best practice principles within acollaborative framework.

Youwill help ensure the operationalperformance of the Theatre and will be influential in creating arespectful culture where interdisciplinar yteam members collaborateeffectively for positive patient outcomes andprofessional growth.

Minimum three years experience in peri-operative setting Demonstrated advanced clinical knowledge, skills and competenceinbestpractice peri-operative nursing

Be passionate about patient care and achieving high quality clinical outcomes

Motivated to takeresponsibility for aportfolio (1xEndoscopyportfolio currentlyvacant. Other portfolios can be tailored to your expertise)

For fulldetails including benefits refer to advertisementonSEEK, or email hr@maryvaleph.com.au or call 51321290.

DRAFTSPERSON

(AutoCAD Experience Required)

Location: Traralgon, VIC

Hours: (FT)MondaytoFriday,8:30am -5:00pm

Abusy structural engineering company in Traralgon is currently seeking aDraftsperson with experience in AutoCAD to join our team. This is afull-time position, suited to someone with a keen eye fordetail and astrong understanding of drafting for structural engineering projects.

Key Responsibilities: Prepare detailed structural drawings using AutoCAD

Work closely with engineers and project managers Ensure drawings meetindustr yand company standards

Assist in revising and updating existing plans as needed

Requirements: Previous drafting experience (preferably in structuralorcivil engineering)

DELIVERERS WTD

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

JAYCO 2008Sterling van, mod. 21.65-7, ATM 2529kg, tare 2054kg, Q/bed, ensuite, a/c, fridge, gas/elec hot water and cooking, TV, 2x80L water tanks, acces. cables, hoses etc. Aussie annexe, exc/cond. $32,000 neg. Ph 0458 517 415.

Selling avan?

BUNT Bill Dearest Bill, my soulmate, my best friend and loving husband. Happy memories and laughter. No more pain and Imiss you so much and Iwill love you always. Selina (Sal) XXX

BYE Veronica 18/6/1937 -20/6/2025

Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gard ens Traralgon.

Van MAURIK Judy (Tisher)

26/10/1931 -18/6/2025

Don't waste time waiting for buyers, or on endless consignment plans, sell it today we'll pay cash now. Affordable Caravans 0418 336 238, 5623 4782.

WINDSOR CARAVAN

Applications close: Thursday, 17 July 2025 Marine •

Ability to readandinterpret engineering plans and specifications Strong communication and time management skills

We offer asupportive work environmentand the opportunity to contribute to arange of exciting projects.

Enquiries and Applications: Please contact Stacey Zimora at stacey@wamoore.com.au

Dearly loved wife of Stanley (dec.). Loved mother of Kevin, Lynette (dec.), Neville, Graeme, Peter, Gary (dec.) and Wendy. Loved mother-in-law of Sharon. Grandmother to 9 grandchildren and greatgrandmother to 11. She would not ask for sadness, she would not ask for tears, just to be remembered, through the coming years.

Dearly loved and will be sadly missed

BYE Veronica 18/6/1937 -20/6/2025

Loving mother of Neville and mother-in-law of Sharon. Grandmother to Tanya and Kevin, Michael and Clare and Timothy. Great-grandmother to Nikita, Mia, Alice and William. Softy within the shadows, there came agentle call with farewells left unspoken, you quietly left us all. Dearly loved and will be sadly missed

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beautiful mother Judy, 18 June 2025 aged 93 years and 8months. Loving wife of Jack (dec.). Former wife of Rusty (dec.). Adored mother of Geoff and Karen, Helen and Ken, Carol and Gary and Sue. Adoring Granny to Brendon and Kylie, Claire, Lloyd, Mitchell and Ayla, Chelsea and Mich ael .G rea tGranny to Ivy, Elaina, Lacey and Lux. Resting with family in Gods care

Van MAURIK JUDY (Tisher) Judy, I'm going to miss our talks on the phone, our afternoon teas together most Thursdays and Sundays.

Rest In Peace my friend Love Mary.

BASTEN Trish Our love and thoughts are with Mich, Bill, Laura and Ella. We have special memories of our dear friend Trish. Love from Faye, Lisa, Nicky, Jodie and families. XXXX Deaths • DRIVE YOUR DOLLAR FURTHER Cars and Caravans are in

BEALE Joyce Christine (Chooky) 18/11/1947 -12/6/2025 Passed away peacefully at LRH.

Dearly loved wife of David.

Much loved Mum to Mark (Spud) and Sharon. Stepmother to Justine.

Proud and loving Nan to Benjamin, Cassandra, Charmaine, Rhiannon and their families. Dearly loved sister to Pat, Jim and Janine, Helen, Coral (dec.), Terry (dec.), Tony (dec.), and their families. Forever in our hearts

FENECH Jeanette May (Jenny) Passed away peacefully on 15 June 2025. Aged 73 years

Dearly loved wife of Joe. Much loved mum to Jason, Simone and Marc. Cherished mother-in-law of Casey, Anthony and Laura. Adored Granny to Caleb ,Elsie, Corbin, Carmen, Mikayla, Sasha and Jensen. Forever loved and always in our hearts The Funeral Service and Private Burial for Jenny was held Tuesday 24 June.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GRAHAM (Vermeulen)

Jane.

So sad to farewell a beautiful friend of more than 40 years. We have so many wonderful memories of our time spent together and especially the love and warmth you showed our kids.

Our deepest sympathy to Paul, Bronte, Lee and their families. Remembered with love always Jenn i, Jade, Ashlea, Reece and Rob XXX.

BRAND

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr. Geoffrey Brand will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon on TUESDAY (1 July 2025) commencing at 1.30 pm. The Service for Geoffrey will also be livestreamed, for details, please visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

BUNT

The Funeral Service to celebrate Bill's life will take place in the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon FRIDAY (27 June 2025) commencing at 2pm.

MITSUBISHI Outlander 2011, 5seater SUV, petrol, 4cylinder manual, grey, ex cond. with rwc, $5,800.

STERRICK, Shannon.

3/1/1982 -28/6/2020. 5years have

27/6/2015

Ten

Fun run benefits all fronts

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY TRENT KOOYMAN

THE Traralgon Harriers made another solid donation to Gippsland Rotary Centenary House, as proceeds from this year’s CommunityFun Run were finalised.

The 27th running of the event was another huge success for the club, with strong community support and nearly 500 runners and walkers taking to the Kernot Hall course in Morwell.

Harriers President Phill Mayer said, “We’ve donated over $30,000 to Centenary House in the last eight years, and this year’s total adds to that. It’s asignificant amount that goes to an organisation which gets no government assistance, but provides an amazing service for cancer patients from our region and beyond.

“Local accounting and financial planning firm McMillan's in Traralgon stepped in as the event’s major sponsor this year,helping to cover the organisational costs of theevent, and therefore increasing the amount we couldraise for charity."

The community fun run is the club’sbig fundraising event each year.

“We also do smaller runs to raise funds for Gippsland Lifeline, and give to other groups like the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail to help maintain the wonderful path which the club utilises," Mayer added.

"Running for causes is part of the club charter, and is another way we give back to our region."

Outstanding: TheTraralgon Harriershelped raise $3000 forGippslandRotaryCentenary House. Picturedatthe cheque presentation is Harrierspresident, Phill Mayer, Gippsland Centenary House Manager,Tania Whitehead, McMillans representative,Andrew Panayiotou and Harriersrace directorsClinton Jollyand Trent Kooyman. Photograph supplied

Second-year event race directors Trent Kooyman and Clinton Jollywere very proud of the event, saying “Organising an event of this size is ahuge undertaking. Fortunately we have alot of amazing members who volunteer to make it happen. The support from the community, our sponsors and the local business community made the day even better.

“The club aimstoraise community awareness for healthyliving,and provide opportunitiesfor people to participate, no matterwhattheir level of fitness.

"Additionally, we are contributing to the community by making adonation to ourdesignated charity, and it's also crucialthat runnersenjoythe course. All the comments we received indicated that Kernot Hall is the ideal central Latrobe location for this kind of run.

“We presented abig cheque to Rotary House Manager, Tania Whitehead, and she shared her appreciation,along with how much these donations mean, and how much they help support people with cancer and their families.

“The event's charm lies in its inclusivity, which allows people to view the Harriers differently from the 'elite' running club that many outsiders believe us to be. We have some amazing runners in the club, but without our social and recreational runners, we just would not be the same. The Community FunRun is an opportunity for the public to witness our warmth and friendliness."

Mayerfinished off by saying, “The Traralgon Harriers isn’t just arunning club. The members are welcoming and supportive,and we loveputting on events which cater to all abilities and fitness levels. Our Thursday runs have walkers, joggers, plodders and alsothe superfast andelite runners, so there’s agroup for everyone."

For more information about the Traralgon Harriers, go to: traralgonharriers.org.au

Cutler again soars in recent effort

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY GARYFOX

LAST weeks (June 19) Harriers Thursday night runwas on theWaterhole Creek Walking track in Morwell.

The six kilometre run consists of three laps of the track between Hourigan Road and the North West Playground. Agreat turnout saw atotal of 54 runners take part in good winter conditions. Great running by Peter Cutlerhad him first home in an impressive time of 21:05, with Paul Collins(22:58) and John Skordakis (23:11) the place getters. Great running by Karen Graham saw her first ladyhomein27:44followed Rebecca Anderson (27:53) and Tania Whitehead (29:42). On Saturday, June 14, the Harriers celebrated with theirmidyear awardsnight at Dal Mondo Restaurant and Function Centre, Traralgon, recognising the achievements of fellow Harriers during

the Summer 2024/25 Championship Season. The Club Championship is ahandicap system, with points scored on the Thursday nights runs. Taking out the first place medals were Dave Barr in the men’s,Ree Graham in the women’s and Dempsey Podmore in the junior category.

This weekend, the Harriers Athletics Victoria team is off to Sandown Racecourse to do some hot laps as part of Athletics Victoria's second relay event on the XCR’25 calendar.

Tomorrow night's run (June 26) starts at the Traralgon tennis courts.

Formore information, visit:www.traralgonharriers.org.au

 RESULTS- 6KM

PeterCutler 21:05, Paul Collins 22:58, John Skordakis 23:11, DavidBarr23:15, Clinton Jolly 24:12, Trent Kooyman 24:24, Glenn Graham 24:26, ScottSyme 25:08, Jason Odlum 25:12, SavMavrofridis 25:26, Adrian Sutcliffe 25:50,

Kearns/R. Sands 67.75, 3. R. Vesty/G. Corponi 68.5, 4. M. Smith/R. Madigan 68.75, 5. M. Allen/S.Allison 69.5

N.T.P: 3rdM.Hutchinson (Propin), 5th W. McGrath, 12th S. Allison, 14th G. Barnes

Target Hole: P. Kearns

Tuesday10th June 2025. No competition due to weather

MatchKnockout Final Results May2025

Women’s Winner: C. Stevens

Runner Up: M. Lugton

Men’s Winner: W. McGrath

Runner Up: J. Cahill

MIRBOO NORTH

Tuesday17th June,Stableford. MPayne (11) 33pts

DTL: NBaker 30, TWhitelaw29c/b NTP: 4th PWoodall, 6th MPayne,13th M Payne,16th MPayne

Saturday21st June,Par,

AGrade: DWoodall, (10) +3

BGrade: GRenwick(12)+7

CGrade: TomTraill, (17) -1

DTL: NBickerton +2, NWhichello sq, JMc Farlane,GDawson -1, JRobbins -2 c/b

NTP: 4th SWoodall, 6th TomTraill, 13th R Clark, 16th SHill-Smith. Birdies: 13th SWoodall, 16th RClark

Eagles NRutledge,1st Hole

MOE

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Rankin, Joyce(54) 19

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 WOMEN'S PAR

Grade AWinners: Bates, Linda (19) -1

Grade BWinners: Wallis,Elizabeth (28)

0C/B

Place Getters: Donaldson, Leanne 0C/B

Auchterlonie,Janice 0

Great Score: Elizabeth Wallis Birdie @4

Sandy Tate Birdie @18Leanne Donaldson

Birdie @4 KarenShawBirdie @4 Karyn

RunnersUp: M. Brereton/R. King 67.25 Nett

D.T.L: G. Barnes/C.Waring 67.5, 2. P.

Savige Birdie @3

Nearest to Pin: 4th Leanne Donaldson

8th Linda Bates 14th Sandy Tate

Aaron More25:51, Darrel Cross 25:58, Peter Sanders26:44,DempseyPodmore27:02, Ron Verschuur 27:43, KarenGraham27:44,Rebecca Anderson 27:53, Dave Mann 28:28, GaryFox 28:40, Stephen Mcleod 28:55, Belkey Podmore 29:14, Tania Whitehead 29:42, ReeGraham 30:51, Chris VanUnen31:33, Phillip Mayer31:40, ChesneyPodmore31:46, JyeKaestner 32:21, MarkLansdown 32:28, Lauren Peter33:11, Sep Marino 35:13, Becky Nowak38:24,Mandy Ellis 39:52, Bob Bicket47:00, DanelleWright48:44, AnthonyPulbrook 52:00, Kristina Creighton 52:18, Sandra Birkbeck52:27,TonyMarino 54:53, TimothyGraham 55:48, LukeWitham 55:48, Michelle Colwell55:49, KathyQuinn 55:49, Robert Embleton 1:01:09, PeterGrixti 1:01:09, Kylee Earl 1:02:14, Belinda Heafield 1:03:22, Ian Heafield 1:03:22, Helen Whitby1:03:22, Beatrice Ndhlovu 1:06:46, BarryHiggins NTR, Daniel Wright NTR, Ann BomersNTR, Liz Kenney NTR

Target Hole PrizeWinner -Linda Bates

Thursday, 19 June 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Wilson, Graeme (8) 39

Grade BWinners: Keenan, Peter(16)38

Grade CWinners: Powell, Vincent (21) 36 C/B

Place Getters: White, Rodney37C/B Johnson, Tony 37 Duncan, Ian 36 C/B Panozzo, Gavan36C/B Shearing,Andrew

36 C/B Roberts,Paul 36 Shearing,Jason

35 C/B Donaldson, Murray 35 C/B Brien, Graeme 35 C/B Westwood, Keith35 Harber,John 34 C/B Matthews,Max 34 C/B White, Darren 34 C/B

Great Score: Tony Johnson (Birdie) @8

Russell Dent (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th Graeme Wilson 8th Tony Johnson 14th Les Saddington

Saturday, 21 June 2025 MENS Stableford Overflow

Grade AWinners: Wilson, Lee (2) 38

Place Getters: Kovacevic,Daniel 35 Hefford,Robert32

Great Score: RobertHefford (Birdie) @14

Lee Wilson (Birdie) @14

MarkMetcalfe(Birdie)@8

Sunday, 22 June 2025 OPEN Sunday

Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Stansbury, Les (10) 37

Grade BWinners: Imer,Corey (19) 37

Grade CWinners: Demczuk, Rohan (24)

36 Place Getters: Johnson, Charles 36 Johnstone,Bradley35C/B Edebohls,Jack

35 Harland, Bob 34 C/B Mead, Barry34C/B MORWELL

Morwell Golf Club Women Wednesday 18th June,2025 Stableford

Winner: IYoshimura31

DTL: STurner 30

NTP: 11th Lvan Rooy 15th Lvan Rooy

TRAFALGAR

Hockey pride shown

LINDA REID

Friday, June 20th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: SteveClark37 pts

BGrade Winner: JoePedemont 38 pts

CGrade Winner: MarkAndo 32 pts

ACHILLY Friday night began Pride Round in the Latrobe Valley Hockey Association. The juniors excitedly got into the spirit and donned colours with their uniform. They embraced the concept of afun and accepting place for all people regardless of their ability to enjoy playing or watching hockey. This was followed by the men's game between Moe and Churchill.

Toby Anderson was welcomed back after a break, joining Moe’sline-up and scoringagoal. Daniel Lineen put on adisplay of hockey skills for Churchill in their 10-7 win. Best players were Lineen, Anderson and Tim Hooper. Saturday (June 21) saw the Vic League girls head to Mentone withhigh hopes of continuing their strong formafterasolid performance the previous week.

The Latrobe Valley girls didn't disappoint, walkingawaywith ahard-fought draw against adetermined St Bedes outfit.

Carly Thompson opened the scoring early, finishing off awell-constructed team play that showcased the girls’ patience and cohesion. However, St Bedes responded with awellplaced striketolevel the score 1-all. Just before the halftime break, the girls capitalised on a short corner opportunity.

Aslick passageofplay around the St Bede's defence ended with Kim Tanti calmly slotting the ball home, sending VicLeague into the break with anarrow2-1 lead.

The third quarter saw momentum shift, with St Bede's increasing the pressure and finding the equaliser to make it 2-all.

Despitebothteams pushingfor awinnerin the final term, the score remained locked in agripping contest.

Claire Cake and Steph Langstaff stood out with commandingperformances, while Megan Rumble impressed in her debut match.

The result sees the Vic League girls come backinto the topfour. With back-to-backhome games coming up, they’ll be looking to build on thismomentum and solidify their position on theladder.

On Sunday, the Vic League Men played at home against Maccabi, with the local senior women having their turntoshowcase their skills.

Churchill women defeated Moe 5-1. Leesa Lawrence was strong in defence, with Claire Cake holding her ground in defence and attack, scoring Moe’s goal.

DTL's: Jordan Chapman 36, UweTomski 34, John Dodorico 34, Darryl Blackshaw34, NickRowe34, Benn Henshall 34, Matthew Silk 33, PeterHenshall 33, Jason Houghton 33, David Winfield 33, PeterSmith 33 Birdies: 5th: Chris Stanlake, Dwayne Jenkins,WarwickGriggs,Ron Davey, Domonic Davis,NickRowe, GlennDoolan 11th: Neale Everett, Dennis Hicks,Tony Gray,MatthewSilk, Adrian Jones 13th: SteveClark,Dennis Hicks,BradScott, Ryen Sutherland, MatthewSilk 15th:Adrian Jones

Saturday, June 21st,Stableford

AGrade Winner: Reno Borg36 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: Harold McNair 38 pts

CGrade Winner: Andrew Cochrane 43 pts

DTL’s: SteveClark36, Evan Crabtree 36, LukeBrain 35, MarkHiriart35, Vic Hill 35, Greg Donohue 34, PeterMoss 34, Dwayne Jenkins 34, MickBennett33, Jeff Gray 33, Max Taylor,33

NTP’s: 2nd: Chad McKie 5th: MarkHiriart 11th: WarwickGriggs 13th:ScottMcKinnon 15th: Andrew Cochrane –DiMoody

Tuesday17/06/2025 -Stableford

Winner: AnthonyCunningham (20) Runner Up: MickBennett(19)

NTP: SteveLawrence (5th)

Thursday:19/06/2025 -Ambrose

Winners: John Dodorico,Steve Gould, John Turpin,Anne Outhred (26.875)

RunnersUp: GeoffThomas,Werner Drecher,Keith Owen, Max Pugliese (27.375)

DTL: Vic Hill, MarkJackson, UweTomski, RodBrisbane (28.5), Tony Pitt, Ian Outhred, Max Taylor (30.0), Andy Kiss,Steve Lawrence,DaveRose,Rob CusworthWarner (30.0)

NTP: Cheryl Deppeler (13th), John Dodorico (13th) WednesdayWomen's results -18/6/25

DGrade VBaldwin 311. MTrent 261-82-343 HOCKEY

PISTOLS

League championship back open

SOCCER LVSL

OFTEN in challenging times, the true character of aman shines through.

This wasnever more apt thanlastSaturday night, whenatravelling Falconsoutfit,who had been hit with araft of unavailable senior players and were seemingly hoping rather than expecting to get some sort of result against the undefeated Traralgon Olympians, took to Harold Preston Reservefor Round 13 in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League. The result sent shockwaves through the league -Falcons 1-nil winners.

Going into the fixture, the Morwell side was decimated with four key starting players unavailable, which meant amakeshift side was put on the park, so much so that a41-year-old Scott Mackeown was thrust into the middle of the park to help his side.

Olympians were looking to solidify their fivepoint lead over second-placed Moe, and by all accounts, it looked like amere formality given the aforementioned selection woes of the reigning league champion. However, in football (and sportingeneral),never discount asidethat has the hunger and desire to prove the doubters wrong.

From the openingwhistle,the away side held their own and midfielder Jayden Unmack was impressive in penetrating the Olympians defence.

If Falcons coach Adrian Salvatore wasn’t challenged enough during the week, then it certainly came to pass in the opening stanzaasUnmack was substituted before halftime with ahamstring injury.However, before his departure, his gut busting run set up Falcon’s strikerLachlan Frendo, who gave his side an expected lead as he slipped the ball pastahesitant Olympians goalkeeper Jared Goodwin.

Red Devils take care of business in east

and into goal.

BY JOHN CARDONA

MOE UNITED travelled to Bairnsdaleon Sunday, winning 7-nil.

Despite what the scoreboard suggested, the Red Devils were still required to produce an allround team performance to overcome ayoung East Gippsland side who continue to show an improved style of play,capable of pushing a lot of teams.

The win moved Moe United within two points of the previously undefeated league-leaders, TraralgonOlympians,after they were upset 1-nil by Falcons.

Moe United started the match on the offensive, and took an early lead after being awarded a free kick outside the box.

BrendanRuddelldrilled alow, hard shot through what wassurprisingly only athree-man wall, with his shot finding the bottom right corner to give the visitor’s a1-nil lead.

Ten minuteslater, athrough ballfrom the Red Devils midfield by Connor O’Hanlon saw Michael Melynczenko get onto the end of a pass, and he cooly rounded the keeper to tap theballhome.

Moe Unitedcontinued to press forward, and across by Noah Kanewas controlled by O’Hanlon, and with one touch, he turned and sent ascreamer of astrikefrom 30 yards out into the top right corner which gave the East Gippsland keeper no chance.

The Red Devils defence stood firm, shutting downthe majority of EastGippsland’s attacking surges.

At the 35 minute mark, Moe United went 4-nil up when Matt Shearing broke clear and raced through to beat the advancing keeper.

The second half was acredittothe home side. Despite not being able to create many scoring chances, they never shirked at how the game was unfolding.

Luke Bathgate made it 5-nil after meeting a cross from O’Hanlon with aheader that was firstly saved by the keeper, before Bathgate seized on the rebound.

Melynczenko made arun into theEast Gippsland 18 yard box, where atacklebythe East Gippsland defender saw him fouled.

The referee rightly awardedthe visitorsa penalty spot kick, where O’Hanlon stepper up to hammer the ball past ahelpless East Gippy goalkeeper.

Melynczenko has been promoted to the senior side due to alarge number of injuries, and has not looked out of place in the top grade.

He scoredhis brace after Chad Shelley won a ball in defence and ran it through out to the left, where Melynczenkotookcontrol, cutinside and hit abrilliant curling shot into the far corner to make it 7-nil Moe United.

Melynczenko was among the best playersfor thewinners,along with O’Hanlon,Kane and TullyAnderson.

 MOEUNITED Senior Women continued their great run of form.

The side rebounded from an earlier disappointing 1-all draw against Tyers with a thumping 8-nilwin over the same opponent last Sunday morning.

The opening goal came from club top scorer Rebecca Van Der Koogh, after aclinical finish.

The ever-improving Karli Lee-Taffs made it 2-nil soon after, when her cross from the right saw the ball slip through the keeper’s hands

The home side were unlucky not to equalise in an eventful first half as chances went begging to the likes of Alradi Ali, Moni Eliaser and Jayden Steele,and the firsthalf ended with the away side leading 1-nil.

Falcons had less thanideal start to the second half, as vice-captain Josh Patterson came off in the 50th minute with ahead knock.

It seemed amatterofwhen, not if, Olympians wouldget on the scoreboard.However, the Morwell team continued to fight and despite Olympians having several chances to equalise, they could not capitalise.

With time drawing to aclose,itappearedthe impossible could very well become the possible.

Afinal twist saw Olympians awarded apenalty for asuspected handball,however after conferring with his linesman, the referee reversedthe decision.

Falcons stood tall and thwarted abarrageof Olympians pressure andasthe finalwhistle

sounded, the travelling away fans were vocal in their pride and appreciation for what their players had achieved to come away with a1-nil win.

For Olympians,theirlead at thetop of thesummit has been cut to just two points over Moe, with Falcons afurther three behind.

The title race is well and truly back on in season 2025.

In other results, ChurchillUnited defeated Monash 2-nil andNewborough YallournUnited defeated Traralgon City 2-1. Sale United had the bye.

 THIS week sees Moe host Traralgon City on Saturday night (5pm kick-off). On Sunday, Monash hosts Sale United, NYU welcomes Churchill and Falcons travel to East Gippsland (3pm kick-offs). Olympians have the bye.

Fortuna dominates at home

SOCCER STATELEAGUE BY

ALLAN ROBERTS

Moe United went 3-nil up, after arun up the wing by Miley Cooper saw her cross and find sister Summer for asimple tap-in.

Miley then got herself on the scoresheet just before halftime from awell-hit strike that gave the keeper no chance.

Moe United’s pressure continued to cause havoc in the Tyers back-half, and Moe got their fifth goal when across from Miley was placed in the bottom corner.

The second half saw more of the same, with the visitor’s dominating play. Tianna Reddlex, Hannah Meyer and Haley Laws all stood out.

Miley was againinplay, after aReddlex passsent the former through and she made no mistake.

Moe United created plenty of scoring opportunities, where they stretched the Tyers defence by the use of the wider midfield players.

Van Der Koogh rounded up aconvincing win, scoring two late goals to bring up another hat-trick for the season. She has scored a remarkable 21 goals.

Best for the Red Devils was Laws, Van Der Koogh, Reddlex and Miley Cooper.

 MOE UNITED Reserves eventually ran out comfortable 7-2 winners over an improving East Gippsland, but not after a spirited first half effort from East Gippsland, who led 2-1 at one stage.

Red Devils livewire Harley Robinson got on the scoresheet in the first 10 minutes, when arebound off adefender fell to him and he slammed the ball home from inside the 18 yard box.

Shockwaves however reverberated around the Moecamp when East Gippsland kicked consecutive goals.

Withthe home sideina positive mood and looking like they were going to go into halftime with a2-1 lead, the Red Devils rallied late in the half.

An attacking run by Levi Heusmann saw him surge forward up the wing to sendina dangerous cross,which saw Robinson head the ball past the keeper.

Ahalftime blast fromMoe coachHarley Devlin saw acompletely different attitude toward the game, and Moe quickly pressed forward deep into the East Gippsland defensive area.

The Red Devils won acorner kick. Campbell Dastey sent it deep to the backpost,where Zoran Winkelman nearlyplaced his header into the top corner to put Moe United up 3-2.

Shortlyafter, Bailey Somerville gave the visitor’s a4-2 lead, when he unleashed athumbing shot into the top right hand corner.

By now the visitor’s seemedtohave broken the home side’s spirit, and Moe United then made it 5-2 after an attacking run by Tom Portelli cut the ball back to the edge of the box, where Winkelman struck his shot into the top right hand corner.

It was all one way traffic from there, and arun by BodieWendt saw him engage in a one-on-one with the East Gippsland keeper, only for the former to slot the ball home past the advancing defender.

Robinson completedhis hat-trick when he ended up withthe same opportunity as Wendt.

Best for Moe was Heusmann, Winkelman, Robinson and Somerville.

Moe United Thirds played away at Tyers, and were beaten 6-2 by the home side.

ROUND12ofthe VetoMen's State Leaguesaw Fortuna '60 play their first game in two weeks due to having abye in Round 11 and then ascheduled whole competition catch up round.

The two week break saw Fortuna remain active in the recruiting stakes, with the club signing ex NPL and Gippsland United player MitchJones. The 25-year-old was awelcome addition to the team, having the ability to hold down several positions on the pitch.

The Round 12 fixture was awelcome home game forthe Lions against the visiting Endeavour Hills, who pushed the club all the way to the end of the 90 minutes in their Round 1encounter.

With two weeks off, this game was not going to be easy for the Lions, and coach Clayton Bell was concerned that the extended break might work against his team due to lack of match play.

The conclusion of the game saw Bell's concerns allayed as Fortuna came away with adominant 7-1 win over the Fire.

In what has become abit of an ongoing scenario each game,itwas the visitors who scored first in the 15th minute to open up a1-nil lead. This changed in the 20th minute when Jordan Campbell slipped anice ball into the path of Jake Budijawho,turned and dispatched the ball into the goal to open the scoring for the day for the Lions.

The remainder of the first half saw the Lions settle into the game and quickly assert their dominance and show why they are sitting on top of the State League Ladder.

In the 38th minute,Daniel Cooper whipped in adelicious corner into the top of the six yard box, only for the Fire keeper to fumble the save, which allowed Damon Scott to pounce on the loose ball and dispatch it into the back of the net.

Fire by name and nature, Endeavour Hills started to burn pretty hot, with the visitors giving away penalties in the 43rd and 45th minutes for some reckless challenges in the box, both of which were duly put away by Daniel Cooper to give Fortuna a4-1 lead at the halftime whistle.

Withthe commencement of thesecond half,it was the visitors who came out swingingand threw everything possible at their hosts.

The first 30 minutes of thesecond half turned into apretty heated affair, with five yellow cards heading the way of the Fire for some average tackles and conduct. But Fortuna were not going to liedown and be bullied out of the contest on their home ground -and the final 20 minutes of the game saw the home team pour abucket of water over the Fire and close out the match.

In the 80th minute, DJ Matar accelerated down the right wing and around the opposition keeper to score in his return from ahamstring injury.

In the 85th and 89th minute, Fortuna's powerhouse striker, Budija scoredtwo greatgoals to give him ahat-trick and more importantly, Fortuna a 7-1 win for the day.

The win sees Fortuna maintain their three point advantageatthe topofthe table, but theynow commence atricky run of three away games over the next three weeks and will have to remain on best form to keep second placed Mt Eliza at bay if they wish to close out the season on top.  EARLIER in the day, the Fortuna Reserves took to the field with afulllist of players for the first time this season.

The reservesput in agallanteffortagainst a very quick Endeavour Hills team to see out an entertaining 3-all draw

Chancetorelax: Fortuna keeper Logan Troughton had aquiet daybet ween the uprights in theclub’s dominant win.

Welcome: NewFor tuna recruitMitch Jones (left) putina solid shiftfor his firstgame forthe Lions at theweekend Photographs Peta Rober ts

Evan almighty

Photograph:

valleysport

BY LIAM DURKIN

EVERYONE says they want leaders who tell it like it is.

Cricket Latrobe Valley has exactly that in newlyelected president, Evan Sheekey.

The straight-shooting Sheekey was elected unopposed at the league’s annual meeting this month.

As is often the case, Sheekey found his new job rather innocuously, following coffee and achatwith fellow CLV board member, Pat Spiteri.

“We just got talkingaboutit, gotput onto me about whetherI’d be interested, Isaid‘as alast resort’, but (then)had abit more of athink about it,” Sheekey said

“It’sanageing community, so Ithink it’s good initiative, good thing to get someone my age, around 40 years, to get involved in the board side of things.”

While Sheekey admitted he was stepping in “wide-eyed” and “freshly faced”, he had also received agreat deal of support.

“All the feedback I’ve got, everyone is on board, they’ve all backed me in,” he said.

“Hopefully Ican fill the shoes of Cricket Latrobe Valley as presidentand do it justice.” Sheekey has previous experience in sports administration, serving as president of Yallourn Yallourn North Football-Netball Club.

He oversaw the Jets through achaotic periodtaking in achangeofleague from the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League to the North Gippsland FNL.

As if changing league’s wasn’t complicated enough, YYN did it during the pandemic, winning flags either side of local sport returning.

Sheekey also brings on-the-ground understandingtothe presidency, having played for ahost of cricket clubs across the region, and volunteering in junior sport.

“Every club is different but ever club’s the same, it’s abit contradictive, but mostclubs are the same with how they go about it,” he said.

“This time of year it is pretty quiet, just getting the rules up and datedfor the first president’s meeting (expected to be held in the next four to six weeks).

“That’s when all the other clubs have had their AGM,weknowwho we’re dealingwith, we can finalise the booklet for the 25/26 season and we can look at rocking into cricket season.”

Sheekey himself willplay this season, going around again for Moe, but did not anticipate this would negatively affect his ability to serve as league president.

“Come Saturday arvo I’ll have my club hat on, Saturday before that it will be all things Cricket Latrobe Valley,” he said.

“I’llplay where I’mrequired. I’m still pretty keen, fittestI’veeverbeen so I’ll still be running around.”

Inevitably, participation in cricket remains a challenge, exacerbated by the fact the sportis time-consuming and most of its participants are now time-poorer.

Sheekey however was hopeful the 20-club strong CLV could see the sport prosper.

“Making the environment now for these kids to thrive and their families to go along with it,” he said of his vision.

“Life/balance comes into it now with family and both partners working. Cricket does take alot of time away from the familyhome for those who have got young children.

“We’re here to strengthen, make this (the league) aforce and adevelopment for future stars that are going to come out of it.”

When asked abo ut repre sent ative cric ket, Sheekey said the CLV board would do all it could to ensure the league was well represented in the Gippsland Cricket League(GCL) and at Melbourne Country Week.

CLV did not send ateam to country week last season, after failing to attract enough interest from players.

“Most clubs and players want country week, so the board will work to put the right people in those positions,” he said.

“(It’s) definitely something we’ve got to work towards.It’sabout finding the rightleader, the

Cricket

CRICKET

BY LIAM DURKIN

ANOTHER local cricket clubhas yieldedtothe pressures of remaining competitive.

Boisdale-Briagolong Cricket Club will not field afirstgrade team in the Sale-MaffraCricket Association this season.

The Saints made the decision last week, citing increased difficultyinattracting quality players as the main reason.

"It was difficult and quite emotional, but with an aging sideand an inabilitytorecruitenough new players the right one," the club posted.

"Unfortunatelythis will see afew players leave to pursue First XI cricket elsewhere and they leave with the club's blessing.

"The club has done an absolutely amazing job to field aFirst XI side for the last 30 years based in such asmall town (the club plays out of Briagolong) and arguably the strongest league in country Victoria."

Boisdale-Briagolong says the decision willgive the club achanceto"reset", as it aims to field senior teams in BGrade,DGrade andsenior women's for 2025/26, and hopes to get juniors back up and running.

The Saints were first grade premiers in 2018/19 after winning the flag in surreal fashion, coming fromequal-last on the ladderatthe Christmas break to then not lose agame upon the resumption.

Current Imperials fast bowlerToddMann played in that premiership, although the club may have over-celebrated,aswins have been few and far between ever since.

Boisdale-Briagolong has been able to sign some key players in recent years, while Gippsland cricket greats,Adrian Burgiel and Dylan Bolton have also returned to their home club.

Burgielisfamiliar to manyinthe Latrobe Valley due to his exploits for Gormandale CricketClub, as is Bolton -along-serving captain of SMCA representative sides.

When asked at alocal football game earlier this year if he had "definitely retired", Burgiel confirmed he wouldn't be going around again.

Boisdale-Briagolong is also the home club of current Victorian speedster, Austin Anlezark, while former Prime Minister Scott Morrison

one that wants to be there and having the players that want to make themselves committed for that (representative cricket is played on Sundays).

“I know when Iwas playing GCL it was an honour, and that’s what we’ve got to try and get it back to.

“With being the second-biggest league in country Victoria, we should be at ProvincialatCountry Week (the highest grade), but it all depends on the commitment from the players.

“We’ll put it out, getamanager, get acaptain, experienced players that wanttogo, and get the best sidethat we can get, we’renot goingtogohalf-asked and mediocre.”

Away from cricket, Sheekey works in construction management, and said his schedulewas flexible enough to allow him the time needed to be league president.

Most importantly, he was given the all clear from his better half to do the job.

Stepping in for the first time however, he has called for some understanding.

“I don’t know it all. We’re (the board) there to serve, but let’s have respect back the other way,” he said.

Sheekeyhas given apersonal guarantee of at least two terms,while hispredecessor, Brad Howlett will remain on the board. The latter was instrumental in overseeingthe firsttwo seasonsofCLV,asthe former Traralgon District Cricket Association and Latrobe Valley District Cricket League merged.

visited the club in 2019 to announce a$250,000 upgrade to the Briagolong Recreation Reserve Pavilion.

Local cricket pundits willbehoping the Saints can return to the top grade, although if thefate of fellow Gippsland clubs is any indication,itis indeed along road back once there is no AGrade In the Latrobe Valley, Yallourn North Cricket Club no longer exists, nor does Newborough Bulldogs or St Vincents.

The current Cricket LatrobeValley two divisional structure has likely saved afew clubs from suffering similar outcomes.

Perennial battlers Traralgon Westwentfrom being uncompetitive in the former Traralgon District Cricket Associationtomaking aGrand Final in the two-tiered Latrobe Valley District (now Cricket Latrobe Valley, incorporating all former TDCA clubs).

To the Eagles' credit, they stuck it out in A Grade. Lesser clubs would have given up long ago.

“We were approached acouple of times to potentially go down to BGrade,itwas adiscussionwedid haveasaclub,” Traralgon West stalwart, Tim Fitch said in an interviewwith the Express in 2022

“But it is really hard once you take that step backfromAGrade to then get asidebackupto the top division. Ithinkdoing what we didwas thebestoption because at least you’ve still got an AGrade team,you can still recruitplayers (and) your juniors stick around becausethey know they’ve got something to strive for in the higher grade."

FormerCricket Latrobe Valley club, Trafalgar faced similar discussions in 2016, just two years after virtually its entire premiership-winning team of 2014/15departed.

The Ships howeverstuck it out in AGrade with ateam of kids, most of whom were part of the club's next first grade flag five years later. Trafalgar currently competes in the Warragul District Cricket Association, which operates with asimilar divisional structure to CLV, the only difference being amandate requiringevery club to field a'First XI' in at least Division 2. With the exception of the now extinct Bunyip Cricket Club, the rule has seen most clubs remain commercially viable.

Liam Durkin

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 25 June 2025

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