THE state government made it personal for Gippsland last week, announcing free travel for any V/Line passengers starting their journey between Nar Nar Goon and Bairnsdale.
To deliver this news on Tuesday, October 23 was the Premier herself. Jacinta Allan spent an hour delivering apress conference at Traralgon Station alongside Transport Minister Gabrielle Williamsand Member for Eastern Victoria Region Tom McIntosh.
The news came aweek after the state government announced free travel across all of Victoria for every weekend during summer.
"Free travel on the Gippsland Line in November is our way of sayingthank youfor your patience while we delivered this majorupgrade," the Premier said.
"Thank you to the Gippsland community,to Gippslandpassengers who usethe train services here on the Gippsland Line. It has been quite aperiod of disruption whilst we've transformed the Gippsland Line, undertakenamassive
Gracing us with their presence
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio visited the Latrobe Valley last week. The pair spruiked local prosperity, with additional train services and the opening of the Morwell SEC hub front and centre.
infrastructure upgrade of the GippslandLine, and now that's complete."
The Premier claimed to be fond of the Gippsland Line, from her term as Transport Minister circa 2014-2023 underthe then-Andrews government, stating, "One of the first communities Iheard from was the Gippsland community, how they wanted to see abetter train service for their community and the Gippsland community deserved abettertrain service".
The current Minister of that portfolio echoed this statement, as Ms William admitted "Gippslanders have borne the brunt of the pain" involved in the metro tunnel disruptions, and that the state government is committed to "really make sure that we're focused on them, that we're rewarding them and saying thank you."
Ms Williams did however answer sheepishly when asked if coach replacements had come to an end on the repeatedly impacted Gippsland Line.
"There'll be some further disruptions (...), but obviously with the Gippsland line upgrade now complete the works at this end of the corridor
now mean that it's much more freed up than it has been over summer," she said.
Thesedisruptions,which were not given specific dates at the presser, relate to the Metro section of the Gippsland Line, removing the final rail crossing at Webster Street, Dandenong, and some trial operationsasthe MetroTunnel opening gets closer.
The Premier also gave avague response when pressured by the Express as to when Gippslanderswill see more thanthreecarriages on aTraralgon service,asmoreand more people are shifting to V/Line to get to work and study in the cost of living crisis.
"This is why we've added 87 weekly services, because we know that the demand is there on the Gippsland Line," Ms Allan said.
"Additional services bring additional seats."
The Premier's response impliedcommuters struggling to find aseat should simply take an earlier train 40 minutes beforehand.
For many Latrobe Valley commuters travelling to work or study, this is not always practical. The
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earliest weekday servicetoTraralgon, which aligns closely with school starting times, often sees passengers forced to stand for at least part of their journey,often not emptying out until arriving at Moe at 8.13am.
The Express also asked Ms Allan if this increased usage, to which these perks and farecuts would likely contribute, will see any further development or additional services added in the SouthGippsland area.
Commuters thereare currentlylimitedtothree coach departures on the Yarram-Melbourne route per day (either direction), despite being as much of apotential regional tourismarea as Baw Baw and Latrobe are along the Traralgon Line.
The Transport Minister confirmed that "we areputting on more busses as part of the retimetabling" that will take place next February as part of the 'Big Switch', when the Metro tunnel is officially openedand integrated as the new heart of the PTV network. Continued -Page14
In amove that defies reason and regionalreality, Gippsland Farmer,the region’s highest-circulating rural publication, has been reduced considerably in size after abureaucratic blunder from Australia Post headquarters.
For the Christmas period across November and December, AustraliaPostsaysitwill not deliver copies of the Latrobe Valley Express-produced monthlynewspaper to rural letterboxes unless each copy weighs less than 100 grams.
Usually, Gippsland Farmer is at least 48 pages, coming in at around 130 grams.
In ordertomeetthe 100gmweight limit, the Express has to cut the nexttwo issues of Gippsland Farmer to 36 pages.
For aservice once trusted to bridge the tyranny of distance, Australia Post’s latest directive seems determined to widen it.
The Express, responsible for producing and printing Gippsland Farmer, received the sudden notification last week.
In email correspondence, Australia Post said they were "happy to help (Gippsland Farmer) connect to the community", but were "really sorry to advise you that we will not be able to deliver any unaddressed mail article over 100gmduring 03/11/2025 to 05/01/2026 due to our peak time delivery arrangements".
An abrupt,paradoxical message, detailing an issue that has never been experienced previously in the more than 40 years theExpress has been distributing Gippsland Farmer, now at a16,600 circulation, as part of the Provincial Press Group.
Latrobe Valley Express journalist Katrina Brandon, who oversees Gippsland Farmer editorial, was gobsmacked.
"I am incredibly disappointed in Australia Post's decision," she lamented.
"Losing pages for Gippsland Farmer because Australia Post imposes aweightlimit on ourproduct has affected everyone.
"Noteveryone has the luxury of online content
and social media to get their news, and for farmers, newspapers such as Gippsland Farmer are relied on for news that could benefit their farms, such as new equipment or livestock research."
Express/Gippsland Farmer advertising consultant Paula Hansen added her frustrations.
"We were absolutely devastated when we found out," she said.
"We had alreadyfilled 48 pages, and they wouldn't evenconsider other options to get it delivered; they just flatly refused to do it.
"I understand that Christmas is avery busy time but to let us know on deadline day beggars belief.
"Ourjournalists do afantastic job and work really hard to publish articles that keep our farming community engaged and informed, and we had already reduced the paper from 52 pages to 48 each month to keep rising AustraliaPost costs down.”
Thechangesmean the November and December issues will be drasticallyslimmed down, forcingeditors to cut valuablecommunity content -including
coverage of agricultural innovation, local events, and fire preparedness stories that many rural readers depend on.
Gippsland Farmer Advertising Consultant Janeen Brown said the policy change has undone years of hard workbuilding atrusted publication for the region.
“My fellowadvertising consultantPaulaHansen, our invaluable editorial team and Ihave worked tirelessly to create anewspaper that we are proud to deliver to rural Gippslanders,” Ms Brown said.
“During COVID,the Victorian government deemed us an essential service, yet on the morning of Thursday 23 October, afederal governmentowned corporation forced us to minimise the amount of content that we can deliver.
"This last-minute decision caused us to reduce the pageswithin our November edition. As we had already sold advertising space that had to be included,wethen had to reducethe amount of editorial space."
The timing could hardly be worse.
With harvests underway and bushfire warnings escalating,cutting off regional mail delivery for print news is more than an inconvenience -it’sa blow to the flow of information in communities that depend on it most.
At atimewhenmisinformation spreadsfaster than fact online, Gippsland Farmer is being punished for printing the truth on paper.
“Now we are forced to present something with hardly any news in it, thatweare not proudof, and we feel that we have let our journalists down,” Ms Hansen added.
Express Printing Manager Peter Giles said while he appreciated the professionalism of Australia Post staff he had worked with, he was disappointed by the lack of communication from higher up.
“Everyone I’ve dealt with at Australia Post has been empathetic and fantastic,” he said.
“But the email we received was abrupt and nonnegotiable. It caused alot of stress, especially for staff who take pride in getting the paper out every month.”
Mr Giles said he was later told the delivery restrictions had been noted on Australia Post’s website, but felt the communication channelscouldhave been clearer.
“We’ve had along, direct relationship with Australia Post,” he said.
“It’s surprising that acompany of this size wouldn’t issue aformal notice or direct email to regular clients about such amajor operational change. We would have worked around it -ifonly we’d known sooner.”
Mr Giles is awaiting further response from Aus tral ia Post this wee k, hoping to ex plo re potential compromises for areduced service over the Christmas period for apublication that is delivered free to the public for the benefit of rural communities.
While the Express understands the pressures of Australia Post’s busy Christmas schedule, the decision highlightsthe growing challenge of delivering rural news to areas that still depend on traditional print.
Revealed: Leonard received almost $1m from Climate 200 during election
By LIAM DURKIN
THE exact amount of money provided by Climate
200 toward Deb Leonard’s campaign during this year’s federal election has been revealed.
Australian Electoral Commission disclosures showed Ms Leonard’s campaign received just shy of $1 million fromClimate 200, makingfor an exact total of $995,974.
Ms Leonard ran as an Independent for Monash, but was often labelled a‘Teal Independent’ given how much the billion dollarcompany headed by SimonHolmes àCourt was chipping in.
The Phillip Island-based lawyer and mother-oftwo ran an advertising blitz in an attempt to become the Member for Monash, which was considered a winnable seat for an Independent after long-serving Liberal incumbent Russell Broadbent defected from the party.
Mr Broadbent himself ran as an Independent,
but lost to current sitting member Mary Aldred.
Ms Aldred’s victory was delayed, following along and painstaking preference distribution.
The sheeramountofmoney provided to Ms Leonard’s campaign was generally seen as mind-blowing.
Mr Broadbent reported never spending any more than $60,000onacampaign during his two decades as the local federal member.
Now living the quietlifepost-election, Ms Leonard maintained her campaign was fully independent.
“Therewas no strings attached to any of the donations received,” she asserted when asked by the Express
“We obviously did receive asignificant amount from Climate 200, but we also had over 400 other individualdonors mostly from the Monash communitythat wanted to financially support an independent campaign.
“Our campaignwas the only campaigntodisclose
their donations up front in real time (online). The major parties stillhaven’tdisclosed what they spent during the federal election and won’t until they are required to by law in February next year.”
Ms Leonard also wished to make the point that her campaign supported the localeconomy by spending money in the electorate, through hospitality, accommodation and venue hire.
Ms Aldred however hit back, saying voters clearly saw through her rival’s game plan.
“The AEC disclosure just confirms what our communityinMonashsuspected all along -that the Climate200 funded Teal campaign was anything but local or independent," shesaid.
“It was wealthy outside interests based in Potts Point driving this campaign, and our community in Monash said thanks but no thanks.”
Ms Leonard actually came thirdwhenpreferences were distributed behind Labor’s Tully Fletcher. Mr Fletcher was approached for comment.
Utterly ridiculous: Australia Post says it will not deliverGippsland Farmer to ruralmailboxesover the Christmas period unless eachcopyweighs less than 100grams
Fire season has started
By KATRINA BRANDON
THE Fire DangerPeriod(FDP) started on Monday (October 27) in Gippsland, with the Latrobe and Wellington municipalities included on the list.
Authorities have said thisyearisone of thedriest on record, meaning ahigh risk fire season is ahead.
Fires have already been recorded in areas such as Toongabbie,Coongulla,Licola and Clifton Creek during August and September.
“Victorians can expect ahotter and drier summer, and communities should be preparing their properties and creating abushfire plan,” the CFA said. “CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming weeks and months based on assessmentsofthe amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions.”
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said that with most of Victoria experiencing low rainfall, thereisanincrease in fuel, such as dead plant
material and vegetation, which has the potential to support significant bushfire potential.
“We need Victorians to play their part and ensure their properties are ready and they have aplan in place,”hesaid. “It is going to be achallenging fire season, and with the commencement of firedangerperiods, it is agood reminder to ensure those last bits of preparation get done.”
Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511.
By registering your burn-offonline, you allow emergency calltakerstoallocatemore time to callers who need emergency assistance immediately. No burning off is permittedduring the FDP without aPermit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website.
Missing man found Teens arrestedafter chase
ACAMPER lost for more than aweek has been located alive after lighting afire to draw the attention of searchersinremote and rugged bushland near Buchan.
Cockatoo man Troy Milnewentmissing after leaving his campsite at Woodside Beach for aquick trip to pick-upsupplies on Tuesday, October 7.
An extensive nine-day search -involving Victor ia Police, Department of Ene rg y, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), and the State Emergency Service (SES) -was carried out to try and locate the insulindependent diabetic after fears he had suffered amedical episode.
Troy was found near his vehicle by Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) staff following reports of afire near Kirby Cross Track about 5pm on Thursday, October 16.
On arrivalfire crewsspottedthe Jeep Wrangler on the unmarked track adjacent to the fire and subsequentlylocated Troy nearby.
Troy’s vehicle had bottomed out on the terrain and was not drivable, as aresult the 61-year-oldlit afireinthe hopeemergency services would respond. He was transported to hospital for treatment and observation.
Wellington Police Service Area Inspector Wayne Rothwellsaidfinding Troy alive after ninedays missingwas aremarkable outcome.
“We really feared the worst so to be able to contact Troy’sfamilyand givethem the fantastic news was awonderful result,”he said.
“Troy was without his medication for along period which left him disorientated and confused so we believe he turned off the highway at some point and became lost in the bush.
“It wasachallenging searchdue to the huge area that Troy had been spotted travelling around so it was extremely difficult to narrow down where to concentrate our efforts.
“Once Troylit the fire, it drew the attention of our fire crews who quickly responded and located him.
“We would like to thank the public, our partners at DEECA,FFMV,SES and the media for their assistance in the search.
“Troy’s family also expressed how grateful they were that he was returning home safely.”
THREE youths have been arrested following acollision involving astolen car in Morwell on Thursday morning (October 23).
Police say a2020Toyota RAV4 stolen from Yarram on Wednesday was seen driving through Traralgo na bou t9 .30am, befor eh eadi ng to Warragul and returning to the Latrobe Valley.
Around11.20am,the driver dropped off two passengers at aPrinces Drive shopping centre, where they were quickly arrested.
Minutes later, the RAV4 collided with two vehicles at the intersection of Bridle Roadand Chestnut Avenue, one of which rolled into apolice car.
The driverfled on foot but was arrested soon after in Park Avenue.
A17-year-old from the Wellingtonarea and two 13-year-olds fromBaw Baw are being interviewed by police.
No onewas injured.Anyone with informationis urged to contactCrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000
Man chargedafter Morwell stabbing
A27-year-old Morwell man has been charged following aserious stabbing on McMillan Street late Wednesday night (October 22).
Police allege a31-year-old man was stabbed inside aproperty about 10.30pm on October 22. The victimwas airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remained in astable condition.
The accused was arrested at the scene and has been charged with multiple offences, including
PoliceBeat with Aidan Knight
intentionally causing serious injury, assault with aweapon, and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He appeared before theLatrobe Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October23and was remanded in custody.
Police say the men were known to each other.
Gunshot on Elgin St
POLICE are investigating after aman suffered a gunshot woundinMorwell last Friday, October 24
It’s believed the incidentoccurred on Elgin St around 12.45pm, before the man later presented to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigations remain ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make aconfidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Eyes on Morwell
AVICTORIA Police mobile CCTVtrailer hasrolled into Mid Valley Shopping Centre as part of alocal crime prevention initiative.
The trailer aims to promote community safety and deter potential offenders,with footage helping police. The trailer appeared last Friday, October 24.
Starts Thursday 9th October 2025
Last Round Thursday 2nd April 2026
Meals available from 5.30pm y Gi
Members all Golf West Gippsland Clubs $5 Non Members $10 Under 18 Years of age Free, accompanying adult not required
For further information, contact Frank Tabone on 0409 102713
Stayalert: TheFireDangerPeriod has officially star ted. Photograph supplied
Maryvale expanding specialist care
MARYVALE Private Hospital has announced a significant milestonefor eye care in the region, with the introduction of paediatric and adult strabismus surgery, commonly known as squint surgery.
This surgery willbeperformed by Ophthalmologist Dr Raghu Kini.
This specialised procedure is afirst for Gippsland, treating misaligned eyes,a condition where one eye turns inward toward the nose or outward toward the ear. The surgery works by tightening or loosening specific eye muscles to alignthe eyes, helping them move and focus together. In adults, the procedure can also correct doublevision, significantly improving comfort and visual function.
Dr Kini said the addition of this service means children and families no longer need to travel to Melbourne for treatment.
“It’s wonderful to be able to offerthis surgery locally,” he said.
“For children, strabismus can affect not only their vision but also their confidence and development at school and in social settings. Being able to correct that close to home is ahugestepforward for families in Gippsland.”
Dr Kini explained that while strabismus can affect both children and adults, early diagnosis and treatment in childhood is particularly important.
“When other treatments such as glasses haven’t worked, surgerycan restore proper alignment,” Dr Kini added.
“Correctingeye misalignment early in life can make alasting difference to achild’s visual development and self-esteem.”
Maryvale Private Hospital Chief Executive Daniel Scholtes said the new service reflects the hospitals commitment to expanding specialist care for local families.
“We’re proud to partner with Dr Kini to make this importantpaediatric and adult eye surgery available locally,” he said.
“This initiative reflects Maryvale’s ongoing commitment to improving access to high-quality specialist care for the Gippsland community.”
Those experiencing ongoing eye misalignment, particularly childrenwhose eyes remain misaligned despite other treatments, can now be referred by
their optometrist or general practitioner to Dr Kini forassessmentand,ifsuitable, strabismus surgery at Maryvale Private Hospital.
Dr Kini consults locally at ValleyCare Eye Doctors, with appointments available by phoning (03) 5176 4994.
performcomplexeye surgeries Photograph supplied
Community Consultation - decommissioning of oil & gas infrastru cture in Bass Strait
Esso Australia Resources Pt yLtd (Esso), awholly owned subsidiaryofExxonMobil Australia Pt yLtd, is committed to operating and decommissioning itsGippsland and BassStrait facilities safely and effectively.After delivering energy to Australia forover 50 years,many of theBassStrait oil and gas fields arenow reaching theend of their productive life. As planning fordecommissioning progresses,Essoisfocused on safely shutting- down non-producing facilities and ensuring the ystay safethroughout the entiredecommissioning process.
Communit yInformation Sessions
If you ’d liketoknow moreabout decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in BassStrait , the Esso Consultation Team will be hosting communit yinformation sessions at the following locations:
Monday 10 November 2025
Lakes Entrance On the WharfCafé Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance
Tuesday 11 November 2025
Sale The Criterion Hotel 90 Macalister Street ,Sale
Foster Foster WarMemorial Ar ts Centre 79 Main Street ,Foster
Wednesday 12 November 2025
Leongatha
Leongatha RSL Cnr Smith St &Michael Pl, Leongatha
All the above sessions will run from 5.00pm -7.00pm with a presentation about Esso’s operations,focusing on decommissioning projects We encourage you to come along and ask questions or raise any concerns you may have. Please register your attendance by emailing: consultation@exxonmobil.com
If these dates and times don’t suit ,contactusby email on consultation@exxonmobil.com or by phone on 03 9261 0000.
The Esso Team will also be available to discuss proposed activities,including:
• BassStrait EnvironmentPlans
• Campaign 1A EnvironmentPlan
Liketobeconsulted about these activities?
Esso is working to identifyand consult with rele vantpersons[stakeholders]whose functions, interests,oractivities may be affected by one or moreofEsso’sproposed activities
Complete the Esso Consultation Questionnaire (sli.do) in the Esso Consultation Hub to let us know if you ’d liketobeconsulted or have any questions or feedback.
Refertothe NOPSEMA brochure Consultation on offshore petroleum environmentplans brochure.pdf(nopsema.gov.au) to understand moreabout consultation on offshorepetroleum environmentplans assessed under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023.
Your feedback and our response will be included in the rele vantregulatoryapplication documentation and submitted to the regulator
Please connectuswithother interested people
If thereisanyone you know who may be interested in our activities,weencourage you to share this information with them.
To find out moreinformation
Formoreinformation about Esso’s activities and other projects,gotothe Esso Consultation Hub at : https://corporate. exxonmobil.com/locations/ australia/our-approach
Specialist: Dr RaghuKini has joined Mar yvale PrivateHospital, and can
Racing to beat
Incredible: Moe Racing Club raised morethan $25,000 forLatrobe Regional Health at its Health Cancer Fundraisermeeting on Sunday,October 19
Man of the people: Prominent Gippsland singer MickHarrington, of ‘TheVoice’fame,enter tained the crowd.
Great company: Locals AmyJonesand Zara Baldi enjoying the race dayfunction
Great dayout: Patrons watch the horses as theysprint down the straight at Moe Racing Club Photographs: Liam Durkin
Prettyinpink: Moe Racing Club Chief ExecutiveCass Rendell and Fashions on the Field judge Jesskia Mylne flankwinnersMariskaPaltridge (Neerim South), Natalie Sellings (Newborough),Catherine Noy(Newborough) and Dianne Fieldew(Yarragon).
Precursor: Themeeting wasthe last beforethe Moe Cup on November 16
Proud: Latrobe Regional Health Chief ExecutiveDon McRaeand boardchair LindaMcCoy were guests of honourat the meeting
Dress to impress: Newborough fashionistaCatherine Noyaddedtoher collection of sashes
Up forgrabs: TheGippsland Cancer Care Cupwas the featurerace of the day.
Exquisite: Local milliner Eleanor Margueritehad arange of her impressiveheadwear’s on display.
Driveup: GlennBoulton andPeta Griffiths travelled from EastGippsland forthe meeting
Keeping soil whenpaddocks are bare
By KERRI GOSCHNICK
MAINTENANCE is the key to reducing soil and sediment movement in paddocks.
While spring rain is valuable for pastures and replenishing farm dams, run off may also carry sediment into livestock dams, particularly where there is exposed soil in heavily grazed paddocks. Hay bales or netting held together with steel posts or stakes to control sediment flow into dams can be agood starting point. Although the cost of hay and the hazardofsteel posts should be considered. Coir logs are apotential alternative to hay bales. Fibreglass posts and construction site hazard fencing (barrier mesh)are another,often safer option. Using 20 metres of barrier mesh and four fibreglass posts upstream of adam is both highly visible and relatively low cost, at around $85 per site.
Aim for mesh openings that are no smaller than 100 mm square. Smaller openingswillblock up withdebris too quicklyand the fence will fail.It is also important to removestakesormeshonce the risk of sedimentationhas reduced to avoid debris build up.
Building earthen banks to protect areas from sedimentation usuallyrequires survey design, knowledgeofsoiltypeand risks,suitableequipment and expertise to successfully construct. Agood understanding of catchment size and potential water volumes is necessary to avoid failure. Road and track maintenance is also important. Annual maintenance with aslightcamber in the road surface to shed watertothe sidewiththe shortest distance possible will help to prevent wheel tracks from developing into drains and washing out the track surface.
Rosedale servo approved
By DAVID BRAITHWAITE
WELLINGTON Shire Councilhas approved a planning permit for the construction of anew service station in Rosedale.
Council planning staff were considering the application for the development, including convenience storeand car wash,onatwolot subdivision on the corner of the Princes Highway (Lyons Street) and Nelson St.
Rosedale already has an BP service station, while a United recently closed down ahead of redevelopment.
Residents of Rosedale were concerned with the thought of athird station in the town of just over 2000 people.
Issues identified during arecent meeting, attended by around 40 concerned residents, included traffic congestion; residential and environmental impact; safe access on road for motorists and pedestrians; access and egress of the site for fuel trucks, large vehicles and
caravans;and lossofincome for smallbusiness,and potentialfire and spill risk.
A council spokesperson told the Express the application, which carried Ampol signage, was approved following adetailedplanning assessment.
“Havinglistenedcarefully to the community’s concerns regardingpotential amenity impacts, in excess of 40 planning permit conditions have been imposed to ensure that development proceeds in amannerconsistent withcommunityexpectationsand the relevant requirements of the Wellington Planning Scheme,” the spokesperson said.
Images in the application had Ampol signage, but the company previously told the Express it had no affiliation with the Rosedale site.
According to the Wellington Planning Scheme, the zoning of the site allows for the development of aservice station.
Culverts and side drains should also be cleaned annually to prevent blockages and water from being redirected to less suitable discharge areas. Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for articles on soil retention and sedimentmovement on
agricultural land following drought, fire, strong winds and rainfall events.
KerriGoschnickisLand Management Extension Officer at Agriculture Victoria.
Trafalgar Farmers Market
First Saturday of the month Next Market: Saturday,1 November 9am -1pm
36 Ashby Street Trafalgar
Over 60 stalls of we make it, we bake it and we sew it. Alarge range of organic produce and much more!
More info at facebook.com/ Trafalgar Farmers Market
REH Cork Club Craft Market
Second Saturday each month September to May Next Market: Saturday,8 November 8am -1pm Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Craft and Second-hand Goods Make It! Bake It! GrowIt!
New Stallholders welcome info@ marketrehcorkclub.org
REH Cork Club Craft Market page on Facebook
Baw Baw Arts Alliance
Warragul Arts and Makers Market
Third Saturday of the month, October to April
Next Market: Saturday, 15 November 8.30am – 1.00pm
TAFE Gippsland Car Park, Queen St, Warragul
More info at facebook.com/ BawBawArtsAlliance/
Yarragon Craft & Produce Market
Fourth Saturday of the month Next Market: Saturday,22November 9am -1pm
60 PLUS STALLS
Agreat variety of handmade crafts, plants and gifts
Waterloo Park, Yarragon Weather Permitting yarragonmarket@outlook.com
Emporium 3844
Tue-Wed &Fri-Sat
Open 10:00am -4:00pm
NOW OPEN until 7:00pm each Thursday for aTwilight Market! Home to 100+ Small Businesses! Traralgon’sfirst and only upscale indoor market!
Located in the Seymour / Hotham Street Arcade, Traralgon Phone -0477 156 480 emporium3844@gmail.com
Morwell Trash& Treasure Market
Open 6Days aWeek! Closed on Monday Tuesday -Friday,Open 10am -4pm
Saturday &Sunday, Open 10am -4pm
31 Holmes Road, Morwell CASH ONLY
Indoor and Outdoor Stalls
For more information and bookings please call Jo on 0437 981 388
Surprise discovery
BAWBAW Arts Alliance(BBAA) often focuses on exhibitionsand activities that are abouttotake place, and while these are important, every now and then there is agood news story worth sharing.
Liz Bowley, along term member of the Alliance and well-known Gippsland painter of Australian landscapes, had an unusual surprise at arecent BBAA garage sale at the Trafalgar Artspace when she discovered apaintingofanAustralian landscape for sale. This turned out to be one by her mother, Gwen Mauger, who died in 1977,aged 62.
Gwenwas amember of the Sherbrooke Art Societyand exhibited there. She also had lessons with Max Casey who, at the time, was one of the ‘Twenty Melbourne Painters’. When she began painting, Gwen felt that women painters were discriminatedagainst so shesignedher work ‘Gwyn’.Her husband,also an artist, was supportive of her work and the picture discoveredwas framed by him. You will be able to see some of Liz’s own work during December 2025 to January 2026 on the walls of the ‘South Brew’ café and restaurant in Warragul.
During November, the fascinating work of two artists, Chris Lawry and Ross Jacka, can be seen in the Station Gallery, Princes Highway, Yarragon. Chris is new to the BBAA, so it is apleasure to be able to display her intricate tonal, lino cut prints at the same time as the bright, abstract, acrylic paintingsoflong-time member, Ross Jacka.
Withthe gift giving of Christmas on the horizon, keep in mind the regulararts andmakers market which takes place on the third Saturday of each month right through from October to April. The market has alarge rangeofindividual, handmade qualityartist creationsfor you browse through at the marketinthe TAFE CarparkWarragul between 8.30am and 1pm on November 15.
Alittle closer to Christmas is Friday, December 5between 6.30pm-8.30pm when BBAA expects the VRI Hall in Queen Street, Warragul, to be filled with music, food, laughter and lots of talk about the arts at acreative get together. You do not have to be amember to enjoy this function.
For more informat ion, vis it: https: //www. bawbawartsalliance.org.au
Localwater heroes shine
GIPPSLAND Water has announced the winners of its National Water Week poster competition. The company's managingdirector Sarah Cumming congratulated the winning students and thanked all entrants for their posters.“Congratulations to the young artists fromacross the region who were recognised for their colourful submissions,” Ms Cumming said. “The theme of ‘Water Heroes: Save Every Drop’ acts as areminder for people to reduce theiruse and help preserve water resources throughout Gippsland.” The localwinners also competedinthe statewidecompetition, where four of them went on to place second or third. This is the most successful result for local Gippsland entrants, which saw Gippsland Water receive more places than any other water corporation this year.
Gippsland Water winners were:
Market
Yarragon Craft & Produce
CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT MARKET
60 PLUS STALLS
A great variety of handmade crafts, plants and gifts. Friday, 12 December 4pm - 8pm
Waterloo Park, Yarragon
ShawsArcade Christmas PopUp Market
Saturday 6December 8am -1pm
STALLHOLDER SPACES
STILL AVAILABLE
Goodstart Early Learning Morwell, Collaborative (Early Learning), second place in the state;
Tom, Home Education (Early Learning), second place in the state;
Charlotte, Mirboo North Primary School (Foundation);
Quinnie, St Michael’s Primary School (Year 1-2), third place in the state;
Lenny, Mirboo North Primary School (Year 3-4), second place in the state, and;
Makayla, Heyfield Primary School (Year 5-6). Additionally, Heyfield Primary School won the school prize, meaning $500 will go toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources or asustainability project at the school. To learn more about National Water Week and to see the winning posters, visit: www.gippswater.com.au/nwwpostercompetition
Weather Permitting yarragonmarket@outlook.com
y g
All info can be found on Facebook or Instagram by searchingShaws Arcade PopUpMarket
Amazing coincidence: Local ar tist Lis Bowley stumbled uponapreviously unknown painting by her latemother,when rummaging througha Trafalgar garage sale Photograph supplied
Colour: Charlotte,inFoundation at Mirboo Nor th Primar ySchool, with her ar tworkas par tofGippsland Water’sposter competition. Photographs supplied
Podium: Quinnie from St Michael’sPrimar y School, Traralgon wonthird prizeinthe statefor Years1-2.
Outstanding: Mirboo Nor th Primar ySchool’s Year 3-4 student
Concerns over foster care future
By AIDANKNIGHT
GIPPSLAND foster carersare soundingthe alarm over recent changes to Victoria’s foster care reimbursements, warning that reduced support will drive carers out of the system and leave vulnerable children without stable homes.
This relates to reforms that went into place last July, which the state government says aims to strengthen therapeutic and specialist support acrossthe sector.However, carers and advocacy groups argue thereforms have failed to address chronic underfunding and the rising cost of living, leaving many at breakingpoint.
Alocal foster carer with Berry Street, who will not to be named to protect the privacy of children in theircare, said the government’s changes will have “devastating consequences” for families already struggling under rising costs of living.
“Caring for children who have experienced trauma is afulltime commitment,” the carer said. “Many of us cannot work outside the home due to the complex needs of the children we support. We do this out of love and dedication -but we are being pushed to the brink.”
Victoria already offers one of the lowest fostercare allowances in the country with abaserate of about $457.64 per fortnight for aLevel 1child aged
0-7, compared to significantly higher rates in other states. Carers report that they are increasingly covering additional costs themselves, including medication, transport to specialist appointments and therapeutic supports, because they say the allowance is not keeping pace with the cost-of-living and agency budgets feel increasingly constrained "We are facing acriticalshortage of carers," the local went on to say.
"These changes will only worsen thatcrisis. Carerswill be forced to endplacements -not because they want to, but becausethey simply cannot afford to continue. What happens to those children then?"
During her visit to Traralgon for announcements on public transport and national parks last Tuesday, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan weighed in on the state's position on foster care.
When prompted for comment on the drop in number of foster carers across Victoria, Ms Allan emphasised: "Foster and kinship carersdosuch big and important workincaring for some of our most vulnerable little children who cannot be placed in the care of their family environment."
The Premier rejected suggestions thatthe government’s handling of carers is driving people away from the sector, going on to say "they (carers) do important work and will continue to support foster
and kinship carers. I'm advised that there has been no change to the policy settingshere, and there most certainly has not been any reduction to thebudget."
The government states that it remains committed to supporting foster and kinship carers and
maintains that it is sufficient that funding levels have not been cut.
As Victoria implements its next phase of foster care reforms, the challenge remains -ensuring that the system provides both stability and security for childrenincare and the families who support them
Caring for children who have experienced trauma is afulltime commitment
Nominees in the running for health awards
THE upcoming 2025 GippslandPrimary Health Awards will celebrate outstanding achievements and innovation across Gippsland’s primary health sector.
This year’s theme, 'Challenge to Courage',honours those who turn obstacles into opportunities, challengingthe statusquo with innovative solutions,drivingquality improvements, strengthening workplace culture, and forging partnerships that deliver better health outcomes for communities.
Atotal of 18 nominees have been named across four categories:
Courageous Innovation -challenging the status quotodesign new models of care or workforce solutions;
Courageous Pursuit of Qualitydemonstrating persistence in implementing quality improvements that enhance health outcomes;
Courageous Culture -using staff or patient feedback to strengthen workplace culture and build staff capability, and;
Courageous Partnerships -partnering with another organisation to achieve better outcomes for consumers or patients.
Hosted by Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN), the awards provide an opportunity to recognise individualsand teams who have responded to challenges with courage to create meaningful change.
Gipp sland PHN Chief Execu tive Amanda Proposch saidthis year’snominees embody the courage and creativity that healthcare in the region is known for.
“These awards showcase the people and teams who see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to make healthcare betterfor our communities,” Ms Proposch said.
“We have been so impressed by the calibre of entries in this year’s awards –it'satestament to theincrediblework happening across Gippsland."
The nominees represent adiverse cross-section of Gippsland’s primary health sector -from small practices to major health services -showcasing
innovative approachesand forward-thinking solutions to meet local health needs.
Winners will be announced at the 2025 Gippsland Primary Health Awards, held alongside the Gippsland PHN annual meeting at Federation University, Churchill, on Wednesday, November 19.
The event will also feature akeynote presentation by special guest speaker Dr Derk Pol, Director of Cardiology at Latrobe Regional Health.
Aproud Gippsland local, Dr Pol willexplorehow courage, collaboration and community can shape the future of heart health across the region.
Using the 9 letters in thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list? Thecentrelet termust be included andeach letter maybeused onlyonce. No colloquialorforeign words. No capitalisednouns, apostrophesorplural wordsending in ‘s’.
SOCKS
Combining tourism with high-tech
By STEFAN BRADLEY
TECHNOLOGY and digital marketing was abig focus of the Gippsland Tourism Forum,held at The Stables in Sale.
The goal for many business operators, industry stakeholders and tourismprofessionals who showed up was to convert online engagement into meaningfulrevenue while boosting efficiency and improving the customer experience.
Needless to say, there’s plenty of great places to visit in Gippsland, but tourism operators have to sell themselves before visitors even know of their existence. The forum’s theme was‘From Clicks to Connections: Empowering Gippsland Tourism Through Technology’,alsotouchedonthe new generativeAIboom,socialmediamarketingtrends, stories of success and challenges.
Chair of Destination Gippsland Jan Fitzgerald opened the event, and Destination Gippsland Chief Executive Terry Robinson also led discussions throughout the day. Destination Gippsland runs multiple forums ayear which are held in various locations in the region.
Mr Robinson said that tourism was agrowing industry in Gippsland.
“It’s a$1.7billion ayear industry in terms of visitor expenditure. And so that figure is growing -we'd like to see that exceed $2 billion in the next five years," he said.
"There'sa lot of employment because it's apeople, service-based,industry. That means that small towns as well as the bigger regional centres benefit from tourism.
“What we're seeing today is alot of optimism from small businessestoimprove their own product and how they attractmore visitorstoGippslandand how we also encourage them to spend more money while they're here. This is about economic benefit and the employment of local peopleinregional areas.”
Mr Robinson said the Latrobe Valley has a major emphasis on events and has great sporting infrastructure.
“There’sa very, very strong eventscalendar in Latrobe, so that’s theirmarket. They're not necessarilygetting the beach goers, just given the geography, but they are often used as sort of ahub," he said.
"People will stay there and visitMount Baw Baw
Catholic schools in fair work action
By DAVID BRAITHWAITE
THE Independent Education Union (IEU) Victoria Tasmania has lodged an application at the Fair Work Commission for asingleinterest authorisation (SIA)covering 24 of the 36 employers in Victorian Catholic education.
Amajority of staffworking for each of these employers hasnow signedastatement of support, indicating theirsupportfor fair bargaining processes under an SIA
TheIEU will continue to seekmajorities in the remaining 12 employers, to ensure it can negotiate on fair termsa singleagreement covering the salaries and conditions of morethan 33,000staff in Victorian Catholic education.
The largest employerinthe application is the Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), which cover almost all Catholic schools across Gippsland.
IEU Victoria TasmaniaGeneralSecretary David Brear said the application was lodged because amajorityofstaff at theseemployerssaidthey wanted the same basic bargaining rights as their counterpartsinother states. These include the right to ballotfor and take protectedindustrial action and the right to seek good faith bargainingorders or other assistance fromthe Fair WorkCommission in the case of abreakdown of negotiations.
"They want to know that when their union sits down with the employers to negotiate, we can do so without one arm tied behind our back," Mr Brear said.
"Our application today covers 24 employers, and it is our intention to win majority support in the other 12 so that we can startfair bargaining for one agreement covering all staff in Victorian Catholic education.
"We’ve beenready to commence bargaining since early September, and we want to get startedas soon as we can.
"Our claims are ambitious -but they need to be, because Catholic education in Victoria is falling far behind. There’sa crisis in schools right now –staff are undervalued, overworked and burning out, and that urgently needs to be addressed, not only for the sake of staff, but for our students and the
in winter, or they'll go to the lakes or Tarra-Bulga National Park."
Despina Karatzias from Institute of Excellence delivered an insightful presentation on working with AI and offered practical tips to empower operators to embrace new digital tools and technologies.
AI has becomeeither an excitingopportunityora dirty word in our vocabulary, depending on who you ask, but Ms Karatzias’ session demonstrated how businesses can harness AI to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and unlocknew opportunities.
Alex Aeschlimann, regionaldevelopment and engagement manager at NBN Local, spoke about the importance of cyber security to protect tourism businesses and their suppliers. There are very simpletoolssuch as apassword managers and two-factor authentication (2FA) that can reduce the risks.
“Don’t think you’re too small to be hacked,” was his key message.
“Change your passwords.”
From Visit Victoria was Rebecca Russo, executive social and digital, who discussed social media
trends and insightsthat tourism businesses can implement in their marketing.
Mr Robinson led adiscussion with Ken Hore Tourism Mentoring Programmentees Paige Barry and Erin Polson about their experiences. The program honours the late Ken Hore and his contribution to Gippsland’s tourismindustry by providing annual career development opportunities in the sector.
One of the attendees was Nicole Saunders, owner of The Berry Dairy, afamily-run café and strawberry pickingbusiness in Maffra. Shetold the Express that AI has already transformed tourism businesses, and she attended the forum to learn how to use these tools to make her operationsmore efficientand improve theirmarketing. She saidthat tourists may be using tools like ChatGPT instead of Google to look for experiences.
“If Isearch for ‘family friendly activities in Gippsland’, Iwant to make sure that Berry Dairy is popping up (on ChatGPT) first and foremost,” shesaid.
Ombudsman are here to help
By AIDANKNIGHT
sustainability of our sector. What thousands of staff are telling us is thattheiremployersso-called 'offer' just doesn’t cut it."
Despite the fact that Catholic education agreements generally run to the same timeline as agreements in Victorian government education, in the last round of bargaining, staff in Catholic education had to wait ayear longer than government school staff to receive the benefits of their new agreement, because they lacked the legal right to undertake an industrial campaign to put pressure on their employers for atimely resolution.
According to the IEU, no reason "of any substance" had been given by the Victoria CatholicEducation Authority (VCEA) for itsrefusaltoagree to an SIA
The IEU also claimed, in an attempt to prevent staff having access to basic bargaining rights, the VCEA also tookthe unprecedented step of putting outapurported pre-negotiation‘offer’ directlyto employees to convince them to give up on the campaign for industrial fairness.
Mr Brearsaid the VCEAcould, at any stage, agree to single interest bargaining and "get productive negotiations underway".
"Enough of the games, enough of the delays. Let’s get started on fair negotiations, now,” he said.
DOSCELchief executive PaulVelten said the organisation, alongside other Catholic school employers across the state, was working collaboratively with the VCEAtoimprove wages and conditions for all Catholic school employees.
“DOSCEL fully supports the enterprise bargaining offer which has been developed through a collaborative process that actively incorporated feedbackfrom staff consultations. It is an excellent offer that will provide all DOSCEL staff with a clear and timely pathway to improved wages and conditions from as earlyasJanuary 2026,” Mr Velton said.
DOSCEL directs and supports 39 Catholic primary and five Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese of Sale, which stretches fromthe outer suburbs of Melbourne to the New South Wales border.LavallaCatholic College is governed by Marist Schools Australia.
MOORE Street's Moe Plaza hosted acommunity expo earlier this month, welcoming representatives from three Ombudsman services.
The Telecommunications, Energy and Water, and Victorian Ombudsman's were all present, aimingtoprovide community support,information and assistance with any disputes residents may have.
The Ombudsman is an independent, impartial office that deals with complaints from citizens about administrative decisions made by government bodies, statutory agencies, and other public entities. The role of the Ombudsman is to investigatecomplaints, help resolvedisputes, and ensure fairness, accountability and transparency in public administration. Residents of the Latrobe Valley can access arange of services from the Ombudsman, including:
-Investigatingcomplaintsabout maladministration, unfair decision-making or unreasonable delays in government or public service actions;
-Mediationand dispute resolution to help parties reach an agreement;
-Reviewing policies and procedures of public agencies to protect community interests;
-Advice and advocacy to help people understand their rights and options, and;
-Publicinterest investigations into systemic issues affecting multiple people in the community
These services are available at no cost to individuals, despite the common misconception that only corporations are protected by the complaints body.
The Express itself had to reach the Telecommunication Ombudsman in the past year, in concerns with remote connections between the George Street office and the press site, ensuring readers receive each week's copy on time.
The Express spoke to the representatives on the ground at Moe Plaza.
Cynthia Gebert, from the Telecommunication Ombudsman, said her officehad spoken to around 35 peopleduring the Latrobe Valley event, many raising frustrations about poor service and billing issues.
“We’re hearing from people in the Latrobe Valley whoare frustrated their telcos aren’t taking action when they reach out for help,” Ms Gebert said.
“For people living in our regional areas, reliable phone and internet is alifeline. It’s how people stay connected to their community, and it’s essential to how people run their everyday lives. When thatreliability fallsshort, it’s understandabletoexpect theproblemtobe sorted out quickly with your telco so you can get back to what matters.”
According to theTelecommunications Industry Ombudsman’s2024/25 data,206 complaints werereceivedfrompeople in the City of Latrobe, withthe most common problems beingtelcos failing to act or delaying action, and fees for services or equipment.
Nationally, reports of peoplehaving no working mobile service jumped by 69 per cent in the past financial year, reflecting growing frustrationas telcos transition networks and customers face disruptions such as the 3G shutdown.
“Latrobe residents are also contacting us about issues with telco fees,” Ms Gebert said.
“Telcos should make it easy and clear for you to seewhatyou’re getting charged for, and they need to work with you to get it fixed.
“If you’re struggling to keep on top of your bills or facing financial hardship,your telco is obligated to offer help,like an affordable payment plan.
“If you feel like you’re not getting the support you’reentitled to, reach out to the TIO (Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman) and we’ll help you get afair outcome.”
While most complaints to the TIO come from metropolitan areas, regional Australians accounted for almostaquarter of all reports last year, highlighting the unique challenges faced by rural communities like those in Gippsland. Residents can lodge complaints with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman online at: www.tio.com.au or by phone on 1800 062 058.
Getting down to business: The tourismindustrygathered at aforum focused on technology
Leader: Destination Gippsland ChiefExecutive, TerryRobinson. Photographs: Stefan Bradley
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Trainsevery40minutes, but will coach replacements remain?
From Page 1
"IN addition to that though, we have been working to boost our investment in bus services," Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams said of South Gippsland services
"A record investment last year of $180million for additional and upgraded bus services, built on again in this latest budget with $160 millionof funding into bus services. And that is work that is ongoing, because more and more the value of the bus network is being realised, particularly as we've invested so heavily in making sure that we're delivering more train services, 'turn up and go' corridors. Now Ithink busses really come into their own in being able to connect people to that world-class rail systemthat we'vebeen busily building over the last decade."
Similarly,commuters further along the Gippsland corridor on the Bairnsdale Line feel somewhat left out, receiving only one new service in the hyped up works this year that saw their Traralgon line neighbours, who share amajority of the line, receive 87. Minister Williams emphasised that the new stabling yard that has beenestablished in Bairnsdale as partofthe same project is aphysical indication of the government's commitment to the area, and the upgrade of tracks along that sectionof rail now enables the latest, fastest V/Locity trains to travel.
"I know what adifference that has made to the Bairnsdale community, if you lookatthe other communities too along that corridor, that have benefited from the reliability, the frequency of those services," Ms Williams said.
"And Iknow that the communityhas been talking to localmember, Tom McIntosh, about how we can buildonthat. And Ithink for now,putting in place additional coachservices is part of that, but it is all about understanding that regional communities get why regional public transport matters."
Mr McIntosh was quite focusedonthe socioeconomic factor of the announcement, speaking on the relief families will feel with the reductions and free travel being introduced.
"This is fantastic news for local families, students and workers who rely on the Gippsland Line every day," he said.
"Free travelwill make areal difference to household budgets and give even morepeople a reason to jump on board."
While there are still multiple items to improve on, and for the public to see if the government will remain accountable to, the news delivered at Traralgon station was mostly positive, and showed agenuine interest in the Gippsland Line.
Whether or not thatismerelyperformativeleading up to the election year remains to be seen, but thefreetravel over November and weekends all summer, on amore frequently running service, is still acause to celebrate in the short term
The free travel initiatives provide aboostfor those 'leavingthe car at home', but the broader challenge of meeting demand on Gippsland’sregional lines is not solved that easily, with many commuters still asking the unanswerable question: whether trains will continue to be replaced by coaches in 2026.
Morwellhome to the SEC, butonly11jobs
By AIDAN KNIGHT
STATE government presence was strong in the Latrobe Valley last week, which began with avisit fromthe Premierand culminatedinanotherfrom the Minister for the State Electricity Commission.
LilyD’Ambrosio travelled to stand alongside SEC chief executiveChrisMiller in Morwell last Friday (October 24) to openthe SEC Community Hub located at 248 Commercial Road.
Thebuildingwas previously the original home of the SEC credit union.
The SEC executive noted that in asense, “history has come full circle” as the re-established SECisnow building its home in the same building that once housed the company’s member bank.
The hub is designed to be more than just an office space, intended as acommunity resource where locals can learn about the energy transition,get advice on electrification, and explore future career opportunities.
Mr Miller emphasised that the hub will provide awelcoming, inclusive space for people to reminisce about the original SEC’s legacy while also looking forward to the new energy future.
“This hub is intended to be acommunity space, aspace wherepeople can feel welcome, can talk about and reminisce about the wonderful legacy of the original SEC, but also look forward and understand what the role of the new SEC is, butwhatpeople can do at household level to participate in this transition and reduce their costs and reduce their energy bills,” he said.
“Wehad anumberoffirms helping us out with the construction and fit-out, including Chris Humphrey Office National, who led the work to fit out the hub,” Mr Miller said.
“We had LV Solar install the solar panels that appear on the roof of the facility.”
Mr Miller said the SEC was already building strong connections with the region’s major employers.
“We’re now retailing proudly to anumberof really significant institutions in the Latrobe Valley, including Latrobe Regional Hospital, TAFE Gippsland and anumberofpublic schools,” he said.
Insidethe hub, visitors can explore model electric appliances including aheat pump and induction cooktop, to see first-hand how electric technology benefits households. Historical artefacts from the original organisation’s golden era, kindly donated by the Morwell Historical Society, are also on display.
Educational sessions and school visits will be akey feature of the hub, while local community groups and businessesare encouraged to use the facilities for meetings, eventsand information sessions.
While celebrating the hub as asymbol of the SEC’s revival, Ms D’Ambrosiobecamevisibly frustrated when questioned about the number of staff actually based in Morwell.
Mr Miller had told media present at the presser thatthere would be 11 SEC employees staffed at the location, later to reveal that the SEC has close to 135 staff in total.
This was brought into question when one reporterpresent askedif11out of 135 in one location really reflects Morwell as “the home of the SEC”.
The Minister deflected,emphasasing the hub’s broadersignificancefor the region’s energy future, and how “this is the new SEC”.
“Let’s not forget how we ended up here”, she continued, arguing thatpast privatisation -rather than current staffing decisions -was to blame for lost local jobs.
“(The Liberals) sold off all of the SEC and all of its assets owned by the people of Victoria, the jobs, the traineeships, the apprenticeships that were supported by the SEC, all of that was flogged off for international, global corporate profit. And
thoseprofits left thiscountry, not only Victoria, they left the country. “It’s about the new SEC now; it’s about the new energy system. And that is why what we have here today, the hub, is about that new journey for kids and young people, and those peoplealready switched on, those young people understand and embrace the new energy of the future. And excuse me, this hub here is to enable them to imagine where they can fit into that new system in terms of careers and jobs.”
This tension escalated during questions about the Loy Yang Bpower station’s potential future, following the Express’svisit to the Alinta-owned site earlier that week.
Ms D’Ambrosio curtly responded to queries about its potential closure, before her PR manager cut the press conference short after tersely reaffirming the government’s renewable energy targets.
More positively, the SEC confirmed that its mostsignificant current project is the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub -one of theworld’s largestbatteries at 600megawatts -expected to be operational by theend of thisyear
“We’ve got alargebattery, well progressed through theconstructionphase, justonthe outskirts of MelbournenearCalderPark,the Melbourne renewable energy hub, one of the biggest batteriesinthe world, 600megawatts,
andthat program has run very effectively,” Mr Miller said.
“We’reontrack to be commissioning that asset by the end of this year, and that asset is going to play areally important role in the energy system as we increasethe rollout and penetration of renewables, because that what that batteryis able to do is soak up the vast amounts of rooftop solar energy during the middle of the day when the demand is lower,and effectively shiftthat energy into later parts of the day when the demand is higher.”
While the project underscores Victoria’s renewable ambitions,questionsremainover the SEC’s local employment impact.
Alinta Energy’s Loy Yang Bstation currently hires around 90 per cent of its workforce from Gippsland, compared to the SEC’ssmall Morwell contingent.
Mr Millerhimselfexposedwhenanswering the question on staffing, that the use of the previous building was not only anostalgic one, but a strategic one to make the hub more appealingas aworkplace, just not to Gippslanders.
“Thisisone of the reasonswe’ve established the hub, to make this areallyattractive, vibrant, modern workspace right next to the train station, so it’s veryaccessible to Melbourne, and we’ve had avery steady stream of traffic, of staff coming down here, often for days at atime, to work up alongside our Morwell base.”
This subtly suggests that there is someintention for the hub to be positioned more as aconvenient satellite office, close to the power stations,for Melbourne-basedSEC workers,despite rhetoric aboutsupporting Latrobe Valley’s economic transition amid the emergence of renewables.
Apress release provided to the Express by the Minister’s media team stated the government’s intention to boost employment by 60 per cent, equating to jobs for 67,000 peopleby2040. However, no details were included about specific employment targets for the Latrobe Valley -the heart of the SEC’s original operations and the region once responsible for keeping Victoria’s lights on.
Media time was cut when the topic of offshore win dwas raised, and the Mini ste r’s offic e informedthe Express later that day they will provide an updated timeline by the end of the year. The SEC CommunityHub is open to the public every Monday, Tuesday and Friday onward from 10am to 2pm.
Three amigos: Premier JacintaAllan speaks at Traralgon station, flanked by Member forEastern Victoria Region TomMcIntosh andTransport Minister Gabrielle Williams Photographs: Katrina Brandon
Preserving power’spast: Tony Salvatorefromthe Morwell Historical Society holds avintage SEC uniform, par tofthe collection donated to celebrate theregion’sproud energy heritage.
Photo: Aidan Knight
Premier unlocks bush tourism boost
By AIDANKNIGHT
PREMIER Jacinta Allan made use of her time in the Latrobe Valley last week, by pairing her public transport announcement at Traralgon station with another of equal importance to the area and Victoria generally.
Alongside Minister for the Environment Steve Dimopoulos and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh,MsAllan addressed media to unveil the state government's investment of $30 million in unlocking 1.8 million hectares of state forest to boost regional tourism.
This will take place in bothGippsland and North East Victoria.
"Our forests remain open to everysingle Victorian and visitor alike -toenjoy hunting, fishing, camping, bushwalkingand all the benefits of the bush", thePremier said.
Also announced was afurtherinvestment into amenitiesfor outdoorrecreation totalling $14.2 million, in key spots that include Chenes Bridge, Heyfield.
"Victorians love the bush, it's part of who we are. We love to get out withfamilies, to go camping, dropping alineina riversomewhere, taking a quiet moment to go fishing,” Ms Allan continued, but the bigger focus of the press conference was of the staffing this would bring.
"We're putting more boots on the ground", was the
wording used to announce afurther $7.2 million was being put towards employing and training park rangers
Minister Dimopoulos told the Express he was lookingforwardtoDEECA getting morestaff to "get on the tools, so to speak", as these are parks not managed by Parks Victoria.
On the numbers and location of rangers, he said: "It's roughly around 16 additional rangers, and it will be around predominantly the Gippsland area, the great outdoors Task Force area."
"We'll have more information to say about where they're stationed, how they travel around, and can Ijust say that's just on top of the base we already have, not to assume we don't have any resources out there.
"We have abunch of resources out through Gippsland, but this is an uplift, and it will include Walhalla," he went on to say, ensuring to mention one of the local forested areas that suffered more severely from illegal dumping and other undesirable behaviour last holiday season.
Anew Illegal Dumping Taskforce has also been establishedtoprotect the environment and preserve the amenity of natural areas.
Mr McIntoshjoined the conversation to detail the actual management of the land being opened up for outdoor adventurers, with the simple phrase of "It's really hard to appreciate what you can't enjoy."
"Conversations I've had, whether it's local pubs, whether it's supermarkets, they reallywant to get people in. Ithink asignificant part of this is the pest and weed management. We're not talking to land care groups, whether it's farmers, whether it's locals, they just want to they really appreciate this support."
Another key initiative under the same umbrella is the $4 million Healthy Forests Pilot Program, which will initially focusontimber townslike Orbost and Noojee.
The program aims to reimagine forest management by incorporating multiplecommunity values, including tourism, recreation, and environmental conservation.
The Ministerfor Environment said Victoria’s new forest management trial will take amore holistic approach, recognising the manydifferent ways people value state forests beyond their ecological importance.
The pilotprogramwillincorporatearangeof community priorities, including tourism, recreation, economic use, and Traditional Owner values, into asingle management framework.
This approach aims to ensure local communities see themselvesreflected in how Victoria’s public forests are managed in thefuture
The initiative forms part of abroader push by the state government to encourage outdoor recreation
andtourism across regional Victoria.
Over the past month, the government has made aseries of related announcements, including new huntingopportunities,additional mountain bike trails in the Alpineregion, and amulti-year agreement with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to help maintain off-road tracks.
The plancomesafter extensive community consultation, with more than 20,000Victorians providing inputthrough recentinquiries and task forces.
Mr McIntosh emphasised the economic potential, notingthat improved outdoorfacilities could significantly boost regional tourism and local businesses.
The government expects the plan will create new jobs,encourageoutdoor recreation, and provide economic stimulus to Gippsland's communities.
The Express prepared amultitude of questions for the Premier on arange of other topics important to the Latrobe Valley, such as the machete amnesty program and ESVF levy, but were not permitted time to raise these issues after both pressers were complete and the Premier departed.
Also while in town, Ms Allan made stops at Mirboo North Secondary College for aschool visit, and Erica for the Healthy Forest Plans Pilot alongside Baw Baw Shire Council members.
Local media were not informed of either event until aday later.
His say: EnvironmentMinister SteveDimopoulos frontingthe media in Traralgon last week Photographs: KatrinaBrandon
Stroll: Member forEastern VictoriaRegionTom McIntosh, Victorian Premier JacintaAllan and Minister forEnvironment,Tourismand Outdoor Recreation SteveDimopoulos tour thenew Traralgon station platform
The voice of localadvocacy appointed
GIPPSLAND Critical Minerals(GCM) has appointedEastGippsland resident and prominent timber advocateMick Harrington as its East Gippsland community and stakeholder lead.
Alifelong EastGippslander, Mr Harrington brings abackground in forestry,agriculture and regional advocacy and areputation for straighttalking engagement with communities across Australia. He said his focus will be on ensuring local voices remain central as the region navigates aperiod of economic transition.
"Whenopportunity knocks in regional Australia, you don't wait for someone else to answer the door," Mr Harrington said.
"I've taken this role because East Gippsland itself should be leading the conversation about its future, and Iwanttohelp ensure that happens.
"Our region has powered, fed and built this nation. Now we need to make sure it grows into the future, and with projects like Fingerboards being donethe right way, we can ensure it does just that."
GCM chief executive Michelle Wood said Mr Harrington's appointment reflected the company's ongoingfocus on listening,accessibility and transparency.
"Mick knows Gippsland insideout and is an advocate for the region" Ms Wood said.
"He listens carefully, speaks plainly and acts on what he hears. His appointment strengthens our ability to stay connected with people on theground and ensure local insights continue to shape how we operate.
"It also ensures we can shape the project with opportunities and benefits that the community cares aboutand thatmatter to East Gippsland –not Melbourne."
Mr Harrington said he would continue building on the relationships already established between GCM and local stakeholders.
"My first priorityistomakesurethat people know the door is always open. If they are worried about the project or have questions about how it has changed –there is only really one way to find out and that is by asking," he said.
"I'll be out in the community listening, answering questions and making sure Gippsland's voice stays front and centre in decisions that shape its future."
Response to criticism
MEANWHILE,opponents of the mine have claimed
Energy investors taking business elsewhere
THE cancellation of the RWE Kent Offshore Wind project leaves the state’s energy transition in tatters, according to The Nationals MP, Melina Bath.
Ms Bath, the Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, said this was the second offshore wind project planned for the Gippsland coastline that had announced it would no longer proceed.
The German energy company RWE released plans to develop the $10 billionKent Offshore Wind project in July 2024, but announced last week that it would not proceed followinga feasibility study.
This follows BlueFloat’s withdrawal from the Gippsland zone three monthsbefore. The company blamed the decision on “market conditions” and “ongoing uncertainties around the cost of supply chain costs”.
The former 2-gigawatt KentOffshore Wind project was awarded afeasibility licence in July 2024 to develop an offshore wind energy project in Gippsland.
“This latest lost investment does nothing to instil consumer confidence in the Allan Government’s ability to guarantee Victoria’s energy security or reign in spiralling energy costs in acost-of-living crisis," she said.
“It will undoubtedly heap more pressure on households experiencing bill stress. Labor continues to toutoffshore wind energyas the answer to Victoria’s mounting energy crisis –but with these projects faltering, the state is at risk of an energy supplyshortfall."
Ms Bath said Victoria’s energy transmission was beingbungledbythe Allan government’s poor decision making and policy framework which is pushing household bills higher.
“Combined with Labor’s looming gas ban –Victoria is hurtling towards rolling blackouts and even higher energy bills as demand outstrips supply," she said.
“The Allan government'sfailuretosupport investment for the state’s energy transition, combinedwith the lack of confidencefrom private investors, is having aprofound impact on Victoria’s energy security.
“In contrast The Nationals and Liberals in government will reverse Labor’s gas ban for newhomes and support new gas exploration to strengthenthe state’s energy security.”
criticism from GCM, regarding arecent community meeting, was unfounded.
Mine Free Glenaladale (MFG)spokesperson Robyn Grant saidpeoplehad askedfor GCM to hold apublic meetinginBairnsdale after changes to the project were announced as part of the rescoping of the failed Kalbar project.
"Despite the success of public meetings held in the past by Kalbar and now this one organised by MFG, GCM still refuses to do so," she said.
GCM last week stated that "the town hall event formatchosenbyorganisersisnolonger considered best practice with safety and inclusivity concerns cited as the primaryreason," anditwould "always put the safetyofthe community, our staff and contractors first".
In response, Ms Grant said, "these statements by
the company are extremely insulting, out of touch with community values, suggestive of threatening and aggressivebehaviour, and lacking complete trust in acommunity that has so muchtolose and has the right to defend itself".
"GCM's community drops-in sessions have been poorly attended, with participants experiencing intimidation, becausethey were being photographed and recorded without their consent," Ms Grant said.
"As aresult of this, people remarked they would not attend another of these sessions. GCM's webinars have also seen low numbers due to slow internet connection andsomepeople don't have the time and or the skills to participate online.
"Community members are perplexed why GCM is persisting with these forms of community
consultation when they are obviously failing.Many feel this is merely atickthe box exercise for GCM."
Ms GrantsaidMFG hadcommunicated with GCM chiefexecutiveMichelle Wood "on numerous occasions via email",expressing concernabout the project, with questions related to the changes of the rescoped project and the planned test pit.
"These queries have not been answered," Ms Grant claimed.
"The community are frustrated that there is no back-upinformation to verify many of these changes, including, the claims that a1.5-kilometre buffer will stop the dust, or that slowing the mining rate and extending the life of the mine from 15 to 22 years will lessen the community's exposure to dust, noise and truck traffic, and where are the facts that the test pit will replicate the proposed large open cut mine? When the test pit will only be halfthe depth of the deepest mine void and will be afractionofthe size.
"It is understandable that the community is reluctant to meet withGCM and to attendcommunity engagement sessions when no scientific data is available to explain the changes.
"GCM'sclaim that MFG is an anti-mining group hasnosubstance. Yes,MFG doesoppose thisproposed mineral sandsminebecauseit exposes dangers to the environment and the wider community."
East Gippsland Advocacy Group (EGAG) stated there had never beenan"anti-mining group" in East Gippsland.
"That is typical mining rhetoric designed to discredit legitimate community concern. Such language reflectsanattitude that showsnounderstandingofthe numerous community members and directly affected familieswho oppose your proposal, which is inappropriate, unfeasible, and unrealistic," the EGAG stated.
"Theseare not anonymous figuresormerelines on amap.They are retired teachers, third-generation farmers, local business owners, nurses, not-forprofit workers, and government employees -people with families and deep connections to this area.
"We allege Michelle's dismissive language belittles and offends them.
"For over 11 years, families in the Glenaladale area have fought this proposal not because they are 'anti-mining', but because they oppose inexperienced, fly-by-night operators attempting to impose adangerous project on our community.
"GCM, its predecessor Kalbar Resources, has consistently demonstrated alackofunderstanding of the local context and adisregard for the people who live here.
"GCM does not 'welcome other perspectives'. We allege the only voices truly welcomed are those who share their agenda -the so-called 'good corporate citizens' seeking personal or professionalgain from the illusion of promised jobs and benefits that do not exist."
Albanese andTrumpsign critical mineralsagreement
PRIME Minister Anthony Albanese and US President DonaldTrumplastweek signed a landmarkbilateralframework on critical mineralsand rare earths.
The agreement, signed in the WhiteHouse, is set to accelerated pipeline of priority projects delivered by and for the two nations.
The United States–Australia Framework for SecuringofSupplyinthe Miningand Processing of Critical Mineralsand Rare Earthswill deliver aUS/Australiasecured supply chainfor critical minerals andrare earths, required for defence and other advanced technologies.
To complement the framework, the US and Australia will take measures to each provide at least US$1 billion in investments towards an US$8.5 billion pipeline of priority critical minerals projects in Australia and the United States over the next six months.
Financial commitments were announcedfor projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Accordingtothe Prime Minister, the historic framework will assist both countries in achieving resilience and security of critical mineralsand rare earths supply chains, including mining, separation, and processing, through use of economic policy tools and coordinated investment.
AUS-Australia Critical MineralsSupply Security Response Group willbeestablished underthe leadership of the US Secretary of Energy and the Australian Resources Minister to identify priority minerals and supply vulnerabilities and to develop acoordinated plan to accelerate delivery of processed minerals under this framework.
“There are no closer friends and alliesthan the UnitedStates of America and Australia. President
Trump and Iagreed today we will work very hard together in both our nations’ interests,” Mr Albanese said.
“We’ve agreed today Australia and America are going to make more thingstogetherwithour historic framework on critical minerals.
“Australia is home to much of the periodic table of critical minerals and rare earth metals that are vitalfor defence and otheradvancedtechnologies
“Cooperation on critical mineralsand rare earth supply chains is testament to the trusted partnership between Australia and the United States as strategic defence allies.
“I look forwardtocontinuingtowork with President Trump to strengthen our partnership and support American and Australian workers, businesses and investors.”
Timber fundproviding forcommunities
COMPANIES in Yinnar and Moe South are two of 11 Gippsland businesses who have received grants totalling $1 million as partofthe state government’s investment in communities hit by the stategovernment’s closure of the native forest industry, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of jobs.
BWilliams Cartage in Yinnar received $110,082 to develop amobile welding service for commercial and agricultural clients, while Hodge Forestry Services in Moe South was supported with $247,126 to buy drone spraying equipment for plantation pest management. The Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence, said the Forestry Transition Fundand Victorian Timber Innovation grantsallow businesses to buy or maintain equipment, hire staff and build infrastructure to support business ventures ranging from farm mapping,and other droneservices to cycling tours andgrain haulage. As part of the Timber Innovation Fund,ARDalley
2025
in Buchan Southwas awarded $270,072 to buy two multi-purpose grain haulage trailers, helpingthem to transition from log haulage.
Newmerella business East GippslandDrones received $49,806 to expand theirspecialised drone services. The money willsupport the creationof anew full-time dronepilot role andinvestment in equipment to meetgrowing demand for crop spraying, fertilising and weed control across steep terrain.
In SwiftsCreek, Stock DogKennels and Four Peaks Pastoral Services each received $50,000 to upgrade or acquire new equipment. The Buchan River Café also received the same amount to buy commercial kitchenequipment and renovate its kitchen to be fully operational, while Baw Baw ShireCouncil will use its $50,000 grant to undertake afeasibility study into aLongwarry Logistic and Employment Hub.
Five Tales in Piedmont (near Noojee) will invest its $45,164 grant to build agreenhouse for highvaluecrops,includingheirloom tomatoes, heritage cucumbers and specialty lettuces.
In Orbost, Mekken Marine wasawarded $30,000 to build astorage shed andinstall custom workbenches, while Snowy River Cycling Pty Ltd received $31,045 to buy an enclosed bike trailer and four e-bikes.
Ms Spence said Gippsland businesses and communitieshad received more than $97 millionin grants and support to help create new jobs.
“The support means Gippsland native timber workerscan remain in employment –either in their existing jobs or finding new work through the creation of 113 new jobs in the region,” she said. For more information visit: deeca.vic.gov.au/ forestry
Mr Everywhere: Gippsland Critical Minerals East Gippslandcommunityand stakeholder lead Mick Harrington. Many will be familiar withMrHarrington as alocal singer(who camerunner-up on The Voice) and timberadvocate. Photograph contributed
Heavy rainrecorded, superstorm misses
Proof: Member forGippsland South Danny O’Brien wasstokedwith Sunday’srainfall, stating “13mm plus five mm overnight makesfor the bestrain in Sale.” Photograph supplied
By KATRINA BRANDON HUFF, puff
and gone.
Asevere weather warning cloaked the state last Wednesday (October 22), with warnings stating wind speeds of up to 90km/h to 120km/h in some areas.
The Latrobe Valley received alarge downpourand wind throughout the day, but nothing to write home about, or as some say, “classic Gippsland weather”.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) Latrobe ValleyObservationsPage, Latrobe Valley received windspeeds toppingat72km/h throughout the day.
Calling on people to be alert and ready,Vic Emergency stepped in to bring the warning to the forefront.
“We’re expecting avery significant severe weather event to impact Victoria from tomorrow (Wednesday,October 22),”Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said.
“(The weather event)will see widespread damagingwinds from the west of the state in the morning through to the east of the state in the afternoon.”
Mr Wiebusch stated that the areas most likely to be affected would be the Portland, Warrnambool, Geelong, BellarinePeninsula, Melbourneand
Gippsland areas. Still,hewarned that other partsof the state would alsofeel the strong pressure system.
Warning of potential outages, Mr Wiebusch reiterated that Victorians need to ensure they are ready for whatever weather conditions are to come, not only for the event of the “storm”, but also over the next few months as they might become more frequent, or even in the event of other emergencies.
“We're asking Victorians to ensure that they are prepared for power outages,” he said.
“This means be aware of fallen power lines that may be on the ground, but also ensure that you have charged your mobile devices tonight so that you can survive through those periods of power outages. Similarly, suppose you've undertaken burn-offs in recent days.Inthat case,we're asking people to go and check their burns, to make sure thatwedon'tsee any of those becoming escapes during these very significant and damaging winds.”
BRINGING in more of aneed for awarning, Sunday (October 26) posed as abiggerweather event than Wednesday, October 23.
With heavyrainfall of up to 15-30mm, parts of the Latrobe Valley started to swim, while also being hit with winds of up to 20km per hour.
Amoderate storm with chances of thunder and
lightning were predicted with up to 25mm of rain expected to hit around late afternoon Sunday and to follow into early Monday (October 27) morning, easing just before 'work' hours. More showers followed throughout Monday at a less intense degree with the band of rain heading towards New South Wales.
Looking further into the week, rain is expected cease, with temperatures rising to ahigh of 23 degrees until Friday,where therewillbemore rain going into the weekend.
IN other news, BoM has released its new website design.
Unfortunately, some users are upset with the new website design, stating that the old one was fine and that the new one is much harder to navigate. One useronaweather-obsessed Facebook page statedthatthe new lookwasn’t“user-friendly”, andanother noted that the look was more than disappointing.
“Absolute garbage when Iwent to check it, and Iwas lost. If it's not broken, don't fix it.”
Despite some of the backlash, some didn’t mind the change. To keep up with local weather, go to: https:// www.bom.gov.au/
Collaboration on agriculture plastics recycling
ADIVERSE group of stakeholders from across Gippsland'sagricultural and recyclingsectors converged on Morwell on October 16 to tackle the growing issue of silage wrap waste.
Organised by Sustainability Victoria's Gippsland regional engagement lead Chris Francis, the event convened farmers, councils, recyclers, industry bodies and government representatives to explore circulareconomy opportunities for agricultural plastics –particularly silage wrap.
Currently, silage wrap in Victoria is rarely recycled, with mostofitending up in landfillor being illegally burnt or buried on farms. Research from Dairy Australia showed farmers were keen to do the right thing, but lacked of accessible recycling options means this valuable material is lost from the economy.
Financial modelling outlinedthe cost to acouncil managinga cubic metre of silage wrap overthe lifetime of alandfill was around $350, compared to $150 to recover and recycle the same volumehighlighting the economic case for change.
The workshopfocused on identifying the systems needed to support silage wrap recovery –such as logistics, processinginfrastructure and viable end markets. Presentationsfromexperts acrossthe sectorshowcased successful trials, current schemes, and innovative recycling solutions.
The afternoon session, facilitatedbyProfessor Matthew Kearnes from the UniversityofNew South Wales, saw attendees work in cross-sectoral groupstoidentify barriers and co-design future solutions for silage wrap recovery in Gippsland.
"East Gippsland Shire Council greatly valuedthe
opportunity to participate in the agricultural plastics workshop hosted by Sustainability Victoria," the council's wasteminimisation and sustainability officer Carina Turner said.
"Thesession provided acollaborativeplatform to explorepractical solutions for improving the collection and recyclingofagriculturalplastics," she said.
"Together with industry stakeholders, we discussed logistics for transporting plastic waste from farms to recycling facilities and identified opportunities to boost recycling rates across East Gippsland's agricultural sector."
The workshopsucceeded in building connections and laying thegroundwork foraregionalnetwork to collectively and continuously work on circular opportunities. Participants expressed strong
enthusiasm for continuingthe conversation and developing practical, scalable approaches.
Mr Francis said solving complex waste challenges like agricultural plastics required genuine collaboration.
"Theseconversations are vitaltodesigning circular systems that workfor communities, industries and the environment," he said.
"This workshop demonstrates how Sustainability Victoria'srole as aplace-based circulareconomy broker can bring the right peopletogether to codesign practical solutions to reducewaste."
Thereisstrong interest in replicating this model in other Victorian regions such as Loddon Mallee and Barwon Southwest, where agricultural plastics also pose significant environmental and economic challenges.
Crew: Attendeesaddressed silage wrap waste.
Photograph supplied
Classic chess
THERE was many valuable contributions from new players, Becky Tops, Joe Taylor and Andrew Goutton at the Latrobe Valley ChessClubmeetingon Tuesday, October 21.
Both Ian Hamilton and Price Samaseai were undefeated and await their deciding matchup.
Cliff Thornton gave useful support for other players.
Followingthe drawn game, Peter Bakker held the points in two games but overlooked the attacking methods when they were required in the conclusive battles.
Steve Ahern had three wins but in theother gamesthe misjudgements were punished.
The interest shown by Nikki Goulton was appreciated by everyone.
Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more information on local chess.
Apiarists fieldday
VARROA Destructor is in Gippsland!
The Gippsland Apiarists Association will be holding afield day with avarroa focus on Saturday, November 15.
It will be held at the Gippsland Agr icu ltur al Gro up Inc (34 5 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale). The day is open to all beekeepers.Wehave anumberofVarroaDevelopment Officers attending who will be facilitating sessions on the day as well as small group practical work with beehives involving monitoring and surveillance. They will also be explaining how to develop amanagementplan for your apiary.
We have Bee Genetics providing inpu to nt heir work with varroa resistant queens and Sven, from Varroa Controller, will be giving a presentation on nonchemical control of Varroa.
Lunch is included with registration.
To register, email the GAA treasurer, Sue Harding at: suegaa@ aussiebb.com.au
Payment is required with registration.
Seethe website: gippslandbees.org. au and various other publicity outlets for banking details.
Registrationmustbecompleted before November 1.
Yinnar market
THE Yinnar Community Hall Market is on again at the hall on Sunday, November 2from 9am to 1pm. All monies raised do go back into the community hall.
Good opportunity to make astart on your Christmas Shopping with 50 stallholders attending.
Sausagesizzleand food vanavailable,alsoacoffee van, donut van and Devonshire teas.
Resin items,health and wellness products, children's knitted toys, condiments, plants,cushions, fresh fruitand vegies, hand madecards, hair scrunchies and bows.Recycled furniture, handmade bags, jewellery, candles, dried flowers, cakes and cookies, serving platters and chopping boards, breads and pastries, Yinnar/ Yinnar South Landcare, fresh flowers, baby blankets, burp cloths and more. Come along and just enjoy acouple of hours catching up with the locals. Free face painting for the children inside thegated area, with live music from The Latrobe Community Concert Band.
The local Gippsland Historical Automobile Club will have vehicle's on display.
Entry to the hall is by aGold Coin donation only.
Dogs are not permittedinside the hallbut are welcome outside if kept on aleash.
Morwell Historical Society
NOVEMBER is the last month to visit the Morwell Historical Society during their open days for 2025.
They wil lb eo pen Wedne sday , November 5, Wednesday, November 19 and Sunday, November 30 from 11am to 2pm at 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell.
Do yourself afavour and take atrip down memory lane, have achatwith our volunteers in our Step Back in Time Conversation Café and share your connection with Morwell. For any queries, call 0409 436 019.
Community Corner with Liam Durkin
The society will take ashort break over Christmas and reopen on Wednesday, February 4.
Churchill Christmas market
ACHRISTMAS Craft Market will be held at Churchill Shopping Centre on Saturday, December 6from 9am to 1pm.
There'll be arange of craft stalls sellingawide variety of quality items, perfect for gift-giving at Christmas. Alimited number of good quality second-hand items will also be available, including extra stock inside the Churchill Lifeline Op Shop, which will be open during market hours.
Bookings for stallsites are now open -book online at: churchill.org. au/markets (pleasenote that tables are limited to two per stall).
There'll be free sausage sizzles, entertainment and giveaways at the ChurchillChristmas Market, so it'll be afun day out for families to browse,
Insignia: The Flying Duck Orchid (the emblem of the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalist Club) The club is celebrating its 65th anniversar y with a photo exhibition Photograph: MattCampbell
taught by local Traralgon ukulele teacher Phillip Chalker, from Latrobe music who provides fun and supportive sessions for people of all ages and abilities.
The next one-off workshop for compl ete beg inne rs wil lb eh eld Thursday, November20, with two sessionsrunningfrom 10am-11.30am and 12pm-1.30pm.
Cost is $25 per person per session, with the first session includinga one-time$10 materials fee for printed resources and atake-home folder Participants are asked to bring their own ukulele and tuner.
If you don’t already have these, you can purchase both directlyfrom us for an additional cost.
To help with planning, RSVPby Monday, November 17.
Location is 14 Swan Rd, Morwell. For bookingsorinquiries, phone Phillip on 0400 603 367 or email: latrobemusic@gmail.com.
Dance lessons
GET dancing this spring with Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc!
Head to the Morwell Girl Guide Hall (18 Margaret St) from 7pm-10pm on Thursdaynightstolearnorbrush up on new vogue/old time sequence dances.
Waltz into better health and make new friends.
Admission is $5 per person. Wear comfortable footwear.
Phone Len on 0439683 834 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information. Or email:latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com
Follow us on our Facebook page: Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc.
Brilliant bridge
TRARALGON Bridge Club results:
meet friends and find those special gifts for Christmas.
For more inf orma tio n, sear ch Churchill Shop Local on Facebook.
The mar ket is faci litate db y Churchill &District Community
Asso cia tion ,i np ar tne rsh ip with Churchill Neighbourhood Centre and Churchill &District News.
The Natureof Gippsland
THIS year, the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists Club mark their 65th anniversary.
As part of our celebrations ,we would like to share our enjoymentand enthusiasm forthe natural world with the wider community.
So.weare holding‘The Natureof Gippsland’ Photographic Exhibition, of 178 photographs, taken by our members, with stories covering flora, fauna, and landscapes in Gippsland.
The exhibition is to be held in the Greek Orthodox ChurchHall (a DDA
compliant venue) at 44-46 Elgin St, Morwell. Open every day from 10 am to 4pmfrom Friday, November 7to November 13. Entry is free. If you have an interestinthe natural world around us it is very likely that you will enjoy seeing our exhibition. Everyone is welcome.
Spiritual centre
LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Rd, Morwell).
Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm. Guestspeaker every weekwith demonstrations from an invited medium followed by acuppaand afternoon tea For enquiries,phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.
Learntoplaythe ukulele
FOR completebeginners! Ever wanted to learn how to play the ukulele? Here’s your chance! All lessons are
Mond ay, Octobe r2 0: 1st Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell 68.75 per cent; 2nd Barbara Brabets and Anne Moloney 56.25.
Tuesday,October21(final of twopart teams event)-1st Glenis Lohr and Kerry Mills, Christsine Zarb and FredKaminski 67 VPs; 2nd Moira Heck er and Ros hni Chand, Ka y Baxter and Anne Moloney 65 VPs. Thursday, October, 23 -1st Robin and Moira Hecker71.88; 2nd Barbara Barr and Maria Mactaggart, Fred Kaminskiand Heather Henley52.08
If you would like to playorlearn more about bridge,weinvite you to call Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528. New members are always welcome. Come along and see what it's all about.
Open day
MORWELLFire Brigadewillhost its open day on Saturday, November 8. Heapsofactivitiesincluding Captain Koala,face painting, old fire trucks, home fire safety program and mini fire truck races.
Comedownto26McDonald St, Morwell from 10am-2pm.
Trycroquet
IF you would like to try anew sport whichissuitable for all ages, come along to Traralgon Croquet Courts (66-110 McNairn Rd, Traralgon). Flat soled enclosed shoes are your only requirement andthe club will provide everything else,including assistance frommembers to understand the game. Times for social play are: Saturday and Tuesdays 10am to 12pm and 12.30pm-4pm. On Wednesday nights, social play will be from 5pm-8pm, which gives another opportunity to try croquet outside work and school hours. Cost is $5.
For further information, phone 0447 276 783.
Youcan be apartof Community Corner
IF you are acommunity groupand have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@ lvexpress.com.au You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.
Walking club is active and welcoming
BEN Cruachan Walking Club has been going out bush for the past 60 years, undertaking avariety of walks, from extended to leisurely strolls, with the activities of the last month illustrating the diversity that embodies the club.
Astroll around Sale and the Flooding Creek Reserve was well attended, as was afantastic hike through Mullundung State Forest where hikers heard the tale of thenotoriouskidnapper who held hostages in the bush.
That evening, for those who campedon, it was an opportunity to look for gliders and other nocturnal wildlife. The regularclubsocial night was held in Bairnsdale, with Peter McHugh sharing the history of Moscow VillainBentleyPlain and of Bill Ah Chow.
This was preceded by abrief presentation for an upcoming walkinSouthAustralia along the wild south coast.
Bushwalking Victoria’s Try Bushwalkingcalendar included aramble to the Den of Nargun and afternoon tea at Echo Bend.
Aperennial favourite,Wilsons Promontory National Park, was the destination for atwo-night hike, including astopatthe lighthouse.
Then, early this month, anumber of club members joined in the combined clubs walk at Wirilda Walking Track, while other members joined in the festivities at the Wollangarra Outdoor Education Centre open day.
The McMillans Walking Trackend-to-end will be in early December, with Ben Cruachan Walking Club having along association with this 200km Alpineroute. The hike is supported,withhikers enjoying the experience while bearing only day packs.
Thecalendar is packed with outdooradventures for the rest of the year, and there is acombined clubsactivity on November16hosted by West Gippsland Bushwalking Club.
For those considering getting out and about, and would like to join in awalk, the club's website has all the information. Guest walkers are welcome.
TEE Up Charity golf day provides critical outlet
TEE Up for MentalHealth raised astaggering $30,000 for Lifeline Gippslandand the Rotary Club of Traralgon.
As one of the biggest events of its existence, 60 teams and more than 150 players took to the Traralgon Golf Course last month to support and discussanimportant issue while having ahit of golf.
This year's massive tally far exceeded the prior event's number of $25,000.Member for Morwell Martin Cameronwas again part of the organising committee for the event.
"The volunteers whopiece this event together did an outstanding job of making sure everything runs smoothly on the day, which is no easy feat with a fieldofmore than 150 players," Mr Cameron said
"The supportfor the event growseveryyear, and this year we raised arecord-breaking $30,000 on the day.
"It was an honour to help handover the cheque to Lifeline Gippsland for $15,000 that will go along waytoproviding critical mental health support in crisis."
LifelineGippsland continues its involvement in the national 13 11 14 crisis line and deliveryof suicide prevention across the region.
"Rotary (Club of Traralgon) does apower of work in our communities by donating to mental health initiatives and helping fund mental health first aid programs, so therest of thismoney will be put straight back into the community," Mr Cameron added.
"Our Rotarians selflessly do so much behindthe-scenes in the mental health space, especially foryoungpeople, which is critical given around 75 percent of mental health issues start between 12-25 years of age.
"The event couldn't run without the backing of our local business community, which generously provides sponsorship, prizes and in-kind support, so the organising committee extends its sincere thankstothose local business for theirongoing support.
"The Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day seems to be goingfrom strength to strength, so we're looking forward to doing it all again next year."
Great work: Member forMorwell Martin Cameron (grey jacket) hands over acheque for$30,000 to Rotary Club of Traralgon and LifelineGippsland, raised as par tofthe annualcharitygolf day. Photograph supplied
Hike: Ben CruachanWalkingClub members gathered at Wollangarra. Photograph supplied
HOROSCOPES
by JoanneMadeline Moore
October 27 -November 2, 2025
others, being kind of heart and offering positive advice is a winning double Tuesdays Mars/Jupiter trine helps you motivate a friend or relative to be more adventurous Strive to be the positive role model they are looking for
With Venus visiting your wellbeing zone, find a fitness routine that keeps you motivated and choose healthy food options that you actually enjoy eating! Attached Taurus –are you stuck in a relationship rut? Mars encourages you to communicate with your partner in creative, proactive ways Unhappily single? Don’t be seduced by good looks, powerful pecs or a bulging bank balance Look for lasting love with someone who has similar goals and values
It’s a good week for completing work projects and making future plans However, on Wednesday and Thursday, restless Uranus opposes Mercury (your patron planet) and you could feel extra impatient and skip over important details along the way Be extra careful you don t blurt out an inappropriate comment to the wrong person at the wrong time Then Fridays positive Mercury/Pluto link encourages close connections and intense communication
You’re in the mood for fun, action and entertainment! But, in order to capitalise on the Mars-Jupiter energy surge, some forethought and planning are required Theres just no substitute for thorough research and paying close attention to details as perceptive Pluto helps you think deeply, and Mercury helps you to multi-task So don t waste the opportunity to be mega-organised and super productive as you power through projects with extra focus and finesse
The Sun Mercury and Mars light up your family zone so try to get the balance right between professional progress and domestic peace And – if you have to choose – lean slightly towards harmony at home with housemates, family members and close neighbours Monday is the best day to start a big DIY project Your motto for the moment comes from actress Julia Roberts (who turns 58 on Tuesday): “My life at home gives me absolute joy ”
This week the Sun Mercury and Mars encourage vigorous communication, Virgo, as you expand your influence (especially via social media) Being confident is paramount but avoid the tendency to jump to conclusions Venus suggests an increase in cashflow but be careful you don t cancel that out by indulging in a spontaneous spending spree! On Friday you’re super perceptive, as you solve a problem by paying close attention to important details
Its time to replace confrontation with cooperation! Venus (your ruling planet) is transiting through Libra (until November 6), so the more you focus on the needs of loved ones, the happier everyone will be And the more proactive you are about finding win-win solutions to partnership problems (whether romantic or platonic) the more harmonious life will be When it comes to communication, think things through before you speak, text and post
Many Scorpions love the spectacle of Halloween celebrations, as Scorpio (ruled by Pluto – God of the Underworld) is the sign that rules the dark, mysterious parts of life So finding a suitably dramatic gothic costume (for you or your kids) is essential Fridays Mercury/Pluto link will help you get into an intense and imaginative mood Your weekly motto comes from birthday great, poet Sylvia Plath: “Love life day by day, colour by colour, touch by touch
The positive, proactive Mars/Jupiter trine increases your enthusiasm for assisting those who are sick or in need You ll find the more you lend a hand to others, the better you ll feel and the more friends you ll make With Venus in your peer group zone your motto is from writer Robert Louis Stevenson (who had the Sun in Scorpio and Venus in Sagittarius): “A friend is a gift you give yourself It’s also a fabulous week to have fun exploring places close to home
The midweek Mars/Saturn trine is terrific for putting plenty of energy into a challenging long-term project Passion enthusiasm patience and perseverance will get you there in the end By the time the weekend rolls around, you ll feel like winding down and looking within as you meditate, contemplate, relax and ruminate If you slow down and take the time to listen to the wisdom of your inner voice then your intuition will point you in the right direction
On Tuesday, plan to be proactive at work On Wednesday and Thursday, unpredictable Uranus (your ruling planet) opposes Mercury (planet of communication) which could lead to hasty words and impulsive actions So slow down and think (carefully) before you speak and act, especially involving children, teenagers and friends Fridays fabulous Mercury/Pluto connection favours a personal passion project and intense communication with your peer group
The Sun, Mars and Jupiter activate your adventure zone Many Pisceans are keen to travel, and the best time to take a heavenly holiday is between now and November 8 (or between Dec 1-28) So, start planning, booking or packing ASAP But avoid blurting out something inappropriate especially midweek Coupled Pisces – love and lust are in the air Single Fish – with Venus visiting your intimacy zone, look for someone who is trustworthy and kind
COPYR GHT Joanne Made ine Moore 20256
Saxtons Dr, Moe
SAXTONS Drive, Moe was named after the Saxton family. The street roughly follows the alignmentof the Wahalla railway linewhich was closedin1954.
The Saxton family arrived in Moe around 1930 and became well-known for their business interests in the timber industry. The three Saxtonbrothers (Ben, Jack and Eric)joinedforces with Paul Christenson and established amillonthe Middle Tyers River in 1925.
In 1930,the brothersboughthalfofPaul Christenson’s shares in the business and formed acompany: Christenson and Saxton Timber and Trading Pty Ltd. In the same year, in an effort to expand their business in the face of poor economic times during the Great Depression, they built a mill in Moe on the site now occupied by Coles and KMart. The mill provided kiln dried timber and machined timber flooring. Thebusiness was a success and shipments included special packs to Mallisons in theUnitedKingdom. The business became asignificant employer in Moe.
The brothers established atimber mill at Tanjil Bren in 1937 and asettlement grew up around the mill.In1939, the Black Friday fires swept through the settlement and three lives were lost –Ben Saxton and hiswife Dorothy and Mick Gorey. The fire also left amajor problem for the timber industry -what to do with the fire effected timber?
If leftitwould become unusable but to harvest it all would flood the market.Soa government sponsored scheme was established that allowedthe industry to harvest the timber and keep astablemarket, thus enabling the Moe mill to continue to thrive. The Saxton business and the family contributed agreat deal to Moe. They often donated timber to township projects and contributed money for the purchase of an ambulanceand the formation of the firebrigade. They donated 15 acres of landonwhich to build the Moe High School. Family members also joined communityorganisations such as the Blind Auxiliary and the Moe WaterworksTrustand SewerageAuthority. They also supported aproject to provide Viscount Montgomery with timber to rebuild his home in England following the war. Captain JSaxton was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire –equivalent of the Order of Australia Medal) for his services to the timber industryand for his development of amobile sawmill for use during World War 2. Local residentsofthat time will recall the use of WW2vehicles andmachinery which the Saxton’s repurposed for use in the timber industry. Information andphoto supplied by the Moe &District Historical Society.
THE Tyers Art Festival committee is thrilledto announce more than400 entries from145 artists have been includedfor the 46thTyers Art Exhibition.
This milestone highlights the vibrant creativity and community spirit across Gippsland and Victoria.
year’s festivities running from Friday, November 7toSunday, November 9.
Winners across all categories will be revealed at the Tyers Art Festival Gala Evening on the Friday.
Director of the Tyers Art Festival, Peter Harrison indicated, “Each year, the TyersArt Festival brings together the creative heart of Gippsland and beyond, but this year’s response has been truly extraordinary. Welcoming 145 artists and over 400 works,we’reproud to see our community’s passion for art and culture shine brighter than ever as we celebrate our 46th year."
Guests will be among the first to view this year’s exhibition, meet 2025 feature artist Isla McRae, enjoylivemusic from Fields of White, and sample Bush Tucker Bites –auniquetaste of Indigenous cuisine. It’s afantastic night to connect with fellow art lovers and celebrate local creativity. Tickets are available at: tyersartfestival.com. au/gala-evening/.
Anew highlight for2025, The Makers and Bakers Market will run on the Saturday (November 8) from 10am to 3pm at Bert Christensen Reserve.
"This festival is atestament to the talent, diversity, and spirit that make our region so special.”
Artworksspanevery medium from acrylicand oil to watercolour, pastel, drawing, mixed media and designer crafts,promising an inspiring showcase for all visitors.
Awards for thisyear’s Tyers Art Festival Exhibition include the Tyers Award for Best Exhibit, Best Exhibit –Oil, Acrylic, Watercolour, Pastel, Mixed Medium,Craft and Drawing, the Jean Galbraith Prize, GLaWACArt Award, HangersChoice Award, PopularChoice Award and seven Young Artist Awards.
This year, the festival is proud to introduce the inaugural‘JeanGalbraithPrize’, honouring the remarkable legacy of renowned botanist Jean Galbraith and her dedication to protecting Gippsland’s native flora.
Developed in partnership with the Galbraith family and the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists Club, the new prize –titled ‘GippslandFlora’ –has attracted strong interests from artists inspired by the region’s unique botanical heritage.
The Tyers Art Festival willonceagain take place on the second weekend of November, withthis
Browse stalls featuring handmade ceramics, jewellery, textiles and art, plus locally baked treats, preserves and artisan breads. It’s agreat way to support Gippsland’s talented makers and bakers while finding unique gifts.
Also debuting this year, Gallery Graze afternoons invite visitors to enjoy art with alocal twist. For $15, attendees receive festival entry, acomplimentary glass of wine (to keep), and acheese platter withMaffra Cheeses. Sessions run Saturday, November 8(from 12.30 to 3.45pm) and Sunday, November 9(12-2.30pm). Tickets are available at the door.
Wrap up the weekend with Devonshire Tea on Sunday, November 9from10am-12pm. For just $5, enjoy afresh scone with jam and cream, your choice of tea or coffee, and light entertainment fromfieldsofwhite.It’s the perfect way to unwind and soak up the festival’s welcoming atmosphere. Joinfor aweekend celebrating Gippsland’s creativity, flavours and community spirit. Whether you are an art lover, foodie or simply looking for agreat day out, the Tyers Art Festival has something for everyone.
Load: An ex-World War1vehicleused to move treatedtimber at the MoeSaxton Mill, AlbertStreet, Moe Photograph supplied
TheGuide
AYEAR AT KYLEMOREABBEY SBS, Saturday, 8.25pm
If SisterActtaughtusanything it’sthat there’s nothing more determined than aconvent full of nuns focused on acommon goal. In the classic1992comedy starring WhoopiGoldberg,agroup of habitual habit-wearers aretasked withhiding aloungesinger from the mob.Inthis three-partdocuseries, a Benedictine order of nuns transform acrumbling countryestate intoone of Ireland’s mostpopular heritage sites. Thesavvy sisterscombine their devout spirituality with a canny commercialsense to make Kylemore Abbey in Connemara athriving success. They also reflect on their role in modern society and the challenges of attracting newrecruits to religiouslife.
THE VOICE
Seven, Sunday, 7pm
Sporty Spice Melanie C really has brought her 90s Girl Power mantra to TheVoice This year in a first for the Aussie edition of the competition it s an all-female finale as Cassie Henderson AustralianIdolOG Cle Morgan Bella Parnell and Alyssa Delpopolo (pictured, from left) take to the stage for three epic numbers, hoping to secure the audience vote and win $100,000 cash, as well as an all-inclusive recording development package Each will duet with their coach (let’s be honest singing with a Spice Girl Richard Marx Kate Miller-Heidke or Ronan Keating would really be a prize in itself) and feature in a group performance as well as their solos
TALKIN’‘BOUT YOUR GEN 10, Tuesday, 7.30pm
ABC TV (2)
Wednesday, October 29
SBS (3)
1.35 Media Watch. (Mdl, R) 2.00 Parliament QuestionTime. 2.55 JuliaZemiro’s Home Delivery.(R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 4.55 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 5.55 QI (PGl, R) Hosted by Stephen Fry.
5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts: Above AndBeyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Super Monsters Save Halloween. 7.05 Rocket Club 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 To Be Advised. 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.45 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Pokémon: Diamond AndPearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The Boat 10.40 Late Programs.
KING AND CONQUEROR
SBS, Monday, 8.30pm
The1066 Battle of Hastingsissomething we were taught aboutinschool classrooms, but formostofus, this millennium-old historical epic is well, ancienthistory. This lavish, big-budget eight-episode revivesthe conflict thhat shaped England, filling afew blanks in the20-year storyofHarold of Wesssex (Grantchester’s James Norton) and William of Normandy (GameofThronees Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, pictured). In Monday’sfinale, “The Hand of God”, thheir rivalryreaches an inevitable head, with William and his troops arriving on England’ssouth coast, and Harold takingwhatremains of the English forcees to meet him. Youcouldn’t write what happens next
Savingthe bestfor last, Tuesday’s season finale of this revived comedy game show features around that is so entertaining it could be the entireformat.In“PopQuiz”,host Anne Edmonds (pictured) allows the teams to research the questions –but with an age-inappropriate hurdle foreach to climbover. Cue the reading glasses when Gen X’s Dave Hughes and Lisa McCunelook foranswersonTikTok;millennials Tommy Little and Luke McGregor takeonavintage computer with Encarta’98installed; and GenerationZ’s AnisaNandaulaand K Kath Ebbs attempt to navigate a dusty set of EncyclopediaBritannica volumes Hilarity ensues as the youngsters learn how we lived before the “search” button
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Destination Flavour.(R) 9.20 The Story Of Chocolate. (PGa, R) 10.20 Confucius WasAFoodie. (R) 11.10 London: 2,000 Years Of History.(PG R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Tell Me What YouReally Think. (Mals, R) 3.00 Bollywed. 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 IAmThe River,The RiverIsMe. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters AndNumbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 SevenNewsWith AlexCullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChase Australia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheGoldenBachelor (PGal, R) 1.30 Getaway.(PG, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 TheIdea Of Australia (PG)
8.30 GreatBritish Train Journeys From Above:The West Somerset Railway Looks at the West Somerset railway 9.30 After TheSky Fell On Lockerbie. (PGa, R) 10.25 SBSWorld News Late. 10.55 IAm Scrooge.(Ml) 11.50 This Town. (MA15+l, R) 2.05 Peter O’Toole:AlongSky Roads To Aqaba. (MA15+l, R) 3.40 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English NewsMorning. 5.30 ANCPhilippines The World Tonight
6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 HomeAnd Away (PGa)
7.30 RFDS. (Ma) Chaya’sfundraiser spirals. 8.30 Off TheGridWithColin And Manu (M) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel are in Cromwell for aday of adrenalin-packed activities.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) MelDoyle and Shane Crawfordare joinedbyDrAndrew Rochford and Yvie Joneswhere no topic is off limits.
10.30 Chicago Fire (Ma) 11.30 TheAmazingRace. (PG) 1.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.
5.30 Sunrise.
8.00 MillionDollarMinute. 9.00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 9.30 NBC Today Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep 2.00 Sydney Weekender 2.30 House Of Wellness. 3.30 Harry’s Practice.
6.00 9News
7.00 ACurrentAffair
7.30 BudgetBattlers. (PGl) Hosted by Jess Evaand Norm Hogan.
8.40 Love Island Australia (Mls) Aussie singles head to avilla on the island of Mallorca, Spain, where they must couple up and stay together
9.50 9News Late.
10.20 Confessions Of ATeenage Fraudster (Premiere, Ma) 11.20 Resident Alien. (Mlv) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Let’sEat With George. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 10 News+. HostedbyDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Celebrity Traitors UK. (Ml) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. 8.55 To Be Advised.
6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Super Monsters. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.05 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Mor ning Programs. 10.20 Confucius WasAFoodie. (R) 11.10 London: 2,000 YearsOfHistory.(PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France
24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Idea Of Australia. (PG, R) 3.05 Bollywed. (PGl) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Eter nal Sky 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Seville And The Andalusia Region. (PGav) Eva Longoria explores Andalusia.
8.25 From That Small Island: The Irish Story: From The Beginning. (Premiere) Looks at the history of the Irish.
9.25 Blue Lights. Grace grows exasperated by the limits of the job.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Davos 1917. (Mav)
11.55 The Shelter.(Ma, R) 2.20 Dance In Focus: Still Life. (R) 2.45 Best Australian Dance Short Films 2021. (PG, R) 3.45 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.45 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHKWorld English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.45 Trainspotting With Francis Bourgeois. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.40 The Late Session. 2.40 Fashionista. 2.50 Insight. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch. 6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Walkabouts. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Seasons Of The Wild. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Warm Props. 9.30 MOVIE: The Moogai. (2020) 11.05 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 10.10 The Movie Show 10.45 Hero. (2002, Mv,Mandarin) 12.35pm The Code Of Silence. (2022, Madlv, Italian) 2.50 Oink. (2022, PGav,Dutch) 4.15 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PGan) 5.55 Poms. (2019, PGals) 7.35 How To Blow Up APipeline. (2022, Madlv) 9.30 Doctor Sleep. (2019, MA15+av) 12.20am Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa)
8.30 JimJefferies And Friends. (MA15+) Jim Jefferies reminisces about Aussie showbags. Featuring Tommy Little, Katie Wainhouse and Andrew Maxwell.
9.30 First Dates UK. (PGals)
As Christmas arrives, Fred and his team areback and pulling out all the stops to make surethis yearsisone to remember
10.30 AustraliasMost Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av,R) Explores life behind bars.
11.30 Gatecrashers.
12.30 Life. (Malsv,R)
1.30 HarrysPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 RBT (Mdl, R) Follows the activities of police units.
8.30 Love Island Australia. (Mls) Aussie singles head to avilla on the island of Mallorca, Spain, where they couple up and stay together
9.50 9News Late.
10.20 Confessions Of ATeenage Fraudster. (Ma) Continued look at Elliot Castro.
11.20 Chicago Med. (MA15+am)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30
Friday,October 31
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Knowing The Score. (PG, R) 11.00 The Following Events AreBased On APack Of Lies. (Malv,R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Mystery Road: Origin. (Final, Malv,R) 1.50 Grand Designs Aust. (R) 2.50 Home Delivery (PG, R) 3.20 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.55 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 5.55 QI. (PGs, R)
6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. Jane Edmanson discovers an urban courtyard.
8.30 Professor T. (Final, Mav) The body is discovered in the boot of acar
7.30 The Gunpowder Plot: Countdown To Treason. (PGa,R)Alook at the story behind the Gunpowder Plot.
9.15 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: TutankhamunsSecret Revolution. (PGa) Looks at how Tutankhamun transformed the way ancient Egyptians worshipped their gods.
10.10 SBS World News Late.
10.40 Sisi. (MA15+s, R)
11.40 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+v,R) 2.00 Making Sense Of Cancer With Hannah Fry.(Mal, R) 3.05 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00
NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Room On The Broom. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 The Ghastly Ghoul. 8.00 To Be Advised. 8.20 BTN Newsbreak. 8.25 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.55 Robot Wars 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am The Movie Show 6.35 Oink. (2022, PGav,Dutch) 8.00
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.
8.30 MOVIE: The Bour ne Ultimatum. (2007, Mv,R)Aformer secret agent is once again hunted by the agency that created him. Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, David Strathair n. 10.50 Motorway Patrol.
freeways of New Zealand. 11.20 GetOn Extra.
11.50 Border Security: Australias Front Line. (PG, R)
12.20 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG, R)
1.20 In Plain Sight. (Madv)
2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
NBC Today 6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair 7.30 David AttenboroughsAsia: Tangled Worlds. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.
8.30 MOVIE: The Meg. (2018, Mv,R) Agroup of scientists exploring the Marianas Trench encounters agiant shark. Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson. 10.40 Race To The Melbour ne Cup Car nival. (PGl) 11.40 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)
Saturday, November 1
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.25 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) 1.25 Professor T. (Final, Mav R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.00 Last Night Of The Proms. 4.45 The Assembly.(Final, l, R) 5.30 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story (R)
6.25 IWas Actually There: The Dismissal. (PG, R) Looks at the dismissal of PM Gough Whitlam.
7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of the day
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG) Awoman is found with an arrow in her back.
8.30 ReturnToParadise. (Mv,R) Atense game of lawn bowls turns to chaos when aplayer is killed on the green in broad daylight.
9.30 Mystery Road: Origin. (Final, Malv,R)The killers are exposed. Jay and Mary are brought closer together
10.20 The Following Events AreBased On APack Of Lies. (MA15+l, R) Alice travels to the past. 11.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 12.55pm Seasons Of The Wild. 1.45 Nula. 2.15 MOVIE: Another Country.(2015, PG) 3.30 The First Inventors. 4.20 Black As. 4.30 Homesteads. 5.00 Revolution. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Seven. (1995, MA15+) 10.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.55 BBC News At Ten. 12.25 France 24. 12.55 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 4. Canberra Croatia FC v Avondale FC. 3.00 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 4. Sydney Olympic FC vSouth Melbourne FC. 5.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.35 Hitlers American Battleground. (PGa, R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Royal Homes: Gatcombe Park. Looks at Gatcombe Park. 8.25 AYear At KylemoreAbbey (Premiere) Looks at ayearinside KylemoreAbbey,a heritage site in Ireland run by Benedictine nuns.
9.25 Japan: WorldsMostPunctual Train: From Tokyo To The Sea Of Japan. (PG, R) Explores Japans Shinkansen, the worldsmost punctual long-distance express trains.
10.20 The Hospital: In The Deep End: Public Vs Private. (Ma, R) 11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav,R)
2.55 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Golden Eagle Day and Brisbane Broncos Derby Raceday 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australias Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG) Chrissie Swan is joined by afresh new team of expert presenters, covering food, home, money,healthand travel.
8.00 MOVIE: AFew Good Men. (1992, Ml, R) Twolawyers defend apair of US Marines who have been accused of murdering afellowserviceman. TomCruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore. 11.00 MOVIE: The Kingdom. (2007, MA15+av,R)Ateam of agents tracks down terrorists. Jamie Foxx,Chris Cooper 1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv) Mary learns that her witness has agambling problem. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: Speed. (1994, Mlv,R) Afearless LAPD cop is put to the ultimate test after he is trapped on a runaway bus full of passengers. Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock.
9.55 MOVIE: The Mod Squad. (1999, Mlsv,R)Atrio of juvenile delinquents is recruited by acop ring. Giovanni Ribisi, ClaireDanes 11.50NextStop. (PG) 12.20 AustraliasTop Ten Of Everything. (Ms, R) 1.20 Rugby League. Ashes Tour Second Test. England vAustralia.
3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.
7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Acouple aredesperate to sell their home.
8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mdlm, R) Ambulance crews attend ato woman in labour,anelderly female who has fallen down the stairs and suffered aseizure, a12-year-old girl who overdosed and an 89-year-old vomiting and experiencing weakness. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) Georgesday in court arrives. 11.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v,R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am
WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.35 Curse Of Oak Island. 12.25pm News. 12.30 WorldWatch. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. 5.00 Fashionista. 5.10 WorldWatch. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Kate Winslet: AQuest For Authenticity 9.30 The Idea Of Australia. 10.30 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 9.25 The Darkside. (2013, PGadl) 11.10 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, Madlv) 1pm Tobacco Barns. (2022, Madls, Spanish) 2.55 Poms. (2019, PGals) 4.35 Mosley.(2019, PGav) 6.25 The Chaperone. (2018, als) 8.30 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, Malsv) 10.50 Late Programs.
7TWO (72, 62)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Animal Rescue. 1.00 Room For Improvement. 1.30 One Road: Great Australian Road Trips. 2.00 Better Homes. 4.30 HarrysPractice. 5.00 Horse Racing. Golden Eagle Day and Brisbane Broncos Derby Raceday 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm 4.00 PNG Kumuls vFijiBati. 6.15 Melbourne Cup Barrier Draw 6.30 TBA. 7.30 MOVIE: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (2011, M) 9.55 MOVIE: Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. (2022, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
9GO! (93, 82)
10 COMEDY (11, 52)
Sunday,November 2
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
10 DRAMA (12, 53)
7MATE (73,64) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm
Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 NDRC NitroFunny Cars. Riverbend Nationals. Replay 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFL Womens. Geelong vMelbourne. 9.15 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Homecoming. (2017, M) 11.55 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 3pm Seinfeld. 3.40 Ski Rescue Down Under 4.40 Hot Wheels. 5.40 MOVIE: The Pink Panther 2. (2009, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.(2012, M) 11.10 Top20Funniest. (Premiere) 12.10am Love Island Games. 2.45 Ski Rescue Down Under 3.35 4.30 ILove VIP Pets. 4.50 Late Programs.
Don't be Puzzled
Programs.
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Miriam &Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond (PG, R) 3.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 4.10 The Role Of ALifetime. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(PG)
6.00 Grand Designs Australia. (R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.
8.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year (Premiere) Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits.
8.55 The Following Events AreBased On APack Of Lies. (Final, Malv) Cheryl and Alice join forces.
9.55 Mother And Son. (Final, PGdl, R) 10.25 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (R)
10.50 MOVIE: My Brother Jack Part 2. (2001, Mnsv,R) 12.25 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week 12.55 ThePoint: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 6. Day 2. 5.00 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 HitlersAmerican Battleground. (PGa, R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 JFK: One Day In America: Assassination. (Premiere) 8.30 King And Conqueror (MA15+v) Harold travels north to confront the Viking threat 9.20 DanSnowsGreatest Discoveries: Atlantis. (R) Dan Snow travels to Greece. 10.15 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 11.20 Tutankhamun: The Last Exhibition. (PGa, R) 12.45 EuropesGreatest Train Journeys. (PGaw,R) 3.45 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.10 Late Programs.
7.00 The Voice. (Final, PG) Hosted by Sonia Kruger
9.00 AC/DC: The WorldsGreatest Rock Band. (M) Looks at AC/ DC through long-lost footage and exclusive interviews with some of the bandsbiggest fans.
10.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: What Lies Beneath. (Malv,R)Police receive acall from ayoung man. 11.00 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Death In AHeartbeat. (Mav,R)
12.15 The Long Song. (Final, Masv) 1.30 HarrysPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (72, 62)
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 11.00 Cross Court. 11.30 Drive: Driving Value. 12.00 SA Variety Bash. (PG) 1.00 Customs. (PGa, R) 1.30 Budget Battlers. (PGl, R) 2.40 David AttenboroughsAsia. (PG,
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 The Golden Bachelor (PGls) 8.35 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.35 9News Late.
10.05 Essex Millionaire Murders. (Mdv) Detectives close in on Luke DWit. 11.05 Mobsters: Santo (Madv)
12.00 WorldsMostDangerous Prisoners. (Mv,R) 1.00 Drive: Driving Value. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (92,81)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Gogglebox Australia. (Final) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 Ghosts Australia. (Premiere, PGhl) Ayoung couple inherit acenturies-old manor thats haunted by six eclectic ghosts. 9.30 Matlock. (PGal, R) Matty works on acase with Julian. Olympia learns asecret about Julianspast. 11.3010News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 11.45 Fashionista. 11.55 Riot Island: Prison Without Walls. 1.45pm Instagram: ALife Under Filter 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Historys Greatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 AK47: The Legend Behind The Gun. 9.25 Uncanny 10.35 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Stompem Ground: Jadadi. 2.40 StockmansStrategy 3.40 The Point. 4.40 Dance Rites 2023. 6.15 Bigger &Blacker: Steven Oliver,MyLife In Cabaret. 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.30 MOVIE: Contact. (2009, PG) 9.55 MOVIE: The Pelican Brief. (1993, M) 12.20am Late Programs.
6am The Chaperone. (2018, PGals) 8.00 The Company.(2003, PGals) 10.05 Truth. (2015, Malns) 12.25pm The Report. (2019, Malv) 2.35 The Movie Show 3.10 The Big Steal. (1990, PGls) 5.00 The Darkside. (2013, PGadl) 6.40 Leap Year.(2010, PGalv) 8.30 To End All Wars. (2001, MA15+av) 10.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. Noon Escape To The Country 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Escape To The Country 3.30 Hornby: AModel Empire. 4.30 Escape To The Country 7.30 The Marlow Murder Club. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Rugby League. Womens 3. New Zealand Kiwi Ferns vAustralia. 3.30
6.00 Getaway 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 To Be Advised. 11.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm City-Bay: AdelaidesIconic Fun Run. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 Project Impossible. 4.30 Young Sheldon. 5.00 Dinner With The Parents. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. (2019, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: National LampoonsEuropean Vacation. (1985, M) 9.25 MOVIE: Be Cool. (2005, M) 11.55 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Fishing Addiction. 2.00 RedsFishing Adventures. 2.30 Al McGlashansFishn With Mates. 3.00
Monday,November 3
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mor nings. 9.55 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 10.25 Annika. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Julia ZemirosHome Delivery.(PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.00 QI. (PG, R) 6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Australian Story
8.30 Four Cor ners. (Final) Investigative jour nalism program. 9.15 Media Watch. (Mdl) Presented by Linton Besser
9.35 Planet America.
10.05 IWas Actually There. (MA15+l, R)
10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Ml, R) 11.40 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Mal, R) 12.30 Parliament Question Time. 1.30 Grand Designs. (Ml, R) 2.15 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 3.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm The Lake Winnipeg Project. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 MOVIE: We AreStill Here. (2022, M) 11.10 Late Programs.
6am Mor ning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 The Airport: Back In The Skies. (Ml, R) 2.55 Bollywed. 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Wild Slovakia With Nigel Marven. (PGaw) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Ultimate Jokes. Hosted by Jimmy Carr
8.30 King And Conqueror (Final, Mlv) Harold rides to battle William. Williamsarmy struggles against the Saxon shield wall.
9.30 SydneysSuper Tunnel: Countdown To Launch. (R) The project is nearly complete.
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (Mal, R)
11.55 The Man Who Died. (MA15+as, R) 2.35 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.10 Growing AGreener World. (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.50 WorldWatch. 12.20pm Faithless. 1.20 In My Own World. 3.00 Fashionista. 3.10 Historys Crazy Rich Ancients. 3.35 Bamay 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Sue Perkins: Into Alaska. 9.25 Buzzcocks. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 10.20 Operation Mincemeat. (2021, Malsv) 12.40pm Aspromonte: Land Of The Forgotten. (2019, Malv,Italian) 2.15 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 4.20 ARiver Runs Through It. (1992, PGaln) 6.35 Another MothersSon. (2017, PGalsv) 8.30 Stockholm Bloodbath. (2023, MA15+av) 10.40 Late Programs.
(7,6)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG) Eden is at aloss.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) When anti-LAPD billboards emerge throughout the city,the team searches for those responsible.
10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) Arenowned playwright vanishes.
11.00 S.W.A.T himself on aone-man mission.
12.00 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning
Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today 10.30 Better Homes. Noon The Voice. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 The Golden Bachelor (PGa) Hosted by Samantha Armytage.
8.40 To Be Advised.
9.40 Race To The Melbour ne Cup Car nival. (PGl) Looks at the Melbour ne Cup Car nival with apreview of Cup Day as the experts try to predict the winner
9News Late. 11.10 The Equalizer (Mv) The team races to rescue ayoung hacker
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning
Programs. 1pm MOVIE: Brighton Rock. (1948, PG) 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: The Man Who Finally Died. (1963, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Race To The Melbour ne Cup Carnival. 8.30 Death In Paradise. 9.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.
•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of their newspaper as an essentialservice fortheir community.”
Tuesday,November 4
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 The Adriatic Sea. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 1.55 The Australian Wars. (Mav,R) 3.00 Bollywed. 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 New Englands Wildlife Wonders. (PGa) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Whitlam: The Power And The Passion. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Following Events AreBased On APackOfLies. (Final, Malv,R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Home Delivery.(PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
QI. (PG, R) 6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 IWas Actually There: Fairlie Arrow Abduction Hoax. (Mns) 8.35 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Final, Ml) Tony Armstrong completes his UK
The Art Of. (Ml)
The Assembly (PG, R)
Media Watch. (Mdl, R) 10.55
News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 Four Cor ners. (Final, R) 12.10 Keating: The Interviews. (R) 1.10 Parliament Question Time. 2.10 Grand Designs. (R) 3.00 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 3.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30
7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys.
8.30 Tell Me What YouReally Think: Menopause. (Mal) Looks at how anew generation of womenare smashing taboos. 9.25 The Cancer Killers. (Premiere) Twoscientists develop arevolutionary cancer treatment. 10.30 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.00 The Point. (R) 12.00 Safe Home. (Malv,R) 1.00 The Unusual Suspects. (MA15+l, R) 2.00 London: 2,000 Years Of History (PG, R) 2.50 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.25 Bamay.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Shark With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) The latest news and views. 12.00 Horse Racing. The Big Dance On Cup Day and Melbour ne Cup Raceday 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa)Harper and Tane reachastalemate.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.10 The Rookie. (Mav) Bradford receives astrange message, launching alarger investigation into the dark web.
10.10 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop: Michelle Buckingham. (Malsv,R) Ron Iddles revisits notable cases. 11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Mas) 12.10 MOVIE: AFamilys Secret. (2022, Mav,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today. 10.00 Horse Racing. Melbour ne Cup Car nival. Melbour ne Cup Day 5.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Three contestants go headto-head against amesmerising machine with one lucky participant playing for the jackpot. [VIC] WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Taronga: WhosWho In The Zoo: Elephant Special. (PGm) The Asian elephants go to South Australia.
8.30 Bump. (MA15+dls) Oly and Santi come to the realisationthat they areboth feeling untethered.
9.50 9News Late.
10.20 Wild Cards. (Mav)
11.20 Black Widow: The Killing Of David Jackson. (Mav,R)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
TEN (10, 5)
6am Mor ning Programs. 8.00 Bold. (PG, R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Talkin Bout Your Gen. (Final, PGdls) Hosted by Anne Edmonds. 8.30 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was.
9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) The team
10.30 10sLate
6am Morning Programs. 11.45 WorldWatch. 12.15pm Homicide. 2.05 Dreaming Whilst Black. 2.35 Fashionista. 2.45 MH370: The Lost Flight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Hoff Roading. 9.25 Go Back To WhereYou Came From UK. (Premiere) 10.25 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Songlines On Screen. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 The Point. 8.30 ProBull Riding USA: World Team Series. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs. NITV (34)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Alcarràs. (2022, Ml, Spanish, Catalan, English) 12.55pm Manon Des Sources. (1986, Man, French) 3.00 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 4.25 AUnited Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 6.30 The EmperorsClub. (2002, PGlns) 8.30 Comandante. (2023, Italian, English) 10.45 Late Programs.
Reel Ta lk
IN the first Halloween edition of Reel Talk, cinephile sports writer Blake Metcalf-Holt and the most functioning coffee addict to evermeetJacinta Allan (Aidan Knight) revisit oneofchildhood’s most enduring franchises.
This week, the pair dive into Scooby-Doo (2002), the live-action adaptation that brought the famous mysterygang to life in away no one had previously seen.
Released in 2002 and directed by Raja Gosnell, Scooby-Doobrings the beloved Hanna-Barbera team to the big screeninazany, monster-filled adventure.
When Scoobyand the gang are invited to Spooky Island, they must unravel aseries of supernatural mysteries while navigating teen drama, slapstick humour, and plenty of over-the-topchaos.The film mixesnostalgia for long time fans with acolourful, chaotic energy aimed at introducinganew generation to the iconic gang.
Now, it's time forReel Talk
Blake Metcalf-Holt: Zoinks, Scoob! Hard to believe that this 2002 adaptation of acartoon released overthreedecades beforehandactually has areal following, but judging from views and opinions online of those of acertain age, it appears it does. While youwouldn’t callitanentirelyfaithful recreation of Scooby Doo, unlike othersofasimilar vein and due to the beloved-ness of the character, this film is still done in good faith. While yes, the objective of thesefilm companies (and Warner Brothers specifically) is to use this as atool to sell more toys. And while that can rejuvenate life into materialfor newergenerations, more times than not, it isn’t done successfully. While Scooby Doo (2002) objectively isn’t asuccessful film, it spawned asurprising (and for me, unknown for most of my life) sequel, and triumphed at the box office.
Aidan Knight: It's amazing how this film actually holds up better to an adult, despite it being a children's franchise and an adaptation that released the year Iwas born. Thesekinds of movies are rare, and are kept in good company -the first Shrek film, Home Alone,and the original Spiderman trilogy. Not only does the overallappeal grow withage,for the acting, the aesthetics, and the humour, but also my tolerance for early-2000s CGI. Idon'trecallmuch of my original viewing as achild,but Idoremember thinking Scooby's animation was obviously fake and uninteresting. Abit over adecadelater,and now the owner of agoofball golden retriever, I can look past the computer-generated-ness of the titularcharactertosee aspects of my own pooch, and general comedic canine behaviour, in Scooby
Doo.Idon't thinkthiswould be aunique(adult) experience,and really nails home the popular suspicion that this adaptation was created more for grown childrenwho enjoyed the cartoon, rather thanintroducing/continuing the franchise for anew generation. Excellent, subtle writing, much of which is attributabletoJames Gunn (Guardiansofthe Galaxy/Superman director).
BMH: What this movie has got goingfor it is in its cast. In many ways, the period when this was made works against the film, especially in its script, but it givesrise to some admittedly exceptional casting decisions for Mystery Incorporated itself. Starting from the top, Matthew Lillard might be the most impressive and faithful portrayal of acharacter in this laneofmovie. He embodies Shaggy in every aspect, and while that’s evident from the moment he’s on screenalongside his furry, hungry, goofy best friend,it’salsoentirelydue to Lillard’s love for the character (he’s continuedtovoice Shaggy in other iterations post-live action). It’s rare to find that connection, but it makes it extraspecial.Linda Cardellini as Velma is another one like that, where you can just feel that affection for the character, making you enjoy her more. While the other two members of MysteryInc.aren’tfavourites of mine, theystill help shape the movie andbring it to life. I don’t remember Fred being this much of adouche in prior versions, but Icould be wrong. Freddie Prinze Jr isn’t awful in the role, and given that IlikeSarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy!)inalmost everything she’s in, I’ll accept her as Daphne.
AK: Interestingly enough, Scooby is not the star of theshow in this iteration of the beloved Mystery Inc. gang. That award goes to Shaggy. Matthew Lillardcould have honestlyhad his career, one built on iconic'90sthriller/horror titles,ruined had his execution of that role gone awry. He commits to it so intenselyyou forgetheiswell-known iconic actor, Matthew Lillard and not Scooby's favourite companion, and that is the crux of professional acting. The rest of the castdeserve their flowers as well.Cardellini is so good as Velma, Idon't realise it's her until her name is on the credits, and Prinze Jr. undeniablypaved the way for Ryan Gosling's performanceasKen, 11 years later. Themonsters could have been more easily/cheaply made costumes at the time, as CGI was not so well-developed or easily accessible back then, and this wouldhave aged it as badly as aPower Ranger fight scene, but director Raja Gosnell investedinthe animation, and it paid off. This allows thefilm to remainas classic as 1995's Casper BMH: Themagic of the cast and their chemistry is only managed due to the time this film came to
New art season announced
LATROBE Regional Gallery (LRG) is proud to announce an exciting season of four new exhibitions and an extensive public program.
The dynamic program, featuring amajor national touring show and highlights from the gallery’ssignificant collection of more than1500 works -one of the largest in regional Australia -willrun through to the end of January 2026.
Headlining the season is the nationally touring exhibition Between Waves,developed by the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and touring with NETS Victoria.
Curated by Jessica Clark, this significant group show features new commissions by leading First Nations artists, including Maree Clarke, Dean Cross, and Hayley Millar Baker.
The exhibition explores visibleand invisible energy fields of light, time, and vision through video, installation, sculpture, and sound.
Complementing the InternationalRose Garden Festival Morwell (November 7to8), the gallery will present Bloom,astunning exhibition drawn from LRG’s extensive permanent collection.
Bloom will feature floral-themed worksacross various mediums, celebrating the beauty and symbolism of flowersinart and showcasing the depthofacollectionthat is acornerstone of Gippsland’s cultural life.
The season also includes two compelling solo showscreated by dual winnersofthe 2025 FederationUniversity Emerging Artists Awards. Reflections on Inversion by Gippsland-based artist Karen Zipkasisaprofound explorationof landscape and perception using light, shadow, and reflective materials.
StillBreathing from Victorian artist Liam Maree Rogers presents afocused collection of works thatexplore themes of mentalhealth, resilience and contemplation.
fruition. Off theback of the revival of the horror genre,some of the top stars fromthe likesof Scream and IKnow What You Did Last Summer were able to be featured in this flick -and that’s for the betterment of the movie. However, other aspects of early aughts work to the opposite effect. Gunn (whom is oneofmyfavourite people in Hollywood) tries to modernise these charactersand the storyitself, which he definitely should do, only it doesn’t always match. That’s probably the main reason that Fred and Daphne don’t work as well for me. The lingo and attitude of the kids of that era are also used as ajoke more often than not, which rarely lands for me. Purely going off just memory, Ithink I'd laugh more at the direct-to-DVD Scooby Doo movies that were made aroundthe same time than this.
AK: Too spookyfor small children who like the cartoon, too ridiculous for teens who read Goosebumps, but perfect light entertainment for nostalgic adults with agood sense of humour. If you're looking for aHalloween watch you haven't seen for awhile, this is your movie. Just don't waste your time on the sequel. Agreat title to revisit if you enjoyed Netflix's Wednesday or either Beetlejuice film. If you don't want afull-on slasher film, but Scary Movie is asteptoo debauched for your taste, you will be adequatelysatisfiedwiththe 2002Scooby Doo. It is fever dream (pulp) cinema at its best, and as such, everyone should give it achanceatone point. It's chaotic, cute and corny, but in all the best ways, and it's not taking itself (or the sourcematerial) too seriously that made it work. Rowan Atkinson in one scene also looks likeJulian Assange if he spent time in Jumanji, and Ithoroughly enjoy that.
BMH: What works best is the slapstick, besides Lillard, it's probably the only thing that's reliable and mirrors the cartoon best. The CGI is an obvious issue, and while you can't hold it against the film, you can critique its overuse. There wasprobably no other way to depict Scooby himself, and while the
depictionisactually done quitewell, hisplacement and showcase at any point in the movie is still so distracting and blatant. Having said that, for a canine who'sclearlynot actuallymingling with these actors, Istill find Scooby so damn cute and enthralling, even now, primarily due to myselfbeing an unapologetic dog lover. Given there isn't any firm direction on displayeither, that also doesn't help the movie stand out and overcome its faults. Many times, experiencing the story isn't exactly a coherentfollowing. Like many start-up, IP-driven franchises, they are expected to be more than alittle chopped-up post-production, but this one is alittle funnier, given that the director made his name on many popular '90s movies as an editor.
AK: An endearing adventure, both self-aware, and self-enjoyment. This film oozes "we had fun making this", and there'snoway that doesn'trub off on every viewer at least alittle bit. The original cartoon has been criticisedinrecent years as "tolerable in an age before The Simpsons", astatement of some truth that would cause afilm-adaptation to bomb horribly had it stuck too close to the source material. It keeps its origins close enough to appeal to die-hard fans without alienating the general public, and it's heavily leaden tongue-in-cheek humour allows it to not compute for the expected ages of 7to10, but appeal greatly to awider range of jolly 20 to middle aged -ifboth my mother and Ican enjoy it separately that’s proof enough ty fetch agood time. In sion, Doo dodges dis delighting in itsown da erate, delightfuldu
Asplendid session o Saturday-morning sp
BMH:
AK:
Runsfrom October 25, 2025 to January 26, 2026.
Complementing the new exhibitions is an exciting activity program that includes:
Beneath the Blooms:Open daily from 10am to 4pm. This free, dedicated kids' art and craft space in The Lane is inspired by the Bloom exhibition. All materials provided.
Rose Festival art and craft workshops: On Saturday, November 8, join paper rose making (10am-12.30pm) and rose millinery (1pm-4pm) workshops. Bookings required via: latroberegionalgallery.com/public-programs
Life drawing: Weekly Thursday night sessions, including Anatomy for Beginners and aHalloween special.
Artist workshops and talks: Including a camera obscura workshop with Karen Zipkas (November 1), artist talks with Liam Maree Rogers (November 22), plus free guided gallery tours.
Latrobe CityMayor, Dale Harrimansaid council wasthrilled to support this incredible season at the gallery.
“We want everybody in our community to know there is something for everyone to enjoy at Latrobe Regional Gallery over the coming months,” the Mayor said.
“This includes world-class art and fun workshopsthrough to kids' activities, and it's all free forthe communitytoenjoy every single day."
“Thisseason’sprogram is atestament to Latrobe Regional Gallery’s commitment to presenting world-class art and fostering creativity for our community.”
See more at: latroberegionalgallery.com
50 years ago
The Express, October 29, 1975 Royal visit bombhoax
THERE was abomb scare shortlybefore Princess Margaret's train arrived at Moe station on Monday. Policereceived acall about 15 minutes before the train arrived and were warned that abomb had been planted either at the station or at Moe City offices. They managed to keep thehoax quiet, and there was no panic. The call was treated fairly seriously, even though the caller had to ask what time the Princess was due to arrive.
30 years ago
The Express, October 31, 1995
ATeam slams govt
AUSTRALIAN Paper's Maryvale Mill employee group, the ATeam, has made a stinging attack on the federal government's pulp andpaper purchasing policy. Taking its cause to Sydney last week, ATeam coordinator Chris Moody, of Traralgon, and his Shoalhaven paper ill counterpart, Sharon
I can separately, that Scooby still knows how to n conclusaster by aft, delibmbness. ofspooky spirit.
Keft, addressed aseminar at the New South Wales Parliament House. Mr Moody told the seminar that around 64 per cent of Australia's printingand writingwas imported, which had cost the nation $990 million in the last 12 months. He said it was agreat pity that governments did not share the same total commitment to building astrongand viable pulp andpaperindustry as did his union. He claimedthat some government agencieswere buying "deceptively labelled, imported paper fromthe same producers who werefound guilty of dumping". Mr Moody said union members had surveyed government and privatesector purchasers/consumers of paper in the Gippsland and Illawarraregions. As aresult of these surveys, official complaints have been made to both the Customs Minister and the Trade Practices Commission.
10 years ago
The Express, October 29, 2015
Menchargedoverassault
LATROBE Criminal Investigation Unit has chargedtwo males following an assault in Traralgon. The 23 and 24-year-olds from Traralgonassaulteda male in the early hours of Sunday morning on October 25 at alicensed premises on Kay Street. The victim wastaken to hospitalwith serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The two offenders were bailed to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court later this week.
Time to revisit oldfashion values
WE'VE all seen or read the news headlines about how Melbourneisnow Victoria’s crime, protest, car-jacking and antisemitic capital of our great nation.
The recent killing in Morwellofayoung Aboriginal man highlightedjust how bad things havebecome in our state and how close to home things are.
It’s not uncommontoalso hearofschools in lockdowns, violent bulliesfilmedhurting other students, bladesinschools, angryparents,stressed teachers, falling literacy and numeracy rates and increased truancy.
There is an old saying that might provide some guidance for us as we face manyunsettling issues. It says stand at the crossroads and look; askfor the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
We are at acrossroads of sortsinVictoria, so where is the good way that will help us? About 10 years ago, Ipaidavisit to Old Gippstown Heritage Park in Moe. In the old school building was the 1914 school pledge written on the blackboard.
It said 'I love God and my country. Ihonour the flag. Iwill serve the King and cheerfully obey my parents, teachers and the law'.
That may seem out of placetoday but as I reflected on it, afew things stood out. One, it was about taking personal responsibility and doing the right thing, even if others wouldn’t. Theold golden rule says it best about treating others the way we want to be treated.
Two, it was about respect for others. Three it was about pride in our country. That doesn’t mean we ignore the past failures but rather we learn from them. It also means we look at the many good things that have been done, past, present and hopefully in the future that have made Australia the lucky country. Andlast but not least, it speaks about good citizenship.
Maybe it’s time to reconsider these values that have stood the test of time. They served us well in 1914, perhaps they will again.
Randell Green Traralgon
Howtofix TAFE
ICOMPLETELY agree with TAFE Gippsland’s Board chair, Paul Buckley ('Building astrong future for vocational education', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion 15/10), that “vocational education is vital to Gippsland’s prosperity”(and to our children’s futures).
Where we perhaps disagree is on the bestway forward.
Mr Buckley seems to believethat maintaining faith in the current TAFE structures is the key to Gippsland people having better industry skills and access to vocational education.
His opinion is well stocked withthe words of optimisticcorporate management speak -“competitive”, “sustainable”, “forgingstrongerpartnerships”,etc.
Unfortunately, Ihave less faith in the power of such rhetoric in creating more effective courses for awider range of students.
Economies-of-scale arevital in developing new learning resources for TAFE students. Engaging, flexible,effective learning platforms are needed to replacethe datedand frequently dullpaper-based stuffcurrently in use.
This requires alarge financial investment by the federal government. Scattering the money across every individual TAFE in Australia has short-term political appeal (think of all the press releases!)
but, in terms of useful results, it would be an act of wanton wastefulness.
Ialsoagree with Mr Buckley’s observation that “The way vocational educationisstructured in Australia is complex." In my opinion, the complexity comes from the reality that Australian TAFE is long overdue for acomplete review of its operational effectiveness.
Past scandals have led to administrative “patches” whichhave resultedineven more complex 'accountability', which has resulted in more diversionof resources, which has created anomalies, which have required more investigative committees. The net result is more money being spent on administration, leaving less for actual TAFE program development and delivery.
Newcomerstothe world of TAFE teachingare mostly bewildered, old hands are left trying to resist cynicism. AcrossAustralia, the TAFEsystemis held back by lack of clear objectives. Executivesand managers, even within the same TAFE, attempt to juggle conflicting values. The languageofprevious fashions in economics debates lingers in TAFE unofficially. Concepts such as 'competition' and 'the bottom line' have underlaying values that do not align with the values required for 'successful vocational educational cooperation and collaboration'. This leads to the frequent failure of initiatives. In my opinion, rather than simply accepting wasteful administrative"complexity” as agiven, ourlocal TAFE board needs to speak out on the structural and administrative anomalies that reduce the quality of TAFE programs and their value to Gippsland people.
Looking constructively at currentlyused learning resources and talking to teachers and students about theireducational effectivenesswouldbea good starting point for Mr Buckley’s board.
As ac oncer ned citize na nd form er TAFE Language, Literacy and Numeracy Specialist, I’d be pleased to assist.
Neil Hauxwell Moe
HELE to help
THE announcementearlier this month of Rio Tinto's decision to bring forwardthe closure of Queensland's GladstonePower Station from 2035 to March 2029 wouldprobablyhaveflownunder theradar of most Victoriansatthe time.
Whatisalsonot generallyunderstood is that this event will mark the end of ashort period in which significant losses in our current electricity generating capacity will occur.
In NSW, the Eraring Power Station will be retired in August 2027, removing 2922 MW of power -not only from that state’selectricity supply -but also from Australia’s National Grid that allows excess electricity to be transferred between states.
The following year, thiswill be followed by the closure of Yallourn WPower Station, taking another 1450 MW (20 per cent of Victoria’s power generation) from the grid. With the closure of Gladstone in 2029, afurther loss of 1680 MW will occur.Thus,intotal, 6052 MW of power will be lost from theAustralia’s electricity generating capacity in the short space of three years. How will this be replaced?
Weather dependent systems won't cut it. It has beenestimated that10,000kms of new high voltage transmissionlines (HVT)and easements will need to be built to connect the many, scattered wind turbines and solar farms onto the national grid.
At our present constructionrate of 100kmsof HVT each year, it would take acentury to complete this task. It’s not surprisingthen that the most recent ‘renewables’ estimates indicate that the original 2030 target won’t be able to be met.
The Coalition's nuclear option has been estimated to take aroundeightto10years to complete,so even if we started now they wouldn’t be finished until 2036-38. The result will be that Victoria will face years of rolling blackouts until this capacity can be replaced.
One Nation's proposaltobuildcoal-gas fired High Efficiency Low Emissions (HELE) power stations is our best, most viable option.
Thesecan be built usingexisting knowledge and skills in around threeyears at afar lower cost than Labor/Greens and the Coalitions' proposals. The time for making adecision is fast running out.
Greg Hansford
Newborough (2025 One Nationcandidate for Gippsland)
Unseen costs
PAULINE Hanson election candidate and the face of GippslandFMcommunityradio Greg Hansford hascontinued his campaign against the Victorian Emergency Services fund.
On October 16 in the Express lettershewas at it againwithadodgy story of abrand new tax to be transferred into general revenue, while he knows the long standing levy with the addition of other emergency services is but one of many accounts overseen by the Auditor General.
His letter was bizarre in that among anumber of people who had been saying the funds would be transferred he cited the Secretary of the United Firefighters Union Peter Marshallasa reliable source.
He omits that in 2021inthe lead up to the 2022 state election,the Liberal partyhad been demanding Mr Marshall and Daniel Andrews be investigatedfor alleged corruption and he as a candidate gavehis preferences towardthe Liberals.
Mr Marshall is now the flavourofthe month in Mr Hansford’s and the Liberal party’s world.
Mr Hansford has as much credibility on this issue as aperson home schooled by his dog.
He sheds crocodiletears at ratepayersofLatrobe City, paying for aviable emergency response, but refuses to commit to he or the bosses of Gippsland FM paying the costs to ratepayers of his litigation to overturn the council election.
Plaintives, recruited over the air when the voters elected awoman. Asecond ongoing legal case fromformer Gippsland FM Chief Executive and presenter Damian Andrewsalsocreates visible costs to ratepayers.
The bosses of Gippsland FM should offer adeal to council to opt out of the Community Grants Scheme to offset their visible cost on ratepayers and avoid issues with the tainting of council funds flowingintothe station.
The community must debate the unseen costs of politicised community radio, broadcasting the teachings of Pauline Hanson across the globe via the internet at atimewhenLatrobe Regional Hospital is looking for highly skilled healthcare professionals and our people are travelling to Melbourne for procedures.
Overseas specialists, in particular non-whites, may be put off from joining our community.
Phillip Edwards Hazelwood South
Misinformation or Chris-information?
"WE have now sunk to adepth at which restatement of the obvious is the first duty of intelligent men." -George Orwell.
Let us just for arguments sake overlook all the forgeries and baffling contradictions of alleged climate change that have been palmed off on a gullible public and assume it is basically true.
From this proposition it follows that we are still left with astubbornnon sequitur: Australia's tiny 1.1 per cent contribution to globalcarbon emissions per year is trivial and utterly dwarfed into insignificanceand irrelevance by countries like China, which emits amassive 35 percent of Co2 greenhouse gases per year.
Thus, if China -which burns 58 per cent of the world's coal doesn't act on cutting its emissions, then nothing Canberra does amounts to ahill of beans difference. And Beijing has no intentions of weakening or destroying its economy (and thereby inflictingeternal poverty and misery on its people) in order to meet an arbitrary, virtue-signalling, globalist target. Neither does the United States, India, Russia, Indonesia, and at least 100other sane countries in the world.
That translates to pursuing net-zero as afutile, foolish, and fatal siren-song leading to complete economicruin. All the fancy words, catchy slogans, glossy brochures, and other acts of political skullduggery from the Labor government and their rubber stampers will not change this inconvenient truth. Hence it may be anaïve question but an obviousone: why is Australiacommitting economic suicide?
The short answer is thatAustralia'sreality-proof Energy Minister, Chris 'Blackout Bowen' (whose extreme prejudice against fossilfuels must always be remembered), is simply denying and ignoring realitywithhis typical bravado thatevades dealing with facts and failure.
This "business-as-usual-nothing-to-see-here" attitude displayed by Bowen is the act of adeeply dishonest and shamelessly untrustworthy man. We are thus seeing the economy-wrecking consequences(most ostensibly in our ever-skyrocketing energy bills and at the supermarket and petrol station) of Bowen's arrogance and incompetence run amok, and where elitist jargonese and pseudointellectual hocus pocus are constantly used by him to verbally roll-up the screenonany nuisance critic seeking answers and accountability that might come tapping at the tinted window of Bowen's chauffeur-driven limo.
Joseph Lis
Morwell
THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.
Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.
The editorLiam Durkin, reserves the righttoedit lettersfor reasonsofspace and clarity, and may refuse to publishany letter without explanation.
The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.
Letters must include aphone number, email addressand the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitledtoaright of reply to aletter directed at them.
Whilehealthy debate is encouraged, the editorwill stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.
The views expressed in letterstothe editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflectthe views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.
Readers shouldbeequally 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 hav etheir say,and not be hijacked for political agendas.
Letters regarding religion will not be published.
Email letters to news@lvexpress.com. au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line.
Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.
Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 29 October, 2025
Training forall: TAFE Gippsland has becomeaninsitution forthe Latrobe Valley.
Misleading letter from chief fire officer
COMMENT
BY JOHN CAMERON
ON October8,2025Victoria’s Chief FireOfficer
Chris Hardman posted to the Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) website, aletter on thebushfire risk management program underway across Victoria.
Mr Hardman is correct when he stresses the importance of fuel reduction. Heavy forest fuel loads make bushfires more intense, more damaging and harder to control. When ignited, the dead leaves, twigs and bark on or near the forest floor become the accelerant of forest fires.
Mr Hardman failed to mention that many of Victoria’s forests carry up to 40 tonnes per hectare of this fuel, with acalorific value equivalent to 14,000 litres per hectare of petrol. Because of adecade of insufficient fuel reduction, the state, including greater Melbourne, are now exposed to adisaster worse than the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, that burnt 450,000 hectares and killed 173 people.
On FFMV’s preparedness for the com-
In the know: Local forestryexpertJohn
ing fire season, Mr Hardman paints arosy picture drawn from aspin playbook:
“Last season we delivered risk management works across 109,000 hectares."
“We’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning and non-burning bushfire risk management works."
“We use science and modelling tools to
Avoidable: TheMallacootabushfirein2019/20 wasone of themosthorrificinthe state’s history However, manybelieve theareawould not have burntifmorefuel reduction wasundertaken. Photograph supplied
choose the right time and approach for delivery of our bushfire risk management program."
“We have more than 1800 personnel firefighting equipment including hundreds of ultralight and heavy tankers."
The reality is anything but rosy.
The area fuel reduced is less than athird of what is required; FFMV only achieves a fraction of its ‘planned’ fuel reduction, the Safer Together policy FFMV tries to but fails to implement ignores the science presented under oath to the VBRC; and most of FFMV’s fire trucks are grounded and will be off the road until mid-December, after the fire season starts.
The Victorian community should be alarmed by what Mr Hardman failed to tell them. The following has been compiled from government data devoid of any spin:
Fuel reduction of 109,000 hectares in 2024/25 is totally inadequate. This token effort represents only 1.5 per cent of Victoria’s public native forests. The Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission (VBRC), following the 2009 Black Summer bushfires, recommended fuel reducing at least five per cent of the forest each year on average;
The VBRC recommendation of fuel reducing at least five per cent of the forest each year was based on the best science available. In fact, scientist called for fuel reducing up to eight per cent of the forest each year on average, as employed successfully in the south west forests of WA for 50-60 years;
Since the introduction of the inappropriately called ‘Safer Together’ fire policy in 2015, fuel reduction has averaged only 1.5 per cent of the forest each year. This is well down from 2.5 per cent in the six years immediately after 2009, and well below the VBRC recommendation of five per cent;
The ‘Safer Together’ policy has ‘soft’ targets, and is based on political expediency rather than the best science available. Afew years ago conveniently changing the method of calculating the targets prompted acomment of ‘sneaky b……s’;
To achieve their soft fuel reduction target, FFMV counts the area burnt by wildfire, despite studies showing areas burnt by intense wildfire, subsequently pose agreater fire risk than areas fuel reduced by low intensity prescribed fire;
Under the ‘Safer Together’ fire policy, the fuel driven fire risk targets of 70 per cent statewide, and up to 85 per cent in some FFMV districts are way too high and unsafe;
In June 2024, the FFMV had failed to meet its own unsafe and risky fuel driven fire risk targets in five FFMV districts -Metropolitan, Yarra, Latrobe, Midlands and Ovens, with some districts not meeting target for several years. Heavy fuel loads in Metro, Yarra, Midland and Latrobe expose Greater Melbourne and other populated areas to acatastrophic sce-
nario worse than Los Angeles in 2025 and Kilmore East in 2009.
FFMV completed only 67 per cent of its planned fuel reduction and only 26 per cent of its priority fuel reduction over the two years to June 2024 -some priority!
In mid-October 2025, FFMV grounded its fleet of Mercedes-Benz GWagons and Unimog fire trucks after faults were discovered. The fire trucks will not be back in service until midDecember after the fire season starts -this is not well prepared.
If we look at FFMV’s financials, then FFMV are torching your tax dollars as well as our forests with wildfire:
Over nine years to 2023/24, FFMV’s overspend against budget totalled $1.147 million (ca 30 per cent over budget on average). FFMV spent $656 million on fire control in 2023/24, awhopping $225 million or 52 per cent over budget.
Yet FFMV only spent $36 million (five per cent) on the direct cost of fuel reduction. Fuel reduction is hopelessly inefficient with direct cost accounting for 20 per cent, and overheads 80 per cent -noefficient and successful business runs with 80 per cent overheads.
FFMV’s overall track record on the Black Summer bushfire warranted aRoyal Commission:
Prescribed burning in the region averaged only 0.6 per cent pa, and 80 per cent of fuel reduced coupes were too small to be effective; and there was virtually no fuel reduction close to the points of ignition;
The eminent fire behaviour expert, late Kevin Tollhurst delivered an address just before his passing saying, if more fuel reduction was implemented prior to the 2019/20 bushfire Mallacoota would not have burnt;
Delayed detection and particularly initial attack (not until second and third day after ignition) allowed two fires to burn 989,000 hanot best practise;
Suppression was undertaken with insufficient force (<50 firefighters) in the first 18 days when the FFDI (Forest Fire Danger Index) was less than 30 at 3pm, and considered low enough to complete suppression.
All Victorians are urged to follow Mr Hardman's good advice and implement enhanced fuel reduction and fire protection measures for your property before this summer.
FFMV is an inefficient and ineffective organisation implementing aflawed ‘Safer Together’ fire policy. It is time for acomplete policy, strategic and organisational overall of forest fire protection in Victoria. About the author: John Cameron is a forestry consultant with an MBA who previously managed alarge forestry company and was amember of aCFA forest industry brigade.
Comment: Treaty puts First Peoples’ first
THE Bass Coast South Gippsland Reconciliation Group congratulates the Victorian First Peoples Assembly on successfully negotiating astatewide Treaty, passed in the Lower House and about to be debated in the Upper House.
This Treaty will put First Peoples’ selfdetermination front and centre.
It will enableFirst People to enact the solutions to their own issues,ones they are experts in, rather than having solutions imposed by governments and institutions in the name of treating everyone the same.
First Peoples are not historically the same as the rest of society. They have auniquehistory as the longest living culture on Earth; they have been dispossessed of their land, their culture, their languages, theirrights to live as they choose, theirchildrenwere stolen. They are subjected to racism;they are held responsible for their own disadvantage.
Member for Gippsland South DannyO'Brien, when speaking to the legislationinParliament, said that the Opposition cannot support Treaty because it is "outside the normsofthe Westminster system" and would be "granted a level of unprecedented autonomy."
Yes -fresh air! It is thelackofautonomy that has strangled FirstNations rights to justice and selfdetermination.Theyhavebeenfightingforthisform of justice for decades,and have now had their right toself-determinationrecognised.TheTreatybuildsin accountability-theyareaccountabletogovernment andtotheirownpeople.Andwecanbesurethatthey will be heavily scrutinised!
Ngarra Murray, the co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly, told Parliament that "the time for paternalistic governments making decisions on behalf of our people ends with this Treaty."
Mr O’Brienand the Opposition haveproposed a
new government departmentcalled First Nations Victoria, that will promise to deliver decisionmaking to grassroots communities. It is still a bureaucracy, it is still run by government, it is still under the control of Treasury that will find it easy to not fund programs when cuts need to be made.
There are no guarantees that it will get the attention, the political will to make it work, the funding, nor the sort of self-determining power that will deliver results in the way that aTreaty will. ATreaty has built into it asignificant transferofpower from white bureaucratsand Parliament to First Nations people.
The Opposition’s proposalisone more step in the longmarchtosuffocationofFirstNationsPeople.First theywererunofftheircountryandkilledlikevermin becausetheygotinthewayof‘progress’andfarming the huge tracts of land that had beenstolen. Later, thegovernment approaches involved assimilating FirstPeoplesintoasysteminanattemptto‘breedout thecolour’,basedonthewhitesupremacistviewthat First Peoples would prefer to be white. Always, the whitesystem-theWestminstersystem-wasincontrol. It is time to recogniseFirst Peoples rights to determine their own path when it comes to the issues in which the system has failed them: education, health, justice, land management, as examples.
The Treaty has been thoroughly researched and draws on the best examples in the world. Most once-colonised peoples have treaties, some centuries, some decades old. We are not moving into unknown territory. We need to get behind Treaty and make sure it has the support to work.
Treat Treaty with respect
THEspeechbythestategovernmentrepresentative
andtheLeaderoftheNationals,MrDannyO’Brien,on theoccasionsecond reading ofthestatewideTreaty bill 2025, was very disappointing.
WhileMrO’Brien acknowledged “that this is a historic day” and warmly recognised contributions from the co-chairs of the First Peoples’ Assembly (Rueben Bergand Ngarra Murray) in the very next breath, he dashed hopes of many Victorians by declaring the opposition, if elected, would repeal the Treaty legislation.
This is the kind of political opportunism that has relegated the federal conservative partiesto irrelevancy. Ihave written to Mr O’Brienasking himtosupport the historic Treaty process.
It is inconsistent for Mr O’Brien to declare in his speech “we will always be working towards addressing those very fundamental issues where Aboriginal people are at adisadvantage” and then deny Indigenous Victorians the vehicle by which they have decided they want to address disadvantage!
Mr O’Brien, this “we-know-better” paternalism has failed for more than 250 years.
We need anew approach. Let’s listen to the First Nations Assembly. Together, we can choose abetter way forward, for all Victorians, one that provides for real FirstNations self-determination.
John Tebbutt Meeniyan
Equal treatment forall Victorians
THE Liberals and Nationals are focussed on closing the gap between the life experiencesof Aboriginaland non-Aboriginal Victorians.We do
not support Treaty as the best waytoachieve these aims, and are opposing the legislation currently before Parliament to implement it.
We have committed to repealing Treaty should we be elected to government next year.
We believe that all Victorians should be given equal treatment, equality of opportunityand justice, irrespective of their race or background. Through the Treaty legislation, the Allan Labor government is legislatingnew rights,funding, access to government and influenceacross avast swathe of public policy that is not available to non-aboriginal Victorians.
Much of this is outsidethe traditional Westminsternorms of governance thatensure elected representativesare ultimately responsible for government decisions and allocation of taxpayer dollars. Despite Premier Allan’s assurances that the Treaty process would be conducted openly and transparently, the reality is, it has been negotiated behind closeddoors, without proper oversight and no opportunity for input from the broader Victorian community. We do not believe that Treaty will resultin Victoria meeting nationally agreed Closing the Gap outcomes and have proposedanalternative policy.
We will establish First Nationals Victoria as adedicated body to deliver real outcomes on the ground, in consultation with Aboriginal people. The Liberals and Nationals will never support divisive polices and remain committed to governing for all Victorians.
Melina Bath Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Member for Eastern Victoria Region
Cameron. File photograph
Expert tips to safer Schoolies
FOR students finishing up their Year 12 studies, Schoolies is aonce-in-a-lifetime moment for celebration,experimentation andpartying with their closest friendswho have ashared journey over the past decade of learning.
However, for parents, having their children attend Schoolies can often be atimefor elevated stress and anxiety, with afear of the unknown, as well as knowing your child is fending for themselves -perhaps for the first time -acontributing factor to this.
Whilemanymay reserve fearsaround what happens at Schoolies, the prospect of Schoolies and what children might be getting up to does not have to be ascary one.
Leading expert in youth health, ProfessorAlison Hutton (Western Sydney University), explains thatcommunication withchildren is paramount to supporting young people for taking responsibility for their actionsthroughout Schoolies celebrations.
Professor Huttonisa leading researcher into young people'shealthpromotion, harm minimalisation and youth safety at Western Sydney University, whose work is leadingtoinnovative new ways of supporting young people at social events such as Schoolies, outdoor music festivals and sporting tournaments.
She said that having the right conversations between parents and theirchildren can help ease the stresses parents maybefacing, as well as encourage theirchildren to keeptheir safety paramount when attending Schoolies.
"Before they leave, talk to your child about what they expect to do and who they are going to go with. Do you (the parent) know these friends?" Professor Hutton said.
"Talk to themaboutstaying safe,walk around in thedaytime and agree on meeting places with friends in case they get separated. It is important to remind them to stay with their groups of friends and to not allow afriend to go off on their own. It is also important that they do not go to unfamiliar places alone.
"Ask your child who they are going to Schoolies
with and invite their parents over or ring the parents so you can talk through how to support each other and who to call.
"Throughout achild's developmental lives,often one of the biggest influences on their learning comes from their peers -including, but not limited to, their friends, classmates, teachers, teammates and family.
"Particularlyifitissomething children have been exposed to throughout their lives, Professor Hutton saidit'snormal for Schoolies attendees to consume alcohol throughout the event -and is something that should be expected from parents.
"Remember that alcohol is abig part of Australian culture and that most Australian children are brought up in an environment where they see their parents celebratebirthdays, christenings and other special occasions with alcohol. So don’t expect your childnot to drink.Think about how you can begin to have conversationswith your adolescents about drinking before Schoolies (not just theweek before)," she said.
"Many Schoolies attendees plan to drink alcohol with theirfriends. Depending on whatSchoolies your child attends there may be some organised activities at the event. Otherwise they may go down to the beach at night time, and danceatorganised events in the evening. Your child may not eat well during Schoolies, and may notdrinkenough water
"Remind them to drink water and to have a good meal prior to drinking alcohol. Pace alcohol drinking,avoid drinking energy drinks and alcohol as mixing depressants (alcohol) with energy drinks can mask the effects of alcohol.
"Schoolies is well attended by police, support workers and on-site medical care workers. Encourage them to seek help and support as needed. These people are there to support Schoolies and ensure that they have asafe and enjoyable experience.
"Discuss withyour child how to look after someone who is drunk: roll them over, clear their airway; ask for help. Don’t leave them alone."
Understand that peer pressure makes it difficult for your children to say no to alcoholand drugs,
Good luck future leaders
LOCAL NationalsMPs havepassed on their best wishes to the graduating class of 2025. Member for Gippsland South Danny O'Brien, and Memberfor Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath each sent messages of support as students prepare to sit their final exams.
"As many of our local Year 12 students prepare to sit their final exams from October 28, Iwant to wish each of them the very best of luck," Mr O'Brien said.
"This is an exciting and sometimes stressful time, and it is important to remember that exams are justone stepona muchbigger journey. I encourage students to do their best, but to remember that balanceand wellbeing matter just as much as results.
"I also want to acknowledge the parents, familiesand teachers whosupportour young people through this busytime. Your encouragement, patienceand guidance make areal difference and help ourstudents stay focused and confident.
"Throughout theyear I’ve hadthe pleasure of visiting many local schools and meeting an impressive group of young people. Iknow firsthand that our local schools are full of bright, capable and community-minded students who will go on to do great things.
"To all our futureleaders Isay congratulations on reaching this milestone and goodluck for the exciting future ahead."
"As final exams draw near, I’d like to take a moment to wish every Year 12 student across EasternVictoria the very best of luck for their exams and future endeavours," Ms Bathadded.
"As aformer secondary school teacher, I understand this time of year is often filled with nerves, excitement, and pressure, but it’s also a good time to reflect on how far you’ve come and what you’ve achieved.
"Thirteenyearsofschooling have led to this moment -atestament to yourhard work, perseverance and determination. You’ve faced challenges, adapted to changeand continued striving toward your goals with resilience and grit.
"As you contemplate your future and reflect, be proud of who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
"Trust in the preparation you’ve done and know that your teachers, families and communities are behind you every step of the way.
"Remember, success isn’t defined by asingle exam result, it’s shaped by your attitude, effort and the values you carry forward.
"Whetheryou’re takingupanapprenticeship, traineeship, starting work,orplanning to study at university, Isincerely wish you every success in the next chapter of your journey."
so help your kids plan what they might say. Your kids may need some help to come up with an ‘out’
“I had abig weekend last weekend and Ijust want to go easy tonight,” Professor Hutton added.
“Maybe later -Ihave already had afew and I need abreak.
“I have abig game (sports) tomorrow and Iwant to be ready for that.”
While they might be far away from home, in many cases, parents are still going to be the first point of call for those attending Schoolies.
Thoughyoung adultsmay rather avert having to phone their parents throughout the celebratory weekend, it's important that a24/7line of communication is established, should children wish or need to reacht their parents at any time, while also respecting the personal boundaries and privacy of their child.
Professor Hutton said it might be beneficial for parents to establish aregular contact schedule or a code word to ensurethese boundariesare respected whilst still supporting theirchildren throughout theevent.
"Negotiate with your children for them to ring you at aspecifictimeaday.Alsoifthey would like to speak to you but don’t want their friends to know -organise acode word where they can text you and you can ring them. Ensure that they understand that they can ring you at any time if they need support. They may want to consider taking abattery charger," she said.
"Encourage your child to identifytwo peoplewho can support them while you are at Schoolies. Give each other your mobile phonesbeforeyou leave for Schoolies.
"Ensureyour children know you are available to them if they need you. Ask your children if they have any concerns that they want to talk through
with you before they go to Schoolies.
"Though the job as parents is to make sure their child is safe during Schoolies, it's also up to their children to put their own safety first and think twice before making any decision."
Professor Hutton said school leavers should plan ahead and not make split-second decisions which may potentially backfire.
"Consider how you are going to get to Schoolies. If possible take an organised bus or ask aparent to drive you. If you do want to go with friends, ask how many people are going in one car -you do not want to travel in an overcrowded car with an inexperienced driver," she said.
"Take water to drink with you and some snack bars that are easy to grab when you need something to eat. Drinking on an empty tummy is not agood look."
Plan ahead -think about what you will need to make your stay comfortable. For example, if you have asthma take apuffer.
"Think about how you might contact each other if your mobile runs out. Do you want to have a meeting point, walk through the Schoolies venue or caravan park before you start celebrating and work out some strategies to stay safe as agroup," Professor Hutton said.
"Don’t let your friends go off with people thatyou don’t know on theirown.Schoolies is atimefor you to celebrate the end of school life and only comes around once for most of us: so have agood time, look after your mates and stay safe.
"Remember, there will be lots of support around the event, so seek help if you need it. Also, as drug use is becoming more prevalent, Iwould encourage youngpeopletoget their drugschecked if it is available."
Breaking into Aria top
YARRAMcountry music duo Ally Row havehit anew milestone aftertheir newlyreleaseddebut album, Something More,reached Number 5on theARIA Top 20 Australian Country Albums, for the week of September 29, 2025.
In the same period, it also hit #33 on the ARIA Top 40 Country Albums, which includes international acts like Morgan Wallen and Post Malone.
On both charts, Something More is one spot behind Keith Urban's High album.
AllyRow arefamiliar on the local music scene, notably performing at Boolarra Folk Ftil
Beats: Yarram duo Alice Fitzgerald and RowanSizer performasAllyRow, incorporating countr y, folk and rock into their sound. Photograph contributed
five
Partytime: Hundreds of school leaversare set to take par tinSchoolies events in coming weeks.
Photographs supplied
Iconic song hasbeen with generation of locals
By AIDANKNIGHT
BARELY alocal resident wouldn't have blasted
Bohemia nR hapsody on speakers ,s ung the song while driving or belted it out at impromptu moments
This year is the 50th anniversary of Queen’s magnum opus, asong that has endured many generationsand iconicmoments -despite itsrocky initial criticalreception when first released on October 31, 1975.
Not many songs have enjoyed such an interesting and impressive history as this, not least for the numberofgenres woveninto its run time, but music often has the ability to ‘throwback’ to adifferent time in our lives, and ‘Bo Rhap’ is no exception.
Any track with as many comebacks as Bohemian Rhapsody is asource of great nostalgia for many people, across all age groups.
Here are some key events in the Latrobe Valley that correspond to times in history the song made headlines:
1975 - shot down by aplethora of label executives and radio hosts, due to it’s “unmarketable” runtime of five minutes and 55 seconds (and Freddie’s “random rhyming nonsense” lyrics), Bohemian Rhapsody famously defied all odds by holding the UK No 1for nine weeks. It was also the first song to reach that spot in the UK twice with the same version. Allegedly, the piano used in the track was the same Paul McCartney recorded for ‘Hey Jude’,
and by David Bowie’s band on the ‘Hunky Dory’ album. The vocals took the band three weeks to record. Meanwhile in the Latrobe Valley, the Moe United Soccer Club scored achampionship that they would go onto to hold for four consecutive years. Traralgon hosted its first harness racing meeting, beckoning in the new era in the local sports sphere.
1981 - The song was featured on Queen’s Greatest Hits compilation, which remains the biggest-selling album in UK history, while ’81 also saw Morwell’s Kernot Hall host aRemembrance Day ball, attended by the then-Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
1991 - Freddie Mercury died on November 24, the same year the Latrobe Valley faced its own loss, as it was announced the Hazelwood Power Station, ahugecontributor to the local economy for decades, would soon be privatised. This threatened job security and industrial growth within the region. Bohemian Rhapsody surged back up the charts in popularity due to Freddie’s passing, as well as it’s inclusion in the Wayne’s World soundtrack the following year. This saw the operatic epic smash its own record, reaching the No 2spot in the US charts, 17 years after it was released.
2004 - the song was inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame, and the Gippsland rail line was extended to Bairnsdale, benefitting residents and visitors alike.
2017 - The official closure of Hazelwood
marked the end of an era, not long before Bohemian Rhapsody marked the start of another, as cast and crew wrapped up production of the Freddie Mercury biopic film of the same name.
Released ayear later, the film's soundtrack went two time platinum in Australia, reaching a
whole new audience of ayounger generation, who contributed to it becoming the most streamed song from the 20th century.
Now, in theyear of it’s 50th anniversary,we can only wait and see what the year brings to the Latrobe Valley to coincide with the hit song’s next milestone in history.
Lyrics hit the high note
By LIAM DURKIN
THAT Queen's music is still enjoyed is further proof that quality music stands the test of time. Arguablya large reason for their successis the fact the band covered such awide variety of genres, it wasdifficultfor anyone to not enjoy at least one of their tracks.
Granted mostsongs fitted the rock n' roll category, listen to Somebody To Love, Seaside Rendezvous or the Millionaire Waltz and you will find tracks that could easily fit the gospel, ragtime or classical label.
Other tracksalsoshow Queen was never a band that took themselves too seriously, simply making for afun, enjoyable listeningexperience.
While other artists were singing about saving the planetduringthe 1970s, Queenwere penning lyrics about voluptuous women riding bikes. Still, there was aserious side.
As somebody who writes sport, the lyrics from We Will Rock You actually tell of acautionary tale:
Buddy, you're aboy, make abig noise, Playing in the street, gonna be abig man someday.
Buddy, you're ayoung man, hard man, Shouting in thestreet, gonnatakeonthe world someday.
Buddy, you're an old man, poor man, Pleading with your eyes, gonna make you some peace someday.
Equally, one of my best memories is belting out We Are The Champions after winning acricket premiership.
The line: 'it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise' certainly hit very close to home. Listening to Queen is also somewhat comparable to writing and tryingtowork out politicians Just how did Don't Stop Me Now not chart when first released?
Iwas fortunate enough to see Queen live -well half the band at least.
It was in 2020, and fearing Brian May and Roger Taylor mightnot tour again (John Deacon has remained reclusive since Freddie's death), I figured it best to get tickets.
Securing tickets was successful in as much that Igot them, although Ihad to travel to Adelaide as the Melbourne concerts all sold out. Being afirst year cadetjournalist, money wasn't exactly flush, so Iused all themoney I had on airfares and one night's accommodation. Jumping off theplane at Adelaide, Iwalked the 15km to Adelaide Oval for the concert. Was it worth it?
Absolutely.
Brian May and Roger Taylor still rocked well into their 70s, and with Adam Lambert on vocals, puttogether an incrediblyenergeticperformance. The track we are celebrating today, Bohemian Rhapsody,featured holograms of Freddie singing the iconic operatic section.
For little known tracks that bang, check out: '39, Good Company, and Action This Day
For the best covers, it is hard to go past Marc Martel, whose voice you will swear has been borrowed from Freddie's.
Fifty years since the band's most well-known song was released, it's music is sure to be enjoyed in households across the LatrobeValley for decades to come.
Fantastic festival promotes food, play
By KATRINABRANDON
BLASTING fun was had at the Eat, Drink, Play Gippsland festival stationedatthe Leongatha Railway Precinct on October 18.
Attendees experienced some of Gippsland’s best products all together in one place.
The day was split into two sessions:a daysession focused on food and drinks, and anightsession featured rapid-fire bands that got the crowd moving.
According to the co-organiser of the event, Dan Sims,about 3000 people attendedthe day session, whileanother1000participated in the afternoon musicsession. Peoplehailed from all around, with some coming from Melbourne and some locals takingtothe eventontheir doorsteps, celebratingthe warmth of the day.
Coming into theday,visitors were faced withwet and chilly weather, but an hour into the event, it warmed up to 18 degrees with barely any cloud cover. While the weather changed, it didn’tfaze most.
“Today (October 18) was an absolutely amazing day downhere in Leongatha,” MaffcoBrewery and Distillery's Jim Reeves said.
“A bit of atypical South Gippsland day. It started with rain, and now we have beautiful sunshine. We have had agreat flow of people, and it was awesome
to be amongst the other Gippsland businesses. So, it hasbeen afantastic day.”
Mr Reeves also said that not only had the day been good for business, but he was also able to create somepartnerships withother businesses for future collaborations.
Some businessesinvolved on the day included Trulli,Messmates, Tinamba Hotel, Gippsland Jersey, Prom Country Cheese, Hogget, Fleet Wines, The Wine Farm, Gippsland Wine Co, Dirty Three, andwineries Narkoojee, Carrajung,Glenmaggie and Infusa distillery.
Throughout the day, people were able to sit and listen to the experts abouttheir products and recent developments. Wine chats and food talk provided visitors with insight intotheir local vendors and producers, allowing them to listen to the challenges they face and showcase their passion.
Francesca Dickinsonfrom PortFranklin, avisitor to the event, came out feeling rather happy with the experience.
“(It was) fantastic! It started with the Invy Horn Jam, who were fantastic. It was agreat wayto start the day with dancingand singingwiththem,” she said.
“(It was) really interesting listening to the food talksand wine talks, the cidery andthe chefs, like
Expertise:
and
Hogget -how dedicated they are to ethical, quality, local produce.”
When asked what her favourite part of the day was, Ms Dickinson said that each part of the day was just as incredible as the next.
From the vine, Wine Talks was hosted by Max Allen, featuring Dirty Three, Lightfoot Wines, Fleet Wines, William DownieWines and Bass Phillip. But down the line at Food Talks,the Herald Sun’s food and wine editor Kara Monssen hosted Gippsland Jersey’s Sallie Jones, Mahob at Moos, Gurneys Cider, Sailors Grave Brewing, Sodafish and Hogget.
Rolling intothe climax of the day, people were wining and dining, chilling out on picnic blankets and camp chairs, while socialising and relaxing to the music in the background.
By 2.30pm, some businesses were starting to cross off food items from their menus, withsome shutting their shops entirely around 3pm. But no worries for attendees, the organisers of the events shuffled the two sessions, swappingsome businesses in and out to ensure that food was available throughout the day and night, giving more opportunities for others to step up and sell their products.
Almost two hours were set between the two sessions to ensure everyone had time to settle and
businesses could get ready for the second session of the day.
Music throughout the day session was brought by Misty Harlowe, Janie Gordon, Jungle Jim Smith, Invy Horn Jam, and Ozone Street. This was later followed by Gippsland’s rising star Steph Strings, EmmaDonovan,and MelbourneSka Orchestra, which finished off the night with abang.
Energy levels stayed consistent throughout the event, with plenty of activities to take part in. Overall, Mr Sims was quitepleased with the turnout.
“(I am) relieved,” he told the Express “It's atestament to the quality of the producers whoare here. Ithink if anything, that's areally great reiteration of what they do. We're here, producers, to create aplatform and bring them all together, cheerlead, wrangle everyone, and see everyone turn out.
“It is avibetoday. It's anice sort of chill.
“Some other events that we run when everyone turns up at the door at the same time, that get really intense. You've got people sitting down on lounge chairs, people sitting there and listening to some talks, food, talks, wine,talks,people on the grass listening to some music, grabbing some food. Imean, doesn't get much better than that.”
WasteWarriors,
and Audrey,fromStPaul’sAnglicanGrammar
THREE Year 3studentsfrom St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School havebeen named national winners of the 2025 ScrapHeat Challenge. Supported by the school’s personalised learning Horizon Extension Program and competing as the Waste Warriors, the students developed an inventive composting project thathighlighted their commitment to sustainability and innovative thinking. Among more than 200 teams nationwide, the Waste Warriors’project impressed the judges with its innovative ideas, scientific approach and aproject that promoted healthier soils and agreener planet. The ScrapHeat Challengeencourages students from across Australia to build critical thinking, problem-solving and STEM skills by tackling real-world problems with creativity and collaboration.
Familyfun: Mirboo Nor th’s Kit Duncan-Jones, Marlo (2) andAoifeDuncan-Jones enjoying the festival. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon
Innovation:
Nivvan, Chloe
School, were named national winnersofthe 2025ScrapHeatChallenge Photograph supplied
Rocco Cavalloshowcased some of thebestin Gippsland gourmet at thefestival.
It takes avillagetohelpkids in need
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
IN an effort to provide opportunity for young students in need, the Little Village Project continues to be abeacon of hope for what community support should be.
Launched in 2019, the growing grassroots initiative has helped more than 250 disadvantaged primary school kids engage and remain in the educational space.
The project helps elleviate the pressure on local public primary schools by providing rapid access to evidence-based therapies and assessments, ensuring children get the right help in swift time. The local schoolsinvolved include Traralgon quartet KosciuszkoStreet Primary School, Stockdale Road PrimarySchool,GreyStreet PrimarySchool and Liddiard Road Primary School, along with Thorpdale Primary School, Trafalgar Primary School and Tanjil South Primary School.
Workingasa student wellbeing and welfare coordinator at Stockdale Road Primary School, Traralgon's Ben Tunks noticed the difficulty in connecting affected students with services.
"I found thatservices that Iwas referring (them) to often around here were very overwhelmed and
they'd have to spend much longer than I'd prefer on waiting lists," Mr Tunks told the Express
"For example, if they wanted to get into amental health service, you'd refer them to that thinking that their need was quite dire, and then six to 18 months they might get in, just becauseour services here, as fantastic as they are, they're just completely overwhelmed."
Mr Tunks presented at the Gippsland Regional ExecutivesForum with the ideaofpaying for these services privately, to allow kids to get in as soonaspossible,which is where he wasconnected withregional charitynetworkKindred Spirits Enterprises.
Founder Rhonda Renwick took alikening to Mr Tunks' passions and agreed to auspice the project and support in an administrative level.
"She also had charitable status, so that if people wanted to make donations, they'd be supported in doing so that's really where all my connections and all my beginnings came from," he said.
Many core community groups and businesses havejumped on board, ledbyKindred Spirits Enterprises and AGL Loy Yang, allowing the project to reach its fullest potential.
The renewal of AGL's partnership thisyear
Collaboration with CFAand Hazelwood North Primary
STUDENTS from Hazelwood North Primary School were celebrated recently after completing aterm’s work on Fire Country, which is apilot project from the CFA.
Students in Grade5and 6were ledbyvolunteersfrom the Hazelwood North CFA and learnt about fire behaviour and potential risks in their local area.
As part of the unit of study, students were taskedwith identifying an issueand coming up with asolution to solve it, which they proudly
presented to their school and the broader community.
Students were presented with acertificate andfire-resistant tree in recognition of their hard work, with buckets for the watering of plants provided by Member for Morwell Martin Cameron.
In atouchinggesture,students presented acheque to the HazelwoodNorth CFA for a donation they raised during the pilot project.
Babyphotos
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pushes the project in adirection to reach three extra primary schools over the next three years.
Nowadays, the Little Village Project features many unique and important programs and services, which goes leaps and bounds forrequired students.
One-on-onespeechand occupational therapy are some of the key things provided, while other innovative ideas help support specific cases.
"We had alittle girl at aschool with quite severe traumaand she was abit of aflightrisk, when she was triggered into fight or flight mode, she'd run away, which was an important mechanismthat probably kept her alive for alot of her very young life," Mr Tunks said.
"But that made her abit of arisk to take on camp with all her peers, but her school didn't want her to miss out on having that experience and going on camps and making friends, so we were able to fund her to go on acamp specifically for kids with that presentation.
"So there were more staff and more supervision, better managed and amuch calmer environment thanwhatyou mightfindonaregularcrowded school camp."
All these avenues are coordinated through the schools, families and the project leaders, to determine what should be utilised.
Mr Tunks says ultimately he wishes to see "systemic change" with this initiative.
"I think our local students are doing areally good job of understandingthatit'svery difficult to teach children when they're distressed or disconnected, and sometimes you need to prioritise those things first," he said.
"I love the fact that the community'sgetting around the schools and supporting that."
Mr Tunks tells astory of his sister being amidwife in Tanzania, and how the village where achild is born becomes the collective responsibility of that child in helping raise them.
While working on alargerscale thanthat comparison, Mr Tunks would like to see that compassion transfer over to Australia's culture.
"I don't see any harm in borrowing some of the amazing aspects of that culture for here, particularly if it's in the best interest of the kids," he said.
"I'd love to see aculture here when we find out that when there's 12 to 18 month waiting lists to see ahealth care service or apaediatrician or a speech therapist or an occupationaltherapist, that we go 'hang on, that's not good enough'.
"And those with themeans to change that put our hands in our wallets, or it might be doing some advocacy,wepush for the best interestsofthe kids in our towns."
Newkids on the block
Sadie Rose Hildebrand, born July 29, 2025 at Latrobe Regional Hospital to proud parents Rohan and Sophie. A sister for Marley.
Great work: StudentsfromHazelwood Nor th Primar ySchoolpresented Hazelwood Nor th CFAwith acheque aftertheir fundraisingeffor ts Photograph supplied
Prospering: TheLittleVillageProject continues to be amajorsuppor ting systemfor primar yschool students in the Latrobe Valley. Pictured is AGLLoy Yang general manager ChristoVan Niekerk, LillardRoad Primar ySchoolDisabilityOnclusionJanelle Szkwarek, The Little Village Project founder BenTunks,KosciuszkoStreet Primar ySchool Principal Chelsea Granger,Kosciuszko Street Primar ySchool vice schoolcaptains Jake and Aria, and AGLLoy Yang Manager Community Relation Monique De Carli. Photograph supplied
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NOTICE is herebygiven that the Annual General Meeting of theMembers of the Gippsland CentreAgainst Sexual Assault invitation to attend its Annual General Meeting November 26th, 2025.
This is avery exciting opportunitytojoin us as we sharethe journeyand learnings.
We will present to youour work overthe last 12 monthswithin our Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024-2025and highlight our newStrategic Goals and priorities.
It would be our pleasure foryou to join us forsome refreshments following our formal Annual GeneralMeeting
Date: November 26th, 2025 Time: 5:00pm -6:00pm In Person: MorwellMDC –31-41 Buckley Street, Morwell Teams option available.
RSVP: November 12th, 2025 Anna Ripper: ceo@gippscasa.org
MOE 34 Haigh St. Sat 1st November, 8am-1pm. Furniture, records, h/hold items, tools and garden tools.
TRARALGON 24A Albert St, Sat, 8am-12pm. Celebrate 20 years with us by purchasing summer vegetable plants, homemade produce, fish fertilizer, kitchenware, quality recipe books and bric-a-brac. ALL HALF PRICE Proceeds to Guide Dogs Victoria.
TRARALGONEAST 9and 13 Ashleigh Place. Sat 1st 8-4 and Sun 2nd 9-12. Plants, hardware, linen, h'hold and garden items, ladies clothes s14 (some with tags), tents, shoes and framed prints.
YALLOURN NORTH 4North Road. Fri, Sat and Sun,from 9:00am Timber hardwood, ply work benches, tent, refrigeration unit.
NOTICE OF NATIVE TITLE FULL GROUP AUTHORISATION MEETING
GUNAIKURNAI NATIVE TITLE FULL GROUP
AUTHORISATION MEETING: Saturday 29 November 2025
Gunaikurnai nativetitle holders, as described in this notice andrecognised by the FederalCourt of Australia on 22 October 2010 in Mullett on behalf of the Gunai/Kurnai People vState of Victoria [2010] FCA 1144 (Mullett Determination), areinvited to attend afullgroup authorisation meeting on the time and date below.
The purpose of the meeting is to decide whether to authorise (agree to) the Gunaikurnai Land and WatersAboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC)entering into avariation of the existing Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA) under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) and an associated Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) under the NativeTitle Act 1993.
The purpose of the ILUA is to agree howrights to takeand use natural resources—such as rights to hunt, fish and collect firewood— provided under aNatural Resource Agreement and Traditional Owner Land Natural Resource Agreement (forming part of the revised RSA) will affect the Gunaikurnai People’s existing nativetitle rights, as recognised in the Mullett Determination.
The proposed decisions to be made are:
1. AGREE the Gunaikurnainativetitle group decision-making processfor making decisions at the meeting 2. AUTHORISE GLaWAC to enter into the RSA andILUA.
THIS NOTICE INVITES allGunaikurnai native title holders to attend the native title Authorisation Meeting at the date, time and location below
MEETING DETAILS
Venue: Forestec,27ScrivenersRoad, Kalimna West, Victoria 3909
When: Saturday 29 November 2025 at10.30am
GUNAIKURNAI NATIVE TITLE HOLDERS
(1) Charles Boldin /Boldenand Emily Clarke (2) Jemmy Bull and Mary (3) Tommy Bumberrah (4) Bungil Narran (5) Bungil Wrekallak
NOTICEOFROADDETOURS
Road detours will be in place forthe International Rose Garden Festival Morwell on Friday 7November between 4pmand 10.30pm and Saturday 8November between 7.30am and10.30pm. Streets will be closed on Avondale Road and the northbound side of Maryvale Crescent around the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden during this time.
(6) Bungil Tay-a-bung (7) Jack Chase and Kitty (8) Dan Bun-gyl Tamboand Kitty Wangung (9) Old DarbyTar-loomba and Mary Tur-un-gook (10) Charles Riversand Kitty (11) Charles Hammond and Annabella / Hannah McLeod (12) Jimmy
ATTENDING THE MEETING
(13) Billy Login /Logan and Mary (14) King TomKee-lum-bedine andMary War-gyle (15) Old Ngary and Mary Woon-grook (16) James Scott (17) George Thomas (18) TimothyBungilBarlijan andPatty Tu-duk (19) Charlotte Mercawan (20) Yallung /Tharnaberrang Kitty and Wookalnom Dukalunern Mary (21) Wood-a-turn (22) Merriguin Lucy Goold (23) William McDougall (24) Edward‘Neddy’ O’Rourke (25) John Wilson and Polly
This meeting is an in-person event –atthe WangunAmphitheater at the GLaWAC Forestec head office.
To register your attendanceand
DELIVERERS WANTED TRARALGON and MOE
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the publisher's approval. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.
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BonaccordFreightlines is currently hiring full-time Long Distance HC Drivers(Interstate)
Please visit ourwebsite, https://bonaccordingram.com.au/careers for further details and job descriptions. Applications can be emailed to freightlines@bonaccord.net or contact 03 5157 1325 for further infor mation.
LCC-895 Management and OperationofGRAC
Tenders are invited fromsuitably qualified contractorsfor the above. See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details
Submissions are to be lodged as detailed in the documentation. Council is not boundto accept the lowest or any tender
TRAFALGAR
Expressions of Interest –School Cleaning Contractor
Expressionsofinterest areinvited from cleaning contractors to clean Trafalgar High School
Call
Cleaners arerequired to attend asite inspection to be conducted at 3.30 pm on 12 November,2025 Contract documents will be available at thattime. Register attendancewith Sharon Lowater on 5633 1733
The successful applicants must have Department approved cleaning panel status prior to commencingtheir contract at any Victorian gover nment school.
HYUNDAI Lantra SE 1999 4D auto sedan 1.8L, remarkably low mileage 81K, VG cond., currently registered with VIC Club Permit plates (i.e. to be sold as unregistered), garaged at Erica; service and maintenance history available. $3,000 o.n.o. Call Michael 0437
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Ex ecuti ve Offic er
Latr obe He alt hA ss embly
Opportunity to lead community health in Latrobe Valley
The Latrobe Health Assembly is seeking to appoint adriven and innovativeExecutiveOfficer who will be responsible forsupporting and overseeing improvedhealth and well-being in the Latrobe City area, who can build on the work of the current leader and empowerthe community to shape its ownfuture. Therole will commenceinearly 2026, at the conclusion of the current incumbent’s contract, and be responsible for the activesearchfor futurefunding support to transform the existing Assembly into acommunity-led, not forprofit organisation.
The Latrobe Health Assembly works to strengthen the Latrobe Valley community’s voiceonhealthand wellbeing.This position boasts the best of flexible work, initially being available on a0.8 basisfor aterm of 12 months.
The Executive Officer position would suit:
• Aconfident leader with aprovenrecordofachievement in achange environment.
• An experienced leader withstrong planning,budgeting and program management skills.
• Agood communicator,experienced in stakeholder management and community engagement.
• Amotivated changeagent who can help deliver innovativehealth improvement strategies.
• An innovativebusinessleader with experiencesourcing and securing funding opportunities.
Reporting directly to the Assembly Chair and Board, the Executive Officer is responsible forensuringeffectivegovernancebyoverseeing strategic planning,communication, budgeting and programdelivery in line with Assembly and Board directives. The successful candidate will be aprofessional, highly motivated,flexible and enthusiastic individual with the right knowledge, competencies and experience. Theymust have the ability to add true value in adynamic working environment and directly assist the Assembly in its quest forinnovativeand transforming health initiatives and results. We areseeking a‘can-do’person who is passionate about health and the local community,preferably from within the Latrobe ValleyorGippsland area.
Further information about this exciting opportunity canbeobtained from Mark Wilkins, LRH Executive Director People and Culture on 5173 8114.
To viewthe position description and to apply,pleaseviewthe Latrobe Regional Health careerspageat www.lrh.com.au/careers. Further enquiries may be directed to the Ellen-Jane Browne,ExecutiveOfficer on 5173 8405.
toilet and shower, 3-way fridge, diesel heater, generator, solar panels, new lge awning with privacy screen. Outside bbq, full width rear boot. Reg 1007BE. $94,500 o.n.o. 0402 140 919
BUCKLEY Gavin Russell 21/9/1960 -23/10/2025
Dearly loved brother and brother-in-law of Ian and Marianne. Uncle to Dion, Ryan and Gen, Troy. Great uncle to Jonnie and Beth.
The banter, stories, jokes and great laughs will be with us forever.
BUCKLEY Gavin Russell 21/9/1960 -23/10/2025 Son of Ruth and Norm (both dec.). Passed away at the Alfred Hospital, result of accident. Surrounded by his loving family. Loved brother of Karen and Jeff, Ian and Marianne, Annette and Rob and families. Gone too soon. Forever in our hearts. Our thoughts and love go out to Corilie, Rhys and Sophie, Laura and Angus.
BUCKLEY Gavin Russell 21/6/1960 -23/10/2025 Passed away peacefully and The Alfred Hospital with his loving family by his side. Result of atragic accident. Dearly loved brother and brother in law of Karen and Jeff Carstein. Loved Uncle of Benjamin and Melissa, Nicholas and Helen. Great-Uncle of James, Henry and Leo and Rose. We are going to miss our weekly chats, jokes and stories. Gavin will be sadly missed by us all. Atrue friend of many.
DAVIS
Ronald William Davis
16/6/1940 -16/10/2025
We will miss you coming around for your pod coffee and achat. Phoenix and Fox will miss their great pop who took so much joy in the all the things they did. Thank you for everything you have done for us and always being there.
Loved Dad of Tracey. Proud pop of Mat, Steph and Lachie. Adored great pop of Phoenix and Fox. XO Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.
DAVIS Ronald William 16/6/1940 -16/10/2025 Much
HOOGENDOORN Arie (Harry) Passed away peacefully at O'Mara House Aged Care Traralgon, 21 October 2025. Aged 89 years Dearly loved husband of Faye (dec.). Much loved brother and brother-in-law of Keith (dec.) and Shirley, Coby (dec.) and Murray, John and Inge, Ted (dec.), Richard (dec.), Eddie (dec.), and Uncle Harry to their families.
HUNT Jessica Lee Aged 41 Passed away October 15 2025, at Traralgon (formerly of Wonthaggi). Much loved daughter of Greg and Laureen and loving sister of Aaron and Chris.
LAMBERDEN Alison
Passed peacefully 26th October. Mother of Pete (dec.) and mother-in-law of Alison. Nanna of Michael, Simon, Danny and families. Alife lived to the full. Reunited with Pete.
LAMBERDEN (nee Cullen) Alison Claire 29/12/1930 -26/10/2025 Ages 94 years
Adored daughter of Patrick and Janet Cullen (dec.). Predeceased by Vic Haber, Jack Warnecke, and Bob Lamberden.
Dearly loved Mum of Peter (dec.) and Alison, Sue and Jan, Guss and Carolyn.
Loved Step-Mum of Sally and Kevin, David and Karen.
Loved and Loving Nana of Micheal and Kylie, Simon and Jenny, Danny and Alisha, Karyn and Daniel, Sandy and Jason, Ashly and Luke.
Loving Step Nana to Sharo n, Kristen and Heath, Brooke and Aaron, Timothy and Cara.
Adored Great Grandma of Jayde, Josh, Jarrod, Ollie, Darci, Nate and Penny, Maddison, Kelsey, Isla, Kove, Braxton, Hudson, Oakly, Baillie and Ryan. Great, great-grandmother to Connor, Amelia, Austin and Huxley.
Alison lived along, happy, fulfilled life surrounded by family and friends that loved her and that she loved in return. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Caravans •
OBERINK Christianus Albertus (Chris)
Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon on 23 October 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Aged 81 years
Much loved and loving husband of Corinne.
Loved father, father-in-law and stepfather of Christina and Paul, Arnold, Steve and Dianne, Gary and Arlene, Trevor and Kelly. Adored Opa to Jayden, Jacob, Reece, Riley, Elisa, Shane, Layla, Chloe, Kaleb. Great-Opa to Zavier and Ivy.
POWER Gary Michael Of Lakes Entrance formerly of Moe. Passed away peacefully at home in Lakes Entrance. Husband of Glenda. Father of Kellie and Megan. Loving Poppy of Riley, Elizabeth and Lilly.
Fondfather-in-law of James and Adam.
You fought so hard to stay with us and gave it your all.
In keeping with Gary's own wishes, aprivate cremation will take place.
PYM David Charles (Dude)
29/1/1946 -19/10/2025
Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health. Loved husband of Carol, father to Deanne and Melissa, Pa to Rowan, Sarah, Brendan, Caitlyn, Zane and Logan, Great Pa to Rain and Willow. Alaugh, asmile, ajoke or two, that's the waywe'll remember him. Rest In Peace. For Funeral details visit: nielsenfunerals.com.au
Passed away peacefully at Baw Baw Views, Moe (Late of Trafalgar). Beloved wife of John (Jack) Richards (dec.). Loving mother of Gary, Mervyn, Peter, Carolyn and partners. Adored Nanna of her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren Forever in our hearts For funeral details please see: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
FERGUSON (Moyes) AMemorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Mrs Janice (Jan) Ferguson will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (5 November 2025) commencing at 2pm. Please wear a'splash of purple' in honour of Jan. Private Burial held.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your
HOOGENDOORN
The funeral service and committal for cremation for Mr Arie (Harry) Hoogendoorn will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, Wednesday 29 October 2025 at 11am.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
HUNT The Funeral Service for Jessica Lee Hunt will be held at Handley &Anderson Chapel, 3085 LochWonthaggi Rd, Wonthaggi, THURSDAY (6 Nov 2025) commencing at 2pm. At the conclusion of the service the funeral will leave for the Kilcunda Cemetery.
The Funeral of Mr Christianus (Chris) Oberink will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy, Traralgon, on FRIDAY (31st October 2025) commencing at 11am At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for aPrivate family Burial. Chris's service will also be livestreamed. To view, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
Funerals • GILL Jack Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart your memories live within me, forever in my heart. Your loving wife, Janice xoxo In Memoriam
DOWE The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Lindsay Vernon Dowe will take place in the Rose ChapelatGippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, THURSDAY (30 October 2025) commencing at 11am. The Ceremony will be livestreamed -please see harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.
PADULA Giovanni (John) 2/11/1942 -31/10/2024
One year has passed since you left us, yet it feels like only yesterday. Not aday goes by that we don't think of you. Your love warmth and kindness lives on in our hearts. Deeply missed and forever loved. Maddalena, Benny, Tony and Jayden.
LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES
Harriers hitting the pavement
ATHLETICS
TRARALGON HARRIERS
BY BARRYHIGGINS
MANYHarriers, friends and other localstook part in the previous weekend’s Melbourne Marathon festival, with anumber of milestones and individual achievements.
With over 50,000 runners and walkers across the 5km, 10km, 21.1km half marathon and the full marathon -42.2km-itwas abusy but exciting experience, as the participants finished with alap of the iconic MCG.
Afew Harriers finished high in their events with anumberofothers placing near the topoftheir age group category.
Traralgon adventurer Blake Bourne did his first marathon, after recently running 380km virtually non-stop across the Simpson Desert, the youngest to do so.
Member for Gippsland in the Federal Parliament, Darren Chester, took astep (or many) closer to becoming adouble Spartan -20Melbournes -completing his 19th Melbourne Marathon this year.
He caught up with John Dobson, one of the three remaining ‘Legends’ who have run every Melbourne Marathon -48intotal.
John crossedthe finish line three minutes ahead of Darren in the 2010 Traralgon Marathon but Darrenturned the tables this year, albeitwitha few yearsofage advantage.
Former junior Harrier David Embletonwho has lived in England for acouple of decades had theforesight to earlier enter Melbourne when he planned abrief visit back home to seehis family in Morwell.
Spending only aweek here, David ran the marathon, despite jet lag, but said it was demanding after just stepping off his international flight.
On the same day, travelling in the opposite direction to David, Harrier and Gippsland Road Runner Mandy Ellis visited family in Perth, and as runners do, took the opportunity to take part in an event.
Mandy and Road Runner friend Katrina Hall ran the Perth Half Marathon.
“It was hot and hard work but Idid it ..but finishing on Optus Stadium wasnot quitethe same as the MCG,” Ellis said.
Ellis finished three hours behind her Victorian Harrier friends -there is no daylight saving in WA.
Afterfinishing the 10kmevent KathyQuinn said, “It was agreat weekend in Melbourne... It was a fantastic day for it and the energy was contagious!”
Harriersveteran Ian Twite ran his 31st Melbourne Marathon, among his total of 75 marathons -and asimilar number of ultramarathons.
With littletraining in the lead up to the marathon due to akneeinjury, Ian decided to give it ago.
“I managed to run agood first 25km, but struggled for the final 17 even though Iran the whole distance," he said.
But able to finish, after four months without a long run, Ian decided, “I am glad Idid it. You feel better both physically and mentally”.
BACK home, the seasons turned, with extremely warm and humid conditions for the first time, when over 70 starters tackled the Crinigan Bushland Reserve last Thursday (16th).
Theunrelenting hilly course followed the boundary of the Maryvale Reserve before entering the trails through the Bushland.
Despite running Melbourne events afew days earlier, many post-marathonrunnersstill achieved quick times.
Fastest finishers were Sav Mavrofridis, after running asub-3 hour marathon four days earlier, Dempsey Podmore, with bragging rights over his brotherand father, andthe evergreen Ian Cornthwaite.
Quickest women were Courtney Ellis, also after asub-3 hour marathon, the ageless Karen Graham and the ever consistent Yani Cornthwaite. It was good to see former member AlyshaDuncan, now living in greater Melbourne, who joined with friends around the course. The Harriers Memorial Run supporting Lifeline Gippsland is on Sunday 9th November at the Toongabbie Golf Course. You can register online. See the Harriers’ Facebook page for details.
Selected results
MELBOURNE MARATHON Jack Rayner 2:15:02 (1 st ), Dion Finocchiaro2.23.47, CaitlinAdams 2:30:25 (1 st F), Ryan Hon 2:43:16, Sav Mavrofridis 2:46:10, Daniel Furmston 2:47:40, RichardOgilvie 2:48:14, CourtneyEllis 2:57:24, MollyFitzgerald 3:02:49, BlakeBourne 3:04:44, Glenn Crawford 3:06:53, Bill Barry 3:09:09, Darrel Cross 3:33:55, DavidBarr 3:36:32, Daniel Hon 3:43:18, MarkRossiter 3:43:53, David Embleton 3:50:51, Kate Jones 3:58:52, Pete Sanders4:06:22,Liz Kenney 4.07.32, Jason Odlum 3:59:36, Bec Anderson 4:17:19, Michelle Sawyer 4:27:51, MarkLansdown 4:36:42, Sue O'Brien 4:49:14, Andrew O’Brien4:49:14,Ian Twite4:52:31, Darren Chester 5:26:39, JohnnyDobson 6:21:36 (70-74age group).
HALF MARATHON Haftu Strintzos 1:02:13(1st), Izzi Batt-Doyle 1:08:54 (1st female and course record), Sinead Diver 1:10:55 (3rdF), Corey Milner 1:14:34, Miles Verschuur 1:17:51, Nicholas Talerico 1:51:51, Ryan Mcleod 1:52:11, Ben Wilkinson 1:53:54, Chris Gallivan 2:28:11. 10KM Adam Goddard28:39 (1 st ), Ellie Pashley33:41 (1 st F), Andrew Greenhill 40:04, Kim Ryan 1:10:53, KathyQuinn 1:20:37,Bob Bicket1:25:26.
PERTH RUNNING FESTIVAL HALF MARATHON Katrina Hall 02:10:07,Mandy Ellis 2.40.26. CRINIGAN BUSHLAND RESERVE 5KM SavMavrofridis 18:22, DempseyPodmore18:43, Ian Cornthwaite20:00, Stephen Renehan 20:20, CourtneyEllis 20:32, Dave Mann 20:44, Ash Crawford 21:16, RobPreston 21:40, Andrew Greenhill 22:08, Adrian Sutcliffe 22:08, Greg Semmler 22:09, KarenGraham 22:30, PeterSanders22:43, Yani Cornthwaite23:03, Clinton Jolly23:19, Chris Van Unen 23:41, Jack Warr 23:45, RonVerschuur 23:49, Trent Kooyman 24:26, David Barr 24:35, Jason Odlum 24:58, Darrel Cross 25:11, Shane Wilson 25:17, Mattias Preston 25:47,Seth Bomers25:48, Ben Wilkinson 25:52, GaryFox 25:58, Paul Ellis 26:09, David Hood 26:26, Nicholas Talerico 27:20, Paul Rollandin 27:24, Rickie Glover27:37,Rebecca Anderson 27:37,DesleyGray28:04, Belkey Podmore28:47, ReeGraham 29:59, Liz Kenney29:59, AshleyMarsh 31:10, Toby Grzmil 31:22, ChesneyPodmore31:35, MariekaReilly 31:40, Kaye Livingstone 31:43, FionaSyme 32:12, Michelle Sawyer 32:23, Phillip Mayer32:24, Lauren Peter33:28, Molly Irvine 35:00, Catherine Leonard35:48, Collette Hofmann 39:24, TimothyGraham 40:39, Samantha McGown 41:51, JayMcGown 41:52, BarryHiggins 43:10, Bob Duljas 44:45, Michelle Colwell47:36, Belinda Heafield 47:56, JyeKaestner 48:38, Lynda Jones 52:45, Ian Heafield 52:46, ShayLorenz 53:42, SarahMcKie 55:18, Nicky Semmler55:18,Audrina Byrne 58:00, Danelle Wright 1:00:00, Alysha Duncan 1:05:00, KatKent 1:05:00, Kylee Earl1:05:00, WallyLappin NTR, Matilda Lappin NTR, LucyMagaldi NTR, SepMarino NTR.
The historyofcountrygolf week
COUNTRYWEEK
THE first country golf week was set to be played at Metropolitan, Victoria and Royal Melbourne golf clubs in September 1914.
where teams in each section played each other in around robin format, with the top team in each section playing off in the final.
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There wastobeanindividual Country Championship, but no teams matches exceptfor a15aside Town versus Country match.
Of course World War 1intervened and it wasn’t until 1924 that Country Week started.
Thirteen teamswere entered for the ‘Leader’ Shield in that first year. They were: Ararat, Ballarat, Colac, Echuca, Hamilton, Maryborough, SwanHill-Kerang, Wangaratta,Warrnambool, Wimmera and Woodend-Kyneton, plus two teams from the Gippsland area, Flinders and Gippsland East.
The following year, Flinders became Peninsula, and Gippsland East becamejust Gippsland. There was now 15 teams entered ,but the draw had became cumbersome, and some teams were also having trouble finding enough players, so in 1926 it was decided to reduce the competition to eight teams, these being Ballarat, Bendigo, Corangamite, Echuca, Hamilton, North Eastern, Wimmera and Gippsland.
TheGippslandteamacquitted themselves well with awin in 1928, and were runner-up in 1933.
In 1934, Country Week still consisted of eight teams.
Echuca had became Goulburn Valley,the Hamilton team had withdrawn ,but this was balanced with Gippsland being split into East and West, thus bringing the West Gippsland district into being. The teams were split into two sections,
The number of teams increased to nine in 1936 with the introductionofNorthern and in 1937 Hamilton and Mildura joined. The same format of two sections continued until 1952 when five more teams were introduced. The new teams were Corio, Central, Dalhousie,Kara Karaand Peninsula, which had been apart of the West Gippsland district. Teams were split into four sections for round robin matches before the top team in each section qualified for the semi-finals.
In 1956 afurther change wasmadewiththe introduction of two divisions, the Shield and the Plate, with relegation and promotion between the two divisions. Each division consisted of eight teams in two sections, with the bottom placed team in each sectionofthe Shield relegated to the Plate and the two teams making the final of the Plate being promoted to the Shield.
In 1958, afinal team was addedtoCountryWeek, when the West Gippsland district was again reduced when the South Gippsland district was created. The introductionofthe South Gippsland team increasedthe number of teams in the Platetonine, and the format for the Shield and Plate remained unchanged until the introductionofthe Bowl, a third division in 1994.
There werenow six teams in the Shield and Plate, and five in the Bowl. Each division consisted of a round robin with no finals, the leading team being the winner.
Two teams were still promoted and or relegated from each division. West Gippsland remained the lastteamtoneverberelegated from the shield until 2003.
Hamilton’s star rising
Next up: Traralgon’s Will Hamilton will featureatthe FIBAU17 Oceania Championships forAustralia. He previouslytook out MVP honoursinU15 Oceania Cup Photograph supplied
BASKETBALL
FIBA BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
IT'S been an even bigger month than usual for Traralgon's Will Hamilton.
Ayear on from representing his country for the firsttime, he has been selectedto Australian Goannas Under-17 Men's team, while it was also announced that he would be joining the men's CentreofExcellence (CoE) program in Canberra.
This newscomes almost immediately after he claimed gold with Australia at the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup following a 27-point smashing of China in the final, with Hamilton scoring 16 points and eight rebounds.
In the Crocs historic fourth consecutive gold medalfinish,Hamiltonalsoclaimed All-Star Fivehonours as one of the best players during the September tournament held Mongolia.
After being selected alongside aplethora of other youngbasketball stars following atraining camp held at the Australian InstituteofSport (AIS), Hamilton made the finalcut for the U17 team and now prepares to take on the best of what this side of the world has to offer.
Held in Samoafrom December 8to13, the FIBAU17 Oceania Championships launches an exciting window for these talented and hopeful players, as apathway towards the 2027 FIBA U19 World Cup.
The young athletes participating and competing duringthis time will progress to the Australian Emus (U19) side for next year and beyond.
Justtwo bottom-aged players remain from last year's gold medal team, now entering theGoannas U17 side, being Hamilton and two-time teammate Paul.
The Australian Goannas will be led by Brenton O'Brien at the upcoming Oceania Championships.
Hamilton already has experience on the world stage, taking part in the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup last November, where Australia claimedits third consecutive gold medal at the tournament.
The Traralgonstarwas so good that he claimed MVP (Most Valuable Player) honoursfor his playacross the week, averaging 18.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8steals per game.
The performance at the tournament, plus being apart of the 2025 National Performance Camp at the CoE with Basketball Australia, led to his inclusion in thenation's top junior basketball program. Dedicated to developing the next generationoffuture Australian Boomers and Opals, the Centre of Excellence has developed thelikes of Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Traralgon'sJadeMelbourne, and Mirboo North's Belinda Snell.
Who knows what the future holdsfor Hamilton.
It's been abusy year for Hamilton, having played for Vict Country at the Aus Junior Championships in April, helping them break a35-year drought to win gold, andalso won the Aus Country JuniorChampionships with the U18 Victorian Bushrangers.
CBL laddertaking shape
BASKETBALL CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
ALMOST halfway through the CBL season and the ladder is already starting to take shape.
In the latest Latrobe Valleyshowdown of Moe and Morwell, the Meteors wasted no time in taking down the Magic, winning by 55 points at Latrobe Leisure Morwell on Saturday night.
Leading by 38 to 23 after the first quarter, Moe then extended their lead even further through to halftime, up by 24 points.
While it would have been hoped that the main break rejuvenated Morwell, the home side continued to flounder through to the end of the game.
Moe’s Austin Shelley pouredin41points with Josh Parkinson next up with 32, while Morwell’s William Tankard had ateam-high 27.
TheMagic couldn’trespond on Sunday, falling 106-85 to Wonthaggi at Bass Coast Community Stadium.
While aslow term for scoring, Morwellled by apoint after the first quarter,but were quickly reversed and went into the halftime break trailing by six points.
The Magic seemed to have caught their best play to begin the game, as the Coasters continuedon their way for their biggest lead by its end.
Nick Sedley finished with 30 points for Morwell, followed by William Tankard with 23.
Traralgon were also stopped on Sunday for their secondloss on the season by Pakenham, 113-89 at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.
The T-Birds ran out of the gate hot, but were let down by the two middle quarters that followed. Outscored by 25 points in the second term, the quarterthat proceeded wasn’t much better, and Traralgonwentinto the finalterm down90-57, seeing the Warriors sew up the result well before its finish.
Kody Tibballs ledthe T-Birds with28points, followed by Brooklyn Fue with 19.
In the week prior for Round 3, Traralgon went past Wonthaggiconvincingly by 35 points at GRISS.
While there was abattleondisplay during the first half, the T-Birdsdominantthird quarter, outscoring the Coasters by 19 points set up their win.
Zac Bezzina exploded for 43 points for Traralgon, followed by Tibballs with 30.
Moe also obliteratedBairnsdale138-69 at Latrobe Leisure Moe that round.
The Meteors scored 30-plus points at every turn of the game, with Shelley and Parkinsoncombining for 73 points -outscoring the Bullets in their own right.
Morwell couldn’t overcomePakenham, falling by 46 points at Cardinia Life Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
The Warriors had five players tally double digits, while the Magic’s Kelvin Austin scored 20 points. MORWELL have seen vastly better luck in
the women’s grade, currently sitting top of the ladder and undefeated for six wins.
The Magic had wins against Moe, Wonthaggi, and Pakenham over the fortnight.
Morwell went two-for-twoatthe weekend, defeatingthe Meteors by 18 points at Latrobe Leisure Morwell on Saturdayand then edging past Wonthaggibyfour at Bass Coast Community Stadium on Sunday.
Little could separate theMagicand the Coasters throughthreequarters, although the home side held aslight lead.
Scores were hard to come by in the final term as both sides battled hard to take home the win, but Morwell eventually came out on top.
Maekaela Zeldenryk top-scored with 17 points for the Magic, followed by Kayla Welsh with 16. Traralgon meanwhile, couldn’tovercome Pakenham, succumbing 93-67atGRISS on Sunday
The T-Birdsstarted offtoo slowly to claim a victory, facing a30-point deficit entering the last quarter.
Lauren Tuplinled Traralgon with 16 points, followed by Grace Van Tilburg 14.
While Moe couldn’ttake home awin at the weekend, they did so emphatically by 80 points over Bairnsdale at Latrobe Leisure Latrobe.
The Meteorsdidn’t allowtheir opponentmore than eight points in any quarter across the game, while themselves scored 20-plus at every turn.
Lexie Jackson led the way with 20 points for Moe, followed by Caitlin Demczuk with 19.
Longwarryinominous early season form
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
SATURDAYPENNANT BY
MICHAEL HOLROYD
TRARALGON had to play well in their visit to Morwell with James Scullin and his rink of Jedd Ladgrove, Ron Sherlock and Wayne Barnes winning24-16 against Morice Gardiner and Wayne Lynch defeating Ron Lyfield 16-12 in Division 1.
For Morwell, Danny McKeown defeated Vin McIlwain 17-14 and Brian Kingsleydefeated Michael Yacoub 21-20 leavingTraralgon the winners 74-66.
Longwarry won all rinks over Traralgon RSL 118-54 with Ken Towtand his rink of Craig Cousi, RichardRoss and Russell White winning 38-11. Glenn Pask won 29-19, Dave Ashby 29-7 and Ian Peterson 22-17.
Newborough defeated Morwell Club 84-66 with Kevin Lovett and his rink of Bluey Flanigan, Jo-Anne Michaels and Sheryl Atkinson winning 25-13, George Lambos 24-15 and Sammy Atkinson 25-15. For Morwell Club Glenn Trembath won 23-10.
Trafalgar travelled to Drouin winning 81-68 with Nathan Cook and his rink of Peter Rosenboom, Matt Ogilvie and Tim Fraser winning 22-7, Matt Schreyer won25-23 and Chris Bortignon 21-19.
Drouin’s Chris Deal won 19-13.
DIVISION 2
MOEremained the only unbeaten side following their defeat of Traralgon (2) with Sandy Caines and his rink of Lorraine Horton, Jeff Thompson and Lachlan Sim winning 27-13, Michael Smogavec 20-17 and Steve Pallot 19-18. For Traralgon (2) Kathy Smiles won 21-16 leaving Moe the winners 82-69.
BoolarratravelledtoWarragulwhere Robert Renn andhis rink of Brian Kennedy, Lynda Morrisonand DaveSmith won 30-21, David Gatewood won 21-16 and Margaret Ratcliffe 18-11.
For Boolarra David Stevens won 22-10 leaving Warragul the winners 79-70.
Traralgon RSL (2) with Jeff Blytheman and his rink of Gordon Bakker, Brian Wilkinson and Ron Oslerwinning 36-14 and Alan Jones 21-16 against Garfield who had Stephen Whyte and his rink of Ron Saunders, Harry Breteler and Gary Helmore winning 33-21 and Joe Lenders 18-16 leaving RSL (2) winning 94-81.
Neerim District had abig winathome against Traralgon (3) with Neil Adams and his rink of Glenn Joyner, Chris Hogan and Angus McGillivray winning 25-19, Peter Wilson 25-20, Peter Throup 25-15 and Karren Sheers 27-16 and Neerim winning 102-60.
DIVISION 3
NEWBOROUGH (2)battledtodefeat Longwarry (2) withRobbertCook and his rink of TonyKnipping, Alan Ryanand Mile Weatherall winning 24-8 and Lisa Arnold 29-16
For Longwarry(2) Simon Counsel and his rink of Robert Quinn, Nat Cousin and Barry White won 32-15 and Gerard Mitchell 19-16 leaving Newborough (2) winning 84-75.
Yinnar at home defeated Drouin (2) 89-69 with Luka Djudurovic and his rink of RobertHooper, Ray Tanti and Jennie Harris winning 26-10, Murray Delahaye18-17 and Russ Peters 28-16. For Drouin (2) Rudy Kerkvliet won 26-17.
Trafalgar(2) had agood win at home against Morwell (2) with Paul Dawson and his rink of Lawrence Heenan,Barry Leicester and Derek Jones winning 20-13, Peter Jonas 18-15 and Mal Clymo 21-16 whilst Bruce Giles drew 20-20 with James Turner leaving Trafalgar (2)the winners 79-64.
Thorpdale won well at Moe(2) 76-62 with Brendan Jenningsand his rinkofKarl Hechinger, Geoff Savige and Ron Mackie winning 23-12, Ben Powell 22-13 and Graeme Edwards 16-14. For Moe Paul Read won 23-15.
Score asporting club grant
SPORT
MEMBER for Gippsland East, former Bairnsdale senior footballer and still occasional AGrade cricketer,Tim Bull is encouraginglocal sporting clubs to take advantage of the latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program.
“This program provides valuable support to our local clubs,helping volunteers,coaches and officialsbuildtheir skills, while alsoassisting with uniforms, equipment and program delivery,” Bull said. The program offersa rangeoffunding opportunities across five categories:
On-field Uniforms or Equipment -upto $1000 to purchase on-field playing uniforms, participation equipment for competitors and active participants, and safety, injury prevention and first-aid equipment;
Volunteers and Officials -upto$5000 for
projects that improve the skills and knowledge of volunteers, coaches and/or officials, and projects that improve volunteer retention;
Access and Engagement -upto$5000 to deliver aseries of sport sessions for adult participants, or up to $2500 to host asingle-session event for children and young people;
Travel -upto$750tohelp with travel costs for athletes selected for representative competition, selection trials or training camps, and;
Governance and Engagement -upto$1500 to strengthen governance practices and ensure long-term sustainability.
Applications close November 26, 2025.
“I encourage all local sporting clubs to have a look at what support is available and submit an applicationbefore the closing date,” Bull said.
For more information and to apply, visit: sport. vic.gov.au.
DIVISION 4
NEWBOROUGH (3) won at Traralgon (4) 82-51 with Kevin Myrteza and his rink of Di Slayford, Ed Whelan and Jesse Hebbard winning 28-9. Yarragon defeated Yallourn North 88-51 with Richard Polmear and hisrinkofDenese Reynolds GaryGreenand Kevin Arnoldwinning 32-11. Churchill at home defeated Neerim District (2) 81-78 with David Patience and his rink of Lorrae Dukes, Barry Flanigan and Craig Roberts won 28-10.
Warragul (2) defeated Traralgon RSL (3) 82-62 withBill Clark and his rink of Bianca Sheehan, George Moi and Bernie McIntosh 27-10.
DIVISION 5
MORWELL (3) defeated Trafalgar (3)78-35, Garfield(2) defeated Traralgon (5) 67-43 and Drouin (3) had agood win at Warragul (3) 76-35. DIVISION 6
MORWELL(5) defeated Thorpdale (2) 53-16 and Boolarra (3) defeated Yallourn North (2) 55-16. The Strzelecki Mixed Pairs see George Lambos and Sammy Atkinson (both from Newborough) to play Sheryl Atkinson (Newborough) and James Scullin (Traralgon).
Andrew Soplakow (Mirboo North) and Lisa Arnold (Newborough) coming up against Vin McIlwain (Traralgon) and Karren Sheers (Neerim District).
GREYHOUNDS
GREYHOUND Racing Victoria, its 11 active race clubs and Sportsbet contributed acombined $15,000 to the Victoria Police Legacy Remembrance Fundafter close to 150 greyhounds won from the blue number four box last September. Exactly144 salutedwearinga blue bib last month, as part of the fundraising campaign initiatedfollowing the tragiclossoftwo police officers, DetectiveLeading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable VadimDeWaart, killed in the line of duty at Porepunkah in August. One hundredper cent of money raised throughthe VictoriaPolice Legacy Remembrance Fund went directly to the Thompson and De Waart families. Elsewhere,TraralgonGreyhoundRacing Club has appointed prominent local sporting identity Nick Leechino as its new chief executive. Afull interview withLeechino willfeature in acoming issue of the Express.
Reality check for Traralgon RSL in midweek action
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
MIDWEEK PENNANT
BY MICHAEL HOLROYD
MIDWEEK pennant bowls continued Tuesday, October 21 in glorious sunny weather enabling great bowling conditions with many games providing exciting finishes.
In Division1,Traralgon RSL after their great Round1win over last year’s premier Trafalgar came back to earth at home to Morwell Club. Tara Harleand her rink of Jo Leslie, Beryl Noblett and Lynne Smith defeated Ross Sizeland 20-18. Neil Whitelaw and his rink of Kathy Hiscock, John Woischuk and Vaughan Reimers defeated Maurie Sutcliffe 21-14.
The home team was well served by Margaret Gibbins who defeated Roger Rejmer 21-16 leaving Morwell Club thewinners 57-53. Traralgon welcomed aTrafalgar side keen for a win and were narrowly beaten by three shots as DavidCookand hisrink of Col Carmichael, Pat Tatterson and Noel Rubenstein defeated Kathy Smiles 22-17 and Adam Proctor drew 18-18 with Trevor James. For Traralgon James Scullin defeated Matt
STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT 2025 -26LADDER21/10/2025 ROUND2
Division 1
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Morwell Club 12 00123 93 30 30
Newborough 12 00130 1082228
Traralgon 11 10121 1165 17
Traralgon RSL1 110116 111 516
Schreyer20-18 leaving Trafalgar the winners 58-55. Moe with Jim Lawrence and his rink of Les Stolarik, Jeff Thompson and Rex Price defeating Gary Ingley 20-13 and Paul Read winning 22-17 had anarrow 55-54 win over Warragul who had Margaret Ratcliffe and her rink of Anthony Wynd, Graeme Davis and Gaye Renn winning 24-13.
Newborough won well at home against Drouin with Phil Mustoe and his rink of Fran Clark, Danny Van Zuylen and Jo-Anne Michaelshavinga33-11 win over Les Firth and Sammy Atkinson won 17-16 For Drouin Dennis Throupwon 25-15 leaving Newborough the winners 65-52.
IN Division 2, Newborough (2) travelled to Neerim District with Robbert Cook and his rink of Brian Carpenter, Mary Whelan and Phil Marston winning 23-12.
Trevor Kennedy won 23-14 and for Neerim Karren Sheers won 23-11 leaving Newborough (2) the winners 57-49.
Morwell with Danny McKeown and his rink of Shirley Skinner, Kevin Pigdon and Max Aumann winning 22-7 and Col Grant 20-19. For Traralgon (2) Bill Bishophad a22-15 win leavingMorwell the winners 57-48.
Drouin(2) were too strong at home against
Trafalgar 11 10112 118-615 Moe 11 1095120 -25 14
Warragul 10 20110 120-10 4
Drouin 10 20110 131-21 4
Division 2
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Newborough 22 00123 1101328
Drouin 21 10115 1078 18
Morwell 11 10118 1144 16
Neerim District 11 10111 1101 16
Yinnar 11 10111 113-216
Newborough 31 10120 1101015
Traralgon 21 10104 111 -7 14
Trafalgar 20 20100 127-27 5
Division 3
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Warragul 22 00160 77 83 32
Longwarry1 200159 1005930
Yarragon 12 00133 98 35 30
Traralgon 31 01124 1222 23
Churchill 10 11104 141-37 7
Morwell 20 20106 142-36 3
Drouin 30 20108 144-36 2
Morwell Club 20 2079149 -70 1
Division 4
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Traralgon RSL2 200139 96 43 30
Garfield 12 00145 1063930
Morwell 31 10132 1181416
Moe 21 10114 115-116
Newborough 41 10114 126-12 16
YallournNorth 11 10111 119-814
Traralgon 40 20110 129-19 4
Longwarry2 02089145 -56 2
Division 5
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Drouin 42 0096524420
Churchill 21 1081711012
Neerim District 21 1095702510
Traralgon RSL 3 1 1 0 77 77 0 10
Warragul 31 107176-59
Trafalgar 31 106975-69
Morwell 41 106984-15 8
Yinnar 20 2055108 -53 2
STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA
SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND 225-Oct-25
DIVISION 1
Newborough 16 84 Morwell Club 266
Trafalgar 16 81 Drouin 168
Traralgon 14 74 Morwell 466
Longwarry18118 Traralgon RSL054
DIVISION 2
Traralgon RSL(2) 14 94 Garfield 481
Warragul 16 79 Boolarra270
Moe 16 82 Traralgon (2) 269
Neerim District 18 108Traralgon (3) 060
DIVISION 3
Newborough (2) 14 84 Longwarry(2) 475
Trafalgar (2) 17 79 Morwell (2) 164
Yinnar 16 89 Drouin (2) 269
Thorpdale 16 72 Moe (2) 262
DIVISION 4
Churchill 15 82 Neerim District (2) 372
Yarragon 16 88 YallournNorth 251
Newborough (3) 16 82 Traralgon (4) 251
Warragul (2) 16 85 Traralgon RSL(3) 265
DIVISION 5
Garfield (2) 16 67 Traralgon (5) 043
Drouin (3) 14 76 Warragul (3) 235
Morwell (3) 16 78 Trafalgar (3) 035
DIVISION 6
Newborough (4) 16 67 Morwell Club (2) 033
Moe (3) 14 56 Traralgon (6) 252
Morwell (4) 16 72 Longwarry(3) 050
Boolarra(2) Bye
DIVISION 7
Boolarra(3) 10 55 Yallourn North (2) 016
Drouin (4) 10 16 Traralgon RSL(4) 00
Morwell (5) 10 53 Thorpdale (2) 016
Churchill (2) Bye
Newborough(3) withCol Jeffrey and his rinkof Alan Fleming, Wayne Walsh and Andre de Waele winning 25-11 and Chris Deal winning 18-16.
For Newborough (3) IainPreston won24-18 leaving Drouin (2) the winners 61-51.
Yinnar with Tim Roche and his rink of Francis Cassar, Ray Tantiand Russ Petrers winning 24-13 and Jennie Harris winning 24-18 won well at Trafalgar (2)who had Peter Rosenboom winning 20-10 leaving Yinnar the winners 58-51.
FOR Division 3, Churchill with John Stewart and his rink of Helen Dyson, Herb Kennedy and Stever Kilpatrick winning 23-9 drew with Traralgon (3) 60-60 with Graham Webb winning 31-20 and Barry Roscholler winning 20-17.
Drouin (3) travelled to Longwarry where Trevor Kitchin and his rink of Jan Aubrey, GrantPask andGrame Aubrey won 32-10, Richard Ross won 19-18 and Jason Lieshout 29-18 leaving Longwarry (2) the winners 80-46.
Warragul (2 with Paul Simmons and his rink of David Alderman, GabrielleDraisma andJim Moyle winning 33-10, David Gatewood 24-16 and Greg Mitchell 22-7 defeated Morwell Club (2)79-33
Yarragon with RichardChetland and his rink of Denese Reynolds, Gary Green and Kevin Arnold winning 21-13, Ross McDermott19-16 and Kevin
SCOREBOARD
STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA SATURDAY PENNANT LADDERS25Oct
2025 ROUND 2
DIVISION 1
Name WL DF ADiff. P Longwarry1 200204 1267832
Traralgon 12 00183 1265732
Newborough 12 00184 1444032
Trafalgar 11 10153 154-120
Morwell 11 10147 150-320
Drouin 10 20146 181-35 4
Morwell Club 10 20126 193-67 2
Traralgon RSL1 020130 199-69 2
DIVISION 2
Name WL DF ADiff. P Moe 12 00165 1343130
Neerim District 11 10167 1432422
Garfield 11 10170 1601020
Boolarra1 110155 1381718
Warragul 11 10139 148-918
Traralgon RSL2 110153 166-13 16
Traralgon 31 10138 162-24 16
Traralgon 20 20135 171-36 4
DIVISION 3
Name WL DF ADiff. P Thorpdale 12 00161 1204134
Newborough 22 00164 1442027
Trafalgar 21 10154 1421221
Longwarry2 110153 159-618
Yinnar 11 10147 154-716
Morwell 21 10138 150-12 15
Drouin 20 20138 169-31 7
Moe 20 20133 150-17 6
DIVISION 4
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Warragul 22 00167 1244332
Newborough 32 00168 1194928
Yarragon 11 10156 1371922
Churchill 11 10160 1537 21
Traralgon RSL3 110143 161-18 18
YallournNorth (1)110132 166-34 14
Neerim District 20 20148 160-12 5
Traralgon 40 20110 164-54 4
DIVISION 5
Name WL DF ADiff. P Drouin 32 00153 71 82 30
Morwell 31 10123 93 30 16
Traralgon 51 10101 112-11 16
Garfield 21 10103 120-17 16
Trafalgar 31 10101 128-27 13
Warragul 30 2085142 -57 5
DIVISION 6
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Newborough 42 00146 89 57 32
Moe 32 00145 89 56 30
Morwell Club 21 10113 1103 16
Morwell 41 10128 129-116
Traralgon 60 2095136 -41 2
Longwarry3 0105072-22 0
Boolarra2 0103789-52 0
DIVISION 7
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Boolarra3 20098534518
Drouin 41 1050371312
Morwell 51 0053163710
Churchill 21 0038326 8
Thorpdale 21 105387-34 8
Traralgon RSL4 0203759-22 2
YallournNorth 20 204893-45 2 GOLF
CHURCHILL ANDMONASH
StablefordSaturday18th October 2025
AGrade Winner: J. Cahill 38 pts
BGrade Winner: S. Sanders41pts
CGrade Winner: T. Bennet 34 pts
D.T.L: 1. G. Sanders38, 2. C. Gifillan 36, 3. A. Auld 36, 4. A. Sharrock35, 5. I. Fortune 35, 6. A. Jenkins 35, 7. C. Hogbin 35, 8. C. Sterrick34, 9. R. Sands 33.
N.T.P: 3rdS.Sanders(Propin), 5th J. Cahill, 12th T. Webb,14th B. Skinner
Birdies: 3rdB.Skinner,12th G. Sanders, T.
McLarendrawing 23-23 with Bob Wilson defeated Morwell (2) 63-52.
DIVISION 4 saw Garfield 14-70 defeated Morwell (3) 2-60 with Gwen Fabris and her rink of Graeme Burton, Lex Taylor and Bob Lamport winning 23-14.
Yallourn North 14-65 defeated Longwarry (2) 2-44withRod Dixon andhis rinkofDenise Postlethwaite, Stephen Brien and Dale Raven winning 29-9.
Newborough (4)14-66 defeated Traralgon (4) 2-54 with Alan Luck winning 31-20 and Joan Lee 21-10. Traralgon RSL (2) 14-59 defeated Moe (2) 2-51with Alan Jones winning 21-15 and Brian Wilinson 22-19.
IN Division 5, Churchill (2) 10-45 defeated Neerim District (2) 0-33 with Brian McLure winning 24-13.
Morwell (4)8-46defeated Yinnar (2) 2-30 with Denise Duffy winning 30-7. Trafalgar (3) 9-40 defeated Warragul (3) 1-33 with Barry Leicester winning 19-12.
Drouin(4) 10-54 defeated Traralgon RSL (3)0-23 with Geoff Pattison winning 27-9 and Stephen Kennedy 27-14.
Webb,14th T. Webb
3BBB Tuesday21st October 2025. Winners: S. Caldwell/K. Del Piccolo/ C. Cunningham 43 pts
N.T.P: 3rdS.Caldwell, 5th M. McQuillan, 12th S. Caldwell, 14th C. Barnes
Place Getters: AnthonyGauci &Marj Lang 71.5, Leahann Stewart& TerryDonnison 75, KenBeath &Joy Beath 76 Foursomes (Gross) Winner: Kaye
Middlemiss &Andrew Pickard 84
Thursday, 23 October 2025 OPEN Mixed
Stableford
Grade AWinners: Winters, Jamie (12) 39 C/B
Grade BWinners: Middlemiss,Kaye(18) 37
Grade CWinners: Heland, Jimmy(39) 44
Place Getters: Jones,Adrian 39, Shearing Jason 38, Dowler,Tony37C/B,Condon, Jeff 37 C/B,Dent, Russell 37 C/B,Webster, Jesse 36, Murphy, Chris 36 C/B,Ford, Tim36 C/B,Matthews,Max 36 C/B,Peel, Michael 36, Gardiner,Chris 35 C/B,Fue Steven 35 C/B,Babet, Alain 35 C/B,Mead, Barry35C/B
Great Score: Jeff Condon (Birdie) @4,Jim Connan (Birdie) @4,Bruce Savige (Birdie) @8,MarkPearson (Birdie) @14, Paul Spiteri(Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: 4th Jim Connan, 8th Bruce Savige,14th Tony Johnson
Saturday, 25 October 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPEN Stableford
Grade AWinners: Stewart, Rose (17) 36
Place Getters: Backman, Chrissie 35 C/B
Great Score: AmyTaylor (Birdie) @13, Rose Stewart(Birdie) @10, Rose Stewart (Birdie) @14, Elizabeth Wallis (Birdie) @8
Saturday, 25 October 2025 MENS Par
Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (3) +2
Grade BWinners: Buckman, Peter(12)+5
Grade CWinners: Duncan, Jack (22) +4
Place Getters: Lee,Shaun +2, White, Rodney+1C/B,Goodwin, Barry+1 C/B
Peel, Michael +1 C/B,Shearing,Andrew +1 C/B,Stanistreet, Thys+1, Nestor,Nick +1 C/B,Backman, Phil +1, Borg, Shannon 0C/B,Rothwell, Craig )C/B,Azzopardi, Nato0
Great Score: Phil Backman (Birdie) @ 8, Tony Johnson (Birdie) @14, Aaron Bassman (Birdie) @14, BarryGoodwin (Birdie) @4,BarryGoodwin (Birdie) @14, AnthonyColvin (Birdie) @14, Michael Peel (Birdie) @14, RodneyWhite(Birdie) @14 Nearest to Pin: 4th BarryGoodwin, 8th Phil Backman, 14th AaronBassman
DTL: Sue DeVries (20), Di Bayley(20),Jan Griffin(19)
NTP: Anne Outhred (11th)
Men's Winner: RichardGould (23)
Runner Up: NormMether (22 c/b)
DTL: GeoffThomas (22), David Balfour (22), Ian Outhred (21), RobDeVries (21), Graeme Harris (21), Ivan Grant (21)
NTP: RayWilliams (11th)
Friday,October 24th,Open Men’s&Ladies Stableford
AGrade Winner: Phil Town 38 pts C/B
BGrade Winner: Jason Shearing 41 pts
DTL's: Charlotte Killeen 38, David Winfield 38, PeterFusinato37, Clinton Sykes36, PeterHeathcote35, SteveKlemke34, Graham Rawson 34 C/B Birdies: 2nd: Ryan Mortimer 5th: Clinton Sykes15th: Paul Woodall
Saturday, October 25th, Stableford
AGrade Winner: Shane Dwyer 42 pts
BGrade Winner: PeterBurghardt 46 pts
CGrade Winner: RodBoon 41 pts
DTL’s: RobClark38, Stu Marriott37, Duane Baker 37,EvanCrabtree 37,RichardGould 37,Ramon Dyke 36, Chad McKie 36, Darren Wiseman 36, NickRowe36, PeterDart35, KenStreet 35 C/B
NTP’s: 2nd: Symon
FirstGippslandcup run and won
HORSE RACING
By DAIVD BRAITHWAITE
EL Rocko lived up to his reputation as amud lover, taking out the $200,000 Sale Cup on Sunday.
The seven-year-old gelding won the listed 1600metre race for trainer John McArdle and jockey Jamie Mott (who also rode the winner of the 2021 Traralgon Cup).
Rain leading up to and during the meeting saw the Greenwattle track, which started the day rated aSoft5,downgraded to aSoft 6, Soft 7and then aHeavy 9bythe time the cup was raced. The downgradings led to three horses -Enxuto, Scheelite and Pondalowie being scratched for the Sale Cup. With only six horses contesting the cup, third place was not paid out at the tote.
Coming off athird placing at the Seymour Cup, the seven-year-old gelding made light of the heavy conditions to power clear and win by alength and three quarters from favourite Cartoon Graveyard, with Seymour Cup winner Cote Atlantique not far behind in third.
“When he kicked in the straight, Ithought he loves these conditions …soitwas good to see him getthat stakes win and he deserved it as he has beenstakes placed alot and it’sgreatfor all the owners that have stuck with him,” McArdle told Racing.com.
McArdl es ai dE lR ocko could race in th e Peninsula Cup thisSundayatMornington, with the Cranbourne andKilmore cups possible target races.
Mott said confidence connections had going into the day increased when the rain started. "He just really excels on the wet ground," he told Racing.com.
"Although the horse that beat us last time (Cote Atlantique) also liked wet ground, Iwas confident that our bloke really excels in it.
"Once Igot an uncontestedlead, Ijust built slowly from the half-mile. You can see that he reallysprints well on awet track. Iwas pretty confidence along way out."
It was agreat weekendfor late champion sire Fastnet Rock, with El Rocko's win at Sale following Via Sistina and Buckaroo taking out aquinella in the Cox Plate the day before.
Rain started fallingahead of Race 1, then stopped before the cup.
As the day progressed, horses takingtothe middle of the home straight had the best run to the finish.
Jockey Ben Melham started the day with awinning double. Both came after taking the early lead before one-on-one battles in the straight.
Melham rode the Chris Waller-trainedChokuto to victory in Race 1, the$55,000 three-year-old maiden plate over 1400 metres,holding off achallenge from Wyandra to win by anose.
Whiskey Joe, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, won the next race, the 1200m maiden plate, just head of Regeneration.
Race 3, afour years and older maiden over 1400m,
was won by Baywatch, ridden by Celine Gaudray and trained by Michael Kent Snr. Baywatch took the lead early, and was never headed, winning by two-and-a-quarter lengths.
In Race 4, abenchmark 70 handicap over 1200m, MercurialLady,riddenbyLukeNolenfor Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, ran well in the home straight to win by three quarters of alength. Genrichero, trained by Matt Laurie and ridden by Luke Currie, won Race 5, abenchmark 66 handicap over 2200m, by two lengths.
Imminance, trained by Aaron Laing and ridden by Teo Nugent, won Race 6, the 1000mbenchmark 66 handicap, by alength and aquarter.
Acelum brought up ahat-trick of wins in taking out Race 8, the 1600m benchmark 66 handicap, giving Currie awinning riding double. The fouryear-old gelding won by aneck from Male Model.
The day ended with KeaneEnuff, trained by Andrea Leekand ridden by LachlanNeindorf, winning the $100,000 benchmark 70 handicap over 1400m. The six-year-old gelding, who placed third last start at Sale, won by two and three-quarter lengths.
The race was aheat of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Seriesfor Victoriancountry trainers without ametro base. The final to be run on Oaks Day, November 6.
Annual upgrades to the Greenwattle track will begin shortly, with racing to resume for the Sale Turf Club's Christmasraceday on Sunday, December 21.
The next Gippsland cup is at Moe.
TheMoe Cup will be held Sunday, November 16.
Harriers memorial run taking place at Toon
Community: Lifeline Gippsland’sMel Frankland and Alysha Tripodi with TraralgonHarrier Phill Mayer. Photograph supplied
ATHLETICS
TRARALGON HARRIERS
THETraralgon Harriers Memorial Run will be held Sunday, November 9.
To change things up, this year the event will be run on the Toongabbie Golf Course.
Race director andformer clubpresident Phill Mayer said, “We’ve taken it off the road where it was run for severalyears in Morwell,and we’ve given the event anew twist, partnering with the Toongabbie Gold Club, where we’ll be running on their amazing country golf course."
"This makes the event safer,costs us less to run, eliminates road crossings, and gives runners the novelty of doing an event on sacred grass, which is usually restricted”.
The event is aspecial fundraiser for Gippsland Lifeline, raisingmoney and awarenessfor depression andsuicide prevention
“In my time of organising the event, the club has donatedover $15,000 whichgoes towards supporting the invaluable work of this amazing organisation," Mayer said.
"They receive littletonogovernment funding, and they rely on the charity of clubs and organisations.
It’s an important runand cause, andithonours club members who have taken their lives.
"Most people in the community have been touched by this issue in some way, and this event is how the clubcan contribute raising awareness and money."
In atwistwhich is uniquely Australian, the event was to be held in early October, but had to be postponed and rescheduled.
“Magpie swooping season apparently sees the golf course inhabited by several territorial and rather protective blackand white beaks and talons, which were just too vicious for us to proceed at that time.
Hopefullythey’ve all hatched their young now, and won’t mind ahundred or so runners and walkers roaming the course," Mayer said.
All money raised from the event goes directly to Gippsland Lifeline, and stays local to help provide services to the community.
“We also have the support of Quantum Services and local legal firm Tyler Tipping and Woods to help cover costs,sothat allprofits can go directly to help Gippslanders who are struggling," Mayer added.
The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.
There is asix kilometre and a12kmrun,and all abilities are invited.
“You can run or walk,and enjoy the bush golf course environment. It’s only15minutes from Traralgon, the golf club will be providing morning tea, therewill be medals, and you’ll be helping the community. What more could you want on a Sunday morning," Mayer said.
“The Traralgon Harriers isn’t just arunning club. Members are welcoming and supportive, and we love putting on events for the communitywhich cater to all fitness levels. Our Thursday runs have walkers, joggers, plodders,and also the super-fast andelite runners."
For more informationabout theTraralgon Harriers, go to: traralgonharriers.org.au. The club encouragespre-registration for the Memorial Run at: forms.office.com/r/RQpGj4eH7W to help make check-in quicker on the day.
Entry is a$20 minimum donation (cash or EFTPOS on the day).
For further information, phone the race director on 0409 878 688.
Harriers members alsotook partinthe Warragulbased Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run last Sunday. Afull reportwill be provided in next week's Express.
cHBrighton bA Norman 6
cR Whelpdale bRAyres.
8-0-35-3, T Donoghue 8-1-41-1, DThompson4-1-10-0,A Johnstone 6-2-17-2, SAitken 0.3-0-2-1 IM PERI ALSBAT TING
Wetweather specialist: El Rocko wins theSale Cup on Sunday. Photographs: ScottBarbour,RacingPhotos
Jenkin does it all in Glengarrywin
CRICKET
CLV BY LIAM DURKIN
THE last lot of one dayers for 2025 were played at the weekend in Cricket Latrobe Valley.
The league will now moveintored ball cricket on the run to Christmas.
The Cox Plate left afew teams decimated, as players felt asudden twinge in their punting muscles. Wedding season is also upon afew clubs, meaning it’s time to hit the phones to field XIs.
Premier BsideThorpdale perhaps pulled off the most country of all selections at the weekend, with one player working in apaddock near the town’s oval, and only leaving the tractor when it was their turn to bat.
BRAE Kelly played abreakthrough innings of 81 off just 43 balls to help steer Churchill to 8/234 against Centrals.
The opener whacked six sixes and just as many fours to strike at 188.37.
Runs continued to flow at Andrews Park West, with Matt Harvey reigning himself in, making an unbeaten 45 off 88 balls.
Ben Kearns played an attacking hand of 31 off 35, and John Keighran contributed 28 off 42. Young gun Nethul Gamage had some success for the Lions, snaring 2/16.
Tye Hourigan played an equally impressive knock to Brae’s for Centrals, yet the skipper was bereft of any support.
Hourigan made84off 97 rocks,but onlyone other player reached doublefigures, as the visitors were rocked for143
Ryan Ayres did the damage for the Cobras, taking 5/39, working with off spinner RossWhelpdale (5/39).
GLENGARRY returned to form, thanks mainly to asublime centuryfrom Al Jenkin.
Battingatfour, the spot usually occupied by injured skipper Nat Freitag, the fellow left hander did the position justice, making avirtual run-a-ball 118.
Jenkinhit three bombs during his stay, partneringwithFrank Marks in a119-run standfor the sixth wicket.
Marks made 51 for good measure, helping the Magpies to 8/215 off their 50 overs at Fred King Oval.
Wicketswere sharedinthe Morwell camp.
Brendan Brincatwas effective as ever, taking 3/17 off 10 overs.
The Tiger response looked promising at 2/119, yetthe dismissal of Mark Cukier for 48 led to a steady loss of wickets.
Tim Ford did his bestwith 77,yet every batsmen from five to 11 registered single figures.
Morwell was not totally disgraced, making 177, yetJenkin could do no wrong in the field either, takingthe crucialwickets of Cukier and then Blake Mills to end with 2/24 from 10 overs.
MOE wasmethodical as ever chasing 216 against Toongabbie.
Taking to Roger Reis Oval, the Rams found outputfromclublegendTom Shippen,who knocked them around for 50 at number seven, along with Gayashan Munasingge who scored 71.
Callum Grant made inroads with his finger spin, taking3/24off nine overs, including the prizedscalp of Amal Athulathmudali, and completing the run out of Toongabbie captain Tim Dunn.
TheMoe middle orderthen all contributedruns, headed by captain MattHibbs scoring arun-a-ball 59. The dependable duoofBenn Zomer (45) and Andrew Philip (34) also pitched in.
Arare sight was seen when Philip was bowled -a dismissal that wouldn’t have featured too often in his career (genuinely bowled at least, discounting chop ons or when hitting out).
EX STUDENTS survived a bit of a scare against Imperials.
The team from Catterick Crescent did what not many sides have done in recent years -bowling the Sharks out.
Adepleted Ex Students (who had abucksdo) batted through most of the50allotted oversat
Terry Hunter Oval, and posted 190.
Double figure scores from Matt Dyke (33), Rick Battista (28), Fletcher Graham (26) and Jack Robertson (25) saw the home side get close to 200.
Sensingthe chance of an upset, Imperials started brightly, but failedtosee many partnerships materialise in afinal score of 167.
Leighton Shuttleworthbatted along time for his 40, while Ryan Morley made 25 alongside him.
In agame decided by 27 runs, five doublefigures scores from Imperials batsmen told the story.
GORMANDALE pulled off arguably its best win in recent history, defeating ahighly touted Raiders in AGrade.
The Tigers batted first at Yinanr Turf, and defended aseemingly below-par 152.
Nimesh Soyzadid most of thescoring, making 48,before an extraordinary Raiders collapse saw the home side fold for just 88.
Things started so well for Gormandale with the ball,Campbell Peavey hadawicket first ball of the innings.
He took the first two, and was quickly joined by Patrick Brooks, who knocked over Raiderscaptain Liam Maynard for 26.
It was then Nick Scammell’s turn, as he ran through the middle order, pickingupRaiders linchpin Keenan Hughes cheaply.
Cooper White then finished Raiders off, ending with figures of 3/14.
The win was memorable for Gormandale, and conversely, could send early warning lights off at Yinnar.
Raiders, afterbeing relegated, have now lost their last two games.
TRARALGON WEST won its second game on the bounce.
The Eagles defeated Mirboo North in acompetitive game at Jack Canavan.
Defending 158, the home side bowled the Tigers out for 131.
Josh Monacella (33) and Hayden Kimpton(33 off 28) gave Traralgon West achance, up against Darien Matthews, who claimed 4/23 with his left arm swingers.
Mirboo North wasina reasonableposition at 1/43, but were then 5/80 following amiddle order collapse.
Matthews had to make do with 31 not out at number seven,while BenHeath was forced to hold up an end and make 30 off 70 balls.
Ben Fleming bowled terrifically for the Eagles, taking 3/20, as did Alfie Peck, who returned silly one day figures of 2/9 off 10 overs.
LUKE Payton again scored heavily for Willow
Representative cricket washed out
CRICKET
GCL BY LIAM
DURKIN
AND peoplewonder why cricket is struggling at themoment
AseniorGippsland Cricket League match was scheduled at Sale Oval at the weekend -onthe same day as the Sale Cup.
Heavy rain saw all matches bar one abandoned, and if match vision from the game that went ahead between Sale-Maffra and Warragul was anything to go by, mostplayersclearly didnot want to be
playingcricketlastSunday.
Uponbeing bowled by former Moe player Laytten Smith, Sale-Maffra captain Jack Reitschel threw the ball back to the bowler, then fixed the stumps before walking off.
The Sharks made9/193inamatch reducedto 26 overs, before more rain ensured players could at least get to Sale Turf Club for the main event.
Nambrok’s second-greatest athlete behind state netballer Olivia Barnett, Anthony Scott, teed off at first drop, smacking 70 off just 38 balls.
He clubbed four sixes and five fours, yet his dismissal showed similar body language to everyone
caught in the deep, simply waitingfor the catch to be taken and departing to no fanfare from the fielding team.
Grove, this time with 72 off 94 balls with four maximums.
He made up most of the 194 totalagainstRovers at Willow Grove Recreation Reserve, although it wasn’t enoughasthe visitors won by four wickets
Nathan Wheildon played an uncharacteristic patient hand of 32 off 106 balls for the Wolves, in the face of some economical bowling from Rovers veteran Simon Duff (1/24 off 10).
Rovers took untilthe 45th over to win, but got there thanks to James Hayter (86 off 94) smoking six sixes.
Nikhil Reddy also kept the runs coming, with 36 off 47.
CATS losteight wickets chasing the bonus point against Latrobe.
The team from TraralgonSouth gotwhatthey wanted, although not without afew nervous moments.
Electing to bowl at home, CATS rolled the Sharks for 81.
Josh Moore cleaned up with 4/25, while Sam Gissari took scarcely believable figures of 4/8. CATS did as most club cricket teams do when chasing low totals, makinglife extremely hard for themselves. From 2/40, the score was suddenly 7/67, before the winning runs were negotiated. Paul McGill ensured apositive start making 27.
Stanlake finished my career: KP
CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
FORMER England great KevinPietersen has revealed abowler with alocal connection finished his professional career.And it’s not PeterSiddle.
While the Morwelllocal dismissed the outspoken South African more than anyone in Test cricket (10 times), Pietersen said it was actually beanpolequick Billy Stanlake who ruined him.
“I gave up when Iwas scared, when Iwas standing in the Big Bash against Stanlake running it at 150,000 mile an hour,” Pietersen said on last week’s episode of the Willow Talk podcast.
“For the first time in my career, Itried to play acut shot outside leg and blamed the fact that the whole off side was up.
“I was like ‘it’s time to go boy’.”
Stanlake, who has family in the Moe/ Newborough area, has played seven one dayers and 19 T20s for the national side.
Pendleburyseeks missing money
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
GIPPSLAND’S greatest modern-day footballer has found himself tangled up in amessy legal dispute.
Collingwood games recordholder and Sale’s own Scott Pendlebury is seeking nearly $3 million he claims prominent Melbourne businessman Jason Sourasis misappropriated from the Magpies champion.
The pair have been close friends for more than adecade, with Pendlebury hiring Sourasis as his financial adviser.
However, the relationship soured last February accordingtothe ABC,after Pendlebury noticed $2,148,900 was missing from his investment account.
The ABC also reported Sourasis hadaccess to Pendlebury’s bank account,which was meant to be used for paying tax and transferring money to an offset account.
Pendleburyhas hired one of Australia’s most high-profile commercial lawyers to try and clean up the mess.
Sourasis is yet to fileadefence, but denies owing theCollingwood midfielder anything.
"The allegations are vehementlydenied and,asa legal process has been started, we can't make any further comments at this stage," he told the ABC.
The Herald Sun also rang Pendlebury to get his side of the story, although the phone call lasted all of 10 seconds. “I can’t comment about that,” he said before quickly hanging up.
Sourasis has ahistory of dodgy business deals, dabbling into ventures such as restaurants, night clubs, property development and as executive chairman of the embattled A-League club Western United.
He convinced aspiring Liberal leader Matthew Guy to pledge $100 million for astadium in West Melbourne if the Coalitionwon the 2022 state election.
Guy was afeature on the campaign trail in the Latrobe Valleyduring the election, as the Liberals/ Nationals narrowly won the seat of Morwell.
This is not the firstlegal battle for Sourasis, who has beendescribed as someone who usescompany money as his personal ATM.
On anotheroccasion, $90,000ofcompany money magically found its way into his mother’saccount.
Former North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito was done over by Sourasis, after receiving
asports car as part payment of a$100,000 loan.
Firrito later found out Sourasis had transferred $50,000 of his money into arestaurant venture.
Sourasis has also run afoul of the ATO, who are chasing $6.7 million in unpaid taxes since 2021.
WhileSourasis himself is not aplayer agent, he is majority owner at Hemisphere Management Group
The grouphas anumberofGippsland AFL players past and present plastered over their website, including Pendlebury.
Othersare Fremantle star Caleb Serong (from Longwarry), 2021Coleman Medallist Harry McKay (Warragul),Adelaide’sSam Berry(Maffra), St Kilda’s Sam Flanders (Fish Creek) and Essendon’s Xavier Duursma (Foster).
Among former AFL players still appearing on the website are new Sale Football-Netball Club senior coach Jack Leslie (Gold Coast) and Moe’s Leo Connolly (St Kilda).
The companyalsoboasts managing modern superstar Jeremy Cameronand Brisbane Lions great Simon Black.
Pendlebury has kept an incredibly clean record during his 20-year professionalcareer(afeat in itself given the modern exposure of AFL players), with this his first major controversy of sorts.
Strangeindeed: Neverone to court controversy,Sale’s ScottPendleburyisnow in themidst of alegal dispute over alleged misappropriated funds File photograph
Earlypreseasons, determined or detrimental?
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
EAST Gippy football battlers Paynesville attracted online attention last week, after photos from the club’sfirst preseason training session circulated online.
The Gulls failedtowin agameineither the seniors or reserves last season, the latter grade ending the 2025 Football Netball East Gippsland campaign with apercentage of just 4.26, conceding an average of 180 points per week.
These results must have stung the playing group into action, and Paynesville has commenced training well before the generalNovember startdate of most clubs.
The Gullshave even startedbefore AFL clubs -as noted by formerGoldCoast and Carlton player turned social media star Dan Gorringe.
Posting on his ‘Dan Does Footy’ page, the popular presenter and ex-Big Brothercontestantcould barely believe his eyes.
“In extraordinary scenes, we’ve got local footy teams going back to preseason already -inOctober,” Gorringe exclaimed.
“Shout out to Paynesville here, they want to get better, get aleg-up on the competition, get some skills in, build the fitness tank -Iget it.
“But if I’m aplayer at alocal footy team and I’m asked to come back in October (laughs), you won’t see me until that last session before Christmas
breakup, and then to be completely honest -probably Feb.
“AFL teams aren’t back at preseason -and you wantustocome back and runaround and do some skills at local?”
To its credit, Paynesville Football-Netball Club bit back, posting Gorringe’s video to its club page with the caption “Tried resting. Didn’t like it.”
Understandably, the boating town has struggled on-field in recent seasons,asits main demographic is either tourists or retirees.
The club was forced to pull all football sides out of the EastGippsland competition during the2021 pandemic season due to lack of numbers.
Local clubs returning to preseason in October is not totally uncommon.
So incensed were Trafalgar after losing the 2011 Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League Grand Final to Boolarra after going through the season undefeated, the Bloods began running alittle more than aweek later.
While there was always a risk the playing group would burn themselves out, Trafalgar got back on the premiership dais the next season, makingit three flags in four seasons (colloquially referred to as ‘back-to-back-to-gap-to-back’).
Coach at the time Chris Kyriacoubelieves the 2011 defeat actually provided asilver lining.
“I try and put apositive spin on it because personally Idon’t think we would have won 2012, Ireckon it would have been one or the other,” he said in a 2021 podcast with the author.
Huge netball signing
BY LIAM DURKIN
WESTERN rivals Drouin and Warragul appearto be in acompetition for who can land the biggest recruit this Gippsland League offseason.
While the Gulls will have former AFL great and local boy Gary Ayrescoaching the senior football team, the Hawks will have atwo-time Commonwealth Games netballer in the line-up. Drouin announced last week that Malawai star Mwai Kumwendawillbejoining the Hawks for 2026.
Kumwenda was the top goal scorer in three successive major tournaments, the 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 Netball World Cup and the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Kumwenda was named player of the tournament at the 2015 Netball World Cup and most valuable player in the 2022 Super Netball grand final,which her Melbourne Vixens won.
Warragul meanwhile has lost the services of star goal shooter Emma Ryde, who next year will play for Kilcunda-Bass in the West Gippsland league.
Aformer Vixens and Adelaide Thunderbirds Super Netball player, Ryde this year became the first Gippsland League AGrade player to shoot 1000 goals in ahome-and-away season.
The Gulls have lost the last two grand finals to Moe. The premiership window could now be closed however, as it is understood the majority of Warragul's Grand Final team has departed.
Withanageing list(fiveplayersover 30 this year), the Gulls were clearly desperate to lift the trophy last September.
Drouin meanwhile will now surely hope to disrupt Moe's dominance.
Atraditional powerhouse in Gippsland League netball, the Hawks have been around the mark the last few seasons.
The Lions have won the last three AGrade premierships, and looking at things holistically, insiders are reportedly glad players of Kumwenda's calibre are joining the league.
Incredible: Drouin has landed former Commonwealth Games netballer Mwai Kumwenda forthe 2026 Gippsland League season. Photograph supplied
“I would have loved to have got three-in-a-row record for the club. Personally for me Itook over in 2012, Ifeel if we had of won 2011 Iwould have struggled to get those guys motivated going for four-in-a-row.
“Whereas formeitwas quite easy to pick up aside that had just lost. The fire was burning harder, I had so many people ringing asking when we were starting preseason amonth before we usually would.”
Granted flags are hard to win, it is still interesting to note that for all of Trafalgar’s success (10 premierships in thelast50years), the Bloods (who now compete in Ellinbank) have never completed ahat-trick.
Mid Gippsland three-peathonours belong to Hazelwood/now Churchill (1951 to 53),Yinnar (1969-71) and Newborough (1988-90).
Also of interest is the fact modernpowerhouse Mirboo North went nearly 50 years between flags (1957-2006).
Like Maffra in the Gippsland League though, the Tigers have certainly made up for lost time.
Kevin Sheedy famously made his Essendon players leave at three quarter time of the 1999 Grand Final betweenNorth Melbourne andCarlton,and declared the Bombers’ 2000 season began there and then.
Afterblowingthe 1999 preliminary final to Carlton by apoint, Essendon then went through 2000 virtually undefeated (one loss). Essendon, Carlton and North Melbourne in the AFL’s top three. Times have certainly changed in footyacross all levels.
Maffra coach honoured for service to education sector
FOOTBALL/EDUCATION
EDUCATING youth on and off the field.
Outgoing MaffraFootball-Netball Club
senior football coach Anthony Robbins has been honoured for his services to Catholic education.
The Catholic CollegeSaleDeputy Principal was awardedwith the Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education Award.
The award waspresented by Dr Frank Malloy, National Director of Marist Schools Australia, during the Marist SchoolsAustralia annual mass and dinner. Robbins' journey through Marist education spans more than 35 years.
CCS principal Brett Van Berkel,who also served as principal at Lavalla and was a
prominent cricketer himself, said Robbins was the heartbeat of the Maristspiritatthe college. "Anthony's influencereaches across all aspects of college life, from the classroom and sporting field to the arts and wellbeing initiatives," he said.
"His leadership has been characterised by a servanthood and aprofound commitment to cultivating aculture of family spirit."
Theman knownas'Robo' coached the Eagles during atransitionalphasethe last four seasons
Whilewins havebeen scattered, he has introduced anumberofyoung players to senior football, and seen ahost of Maffra locals go on to play at Gippsland Power, Victoria Country and even AFL level.
Legend: Anthony Robbins (holding frame), withthe CatholicCollege Sale leadership team. Photograph contributed
Baldi, Bailey in NT forsummer, bothatnew clubs forwinter
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
MOEmidfielderRiley Baldi has joinedSANFL club South Adelaide.
The 2024Trood Award and Rodda Medallist joins the club where fellow Moe/Newborough local Sam Skinner is captain.
“The opportunity to come and play in agood competition beside aclose family friend in Skunk (Sam Skinner) was really enticing,” Baldi said.
“I'm really excited to move over to Adelaide and call Adelaide home, get amongst the club and the environment.”
Baldi spent most of this year with Casey in the VFL, where he was vice captain.
He returned to play in the preliminary final with Moe after Casey’s season ended.
Somecheekyreservesgames for the Lions enabled him to quality for his home club.
Moe has lost afew depth players to Mid Gippsland club Hill End, namely: Bailey Sword, Will Robinson, Dustin Blackshaw, Brodey Wolfenden and Cody Wood, who are all best mates with ties to the area.
Baldi meanwhile is again playinginthe Northern Territory over summer, playing alongside outgoing Morwell coach Boyd Bailey for Nightcliff.
Thepairplayedagainst Darwin Buffaloes at the
weekend, bothhittingthe scoreboard in thewin (Bailey with three goals).
Bailey was at the centre of the worst kept secret in local footy, with his move to Sea Lake-Nandaly made public last week.
Bailey will co-coach the North Central League powerhousenextseason after athree-year stint calling the shots at the Tigers.
For those wonderingwhere Sea Lake is, it’s about 45 minutes west of Swan Hill.
As for the connection -Bailey’s dad Brett played there previously when he was aschoolteacher in town.
“He has been coaching for afew years so knows what is goingon,” Bailey’snew co-coach Wade Donnan told the Weekly Times
The appointment looms as an entirely different experience for Bailey, as he goes from coaching in apremier league to one that has just eight teams and saw routine 100, and even 200 point margins last season.
Comparatively, one well-travelled local footballer told the Express the standard in North Central was around the same as MidGippsland (minus the mismatches).
Oddly enough, the North Central league has aMoe connection, with 2018 Gippsland League reserves best-and-fairest winner James Heslop hailing from Donald.
Brilliant Brookspreparing for Deaflympics
BASKETBALL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
TRARALGON’S Callan Brooks is ready to see his AustralianGoannas take thenext step Brooks ventures acrosstoTokyo, Japan next month for the 2025 Summer Deaflympics, where the men’s national basketball team hit the court against the very best competition.
The Deaflympics is amulti-sports eventsanctioned by the International Olympic Committee for deaf athletes to compete at the international level.
This wil lb eB rooks’ secon dt im ea tt he Deaflympics, travelling to Samsun,Turkey in 2017, and given Australia didn’t enter the 2022 Deaflympics, the 33-year-old is even more eager to step onto the court and see greater results.
“Ideally if you can medal,that’s the greatest achievement …I’d say anywhere (from) fifth to better wouldbemassiveprogressfor deafAustralian basketball,” Brooks told the Express Brooks said international competitions are held everytwo years, and since making the Goannas squad in 2015, he’s played in around five tournaments for the green and gold. Over the last 10 years, Brooks has steadily been improvinghis game, which has been noticed and rewarded, seeing the shooting guard inserted into the starting line-up for the upcoming Deaflympics.
Brooks began playing the sport when he was in prep, and although being born profoundly deaf, hasn’t ever stopped on his basketball journey and skyrocketed even furtheronce he discovered Deaf Basketball Australia
“I was just this kid who found Deaf Basketball Australia and I’vebeen in the team since,”hesaid.
Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt
“I could nevercatch on with representative basketball,I didn’tunderstandit, none of my family plays, so Ihad no knowledge.
“It was always domestic basketball and Ididn’t knowkind of what else Icoulddoorwhat else was out there.
“When Iwas justover20, Ifoundonline that there’sa deaf basketball team, and so Ijumped in.”
Brooks requires aCochlear device -asurgically
implanted hearingaid -after he lost all of his hearing at the age of 18.
Utilising typical hearing aids before that, when Brooks would play in his younger days, he would have close to no sound when out on the court.
“With basketball, Ijust have to use my visual cues alot more …there’s acouple of things Imiss, like if aref whistles and Idon’t see or catch it, I just keep playing,” he said.
“When someone’s yelling Ican’t hear it, but I’d make decisions based on what Isee.”
Locally, Brooks became the first deaf player to suit up in aCountryBasketball League(CBL) game when he played for the Traralgon T-Birds in 2022, while he’s also been atraining player for Gippsland United in Big V.
Overall, Brooks is looking forward to the chance to once again display his skills on the worldstage
“I feel like I’matahigh, like I’m going on ahigh. This is my best opportunity because the growth I’ve hadoverthe last few years,” he said.
“Theintention (is) the best competitionand tournament I’ve had.”
The 2025 Summer Deaflympics takes place from November 15 to 26, featuring 216 events for 18 different sports.
Given the tournament is smaller in scale and less well-known as opposed to other sporting events like the Olympics, Brooks requires self-funding to get across to Tokyo.
You can supp ort his journey at: https://www.mycause.com.au/page/370582/ callans-deaf-basketball-deaflympic-participation
Personal circumstances have clearly changed for Bailey, who just two months ago told the Express he would be playing for Morwell next season.
Former SANFL player Boadie Motton meanwhile has also joined anew club, leaving Yarram for Warragul Industrials.
It is understood the Demons were confident of keeping the gunmidfielder givenhis familyties to the club before defecting.
With Motton gone and club legend Griffin Underwood retired,Yarram could unfortunately be setfor along season.
The Demons have had virtually the same team for the last 15 years, and time could now mean a huge turnover of players.
Note on football signings
FOOTBALL
THE Express is aware of anumber of prominent Gippsland League players linked to North Gippsland FNL clubs. As is protocol however, and in fairness to clubs, no nameswillappear in this newspaper untilthey havebeen officially announced.
Thisisundoubtedlythe most player movement Ihave seen in my time covering local footy.
The unfortunatereality of 'every player has their price' is certainly coming through. Liam Durkin -Express Editor
urine.
Readyand raring: Traralgon’s Callan Brooks is gearing up forthe 2025 Summer Deaflympics in Japannextmonth
Next venture: Moe’s RileyBaldi will playfor South Adelaide in the SANFL next season. Photograph supplied
