Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 30 July 2025

Traralgon DEECA office relocates

THE Department of Energy, Environment and ClimateAction (DEECA), hasrelocated from its previous Hotham Street, Traralgon space to Seymour St.

DEECA Traralgon will now be sharing the building with their authoritative coworkers in the Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Locals can accessDEECAofficialsand services on Level 3, 8-12 Seymour St.

Public access hours remain the same, with reception accessible from 9am to 3pm Monday to Thursday (the office closes for an hour at noon

each day). Reception is closed on Fridays, but can be phoned on 5172 2111.

Services at the new DEECA Traralgon office remain unchanged, with staff available to assist the public on matters such as land and environmental management, bushfire recovery, water licensing, wildlife and game permitsand biosecurity

The officealsoprovides advice on renewable energy, climate adaptation, and access to grants for environmental and community projects.

Littleproud calls out net zero focus

THE federal Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, hasshowncaution on the federal government's decision to allow US beefimports without biosecurity checks and also on the future of net zero carbon emissions policy.

In an interview on the ABC, Mr Littleproud said he wanted to see the science on the US beef decision.

"It should be predicated on science," he said.

"I'm suspiciousbythe speed in which this has been done, but we need to give confidence to the industry. This is not just about animal welfare. Thisisabouthuman welfare. This is about potentially coming into this country and having ahuman impact

"I think it'simportant that the government's very transparent aboutthe science and Idon'tthink it's evenbeyond the questiontohave an independent panel review that science, to give confidence to everybody about how that science was predicated.

"But the protocols that have been put in place is important too. So there was areview undertaken in 2024. It said that every animal must have a pre-and post-slaughter check by avet. We haven't seen what those protocols are."

Mr Littleproud said the fact that government had not been transparent was adding to some concern within the industry and more broadly in the community that "we should be worried about if they haven't done the right thing".

"Itshould be predicated on science. So Ithink once we see the protocols, there may be anecessity for an independent panel to review what the departmenthas cometoinlightofthe fact that this has happened at such speed and to give confidence and, you know, Ithink that's what the Australian public should have in their minds is that confidence of what's coming in. Just having said that, understand there's not alot of US Beef comes into this country," he said.

"Australian consumers decide that. And they should. And they should look for Australian beef. But in essence you won't see and you don't see a lot of US beef.

"But we need to be able to provide the certainty around human health. Australianfamiliesneed to

know that they can go to the supermarket and if they do pick up aUSpiece of beef that they know with confidence thatall the protocols havebeen putinplace."

Questioned about the push by Nationals backbenchers, Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce to scrap net zero, Mr Littleproud said he has "real concerns about it, to be candid".

"I believe in climate change and Ithink we have aresponsibility to try and reduce emissions. But unfortunately, what net zero has become is about tryingtoachieve the impossible rather than doing what's sensible. That's why we left the Coalition, because we wanted to make sure nuclear energy was part of atechnology agnosticapproachto reducingemissions as partofour energy grid," he said.

"But you've got to understand we're not climate deniers becausewe're onlyupset about the fact that we're tearing up our landscape and we're getting all these wind factories that are huge, in terms of hectares and taking up prime agricultural land, tearing up native environment.

"Andyet when Zali Steggall gets upset about six wind turbines in North Head,she's not labelled aclimate denier."

Mr Littleproud said in communities, "I've seen familiestorn apartinmyelectorate and others, we've got to be sensible about this".

"We've got to understand we have responsibilities andwe'vegot to understand the difference between mitigation and adaptation. And we need other parts of the world to actually do more heavy lifting, like China and India," he said.

"And when you see BRICS countries now saying they're going to take more fossil fuels, you see the EU now saying they're goingtoget acarve out, they're looking to exempt their heavy industries from, like cement and aluminium from carbon reduction. You've got to say the world is shifting.

"But I'm saying let's be sensible. We'regoing through asensibleprocess. We'll be calm, methodical. But Ibelieve we need to do this in a way thatdoesn't hurt Australia and hurt regional Australians."

Marinus Link facing delays

By PHILIP HOPKINS

MARINUS Link, which aims to connect Victoria and Tasmania through a345-kilometreelectricity and communications cable to the Latrobe Valley, is “atrisk” due to apolitical stand-off in Tasmania and concerns about its impact on power prices, according to The Australian newspaper.

The Australian reported on the weekend that the federal and state governments were ready to go aheadwiththe $5 billion MarinusLink,but Tasmania is struggling to make afinal decision on the 750-Megawatt ‘Stage 1’ cablethatwas promised before July 31.

Marinus Link’sproposed 1500 MW undersea and underground electricity connection and communications link will provide access to 1500 MW of capacity from Tasmania,including pumped hydro storage to provide base-load electricity when needed in Victoria.

The undergroundcable will go through South Gippslandtojoin the main Latrobe Valley and Victorian transmission line at the old Hazelwood power station site.

The Tasmanian Liberal government is stuck in caretaker mode after the July19 election and is negotiating its survival in minority with

crossbenchers,some of whom oppose Marinus, The Australian reported.

The government is suppressing the final ‘whole of state’ business case received 10 weeks ago and is accused of breaching caretaker conventions by refusing to brief the Labor Party.

This has raised concerns that the link is at risk, with awindow about to close on the purchase of cabling that, if missed, could kill off the project.

“There is real concern that the potentially transformative project may fall over,” the newspaper reported.

“Power-sharing talks with crossbenchers could take weeks to conclude, even after the final seats are determined by August 2.” By the end of August, Marinus Link must“issue notice to proceed” or lose a600 million Euro ($1.07bn) contractfor supplyofthe 345kmofcable with the Italy-based Prysmian Group.

The business case is believed to detail increases in power prices if Marinus Link goes ahead.

The Australian said last Thursday, Tasmania’s Premier, Jeremy Rockliff, gave conflicting statements on the project, sayingMarinus “was agood deal for Tasmania” but he would not support it “if it is going to cost Tasmanian taxpayers more”.

“We need to ensure power prices do not go up,” he told The Australian.

His view: Nationals leader,David Littleproud believesnet zero hasset outtoachievewhat is “impossible”,rather than “sensible”. Photograph File

Longer wait for Myki system

By STEFAN BRADLEY

GIPPSLAND train travellers living or visiting east of Traralgon are once againfacingalengthy delay to be placed on the Myki network,with Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Bairnsdale stations to stick withpapertickets for awhile longer and be unable to access the forthcoming credit card 'tap and go' feature.

The eventual move to theimprovedMykinetwork will reportedly occur after all current Myki readers across Victoria are upgraded with technology enabling credit card and smartphone 'touch ons'.

Once the roll-out is complete, passengerscan travel simplybytouching on with acredit card as an option instead of topping up aMykicard or purchasing aMykiPass. Currently, Myki can be used by Android smartphone users to touch on.

Morethan two years ago, the Express received confirmation from the state government that under the new contract for myki with the American ticketing supplier Conduent Business Services, the smart ticketing system will be expanded to regional Victoria in areas it currentlydoes not serve, finally replacing the paper ticket system. At the time, the government didn't specify whether the entire V/Linesystem would be moved onto Myki, or which regional stations that Myki would be expanded to. The government also indicated it wouldn't rush to switchonthe new system until it was tested and read to go.

Attempted burglary

DETECTIVES from the Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit are investigating an attempted burglary at alicensed premises on Vincent Road, Morwell.

Theincident occurred around 7.10amonFriday, July11, when amalewas confronted by staff while allegedly attempting to break into the building.

Theoffender fled the scene in an older model red sedan, whichwas last seen travelling along Angus Street, Morwell.

Police are appealing for witnesses,CCTV,ordash cam footage that may have captured the incident or the suspect vehicle.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Latrobe Crime InvestigationUnit on 51315000, CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit aconfidential reportonline at: www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Highway pursuit

THREE teenagers have been arrested following a pursuit involving astolen vehicle in Traralgon on Tuesday, July 23.

Detectives from Baw Baw Crime Investigation

The Herald Sun recently reported that Rosedale, Sale, Stratford and Bairnsdale stations would be among the 37 regional stationstonot be partof the first roll-out of the new upgraded myki readers, which also includes Warrnambool, Swan Hill, Ararat,Shepparton and Albury.

But Paul Westcott, regional spokesperson for the Public Transport Users Association (PTUA), a non-profitgroup thatadvocates for publictransport users in Victoria, told the Express that passengers "almost never complain about the unavailability of Myki in most regional and rural areas".

"Given the problems Myki had, particularlyin its earlydays,passengers often expressedrelief that they weren't required to use Myki. It seems that sentiment might persist," Mr Westcott said.

"Of course, Myki was supposedtobeastatewidesystem when it was being plannedand introduced, but the Baillieu government confined it to Melbourneand the major regional centres to cut costs.While alot of Myki hardware was installedatV/Line stations during the aborted initial roll out, we are unsure how much of it has been rendered unusable by time or later technological developments."

Mr Westcott said therehadn't been any real pressure from the non-Myki areas to have the system introduced.

"However, at the same time as the massive V/Line fare cut was announced, the then publictransport minister, Ben Carroll, did undertake to have the

Police

attempted to intercept the vehicle, which allegedly failed to stop.

Apursuit ensued along the highway, during which stop sticks were successfully deployed.

Despiteall four tyres deflating, the vehicle allegedly continued driving erratically toward Leongatha,eventuallycollidingwithapolice vehicle beforecrashingintoaroadside barrier. No injuries were reported, and all threeoccupants were arrested at the scene. Police allege the Mazda was stolen from the Warragul CBD on July 19.

A16-year-old male from the Baw Baw area has been charged with theft of amotor vehicle, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, failing to stop when directed, and unlicensed driving. He was remanded to appear before achildren’s court

Legoland empire crumbling

By AIDAN KNIGHT

THE Morwell man at the centre of last year’s Lego-themed drug bust is again trying to build acase, this time for bail.

John Booth (45)was allegedtohave hidden 180 kilograms of achemicalequivalent to GHB, and34kginchemicals used for the production of meth,across74boxes of Lego in his home, and four separate metro properties. Themethalone,ifmanufactured, had apotential streetvalue of $2 million. Also found among the bricks and tricks was an illegal handgun and ammunition, prohibited steroids, and other illicit substance antecedents.

The arrest was madebythe Fawkner Divisional Response Unit, who had been accumulating evidence to bust Booth for fourmonths, culminating in the execution of the five search warrants that saw his lucrative Legoland crumble. Now, 18 months after his conviction, Booth is stacking up his bricks in the hope of being granted bail, reasoning that if granted, he will use the return to residentiallifetoenter rehabilitation at aShepperton facility he has named, which runs 12-week programs of that description.

Leighton Gwynn, Booth’s lawyer, made phone callsinanattempt to set up this arrangement to proposeittothe court, calling Aaron Gilhooley, the manager of The Cottage Shepparton, which

system introduced state-wide. That part of the announcement was forgotten in the wake of the excitement about the fare cut, and the government seems to have forgotten about it as well, and/or maybe hopes people have forgotten," he said.

Nationals state MP Kim O'Keeffe, said regional Victorians were continuing to be disadvantaged by the "bungled Myki upgrade", saying it was "embarrassing" that paper tickets were still being used in Victoria's regional lines in 2025.

Twenty thousand new Myki readersare being installed as part of a$1.7billion project that are expected to be switched on credit card payments by early 2026.

Aspokesperson fromthe Department of Transport told the Herald Sun it would eventually install new readers at V/Linestationswhichwere currently serviced by paper tickets and eTickets.

Mr Westcott said it would still be preferable for the Myki system to be introduced state-wide as a unified ticketing system.

An electronic ticketing system was introduced last year,allowing V/Line passengers to pay for an 'eTicket', allowingthem to printthe ticket or display it on their smartphone instead of picking up aphysical paper ticket from the train station or having it mailedtotheirhome. The paperticketing system remains unchanged for those who prefer it.

The eTicketing system is currently not available for the Gippsland Line,presumablybecauseof the current works on anew signalling system for

at alater date. A15-year-old anda14-year-old were released pending further enquiries.

Gym thefts

AUTHORITIES are urging gym goers across the Latrobe regiontoremain vigilant, following reports of opportunistic thefts at fitness centres.

Police have issued the following safety advice to reduce the risk of property theft while attending the gym:

 Do not leave bags or personal items unattended. Where possible, carry valuables with you;

 Use lockable storage facilities provided by the venue;

 Never allow others to use your access pass, even if they claim to have forgotten theirs;

 Report any suspicious behaviour to staff immediately. For urgent police attendance, call Triple Zero (000).

To report atheft after the fact, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or visit: www.police. vic.gov.au

Police remind gym users that securing personal items should be aroutine part of their visit.

was then included in his bail application.

However, County Court Judge Stewart Bayles isn’t rushing to snap things together, despite Booth’s haste to click back into functioning society.

The seriousness of the Morwellman’s offending, and length of his charges list, some of which were perpetrated while already previously on bail, have led to Judge Bayles declaring that he will be required to demonstrate “exceptional circumstances”before releaseisgranted in anycapacity He went on to emphasise the importance of the court’s faith in the Morwell man not continuing to offend being pivotal in the grantingofhis bail, hiscase of which is “still at an early stage”.

It remains to be seen whether Booth’s bid for bail willcome together, or whether his rehab plans will remain in pieces.

thetrains that requirecoach replacements until Wednesday, August 13.

Arguably the most pressingissue facing Gippsland publictransportusers is frequency of reliable services. The end of the worksonAugust13 will complete the GippslandLine, allowingweekday services on the Traralgon Line every 40 minutes, up from once an hour.

Congrats

Ms Leisterreceived prizesfromaselection of local businesses who have supported the newspaper.

The beaming winner was overwhelmed at having her name drawn out, andsaid she will share the prize pack with her family. Ms Leister collected herprizes from the Express' features manager, Jenny Mann last week.

In this week'sinstalment of 'Six Decades in Six Weeks', we look at the big stories between 1985 and 1994.

Checkitout on pages12-15

MOE resident Carolyn Leisterwas the lucky winner of the Express' 60th anniversary hamper.

Tech: V/Line eTicket. Image: V/Line

Unitand membersofthe Morwell Divisional Response Unitfirst observed ared Mazda CX-3 travelling southalong theStrzelecki Highway around 2.17pm. Police

Beat with Aidan Knight

Petition launched following tragedy

By KATRINA BRANDON

Warning: the following storydeals with the death of achild.Reader discretion is advised.

AMORWELL mother has calledtoaction stricter pool fencinglawsafter tragedy struck her family in December last year.

On December 17, 2024, mother Rhiannon EganLee went to boil the kettle while her four-year-old, Ivy Bella Roze, and her niece were playing less than 10 metres away. Ivy moved apanel off their fence to go into the neighbour’s poolwhereshe drowned. Now, Ms Egan-Lee is pushing for stronger laws and regulations for pools, starting apetition on change.org. “It was abeautiful sunny day and Ivy and Ihad onlygotten home with her cousin 20 mins before the tragedy,” Ms Egan-Leewrote on the petition

“The girls finished their lunch and started to play between the lounge, the kitchen and the safety of our backyard. Ipicked up their rubbish and put it in the bin, flicked the kettle on, and made my coffee. Just afew minutes, right?

“Ivy lost her life after she innocently wandered into aneighbour's yard through an inadequate boundary fence and drowned in their pool. This heart breaking incident has motivated me to advocate for achangeinpool safety regulations in Victoria, Australia, to prevent such avoidable tragedies from happening to any other family.”

There are laws for swimming pool and spa owners/operatorsinVictoria,including registration, inspection and certification requirements.

Consumer Affairs Victoria also states that all swimming pools and spas capableofcontaining water to adepth greater than 30cm must have a

compliantsafetybarrier to restrict access by young children (under the age of five).

These rules apply regardless of whether young children live at the property or visit the property.

The property that Ms Egan-Lee and her family

residedinwas arental. During her time on the property, Ms Egan-Lee made multiplecomplaints about her faulty fence to her landlord.

For 10 years, the co-op board that owns Ms EganLee's house and the previous neighbourshave argued over who is responsible for the boundary fence.

In January, the Express spoke to Ms Egan-Lee’s sister, Jade Collis,who stated that in 2024, the individual who had purchased the neighbouring property with the pool, before the event, was informed that the fence was compliant.

“The guy next door with the pool owns thehouse He bought it last year (2024), and he was told by the realestate companythat theyhad acopyof the pool compliance certificate, so he was told that the fencing had met all of the requirements,” Ms Collis said.

“It doesn’t meet one of them, but he was told it did. The co-op that owns the housethat Rhiannon is renting had told Rhiannon, upon collecting the keys whenshe first moved in,thatthe fence needed replacing.

“The fence was also talked about at several of the monthly co-op meetings, and there were other peopleinco-oppropertiesatthose meetingssaying they were having the same issue with fencing, and the manager said that it was amassive problem with all of the co-op properties in the area.”

Pool regulations requirethatpools be registered with the local council and have adequate fencing that is clear of any climbable objectsthat children could access. According to pool regulations, officials should never have ticked off the property pool.

On the pool sideofthe fence, therewas no barrier on the property to prevent anyone from accessing the pool, and agarden bed was located about a metre away from the fence and the pool.

“Current laws regarding pool fencing are insufficient and put lives at risk,” Ms Egan-Lee wrote in the petition.

“Child safety aroundwaterisparamount, and it's imperative that we implement stricter measures to ensure adequate protection. Ipropose that all private pools must be surrounded by four-sided isolating fencing, and the use of boundary fencing as apool barrier be deemed illegal.

“Additionally, the availabilityoflife-saving equipment is crucial in preventing fatalities from drowning. Therefore, Iurgemandatory installation of defibrillators at all properties with private pools.

“To ensure compliance and accountability, pool safety inspections must be thorough and conducted by licensed inspectors. Severe penalties are necessary to enforce these laws; thus, Irecommend imposing a$1million fine or imprisonmentfor those who issue compliance certificatesfor noncompliant pools.

“Thesechanges areessential for thesafetyof childrenand to honour the memory of Ivy Bella Roze, whoselife wastaken too soon. By signing this petition,wecan urge the Victoriangovernment to act and prioritise pool safety regulations. Help us turn this tragic loss into acatalyst for change and prevent future tragedies.”

For more information, go to: https://www.change. org/p/amend-victoria-s-pool-fencing-laws-for-ivybella-roze?

Catalystfor change: Poor fencing ledtoMorwellchild Ivy Bella Rose’s drowning at aMorwell property Phot ph: Katrina Brandon

Tragedy: Four-year-old IvyBella Roze drowned in her neighbour’s pool lastDecember Photograph supplied

Farmland access up for debate

By LIAM DURKIN

THE state opposition has confirmed it will oppose legislationitsaysallowspublic officialstoforce their way onto the land of farmers and other property owners.

However, the state government maintains the bill is merely an extension of what is currently lawful.

The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2Reform) Bill 2025, currently before Parliament, will allow authorised officers to use force to enter private land for the purpose of electricity transmission works, including removing locks and opening gates without the consent of landowners.

Individuals who resist face fines of up to $12,210, and $48,842 for body corporates.

Offences under the legislation include hindering, obstructingordelaying authorised activity; obscuring, damaging or destroying anotice of proposed entry;failure to provide identification; and providing false identification, address, or evidence of ownership.

ShadowMinister for Energyand Resources,David Davis said the state government was thumbing its nose at hard-working localcommunitiesinregional areas.

“The bill is adeparture from accepted democratic approaches and procedures, reflecting an increasingly authoritarian stance in aLabor government now in its 11th year,” Mr Davis said.

“There is massive, and building opposition, from many rural communities to the imposition of renewables and associatedwires and grids on those communities without their support or consent.”

Mr Davissaidthe government was in amess of its own making due to the slow rollout of transmission projectssuchasVNI West and WesternRenewables Link delayed by years.

“Production of electricity from coal is winding down from 2028 and Labor is ideologically opposed to gas,” Mr Davis said.

“For these reasons, the Allan Labor government has panicked and will seek to acquire outrageous new powers to force through its so-called transition to renewables.”

Leader of The Nationals and Member for Gippsland South,Danny O'Brien, said the state government's approach was to bullyand attack regional communities, rather than work with them.

"This billhighlightsLabor is steamrolling farmers

and other landholders in its blind rush to renewables,” Mr O’Brien said.

"Thisisanoutrageous assault on farming families from adesperate government that is more interested in out-greening the Greens than respecting regional Victorians.

"A government that respects ruralVictorians would notbeintroducinglegislation like this, on top of taking away their right to appeal against these projects at VCAT.

“The Liberalsand Nationals will hand backthese rights to rural people, as well as reintroducing a two kilometre buffer zone between wind turbines andhomes."

The state government however pointed out compulsory land access provisions already exist under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (EIA).

According to the state government, the proposed bill will ensurethis existing power can be effectively enforced, and created anew role for authorised officers.

"Authorised officers will always work with landowners before accessing land," astate government spokesperson said.

"This legislationwill prevent inappropriate behaviour from private transmission companies and brings Victoria in line with other jurisdictions and the delivery of other vital major infrastructure such as transport and telecommunications."

Energy companies building new energy infrastructure will fund landowner payments and contribute to theRenewable Energy Zone CommunityEnergy Fund, which will support regionallysignificant projects and initiatives that improve energy supply, efficiency, and affordability.

“Wecreated VicGrid to lead community consultation on thedevelopment of our Renewable Energy Zones and new transmission infrastructure to protect energy security as well as food and water security and ensure communities are consulted early in the planning process," the governmentsaid.

“We've heard from regional communities thatthe benefits of the energy transition need to be shared fairly, especially with those communities hosting new infrastructure -that's why we are developing new community benefit funds and payments to landholders,significantly impactedneighbours and Traditional Owners.”

Local host communities will identify and help design projects that will best benefit them.

The funds will be formalised through legislation

later this year before being given the green light.

These funds are in addition to any direct developer benefit payments. They are expected to commence after RenewableEnergy Zoneshave been declared following publishing of the first Victorian Transmission Plan later this year.

Landholders hosting new electricity transmission infrastructure will receive payments of $8000 per kilometreoftypicaleasement area per year for 25 years,indexed to inflation. This paymentisin additiontothe existing compensationarrangements for hosting transmission.

Simon Johnson appointed

FOOD &Fibre Gippsland has appointed Simon Johnson as its new chief executive.

Mr Johnson hasbeen in therolesinceJuly2

Mr Johnson brings more than two decades of leadership experience and adeep commitment to the region’s food and fibre industries. With a20-yeartenure at CHEP, aBrambles company,and more recentlyasowner-operator of the iconic Tinamba Hotel, he blends business acumen with grassroots regional engagement.

Along-timesupporter of Gippsland’s agri-food sector, Mr Johnson has served on the board of Food &FibreGippslandsince November 2021 His appointment signalsastrong alignment withthe organisation’s ongoing missiontofoster innovation,knowledge-sharing, and capacity building across the region’s value chain.

“Simon’s appointment marks anew and exciting erafor Food &Fibre Gippsland,” FFG chair, Barry Rogers said.

“He brings not only awealth of corporate and entrepreneurial experience but also a deep and genuine connection to the Gippsland community. His vision and leadership will be instrumental as we drive growth and transformation across thefood and fibre sector.”

Commentingonhis appointment, Mr Johnson said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of CEO at Food &Fibre Gippsland. This region holds aspecial placeinmyheart,and I’mpassionate about helpingour producers, innovators, and communities thrive. Ilook forward to working with the team to build on the organisation’s strong foundationsand drivemeaningfulimpact across Gippsland’s food and fibre landscape.”

Outside of his professional commitments, Mr Johnson is actively involved in the community, including his roles with Committee for Wellington and theLittle Jem Foundation and several local sporting organisations.

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“We are confident that under Simon’s guidance, Food &Fibre Gippsland will continue to build stronger linksbetween producers, stakeholders, and consumers, championing the incredible quality and innovation emerging from our region,” Mr Rogers said.

The Latrobe Valley Express,

Welcome aboard: NewFood &Fibre Gippsland Chief Executive, Simon Johnson is congratulated on his appointment by Food &Fibrechair,BarryRogers

Photograph supplied

Reporting on Patterson’sverdict day

By LIAM DURKIN

THE front page photo for the Express had been sorted.

Withthe newspaper celebrating its 60th anniversary, awhole staff photo seemed only appropriate to splash across the cover of the July 9, 2025 issue.

Adecisionfromthe Supreme Courthowever left me with no choice but to change that.

The message came through around 1.45pm on Monday,July 7that the jury in the Erin Patterson trial had reached its verdict.

The verdict was scheduled to be read out just 30 minutes later.

In one of the great counts of fortune,the Express office is literally 100 or so metresfrom the Latrobe Valley courts.

Media were instructed to bring as little as possible in order to be whisked through security.

With that in mind, Itook just anotepad, pen, my phone and wallet.

Upon arriving, athrong of cameras and reporters congregated in the court’s foyer, as well as a sprinkling of people interested in the case.

Some evenappeared to be duckingout fromtheir day job to catch aglimpse.

Following the necessary ‘flippingofthe belt’ after passingthrough security screens, Iraced upstairs to the media overflow room -the place where journalists from across the country had made their office over the 10 weeks the trial had been going.

Some familiar faces were there readytowatch the livestream.

There was no time for pleasantries however. This was the biggest story of the year, and likely, the biggest of our careers.

Journalists are often criticisedfor being abrasive, even rude in how we communicate, yet when you are constantly ‘onthe go’ and havedeadlines roaming, every minute counts.

With time ticking closer to quarter-past two, anticipation rose.

Would she be guilty or not guilty?

For all that had happened across the 10 weeks, the verdicts were delivered in less than 30 seconds. Guilty times four (threecounts of murder,one of attempted murder).

Some gasps followed the first uttering of ‘guilty’, partly because the charge was for attempted murder.

Given the next three were all for murder, there

Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd (Esso), awholly owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, is committed to operating and decommissioning its Gippsland and Bass Strait facilities safely and effectively.After delivering energy to Australia for over 50 years, many of the Bass Strait oil and gas fields are now reaching the end of their productive life. As planningfor decommissioning progresses, Esso is focused on safely shutting-down non-producing facilities and ensuring they stay safe throughout the entire decommissioning process.

Community Information Sessions

If you’d like to know more about decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in Bass Strait, the Esso Consultation Team will be hosting community information sessions at the following locations:

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322-340 Commercial Road,Yarram

Wednesday 13 August 2025 -Sale

The Criterion Hotel

90 Macalister Street, Sale

Monday18August 2025 -Yanakie Yanakie Hall

Millar Road, Yanakie

Tuesday 19 August 2025 -Foster Foster WarMemorial Arts Centre

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Wednesday 20 August 2025 -Leongatha

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All the above sessionswill 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

was hardly any surprise to hear the word ‘guilty’ uttered thrice more.

The accused looked stone-faced and unemotional as each verdict was read out (even through the livestream), just as she had when speaking in court while giving evidence.

Ihad been fortunate enough to get aseat in court on anumberofoccasions during this period. Erin Patterson is not ‘as big’ in person as most published photos would have her appear.

Publishing photographs during the trial was tricky. To those wondering why the same photos were used over and over again -it’sbecause there was only aselect handful available.

No photography is permitted inside court, and Erin Patterson was brought to the courtroom via an undergroundpassageway straight from the neighbouring cells at Morwell Police Station.

Cameramendeserve much praise for their

If these dates and times don’t suit, contact us at consultation@exxonmobil.com or by phone on 03 9261 0000.

The Esso Team will also be available to discuss proposed activities, including:

• Bass Strait Environment Plans

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Esso is working to identify and consult with relevant persons [stakeholders] whose functions, interests, or activities may be affected by one or more of Esso’sproposed activities.

Complete the Esso Consultation Questionnaire (sli.do) in the Esso ConsultationHub to let us know if you’d like to be consulted or have any questions or feedback.

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patience during the trial. Some were stationed outsidethe gates at Morwell PoliceStation for hours on endwith the task of getting even just onephoto of Erin Patterson if she happenedto step foot outside.

As one of them said to me: “90 per centofthis job is waiting”.

Following some words from Justice Beale, thanking the jury for their service and granting them 15 years grace, it was back downstairstothe awaiting media circus.

Walkingthrough the automatic doors at the court’sentrance, one got amomentary sense of paparazzi treatment,asa line of cameras stood armed and ready.

Joining the pack with fellow Express journalist Aidan Knight, he managed to get agreat shot of the defence walking out, as well as Erin Patterson’s friend Ali Rose.

Art and science don’t usually mix, yet there was aliteral gravitational pull of journalists toward Ms Rose the second she entered the courtyard.

Covering astory of thismagnitude requires a team effort. Helping the coveragewas Express journalist, Stefan Bradley, who wasbusy working on the bulk of the story back in the office before the verdicts were read out.

This meant we simply had to fill in the gaps once the final details were known.

Alot of the time in major news, much of the story has already been written,orrehashedifitdevelops over multiple weeks.

Next time there is anatural disaster, you may notice the same sentences being trotted out: “Wind gusts of up to”, “wild weather lashed the region”, “the SES received xnumberofcalls for help” etc.

Much of reportingisoften simply arelaying of messages.

Back at the office, there was no question what the front page would be for the coming issue.

The lack of available photos however required some creativity.

Enter the Express production team, who cleverly replaced the letter ‘T’ in 'guilty' with apicture of amushroom.

The Express needs to hit the press site by 5pm Mondays,and with less than two hoursto turnaround amajor news story, amad but equally calculated scramble ensued.

There would be plenty of time in coming weeks to write aboutthe reaction and reflection of the trial,

for now, we just needed to get the main ‘guilty’ story out there.

Some reshuffling of pages saw us left with a double page spread to work with, which was filled with ease.

Time became even more critical after anumber of requests for interviews and afew other loose ends needed tidying up.

The verdict came in at 2.15pm.

At 3.15pmI was simultaneously subbing astory on Gippsland Power women’s footy.

The life and times of acountry journo.

Further messages and calls were flicked between departments and other local media.

Our friends at the South GippslandSentinel Times (the papermost central to the case)called to see what Ithought of the headline: ‘Erin’scooked’ It wasbrilliant, if notdevilish.

That Mondaynightwas certainly alateone, so much so Ihad to cancel appointments and meetings the next day due to exhaustion.

“My brain is absolutely fried,” Itold the local cricket club committee group chat.

Leavingworkthat night, therewas still television presenters operating in the fog, and they were back there the next day in the freezing early morning mist.

The Express may never cover another worldwide news event.

The one time we did it bumped us off our own front page.

Mayhem: Mediaoutside court theday of Erin Patterson’s guiltyverdict. File photograph

Insight: Express reporterLiam Durkin’s notes from inside courtthe moment the verdicts were handed down.

1 Which queen was Julius Caesar involved with?

2 What is the capital of New Zealand?

3 Which country is famous for its chocolate and is home to brands like Lindt and Toblerone?

4 Which kind of alcohol is Russia notoriously known for? TWO POINTERS

5 What land based animal is known for its ability to change color to match its surroundings?

6 Which popular TV show featured house Targaryen and Stark?

7 Which actor appeared in films “Face Off” and “Ghost Rider”?

8 The American designer born in 1939 as Ralph Lifshitz is better known as what?

THREE POINTER

9 What is the symbol for potassium?

10 Who was the messenger of the gods?

11 What was the name of the group Justin Timberlake used to be part of?

12. Which religion dominated the Middle Ages?

FOUR POINTER

13 Who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 2020 film “Joker”?

14 Which company owns Bugatti, Lamborghini Audi, Porsche, and Ducati?

FIVE POINTER

15 Name the boy bands from these songs One point each 1 point for each correct answer 1 Bye Bye Bye 2 End Of The Road

How did you fare?

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

Solution page53

Target Time No. 0276 Sudoku

Howtoplay.

Using the 9letters in the grid, howmany wordsoffour letters or morecan you list? The centreletter must be included and each lettermay be used onlyonce No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural wordsending in ‘s’. Solution page53

Howtoplay... Solution page53 Fill the grid so that evry rowand every3x3 squarecontains the digits 1to9

Restoring the spirit of Country

Mission: GLaWAC workstoformadeep respect forCountryand is commitment to ensuring its health and vitalityfor generationstocome Photographs supplied

Blue Rock pontoon under construction

SOUTHERN Rural Water has started building anew all-abilities pontoon at Blue Rock Lake.

The $529,000 upgrade, fundedbyBetter Boating Victoria, will be deliveredbySouthern Rural Water, and provide improvedaccess to the water for people living with disabilities.

The pontoon upgrade, at theOld Tanjil Road boat ramp, was identified in the Victorian Recreational Boating Action Plan 2022/23. This plan was developed in consultation with boating, fishing and community groups to identify boating facilityupgradesthat can be funded from the Better Boating Fund.

IT starts with astory

Borun the pelican was walking down from the mountains, carrying his canoe on his head.

As he walked, he heardaconstant tapping sound. When he reachedthe deep waters of the inlets, he took down his canoe and saw Tuk, the musk duck.

Fromtheir union camethe Gunaikurnai people.

This story,passed downthrough generations, isn’t just acreation tale -itexplains the bonds thatGunaikurnaipeoplehavetoCountry,a reminder that the ancestors are stillwatching over the landscape today.

That connection remains strong. You can feel it in the breeze that drifts across the Gippsland Lakesorinthe giantMountainAsh of Tarra-Bulga National Park.

For the five clans of Gunaikurnai people, Country is the land, the waters, the air and the sky. All of it is connected, all of it is one.

But how do you care for something so vast and deeply woven into who you are?

That’s the work of the Gunaikurnai Land and WatersAboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), an organisation grounded by Country that is as much about the future as it is about the past.

As theregistered Aboriginal party representing the Gunaikurnai, Traditional Owners of much of Gippsland, GLaWAC plays auniquerole in blendingtraditional knowledge with modern systems to care for Country and create opportunities for its people. Thejoint managementof14national parks and reserves with Parks Victoria is acornerstone of this work. The partnership gives Gunaikurnai real influence overwhatishappeningonCountry, recognising theirdeep understanding of land, water and biodiversity.

Take the Alpine National Park. High in the mountains,the endangered Mountain Pygmypossum clings to survival.

GLaWAC’s JM Rangers, in collaboration with researchers, monitors the possums’ health, genetic diversity, and food source, including the culturally significant Bogong moth. It’s intricate, painstaking work,but it’s notjust about savingaspecies.AsJM Ranger Team Leader, Rob Baxter puts it, “When you look after the land, the land looks after you.” It’s asentiment as old as Borun and Tuk.

Water,too, has always been central to the Gunaikurnai wayoflife. Rivers and waterways are more than resources; they are lifelines, woven intoculture and tradition. Earlier this year, 3.3 gigalitres of unallocated water from the Latrobe River was returnedtothe Gunaikurnai, marking a significant step forward in recognising Traditional Owner rights in water management.

Theseallocationsdonot alter the statutory responsibilities of existingwater agencies,but pave the way for amore inclusive approach. It’s about alignment -finding ways to honour and respect everyone’s connection to the land and waterways. Fire is another element that speaks to this philosophy of balance.

For Gunaikurnai,fireisacultural practice honed over thousands of generations. Different to the asset protectionand fuel reduction burns we see today,Gunaikurnai fire is used to make the land healthy, for ceremony and as ameans for communication witheach other and the spirits.

Using the right fire, at the right time, in the right way, and in the right place is apractice grounded in respect for the land and its natural cycles. And it’s apractice thatGLaWAC is reclaiming, teaching younger generations to read the land and understand what it needs.

Economicsustainabilityisequally important in this vision for the future.The Gunaikurnai have always been traders,navigating networks that span beyondcurrent state borders and across

Countrynow under the waters of Bass Strait. GLaWAC is tapping into that entrepreneurial spirit, creating businesses that are both culturally and environmentally aligned.

In the Gippsland Lakes, for example, GLaWAC is trialling the growth of Sydney Rock Oysters in partnership with the Victorian Fisheries Authority. These native shellfish, once astaple food source, could form the basis of asustainable aquaculture industry, creating jobs and reconnecting the community with its waterways.

On land, the focus shifts to bush spices.

In partnership with Wulgunggo NgaluLearning Place, GLaWACisgrowing nativeingredients like mountain pepper berry and lemon myrtle, exploring potential new markets while reclaiming traditional knowledge.

Everyproject,every initiative, is rooted in the same principle: adeep respect for Country and a commitment to ensuring its health and vitality for generations to come.

This is not about separation or division. It’s about working together, finding common ground, and creating ashared future.Healthy Countrymeans healthy mob.

The work isn’t easy, and the challenges are many, but walk through aGunaikurnaimanaged park, sit by the Borun and Tuksculpture at Lakes Entrance, or watch new shoots rise from the ashes of aculturalfire, and you’ll feel it:the quiet power of acommunity reconnecting with its roots, creating pathways to thrive in the modern economy, and inviting others to share in its vision without losing sight of their cultural responsibilities.

Southern Rural Water Managing Director, Cameron FitzGerald said the new pontoon complements the existing all-abilities playground and picnic facilities at Blue Rock Lake.

“Blue Rock Lake is apeaceful and picturesquedestination, and we want to create a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone wanting to connect with nature,” he said.

“This newpontoon willprovide modern, fit-for-purposeinfrastructure thatenables people of all abilitiestosafely access and enjoy the water.

“We are proud to partner with Better BoatingVictoriatodeliver thisupgradeat our storage facility thatwill provide great recreational and community benefits.”

The new pontoon will include:

 Awheelchair-accessible gangway;  An all-abilities parking bay;  Agangwaygradient indicator;  A wider landing area with seating and a hoist for easy access to boats, and;  Akayak launching platform.

The new pontoon is expected to be complete in spring 2025.

The boat ramp and the northern pontoon will remain open to the public during the works, with fencing, signage, and traffic management in place to ensure its safe use.

Blue Rock Lake’s otherboat ramp at Spillway Road will remain open during the works and provides an alternative option for people wanting to launch their boats.

Telling: ThesculpturalchairofBorun andTuk at theLakes Entrance Foreshore, installed by GLaWAC’s civil crew to sharethe Gunaikurnai creation storywith locals and visitorsalike.

985-1994

Howe andKelty praisethe region

THE 1985-95 decade began with the browncoalindustrystill confident in its future.

TheJapanesePrime Minister,Mr Nakasone,visited Morwelltosee the completion of the first stage of the BrownCoalLiquefaction pilot plant to produceoil from coal,while theLabor Premier,JohnCain, announced the Governmentwould spend $330million in theValley, headed by a$260million upgradeofthe Hazelwood power station

Anew SEC paper on future power station developments afterthe mid1990sshelvedthe foreseeable opening of new Latrobe Valley coalfields Following areporton prostitution by Professor Marcia Neave,social workers said more than 100Latrobe Valley housewives wereinvolved in prostitution

TheWalhalla Mining Companyentered intoa joint venturewiththe world's biggest mining company, Australian AngloAmerican,tofurther exploreand developgold resources in Walhalla.

The first owner and editor of the Latrobe Valley Express, Patrick Hegarty,died in Geelongafter atwo-yearbattlewith cancer at theage of 48 AGippsland Institute scientificstudy found that pollution in theLatrobe Valley was notdangerous to health even though visibility is oftenpoor, but harmful pollution levels are low

TheMorwellCIB said theincidence of rapeand sexual offences in theLatrobe Valley -45rapes and100 othersex offences - was about two-and-a-half timesthe stateaverage

TheSEC's chiefgeneral manager, George Bates, said anyfederal recommendation to divide and sell the SECwould be vigorously resisted,but thesaleofLoy Yang Bwas very much on theagenda.

Morwell City launched a $40 million 'vision' of alarge roofed-in market over theCBD rail line,anentertainment complex and an update of retail on the southsideofthe city

In November 1993, theCoalition Government'sMineralsand Energy Minister, JimPlowman,saidthe governmentplannedtofurther move theelectricityindustrytowards further reconstruction, bringing competition to electricity generationand distribution Meanwhile, Labor'sfederal Deputy PrimeMinister, BrianHoweand ACTU secretary, Bill Kelty, heaped praise on theValley: as agreat industrial region" and forcreating thethe country'sfirst regional developmentagreement to attractnew investment and jobs.

Thedecadethatbegan with thestateowned coal industrystill in full swing endedwiththe reality of privatisation and complete political realignment- all captured in thepages of theLVExpress

1985

JAPANESE PrimeMinistervisitsValley

APM announces $50millionexpansion

PROSTITUTION inquiry in Morwell,brothelsget some support

TRARALGON Centre Plaza opens

TWO men whoplannedsuicide pact hadtalked aboutstaging machinegun massacre at Mid Valley shopping centre,Moe Coroners Courttold

MORWELL Shireplans to pourmoremoneyand effort intohelping itsCBD retain retail dominance of LatrobeValley

$1 MILLION drug crop found at Cowwarr

LARGEST meeting of LatrobeValley power workerssince 1977 powerdispute votesto endorsecombinedpower unions logofclaims

YARRAGON TextileMillsfactory in Moesaved f from closure

1990

SEC restructuringcompletes first stage shedding morethan1300employees.APM also restructures,cutting more than 200from workforce

LATROBE Regional Commission stepsuppush to attractbusinesstoarea to compensate

WASTEWATER review panelokays ocean outfall

PYRAMID Building Societycollapses, twolocal branchesclose.$50 millionatrisk in region

FLOODS hitGippsland causingmillionsof dollars of damage

BODy found in Gippslandbush,fivecharged with murder

GIPPSLAND Institutemerges with Monash University

1986

TRARALGON couple each chargedwith46 counts of arson

HOBSON Park operates withoutqualified psychiatrist forninemonths

LATROBE Valley policeshortage worst in country

Victoria

CO-OP gunman strikesthree timesinsix months

SHOTGUN siegeendsingunman surrendering in caravanpark

STATE appointed administratorcalledinto replaceLatrobe CountryCredit boardofdirectors

STATE Governmentabandonslocal council mergerplans

MOE City Council wins National Local GovernmentInnovation Award

MORE than 100Latrobe Valley housewives involved in p prostitution

1991

CHURCH Street blastrocks Morwell. Mancharged over blast

THREE hundredjobscut with newlook briquette factory

THORPDALE is hithardbyspuds slump

SCHOOL principaltostand trial on sexoffences

THREE workers burntinAPM chemical spill

MIXED response from traders aftercountry Sundaytrading announced

UNIONS warn of asbestos action

ONE councilannounced forLatrobe Valley

1987

“CANCELLED” headline across apicture of LoyYangshockscommunity. Editor explains it was done “tojoltLatrobe Valley populace out of itscomplacency,tostirintorealisingthatthe Valley’s very future is in thebalance”

SIX CentralGippsland Hospital nursessacked, causesindustrialrow

AGGREGATION threatens survivaloflocal television station

HUMAN skeleton foundinDriffield area

STATE Governmentgives nodtoocean outfall sewer

TAX evasionrumours fuel investigationcallon LatrobeCityCountry Credit Union. Lawyer and unions namedamidrow.$2.8millionlossand evidence of financial malpractice revealed LOCAL mumsmarch to save Morwell Maternity H Hospital

1992

YOUNG joblessisata crisis point,diabolical in country areas

AMAJOR earthslipatMorwell Open Cut severely damages a$12 millionoverburden dredger andconveyorsystem

MORWELL celebratesits centenary

THORPDALE welcomeshome itsbronzed

Aussie,Tim Forsyth, itsfirst Olympic hero

UNIONS disgusted as SECand Government delaysonoverburdenremovalworkdecision continues

HUNDREDS pack TraralgonCityHalloverplans to transfer Traralgonhospitalchildren’swardto Moe

BIDS have been entered, competing forthe right to operateand own40% of LoyYangBpower station.American company MissionEnergy named as preferredbidder

985-1994

1988

FEDERAL policeprobe CountryCredit Union

BASEBALL batused in double murder: courttold FIRES ripthrough Glengarrybush

PETROL pricewars

MASSIVE manhuntfor escapee from MoeWatch house,policeman stabbed in Traralgon

CHURCHILL shopssoldfor $1 million

VALLEY told of carbon dioxideemissions released during coal burningmustbereduce

GOVERNMENT reaffirmsLoy Yang commitment

POLICEMAN andwoman shot in nightattack outsideofMorwell

PRIME Minister Hawkejostled by cement p protestorsduring g visittoYallournTAFE

1993

600 jobs scheduledtogoasSEC presses ahead to completely privatise itsmaintenance services

GIPPSLAND grinds to ahaltasnearly3000 public andprivate sectorworkers stop workfor 24 hoursinprotestatState Governmentand FederalOppositionreforms

MOE McDonalds opensits doors

MORWELL’S Church Street blastaccused faces court. Notguiltyverdict

PLAN forone LatrobeValleyhospitalrevealed Review recommendstoreplace LRHMoe and Traralgon

CALLS forsinglebodytorun LatrobeValley andbeindependent of LatrobeRegional Commission and councils

1989

TWO thousandjobstogoinSEC restructuring. Unions andmanagementdominatethe headlinesastheythrash outagreementonjob shedding CHURCHILL boy, 11,becomesAustralia’s youngesteverheart lung transplant recipient

SEC concedes that LoyYangB3and B4 could be putbacka couple of years because of concerns overthe GreenhouseEffect

VERY Fast Trains Consortiumreportfavours Gippsland route

LATROBE Valley gets $20million Australian Securities Commission data centre

TRARALGON nownumber oneinpopulation

FIRE hits Moe’sRocklea Spinning Mills

FORMER Traralgon laypreacherfound guilty of s sex crimes

1994

EARTHQUAKE registering nearly four on the Richter scaleshook theStrzeleckiRanges

DETECTIVES anduniformed policeinMorwell receivecapsicumspray,a newpolicedisabling weapon

EXPRESSIONS of interestcalledtodemolish

Yallourn C, Dand Epower stations

PRINCES Highway duplication between Moe andTrafalgar East opens

FORTY-SEVEN women lose their jobs with closureofCHL ApparelChurchill

COLDEST dayeverrecordedinthe Valley below sixdegrees toptemp. Snow fell in the Valley

LOCAL Government’sinterim report announces onemunicipalitywould govern

Housing &Big-Ticketitems

BACKINTIM E

ä Moe, first home buyer, two-bedroom hom $42,000

ä Traralgon award-winning, three-bedroom home $82,500

ä Traralgon two-bedroom renovated home - $41,500

ä Moe, first home buyer, twobedroom home - $42,000

ä Yallourn North three-bedroom home - $48,500

ä Cellular Phones - $1590

ä SubaruLeone 1600 DL Sedan $5490 Morwell Nissan

ä Commodore Pro-pack - $569

ä Sanyo Remote Video VCR - $4 Brash’s Discounts Mid Valley

ä Ceiling fans - $4995 Kelly Bro Traralgon

ä Round Steak - $4.99 pkg –Corner Breed and Deakin Streets Traralgon

ä Robert Timms 37g ground coffee - $3 99 Morwell Co-op Supermarket

EverydayEssentials

ä Heinz Baked Beans or Spaghetti - 55c

ä Tomatoes - $1 29kg

ä Bananas - $1.09kg

ä Softdrink Varieties 1 25ltr - 79c

ä No17 Frozen Chicken - $3.99

ä San Remo Pasta 500g - 65c

ä Alpine Cake Mix - 65c

ä Ladies fashion thongs - $5.90

ä Ladies plastic sandals - $4.90

ä Roasting Pork Legs - 3 99kg

The Express, By Numbers

ä CIRCULATION - 27,444

ä Cost per paper - 30 cents at Newsagents (free elsewhere)

1989: S SEC sllashes 2 2000 workkersjjobbs

THEdecadeof89-95 was oneofthe most culminating of industry in theLatrobe Valley, as international cooperation hitits zenith in the Japanese-AustralianBrownCoalpilot plantin Morwell, only to be closed laterinthe decade aftermuchfanfare

1990 sawhugeunion resistance from power workers,which broughtthe region to astandstill in aperiodofworkplace andcommunityunrest andsocialdivision, whiletheyfoughtfor better payand protectionfor ‘keeping thelightson’ foragreatsliceofVictoria. Health Concerns.

Oneofthe most impactful of theseevents, however, andoflocal newsstories overall,was themasscutting of jobs by theSEC in 1989.The ElectricityCommission described theslashing of 4200 workers (2000 of whichwerewithin the LatrobeValley) as “ambitious”and “exciting”, whichprovoked some negativitytowards the bodycorporation from thecommunityatthe time

TheExpress was hotonthe storyatthe time,havingproduced thefront page story describingthe detailsahead of time,via a leaked “corporaterestructure”documentthat provided insightintonot only theamountof people impacteddirectlybythe occupational culling,but also themotivation behind it,asthe SECupper managementsaw themove as a sort of “check-mate” formakingthe SECmore competitive, which, viatargetedredundancies, wouldsave thecompany approximately $236 million. Outsourcingfor much of thejobs considered‘additional’within thecompany whetherthatbecleaning, cafeteriastaff or otherroles similar, were made,and amove for

GeneralManager of Production

less unions andtheir involvemen one of thethoughtsatthe forefr managements mind,havingpro to be thesourceofmuchcontro around theSEC,the LatrobeVay biggestemployer, throughout th decade

John Hutchinsonacknowledged potential pain this wouldbring t Valley andit’sfamilies, butsaidt shiftwas necessary: “Ifthe Latro Valley is to remaina competitive powergeneration center, it is cle therewill need to be significant changes made -and that therew fewerjobsinthe future.”

Although notyet signed offby thegovernmentatthe time,the proposals hadbeen in thehand of LaborMinisterNeilPope since March, promptingconcern from unioniststhatthe changes werebeingformalised before negotiationshad begun. It was ahugedeal at thetime, adding to thenightmarish trend of optimism andgreat industrial vision transitioningintodecline and disappointment, just like the Japanese-Australianbrown coa prospectsturnedout to be.The jobcutsmarkedthe beginningo an eraofsweepingtransformati forthe Valley’s powerindustry —changes that would define its

ntwas ront of oved oversy lley’s he n d the he the obe e ear willbe e ds n d l e al e of on s

1994: M Muniiciipal l amallgamatiion p proposal l

OCTOBER1994saw an equallyimportant restructuringofa differentkind. TheLocal GovernmentBoard’s interim report,released on 10 Octoberthatyear, proposed asweeping amalgamation of 24 councilsacrossGippsland intojustsix newmunicipalities. Chiefamong them was thenew municipality of La Trobe-a bold plan to merge theCitiesofMoe,Morwell, andTraralgon,the Shires of Traralgon and Mirboo,and partsofthe Narracan and Rosedaleshires.

This sawthe populationsofthose municipalitiescombinetobecome a staggering 75,000,representing theregional city of Latrobe, with atotal expenditure of $62.2million. It was projectedtobethe largest andmostsignificant,inbothindustryand economy, of thenew sixcouncils.

AlongsideLaTrobe we sawthe establishment of Baw Baw,Strezlecki, Bass Coast, East Gippsland,and Wellingtonshires. Broader reformsfromthe stategovernmentwere responsiblefor this suddenshift in local governance,which notonlyreduced bureaucracy andsimplifiedpoliticsfor Victoria butalso cutcosts,seemingly themotivation fllthbig hg ithV ll ytht

In La Trobeinparticular, therestri of localcitiesweredeclaredtosave anything from “$6.6 millionto$8.3 million” in spending,bythe elimin of duplication and service delivery to constituents andtheir broader communities,now combined as o At thetime, theresponse was mix Whilesomewelcomedthe oppor forstrongerregional coordination moreefficient governance,others concernedaboutlosinglocal iden and representation.The amalgam sparkedpassionatedebateincou chambers andliving roomsalike. La Trobewould laterbecome Latr (one word),and threedecades on,remains acentral pillar of Gippsland’s governance structure Though challenges have persisted from industrydecline to economi diversification,the legacy of the19 amalgamationscontinuestoshap howthe region is governed today

for all the bigchanges in the Valley over that ctions ve 3 nation y one ci xed rtunity n and s were ntity mation uncil robe e d, c 994 pe y

Hearing the voice of youth throughdiscussion

Leaders: Youthrepresentative Harley(Harlequin) Goodes and UNICEF Young Ambassadorand Youth Co-ChairofGippslandYouth Spaces,Lincoln Ingravalle Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Culturally responsive youth workshops breaking stigma

THE Centre for Multicultural Youth (CMY) is reshapinghow mental health support reaches multicultural young people.

The Reverb 2.0program,deliveredinpartnership with headspace National,uses peer-led storytelling and cultural insight to break down stigma in mental health care, build confidence and connect young people with the supports they need for their mental health.

Reverb2.0 has delivered culturally responsive workshops to more than170 staff across 20 headspacecentres in Victoria and New South Wales. From July, the program expanded nationally, training even more headspace staff across Australiatohelp build understanding and improve engagement with multicultural young people.

“Reverb 2.0 is aplatform for multicultural young people to lead and share practical, culturally grounded strategies with headspace centre staff -helping them better support diverse communities and their families. By embedding lived experience into every stage -from design to delivery -we’re building astronger, more inclusive mental healthsystem,” headspace

Multicultural Practice Lead,BimbaChavan said.

“Reverb 2.0 is led by young peoplewho’ve lived it. The power of this program comes from young people sharing their culture, lived experience andperceptionsofthe current mental health system, with the view to create impactful and lastingchange,” CMY Project Lead, Reverb 2.0, Jess Case added.

At the centre of the school program are three 55-minute workshops for students in Years 8to 10, facilitated by Reverb 2.0 Youth Advocates -all young people with lived experience of navigating mental health challenges in multicultural contexts.

Through storytelling,peer connectionand culturally grounded content, the workshops help students to:

 Understand the link between mental health and cultural identity;

 Build confidence and challenge stigma among peers, and;  Learn practical ways to access support services.

Workshops are fully subsidised, meaning there is no cost to schools or students.

By KATRINABRANDON

THEpeople most impacted by the future are the youth.

Recently, Latrobe Youth Space hosted ayouth climate discussion, where local youngsterscould share their thoughtsonissues related to climate change.

The discussion branched out into many different topics and saw the group brainstorm ideas.

UNICEFYoung Ambassador and Gippsland Youth Spaces Co-Chair, Lincoln Ingravalle led the group, while youth representativeHarley (Harlequin) Goodes helped guide the session.

“As the most vulnerable and at-risk group in the world to climate change now and into thefuture, youth deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns heard,” Mr Ingravalle told the Express

“By engagingthem on thistopic, givingthem more knowledge aboutdisasters and climatechange, what's going on, just these conversations can then also make them think abit more about health, their education and whatthey're losing when these disasters occur, and thinking about it in atargeted way, not just 'this is the way it is'.”

UNICEF, the United Nations agency for children, works to protect the rights of every child, particularly the most disadvantaged and those who are hardest to reach.UNICEF wasestablished in the aftermath of World War 2tohelp childrenwhose lives and futures were at risk -nomatter what role their country had played in the war.

Now, UNICEF operates the world’slargest humanitarian warehouse and overseesanunparalleled logistics network.

Together with the United Nations Framework ConventiononClimateChange (UNFCCC), individuals likeMrIngravalle are travelling the world, engaging with young people, and sparking aconversation aboutthe future.

“All over the world, (we) are apart of the preparation for COP (Conference of the Parties), which is a part of the UNFCCC,” Mr Ingravalle said.

“(It’s)the world comingtogethertotalkabout climate change and build the goals for the next 12 months. There are what are called constituencies of COPinthe UNFCCC, and there are nine. They are tasked with going around and asking people in the world, young people in the lead up, what they think aboutclimate change, and what theywant leaders to do.”

The National Statement on Climate Changeor

the Youth National Statement has been sentto Canberra and delivered to federal politicians.

While current youth have access to online sources for information, Mr Ingravalle said it was still important to hold open discussions.

“Social media has its ups and downs, but we are exposed to more information, good or bad, and able to committocausesand things we'repassionate about much easier,” he said.

“Making sure that we're giving the knowledge and the education so that people can be well informed to ask them and demand their rights in those spaces and within Parliament and other places to control the decisionmakingand havea stronger influence

“(We are) helping them, giving themthe words or letting them find out for themselves, meaning thatthey can help theircommunities.They can help themselves.”

Alongside the educationaland sociologicalimpacts of the workshops, Ms Goodes said events like these were great in making local and state leaders aware of issues importanttoyouth.

“Strengthening bonds means that you can build thoseconnectionsbetween metropolitanand regional. But there needs to be that platform, that way to do it, because otherwise you're just bumping heads because you have different issues,” she said.

Opportunitiessuch as the workshop are among the many services that Latrobe Youth Space provides to and supports local youth between the ages of 12 and 25. Latrobe Youth Space also offers meals and kits to youth in need.

Gippland Youth Spaces Chief Executive, Sandy Hegarty, told the Express, “In June, we had 682 visits to drop-in sessions alone in that two months. So it was justunder eight weeks. We distributed nearly 800 meals during that time."

“We are sitting around 100 meals aweek, and that's only dropping; that'snot includingour programuntil we get our food as well. We have also delivered backpacks out to CFA and arange of community locations across Gippsland. Two hundred of them have gone to East Gippsland and 200 have gone to Wellington.”

Each backpack includes things that youth might need in an emergency situation where they need to up and leave home, such as socks, afirst aid kit and wind-up flashlight.

2. When is Moe Cup?

1. What is Ryan Hobsons Phone Number?

3. What is Miss Millys website?

4. What food does Grab nGooffer?

5. Who is currently offering a$10 membership?

7. What special does Local Locks offer?

8. Who sells ‘Australia’s Lightest Scooter?

ENTRYDETAILS:

The first correct entry drawn wins.

6. What business offers fresh mouth watering salads?

9. What business is located at 71-77 Chickerell Street, Morwell?

Entries close: Monday18th August 2025.

SPENDIN

WINA $500 INGSPREE

One lucky winner will enjoy spending a$500 shopping voucher by reading the ‘HOTDEALS’advertisements andansweringthe below questions correctly.

10. What hours does Dogs Day Out offer?

11. What business has extended their EOFY Sale?

12. Who should you call forameasureand quote?

13. What business is offering aOne Month Sale?

14. How many services do Luxe on Mane offer?

15. Who offers a‘Wonderful Atmosphere?’

16. Who is offering 25% off assorted jackets?

17. Who offers small and large deliveries of quality firewood?

18. Who is the director of TRAC?

When you have answered all the questions above simply post your answer sheet, numbered to coincide with the questions, to HOTDEALS competition, Latrobe Valley Express, 21 George Street, Morwell 3840, or drop off in our letter box, or email your answersto: reception@lvexpress.com.auoruse QR code. Make sureyourname and contact numberisclearly marked on all entries.

The $500 prize will be in the form of avoucher,and must be spentwith an advertiser/s who appeared in this HOTDEALS special feature. The prize can be spentatone or moreadvertisers businesses to the maximum value of $500.Specific details will be provided to winner

The winner will be contacted by telephone. Voucher not redeemable forcash. Employees of the Latrobe Valley Express and their families areunable to participate.

Pat’sSewingCentre

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne MadelineMoore

July 28 -August 3, 2025

and finding spiritua solace So what’s the best advice for getting through a comp icated and rather confusing week? It comes from singer songwr ter and musician Kate Bush (who ce ebrates her 67th birthday on Wednesday): Only you can sort yourself out

Are you feeling hemmed n at home? Mercury is reversing through your domest c zone (unt l August 11), which cou d cramp your style Try cleaning, dec uttering, renovat ng and/or extending your present l ving space so it’s more spac ous Bu ls need room to move! Expect some fam ly dramas, though, as impatience and uncerta nty overtake common sense If you try to escape from your current commitments then loved ones won’t be impressed

Expect conversations to be confusing as Uranus upsets p ans and retrograde Mercury muddles your mind, wh ch could resu t in the tendency to send and/or receive m xed messages So slow down and think things through before you ring, text, emai , publish or post There cou d also be some stress invo ving finances or a bout of self-doubt Mercury (your ru ing planet) turns d rect on August 11 so – unti then – be di igent and check everything twice

W th Jup ter and Venus both transiting through your sign t’s time to be bold and beautiful! Don’t let other people ( ncluding the med a) set your individual agenda and d ctate your persona style Strive to be creatively and proact vely 100% you! So, your motto for the moment is from birthday great des gner Yves Saint Laurent: “Fashions fade, sty e s eternal ” On Friday and Saturday tread carefu ly with a d fficult co league, client or customer

Mercury is reversing through your sign unti August

11 so p ans w ll proceed s owly And fr endsh ps look part cular y tr cky, as Saturn and Neptune also stir up difficu t es and confus on Spend time networking w th your peer group and try ng to patch up problems before they mu t ply Be inspired by fe low Leo, actress G ll an Anderson (who turns 57 next week): “I bel eve people are in our l ves for a reason We’re here to earn from each other ”

There could be a problem w th a over, re ative, friend or co league as Saturn ncreases respons biities and Neptune creates confusion W th the Sun and retrograde Mercury n your sol tude zone put as de some qua ity time for solo pursuits l ke meditation prayer contemplat on yoga and/or ourna writing Your motto for the week is from b rthday great Kate Bush (who turns 67 on Wednesday): There s an awfu ot you learn about yourself when you’re a one ”

Many L brans are po ite procrastinators who can have troub e mak ng dec sions You want to p ease everyone, which of course s mpossib e! So, you can end up s tting on the fence, watch ng other peop e make mportant decisions for you Wh ch means you then p ace your dest ny in the hands of others This week – even though you’ l feel confused – consider your choices carefully And –even though t wi l be d fficult – it’s t me to make a firm decision

With Mercury reversing through your career zone (unt l August 11), proceed carefu ly with a compl cated professional project If you are too hasty (or too stubborn) then you ll experience commun cation prob ems with a work colleague c ient or customer Also, confus ng old feel ngs cou d resurface, as a relative or fr end pushes your emotional buttons Simmer down, Scorpio, otherwise you run the r sk of turn ng a m nor matter into a major obsess on

Venus shifts nto your money-from-others zone on Thursday, which is usua ly lucky financ a ly Don t be extravagant though! You l find the more you respect and conserve money the more cash wi l come your way When t comes to a personal relationsh p, are you deal ng with an unpredictab e situat on? Expect some res stance from others –especial y a romantic partner or a c ose fr end A quick fix won’t work Take the time to real y th nk things through

Mercury is retrograde unt l August 11 so s ow down, cool down and calm down, Capricorn! Don’t make major mountains out of m nor moleh l s and waste prec ous time worrying about transient problems, especial y at work Th ngs won t run accord ng to plan and f there are compl cat ons then clever commun cat on wi l help you through any temporary turbulence Venus transits nto your relat onship zone on Thursday, so t’s time to pamper oved ones

Mercury (p anet of communicat on) is reversing through your relat onship zone unt l August 11 so be extra careful how you treat other peop e (in person and on ine) Self-indulgent behaviour unreal st c expectat ons and controvers a comments wi l just boomerang back on you! Things ook particu arly tricky on Fr day and Saturday when a m sunderstanding (with a fam ly member, fr end or ne ghbour) could leave you fee ing frustrated and m sunderstood

Does your da ly l fe seem to be mov ng along at a super-slow snai ’s pace? Are you lack ng vim verve, mo o and motivation? Be patient, Pisces, and have faith that prom sing th ngs are developing beh nd the scenes Mercury s retrograde ( n your dai y routine zone) so it’s t me to retreat and reflect On Friday night/Saturday morning there’s a Venus/ Neptune square when you’ l tend to v ew people and situat ons through decidedly rose-co oured g asses

Cervical screening saves lives

CANCERCouncilVictoriahas relaunched the successful 'In Your Hands' campaign.

The campaign focuses on improving access and reducing barriers to cervical screening participation acrossregional Victoria, and aims to increase awareness of and confidence in the self-collected Cervical Screening Test.

This renewedfocus comes in response to new survey data fromthe CentreofBehavioural ResearchinCancer, whichfound around 25 per centofregional Victorians eligible for cervical screening are still not aware of the self-collection option for cervical screening.

The survey also identified common reasons for regional Victorians delaying or not taking part in cervical screening, which includes viewing screening as alow priority, no perceived risk of cervical cancer, fear of the screening test or previous negative screening experiences.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers and can be successfully treated if found early.

Data from the Victorian Cancer Registry shows those living outside Victorian major cities are 18 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer compared to those livinginmajorcities throughout the period between 2021-2023.

ACervical Screening Test is the best way to prevent cervical cancer and is recommended every five years to women and people with acervix aged 25 to 74 under the National CervicalScreening Program (NCSP).

Cervical Screening Testscan find thosewho may be at risk of cervical cancerlong before it develops by detectinghuman papillomavirus or HPV, the very common virus that causes almost all cervical cancers.

Since July 2022, peopleeligible for the NCSP can now choose to have ahealthcare provider do the test for them using aspeculumand asmall brush, or can choosetoself-collect theirtestusing asmall swab

Cancer CouncilVictoria Cancer Screening Senior Manager, Alice Bastable hoped the campaign wouldencourage eligible women in regional Victoria to prioritise screening.

“Both self-collected and clinician-collected Cervical Screening Tests are equally effective at detecting HPV, which means people can choose the cervicalscreening option that feels right to them” Ms Bastable said.

“Participating in cervical screening is one of the most important ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. We understand that for Victorians livinginregionalareas,access can be achallenge, but with the option for self-collection, screening can now be more accessible, comfortable and private.

“If you’re due or overdue for cervical screening, speak to your doctor about self-collection. It could save your life”.

Recently published analysis on the uptake of self-collected cervical screeningtesting in Victoria shows regional communities are embracing this screening option.

Of the 598,055 CervicalScreeningTestsperformed across Victoria from July 2022 to June 2024, atotal of 29.1 per cent were self-collected. Notably, outer regional areas led the state, with nearly half (47.7 per cent) the Cervical Screening Tests used for primaryscreeningtaken viaselfcollection, followed by remote areas (43.5per cent) and inner regional areas (41.4 per cent).

To support this campaign, Sexual Health Victoria has expanded its telehealth service to better enable people living in regionalareas to access self-collection tests remotely.

SexualHealth Victoria’s Medical Director, Dr Sara Whitburn said that through telehealth services, regional Victorians can access cervical screening without needing to travel or visit aclinic in person.

“We want to make sure everyone who is eligible, no matter where they live, can participate in this life-saving test," Dr Whitburn said.

"Whether it’s cost, time or privacy concerns, self-collection puts cervical screening back in your hands."

To learn more about cervical screening and the In Your Hands campaignortofindacervicalscreening test provider, visit: cancervic.org.au/cervical

TheGuide

PATIENCE

ABC TV,Friday, 8.35pm

Akin to addictivecrypticcrossword crime solver Ludwig,this Yorkbased seriesfollows acivilian with an extraordinaryknack forseeing what other people don’t.Here, it’s Patience Evans (Ella MaisyPurvis, pictured), ayoung woman with autism whose aptitude forpattern recognitionhas caught the eyeofDIBea Metcalf(LauraFraser). Tonight,in “My Brother’s Keeper”, Patience tries to helpher friendBilly (Connor Curren) in the aftermath of his brother’s death. But when the body disappears from the morgue, Beaand DS Jake Hunter (Nathan Welsh) get involved. Believing his brother might not havebeen stolen,but in fact is stillaliveand simply walked out of the mortician’s lab,Billy ropesPatience in on his own investigation.

In the final episode forthe season, we meet couple James and Brendan, who areweighingupwhether to renovate their weatherboard cottagein Brunswick in Melbourne’s inner north, or sell up and buy something alittle closer to town. “Loveit” advocate Neale Whitakergets to work on the house, transforming the backyard shedinto anew master suite andaddingan office space in astunning andsympathetic transformation of their current home. Meanwhile, Andrew Winter (pictured, right,with Whitaker,James and Brendan) is trying to convince the pair that the grass is greener in Fitzroy, showing them three homes on the market in their price rangeinthe hope one of them will be appealingenoughtomakethe guys choose “listit”.

Friday,August 1

PICK OF THE WEEK

Gold star: SamPang returnsfor athird stint

DANCING WITHTHE STARS

THE 65TH TV WEEK LOGIE AWARDS 20 Seven, Sunday, 7 30pm

Australian television’s A-listers are all glammed u (check out the frocks in the Red Carpet show ho Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown from 7pm) an celebrate the best of the best local talent Come Pang returns for a third stint as host, and two-tim Hamish Blake is up for his third Gold Logie He’s out in the nomination line-up though with six st

– Lynne McGranger Lisa Millar Ally Langdon So Julia Morris and Poh Ling Yeow – hoping to grab it s not all trophies and acceptance speeches – ro Jimmy Barnes will be on hand to provide some m

25 up osted by dready to edian Sam mewinner the odd man trong women nia Kruger b the Gold. But ock legend musical relief returns for a third as Logieshost.

Seven, Monday, 7.30pm ancing fiery Shaun efforts Brown er have emorable t’sgrand final six medians nd ed), er el Usher, egend tCotchin, eand ystar Schilling, odcaster y y– leave he dance their outines empt e Before hooses on, pecial nce ht Here nger oach ice arx

It’sbeen quitethe year for Da withtheStars–shock exits, fi s clashes with thejudges and S Micallef’s escalating e to break Dr Chris and Sonia Kruge allmade it ame season. Tonight finale seesthe fi celebrities –com FelicityWard an Micallef (picture newsreade Michae AFL le Trent Hom Away Kyle S and po Brittany Hockley it all on th floor with freestyle ro as theyatte to claim the Mirrorball. Australia c its champi there’sasp performan from “Righ Waiting” sin and new co on TheVoi RichardMa

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (6,7)TEN (5,10) NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Poh’s Kitchen. (R) 10.30 Home Delivery (PG, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bay Of Fires. (Malv,R) 2.00 Muster Dogs: Collies And Kelpies. (PG, R) 2.55 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(PG, R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 France 24. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. Highlights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6. Highlights. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Great Australian Road Trips. (R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Garma Festival 2025 Opening Ceremony 5.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Your Money &Your Life. (PG) 1.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 2.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 6. Heats. 2.30 Pointless. (PG) 3.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.00[MELB] Tipping Point Australia.(PG,R) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs.

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.35 Gardening Australia. Costa visits asubtropical cottage garden.

8.35 Patience. (Ma) Patience helps her friend Billy after his brother’sbody goes missing.

9.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

9.55 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) Presented by Guy Montgomery

10.45 ABC Late News.

11.00 Austin. (PG, R)

11.30 Silent Witness. (Mav,R)

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

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 The Good Ship Murder. (PGv)

8.25 The Royals: AHistory Of Scandals: Witchcraft. Suzannah Lipscomb investigates British royalty. 9.20 Britain’sMost Luxurious Train Journeys: English Riviera. (PG, R) Looks at the vintage Saphos train. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Who Do YouThink YouAre? (PGa, R) 11.35 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7. 2.05 Romulus. (MA15+av,R) 3.55 Scotland’sExtreme Medics. (Mal, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. Alead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 21. Adelaide vHawthorn. From Adelaide Oval.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbestracing.

11.45 Dancing With The Stars. (PG, R) Celebrities show offtheir dance skills.

1.05 The Disappearance. (MA15+av,R) The mystery is becoming clear

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

5.00 NBC Today

7TWO (62, 72)

At Six. 10.00 Front Up. Noon DW The Day 12.30 Bamay 1.00 Over The Black Dot. 1.30 WhereAre YouReallyFrom? 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch 6.05 If YouAre The One. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Love And Sex In South Korea. 9.35 Sex With Sunny Megatron. 10.45 Homeland. 1.35am SomewhereBoy 2.05 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Zoo. 9.30 NBC Today Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Harry’sPractice. 2.30 Weekender 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 The Great Outdoors. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am Room For Improvement. 1.00 Last Chance Learners. 1.30 Australia’sDeadliest 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 The Zoo. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 Last Chance Learners.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Police Rescue Australia. (PG, R) Bomb technicians detonate explosives.

8.30 To Be Advised.

9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore2025. Day 6. Finals.

11.05 To Be Advised.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

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

9GEM (81, 92)

Programs. 7.25

7.50 Motown Magic. 8.40 The Magic Canoe. 10.00 Great Blue Wild. 11.00 Going Places. 11.55 MOVIE: The Dark Horse. (2014, M) 2pm Homesteads. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Nula. 3.30

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 9.50 Mixmups. 10.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 10.35 Mini Kids. 11.00 Sesame Street. 11.25 Wiggle. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 12.55pm Mecha Builders. 2.05 Paddington. 2.30 Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’sGlobal Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 7.50 MOVIE: Yogi Bear (2010, PG) 9.15 Robot Wars 10.15 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: June Again. (2020, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 MOVIE: Never Say Never Again. (1983, M) 10.15 Seinfeld. 11.15 Veronica Mars. 12.15am Pretty Little Liars. 1.10 Supernatural. 3.00 Motor Racing. IndyCar Series. Grand Prix Of Monterey.H’lights. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30

(32)

6am Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PGlsv) 6.35 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) Hosted by Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter 8.40 Have YouBeen Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 The Graham Norton Show (Mlv,R)Guests include Bradley Cooper 10.40 10’sLate News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.20 AreYou Being Served? 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Train Of Events. (1949, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Broncos vSouth Sydney Rabbitohs. 9.55 Golden Point. 10.45 MOVIE: Rambo: First Blood Part II. (1985, M) 12.45am Explore. 1.00 1.30 MOVIE: Train Of Events. (1949, PG) 3.30 Seaway 4.30 Antiques Roadshow 5.00 YorkshireAuction House. 10 DRAMA (53,12)

9GO! (82, 93)

Saturday, August 2

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

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Grantchester (Ma, R) 1.15 Patience. (Ma, R) 2.05 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 2.55 Great SouthernLandscapes. (PG, R) 3.20 Earth. (R) 4.20 WouldI Lie To You? (PG, R) 4.55 Dr Ann’sSecretLives. (R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Gut Instinct –Jane Dudley (R) Leigh Sales chats with Jane Dudley

6.30 Back Roads: 10 Years Of Back Roads –Heather’sFarewell. (PG, R) Heather Ewart says goodbye.

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

7.30 Grantchester (Ma) Alphy and Geordie investigate amusician’smurder.

8.20 Midsomer Murders. (Mv,R) DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate the murder of agirl found dressed in period attire.

9.50 Bay Of Fires. (Malv,R)Stella must deal with another dead body

10.40 Miss Austen. (R) Charts the lives of Jane and Cassandra Austen.

11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Octonauts And The Great Barrier Reef. 4.10 Odd Squad. 4.35 Little JAnd Big Cuz. 5.10 The Monster At The End Of This Story 5.45 Peter Rabbit. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Kids Baking C’ship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Garma Bunggul 2025. 10.00 Garma Festival 2025. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7. Highlights. 1.00 PBS News. 1.30 Garma Festival 2025. 3.30 2022 FIFAWorld Cup: Written In The Stars. 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 7. Highlights. 5.30 Oppenheimer After Trinity

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great British Cities With Susan Calman: Cambridge. (PG) Susan Calman explores Cambridge, starting with apunt down the River Cam with history buffHenryRintoul.

8.20 The Princes In The Tower: New Evidence. (R) Philippa Langley and Rob Rinder explorethe fate of EdwardVofEngland and his brother RichardofShrewsbury

9.55 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 8. 2.05 MOVIE: Merkel. (2022, PGal, R, German) 3.50 Scotland’sExtreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Over The Black Dot. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Mastermind Aust. 6.35 The Frontier 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 James May: Our Man In Italy 10.30 Cracking The Code. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. VRC Season PremiereRace Day Jockey Celebration Day and Teddy Bears Picnic At The Races. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team cruises the southernGreat Barrier Reef. 7.30 Mysteries Of The Pyramids. (PGa) Looks at the pyramids. 8.30 MOVIE: Angels &Demons. (2009, Mav,R)Aprofessor and four kidnapped cardinals. TomHanks, Ewan McGregor,Ayelet Zurer 11.15 MOVIE: Gunpowder Milkshake. (2021, MA15+v,R) An assassin is reunited with her mother.Karen Gillan.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Room For Improvement. 12.30 Last Chance Learners. 1.00 Better Homes. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 The YorkshireVet. 5.00 Slow Train Through Africa. 6.00 Every Bite Takes YouHome. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Settle Down Place. 12.40

7.30 Big BackyardQuiz. 8.30 MOVIE: The

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Charlie And Boots. (2009, Ml) 2.05 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 4.25 3Days In Quiberon. (2018, PGans, French, German) 6.30 Barefoot In The Park. (1967, PGs) 8.30 Million Dollar Baby.(2004, Malv) 10.55 5To 7. (2014, Mals) 12.45am The Love Witch. (2016) 3.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Teeing Off With Daisy Thomas. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC TopDoorslammer.H’lights. 4.00 Motor MythBusters. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. VFL. Frankston vCarlton. 10.00 AFL Saturday Rewind. 10.30 Air Crash Inv 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore 2025. Day 7. Heats. 2.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 3.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Rugby Union. British &Irish Lions Tour.Game 3. Australia vBritish &Irish Lions.

10.00 Test Rugby: Australia v British &Irish Lions Post-Match. Post-match wrap-up for Game 3. 10.15 MOVIE: Dunkirk. (2017, Mlvw,R) Amission is launched to rescue stranded soldiers. TomHardy 12.15 My Life As ARolling Stone. (MA15+adl, R)

1.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

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

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 2.15pm Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Tigers vRoosters. 4.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’sPremiership. Broncos vCronulla Sharks. 6.00 AreYou Being Served? 6.30 TBA. 7.00 MOVIE: MonsterIn-Law.(2005, PG) 9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore2025. Finals. 11.05 TBA. 12.05am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs.

1.05pm Motor Racing. FIA Formula EWorld C’ship. London ePrix. 2.15 Motor Racing. FIA Formula EWorld C’ship. London ePrix. 3.20 MOVIE: The Pink Panther Strikes Again. (1976, PG) 5.30 MOVIE: Freaky Friday (2003, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Octopussy.(1983, PG) 10.15 MOVIE: Conan The Barbarian. (2011, MA15+) 12.25am Late Programs.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. (Final) Andrew helps James and beautiful weatherboardcottage. 8.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mlm, R) Sydney Call Centre is receivingahigher than average number of unusual calls. 9.40 Gordon Ramsay’sSecret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay conducts surveillance on Parthenon, acherished family-operated Greek restaurant in Washington, DC. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv,R)Elsbeth puts everyone in jeopardy 11.45 Ambulance UK. (M, R) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

6.30 Compass: All Eyes On Big Tech –Maria Ressa. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Austin. (PG) Julian is dropped from Big Bear’sTVdeal.

8.00 Bay Of Fires. (Final, Mdlv) The former Mystery Bay locals head to Melbourne.

8.55 Miss Austen. After uncovering Mary Austen’slies, Cassandra tries to keep Jane’sletters private.

9.45 MOVIE: Mrs Carey’sConcert. (2011, PG, R) Follows music director Karen Carey.Karen Carey

11.25 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PG, R) 11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

1.40 Under The Vines. (PG, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

Children’s Programs. 3pm

3.30

3.50

Squad. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior 5.10 The Gruffalo. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.05 Andy And The Band. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Late Programs.

Australia’s Lightest Scooter

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: The New Dig: The Woman With The Pearl Earring. (PG) 8.40 Venice From Above: City On Water (R) Explores Venice from the air 9.45 Cleopatra: Mystery Of The (PGa, R) Experts search for the tomb of Cleopatra VII.

10.50 Etruscans: Mysterious Civilisation. (PGa, R)

11.50 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 9. Praz-sur-Arly to Chatel. 124km mountain stage. From France. 3.50 Scotland’sExtreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

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6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Logies Red Carpet. (PG) Sonia Kruger and Dr Chris Brown areonthe redcarpet for Australian television’s night of nights, the Logie Awards.

7.30 The 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards 2025. (M) Coverage of the 65th TV WEEK Logie Awards. Hosted by Sam Pang. From The Star,Sydney

11.15 An Evening With Dua Lipa. (PG, R) Aconcert special. 12.45 Jamestown. (MA15+av,R) Verity is accused of witchcraft.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 The Block. (PGl) The teams try

8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.40 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore2025. Day 8. Finals. 11.20 The First 48: Old Flame/ Bad Behaviour (Mav) Alate-night shootout leaves aman dead.

12.20 Embarrassing Bodies. (MA15+dms, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. (R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa) 4.30 Fishing Australia. (R)

Great Australian Road Trips. 10.25 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Discover 2.00 The Zoo. 2.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.00 Your Money &Your Life. 3.45 Harry’s Practice. 4.15 Escape To The Country 7.15 Vicar Of Dibley 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Vicar Of Dibley 11.45 The YorkshireSteam Railway: All Aboard. 12.45am My Greek Odyssey 2.00 Vera. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Rugby League. NRL. Cronulla Sharks vNorth Qld Cowboys. 6.00 Dad’sArmy. 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 9.00 World Aquatics Championships. Singapore2025. Finals. 9.40 MOVIE:

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Ready VetGo: The VetParamedics. 3.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 3.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’sPremiership. Eels vDragons. 5.30 MOVIE: Cheaper By The Dozen 2. (2005, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: A View To AKill. (1985, M) 10.15 MOVIE: The Rhythm Section. (2020, MA15+) 12.25am

10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.10 Watson. (PGa) Watson and the fellows treat acomedian

valleysport

Sporting results from around the Latrobe Valley

Locals on thenationalstage

FOOTBALL

AFL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE 2025 MarshAFL National Under18 Championships wrapped up recentlywith Victoria Country finishing runner-up in the spotlightround robin tournament, bringing much attention to the next stars of the game.

Under Gippsland Power coachRhett McLennan, Vic Country finished the championships in splendid form, taking down rival Victoria Metro in the final match, 14.10 (94) to 9.10 (64) at RSEA Park, Moorabbin.

Vic Country set themselves up with anear 20-pointlead at the main break, and only extended the marginasa number of Gippsland exports got in on the fun.

FourPower playersfeaturedinthe final match of the U18 championship.

Foster’s Willem Duursmafinished strongly and is only rising in many draft experts estimationsahead of his assumed high selection in this year's AFL Draft, finishing with 27 touches, a goal, six marks, and five tackles in abest-onground performance.

Drouin’s BrodieAtkins added 24 disposals and agoal, followed by Inverloch’s Jobe Scapin with 16 touches and agoal, and Maffra’s Zachary O’Keefe with 13 disposals, eight marks, and agoal.

After losing their first two matches to Western Australia (three points) and South Australia (34),Vic Country finished strong with two wins through to the end.

On July 5, Vic Country previously defeated the Allies (conglomerate of New South Wales, ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania) in a11.16 (82) to 10.10 (70) outing at IKON Park, Carlton.

This game was less of acakewalk, with Vic

Count catapulting half. They of the championships. Onl match players, touches with 10 ta Ot of included Mitche Bair Mal in two agai and Stevens still impressed with age 20 touches both Durin rec Talent the Ste his Gippsla Yallou Nor ac despite Traralgon’s Marlon

National Championships, rounds before avictor game was July 20, in rtably beaten by Victoria (30) at RSEA Park.

Stoddart finished with 17 marks in defeat, while Chelsea Sutton added

dart has been one of Vic Country’s most consistent players across their three matches so far, aver aging 16 disposals and three marksasakey back. win over the Allies, 10.6 Trevor Barker Beach Oval, art and Sutton were the latterhitting the ly won’t take out the Vic Metro sitting atop of 3-1 to date, ahead of

Power players featured in include; Woodside’s ggi’s BaiaPugh, and Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Abby Crestani.

Neocleous played m-age playerduring the 8Championshipsfor

ph: Paul Kane/AFL Photos

Pickup: Traralgon’s Chelsea Sutton pursues the ballinVictoriaCountry’smatch against Victoria Metro in the 2025 U18Girls AFL National Championships Photograph: RileyLockett/AFL Photos

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Count em’ for Crocker

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

BEST: Maffra: ACarrJ Killoran TScott DButcher JBoydAMcKenzie Bairnsdale: EEast WMitchell BMcCarrey TBlenheim LCloak TClay MOE 7.111.316.524.7(151) DROUIN

8.9 (57) GOALS: Moe: BCrocker 10 LPoholke 5JBalfour 3N Prowse2HPepper 2NScagliarini J Wood.Drouin: CKleeven 2SAmoroso 2BBrasier 2R Wierzbicki2 BEST: Moe: BCrockerA Dijkstra JBalfour Svan DykJMakepeaceMPoholke.Drouin: SAmoroso KQuirk MWilliames ZMcmillan PSaddington DLund

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GOALS: Leongatha: ZLamers 2PIreland 2KDrew2 TBrill FDonohue NArgentoJ Walker T Nash BHarding.Morwell:J Galea 2JBurrCCampbell BEST: Leongatha: AHeppell LBowman JHume BHarding BWillisKDrew. Morwell: AQuigley SMillsM Linton MMcInnes ZAnderson SWalsh WARRAGUL 6.2 7.4 9.6 13.9 (87) TRARALGON 2.26.5 10.6 13.8 (86)

GOALS: Warragul: JStewart 4ZStewart 2W Hayes2 TStern 2SMasterson THobbs K MacLean. Traralgon: JMcMahon 3L Willaton MNorthe HNeocleous SHallyburtonJ CunicoT Marsh KRuyters DLopreseDMcKenna. BEST: Warragul: PMulqueen SMasterson JStewart THobbs SWhibley LCarter. Traralgon: TWaack LD’Angelo CAmbler THourigan MMembrey JCunico

WHILE results might not have indicated it, there was much more to Round 14 of the Gippsland League than scores would have pundits believe.

This was especiallythe case for the Latrobe Valley trio.

Traralgondid well to loseits game, and Morwell did well to lose by as much as it did Moe’s near 100-point win meanwhile was far from flawless, as ridiculous as that sounds.

The round was not without asubplot either, with the ‘local VFL player rule’ getting the green light in the lead up.

DysonHeppellplayed for Leongatha at the weekend, although Riley Baldi had to miss for Moe due to Casey commitments.

Both willbeavailable come finals time for their respective clubs following along, at times bureaucratic saga regarding the fine print.

IN case it wasn’t clear enough already, Moe willkicktoBen Crockermosttimesinside 50.

The former Collingwood and Adelaide player booted abag of 10 in the Lions 24.7 (151) to 8.9 (57) win over Drouin.

Hiseffort took his tallyinto the 70s for the season,and still with an outside chance of reaching triple figures.

More importantly for Moe however,the percentage-boosting win could lead the Lions to the minor premiership.

Takingtoalush TrafalgarRecreation Reserve, avenue some Moe players and supporters couldhave nearly walked to, the technical visitors opened with sevengoals in the first quarter, and went on their way from there.

MCG’s Bay 13 (obviously 6.5 added together equals 13).

A94-point margintherefore didn’t perhaps do Drouinjustice, and watching on, it certainly didn’t feel like anear-100 point difference.

Joining Crocker in the best wasAlex Dijkstra, Jacob Balfour (three goals), Scott van Dyk, Jaryn Makepeace and Myles Poholke, certainly avery long way from the Adelaide Oval.

Seb Amoroso was best for Drouin, followed by Kye Quirk, Max Williames, Zac McMillian, Peyton Saddington and Denver Lund.

Observing the Hawks walking off after the game, and in the social rooms as results were read out, they certainly appeared a tight-knit bunch.

If there has beenany positives from playing away every week, club unity might be the one. As aclub who has experienced its share of toughtimes itself,Moe may certainly vouch forthis.

Moe Foootball-Netball Clubpastpresident, lifemember and current seniortimekeeper, Brad Law explained as much in apodcast withthe author talkingabout the 1997 season that saw Moe routinely pummelled.

“They (the playing group) enjoyed it more off field than any other team because they all stuck together,” he said.

“You can’t get up for abelting of 150 points every week and not get something out of it. Those guys did, they got some lifelong friendships that Ihave no doubt have benefitted alot of people.”

Drouin may hope to get more of out anew league,ifits applicationtojoin the West Gippsland Competition is successful.

The Hawks wereaccepted by the West GippslandCompetition lastweek, following avote of Hawks members.

grounds for an overwhelming majority.

Moe meanwhilenow has not only aopposition but avenue to overcome.

The Lions play Sale this weekend at Sale Oval.

Moe has won just once at the venue since 2002, and last year lost to aMagpies outfit virtually picked in the pub.

 THE Magpies lost to Wonthaggi, who kept their finals hopes alive.

The Power swapped places with Morwell again for fifth on the ladder, after winning 12.12 (84) to 5.7 (37) at home.

Cooper McInnes kicked four goals for the winners, and was helped by Brodie Mabilia, Kaj Patterson, Josh Bates, Reeve Moresco andJai Williams.

Best players for Sale were Cooper Whitehill, Tom Wrigglesworth, Derek EggmolesseSmith, Jack McLaren, Thomas Glenn and Harry Ronchi.

Salesuperstar ShannonLange injuredhis hamstring, and with just four weeks left and the Magpies not in finals contention, may put his feet up for the rest of the season.

Lange has been linked to Maffra, in a possible two-for-one deal with former Eagle Jack Johnstone, who is finishing up as Sale coach this year.

ASale official however dismissed the rumour outright when quizzed by the Express, saying there was "absolutely no chance" either would be in ared and black jumper in 2026.

 MAFFRA recorded a morale-boosting win over Bairnsdale.

The Eagles won acompetitive game by 14 points, 13.10 (88) to 10.14 (74).

The home side finished strong, with four goals to one in the final quarter.

Leongatha:

RHume AWilliams NBradley SHogarth. Morwell: JMooney TJames KHumphrey O Kalan LAinsworth RO’Neill

MAFFRA2.3 2.6 5.11 8.12 (60)

BAIRNSDALE 0.1 1.1 1.1 3.2 (20) GOALS: Maffra: Astobie 3W Ruthberg2J Brickley JDowsett BCottrell.Bairnsdale: NTough J Farley BNugent- Brown. BEST: Maffra: JDowsett JHenry MRondon WRuthbergJMcMahon DScott. Bairnsdale: JFarley BFenner CReed CCook HMcGuinn NTough MOE 1.1 3.4 6.8 6.9 (45) DROUIN 1.1 2.1 3.1 6.4

The game became somewhat subordinate, and by three quarter time, most were only interested in how many Crocker would end up with.

Drouin,much to theircredit, refused to wave the whiteflag, and kicked three consecutive goals during the fourth term.

Such arun was enough for one disgruntled Lions supporter to shout “wake up Moe” from the Trafalgarbar,knowntolocals as ‘Bay Sixand aHalf’, in aslightsendup of the

However, the moveisfar from aformality, andone Drouin official even confided to this reporter they weren’tentirely confident of getting the go-ahead.

There are stillplenty of hoops to jump through, not least the fact both AFL Victoria and AFL Gippsland need to tick off on the paperwork.

The Drouin club vote itself only attracted little more than a50person turnout -hardly

Best players for the winners were Alex Carr, Jett Killoran, ThomasScott, Danny Butcher(whoisset to play game number 150 this week), Jonathan Boyd and Andrew McKenzie.

Ethan East was best for Bairnsdale, and will likely win the club medal.

Otherstoplaywellfor the Redlegswere Will Mitchll, Brayden McCarrey on return, Tom Blenheim,LachlanCloack and Tate Clay.

Poise: BenCrockerdobs oneofhis 10 goals forMoe at the weekend.

Photograph: JulieSim

Watch out for Warragul, Gulls edge past Traralgon in Round 14 thriller

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

YOU may want to hit Daryl Couling up for some Tatts numbers this week.

The TRFM commentator turned fortune teller predicted Warragul would defeatTraralgon by a solidary point at Western Park.

Sure enough,the Gulls prevailed 13.9 (87) to 13.8 (86).

It is not every day the crowd runs onto the ground to celebrate ahome-and-away win.

It is not every day ateam wins in this fashion either.

The Gulls, down by 19 points as the clock ticked into red time of the last quarter, pulled off what would have to be theirbest win in recent history to roll the reigning premier.

In ahigh-quality game of football between third and fourth, Warragul kicked three goals in five minutes to leave things all tied up with 90 seconds remaining.

Jordan Stewart, who ended the day with four goals, then registered his most important score with abehind to give the home side the lead.

As if it wasn’t St Kilda 1966 enough, there was acall from the commentary box for Warragul to “hit the boundary line”, just as Ted Whitten had cried in the dying seconds before the Saints one and only flag.

The Gulls had heroes with halos of their own on Saturday,well andtrulycoming fromthe clouds to snatch amost unlikely victory -and set up a possible path to the double chance in the process.

Warragul not only look all but certain to play finals this season for the first time since 2016, but could get there with immunity.

Boot to ball: Traralgon’s HarveyNeocleous kicks forwardduring Round14ofthe Gippsland League Photograph: Gippsland League

The Gulls are equal on points with Traralgon (36), who it must be said, have appeared underwhelming at times.

TheMaroonshave now lost to Maffra, Morwell and Warragul -teams most neutral observers have expected them to beat.

Conversely, three of their nine wins have been by less than agoal.

Traralgon had kicked 11 goals to three after quarter time at the weekend, before Warragul mounted its comeback.

The Gulls were still 12 points down at the 25 minute mark, and hadn’t looked like scoring.

Along-range effort from Tom Stern however at the train line end of the ground gave Warragul a sniff, and they decided to throw all their chips in.

Playing-coach,Jed Lambsprinted forward, while the midfieldofWill Hayes (of racing stable Ben, Will and JD Hayes notoriety),Tom Hobbs and man-mountain Sam Whibley rolled the dice.

The big dogs stepped up to the plate, with Hayes kicking arunning goal after Hobbs bust through themiddle.

With scores suddenly level, Hayes won the next centre clearance, and sent amongrel punt inside 50.

Stewartwas in the right place at the right time, andkickedhis ultimately ‘more than handy point’.

Stewart, recruited to the Gulls this year from Pakenham, was amongthe best players. While he is reportedly on ahandsome wage, he wouldn’t have attracted much criticism postgame following such aperformance.

Traralgon went hell for leather, sending atorpedo from the kick out.

The ball made it all the way inside 50, yet Warragul defender andassistant coach Sean Masterson -arguably in career-best form, capped off possibly the best game he has ever played, by out marking Traralgon counterpart, Dylan Loprese.

Not many do that by the way.

Masterson, long sleeves, hair tied up =safety.

The Warragul defence accepted many accolades for keeping their side in the contest following a blitzing first quarter.

The Gulls kicked six goals to two, before Traralgon worked their way back into the contest.

From the outset, the match had the makings of aclassic.

“It’s going to be agreat game boys, this will be a good one,” Couling declared halfway through the first term.

The game itself contained all asportsconsumer could hope for.

It was tight,physical yet skilful,attimes spiteful but by no means unsporting, backed up by good umpiring (as noted by the commentators) to keep the game moving.

Some byplay saw Stewart celebrate one of his goals by winding apretend film camera in front of Traralgon’s Tristen Waack,inreference to his game day blogs.

Waackwas best-on-ground for the Maroons, takinganumber of telling marks around the ground.

The second quarter saw Traralgon dominate most

Slow start costly for Power

FOOTBALL COATES TALENT LEAGUE/AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

OPPOSING results played out at the weekend for Gippsland Power in Coates Talent League when facing Northern Knights at Morwell Recreation Reserve last Saturday.

Power Boys lost their second straightgame of the season with a14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75) score line. Aslowstart to the game in which Power trailed by three goalsathalftime, wasansweredfor when the Gippsland side hit the front at three quarter time with afour goals to one stand.

Despite that, Northern Knights bootedthe opening two goals of the final term, which saw Power chasing their tail the rest of the way.

Cody Templeton was best-on-ground for Power with five goals, while Moe’s LiamMastersalso featured as one of the best afield.

With three rounds to go before finals, Gippsland Power Boys still hold aone game lead over Eastern Ranges as the best team in the competition.

ON the other hand, Gippsland Power Girls survived ascare from Northern Knights on Saturday morning.

Atwo-goal start in thefirst quarterwas nullified with an even score at halftime, before the visitors jumped ahead by 21 points thanks to afour goals to one third term.

Power Girls dug deep in the final quarter with four goals to nothing to just get by and complete the comeback.

Mia Smith-Clark booted the match-winning goal

withthree minutes remaining, handingGippsland

Power Girls their eighth win of the season.

Traralgon’s Ella Stoddartwas best-on-ground, followed by Smith-Clark,BaiaPugh,Grace Dillow, Sophie Hamilton, and Keira Gibbs.

Power Girls currentlysit fourth on the ladder with three rounds remaining.

 COLLINGWOOD kept just above on top of the AFL ladder after Round 20, but the top sides are beginning to draw closer and closer.

The Magpiestookdown ayoung Richmond outfit, 13.15 (93) to 8.9 (57) at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Traralgon’s Tim Membrey booted two goals and grabbed 12 disposals after returning from abeing managed against Fremantle the week before.

Gold Coast Suns stunned all with aconvincing win over the reigning premier Brisbane Lions at People First Stadium, 20.10 (130) to 9.10 (64).

Moe’s Bailey Humphrey was at his best, finishing with three goals and 19 disposals, whileMorwell’s Ben Ainsworth was equally as good with three snags and 27 touches.

Fish Creek’s and former Moe footballer Sam Flanders had 18 disposals.

Jumping back into the top eight with the result, it appearsasthough it will come down to the Suns and WesternBulldogs for the finalspot in the finals

Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiathwas once again kept outofHawthorn’s side in their 24-point victory over Carlton after being dropped in Round 19 against Port Adelaide.

facets, and it took Warragul until well after 10 minutes to even get the ball inside 50.

The Maroons had acouple of close shaves in front of goal, most notably when Cooper Brown found Jackson McMahon inside 50.

McMahon, who kicked ateam-high three goals, verynearly made amealofitafterplaying on, yet teammate Sam Hallyburton was able to snap through the major.

Tempers flared on the eve of halftime, withsome push and shove leading to even the Warragul runnerand Traralgon reserves coach, Trent Anderson storming the field.

Traralgon’s Luis D’Angelo called the players in and appeared very animated when making his address before heading into the rooms.

The Maroons outscored the Gullsinthe third term, yet the home team well and trulyshowed they had more in their kitbag than simply the roughhouse tactics they’ve become known for under Lamb’s coaching.

Masterson left his opponent in his wake to stream forward and kick atelling goal, as Warragul kept nipping at Traralgon’s heals.

The Maroons conjured some magic up the train line end through aLiamWillaton banana on the run and aHarvey Neocleous set shot right up against the boundary.

Traralgon got out to a17point lead as early as the seven minute mark of the last term, and looked home and hosed for all money.

“Starting to get out of hand for Warragul,” Couling quipped.

The Gulls’ situation appeared hopeless after Masterson went down momentarily, yet he recovered in time to take agoal-saving mark amid a bombardment of inside 50s.

Halfway through the last term, this statisticread Traralgon 13 to Warragul five.

The Maroons were still near enough to 20 points up as redtime approached, beforeWarragulstormed back into the game.

Connor Ambler, Tye Hourigan, Mitch Membrey and Jordan Cunico all played well for the visitors.

Despite the loss, it is unlikely Traralgon will be hittingthe panic button.Coach TroyHamilton has been in this situation many times before, with ateam seemingly off the pace amonth or so out from finals, before getting everything in order for the most important stage of the year.

Clubfavourite Joel Scholtesgot through afull game in the reserves at the weekend, on the comeback from ashoulder injury that ruled him out of last year’s premiership.

Patrick Mulqueen was best for the winners, while fellow defender Lucas Carter played possibly his coming-of-age game.

The youngster, in his first year out from 18s, supported Masterson on countless occasions coming in third man up.

Hobbs and Whibley were also prominent, and the latter could be aproblem for opposition ruckman come finals.

If you think Ben Willis is big, wait tillyou see Whibley.

The man mountain missed all of last season through injury, and given things naturally tighten up defensively in finals, Warragul might just hold the trump card.

Bigmen of his sizeare in small supply in country footy.

Sale officials still maintain the most important playerthey had during their 2022 Grand Final seasonwas MitchThacker, evenmore so than ShannenLange, Jack Johnstone and both Leslies.

It wassaidBradOttens wasthe first player picked for Geelong during their dynasty.

Twosteps forward, one giant step back

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

THEY are the most dangerousteam in the competition for this very reason.

The Gennaro Gattuso press conference was needed again for Morwell, after the Tigers slumped to a55point loss against Leongatha, 12.12 (84) to 4.5 (29).

Morwell was sometimes good -just 10 points down at the main break; and often less than good -virtually not kicking agoal for the entire second half.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, it turned out to be aday where absolutely nothing went right.

Even the runner gave away afreekick.

That beingsaid, it was arguable the scoreboard flattered the visitors,with the Parrots’ eventual eight goal final term reward for three quarters of dominance.

Even as early as quarter time, Leongatha could have been three goals in front, after two shots went out on the full, and Dyson Heppell opted to lay one off inside 50.

Perhaps most disappointingly for Morwell, they were beaten by what they knew.

Leongatha’s contested work has been their strength, evenmore so now most of the starting midfield are into their 30s.

Even on the audio, Leongatha players could clearly be heard saying “punch it out”, in order to force more stoppages, such was their want.

Most of the game was played near the boundary, and as such, the youthful Tigers were hardly able to generate any overlaporrun to nullify their opponents.

Admittedly,itwas agloomy day in South Gippsland, and watching the live stream, looked like an unpleasant day for footy.

The atmosphere, or lack thereof, can sometimes dictate performance, and may have explained why both teams dropped anumber of uncontested marks.

Even Heppell was aculprit in this department.

Put him on the MCG on Anzac Day however, and he isn’t dropping anything.

This is sometimes referred to as the ‘Colosseum effect’, whereplayersperformatahigher standard when there are more eyes on them.

Whether or not this contributed to Morwell’s

performance is debatable, yet one would hope ateam playing for finals wouldn’t need ahuge audience to play at acertain level.

Havingwatchedthe Tigersplaylike world beaters on the marquee Sunday game against Traralgon this season however, there could be much to be said of the theory.

Tiger highlights at the weekendwere few and far between, yet aJosh Galea banana on the run ignited some early energy.

AgoaltoCohen Campbell at the 14 minute markofthe secondterm endedupbeing Morwell’s last until after the final siren.

In the time between, the Tigers were let off the hook afew more times, with two Leongatha shots deep in the third term narrowly missing. Morwell was still only 14 points down at the lastbreak, but giventhe Parrots had registered 16 scoring shots to seven, the floodgates were perhaps ready to open. Open they did. Leongatha scored four goals in the first nine minutes to run away with the match.

Aaron Heppell got the nod as best for the green and gold, followed by Luke Bowman, Jack Hume, Ben Harding, Ben Willis and Kim Drew.

TheParrots welcomed Tallin Brill and Justin Pellicano back into the side, although games recordholder SeanWestaway had his legheavily iced at three quarter time.

Aidan Quigley put in an honest stint for Morwell,asdid Stephen Mills, Max Linton, Maclan McInnes, who kept Patrick Ireland to just two goals, Zac Anderson and Sam Walsh. The Tigers werewithout leadingforward Brandon McDonald due to concussion, but had Nathan Noblett in for his first senior game of the season. There were fears the former VFL player would miss the season after injury his wrist during preseason.

BrandonBailey also played in the reserves at theweekend,and could be another to return to the line-up.

His older brother and Tigersplaying-coach, Boydhas surely reviewedthe game thoroughly, and mayhave extracted apassage of play at the three-minute mark of the third term. While it didn’t lead to ascore, it showed Morwell slicing theirway through the middle of the ground.

MID GIPPSLAND FNL

Did Mirboo North just miss spot in finals?

BFlanigan MDyerT Reiske SNoy Morwell East: DField BAtkinson JBirchall JAtkinson JMackenzie MDiaz MDU 1.4 7.6 13.7 14.10 (94) YINNAR 1.2 4.4

Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: NNagel 5HFennell 2B Tomada WStewart DThorson B VanderZalm SWalsh BPerryT McRae. Yinnar:KGrinstead-Jones 3NHall2HMcKay 2ABailey JNotmanW Robertson. BEST: Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: TCorryT McRaeB VanderZalm D Thorson SWilson JKennedy.Yinnar:JNotmanBChapman ABailey BCheffers CMillsL Linton

Thorpdale: SPickering4HBritten JJones SFalla

NBain. Mirboo Nth: DPinneri JJagusch HReville Gent LGervasi TAlexander TKelly

CLane KChapman DDay.Boolarra: PHaines

MorwellEast: DHeydenCHallBFrancis D DayPHenry KChapman. Boolarra: DBryne MWindsor PHaines MCleaverJBrierley CSemple

1.0

Tarwin: B-Gibson LAndersonLKeily E JChalmers RWaddell. Thorpdale: CWestburyD Mcmahon WAllan JHeckerKDhollande T Bramwell

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND BY ROB POPPLESTONE

JUST fourweeks remain in the Mid GippslandFootball-Netball League homeand-away season,with the finalscenario looking likelytoplay out like any of the best thrillers anybody has ever seen.

Amazingly, 10 of the league's 13 clubs were still capable of making acoveted top six spot prior to Round 15, but as in any good thriller, some of the good guys are likely to be killed off over the next month.



MDU VYINNAR

THE Demons startedthe day fourthon the league ladder,but just agame clear of ninth-placed Newborough, the problem for MDU was havingtohost aYinnar side who sat third but were on the reboundfroma loss the week prior.

The Magpies were in the game at the first break,but beatenfromthereoninbythe Demons, 14.10(94) to 10.5 (64) at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.

Possiblytheirbest winofthe season has MDU back into premiership discussions.

Demons coach Rhett Kelly wasthrilled with the result.

"It was greattoget back on the winning list Iwas reallyproud of how the lad's responded afteracoupleofchallengingweeks," he said

"We identified afew areas of our game that needed quick attention. Those areas were abig focusfor us during the week and yesterday's game, and to the guys' credit, they gotitdone, playing asolidfour-quarter game.

"Yinnar is aquality team, and we knew that we had to be at our best to beat them.

"We have a bye next week, which we'll use to refresh physically and mentally before our final two home and away games of the season.”

The win was one of the better onesfrom the Demons this season, the loss for the Magpies coach Sam McCulloch on the other hand, has them working on some problems they have identified.

“MDU certainlycame to play and were out to redeem themselves after aloss last week," he said.

"We struggled to get our game going and were out worked for alarge portion of the game. Credit to MDU for the way they applied themselves and there attitude for 4quarters.

"With the bye coming next week, (it) is a real opportunity for us to regroup and have agood look at some areas of our game that are letting us down. Will get to work over the next few weeks at training and set ourselves up for abig game against Newborough.”

The upcomingBulldogs clash is anticipated to be acrucial onealso, with the Bulldogs justpercentage from sixthspot andbelieving that they can be part of the real stuff come finals time.



MIRBOONORTH VHILLEND

given the Rovers in any other week had been abeaten team before they arrived.

This week however, the Hillsmen were coming off their first win of the year and super keen to make it two in arow.

The visitors had their opponents on the back foot from the first bounce and ran the game right out to win 13.8 (86) to 7.9 (51) at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve.

Hill End coach Adrian Burns was ecstatic with their second win of the year, in as many weeks.

"Just really wrapped for the fellas who have stuck it out for amajority of the year and kept at it week in and week out, and now to finally get the rewards for the months of hard work is really pleasing," he said.

"Two wins in as many weeks and the one on the weekend against acontender in the Tigers and on theirhomeground was areally good one."

The ecstasy felt by the Hillsmen, astark contrast to the disappointment felt by the Tigers.

Mirboo North coach Damian Turner was left to ponder what went wrong.

“Toughday. We didn’t bounce back from the bye and Hill End to their absolutecredit did," he said.

"They were cleaner, took their chances and ran harder. Amuch improved football side. We havetoknuckle downnow.More than ever, it’s do or die from here on in.”

Mirboo North remain in sixth positionbut have four teams below them that are within just one win, the pressure really starting to build in the final weeks of the home-andaway season.

 MORWELLEASTV BOOLARRA

MUCHmoreatstake forthe Demons, a win over Morwell East, 6.6(42) to 2.8(20) at Ronald Reserve, kept the chance of finals alive for Boolarra.

Keeping in touch withthe top six,Demons coachBrendan Mason acknowledgedthey will need to improve when facing tougher opposition.

“With the start of the game pushed back by 15 minutes or so to celebrate Indigenous Rounditfelt like both sides weren’t ready to go when action finally got underway," he said.

"(We) were wasteful going forward andEast transitioned the ball easily across half back before stumbling at half forward."

The quarter time huddle offered afrank assessment of the team’s efforts whichcould be best summed up as 'unsatisfactory' given histone.

After acouple of Hawks were punished with 50-meterpenalties for offering their opinion on afree kick, Daniel Wilson slotted from the goal square to give the Demons a lead they’d hold for the rest of the day.

quarters in generalplay, we just couldn't score," he said.

"Boolarra defended the 50 arc really well. Three of theirgoals werefromhorrible umpire decisions. The firsthalf free kick stat would'veread 30-5 Boolarra'sway, it was terrible.

"Hill End won so that leaves us holding up the bottom of the ladder. Top verses bottom next week when we're away to Foster. Doesn't get easier."

It's ayear to forget for Morwell East, but with three weeks to go, dusting themselves off and climbing off the bottom of the MGFNL ladder would be the clubs first priority.



TARWIN VTHORPDALE

AS with every clash in Round 15, seasons were on the line at the home ground of the Sharks.

Thorpdale, fifth on the league ladder made the trek to take to Tarwin, who sat seventh and just agamebehind the Blues, knowing that awin could all but sew up their finals aspirations whilst killingoff those of the opposition.

The clash was aone point thriller, with Thorpdale’s accuracy the difference, winning 8.8 (56) to 7.13 (55) at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve.

Blues coach Daniel Taylor was thrilled to come through with the victory.

“Wrapped to getthe win in what was an importantgamefor both clubs. Tarwin had some ascendancyindifferent stagesofthe game butlet us off the hook with some inaccurate kicking," he said.

"To the boys credit, we embraced the contest, we hung in there all day and found away to win in the end which was very pleasing.

"We had contributors right acrossthe board but Ithought our back seven were fantastic against aprettypotent forward line.

"We've now put ourselves in apretty good position leading into the bye, on apersonal note I'm looking forwardtoastress free Saturday, but the main thing is it gives the boys agreat opportunity to freshen up before the back end of the season.”

Deep into the season and with finals just weeks away, the opportunity for adeep breath and freshen up is like gold for some sides, whilefor otherssuchasthe Sharks, there is no time to rest and no room for error as they find themselves in eighth position and just agame from acoveted top six spot.

Tarwin coach Lachie Jones admitted it wasn't what they'd hoped for.

“Really tough losstoswallow. Credit to Thorpdalethey just played with great determination all game," he said.

MDU: AMcInnes 7LHamilton5 AHulshof 2J LambertACasey.Yinnar:T Hibberson JCarew XMcCafferty HBugejaHMcCulloch. BEST: MDU: LDuvoisin LHamiltonJ LambertC Harrison BTaylorAMcInnes.Yinnar: HMcCulloch HBugejaXMcCafferty GRyanHBerechree GBennett

4.5 5.6 7.7 11.8 (74)

CREEK1.3 4.3 7.4 8.4 (52) GOALS: Tarwin: BTrevena 4HGuymer 3ELangstaff JAndronacoJCommadeur AFrancis Fish Creek:OBright 5HCocksedge LMoonJ Gale BEST: Tarwin: ICameron CMalliaA Francis HGuymer CGerretzen FFinlay. Fish Creek:AHamlett JGale BThomson MThomson HCocksedge OBright

HILLEND 4.0 5.2 7.4

MIRBOO NTH 1.4 3.6

(67)

(63)

GOALS: Hill End: JWinduss 4DPaul3Dvan der Stoep XPaceA Cooper.Mirboo Nth: C Crutchfield 3T McDuffie 3SBerquez NJackson TTobin. BEST: Hill End: HPhoenix Dvan der Stoep MBalfour MJohnston DPaul JGarratt. Mirboo Nth: CCrutchfield CVivian HLudlowT Tobin LPoljak ZJones

MIRBOO NORTH sat in sixth positionas they welcomed aHill End side to their home ground, and in any other week of the season, the Tigerswould be super confident of success

Make no mistake, the home side had their chances, having plentyofthe ball for alot of the game,but those 50-metre penalties contributed significantly to the final result and had Morwell East coach Paul Henry livid.

“I feel like I'm on repeat writing my weekly wrap up. We controlled three of the four

"We missed opportunities to build scoreboard pressure and didn’t take our chances in front of goal when it counted. Againwe couldn't question our effort and endeavour but just lacked some composure and polish and that was the difference."

TheSharksmay well rue the inaccuracy of the weekend, the congestion aroundthe sixth position remains, and Tarwin are still very much in the mix, but one more result such as they had at the weekend, and it will be all over.

 TOORAV FOSTER

HAVINGclawed their way into finals contention, Toora were nowforced to face perhaps theirbiggest challenge of the season in order to secure afirmer grip on an unlikely finals position

However, top of the table Foster were too strong in the end, victors 15.15 (105) to 6.6 (42) at Toora Recreation Reserve.

Tigers coach Sam Davies keptthe result in perspective.

“Hot start down at Toora putting the game to bed very quickly -webattled away and had some really good moments mixed in with some scrappy patches for the rest of the game," he said.

"We won every quarter which was pleasing and our work rate was good for alot of the day.”

The Tigers, as good as they are, did what they needed to do, applied pressure early, assumed control and cruised to the finish line.

The loss hasn't halted the Magpie's shot at finals, but it did showcasejust how good the top of the table Fosterside is.

Toora coach Jay Acardi noticed the difference when facing such apremier opponent.

“Foster certainlycame to play and unfortunately we were well off the pace early and we got shown what good sides do to you when you are not up for the challenge," he said.

"To the boys credit we didn’t shy away from the challenge and had areal crack in the secondhalf.”

Like afew others, Toora remain just one game behind the sixthplaced Mirboo North, and Toora's upcoming clashagainstBoolarralooms as adefining moment of both teams' seasons.

 FISH CREEK, NEWBOROUGHAND STONYCREEK HAD THE BYE.

Netball scoreboard

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 14 (COMPLETED)

AGRADE: Sale 50 def Wonthaggi 40, Warragul 80 def Traralgon 48, Bairnsdale 80 def Maffra 28, Moe 74 def Drouin 51, Morwell 48 def Leongatha 39.

BGRADE: Wonthaggi 65 def Sale 23, Warragul 47 def Traralgon 43, Maffra49def Bairnsdale 45, Moe 60 def Drouin 45, Leongatha 58 def Morwell 27

CGRADE: Wonthaggi 45 def Sale 13,Traralgon 31 def Warragul 30, Bairnsdale 55 def Maffra 37,Drouin 48 def Moe 35, Morwell 45 def Leongatha 26. 17 AND UNDER: Sale 51 def Wonthaggi 29, Traralgon 53 def Warragul 25, Bairnsdale 64 def Maffra20, Moe 40 drew Drouin 40, Leongatha 38 def Morwell 21 15 AND UNDER: Sale 55 def Wonthaggi 10, Traralgon 58 def Warragul 49, Bairnsdale 39 def Maffra29, Moe 49 def Drouin 35, Leongatha 37 def Morwell 19 13 AND UNDER: Sale 55 def Wonthaggi 13, Traralgon 43 def Warragul 10, Maffra 32 def Bairnsdale 17, Moe 34 def Drouin 21, Leongatha 41 def Morwell 13.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE -ROUND 14 (COMPLETED)

AGRADE: Morwell East 64 def Boolarra 46, Mirboo North 81 def Hill End 32, Tarwin 93 def Thorpdale 18, MDU 54 def Yinnar 30,Foster 40 def Toora31, StonyCreek,Newborough, Fish Creek -BYE.

BGRADE: Morwell East 58 def Boolarra 24, Mirboo North 58 def Hill End 27, Yinnar 43 def MDU 30, Tarwin 38 def Thorpdale 30, Foster 70 def Toora61, StonyCreek,Newborough, Fish Creek -BYE.

CGRADE: Boolarra 38 def Morwell East 22, Mirboo North 34 drew Hill End 34, Yinnar 35 def MDU 30, Tarwin 71 def Thorpdale 12, Toora 36 def Foster 34, Stony Creek, Newborough, Fish Creek -BYE.

DGRADE: Morwell East 36 def Boolarra 31, Mirboo North 38 def Hill End 26, Yinnar 42 def MDU 29, Toora51def Foster 11, Tarwin 68 def Thorpdale 10, Stony Creek, Newborough, Fish Creek -BYE.

17 AND UNDER: Boolarra 72 def Morwell East 17, Mirboo North 51 def Hill End 23, MDU 37 def Yinnar 31, Toora62def Foster 7, Stony Creek, Newborough, Fish Creek, Tarwin -BYE 15 AND UNDER: Boolarra 45 def Morwell East 18, Toora44def Foster 20, Yinnar 28 def MDU 11, Hill End 39 def Mirboo North 17, Stony Creek, Newborough, Fish Creek, Tarwin -BYE

13 AND UNDER: Foster 25 def Toora 17, Yinnar

sport

49 def MDU 3, Boolarra 47 def Morwell East 5, Mirboo North 20 def Hill End 15, Stony Creek, Newborough, Fish Creek, Tarwin -BYE

NORTH GIPPSLAND -ROUND 15

AGRADE: YYN67def Cowwarr 42, Heyfield 43 def Gormandale 40, Churchill 53 def Woodside 22,Sale City 62 def Glengarry58, Rosedale, TTU -BYE.

BGRADE: TTU 48 defYarram40, Heyfield 64 def Gormandale 24, Woodside 51 defChurchill 33, YYN 49 def Cowwarr 22, Sale City 49 def Glengarry43, Rosedale -BYE

CGRADE: YYN 63 def Cowwarr 24, Woodside 58 def Churchill 21, TTU 52 def Yarram 27, Sale City 47 def Glengarry16, Heyfield 40 drew Gormandale 40, Rosedale -BYE. DGRADE: YYN 49 def Cowwarr 12, TTU 53 def Yarram 25, Gormandale 44 def Heyfield 15, Sale City 46 defGlengarry17, Rosedale -BYE. 17 ANDUNDER: Woodside 40 def Churchill 17, YYN 27 def Cowwarr 19, TTU 64 def Yarram 13, Sale City 39 def Glengarry19, Rosedale -BYE. 15 ANDUNDER: TTU76def Yarram 2, Sale City 48 def Glengarry30, Woodside 33 def Churchill 21, YYN 27 def Cowwarr 15, Heyfield 35 def Gormandale 8, Rosedale -BYE.

Kangarooshop into NorthGippy top five

NETBALL

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THREE and four weeks remainineach of the three netball leagues across the Latrobe Valley, with a microscope being further shoneonthe final rounds of the home-and-away season.

While the major league will most certainly come down to abattlebetween the top two, maybe top three, the other two competitions have amuch more even flow through the top of each ladder.

 THE reigning back-to-back premier have shown no signs, even late into 2025, that they will be toppled come season’s end in the Gippsland League.

Despite facing aformidable Drouin outfit at a neutralvenue at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, Moe wereworlds apart from theircompetitor on the day, winning 74 to 51.

Returning to theirbest shapeafter the league bye afew weeks ago, the Lions created necessary separation by limitingthe scoring outputofthe Hawks in the first quarter, leading 20-9 at the firstbreak that carried through the final three terms of action.

Moe rotated their attacking positions throughout the day, with Georgia Moody (27 goals), Ramayer Keilty (24), and Ashlea Mawer (23) adding apunch at the post.

Charlize Traumanis was still as dangerous for Drouin, with agame-high 33 goals.

The Lions currently sit agame clear for first position on the ladder, while the Hawks hold onto fourth place being ahead of Bairnsdale.

Morwell did what was necessary against Leongatha, 48-39 at LeongathaRecreation Reserve, practically locking down third spot on the ladder.

Afteragreat start to the game for the Tigers, leading by seven goals,the Parrots slowlyscraped closer and closerthrough the middle two quarters.

At three quarter time, Morwell led by only 33-30 before jumping back to their best with a16-9final stand.

Chloe Radford was astandoutfor the Tigers, followed by Tanya Budge, Jayde Parsons, and 32 goals from Holly Stephens.

Mikaeli Hilliar (21 goals) led the way for Leongatha,alongside Gemma Meadley and Audrey McGannon.

Warragulkeep themselves rightbehind Moe with an 80-48 victory over Traralgon at Western Park.

The two sides did battle in the first quarter, with the Gulls leading narrowly by one goal at the first break.

Warragul extended their lead to eight by the end of the first half, before wrapping up the win with a44-20 final half.

With Emma Ryde producing 77 goals, she now moves19away from becoming the first Gippsland League player to pass 1000 goals for aseason. She stillhas four gamestoplay before the Gulls head into aredemptive finals campaign.

Sophie Lecchino (15 goals), Cassidy Smith, and Montanna Styles were best for Traralgon.

Other results included; Sale picking up their second win of the seasonover Wonthaggi, 50-40 at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, and Bairnsdale defeating Maffra, 80-28 at Maffra Recreation Reserve, keeping them in the finals window.

 WHILE games weren’t spell bounding in Round 15 of Mid Gippsland, it further stamps the importance of the final three rounds of the season.

MorwellEast keep themselves in touch withthe top six with awin over Boolarra, 64-46 at Ronald Reserve.

The Hawks separated from their opponent over the course of the secondhalf,which was highlighted by 46 goals from Myah Healey.

Mirboo North laid waste to Hill End, 81-32 at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve, keeping the Tigers in fourth-place on the ladder.

Their second straight loss, Yinnar succumbed to MDU, 54-30 at Meeniyan Recreation Reserve.

Tarwin weretoo good for Thorpdale, winning

93-18 at Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve. Foster clinched the minor premiership with a 40-31win over Toora at Toora Recreation Reserve. Fish Creek, Newborough, and Stony Creek had the bye.

 PERHAPS the closest of any of the leagues, North Gippsland clubs continue to do battle. Heyfield climbed into the top five for the first time all season with a43-40 defeat of fellow finals contender Gormandale at Gordon Street Reserve. The game continued to go back-and-forthinwhat could easily be apossible finals matchup in afew weeks’ time, butthe Kangaroos outscoredthe Tigers 11-7 in the final term to sneak by at home. Theresult moves Gormandale outsideofafinals position, but can jump right back in with awin over Cowwarr this weekend and Heyfield with abye. Churchill continue to makestrides with a convincing 53-22 win over Woodside at Woodside Recreation Reserve.

Sale City bounced back with a62-58 defeat of Glengarry at Glengarry Recreation Reserve that moves the Bulldogs into second spot on the ladder. Yallourn Yallourn North secured their fourth victory of the season with awin over Cowwarr, 67-42 at Cowwarr Recreation Reserve.

 Rosedale and TTU had the bye.

Game 300, Lawrence’slongevity celebrated

NETBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

MORWELL East Football-Netball Club stalwart, Kelly Lawrence brought up her 300thmatch at the weekend.

The Hawks gave the life member amilestone to remember, defeating Boolarra at Ronald Reserve in Mid Gippsland action.

Kelly's time with Morwell East spans two decades.

In her time at the club shehas won best-andfairest and runner-up awards, as well as multiple premierships

Shehas also managed and co-coached junior teams, and captained the club's senior sides.

Even when she was out injured with an ACL, shetookstats for everygrade,and hasplanned and enjoyed trips away and sold club merchandise.

Kelly is described as afierce competitor, always striving for the best for her and the team and is a strong voice on and off the court.

Kelly’s commitment to MEFNC is unwavering and is shown by the longevity of her career. Kelly is the second person in the club's history to reach 300 games.

Milestone: KellyLawrence (second from left) alongsidesisterClaire,mum Janine anddad Barry. Photograph supplied

NORTH GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

Horrendously one sided round

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

LOOK, when it’s this late in the season and the finals-readysides havecast their eyes towards the biggerpicture, while others have begun to unwind from adifficult year and make way for their next run of things, is it that surprising in terms of the results that played out at the weekend?

Nothing was close in Round 15 of North Gippsland, in fact, you’d be hard pressed to find that many games across one day in the one league be that convincing.

But if those gawking at the scoreboards dug alittle deeper, you’d see amatchup between apreviously undefeated side on top of the ladder playing seventh, second versus10th, thirdfacing 11th, fourth battling ninth, and fifthtakingoneighth

 ONE of afew games that was anticipated heading into the weekend, Traralgon Tyers United returned to their winning ways ever so comfortably, takingdownYarram, 19.17 (131)to3.3 (21) at Tyers Recreational Reserve.

Afterstartingthe season with 11 straight wins, the Bombers faced some peril when they were finally downed by Rosedale the week prior, meaning TTU had some things they needed to get off their chest.

The Bombers unloaded on the travelling Demonstothe tune of 110 points,returning to their unrelenting ways in due part to their disciplined defence.

After the game began somewhat spiritedly contested, with Yarram kicking two of the first three goalsofthe game, they would only be limited to one more the rest of the way.

Halftime arrivedwith TTU ahead by 53 points, but the dismantling in the second half reached even greater heights with the Demons kept to one point in the latter hour of play.

The Bombers didn’t need to dominate on the scoreboard, but they did all that was necessary with afurther eight goals in the second half to blow the margin out beyond triple figures.

Sam Curtainwas best afield for TTU, alongside Justin Savige, Frazar Brouns, Nicholas Fox, Michael Jacobsen,and Jye Neilson.

The Bombers featured five multiple goal scorers, led by areturning Neilson with four and Fox with three.

Daniel Vardy, Kayleb Pearce, Liam Bentley, Tom Mattern, Dylan Garnham, and Jack Fisher-Aldridge were amongst Yarram’s best.

The significant loss also officially eliminatesthe Demons from finals contention, buttheywill hope to ruffle some feathers and still shake up the competition the rest of the way home, beginningwitha matchup thisweekend againstRosedale at Yarram Recreation Reserve.

The Jets pumpedthe ball into their forwards with an output not seen beforehand, leading to asecondquarter of ninegoals to one.

Despite facing adeficit ashort while ago, the Jets were all of asudden 42 points clear of the home side.

The party continued for YYNasplay returned after halftime, with multiple goal-scoring runsthatonly began to tick the margin further and further up.

Finishing off with asix goals to one final term, the Jets exited the field happy with what had unfolded, acomprehensivewin had them outscore Cowwarr 22 goals to five after quarter time.

SRobinson CHarrisLGina. Woodside:J Mattern 2DDobson2 BEST: Churchill:KCaldwell DTobinSRobinson J Williams JThomas ANorman. Woodside: JScott AFrancis MMatternT CoulthardJApiata CParkinson HEYFIELD 3.8 5.12 11.14 14.18 (102)

2.1 (13)

0.0

Heyfield: MCox 3LPacewicz 3BLindrea 2MAustin Lmeli Aharveygee LDwyer LPatmore

WStevens.Gormandale: BNicholls 2. BEST: Heyfield: MCox SJones BMeli JDillon BLindrea LDwyer Gormandale: MCropley TDuncan BNicholls BWilson JCarney BForrest

COWWARR 3.3 5.4 6.9 10.13 (73)

YYN2.3 6.4 7.4 8.6 (54)

GOALS: Cowwarr:C Mitchell 2ADomaille 2KJennings2BCooper BBurgess THood JJorgensen. YYN: JAnceschi 3J Kaschke 2ALong 2A Savige BEST: Cowwarr:BCooperJ Wall MRobinson BBurgess D Martin TArmstrong.YYN:AFrench SBodak JKaschke JAnceschi JDevent TWhite

SALECITY3.4 4.5 10.9 14.11 (95)

GLENGARRY1.2 3.4 3.4 5.7 (37)

GOALS: Sale City: RDonohue 8H Wynd 2CDuck JLogan CJohnson JHislop.Glengarry: MTurnerF Rowley JLipmanCPoulton LRyan. BEST: Sale City: HWynd CJohnson TJerome DCrowson NWilson R Donohue.Glengarry: KCrawfordJ Whateley JVardy AHawkins LPepper RConway

YARRAM (FORFEIT)

TTU, on the other hand, preparefor Churchill at Gaskin Park -mostlikely an even bigger defeat for the Bombers and would be awelcomed, yet not necessary, percentage boost.

Currently, TTU arealready 45 percent clearofnextbest Woodside, despite the nearest sides (including Heyfield) yet to havetheir byes, whicharrives this weekend.

 AN impressive turnaround for the Jets to keep their season alive.

If Yallourn Yallourn North had of succumbed to Cowwarr, just aweek after letting their biggest scalp of the season slip through their fingers, it would most likely signal a fate that would see them miss finals for the first time in over adecade.

However, witha 25.11(161) to 9.4 (58) finishatCowwarrRecreational Reserve, the Jets keep themselves alivechance for apostseasonberth with practicallythree straight elimination finals to go in the homeand-away season.

What was awelcome result for YYN supporters, was also something the side knew they had to drill into existence.

Earlier in the season, the Jets only managed to defeat the Saints by just shy of five goals at home, not overly convincing, and givenCowwarr hasonly improved in the backendofthe season, meantYYN had to make astatement of some sorts.

While the Jets booted the opening two goals of the game, it appeared as though a good contest would be on display, with the Saints matching that and then some with the following three majors to hit the front.

Cowwarr’s early surge was led by former YYN key forward Keenan Hughes, who slottedtwo in the firstquartertohelp the Saints to a26-19 lead at the first break.

What could have been suspected after that?

Most likely not what eventuated.

Bang went YYN, who proceeded to return to thefield almost an entirely different side, runningcrazy across the deck.

However,the YYN group were equally focussed on what was needed from them the rest of the season to keep their finals hopes alive.

Tyler Brown stood tall in the Jets significant win through the middle of the ground, followed by Lucas Fry, Hayden Mowat, Rohan Reid, Todd Dixon, and Darcy Shellcot.

The resultwas further accentuated by the efforts of playing coach Dean MacDonald with aseven-goal haul, Josh Keyhoe (six), Dylan Keyhoe (four), Lachlan Rees (three), and Blair Clymo (two).

Haydn Hector, Hughes(six goals), Jackson Davison, Shane Morgan, Lee and James Bourke performed admirably for the Saints.

Cowwarrwill hope to get back on the winner’s listwhentheydobattle against Gormandale this weekend at Gormandale RecreationReserve, whileYYN push to make it two in arow when they face Glengarry at George Bates Reserve.

 HEYFIELD did all that was needed to keep themselves in striking distance.

With the Kangaroos knocking on the door of top spot, right amongst TTU and Woodside for that right, in all due respect, they weren’t that concerned with Gormandale.

Heyfieldwon 20.15 (135) to 3.2 (20) at Gordon StreetReserve, pushing them to equalwins with the Bombers and the Wildcats.

Perhapsplayingwiththeirfood alittle, the Kangaroos didn’t start off great, with a number of shots going awry in front of goal, but still sat above at the first break by 17 points.

Celebrations were lit early with senior debutant Phoenix Cox booting the opening goal of the match, sending the home crowd and players ablaze -only more was to come from the under 18s player.

Heyfield would then go into halftime after booting the sole threegoals of the second quarter, opening up a35-point lead.

The Kangarooswouldthen return, shutting out the Tigerstonoscore, whileproviding

aseven-goal term in their own right, as the floodgates began to swing open.

Heyfield finished with six goals to one in the final quarter, including atwo-goal period from young Cox.

On debut, Cox would feature as one of the standout players for the Kangaroos with a game-high five goals, with Kail Hole, Caleb Ronan, Daniel Burton,KyleGraham, and Jack Christian as other key contributors. Liam Deering, Flynn Roscoe, Jesse Siddle, Riley Hughes, Damien Paul, and Bailey Forrest were amongst Gormandale’s best.

While the Tigers keep their eyes steady on thisweekend’smatchup againstCowwarr at home in an effort to break their three-year drought, Heyfield welcome the bye before two more matches pre-finals.

 THE Bulldogs continue to impress late into the season.

SaleCity downed Glengarry in what appeared to be aclose contest early, winning 20.11 (131) to 8.5 (53) at Glengarry Recreation Reserve.

Despite being the closest margin of the round, nothing could withstand the Bulldogs urgency to keep themselves above the rest of the pack doing battle for the final two spots in the top five, with them sitting fourth by the end of the weekend.

The Magpies opened at home confidently, withthreeofthe first four goalsofthe game, which quizzed onlookersifGlengarrywas up for the fight.

Despite Sale City takingthe last two majors of the first quarter, the Magpies still led at quarter time by two points.

After that opening half an hour, it was all Bulldogs from there on out.

SaleCity bootedseven of the next eight goals to halftime, blowing the margin in their favour out to 38 points at the main break.

Whileastalematequarter opened the second half with two goals apiece in the third term, the Bulldogs would total Glengarry’s fortunes with six straight goals to open the fourth quarter and finish with eight of the last 10 majors to bringthe margin to its largest of the day.

Kaden McCulloch and Chad Evans 13 combined goals led the way for Sale City, including LachlanCarman,Hudson Tollner, Daine McGuiness, and JaxsynWhitehill amongst their best.

Michael Ryan, Jordan Thomas, Jet Hodges, Austin Blackford,Hudson Whateley,and NathanLarkin featuredasGlengarry’sbest players.

The Magpies will wish to respond accordingly when they travel to play YYN this weekend, while Sale City have the week off  ROSEDALE had the bye.

Bang on: Josh Keyhoe booted six goals in YYN’s103-point win over Cowwarr,that included an additional sevenfromDeanMacDonald. Photograph: Lyns Snaps

Photos from around the grounds

month outa

Skill: Boolarra’sPhoebe Cavill during the AGrade matchagainst ThorpdaleinMid Gippsland netball.

In pu fixedfor theballinthe thirds match againstTTU

Pass: Rosedale’s BlakeSafstrom looksto dish offahandball.

Photograph: Fiona Nicholson season.

about to take amarkover

Heyfield’sArchie Brooker during North Gippsland thirds action. Allphotographs: Liam Durkin unless stated

TRARALGON DISTRICT

RClark WSmithNBastin CS KANGAROOS

GOALS: CS Kangaroos: HSmith 4AHuxley 3C Vander Meer 2T Collins 2J

ARowley JPeters-Mayne NDean-Robson LPalmer HWight HGiblett HO’Neill KHughes HDiDio J VanIwaardenO Wilson CMilliner XBuhagiar.Glengarry:

TEDAS:BCooper 5MChan 3FAdams2J Ketchell HStone

Gippy Power’sflag reunion

DURING the last round of the Coates Talent League, Gippsland Power will celebrate the 2005 TAC Cup premiership. Power’s lone flag will be remembered on August 23 as the current team do battle against Dandenong Stingrays at Shepley Oval, Dandenong before they head into finals.

Many familiar faces, both at AFL-level and locally, will rturn from that winng side.

The premiership side featured 10 future AFL players. Top of the list is of course Collingwood champion and Sale’s Scott Pendlebury.

Three players from Gippsland Power’s premiership would go onto win the 2010 flag with Pendlebury and the Magpies, beingDrouin’s Dale Thomas, Pakenham’s Tyson Goldsack, andKilcunda’s Brent Macaffer.

Stony Creek’s Robert Eddy played for the losing St Kilda, whileWonthaggi’s TrentWest defeated Collingwood in the 2011 AFLGrand Final playing for Geelong.

Additionally, LakesEntrance’sXavier Ellisplayed in a premiership for Hawthorn in just his second season. Adeep-dive into Gippsland Power’s 2005 premiership will be featured in the Express in the coming weeks.

WONTHAGGI 2.24.4 6.7 7.11 (53) SALE1.1 3.2 4.5 5.7 (37) GOALS: Wonthaggi: RHullick 4MPlenkovich CMilner PLorkin. Sale: CRand2 CMoncrieffM Mayman TYoung BEST: Wonthaggi: WHullick BWyhoon WSimmons ALuke JTackAJobe Sale: PCentra BMason TMaxfield RBertonCJohns JHenry

1.2 3.4 5.7 (37)

0.2 1.4 2.5 2.7 (19) GOALS: Leongatha: LChila 3N Bradley CBickerton. Morwell: LAinsworth JDunn. BEST: Leongatha: NCameron SKreutzberger NBradley LChila JHosking CBickerton. Morwell: A Murdoch FGranger SMakepeaceJ Roscoe CMackay HGaunt

FAubrey 2N Young BEST: Traralgon: KThorley LPass B Stevenson QRoss BCargill CHole.Warragul: JBooteH Allsop NOlsson BSheehan NYoung BDeAraugo

GOALS: CS Kangaroos: HPhillips DClarke ARobertshaw. Glengarry:

CS Kangaroos: ANowak OThextonRCollins DClarke

MOates RDawson BCasey HUren

GOALS: Churchill Cougars: RPaterson 4KMcinnes RSamblebeT Rennie.Morwell:ZArthur JJohnson-crowe. BEST: Churchill Cougars: RMountney RMiddleton

Monday,August 4

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

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Dr Ann’s Secret Lives. (R) 10.30 Midsomer Murders. (PGv,R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story

by Leigh Sales. 8.30 Four Corners. Investigative

program exposing

taboos.

Media Watch. (PG)

by Linton Besser 9.35 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron.

10.05 ABC Late News.

10.20 The Business. (R)

10.35 ALife In TenPictures. (Mal, R)

11.30 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)

12.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 HardQuiz Kids. 8.55 The Crystal Maze. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Late Programs.

Morning Programs.

Mind, One Heart. 1.30 Big Boss. 2.00 Homesteads. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00

(Return) 9.30

6am Morning Programs. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Such WasLife. (PG, R) 2.10 Curse Of The Ancients. (PGa, R) 3.05 The Cook Up. (R) 3.35 Jeopardy! 4.00 Letters And Numbers. (R) 4.30 Mastermind Aust. (R) 5.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 9. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00

6.00 Garma Festival 2025. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PGan) Michael Portillo journeys to the Algarve.

8.25 Abandoned Railways From Above: Oxford. (PG, R) The railway journey makes astop in Cambridge.

9.20 Britain’sMost Beautiful Road. (PGa, R) The journey around Scotland’sNorth Coast 500 continues.

10.15 SBS World News Late. (Malv)

11.35 ACriminal Affair (Mal, R)

1.15 Blackport. (Madls, R) 2.15 Weeks Of War. (PGa, R) 3.10 Scotland’s Extreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.05 J Schwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG) Remi’s stressed ahead of his gig.

7.30 Dancing With The Stars. dance for the trophy

9.30 9-1-1. (Ma) Following the tragic events at the lab, the 118 must come together to lay their fallen herotorest.

10.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

11.30 Police Custody USA: Armed And Dangerous. (Malv,R)

12.30 Gone. (MA15+v,R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

Morning Programs. 1pm Your Money &Your Life. 1.30

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Dan and Dani sharetheir story of personal loss. (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies. 9.45 Players. (Ml) Three of the AFL’s biggest stars talk about all

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip:Desert

CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.00 Trainspotting With Francis Bourgeois. 4.15 WorldWatch. 6.10 The Ride Life With Sung Kang. (Premiere) 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Russell HowardLiveAtThe London Palladium. 9.45 Late Programs.

SBS

(32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GEM

3.20

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Cards And Collectables Australia. 12.40 MOVIE: Framed By My Fiancé. (2017, M) 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Living Daylights. (1987, PG) 11.15 Seinfeld. 12.15am Pretty Little Liars. 1.10 Supernatural. 3.00 Late Programs.

Tuesday,August 5

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.05 Miss Austen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (Final, PGa, R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 3.00 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In

(PG, R) 4.30 Gardening

3.50 MOVIE: Suspect. (1960, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 Recipes For Love And Murder 9.40 Harry Wild. 10.50 The Closer 11.50 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.25pm 5To7 (2014, Mals) 2.15 Lunana: AYak In The Classroom. (2019, PGa, Dzongkha, English) 4.20 The Snow Foxes. (2023, PGv) 5.50 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PGahv) 7.30 Barbarella. (1968, Mns) 9.25 After Blue. (2021, MA15+ans, French) 11.50 Late Programs.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys.

8.30 Insight. Explores local news and issues.

9.30 Dateline: The Cost Of Doing Business Pt 1.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

Morning Programs. 2pm RidesDown Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Boating. Circuit Boat Drivers C’ship. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 The Agenda Setters. 8.00 Outback Crystal Hunters. 9.00 Aussie Gold Hunters. 10.00 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.00 Bamazon. Midnight Late Programs.

10.30 Secret WorldOfSnacks. (PGs,R)

11.25 The Shift. (Premiere, Mals) 1.05 Everything YouLove. (Mals, R) 1.35 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGal, R) 3.05 WeeksOfWar.(PGavw, R) 4.00 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

(R) 5.30 7.30. (R) 6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Aussie Jokers. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 The Fast History Of. 6.10 The Ride Life With Sung Kang. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGas) Mali’sbackand in the red. 7.30 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: Love Me For AReason. (Premiere, Mal) Charts the rise of Boyzone.

8.30 John Farnham: Finding The Voice. (Mal, R) Acelebration of John Farnham, one of Australia’sgreatest singers, and his journey to success.

10.30 The Agenda Setters. (R)

11.30 Police Custody USA. (Malv,R) 12.30 Fairly Legal. (Mav,R) 1.30 Harry’sPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.30 Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 4.10 Andy’sGlobal Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 Deadly 60. 8.55 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.45 Merlin. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Afamous artist drops by for avisit. 8.45 Paramedics. (Mm) Paramedics

potofboiling water over himself. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues. 10.45 9News Late. 11.15 La Brea. (Mav,R) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 MasterChef Australia. Abatch of 23 formercontestants returns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) Amob-connected police informant is murdered. 10.40 10’sLate

9GEM (81, 92)

Harry’sPractice. 4.00 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Foyle’sWar 10.40 The YorkshireVet. 11.40 Bargain Hunt. 12.40am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.00 Recipes For Love And Murder 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: The Duke Wore Jeans. (1958) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 TBA. 9.40 Grantchester 10.50 The Closer 11.50 French And Saunders. 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: Bad Nanny.(2022, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Licence To Kill.(1989, M) 11.20 Seinfeld. 12.20am Pretty Little Liars. 1.15 Supernatural. 3.00 Below Deck. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon American Pickers. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 2.00 Outback Crystal Hunters. 3.00 Aussie Gold Hunters. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00

Wednesday,August 6

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

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Four Corners. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.25 Back Roads. (R) 2.55 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.40 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 HardQuiz. (PG) Presented by TomGleeson.

8.30 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG) Presented by Guy Montgomery

9.20 Would ILie To You?

Hosted by Rob Brydon.

9.50 Austin. (PG, R)

10.20 ABC Late News.

10.35 The Business. (R)

10.55 Planet America. (R)

11.25 YouCan’t AskThat. (MA15+as, R)

11.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Charles I: Downfall Of AKing. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Such WasLife. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 How Disney Built America: The Marvelous World Of Disney Looks at Disney’sImagineers

8.20 Aerial Australia. (PGaw) Looks at the hot, dry,extreme centreofAustralia, which is home to landscapes like nowhere else on Earth and Uluru.

9.15 Smilla’sSense Of Snow (M)

Smilla grows close to her neighbour

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Estonia. (Premiere, Ma) 12.30 Das Boot. (MA15+av,R) 1.30 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGal, R) 3.05 WeeksOfWar.(PGavw, R) 4.00 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.30 J Schwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am Morning

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: AGlass Of Revenge. (2022, Mav,R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Dana puts her heart on the line.

7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.30 The Front Bar (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take alighter look at all things AFL. (PGa) Hamish McLachlan sits down with key AFL football stars and personalities to reveal their stories.

10.00 Ashley Cain: Into The Danger Zone. (Malv) Ashley Cain heads to Manila in the Philippines.

11.20 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) 12.20 Imposters. (Madlv,R) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 4.10 Andy’sGlobal Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 Abbott Elementary 9.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 12.25pm ProBull Riding Australia. 1.30 Too Many Captain Cooks. 2.00 Homesteads. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 The Casketeers. 8.30 MOVIE: 8Seconds. (1994, M) 10.20 Stolen Generations. 11.20 Bring Her Home. 12.20am Late Programs.

Programs. Noon DW The Day 12.30 Holy Marvels. 1.20 Who Is D.B. Cooper? 2.10 Tales From ASuitcase. 3.45 WorldWatch 5.45 TheFast History Of. 6.10 The Ride Life With Sung Kang. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Absolute Power (1997) 10.45 MOVIE: Johnny Mnemonic. (1995, M) 12.30am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Long Story Short. (2021, Ml) 1.55 Finding Graceland. (1998, PGs) 3.40 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. (2009, PGahv) 5.25 Goal! 2: Living The Dream. (2007, PGlnsv) 7.30 Moonfall. (2022, Malv) 9.55 Midnight Special. (2016) Midnight Linoleum. (2022, Malv) 1.55 Late Programs.

Thursday,August 7

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Weekender 2.30 The YorkshireVet. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 The Zoo. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Auction Squad. 2.00 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. Noon American Pickers. 1.00 Pawn Stars. 2.00 Outback Truckers. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’sWildest Police Videos. 11.30 Nightwatch. 12.30am Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams participate in acreative challenge.

8.45 Clarkson’sFarm: Unfarming. (Return, Ml) Jeremy Clarkson needs to formulate anew plan to get his farm through the year

9.45 The Grand Tour (MA15+l) Richardand James invent anew fuellingsystem.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars (Mv,R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.15 Innovation Nation. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs.

Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.00 New Tricks. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Jack. (1964, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 As Time Goes By 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 The Closer 11.40 French And Saunders. 12.20am My Favorite Martian. 12.50 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs.

Noon Talking Honey 12.15 MOVIE: Cheerleader Nightmare. (2018, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: GoldenEye. (1995, PG) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.10am Pretty Little Liars. 1.10 Late Programs.

Don'tbe Puzzled

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (6,7)

NINE (8, 9) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (Final, PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav,R) 2.00 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 2.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.55 Guy Mont Spelling Bee. (PG, R) 3.45 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 SBS50. (R) 2.05 Such WasLife. (R) 2.15 Curse Of The Ancients. (PG, R) 3.05 Grand Tours Of Scotland’sRivers. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 From Paris To Rome With Bettany Hughes. (PGaln, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (PG) 8.30 Into The Amazon With Robson Green. (PGa, R) Robson Green continues his exploration of the Amazon.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Secrets On Campus. (2022, Mav) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 22. HawthornvCollingwood. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 Kick Ons. Apreview of the upcoming AFL matches.

ABC FAMILY (22)

5.30 7.30. (R)

9.20 Snowpiercer. (MA15+v) 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Dopesick. (Mals, R) 11.55 The Real Mo Farah. (PGa, R) 1.00 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. (PGa, R) 2.35 WeeksOfWar.(PGavw,R) 3.30 Scotland’sExtreme Medics. (Ma, R) 4.25 JSchwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

11.30 Code Blue: The Killing Of June Fox-Roberts. (MA15+av,R) Follows the murder investigation of June Fox-Roberts.

12.30 Life. (Madv,R)Crews and Reese investigate two murders.

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

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Mister Maker Around The World. 3.00 Play School. 4.10 Andy’sGlobal Adventures. 4.25 Mecha Builders. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.40 The Inbestigators. 7.55 Junior Vets. 8.25 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.40 Dance Life. 10.35 Late Programs.

(5,

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Gordon Ramsay’sSecret Service. (PGal) Gordon Ramsay exposes atoxic environment at Caffe Boa. 8.30 Elsbeth. (Mv) Elsbeth meets an entitled playboy while investigating what appears to be arandom shooting 10.3010’sLateNews. Coverage of news, sport andweather 10.55 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.55 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

10

TEN (5 10)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.45 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 23. Melbourne Storm vBrisbane Broncos. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. Post-match NRL news and analysis of the Melbourne Storm versus Brisbane Broncos match.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl)

12.00 Next Stop. 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa)

ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by GrantDenyer. 7.30 Airport 24/7. (Final, PGad) Illicit drugs arefound onboardaplane.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm DW The Day 12.40 Jimmy Carr’sILiterally Just Told You. 2.35 Insight. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 The Fast History Of. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Travel Man. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 1.45am Heroines. 2.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 The Real Seachange. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away 8.30 Father Brown. 9.30 Line Of Duty 10.50 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.50am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Midsomer Murders. 2.00 As Time Goes By 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Up The Front. (1972, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 RBT 8.30 Emergency 9.30 A+E After Dark. 10.30 Panic 9-1-1. 11.30 The Real Murders Of Atlanta. 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Highway Patrol. 3.00 The Force: BTL. 4.00 Counting Cars. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Towies. 8.30 Clarkson’sWho Wants To Be AMillionaireUK. 9.30 Air Crash Inv 10.30 Soham: Catching AKiller 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Arrowhead. (2015, Mav) 3.00 The Movie Show 3.30 Kung Fu Yoga. (2017, PGalv) 5.25 Shin Ultraman. (2022, PGv,Japanese, English, Russian) 7.30 The Fifth Element. (1997,

6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: Engaged ToBeMurdered. (2023, M) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Tomorrow Never Dies. (1997, M) 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Pretty Little Liars. 1.00 Supernatural. 3.00 Late Programs.

Is this Australia’shardest working dog?

By KATRINA BRANDON

THE annual Working Dog Cobber Challenge is in its 10th year, and Mirboo North localsCaroline Houston and kelpie pup Vaila are up for the challenge.

The Cobber Challenge is an annual showdown where the country's best working dogsare fitted with GPS trackers to log their daily work over a three-week period thatcommencesatthe start of October. Pointsare scored based on distance, speed and duration.

"This will be my first year,"MsHouson told Express "You have to be selected to take part. This year, they've got 12 participants taking part.

"I'm stoked (tohave been chosen).Ithinkit's really fun to take part in it, and I'm really proud of the work that my dog does at home on the farm. It's agreat chance to celebrate that and shine some light and give these dogs the recognition thatthey deserve."

Ms Houston wasintroducedtothe dairyindustry about 10 years ago when she met her partner. In April 2023, the couple bought their current dairy farm in Mirboo North. While Ms Houston doesn't come from adairy background, she is avet

by trade, and has worked with horses, cattle and other livestock over the years.

Since moving to her farm, Ms Houston said that it has brought many challenges.

"I'm told the first two years are the hardest, and they certainly have been fairlychallenging," she said of starting afarm.

"We have quite ahilly property, which was previously abeef farm for 20 years. There was quite a lot of work to be done to get it up to scratch and functioning as adairy.

"In additiontoall of that,wehad that storm here in our firstyear, which knocked outpower for five days, andwecould only milk the cowsonce aday, instead of twice. Then we've just had the drought. There have beenafew little hurdlesto try and overcome."

Easing part of the challenge of living on ahilly farm, shealso noted that the dogshave been agreat help in bringing in cows for milking fromdifferent paddocks, where the terrainisquite challenging otherwise

Ms Houston's pup, Vaila, originally came from thekelpie stud, Beloka in Welshpool. Beloka is a well-known working dog training school that also holds trials throughout the year to test the skills of working dogs from far and wide.

Other than the usual training, Ms Houstonsaid that to prepare for the Cobber Challenge, the duo have continued to do every day work as usual.

"Forme, Ihaven't reallydone anything different to what Inormally do," she said.

"The dogshereworkthe stock on the dairy farm, and we want them welltrainedtodothat, anyway. We certainly don't want adog that chases, harasses or causes stress to cattle. It's really important to get the training down pat, so you can basicall go about your day-to-day job acalm and relaxed manner that everyone enjoys.

"I've had alot of help from Paul MacPhail from Beloka kelpies down at Welshpool. He bred dog that's in the Cobber Challe He has many years of dog train ing experience, so we go there regularly for formal training, and that's been really helpful in trying to keep things on track.

"This (Vaila) is my third kelpie. There'sdefinitely alot to learn and I'm continuing to try and learn every day how Ican do things better."

Ms Houston is one of two Gippslanders who will be flying the local flag at the national Cobber challenge

The other is Jess Zammit and pup Bundaberg from Wonthaggi.

The winner of the Cobber Challenge receives $3000 and ayear'ssupplyofCobber Working Dog feed.

Cobber Marketing Manager, Kellie Savage, is looking forward to seeing how this year's finalists can set new records.

"To date, the record distance that aworking dog has completed in the Cobber Challenge is over 1260km! While it'sahighbar to compete with, we're confident that there's aworking dog in this year's competition that's going to break this record andtakethings to the next level," Ms Savage said.

"All but one year,akelpie has taken the crown -sowe're keen to if another breed can rise to the challenge, or if the kelpies will keep their throne.

"It'salsofantastictosee that alot of women have made it through to this stage of the competition. While I'm not one to have favourites, I'm looking forward to seeing how our girls go this time round!"

For mor e information, go to https://www.cobberdogfood.com. au/cobber-

day, everyday: Mirboo North kelpie pup,

is vying forthe title of Australia’shardest working dog Photographs contributed

Local flag: Mirboo North farmer,Caroline Houstonhas beenchosen to competeagainst thebest dogownersinthe country.

Good boy: Vailathe kelpie pup hasalready wona swag of awards

All

Vaila

Plentyhappening at HazelwoodNorth

HAZELWOOD North Primary School has had another busy term.

Highlights from Term2saw Grade 5/6Mhold an inquiry showcase to celebrate and share their learning with the school,their families and the local community.

The CFA attendedand ran aliveburn table demonstration and the 5/6 students shared their projects.

As part of the visit, the school also held araffle to raise money for the CFA and an ‘ice the staff member’ contest.

Mr Atherton was avery good sport when he was votedbythe students to get iced and was thankful that thesun came out alittle!

The school has also said farewell to much-loved staff member Kaye Stockdale, who has retired.

Kaye has been at Hazelwood North for nearly

30 years as aparent and an employee and worked tirelesslytoensure the school is awonderful place to work andlearn.

Alovely morning teawas held to giveKayea proper farewell and the school's library has been named in her honour.

NAIDOC week was celebrated in the last week of Term 2asitfalls during the school holidays.

Students rotated through arange of activities includingbiscuit decorating, learning about Indigenous symbols and playing games.

Performing arts also started last term, with studentsengaging in arangeoffun and interactive activities that included dress-ups, performing a range of plays and singing songs.

Students havestepped out of their comfort zones to try something new.

Legend: Hazelwood North PrimarySchool has honoured retiring teacher,KayeStockdale with the namingofthe school’slibrary. Ms Stockdale gaveclose to 30 years’ service to Hazelwood North.

All foragoodcause: Studentsdelightedin seeing ice waterpouredoverMrAtherton’s head as partofaschool fundraiser Art:

NAIDOC Week.

Roadsafety is ourshared responsibility around schools

RACV is reminding all road users to exercise extra caution around school zones as students have returned to classrooms across the state.

Term 3commenced July 21 and will run to Friday, September 19.

RACV Head of Policy, James Williams said motorists need to be careful when driving and parking around schools.

"When we obey speed limits and exercise patience and caution, we are role-modelling road safety behaviours," he said.

According to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), around seven children aged 0-15 die each year on Victorian roads.

Children are particularly vulnerable around roads due to their reduced visibility, limited ability to judgespeed and distance,and tendency to act impulsively.

RACV is highlighting the following road rules to prioritise safety around schools:

School speed zones

MOST Victorian schools have designated speed zones reducing limits to 40km/h where regular limits are below 80km/h, and to 60km/h where regular limits are 80km/h or higher.

Time-basedschool zones typically operate from 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm on weekdays during school terms.

Research shows that pedestrians hit by a vehicle travelling at 40km/h have significantly higher survivalrates than thosehit at 50 or 60km/h.

Motorists face fines and demerit points for failing to comply with posted limits.

Children's crossings

RECOGNISABLE by bright orange 'Children

Crossing' flags.

All vehicles muststopfor pedestrians waiting to cross when flags are displayed.

Drivers must remain stopped until crossing is completely clear.

Crossing supervisors may be present but the rules apply regardless.

Parking and drop-off areas

PARENTS should familiarise themselves with school-specific parking arrangements.

'Kiss and Go' zones allow for quick dropoffs without leaving vehicles (two-minute maximum).

Parking is prohibited within 20 meters before and 10 metres after school crossings.

Double parking, stopping in bus zones, or in 'No Stopping' areas is illegal.

Safety tips forwalking and cycling

RACV notes aconcerning decline in active transportation to schools.

AccordingtoVictoria Walks,only about 15 per cent of Australian students regularly walk or ride to school today, compared to 45 per cent in 1974.

For families choosing active transportation, RACV recommends:

 Supervising primary-aged children until around age 12;

 Holding hands with children under five near any roadway;

 Teaching children to remain alert and avoid distractions;

 Meeting children on the school side of the road during pick-up;

 Ensuring all cyclists wear helmets (children under 12 and accompanying adults may ride on footpaths), and;

 Ensuring children under the age of 16 do not ride on e-scooters outside of private property.

"Schoolzones existfor the safety of our youngestand mostvulnerable road users," Mr Williams added.

"Everyone shares responsibility for creating asafe environmentaroundschools,whether you're aparent, teacher,orsimplya passing motorist.

“Congestion at school drop off is apoint of frustration for many parentsand carers. It is worth considering parking ablock away and walking the last part of the journey to the school. It’s agreat waytoavoid congestion while increasing active travel.”

Over the last 12 months, RACV has educated 15,220 students from more than140 schools as part of its RACV Safety Squad program. The program focuses on safetytipsfor pedestrians, passengers and bike-riders.

Rules: Motorists arebeing remindedtosticktoschool zones, nowthatTerm3has started. File photograph

Culture: Isobel, Lenny,Blake and Hunter taking partinNAIDOC Week activities

Demonstrate: Hazelwood North Primary School students,Chloe and Memphis display their inquiryshowcase on bushfires Photographs supplied

Isobel, Lenny,Blake and Hunter decorating biscuitsfor

Drama changeslives: KeepingMrG proud, Chase, Isaiah and Hughhavelet theirexpressions shineduring performing arts class

Everyday items inspire play project

APLAYFUL new chapter in studentwellbeing has begunatStPaul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Junior School, with the launch of acollaboration with GippSport delivering the Physical Literacy and Loose Parts Play Project initiative. The Loose Parts Play Project encourages unstructured,student-ledimaginative playusing open-ended materials such as tyres,cratesand ropes, helping students build physical skills, confidenceand social connectionsthroughmovement.

GippSport, aGippsland-based not-for-profit, brings its expertise in promoting and encouraging physical activity in thecommunity to support inclusive, active lifestyles. The initiative also includes workshops and surveys for students, families and educatorstoguide future wellbeing initiatives. The program is already sparking movement as studentsrediscover the joy of play, empowering them to collaborate, problem-solve, explore and thrive.

Lumen Christi students’ can-do spirit

AT THE end of last term, students and families of Lumen Christi Primary School,Churchill were set the challenge to collect cans of food and nonperishable food items to donatetothe local St Vincent De Paul Society of Churchill.

With agoal of 200 cans, students totally smashed this out of the park by donating 320 food items to St Vincent De Paul Society. Students reallytook this can-challenge on board again this year. They were finding cans in cupboards at home, included some extracans in their weekly shop, asked friends and family to help and some even used their own pocket money to buy acan or two.

The donation of all of these cans of food will go along way to helping so many local people and families around Churchill.

The cans were presented to St VincentDe Paul representativeand school staff member, Catherine Campbell at the end of term mass. Religious education leader, Janelle Szkwarek was once again blown away by the generosity of families.

“Students really dug deep and connected with the opportunity to help othersinneed this winter, they were so proud that they were able to help thosefamiliesinChurchill that are less fortunate than themselves," she said.

"As aschool, we had abig focusonwho theSt Vincent De Paul society are, what they do and why we give to others in need.”

The food will be distributed by members of St Vincent De Paul to families in need all over Churchill this winter.

TUESDAY29JULY

WEDNESDAY30JULY

Outstanding: Lumen Christi PrimarySchool, Churchill students collected more than 300cans forStVincentDePaul. Photograph supplied

Improvise: Jordy, Ada, Chloe,Yashreen and Lilli with their ‘ship’ Photographs supplied

Tall: St Paul’s AnglicanGrammar School student, Melissa created atower as partofthe LooseParts PlayProject.

Use: Jacksonand Harrison amid some loose parts

Fitness: Lennybuilding physical skills Strava: Avagetting her steps in.

Discovery: Sophie and Ruby use their imaginations with looseparts

Angles: Using theirbuilding imagination to the fullest, Oliver assists Jett with a‘loose’parts towerslide

Morwell to take partin acclaimed film festival

MORWELL Village 8Cinema is set to take part in this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival.

Returningnextmonth, the Melbourne International Film Festival is once again hitting the road with the MIFFRegional showcase,bringing acurated selection of titles from its expansive 2025 program to screens throughout regional Victoria across the festival weekendsofAugust15to17 and August 22-24.

From local titles to international standouts, the MIFF Regional program will feature some of the most anticipated titles from the 2025 slate.

Audiences will also have the chance to meet the filmmakers behind some of this year’s standout new works fresh from their world premieres at MIFF.

“It’swith greatpleasure thatweunveil the MIFF Regional program for 2025, set to bring the buzzofthis year’s festival essentials through nine cinemas regionally,” MIFF artistic director, Al Cossar said.

“MIFF Regional and MIFF Online takes this year’s must-see cinema far beyond Melbourne, in afestival for all Victorians.”

Tickets are on sale now via participating local cinemas.

Visit miff.com.au to explore the full program

Sale Cinema is the other Gippsland cinema taking part.

Thank you to all paramedics

LASTThursday(July24) was 'Thank a Paramedic Day'.

Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas joined the Victorian community in gratitude to the state's hardworking ambulance workforce and to recognise the vital work they do, every single day.

“We’ll alwaysbackour paramedics and the extraordinary work they do to keep each and every one of us healthy and safe,” she said.

“Ourparamedics have never been busier -and we’rebacking them in withmore funding, training and support so they can keep providing world-class care in every corner of Victoria.”

Thestate governmenthas invested more than$2billion to increase Ambulance Victoria's on-road workforce by more than 50 per cent, deliver 41 new or upgraded ambulance stations and establish anew centre for paramedics to train Australia’s first paramedicpractitioners and more MICA paramedics.Victorianparamedics are nowsomeofthe highest paid in Australia, with an almost 17 per cent pay rise delivered as part of anew deal with the state government.

This year’s Victorian Budget 2025/26 made arange of critical investments right across the health system to get paramedics back on the road sooner.

An $84.2 million investment will continue to support their work -including 15 dual paramedic ambulance crews, four peakperiod units and four 24-hour ambulance services in rural and regional Victoria.

Afurther $58.4millionwill help emergency departments see patientssooner, increasing access to short stay units for patientsrequiring short-term treatment, observation and assessment of patients in emergency departments.

Rosedale’sgood Samaritan

By KATRINA BRANDON

BREWINGupa storm in the kitchen, Rosedale

resident Ally Son has taken to gifting free meals to neighbours in need.

Coming from anursing background, Ally has dedicated her life to helping people.

With all expenses paid out of pocket, the former nurse has created acommunity corner in her own home.

“I usedtobeanurse in mental health,worked in really high needs,” Ally told the Express.

“I loved my job. Imoved into teaching nursing. I'm notpart of anything. It's not amovement, a charity, or apay-it-forwardinitiative.

“It's anursing thing, butIcan't nurse anymore. Iwithdrew my registration after Ifell quite sick. I know Ican’t look after everybody, but all you can do is look to your left. It’s just finding apurpose

“Having done nursing for 17 years, it devastated me to walk away. For the work Idonow with people in the community,it’smedoingsomething valuable and the table is constantlyrotatingbecause people appreciate the chat.”

Stopping at the corner of her home, visitors sit down at the 'round table', where people can share with Ally things they need to say in asafeplace.

Not only are people allowedatthe round table, but Ally enjoys the occasional visits from the local pets, ranging from magpies to local pups.

Local pups are also not spared when it comes to free meals, as Ally aims to turn food waste into ameal option for thelocal four-legged friends in the area.

Allyisunabletowork as anurse duetomedical reasons; however her passion for helping people has enabled her to build agrowing community around her.

Abartersystem has been established around town,with Ally getting her eggsand food containers all the while having conversations all whipped into the community’s circulation.

“We trade in time, not money,” she saidofthe barter system.

There’ssome stores in thishouse

TAFEGippsland’s Horticulture Modernisation Project at theMorwell Campus is in fullswing, with early site preparation complete and construction underway.

This capital works project will transform the existing horticulture training facilities,supporting hands-on learning and boosting collaboration between the TAFE'S horticulture and hospitality programs. In recent weeks, the site has undergone significant preparation, including:

 Removal of outdated buildings and greenhouses;  Demolition of aportable building;  Mapping of underground services;

 Development of acomprehensive site plan, and;

 Permit applications submitted to progress the next stage.

The revitalised space, located near the Waratah Training Restaurant is now complete and features abrand-new greenhouse and larger, modern garden beds. The fence constructedtosecure the area was

chosen to have visibility so the propagationofplants can be viewed by all.

This new learning area connects the culinary and horticultural learning experiences from garden to plate.

Works elsewhere on campus will include the construction of anew state of the art greenhouse with an advanced thermal and humidity control system and dedicated benches for cultivating a rangeofplants.The concreteslabfor the new green house was poured earlier this month, with construction commencing on July 14.

The greenhouse is expected to be up and running by the end of August.

Next stage of works includes:

 Completion of the greenhouse build and fit out;

 Construction of anew potting shed;

 Construction of anew machinery shed (on former horticulture classroom site);

 Relocation of tools and resources from current horticulture sheds;

 Demolition of three outdated sheds, and;

 Fencing and landscaping of outdoor areas.

TAFE Gippsland Chief Operating Officer,Nicola Belcher said the project would lead to tangible benefits.

“This modernisationproject is part of TAFE Gippsland’s commitment to deliveringindustryrelevant, future-focused learning spaces that preparestudents for real-world careersinagrowing clean economy,” she said.

TAFE Gippsland Food and Fibre, Forestry & Maritime Head of Department, Lou Underhill added “This modern horticulturetrainingspace reflects TAFE Gippsland’s commitment to growing the capability of our studentsand delivering what industry needs; graduates who are job-ready, confident,and skilled in the latest technologies and sustainable practices. It’s part of our role in supporting afood and fibre sector that contributes overseven billion to Gippsland’seconomy and relies on askilled, local workforce to thrive.”

Giving back: Rosedale resident AllySon has been sharing her kindness,withfreemeals to neighboursand to charitygroups

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Moe/ Newborough citizens of the year

LIONS Club of Moe are once again seeking nominations for theMoe/Newborough Citizens of the Year Award.

This award is presented on Australia Day at Heritage Park, Moe (Old Gippstown).

Thereare twocategories, one for Australia Day Young Citizenofthe Year for ages between 12 and 25 years, and AustraliaDay Citizenofthe Year. All nominations must either be aresident of the Moe/ Newborough area or have contributed and demonstrated outstandingservice to the Moe/ Newborough community in a voluntary capacity.

Closing date for nominations is October 31, 2025.

For any further information or for acopyofthe nomination form, phone LionRobert Sharrock on 0497 299719 or email: maroby@bigpond.com

Bridgescores

TRARALGON Bridge Club

results:

Monday, July 21 -1st Richard Webber and Ken Tierney (55.56 per cent); 2nd Hannah Green and Cheryl Halse (50).

Tuesday, July 22 -N/S Equal 1st Moira, Robin Hecker and Ros McEvoy/Anna Field (57.74); 3rd Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr(55.36).E/W 1st Geoff Dixon and Kay Baxter (54.76); 2nd Christine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (53.57).

Thursday, July 24 -N/S 1st Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (63.5); 2nd June Clarke and Michael Zarb (52.86). E/W 1st Ken Tierneyand Roxy Lamond (66.67); 2nd Fred Kaminski and HeatherHenley (52.33).

Call Helen McAdam on 0438 164 528 if youwouldlike to play or learn more about bridge.

Spiritual centre

LATROBEValleySpiritual Centre(2Avondale Road, Morwell).

Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Doorsopen at 1.30pm.

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

For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Joinour Facebook page -LatrobeValley Spiritual Centre.

Come and try bowls

TRARALGON RSL BowlsClub is seeking new members.

Traralgon RSL Bowls Club is alocally run, community funded sports club that exists to provide opportunities for those in the community to participate in asafeand inclusive environment.

The club has aproud history and strong and active presence, managed by adedicated volunteer base, who selflessly committheirtime,skills and supporttobringtolife the club's vision.

The club's vision is to be aleading lawn bowls club in theregion,known forits welcomingatmosphere, highquality facilities, andsuccess in competitions; and to be a vibrant focal point for the local community, offering awelcoming environment for social and competitive bowls.

Traralgon RSL also strives to

foster the growth and promotionoflawnbowls as asport and to provide support to the communityoflawn bowlers at all levels of play, and to promoteand develop lawn bowlssoitenriches the lives of its participants, connects communities and is in good health for future generations.

New members are wanted.

Lawn bowls is agame for all ages, and Traralgon RSL is looking for new members to jointhe supportiveand friendly bowls club for the 2025/26 StrzeleckiNorthPennant Season.

Traralgon RSL has teams across multiple divisionsinthe midweek and Saturday pennant competitions, and invite and encourage beginners and experienced lawn bowlers to join for afriendly social game.

The Traralgon RSL Bowls Club is asocial, inclusive club where everyone is welcome.

Clubcontactsare: Greg Pratt (member officer) on 0484 813 609, or secretary Lorraine McClare (0413 332 070).

Morwell Historical Society

DURING August, the Morwell Historical Society has three open days.

They are:

 Wednesday, August 6;  Wednesday, August 20, and;

 Sunday, August 31. All sessions are from 11am to 2pm.

Amembers gathering will take place after the August 20 open day. Open to all members, friendsand the general public, thisisa very popular afternoon.

Join the society in sharing yourconnection to Morwell and listen to others and their memories of growing up in Morwell while enjoyingacuppa and some light afternoon tea.

Morwell Historical Society also has aBunnings barbecue on Saturday, August 9. The societyaskslocals to support the sizzle so it can continue to preserve thehistory of Morwell and district area. For any queries, phone 0409 436 019.

Riding high

TRAMPS (Traralgonand Morwell Pedallers Inc) rode on Sunday, July 20. The groupenjoyed arelatively flat ride from Stratford along Clyde BankRdtoMarlay Point, LakeWellington returning via Bengwarden Rd to Stratford.

It was quite peaceful to see the bird life around the completely still lake,inperfect weather conditions.

TRAMPS next ride will be fromGlengarry on

Sunday, August 3for lunch at Rosedale.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders.

For more information, visit: www.tramps.org.au.

Club contacts are Paul on 0459823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

Acoustic music concert

GIPPSLAND Acoustic Music Club's next concertisthis Sunday (August 3) at Tyers Hall from 3pm.

Feature artist is Olivia Lay. Olivia is known forher compelling guitar playing and storytelling. Inspired by John Butlerand John Mayer, she weavesintricate techniques withdriving melodies and profound lyrics.

The support actsfrom Melbourne are PhilChadney on trumpet and Tom DeVries on keys playing smooth jazz standards.

Entry is $25for adults, $20 for members/concession and free for under 18.

Tickets can be pre-purchased at trybooking,com/CYDPL or cash entry at the door.

For more information, go to: musicclub.org.au, Facebook or Instagram @gippslandmusic

Dance lessons

JOIN Latrobe Valley Dance Promotions Inc each Thursday evening at the Girl Guides Hall (18 Margaret Street, Morwell) from Thursday, September 4 for an evening of dancing, learning new skills, rehashing old ones and social connection Dancelessonsare from 7pm Cost is $5 per personeach night that dances are held.

Follow Latrobe Valley DancePromotionsInc on Facebook or phone Norm on 0428 543 737 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information.

Alternatively, email: latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com

Viewclub

MOE ViewClub's August meeting will be held Wednesday, August 6atMoe Hotel (Leggies), Lloyd St Moe from 10.30am. Fundraiser this month were abeetle day, which was afun day enjoyed followed

with anice afternoon tea. The club raised more than $200 for the Smith Family.

For more information on Moe View Club, phone Sue on 0417 515 745 or Maureen (0458 842 256)

Chess action

CONVINCING victories gave Keegan Just top place at Latrobe Valley Chess Club.

Ian Hamilton had three wins but fell short in the critical clashes.

Steve Ahernhad two positive gamesbut did not find thewinning lines in others.

PeterBakker overlooked the opportunitiesearly in the evening and recovered confidence with aquick win later on.

Samantha Juers joined the contests and forceda checkmate in the final clash.

Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413

330 458, or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for moredetails on local chess.

'Tis the season

CHRISTMAS in July brought out the tinsel and fun as the dancersfrom the Moe Social Dance Club celebrated mid-year.

Music was created by Gayle and Lindsay with afestiveflair and everyonedressed forthe occasion with prizes for most original costumes. Join the fun on Monday nights at 7.30pm at the Newborough Public Hall. Cost is $8. Dances includewaltz, foxtrot, cha cha, rumba and saunters.

Ballroom dancing keeps you young and fit. It prevents dementia, is goodfor fitness and is socialand achanceto get dressed up and look after yourself.

Senior Citizens Hall, Victory Park (corner of Princes Highway and Whittakers Road, Traralgon).

For all enquires, phone 0409 149 309.

Fun day of country music. Youcan be

apartof Community Corner

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

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

Deadline is Friday 9am to

Countrymusic

GOOD old country music featuring Ronn Munn, Ton Wirth and friends.

Walk ups welcome.

First Sunday of every month, 11am to 4pm at Monomeath

Mind at work: Bridge is playedlocally. Those interested in getting involved areencouraged to getintouch withthe Traralgon Bridge Club

Scenic: TRAMPS took in thesightsofLakeWellingtononarecent ride Photographs supplied

New era for Heyfield health practice

By STEFAN BRADLEY

AFTER more than 35 years as practice principal and GP supervisor at Heyfield Medical Centre, Dr Peter Stevens and his wife Helen officially passed the torch on July 1tothe next generation of Heyfield's health heroes.

Traralgon-born Dr Andrew Roberts, Dr Emma Beaton from Toongabbie, alongside Helen and Peter's daughter Dr Sarah Christian, are the new owners of Heyfield Medical Centre.

"It's been 53 years since Igraduated …I'm now 76," Dr Stevens said.

"This (handover) wasa greatopportunity,because we have three young enthusiastic GPs keen to take the reins."

Dr Christian said so far her new role had been quite challenging, involving many meetings, and dealings with accountants and lawyers.

"Many new things to learn. But the job and the practice …and the staff are all the same," Dr Christian said.

The practice services about 3500 patients. All three of the newowners have specialqualifications as rural generalists, which are GPs that are specially trained to meetthe needs of regional and

rural communities. They also work at Heyfield Hospital, which includes palliative and transitional care, and supervising interns or students.

Regional areas oftenfinditchallenging to attract enough doctors and nurses, and Dr Christian said there had been a"drop in the number of students" who were training with the practice over the past couple of years. It seems to be acombination of not enough country students being given the opportunity, or students from the cities or other areas don't want to live so far from their homes.

"The solution is to let more countrykids into medicine," Dr Christian said.

And if country medical studentslearn in the city, they're more likely to stay there, especially if they become apartofthat community.

"If you're connected to Melbourne, it's very unlikely that you're going to come in and start a very challenging careerinanisolated area, whereas if we have thosefamily connections in arural area, you are morelikely to liveand stay for the long term," Dr Christian said.

Dr Roberts agreed. "Your scope of practice as well as what you can do as aGPhere is different to what you might do in the city where you've got access to alot of services," he said.

Dr Beaton said, "had Inot had the opportunity to work or be placed here as atrainee, that would have also contributed to me not making areturn".

It's clear that local patients build relationships with their doctors, with Dr Beaton seeinganumber of patients from Yarram, where she first began her medical training.

"This practice is wonderful at promoting rural, because many of the kids you get don't have alot of experience outside of the city. It's an opportunity for them to see that our population base is alittle bit different," Dr Beaton said.

Anyone learning, or already earning, in the field of medicine, can phone the practice on 5148 2201 -they would love to work with new faces.

Dr Stevens said he would continue to be involved with his former practice in some capacity. This is notthe end -it'sthe next chapter of his family's decades-long 'Heyfield Story'.

That story began in 1989. Dr Stevens was disillusionedwiththe growing presence of 'corporate medical practice' in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs, and the family decided to move to the country.

Capture that bush spirit

RURAL Aid has launched the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush Photo Competition,inviting Australians to share striking images that capture the strength, resilience and beauty of life on the land.

Running untilAugust 31, 2025,the much-lovedcompetition provides apowerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell their stories throughthe lens, stories of rugged beauty, resilienceand community spirit in theface of hardship.

This year’scompetition comes after another challenging season of natural disasters, with floods, fires and droughts once again testing the resolve of the nation’s rural heartland.

Entrants are invitedtosubmit ahighresolution, landscape photograph that represents the true 'Spirit of the Bush'. Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and using the hashtag #SOTB2025. Entries can also be submitted,and the competitionterms and conditionscan be reviewed via the website: https://www.ruralaid.org.au/ spirit-of-the-bush/. Apanel of judgeswill select 10 winning images.

Winnerswillreceivea$250prepaid Visa card.

Winners will be announced on September 15, 2025.

Old guard: Dr PeterStevens,and wife Helen Stevens firstmoved to Heyfield in 1989 Photographs: Stefan Bradley

Doctorsinthe house: NewHeyfieldMedical Centreco-ownersDrSarah Christian, Dr Andrew Roberts and Dr Emma Beaton.

Are cracks really emerging?

IAMnot anuclear engineer, so Iwouldappreciate if someone could explain why it is continually suggested that nuclear power generation uses more water than the present coal fired stations.

It appears to me that coal fired stations use water to condense steam after generating power. Thiswateristhen cooled.Thisiscarriedout by either acooling pond, as Hazelwood used, or by more efficient and environmentally acceptable cooling towers, such as those used in other coal fired stations. It can then be re-used.

It is my understanding the cooling water in both nuclear and coal fired power generation recirculates and is only used to cool steam and condensate after it has been used to generate power. Whereas the cooling waterinboth nuclear and coal firediscooled by evaporating some water in the cooling tower. Therefore, it appears both processes use similar amounts of water for agiven amount of power generation.

Mr Cosgriff('Cracksemerging', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 23/07) suggests that France running out of water for power generationisa failing of nuclear generated power.

From the above, it would appear France could not generate sufficient power from any process that requires cooling water.

In fact, it is the temperature of river watercaused by abnormal seasonal temperatures that is the issue and the environmental concerns of returning high temperature water to the rivers. This issue only applies to afew power stations in France.

If my understanding is correct, it would be greatif the nuclear debate was not clouded withstatements thatmisleadrather than informwithproperly interpreted facts.

Please correct me if Iamwrong.

Stuart Strachan Callignee

Lifespan lesson

JOHNGwyther's letter ('Investors are here, but not for coal, 23/07) criticised Patricia Correa for failing to supply evidence to support her claim that coal fired power stations are reliable.

In response he presents anumber of half-truths to support his opposing view, which need challenging.

His first claim that investors are here 'in droves' funding weather dependent power systems e.g. wind, solar etc. but not steppingforwardtoinvest in coal because they would neverrecoup theirmoney by investingincoal, is agood example of this. An investor's main aim is to makemoney. In the decade leading up 2022/23, the Australian government paid more than $29 billion of taxpayers' money in subsidies into the so called 'renewables' industry. Their 2024/25 budgetallocatedafurther $22 billion to boost weather dependent 'renewables' usage in Australia, and this includes $13.7 billion in production tax incentives for allied activities e.g. 'green hydrogen'.

Investors are moving into this sector not for the noble motive of ensuring thatAustralia has astable, reliable and cheappowersupply in the decades to come, but because this industry is heavily subsidised, meaning they will make guaranteed profits.

How many dollarswere put into incentivising coal fired power stations in comparison?

Mr Gwyther also notes that coal stations last for 38 to 42 years on average, and that leading into retirement, 34 per cent of their capacity is unavailable on average. Yethefails to mention that the average lifespan of atypical wind turbine is less than this -typically around 20 years, 25 years if it is maintainedproperly.

At the end of its lifewethen have to contend with theproblem of disposalofturbine components. The composite materialsintheir largebladesmostly end up in landfill, and the large circular reinforced concrete bases have to be left unproductive in situ. Brand new wind turbines typically only produce 30 per cent of theirrated output due to fluctuations in windavailability and direction, yet an old, clapped out coal fired power station, by Mr Gwyther's own admission, still outperforms that with an availability of twice that i.e. 66 per cent.

Coal powered fired power stations have historically been tremendously cheap and reliable.

The simpler life of the 1950s Mr Gwyther rejectswas atime when Victorianindustry and

employment grew significantly on the back of a continuous, stable supply of cheap electricity.

These characteristics are stillmost important for what is left of Australian industries, hospitals and in our homes.

With the closure of Yallourn Wfast approaching in 2028, and the government's admission that they will have great difficulty in meeting their 2030 'renewables' targets, the time for discussionis coming to aclose and action is instead needed.

You can't run full time industries on part time power.

Greg Hansford

Newborough

Editor's note: Mr Hansford wasthe OneNation candidatefor Gippsland at this year's federal election.

Numbersgame

BRIAN Mawhinney ('Getout of the tunnel', 23/07) bemoans $29bofrenewable energy subsidieswhich, he failed to mention, covers the 10 years to 2022/23 (cis.org.au) and includes billions of unspent forward commitments.

In 2023/24, Australia’s fossilfuel subsidies totalled $14.5billion, up 31 per cent from 2022/23.

Over the next four years, they are estimated to cost more than $65b (australiainstitute.org.au).

Fossil fuels subsidies outweigh renewables subsidies by at least five to one!

What is worse is that the former is propping up an inefficient, un-investablefilthyindustry that is literally killing the planetwhilstthe latter is assisting the urgent transition to acleaner future to address this existential crisis.

Mr Mawhinney implies that the $29b has only reduced emissions by six per cent.

Our total emissions actually fell 19 per cent from 535.9 to 432 Mt over the above 10 year period (abs. gov.au).

In roughly the same period, electricity sector emissions fell by more than 25 per cent.

Thatwould implythatthe renewablessubsidies are having the desired impact.

In appearing to want to give us afree pass because of China, Mr Mawhinney appears ignorant of some key facts:

China's power-sector emissions fell two per cent year-on-year in the 12 months to March 2025 despite power demand climbing nearly three per cent (carbonbrief.org).

Last year, China installed more renewable energy than the rest of the worldcombined, with windand solar providing more than 25 per cent of demand (ember-energy.org).

At 23 tCo2e per person, Australia's emissions are twice China's (edgar.jrc.ec.europa.eu).

As for tunnel vision, the only ones in the tunnel are those relying on blind hope for adding unaffordablenuclearinto renewables-rich Australia and keepingcoalwhileditching renewables and any commitment to emissions reduction, in the face of the incontrovertible data to the contrary

John Gwyther Coongulla

Manyisnot the selective few

IWOULDhave thought that the two letters, in the past fortnight directed at me, ('Words are bullets', 16/07, and 'Bullseye, perfect shot!' 23/07), would havefitted neatly into Mr Editor's aversion to "personal attackpieces",(editorial, 16/07), but apparently not.

The mind boggles at the material that actually failed to make the cut, including, Isuspect, from Thomas Quinn, author of the first letter.

Mr Quinn may appreciate having the author of thesecond, Oliver Bergens, as an ally, but I suspect not.

Still, if you want to throw out baseless accusations and legal threats in an open forum,you deserve allyou get.

Mr Quinn though, has always cogently, if obsessively,arguedhis cases, until now, for no evidence is provided for his latest assertions.

Mr Bergens on the other hand, is atopic, issue, context, reference and intelligence free zone, just, (Trump like), who he likes and who he obsessively doesn't, and that would be me, apparently because

I'm a"lefty". We are all reminded, ad infinitum, thatI'm "over the top', acontradiction in terms, Iwould have thought, to "mundaneand boring', (that'stautology, Mr Bergens), and "obsessive and laughable".

All this for reasons Mr Bergens has never been able to explain, but all descriptions that would indeed appropriately apply to their author.

Apparently Mr Bergens' desire for "simple English,inlayman's terms"does not extend to his own writing -for I'm sure he doesn't really mean "it's awell knowntraitofthose who are left leaning to admit that they're wrong". Simple English indeed, andI'm "laughable"?Dumbing down my vocabulary to save Mr Bergens' English dictionary would be afutile exercise.

And "many readers will wholeheartedly agree"?

Perhaps, but the likes of Patricia Correa, Joseph Lis and Brian Mawhinney haveenough class to know when it's time to shut up, realising someone else's argument is none of their business, and they would be on ahiding to nothing.

Correspondents to newspapers formabroad church, and it takes all types ,but Iwould prefer to acknowledge the intelligence of Express readers, andthink that mostreaders of this page would consider the constant flow of garbage from Dandenong is just moronic and embarrassing.

John Duck Trafalgar

Waiting, waiting

THREE years have passes since Iput in arequest for better lighting in Comans Street, Morwell.

Each year, all we have got is anew job number.

Nothing has happened, the street lights are dull and hundreds of metres apart.

No attempthas even been made to make the lighting better.

Peoplewalk to Mid Valleytodoshoppingand walk back in near darkness.

Hopefully this year, something will change.

JGriffin Morwell

Keep personal agendas aside

IWAS genuinely relieved and hopeful to see the editor’snote in the paper declaring azerotolerance stance on personal attacks (16/07).

Ithought this finally meant Phil Edwards’ obsessive and harmful attacks on localpolitical commentator, Taylah Ling would come to an end. Imaginemydisappointmentand frustration when Isaw those very same personal attacks allowed to continue.

I’m very concerned about the repeated personal and defamatory attacks published in the opinion section targeting Ms Ling.

While differing opinions are welcome, these ongoing attacks cross thelineinto harassment and damage reputations unfairly.

Anewspaper’s opinion pages should encourage respectful and informed discussion, not provide a platform forrepeated personal attacks. It’s importantthat all claims madeare carefullychecked to avoid spreading false or harmful information.

There was also aprevious instance where afalse claim was published undera fake name (Grace Billings), alleging that Latrobe City Council had to fork out $200,000 in legal costs after arecent VCAThearing. No such amounthas ever been confirmed, so why is this person allowed to make false claims like this?

Ihope the paper will take stronger steps to ensure its pages remain aplace for constructive debate, not aplatform for false claims and harassment.

Lauren Krell Morwell.

Straight sets defeat

GAME, set and match to you, Thomas Quinn. You succeeded in getting another 'brilliant' response from 'the chosen one'.

Astraightsets victory, 6-love, 6-love, 6-love was areal shellacking!

"Make no mistake", Mr John Duck, you have never had any problem "dishing out" your, over the top"opinion", ('Opinions need decorum', 23/07) but it's well known to all and sundry that we know only too well who has the "fragile ego."

As far as opinions needing decorum, the word "decorum" according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is simply "behaviour in keeping with good taste and propriety."

For someone who carries the said dictionary with them 24/7, it is very surprising that the words "in keeping withgoodtaste and propriety"don'tapply to you. Sadly that's so very obvious in your never ending, condescending,negative replies. But as you so eloquently said, "rolling over to bullying, is not an option!"

In the school yard, or anywhere for that matter, bullying is unacceptable. You obviously don't think there has been many

timesyour opinionshave scraped the bottom of the barrel.

Once again, Isay to you Mr Thomas Quinn, you said it accurately and very well. It's as clear as day who has no decorum or "ipso facto" (by that very fact or act). Love your work Thomas, keep on keeping on!

Only five weeks of winter left folks. We've got it beat! You little beauty.

Keep those opinions coming folks.

Oliver 'Shadow' Bergens Dandenong

Depths of despair

WHEN Iwas 17, my first job was as astation assistant at Morwell Railway Station from where Iwas soon transferred to Morwell Briquette Siding. The year was 1968 and Iremember climbing the steep road known as The Ridge on my way to work each morning.

After work, Iwould often survey the nearby open cut and marvelatthe coal-winning dredgers digging away down below.

Fiftyseven years later, allI see now is agiant open hole half-filled with water.

Somepeopleproclaim that it is 'progress' to change from acoal based economy to arenewables only economy. They call it a'transition'. Icallitaregression.

Aregression to eternal poverty for householders and eternal closure for business.

Aregression to lostindustry, lost opportunity and lost prosperity.

In short, aregression to afuture without afuture. Aregressionthat has turned the Valley into agiant open grave filled with the dead hopes and dreams of what might have-been.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Working hardorhardly working?

WEEK after week, Isee Harriet Shing post ads in theExpress telling us how she is working hard for us, yet Inever see any evidencethat this statement is true.

In fact, Inever see anything from her where she highlights her achievements that she has secured for her constituents.

Couldthe reason for her silence be that her constituents are not worthy of her time and energy to even let us know that the $300,000 we pay her annually is not wasted money?

We deserve MPs who work for us and not just tell us they are working hard or they are our voices when we all know these statements are meaningless when they can't be backed up with evidence. Ihave no doubt if she was in opposition she would be highlighting their shortcomings Patrick Ansell Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief,concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person's point of view.

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricateddepending on the poolofdata used or people involved in surveys. The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Lettersregarding religion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

Volume: TheLoy Yang mine

photograph

The actual cost of nuclearfuture

COMMENT

BY ANTON GOSSELIN

THE most important facing the nation right now is the soaring cost of energy.

Only nuclear power will enable Australiatoreach net zero by 2050 without further damage to the economy and reduce our soaring power bills.

This piece is intended to dispel the myths about the cost of nuclear power and compare it with the real costs of renewables.

The facts below are drawn from or quoted from reliable governmentand internationalsources (cited).

The cost of nuclear power

NUCLEAR power plants are far more expensive than coal fired power stations because of the extra safety precautions.

But it is the confusing and oftenconflicting regulatory burdensinflicted by different authorities that are the main contributor to the expenses and construction delays.

If government policies are designed to promote the development of nuclearpower, costs can be brought down dramatically.

South Korea's ability to maintain lowercosts is attributed to standardised reactor designs, streamlined regulatory processes, and astrong domestic supply chain.

As of 2023, South Koreahad afleet of 26 reactors, with atotal capacity of 25,825MW whichproduces 171,640gigawatt-hoursannually.(World Nuclear Association Database).

That is more than the combined annual output of Australian coal, gas and oil power stations. (Aus Gov DCCEEW).

The latestreactors under construction, Shin Hanui 3and 4, will cost USD $2.1 billion(AUD $3.3 billion) for each 1.4MW unit. (World Nuclear News Sept 2024).

Korea’s operating costs are between USD$28USD35per MWh, including amortisation of the

capital costs. This is calledthe Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE).

Their LCOEis3.5 cents per KWh.(5.55cents per KWh in Australian currency). (Clark UniversityClarkDigitalCommonsNuclear Power Plant Policy Comparison between the U.S. and Republic of Korea).

France

THEIR LCOE costs (total production costs includingamortisation of capital) average USD $35 per MWh.

That is equivalent to 5.55 cents Australian per KWh. (Enerdata -France’s CRE unveils forecast on nuclearpower costs over the period 2026-2040).

China has the two largest reactors in the world, Taishan1and Taishan2,producing 1750 MW each.

Costs of power production are not officially published but the “selling price” to users is CNY 0.435 per KWh. This is equivalent to USD $22.00 per MWh (3.5 Australian cents per KWh) (World Nuclear Org)

In Zhangzhou, work is progressing well on a power station that will have six third generation Hualong One1200 MW reactors each producing more than 10 million gigawatt hours per year.

These were developed using French technology.

The total capital cost for all six will be USD $19.2 billion, or USD $3.2 billion each. (AUD $5.1 Billion)

The first two reactors took five years to complete, and the othersare expected to take about the same. (World Nuclear News.org).

Japan

THE Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant is the world’s largest, totalling 8212 megawatts (MW). Its biggest reactors are Units 6and 7. Each has anet capacity of 1315 MW.

The combined cost of the Kashiwazaki reactors 6and 7, after adjusting for inflation, is Yen 1.66 trillion at today’s value.(USD $11.2 billion) or AUD$17.78billion. That is AUD $8.89billion each. (Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO))

Underground is the best option

COMMENT

BY DANCAFFREY

IAGREE with Kirra Bott ('Overheadand overpriced',Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 16/07) that we need to move quickly to connect the proposed Bass Strait offshore wind farms to the grid at Loy Yang, otherwise we run the risk of not having enough generation capacity to replacethe coal fired power stationswhen they retire in the mid 2030s.

However,there are difficulties with undergroundcables such as longer construction times, more ground/habitat disturbance, and challenges of road, river and valley crossings.

Proponentsofunderground say it will be less pronetodamage from amore violent climate. However,technicalfaults can still occurand are moredifficult to locate and more costly to fix resulting in longer outages of supply.

Overhead high voltage (HV) transmission lines, engineered for the future will be built to allow for more powerful storms,unlikethose that came down in the Western Districts in February of 2024 which were over 40 years old.

The mainproblem though withputting High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC) cables underground,isthatthey produce ahigher capacitance than overhead lines, which reduces the power carrying ability of the cable.

In effect, more of the poweriswasted and less gets delivered to its destination.

So,ifHVpower is to be transmitted underground over long distances, it has to be Direct Current (DC). However, there is a cost problem with undergrounding. Overhead wires do not need to be insulated as theyare air cooled. Underground cables need multiple layers of expensive, heat proof insulation and the cables need to be larger to carry the high load without getting too hot. So, they are much more expensive.

Also, the windfarmsproduceAlternating Current (AC) power and this needs to be converted to DC for transmissionand then convertedbacktoACtomatch the existing electricity grid. The rectification process of changing AC to DC uses about five to 10 per cent of the energy supply and then another 5-15 per cent in going back to AC from DC.

This means that instead of the 2000 MW from

Thatismuchhigher thanthe South Korean costs, but the Japanese units are designed to withstand amagnitude 10 earthquake, far higher than the seven magnitude the rest of the world requires.

Insteadofspending$30 billion plus since 2022 on unreliable and expensive renewables, for the same money the government could have invested in six 'off-the-shelf' nuclear power plants from Korea, totaling 8400MW.

That is more than the output of Yallourn,Loy Yang, Loy Yang Aand Eraring coal fired power stations combined.

And these would have all been operational by 2030!

Incidentally,had we done this threeyearsago we would have saved 13 per cent on the above costs.

That is because the exchange rate against the US dollar has dropped from 0.725 to 0.627 in that time, because of our weakening economy.

For operational costs, compare the latest official LCEOvalues of renewables with those given above

The government’s AustralianRenewable Energy Agency (ARENA)reported solar LCOE values rangingfrom AU $97.8toAU$132.5 permegawatt-hour (MWh), with amedian of AU $108/MWh (10.8 cents per KWh).

To that youmust add the cost of massive batteries.

Batteries in Australia have aLCEO of $156 per MWh (15c/KWh) (Energy Storage News, April 12, 2021) That makes atotal of 25.8c per KWh

They predictthesewillcome down in future, but thefact is 25.8 cents is over four times 5.5 cents!

On top of thatisthe costofthe 10,000kmof new transmission lines that AEMO estimates are required to transferthe powertowhereit’sneeded.

At $10M per km this is $100 billion.

No wonder Chris Bowen didn't reveal his costings on renewables to the voters!

The reasonyour electricity bills have gone up steeply, and not down as promised, is because you arepaying for this far higher cost of renewables over against coal and gas.

Over the last 10 years, the federal government has poured more than $29 billion dollars into

rebates and other inducements to build and use renewables.

Added to that is another $1.6 billion invested by the state govt in 2020/21 and $1 billion in 2023/24, plus hundreds of millions more this year. That is more than $30 billion of your tax dollars. No one would question government money being spent on research and development of new technologies.

But this is different, this is vast amounts of money being doled out to companies to finance what would otherwise be commercially risky investments.

Thereare anumber of large corporations who haveused this funding to build solarand wind farms. Without it, they would hardly be viable.

But now, some large international investors like BlackRock are withdrawing money from the renewablesmarketbecausethey foresee trouble ahead.

The German Federal AccountingOffice (Bundesrechnungshof) wrote aboutthe German policy -dubbed ‘Die Energiewende’ in German -and concludes: "The Bundesrechnungshof warns that the energy transition (to renewables) in its current form[based on the Energiewende] posesathreatto the German economy andoverburdens the financial capacityofelectricity-consumingcompaniesand households" (Bundesrechnungshof 2021).

Asummary of another analysis states: “Germany could have reached its climategas emissiontarget by achieving a73per centcut in emissionsontop of the achievements in 2022 and simultaneously cut the spending in half compared to Energiewende. Thus, Germany should have adopted an energy policybased on keeping and expanding nuclear power."

It is very clear that nuclear energy is amuch less expensive option than renewables.

The $600 billion figure bandied around by its opposers must come from Grimm’s fairy tales.

About the author: Anton Gosselin is a Newborough resident.

No wateringdownthe issue

COMMENT BY NINA BURKE

FOLLOWING an amendment to theLatrobe Valley Regional Rehabilitation Strategy(LVRRS) in 2023, AGL madeanapplication to the Minister for Water, Gayle Tierneyfor aBulk Water Entitlementfor mine rehabilitation.

the Star of the South wind farm, it becomes 1600 MW when delivered to the Loy Yang switch yard.

Higherstarting costsand lessdeliverable electricity means higher prices and less bang for buck for the consumer.

In the case of Bass Link and the proposed Marinus Link –both connecting Tasmania to the mainland grid, these are DC. They are both more than350km in distance and there willbe 90km of undergroundcablefrom the coastto the Latrobe Valley for theMarinus link.

Because the Marinus link is already DC, then it makes sense to pay the extra cost to underground the Victorian section of the link.

In the case of the link from the coastnear Giffard to Loy Yang in the Gippsland Renewable Energy Zone (GREZ), the distance is less than 50km and it is hard to justify the extra cost of the AC-DCconversions and the higher construction costs this entails to put this transmission underground.

Ifor one would pay an extra dollar or two per week for the underground option, (I must confess that Ihave no ideahow to calculate that figure. So just sheerguessing) because Ibelieve that climate change is amuch more serious problem than most people realise.

But for larger electricity users like dairy farms and OPAL Paper and other businesses, it will make them less cost-competitive in exporting our products overseas.

Coming from afarming family myself, Ican empathise with rural communities for worrying about the visual aspect of transmission lines and the disruption experienced in the construction phase, but Iamalsoaware of the technical challenges that these projects have and that the economics and engineering aspects favour overhead transmission lines.

Ithink it is only reasonable that the Better Transmission Gippsland group explain to the rest of the nation why we should all pay extra for electricityinorder to satisfy their needs after we get aclear picture of how much extra that undergrounding will cost consumers.

Dan Caffrey is President of the Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group.

From 21 October 2024 to 15 December 2024, the Minister forWater invited the community to have theirsay on applications received by the Minister to amend existing bulk entitlements held for Loy Yang Aand Bpower generation and to grant anew bulkentitlement for Loy Yangminerehabilitation in the LatrobeValley.The Minister has published a‘What We Heard’ report to summarise the main themes covered by survey responses and written submissions.The Ministerhas also published copies of written submissions (except for “private” submissions).

Submissionsreceivedtodate have raised the issues of the economic value of water in the Latrobe River system and soughtinformation on if aprice on wateraccess forminerehabilitation willbecharged DEECA has released adiscussion paper on this topic, and the public has the opportunity to have theirsay on thisinformation as part of the further consultationonthe new bulk entitlement application for Loy Yang minerehabilitation.

The Minister now invites further public submissions on AGL’s application for anew bulk entitlement for mine rehabilitation.

Specifically, theMinister is seeking submissions on the economic value of water for mine rehabilitation and, if the application is approved, whether a financial obligation –ora ‘price’- should be imposed as acondition on the entitlement.

When deciding on the applications,the Minister will consider all feedbackprovided in submissions including impacts on the environment and other authorised users of water in the Latrobe Valley region.

This further public consultation will again be undertaken viaEngage Victoria, the state government’s online consultation platform.

Submissions were accepted up to July 22 (a four-week period).

Public input to AGL LoyYang’sBulkWater Entitlement

ALL submissions must be received through the Engage Victoriaplatform to ensurethey are properly tracked and recorded.

Visit the Engage Victoria site potential water access for Latrobe coal mine rehabilitationfor more information including adiscussion paper and expert report, which has been endorsed for releaseby the Minister to support the consultation process.

AGL Loy Yang has verbally advised they intend

Volume: AGLsaysitneeds at least 1000Gl of watertofill the LoyYang pit. File photograph

apit full rehabilitation solution requiring 1087 Gl of water.

AGL has also indicated they intend that about 30 to 33 percent of that volume is sourced from groundwater. The request is thereforefor 728-760 Gl of surfacewaters from Blue Rock Reservoir.

The Water Minister has asked, should Loy Yank pay to purchase surface water? And how should those funds be used within the Latrobe Valley?

Implications

THE 2023 amendment to the LVRRS followed a study to investigate impacts of continued water extraction from the Latrobe River system for mine rehabilitation.

It studied four different scenarios looking at the impacts on existing waterusers and rights. One scenario was preferred.

Conclusion

AGL Loy Yang’srequest is consistent with the preferred scenario but they are yet to substantiate the need for such large volumes of water.

Greater Latrobe Park’s views

GLP supports the proposition that Loy Yang (and other mine licensees) pay for the water they utilise in mine rehabilitation, and has asked for the funds to be used for rehabilitation works on the Latrobe River amongst other initiatives. We have clearly stated that such funds will be insufficient to provide ajust transition for the Latrobe Valley.

Other views

WEST Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Friends of Latrobe Water (FLOW), and Environment Victoriaare seekingexclusive use of the funds for the Latrobe River.

About the author: Nina Burke is president of Great Latrobe Park.

Business Guide

STORMCOAT Roofingisa family-owned and operated roofing business servicing the entireGippsland region.

Theyspecialise in tiled roof replacements,restorations and small roof fixings

mCoat Roofingoffersa of leak service,perfect for drips occur due to storms wetweather

Is that roof or driveway proving tough to clean?

Then call on the StormCoat team, whose high pressure cleanerswill have it looking even betterthan new.

StormCoat Roofingare adept when it comestoyour gutters

Forget about getting up thereto clean when StormCoat Roofing

candothe job foryou, or even better, install state-of-the-art gutterguards.

StormCoat Roofingalso handles anyrebedding or repointing work,which can help yousavemoneyoncostlyrepairs and prolong the lifespan of your roof

The team pridethemselves on greatcustomer service and

satisfaction, with afocus on keeping your investment and family safe.

Call StormCoat Roofing fora free quoteon0413537 569.

Youcan also email stormcoatroofing@gmail.com or checkthem out on Facebook, whereyou can see agalleryof StormCoat Roofing’slatestwork

CAVALIER Puppies

These four puppies have had their first vaccination, microchipped and vet checked 2/7/2025. They are ready to go 14/7/2025. Gender:

TRARALGON

15 Douglas Parade, Sat. 8am-1pm. ARC welder, power

Advertise your garage sale in ourpaper if you want to

Responsibility

Please check your ad on the firstday and bring any errors to theattentionofthe Classifieds Department immediately. TheLatrobe Valley Express makes everyefforttoavoid errors. We regretthat we cannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bringittoour attention. No allowances can be made for errorsnot materially affectingthe effectiveness of the ad Position cannot will not be guaranteed.

All claims foradjustment of credit must be madewithin seven days afterbilling date.

We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classificationwhen necessaryto conform to the policyo this newspaper

Landscaping Mulch

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.

Voicemail

When

contact with people for the

time, it is

and

amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liabilityfor such omission.

Price:

Moe Self Storage

various sizes from $85 p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki Realty on 5127 1333.

THERAPEUTIC Relaxation Massage for men by male. Reasonable rate, in home or travel. Trained with D.MA Aust. Flexible hours. Ph 0402 346 755.

ELECTRICIAN

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 0438 998 849.

FENCING

All types of residential fences and gates. Free quote, call or text Doug 0409 433 110.

GARDEN WORK

10% cheaper on any quote. Mowing, whipper snipping, weeding. Call Gavin 0422 021 732

Sheds, driveways, footpaths, crossovers etc. Phone Justin 0409479737

NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING DOES WORK! Not everyone trusts to advertise on line 5135 4455

OVEN OV REPAIRS

Electric oven/stove repairs including ovendoors. Reliable, experienced and friendly. Most parts are carried on-board Free phone estimates. 12 monthguarantee onrepairs. Phil 0412 165542 ovenlec.com.au REC. 9764

Submissionsare to be lodged as detailed in the documentation. Council is notboundtoaccept the lowest or anytender. Does your current marketing hit the

LCC-889 Provision of Planning Services

Tenders are invited from suitably qualified contractors for the above See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details

APPRENTICESHIPS COMMENCING JANUARY2026

Loy Yang BPower Station in partnership with Programmed Skilled Workforce are seeking firstyear apprentices to commence in January 2026 in thefollowing trades:

•Metal Fabrication

•Fitting &Turning

•Electrical

Loy Yang BPower Station in partnership with Programmed Skilled Workforce are seeking firstyear apprentices to commence in January 2026 in thefollowing trades:

THE BEST BITS

•NoHECS-HELP debt or tuition fees –we will payyou to learn!

•A nationally recognised trade qualification.

•Transferrable skillsrequiredfor the energytransition and applicable to arange of industries.

•Top performers will have the opportunity to complete additional qualifications relevant to their trade (e.g.a Certificate III in Instrumentation and ControlorCertificate IV in Engineering).

•Placements withother employers and additional training (e.g. forklift, EWP,dogging, welding tickets) to broaden your skills and experience.

•Four-day work week.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

We’re looking for motivated applicants with agenuine interest in starting atrade career in industry.You must be willing to complete afour-year apprenticeship and have strong basic maths and literacy skills. ACertificate II or pre-apprenticeship course in the relevant tradewould be highly regarded but is not mandatory.

Loy Yang Bare aculturallydiverse employer and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

HOW TO APPLY?

For further information and to apply please visit Programmed’s website by scanning the QR code below or using the following web address: https://go.programmed.com.au/job/details/70074

For further information and to apply please visit Programmed’swebsite by scanning the QR code below or using the following web address: https:// go.programmed.com.au/job/details/70074

Maintenance Electrician

•5WKRotatingRoster|AM&PMShiftMix (AfterinitialAMshifttrainingperiod)

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Join adynamic maintenance team in our24/7milk powder facility.Use your electrical expertisetodeliver preventativemaintenance,troubleshootbreakdowns, and supporthigh-tech equipment, including PLCs and motors.With astrong focusonsafety, reliability,and continuousimprovement, this hands-on role offers variety,growth, andthe chance to work with cuttingedge automation in afast-paced environment. Whatyou’llbring

Youwill need to be aregisteredA-grade electrician with acurrent practising licence

Pleaserefer to full PositionDescription forother beneficial skills and experience

JoinFonterraAustralia

ForPositionDescriptionandtoapply: https://careers.fonterra.com/careers/JobDetail? jobId=11729&source=Fonterra.com

Contact:Meheret.hailemelekot@fonterra.com Applicationsclose:9August2025.

DELIVERERS WANTED TRARALGON and MOE

Would you liketodeliverthe LatrobeValley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesdayand /or Wednesday afternoons in Traralgon and Moe.

Please applyto: The CirculationManager0456000 541

Please note:Children must be 11 years or over as we will needtoapply for agovernment Child Employment Permit. Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome

Security Guard

Casual, daytime only, no weekends, plain clothes. Above award rates, car allowance. Reliable car required, must have Victorian licence. Email: rmcmichan@ ssglobal.com.au or call 0424 148 115.

DELIVERERS WTD

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

SUBARU Liberty, 2016, premium leather trim, alloy wheels, F.S.H., 4cylinder, auto, 3months rego, r.w.c. ex/cond. AJS-243, $18,000 o.n.o. Ph 0435 563 409.

Anne Born 4March 1941. Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Tuesday 22 July 2025. Aged 84 years Daughter of Henk (dec.) and Maria Kamphuis (dec.). Loved wife of Kevin Boothman. Cherished Mum of Jenny and Paul, Carolyne, Louise and Eden. Loved Aunty to her 40 nieces and nephews. Beloved Oma of Ashley, Aidan, Memphuis and Nathaniel (Nado). Ihave fought the good fight, Ihave finished the race, Ihave kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing" 2Timothy 4:7-8 She will be forever loved and dearly missed.

BOOTHMAN (Kamphuis)

EVANS Margery.

With great sadness we announce the passing of Margery on 20th July 2025, at Margery Cole, Traralgon, aged 101 years. Dearly loved wife of Len (dec.), loved Mother of Paula, Graham and Janet. Devoted Mother-in-law, Grandmother and GreatGrandmother. Many memories to cherish.

PANAYIOTOU Eleni

Born 4th of June 1934

EVES Phillip Passed away peacefully at Heritage Manor Aged Care, Morwell 20 July 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Aged 83 years

Dearly loved husband of Emily May (dec). Much loved father and father-in-law of Shayne and Erin, John, Marnie and Brendon, Helen and John, Susan and Toivo, Keith (dec.), Elizabeth and Malcolm, Leigh and Jenny, and Chris (dec.). Adored Pop and Poppy to 15 grand, 17 great-grand and five great-greatgrandchildren.

EVES Phillip Dearly loved stepfather and friend of Helen and John. Re-united with his beloved Emmy. Thank you Phil for all the wonderful years you gave her. Love and miss you Helen and John, Geoffery and Barb, Sarah, Emma and Brad.

GREGORY

George Frederick

07/9/1935 -24/7/2025

Thursday 24 July, we said goodbye to one of the greatest men we've ever known, George Frederick Gregory.

He was aloving brother to Millicent and Bettina (dec.). Adevoted husband to Beverley, aloving Dad to Gary (dec.), Brett (dec.) and Michelle, aproud Pop of Brad and Danielle, Karla and Chris, Krystyn, Sarah and Danyon, Aidan and Amy, Jacob and Maddi, Stephanie and Matt and adearly loved Poppy of Lilah, Ariana, Clay, Archer, Miah, Zara, Jordyn, Banks, Noah, Ryder and Lettie.

He was gentle and kind, with asharp sense of humour that stayed with him right to the end. His quiet strength was the foundation of our family. He showed us what it meant to work hard, to love fiercely, and to live with dignity and grace.

We're heartbroken, but so incredibly grateful for every moment we had with him.

"Our love goes with you, now and forever.'"

HARRUP (nee Huffer) Dorothy

21/3/1938 -27/7/2025

Aged 87 years

Beloved wife of Pat (dec.).

Cherished Mum to Rosie, John, Mark, Trish and Ange.

Imperturbable mother-inlaw to Dan, Clem and Paul.

Ever patient Grandma to Eleanor, Bel, Tom, Jackson, Marcus, Jeremy, Luke, Erik, Nate and Maya. Funeral details to follow.

MACKRELL Les

Alot of great memories of Les and his brothers growing up in the 1950s at Callignee. You can now rest in peace Les. Mo Machen

SCHUMANN Stan We would like to thank everyone for the kind wishes, flowers, cards and love sent to me and my family regarding the passing of my husband Stan. Aspecial thank you to the nursing staff at Heritage Manor for taking care of Stan for the past five years. Thank you Rosa and family. MACKRELL Les Passed away 19/7/2025. Deeply saddened by passing of Les. Akind and caring friend who was always caring for others. He will be truly missed and lovingly remembered. Loved friend and neighbour of Jean Robertson.

Mararthovounos, Cyprus. Passed away 24 July 2025.

We are heartbroken to announce that our beautiful mother Eleni, passed away peacefully at Margery Cole, Traralgon 24 July 2025. Aged 91 years

Dearly loved wife of Herodotos (Harry/Rodis) (dec.).

Beloved mother of Kathy and Linda and son-in-law Charlie.

Adored Yiayia of Nicole, Herodotos, Eleni and Pantelli.

Great Yiayia of Xavier and Gizelle.

She will be forever loved and dearly missed.

REYNOLDS

Fredrick George 15/8/1950 -19/7/2025 Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family aged 74 years. Adored husband of Anna. Loving father of Simon (dec.), Daniel, Philip and Krista. Beloved Pa and gr8 Pa. Safe in the arms of Jesus. For Funeral Information please visit our website at: www.latrobevally funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WATSON Ruth Loveday

10/7/1938 -21/7/2025

With heavy hearts we say goodbye to our wonderful lifelong friend, Ruthie. So many special memories of fun and laughter. Always thinking of and helping others. We will miss her forever. Sleeping now Where no shadows fall Peggy, Peter, Karen, Stephen, Caitlinand Phoebe.

As Ruthie would say "Don't begood, it's boring".

WATSON Ruth Rest in peace, dear friend.

Thelma and family XXX

BIRO Lorraine Patricia AGraveside Service to farewell Lorraine will take place at the Yallourn Cemetery, Haunted Hills Rd, Yallourn on Monday (4th August 2025) commencing at 2pm.

BOOTHMAN Arequiem mass for Mrs Anne Boothman will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 262 Commercial Rd Morwell, THURSDAY(31 July 2025) commencing at 11am.

The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for burial at the Yallourn Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

EVANS The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Margery will take place at St James Anglican Church, Grey Street, Traralgon on THURSDAY (31st of July 2025) commencing at 3pm. Private Cremation to follow. The church ceremony will be livestreamed, please visit Harwood Funerals website for digital link.

EVES The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr. Phillip Eves will be held at the Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Rose Chapel, Cemetery Dr Traralgon Wednesday (30 July 2025) commencing at 2.30pm. Phil's service will also livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit: latrobevalley funerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GREGORY The Funeral Service for Mr George Gregory will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe FRIDAY (1 August 2025) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the Service, aprivate burial will take place. George's Service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream please visit our website at: www.latrobevalley funerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

PANAYIOTOU The Funeral Service for Helen Panayiotou will be held at The Greek Orthodox Church, 42-44 Elgin Street, Morwell MONDAY (4 August 2025) at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HEALEY Dea We think about you always, We talk about you still, You have never been forgotten and you never will. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you will remain, To walk and guide us through our lives, Until we meet again. 3years has past and not aday goes by that we don't miss you, happy heavenly birthday too.

Love your husband Frank and daughter Alison and Pete.

ROWLEY Douglas You are the most beautiful memory that Icarry with me. From Helen and family XX

When youlose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelings into words Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can sayso much

Forfriendly advice on howto place your message contact TheClassified Department 5135 4455

LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperience to familiesin Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburraand surrounding areas. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offerboth at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funeralsare

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelings into words All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelingsinto words Apersonal message in the

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Lions share points on theroad

SOCCER

STATELEAGUE

BY ALLAN ROBERTS

ROUND17ofthe VetoMen's State Leaguesaw the Lions backonthe road with the clubfacing off against Seaford Unitedonabitter winters afternoon.

With asolid crowd in attendance at the Seaford United ground, expectations were high of another 'goal fest' game after the two clubs drew 5-5 in their previous clash at the start of the season. But the crowd had to settle for ahard fought and physical game on apitch that resembled Farmer Joe's back paddock,coupledwith the sweetserenading of the local level train crossing that seemed to be ringing every two minutes.

In agutsyand hardfoughtgame, it would see bothclubs squander chances and have to settle for anil-all draw.

With the whistlesounding the start of the game, it wouldbeFortuna who would hit the ground running.

For the second week in arow, Joel Palermo would make an early dash down the wing and set up a

shot on goal that was parried awaybythe Seaford keeper.

The visiting Lions thought they had hit the lead midway through the first half, with Damon Scott curling acracker of afree kick around the wall and past the keeper, but the ball was called back as the referee had not blown his whistlesignalling that the young Lion's striker could take the kick.

In his second attempt,Scott could notpull the rabbit out of the hat the second time, and was denied agoal by the Seaford defence.

The remainder of the half was aslog-fest on a pitch that was rapidly resembling aSundayLeague special and not allowing for either team to stay on their feet or play decent football.

With the commencement of the second half, Fortuna would head to the bench with Hayden Tanti coming into the game, the Fortuna veteran striker started to create some forward pressure and opportunities,but unfortunately could not convert these into goals.

As the Lionstried to increasetheir intensity and pressure, it resulted in Seaford returning fire via a very physicalbrand of football -big tackles and big hits was the standard for the second half.

Both keepers were earing their dues as they were

both called upon to pull out some big saves over the last 45 minutes -try as they might neither team could get that all important goal.

The game would see eight minutes of extra time added, with bodies and players flying all over the park in an attempt to have that one final opportunity to score the winner -but it was to no avail with the final whistle sounding on what was agutsy andhard fought game from both teams.

The draw sees the team from the Valley maintain their top spot, but more importantly aseven-point gapover 2nd placed Mt Eliza SC.

Next week see's Fortuna again pack up the bus and heading downtoAspendale in amust win game if they are to cement theirposition at the top of the table with five rounds to go.

 EARLIER in the day, the Fortuna Reserves took to the pitch against the second-placed Seaford United team.

The Lions Reserve's put in gallant second half performance that showed plenty of fight and grit, unfortunately afive-goal first half from Seaford United had done the damage

The Final result being a5-nil loss, but the score line not reflecting the effort put forth by the Lions Reserves.

Moe reserves face nervous wait for LVSL title

SOCCER

|LVSL BY JOHN CARDONA

IN the reserves match on Sunday, Moe United only neededadraw againstMonash to take out their first Latrobe Valley Soccer League reserves league title since 1998.

The Red Devils failed however to get the result, losing 1-nil after alategoal from Brendan Grover. It was amatch that was clearly dominated by theleagueleaders, but chances constantly went begging.

Agreat performance by the Monash goalkeeper, Jamie Kent also needed to be acknowledged. It was truly adisappointing end to adominate season, losing their first game of the year and the last game.

The league championship title is now out of Moe’s hands, as they now need to rely on Falcons to hold Sale United to adraw in order to win the trophy.

United takes minor premiership

BASKETBALL

BIG V BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

GIPPSLAND United earned aweek off after securing top spot on the Big VDivision One Men ladder at the end of the regular season.

United men finished off with a123 to 92 win over Bulleen at Bulleen Templestowe Basketball Stadium.

The blowout result was done during the first half, with United outscoring their hosting opponent 60-35, giving them necessary space to work with.

Kody Tibballs led the team in scoring off the bench with 27 points, four rebounds, and three steals.

Jordan Gooiker was equally great with 20 points and seven rebounds.

With abreak during the first week of finals, United will await the winner of Coburg and Whittlesea for ahome final at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium.

 FINISHING the regular season off right, Gippsland United women won their final match of the regular season over Southern Peninsula, 88-63 at GRISS, Traralgon.

A20-10 first quarter set the tone for United, who had their eyes set on their first finals appearance sit returning to Big Vthis season, after ashort hiatus.

United women had five double digit scorers, including top-scorer Lauren Tuplin with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and six steals. Finishing third on the Division Two Women ladder, Gippsland United play Wallan at RB RobsonStadium, Wallanthis Saturday from 8pm.

Despite this, coach Harley Devlin deserves much credit for agreat 2025 season, and to all the lads that featured in this squad to do so well.

Best for Moe at the weekend were Chris Papanikolaou, Bailey Somerville, Seth Grixti and Tim Stephens.  IN the woman’s match, Moe United ended their season with aconvincing 4-nil win over Monash.

The Red Devils finished acrediblethird on the league table, losing only two games for the season to the 2025 league champion, Sale United.

Moe Unitedgot to an early lead in the match when top club goal scorer in Bridget van der Koogh controlled apass, and then on the turn found the net to give Moe United a1-nil lead at the break.

In the second half, the Moe United woman continued to attack, looking for their next goal, and it was soon achieved when arun by Summer Cooper saw her beat three defenders then hit her shot at goals.The Monash keeper couldonly parry the ball down, to which Bridgetvan der Koogh seized on the rebound to hammer home her second, Moe continued its attack on the goals and it was Bridget van der Koogh whowas again centre of the play when she latched onto another loose ball inside the six yard box to bring up her hat-trick.

Late in the match, Moe United gotanother corner kick which was taken by Miley Cooper.

The ball was headed by aMonash defender, which finished up with Paris Troughton who volleyed the ball home into the top right hand corner.

Best for Moe United was Bridget van der Koogh,

Miley Cooper, Tiana Reddlex and Paris Troughton. Congratulationstocoach Harley Robinson and to all the girls in this great squad who undoubtedly are the most improved woman’s side this season.



MOE United andMonash kicked-off the second-last round of the third division season.

The pitch took abit of rain the night before and morning, making for achallenge for players from both teams to stay on their feet and control themselves.

Not long into the first half, there was athrow in on the attacking right side and Kayne Heusmann flickedthe ball on withhis head to Gedd Heusmann, who then kicked it in with asolid finish.

Monash’s Dan McKean up front was creating chancesatgoals with plays from midfielder Shawn Sultana, along with the younger players on the wings contributing.

MoekeeperDylan Farrugia stayed strong and made sure every effort from Monash was kept out of goals.

Moe midfielder Zane Poxon had agreat runonthe right wing, taking on acouple of defenders to take his chance from 20 yards out through acrowded 18 yard box and into the net.

Monash had stayedstrong not only in their backline, which gave them further chances attacking through centrally and on the wings.

Moe held their ground defensively but did have moments of worry when Monashcame close to scoring.

Jason Shearing scored from close range from a passage of play from aleft side corner with across

that came off a few heads of both sides, eventually landing near the sixyard box for aShearing header. After halftime, with the score 3-nil in favour of the Red Devils, it was amore determined Monash who came out.

Martin Jones was strong in Monash’s defence, heading and clearing any chances Moe had. It soonpaidoff for Monash,withsomegreat passing and movement in the forward line.

Ashot from 20 yardsout took adeflection by Moe’s Mason Troughton inside the 18 yard box, sending goalkeeper Adam Cassar in the wrong direction. McKean created achance for athrough ball and caught Moe defendersout of position,onlytohave ashotout of the box with aone-on-one withthe keeper just outside and placing the ball in thegoals. Towards the end, Shearing scored hisbrace from aTroughton corner, with astrong header at the back post

 FINALLY, Ihope everyone has enjoyed my weekly write ups on the mainly Moe United side which is something Ihave enjoyed immensely apart from Moe United Sunday games which keeps me up to at least 2am on Monday mornings to finish these write-ups.

Thank you to LiamDurkin for his supportin my write ups and his assistanceonsome of the big games this season.

Congratulationstomygreat club Moe United on winning the 2025league championship title and thank you for your ongoing support.

Can collective leads to MCG visit

FOOTBALL

THE Ruff family's recycling efforts have gone on notice, with the family receivingaVIP AFL experience at the MCG, hosted by Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme.

The prize was to congratulate the family for raising $2500for Traralgon Primary School by settingupaCDS Vic collectiontrailerthat returned more than 25,000 eligible drink containers through the scheme to date, to fundraise school initiatives.

After buying and fixing up atrailer with acage, welding asteptoensure that the little ones could reach and contribute to their efforts.

With Traralgon Primary School's approval, they set up the trailer in the school car park, which is accessible to students from the playground as well as to the community who drop off containers all times of the day.

Alocal business owner also got behind the program to donate their empties that could otherwise go to landfill.

"We have been told that quite afew areas surrounding the towndon't have alocal rubbish collection, let alone arecycling bin," Belinda Ruff said.

"So, this allowed for some of our farmers to donate their recyclable containers and help the scholl, which is ahub for the community.

"It's abit of awin-win all round."

So far, new netball uniforms have been purchased for the Traralgon South Primary School TeamCATS netball team.

The money has also gone towards new protective padding for football goal postsand netball/ basketball goal posts -making this avery useful

fundraiser for our small rural primary school.

The family were treated to aSaturdaynight clash between Carlton and Melbourne, in which the Blues came out eight-point winners.

They also got to go onto the ground alongside the players before the match kicked off.

"It was brilliant to share this experience that we won't forget withour childrenand build some core memories," Belinda said.

"The game was fantastic, acliff hanger right till the end with Carlton coming out victorious. Honestly, it kept us on the edge of our seats.

"Back in the early 80s Chris' parents made him aCarlton supporter, dressing him in ahome-made Carlton woollen jersey when he was around kindergarten age.

"We have since kept this jersey and used it for all our children when 'footy day' in kindergarten came around. It's sentimentalwith its age and its history.

"Yes,this made it quite specialwhenatthe age of 47, Chris got to see his very first live AFL football match with Carlton playing."

Across Latrobe City Council, 44 million containers have been returned through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme since it began in November 2023, returning $4.4 million to residents.

Across Victoria, the scheme has returned 2billion containers to date, with $200 million back in the pockets of Victorians.

To learn more about CDS Vic and locate your nearest refund collection point, visit cdsvic.org.au

Fam: Chris and Belinda Ruff,with sons Hugo (eight) andRyan(11)onthe MCG at the Carlton versus Melbourne clash earlier this month.

Tough: Hayden Tanti put in asolidsecond half, butcould notfind the backofthe net in ahard fought draw Photograph: Peta Roberts

Harriers welcome great turnout

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY IAN CORNTHWAITE

AN encouragingly mild winter evening magnified the enthusiasm of alarge field of 75 runners and walkers who tackled theHarriers’Rangeview Drive 5km event last Thursday (July 24).

The participants ranged widely in age and ability -from pre-teens to nonagenarians, and from serious athletes to casual runners and walkers. As per usual,therewere newcomers,including, on this occasion,Matthew Morgan from the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club and Paul Collins,anexperienced road cyclist.

Collinshas reducedhis 500km aweekcycling trainingprogramtoenable him to now concentrate more on running. He hopes to run amarathonin the nearfuture and his 5km result,hampered somewhat by adisobedient shoelace, indicates he has the speed for astrong outcome.

Astandout improver on Thursday was Shay Lorenz, now graduating from walking to running and finishing in the first two-thirds of the field.

While, alittle further back, race walker

Brian Glover added to his at least 50 Traralgon Harriers’ events completed, including 21 Traralgon Marathons.Glover is also aveteran finisher of over 220 marathons.

Dairy farmer PeterCutler, nowinhis fifth decade, still defies age barriers and produced the fastest time outright, dipping under 17 minutes.

DempseyPodmore and Daniel Furmston produced the secondand third quickest times, with Johnn Skordakis just afew seconds slower.

Yani Cornthwaite is beginning her return to form with a20:20 result, while second and third fastest females Rebecca Anderson and Lucy Magaldi were several minutes off the pace.

At least 17 Harriers have enteredSunday’s Athletics Victoria’s Lakeside Stadium 10km race on aWorld Athletics certified course, finishing inside the Lakeside Athletics Stadium,Melbourne.

GOLF

CHURCHILL

Stroke‘Flags’Game19th July 2025.

AGrade Winner: R. Dent

BGrade Winner: J. McCafferty

CGrade Winner: G. Maddocks

N.T.P: 3rdR.Sands,5th D. Radnell, 12th R. Sands (Propin) 14th R. Dent

Birdies: 3rdR.Sands

4BBB Tuesday22nd July 2025. Winners: S. Caldwell/C.Stevens 41 pts

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday22nd July,Stableford.

AGrade: GShandley(13)36pts

BGrade: JMcFarlane (17) 35pts c/b

DTL: JSmeriglio,T Bradshaw, 35, NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th TomTraill, 13th J Mc Farlane,16th TWhitelaw, Birdies: 4th GRenwick, SBeitz, MPayne, 13th JMcFarlane

Saturday26th July,Par,& Final President Trophy.

AGrade: BBradshaw(7) 5up

BGrade: SMills (12) 4up

DTL: SDuff+4, SMcKenzie +3, G Shandley, PDraper +1

NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th TBaker,13th Tom Whitelaw, 16th RScurlock. Birdies: 4th DQuigley, 13th TWhitelaw, 16th SDuff.

President Trophy: SDuffdef PDraper 2/1

Sunday20th July,Hipwell Plate.

Platewinner: Churchill 1.

AGrade: ESmith 32,

BGrade: DByers 35

CGrade: AWest 34, NTP: 4th DO'Brien, 6th DKeyhoe,13th D

Cameron, 16th RBorg. Eagles: BBoers(Yallourn)5th MOE

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLESTABLEFORD

Overall Winners: Birrell, Chris (37) 14

Wednesday, 23 July 2025 WOMEN'S STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Savige,Karyn (24) 31

Grade BWinners: Weaver,Lee (36) 30 C/B

Place Getters: Elliot, Christine 30 C/B Tulau, Susan 30 Great score: Susan TulauBirdie @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Helen Mifsud, 8th Susan Tulau

Target Hole Prize: Christine Elliot Thursday, 24 July 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Garlick, Karl (9) 35

Grade BWinners: Hibbs,Steven(12)36

Grade CWinners: Wilkinson, Wally(16)

33 C/B

Grade DWinners: Gambling,Allan (19) 35 C/B

Place Getters: Roberts,Paul 35 C/B, Voumard, Adam 35 C/B,Van Der Meulen, Luke35C/B,Devent, Anton 35 C/B,Ayton, Kevin 34 C/B,Pace,William34, Johnson, Tony 34 C/B,Veenman, Laurie 34 C/B Beveridge,Eric34, Gilpin, Peter33C/B, Sleswick, Paddy 33 C/B,King, Rob33C/B, Brown, Peter33C/B,Jansen, Garry33C/B, Griggs,Daryl 33 C/B

Great score: Lockie White(Birdie) @8, GavanPanozzo(Birdie)@14, Anton Devent (Birdie) @4,Paul Hildebrand (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th John Horrocks,8th Lockie White, 14th TimFord Saturday, 26 July 2025 President Vs

This event is described as potentially the flattest and fastest 10km road race in Australia.

Champion junior Dempsey Podmore will be vying for awin in the 3km Under-16 road race.

This Thursday’s (July 31) event is a6km course from near St. Pauls Anglican Grammar in Crosses Road, Traralgon. Registration is from 5:30pm. Results -RangeviewDrive 5km

PeterCutler 16:53,DempseyPodmore 17:54, Daniel Furmston 17:54, JohnnSkordakis 17:58, Ian Cornthwaite18:24, Paul Collins 19:30, MatthewDeppeler 19:41, Clinton Jolly20:05,Yani Cornthwaite20:20, Trent Kooyman 20:20, Jason Odlum 20:39, Adrian Sutcliffe 20:42, PeterSanders 20:55, Darrel Cross 21:02, ScottSyme 21:33, Andrew Greenhill21:47,Andrew Broberg21:59, RonVerschuur 22:10, Geoffrey Francis 22:21, GaryFox 23:14, SavMavrofridis 23:45, Rebecca Anderson 23:45, LucyMagaldi 24:02, Stephen Renehan 24:24, Stephen Mcleod 24:32, Liz Kenney24:34,AshleyMarsh 25:52, JyeKaestner

25:52, Thomas Cook 26:00, Daniel Wright 26:00, ReeGraham26:07,Belkey Podmore26:13, Chris VanUnen26:13, Michelle Sawyer 26:25, Angelo Gaudiano 27:23, DesleyGray28:12, Marieka Reilly28:12, Dave Mann 28:15, Caitlin Pitt28:29, Paul Smith 28:30, MarkLansdown 28:46, Lauren Peter29:05, Kaye Livingstone 29:54, CourtneyEllis 30:00, Catherine Leonard30:09,Adam vanbaalen 30:52, Gab Browne30:54, Alfie Warner 31:42, Tania Whitehead 32:50, Phillip Mayer32:50, Mandy Ellis 33:24, ShayLorenz 35:30, Matthew Morgan 35:39, Brian Glover36:38, Anja Norwood 37:49, Barry Higgins38:09,TimothyGraham 39:22, Paul Rollandin 40:03, BaileyRollandin 40:03, Kristina Creighton 41:23, Luke Witham 41:23, MollyIrvine 44:00, Tony Marino 45:15, Michelle Colwell 45:36, KathyQuinn 45:36, NickHodson 53:10, KyleeEarl 53:10, SarahMcKie 53:17, Nicky Semmler 53:17, Sep Marino 1:00:00, Darren FieldenNTR, Lynda Jones

Traralgon baseball thriller

BASEBALL

LVBA BY

RENAE GILLETT

FANS across the Latrobe Valley were treated on Sunday as Sale Rangers held off Traralgon Redsox in anail-biting8to7victory,while Moe Newborough Dodgers powered past Churchill Braves 11-4, with alategame offensive burst.

Theresultmoves Sale closer to Traralgonfor first place on the ladder.

 AT Kevin Lythgo Reserve, Sale Rangers leaned on astandout performance from Takuya Takahashi to edge out Traralgon Redsox in aback-and-forth contest.

Takahashi went three-for-fouratthe plate, launching asolo home run in the second inning, doubling in the first, and singling in the fourth.

He also appeared in relieftohelp closeout the game.

Sale jumped out to a4-0 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on apair of walks and a two-run groundout by Brad Taylor.

Takahashi's homer in thesecondextended the lead, but Traralgon responded with afour-run bottom half,highlighted by Jordan Gilmore's two-run double and Jay Ziersch's RBI single.

The Redsoxbriefly took the lead in the second, but Sale tied the game in the third with a Sammy Garcia RBI singleand regained control in the fifth on afielder's choice.

Despite alatepush, Traralgon couldn't complete the comeback.

Sale showed patienceatthe plate, drawing eight walks and stealing eight bases.

Garcia and Will Hector led with three walks

SCOREBOARD

Secretary OPEN STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Hayes, Gerard(5) 40

Grade BWinners: Howard,Bernard(15)40

Grade CWinners: Nestor,Nick(25) 41

Place Getters: Babet, Alain 39 C/B Jamieson, Justin 39, Veenman, Laurie 37 C/B,Johnson, Tony 37 C/B,Devent, Anton 37,Shippen, Tom36, Pickard,Andrew 35 C/B,Wilson, Graeme 35 C/B,Donaldson, Murray 35 C/B

Great score: Alain Babet Birdie @14, Anton Devent (Birdie) @8,Simon Stephens (Birdie) @8,Justin Jamieson (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th BernardHoward,8th VincentPowell, 14th Tony Johnson

MORWELL

Morwell Golf Club Ladies Wednesday 23rdJuly 2025 Stableford

Winner: JGriffith 35

DTL: IYoshimura31

NTP: 11th APollutro15th Lvan Rooy

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen's results -23/7/25

Stableford:

Winner: BevKeily(20) with 36 points

Runner-Up: Sue Klemke(13)with35points

DTL: June Tickell with 34 points and Lyn Powell with 30 points

NTP: 5th BevKeily11th Cheryl Deppeler

Gobblers: Sonia Roberts on the 17th and Jo Baker on the 16th

9-Hole players

Winner: KarenSwingler (31) with 17 points

Runner-Up: Sonia Roberts (44) with 16 points

Tuesday- 22/07/25-Stableford

Players: 18,Women 1, Men 17

Winner: Vic Hill (21)

Runner Up: Tony Shearer (20)

each, whileHector and Shotaro Morimotoeach swiped multiple bags.

 OVER at W.H. Burrage Reserve, Moe Newborough Dodgers broke open atight game with afive-run seventh inning to defeat Churchill Braves, 11-4.

Rhys McKenzie led the Braves with aperfect three-for-threeday at the plate, but it wasn't enough to hold off Moe's late surge.

Churchill took a2-0 lead in the third, aided by walks anda bases-loaded free pass to McKenzie

The Dodgers responded in the fifth with backto-back two-run singles from Nathan Simpson and Mitch McGrath.

The Seventh inning proved decisive, as Moe capitalized on two errors and timely hits from Jase Smith and Benn Zomer to put the game out of reach.

Simpson led the charge with four RBIs, while McGrath also contributed on the mound, allowing just three earned runs over six innings.

 IN BGrade,Traralgon Red Sox defeated Sale Rangers, 9-2, overcoming an early deficit, exploding for five runs in the sixth inning.

Moe Newborough Dodgers passed Morwell Cougars comfortably, 8-2 behind strong pitching and balanced hitting.

 FOR CGrade,Moe Newborough Dodgers overcame Morwell Cougars, 7-3 after afiverun fourth inning broke open atight contest. In ahigh-scoring intra-club battle, Churchill Braves Greenedged by Churchill Braves Gold, 9-8.

Check out www.lvba.com.au for upcoming schedules, all results and more about baseball.

DTL: Duane Baker (19), SteveKlemke(18), June Tickell (18)

NTP: Tony Shearer (5th)

Lucky Card: Glen Doolan

Thursday: 24/07/2025 -Stableford

Players: 48, Women 17,Men 31

Women’s Winner: Christine Payne (20 c/b)

Runner Up: Heather Savige (20 )

DTL: KarenMacGregor (18), Nola Fordham (18)Olwyn Balfour (18)

NTP: Helen Keith (13th)

Lucky Card: Anne Outhred

Men's Winner: SteveLawrence (23)

Runner Up: Tony Pitt(21 c/b)

DTL: Chris Barfoot (21),DaveRose (21)

Hank Fiddelaers(20),Duane Baker (19), Andy McCrorey (19),HaroldMcnair (19)

NTP: Hank Fiddelaers(13th)

LuckyCard: Al Gray

Friday, July25th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Kevin Ayton40 pts

BGrade Winner: John Butler 35 pts

DTL's: NickRowe39, Al De Dios 38, Garry Jansen 38, BarryDwyer 37,TonyGray37, PeterHobson 36, SteveKlemke35 C/B

Birdies: 2nd: Ryan Mortimer 5th: Dan Chapple,TonyGray11th: John Butler 13th: David Cook, Ian Duncan, Iain Luck, Tony Shearer,Tom Couling 15th: Mark Scammell

Saturday, July 26th, Par

AGrade Winner: Reno Borg+3C/B

BGrade Winner: Paul Massey+2

DTL’s: Shane Dwyer +3, Russ Grant +2, PeterBurghardt -1, Laurie Snowball -1, Ken

Street -2, Jordan Chapman -2 C/B

Eagle: 7th: Jordan Chapman

NTP’s: 2nd: TomWoodhouse5th:Mark

Ando 11th: PeterBurghardt 13th:John

Tabuteau 15th:Chad Mckie YALLOURN

Tuesday22-7-25 9Hole Stableford One Division winner: Maureen Bishop (46) 17 pts

Thursday24-7-25 July Monthly Medal & StokeEvent

Winner: Lola Carter 89/16/73

DTL: Deb Vuillermin 85/11/74, Sue Riches 106/31/75

NTP: 2nd Lola Carter,8th DebVuillermin, 12th Target hole Loretta Booth, 14th Sue Riches,16th Sue Caldow Gobbler: BetsyBrown 16th PISTOLS

TRARALGON Mon 14/7/245 Airpistol BGrade: WMcGlyn 511-71-582. Visitor: BMorris 316. Wed16/7/25 Centrefire

CGrade: CBenelli 497-97-594. DGrade: MHoward 423-316-739. D O'Rourke 378-269-647 25 mt pistol

DGrade: DVanDyke 326-162-422. Sat 19/7/25mornstandardpistol CGrade: CBenelli 494-79-573. DGrade: BCollins 459-111-570. DChandler 420-156-576. VBaldwin 323. Afternoon shoot Centrefire

DGrade: BGoodwin 416-137-553. 25 mtpistol CGrade: CBenelli 515-61-576. DGrade: KPeters434-132-566

Speed: Lucy Magaldi put in another goodperformance forthe Harriers. Photograph supplied

R Red hot delivery seals title for Moe

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA AND LIAM DURKIN

MOE UNITED celebrated after winning its ninth Latrobe Valley Soccer League championship.

The Red Devils secured the title with a4-nil victory over Monash last Sunday.

The result gives Moe an unassailable lead at the top of the LVSL ladder with one round to play. The Red Devils have the bye in the last round (to be played this weekend), and are five points clear of second-placed Traralgon Olympians.

It is Moe’s first league championship since2016.

Abrilliant first half of football saw the Red Devils takea3-nil lead intothe breakatMonash Reserve

In what was one of the largest crowds to ever attend aMoe versus Monash derby, the Red Devils’ defence, headed Lachie McKenzie, Chad Shelley, Noah Kane and Brendan Ruddell, repelled most of the Monash forward attacks, which gave the visiting forwards plenty of avenues to goal.

Moe got the breakthrough after10minutes of attacking soccer, culminating at the 23 minute mark.

Across into the box caused agoal scramble, which the Monash defence failed to clear properly, andan alert Noah Kane seized onto the ball and hammered it home from close range.

The Red Devils made it 2-nil after oneofthe more bizarre passages of play saw the keeper literally kick the ball straight to Moe striker Connor O’Hanlon.

O’Hanlon needed no invitation, and ran in to slot the easiest of chances.

At 42 minutes, Sceney collected aloose ball and then make arun on theright side to dribble his way past two Monash players, and unleashed an absoluteright foot thunderboltofadrive which rocketed into the roof of the goal with the keeper glued to his spot.

With the 2025 league championship virtually wrapped up, Moe Unitedset out to limit the chances of alate Monash revival, Up front in attack, O'Hanlonwas always a

constant threat, and was again in the play when he let loosewith another cracking drive which rattled the crossbar. The rebound was met by Matt Shearing, but his header attempt went over the crossbar.

Midway through the second half, arun up the leftbyShearing saw him illegally tackled by a Monash defender, and referee Kieran Lenders had no hesitation to award Moe United apenalty spot kick.

Despite calls from the crowd for club favourite and keeper, Peter Albanese to take the shot, O’Hanlon stepped up and made no mistake.

Albo showed there was nothing that could break his ageing body, even getting straight back to his feet after virtually being spear tackled in the first half.

O’Hanlon’s secondgoalcameafter 81 minutes, meaning there was little lefttodobut wait for the finalwhistle.

Subs were given arun around this time,with the game’s only sour note alateinjury to McKenzie forcing him off the field.

Winning coach,Lee Dastey waited until there was around two minutes left before taking in congratulations from the bench.

Asomewhat subdued celebration took place on the pitch, with just the league trophy presented.

Moe skippersShearing and LukeBathgate proudly lifted the championship trophy.

Moe players and officials will receivetheirmedals and Football Victoria banner once the season is officially over.

Best players on the day for the Red Devils were O'Hanlon, McKenzie, Sceney and Shelley.

AdamSemple put in acommendable effort for Monash.

IN other results, Olympians did their best to try and get ahead of Moe on goal difference, beating East Gippsland 12-nil in West Bairnsdale.

Olympians needed Moe to lose or at least draw their game to potentially win the league title.

Alradi Ali and Moni Ellaser returned from East Gippsland with hat-tricks.

Newborough/Yallourn put up agreat fightagainst

Churchill United bounced back from defeat, beating Sale United 2-nil on the road last Saturday night.

Goal scorers for the winners were Germaine Otleno and Kuku Mahammud.

The last round of the2025league season sees Traralgon City (coming off abye) host Monash, Churchill welcomes East Gippsland, Olympians and NYU clash at Harold Preston 2, while Falcons playsSaleUnited on the Morwell Football-Netball Club synthetic.

All games are this Sunday afternoon from 3pm.

More soccer -Page50

Falcons, losing 3-nil at Burrgae after holding last year’s champions to nil-all at the half.

Champions: MoeUnitedcelebrates afterwinning the Latrobe Valley Soccer League senior title

All yours: Winning coach, Lee Dastey (left) is presented the trophybyleague representative StephenBreheny

One step closer: Moe Untiedplayers areecstaticafter agoalputs them further in front.

Three time: MoeUniteddefender,Lachie

Just how did Olympians lose it?

SOCCER

LVSL

BY LIAM DURKIN

OLYMPIANS will receive abannerfrom Football Victoria for their efforts this season. However, seeing the words ‘runners up’ on the banner will have to cut deep.

That’s because by late May, Olympians seemingly had one hand on the Latrobe Valley Soccer League senior men's title. The team from Traralgon were three points clear on top of the ladder following victory over Moe in Round 10.

Truthfully,anyone who saw the manner in which Olympians took down the eventual champion 4-1 that night would have been convinced therewas going to be no stopping them.

As they say in footyhowever, premierships aren’t won in June.

That ended up being the Red Devils’ only loss for the season.

Olympians meanwhile took only two points from apossible nine between rounds 13 and 16.

Thereisnoquestion Olympians let slip agolden opportunity, yet it is also worth acknowledgingjust how far they have come as aclubinrecent years.

Olympians weren’t even in the senior grade three years ago.

Since then,the club has rebuilt fromthe ground up and is competitive in all grades. Olympians have the third division title in the bag, while its senior women’s team has gone from scoring one goal for the entire season last year to sitting mid-table this season.

Amazingly, seniormen’s coach,Anton Sbaglia is only 24 himself, and with a relatively youthful team at his disposal, brighter times could be on the horizon. Young teams often falter under pressure, and the experience,aswell as the disappointment of this season, could drive Olympians further.

Don’t forget, Moe United went through its share of setbacks before lifting this year’s title.

The Red Devils weredenied the championship in 2021 after the season wascut short, and were smashed 4-nil in last year’sBattle of Britain Cup Final.

In sport, there is usually adegree of things levelling out, and Moe United may feel this year’s success is some recompense.

1975,1976, 1977,1978, 1988, 1989, 2013,2016, 2025 On cloud 9

MOE UNITED SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS

Skill: Michael Melnyczenkoinaction during the championship-deciding game Photographs:

How Moe won it

Preseason

NOT many were talking up Moe United’s chances over summer.

The Red Devils entered season 2025 without as many as five key seniorplayers fromthe previous year. Included in the lot was best-and-fairest winner, Tanner Pyle (relocated), skipper Nick Fogarty (retired), Bayden Heusmann (whoventured to Gippsland United to try his hand at the next level), Joe Stewart (injured), and perhaps most notably, star striker Connor O’Hanlon.

Withthe outs far outweighing the ins,there was even suggestioncoachand past club great, Lee Dastey would have to come out of retirement. What many perhaps didn’t account for was the situation facing others clubs.

Traditionalpowerhouse Fortunadefectedtothe state league, while reigning champion Falcons 2000 were going to be without ahome ground for the second half of the season due to construction work at their ground (as part of Commonwealth Games legacy). Falcons had also openly admitted 2025 was going to be adevelopment year, meaning therace to the championshipwas much moreopen than first thought.

Rounds 1-2

MOE Uniteddidn’t give supporters much to get excited about in the first two rounds of the season. If anything, there was some cause for concern.

The Red Devils drew with both Olympians and Sale United, two teams who hadn’texactly set the world on fire in recent seasons.

Olympians were however toutedaspreseason favourites after aheavy recruiting drive, while it came to light Sale United had benefitted from a couple of interstate and even internationalrecruits seeminglyfallingintheir lap throughwork at the RAAF base.

Rounds 3-5

MOE got up and running between rounds three and five, putting acouple of teams to the sword.

With goal difference oftencriticalinthe long run, the Red Devils went on ascoring spree, finding the back of the net awhopping25times while conceding just one goal.

Much of this was down to O’Hanlon, who was coaxed out of retirement in Round 4.

Another decisive victory followed in Round 7, although Moe was made to earn the three points against Monash in Round 8, eventually getting up 4-2.

The Wolves have proven to be atricky team for the Red Devils in previous seasons.

Moe United would come to thank themselves for this weight of scoring as the season went deeper.

Rounds 10-11

ASENSE of déjàvugreeted Moe United in the middle of the season.

TheRed Devils were defeated4-1 by Olympians in Round 10, and had another draw against Sale the next week.

By that stage of the season, Olympians were three points clear on top of the table and with one hand on the title.

The odds for the Red Devils meanwhile only grew after splitting the points with Sale.

EvenDastey admitted the championship was looking unlikely following that game.

It had been atough fortnight for the coach, who was bizarrely red carded against Olympians and forced to coach from the grandstand.

Round6 andRound 15

REMARKABLY, two of the greatest escapes ever likely to be seen in sport came against the same opponent.

Down 2-nil against Falcons on acold Saturday night in May, the Red Devils fought back to win 3-2, in aperformance described by someplayers as the best they had pulled off in anumberofyears.

The usually subdued Dastey even did aJurgen Klopp celebration as the third goal was scored. Scenes were even more euphoric following the Round 15 win against Falcons.

Faced with the same deficit and needing to win to keep their title hopesalive,Moe United scored the winner in thelastminute, capping off an incredible day in front of past players, and for legendary keeper, PeterAlbanese, celebrating his 50-year playing career.

To think, literal seconds was all that potentially determined Moe United’s eventual championship.

Rounds 16-17

WITH life injected into their season and Falcons out of the championship race, thingsthen fellMoe United’s way.

Olympians was the only other team left standing, however the team from Traralgon could only manage draws against Churchill and Monash in rounds 15 and 16.

The equation meant the odds were suddenly in favour of the Red Devils, who (with abye in the last round) simply needed to win their last two matches to clinch the title.

Moe Uniteddid just that, and in fact,came home with awet sail, winning their last five games.

-compiled by Liam Durkin

Angles: Connor Dastey takesacorner

Liam

Our ball: Noah Kane takesathrow in.

LEADER AD BOARD BOAR