StationOne reigned supreme afterwinningthe Traralgon Cup.The win sparkedemotionalscenes from LottieMarrand Stephanie Cording (inset), as theLiam HowleyRacingstable celebratedanother triumph at Latrobe Valley Racing Club RACING, FASHIONS, SOCIAL SNAPS -INSIDE
By AIDAN KNIGHT
LATROBE City councillors Sharon Gibson and Dale Harrima nh ave swapped positions.
Cr Gibson will lead council after winning last Thursday's mayoral election, while Cr Harriman will serve as her deputy.
The night’s first sign of division came when the mayoral nominations opened, with Cr Harriman(representing Loy Yang Ward) and Cr Leanne Potter (Budgeree) speaking over each other in their haste to nominate for mer deputy mayor Cr Gibson and first-term councillor Cr Steph Morgan (Yallourn) respectively.
Cr Gibson’s nomination was seconded by Cr Adele Pugsley (Moe); Cr Morgan’s by Cr Darren Howe (Tyers).
The vote ultimately fell five-four in favourofCrGibson.Councillors Pugsley, Bar nes (Bo ola rB oola ), Ca mpb ell (Jeerlang), Harriman and Gibson supportingher, whileMorgan,Potter, Howe and Lund (Morwell River) backed Morgan.
The same 5-4 split would repeatfor the deputy mayoral vote.
Followingthe vote, the new madam mayor took her seat to chair the meeting. Immediately therewas arough start to her mayoral term, after she was called to order by her Cr Morganfor skipping akey step in thedeputy mayorprocess.
Cr Gibson attributed the confusion to arunning sheet that was “not up to speed”, fumbling through sections with long pauses and even muttering into the microphone, “it’s hard to get good help these days.”
This step pertained to the speech time deputy mayoral candidates are entitled to under the Local Government Act.
This wasCrGibson's second procedural misstep, after she'd mistakenly askedCr Morgan to second her own nomination for deputy, to which Cr Morgan calmly repliedshe wouldinstead accept the nomination, as permitted, while allowing Cr Howe to second.
Cr Harriman was nominated by Cr Pugsley, seconded by Cr Campbell. Cr Potter nominated Cr Morgan once again, seconded by Cr Howe.
Cr Morgan surprised the room by also nominating Cr Campbell -amember of the Harriman–Gibson voting bloc, though Cr Campbell swiftly declined.
“I’m not really ready for it,” she said.
Cr Harriman kept his pitch short, saying he felt he could provide good support given he was the previous mayor.
Cr Morgan’sspeech wasthe most pointed of the nigh t. She direct ly addressed what many in the community -and withincouncil -perceive as two clear blocs. She spoke about the energy transition, the upcoming state election and the need for fresh momentum.
“Cominginto this term,wehad five new councillorselected, and Ithink that showsanappetitefor fresh, new dynamic leadership,” she said.
“I think we are missing outonan opportunitytobring an energy and enthusiasm from newer councillors.”
Cr Morganthen deliveredthe clearest acknowledgment yet of the council’s internal divide:
“It would be agood show of unity,
and agood show of what former Mayor Harriman said earlier tonight -aunited group," she said.
"I think that having two leaders from whatsomesay in the community are ‘two distinct groups within the council’ shows that that’s not actually the case -that we’re grown-ups, that we respect this role andthe positions of leadership to work very hard to create apositive, thriving Latrobe City.”
She said ablended leadershipteam wouldbenefit “not justthe oldguard, not just the new guard -everybody.”
Despite her appeal, the numbers remained unchanged.
Cr Harriman won the deputy mayoralty 5-4, with light-hearted laughter filling the chamber when Cr Howe jokingly attempted to raise both hands to give Cr Morgan an extra vote. She may have swung, but the bloc held.
Continued -Page36
By LIAM DURKIN
SOMETIMES the bestman forthe job is awoman
That is thecase for fiveofsix local councils across Gippsland who have elected female mayors.
Leading their respective councils in 2026 will be Sharon Gibson (Latrobe City), Kate Wilson (Baw Baw), Cindy Madeley (Wellington), Jodie Ashworth (East Gippsland) and Rochelle Halstead (Bass).
The odd one out is South Gippsland Mayor Nathan Hersey, who will be doubly busy as the chair of advocacy group One Gippsland.
Withwomen now occupyingvirtuallyevery mayoral position in Gippsland,itiscleartraditional societal roles are long gone.
That mayoral elections are completed by fellow councillors,itisalsoclear the appointments are far from simple token gestures either.
Shooting from the hip as always, the newly-elected Latrobe City mayorbelievedgender was irrelevant.
“We all have different viewpoints that we bring to thetable,itisgood to havethe different viewpoints, but Ialsodon’t stand that ‘it’s got to be afemale’," Mayor Gibson said. "If there is abetter person for the job, it shouldn’t come down to their gender."
Mayor Gibson also rejected suggestion fellow councillors or constituents wouldtakeiteasy on women mayors.
Federal Member for Monash Mary Aldred, herself the first female member of the electorate, including itspredecessor McMillan, congratulated those now wearing the mayoral ribbon.
“Women are well represented across all three levels of government in our community,” she said.
“It’s pleasingtosee anumberofwomen cominginto mayor and deputy mayorroles, joining anumber of women at stategovernment level, likeMelina Bath,who does such agreat jobfor our region.”
With more women now in power, it runs in stark contrast to aprevious generation. Anyone watching 1950s sitcoms like ILove Lucy (especially the episode on equal rights) or Leave It To Beaver,would surely be aghast.
In an episode of the latter, the male matriarch plainlysaystohis son: “a woman’s place is in her home, as long as she’s in the home she might as well be in the kitchen.” (Can you imagine the backlash if that was broadcast today?)
It is saidthey are called manhours because a woman can get all the work done in 20 minutes.
Gippslanders therefore can perhaps expect much more efficient councils in 2026.
Voice: Latrobe CityMayor,Sharon Gibson, wearing pur ple and whiteinhomage to the Suffragette movement during her runatthe 2022 stateelection.
Upset: Traralgon business owners arepushing backagainstcouncil’sproposed Streetscapes Strategy,which wouldsee theremovalofmorethan 50 car parks in the CBD
Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt
By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
CONSENSUS seems to have been met regarding Latrobe City Council's Streetscapes Strategy, which would see the removalofmorethan70 carpark spaces in each of the major central business districts in the municipality.
The proposal hits Traralgon CBD the most, with an attempt to beautify the surrounding townships with more tree canopies meaning the potential of 52 carparks lost in an area routinely jam-packed.
Local businesses withinthe Traralgon CBD, who'vealready recognised this issuewith customers, are beginning to push back.
Owner of Traralgon News and Lotto, Gary Garth and owner of Ramsay'sHairdressers,Mark Ramsay flagged the issue following the proposal's announcementatthe Septembercouncil meeting.
"Retail's tough enoughasitisatthe moment,but Itell you what, this sort of policy will definitely not help the retailbusinesses that are doing it tough," Mr Garth told the Express
"At the moment, we have people come in and say 'we've been around the block three/four times until we finally got acarpark', you take another 52 out, there'll be people (that) drive around and then they won't come in."
Mr Garth said that upwards of 300 people who've come into his store have voiced their frustrations about the streetscapes proposal.
He added that local businesses and residents alike were "stunned" by the proposal, seemingly coming out of nowhere.
"Whatare they trying to do? Drive people away? We just can't understand why somethinglikethis would be proposed from council because that's not helping local business and it's not helping people shop locally," he said.
Mr Ramsay questioned why Traralgon would be subjected to the carparking slash the most, considering how hard it already is to find one.
"Every business will be effected," he said.
Mr Ramsay, who has worked within the Seymour Arcade for more than 40 years, added that council haven'tbeentransparentenough with effected businesses regarding these removals.
"It verges on vindictiveness we haven't been consulted at all," he said.
"The continual denigrating of the parking over the last15years we actuallylost one out of every six car parks about 10 years ago."
The construction of the Kay Street multi-level carpark scheduledtobecompleted by mid-2026 is said to alleviatethis issue with an additional 430 spaces available.
However, many business owners stillhave concerns for their elderly customers frequenting the CBD, who would then have to walk alonger way to get to shops.
Mr Ramsay contendedthat there should actually be more carparks along the street, specificallymore disability car spots.
David Panther, owner of PanthersMenswear (which hasshops in Traralgon and Moe) sent ad eta iled messag et oc ounc il opposing the streetscapes proposal.
"I just think it defies logic," he said.
"Our business has been here along time it's sort of ground zero here in the CBD (Traralgon shop is positioned on the corner of the Franklin Street-SeymourSttrafficlights) and there are always parking issues here, but there's parking issues right throughout the CBD."
Mr Panther welcomes the new multi-level carparks in the area, the other on Seymour St, but said there is still people shopping at the opposite end of the CBD having issues finding aspot.
That problem for locals even extends into the early hours of the business day.
"There is apremium of parking, there (are) people thatare doing laps from earlyinthe morning right through until mid to late afternoon that time between 10(am) and 4(pm) is really hard," he said.
Mr Panther also suggested that more signage be posted along the Princes Highway to better help identify the carpark facilities for visitors to the region.
This wasasentiment that correlated withMr Ramsay, who said many customers coming from out of town are not aware that the Seymour St site is afree carparking space.
Both Mr Panther and Mr Ramsay highlighted the additional issue of the existing plain trees along the streetscapes,which they argue have not been well kept with its root base pushed up into theconcrete.
"They're not maintained properly as is," Mr Ramsay said.
All-in-all, Mr Panther wants to see local decisionmakers listen to the community's concerns.
"I justbelieve thatthe councillors would see logic andlisten to their constituents, and also their ratepayers, and try and accept the fact that reducing the car spots in the CBD by over 50 car spots is areally silly idea," he said.
The latest Kay St multi-level carparkisa part of the state government's Regional Car Park Fund, which is said to deliver 900 new car spaces across Traralgon, Morwell and Moe.
The date stated Saturday13December Correct date: Sunday14December
Moe Baptist Church Christmas Event Sunday 14th December
60-62 Fowler St ,Moe
6.00pm Barbeque and Children’s Activities
7.00pm Carols
Supper to follow
All Welcome Contact no: 0494 333 776
Morwell St Mary’s Anglican Church Family Christmas Carols Service With Morwell Citizens Band &Soloist 7pm 6L atrobe Road, Morwell
Belong Church Moe
Special Carol Service 10am
All welcometojoin us Shaw’s Arcade, Level 1, 36 George Street ,Moe
STAFF WRITERS
RECENTLY, the state government introduced new legislation that will make it aserious crime to assault or threaten workers in retail, hospitality, fast-food or transport settings -carrying penalties of up to five years’ jail for assault and up to six months for threats or intimidation.
The new policy also applies to front-of-house and back-of-housestaff, as well as delivery and rideshare drivers. WorkplaceProtection Orders for wholeworkplaces are set to be introducednext year.
The move hits home for many employed in the Latrobe Valley, as most people at some pointin their lives have worked in retail or hospitality.
This is reflected even in the newsroom of the Express, where each reporter spent time in one of the two service sectors prior to ajournalistic career.
Junior reportersAidan Knight,Katrina Brandon and Blake Metcalf-Holt enteredwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, whenstrict protocols, customer anxiety and supply chain issues created ahigh-pressure environment.
Manycan relate to the storiesthey can tell about the stress and the vulnerability that comes when you wear aname badge and interact with the public under pressure.
Mr Knighttells of his stint in highschool as aretail assistant at awell-known campingand fishing chain.
"When you’re younginretail, everyshift matters," he said.
"The very first customer Iserved was averbally abusive one, who was upset that we didn't sell a product that didn't actually exist, and that shows justhow quicklyyou getthrown into thedeep endto adjust to behaviours that are consideredantisocial elsewhere."
Rural reporterKatrina Brandon, who worked in a South Gippsland supermarket, said the challenges were not always physical, but often mental.
“Being behind the deli case meant customers couldn’t get too close, but the pressure was still there,” she said.
“In small regional towns, customers expect you to knoweverything,and the mental loadcan
really build.” Later, working hospitality shifts in Melbourne, she said safety concerns intensified. Travelling home past midnight after back-of-house shifts.
“As awoman heading home late, you’re always alert. You learn to clutch your keys, look around constantly -it’s draining.”
Sports reporter Blake Metcalf-Holtwas one of manyrural kids who workedavarietyofpart-time jobs through and after high school.
"There are many positives, and many nuisances, when dealingwith the public in the hospitality space," he said.
"You learn critical communication skills and begin to understand responsibilities in awork environment, but more importantly, build perseverance when in situations with frustrated customers.
"You are requiredtobiteyour tongue however, my own experience is alot of passive aggressiveness"
Express editor Liam Durkin also worked in retail during the ‘between jobs’ phaseimmediately postuniversity, selling and delivering furniture.
With that came the need for agreat deal of patience dealing with some interestingcharacters from allwalks of life.
“Plenty of Karens before the phrase was common,” Mr Durkin surmised.
“From the countless time wasters to the people who uttered ‘I’veseen it cheaper down the road’, you were certainly given acrash course in diplomacy.”
There was however somehumorous moments, notably whenever devices of certainpurposes were spotted on bedside tables.
Like many, he sympathiseswith retail staff,and hopes the new laws will better support those who perform this at times thankless work.
Industry groupshavewelcomed the move.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) Victorian BranchSecretary Michael Donovan said: “Our members have been subject to torrents of abuse, harassment and intimidation…the government’s legislation has taken longer than we would have liked.”
The message from this part of the state is clear: it’s not just about serving customers, it’s about ensuring the job is safe.
ONE year to the state election baby.
With last Friday (November 28) marking one year until the state election, the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has released its draft service plan for the 2026 vote.
The plan outlines how the VEC proposes to deliver its biggest election ever. It alsoincludes several changestomeet increasing demand, ensuring the votingexperience is secureand efficient right across Victoria from start to finish.
"Electionstoday cannotlook the same as they didadecade ago," Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said.
"This plan sets out the significant changes underway to ensure everyVictorian cantakepart in afair, accessible and trusted election.’
The report proposes several enhancements to the electoral process, including:
Increasing the number of early voting centres to about 220 to meet growing demand;
Extending centre opening hours to 8pm for most days of the early voting period;
Broadening the use of electronic roll mark-off to respond to ballot paper demand in real time, and;
Enhancing inclusive voting options with additional mobile voting sites in the community and low-sensory mobile voting locations in every district.
"We are entering anew phase of election delivery," Mr Bluemmel said.
"This service model is adirect response to community expectations, the growing demandfor change, and the recommendations put forward by Parliament’s Electoral Matters Committee. It sets the foundation for how we must evolvetomeet the challenges of today and tomorrow."
The full report is available at:vec.vic.gov.au/ about-us/publications
COURAGE, collaboration, and community spirit took centre stage at the 2025 Gippsland Primary Health Awards, where Gippsland health professionalscametogether to celebrate excellence and innovation in primaryhealthcare.
Presented by GippslandPHN, the awards recognise and celebrate Gippsland health professionals and organisationswho make atangible difference to their communities.
HeldatFederation University,Churchill last month, the awards were presented alongside Gippsland PHN’s annual meeting, shining a spotlight on the people and organisations turning challenges intoopportunitiesfor better health across the region.
Gue st speak er Dr Der kP ol, Dire ctor of CardiologyatLatrobe Regional Health, announced this year’s fiveexceptional winners, selected from an inspiring field of nominees representing the strength, diversity, and passionofGippsland’s healthcare community.
“We had an outstanding calibre of applicants this year,” Gippsland PHN Chief Executive Amanda Proposch said.
“Our theme, Challenge to Courage, reflects the unique challengesour regionalcommunities face. These awards celebrate those who turn obstacles into opportunities-innovating, improvingquality, strengthening workplace culture, and building partnerships that deliver better health outcomes for Gippsland.Their work is an inspiration to us all.”
Awardwinnersinthe four categories were:
Courageous Innovation: Buchan Bush
Nursing Association
Courageous Pursuit of Quality: Wellways
Australia
WELLWAYS Australia’s Mental Health in Aged Care (MHiAC) program delivers compassionate, evidence-informed mentalhealthsupportfor older adults across Gippsland. Operating within residential aged care facilities and through community outreach, the program provides tailored therapeutic carethat helps residentsadaptto new environments and maintain their wellbeing.
Driven by acourageous commitment to quality, the MhiAC program embeds continuous improvement and co-design at every level -engaging participants, families, and partners to refine and enhance services in real time.
Through strong collaboration with agedcare facilities, primary health providers,and community organisations, the program ensures coordinated, person-centred care that is accessible, flexible, and grounded in lived experience.
Courageous Culture(joint winners):
Yallambee Traralgon Village forthe Aged YALLA MBE Eh as bui lt ac ou rage ous , values-driven workplace where staff wellbeing, engagement, and professional growth are central. By fostering open communication, recognition,and development opportunities, the organisation has createda resilient, motivated team whose culture directly enhances care quality for residents. Their focus on mental health, leadership, and
YVETTE Brand, editor of the Warragul Drouin Gazette,was recently elected to the Victorian Country Press Association (VCPA) board of directors at itsannual general meeting.
Board chair and Colac Herald proprietorAndrea Graham said "Yvette's 35 years' experience as a regional journalist and editor will add an additional dynamic to the board and Ilook forward to working with her to help secure our industry's future."
Victorian Country Press Australia has astrong foothold in Gippsland.
Late Latrobe Valley Express General Manager, Bruce Ellenwas VCPApresident from1998to 2000, and gave more than 30 years' commitment to the organisation.
Gazetteproprietor Keith Hopkinswas also a former president (1963-1965), as was his son Brian Hopkins (1984-1986).
All three are life members of VCPA. Keith's son and Brian's brother, is Express senior reporter Philip Hopkins.
Current Gazette general manager and Brian's stepson, Andrew Schreyer is also apast VCPA chairman (2021-2023) and remains on the board.
Oddly enough, the tiny hamlet of Thorpdale has produced the two editors on either side of the Latrobe City/Baw Baw Shire boundary. Brand and current Express editor Liam Durkin both grew up in the potato farming town.
Long-established senior journalist Laura Poole (formerly of ABC, Sale) also comes from 'Thorpy'.
inclusion has strengthened retention, morale, and collaboration, proving that astrong, supportive culture is the foundation for sustainable, highquality aged care. Cure and Care Family Practice, Drouin were the other winners.
Courageous Partnerships: Orbost Regional Health
“AT the heart of these courageous organisations and programs are people leading with resilience, creativity, and acommitment to ahealthier future for Gippsland,” Ms Proposch said.
“Congratulations to all our winners and nominees.”
Hi, Im Jeff from TM&H Mitre 10, Moe. After 50 years in hardware, gardening has become a passion of mine!
To close out the year, were bringing you something special, featuring afamiliar face. If you havent noticed already, werebig fans of our locals. Donna Nieuwenhuys is no exception.
Donna joins us with her favourite summer garden advice. After 15 years working side by side, Ican honestly say her mix of experience and genuine passion is something you dont come across often. JeffreysDecemberTips
This month is all about protecting your garden from overheating.
Swap
or terracotta
Move pots away from reflective heat
Add water crystals to hanging baskets
Protect Young Plants from Sunburn
Use temporary shade clothtunnels on hot days
Move small pots under eaves during 30°C+ weather
Mist foliage early morning
Christmas Gift Plants That Survive Summer
Native Christmas Bush
Dwarf lemon trees
Flowering kangaroo paw
Hardy succulents
Set Up aHoliday Auto-Watering Plan
Use drip lines, tap timers or self-watering spikes
Group pots together for sharedshade
Mulch pots with stones or bark
Help Prevent Visits from Snakes December is peak snake season, so keep the garden open and tidy so theres nowhere for them to settle.
Keep grass short
Liftshrub skirts
Clear clutter and wood piles
Secure pet and chook food
Fix water leaks
Seal gaps around sheds and fences
Smart Watering
Lets talk watering during the hot days. Skip the quick sprinkle; your plants need adeep drink right to the roots. Early morning is best, and if youre standing there long enough for your mind to wander, youre probably doing it right.
If the soil is repelling water, use awetting agent. Irate Yates Waterwise Soil Wetter; it helps water soak in properly. Deep watering plus awetting agent equals happier plants.
Mulch: Your Gardens Summer Quilt Ialways say mulch is adoona for the soil.It keeps the temperature steady and stops the ground from drying out too fast. Two simple things happen when you mulch:
1. The soil stays cooler
2. Water stays in the ground
for
By PHILIP HOPKINS
HEYFIELD farmer and inventor Fred Sundermann's own innovative water turbine has won amajor environmental technology award in the Asia-Pacific region.
Sundermann Water Power will feature in the upcoming issueasthe 'TopRenewableWater TurbineTechnology' in APAC 2026 in the edition of Energy Tech Review APAC The accolade includes alogo and other benefits for $US2500.
Mr Sundermann's company is the sole business to receive the accolade in the edition. The editor, Ana Castillo, informing Mr Sundermannofhis success, said the feature would highlight the unique strengths that set his company apart.
"The profile will emphasise your expertisein leveraging cutting-edgetechnologytoinnovate and deliverexceptional outcomes for clients," she said.
"We'll showcase real-world examples of how you have optimised energy production, improved sustainability efforts and significantly impacted theenergy industry."
Mr Sundermann has produced technology that can pump the water back uphillwithout using fossil fuel energy.
“We’ve designed aturbinethat’s slow-revving. We have done one that produces 25 horsepower driveand afive horsepower turbinethat turns into apump. With aone-metre head on the larger one, we can push thewater up 12 metres fossil-free,” said Sundermann, who livesbetweenCowwarr and Heyfield.
“We don’t have to have agenerator like now; we can do it via turbine to turbine, which saves theloss of electricity and is much more efficient.”
The water pump is mechanically driven by a modular micro hydro turbine that uses the free flowofariverorstream. Aprototypehas been
made by aMorwell light and heavy engineering manufacturer, Firmins Lane Engineering, which builds and maintains turbines for Snowy Hydro. The submerged water turbine,which drives agenerator, has been specifically designed to maximise operational efficiency in slow to medium water flows of 6-12 knots. Mr Sundermann said this concept -the generator driven by the water turbine utilising the water flow controlled by the operator -isideal where grid powerisunavailable or unreliable, or becoming too expensive,orcan be supplemented from accessible water flows. By generating freeelectrical energy from stream flows, potentialapplicationsinclude remote off-grid locations and communities; irrigation channels and pipelines for on-farm use -generator output can be matched to flow periods; waste/wastewater treatment plants; or tidal areas where the water flow reverses direction about every six hours. Each turbine delivers up to 100 KW of power, and multiple turbines can be combined to form alarger workingunit, or “bank” delivering up to 1MWper bank. The technology’s advantage over other turbines is that the power blades tilt during arotating cycle. The turbine has aunique design;its efficiency is achieved by the tilting of the power blades during the rotating cycle. The blades rotate half arevolution for each full rotation of the central shaft.
Ms Castillosaidthe print and digital publication, which has69,000 qualified subscribers across APAC,covers the entire spectrum of theindustry. It brings in-depth news, insights and analysis of the latest advancements in the energy industry. Mr Sundermann's inclusion in the publication is basedonnominations fromsubscribersand athorough review by its selection panel. This includes theeditorialboard, senior executives and experts from this field.
By AIDAN KNIGHT
NATIONALS Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath, is calling out the state governmentfor its guttingofthe Victoria Fishing Authority.
Ms Bath's criticism of the cuts made to fishery officer positions, resources, and the powers bestowed upon them, accuses the state government of opening up waterways to criminal activity to an extent they have not been exposed to before, and is agoverning oversight.
These cuts were announcedonMay 20 this year andwere apart of the state government's 20 per cent reduction of natureprotection as awhole, which also affected Parks Victoria, as previously reported in the Express and Gippsland Farmer “Westernport, Gippsland Lakes and Port Welshpool communities rely heavily on commercial and recreational anglers to support their livelihoods," Ms Bath said.
The VictorianFisheries Authority’s latest annual report showsrecreationalangler licenseand catch-limit checks fell by 35 per cent in 2024-25, dropping from 43,877 inspections the previous year to 28,395. Offences detected fell by 36 per cent. The Opposition argues that this decline reflects not better behaviour, but adiminished enforcement capacity.These new figures show enforcement is at
its lowest in years. In its defence, the VFA told the Express: “Most people in thefishing communityare doing the right thing -there is 90 per cent compliance with our fishing rules and regulations. The Victorian Fisheries Authority’s workforce changes enable us to continue to protect our fisheries while focusingmore on major fisheries crime and engaging with the recreational fishing community in a way that positions them for long-term success.”
Further, the VFA said it has launched aMajor Fisheries Crime Unit specifically to target organised illegal fishing -the very behaviour Ms Bath fears will rise with reduced frontline presence. The unit has been given extra resources “so they can focus on thosedeliberately doing the wrong thing.” These reformscameafter consultation,and the VFA says that despite the wider cuts, fisheries officers remain authorised officers;they still carry badges, issue fines, and can carry out inspections. Forregional communitiesacross Gippsland, the issue is more than environmental;it’seconomic and social. If enforcement weakens, locals say, the risk to fisheries grows, and so does the threat to the livelihoods of those who depend on them. The Express asked VictorianMinisterfor the Environment Steve Dimopoulos for comment, but did not receive aresponse before going to print.
YOUNG Gippslanders are taking the lead to support their peers to ditch vapes in anew campaign that shares real, unfiltered experiences of vaping harms.
No Filter: Real Stories Gippsland is ayouth-led campaign aimingtomakeanti-vaping messages relatable to young people living in Gippsland.
The campaign will start with ashowcase event at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, featuring apanel discussion with young participantsand representatives from partner agencies.
So far, 28 youngpeople fromGippsland havebeen involved in aco-design process creating relatable, evidence-informed, anti-vaping messages thatare grounded in local experiences.
Traralgon teen Darcy Stockdale is adding his voice after having seen the effects of vaping on his family and close friends.
Darcy said traditional anti-smoking messaging were not cutting through with young people.
“Traditional messaging has just been disengaging young people from the discussion. We’ve heard that young people want to see other young people talking about these issues,” the 19-year-old said.
“Most of my friends vape, even if they do it socially.
“This started to affect me, even though Idon’t partake in thehabit. Many people don’t understand the effects of second-hand vaping in low-ventilation areas.”
Feedback from other young people has revealed they feel “talked downto” in vaping discussions, and they want “more conversations, fewer lectures”.
Gippsland has the highest regional rate of smoking in Victoria at 16.5 per cent,whichisalso higher than the state’s average. Vaping is agrowing public health issue, particularly in young people.
The campaign was developed with participants working alongside creative agency YLAB to produce social marketing material.
It will be rolled out through social media and community networks in late November,coupled with ashowcase event in Traralgon featuring a panel discussion with participants and partners.
No Filter: Real Stories Gippslandispart of VicHealth’s state-wide Collective Impactinitiative, which supports councils, health organisations, schools and communitypartners to meetyoung people where they are, with information about vaping harms.
It was funded throughaVicHealth Vaping PreventionGrant and delivered in partnership withLatrobe City, BassCoast, Baw Baw,East Gippsland, South Gippsland and Wellington shire councils, and the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU).
GRPHU Acting Prevention and Population Health Manager Nilay Kocaali said this project demonstrates the power of partnerships in public health.
“This campaign shows what’spossible when Gippsland works together,” Ms Kocaali said.
“By takingaplace-based approach, we’ve been able to draw on the strengths and stories of our own communities to create something that truly resonates with young people across the region.”
The No Filter: Real Stories Gippsland showcases will be at GPAC Traralgon, tomorrow (Thursday, December 4) from 5pm to 7pm.
Leaders: Youngpeopleacross the region are united in their causeagainstvaping Photograph supplied
ONE POINTERS
1. If Iwas visiting the town of Beechworth, what statewould Ibein?
2. Which American rapper carried the Olympic torchatthe 2024 Paris games?
3. In the phonetic alphabet, whatwordrepresents the letter Z?
4. Whatisthe largestorgan inside the human body?
TWOPOINTERS
5. WhatINXSsong is playedatall Port Adelaide home games?
6. Howmanybeef patties areonaBig Mac?
7. In England, what ‘Top Gear ’presenter hosts ‘Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
8. Whatisthe processofadding yeasttodough to createcarbon dioxide bubbles?
THREE POINTER
9. Which continent has the mostcountries?
10.Beginning with ‘S’ Italy’stwo largest island areSicilyand what
11. Who is the local female basketballer who has been playing with the Washington Mystics?
12. Gwen Stefani is married to whichwell known country singer?
FOUR POINTER
13. Whatisthe longestriver in Asia?
14. Whathormone regulatessleep?
FIVE POINTER
15. Name the songs from these song lyrics.
1. Don’t askmewhatyou knowistrue.
2. Something’sgot ahold of me lately
3. Nowlook at them yo-yos, that’sthe way youdoit.
4. One thing, Idon’t knowwhy.Itdoesn’t even matter howhard youtry
5. Well,Idon’t have as manyfriends because I’m notaspretty as Iwas.
Howdid youfare?
37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 21-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books.
dinia;ar:S10 11: Jade Melbourne; 12: 3:;1onltheeSBlak engtzYa er;Riv 14: nin;toMela 15: erev.N-1 arTe Us Apart; -2. seLo ol;ntrCo eyon.M-3 othing;rNfo -4. In The End; -5. The ainptCa
oria;ict:V:1rsweAns 2: Snoop Dog; 3: Zulu; 4: er;Liv 5: earrTveNe Us Apart; 6: o;Tw 7: larkson;yCemJer 8: entation;rmFe 9: cariAf
Howtoplay
Using the9 lettersin thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list? Thecentrelet termust be included andeach letter maybeused onlyonce. No colloquialorforeign words. No capitalisednouns, apostrophesorplural wordsending in ‘s’.
First Saturday of the month Next Market: Saturday,6 December 9am -1pm
36 Ashby Street Trafalgar
Over 60 stalls of we make it, we bake it and we sew it. Alarge range of organic produce and much more!
More info at facebook.com/ Trafalgar Farmers Market
Second Saturday each month September to May Next Market:
Saturday 13 December 8am -1pm
Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Craft and Second-hand Goods
Make It! Bake It! GrowIt!
New Stallholders welcome info@marketrehcorkclub.org
REH Cork Club Craft Market page on Facebook
Third Saturday of the month, October to April
Next Market: Saturday, 20 December 8.30am – 1.00pm
TAFE Gippsland Car Park, Queen St, Warragul
More info at facebook.com/ BawBawArtsAlliance/
CHRISTMAS TWILIGHT MARKET
60 PLUS STALLS
Saturday 6December 8am -1pm
36 George Street, Moe 25+ STALLHOLDERS
TRFM Street Team Christmas mini photo sessions Giveaways +more! Formore info visit us on Facebook or Instagram Shaws Arcade PopUpMarket
Friday 19 December
36 Ashby Street, Trafalgar
Enjoyanevening of festive fun, local stalls, food, music, and community spirit!
Santa will be there at 6pm on his fire truck and there will be inflatable rides for the kids!
More info at facebook.com/Trafalgar Farmers Market
Tue-Wed &Fri-Sat
Open 10:00am -4:00pm
NOW OPEN until 7:00pm each Thursday for aTwilight Market! Home to 100+ Small Businesses! Traralgon’sfirst and only upscale indoor market!
Located in the Seymour / Hotham Street Arcade, Traralgon Phone -0477 156 480 emporium3844@gmail.com
Open 6Days aWeek! Closed on Monday Tuesday10am-Friday,Open -4pm
AFTER afortnight of campaigning and afew days of voting, Trafalgar HighSchoolannounced its 2026 school captains: Imogen Riley, Xavier Mether, Brodie Forrest, Zak Larkin and Brodie Gauci.
These young leaders will take on the role of student voice in the school community including on the school council, the school curriculum committee and representation on behalf of students at staffmeetings.
The team will also support the student leadership structureofTrafalgar High School, which includes the student representative council and specialist area teams such as the house captains, who run major sporting days in the school, and the music captains,who run aseriesofvisiting band and open mic music nights.
In his campaign, Xavier Mether said, “I hope to be school captain in 2026 so that Ican give back to an amazing school community of staff, students and everyone who has provided me opportunities to grow, not only academically, but as aperson and as aleader.
Brodie Gaucishared: "It’s(Trafalgar High School) the place where I’ve created unbreakable relationships with friends and teachers for my social life and it'sgivenmethe opportunity to develop a sense of independence to learn and make my own decisions for my future."
Imogen Riley, whocampaigned on IT equipment loaning systems and review of bell times said: “I
want to be school captain because Ibelieve the role should be more than just representation. Aschool captainshould actively drive positive change and reform,workingcollaborativelywithstudents, staffand council to improve our school through direct action."
Zak Larkin noted, “Being from Traf, I care for the school and would lovetomakechanges and make it greater than it already is. Ilove being a part of ateam and that is exactly whatthisrole is.” BrodieForrest told his constituents “Because of my background as aformer Australian Air Force Cadet, my greatest strength is to be able to willingly listen to others, and to be able to work in teams with effective communication."
In congratulating the elected captains, principal Brett Pedlow said “These outstanding students have been chosen for their leadership qualities, commitment to our schoolcommunity, and positive vision for the year ahead.”
"Student voice plays apartinall of ourschool life. The captains take on leadership roles in arange of committees and governance bodies, ensuring nothing at Trafalgar High School is decided without students having input.”
Trafalgar youngsters have also become leaders in the community, withZak Larkinand Brodie Gaucibothactive players for Trafalgar Cricket Club and Trafalgar Football-Netball Club.
AN e-petition,signedbymore than than 43,000 people concerned by the Emergency Services and VolunteersFund (ESVF) levy, has been tabled in state Parliament.
The Liberals and Nationals say they will be fighting in Parliament for the 43,748 people who signed Victoria’s largest-ever parliamentary e-petition -and every other Victorian -calling for the government to scrapits emergency services tax.
According to the Opposition,the government's $3 billion ESVF levy comes during acost-ofliving crisis, yet emergencyservices continued to be short-changed.
government trying to plug holes in the budget," he said.
Member for Western Victoria, Joe McCracken, who sponsored the petition, saidthe petition sent aclear message to Premier Jacinta Allan and her government.
"Take country people for granted at your own peril,” he said.
“The petition gives avoice to Victorians who cannot afford another Labor cash grab. Many are worried about paying the new tax and even losing their farm.
A great variety of handmade crafts, plants and gifts. Friday, 12 December 4pm - 8pm Waterloo Park, Yarragon Weather Permitting yarragonmarket@outlook.com
Saturday &Sunday, Open 10am -4pm
31 Holmes Road, Morwell CASH ONLY
Indoor and Outdoor Stalls
y g
For more information and bookings please call Jo on 0437 981 388
To book your space contact mdelacy@lvexpress com au
Member for Gippsland South and Shadow Emergency Services Minister, Danny O’Brien said the Liberals and Nationals willscrap "this unfair tax" if they win next year's state election.
“Thisnew tax was neverabout supporting emergencyservices; it was always about the
“Victorians want genuine consultation and to be heard, but this government continues to ignore local communities.
“Our volunteers show up when it matters most, standingbetween life and loss.Now this government wants to repaythat service with anew tax on the very people whoprotect us.”
The Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program has supported more than200 projectsacross Victoria that will better connect communities.
Maddi on 5135 4413
WILLOW Grove and Heyfield are set to welcome new bus shelters. Gippsland towns Sale and Lake Tyers are also recipients of the same. Minister for Public and Active Transport GabrielleWilliamsmadethe announcement, as part of more than $1 milliontowardsprojects across the state, including in regional Victoria. Through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program, the state government is providing funding to councils and community organisations for small-scale transport projects.
“We’re backing local projects that make areal different for communities -from new bus shelters and footpaths to safer walking routes to schools –because we know that better connections means better opportunities,” Ms Williams said.
“These projects will help promote an active and healthylifestyle, while also providing more options for walkers and cyclists to get to school,public transport and recreational centres.”
Food co. Is honest,fresh and simple food with great service.
Providing thebest gippslandhas to offer.
“Hospitalityhas become my life”. At an early age Istartedgrowing my ownvegetables. My mother said Ibecame areal produce snob by the age of ten. Idemanded flavor in prepared dishes and went to greatlengths to achieve it
Having gone to trade school forfour yearsto qualifyasa chef,Ifound IlearntmoreonceI
was set free intothe industry.
Since opening my first caféatthe age of 19,and having established and run five cafés/restaurants and my owncatering company,mystyle has been refined to be rooted in freshlocal produce and dishes people love.
Nowliving in Traralgon (Gippsland) Ihave opened Food Co.OnFranklin, aculmination of everything Ihave learned about qualityfood, nutrition and taste.
Yallambee Traralgon Village forthe Aged has proudly supportedthe local communityfor morethan50 years, marking the 50th Anniversaryofthe Margery Cole facilityinJuly this year
Established in 1971 with the construction of the Retirement Village Units, Yallambee expanded with the opening of theMargeryCole Hostel in 1975 Today, Yallambee continues as acommunity-owned, not-for-profit charitygoverned by avoluntaryBoard of Directors.
MargeryCole provides 120residential carebeds across five houses—Banksia, Grevillea, Waratah, Laurel and Acacia. Residents enjoymeals in comfortable dining rooms, with an emphasis on home-style cooking and
arelaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The home also features alicensed onsitecaféoperating seven days a week forresidents, families and the wider community. Yallambeeisable to host onsitefunctions, including birthdays and anniversaries, providing aconvenient and supportive setting forspecial occasions.
MargeryCole is morethan an aged-carefacility—it is a home, offering warmand inviting spaces, well-maintained gardens, and adedicated team committed to delivering personal, high-qualitycare. Yallambee welcomes donations and bequests of any amount and sincerely thanks the Traralgon communityfor its ongoing support.
Celebrating Victory: Morwell Bowling Club Wins People’s Choice Award.
At the 2025 People’s Choice Awards the Morwell Bowling Club was awarded with the prestigious “Most Popular in Pubs and Clubs People’s Choice Award.”
dedication, passion and acommitment to excellence said general manager Teena Johnson.
“Our members, board, staff and patrons have all playedacrucial role in making Morwell Bowling Club aplace whereeveryone feels welcome and valued”
This accolade is atestament to the unwavering supportand love from the community, and the ‘Club’ could notbeprouder Winning this awardisnot just about recognition; it’s about the journeywe’ve taken together From humble beginnings to becoming abeloved local institution, everystephas been marked by
“Weextend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who votedfor us. Your supportisthe cornerstone of our success, and we aredeeplygrateful”.
“Aswecelebratethis achievement,welook forward to continuing to serve our communitywith the same enthusiasm and dedication that earned us this honour”. Morwell BowlingClub
Gippsland FM is avoluntaryrun notfor profit organisation providing acommunity owned radio station which connects the community with unique and valued programming and celebrates the character and values of the region
As avital cultural and local communityhub, Gippsland FM has dedicated itself to providing aplatform that serves all, including access to under-represented communities and diverse voices across the airwaves. Winning the 2025 People’s Choice Awardfor the most popular media serves as atestament to thestation’s passionatevolunteers, whose tireless dedication drives everything from engaging on-air content to raising funds
to keep the station on air
With an independently surveyedaudience of over 25,000 listeners, the public vote of supportisa powerfulendorsement of theenduring importance of communityled media. The Gippsland FM boardis incredibly grateful to the Latrobe Valleycommunityfor such overwhelming supportsaying“This win belongs to the communitythat has supportedthe station forso long.”
The station is aregistered charityand open to all the community- to access the airwaves or be involved as amember supporter. Find out moreatwww gippslandfm.org.au or on social media.
At PaxHill Pizza, our choice and variety has made us ahouse hold nameinTraralgon. We have been passionateaboutPizza since1989 and takepride in crafting pizzas that areadelight to both the eyes andtaste buds. Ourmenu boasts awiderange of traditionaland innovative toppings, from basicCheesyGarlicand Herbs to gourmet combinations likethe Mediterranean, Cheese Burger and Eggs Benedictpizzas. And forthose seeking something beyond pizza, we also offeraselection of delectable pastas,sides, desserts, beers, wines and spirits to completeyour dining experience.We also cater forvegetarian and gluten-free dietary requirements, so no onehas to miss out!
In addition to our exceptional food,Pax Hill Pizza offers arange of services to cater to your needs. Whether youpreferthe convenience of pickup or the comfort of homedelivery, we’vegot you covered. We offerdeliveryservices to Traralgon and alarge range of suburbs.
With Christmas coming forlarger gatherings or special events, we also offercatering services, creating amemorable culinary experience foryou and your guests. To place an order,simply give us a call on 5174 2980, order online at www.paxhillpizza. com.au or drop in to 25 Barker Crescent
Virtue Homes is thrilled to have received the People’s ChoiceAwardfor the‘Trades’ category at the presentation night heldonthe 14th of November
This accoladeisa testament to our team’s commitment to building excellence and our involvement within the localcommunity.
We areextremelyproud and humbled to have received this recognitionand look forward to
continuing to havea positive impact on the Latrobe Valleyand wider Gippsland communities.
This year,Virtue Homeswas also honoured to be a sponsorofthe Latrobe City People’s ChoiceAwards. Our partnershipwith the Latrobe City Business Chamber reaffirmsour dedicationtogiving back to the local community, whichhas supportedour team foryears.
Thank-you to allwho voted!”
By AIDANKNIGHT
VICKI HamiltonOAM, current chiefexecutive/ secretary of Gippsland Asbestos Related Disease Support (GARDS),attended last week's Latrobe City Council meeting as apublic speaker.
Ms Hamilton was representingher organisation on item 10.4 of the agenda -the request for acommemorative statue on council land.
This relatesspecifically to the history of asbestosrelated diseases within Gippsland, an area more affectedbythe problemthan any other regioninthe state. GARDS approached council prior to the meetingatKernotHall on November 24.GARDS sought council support to install amemorial sculpture in honour of thosewho havesuffered and dieddue to thislong-standing issue,oncouncil-owned land. The specific site proposed was the Moe Botanic Gardens.
Ms Hamilton told council she was looking only for support, without funding, for "a statue for all the power workers who producedthe energyfor the whole of the state", who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos in the process. This struck a chord with Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund, who tragically lost her husband Simon to asbestos-related cancer in May.
GARDS has already secured more than $40k in footings and in-kind support, support of all three existingpower stations,and seven foundations. The organisation had also engaged agrant writer in preparation for future funding rounds, should council give its blessing.
"We received an apology from the state government in 2008, but that is only an apology," Ms Hamilton said. "We need something that reminds future generations of what occurred in this Valley".
Ms Hamilton told of the roughly 140,000 workers the sculpturewouldrepresent,"thatwent through the power stations between the 1920-1980s."
Newborough WardCrSharon Gibson made a motion supporting Ms Hamilton's request later in the night,stating that she could not agree more strongly, and that it had been along time coming.
She wentontoemphasise the importance of having apermanent fixture where people can go with their grief, shared by so many families, rather than simply attending individual gravesites.
"To have acentralspot thatisall aboutthe disease that has takensomany, Ithinkisa worthwhile memorial to have. It's so needed, Iwish that it wasn't, but it is."
YallournWardCrSteph Morganespecially endorsed the location and shared personal details about her late grandfather's passing when she was only five-years-old, due to his work as amechanic in the Latrobe Valley, which exposed him to asbestos.
"It's time that we get on with it," she said after her reflection, "and allow our land to be used for such an important memorial."
Even more poignant was Cr Lund's contribution.
"This isn't some distant issuefor Latrobe City, it's about our story -not in away that anyone would ever choose. Too many families know this pain personally," she said.
"Too many families' lives have been changed forever.
"We don't have aneat policy that fits thisrequest, not everything important fits into aneat policy," she continued, saying the decision was about acknowledging reality.
"For me it's about honouring the people behind the statistics,the familieswho carried the grief
Makeadifference: The ‘Men SteppingUpfor aSafer Gippsland’ event in Morwell markedthe firstofthe 16 Days of Action in Gippsland.
quietly, and the advocates who have fought so hard for recognition and support."
It wasatthis point that Cr Lund, visibly emotional,cut shorther speech before offering her recommendation. The motion wasthen puttoa vote, in which it passed unanimously, before the Morwell Rivers councillor took amoment to leave the room and regain composure, to which council compassionately called arecess.
This offered all present adignified momentof reflection, in atopicgrounded in theprofound human loss many others like Cr Lund have, and will continue for up to another 100 years to come (as projected by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Education Agency).
Council officers recognised the proposed location as an appropriate place for the memorial, as acalm, reflective space.
Latrobe CityCouncil mayalsoexplore additional funding for the project in the new year, within the 2026 budget.
The GARDS plan for amemorial was formulated on October 13, 2025,and an artist's impression and construction details were compiled into adocument titled Memorial Sculpture &Mural Request Funding,which wasobtainedbythe Express at the November meeting.
It was planned to be built from asilicon mould into abronze casting, with fine metal finishing and patina, resting on concrete footings.
Asbestos Council of Victoria (ACV) and GARDs commissioned sculptor Lis Johnson to undertake the project,pending council permittance, whose notable works include the statue of Rod Laver at his arena, the Illawarra Coal Mining Memorial in Wollongong, the Avenue of Legends at the MCG, and amultitude of Australian MPs.
MORE than 50 men gatheredatMorwell Innovation Centre to learn more about the impact gendered violence is having across the region.
‘Men Steppi ng Up for aS afer Gippsland’ marked the first official event in the 16 Days of Action in Gippsland, featuring Detective Senior Sergeant Rod Findlay, a26-yearveteran of Victoria Police and head of the Eastern Division 5Family Violence Investigation Unit.
Attendees also heard from three local male championsfor change: TAFE Gippsland ChiefExecutive JustinFallu, community leader Michael Taplin, and Latrobe City Council Community Str eng theni ng Coord inat or Lia m Bantock, who spoke candidlyabout men’s responsibili ty to challen ge harmful behaviours and createsafer communities.
Gippsland continues to record some of Victoria’s highest rates of family and gendered violence.
In the year to July 2025, almost10,000 family violence incidents and 2100 sexual offences were reported across the region.These figuresare widely acknowledged as under-reported.
Mr Taplin urged men to speak up on the issue.
"Understanding the situation many women face in Gippsland is the first thing men should be doing," he said.
"It's important for me to help other men understandit'sonustospeak up about aculture that hasbeen too easilyaccepted -weall havemothers,
dau gh ters, sis ters, gr and mo thers , and friendswho could be affected by domestic violence.
"This is our social responsibility."
Mr Fallu explained the education and training TAFE Gippsland can provide in the prevention of gendered violence in the community
“We are champions for the growth of women in male-dominated professions and with this comes the responsibility of ensuring that men in our organisation and ourmalestudentsare provided with the right tools to be allies for change," he said.
Even tF aci litat or and Primar y Prevention Practitioner Mike McEvoy emceed the opening day.
“It is reallyexcitingtosee this initiative from men in Gippsland -stepping up to talk to other men and work together to stop men's violence against women and children," he said.
"It givesmehope that we're on the way to creatingasafer and fairer community where everyone can thrive.
“The tipping point will happen when more men come on board, start to admit the ways society treatsmen and women differently, commit to learning and listening, and step up to make practical improvements to ourhouseholds,clubs, schools and workplaces.”
ChiefExecutive of Gippsland Women's Health and co-convenor of the initiative, Kate Graham spoke to the urgency of this endeavour, which comes support of men.
“This change requires us all to work together and cannot be done without the contribution of men as allies and change agentswithin our community,”she said.
“Women have held the responsibility forthischangefor too longand we need our men in Gippsland to collaborate with us to change this for our community now and our future generations.”
Co-convenor Chris Buckingham capped of what the meeting meant.
“One way or another, every Gippslander is affected adversely by gendered violence," he said.
"It is up to us as men to step up, play our part and help make our region a safer place for everyone.”
Men Stepping up for aSafer Gippsland was co-hosted by Latrobe City Council, Gippsland Women’s Health and The Fair Co.
More information on the 16 Days of Acti on in Gippsla nd can be fou nd at: https ://g whealth.a sn. au/ lets-chat-gippsland/
The24-hour national counselling 1800 Respect line can assist with domesticfamily violence and sexual assault via 1800 737 732.For men experiencing relationship difficulties, callthe Mens LineAustralia at 1300 789 97 8.For ass ista nce and counselling for men whouse violence or for people to support
Accordingtothe bible, thefirst peopletofindout thatJesus was born were shepherds. Theangels announced to them Glory to Godin highestand peaceand goodwill to all men.The angels were declaring thatGod had founda way tobring peacetothe worldand that afather andchild relationshipwithGod was abouttoberestored.
In aworldwhere peaceis something only once remembered, themessage of Christmas brings hope.
Thetinychild born in amangerwas thestart of themostincredible masterplantoreunite Godand His family. GodsonlySon gave up Hisglory andmajest ytobecome a helpless baby
John 3:16 says, ForGod so loved theworldthatHegave Hisonlyson thatwhoeverwould believeinHim willnot diebut have eternal life. Christians believethis meansthat notonlydid Jesusrestore Gods relationshipwithHis children but Jesusalso madeitpossible to enter heaven.
To find outhow youcan enjoya relationship with God, youare invited to join oneofthe local Christian churches this Christmas Each congregationwillcome together to rememberthe bir th of Christ, givethanksfor theloveof Godand celebrateHis masterplan.
2-4Latrobe Road, Morwell Formoreinformation contact Archdeacon Sue Jacka on 0409 757 170
Ihave afriend who lovesfilming Southern Arora. On nights when the atmosphereisjust right for it, he heads off with his cameras to various places around Gippsland. Have youseenimages of this amazingly colourful, natural light phenomena? Youcannotsee it with your naked eye butmiraculously youcan when viewed through acameralens. Its awe inspiring! Light is deeply symbolic- enlightenment, seeing the light, lightening up!
Thereisa lot about light in the first Christmas storyand in the Christian beliefs about Jesus. Aspecial Star
marked the place of Jesus bir th to guide the shepherdsand later the wise ones. Zechariah prophesied, Because of the tendermercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness andinthe shadow of death, to guide our feet intothe way of peace.
Many people have made room in their hear ts for Jesus who brings light into thedark and difficult times. Thats the message of Christmas; God sent Jesus intothe worldtobring us light and peace with God and harmony between people. The shop will close on December19th and reopen on January5th.
Christmas. the message of Christmas is that we are just travelers through thisear thly life, and that God has come to travel with us Emmanuel,God with us.
The Adventseason is the time whereweonceagain arereminded wheretoget access to the meaningof Hope. And that is what Christ wantstogiveus as we beginthis Advent season a fresh start. Advent,gently reminds us to pause, wait, watch and be patient and allow Christmas to come to us. TheAdvent/Christmas spirit shouldnot be seen as an eventora moment. It is something holistic that definesusas Christians; it definesour faith.
DuringAdvent, the big thingisthatwe should focusonGods faithfulness. God promised to sendaSavior, and God fulfilled this promise on the very first
God gave to us the most wonder ful gift, that of aSaviour capable of bringing to every human hear tboundlessmercy and everlastingjoy.That is whatthe Advent season is, asacred season of preparation to celebrate the joyofChristmas.
Wishingyou alla blessed Advent Tide andjoyous Christmas Season.
Gradwell Fredericks Therector at
The Christmas season has arrived, and already many people areembracing the festivities and traditions that come with it Across thecommunity,churches arebusily planning Christmas services, whilefamilies areorganising parties and preparing presents to sharewithloved ones.
At theAnglican communityofMoeNewborough, we have been preparing for Christmas. Iamreminded of astoryofa 4-year-old girl whosegrandmother often took her to church and Sunday school.In the week beforeChristmas, she noticed that her motherand grandmother werevery busy.The fridge was filling with food and special drinksand there wasaChristmas tree with flashy lights.The family took the little girl to the toy shoptolet her choose any toy thatshe wouldlike as apresent. Everytimetheysuggested something she refused,sothe grandmother,exasperated
said, “Sweetheart,you need to choose something!” The girlreplied, “Grandma, where is Baby Jesus?I would love to have himfor my Christmas present’.
This storyprompts us to reflect on how the busyness of Christmas can sometimes distract us from its deeper meaning. With all the preparations,festivities, and gift-giving, it is easy to overlookthe most important gift: God’s giftoflove. This love can be shared during family gatherings, among friends, and with colleagues.
Join us as we come together to worship and encounter God’sgift of love in the presence of oneanother. May the spirit of Christmas bring joy,peace, andarenewed sense of connection within our community
If you arelonging to be with people whocarefor you, will celebrate with you and arethankful for your presence, then youcan find your way home with us this Christmas.
We do thisinresponse to the greatest gift we have received as a community: the unconditional love of God as shown throughthe life of Christ
That baby who we celebrate on Christmas Day,isthe one who holdsusall together in love, hope, peace andjoy
CentraltoChristmas at Enjoy is thepersonofJesus.Jesus is the reason for this season!
John 3.16
For God so lovedthe world that he gave hisone and only Son, that whoever believesinhim shall not perish buthaveeternal life.
Because God loved, God sentHis one andonlySon to youand I. so thatwhoeverbelievesthatHe is theSon of God might have the assurance of eternallife. This is LIFECHANGINGNEWS, andnews that is relevant to anyone and everyone .it is news that brings hopetothe entireworld! His love is life-changing because
So together we will sing Christmas carols.Together we will hear again the stories of thebaby in astable and the star,the shepherds and wise men, the donkey,sheep, camels and angels. Togetherwill find somequietwherewecan give thanks to Godand foreachother Together we will sharea Christmas lunch with heapsoffood on the table.
Come as you are, just bring yourselves, and know thatyou are always welcome here.
Hisloveisunconditional andwhen known and experiencedpersonally changeshow we see ourselves. andasa result...howwesee others, andTHATchanges everything! Christmas is the timewherewe celebrateHis love,and in turn demonstrate that love to those around us.
This time of year is when we lay down the things that divideus andfocus on thethingsthatbring us together .itsatimefor us to stop,considerand rememberthe greatest of allnews .thatweare trulylovedand knownbyJesus.
Youre invitedtocomecelebrate ChristmaswithusatEnjoy Church!
Morwell Presbyterian Church will once again celebratethe Festival of Nine Lessons andCarols.
This service will be held on the 21st of December at 7.00pm
All areinvited.
Thefestivalwas firstheld at KingsCollegeinCambridge, England107 yearsago.Morwell Presbyterian Churchhave been celebrating this festivalfor quite a number of years, now.
It consists of nine shortbible readings alternating with nine
144MaryvaleRoad, Morwell
carols. Themusic will be played on the1873“Speechly &Ingram” historical pipeorgan rebuilt in the church.
Therewill be alightsupper provided at theconclusiononthe service.
TheChristmas dayserviceat Morwell Presbyterian church will commence at 9.00am.Please join us this Christmas, withfamily and friends, for ashort service as we celebrate the birthofJesus!The servicewill includeCarols, Bible readingsand ashort service
TheFestival of Nine Lessons andCarols 21stofDecember 2025 at 7pm
Christmas Day Service 25th December at 9am
Normal Sunday Church services at 10.00am
St AndrewsMorwell
Presbyterian Church 50 Church Street,Morwell
MOE NEWLIFE CHRISTIAN CENTRE
71 Fowler Street, Moe
Sunday7th December
Family FunDay
10 am ser vice, followed by lunch, jumping castle, face painting, activities and gifts for families and all the children
Sunday 21stDecember
10am ser vice featuring traditional and modern Christmas singing Everyone welcome CHURCHILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
762 Tramway Rd, Churchill
Saturday6th of December
The Combined Churches of Churchill are holding a carols
event on the theme “Welcome to Christmas” at the Co-operating Churches
5 30pm sausage sizzle, 6pm children’s programme, and 7pm all-age carols
1 Williams Ave, Churchill
Friday 12th of Decemberat7pm
Christmas Auction and Concert
A fun night for all the family, featuring the auction where ticket holders can bid for real items and vouchers with fake money that is supplied by the church For enquiries call 0409 173 747
Sunday21stofDecemberat3pm
The ser vice will feature a range of Christmas music and a Christmas message
Having owned and manageda bookshop in Moefor nineyears,I certainlyunderstandthatsome people, namely retailers, would saythatthe “real meaningofChristmas”isthe opportunity forvastlyincreased sales.
Other people would insistthatthe “real meaningofChristmas”isfamily, atimefor catchingupwithpeople that we maybe don’t see as oftenaswe would like. Sadly,I know lots of people who, forwhateverreason, won’tsee theirbrothers or sisters, children or grandchildren,this year.For those whoare blessedwithclosefamilies, Christmasisa specialexpressionofan alreadyspecial thing. Somethingtobe enjoyedtothe full
Some people love theChristmas season with allthe decorations,light shows, giftgiving andgeneral festivities. It’s atimetoforgettheirproblems and spreadsome cheer, awonderfulclimax to ayearthat’salmostgone
But, of course,there’s thespecifically Christianmeaning of Christmas. Millions of babies arebornintothe worldevery
year but the birthwecelebrateat Christmaswas different.AsChristians, we believethatJesus wasthe Sonof God and that he came into theworld to save sinners. Whydid he havetocome as ababy, born of awoman likeall the rest of us?Becausetosaveushe had to be one of us.Hehad to shareour humanity
Afterlivinginthisworld formorethan thirty years, his missionwas fulfilled when he took oursins to the crossand paid the ultimateprice of love.Now he livesand offers newlifetoeachofus when we turn to him with repentance and faith.
Christmasshould remind us that God is notdistant and heartless like some people choose to believe. Norishe remote and cruel.Lifeitself canbecruel andunforgiving butGod’s answer to allthatistobefound in the Saviour whoentered ourworld in that stable in Bethlehem thousands of yearsago
Have awonderful Christmas everybody!
Christmas is hereagain, agreat time of theyearwhenwecan focusonsomethingother than the seriously bad news which comes almost on adaily basis
all who wereoppressed of the devil.
Later He went to Hisdeath on a cross to paythe penalty for every sinfor everypersoneverborn into this World.
Jesus was born in Bethlehemover 2,000years ago, Hisbir th differs from any other ever,for Jesus was born of avirgin, impossible to occur youmay say! But thisisthe method, the way, that God decided to come to the planet,which He had created,but all mankindhad wandered far from Him to such an extent that we all werewithout God, and without hope.
Jesus didnot remain ababy, but grew as any man, intoadulthood and went about doinggood, healing
Jesus took on Himself our sin naturetopay theprice of all mankindssin,disobedience and rebellion.
All who will believe that Jesus is Lordand that God theFatherraised Him from the dead, will be saved from eternal death, and become a child of God.
Itsalmost toogood to be true news. That is what Gospel means. Have awonderful Christmas.
Youare invited to join with us this Christmas
Wednesdaythe 24th of December at 7pm
Christmas EveCarols and Readings service accompaniedby Brass Instruments andOrgan
Thursdaythe 25thofDecember
Christmas Day11am ser vice
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
249 KaySt, Traralgon
PH: 0401 561 349
Igiveyou my word!
Todaymany people struggle to believe apromise when someone says I giveyou my word.There wasatimewhen apersons wordtruly was their bond. People would rather face hardship than have to suffer the dishonour of breaking their word. Trust and honour weretreasures wor th protecting.
Johns Gospel begins with God giving us His Wordinthe most extraordinaryway.HesentHis could know His hear ttoward us throughthe ChristChild.The
bir th of Christ wasa moment in history that many ignored, yetGod used evenhumanity s rejection of His Word to bring about our salvation and victory over our greatest enemies. Thisisthe joyand invitation of Christmas: to take God at HisWord, to simply receivethe greatest gift ever given, and to believe that Jesushas come to save us from ourselves.
This Christmas, will youtake God at His Word?
Everyblessing for Christmas, as youconsider His Word!
Christmas is on our calendar every yearand in Australia we evenhaveapublicholiday for thepurpose of markingit, so it should come to us as no surprise,yet it still catches us.Here we are less than amonthfrom the biggest holiday,the most important family time and the most expensive time of the year
Thepressures are present in so many ways, there is the'family time' pressure,the gift buyingpressure,the pressure of getting all your work done to take time off,ofhaving theright food,decorating in the right way. Expectations and pressures which cause us stressand arethe opposite of whatChristmas is really about.
Christmas is the marking andcelebration of Jesus Christ's birth.Jesus the Son of God wassent to earthtoreconcileorhealthe
relationship between human beings and God. His birth, and subsequent deathallowed us as humans to have arelationship with God in a new way.
Jesus has many names,one is Prince of Peace,and means He is the bringer of peace, so where there has been turmoil, angst and brokenness Jesus is literallythe carrier of peace
At Christmas time,wecan choose to focus on thepressures we as humans have put on ourselves,orwecan choose to see an opportunity for thepressurestobereleased because of the peace Jesus brings
This Christmas why not attend achurch service to learnmore about thePrince of Peace,and how he has that peace foryou too.
Reflecting on 2025 in St Michael’s Parish, we aretruly grateful for the many blessings which have made up our year After many years of dreaming, planning, hoping and praying, thisyearweopened ournew Parish Centreand Parish Hall. Bishop Greg Bennet blessed our new building in Mayand what arich blessing it is to our community- we areenjoying celebrating so many varied and different aspects of parish life in our lovely new space.
Our parish life is thriving -in October we ranthe Alpha course, with many enjoying the warmthofagood meal, in great company,takingtime to explore Jesus’ story, andlearning how to incorporate His love into our daily living. Our various levels of Youth Ministry, our J-Walkers, arebloominginnumbers, enthusiasm and faith; with 25 from St Michael’s attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.
This yearisthe JubileeYear of Hope and we celebrated the Jubilee of Choirs, with a Mass celebrated by Bishop
Greg, followed by alight lunch, followedbya fabulousconcert of musical talent from our Diocese and from Gippsland. Richly blessed, indeed!
On December 14,the Parish will celebrate with aParish Picnic, held at the Church followingour 9:30am Mass that day. Come and See! Feel free to call in and see our vibrant community celebrating our Parish,our community, andinparticular celebrating Advent ,the time of preparing for Christmas.
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour,the birth of our humble King, maywe all be blessed with the beauty, serenity, hope andpeace that Christ’s love brings to the hearts of those who love Him. May our generositybeknown and felt by those in our community who live without the comforts enjoyed by so many of us.
The communityofStMichael’s Catholic Church, Traralgon, extends to all awarminvitation to come and shareinthe love and peaceofChristthis Christmas Time.
Come celebrate with us on Sunday 21st December at 10am or 9:30am for ourChristmas Day Service
MoeBaptist Church 62 Fowler Street,Moe
Christmas Mass times at St Michael’sCatholic Parish Traralgon
Tuesday 16 December
AdventLiturgy 7:30pm
Thursday 18 December
Reconciliation 6:00pm
Wednesday 24 December
Christmas Eve Family Mass 7pm, with Carols from 6:30pm
Christmas VigilMass 11pm, with Carols from 10:30pm
Thursday 25 December
Christmas DayMass 9:30am (No evening Mass)
St Michael’sCatholic Church is situated on the corner of Church and Kay Streets, Traralgon
THE Salvation Army is calling on the Gippsland community to digdeep for this year's Christmas Appeal.
The Christmas period can intensify financial and emotional pressures for those already experiencing disadvantage.
As high prices continue to put stress on local individuals and families, the Salvos goal of $29 million for their Christmas Appeal this year is vital to ensure people get the help they need this Christmas.
“For the Salvos, Christmas is the busiest time of the year,” Salvation Army External Communications Managerfor Victoria,Warren Elliot said.
“All year, we have been journeying alongside the Gippslandcommunity, and we know that Christmas will prove to be areal challengefor many people. Forsome,the ideaofcelebrating Christmas may seem out of reach, as they can’t even work out where their next meal or utility bill will come from, bothfor themselves and their children
“That’s why The Salvos are here -tosupport you when youneed it most. Whether it is for practical support like food or presents, or if you are feeling lonely or isolated this Christmas, please reach out to The Salvation Army. We are here for you.”
There are manywaysyou can alsopartner
with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas,including lending ahand through volunteering, donating products such as gifts and food,oroffering afinancialdonation to the Christmas Appeal.
The Salvation Armyhost anumber of special community celebrationsduring the festive season.
The Salvation Army also encourages people looking for affordable Christmas shopping options to consider Salvos Stores.
Whether gift-shopping or looking for Christmas decor, there’s always something unique to be found.
Not onlywill you save on your Christmas shopping, but 100 per cent of the profits raised support The Salvos community work across the country.
“The Salvos can’t support people this Christmas without the generosity of our local community, so we would love to see everyonedig deep this year in whatever capacity you are able to," Mr Elliot said.
"That could look like donating to our Christmas Appeal, volunteering,orattending ourlocal events. Reach out to us,and together we can be the hope thatour communitydesperately needs this Christmas."
For more informationonhow you can support this Christmas, or to find out about local events, phone your nearest Salvation Army centre.
You can also visit: salvationarmy.org.au
Locals arebeingencouragedtogivegenerouslyduringthisyear’s
BushwalkingClubmembersstroll
THE 'silly season' is fast approaching, and for members of the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club, it has been abusyyear.
Therehas been tripstoLakesEntrance, Portland, Western Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and many activities all over Gippsland.
The club'scalendarofevents is always full of varied and exciting opportunities including walking, kayaking and bike riding.
This year saw the start of 'dog friendly' walks. These walks are keenly anticipated by two and four legged members and have been asuccessful addition to the program.
Walks during November were to Mt Bogong, Grampians, Wilson’s Promand the Mitchell River in East Gippsland.
Last month, members of the Strzelecki Bushwalking Club combined forces with West Gippsland Bushwalking Club for acombined eventinthe Noojeearea. Noojee is an Aboriginal wordmeaning'valley of rest'. Before beginning bushwalking in the Noojee/Loch Valley area, participants were treated to apersonalised tour of the Noojee Timber Museum.
The town of Noojee was destroyed by fire both in 1926 and 1939. The only building left standing both times was the Noojee Hotel. The hotel even served as atemporary school room. The Noojee Hotel is still in operation today and avery popular place to visit.
The last weekend in November saw the annual Strzelecki Bushwalking Club’s Christmas camp held. This was afantastic family event hosted by the Burge family. Strzelecki Bushwalking Clubhas avibrant and friendly atmosphereand continually welcomes new members.
Thereissomething on the program for many fitness levelsand interests. It is agreat way to enjoy the outdoors and meet new friends.
By KATRINABRANDON
PASSIONATE explorers and handy photographers took to exhibiting some of the fungi-est works.
Celebrating its 65th year exhibiting and 66th year as an association, the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists shared theirworks and adventures with locals from November 7to13.
The exhibition, Nature of Gippsland, was judged verysuccessfulatthe GreekOrthodox Church Hall in Morwell, featuring photographs of flora, fauna and landscapes taken in the Gippsland region by club members.
Independent judges assessed the photographers, who were quite impressed with the quality, and were put to the challenge of picking the best. The club's leadership was also quite pleased with the collection, and thanked Latrobe City for ongoing support.
The 'Best In Show'was awarded to Mitch Smith, who shared hiswork, Lowlands Copperhead Austrelaps Superbus.
"We often get snakes visitingour propertyat Woolennook searching for food and generally find that they don't pose arisk," Mr Smith said.
"Onewarm day,whilstIwas outphotographing insects, one of our resident snakes, which we suspect was about four-five years old at the time, was making her way across the driveway when I approached abit too closely. She got startled and reacted with this defensive posturing.She was alert but calm, and, after afew quick photos, she was back on her way."
The 'Best In Show' award is the Ken Smith Award in memory of along-time member and outstanding contributor to the LV Field Naturalists.
Many naturalists come from far and wide for achance to speak with like-minded people, with adventuresstretching just as far, some even farther. Volunteer naturalist Jack Weerts was introduced to the passion as an exchange student about 25 years ago. In 2001, he returned permanently and has shown great interest in plants and nature. Like the judges, Mr Weerts said it was an incredible collection on show this year.
"It's (nature) so diverse and that's what the exhibition shows," he told the Express.
"If you look at the judging sheet, Idon't know how many categories, but there are categories for orchids, wildflowers, trees, and lots of different categories."
With amagnifyingglass,onhands and knees, he said that alot of the work is quite diverse.
Mr Weerts saidthatduring his timewiththe naturalists, he assisted an ecologist in New South Walesinmeasuring the area of the ecosystem During that time,hesaidthat they had found more than 26 different species.
Within the club's experience, people can participate in acamp oversummer, spring or autumn, where theycan look closelytogether at different areas and learn more about the ecosysteminwhich they live. In December, naturalists will be heading over to Mount Buller, and last year's wasatWilsons Promontory.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BINGO
Doors
By KATRINABRANDON
OFFICIALLYcalling the Boolarra Recreation Reserve home, the BerrydenWorking Sheepdog Trials celebrated another round of talent.
Afew years ago, the South Gippsland Working Dog Group, which helps run the trials, lost one of its foundingmembers, JeanMoir, who was also the owner of the farm in Berrys Creek where they had practised and trialled.
Seeing that the group needed anew venue, they tookshelteratthe reserve, where this year, it became official that they could “set up shop”.
As part of the Victorian Working SheepDog Association, the South Gippsland Working Dog Group continues to hold trials, helping to upskill and socialise their four-legged best friends.
The South Gippsland Working Dog Group is a non-profit community groupdedicated to fostering the safe, efficient, and humane handling of livestock by educating stockmen, farmers, and dog owners in the effective use of working dogs. The group has been supporting the development of good working dog training and handling for nearly 20 years. It is affiliated with the Victorian and Australian Working Dog Associations and has members from all over the Gippsland region.
FromNovember 14 to 16, the trial held in Boolarra commenced, seeing about 80 participants taking to the track. The trials took place on the 'secondary' cricket field at thereserve, where dogs had to twist and turn sheep through arace, into apen and through fences, all within a15-minute timeframe.
“The object of the trial is to collectthree sheep
fromupthe other end of the groundand bring them down to yourself at the casting pen, then complete the course through the gap, the race and the bridge, and then you pop them into the pen, and you have 15 minutes,”Korumburra's 70th annualSheep Dog Trials winners Irene Kelly explained.
“Points are taken off for each misdemeanour, such as going outside the working area of each lane or going around the pen. It's not easy.”
Ms Kelly showed impressive results with TK Portia at the wet and miserableKorumburra Sheepdog Trials the weekbefore, and looked forward to the trials in Boolarra.
“I started trialling about 15 years ago,” Ms Kelly told the Express
“My dog Portia is my second good dog, and Ihad one before that. She’s been going quite well lately.
“Some sheep are just pretty hopeless,but if the dog is quieter, it’s easier for them to settle. But when the sheep are running, it is basically impossible to get them settled.”
The sheep at the trials have never worked with dogs before, so they are unsure of what is going on or what they are supposed to do.
Going into the trials, border collies and kelpies are typically the favoured dogs to work with, as they usually have great talent and instinct for reading livestock, whether it be sheep, cattle or ducks.
People come from far and wide for trials such as the Berryden Sheepdog Trials, with some even hailing from out of the state.
This year, sheep were unpredictable and not so easy to work with,resulting in agood trial with only aselect few making it through the course.
WHAT began as apersonal tribute became a moment of nationalcelebration when Bernard Rodda (80) from Traralgon, stepped onto the Federation Square stage and played his own part in creating history.
Bernard has been playing the bagpipes for more than 60 yearsand is amember of the Clan McLeod in Bendigo and Morwell Pipe Band He has performed at numerous ANZAC and Remembrance days.
Bernard joined 374 bagpipers in aspectacular, spine-tingling world-record attempt: The largest number of bagpipers playing the same tune in one ensemble.
The performance marked the 50th anniversary of AC/DC’s legendary It’s aLong Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) film clip, famously recorded on aflatbedtruck travelling down Swanston Street in 1975.
The massed pipes thundered across Melbourne’s Federation Square as thousands of fans cheered, capturing the moment on
phones and waving banners as the sound from hundreds of drones and chanters filled the air.
Thegroup’s finaltally smashed the previous worldrecordof333,held by Bulgaria.
For Bernar d, the ach iev eme nt carr ied profound emotional weight.
This year has been the hardest of Bernard’s life, losing his wife MariainApril.But Bernard knew Maria would have wanted him to keep going, to keep playing.
After the record wasconfirmed, Bernard was with his son Andrew,who was proudly in attendance.
“Mum would have absolutely loved this, and celebrated everymoment. She would’ve been so proud.”
As the final notes drifted away and the celebration surged through Federation Square, their tribute -part grief, part resilience, part rock ’n’ roll history -became one of the day’s most touching stories.
By KATRINA BRANDON
AN eye into another world, Mirboo North artist Karen Zipkas openedupfor discussion on her exhibition.
Held at Latrobe Regional Gallery, Ms Zipkas demonstratedhow she completedher pieces, which are featured in the exhibition Reflections on Inversions
Karen Zipkas is one of Federation University’s award-winningemerging artists fromlastyear, who often works with paint and photography.
In Reflections on Inversions, Ms Zipkasworked with ahomemade trailer camera obscura, which she travelled in around the Mirboo North storm cell damagethatoccurred in early 2024, inspiring her expedition.
Painting in the trailer with light from asmall hole in thedoor, which mirrored what was on the outside, she used paint and photography to record what she was seeing.
In the small, dark room, Ms Zipkas mixed and matched whatshe had with paints to create multiple abstract paintings shown in the exhibition. Painting from all stages of recoveryand damage from the storm, the work delves deeper into environmental changes.
About 15 people attended the artist talk with Ms Zipkas, where they had agoatlooking through acardboard box camera obscura, which showed aflipped view of what was outside the gallery.
Looking through amakeshift camera obscura, Ms Zipkas reflected on why the image was the way it was.
“Whenthe lightpasses through the hole here, it's coming from the sun, so it hits the sun at an angle, and then it bounces back in astraightangle, and then it's always travelling astraightline,” she told the group.
“(The) imageisprojected onto the back of the screen, andthat's why it's upside down, becauseif you've got your light from,say,that tree traveling on an angle, it will reflect the part of the top of the tree fromthe bottom, and then the bottom of the tree, the light will be influenced and hit through the hole, hit the back of it, and then you'll see the stump at the top.
“I deliberately left my work upside down, because it kind of connected with my theme. Because when the world went kind of topsy turvy in the storm
cell, and Mirboo North in 2024 was like astorm tornado came straight through Mirboo North.”
The devastationofthe destruction left Ms Zipkas distressed, leaving her to avoid the area for multiple weeks because she didn’t want to see what was left.
After acouple of weeks, shethen hadan epiphany.
The inspiration to create her work came to her as she lay in her room with the curtains drawn, the room, apart from one hole in the curtains, left in the dark.
“A little crackoflight camethrough, and it made atiny, obscure effect,” Ms Zipkas said.
“I gotinto the Facebook Marketplace and founda localbox trailer, and we converteditinto acamera obscura. We drove it out to the sites around, moving off. So, Ididn't know what was going to happen, which Ididn't mind, because Ikind of set it up and went over to see what worked.”
Centringthe main theme on the devastation,the loss also symbolises other environmental events and the losses communities have felt over the years.
Ms Zipkas reminisced about the feeling of returning to aplace well-known to the person, only to find it in an “apocalyptic” state.
Throughout the creation of her folio, Ms Zipkas watched the growth of some of the most devastated areas, keeping an eye on the area oppositethe Mirboo North Golf Club wreckage, which was thick bushland before the storm. Within the flattened area,thereisone tree thatMsZipkas saidshowed incrediblegrowth and recovery throughout the project.
Alongsidepaintingsofthe wreckage, Ms Zipkas also filmed the damage on an iPhone, capturing the forest areas in the camera obscura form. The footage is also on show at the exhibition.
At the end of the talk, attendees were also able to take home asheet on how to make their own camera obscura.
Reflections on Inversions is open to the public until January 26, 2026.
For more information, go to https:// latroberegionalgallery.com/project/ federation-university-emerging-artist-awards/
KAREN Zipkas turned abox trailer intoa travelling camera obscura to explore and document damaged forests. From inside this darkened space, she captured upside-down images of destroyed landscapes, a way of seeing and feeling the world differently. You can make yourown camera obscurato exploreyour surroundings with fresh eyes. This simpletoollets you experience the world in an unfamiliar way, upside-down, flipped, and softly blurred.
Materials needed:
Asmall/medium sizedcardboard box (like a shoebox)
Aluminium foil
Dark coloured duct tape
Scissors or craft knife
Apin or drawing pin
Thick dark cloth (optional)
Howtomake:
Cut apiece of white paper so it fits neatly on one side of the inside walls of the box. Tape it flat. This will be the 'screen' where the image appears.
On the wall opposite the screen, cut out asmall square (about the size if apostage stamp -3cm wide). Try to place it off to the side alittle (not exactly in the middle).
Cover this square with aflat piece of aluminium foil and tape it down around the edges.
The Range Retirement Village is aretirement living community in Moe, boasting alive-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside agated community.
The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area,wellappointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage.
Plan your social life with your new community.
Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo,cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to getaroundour local area.
Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range
Use apin to poke one small hole in the centre of the foil -this is the lens.
On the same wall as the foil, cut out another small square (about 3cm) alittle away from the first one. Stick apiece of duct tape over the top of the hole and lift it up and down like aflap.
December 1-December 7, 2025
with folk from foreign shores But – with the Sun, Venus, Mars and the Super Full Moon in your wanderlust zones – many restless Rams will feel cooped up, housebound and a bit stir-crazy Pull on your travelling shoes and escape on a weekend getaway or plan an adventurous trip for sometime soon
The Super Full Moon urges you to shine a spotlight on financial matters and personal values Do you need to let go of certain people, possessions or attitudes that have passed their use-by-date? With the Sun, Full Moon, Venus and Mars activating your money zones be careful your main form of entertainment isn’t shopping Your bank balance (and budget) won’t appreciate a shop-till-you-drop kind of week Saturday night favours socialising with loved ones
Its a good week for Geminis Mercury is moving forwards – yeah! And on Thursday night/Friday morning theres a Super Full Moon in your sign leading to increased energy and motivation Then, on the weekend, Mercury (your patron planet) makes a lovely link with prosperity planet Jupiter So Lady Luck is heading your way! If you want to get ahead, then strive to work smarter, not just harder Your natural charm and generosity will win people over
This week theres a Super Full Moon in your self-sabotage zone, which could dent your Crab confidence, dampen your enthusiasm, and/or make you doubt your intuition Don t dwell on the negatives! Hold your head high, tune into your intuition and trust your inner judgement Be inspired by fellow Cancerian, Princess Diana: “I work on instinct Its my best advisor ” The weekend is a wonderful time for joyful celebrations and philosophical conversations
With the Super Full Moon stimulating your hopes-andwishes zone its important to dream a dream turn it into a goal and then make it happen So your motto is from birthday great Walt Disney (born on December 5, 1901): “All your dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them Its also a good week to plan a party book a massage, attend a concert, see an exhibition, organise a night at the movies or a lunch date with friends
The buzzword for the week is Communication, as Mercury (your patron planet) is now moving forwards in your neighborhood and conversation zones Expect increased social interaction and activities within your local community The Super Full Moon lights up your career zone as you shine on the professional stage Then the Mercury/Jupiter trine (on the weekend) is wonderful for conversation, education and networking within your extended peer group
Mercury is moving forwards in your money zone so a financial problem should start to ease With the Super Full Moon in your aspirations zone, and bountiful Jupiter in your career zone, it’s time to dream ambitious dreams for the future Don t hold yourself back with negative thinking or limiting beliefs Inspiration for the week comes from birthday great, film producer and entrepreneur Walt Disney: First, think Second, believe Third, dream And finally dare ”
This week the Super Full Moon highlights a close relationship shared finances or a joint venture Secrets and issues of loyalty could also be placed under the microscope, as you discover whether your trust in someone has been well-placed And prepare for a welcome burst of Scorpio creativity and energy as Mercury is now moving forwards in your sign Lucky opportunities could magically manifest, especially via a family member or an international connection
Jupiter (your ruling planet) and Mercury (which is now direct) activate your money-from-others zone So – over the next few months – expect a boost to your bank balance via a pay rise, work bonus, bumper tax return, inheritance superannuation payout or extra business Any windfall won t last long if you don’t manage it wisely though The late week Super Full Moon focuses on a close relationship as passions fire up, or a problem comes to a head
Mercury is now moving forwards in your hopes-andwishes zone, while the Sun, Venus and Mars are visiting your spirituality zone Which favours meditation, contemplation relaxation and investigation as you solve a problem, get to the bottom of a mystery or imagine a fabulous new dream Then the Super Full Moon shines a spotlight on physical and mental wellbeing as you (ideally) eat more healthily think more positively and exercise more often
With the Sun Venus Mars and the Super Full Moon all activating your networking and friendship zones, its time to communicate and connect (creatively, cooperatively and proactively) with family friends colleagues clients and/or customers You have the ability to influence people in positive ways as you employ charm, encouragement and praise to get others onside The weekend Mercury/ Jupiter trine promises an overall sense of wellbeing
Mercury is moving forwards in your adventure zone which is good news for Piscean travel plans long holidays and weekend getaways Plus – with the Sun, Venus and Mars all transiting through your career zone –its a good week to be creatively proactive as you follow a professional dream However – with the Super Full Moon firing up your home zone – don’t be so work-focused that you ignore your domestic life If you do expect there will be dramas!
COPYR GHT Joanne Made ne Moore 20G25
THE names Chapel Street and Chapel Lane originatedfrom the building of the first church in Morwell.
In 1883, three allotments on the eastern side of what is now Chapel St were acquired by the Bishop of Melbourne, James Moorhouse and others for the building of achurch.
On July 14, 1885 alarge number of residents turned out to witness the ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the new Anglican Church, St Mary’s, in Chapel St.
John Robb, the Mirboo Railway Line contractor, had donated sufficient metal for the foundation and he laid the stone which came from the Darlimurla quarry and aparchment scroll on which the following was written:
“Diocese of Melbourne, in the colony of Victoria, the foundation stoneofthe Church of St Mary, Morwell, was laid by John Robb, Esq;the Right Reverend James Moorhouse, D.D., being Bishop of the Diocese; Sir Henry Loch, K.C.B., Governor of the colony; in the reignofHer Majesty Queen Victoria, The Reverend John R. Walker being incumbent. Dated this 14th day of July 1885”.
Copies of the local papers TraralgonRecord, Gippsland Times, Gippsland Mercury and Church of England Messenger were sealed in the stone.
The building was to cost £300 and opened on February 7, 1886.
The first Church of England cleric was Reverend Albert Charles Edwards who was the Minister from 1887 to 1888.
In 1924, the church was closed for several weeks while it was repaired and altered and anew front and porchway built.
After serving the Church of England community for 70 years, the last service was held in this church in January 1956. The land and building was sold to the education department.
Thesecond St Mary’s Church was builtat6-8 LatrobeRoad, Morwell.
The dedication for the replacement church and the unveiling of the foundation stone was held on March 29, 1958.
Right Reverend Bishop Percival William Stephenson dedicated the church, and the foundation stone was unveiled by local practitioner Emma Eliza Bridle in recognition of her long and outstanding service to the church.
St Mary’s Church in Latrobe Rd holds the Arthur Boyd mural which wasoriginally housed in St James Church of England at Yallourn.
Chapel Ln is the short lane on the western side of Chapel St between the new SEC building and the Victorian Legal Aid Building.
Information and photos submitted by the Morwell Historical Society.
MEMBER for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is urging locals to take extra care around water this summer.
The 2025 National Drowning Report reveals 52 peopledrowned in Victoria between June 30, 2024 and July 1, 2025, an eight per cent increase on the 10-year average.
Mr O’Briensaidthe figuresare asobering reminder that drowning risks affect all communities,including Gippsland.
“Gippslanders recorded 1.29 drowningsper 100,000 residents, highlighting that our region is not immune,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This datarefers to where people live, not necessarily where the incidents occurredand highlights that localfamilies must stayvigilant around water both at home and away.”
The report also shows asignificant overrepresentation of older Victorians, with 17 per cent of drowning victims aged 75 and over, despite this age group making up just 7.5 per cent of the population.
Mr O’Brien said it was also very concerning to read that 15 per cent of drownings were linked to drugs or alcohol.
“Just like drugs and alcohol affect your driving, they can alsoaffect your ability to navigate the water," he said.
“Every oneofthesedeathsisatragedy, but with some simpleprecautions, we can prevent more families from experiencing this heartbreak.” Mr O’Brien encouraged localstoavoid swimming alone, wear lifejackets when boating, supervise children closely and avoid alcohol around water.
ABC TV,Friday, 8.30pm
Thestarof75novels that have sold morethan 500 million copies, Inspector Jules Maigret is second only to Sherlock Holmes in the bestselling literarydetective stakes. This adaptation features Benjamin Wainwright (pictured, Belgravia:TheNextChapter)asa thoroughly modern Maigret –gone arethe character’s iconic pipe, bowle hat and imposing longovercoat,infavour of afive-o’clock shadowand ac Parisianwardrobe. Maigretand wifeLouise (Stefanie Martini) arefirstont scene whenastudentisstabbed in Friday’spenultimate chapter.When t investigation uncovers links to Countess Sophie (RachelShelley), Maigret is forced to choosebetween professional and personal priorities.
It certainly looks abit different to Christmas in this partofthe world, but there’snodenying themagic of asnow-coveredlandscape at thistime of year.Santa’s workshop couldbejustout of frame at almostany point dur this picturesque documentaryspecial. Narrated by DowntonAbbey’s Hu Bonneville, it follows the luxurious Bernina Express as it winds its wayfro charming Chur,Switzerland’soldestcity, through stunning alpine landsca on its waytoTirano,Italy,inits mostenchanting season. Abucketlistride many,this charming journey aboard the crimson cars of theiconictrain a meets the conductors, engineersand driverswho makethe magic happe
Wednesday, December 3
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
Live and kicking: Mel Tracina takes the stage for BigBrother Australia’s finale
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News
7.30 7.30
8.00 Hard Quiz (PG)
8.30 Crime Night! (PG) HostedbyJulia Zemiro.
9.00 SpicksAnd Specks (PG, R) HostedbycomedianAdamHills.
9.30 Utopia. (PG, R) Afreeway projectisdelayed.
10.25 If You’re Listening. (R)
10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 YouCan’t Ask That. (PG, R) 12.25 Grand Designs NewZealand.(R) 1.10 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.55 Rage.(MA15+adhlnsv)
3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
er chic the he t f ring ugh m pes e for lso en.
6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 EnglishNews. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Focus On AbilityFilm Festival 2025 (Premiere, PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 MOVIE: When Love Is In Your Eyes. (2024,PGa, R) 2.50 IAmNot ANumber.(PGa,R) 3.10 Rehabilitating. (PGa) 3.30 The CookUp. (R) 4.00 Focus On AbilityFilmFestival 2025 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
7.35 MichaelPalin In NorthKorea. (R) Michael Palin exploresNorth Korea.
8.30 Reckless. (Final, MA15+l) June races against time to saveher brother. 9.35 Scotland’sPoshestTrain: Alan Cumming (PG, R) Alan Cumming’stripcontinues.
10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Crime. (MA15+av,R)
1.55 LookingFor Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 3.00 Boswell And Johnson’s ScottishRoad Trip.(PGal, R) 3.55 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (PG,R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.
SEVEN (7,6)
10, Monday, 7.30pm
BIG BROTHER AUSTRALI
Justlongenoughtoprove tha realityformat stillworks, but fl enough to leaveviewers want more, 10’s short-and-sweet re of theultimate social expe arrives at its conclusion o Monday. This nostal treat combined almost all the things fans m most –ahou at Dreamwo Mike Goldm narration a streaming new and e elements: host Mel T Taking the unpredict natureof (that is, to rain) in he stride,the Seatsfavo has proven one of the m capable pres around. The p has moresay t ever when it com to choosingtonig winner,but it’sno Tracina who’s com out on top.
IA at the fleeting ting eboot riment on gic gmissed use orld, man’s and live –with exciting chiefly Tracina. e table liveTV orrential er e Cheap ourite nherself most senters public han mes ght’s odoubt me
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024,Ml, R) NancyBates. 11.25 Nigella’s Christmas Kitchen. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. (R) 1.35 YouCan’t Ask That.(Ml, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 ForeverSummer WithNigella. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs NewZealand.(R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 AntiquesRoadshow.(R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: AFurryLittle Christmas (2021, PGa,R)KristiMcKamie. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat TheChasersUK. (R) Presented by BradleyWalsh. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. Hosted by LarryEmdur
6.00 SevenNews
7.00 Border Patrol. (PG) Officers get confused by atraveller.
7.30 The1%Club UK (PG,R) HostedbyLee Mack.
8.30 MOVIE: 1917 (2019,MA15+av,R)
During World WarI,two British soldiers are assigned thecritical task of delivering alife-savingmessage.George MacKay Dean-CharlesChapman, Colin Firth
11.00 Chicago Fire (Ma)Severide creates aropes course for Girls on Fire
12.00 MOVIE: SecretsOnCampus. (2022, Mav,R)Jalina Brown. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today 9.00 Today ExtraSummer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 1.00 Getaway.(PG,R) 1.30 My Way. 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG,R) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.
6.00 9News
7.00 ACurrentAffair
7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) Follows the activitiesofpolice units
8.30 Paramedics. (Mm, R) Flight paramedic Steve heads to the country after atractor topplesoverand crushesafarmer
9.30 American Crime Story. (Premiere, Madlsv) Focuses on the criminal trial of O.J. Simpson. 11.25 Resident Alien. (Mav)
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 My Way. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: HomeShopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoiceOfVictory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
Millie Magnificent 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 To Be Advised. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 StevenUniverse. 8.55 Adventure Time 9.20 Teen Titans Go! 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.50 Pokémon: Diamond And Pearl. 10.15 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 Big RigsOfOz. 8.30
Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Cricket. Women’s BigBash League. Match 34.Melbourne Stars vSydneySixers. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s BigBashLeague.Match 35 Sydney Thunder vBrisbane Heat. 10.30 Caught On Dashcam Holiday Specials. 11.30 LivePDPresents: PD Cam. (Premiere) Midnight Late Programs. 9GO! (93, 82) 6am The Orator.(2011, PGa, Samoan) 7.40
WHO DO YOUTHINKYOU ARE? SBS, Tuesday, 8.30pm
It’sonlytaken 20 years, but this ancestry-based anthology that shares its name with a1997Spice Girls hit has finally landed amember of the FabFive. Melanie Chisholm (pictured), akaSporty Spice,has always been aloudand proud Northerner and is keen to learn exactly how farback her rootsgo in Liverpool, and what brought her family to the city in the first place. Thesinger describes her grandmotherand great-grandmother as “stoic andstrong andresilient”, but is unawareofthe hardships and tragedythatmade them that way. From her four-timesgreatgrandfather’s run-ins with the law to ascandalous extramarital affair what researchers uncoverleaves Chisholm speechless.
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 10 News+. HostedbyDenham Hitchcock
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.15 Tech Smart Agriculture. (R) 11.30 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Ma, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6am Mor ning Programs. 2.00 Chef AntoniosRecipes For Revolution. (Ml, R) 3.00 Sugar BirdLady 3.05 Deus Ex Machina. 3.10 Hindsight. (PGls) 3.15 StandardDrink. 3.20 Retur nToLullumb. 3.25 Imposter.(PGa) 3.30 La Echolalia. 3.35 Theatricality 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Everywhere. 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Marbella. (PGalw) Eva Longoria shows offher new home city of Marbella.
8.25 BritainsRailway Empire In Colour: Battle Lines. (PGav) Explores how the rail compartment fascinated the Victorians as a place of intrigue and romance.
9.20 Vigil. (Malv) Eliza war ns Amy to regain control of her investigation.
10.25 SBS World News Late.
10.55 Vienna Blood. (MA15+a, R)
12.50 House Of Promises. (Mans, R)
Designs New Zealand. (R)
12.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 2.45pm TBA. 3.00 Childrens Programs. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Secret Life Of The Kangaroo. 10.05 The Mysterious Benedict Society (Final) 10.35 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Always Blak Always Cracked. 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: Sorbaes. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Big Dry 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: Enter The Dragon. (1973, MA15+) 11.20 Late Programs.
3.30 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 MOVIE: Simple Minds: Everything Is Possible. (2022, M) 2.10 Bamay 2.40 Insight. 3.40 News. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 HistorysGreatest Mysteries. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 9.25 The Movie Show 10.00 Bergman Island. (2021, Malnsv) 12.05pm Hundreds Of Beavers. (2022, Mas) 2.05 3.45 The Orator (2011, PGa, Samoan) 5.50 Paris Can Wait (2016, PG) 7.30 Last Cab To Darwin.(2015, Mal) 9.50 EverybodysFine. (2009) 11.45 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Dirty Little Deeds. (2021, Mav,R) 2.00 The Ashes: PreGame Show 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 1. After noon session. 5.00 The Ashes: TeaBreak 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 1. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes alook at the daysplay so far in the Test match between Australia and England.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 1. Late evening session.
10.30 SevensCricket: The Spin. (Retur n) An expert panel examines the latest in cricket.
11.15 The Amazing Race. (PG) Hosted by Phil Keoghan.
12.45 Life. (Malsv,R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Zoo. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Holidays In The Sun. (Premiere, PG) The team checks out the perfect holiday spots.
8.30 Topknotz: Wild On Water (Ml) Lifestyle series focusing on marine leisure, featuring Felicity Palmateer and Rob Palmer
9.30 Limitless With Chris Hemsworth: Shock. (PGa, R) Chris Hemsworth heads to the icy Arctic.
10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) 11.20 Next Stop.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30
6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia. (Final) Sophie Thomson strolls through agarden symphony
8.30 Maigret. (Mv) Maigret is hunting the killer of an innocent student when Countess Sophie begs him for help.
9.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Hosted by TomGleeson.
9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.
10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
10.55 ABC Late News.
11.10 Silent Witness. (MA15+, R)
12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (PG)
6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 ScoobyDoo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 HardQuiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
6.30 SBS World News.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
7.30 MOVIE: Strange Jour ney: Story Of Rocky Horror. (2025) Charts the history of The Rocky Horror Show.Tim Curry
9.05 Discovering Film: Diane Keaton. Atribute to the late Diane Keaton. 10.00 Rock Legends: Chicago. (PGa) Charts the history of rock band Chicago.
10.30 SBS World News Late.
11.00 Sisi. (MA15+s, R) 12.00 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+s, R) 2.15 Soldiers. (MA15+av,R) 3.00 Going Places With Er nie Dingo. (PG, R) 4.00 FIFAWorld Cup 2026 Final Draw 5.40 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Another MothersSon. (2017, PGalsv) 11.05 Begin Again. (2013, Mls)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 2. Evening session. 7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes alook at the daysplaysofar 8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 2. Late evening session. (PG)
Glenn Maxwell discusses his cricketing career
11.00 Why Ships Crash. (PGa, R) 12.10 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Premiere, Malns) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. Hosted by Shelley Craft. 8.30 MOVIE: Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom. (2023, Mav) Aquaman must forge an alliance with his imprisoned brother to save Atlantis. Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. 11.00 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R) 11.50 MOVIE: Sons Of Summer (2023, MA15+alv,R)Isabel Lucas.
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00
ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Retur nTo Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.25 Maigret. (Mv,R)
2.40 Melbour ne Symphony Orchestra.
4.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.20 Landline. (Final, R) 5.50 Australian Story: On The Brink Bon Scott. (R)
6.30 When The WarIsOver: Vietnam. (PGa, R) Rachel
7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of the day
7.30 Retur nToParadise. (Mdv) Astrangersbody is found in a locked motel room, with no sign of how the killer got out.
8.30 Vera
The case takes an unexpected twist when it is revealed the victim had been missing for weeks, but only dead for aday
10.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) Jolyon recommits to his family 10.55 Bergerac. (Ml, R) Bergerac and Arthur 11.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Peer To Peer.(R) 9.30 Matched. (PG, R) 10.20 The Bridges That Built London. (PGav,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 FIFAWorld Cup 2026 Final Draw.(R) 2.30 Soccer Australian Championship. Final.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Alpine TrainAtChristmas. (PGa) Ajour ney aboardthe Ber nina Express. 8.25 Christmas At Graceland. (PG, R) Acelebration of Christmas at Elvis Presleysfamily home, Graceland.
9.15 Rock Legends: Marvin Gaye. (PGa) Charts the life and tragic death of Marvin Gaye, chronicling his iconic career
9.45 Living Black. (R) Karla Grant interviews actor Tasma Walton. 10.15 Reckless. (Final, MA15+l, R) 11.20 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R) 2.40 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 3.45 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. (Final) 8.00 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tour nament Of Houses. (Final) 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.50 Chums. 10.00 MOVIE: BMX Bandits. (1983, PG) 11.40 MOVIE: The Goonies. (1985, PG) 1.40pm The Big Dry 2.30 Nula. 3.00 Etched In Bone. 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 Island Food Revolution. 6.00 The Barber 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia: The Reunion. 8.30 MOVIE: End Of Days. (1999) 10.40 Late Programs. NITV (34)
6am
WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 1.10 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Inside Legoland: A World Of Wonder.(Premiere) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Cult Massacre: One Day In Jonestown. 9.25 Shenzong Tunnel Bridge. 10.25 Snowpiercer 12.20am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7.20am Bring It On. (2000, PGals) 9.10 10.50 Everybodys Fine. (2009) 12.45pm Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, Mal) 3.00 Paris Can Wait. (2016, PG) 4.45 Selkie. (2000, PG) 6.25 Local Hero. (1983, als) 8.30 Mystic River.(2003, MA15+av) 11.00 Erotic Stories. 12.15am Late Programs.
Sunday,December 7
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 Eat The Invaders. (PG, R) 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 A DogsWorld With Tony Armstrong. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (Final, R) 2.25 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.25 Long Lost Family.(R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. Round 12. Abu Dhabi. Highlights. 4.00 When The World Watched. 5.25 The Granny Grommets. 5.35 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy.(PGav,R)
6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 Christmas With The Salvos. (PG) 12.30 Behind Behani. (PGal, R) 1.30 Surf Patrol. (R) 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Aust vEngland. After noon. 5.00 The Ashes: TeaBreak 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia v England. Day 3. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 3. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes alook at the daysplay so far in the Test match between Australia and England.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 3. Late evening session. From the Gabba, Brisbane.
10.30 Heroes And Legends: Hall Of Fame. The Sport Australia Hall of Fame special.
12.30 Miniseries: Any Human Heart. (Malns)
1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 ItsAcademic. (R)
5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 TodayExtra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Golf. PGA
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 MOVIE: (1993, PGal, R) Aman resorts to posing as adevoted female housekeeper to keep in touch with his three children. Robin Williams, Sally Field.
10.00 MOVIE: Bad Moms. (2016, MA15+lns, R) Three exhausted mothers decide to have fun. Mila Kunis, Kathryn Hahn.
11.55 MOVIE: The Founder (2016, Ml, R) Asalesman starts achain restaurant. Michael Keaton.
2.00 The Incredible Jour ney Presents. (PG)
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) The team helps aman sell his house in Terrigal, within an hours drive of the Sydney CBD.
8.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie attempt homes in north and south Brisbane. 9.45 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv,R) Hana puts out an SOS to the team when she is among those taken hostage by an enraged veteran. 11.40 FBI. (Mv,R)Jubals informant brings intel to the team. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00HourOfPower.
The Forsytes. Soames ends IrenesParisian dreams.
9.45 Retur nToParadise. (Mdv,R)Astrangersbody is found in amotel room. 10.45 When The WarIsOver. (PGa, R)
AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R)
Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.30
Gardens. (R) 3.00 The Art Of. (Mns, R) 3.30 Gardening Australia. (R)
5.00 Insiders. (Final, R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Cleopatra: Cracking The Enigma. (Premiere) 8.30 Ken Bur ns The American Revolution. (Premiere) Achronicle of the American Revolution. 10.35 Mayhem: Secret Lives Of Georgian Kings. (PGav,R) 11.30 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (R) 12.45 Sue Perkins: Along the US-Mexico Border.(PGadlv,R)
2.55 Billy Connolly: Made In Scotland. (Mal, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6pm Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks. 6.25 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Shaun The Sheep. 8.10 Crongton. 8.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.40 Abbott Elementary 10.20 Speechless. 10.40 Late Programs.
(34)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8)
6am Mor ning Programs. 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Aust vEngland. After noon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 5.00 The Ashes: Tea Break. 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. Evening session. 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes alook at the daysplay so far
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. Late evening session.
10.30 7NEWS Spotlight.
11.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Greenough Family Massacre. (MA15+adv,R) 12.45 MOVIE: My Husband, The Narcissist. (2023, Mav,R)
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 9.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 10.00 Escape To The Country 1pm The Surgery Ship. 2.00 HarrysPractice. 2.30 Animal Rescue. 3.00 Hor nby: AModel Empire.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 2025: The Year That Was. 8.30 Events That Changed Australia: The Cronulla Riots. (Premiere, MA15+alv) Takesalook at SydneysCronulla Beach, which became the site of an organised, race-driven riot in December,2005.
9.40 Revealed: Death Cap Murders. (Mal) Looks at the death of three people.
10.55 WorldsMostDangerous Prisoners. (Mv,R) 11.45 Wild Cards. (Mv,R) 12.35 AustraliasTop TenOfEverything. (Msv R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believers 4.30 TheGarden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
TEN (10, 5)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace. 7.00 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Ghosts Australia. (Ms) Lindy discovers the ghost of Ned Kelly haunting the grounds of Ramshead Manor 9.30 FBI. (Masv,R)The team victim after their stingoperation goes sideways. Maggie makes aconnection with a911 operator 11.30 10 News+. (R)Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Dark Side Of The 90s. 1.45 WWE Rivals. 2.35 Fashionista. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 HistorysGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Electric Cars: What They DontWant YouToKnow 9.25 Electric Cars: How Safe AreThey? 10.20 Late Programs.
6am All The Old Knives. (2022, MA15+als) 6.50 Local Hero. (1983, PGals) 8.55 Selkie. (2000, PG) 10.35 Haute Couture. (2021, Mals, French) 12.30pm AMost Wanted Man. (2014, Malsv) 2.40 Clockwatchers. (1997, PGl) 4.30 Finding Altamira. (2016, PGa) 6.15 Lucky You. (2007, PGav) 8.30 The Mask Of Zorro. (1998, Mv) 11.05 Late Programs.
9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Soccer.English Premier League. Chelsea vArsenal.Replay 4.30 Dinner With The Parents. 5.00 MOVIE: Superman III. (1983, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Dark Knight. (2008, M) 10.35 Gotham. 12.30am Arrow 2.10 Love During Lockup. 3.05 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 4.50 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Merv Hughes Fishing. 3.00 Duck Dynasty 4.00
6.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: From Russia With Love. (1963, PG) 10.55 Late Programs.
ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 10.30 Vera. (Mav,R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Ningaloo Nyinggulu. (R)
1.55 Death In Paradise. (PGa, R) 2.55
QI. (Ms, R) 3.25 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.50 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.35 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.
8.00 Louis Theroux: The Settlers. (Mav,R)Presented by Louis Theroux.
9.00 MOVIE: Paul Kelly: Stories Of Me. (2012, MA15+dl, R) Charts the remarkable life of Paul Kelly Paul Kelly,Kasey Chambers.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 The Business. (R)
11.10 Creative TypesWith Virginia Trioli. (Ml, R)
11.40 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R)
12.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Gladiators UK. (Final) 9.30 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm On Country Kitchen. 2.30 Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. (Retur n) 6.40 ColombiasWildCoast. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Bob Marley: Catch AFire. 10.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PG, R) 3.10
Going Places. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Bill BaileysVietnam Adventure. (PG) Bill Bailey arrives in Sa Pa.
8.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. (Mals, R) Greg Davies is joined by celebrity guests ClaireRichards, TomAllen, Pete Doherty and Jamali Maddix.
9.20 Jimmy CarrsI Literally Just Told You. (M) Comedic game show
10.15 SBS World News Late.
10.45 The Man Who Died. (Ma)
11.35 ACriminal Affair (Mal, R) 1.15 Pagan Peak. (Mas, R) 3.00 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (PG, R) 4.10 Growing AGreener World. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.00 Bamay 3.20 In The Box. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. (Return) 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Ozzy Osbour ne: The Final Encore. 9.30 MOVIE: Daytime Revolution. (2024) 11.30 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 8.05 Lucky You. (2007, PGav) 10.20 One Night In Miami (2020, Mals) 12.30pm The Mask Of Zorro. (1998, Mv) 3.00 The Movie Show 3.35 Local Hero. (1983, PGals) 5.40 AHandful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 7.55 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PGlsv) 9.30 ABrighter Tomorrow.(2021, Mal, French) 11.15 Late Programs.
6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 MOVIE: Trouble In Suburbia. (2021, Madv,R) 2.00 The Ashes: Pre-Game Show 3.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Aust vEngland. After noon. (Alt schedule may be shown). 5.00 The Ashes: Tea Break. 5.40 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. Evening session.
7.40 The Ashes: Dinner Break. Takes alookatthe daysplay so far in the Test match between Australia and England.
8.00 Cricket. The Ashes. Second Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. Late evening session.
10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mav) Violet catches Carver in alie
11.30 Autopsy USA: Dean Martin. (Mal, R)
12.30 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)
1.30 HarrysPractice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning
Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Hor nby: AModel Empire. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To TheCountry 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.
(9, 8)
6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00
MOVIE: AChristmas Break. (2020, G, R) Cindy Sampson, Steve Byers. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News After noon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) Ordinary Australians become travel critics.
8.40 MOVIE: The Dish. (2000, Ml, R) Apower cut threatens success for ateamofAustralian engineers working under NASA supervision. Sam Neill, Kevin Harrington, TomLong.
10.45 The Equalizer. (Mav) Agirl is the victim of ashootout.
11.35 Transplant. (MA15+am, R)
12.25 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.20 Talking Honey (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Wild Moments. 2.00 Tycoons Down Under (Premiere) 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: The Loves Of Joanna Godden. (1947, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: 10.55 Late Programs.
9GO! (93,
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. 9.45 MOVIE: The Hot Chick. (2002, M) 11.50 Seinfeld. 12.50am The VampireDiaries 2.35 Love After Lockup. 3.30 LEGO Friends: Girls On AMission. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Supports. Dunlop Super2 Series. 3.30 Supercars Supports. Carrera Cup. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 American Pickers. 6.00 Cricket. Ashes. Second Test. Aust vEngland. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Late Programs.
We canmakethat happen! Advertise with a trusted community voice!
Formoreinformation talk to your localLatrobe ValleyExpress representative or call theoffice on 5135 4444 to speaktoone of our friendly and helpful consultants.
Tuesday,December 9
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (7,6)
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 10.30 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Forsytes. (R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 QI. (PGls, R) 3.30 Nigella Bites. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 When The WarIs Over: Changi. (PGa)
8.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) Itsthe
9.25 The Art Of. (Ml) Guest host is Namila Benson. 10.00 The Assembly (PG, R) 10.45 ABC Late News. 11.00 The Business. (R) 11.15 Louis Theroux: The Settlers. (Mav,R) 12.15 ACountry Road: The Nationals. (R) 1.15 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 2.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 10.10 Leave No Trace. (PG) 11.10 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PG,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw,R) 3.10 Going Places. (PGaw, R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Britain By Beach. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys: Wokingham To Heathrow. (PG, R) 8.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? Melanie Chisholm. (PG) Singer Melanie Chisholm explores her roots.
9.35 Australia In Colour: Family (PGa, R) Documents the story of Australia.
10.35 SBS World News Late.
11.05 Families Like Ours. (Ma)
12.05 De Gaulle. (Ma, R) 2.00 Charles I: Downfall Of AKing. (R) 3.05 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: SingaporeBitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.10 Super Shark Highway 10.00 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Final, Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.40 NCIS. (Mad, R) As NCIS mour ns the loss of Ducky,the
10.40 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 11.05 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
10 COMEDY (11, 52)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Steppin Into The Holiday (2022, PGa, R) Mario Lopez. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PGa) ANew Zealand national loses her cool. 7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGal, R) Atradie crashes into aparked car
8.30 Murder In ASmall Town. (Mav)
9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Gary Adams. (Mav,R)After a17-year-old goes missing, his mother asks former detective Ron Iddles to investigate the case.
10.30 Inside Cyprus. (PGav,R) Ben Fogle heads to Cyprus. 12.00 Miniseries: London Spy (Premiere, MA15+ds) 1.30 HarrysPractice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00 MOVIE: Christmas At The Chalet. (2023, PGa, R) Teri Hatcher,William deVry 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News After noon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Taronga: WhosWho In The Zoo: Red Panda-Monium. (PGm)
8.30 Jamie DuriesFutureHouse. (PG) Hosted by Jamie Durie.
9.35 Beyond The Build. (PG) Bec and George create their dream home.
10.35 Wild Cards. (Mav)
11.30 La Brea. (Mav,R) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
9GEM (92,81)
TEN (10, 5)
6am
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer
7.30 JamiesCook Ahead Christmas. Jamie Oliver shows offfestive dishes. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) The Fugitive Task force is called in to connect aseriesofrandom poisonings beforemorelives arelost. 10.30 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 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 Mor nings. 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 Homicide. 2.10 Dreaming Whilst Black. 2.35 Heroines. 3.35 Fashionista. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 TribeWith Bruce Parry 9.40 Hoarders. 11.25 Dark Side Of The Ring. 12.20am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Our Law 2.00 On Country Kitchen.
2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 ColombiasWildCoast. 7.30 WaterWorlds.
8.30 Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.10 Finding Altamira. (2016, PGa) 10.55 Coalesce. (2020, Malsv) 12.30pm Emily.(2022, Mas) 2.50 Mrs Lowry And Son. (2019, PGan) 4.30 Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PGlsv) 6.00 AHardDaysNight. (1964, PGs) 7.35 Down With Love. (2003, Mas) 9.30 CaravaggiosShadow.(2022, MA15+lns) 11.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To TheCountry 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Death In Paradise. 2.00 Tycoons Down Under 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: The Long Dark Hall. (1951, PG) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 MOVIE: Thunderball. (1965, PG) 11.20 Late Programs.
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. 9.45 MOVIE: Sex And The City 2. (2010, MA15+) 12.45am The VampireDiaries. 2.35 Love After Lockup. 3.30 LEGO Friends: Girls On A Mission. 4.00 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Swamp People: Serpent Invasion. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars 5.30 American Pickers.
MEET at the old Yallourn Production Centre (Yallourn Rd, Yallourn) every second Monday of the month from 12.30pm.
Meetings are also held on the third Monday of the month from11amwhich is acraft day.
The Lyrebirds wish to thank theladythey met in the Reject Shop,Moe
The club is holding its Christmas lunchonMonday, December 8and its Christmas raffle on December 17, drawn at 3pm outside the Moore Street newsagent.
Merry Christmas to all who havesupportedthe club this year.
Clubactivities recommence Monday, Feb ruary 9a t Yallourn Production Centre.
Phone Anne Freeman on 0417 993 111 or email: moeladybirdcwa@gmail.com for all matters related to Moe Lyrebirds CWA.
Christmas memorial
TRARALGON Christmas Memorial ServicebyKellie Eddywill be held at Gippsland Mem or ial Park (Tr ara lgo n Cemetery) on December 20 from 11am to 11.30am.
Join for aheartfeltgathering to honour and remember loved ones. Predominantly, this service is open to any families who have entrusted the careoftheir loved one into the hands of staff at GippslandMemorial Park, or those families whom have had theirloved ones life celebrated throughKellie Eddy.
However,ifyou have celebrated the life of aloved one outside of this, you are still most welcome.
Local flower fairies from Flowers by Bell will be onsite with giftsand floralsavailable forpurchase.
This is afree community event.
GATHERa tt he Yin nar & District Memorial Hall on Saturday, December 13 from 3pm-6pm.
This is afree community event hosted by the hall's volunteer committee.
Come along and join in the festivities.
Ent ertain ment by The Briagalong Bush Bandand Yinnar Primary School Choir. Make Merriness Bubbles and Marshall Arts Face Painting both free.
Sa nta will arriv eb yt he firetruck with treatsfor the children.
Door prizes will be given throughout the event.
Food may be purc has ed from food vendors or you are welcome to bring your own. Tableswill be set up in the hall for everyone's use.
This is an alcohol free event.
Dogs are not permitted inside the hall.
NEW Wave Latrobe Valley self advocacy group is an independent group run by and for adults with intellectual disabilityand acquired brain injury.
The group works on speaking up for each other and in the community.
To learn more, come to the New Wave ‘Speak Up Drop In’ Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 9a tT raralgon Library.
Drop in between 11.30am3.30pm to chat to members about disability self advocacy for adults with intellectual disabilityoracquired brain injury. No cost to attend. Support
people are welcome.
There will be self advocacy games, lunch and party snacks and prizes.
Cal lo rt ex tC ha ri ty on 049 37 22 23 0t of ind out more, or ema il: chari ty@ newwavegippsland.org.au, or visit the Facebookpage: NewWaveGippsland.
LAST fundraisingeffort for the year will be apop-up craft stallonThursday, December 11 outside the Moe newsagent in Moore St from 9am-2pm.
The group will also hold a Christmashamper raffle, to be drawn on the day. Tickets are $1 each.
Moe District Cancer Council Volunteer Group would like to acknowledgeand saythank you to all members, the many businesses, and all supporters in the community.
Since November 2001,the group has donated to 10 Cancer Research Projects of $5000 each: Melanoma, Oesophageal, Liver, Prostate, Pancreatic, Ovarian, Myeloma, Lung, Bowell, and Joint Leukaemia and Lymphom a, Can cer Research.($50,000 in total)
Current project is Stomach Cancer Research.
The group wishes everyone amerry Christmas, and asafe and happy New Year, and looks forward to continued support in 2026.
Next meeting will be held Monday, January 19, 2026 from 1.30pm at the Moe RSL.
All welcome.
For more information -volunteer groupcontact: Diane 0438 517 470orLinda (0427 671 780).
CancerCouncilSupporters
Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85
Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20
Quit Line: 13 78 48
Visit: wwwcancervic.org.au or visit the Facebook page.
LATROBEValleySpiritual Centr e( 2A vondale Road, Morwell)
Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Door so pen at 1.30pm.
Different guest speaker every week with demonstrations from an invitedmedium followedby acuppa and afternoon tea.
For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044. Join the Facebook page: Latro be Vall ey Spi rit ual Centre for updates.
ACHRISTMAS craft market
wil lb eh eld at Chu rchi ll
ShoppingCentrethis Saturday (December 6) from 9am-1pm.
Plenty of craft stalls to browse for that perfect gift and lots of gift ideas in-store at Churchill retailers.
Some lucky shoppers, randomly selected, will win one of the many available free vouchers to spend at a nominatedChurchill business. There'seven acoupleof$50 Woolworths voucherstobe won.Bargainsgalore at the Churchill Lifeline store which will open this Saturday morning especially for the market.
Loc al comm unity grou ps will be providing free sausage sizzles during the morning and there'll be free fruit and chocola tes for that perfect snack.
From 10am onwards there'll be fre ee nter tainme nt for children and music for the young-at-heart. Also free facepainting for the littlies from 10.30am.
Santa will also be making an appearance around 10am-ish.
The Ch urchill Chr istm as 'Shop Local' market is facilitated by Churchill &District Community Association, in partnership with Churchill Neighbourhood Centre and Churchill &District News. For more information, visit Faceb ook and sear ch for 'Churchill Shop Local'.
YAL LOUR NM adr ig al Singers will presen ti ts annual Christmas concert at the Traralgon Uniting Church (Pa rk Lane, Traralgo n) on Saturday, December 6from 2pm.
The concert is titled Tisthe Season to be Jolly! and includes lots of beautiful Christmas music,both secularand sacred.
Among highlights there will be performances by soloists Tamara Warden (flute) and Claire Morrissey (soprano). Another highlight will be communitycarols accompanied by an ensemble from members of the Latrobe Orchestra.
After the concert there will be an excellentafternoon tea at no extra cost.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for school students and can be purchased at the door (cash preferred) or bookedonline through: www.trybooking.com/ DGZRG
LINE dancing is held at the Senior Citizens Hall in Trar algo n( Cor ner Prin ces Highway and Whittakers Rd).
Cost is only $2 and held every Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 11am.
Beginnersand experienced dancers welcome.
For more information, phone Heidi on 0431 936 653.
PETER Bakker took controlin Latrobe ValleyChess events last week, defeating every challenger.
Reprieves were there for Ian Hamilton but blunders were too frequent.
Price Samaseia commented on learning as well as enjoying both aloss and awin.
When the chances were there, Steve Ahernshowed the ability to win.
Eddie Wagner continued to display the chess skills that have resulted in numerous rewards.
Both Clif fT ho rnton and
KeeganJustwere forcedto accept forfeits.
Phone Cliff Thorntonon0413 330 458 or IanHamilton (0400 221649)for more information.
AGRE AT night was had dancing to the soulfultunes of one man band Lloyd Poole.
TheMoe Social Dance Club meets every Monday at the NewboroughHallfrom 7.30pm. Cost is $8.
The Christma sd ance is coming up on December 22 with music by The Silhouettes (7.30pm start).
The club will say goodbye to 2025 with music from Bak to Bak (8pm-1am).
Enquiri es for ticket sa nd tables to Carol Ryanon0417 596 594.
TRARALGON Bridge Club results:
Monday, November 24 -1st Ken Tiern ey and Mon ika Cornell (65 per cent), 2nd Don Ztylee and Robin Hecker (60).
Tuesday, November 25
-N /S 1s tP eter Lonie and CarolCheyne (56),2nd Geoff Dixon and Anna Field(53). E/W 1st MariaMacTagggart and Heather Henley (61). 2nd Marion Taylor and Kerry Mills (57).
Thursday, November 271st Greg Nicholsonand Kaye Douglas (60), 2nd Robin Hecker and Don Tylee (59).
If you wish to learn more or play bridge ,g ive Helen McAdam acall on 0438164 528.
be
IF you are acommunity group and have any news items you need publicised, feel free to email us at news@lvexpress. com.au
Youcan address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Pleas ewrite 'Com mun ity Corner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadl ine is Fri day 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.
ON theme with the opening of the Metro Tunnel, thisweek'smovie review is an Expressservice (get it)tomurder mystery town, with the 1951 Hitchcock classic, Strangers on aTrain Joining you with their uneducated opinions on the film are Manny's Market's #1 kebabconsumer, Blake Metcalf-Holt, and professional V/Line passenger, Aidan Knight (who insists trench coats should still be standard journalist attire). Hitchcock was one of the greatest directors ever committed to black-and-white stock, andthis particular tale is no exception.
Strangers on aTrainfollows achilling encounter betweencharismatic psychopathBrunoAntony and professional tennis player Guy Haines.
After achancemeeting on atrain, Bruno proposes adeadly “criss-cross” murder swap, aplan he becomes disturbingly committed to, even as Guy tries desperately to distance himself. Blending sharpdialogue,meticulous suspense and some of Hitchcock’s most inventive set pieces, allowing him to remain adefining figure of the 20th century, proving that no commute is safe when Hitchcock’s involved.
With free travelonall weekend public transport across the state, maybe youtoo can meetastranger on atrain free of charge. Now it's time for REEL TALK...
Blake Metcalf-Holt: This is exactly why I refuse to talk to anyone Idistinctly know while catching public transport. Of course, Hitchcock is an insanely impressionable filmmaker, but it’s alittle surprising just how derivative Strangers on aTrain is since its release. It’s the classic case of one nutcase borrowing his way into another normal guy, most likely of wealth or fame, and not getting the message. It’s a way less favourable film by most (not me), but Iinstantly drew comparisons to the '90s Jim Carrey comedy The Cable Guy for this set-up alone. Regardless of the whole murder aspect of it, Bruno Antony’s (Robert Walker) infatuation with Guy (Farley Granger) is quite evident. The resident psychopath revels in the idea of a killing, but Idefinitely picked up that he is truly obsessed by the tennis star, even if it is mostly for his own interests. If any AO star ever even thought of catching the tube, this film would definitely change their minds. Not everyone’s built for it.
Aidan Knight: Ifound this really unsettling, not because of the core themesofthe film, but because the town they are actually travelling to on the train is called Metcalf, and that makes me think of Blake (shudders). The antagonist, Bruno (or the stranger), bears aresemblance to Matthew Phih kl ti r
By AIDAN KNIGHT
Perry, which sparksspeculation on howeffective he might have been if cast in athriller/horror sphere. In terms of plot, it's very stereot ypical of the era, andwouldn't fly at all now, in terms of logic, but that can also be an appeal to these aged variety of films. The whole setup really is simplya character appearing on-screen and insta ntl yconfessinghis plan for the perfect
MOE'S fabled Future Flicks video store, one of the last of its kind, has relocated into aspace nearly twice the size of its previous space.
Previously housed at 35 Kirk Street, Moe, owner Ricky Dyt took the store back to his origins at 30 George St, just around the corner.
Rick's story with Moe’s video shops goes back almost 40 years. He first opened asmall store in 1987,moved to abigger venuein1989, and has sinceshiftedlocations around town, including a stint next to Michael’s Golden Hen.
“It’s gone full circle,” said Rick, who remembers the VHS heyday, the rise of DVDs, and the waves brought by streaming services.
The Express stopped by the reopening -fittingly for avideo store, just in time for Halloween.
Rick wasadding finishing touchestothe new layout after carting 120 boxes of films and TV shows from one shopfront to the other, atask staff described as “ache-inducing”.Store assistant Angie Smith said she wassad to leave the old site behind,but excitedtowork in abigger, brighter spaceconveniently closetothe train station and the main drag of town.
Moving wasn’t just about size. Rick explained he was contemplatingretirement aftersellingthe old building, butwas persuaded to keep going by loyal regulars and the “strong, supportiveGippsland base.”
“People like the nostalgic feel coming into a traditional video store,” he shared, describing the effort invested in preserving neon signs from past shops and recreating the classic atmosphere.
“I wanted to get that ’90s feel,” he said, crediting along-time friend for repairing and refurbishing the neon lighting.
murder, and is accepted for it much more than is reasonable. It is very realistic, however, to meet an odd, unsettling, overenthusiastic character on public transport whom you wish to never see again -something Ihave experienced many times. It was great to see alocomotive buffet make an appearance, though Iwonder if the food was as nutritious in Hitchcock'stimeasitisonthe Bairnsdale service.Infact, Ithink there is quite an appeal for the Latrobe Valley in many of Hitchcock's works, one of my favourites has been the 1959 TV episode titled Special Delivery,inwhich aboy who receives aspecial delivery of fast-growing mushroom spores, which turn out to be an alien invasion plot.Spoiler:saidmushrooms do notstand trial for murder at Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court.
BMH: Theperformances are where it’s at.Walker as Bruno is the one that immediately grabs your attention, which should be the case, as he throws himself at Guy. Walker has the edge to him that’s visible as clear as day on his face that something’s not right with him, but due to the actor’s sensibilities,you’ll give him the benefit of the doubt …at least until the first incident happens. It’s alittle disappointing we didn’t see more of Walker, evenin future Hitchcock flicks, but he sadly passed away just two months after the release of Strangers on aTrain. Bruno almost overshadows the leadofthe movie, as his charisma displayed fromopening scene to the moment he leaves, but Granger equally does well as Guy. You can sensethe tennis star has this overshadowing angst due to his domestic life behind closed doors, which also speaks to the lesser themes of fame in the picture, which is how Bruno is able push himself into Guy’s affairs with that access of his information. It feels like this is arole James Stewart would have taken on in his younger years, which is acompliment to Granger, whoisable to levelthe film, as Guy attemptsto balance out the devilish deeds of Bruno. AK: Forget MetroTunnel delays, Hitchcock proves the real danger is sitting next to achatty stranger on aPTV service. Although he only ever adapted the plot of novels into his screenplays, a fact many casualfilm buffsoverlook,Hitchcock was amasterinthe delivery of astory,especially for the limited resources available at the time. Idoquite like hisaffinity for makingapoint of never picking "whodunnit" style stories, though he is alwaysupfront aboutthe murder/monster/ menace in each film, often having them being the first of those introduced on screen. This makes the films easy to follow, despitewhatanyone these days will say about black and white movies; if you allowyourself to become immersed, you can find enjoyment in any of his works. It couldbe considered more of a'whydunnit', though in this case the answer is simply: because Bruno’s bored. If only ticket inspectors were this persistent. If you look hard enough, however, you can definitely find more of these plot holes, which all appear to be cultural or behavioural. The biggest being that the pair are seen in public conversing together several times, something that would surely be noted,given Guy's(fictional) tennis fame. This notonly prevents them from beingsomuch as 'strangers', but if either were to be investigated for
He reminisced about customers making acomeback, drawn in by nostalgia, and curiousnewcomers from the passing crowd.
Expressreaders may also remember astory from October last year on the filming of Netflix series Videoland taking place in Future Flicks, the success of which may possibly see the series return to the new store for asecond season (The Express' own Liam Durkin was an extra in this film).
Acareer in an almost mythical institution such as Future Flicks comes with many stories.
Rick recallstwo of his mostconsistentlyhired films, one of which also became the most stolen.
"I remember we got Pulp Fiction and Muriel’s Wedding in on the same day,” he said.
The store’s long-standing policy was to keep new-release VHS tapes behind the counter for the first six weeks -sovaluable were these hotly sought-after films. Yet, on this occasion, aslipin routine proved costly.
“The girl working, she justwentand putMuriel’s Wedding up. Isaid, ‘where’dyou put the tapes?’ and she said, ‘I left them in the cover'.”
While Rick was busy preparing Pulp Fiction for display, the students made off with five out of six copies of Muriel’s Wedding.Thankfully, the equally popular Pulp Fictionwas spared, thanks only to Rick’s sharp eye and prompt reaction -hehadn’t yet put the storied Quentin Tarantino title out when the theft occurred.
In an era dominated by streaming, Ricksays Future Flicks survives by offering what algorithms cannot: personal touch, recommendations, and community.
“It fluctuated through the ’90s, then DVD came in and business picked up.Whenstreamingarrived, it really hit us, but we found ways to coexist,” he said.
By keeping prices affordable, he outcompeted
Reel Talk Rating:
Strangers on aTrain is ava ila ble now on HBO Max, rated Mfor mature audiences.
murder, their connection would be obvious. As such, it is probably more to be enjoyed as afilm than a story, which does diminish my rating, but it was an enjoyable first watch nevertheless.
BMH: While Iwent in believing thiswould be aone-location-type movie, the plot spreads itself out well for reasonable runtime. And with that, the production is memorable.You can’t go past the town fete, which is explored to its fullest. It brings with it all those anxious feelings some may get when enjoying those entertainments, with the lureofsomeone watchingon. The train itselfis probably the least utilised, used only briefly after the opening encounter despite the namesake of the film. There’s actually agreat sequence towards the end at atennis tournament that could have easily been aclunky disaster, but was shot very well for its time. I couldn’t help but think to Challengers (2024) when watching that part,even though little correlation is there, Iwas frankly gripped during Guy’s tennis match.Despiteitlingering, the stakes at play make it an enthralling run of the movie that then leads directly into the final showdown.
AK: Theplot concept honestly sounds like something that would be discussed in aSeinfeld episode. One can easily picture George Costanza pitching it to Jerry across the diner table, waving his hands madly as he says,"It's like this: likewife-swap,but more entertaining eventhough it's literally ablack and white movie." It's one of the Hitchcock's collections'more accessible titles,and is not as mundane as one would expect afilmabout acouple of blokes meeting on atrain to be, but it is still one of the more daytime TV filmsofthe director's catalogues. It's aproduct of the time, but that is perhaps its strongest appeal to movie nuts in this age, as one may find more suspense on the Gippsland line than in the almost laughable interactions between the twolead characters. If you can happily take
aserious movie unseriously, Ihighly recommend it. Iwould also like to point out that if this whole scenario happened to me, Iwouldn't be framed for murder because Iwould simply put noise-cancelling headphonesoninthe train carriage and ignore Bruno with some Nickelback's GreatestHits. Just as Hitchcock intended.
BMH: There are afew plot points that feel alittle flimsy, one regarding acharacter’s similarities to another’s and one involving the climax of the picture involving the totem lighter, however the brisk pace of it all manages to cover over those issues. Hitchcockalways setout to makeapure cinematic experience,and wasn’t alwaysconcerned with the finer pointsofthe script(even Psycho has some questions when watching). Although, The Master of Suspense still has some breath-taking runs here and provides some shots as iconicas any in his filmography. Overall, this is afun time. AK: Overall, the editing and cinematography are the strongest parts of this film. My favourite scene wasaparticularly spooky scene of amenacing dog standing at the top of astaircase -but pastthat there reallyisn't any otherofthesekindofmotifs thatHitchcock is known for, and the movie lacks this. It's not enough of a'spooky' storytobecarried by thatenergy, as most of his work is, and once you realise how absurdalot of the poorlogic is within the dialogue, it does fall apart somewhat. If you enjoyshadowy cinematography and easy viewing, throw it on the telly -but viewers will be disappointed if they go into it thinking they'll get apsychologicalthrillerasdeep as Se7en or Hitchcock's Vertigo.Ifone were to rank Hitchcock villains in aspreadsheet,Iwouldput Bruno pretty low on the list, as his master plan is pitched with the same energy as someone trying to sell you essential oils. An express service to Murder Mystery Town, with no stops at Logic Junction.
streaming services for certain films, sometimes even beating their prices.
The store’s business now splits 50/50 between sales and rentals, with a“personalisedservice” like custom orders and holding titles for regulars, features the owner describes as amajor draw. On aglobal scale, cinema attendance is now estimated to be at 68 per cent of 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels, and video stores are even less of atrend.
While streaming platforms command the convenience and algorithmic ease of modern viewing habits, what’s lost is the human element -someone at the counter recommending afilm you wouldn’t haveclickedon, the serendipity of browsing ashelf, or the communal thrill of choosing something together. It’s an experience every generation should have at least once.
In 2001,Australia had around 2600 video rental stores.Byaround 2016, that number had fallen to lessthan750 stores, and morerecent reporting (via Metro Magazine) suggests the number is now below 500, and the last updated census data (2022) showedthat only 160 people were employed in the video rental industry.
Now, there is only one store left in the whole of Melbourne, and regional communities like Colac havesaidgoodbye to their last surviving storesafter COVID, never to return. Rickestimates around five stores are left in the entire state.
Whenstreamingrules our screens, it’s nice to step into aplace that feels like Futurama coming to life -bringing back alittle analogue magic in a digital world.
GIPPSLAND FM is seeking more input from the community.
The role of Gippsland FM is to meet the needs of the local community not met by other media. Akey element of this process is to ensure that the station has people who are independent of the broadcastteamonthe programming committee -such people being representatives of the community.
The Program Advisory Committee
is seekingexpressions of interest for more memberstojoin this important function. The committee only meets once per month and plays an importantrolein determining current and future programming priorities as well as supporting the station in serving the local community.
If you would like to learn more or express an interest in joining, respond by email to the secretary via: secretary@ gippslandfm.org.au
ASPATE of haystack and hayshedfires is areminderfor farmers to take extra care in preventing haystack fires.
This warning comes after three significant haystack fires in the north-west of the state saw thousands of bales lost.
Bales can burn for days and cause alot of smoke in thearea.
Between June 30, 2024, and July 1, 2025, the CFA responded to 73 haystack and hayshed fires in regional areas.
Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture.
High moisturelevels, combined with the compact nature of haybales, cancreateinternal heat,leading to ignition.
CFA Chief OfficerJason Heffernan reinforced that early preparation and proper storage are essential in reducing the risk of haystack fires.
“Farmerswho havedecided to carry on with hay
production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and forthe futurestorage and transport of the productaswell,” he said.
“Hay fires are areal threat to properties and stock in farmland areas. Whether you’re aseasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.
“Use technology to monitor your haystacks regularly, temperature probescan provide an early warning, detecting heating hay and alerting.
"Haystack fires can have far-reaching effects beyond individual properties,impacting neighbouring farms and emergency services.
“Make sure youstore your hay in separate stacks or in sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire.”
For more information, visit CFA’s website or phone a local CFA brigade for advice on haystack safety.
LATROBE City Council sat for its final meeting before the 2026 mayoral election on Monday, November 24 at Kernot Hall, Morwell.
During the meeting, Kernot Hall wasdeclared as thehost of all meetings from 2026 onwards.
All councillors were present save Boola Boola Ward's David Barnes, and were joined by Latrobe City Chief Executive Steve Piasente.
Public speakers included Linda Reid, Wendy Castlesand Jewel Birchall-Robins,who each spoke separately on the previouslytabled community outreach program. All three appealed to council to finally move the motion, after it had been deferred three times.
Concerns were also raised by the Morwell Cricket Club and MorwellFootball-Netball Club, asking in union for plans for the Morwell Rec Reserve's turf cricket pitches to be deferred so each club can utilisethe space and come to an agreement on something that works for both.
The final speaker was Gippsland Asbestos Related Diseases Support Chief Executive and secretary Vicki Hamilton.
Ms Hamiltonimplored council to pass an upcoming motiononpermitting the installation of a commemorative memorial statue in Moe Botanical Gardens, in honour of those who died in the Latrobe Valley, due to asbestos-related diseases (story on Page 16).
THE first of the strategic items for the evening was the contentious topic of the Moe Gardens Caravan park, which was floated as potential land for sale at the last council meeting.
Sincethe last meeting, it had been put out for community consultation on whether the land, as it neared the end of its lease, should be repurposed after May 2026,for whichanumberofdifferent possible uses were proposed.
Amotion to present these received submissions from the community was putforward by Newbo rough Ward Cr Sharon Gibson, who
highlighted that council wasn't necessarily pushing for the site to be redeveloped, justfollowing mandatory processes that come into playasany land of thesame description enters end of lease.
"Itwasn'tabout closing it," she said, "but having thepublic havetheir say."
Cr Gibson found it "really encouraging" to see the number of people who had taken the time to answer the Have Your Say campaign.
Moe Ward Cr Adele Pugsley seconded, going into further detail of the 223 submissions council received, 178 of which (80per cent) were in favour of the site remaining as acaravan park.
Cr Pugsley said she was "verymuchlooking forward to the report" beingprepared by council officers for adecision at the Februarymeeting.
Yallourn Ward Cr Steph Morgan echoed the beginning of what either previous councillor said, emphasising that there is awantand need for specifically low-cost and short-stay accommodations in Latrobe, and Moe Gardens does ajob of keeping those avenues open in the area, while also adding benefit to tourism.
"Council has asocial responsibility to ensure we are not adding to the housing situation befalling our community," she went on to say. "Let's see what we can do to ensure this."
Morwell River Ward Cr TracieLund alsospoke for the motion, reinforcing that the meeting'smention was not adecision, and looks to the February 2026 meeting.
The motion was passed unanimously, ensuring that this future meeting will see the discussion of optionsavailable to enable Moe Gardens Caravan Park to continue,and in what shape or form.
THE discussion stayed in Moe, as Cr Gibson once again moved amotion for the mud-swamp town, revolving around its outdoor pool.
Cr Pugsley also seconded again, and they saw no oppositioninprovidinginformationonarecent petition requesting heating of the aquatic facility.
"This has been along journey I've been on with the swimmingclub," Cr Gibsonsaid, making mentionof "many meetings" between the two parties on what can be done to improve the pool, which she herself described as "freezing", and "hampering both the pool and club on many issues."
Cr Gibson detailed an intricate proposal from the club to construct acarport-style roof over the pool, enabling solar panels to be mounted, for sustainable and cost-effective heating. She also informed her fellow councillors that the club has already investigated grants, but to be successful in such would require astronger data-businesscase, which would require heating in the first place.
Cr Pugsley said she was very impressed with Swimming Victoria and what Moe Swimming Club had put together, and their options going forward.
The motionpassed unanimously, meaning council will providefurtherinformation in response to the petition and it's request, in order to keep it in consideration for the 2026/27 budget development.
BUDGEREEWardCrLeanne Potter let her presence be known with the moving of item 8.4 on the agenda:Council to endorse the proposed Transition Reserve Policy. This wouldformalise how money will be used to support Latrobe City’s economic shift as coal-fired power stations close and state timber reforms continue.
TheTransition Reserve created in the 2024/25 Budget will be guided by aframework focused on economic diversification, long-term job creation and enabling infrastructure.
Under the policy, 50 per cent of any annual surplus will continuetoflow into the reserve.
Council also proposes consolidating the Yallourn Transition Reserve and directing any futuresurplus revenue from GLaMP(Gippsland Logistics and Manufacturing Precinct) lot sales into the fund.
The aim is to grow the reserve to help deliver council’s ambition for a$25 millionInfrastructure Vision,a key component of its economic development
strategy.CrPotter spoke on the motion, which was seconded by her Yallourn Ward colleague, saying the policy was "really important, with a clear purpose outlined in the budget", as oneof thekey tools to safely allow the region to make the move away from coal and timber.
Cr Potteralsosaw it to be importanttodo these things to attract investment in the Latrobe Valley, and that "Latrobe City is not going to be left behind".
Cr Lundthen spoke, chuckling as she warned everyone that "the echo chamber continues".
"It stops us from havingtoscramble," she said of the stability in the process afforded by the implementation of the policy.
"Weknow what's coming,and we have aresponsibility to plan ahead."
She describeditasa'guardrail' for the community and on council's decision-making,while simultaneously potentially creating local jobs.
Cr Pugsley also spoke briefly, refusing to echo further, butvoiced support. It was detailed that Yallourn Power Station has been paying forward $2m in lieuofrates to Latrobe City, which will ceasegoing forward, but has been allocated to a transition fund account by council.
The vote to supportthe policy was also unanimous.
ALSO discussedwas motions involving RV dump points, Morwell Rec Reserve upgrades, the GARDS memorial in Moe, and the highly contentiousCBD Outreach Program. Several of these will receive dedicated stories in the Express separately.
Acknowledgements were made for Cr Morgan, from Cr Potter, for her receiving aMary Rodgers Emerging Woman award, which she will be given ceremoniously at Parliament House, alongside many other women in local government.
Cr Morganherself made tribute to Morwell RSL during the meeting for becomingthe first in Victoria to be registered with the Australian Breastfeeding Association, and Caitlyn Dinsdalefor recentawards in music, as reported in the November 19 issue of the Express.
50 years ago
The Express, December 3, 1975 LV club wantsa nude beach IS nude rude?... That could be up to the Rosedale Shire to decide. The Latrobe Valley Nudist Club will make an application to the shire for asmall section of Ninety Mile Beach to useasa"free beach". Foundation member Mr Mike Ward, 32, of Traralgon, whose wife Jane is club secretary, said yesterday that the club was "quite confident" of securing approval from the shire. "We only want a small section to use as afree beach," he said. "The generalfeeling is thatthe shire willgrant us permission; however, that is not officialas yet." Shire secretary, Mr George Thompson, said yesterday: "I'll comment when we (the shire) receive an application". Theclubformed in September, as well as wanting a"no-clothes beach",alsowants more members. "The more the merrier" said Mr Ward. "At the moment, we have about 35 members, consisting of 13 families. The 100-acre grounds, 15 miles from Traralgon, will soon house tennis, volleyball, and badminton courts, aBBQ area and a children's playground."
30 years ago
The Express, December 1, 1995 Heartbreak to happiness for bride
RELIEF, shock and amazement were the feelings rushing through AnnePlacido on Sunday when she found amissing wedding ring on the Morwell roadside. The bride was Amber Andreou, the wife of her grandson, Paul. Amber lost her ring on the road between Morwelland Traralgon, as the newlyweds were travelling from the church to have
their wedding photographstaken, when their special day wenthorribly wrong. The bridal party's car and the photographer's car were side-by-side when the bride waved for the camera, and her ring flew out the open window. While the weddingpairscanned the roadside, 150 unsuspecting guests were waiting in the foyer of Victorianosfor the happy couple to arrive. They eventually abandoned the search and went to the reception disheartened. The next day, Anne and Joe Placido, armedwith ametal detector, started their own search of the site. The four battled rain, traffic and mounting frustration. Then the ringseemed to "look at" Mrs Placido from the grass, and all anxiety was over.
10 years ago
The Express, December 3, 2015 Governor receives mine fire report
THE Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry handed thesecond partofits 2015/16 report to the GovernorofVictoria, Linda Dessau, yesterday morning. The second volume of the report is the culmination of term of Reference 6, which tasked the inquiry with identifying whether the mine fire contributed to an increase in deaths, having regard to any relevant evidence for the period 2009-2014. The board of Inquiry expressed its gratitude to the people of the Latrobe Valley for their participation and hospitality in the process. "We know this issue has been of great interest to the people of the Latrobe Valley. We thank them for their efforts and contributions to the inquiry and theirpatienceduring the development of this report," inquiry chair Bernard Teague said.
From Page 1
COUNCILLOR Gibson's acceptance speech at the end of the meeting was brief, "because it was asurprise,"she said "I feel really uncomfortable sitting here saying I'mcrash hot," she spoke plainly.
"What Iwill say is that Ihope for the new ones," she said looking at Cr Morgan's side of the table, "they can see that I'm very much about trying to help people and to work together, (...) and Iwill continue to do that."
Sheturned to follow Cr Harriman's lead in sports references, as she told her councillors she hoped they could "get some runs on the board", twice in the one speech.
Cr Harriman then tookthe floor, in an even shorter address,tosimplyexpress "I'm just hoping that we have the continuation of what we've had the last eight months."
With leadership undertaking what is probably the most subtle change it possibly could, this statement will likely ring true.
Crs Gibson and Harrimanwill serve amaximum of one year as mayor and deputy.
The outgoing mayorand long-timecouncillor used the meeting to reflect on his own election to Jeeralang Ward last year as beingone of the "most brutal" in Latrobe history, as well as celebrating council’s transformation over the past 12 months.
“The way this group has grown, the respect that’s developed, the way councilhas operated…has been absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Aspecial acknowledgement was given to the Cr Gibson, recognised for bothleadership and steadfast support during ademanding term.
“She’s been good with advice, not always what I’d agree with, but it has been good advice. It’s been fearless and frank, and Ireally do appreciate that,” he said
Cr Harriman expressed pride in what he saw as arenewed sense of public trust, saying he believed the community now had “a council that will listen if they say something."
Cr Harriman also made useofhis last few moments as mayor to throwinone final football reference, light-heartedly farewelling his term with "I'd like to say it's good to have Merrett back at Essendon", drawing chuckles from the room.
Latrobe CityChief Executive Steve Piasante chaired proceedings, with all councillors present except Cr Lund, who attended virtually.
Congratulations: OutgoingLatrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman has handed over the reins to SharonGibson, who is having her third go at the topjob Photograph: Aidan Knight
As he closed off his farewell speech, Cr Harriman did however tell alie, informing his wife that he would "be back on the whipper snipper and ironing duties as of tomorrow," referencing alighter workload as he returns to being aregular councillor -a prediction immediately undone when he was later elected deputy mayor.
A helping hand will make a difference for families and children this Christmas
Bring in gifts for babies and children up to 16 years or non-perishable goods to go under the Christmas tree. Non wrapped presents are preferred Feel the warmth as youre giving and make a difference this Christmas
All gifts and non-perishable goods will be passed onto Mor well Neighbourhood House, for distribution at their discretion f rom Monday 15 December.
Drop off deadline is: Monday 15 December by 1pm
more than virtue signalling Photograph supplied
THE former trade union boss and federal Labor MP, Jennie George, has slammed the Labor Party's energy transition as unaffordable and unreliable for households and industry.
Ms George, the first woman to be elected as President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions and afederal Labor MP for 10 years, said meeting targets drives Labor's energy transition.
Writingin The Australian newspaper, Ms George said the 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2030 had been increased to 62-70 per cent by 2035, on the way to net zero by 2050.
"Labor sets targetsdecades ahead but can't tell us if and when,power prices will fall. It's cold comfort for households and industry struggling to paytheir bills. Their priority is cheap electricity, notLabour's reduction in our 1.1 per cent contribution to global emissions," she said.
Ms George said power has to be affordable and reliable.
"It'sneither under Labor'stransition. Arenewables grid has to be backed up and firming and storage capacity and new transmission. Snowy 2 is beset with problems.Two years ago it was costed at $12bn, double the previous estimateand six times the original," she said, with about $600,000 spent on legal proceedings to stop information about these blowouts being made public.
Ms George said the public'sright to know is fundamental.
"The most seriousbreach is keeping secret the whole-of-systemcosts for the transition," she said.
"Without the billions in taxpayer-funded subsidies, the renewables transition would have collapsed long ago. (Climate Change and Energy Minister) ChrisBowen often tells us there's no transition without transmission but sayslittle
Labor sets targets decades ahead but can’ttell us if and when,powerprices will fall.It’scold comfort forhouseholds and industrystruggling to paytheir bills.Their priority is cheap electricity,not Labour’s reduction in our 1.1 per cent contribution to global emissions
JENNIE GEORGE FORMER TRADE UNION BOSS AND FEDERAL LABOR MP
about the huge costs and timing blowouts occurring on his watch."
Three years on and billions over budget, none of the "urgently needed" transmission projects such as VNI West and Marinus Link was at the constructionstage,with only one scheduled to operate by 2030.
"This has serious consequences for the future supply of electricity," she said.
In another worryingsign, Ms George said Victoria had resorted to punitive legal measures and financial penalties when compulsory acquiring private property for transmission infrastructure.
"Is this to be the precedent?" she said.
"State governments are relying on negotiated agreements to protect reliability of supply. This includes the Torrens Island Bgas generatorin South Australiaand Loy Yang AinVictoriaand Eraring in NSW, likely needed beyond 2027."
Ms George said in the past, Australia's abundance of energy resources provided the country's comparativeadvantage, "but now our power prices are among the world's highest".
"Trade-exposed industries, suchasthe
Tomago aluminium smelter, can't compete with their high energy costs and acarbon import. Deindustrialisationhas set in, with adverse impacts on thousands of jobs and regional communities," she said.
"Like the $275 reduction in annual power bills promised at the 2022 election, the promise of 6014,000 new greenjobs by 2020 disappeared when Labor abandoned its modelling."
Ms Georgesaidthe governmenthad failed to heed early warning signs and should have done an independent audit like the Minns Labor government in NSW.
"The transition is failing but there is no planB It's no surprise that independent expertadvice concludes that 2030 targets won't be met," she said.
Ms George said Labor's transition to renewables depended on widespread support, beyond the powerful cheersquad of vested interests,virtue signallers and cashed-up election donors.
"Thesocial licence it neededhas always been missing. Once again, it confirms that good policy is good politics," she said.
By PHILIP HOPKINS
ENGIE aims to complete its Environment Effects Statement for the Hazelwood power station site in the first half of next year when it will be available for public comment.
ENGIE Australia’s head of regulation and compliance, Jamie Lowe, told the Express that ENGIE was progressing towards public exhibition of the EES Statement in the first half of 2026, with panel hearings expected shortly after that.
“This follows the recent exhibition of our Declared MineRehabilitationPlan, which was based on our preferred finaloutcomeofa high-level pit lakethat is safe, stable, sustainable and non-polluting, and capable of being enjoyed by Latrobe Valleyresidents and tourists over the long-term,” he said.
“We look forward to being active in the community in early2026tomakesure Latrobe Valley residents haveachance to share theirviews, and we'll share more details of public sessions closer to the time."
The EESisbeing undertaken as an accredited assessment process, set out in the bilateral agreement under the Commonwealth government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act).
Astate government spokesperson said the
proponent is working through finalising their EES, considering advice provided by the technical reference groupand the Department of Transport and Planning.
"The timeline of when the proponent will finalise their EES is amatter for them," the spokesperson said.
The mine licencerelevant to the DMRPcovers an area of 4000 hectares -largerthan the area of Traralgon-and has several key domains. These include the mine void, which itself has afootprint of about 1200 hectares, the Eastern Overburden Dump (EOD),the former power station, intermediate areas that were utilised as staging areas for conveyor and other systems, as well as large tracts of land that form the remainder of the site.
The other large key area is the Hazelwood cooling pond, which sits outside the mine licence and thus does notsit within the remit of the DMRP.
ENGIE aims to divest most of the land covered by the Hazelwood rehabilitation project to either privateorgovernment entities for uses compatible with those identified in the DMRP. This is likely to occur progressively as individual landforms transition toward closure and are ready to be relinquished.
The outcomes of the EES, which is being undertaken alongside the development of the DMRP, will ultimately determine the proposed final landform and approach to future active rehabilitation.
As such, the DMRP has been prepared based on ENGIE Hazelwood’spreferred final landform, but may need to be updated once the EES process is completed. The final rehabilitation plans for the site have evolved over several decades and are primarily centred on creation of afull lake in the mine void, which is amatterunder assessment in the EES.
To fill the mine void, ENGIE planstosource water from extracted groundwater consistent with licensing; surface water under an agreed commercial agreement, consistentwithexisting regional bulk entitlements;rainfall runoff from across the site; Morwell Main Drain inflows; and limited flood skimming from Morwell River.
Construction and operation of infrastructure necessary to maintain lake depth andwaterquality after the fill is completed would include aMorwell River interconnection. This would allow limited inflows from high water and flood events in the Morwell River.
The infrastructure would not affect the usual flows of the Morwell River,whichremains in its
current form. The company says afull lake and associated works wouldcreategeotechnically stable landforms that ensure the mine void remains safe, stable, and sustainable with reduced risk of fire, and protects the Morwell township and adjacent key infrastructure.
Final reprofiling and coal capping works on the upper mine batters -above theshoreline of the future lake -will be achieved with 'adequate' stabilising vegetation and drainage. It will also provide future safe public access to the lake and improve the amenity for future uses of the site.
Thefinal executionofrehabilitation and relinquishment of the Hazelwood site, as described in the DMRP, willoccurinthree primary phases. The three phasesdonot alignwith the project scope for the EES process.
The active rehabilitation phase includesboth matters relevant to the EES and matters that havebeen approved elsewhere andare subject to existing works. The company saysthe terms active and passive, should be read literallyand differentiate between the periods where ENGIE Hazelwood is actively managing the site to achieve its preferredfinal landformand the period after where monitoring and maintenance occurs.
By PHILIP HOPKINS
THE Yallournpower stationislikely to remainopen longer because the large-scale battery technology to convert it to alow carbon emissions hub is not available yet, according to the leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud.
Mr Littleproud said the realitywas that afew weeksago,the world'sleading bigbattery (the Waratar super battery in NSW), "a billion dollars worth", had acatastrophic loss.
"It's kaputt in technical corporate jargon," he told Sky News
"The reality is Yallourn is going to have to stay there longer because the batteries that they're relying on don't exist. And when they've tried to, physics has caught up with them."
Energy Australia announced last week that it intends to convert the Yallourn site to alow carbon site powered by solar, gas and large-scale batterystorageata cost of about$5billion. The aim is to supply power to datacentres,industry and households.
Mr Littleproud said the Coalition plans to extend the Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) to existing energy sources as well as new ones.
"That means that Eraring and the coal-fired power stations and gas that's coming into our grid now is on alevel playing fieldwith renewables. And that buys us time to build nuclear energy," he said.
The CIS now works by the government, guaranteeing renewables developers aminimum income and an upperrevenue limit.Ifthe project's market earningsfall below thefloor, the government
compensates the shortfall, and if earnings exceed the ceiling, the project repaysthe government. The scheme aims to stabilise revenue for investors and ensure areliable electricity supply while protecting taxpayers from excessive costs.
Mr Littleproud said extending the CIS would removethosefinancialburdens on coal and gas in the grid and new technologies.
"It'salsoabout making sure that energy operator actually sources the most affordable energy. At the moment, (Climate Change Minister) Chris Bowen is forcing the energy operator to actually source energy predicated on his 2035 targets. That's putting pressure on the energy market operator," he said.
"Sowhenwill energy bills come down? In twoand-a-half years' time when there's an election But when couldthey come down?Theycould come down today if (Prime Minister) AnthonyAlbanese, overrode Chris Bowen."
Pressed for detail, Mr Littleproud said the move wouldput downward pressure on prices by taking away costsand removing the financial burden of the safeguards mechanism. The government has to reduce their emissionsby4.95per cent every year between now and 2030, he said, and with no technological solution at the moment, developers have to buy offsets.
"That's acost. That cost gets passed on to you. If you expand the Capacity Investment Scheme to underwrite energy, no matter the technology, then that puts downward pressure on all energy sources, not just renewables. And by giving that and allowing the energy operator to source all energies,
you increase supply," he said. "If renewables are the cheapest, then the market will still sort it out. Even if he (Mr Albanese) wants to transition, you are going to need Yallourn. You are going to need Eraring. You're going to need Callide,Eraring, Millmerran, Tarong."
The interviewer, Laura Jayes, said energy operators maintain extending the life of Yallourn and Eraringfor another couple of years beyond 2028 is doubtful.
"That brings us to halfway through the next term If you don'twin the nextelection, howfar away is nuclear then? It is still at least adecade away, and those plants can't be extended for that long," she said.
Mr Littleproud said Callide in Central Queensland had announced it would make an $80 million investment.
"What we do is by pulling those levers, you give them the certainty of having that baseload power continuing in the grid, because this is what we need to do. To transition, even if they want to put more renewables, there's not even asupply chain to be able to achieve it. The approvals process is running over everybody's rights in regional Australia and destroying the actual thing we're trying to protect, the natural environment. So Labor has no choice. They're not going to be able to transition to this. They're not going to get to 82 per cent renewables by 2030.
"If you pull theselevers, you send that investment signal,that confidence to makesurethat we can have an energy grid that isn't all reliable on renewables,that gives us timetobuild baseload
powerlikenuclear energy."MsJayes queried whether that can change what Energy Australia is goingtodowith Yallourn, making adecision based on the market and making money.
"That's what I'm saying. That's my point today. These are the levers that send the investment signals to Energy Australia.That's the power of being in government. New industries like AI data centres can come to thiscountry if we have baseload power," Mr Littleproud said.
Queried why the Coalition was still low in opinion polls, he said "we've onlyjust started on this process".
"I don't see anybody being able to put ahole in a cheaper, better, fairer way that we've put to Labor's $9 trillion net zero plan."
Mr Littleproudsaidinreducing emissions, the Coalition would also keep pace with "what emissions we actually emit".
"We'll still reduce emissions, but we're going to keep pace. We're 1.1 per cent of global emissions. We don't need to streekahead because we can't mitigate all the world's emissionsright here in Australia for the rest of the world. But we should do our fair share," he said.
"This government wants to commit Australia to reducing its emissions by 4.8 per cent every year between now and 2035. OECDcountries are doing it at 1.7 per cent. So what we're saying is there's acheaper,better, fairer way for Australians than the lived experience thatthey haveoftheir energy bills and job insecurity."
"THE human mind is so formed that it is more persuaded by falsehood than truth," Erasmus.
According to recentdata fromthe Australian Bureau of Statistics, during the last three-and-ahalf years of Labor's ruinousrule, electricityprices are up 31 per cent and Australian households and business and industry have seen their energy costs skyrocket from $48 to $128 per megawatt hour directly due to Labor's net zero fixation on cutting carbon emissions by 2050 via arenewables-only economy.
Meanwhile, more than 70 per cent of the world (including China, India, America, Russia, and Indonesia) hasabandoned or simply completely ignored net zero and thereby ensuredthey meet the energy challenge ahead by strengthening coal and nuclearand oil andgas production (all together as amix) as Australia(effectively alone in the world) drifts on adead sea of ideology.
But Australia's reality-proofEnergy Minister, Chris 'BlackoutBowen', says that he is merely "following the science" and that at the same time Australiais"saving the world" from afossil-fuel caused apocalypse and therefore nothing else matters -like adramatically reduced standard of living for millions of Australians who are paying for all this net zero nonsense.
But hang on aminute. Doesn't China, India, America, Russia, Indonesia, and the rest of the net zero deniers have scientists too?
Why are they not on aclimatecrusadelike Australia?
Joseph Lis Morwell
HEARTY congratul ations to Latro be Valley Express Editor, LiamDurkin for his brilliant article
'Liberal leader merry-go-round continues' (26/11).
My goodness Mr Durkin, you describedour Liberal 'Opposition' so succinctly. You are quite correct in saying "the blind leading the blind." These losers couldn't organise achook raffle at
the local pub on aFriday night! Icould have said they couldn't organise the proverbial in ahouse of ill-repute! But saying that might upset the upper class, do-gooder toffs of society.
To be brutally honest, the majority of politicians, both federal and state, Labor and Liberal, are full of 'gobble-de-gook' BS! They are all rotten eggs in abasket!
Oh, for the goodold days of Menzies, Hawke and Howard.
There is absolutely no doubt that Australia, and particularly Victoria, is currently (and will be for some time to come) in awhole lot of pain, and rampant with infection from delirious, dishonest and delusional misfit 'leaders.'
It will take awhole lot more than astrongcourse of 'political antibiotics' to put us backinto good health.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: it's my children, grandchildren and thosewho follow who will suffer themost.
Australia can only live in hope thatthe current dire situation we find ourselves in, will improve for the future.
As you so accurately pointed out Mr Durkin, "the merry-go-round continues". It's just amatter of time before someone else climbs onto the horse and is thrown off before their rideisfinished.
But, adeliciousbag of fairy floss and an all day sucker awaits the next 'victim' who is bucked off the carousel.
Albo, Wong, Bowen, Andrews, Allan, Symes, just asmall selection of the 'grandiosegoonies' who are responsible for ruining and decimating our once wonderful country.
Great article Mr Durkin. Facts will always be at the forefront of quality journalism. Bravo Liam.
Oliver 'Shadow' Bergens Dandenong
THE Latrobe ValleyExpress 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 spaceand clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.
The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.
Lettersmustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of reply to a letter directed at them.
While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.
Theviews expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.
Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person's point of view.
As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.
The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.
Letters regarding religion will not be published.
Email letterstonews@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line.
Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.
ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Year 9 Traralgon students tookonnew challenges, embraced teamwork and had fun at their outdoor education camp in Tylden, near the Macedon Ranges.
Part of St Paul’s vibrant and challenging outdoor education program, the camp focused on fostering teamwork, connection and wellbeing while helping students appreciate the natural world.
Supported by dedicated educators, students
developed resilience and friendships beyond the classroom throughactivitiessuch as canoeing, bushwalking, climbing, team challenges and evening group sessions. The program aims to inspire alifelong interest in outdoor recreation and promoteholisticwellbeing. It forms part of thebroaderPersonalDevelopment Program, which provides students with broad experiences that help shape their outlook on the world.
Fantastic: GippslandWater has welcomedarecordnumber of youngwomen in STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering,Mathematics) internships Photograph supplied
GIPPSLAND Water has welcomed five local women into STEM roles as part of this year’s summer internship program.
The company's managing directorSarah Cumming said the increase in womentaking up STEM roles this year wasa positive sign for the future.
“We’re really pleased to see more women stepping into STEM roles this year -it’san encouraging step towards greater diversity in our industry,” Ms Cumming said.
“Our internship continues to attract adiverse group of talented students, including agrowing number of women in STEM.
“Having adiverse workforceespeciallyin STEM ensureswereflect the community we serve and provide moreinclusive and innovative approaches to the services we deliver.”
This year, positions have been filled in departmentsacross the organisation including assets,
communications, legal, future innovation and technology, water quality, technology, environment and field services.
Ms Cummingsaid the program was designed to create meaningful career pathways for local students.
“We want local students to know that exciting and rewarding careers are available with a leading employerright here in Gippsland,” she said.
“This program allowsstudents to apply their university learning to real projects, supported by mentoring and coaching from experienced professionals.”
Gippsland Water’s summer internship program runs from late November to mid-February each year, with applications opening mid-year. To find out more about career opportunities at GippslandWater, visit: www.gippswater com.au/careers
HAZELWOOD NorthPrimary School has had another productive term. Grade 5/6M have been busy creating a‘mini society’ for the Inquiry unit of work. Students were required to apply for arange of government jobs or private businesses to ensure that society can function properly. Recently, the school also held mock market days, where students planned, budgeted, prepared, and sold items to other students in the school. Available to purchase was frogs in ponds, pancakes, toasties, smoothies, ice creams,lolly bags andpopcorn.
Upskilling: FederalMemberfor GippslandDarren Chester and Kurnai Young ParentsProgrampar ticipant
KarlaFernando withamocktail prepared as par tofthe job readiness program. Photograph supplied
KURN AI Coll ege is hel ping young Gippslanders complete their Year 12 VPC, alongside VET modules and other qualifications, through adynamic educational programdesigned specificallyfor young parents balancing study and the challenges of raising children.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester visited the Kurnai Young Parents Program, delivered through the Latrobe Valley Flexible LearningOption in Morwell, to learn more about the positive impact it is having on young parents and theirchildren.
“I enj oye dt he oppo rtun ity to meet program leader Ang’ Bolding and three of theprogram’s participants, Karla, Arizona and Halle, and hear first-hand howthis program is helpingthem complete their education and build pathways into further study, employment and long-term personal development,” Mr Chester said.
“Now in its 11th year, the Kurnai Young Parents Program provides aflexible learning environment that supports young parents academically, socially and emotionally. It helps build literacy and numeracy skills, confidence, resilience and self-worth, while also providingpositive role models and a community of peers who understand the challenges of young parenting.”
The program is free and includes onsite childcare, ensuring that young parents can focus on their educationwhile knowingtheir children are being cared for nearby.
Mr Chester praised Kurnai College for its commitment to supporting young parents in Gippsland.
“We know that education is critically impo rtant for youn gp ar ents because it opensthe door to better employment opportunities, financial security and greater wellbeing for both parent and child,” Mr Chester said.
“Continuing education helps young parents build essential life skills, develop strong support networks and increase their confidence to create abetter future for their families. Programs like this one at Kurnai College are making areal difference in the lives of young Gippslanders.”
ybehaviour: Bestdressed male sawlocals and out-of-townerscompete.
IT doesn’t matterwhat time of year it is,the best waytosavemoneyis to makesurethat your heatingand cooling systemisregularly serviced and well maintained.
When the days and nights become chillier,having to fire up heaterstobewarmagain meansthereispotential forhigher electricity/gas bills.Having your heater regularly serviced will keep it running to its best potential and help keep energy bills down.
When the warm weatherhits avengeance our best friend becomes the air conditioner umakesureyou clean air conditionersevery six months,or if recommended, youwon't theproblem of clogged, dir ty sblocking normal airflowand opping youfromobtaining its full ential.
Thomas is able to serve conditioning and heating ements,installations and foranobligation free find out the benefits and savings
system.
Russell Thomas is fullyqualified, has CertificateIIinEngineeringProduction (air conditioning) and occupational health and service training.Itadheres
Wethers.
various sizes from $85 p.c.m. Contact Strzelecki Realty on 5127 1333.
PLEASE
PLEASE
59 Stuart Street. Sat. 8am-2pm. Collectables, Blue Willow, DVD's, books, bric-a-brac and more. For Sale • WHEN YOUGO LOCAL,YOU
All exc. cond. $700 for the lot. 0426 695 186
Advertise your garage sale in our paperif you want to REACH MORE locals!
We have an audience of OVER 76,000! Youare guaranteed to reach MORE LOCALS!
PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD
Please check your ad on the firstday and bring any errors to theattentionofthe
Pruning, planting, weeding, small jobs through to large jobs, shed clean ups, rubbish removal, etc. Reasonable rates, pens. disc. Under NDIS the cost of services may be covered by your Care Provider. Reliable and efficient. Police check. Fully insured. 18 yrs exp. Chauncy The Gardener. ABN 17268203656. Call Richard 0401 345 345.
Maintenance services Gardening, lawns. No job too small. 0407355 563.
Toongabbie Primary School Out of School HoursCare Co-ordinator After School Care
Toongabbie Primary School Council are seeking asuitably qualified person to co-ordinate our Out of School Hourscare program. 12 hoursper week Mon to Thur with theoptiontoexpandservicesonceestablished.
Forfurther details contact Toongabbie Primary School 51924385 email: toongabbie.ps@education.vic.gov.au
St Joseph’s PrimarySchoolisaCatholicco-educational primary school located in Trafalgar,justover100 kilometersEast of Melbourne. Catering forapproximately105 students,the school pridesitself on being awelcoming community whereeveryone is valued and respected. Applications areinvited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.
The successful applicantwillbeappropriately qualified, demonstrate enthusiasm and abilitytodeliver the appropriate curriculum to arangeof educationalabilities, and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupportingandrespectingtheethosoftheschoolanditsenvironment.
Electric oven/stove repairs including oven doors. Reliable, experienced and friendly.Mostparts arecarriedon-board. Free phone estimates. 12 month guarantee on repairs. Phil 0412 165542 ovenlec.com.au
Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply
Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025
• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees
• Visithttps://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria and Application forEmployment form.
MrsTrish Mulqueen Principal
St Joseph’sPrimary School PrivateBag 3 Trafalgar,Vic, 3824
will not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be madewithin seven days afterbillingdate. We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classificationwhen necessaryto conform to the policyo this newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liabilityfor such omission.
All areas. Hedges big and small, fruit trees, natives, camellias, ornamentals. Over 25 years experience. Phone 0478 658 025.
Crime
Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au
The interview process maycommence prior to the closing date and, if asuitable applicant is found, therolemay close early. We encourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as soon as possible.
St Joseph’s Schoolcommunitypromotesthe safety,wellbeing and inclusion of allchildren.
Learning &Teaching Leader (POL2) Permanent Teaching Position
Full time (1 day leadership, 4days classroom)
St Joseph’s Primary School is aCatholic co-educational primary school located in Trafalgar, just over100 kilometersEast of Melbourne. Catering forapproximately 105 students, the schoolprides itself on being awelcoming communitywhereeveryoneisvalued andrespected Applications areinvited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.
The successful applicant willbeappropriately qualified, demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to arangeof educational abilities,and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupportingandrespectingtheethosoftheschoolanditsenvironment. Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply
Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025
• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees
• Visit https://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria andApplication forEmployment form.
MrsTrish Mulqueen
Principal
St Joseph’s Primary School
Private Bag 3 Trafalgar, Vic, 3824
Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au
The interview process maycommenceprior to the closing date and, if asuitableapplicant is found, the role mayclose early. We encourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as soonaspossible.
St Joseph’s School community promotes the safety,wellbeing and inclusion of allchildren.
Registered Nurse Palliative
0.6 EFT (Fixed Term)
Central Gippsland Health (CGH) is seeking amotivated Registered Palliative Care Nurse to join our Team. Youwill playa vital role in enabling high-quality palliative care for individuals with life-limiting illness es and th eir fami lie s. As aC ommun it y Palliative Care Nurse, youwill work predominantly in clients’homes, supporting clinical,emotional, and practi cal need sw hile work ing close ly wit ht he Clin ical Nur se Cons ulta nt –P alli ativ e Care and the wider multidisciplinar yt eam.
To apply or for more information, go to: https://www.cghs.com.au/recruitment or contact the Nurse Unit Manager –on (03) 5143 8829 or Simone.Danaher@cghs.com.au
• LearntoSwimInstructor- Casual
Experienced MaintenanceEmployee -Tree Maintenance- PermanentFull Time
• Early ChildhoodEducatorCertificateIII andDiplomaQualified -Multiple PermanentPar tTime positions available
• EarlyChildhood Educator Additional Assistant - Temporar yPar tTime
St Joseph’s Primary School is aCatholicco-educational primary school loca ted in Tr af algar,j ust ove r1 00 ki lom ete rs Ea st of Me lbo urn e. Ca terin gfor approx imat ely 105 studen ts, the sch ool pride si tself on beingawelcomingcommunity whereeveryone is valued and respected. Applications areinvited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.
The successful applicant will be appropriatelyqualified,demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to arangeof educational abilities, and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupporting and respecting the ethos of the school and its environment. Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply
Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025
• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees
• Visit https://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria and Application forEmployment form.
MrsTrish Mulqueen
Principal
St Joseph’s Primary School
Private Bag 3 Trafalgar,Vic, 3824
Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au
The interview process maycommence prior to the closing date and,if asuitable applicant is found, the role mayclose early. We encourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as soon as possible.
St Joseph’s Schoolcommunity promotes the safety,wellbeingand inclusionofall children.
• EarlyChildhood Teacher- Permanent positions
• SeniorRoadsEngineer Permanent Full Time
Recreation andOpen Space DevelopmentOfficer - Temporar y Full Time
Senior StrategicPlanner PermanentFull Time
• Team Leader LocalLaws- Animal Management PermanentFull Time
• Senior Statutor yPlanner PermanentFull Time
• Coordinator CouncilBusiness Temporar yFullTime
ProjectLead- Safe LocalRoads and StreetsProgram - Temporar yPar t Time
BarSuper visor- Temporar yPar t Time
LeadingHand- RoadsMaintenance PermanentFull Time
• Experienced MaintenanceEmployee -Drainage - PermanentFull Time
• ChildcareEducator -Certificate IIIMultiple Positions
ChildcareEducator-Diploma - MultiplePositions
• School HolidayProgram Facilitator - PermanentPar tTime
BOWDEN Stanley Edward
Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village Newborough 17 November 2025. Aged 97 years
Dearly loved husband of Faye for 66 years.
Much loved Father, Father-in-law, Poppy and Great- Poppy of Ian and Meredith, Ross and Dawn (dec.), Ashley, Jannette, Chelsey and Allira, Jake and Sarah, Elissa, Michael, Lewis and Darcy, Rachel and Richard. Gone but never forgotten.
Stanley's funeral service was held Friday 28 November 2025
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
MOE 5126 1111
Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
DOUGLAS Brian John
27/11/2025. Dearly loved nephew of Jennifer and Barbara. Loved cousin of Matthew XXX Forever loved, forever missed.
DOUGLAS Brian John
27/10/1970 -27/11/2025
Aged 55 years. Adored son of Norm and Anna (dec.). Dearly loved brother of Vikki and Michael. Loved uncle of Emily and Jack xx Always in our hearts.
GAHLEITNER Louise
Passed away peacefully in her sleep 30/11/2025.
Special thanks to Andrews House for their loving care during her stay.
You are loved and will be missed by all.
HODGES Robert
Loved uncle of Raymond, Brian, Ruth, Deb and Geoff.
MCBRIDE Karen Michelle 4/3/1969 -28/11/2025
Daughter of Marion and Rodney (dec.) and Brendan. Partner of Rob. Mother of Karly (dec.), Brad, Thomas, and Zoe.
Mother in-law to Kaitlyn.
Grandmother of Gracie, Daisy, Bailey, Ava, Theo and Astrid.
Sister to Stephen (Jacko), Cliff, Debra and Gary.
Aunt to Courtney, Stevie, Michayla and Joie.
R.I.P our Darling Girl.
MURRAY Ian David
OLVER (nee Burns)
Daphne Edith 16/5/1957 -17/11/2025
Aged 68 years Passed away suddenly on the 17th of November 2025 at home in Moe Daughter of Barbara (dec.) and Stanley Atkinson. Big Sister to Michelle and Greg (dec.). Loving Mother to Samantha and Andrew Loving Nan to Tristan, Taylor and James. Forever in our hearts. Till we meet again. Private Cremation held Memorial Service at a later date.
PONTON Keith Roy Aged 83 years
Passed away peacefully at LRH Traralgon. Loving husband of Jill (dec.).
Adored father and fatherin-law of Darryl and Louise, Wendy and Stu, Rhonda and Matt, Geoff and Billie.
Loved Papa and GreatPapa of Brylie and Jason, Caitlan and Ben, Loren and Luke, Matthew, Jackson and Jenni, Lewis and Nicole, Chelsea and Dylan, Cayden, Jos, Harry, Charlotte, Kita, Ted. Awonderful person, so loving and kind, what beautiful memories you have left behind, sharing, and caring, always content, loved and respected wherever you went.
RADFORD Margaret Irene Joyce
We are all saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret. She was such a wonderful lady, so full of kindness and humour and will sorely missed by us all. Our deepest condolences to her family and friends. From Jean and Peter Kennedy and all the team at Kennedy Haulage.
TATE (Curley) Alice (Sis) Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens Newborough on 30/11/25
Aged 92 years
Loving wife of Ray (dec.). Loving Mum of Ken and June, Gary and Sandy and Julie.
Loving Grandma to Geoff and John, Amy, Sarah and Sam, Dean, Chrissy, Leigh and Lorna.
Aloving and caring Mum, who will be greatly missed. RIP Mum XXX
VAN AALST Andrea Michelle 25/11/1966 -20/11/2025 Passed away peacefully at home.
Beloved wife of Rick. Cherished mother of Simone and Olivia. Adored nanna of Luka, Laila, and Mackenzie. Precious daughterof Beverley, Dave, and step-daughter of Les.
Loved sister of Shannon, Tony, and Wendy. Andrea will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.
Born on the 13th of March 1939, passed away on the 6th of November 2025 at the age of 86.
MCBRIDE
PONTON The funeral service of Mr Keith Ponton will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, MONDAY (8 December 2025) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the service, we will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, online donations can be made to CJD Foundation.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
TATE
The funeral service for Mrs Alice Tate will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Ave Moe, WEDNESDAY (10 December 2025) commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON
MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au
VAN AALST The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Andrea will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr, Traralgon on Thursday 4th December2025 commencing at 10am.
BUSUTTIL June In memory of June who passed away on 5/12/2016. We miss you so much, especially around Christmas. Always remembered in our hearts. Love from all the family.
RIVIERE
Manythanks to all who expressed their condolences, sent flowers or attendedJune's memorial service. The Riviere Family Bereavement Thanks •
Familyowned and locally based Funeral Directors
We bring 35 yearsexperiencetofamilies in Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburraand surroundingareas.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offer both at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funerals areavailable. Dignity and respect, always
The Funeral service and burial for Ms Karen McBride will be held at The Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on THURSDAY (December 11th, 2025) commencing at 1.00pm.
Latrobe Valley Express Distribution area L t b
to homes and businesses including roadside mailbox delivery in many rural areas. Available for free from outlets in smaller towns.
Total audited circulation 32,600 copies Published Wednesday
•“Thereiscontinued strongdemand(and passion) forthe printedproduct in ruraland regional Australia.”
•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of theirnewspaper as an essentialservice fortheircommunity.”
GOLF
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
EXCITING times are on the horizon for Latrobe Valley golfer Paul Andrijczak after claiming the Australian and SouthAustralian MidAmateur Championship.
Played out of McCracken CountryClub, Andrijczakstood tall throughhefty conditions and kept his nose in front all the way through, taking home his first stateand national title on the same day.
Given little time to celebrate, he has already undertaken tournaments in the following weeks afterthe win, which includes an Australian Open Qualifier beginning this week.
Pleased with the performance and in earning the duel silverware, Andrijczak now sits 14th in the Order of Merit for Victorian golf.
"Obviously, Iwas psyched with the opportunity to play for astate and national title in one hit," he told the Express "In the moment, Iwas abit numb to it really and then only afterIspoke with my parents did thegravity of (winning)kindofhit them and then probably myself."
Notching eightbirdiesand finishing 2-under at the end of the first day of play, the field of players were then dealt difficult measures during the final stretch.
"We were expecting 50km/h winds out of the west, and McCracken's kind of builtonthe side of the hill and it faces west, so the wind just comes rip-roaring
straight into the golf course," Andrijczak said.
This added to the fact that this was the soon-to-be winner's firsttimeever playing at McCracken, but Andrijczak noted he favoured the challenge.
"Goinginto the lastday,Iwas comfortable knowing that Iwas in agood spot being that Iwas in front by one shot in front of four other people, and Ikind of had abit of agame plan for playing in the wind," he said.
"I enjoy the difficult,windyconditions where you've got to hit golf shots, it's not just your stock standard hitting anormal driver off tee.
"It wasmoreofacase of avoiding making bogeys and other big mistakes rather thantrying to go lights out to win because the conditions were really tough."
Squalls revealed themselves during this period, forcing play to go into intermission for awhile, but Andrijczak returned and comfortably finished thejob.
"Two of the last three holes were dead into the wind and really tricky with water... Iwas happy to get through thoserelatively unscathed,"hesaid.
"I was pretty proud of the fact that Imanaged to not give up the lead at all at any stage."
Andrijczak will get the chance to defend his title at next year's Australianand Victoria Mid Amateur Championship in August, while he has also received entry via the win intothe Australian Amateur Championship in Western Australia this February, for which he has previously played in. However, the local amateur now turnshis full attention to the Australian Open Qualifiersat
Woodlands Golf Club this week, which sees just two players from apool of 96 advance to the major tournament.
Andrijczak took up golf later in life after years spentonthe tennis court in his youth, meaning it wasn’talwayssuspected that this type of Australian Open would be the one he'd be chasing.
"I'veworkedpretty hard since Itookitupand so that'sbeen kind of adream of mine to make it into theAustralian Open, so that's what I'm pushing for," he said.
Andrijczak hasplayed in multiple amateur championships in recent times, including the 2024 Victorian Open, and appeared at the Traralgon Pro-Am Classic at the beginning of October.
He noted his enjoyment of tournament golf over club golf, for which he plays upwards of 30 highstakes and competitive events per year, filling out anon-stop calendar.
"I love the competitionlike the proper stroke play, every shot counts," he said.
"There's way more juice in tournamentgolf than clubgolf for me, and that's where Iloveputting myself out there... and playing where all the chips are down."
Andrijczak also recently took out the Country Week Shield at Mildura withanumberoflocal golfers, which undoubtedly boosted confidence heading towards his national and state title win.
Playing out of Traralgon Golf Club and Southern Golf Club in Braeside, many of his connections and supports comefromGolf Australia's local sector at Golf West Gippsland.
Paul Andrijczak took outthe Australianand South Australian Mid Amateur Championship recently
"I just want to express my thanks to all of the members of the clubs in Golf West Gippsland and thank the Golf WestGippslandexecutive for all of their well wishes... I've really appreciated it," he said. Smiles and silverware: Latrobe Valleygolfer
By LIAM DURKIN
THERE’S boundtobeafew old Assumptionboys reading this.
Assumption College Kilmore Old Collegians gathered at the MCG last Saturdaynight to honour the great Ray Carroll.
Still respectfully known to all as ‘Mr Carroll’, he was given a600-strong reception acknowledging his extraordinary career in education.
The venue for the occasion was fitting, given Carroll’sfamed successincoaching school football and cricket teams. Countless players from these teams went on to higher honours, either at AFL level, as professional cricketers, or even as legends in the bush.
Importantly however, much of the night celebrated the mark Carroll left on students, many of whom are now leading various industries.
NealeDaniher, Simon Costa and DamianDrum are just asample selection of these, and were all present last Saturday.
Locally, long-time general managerofLoy Yang Apower station, Steve Rieniets, boarded at Assumption, as did Thorpdale trucking magnate Kelly Durkin. His mateship with Shane Crawford started at school, and has continued ever since. Crawford attended Thorpdale Football-Netball Club while Durkin was president.
His cousin is Express editor Liam Durkin, another former Assumption boarder, who still remembers many of the lessons Carroll taught him.
He made note of such after Maffra defeated Sale to start thisyear’s Gippsland League season.
Writing in the Express, he penned: “Noted educator RayCarroll,ofAssumption College Kilmore notoriety,has alwaysmaintainedyoung boys will learn more life lessons on the sports field than they will in front of achalkboard. After what happened last Sunday, Maffra coach and fellow educator Anthony Robbins may well vouch for that.”
The Assumption-Gippsland connections spread beyond the school grounds.
The collegeplays an annual cricket match against Victoria PoliceXI, in honour of George Howell, ayoung officer who died at just 25 yearsof-age. The VictoriaPolice team is often captained by local cricket great Graeme Rankin.
Some funniermoments were shared at the reunion, notably when Carroll recalledgames against Pentridge Prison.
“I thought, ‘hell am Ionthe right side here?’” he said, upon realising afew players in the prison team were students he’d taught.
“This bloke kicked four on Ivan Milat,” emcee Billy Brownless chimed in, pointing to aformer teammate.
Brownless, the Geelonglarrikin, was one of Carroll’s favourites, admittedly because he was excused from Carroll’s English classes to roll the wicket on the school’s main oval.
Carroll likely endeared himselftocountry kids such as Brownless, for showing adegree of sympathy not common at aschool governed by the strict Marist Brothers.
It was this approach that arguably had far
greater significance, as formerstudent Simon Tubbs shared online.
“As we allknow, Igot kicked out for an indiscretion whileonanexcursioninMelbourne,” he said.
“After Mr Carroll found out my fate and before Iwas taken out he got amessage to me to meet him in his office. So Iwent and he handed me a First XI badge and said to me, and Ihave never forgotten, ‘you have been hard done by son and you would of got agame’
“That simple act probably savedmylife.
“I knowMrCarrollhas lots of sportingachievements, but Mr Carroll’s ability to guide young men in the world has to be right up there as one of his greatest achievements.”
How different indeed to the educator who castigated astudent for not wearing the correct uniform aweek after the Black Saturday fires torched the family home.
Unfortunately for Carroll, the end of his coaching in 2011 was as messyasany in the AFL world. Ironically, his generosity arguably led to his demise, as acts such as taking students out for lunch or even lending them his car were not seen as appropriate by thepowersthatbe. (Therewas some wild rides).
So, in the same year Mick Malthouse finished up at Collingwood, the axe fell on another coaching doyen.
Like Malthouse, there is still some confusion overexactlywhattookplace, yet to Carroll’s unbelievable credit, he has never publicly (at least to this author’s knowledge) criticised those who made the decision on him.
His generosity of spirit has lived on. Even into his 90s,Carroll still files columns written in longhand for the local Kilmore paper, presumably still slipping them under the office door.
TENNIS
MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has urged Latrobe City Council and the AllanLabor government to act now to secure the future of the Traralgon Junior International tennistournament or risk losing the event altogether.
The Traralgon Junior International has been held at the Traralgon Tennis Association for 32 years and boasts an honour role of past winners includingRogerFederer, Ash Barty,AlexZverev and IgaSwiatek.
The 2025 event contributed more than $2.9 million in economic benefits to the Latrobe Valley,
GIPPSLAND ATHLETICS CLUB
Round 7ofGippsland Athletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 25th November 2025.
ROUND 4RESULTS: Women’s Masters
Discus –Brandy Forgèt 26.19(25.50 previous record, Brandy Forgèt Oct 2025)
100M
Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 15.40, Xanthe Dalton 15.50; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.62
Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 14.13; U/16–Liam McCandless 12.57; Open –Cameron Hughes 13.37; Masters–Aaron Makepeace 14.72, Simon VanBaalen 15.50, Wayne Seear 17.40
JAVELIN
Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 23.19, Xanthe Dalton 11.85; U/16–Zaria Dalton 8.97; Masters–Brandy Forgèt 18.64, Fiona Saltmarsh15.76
Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 14.10; U/16–Liam McCandless 16.11; Open –Cameron Hughes 38.47; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 31.19, Aaron Makepeace 24.90, Stuart Dalton 22.46, Wayne Seear 22.46, Ian Twite 12.75
3000m
Men: Masters–IanTwite15:47.00 LONG JUMP
Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 3.27; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh1.96, Brandy Forgèt 1.62
Men: U/14– TajMakepeace N/J; U/16–Liam McCandless 4.48; Open -Cameron Hughes 3.48; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 3.68, Simon VanBaalen 3.59, Wayne Seear 2.70
DISCUS
Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 29.50, Xanthe Dalton 17.14; Masters–Brandy Forgèt 26.19, Fiona Saltmarsh14.57
Men: U/16–Liam McCandless 14.03; Open –Simon VanBaalen 26.61, Cameron Hughes 26.03, Wayne Seear 21.51; Masters –Simon VanBaalen 33.85, Wayne Seear 26.20, StuartDalton 25.58, Ian Twite18.08
400M
Women: U/14–Xanthe Dalton 1:20.26, Brooklynn Wyatt 1:22.43; U/16–Zaria Dalton 1:01.44
Men: U/16–Liam McCandless 1:01.86; Masters- Wayne Seear 1:57.14
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK
PENNANT ROUND 625-NOV-25
DIVISION 1
Traralgon RSL1356Newborough 347
Traralgon 12 61 Moe 455
Morwell Club 16 75 Drouin 032
Warragul 13 63 Trafalgar 360
DIVISION 2
Neerim District 14 63 Drouin (2) 260
Morwell 16 81 Trafalgar (2) 042
Newborough (2) 16 72 Newborough (3) 045
Traralgon (2) 12 53 Yinnar 452
DIVISION 3 Morwell Club (2) 14 63 Drouin (3) 248 Morwell (2) 16 61 Churchill 042
Longwarry1678Warragul (2) 031
Traralgon (3) 14 66 Yarragon 261
DIVISION 4 YallournNorth 15 59 Traralgon (4) 154 Traralgon RSL(2) 16 64 Morwell (3) 041 Newborough (4) 14 59 Longwarry(2) 258 Garfield 16 64 Moe (2) 037
DIVISION
butthe region is at risk of losing the event and its international hosting rights without urgent intervention.
“Traralgon Tennis Association (TTA) must upgrade its player facilities to securethe Traralgon Junior International, and its international hosting rights, beyond 2026,” Cameron said.
“Traralgon is home to the best courts in regional Victoria, but the changerooms, bathrooms, and treatment facilities are well below the level expected for the best players in the world.
“Further to this, TTAhas already lost two major events this year –aPro Tour tournament and an ATP Challenger tournament –because the facilities
Trafalgar 12 31285 300 -1542
Warragul 12 31295 288 741
Drouin 12 31277 322 -45 36
11 41269 324 -55 32
DIVISION 2
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Newborough 25 01357 233 12482
Morwell 14 20403 299 10466
Traralgon 24 11347 3133465
Neerim District 13 30328 339 -1146
Yinnar 12 31269 301-32 40
Newborough 32 31300 344 -44 38
Drouin 21 41263 323 -60 32
Trafalgar 20 51236 351 -115 15
DIVISION 3
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Longwarry1 501393 225 16884
Warragul 24 11343 247 96 70
Morwell 23 21329 278 51 56
Traralgon 32 22273 340 -67 47
Yarragon 12 31283 307 -24 44 Churchill 11 32255 328 -73 31
Drouin 31 41298 321 -23 28
Morwell Club 21 41231 359 -12824
DIVISION 4
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Traralgon RSL2 501333 216117 82
Garfield 15 10412 290 12280
Yallourn North1 420364 341 23 55
Morwell 33 30356 358 -2 46
Newborough 42 31274 343 -69 42
Longwarry2 231268 317-49 41
Moe 21 41252 303 -51 30
Traralgon 40 60294 385 -91 8
DIVISION 5
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Drouin 45 01225 1428352
Traralgon RSL3 411204 1584641
Morwell 44 11206 1792739
Neerim District 22 31190 197-727
Yinnar 22 31196 208 -1227
Churchill 21 41166 184-18 23
Trafalgar 31 41166 228 -62 16
Warragul 31 41162 219-57 15
STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA
SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND 729-NOV-25
DIVISION 1
Traralgon 18 97 Newborough 060
Trafalgar 18 108Traralgon RSL062
Longwarry1697Morwell 268
Drouin 16 93 Morwell Club 266
DIVISION 2
Traralgon RSL(2) 14 66 Warragul 459
Traralgon (2) 18 81 Neerim District 052
Boolarra1674Traralgon (3) 266
Moe 14 87 Garfield 475
DIVISION 3
Newborough (2) 16 97 Yinnar 271
Moe (2) 18 93 Trafalgar (2) 064
Thorpdale 16 84 Drouin (2) 266
Longwarry(2) 16 89 Morwell (2) 258
DIVISION 4
Traralgon RSL(3) 14 72 Churchill 459
Yarragon 14 73 Traralgon (4) 470
Neerim District (2) 16 99 YallournNorth 265
Warragul (2) 16 84 Newborough (3) 270
DIVISION 5 Garfield (2) 14 67 Warragul (3) 235
Morwell (3) 15 65 Traralgon (5) 147
Trafalgar (3) 14 53 Drouin (3) 246
DIVISION 6
Newborough (4) 14 67 Longwarry(3) 250
Traralgon (6) 16 107Boolarra(2) 044
Morwell Club (2) 14 60 Moe (3) 258
Morwell (4) Bye
DIVISION 7
Morwell (5) 10 45 Churchill (2) 028
Yallourn North (2) Bye
Drouin (4) 10 77 Boolarra(3) 015
Traralgon RSL(4) 842Thorpdale (2) 236
STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA
SATURDAY PENNANT 29 NOV2025
LADDER ROUND7
DIVISION 1
Name WL DF ADiff. P
Traralgon 16 01649 423 226111
Newborough 15 11574 549 25 85
Trafalgar 13 22557 5134469
Longwarry1 340592 524 68 61
Morwell 13 40535 541 -6 60
Drouin 12 41445 504 -59 47
Morwell Club 12 50468 614-14639
Traralgon
are not up to the standard professional or even semi-professional players expect.
“Since 2024 Ihavebeen working withall parties closely in attempts to secure the financial support of Latrobe City Council and the Allan Labor government.
“Sport and Recreation Victoria has reiterated that these upgrades cannot proceed without the full support of Latrobe City Council, and without urgent action we risk the Latrobe Valley losing thisevent –and moreimportantly its enormous economic benefits –altogether.
“Tennis Australia hasagreed in principle to extend the hosting rights to Traralgon for another
ARobbins,16th PWoodall(Brewery Voucher).
fiveyears on the understanding that plans will be put in place to upgrade the player facilities to comply with international tennis standards.
“The ball is now squarely in Latrobe City’s court to do what it takes to secure the future of this event, and Ihope there is apositive announcement.
“Thisisabout so much morethan investingin asingleclub –it’sabout securing the future of international events that contribute millions to our local economy every year.
“Theseupgrades will ensure the Traralgon Junior International remains in the Valleyfor another 30 years and will allow our region to attract other international events of this calibre.”
Birdies: 13th ARobbins,16th PWoodall, Eagles: TimTraill 1st hole
MOE
Sunday, 23 November 2025 OPEN Sunday
9hole Stableford
Grade AWinners: Cropley, Mike(10)18
Sunday, 23 November 2025 OPEN Sunday
Mixed Stableford
Grade AWinners: Attard,Kyle (4) 39
Place Getters: Veenman, Laurie 37
Thursday, 27 November 2025 OPEN Mixed
Stableford
Grade AWinners: Veenman, Laurie (7) 39
Grade BWinners: Harland, Bob (15) 37
Grade CWinners: Wilkinson, Wally(18)36
Place Getters: Spiteri, Paul 36 C/B,Dooley, Brian 35 C/B,Borg, Manny35C/B,Jenkins
Brian 35, Pace,James 34 C/B ,Williams, Shane 34 ,Griggs,Daryl 34 C/B,Babet, Alain 34 C/B,Rodaughan, Peter34, Lee
Shaun 33 C/B,Powell, Vincent 33 C/B,Hall, Bill 33 C/B,Taylor,Amy 33 C/B
Great Score: Paul Spiteri(Birdie) @14, Tony Johnson (Birdie) @14, Al De Dios (Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: 4th Chris Hancock,8th Wayne Yeomans ,14th Eric Beveridge
Saturday, 29 November 2025 MENS Par
Grade AWinners: Johnson, Tony (1) 0
Grade BWinners: Backman, Phil (12) +2
Place Getters: McMahon, Thomas +1
Pickard,Andrew -1 C/B,Collings,Dale -1 C/B ,Williams,Shane -1 ,Johnson, Charles -2 C/B ,Hefford,Robert-2C/B
Great Score: RobertHefford (Birdie) @4, Dale Collings (Birdie) @4,Phil Backman (Birdie) @14, Andrew Pickard (Birdie) @8 Charles Johnson (Birdie) @14 Nearest to Pin: 4th RobertHefford ,8th Joel Poole ,14th David Wright
MORWELL
Morwell 54 11231
Boolarra3 411209
Drouin 42 31203
Churchill 23 21186 190-430
YallournNorth 22 31181 196-15 27
Traralgon RSL4 231153 162-925 Thorpdale 21 50181
GOLF
CHURCHILL ANDMONASH
Men’sChampionships Rd 2(Stroke)22nd November 2025.
AGrade Winner: I. Fortune 78 Nett
BGrade Winner: A. Auld 73 Nett
CGrade Winner: S. Caldwell 70 Nett
DGrade Winner: T. Bennett80Nett
ScratchWinner: T. Webb 86
D.T.L: 1. P. Kearns 77,2.J.Banfield 77,3
D. Burridge 79, 4. G. Sanders79, 5. Adam West 79, 6. G. Tatterson 79,7.J.Soppe
80, 8. C. Waring 80, 9. S. Allison 80, 10.J
Cahill 80.
N.T.P: 3rdS.Allison, 12 th M. Soppe (Propin), 14 th D. Burridge
Target Hole: D. Burridge
Women’s Championships Rd 2Star
Medal (Stroke) 25 th November
2025
Star Medal Winner: S. Caldwell 76 Nett
ScratchWinner: R. Dent 96
AGrade winner: S. Caldwell 76 Nett
BGrade Winner: K. Del Piccolo 86 Nett
D.T.L: 1. C. Sterrick80, 2. R. Sands 84, 3. M. Dear 85
N.T.P: 3rdS.Gosling,5th M. Dear,12th M. Dear,14th J. Tatterson
MIRBOONORTH
Tuesday25th November,Stableford
AGrade: GLalor 39pts
BGrade: IDuncan, 37pts
DTL: GRenwick36, SMorgan, DWoodall, SWoodall35, NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th MPayne,13th M Payne 16th JHughes, Birdies: 4th MPayne,6th TBradshaw, 16th GWebb.
Saturday29th November,Par
579
AGrade: MPayne 1up
BGrade: ARobbins 1upc/b
DTL: JRobbins -1, TimTraill -2. NTP: 4th PWoodall(pub Voucher), 13th
Women Wednesday26th November 2025 4BBB Championships
DayEvent: JGriffiths &A Pollutro41
Championship Winners: BScurlock&S Turner 40+40=80
RunnersUp: ELau &CPeter 39+38=77
NTP: 2nd CBoers8th JGriffiths 11th G Clark15th DVuillermin
TRAFALGAR
Tuesday25/11/25 -Stableford
Players: 25, Women 3, Men 22 Winner: DirkMeyer(21)
Runner Up: BevKeily(20) c/b
DTL's: Ivan Grant (20) Nola Fordham (19) Frank Kiss (19) Glenn Doolan (18) Tony Shearer (17) c/b
NTP: GeoffFallon (5th)
Lucky Card: Andy Kiss
Thursday27/11/2025 -Ambrose
Players: 43, Women 17,Men 26
Winners: DirkMeyers,TonyShearer,Sue Williams,BronWallace (28 3/4)
RunnersUp: LynPowell, Aileen McNair, RayWilliams,Graeme Harris (29)
DTL: PeterGriffin, Chris Payne,Ajia Owen, GeoffThomas (30.5) Cheryl Toyne,Karren MacGregor,NormMether,Glenn Doolan (30 5/8)
NTP: Karren MacGregor (13th)
Lucky Card: Dennis Scambler,Lorna Risol, Hellen Keith, Chris Moody
Friday, November 28th, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford
AGrade Winner: Greg Evison 40 pts
BGrade Winner: RobCusworth-Warner
39 pts
DTL's: Chad McKie 38, WarwickGriggs 37, Kyle Beveridge 37,Steve Clark36, Richard Albanese 35, LukeBatten34, Russell Dent 34, Adrian Jones 34, PeterHeathcote34
C/B
Birdies: 2nd: PeterGilpin, WarwickGriggs Greg Evison 5th: Christopher Buckland, Kyle Beveridge,Russell Williams 11th:Greg
Beyer13th: Kyle Beveridge 15th:Peter Heathcote, Craig Hams,Peter Gilpin Saturday, November29th, 4BBB
Stableford
Winner’s: PeterMoss &Peter Burghardt
47 pts
DTL’s: Andrew Tasngusso &Peter Grima
45, Glenn McGrath &Jess McGrath 44, Jeff Hasthorpe &Glen Roberts 43, Darryl Blackshaw&DirkMeyer42C/B NTP’s: 2nd: Jeff Hasthopre5th:Jeff Hasthopre11th: PeterBurghardt
BGrade M: Trent 527-64-591
CGrade: DO'Rourke 470-99-569. DGrade: BChapman 461-108-569. PLeys 453-118-571.D Sykes430-110-540. H Miller 428-150-578. LMorris 421-136-557 Wed19/11/25 Rapid fire
DGrade: CBenelli 483-105-588. B Chapman 430-128-558. LMorris 389-168557.D Best 277-208-485. Sat 22/11/25 morning Centrefire
AGrade: CBond 527-41-568. CGrade: CGoodwin 472-135-607 DGrade: DChandler 436-189-625. J Wyngard287-269-556. RMiller 250-311-561 25 mt pistol
CGrade: AUrban 500-72-572. DGrade: LKlien 446-127-573. HMiller 360-196-556.
Classic pistol
DGrade: BCollins 269-116-385. LMorris 141-161-302.
AfternoonRapid fire
DGrade: HMiller 342-245-587.L Morris 324-165-489. NChapman 136. TENNIS
CRICKET
WDCA
BY LIAM DURKIN
TRAFALGAR cricketerAidenGeorge enjoyed the distinction of scoring acentury in atwenty20 last week.
Such afeat is incredibly rare at country level.
George brought up three figures in the Ships’ opening round T20 match against Buln Buln.
Opening the batting, George plundered 116 from 59 balls at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve. He madehis intentionsclearfromballone -sending it over the rope, one of 10 sixes hit during the Tuesday, November 25 onslaught. His effort helped Trafalgar to atotal of 1/189,
before thebowlers cleaned up the Lyrebirds for 129. Aiden, the grandson of legendary Moe cricketer Lindsay George, has enjoyedastellar couple of seasons in the Warragul District Cricket Association. He led the league’s Division 1batting aggregate last season,and has already scored two limited overs tons this season. By scoring aT20 hundred, he became the first Trafalgarplayertoscore centuries in all three formats.
The Ships are in the midst of astunningreversal of form, havingonlysurvivedrelegationbydefault six months ago, to now be outright third on the WDCA Division1ladder -without injured opening bowler Jackson Noonan in the line-up. They have away of making things interesting at Trafalgar.
CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
ACT your age, not your shoe size.
Gormandale cricketer Callum Polo will sit out until after Christmas, following his meltdown for the ages in Cricket Latrobe Valley.
Polo punched, kicked and rippeda stumpout of the ground after his dismissal on Day 1ofthe Round 6A Gradeclash against Latrobe.
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
AFTER sitting near the top of the Women's Big Bash League ladder through the first month of the season, Melbourne Renegades have succumbed in three of their last four matches.
Dropping to fourth on the ladder, the Renegades slump began splitting their games against Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder.
Theycouldn'tstring two winstogether, fallingtoPerthScorchers last Thursday (November 27) by four wickets at CitiPower Centre.
Setting a150-run target,Latrobe Valley cricketing export Nicole Faltumcontributed her best stand of the seasonwith 41 not out, but the Scorchers nipped the Renegades in the final eight balls.
The Renegades then fell to Melbourne Stars by 45 runs in the second Melbourne showdownofthe season on Saturday evening.
The Stars poured on atargeton160 with Meg Lanning opening with aterrific 73 not out performance.
Oncethe roles flipped, the Renegades couldn't match the pace set and were sent out with four overs remaining.
Faltum contributed 23 runs during the innings.
The Renegades had arematchagainst Perth on Tuesday (November2)after the Express'deadline.
Faltum has also nominated for the Women's (Indian) PremierLeague auction, attracting abaseprice of 10 Lakh (around $17,000 AUD).
She is one of 23 Australian players to do so.
The incident took place on Saturday, November 15 at Stoddart Oval, with the perpetrator learning his official fate last week.
Polo had taken an early guilty plea immediately after Day 1, and was given atwo week spell in the sin bin.
The Cricket Latrobe Valley board howeverfelt a harsher punishment was warranted.The tribunal seemingly agreed, ousting him for atotal of five weeks.
Taking in the three-week break over Christmas, the sentence means Polowon’t be able to playagain until January 10, 2026 at the earliest.
As more and more local cricketers are finding out, the adventofFrogBox means there is nowhere to hide.
Not surprisingly, video of the reactionwentviral, making it all the way to FoxCricket and even to theBarmy Army.
While it is not uncommon for cricketers at all levels to throw gear in frustration after apoor shot or bad umpiring decision, Polo’s actions well and truly took the phrase ‘throwing the toys out of the cot’ to new levels.
AGormandale official told the Express the action was very out of character for the left hander, who was “incredibly remorseful” and “looking to make amends”.
The official confirmed Polo was still supporting the team,while the club was somewhat mystified a player couldtakeanearlyplea and still be lumped with amore severe penalty.
Last weekend's game was washed out, which counts toward the weeks to be served.
Watching the footage back, there does not seem to be anything to trigger the reaction that followed.
Latrobe players maintain there was no sledging in the build-up, nor did they look outraged after theincident.
Sharks captain StevenFreshwater alerted the umpire to the damage, while teammateRhys Noble picked up the flattened off stump.
Polo was on 12 off 72 balls opening the batting, negotiating what was clearly atricky pitch.
Puffs of dust were visible after the ball pitched during the 20th over, up to when the incident occurred at 23.2 overs.
Before that, Polohad expressed frustration by kicking the air after mistiming afew shots, and jumping after hitting ano-ball straight to the cover fielder.
Young Latrobe spinnerLiam Duncan was bowling when Polo was dismissed. He took awicket with a full toss in his first over, and followed by disturbing Polo’s pegs in his second.
The nature of the wickets arguably had some say in the eventual reaction.
Polo ventedafter he’d left the field, with the audio picking up “f**king” followed by something unclear.
Just one umpire officiated the game, and deserves credit forallowing the game to continue when many would have used it as an opportunity to wield their authority further.
Cricket Latrobe Valley President Evan Sheekey sent astatement to the Express.
“I can confirm thatanindependenttribunal convened lastweek to address breaches of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct involving a CLV player,” he said.
“The CLV Board wishestomake it absolutely clear that we have zero tolerance for any breaches of the Code of Conduct by CLV players or member clubs. All valid reports lodged will continue to be addressed promptly and in full accordance with CLV By-Laws.
“The boardhas aresponsibilitytoour seniorand junior players, members, sponsors, and the wider
community to ensure the integrity of thegame is upheld and that oursport is notbrought into disrepute.”
The fallouthas continued, with Gormandale Cricket Club opting not to broadcast matches on FrogBox from now on, unless full player consent is provided.
UNDERSTANDABLY,the league is wanting to stamp out poor behaviour following anumber of unsavoury incidents in recent years.
The decision last season to hand down a10-year bantothe player at the centre of an on-field brawl certainly drew alineinthe sand.
Prior to that, incidents of players storming the field, swearing at umpires in the presence of parents and kids, and manipulation of rules were not uncommon.
One well-travelledumpire, who hasofficiatedat BBL level, has previously said they’d never seen suchpoor player behaviouruntiltheymovedto the Latrobe Valley.
Speaking from personal experience, having played in both Cricket Latrobe Valley and Warragul District, there is absolutely adifference.
There are no send offs, personal sledges or sore losers unwilling to have abeer after play in Warragul.
Having covered Sale-Maffra as well, the biggest difference I’ve found is clubs down there help each other. Playersoften move from club to club just to try and even the teams out.
It is often said peopleinthe Latrobe Valleyhave big egos. Perhaps it’s time they were shelved.
CRICKET CLV BY LIAM DURKIN
ONE of those annoying days.
Cricket Latrobe Valley matches were abandoned at the weekend due to damp conditions.
Heavy overnight rain last Friday left grounds soaked, followed by spasmodic drizzles for most of Saturday.
The leaguemadethe callearlySaturday morning not to proceed.
Not all will be lost however, as PremierA and AGrade matcheshadn't started, meaning Round 7games in thetop two grades will be played as one dayers.
Poor souls in Sale-Maffra were forced to report to grounds, as two-day games remained incomplete. Warragul District had Saturday/Sunday games scheduled, only for most to be abandoned across both days.
While the sun came out later in the day, and play could have been possible, it is unlikely many more than 20 overs would have been completed. Heading into Christmas, and commentary surrounding certain teams is intensifying. Perhapsnonemore so thanRaiders, whoare second-last on the AGrade ladder just aseason after coming down from Premier A.
It is doubtful anyone thought the Yinnarside would strugglethis much, especially after Keenan Hughes joined.Hughes however is currently on the
sidelines, as is Glengarry superstar Nat Freitag. The Magpies are clearly not as strong without him, but whether or not their current ladder position of fifth reflects this is debatable.
Premier A: Imperials vs Ex Students (Catterick Crescent), Centrals vs Churchill (Apex Park), Toongabbie vs Glengarry(Roger Reis Oval), Moe vs Morwell (Burrage Reserve, Newborough).
AGrade: WillowGrove vs Latrobe (atMoe Racecourse), CATS vs Gormandale (John Black Oval), Rovers vs Raiders (Duncan Cameron), Mirboo North vs Traralgon West (Mercer/McKenzie Wicket).
Premier A: Ex Students(22 points),Imperials(20),Moe (19), Morwell (18), Glengarry(15), Churchill(14), Centrals (5), Toongabbie.
AGrade: Rovers (20),CATS (19),TraralgonWest (17),Latrobe (15),WillowGrove (12),Gormandale (10),Raiders (10),Mirboo North (10, they'll do something from this position, you just knowit).
Revert: CricketLatrobe Valleyplayers willget thepyjamas out this Saturday, as matches become one dayers followinga washout at the weekend. PicturedisCATSplayerSam Gissara from amatchinseason 2023/24.
Photograph: Liam Durkin
BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH
WEEKEND PENNANT
BY MICHAEL HOLROYD
THE weatherforecast suggested difficult weather conditions on Saturday, however after awet night theweather improved throughout the morning. All games were completed with very few interruptions and acouple of games changed venues due to wet grass greens.
In Division 1, the game of theround wasat Newborough doing battle with Traralgon. The visitors had aresounding 97-60 victorywith all rinks up. Michael Yacoub and his rink of Pat Trewin, Ian Kirkup and Wayne Barnes defeated Sammy Anderson and her rink 32-12. WayneLynchand his rink of Trevor James, Julian Wildenberg and MattFerrari defeated Scott Jones24-12. Matt Ferrari displayed great playthroughoutthe day on hisreturntobowls following an injury.
Matt Eccles defeated Kevin Lovett 24-19 and James Scullin defeated George Lambos 18-17. Trafalgar won all rinks against Traralgon RSL with Tommy Lodge and his rink of Wayne Hurst, Mick Fleming and Matt Coutts defeating Maurie Sutcliffe 38-11.
Matt Schreyer and his rink of Graham Hill, Ted Kuklinsky and Adam Proctor defeated Ross Sizeland 26-15.
Ian Miles and his rink of Noel Rubenstein, Paul Dawson and David Cook defeated Beau Williamson 21-14.
Nathan Cook completedthe cleansweep defeating DaveHodson23-22leaving Trafalgar the winners 23-22.
Longwarry won well at home against Morwell withKen Towtand hisrinkofKen White, Richard Ross and RussellWhite defeating Kevin Pigdon 30-13.
Jason Lieshout and his rink of Jodie Ashby, Grant Pask and Craig Cousindefeated Ron Lyfield 28-19 Ian Peterson defeated Danny McKeown 23-19. For Morwell, Brian Kingsley defeatedTrevor Kitchin 17-16 with Longwarry winning 97-68. Drouin had agood win at home against Morwell Club with Dennis Throup and his rink of Matt
Walker, Denise Hamilton and David McIlfatrick defeated Tara Harle 31-18.
Doug Boffie and his rinkofElaine Thorpe, Bruce AndrewadRudy Kerkvlietdefeated Neil Whitelaw 24-13. Toby Wallace defeated Brett Harle 24-20.
For Morwell, Glenn Trembath defeated Chris Deal 15-14 with Drouin winning 93-66.
DIVISION 2
MOEcontinued its winning run with Steve Pallot and his rink of Sean Tatterson, Darren Kane and Stuart Caines defeated Stephen Whyte 29-14. Lachlan Sim defeated Alan White 26-16.
For Garfield,Les Pumphreyand his rink of Geoff Pumphrey, Ray Biffin and John O’Shea defeated Michael Smogavec 24-13 and ShaneOliver defeated John Westerlo 21-19 with Moe winning 87-75.
Boolarratransferred theirmatch with Traralgon (3) to Yinnar due to awet green with Steve Davy and his rink of Tamara Traill, Jack Cleaver and David Caldwell defeated Graham Cross 21-15 and Joel Anderson and his rinkofKen Reynolds, John Cargill and Joelene Laukens defeated Brendon Smiles 19-14.
David Stevens defeated BillBishop 19-17 and for Traralgon (3) Greg Swan defeated Stan Willliams 20-15 leaving Boolarra winning 74-66.
Traralgon (2)won all rinks at home against Neerim District with Kevin Enguell and his rink of Gary Bassett, Paddy Francis and Al Hegarty defeating Peter Throup 24-15.
Cary LockedefeatedPeter Brookes 20-15, Garry Trewin defeated Karren Sheers 20-14 and Abe Roederdefeated Neil Adams 17-14 leaving Traralgon (2) winning 81-58.
Traralgon RSL (2) had agood winathome against Warragul with Graham Hore and his rink of Eric Warfe, Norm Stoerebecker and Ron Osler defeated Margaret Ratcliffe 22-9 and Max Gibbins defeated Gary Ingley 17-14. For Warragul,Robert Renn and his rink of Anthony Wynd, LyndaMorrison andDavidSmith defeated Jeff Blythman20-12 and David Gatewood defeated Laurie Melhuish 17-16 leaving Traralgon RSL (2) winning 66-59.
DIVISION 3
ALL games were won comfortably with Newborough (2) defeating Yinnar 97-71 with Trevor Kennedy
BASKETBALL
BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
THE best in the state.
Traralgon's Will Hamilton was recognised as Male Junior Athlete of the Year at the annual Basketball Victoria Awards.
The local young gun has playedatall levels of Australian junior basketballoverthe last 12 months,displaying the elite performance,commitment and contribution to the sport needed to win the award.
Hamilton shot to international lightsin November, 2024 whenhetook outMVP (Most Valuable Player) honours for the AustraliaCros under-15 side, which won the gold medal at the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup.
He also helped break a35-year drought for Victoria Countryatthe Australian Junior Championships and also won the Australian Junior Country Championships playing up with the U18 Victorian Bushrangers.
After another goldmedal win for Australia at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia last September, Hamilton is just moments away from wearing the green and gold for the third time in short span.
Earning selection to the Australian Goannas U17 team, Hamilton beginshis campaignfor atriple run of goldmedals in Samoanextweekatthe FIBA U17 Oceania Championships (December 8to13)
Hamilton isn't the first local to be recognised at this stage, with fellow Traralgon exportJade Melbourne winning initially the Female Junior Athleteofthe Year and then the BettyWatson Female Athlete of the Year in 2023.
Traralgon-born Jenna O'Hea also won theBetty Watson award in 2011.
Superstar: Traralgon’s Will Hamilton was namedMale Junior Athleteof the Year at the annual Basketball Victoria Awards File photograph
and his rink of Michael Holroyd, Jeff Wetzel and Julie Jackson winning 28-12.
Longwarry (2) were too strong at Morwell (2) 89-58 with MarkSerong and his rink of Peter Beechey,Graham Wolstencroftand Dale Hendrick winning 29-7.
Thorpdale defeated Drouin (2) 84-66 withDavid Ferguson and hisrink of Neville Smith, Robert Preston and Geoff Savidge winning 32-13.
Moe (2) defeated Trafalgar (2) 93-64 with Jim Lawrence and his rink of Val Rodgers, Rex Price and Brian Rodgers winning 26-8.
DIVISION 4
NEERIM District (2) had abig win against Yallourn North 99-65 with Russell Meehan and his rink of LindaChapple,Bronwyn Throup and Roger Till winning 34-13.
Warragul (2) defeated Newborough (3) 84-70with Greg Mitchell winning 21-12.
Yarragon defeated Traralgon (4)73-70 with Kevin McLaren winning 29-12.
Traralgon RSL (3) defeatedChurchill 72-59 with Margaret Gibbins winning 20-8.
DIVISION 5
GARFIELD (2) defeated Warragul (3) 67-35 with Brian Fox winning 30-9.
Morwell(3) defeated Traralgon(5) 65-47 with Trevor Curtis winning 29-16.
Trafalgar (3) defeated Drouin (3) 53-46 despite Mary Andrews winning 25-10.
DIVISION 6
NEWBOROUGH (4) defeated Longwarry (3) 67-50
Alan Luck and Peter Bertoli each winning by 15 shots.
Morwell Club (2) defeated Moe (3) 60-58 despite Garry Evans winning 25-12.
Traralgon (6) defeated Boolarra (2) 107-44 with David Mallaghan winning 41-14 and Jill Beck 35-11.
DIVISION 7
TRARALGON RSL (4) defeatedThorpdale (2) 42-36 with Elaine Muir winning 25-15. Morwell (5) defeated Churchill (2) 45-28 with Max Duncan winning 24-10.
Drouin (4) defeated Boolarra (3) 77-15 with Gwen Price winning 39-2.
BOWLS
STRZELECKI NORTH
MIDWEEK PENNANT BY
MICHAEL HOLROYD
MIDWEEK pennant bowls continued Tuesday (November 25) withplayers enjoyinggood bowling conditions despite the threat of possible rain which is not unusual for this season.
In Division 1, Morwell Club had agood win against Drouin 75-32 to go top of the ladder.
Warragul with Tara Harle and her rink of Jo Leslie, Jody Capp and Roger Rejmer winning 27-5, Neil Whitelaw winning 25-16 and Glenn Trembath 23-11 to complete aclean sweep.
Traralgon won anotherclose match defeating Moe 61-55 with only the rink of James Scullin and his team of Di Richards, Clint Jones and Lyn Moffat up 28-10.
For Moe, Ian Caines won 24-16 and JimLawrence 21-18.
Traralgon RSL travelledtoNewborough winning 56-47 with only the rink of Ross Sizeland and his team of MargaretMorley, Peter Barnes and Terry Hunter winning 27-11.
Maurie Sutcliffe drew 16-16 with Sammy Atkinson and for Newborough Phil Mustoe won 20-13. The closematches continued at Warragul who defeated Trafalgar 63-60 with only the rink of Gary Ingley and his team of David Ferguson, Lynda Morrison and Peter Gallasch up 24-20,Robert Renn drew 18-18 with Adam Proctor and for Trafalgar Matt Coutts won 22-21.
IN Division 2, Newborough (2) defeated Newborough (3) 72-45 with Trevor Kennedy and his rink of Michael Holroyd, Jeff Wetzel and Julie Jackson winning 32-13, Paul Gallagher 23-18 and Robbert Cook 17-14.
Neerim District defeated Drouin (2) 63 –60with Karren Sheersand her rink of Heather Guppy, Linda Chapple and John Rochford winning 21-16 and Pat Fraser-Aurisch 26-23.
For Drouin (2) Rudy Kerkvliet won 21-16.
Traralgon (2)defeated Yinnar with only the rink of Bill Bishop and his team of Nadia and Darrell Curnick together with Gavin Malane winning 20-7, whilst for Yinnar Jenny Harris won 24-20 and Tim Roche 21-13 leaving Traralgon (2) winning by one shot 53-53.
DIVISON 3 saw Morwell Club (2) defeated
By LIAM DURKIN
FURTHER proof how ridiculous the money is in local footy.
Speaking to alocal VFL player at the weekend, they revealed their match payments were around $500 agame. That’s to play at alevel against AFL players and requiring similar levels of output. It is well-known there are many country players across Gippsland getting anywhere between $600 to $800 agame. In extreme cases, figures are even closer to four digits. And that’s just to play, never mind probably not having to train twice aweek, worry about recovery or being mindful of what you eat or drink.
While all are surely hoping Gippslanders takeninthe draft last month make it at the top level, they could truthfully enjoy abetter living playing country footy. This player did also say the best Gippsland League teams would beat most QAFLteams Football still must run avery distant second to rugby league in the northern state.
BASKETBALL CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
FINALS time has arrived for the Country Basketball League within Gippsland. Aduo of Latrobe Valleysides will be eyeing agrand final spot in aweek’s time. At the very last moment, Moe were able to shootabove reigning premier Pakenham to gain top spot on the men’s ladder ahead of finals action.
The Meteors claimed victory over the Warriors on Sunday, 107 to 90, at Latrobe Leisure Moe, completing arun of 10 straight wins with their only loss coming in Round 1against Warragul.
Moe avoid having to playthe team that nailed their sole blemish, at least in the semi final round, as the Meteors take on Maffra this Saturday at Latrobe Leisure Moe. Despite seeking to rebound from an upset semi final loss last season to Warragul, Traralgon couldn’t even reach the knockout stages this time around.
Sittingjust agame above Maffra entering the finalround,the Eagles wonboth their matches against Korumburra and Wonthaggi to see themselvesjump above the T-Birds into finals play.
Even though Traralgon won comfortably overBairnsdale in the last game of the season by 39 points and considering they had better percentage than Maffra, it would have appeared theT-Birdswould makeit through.
Aloss to the Eagles in Round 7by13 points (thanks to 47-point explosion by Sam Whelan) ultimately decided Traralgon’s fate. Morwell also failed to makepost-season action and had the bye in the final round.
THE Magic will be represented greatly however, as the women’s team have been a dominant force all season long.
Morwelllookeddestined to go win their first nine games heading into finals, but aRound 8losstocontender Korumburra disrupted that run.
Drouin (3) 63-48 with Beryl Noblett and her rink of Iyoko Yoshimura, Bernie Kirkup and Margaret McColl winning 24-13.
Traralgon(3) defeated Yarragon 66-61 with Graham Webb and his rink of Kelvin James, Janine Barling and Scott McDonald winning 31-22. Longwarry defeatedWarragul (2) 78-31 with Jason Lieshout and his rink of Robert Quinn, Col Finger and Craig Cousin winning 26-11.
Morwell(2) defeated Churchill 61-42 with Bob Wilson and his rink of Lou Edge, Lyn Johnston and Richard McMahon winning 19-10.
YALLOURN NORTH 15-59 defeated
Traralgon (4) in Division 4, 1-54 with Len Middling winning 20-16.
Garfield 16-64 defeated Moe (2) 0-37 with Alan White winning 21-10.
Newborough (4) 14-59 defeated Longwarry (2) 2-58 despite John McCarthy winning 25-18.
Traralgon RSL (2) 16-64defeated Morwell (3) 0-41 with Margaret Gibbins winning 25-12.
IN Division 5, Yinnar (2) 10-61 defeated
Trafalgar (3) 0-25, Morwell (4) 10-53 defeated
Warragul (3) 0-24, Traralgon RSL (3) 8-31
defeated Churchill (2) 2-27 and Drouin (4) 9-40
defeated Neerim District (2) 1-30
One-point ultimately separated the Magic from finishing first or second on the ladder, as the Wildcatsclaimedthe important road win afortnight ago with Isabella Cocksedge nailing alast-second three-pointer to see Korumburra over the line.
They then had abye in the final round, unable to redeem their heartbreak. Whilethe finals timetable has yet to be released at the time of writing, it is likely thatMorwell will play on Sundayagainst Warragul at Latrobe LeisureMorwell.
Moe missed out on finals by the skin of their teeth, with a12-point loss to Pakenham (who finished fourth)putting an end to their hopes.
In theirreturn seasontoCBL women, Traralgon showed growth from start to finish, but were never at the level to reach finals in their first year back.
The T-Birds did finish off the yearas strong as ever with an emphatic 71-point victory, handing them their third win of the season.
By LIAM DURKIN
IS there anew truism in Gippsland racing?
Does it now always rain on cup day regardless of venue?
Regardless, rain seemed to matterlittletopatrons attending Latrobe Valley Racing Club for the Traralgon Cup last Sunday.
As far as most people were concerned, as long as there washorses going around GlenviewPark and
afull meeting was held, the day would be asuccess.
The 2025 Traralgon Cup ended up being much more than that -itwas acelebration, and possible statement to anyone questioning if Traralgonis indeed a‘real racing town’.
Spectators came to enjoy not only racing, but first rate hospitality,locally catered food, and anumber of elevated viewing experiences.
Rainbecame somethingofamootpoint, as heavydownpours only lasted afew minutes before clearing.
HORSERACING
By LIAM DURKIN
DRESSING well is good manners.
Fashions on the Field was again hotlycontested on Traralgon Cup day.
An array of colours, styles and accessories were on display, as ladies, gentlemen and kids vied for best dressed sashes.
Rain did not dampen spirits,nor the determination of female contestants who were surely freezing at times in off-shoulder dresses.
Due to conditions, some fashions events were held under cover of the Glenview Park grandstand.
Conditions cleared in time for the men’s section to take place next to the track, at which time ladies were also given the chance to have photos taken at the same location. Richmond’s MichaelMcAlpine wasjudged best dressed gentleman. Perhaps fittingly given his hometown, his arrangement carried ayellow and black theme.
Local boy Ayden Respondino provedhis abilities lay notjust in bocce, comingrunner-up. Keeping his sense of humour, he quipped how he’dbeen “stitched up” standing next to McAlpine, who has built areputation of being hard to beat when it comes to fashions.
Melbourne fashionistasLeanora Romensky and Niki Howells-Schramm were crowned winner and runner-up in the main ladies category respectively.
Howells-Schrammhas enjoyed her recent trips to the Latrobe Valley, winning best headwear at the recent Moe Cup.
Contestants were judged on accuracy reflectingspring racingfashion and current trends, style, attention to detail, presentation and confidence.
Judges at this year’s Traralgon Cupwere Karlie Owen, Tracey Walsh, and Traralgon’s own Priscilla Giardina.
Fashions pic spread -Page43
Kidsdidn’t seem to mind,enjoying the opportunity to splash about in the mud -gumboots on of course.
Inside marquees, people took time to kick back and relax, while also belting out some tunes as the afternoon rolled on.
An acoustic version of The Angels’ signaturesong and the well-known audience responseduring the choruswas hardtomiss.
Members and guests were able to puttheir feet up in the upstairsfunction room,treated to a
scrumptious two-course feed, before Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairperson himself Frank Bezzina passed around plates of deserts -one of his many roles on the day.
His fellow committee members were also busy, especially Jack of all trades Ian Davison, who graciously gave up his spot at the chairperson's function in order to be on deckshouldanything need tending to.
Such generosity from all committee members ensured asuccessful Traralgon Cup.
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
NO refunds!
Those were the cheeky words of Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairperson Frank Bezzina as soon as the gates flung open to start the first race on Traralgon Cup day.
Such sentiments were appropriate given everything the luckless club has been through in recent years.
Sunday marked the first time in three years LatrobeValley had been able to host both its annual meetings -Derby Day and the Traralgon Cup.
Last year’s Traralgon Cup was washed out, while the 2023 Derby Daymeeting wasalso abandoned.
Bezzina has been at the forefront through all of it, needing to put on abrave face after no doubt countless sleepless nightstrying to inject positivity into the volunteer-run club.
His passion was justifiably evident at the weekend,revellinginthe chance to welcome patrons back to experience racing at Glenview Park.
Of course, aleader is only as good as those they lead, and Bezzina wished to thank his crew for the power of work put in behind the scenes.
“After the start, Ithought ‘here we go’, we’ve
done it …all that hard work,” he said through a beaming smile after the feature race.
“We had 900 people, I’m happywiththat.The main thing is we got through. The track held up, we’vehad alot of rain, eightmill today, and we had 30 yesterday (Saturday). YarraValley got called off so we got through, I’m really happy. Jockeys said it was tough going but it held up.” Bezzina admittedtonerves as rain fell last week, threatening to deny the club once more.
“It’s been acouple of months of stress, it gets a little bit overwhelming but we got there,” he said.
“Great committee, it’s abig team effort.Everyone’s worked hard and it’s made it all worth it.
“We’ve had everything prepared, we’ve really planned this one, we were well and trulyahead of ourselves.”
Bezzinaalsowishedtoacknowledge support received from Country Racing Victoria, local MPs and representatives from fellow Gippsland racing clubs, who were all in attendance.
The future of racing at Glenview Park remains shrouded in some uncertainty, with the club told it may need to vacate within the next five years.
If Sunday was any indication however, Latrobe Valley Racing Club isn’t going anywhere.
“We’ve been here 111 years, we’ll be herefor another 111,” Bezzina declared.
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
GET your boots, and your coat,for this wet as program.
Wet track specialist Station One put in atough run to win this year’s Traralgon Cup.
The seven-year-old gelding held firm for most of the 1900 metre feature race last Sunday, getting home by three-quarters-of-a-length.
The win marked asecond successive Traralgon Cupfor the Liam Howley stable, following Station One’swin in 2023 (last year’s Traralgon Cup was abandoned).
Emotional scenes played out in the grandstand, withstable representatives riding every metre alongside 22-year-old jockey Ryan KeithHouston.
“It’s atough run up the hill Station One’s clawed back the margin, he’s shot through!” race caller Adam Oslanski said as Station One overtook Rick’s Cafe in the final few strides.
StationOne’s reputation as aking of country cups continued, with the Traralgon triumph marking hiseighth title on the bush circuit.
“He’s an old warhorse, really pleasedtocome back to Traralgon and win. We said pre-race to never give up on him, he’s atoughold bugger and he showed that again here today,” stable representative MikeCallinansaid as he acceptedthe trophy,
and an extra $10,000 in prizemoney, up from the usual $34,000.
The track was downgraded to aHeavy 9bythe time theRace 7Bet365 Traralgon Cuprolled along, after the previous five races were held on aHeavy 8and the meeting started on aSoft 7.
Thatmore than30millimetresofrain fell the previous day reflected the ratings, but that being said, jockeys werequick to point out that the condition of the track was fit for good racing.
Station One entered the race a$2.80 favourite in aseven horse field that saw six runnersscratched IN other races, Reel Crystal won the prestigious Latrobe Valley Express Maiden Plate (1900m) to begin the meeting, followed by The
HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
THOMAS Stockdale still calls Traralgon home.
The gun jockey took time out of his racing schedule to speak at thisyear’s Traralgon Cup, sharing stories from hiscareer with guestsduring the chairperson’s lunch.
The Traralgon Cup presented aperfect homecoming for aman withasurname synonymous with thearea
He was interviewedbyLatrobeValley Racing Club Chairperson Frank Bezzina, before riding in the feature race later in the meeting.
Stockdale took the opportunity to hold ashow and tell, handing out various saddles for attendees to have alook at.
He explained the different equipment used to handle aracehorse typically travelling around 65 kilometres an hour.
Stockdale attendedStMichael’s Primary School and St Paul’s Grammar beforetaking up an opportunity as an apprentice jockey.
He is aJockey of the Year with Country Racing Victoria, and also rodeinthis year’s $5 million Golden Slipper in Sydney -something he counts as acareer highlight.
The soon-to-be dad was presented withchildren’s books featuring Bezzina’s alter ego Koko the Clown.
Stockdale himself admitted to being cheerfully terrified of Koko in his younger years at the Traralgon swimming pool, eliciting plenty of laughs.
To more serious matters, Stockdale paid credit to all at Latrobe Valley RacingClubfor the condition of the track, especially given the huge downpours last week.
“The club has done agreat job, keepingthe track in good order, it’s racing fair,” he said.
“It’s auniquetrack, very tight turns, very tactical. Racing is here to stay."
Guest: Local jockey Thomas Stockdale took abreak from racing to speak at this year’s Traralgon Cup
Photograph: Liam Durkin
Mean Fiddler cruising to afive-length victory in the Race 2Latrobe City Council Maiden Plate (1430m).
Beldari won the Race 3Morwell Bowling Club MaidenPlate (1100m) in athrilling finish that sawthe top four horses separatedbyless than half-a-length.
The perhaps interestingly named DirtyDiana won asimilarly competitiveRace4WIN Television Gippsland Maiden Plate(1100m), ensuring a balanced representation of local media outlets on the day.
Another thrilling dash to the line was seen in the Race 5Gippsland Racing "The Best Turf On Earth" BM62 Handicap(1100m), when Magnabelle Royale won by ahead.
Aichi Icon said yee-haw, after getting up on the outsideinthe Race 6Traralgon Rodeo January 11 BM62 Handicap (1900m) by ahead, while Atageina closedthe meeting by winning the TRFM BM62 Handicap (1430m).
