Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 3 September 2025 by lvexpress.com

Finals festi val

Machetes now banned

It’s all worked out perf r ectly. The Gippsland League semii-ffinalswiill bepllayed d in the Latrobe Valleythis weekend, with all three cities represented. Places in the grand final areupfor grabs this Saturday, while it’s do-or-die on Sunday.

MORE -VALLEY SPORT

ABAN on machetes in Victoria began on Monday, with an amn est yc am pai gn als o underway.

During the amnesty period from September 1toNovember 30, people can surrender machetes safely and anonymously at safe disposalbins locatedoutside more than 40 24/7 police stations across the state.

Owning,carrying,using,buying or selling amachete without avalidexemptionorapproval is nowanoffence,with penalties including up to two years imprisonment or afine of more than $47,000.

Exemptions apply for specific use, includingfor agricultural workers who usemachetesas part of their job and for machetes that have agenuine traditional, historical, or cultural significance. An interim sale ban has been in place since May.

State Police Minister Anthony Carbines said anyone carrying am ac he te would face tough consequences.

“This is just one of the many new laws that we’re implementing to back the work of Victoria Police, includi ng Australia’s toughest bail test,” he said.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said Consumer Aff airs Victori a's machete taskforce had been diligent and effective in drying up in-store and online machete sales in Victoria through proactive monitoring of themarket, physical inspections andresponding to tip-offs.

StateMember for Gippsland East Tim Bull has slammed the govern ment for what he labl led anot her exampl eo f fiscal mismanagement, following revelationsthat the new machete amnesty bins and public awarenesscampaigniscosting taxpayers $13 million.

Mr Bull said the sch eme equated to acost of $325,000 per bin, which were smaller than a charity clothing donation box.

“Charities use similar types of disposal bins across Victoria for afraction of this cost.There is simply no justification for aprice tag anywherenear this amount,” Mr Bull said.

“It’s an outrageous waste of taxpayermoney for something that will do little to make communities safer.”

Mr Bull said the program also unfairly penalises law-abiding Victorians who use machetes responsibly for camping, household scrub clearingand bush recreational activities.

MARKETS

Trafalgar Farmers Market

First Saturday of the month Next Market: Saturday, 6 September 9am - 1pm

36 Ashby Street Trafalgar It is our 2nd Birthday!

Come and shop over 60 stalls of we make it, we bake it and we sew it

A large range of organic produce and much more!

More info at facebook.com/ Trafalgar Farmers Market

REH Cork Club Craft Market

Second Saturday each month September to May Next Market: 13 September 8am - 1pm

Kay Street Gardens, Traralgon Craft and Second-hand Goods Make It! Bake It! Grow It!

New Stallholders welcome info@ marketrehcorkclub org

REH Cork Club Craft Market page on Facebook

Yarragon Craft & Produce Market

Fourth Saturday of the month Next Market: Saturday, 27 September 9am - 1pm

60 PLUS STALLS

A great variety of handmade crafts, hot food and coffee.

Yarragon Public Hall

7 Campbell Street, Yarragon yarragonmarket@outlook.com

Emporium 3844

Tuesday - Saturday

Open 10:00am - 4:00pm Home to 90+ Small Businesses! Traralgon’s first and only upscale indoor market!

Located in the Seymour / Hotham Street Arcade, Traralgon Phone - 0477 156 480 emporium3844@gmail.com

Morwell Trash & Treasure Market

Open 6 Days a Week! Closed on Monday

Tuesday - Friday, Open 10am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday, Open 8am - 4pm

31 Holmes Road, Morwell CASH ONLY

Indoor and Outdoor Stalls

For more information and bookings please call Jo on 0437 981 388

VicGridbillpasses, with amendments

By DAVIDBRAITHWAITE

THE state government's contentious energy transmission legislation has passed parliament, with thesupport of crossbench MPs from the Greens, Cannabis and Animal Justice parties.

The National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2Reform) Bill 2025 gives officials the power to use "reasonable force" to enter land deemed necessary for the constructionofelectricity transmission towers.

Officialswill have the power to remove any obstruction, with authorisationtocut locks and break open gates when undertaking involuntary entry onto properties.

Amendments to the proposed bill has seen the maximum finefor landholders blocking VicGrid from entering their properties reduced from $12,000 to $8000.

Opposingthe legislation, Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath said the Labor government's new sweeping powers would erode property rights, transparency, and the democratic process in regional Victoria.

"Labor'sVicGrid legislation will have dire consequencesfor primary producers, rural communities and our billion-dollar agriculture industry," she said.

"The bill is not reform, it's acomplete overreach that hands state government authorities sweeping powers to issue 'special orders' withoutany consultation or explanation.

"Labor calls it 'cutting red tape', but the reality is government appointed operators will be legally allowed to cut locks, enter farms without consent, and impose heavy fines if landholdersrefuse access to their private property."

Ms Bath said the government hassilenced regional voices and denied communitiesoftheir right to be heard

"It strips regional Victorians of theircapability to appeal through VCAT and shields VicGrid from scrutiny by exempting it from freedom of information laws, blocking access to vital documents," she said.

"The Nationals are not opposed to renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure, butthese projectsshould not occur at the expense of country communities and our food and fibre industry."

Nationals leader, and Member for Gippsland South, DannyO'Brien said regional Victorians continuedtobe"snubbed, bullied and disrespected by the government".

"In the relentless rush to renewables farmers and landowners have becomethe victims," he said.

"In government, we will repeal this legislation, hand back the rights of rural peopleand give them the respect they deserve. We will reintroduce a two-kilometre buffer zone between wind turbines and homes and bring back the right of appeal against these projects. Regional Victorians must have avoice."

During the debate of the bill in the upper house of parliament, Labor Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh said the government was helping farmers.

"We know farmers are getting smashed, whether it is by wind events, by fire, by flood or by whatever is happening out of amore unstable climate. When we have more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the sun's rays come in they get trapped, things heat up and we get more moisture in the

Plan: TheNational Electricity(Victoria) Amendment(Stage2 VicGrid) Bill fur ther strengthens VicGrid as thebody responsible forthe planningand development of renewable energy zonesand transmission infrastructurein Victoria.

Photograph: iStock

atmosphere, and when that moisture moves around at ahigher pace and at amore ferociouslevel, bad things happen, it is not good, and that hitsus economically," Mr McIntosh said.

"For our farmers, when they get hit and smashed, then that flows on to everybody in the price at the supermarket.

"Farmers interests should be first, farmers, not multinationalmining companies. If we do not want to see the corporatisation of farming in this state, if we do not want to see the corporatisationoffarming in this nation, if we want to see mums and dads and families on farms and if we want to seefamily farms being passed down from generation-to-generation, then we haveto ensure that the conditions are there for farmers to be able to do so.

"I am very proud to have avalue of decarbonising our economy and reducing our emissions so we are all not getting smashed economically,whether thatisthe farmer or ourentire society, from lower agricultural outputs."

Also in parliament, Greens MP Sarah Mansfield said the bill would ensure regional communities hosting transmission infrastructure benefitted from the "cheap, clean energy that they are helping to bring about for all of us".

"A truly just transition to renewables includes recognising the essential role our communities are playing in hostingthis infrastructure to enable our whole state to benefit from renewable energy. Iamglad to see this is now reflected in the new community energy fund set up by this legislation," Ms Mansfield said.

AnotherMemberfor Eastern Victoria,Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party MP Jeff Bourman opposed the bill.

"I wonderjusthow morally right it is to be able to have the government, in this case the contractors, force their way onto your land, whether you want it or not," he said in parliament.

"There was the use of the term 'reasonable force'. Iknow undersection462Aofthe Crimes Act 1958 reasonable force is apretty serious thing.

"I would like to hope that when entering your propertyreasonable force does notend up meaning the same thing, because to some people the powers that this bill gives to contractors and the affront that that causes means it feels that big to them.

"A lot of farmers are doing well out of this. They will get some recompense for their problems, but the ones that do not want apart of it Ithink are being given the raw prawn."

The new law is asignoffailure,not strength, according to Better Transmission Gippsland (BTG), agroup of landholders, professionals and community members.

"This isn't afix. It's an admission that the system has failed to bring people with it in the transition to renewables," BTG chair Kirra Bott said.

"We're not anti-renewables; we're allies of the renewables industry. Offshore wind off the coast of Gippsland will be the new Latrobe Valley.

"What we do hereisn't just about power generation,it'sabout energysecurity for the entirestate. But if you connect it with the wrong infrastructure, you put everyone's future at risk.

"And,we're not talkingabout just one transmission line. If the project develops to is full potential, Gippsland is looking at six or more new transmission lines in the years ahead.

"That's why the first one matters. If we get it wrong here, we risk compounding the problem at every step that follows."

BTC claimed the real failure in the legislation wasthe government's refusal to question it was "outdated overhead transmissionassumptions pushed by AEMO and AusNet".

"This isn't aboutinadequate planning. It's about convenience over courage," Ms Bott said.

"The government is accepting flawed assumptions, protecting vested interests and punishing thepeople who dare to ask for something better." What makes these new powers even harder to swallow, Ms Bottsaid, wasGippsland landholders were alreadydealingwithoverlappinginfrastructure demands.

"CarbonNet,gas pipelines, road expansions and more. Yet we're still at the table and engaged. We're trying to make things work better, and the thanks we get is alaw thatthreatens us with fines for asking hard questions," Ms Bott said.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the legislation risked furthereroding trust at atimewhencooperation was needed to deliverthe energy transition.

"Farmers aren't standing in the way of renewables, but we refuse to be trampled over in the process," he said.

"Rightnow,the legislation locks in asystem whererural Victoria carries the burden, while the benefits are shipped off elsewhere."

Mr Hosking added amendmentstothe billwhich halved some of the fines would do little to calm community sentiment.

"The reduction in fines is cold comfort given they never should havebeen partofthis bill in the first place," he said.

Mr Hosking noted MPs from across the political spectrum admitted during debate that transmission engagement to date has failed communities.

"When politicians from all sides agree engagement has been afailure, it shows just how badly the process has gone off track.The government cannot ignore that warning, it must reset and rebuildtrust before any more projects proceed," Mr Hosking said.

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Lunchsurvivoroffers forgiveness to Patterson, awaiting sentence

By LIAM DURKIN

MUSHROOM lunch survivor, Ian Wilkinson has offered forgiveness to Erin Patterson. The Korumburra pastor and sole survivor of the fatal July 2023 Leongatha lunch prepared by Patterson that killedhis wife Heather, her sister Gail Patterson and husband Don Patterson,was one of many to issue VictimImpact Statements in Melbourne’sSupreme Court last week.

More than100 peoplepackedCourtroom 4to hear from 28 victims on Monday, August 25.

Mr Wilkinson and his daughter Ruth Dubois (wheelchair bound) spoke in court.

Erin’s estranged husband Simon Patterson had his statement read out, as did Gail and Heather’s siste r, Lynette Young and Don Patters on’s 100-year-old mother, Martha.

The mushroom murderer waspresent to hear of the pain she caused.

Patterson sat impassively in the dock, twisting atissueasstatements were read out.

Two days had been set aside for proceedings,but wrapped up inside the Monday hearing.

Mr Wilkinson was first to speak, fighting back tears as he spoke of his late wife of 44 years.

“She was wise and had skills that made up for my shortcomings,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“I continue to carry aheavy burden of grief over her untimely death. Ionly feel half-alive without her.”

Mr Wilkinsonwas present at Morwell’s Latrobe Valley Law Courts for the entire 10 weeks the trial took place.

Patterson was eventually found guilty by ajury afterthe marathontrial reached its verdict in early July.

Apastor at the Korumburra Baptist Church, Mr Wilkinson showed incredible benevolence when he offered the followingsentiments duringan emotional address:

“I make an offer of forgiveness to Erin,” he said.

“I have no power or responsibility to forgive harms donetoothers. For the murdersofHeather, Gail and Don, Iamcompelled to seek justice.

“However, Iencourage Erin to receive my offer of forgiveness to those harms done to me with full confession. Ibear her no ill will.

“I am now no longer Erin Patterson’s victim, and she has become the victim of my forgiveness.”

The KorumburraBaptistChurch was where Patterson invited her in-laws to the lunch.

Simon was also invited, but declined.

“My prayer is that she will use her time in jail wiselytobecome abetter person,” Wilkinson’s statement read.

Prosecutor Jane Warren saidPatterson had engaged in an “egregious level of premeditation” when luring the guests to her Leongatha home for abeef wellington lunch.

The wellingtons were laced with death-cap mushrooms, residue of whichwas foundatanearby tip soon after. Fresh evidence revealed Patterson had tried to kill Simon with similar methods at least three times before.

Prosecutors are calling for Patterson, 50, to be jailed for life, without parole.

“It is acase so cold, so horrific, our submission is the offender is not deserving of mercy,” Ms Warren said.

Patterson’s lawyers conceded “grave offending” deserved alife sentence, but have called on the judge to sentence her to anon-paroleperiod allowing for apossible release after the age of 80.

Patte rson wil lb es entence do nM on day , September8,2025.

State of shock after police officers death

THE Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet issued arequest last Wednesday (August 27) for flags to be flown at half-mast for two Victoria Police officers who lost theirlives on August 26 in the line of duty in the Victorian Alpine town of Porepunkah

As am ar ko fm ourning and respect, the Australian National Flag was flown at half-mast all day on Thursday (August 28) in Victoria only fromall buildingsand establishments occupied by Australian governmentdepartments and affiliated agencies.

"What has occurred in Porepunkah is shocking and utterly heartbreaking," Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan said.

"Two Victoria Police officers have lost their lives in the service of our state. Another has been seriously injured. These families are facing akind of griefthey should never have to endure. Policing comes with danger, and every day, our officers meet that dangerwith such enormous courage and dedication. This tragedy is apainful reminder of that bravery.

"Our government stands with Victoria Police - today, and every day they wear that uniform with pride. And we stand with the community of Porepunkah-who arenow carrying the weight of this horrific day.

"They will not carry that weight alone. Our thoughts are with the emergency servicesstill responding to this unthinkablecrime.And our hearts are with the families, friends and colleagues of those who have been lost. Every support they need, we will provide."

Facing themusic: Erin Patterson arriving in Melbourne’s Supreme Cour tlastweek. Photograph: AAP

Solemn: Flags flyathalf-mast at Traralgon Police Station in honourofthe twopoliceofficerskilled in theline of duty last week

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Advocating forregional priorities

FEDERAL Memberfor Gippsland, DarrenChester has met with Latrobe City Council representatives to discuss federal advocacy priorities.

The meeting also discussedbuilding on thestrong partnership between local and federal governments in delivering projects across the region.

"Over many years, I've worked closely with Latrobe City Council to secure funding for projects that make areal difference in the lives of locals," Mr Chester said.

"Together we have worked to deliver major projects such as the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon-Sale highway duplication, Flynn Community Hall,Morwell CBD Revitalisation, Gippsland Cancer Centre, RotaryCentenary House, Morwell Recreation Reserve Redevelopment, Traralgon RecreationReserve Pavilion, Churchill Hockey Pavilion and the GippslandRailLine Upgrade.

"These projects are the result of strong partnerships and ashared commitmenttoadvocate strongly for building better facilities and improving liveability across the Latrobe Valley."

Mr Chester said he welcomed the opportunity to hear about council's currentlist of priority projects.

Darren Chester. Photograph supplied

"It's always helpful to understand council'spriorities so Ican continue to advocate for Gippsland in Canberra and seek grant opportunities where possible,"

Foryour

"There's astrongfocus withincouncil on building new job opportunities,supporting

convenience, 7-Eleven opens up in Traralgon

TRARALGON is now home to Gippsland first 7-Eleven service station.

The ribbon was cut to officially markthe station's opening last Thursday (August 28).

Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman and fellowcouncillorAdele Pugsley, alongwith local Indigenous leader Aunty Michelle were joined by 7-Eleven stafftowelcome in the new serviceto the region.

"To 7-Eleven, thank you for picking Latrobe City as the first place you're having astore in allof Gippsland -welike to be number one," the mayor said.

"Great to have such an internationally recognised brand that is such agood corporate partner to join us in Latrobe City.Welook forward to working with you.

"Great to see thatyou've used some local businesses to build the store back up."

The new 7-Eleven is located at the site of the previous United near Traralgon train station.

Thestore will create around12new local jobs, with astore leader and team from the community ready to welcome customers day and night.

The investmentbranches offthe success of the 7-Elevenmicro storeatAustralian Paper, Maryvale.

Concrete jungle where drives are made of

THE new multilevel carpark on KayStreet/ Gray St, Traralgon is coming along.

The project is set to provide over 430 spaces within the Traralgon CBD close to key amenities including the Creative Precinct, retail and hospitality businesses, Grey Street Primary School and the Council Library and Service Centre.

This project is being delivered by Latrobe City Council on behalf of the Victorian Government through the Regional Car Parks Fund (RCPF) which is set to deliver 900 new car spaces across Traralgon, Morwell and Moe. Over 350 car spaces have already been delivered to date in Morwell, Moe and Traralgon.

The existingcarpark (virtuallythe 'Ryan's carpark') and 154 spaces areshut duringthe length of construction, which is estimated to be completed in 2026.

store’s grand opening.

Construction: The newTraralgon five-levelcarparkisdue forcompletion next year

Comingalong: Thenew pavilionunder construction at Traralgon Showgrounds Photograph: Liam Durkin

Come one,come all: 7-Elevenfield manager,JoshuaPoort, staffmember Brad Birrell, Traralgon storemanager,MelvinAlexanderKunju, Latrobe CityMayor,Dale Harriman, staffmember Andrew Gray,assistant manager,Reece McKenzie and staffmember Yohan Soyza celebrate theTraralgon

Photographs:Liam Durkin

Open forbusiness: Thenew 7-Eleven is now tradinginTraralgon.

Discussions: Latrobe City Mayor, Dale Harriman and FederalMember forGippsland,

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Wild weather greets the weekend

By KATRINA BRANDON

DRAWINGonvivid memories of the “apocalyptic” weather events of 2024, VicEmergency issued an extreme weather warning for Friday afternoon (August 29) and Saturday morning (August 30).

Strongenough for the state control centre to calla conference, Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward, Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, VICSES State Agency Commander, Mark Cattell and Bureau of Meteorology Senior Meteorologist, Kirsty Turnerhostedthe media conference in advance of the weather event.

Advising people to bunker down and to keep an eye on local emergency warnings, the stormcleared through Latrobe through the night, but mainly affected coastal areas.

The warning stretched throughout the state, with aWatch and Act Prepare to Take Shelter warning for coastal areas and aStay Informed Warning for Latrobe. Warnings stated that from 11pm on Friday, afront would move across the peninsula before reaching the Dandenong Ranges and Bass Coast areas, and that wind speeds were likely to impact power structures as they came through at destructive speeds.

VicEmergency urged Victorians to prepare early on Friday as the storm approached and wind speeds began to increase, bringing strong gusts. Widespread damaging south-westerlywinds with gusts of up to 100km/h were expectedacross the state,withdestructive gusts of up to 120km/h possible along the coast and potentialblizzards in alpine areas.

Expected wind speedswere warnedtocreate power outages, and people were advised to avoid fallen power lines and ensurethatall electronic devices were fully charged and ready in case of an emergency. They were also instructed to listen to incoming warnings if the weather worsened. Authorities also urgedpeople to stay inside if possible and to avoid driving.

VicSES state agency commander, Mark Cattell said there was 76 requests for help from 12pm on Thursday until 2pm Friday.

WorkSafe Chief Health and Safety Officer, Sam Jenkin also issued awarning.

“Gale-force winds, like any severeweather event, should be treated as apotential hazard that can put aworkplace, workers and the general public at risk,” he said.

“Construction areas with temporary fencing, roof sheets, scaffold planks, and unsecured tools or materials are particularly vulnerableduringsevere weather events, and good housekeeping practices will help protect workers and the general public.”

Mr Jenkin said that, where possible, duty holders should consider postponing or rescheduling work outdoors until conditions improve.

“Employers should consult with their workers, including any health and safety representatives, to plan when these forecasts are issued, ensuring their strategy meetsindividual circumstances,” he said.

“This include se nsur ing sites are properly inspected and secured before workers head home to reduce the risks posed by high winds overnight and into the weekend.”

Morwellmotors leading thetrucking way

AUSTRALIAN truck market leader, IsuzuTrucks, has bolstered its network of Authorised Service and Parts Outlets (ASPOs), taking its footprint of dealerships and ASPOs to atotal of 81 locations across the country.

The expansion comes off the back of astring

of record sales years for IsuzuTrucks,including 2013figuresof13,658deliveriesand an estimated total truck parc just shy of 100,000 Isuzu units in operation under 10 years old.

Beyond on-the-floor salesfigures, Isuzu has recorded an uptick in customer demand for

aftersales products andservices,suchasindealership and ASPO servicing, genuine parts and accessoriessales and an increase in the uptake of scheduled service agreement packages.

This is being driven by anumber of factors, including Chain of Responsibility Laws (CoR) that require heavy vehicles to be maintained and compliant for operation.

very high standard to be maintained in terms of service and staff training,” Mr Ton said.

“From the outside view, ASPOs carry the Isuzu pylon and other signage to clearly identifythem as beingpartofthe Isuzu network.

“All up, this gives customers the assurance that their asset is in expert hands.”

This correlates with Isuzu’s latest Futureof Trucking: The Way Forward Report, which records 70 per cent of Australian heavy vehicleoperators have implemented or are in the process of developing CoR policies.

Head of Network Development for Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL), Nathan Ton, said that bringing more ASPOs under the Isuzu Trucks banner ensured customers continue to receive thefull benefitof the brand’s support offering.

“Isuzu has an outstanding network of dealers, which has benefitted our customers for over 50 years,” Mr Ton said.

“Duetothe broad range of industries and customers that we support, combined with sustained growth overalong period for Isuzu Trucks product, we have stepped up efforts to bring new ASPOs in key locations into our system.

“Within the strategy, we take into consideration feedback and input from existing Isuzu dealers, who want to ensure their customers are well-supported throughout their truck ownership journeys.”

The process of selecting an ASPO partnerisa considered process, as Isuzu selects outlets with a reputation for excellence in service and workmanship,then offering the same resources available to all Isuzu Trucks dealerships.

“An Isuzu ASPO is the same as an Isuzu dealershipworkshopfrom ourpoint of view -there’s a

One of Isuzu’s new ASPOs is Transall Motors in Morwell, an experienced heavy vehicle workshop now offering the full range of Isuzuparts and service offerings.

Established in 1983,Transall Motors is owned and operated by the Dalyfamily, with astrong history of supporting truck owners in the region. It has been part of the Isuzu Dealer network for the past 12 months.

“Being well-established,weare able to work with both Isuzu and the Gippsland Truck Centre to offer our customers exceptional service and parts sales,” Transall Motors Operations Manager, Bobby Daly said.

"We understand the diverse range of applications that peopleuse their trucks forinthe region, so this ensures that we have all bases covered.

“The ongoing support that’s providedbyIsuzu in terms of training and information on the product is second to none -sowhether it’s asimple service or they’re needing genuine replacement parts or a run through awarranty enquiry, our customers can feel confident they’re going to get the best from us.” Isuzu offers up to six years in warranty on new trucks (model dependent) and three yearsonparts and service when conductedthrough an Isuzu dealer or ASPO.

Damage: Strong windgusts swept across thestate last Friday. Trees fell in areas around Mirboo Nor th (pictured).

Photograph: MirbooNor th Community Notice Board

Have your say to help shape LatrobeValley

AT ITS most recent council meeting, Latrobe City Council endorsed several community engagement activities including consultation on anumberof key draft plans includingthe draft Financial Plan.

During the first year of anew council term, key plans and strategiesare developed to guide the four-year period, ensuring they align with the endorsed Council Plan and Community Vision.

The draft Financial Plan 2025-2035links to the achievement of the Community Visionand the Council Plan within the Integrated Strategic Planning and Reporting framework. This framework guides council in identifying community needs and aspirations over the long term (Community Vision), medium term (Council Plan) and short term (Annual Budget). The draft Asset Plan links with counci l’s

Community Vision, Council Plan and Financial Plan. The plan compares the allocated asset renewal funding against the renewal funding required to renew council’s assets. The draft plan outlines the status of council’s infrastructure asset portfoliointerms of quantity, value, condition state, funding needs and allocated funding. The draft Road Management Plan balances communityexpectations for serviceand risk management with the abilityofcounciltofund theoperationalcosts associated with this draft plan. Road, car park, bridge and pathway assets should providealevel of service that is fit for purpose for the community in accordance with the Council Plan, Asset Management Policy and Asset Management Strategy.

Latrobe City CouncilMayor, Dale Harrimansaid community inputisvital in shaping the future of the city.

“Council has recently endorsed several important engagement opportunities, including drafts of the FinancialPlan, Asset Plan and Road ManagementPlan,and we want to hear from you,” the Mayor said.

“These plans are designed to ensure that our services, infrastructure and long-term financial sustainabilityreflect the needs and aspirations of our community. By having your say, you’re helping us deliver on the Community Vision and Council Plan,making sure Latrobe City continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.”

Have your say on these plans via Have Your Say Latrobe City: yoursay.latrobe.vic.gov.au

Curb side hit and run in Traralgon

AMAN has narrowly avoided serious injury after being struck in an alleged hit-and-run in Traralgon.

Emergency services were called to Watkins Court around 5.45pm on Thursday, August7, following reports acar had mounted the footpath anddrivendirectly at aman.

The victimattempted to fleebut wasstruck by the vehicle.

The incident was witnessed by several people, including aseven-year-old child.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hitched Away

POLICE are investigating the theft of atrailer from aTraralgon factory yard.

Investigators believe the offender or offenders attended the Southern Road property between

3.30pm on Friday,August 15, and 11.30am on Saturday, August 16, and stole atrailer bearing registration Y98 962. An imageofthe trailer has been released in the hope that someone recognises it.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidentialreport at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Traralgon Blaze

EMERGENCY services were called to aunitfire on Gilmour Street, Traralgon, about 6.20am on Wednesday, August 27.

The property sustained significant damage,and the fire has been deemed suspicious.

A53-year-old Traralgon manwas arrestedat the scene.Noone was injured.Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. A27-yearold Korumburra man has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years jail, with aminimum non-parole period of six-and-a-half years, for the manslaughter of 21-year-old Jake Bradford in January 2021.

Police allege Mr Bradford was attacked, robbed, stripped,and run over,with his body left in bushland near Dollar, South Gippsland.

The victim's remains were located two years later.The offenderwillbeeligiblefor parolein just over four years.

Early fire season likely

VICTORIA is likely to experience an early start to the fire season this Spring, with drought-affected areas facing an increased risk, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlookfor Spring.

In the past 18 months, Victoria has experienced low rainfallacross most parts of the state, except for East Gippsland. Recordlow rainfallwas recorded in the state’s west, extending across westcentral and in south-west Gippsland, includingthe Mornington Peninsula. Lower rainfall has also been expanding into the northcentral and central highlands.

This has resulted in an increase in fuel, such as deadplant material and vegetation, which has the potentialtosupportsignificant bushfire potential. The more fuel available, the hotter and more intense abushfire can become and the faster it can spread.

While winter rainfall acrossthe south-west, central, eastern and north-east ranges could minimise the chance of fires in forests, alackof rainfall in spring could result in above-normal fire potential in these areas leading into summer.

Green growth in paddocks during Spring is also likely, but underlying dryness may result in early curing. The degree of curing influences how easily afire can ignite and spread.

Easternand northern Victoria is forecast to have anormal level of risk for spring, with a wetter outlook forecast for northern Victoria.

Victoria’s emergency services remain well prepared for all emergencies, including bushfires, heatwaves, storms and flash flooding.

Preparedness is ashared responsibility, and it’s important for communities to prepare now and understand their local risks.

Sta yi nform ed by do wnl oadin gt he VicEmergency app or checking the VicEmergency website.Make sure you understand the three levels of warnings andwhat they mean.

Having afire plan and reducing vegetation around your home by mowing lawns and clearing gutters are steps you can take now to prepare for abushfire.

PoliceBeat with Aidan Knight

everythings starting to grow again.

Its agreat time to roll up your sleeves, get outside, and enjoy the garden.

Here are afew simple tips to make the most of the season:

After acold winter, your soil deserves aboost. Work in

salvias, marigolds or lobelia. They thrive in the valley and give you instant colour with very little effort. For something extra special, try afew flowering natives theyll brighten things up.

re fo rthe lawn

Your lawn will be hungry after winter. Feed

The right job for the right person

By KATRINA BRANDON

TAFEGippsland’s Skills and Job Centre has partnered with the Local JobsProgram andsix Gippsland councils to launchanew free online platform, Gippsland Jobs Hub.

The new platform was developed to boost local employment, support career development and build astronger workforce in Gippsland.

On August 21, TAFE Gippsland hosted abreakfast event, attended by around 80 people in person, while others participated online to celebrate the launch of the free online platform.

During the interactive session, local businesses and program participants had the opportunity to hear from severalspeakers on the hub and Federation University’s FAST program,which complements the Jobs Hub.

Lisa Maatsoo, Industry Engagement and Innovation Manager at the MorwellInnovation Centre, Federation University, emceed the event, and introduced both the FAST andlaunch to attendees.

First up was Rachel Massaro, representing the Federation Access Studies (FAST) program team at Federation University.

“FAST, as the name suggests, it's afast path to university, and it enables students from all backgrounds the opportunity to study at auniversity level,” Ms Massaro said.

“(The) aim is to support students to understand the university system, understand how the systems work, understandably, and to bridge the culture gap which often exists.

“Someofthem (students) didn'tget the ATAR that they needed for entry, or perhaps some studentscametous, they're already in the workforce andthey're lookingtogothat next level in their careers, or perhaps to change, and the program works really well.”

During Ms Massaro’s time in the spotlight, she brought on three students, who had participated in the FAST program. All three shared their experiences and discussed why they entered the program.

Launching the event’shottest topic,Elise Watson, ManagerGippsland Skillsand Jobs Centreand

Andrea McNamara,Engagement Coordinator, Skills and Jobs Centre shared information about the website and held apanel discussionwith DarrenBeggs,Gippsland Jobs Coordinator, Local Jobs Program; Mark Lindsay, Engagement Manager,Marinus Link and Justin Fallu, Director of Student Experience, TAFE Gippsland.

“Skills and JobCentreisastate-wideinitiative, with centres across Victoria, most commonly housedwithinTAFEs. We havefiveskills andjob centres located in Gippsland, such as Leongatha, Warragul, Morwell, Sale and Bairnsdale,” Ms Watson explained to the audience.

“Rather than trawling different employment websites, the Gippsland Jobs Hub is aone-stop shop for job seekers and employers.

“Our mission with this project was to develop afree platform to promote sustainable economic growthand productive employment in our region. It's about building confidence and capacity.” Easing the job hunt for job seekers, Ms Watson andMsMcNamara said thatlocal businessescan post jobs and opportunities on the website at no cost, and they are typically up within 24 hours of being submitted.

Each job that is submitted to the website is authenticated by the jobs and skills centre team, who ensurethat real jobs are being posted and that people are receiving the necessary information for the job they are applying for.

“The Gippsland Jobs Hub is afree online portal which connects job seekers and employees across Gippsland. So whether you're ajob seeker or an employer,this sitewill connect you with your next opportunity,” Ms McNamara explained.

“Our mission is to provide afree platform -free to promote sustainable economic growth and productive employment in our region. It’s agreat opportunity to focus on Gippsland and provide real jobs for local people.”

Throughout the panel, Mr Lindsay, Mr Beggs and Mr Fallu discussedthe positive impacts of the hub and the opportunitiesthatcouldarise from thenew platform.

For more information, go to http://gippslandjobshub.com.au/

Education: Rachel Massaro, representing theFederation Access Studies (FAST) programteam at Federation University, speaking at the Gippsland Jobs Hublaunch

Crew: Skills and Jobs Centre Engagement Coordinator,Andrea McNamara, TAFE Gippsland Director of Student Experience,Justin Fallu, Local Jobs ProgramGippsland Jobs Coordinator, Darren Beggs,Marinus Link Engagement Manager,MarkLindsayand Gippsland Skillsand Jobs CentreManager,Elise Watson. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

WESsoldieringon

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IN lightofthe recent defunding of the Latrobe Health Assembly,manyvitalcommunity initiatives havebeen put at risk -that includesthe Wellbeing and Emotional Support (WES) centre in Morwell.

The free, after-hoursmental health support service caters to anyone in need aged 16 or older. But without urgent intervention, the WES will be forced to close its doors in the coming months.

Team Leader of Mental Health, Wellbeing and Emotional Support at the WES, Rachel Matthews Ikin said that“theimpactonthe community would be awful” if it was to cease.

“When the doors close, it’s goingtobeasignificant hit,” she stated.

“We can do everythingwecan by trying to identify the community supports that they (participants) can accessoutside of here, which is what we’re doing …but it’s just not the same.”

One look insidethe WESand you’ll instantly warm to the vibrant, café-styled sanctuary that sees north of 30 regulars, plus many more, who stop by in need of aconversation or some elevation from life’s hardships.

The site, located on the corner of Princes Drive and Buckley Street, has become acriticalsafety net for the Latrobe Valley community, especially for those who may not otherwise have access to mental health support.

The WES consists of no referrals, waitlists or judgement, making it an easy entrypoint for those seeking alternative options.

Founded in 2023, originally led by Lifeline Gippsland and now paired with Wellways, the WES has forged great and everlastingrelationships with those in the community who utilise the space and their services.

The WES has stretched itselfacross the Latrobe Valley and supported more than 1000 peopleover the last two years.

Ms Matthews Ikin stated that many who arrive through the doorsare ones that haven’t had good experiences with traditional mental health services, and instead flock to an environment that displays above-and-beyond compassion and care.

“We come from our own lived experience, Ithink, which helps us to be able to empathise, but we’re all aboutmeeting people where they are at,” she said.

“There’s no judgement, we’re not trying to fix them. We just walk alongside them and help identify their strengths, theirgoals, and try to work on things step by step.”

Social connection is one of the key elements that the WES provides to help people through times of struggles, which includes awide range of groups and activities on offer.

The WES prides itself on being apartofpeople’s wellbeing plan, and has kept manyout of the emergency department, something staff member Jacob Hardy knows first-hand.

“I can think of instances where people have been suicidal with aplan thathave come in, and I’ve beenabletosit with them and have conversations and support them in that immediatecrisis,”he said.

“Get them support, getthem help, and personally heard of afew of thoseafter that are changing things and getting on the mend.”

Mr Hardy is honoured to be that direct person for someone to lean on, even if it’s during aperiod of loneliness or if its life and death, and fears that losing options could be catastrophic for those in need of them.

“To no longer have that accessibility scares me for Latrobe Valley, as there’s people who might be at that point (where) walkingthrough the door and signingall these formsand tryingtoget in that way, they just don’t have the energy to do it when you’re at that point,” he said.

Staff acknowledged it’snot ideal timingfor those, especially regulars, currently utilising their services, and that many participants are in denial of its closure.

Ibelieve there should be mor ep lace s like this for the community, so that we have mor es upport for the people

Caleb Hunter WES participant

One regular of the WES, Tim Bell, believes it’s aslapinthe face that such ahelpful service is losing its funding, especially after his experiences elsewhereinthe mental health sector.

“To have had nothing but bad experiences with conventional mental health services, only to eventually find fulfilment at aservice convenient and common senseasthe WES,and then find they’ve lost their funding, well, it strikes me as the height of absurdity,” Mr Bell said.

“I’m not sure how state authorities in charge of funding mental health servicescan be understood as competent if they’re willing to withdraw funding from such auniquely useful service.”

A newer participant, Caleb Hunter, who’s been attending the WES for about six weeks, said it’s been helpful and encouraging during his time there.

“Ifyou ever wanted to talk,theyprovide that, which is fantastic.The other peoplehereare really good to get along with as well, hearing their stories and where they’ve come from,” he said.

Mr Hunter said it would be devastating if the WES was to close.

“I believe there should be more places like this for the community, so that we have more support for the people,” he added.

Regardless of the news, staff are soldiering on and are still focussed on supporting those in need, despite their own uncertainty and grief over the situation.

“Even though they (the staff) need that job security,they’rewanting to be hererighttothe end, because they love it here,” Ms Matthews Ikin said.

“We have areally good team, but they’ve made connections with these people, and our heart is breaking for them.”

Arecentgatheringwas held on July 31 alongside Latrobe Health Assembly and Wellways to protest the defunding of the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA) and discussthe benefits and avenuesfor the WES.

Under the banner of Investing in The WES: Wellbeing &Emotional Support in Gippsland, passionate conversationswere hadonhow the servicecould continue beyond the end of its funding cycle this year.

Attendeesheard directly from the local community, WES staff andpeer support workers about the WES’impact,with other attendees such as Lifeline Gippsland, Regional Development Victoria, the Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault,and Latrobe Regional Health.

LHA and Wellways has extended the conversation beyond Morwell and invited others to contribute ideas to allow the WES to continue to operatewith new funding from alternativesources.

Given the WES is opened three days aweek, there is opportunities for other organisations to rent out the space on days it is not open.

TheLHA will permanently closeatthe end of November, leaving 27 health programs it funds in the region out of pocket.

Life Care and Suicide Prevention Seminars

Join us for a FREE life changing seminar. The aim of the seminar is to empower the community to help deal with those impacted by suicide to help make adifference along with practical ways to help make that happen.

Come and listen to our experienced presenter Mark Bateman.

We will cover;

What are the high risk indicators?

What are the Myths surrounding suicide? What to Say?

How can we care for carers of those with mental health?

How do we support family and friends impacted by suicide?

Anyone is welcome to attend. Each session is tailored to the needs of aspeciﬁc audience.

RU OK Day

Thursday 11th September

High Street Community Hub 4High Street, Moe

9:30- 11am

Groups &Volunteers

Sports, Service Clubs etc

1-2:30pm Professionals

Health, Welfare, Education etc

6:30 -8pm

Community, Family &Friends

For more information

Please contact Val on 0412 724 990 or scan the QR code

United: WESstaff with Latrobe HealthAssembly and Wellways representatives in front of the centreinMorwell. Photograph supplied

ONE POINTERS

Ta ke aB re ak

BRAIN STRAIN

1. The regular hosts of the Front Bar show areSam Pang, Andy Maher and who?

2. Whatisthe name of the iconic Australian clothing and accessories companythat has asteer head fortheir logo?

3. Whatshowisthe catchphrase ‘Bazinga’ bestknow from?

4. Whatwas the name of Bambi’srabbit friend? TWOPOINTERS

5. In the movie Shrek, wheredoes“theMuffin Man” live?

6. Whatisthe name of Superman’sdog?

7. Which is taller.Uluru or the Eiffel Tower?

8. In 1888 which unidentified serial killer terrorised the Whitechapel district of London?

THREE POINTER

9. What popular beverage is made by fermenting apples?

10.Whatmeal didthe Lady andTramp shareontheir date?

11. Whatcompanycreated the AI assistant called Alexa?

12. Who wasthe singer of Black Sabbath FOUR POINTER

13. Whatcharacter have Robert DowneyJnr and Benedict Cumberbatch played?

14. Whatcan be driven although it doesn’t have wheels. Sliced but stayswhole?

FIVE POINTER

15. Name the movies from these movie quote.One point for each correct answer. 1. We’regonna need abigger boat.

2. Sayhello to my little friend. 3. Go ahead, makemyday

4. You’rethe disease and I’m the cure. 5. Ilovethe smell of napalm in the morning.

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books. :rsweAns 1: Mick y;Mollo 2: R.M. lliams;Wi 3: The Big Bang Theory; 4: Thumper; 5: Drury Lane; 6: luru;:U;7toKryp 8: Jack the Ripper ider;:C;9 10: Spaghettii; 11: on;Amaz 12: Ozzy Osbourne; 13: Sherlock Holmes; 14: Golf Ball; 15: -1 2.,-wsJa 3.,-eacScarf Sudden Impact -4. abrCo -5. Apocalypse wNo

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’. ACROSS

Transforming the mine to beach

Future shared by sea

THEregion’s peak advocacy body, One Gippsland, has expressed “deep concern” about the possible impact of offshore wind on the region’s fishing industry.

One Gippsland Chair,NathanHersey wrote to Premier Jacinta Allan last month to urge thestate government to protectthe industry while progressing offshorewind development.

“Commercial fishing providesemployment ,s uppor ts local busines ses and contributes significantly to our region’s economy and has done so for many decades,” Cr Hersey said.

“The rapidadvancement of offshore wind energy projects has createduncertainty for Gippsland’s commercial fishing industry.

“This uncertainty requires strong clarification from the Victorian and Australian governments.

“Offshore wind is ahuge opportunity for Gippsland and the nation and the sector has One Gippsland’s support. However, this once-in-a-generation transition must coexist with long-standing industries like commercial fishing.

“That involves meaningful consultation, protectionofkey fishinggrounds and genuine commitment to coexistence.”

To ensure Victoria’s offshore wind ambitions are “fair, responsible and sustainable”,

One Gippsland has called for measures includingmandatory early and ongoing consultation with the fishing sector; transparent data sharing and collaborative marinespatial planning; protection of key fishing grounds from offshore wind infrastructure; support for industry transitionand innovation, includingaccess to research, skills and technology funding,and transparent compensation frameworks for any loss of access or income.

Cr Hersey said Gippsland was at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition.

“Gippsland has an abundance of natural resources and ahighly skilledenergy sector workforce. We are ready to deliver renewable projects while also ensuring the ongoing prosperity of our existing industries such as fishing,” Cr Hersey said.

“One Gippsland’sin-principle support for the development of new energy technologies in the Gippsland region has never been without expectations. It is essential that our existing industries, are not negatively impacted.

“We have an opportunity to show the rest of Australia that renewableenergy and traditional industries can not only co-exist, but thrive.

One Gippsland is apeak regional advocacy body representing, supporting government policiesand programs that create economic prosperity through innovation, facilitation and education.

Members includ et he region’s six councils, including Latrobe City, as well as Destination Gippsland, Federation University, Food and Fibre Gippsland, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and TAFE Gippsland.

COMMENT BY JAMIE LOWE

ENGIE welcomes Great Latrobe Park’sinterest in the rehabilitation plans for the Valley’s mines, and we share theirenthusiasmthat the Hazelwood mine void can be rehabilitated into afuture lake and tourism site that would benefits Morwell and the Valley. We also need to clarify afew points.

ENGIE’s Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plan (DMRP)consultationperiod for Hazelwoodhas been extended, and is now open until September 12.

Interested peoplecan read thedraft DMRP online and provide their feedback either on the webpage, by emailing asubmission or by posting it to us.

We’ll consider allfeedback gained in preparingan updatedDMRPand we will provide apublic update on how community feedback has been considered.

Our DMRP is expectedtobeexhibited publicly again with our Hazelwood Rehabilitation Project Environment Effects Statement, which we expect to be put on public display by the state government in 2026.

Future public access to the mine void, or in our visionapit lake, will be considered by regulators in light of safety issues and geotechnical limitations.

We haveproposed asignificant beach area on the banks of the pit lake, like thoseI’ve seen on the banks of rehabilitated pit lakes in Germany, withcafes and wineries on site, but it is ultimately adecision that is subject to government approvals being granted.

We also envisage and are working towards approvalsfor abroader future site that can ideally be used for walking, cycling and other recreational activities.

Overall, ENGIE Hazelwood’s job is to rehabilitate

the Hazelwoodsite to asafe, stable and sustainable landform, which we see as alakeinthe best-case scenario.

This lines up with international best practice,

and the findin gs of scienti fic studi es we’ve commissioned.

The local Latrobe Valley community and local and state governments will be best placed to have amore detailed discussionabout site usage with us, or with the future owners once our rehabilitation project has concluded.

The possible benefitsoffuture commercial activity on the Hazelwood site are significant, with options including further energy investmentlikeour 150MW/one hour Hazelwood Battery,which we areworking on expanding.

The battery has the capacity to store the equivalent of an hour of generation from 30,000 rooftop solar systems and currently uses only asmall portion of the transmission capacity previously used by the Hazelwood Power Station.

Our thinking is also that because much of the overall 4000 hectares covered by our mine license could be used for other purposes, we could make smaller land parcels available to market sooner, for example, for farming or to create local industry andpossiblytourism sites.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit rehabilitated coal mines in Germany and seen how the pitlakes have become the type of tourist draw cards Great Latrobe Park envisages, with locals and visitors swimming, sailing and kayaking, and enjoyingthe local beaches and lakeside restaurants.

We intend to continue working with the local community in Morwell, the wider Latrobe region, and local andstategovernments to bring this reality to life in Hazelwood.

Jamie Lowe is ENGIE Australia’s Head of Regulation and Compliance.

Silentsickness amongthe Valley

COMMENT

BY GREATLATROBE PARK

OVER the last several weeks, we have alerted the community to opportunities for input to actions by stateregulators calling for community comments on matters related to mine rehabilitation.

Here’s why.

Wake up Latrobe -Part1

THERE is asilent sickness creeping through the community.

It is not immediately obvious,but if you listen carefully,you will hearindividual stories of its impact. When we look back, we can see its impact, and if nothing changes, it willcontinue relentlessly forward.

“I remember joining the SECV in January 1980. I had to find accommodation when Iarrived.Finding accommodation was difficult even then. Morwell was bustling. Home prices were the same or higher thanMelbourne because Yallourn Wwas still under construction; Loy Yang Astation had commenced and the operations at Yallourn and Hazelwood were underpressure to supply thestate’s burgeoning needfor electricity. There had been an annual eight percentgrowthinelectricity demandand the SECV escalated that projecting we needed 21 Loy Yang sized (8 x500MW)developments over the next 50 years. Consequently, massive areas of land within the Latrobe Valley were rezoned as Special Use Brown Coal (SUZ1) to protect this precious resource. Yet before the end of thatdecade (commencing in 1989)the SECV was forced to offer wholesaleredundancies to reduce the 10,000people

it employed in mining and power generation and abandon the proposed Driffield mine development, which was the first of the proposed 21 new power developments, each on aLoy Yang scale. These decisions were largely taken because the SECV forecastswere inaccurate and the statecouldn’t afford the financial outlay. While the state Labor government sold a51per cent stake in Loy Yang BtoMission Energy in 1992, the Kennett government on its election (later in 1992) continued the savage downsizing and restructuring the SECV in preparationfor itssale. By thetimeofthe firstsale (Yallourn) in 1995 the formerSECV workforce had been downsized to less than 3000.”

With Hazelwood’s closure in 2017, the impact on the Latrobe Valley has beensignificantand impactful. Morwell today is little more than asad shadow of the 1980 version.

In the nextdecadeorso, we face the likely closure of the remaining brown coal generators, and again this willhave amassive impact on the community. It isn’t because we have run out of coal. Since miningbegan more than 100 years ago, we have used two per cent of the coal resource and 20 per cent of the economic coal resource. There is still plenty of coal but its current use is creating greenhouse gases and our governments have decided to move awayfrom generating electricity using fossilfuels. This suggests governments have amoral obligation to assist impacted communities to transition.

In terms of Gross Regional Product (the value of goods produced in our region) it is projected that closure of the brown coal generating businesses will reduce our regional output from $7 billion to $5 billion per annum. The impact on wages is an estimated reduction of $350m per annum, mostly

within the Local GovernmentArea of Latrobe City. Job losseswill also extendbeyond thosedirectly employed by the mines and power stations, with an estimated 3500 to 4000 jobs lost. That represents more than 10 percent of all jobs currently existing in Latrobe City Council’sLocalGovernmentArea. It is abundantly clear that the impacts from Yallourn’s upcoming closure are already hitting some hard, especially among people who have relied on casual contract worksassociated with power outages.

Yallourn has already finished its last major planned outages on their units, four years ahead of closure. If you are lucky enough to be retirement age and have sufficientsavings and super, you might be able to step into retirement and survive. Whatthoughofthe younger generation?Dothey packupand shiftaway to gain continuing employment? Do theytakeremotework, placing enormous stresses on their family? Can they survive on the dole? These are very real questionsthatpeopleare facing right now, and have very real implications not just for themselves, but for all of us. It doesn’thavetobelikethis if we band and work together -wecan demand abetter outcome. If this articlehas raised matters of interest to you, visit Great Latrobe Park's new website for further details: www.glp.org.au and register your interest for future updates.

If you havearelated personal storyabout what is happening, log onto the website, tick the 'prepared to volunteer' category and let us know in the skills section that you have astory to share. We will be in touch to hear your story.

Great Latrobe Park advocates for repurposed mine lands in the Latrobe Valley.

See foryourself: Arehabilitated German mine lake, with beach, jettyand vineyard.The same outcome couldbeseen in the Latrobe Valley. Photograph supplied

Yinnar SouthPS: small school, bigheart

By KATRINABRANDON

OFF the“beaten track” and hidden in thehills, the Yinnar South Primary School shares aspecial education. Awayfromthe loudnoisesoftown life, out of sight but not out of mind, Yinnar South Primary School shares auniquebond withanenrolment of 16 students who create adventures and connections throughout the school yard.

“It's an absolutely normalschoolsituation,” principal Sarah Lonnie told the Express

“Not many people realise thatthere’s atiny little school on the hill around here. It’s really idyllic out here.Itisactually beautiful. Lots of people remark when they come out here, how quiet it is, and it's very removed from the norm.”

Being asmall school, Ms Lonnie said that while they can’t have the traditional one class per year

level, the school is separatedinto juniors and seniors. The two classes are pinpointed to their learning needs, in all subjects, including literacy, numeracy and specialist learning.

While they are separated,MsLonniesaidit doesn’t change the connection between students, as they all come together at the start of the day and during breaks.

At the start of each day, students at Yinnar South can be found running around the yard together in their morning movement activity.

gives her time to see how everyoneisdoing in class.

The school runs standardised classessuch as physical education, English, maths,science, and art, as well as additional activities where students adventure out into the garden and cook in the kitchen.

agrand totalofjust 16

Research forming basis for new Gippslandproduced documentary

AFEDERATION Universitystudy hasuncovered significantperceptions of gender inequality among women in regional areas, with many believing that disparity continues to impact them and their communities.

The findings are from the 1000Rural Women Survey,the largest and most comprehensive national study of women living in Australia's rural, regional, and remote areas.

The study was launched as part of the research phase for anew Australian documentary, Rural Daughters.Itrevealed significantinsights into the experiences, resilience and leadership of rural women,alongsidethe systemic challengesthey face.

Of the 1000 participants surveyed, 41 per cent felt they lacked the same opportunities for career advancement as men, and women aged 30 to 39 and 50-59 expressed scepticism about receiving equitable professionalprospects, revealinga concerning generational divide.

Only about 48 per cent of women aged 50-59 believethey are adequately encouraged in their pursuits, emphasising the challenges women face andthe urgent need to create amore supportive environment for their advancement.

Women were also asked if they had ever downplayed their achievements,with the overwhelming majority reporting they had -including nine out of 10 women aged 30-59 years. Federation University's CollaborativeEvaluation

and Research Centre (CERC) teamed up with Gippsland-based CheekyMac Productions to develop the national survey and to distribute it nationwide.

The project is the brainchild of CheekyMac Directorand filmmaker, Danielle McAlpine Johnson (also aGippsland local), who wanted to know whether rural women's experiences were similar to hers.

The findings of the survey will be the foundation for the documentary directed by Ms McAlpine Johnson.

The survey also examinesa wide array of critical issues, including natural disasters, health and domest ic violenc e, societal attitude s, racial prejudice, Tall Poppy Syndrome, community life, leadership, and the importanceoffemale role models.

The survey's findings will shed light on the critical topics faced by rural women living,working, and raising families aroundthe country. The survey results will be used to inform the documentary and it is hoped it will also help shape policy.

The documentary -expectedtobereleased in 2026 -will use the statistical analysis to highlight the personal journeys of regional women, showcasing how they overcome adversity, discover their purpose, challenge limitations and lead innovatively in their communities.

Hands on: Yinnar South Primar ySchool students at work in the school’sgarden.

Benefit: Yinnar SouthPrimar ySchool has

students.

From the with AIDAN KNIGHT

Daffodil delight

MOE and District Cancer Council

VolunteerGroup would like to say thank you to the Moe community and surrounding districts for their generous support of Daffodil Day 2025.

Special thanks to Mitre 10 Moe, The Lilly Pilly Flower Boutique, the donations for the fruitand vegetable basket, and the fresh daffodils donated from Churchill.

Also, ahugeshout out to the dedicated members setting up, man ning and pa cki ng up the stall.Together, the group raised $1749.80 for Daffodil Day 2025.

Next meeti ng will be hel d Monday, September 22 at the Moe RSL from 1.30pm.

All welcome.

For more information, phone volunteer group contact,Diane on 0438 517470 or Linda (0427 671 780).

Cancer Council Supporters Hot Line: 1300 65 65 85

Cancer Council Help Line: 13 11 20

Quit Line: 13 78 48

Acoustic music

NEXT concert of the Gippsland Acoustic Music Club will be held this Sunday(September 7) at Tyers Hall from 3pm.

Thisannual showcase concert features anumber of familiar local performers alongside some up-and-coming young artists.

The variety of acts include: Three Bags Full,Annie O’Brien, Darken andBonnieSykes.

It will be agreat afternoon of music, community and fun.

Entry is only $5 or free for under 18s and performers.

Ticketscan be purchased at: trybooking.com/CYDPM or cash entry at the door.

For more information, go to:

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

musicclub.org.au,Facebook or Instagram @gippslandmusic

Spiritual

centre

LATROBEValleySpiritual Centre (2 Avondale Road, Morwell).

Join every Sunday for service from 2pm. Doors open at 1.30pm.

Guest speaker every week with demonstrationsfromaninvited medium followed by acuppa and afternoontea.

For enquiries, phoneAmanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Garden club

TRARALGON Garden Club's next meeting is Tuesday, September 9.

The meetin gw ill take place at Glenview Park (Trar algon Racecourse,110 McNairn Rd) from 2pm.

This willalsobethe annual meeting.

For further information, phone Bryan Corkran on 0408 598 016.

Dance lessons

GET dancing this Spring with Latrobe ValleyDance Promotions Inc.

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

Waltz into better health and make new friends. Admission is $5 per person. Wear comfortable footwear.

Phone Len on 0439 683 834 or Lynda (0428 489 041).

Email: latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com or follow

Latrobe Valley Dance Promotion InconFacebook page.

Parkinson's support

NEXT meeting of Latrobe Valley Par kinso n's sup por tw ill be held Thursd ay, Septe mber 11 at Gippsland Rotary Centenary House (39 Valley Drive) from 11am.

Living withParkinson’s or caring for someone with Parkinson’s is full of challenges, but you don’t have to feel alone.

These warm, informalgatherings offer asafespace to share experiences,learn from others and discover practical strategies for managing daily challenges. The group is supported by Fight Parkinson’s Victoria, providing access to the latest updates in Parkinso n’s manageme nt and more.

There is no cost involved, all are welcome.

Local music

LIVE In The Glen brings an array of music genres to Gippsland. There are twogigsleftfor the remainder of 2025.

LiveInThe Glen is anot-forprofit chargi ng as ma ll price for attendance, with the aim to bring bigger and better artists to Gippsland.

For more information, vis it: https://liveintheglen.org.au/

Countrymusic

GOOD old country music featuring

Ron nM un n, Tony Wir th and friends.

Walk ins welcome.

First Sunday of every month, 11am to 4pm at Mo nomeath Senior Citizens Hall, Victory Park (corner of Princes Highway and Whittakers Road, Traralgon.

For enquiries, phone 0409 149 309.

Fun day of country music.

Theatrelunch

ASOCIAL lunch will be held this Saturday (September6)atthe Morwell Club (Helen St) from midday for anyone who was ever involved in theLatrobe Light Opera/Latrobe Theatre Company.

Come along and have agiggle and alaugh about the fun we had over the years.

Bring an item of memorabilia if you so wish.

RSVP to Chris Billings via: drfangster@hotmail.com,orphone 0408 416 532.

Copies of Chris' book'Poncing Around the Stage in Tights' will be available to purchase.

Youcan be apart of Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Pleasewrite 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

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

Hesitation to ask ‘are you OK?’

NEW research has revealed aconfidence gap whenitcomes to having meaningful RUOK? conversations.

Three-in-four Australians believe it’s important to regularly ask someone if they’re OK, athird might hesitate -even when they sense someone mightbestruggling. This hesitation often stems from concerns they might say the wrong thing, invade someone’s privacy, or not know how to help. Psychologist, suicidologist, and RUOK? board member Annie Fardell Hartley saidthe data told a different story, withanoverwhelmingmajorityof people surveyed (88 per cent) feeling grateful and supported when someone asked if they were OK

“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think,” Ms Fardell Hartley said.

“People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words. They value trust, genuine care, and someone who really listens.”

Three quarters of Australiansare currently experiencing elevated distress, and as people plan activities to mark RUOK? Day on Thursday, September 11, the importance of reaching out has never been clearer.

RUOK? is helping Australians bridge the confidence gap and Ask RU OK? any day because regular, meaningfulconversations can -and do -change lives.

“R UOK? Day, our national day of action, is a powerful reminder, but it’s what we do regularly that truly makes adifference,” RUOK? chief executive, Katherine Newton said.

“We want Australians to feel confident to check in with the people they care about -not only on R UOK? Day, butany day," she said.

Research has found people who engage with R UOK? aresix times more likely to ask someone what’s troubling them, listen with empathy, and encourage them to seek support. They’re also more likely to check in regularly with the people they care about.

Visit: ruok.org.au to access free tools, tips and resourcestohelp you ask,listen and support someone who might be struggling.

Pause,reflectand support

LEGACY Week(August 31 to September 6) is a time for Australians to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and their families.

Since1923, Legacyhas provided essential support to the families of fallen and injured service men and women, ensuring that no widow, widower, or child is ever left behind.

Money raised through Legacy Week (this week) helps deliver practical assistance, education support, and astrongcommunity of care to those who need it most.

Legacy has avery strong connection to the Latrobe Valley, as its founder,Sir Stanley Savage, was born in Morwell, Abust of Sir Stanley sits proudly in Legacy Place, along Commercial Road near the train station underpass.

LatrobeValleyLegacy President, Steve Mayes said it is vitally important to remember the work

of Sir Stanley and what Legacy Week means.

“Sir Stanley founded Legacy after World War 1 after genuine concernfor the family members of deceased comrades," Mr Mayes said.

"In bothhis militaryand civilian life, Sir Stanley was known for his personal leadership and community work as well as having agenuine interest in people’s welfare.

“I think alot of history is lost, especially in our local towns. What Sir Stanley Savage did for Legacy and did for Morwell is very prudent for the day.”

Shadow Minister for Veterans and Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull addedthat Legacy Week was one of the most important national appeals, reminding us that service does not end when a uniform is hung up.

“Legacyhas stoodbeside the families of our veterans for more than acentury," Mr Bull said.

"Their work is alasting tribute to the mateship,

More trains, more danger?

MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron has heightened calls for urgent action at two of the Latrobe Valley’s most dangerous intersections in light of news that trains will be running more frequently on the Traralgon line.

Sa fe ty upgrades were promised for the intersection at Waterloo Road and Lloyd Street in Moe some five years ago, but the stategovernment has still not broken ground on the project despite acknowledging it poses an unacceptable risk to road users.

Likewise, at the notoriously dangerous Bank Street intersection in Traralgon,upgradeshave cometoagrinding halt and Valley residents havebeen pleading with Labortoinstall traffic lights for three years.

“Therewill soon be trains runningevery 40 minutes along the Traralgon line, which is welcome news, but this means these two death-trap intersections willpose an even greater risk to road users,” Mr Cameron said.

“More than 13,500 vehiclescross the train tracks at WaterlooRoad andLloyd Street every day, and therehave been at least three serious crashes at the intersection in the last two years.

“Vehicles, including trucks and buses, frequentlyqueue short-stacked across the train tracks, and it is no exaggerationtosay that this current intersection is acomplete death-trap.

“Valleyresidents have been pleading with Labor to install traffic lights for three years at theBankStreet intersection in Traralgon, and everytimeithas fallen on deaf ears.

“People in golf carts literally risk their lives attempting to crossfour lanes of trafficturning out of the golf club, and there have been several serious crashes including one last year involving aschoolbus full of children.

“I have raised the issues of these two intersections in Parliament acombined 20 times, and still the Minister for Roads can’tgrasp the urgency of finishing these upgrades."

Butters St, Morwell

HENRY Alfred (Harry) Butters was born in 1861 in Dunolly and worked in Henry Calaby’s butcher’s shop in Homebush, east of Bendigo. Sidney also worked in her father’s butcher’s shop, and in 1886, the young couple eloped and married in St Mark’s Church in Fitzroy. They moved to Morwell where they started a butchery business on the corner of Collins Street and Station St (now Princes Drive and the fire station). Sidney helped with the business but her services as amid-wifeand nurse were much in demand and kept her busy.

Theyhad 13 children: Nellie who marriedLes Hare, Florence (Ivy), Henry (Hal), Roy (Pang), Clarence(Tiger), Madge,Blanche (Bon),Amie, Clive(Claude), Iris (Irie), Eric (Rick), Norman, Mervyn (Tufty). Florence (Ivy) was born in Homebush and Nellie was born in Traralgon but the other 10 children were born in Morwell. The family lived in aresidence attached to the butcher’s shop and the big lounge room often served as amaternity ward for one or more of her patients.The mothers, who often came from

compassion, and loyalty that reflect the Australian spirit.

“It is important to thank everyvolunteer and supporter who gives their time during Legacy Week. Whether it’s by buying abadge,rattling a tin, or simply raising awareness, every effort makes adifference to aveteran’s family.

“AsAustralians, we have aduty to care for those whohavecarried theheavy burden of service.

"Legacy’s work is apowerful reminder of whatit means to look after one another, and Iencourage everyone to get behind this year’s campaign.”

This Legacy Week, Australians are encouraged to weara badgewith pride, knowingthatevery contribution provides hope, security, and dignity to the families of those who served the nation.

Icon: Thebust of SirStanley Savage in LegacyPlace,Morwell.

Photograph supplied

Sue’ssensational service

out of town to have their babies, were bedded down wherever space could be found. Often one of the sons would wake in the morning to find anew born baby in bed with him. Sidney also deliveredbabies in their own home and she assisted Doctor Mitchell Sr in nursing ill andinjured patients in the town. In the 1918 flu epidemic, she helped nurse the sufferers in the Morwell StateSchool whichwas turned into atemporary ‘isolation hospital’.

The couple retired to live with their daughter Bon, who had married James Saddler. They owned the Junction Hotel in Allansford. When Sidney diedin1929atAllansford,she was returned to Morwell by train and buried in Hazelwood Cemetery. Harry died in 1950 -also at Allansford, and is buriedwith hiswife in Hazelwood Cemetery.

Butters St in Morwell is named after Henry Alfred (Harry) Butters.

Informa tion and photo by Morwell Historical Society.

By KATRINABRANDON

VOLUNTEERING often goes unrecognised, and Moe resident Sue Bechazisn't one to seek the limelight either.

Having led the local GoodFriday Appealfor more than 10 years, Ms Bechaz was recently recognised forher dedicationand commitment.

Aplaquehas beenstruckacknowledging her service.

According to Sue’s daughter, Karyn, her mother is always more than happy to volunteer her time.

“She's amum of three girls and now has seven grandchildren. She babysits for my sisters acouple of timesa week, including going to Briagalong once aweek.She also works part time and cares for her 94-year-old mother herself. So she's avery busy lady," Karyn said.

“She's very proud of her community, very proud of the Moe/Newborougharea, and especially the amount of money they've raised each GoodFriday

and throughout the year,there's avery loving, caring mother and grandmother to us all.”

Sue’s volunteering efforts consist of fundraisers all yearround for the appeal, such as doing family bowls day, social nights and an Easter raffle.

Moe Good Friday Appeal paid tribute to Ms Bechaz.

“People often don't see the time and effort that Sueputs in behind the scenes fromorganising fundraising events, selling raffle tickets, visiting localbusinesses to pick up tins, giving up her weekends to run canteens, as well as spending every Good Friday arranging volunteers, counting money and corresponding back and forth with the appeal," the group said.

“Its an incredibly selflessjob that she does out of the kindness of her huge heart.”

The Good Friday Appeal raises money to enable The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne to provide world class care to children.

Waybackwhen: Sidneyand Harr yButters at thebackoftheirbutcher Morwell shop Photograph supplied

Outstanding: SueBechaz (middle) has been recognised forher service to the Good Friday Appeal.

Leader: Latrobe Valley Legacy President,Steve Mayes. File photograph

SundayAfternoon Bingo

HOROSCOPES

by JoanneMadeline Moore

September 1-September 7, 2025

This week Jupiter (planet of success) is jumping through your career/life direction zone and Venus (your patron planet) s vis t ng your hopes-and-wishes zone and proactive Mars is n Libra So, stop procrastinating! It’s time to dream big dreams set ambitious goals, and then work hard to make them come true Be nspired by birthday and music great Beyoncé (who turns 44 on Thursday): “As soon as I accomp ish one thing ust set a higher goal ”

2026) So, start dreaming and drawing up that w sh ist ASAP Remember – you can’t hit a target if you haven t got one! Be inspired by birthday great Beyoncé (who turns 44 on Thursday): “My mother taught me the principles of hard work, sett ng my own goals and v sualis ng my future ”

This week you’re keen to express your creative ideas and enjoy plenty of stimu ating conversations with a wide range of interesting peop e, as Mercury and Venus rev up your curious and soc al side But there’s a tricky Mercury/Uranus square on Wednesday, so be extra careful you don’t write (or say) the wrong thing to the wrong person at the wrong t me! Use your considerab e Gem n communication skills to motivate and inspire others in pos t ve ways

Don’t fall into the trap of underva u ng and neg ecting your numerous Crab talents Jupiter is v siting your sign unti June 2026, so it’s time to express yourse f n uplift ng ways that make your eyes sparkle and your heart sing Be inspired by Beyoncé (who turns 44 on Thursday): We all have our purpose; we al have our strengths ” Fam ly life and domestic matters look extra busy, as dynamic Mars moves through your home zone until September 22

Prepare to sparkle and shine, as Venus vamps through your s gn until September 19 Cat confidence, fiery creativity and generous compassion are high ighted, so make the most of it and do something special as you tackle a personal project or help someone in need Be inspired by b rthday great Freddie Mercury (who was born on September 5, 1946): “You can be anything you want to be, just turn yourse f into anything you th nk that you cou d ever be ”

Virgos are very dependable and devoted but can also be carping critics as family and friends struggle to keep up w th their ncred b y h gh standards With Saturn sh fting back into your relationship zone (and Mercury squaring Uranus) get ready to hear a few home truths from a frustrated loved one Perhaps they just want to re ax and be a s ob occasionally? Mercury moves into your sign on Tuesday which favours read ng, researching and analysing

Scorpio is the sign of transformation, and this week you’ll be able to put a positive spin on a perceived faiure as you metaphorica ly transform an ugly pig’s ear into a beautiful silk purse But do you feel stuck n the midd e of a comp icated family drama? f you want to get a recalc trant relative onside then use your strategic Scorp o negot ation ski ls as you answer questions, c arify concerns and smooth furrowed brows Saturday is a good time to start

On Friday spontaneous Jup ter (your power planet) squares impu sive Mars, which increases your tendency towards rash words and hasty actions Slow down and pace yourse f before you come a cropper You have a special ta ent for making peop e feel good with ively conversation, humour and generosity So, use t! Inspiration for the week is from music icon Freddie Mercury (born on September 5, 1946): “I love the fact that I can make people happy ”

Are you frustrated by ongoing prob ems or disruptions at work? Mighty Mars s moving through your career zone (from Thursday unti September 22) so it’s time to take on challenges with a proactive approach and a courageous attitude At the moment fortune definite y favours the bold and the brave! With Saturn (your patron planet) moving back into your local commun ty/ education zone, it’s time to work hard on a ne ghbourhood issue or a study pro ect

Uranus (your ruler) squares Mercury on Wednesday so expect some communicat on hiccups, especially involving children teenagers or friends And Saturn moves back into your se f-esteem zone on Monday (until February 14 2026) So don’t let other people dent your confidence or diminish your dreams! Your motto for the moment s from b rthday great Beyoncé: Your self-worth is determined by you Don t depend on someone tell ng you who you are ”

Pisceans can be dreamy procrast nators: al deas and no action But you have more chance of putting plans into practice over the next few months, as practical Saturn shifts back nto your sign unt l February 14, 2026 Which s just as we l because family, friends and colleagues are look ng to you for less confus on and more c arity So, take the time to think things through and pace yourse f When it comes to close relat onsh ps, c ear communication s the key

Everyissue addsup

THE letter by Stroke Foundation Chief Executive, Dr Lisa Murphy (Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 27.08.25) should make those unaware of the signs of F.A.S.T. Knowledge is safety.

Brian Mawhinney's letter ('Support the farmers') expressed the concern for our farmers without them we would be in dire straights. Ifor one would not appreciate food from overseas.

Tolls and potholes add to the cost of food. Those of my age who worked years to achieve the comfort of ourhome and super are at risk as this incompetent government is coming after us so that we pay for their greed and mistakes with more taxes.

The desalination plant was abig eyesoreand now we havethe Suburban Rail Loop gushing our taxes down the drain. The tongue-in-cheek mentioned in Brian’s letter e.g. Bendigo and Brunswick properties -just use your imagination. One MP stood in Parliament and skited how many investment properties she owns -her tax would be forced onto tenants who would be struggling like many of our young.

The good times have gone under Labor.

Whenthe state election comes next year,the young need to ask themselves: what is my future?

Patricia Correa Traralgon

The zombification of the Valley

"IT'S easier to foolthe people than to convince them they've been fooled," Mark Twain.

The botanical equivalent of what is really happening to the Latrobe Valley via the asinine and arrogant introduction of the so-called 'Transition Plan' (if one is to so mislabel evil) is the replacement of all the roses in Morwell Rose Garden with plastic substitutes.Substitutes that, in truth,have no fragrance or life as in being alive 24 hours aday, seven days aweek.

Substitutes that may fool the gullible with their pretty colours,but zombie-like substitutes nonetheless.

For renewables have no life when the sun goes down or for much of winter for that matter, especially on cloudy and/or windless days.

In other words, they are 'intermittent', which means they are intrinsically part-time power.

The German poet Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) once wrote: "Perfumes are the feelings of flowers." Applied to renewables, the political feelingsof Australia's reality-prooffederal Energy Minister, Chris 'Blackout' Bowen, and Victoria's Energy

New research

Minister, Silly Lily D'Ambrosio (as in the very poisonous 'Lilyofthe Valley' -aka 'Trumpet Lily') are no substitute for the real thing -which is 24/7 power that only coal and/or nuclear energy canprovide,unlikethe economy-destroying and zombie-like renewables that these snake-oil charlatans are peddling and foisting on us. Joseph Lis Morwell

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preferencewillbegiventobrief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa letter directed at them.

While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.

The views expressed in letters to the editor are thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person's point of view.

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricateddepending on the poolofdata used or people involved in surveys.

The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.

Lettersregarding religion will not be published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Lettertothe Editor' in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

identifies where Liberal Party’s‘womenproblem’ began

THE federal Liberal Party’s ‘women problem’ can be traced to policy shifts under former Prime Ministerand Liberal leader John Howard, according to Monash University research.

The party of choice forwomen for most of the 20th century, the Liberals achieved important milestones for gender equity in Australia.

The party must return to its ‘small’ liberal roots to win back the supportofwomen voters, the university research argues.

The university says the Liberal Party’s ‘women problem’ can be traced to theHoward-eracultural and policy shiftsthatendedits standing as the partyofchoicefor women for mostofthe 20th century.

Women played akey role in founding the party in 1944, at atimewhenthe inclusion of women as votersand party members was seenasradical The party negotiated structural equality for women at alllevels of the party,and among its rankswere the first women to be elected to Parliament and hold parliamentary positions.

“The early Liberal party wasn't perfect by any means, and their policies tended to assume that women wereprimarilyhomemakersand mothers,” Dr Williams said.

“Yet the party’s recognition of women as voters and efforts to acknowledge their issues were groundbreaking for the time.

Dr Blair Williams, from Monash School of Social Sciences, conductedone of the first academic analyses of the federal Liberal Party after its loss at the recent 2025 federal election.

Dr Williams attributes former Liberal leader, and later Prime Minister, John Howard, with the usheringinofamore socially and economically conservative direction from the 1980s.

“Whilethe ALP remained ablokeyparty that mainly spoke to working-class male voters, the Liberals spoke to women and were the first party to specificallytargetthem duringthe 1949 election campaign.”

Four decades on, Dr Williams says the change in direction has manifested into aserious problem for the Liberal Party’s future.

In addition to women’s participation in politics, the Liberals pioneered social liberal policies in its early years, achieving important progress toward gender equity through milestones like legalising divorce in 1959 and landmark childcarelegislation in 1972.

“Howard completelyremodelled the Liberal Party in his own image, abandoning many socially-liberal traditions of former leaders Robert Menzies and Malcolm Fraser,” Dr Williams said.

“In doing so, he sidelined many of the party’s moderates, especially its liberal feminists like Dame Beryl Beaurepaire who had lamented the party’s increasing conservatism and the exclusion of women from policy input.

“Morerecent leaders, like Abbott,Morrison and Dutton, have channelled Howard’s leadership style and approachtogender equality policy, women voters and women in the party, to its detriment.”

Dr Williams’ research exploresthe party’s ideology, organisation, political representation, policy,and the electoral support it has received from women.

Her analysis argues the party’s genesis stands in stark contrast to the modern day Liberal Party, one of the most conservative political movements in contemporary Australia.

But by the mid 1980s and the rise of Fraser’s Treasurer John Howard to party leader in 1985, the partywas on the neoliberal pathtoward its current conservative position.

Dr Williams’ research argues Liberal leaders in the post-Howard era have continued this neoliberal approach, whichisultimately ill-equipped to deal withstructuralissuesofgender inequality and continues to sideline women within and outside theparty.

“It was no secret that the Howard government opposed feminism, which it saw as anarrow ‘sectional interest’ of ‘elites’,” Dr Williams said.

“Howard immediately began dismantling hardwon gender equality measures that had made Australia world-leading in gender equality policy.

“The party of a‘broad church’ has shifted further right, so it’s unsurprising that the values of the modern Liberal Party fail to resonate with many women voters or candidates.”

You can ready the full research paper via: doi. org/10.1111/ajph.70007

COPYR GHT Joanne Madel ne Moore 2025

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Indigenous athletes havealong and proud hist six-part seriesfocusesonthe future–the up-an generation. It profiles aseriesofteenagers who sports, including boxing,climbing andsoccer,a conquering the world whiledoing their mob pr premiere, we areofftoBellsBeach, whereLand Meg arecompeting at the Australian Indigenou Titles. We then follow them back to their home (on Queensland’sSunshine Coastand the York Peninsula in SA), wherethey sharetheir stories hopesand dreams with us and we learn about what motivates them to do what theydo.

Wednesday, September 3

tory, but this nd-coming o excel at nd dream of roud. In Friday’s den, Kaiden and usSurfing e breaks e s

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

Thelasttime Grant Denyeran on-screen together (in TheAm seriously unwellDeny Agra, India, amid But now, the winupto$1 Foundation cardiac he close to R cardiac a as he rid lows,p

nd Beau Ryan (both pictured) were mazingRace:CelebrityEdition), a yercollapsed intoRyan’s arms in dsoaring 45-degree temperatures. eheatisonRyan, who’s hoping 100,000 forthe Helping Hearts n, an organisation focused on ealth and AED education –acause Ryan’s own heart after hismum’s arrest.Ryandrives ahard bargain desaroller-coaster of highs and ushing the Banker to theirlimits

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners.(R) 11.05 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press Club Address. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament QuestionTime. 3.00 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.30 GrandDesigns. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.05 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.00 Spicks And Specks.(PG,R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30 8.00 Hard Quiz (PGs) 8.30 Shaun Micallef’sEve Of Destruction. (PG) Hosted by Shaun Micallef 9.10 Would ILie To You? (PG,R) Hosted by RobBrydon 9.40 Austin. (PG,R) 10.10 ABC Late News. 10.25 The Business. (R) 10.40 PlanetAmerica. (R) 11.10 YouCan’t Ask That. (Mal, R) 11.45 ParliamentQuestion Time. 12.45 Grand Designs. (R) 1.35 Long Lost Family:What Happened Next. (PG, R) 2.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour 10.00 The Point:RoadToReferendum History Bites. (R) 10.05 Susan Calman’s Grand Week By The Sea.(PG,R) 10.55 Scotland: OceanNation. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Dateline.(R) 2.30 Insight.(R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up.(R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.LaVuelta. Stage 10.Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal,R) 2.35 MotorbikeCops. (PGl,R) 3.00 TheChase Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChase Australia. Hosted by LarryEmdur 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 1.00 Paramedics. (Mlm, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (l, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 James May: OurMan In India. (Return) 8.30 DNA Journey: John Bishop And Hugh Bonneville. (Ml) Hugh Bonneville and John Bishop go on aroad trip

9.35 Smilla’s Sense Of Snow. (M) Smilla and Tork confront achilling truth 10.40 SBS World NewsLate. 11.10 COBRA (Return, Mal) 12.00 Vigil. (Mav,R) 2.15 World’sMost Amazing Festivals. (PGaw, R) 2.50 Lap Of Luxury:Escapes Down Under.(PGaw,R) 3.45 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 HomeAnd Away (PGa)Sonny and Eden manage cyclone Remi.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by ColinFassnidge and ManuFeildel.

9.10 TheFront Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloyand AndyMaher takea lighter look at all things AFL. 10.10 Unfiltered (PGa)Hamish McLachlanchats withSam Docherty

10.55 WhyShips Crash. (PGa, R) Alook at theSuez Canal blockage. 12.15 Imposters. (Madlv,R) 2.30 HomeShopping. (R) 4.00 NBCToday. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 TheBlock (PGl) Ateam winsa$260,000 caravan.

8.40 Clarkson’s Farm: Healing (Ml) Jeremy Clarkson takes on multiple projects.

9.50 TheGrand Tour (Ml) The boys takeatrip to Mozambique

11.10 9NewsLate.

11.40 Damian Lewis: Spy Wars. (Mv,R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.20 GardenGurus Moments. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.25pm Mecha Builders. 4.40 Ariel. 4.50 Bluey. 5.00 Peppa Pig. 5.15 Big Lizard. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.35 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 IsadoraMoon. 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Star Wars:Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 OperationOuch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30

Al JazeeraNewshour

2.15 BreakingNews In Yuba County. (2021, MA15+v) 4.05 Tori And Lokita. (2022, Madlv, French, Italian) 5.45 The Movie Show.

Asizzling summerysoundscape and sunburnt cinematography turn up the heat in this superb Aussie mystery, which has just two chapters left.Sofar,the slowburning suburban series has been rather light on major reveals… or indeed, details of what it is that Isabelle(Teresa Palmer) is looking for. In Sunday’s penultimate episode, she turns her attentiontoneighbour Barb (Catherine McClements, pictured) and her plans to leavethe court. After offeringtobabysit for Essie (Philippa Northeast) and Ben (Tane Williams-Accra), Isabelle takes the opportunity to search Barb’s house foranswers–but at thesame time,Ange(Bella Heathcote) is rifling through hers. Bothwomenmake discoveries that set the stagefor abombshell finale next week.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. 7.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa) Graeme heads to the outback to help aDJ. 8.30 Gordon Ramsay’sSecret Service. (PGal) Gordon Ramsay investigates abarbecue joint with an overwhelmed andinexperienced owner 9.30 FBI: International. (Ma) The FlyTeam heads to Japan. 10.30 10’s Late News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 TheLate ShowWith

Thursday, September 4

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.30 Back Roads. (R) 11.00 Shaun Micallef s Eve Of Destruction. (PG, R) 11.40 If Youre Listening. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mav,R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 WorldsMost Scenic River Jour neys. (PGaw,R) 2.55 Garage Dreams. (PG) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.LaVuelta. Stage 11. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. (Final, PG) Claudia and Steph embark on aNSW adventure.

Grand Designs New Zealand. Acouple resolve

9.15 The Family Next Door. (Ml, R) Fran struggles with her husbandsdepression.

10.05 ABC Late News.

10.20 The Business. (R)

10.35 Grand Designs. (R) 11.25 Parliament Question Time. 12.25 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 7pm Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.25 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.50 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.35 Late Programs.

8.25 National Parks From Above: Ireland. Atour of Irelandstwo largest landlocked parks.

9.20 Snowpiercer (MA15+s) Layton lays track for revolution.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R) 11.55 Blue Lights. (MA15+a, R) 1.55 The WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. (R) 2.45 WorldsMost Amazing Festivals. (R) 3.20 Hughs Wild West. (R) 4.25 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 2000. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Alone UK. 1.25 What Does Australia Really Think About 2.25 SBS50. 2.30 Cancelled! 3.00 Insight. 4.00 News. 4.05 WorldWatch 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.25 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. First qualifying

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

11.00 Kick Ons. Apreview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 What The Killer Did Next: Nadine Aburas. (Mav,R) Hosted by Philip Glenister

12.30 Life. (Madv,R)Detectives investigate awoman who shot her husband.

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue.

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Closed Doors. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Waabiny Time. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Ocean Parks. 7.30 Going Places With Er nie Dingo. 8.30 Tribal. 9.20 MOVIE: Coach Carter.(2005, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 9.25 The Movie Show 10.00 The Big Short. (2015, Mln) 12.25pm All The PresidentsMen. (1976, Ml) 3.00 The Movie Show 3.30 The Legend Of Longwood. (2014, PGa) 5.20 ARoom With AView.(1985, PGnv) 7.30 ABeautiful Mind. (2001, Ma) 10.00 Volver.(2006, Madls, Spanish) 12.15am Late Programs.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 27. Brisbane Broncos vMelbour ne Storm. 9.45 Thursday Night Knock Off. Post-match NRL news and analysis of the Brisbane Broncos versus Melbour ne Storm match. 10.30 9News Late. 11.00 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGl) The Bushmen put their lives on the line. 12.00 First On Scene. (Ma, R)

Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home

Spicks And Specks.

HardQuiz. (PGs, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

9.55 Shaun Micallef s EveOf Destruction. (PG, R) Hosted by Shaun Micallef.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 Austin. (PG,

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 The Good Ship Murder (PGv) 8.25 Dictator: The Hitler Interviews. (Premiere) Looks at Adolf Hitlersearly days in politics. 9.20 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Forgotten Pyramid. (PG) 10.15 SBS WorldNewsLate. 10.45 Catch Me AKiller.(Manv) 11.40 Pray For Blood. (Mal, R) 1.30 The Worlds Most Scenic Railway Jour neys. (R) 2.20 WorldsMost Amazing Festivals. (PG, R) 2.50 HughsWild West. (R) 3.55 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.20 The 355. (2022, Malv) 12.30pm ABeautiful Mind. (2001, Ma) 3.00 The Movie Show 3.30 Lunana: AYak In The Classroom. (2019, PGa,

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Second qualifying

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back at all the action from the game. 11.15 GetOn Extra. Lizzie Jelfs, Matt Hill, Simon Marshall and Brent Zerafa dive headlong into the weekendsbest racing. 11.45 To Be Advised. 1.35 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv,R)Georgina uncovers some unpleasant truths.

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

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair 7.30 Find My Country House Australia. Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

8.30 MOVIE: U.S. Marshals. (1998, Mlv,R)AUSMarshal, accompanying agroup an escaped fugitive. Tommy Lee Jones, Wesley Snipes. 11.10 AKiller Makes ACall: Suffocation In Suburbia. (Mav) 12.00 First On Scene. (Mad, R) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.20 Talking Honey.(PG,R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

valleysport

Sporting results from around the Latrobe Valley

It does not get much bigger than this

Threeclubs and18teams in semi-finals

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

IT’S almost like aSeinfeld episode.

Much like Jerry, Kramer and George, Traralgon, Morwell and Moe are in abattle with Leongatha (Elaine) to see who will be the last one standing in theGippsland League contest.

Traralgon is just one win away from asecond successive grand final,and with the chance to defend its crown.

For Moe and Morwell meanwhile, it does not get much bigger than this: asudden death semi-final, at Moe if you don’t mind.

This is without doubt the biggest game between these two clubs this century -and could honestly be one of the biggest in league history. Moe and Morwell have not met in the second week of finals since 1998, and have not played in afinal of greater magnitude since the 1967 preliminary final (Moe’s last flag season). Amazingly, the two

teams have never played each other in agrand final.

The Maroons hold immunity by way of asecond chance, but will hope it does not come to it when playing Leongatha this Saturday.

Traralgon steps onto the field where dreams came true last September, and will hope to produce similar against the Parrots once again at Morwell

It is set to be ahugeday forthe Maroons, who have seniors, reserves and fourths football, as well as 17 and under and 15 and under netball teams all within one win of agrand final.

Similar thoughts are relevant for Moe, who will have all four football grades playing on the same day this Sunday at Ted SummertonReserve, along with BGrade (against Traralgon),17s and 13s (against Traralgon) netball, while its AGrade can go straight into the decider on Saturday. Morwell already hasthe minor premiershipin CGrade,and can qualify for the grand final by winning this Saturday. The Tigers' AGrade are also in asemi-final on Sunday.

The senior footballers will be supremelyconfident

against Moe, having defeated the Lions on their home deck only four weeks ago.

In the periphery however is Leongatha, who have once again taken on most challengers to claim the senior football minor premiership.

ManyLeongatha officials are ratingthis season’s top-of-the-tablefinish as even greaterthan previous seasons, given how much the team has chopped and changed week-to-week.

“To finish two games clear on top of the ladder is one of our coach’s(Trent McMicking) finest performances,” the Leongatha notes stated in last week’s Gippsland League Record.

TheParrots are expected to haveDyson Heppell backfor the second semi-final,aswellassenior captain, Tom Marriott.

Marriott hasplayed reserves the lastfiveweeks, including afinal at the weekend, on the comeback from injury.

With the stage now set, and Leongatha possibly holding an unfair advantage, time will tell if thereis any John FKennedy Jr-type obstaclesforthcoming.

Stars win dual netball premierships

NETBALL

GIPPSLAND STARS

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE stars aligned at the StateSuper Netball Series, as the GippslandStars claimed premierships for both its 19 and Under and 17 and Under sides.

Back-to-back titles were reached for the oldest junior team,revivinganearlydeficit to defeat Waverley, 56 to 47 in the 19U Division 1Grand Final at Waverley Netball Centre.

Gippsland Stars 19U lostjustone match anddrew one more through 13 games in the lead up to the big dance, withWaverley the closest to the local side, setting up an anticipated matchup.

Waverley opened well, controlling the gamefor amajority of the first half.

Getting down by as muchasseven goals in the early stages of the second quarter, the Stars rebounded with five minutes spare in the opening half, rallying with a7-2 run heading into the main break. Both sides continued to go back-and-forth as play resumed, only for Gippsland to manage afew extra

goals through to three quartertime, giving them athree-goal edge.

The Stars nowhad regained their mojo,and pushedtheir leadtoits largestasthe game concluded.

Lara Noblett was recognised as the grand final best-on-court, finishing with 30 goals on aridiculous one missed shot (96.77 per cent efficiency).

AS for the 17 and Under Gippsland Stars, they weremade to work for their premiership alittle bit more.

The youngerStars woninmiraculous fashion, with agoal after the siren from Mia Ballinger securing them the win over Chelsea, 47-46.

Nothing could separate either side throughout the opening quarter, with the scoreboard reading 11-all at the first break.

Gippsland began to break away ever so slightly during the second term, jumping out to as much as asix-goal lead in the middle stages of the period.

In the final five minutes of the first half, Chelsea wentona9-2 run to hit the front and leadbya goal at halftime.

When playresumed, it was Chelsea again who continued its momentum, pushing ahead by as

much as six goals early in the third quarter.

The Stars dug deep however, rallying so well that they went back ahead in time for the final break.

Much to the same as how the game had already played out, it continued to fluctuate.

Gippsland led by five goals during the fourth quarter, but that quickly reversed and Chelsea went back ahead with just two minutes remaining.

Ballingerscored,before Chelsea’sSaskia Dennis responded twice, onlyfor Ballinger to counter with the final two scores,including one dropping through the net as the final siren rang out.

Ballinger was awarded best-on-court in the grand final, finishing with 23 goals.

The 19UDivision 1Grand Finalteam was: Mackenna Whiteside,LaineyDownie, Chloe Johnstone,SophieScott, Tyla Peters,Chloe Felsbourg, Lexis Schade,LaraNoblett, CiaraFitt, Reagan Joyceand Matilda Pendergast.

The 19UDivision 2Grand Finalteam was: Olivia Pearson, Mahli Stothers, Maya McDonald, Heidi Allen, AvaLangley, Sianna Wilkinson, Isobelle Scott, Mia Ballinger,Miley Schade,Maizy Duck, Tanna Boyle and BrookeCahill.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE SEMI FINALS 'VALLEY TAKEOVER'

Saturday,September 6

Morwell Recreation Reserve

Seniors: Leongatha vs Traralgon (2.20pm)

Reserves: Traralgon vs Leongatha (12.30pm)

Thirds: MaffravsLeongatha (10.45am)

Fourths: Traralgon vs Maffra(9am)

Sunday,September 7

TedSummerton Reserve

Seniors: Moe vs Morwell (2.20pm)

Reserves: Moe vs Maffra(12.30pm)

Thirds: Moe vs Warragul (10.45am)

Fourths: Warragul vs Moe (9am)

Saturday,September 6

AGrade: Moe vs Warragul (2.35pm)

BGrade: Wonthaggi vs Leongatha (1.20pm)

CGrade: Morwell vs Wonthaggi (12.15pm)

17 and Under: Traralgon vs Bairnsdale (11.10am)

15 and Under: Traralgon vs Sale (10.05am) 13 and Under: Leongatha vs Sale (9am)

Sunday,September 7

TedSummerton Reserve

AGrade: Morwell vs Drouin (2.35pm)

BGrade: Moe vs Traralgon (1.20pm)

CGrade: Leongatha vs Drouin (12.15pm)

17 and Under: Sale vs Leongatha (11.10am)

15 and Under: Moe vs Warragul (10.05am)

13 and Under: Moe vs Traralgon (9am)

FOOTBALL GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

“It eluded us then, but that’s no mattertomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther.”

Closing lines from The Great Gatsby (1925) TRARALGON and Moe both lived to fight another day in the Gippsland League.

One justseemingly has alot more to be confident about.

The Maroons defeated the Lions in an arm-wrestle qualifying final, 7.14 (56) to 6.11 (41).

Blustery conditions made for an ugly spectacleat Maffra -not that Traralgon will care in the slightest.

The reigning premier is now just one win away from asecond successive grand final, and still has insurance up its sleeve by way of adouble chance.

Moe meanwhile will have to take the long road via aSundaysudden death semi.

The qualifyingfinalitself was not one for the highlightreel, yet the number of subplots that emerged generated plenty of discussion. For Traralgon,another gutsy finals performance For Moe, just another finals let down.

The Lions have won just two of their last seven finals. The Maroons won more finals last year alone.

Combatants,conditionsand the venue were identical to last year’s qualifying final, as was the game for large portions of Saturday’s play.

Astrongbreezeheading toward the netballcourts

meant goals were at apremium going the other way,yet Traralgon’sthird term was arguably where the game was won.

The Maroons kicked ahandy twos goals kicking into the gale, and then pepperedthe goal face in the last, adding 1.6 (12) whilethe Lions failed to convert.

Granted conditions meant the margin was always likely to be tight, Traralgon’s performance of character could not have been higher.

It is 20 years since the Maroons won their greatest premiership, defeating arolled gold Maffra on the back of 45 consecutive wins.

Traralgon of today might have channelled some of that at the weekend.

Traralgon was forced to make seven changes, four more than selected last Thursday night.

Hamstring tightness ruled excitement machine HarveyNeocleousout of action duringthe warm-up, while veteran Dan McKenna succumbed to an injury perhaps befitting his age -somehow injuring himself taking on gardening duties.

Key interceptor Tristan Waackwas already out with aPCL, which undoubtedly threw things intodisarraystructurally, meaningskipper Tye Hourgian had no optionbut to play purely in defence.

Hourigan had saved the day for Traralgon against Moe earlier in the season, kicking three final term goals after swinging forward.

He still played an exceptional game at the weekend, pressing high to drive the ball inside 50.

The Maroons had ateam of all local players. Only one,LiamWillaton, wasworth more thanone player

point, and he is as local as you can get.

Flynn Kennedyplayed just his second senior game for the season, after spending the entire year (bar one game) in the reserves. He even played agame for WoodsideinNorth Gippy twos during the year

Such wasthe situation,coach Troy Hamilton reportedly confessedhewasn’t entirely confident abouthis side’s chances.

But, as they have proven time and time again, Traralgon, and especially any side coached by Hamilton, is adifferent beast come finals.

Like the Australian cricket team, there must be an underlying reason why the Maroons win finals all the time. After some reflection, it is clear Traralgon generally are never satisfied (in agood way). Whether it’s footy season, or Ex Students in cricket season, Traralgon are just never satisfied, whichover time hasmeantpremiership after premiership.

Joel Scholtes has had aremarkable return from the shoulderinjury thatkept him sidelined from last year’s flag,and was best afieldfor the winners.

The running halfback wasablysupportedby Hourigan, Luis D’Angelo, Jackson McMahon, Connor Amber and Hugh Dunbar, who kicked two crucial goals.

Gippsland Power players Max Woodall and Liam Masters wereproductive for the Lions, as was Harri Sim, Scott van Dyk, Aaron Paxton and Myles Poholke.

While agame is notdecided on one decision, there wasapivotal moment in the third quarter when the ball came in high and Sim was penalised against

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

Defiant to the end, we hear the call to carry on.

My Chemical Romance, Welcome to the Black Parade NO need for the black eyeliner, just some tissues maybe to wipe away the tears of joy after Morwell won its first senior final in 11 years on Sunday.

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

THobbs

BEST: Morwell: HMcColl ARosatoBMacfarlane BCouling AQuigley SWalsh. Warragul: IWallace SWhibley LCar terSMasterson RSenini KGrass

Leongatha: FMateria 3T Marriott BFor tT Gannon. Moe: CNash 2J VanDyk

BEST: Leongatha: JHarry LMarshmanT Marriott NClark NSkewes BDavidson. Moe: MHeywood JVan DykLRockD BlackshawCNashJ Makepeace ELIMINATION FINAL

A3.5 4.5 7.6

Maffra: RPhelan SWalkerJ Lambourn BDowsett WGieschen SPendergast. Wonthaggi: AMcNeel JLewis CBrown CMagro EJoma SMcBean

The Tigers held off afast-finishing Warragul by five points in an epic elimination final, 9.6 (60) to 7.13 (55).

Perhaps fittingly, the result was in keepingwith the countless close margins that have beset Morwell under playing-coach, Boyd Bailey.

In the past, it has been close losses,but with aclose win now coming in afinal, the tide could well be turning.

The result was met with raptures from the Morwell faithful who travelled to Wonthaggi.

Eventeam manager, Michael Henderson could be seen giving afist pump as he walked off. That’s what footy can do -it’seven enough to make accountants show some emotion.

Amid the euphoria in one change room however was heartbreak in the other.

There wasnodenying the fact Warragul was desperately unlucky, afteraset shot from playing-coach Jed Lamb straight in front sailed wide with littlemore than aminute to play.

The Gulls fought back from afive-goal deficit, and certainly had multiple chances to snatch its own fairy tale finals win -inwhat would have been its first since 2008.

This writer had wished Warragul defender, Sean Masterson good luck before the match. Evidently, his ran out.

Best wishes were also conveyed to Morwell defender, Harri McColl. He clearly didn’t need any luck, playing just aboutthe gameof his life on the last line.

On countlessoccasions, the wirilytalleither won crucial one-on-ones while engaged in close checking, or cleared the ball from danger by coming forward to defend.

Bailey was surely thanking himself afterwards that his decision to play cricket for Raiders during previous summers, mainly to get McColl’s signature, paid off.

The Tigers themselves could hardly put afoot wrong in the first quarter, slamming on five unanswered goals.

Warragul was perhaps alittle toopumped up aboutplaying in its first final since 2016, handing Morwell agoal from a50metre penalty,and losingpossession following an off-the-ballindiscretion.

Usual antagonist, Tom Hobbs was up to his physical tricks, bumping and needling Morwell players around the contest.

The ultimate physicality however came from Anthony Rosato, who kicked just about the most team lifting goal imaginable.

After receiving ahandball on the edge of 50, Rosato literally ran through Warragul ruckman, Sam Whibley (who would have to be at least120kgs), before slamming through agoal on the run.

(It is well worththe watch. Skip to the 24 minute mark on the replay).

Rosato let out awarrior-like roar after the ball sailed through -a seemingly appropriate response for agoal that left everyone utterly speechless.

Even his old man could only muster awry smileand disbelieving shake of the head when asked about it at the quarter time break.

Havinglooked likebeingacase of ‘Traralgon all over’ (Morwell kicked fivegoalstononeinthe first quarter against the Maroons duringthe season),Bailey instructed his troopstoadjust kicking into the breeze toward the entrance end.

WhileWarragul gotonthe scoreboardwithin the firstfew minutes, the Tigers managed to restrict the damage to just 2.4 (16).

Matt Northe with Moe ahead by five points. Sim clearly had eyes only for the ball, and did not lay ahand on Northe, yet the umpire put the former Maroons skipper 15 metres out from goal. Even former Traralgon player, Rob Popplestone, calling the game for TRFM, was mystified.

“No way,” he said.

“A bit over-officiated then,” co-commentator, Nick Leechino added.

This considered, there was still no escaping the missed opportunity for Moe.

Lions playing-co ach Leigh Poho lke looked incensed afterwards, and could be heard countless times during the match castigating players. Such wasthe volume, he could be heard clear as day from centre half forward to the far visitors coaches box, screaming at someone to move the ball “back and across”.

In one of the more brave and equally stupid things this writerhas seen in media, aradio presenter approached Poholkeashewalking off, getting him to posefor aphoto with the ‘goalofthe daysign’. Poholke promptly took the sign and forcefully turfed it into the bin.

If there is any positive for Moe, it will be the fact the Lions have ahome final this Sunday. It should also be noted Traralgon lost last year's qualifying final.

TheMaroonssuffered amostunfortunate fate in the thirds elimination finalthe nextday,with ashot after the siren failing to register ascore. Agoal would have tied the match, sending it to extra time.

Maroons almighty in Maffra wind Advance Morwell following elimination final

at Trafalgar only two years ago, has played an important lockdown role since coming into the Morwell senior side this year.

Sometimes, all anyone needs is an opportunity. Someonewho generally takestheir opportunity in front of goal is Josh Galea.

The half-forward,who has an uncanny abilitytopull off miraculous deeds, demonstrated such early in the third term, dobbing agoal from deep in the pocket after appearing to ‘call it’ from the set shot. Warragul howeverhit back, andwhenTom Sternspunout of traffic and kicked truly, the margin was suddenly only 11 points. Asteadying goalfrom Noblett, followinganequally smart lead that blindsided Masterson, regained some ascendency.

Hobbs kicked the next goal after duping Brandon Mcauliffe into giving away a50m penalty, the firstoftwo misdemeanoursfrom the Tigers.

By now it appeared Warragul had momentum, yet ahorrendous turnover out of defence saw the ball blindlykicked straight to Noblett, who in turn passed to Isaac Abbas.

The ruckman slotted the set shot,and duly approached some spectators on the fence who’d obviously had some choice words.

The Gulls again had chances, with asoccer off the ground going wide of goal, but went into the last break three goals down.

One last Warragul effort was needed, yet they would have to do it without arguably their best player, Will Hayes, who did not return after halftime.

The VFL player and horsetrainer was brought down in atackle as he kicked, appearing to have his leg trapped underneath.

Morwell skipper,Aidan Quigley was animated at the huddle, calling on his charges to “get aggressive” with their ball movement. Bailey had the final address, urging discipline“stop worrying about the umpires”, and to “back in the person with the handball”. Morwell only kicked 1.0 (6) in the last quarter, but it certainly proved valuable. For that, they have Galea’s vice-like hands to thank. Despite the greasy conditions, he took agenuineone grab contested mark with Warraguldefender, Patrick Mulqueen on his hammer early in the final quarter.

Kicking into the breeze, Galea booted the leather off the ball from around 40 metres out on a45degree angle.

Warragulplayers maintaineditwas touched, yet from this writer’s vantage point at least (in the grandstand), it cleared the line by a good metre.

Galea’s celebrationswerehalteredwhile theumpiresconferred, before the all clear sent him on awild celebratory run toward the Tiger army.

When asked how he was feeling before the game, his mother told this writer “he doesn’t give us much”. He certainly gave them alot in that moment.

Up by 20 points at the five minute mark and with the game seemingly under control given the conditions, Warragul went for broke, and very nearly pulled it off.

McColl however could not be denied, saving at least two shots on goal.

Lamb scored at the 12 minute mark to make it 14 points,and before too long, the difference was only one goal into red time. Extra time certainly loomed, as did the case of ‘next goal wins’.

Key forward, Nathan Noblett, who has certainly changed Morwell’s dynamic sincereturning, was unselfish in laying off apass to Bailey inside 50,and hadasay in anumberofcrucial shots on goal during the secondhalf.

Warragul’s possible finals nerves meanwhile continued. At one stage, Whibley and Jordan Stewart were both on their own and one of them could have marked unopposed, yet they let the ball bounce near centre wing.

Even the long-sleeve wearing and usually super-composed Masterson decided to let fly with atorp. While he did have the wind behind him, it hardly appeared atacticalmove.

Morwell by contrast did at least have some finals experience, with more than 10 players having featured in the 2022 elimination final.

There was also plenty of positive side stories to the day.

First-year player Maclan McInness, who struggled to get agame

HadMorwell scored, it may well have been enough; had Warragul scored and gone back to the centre with scores tied, there may have been enough time still.

Ahugeholding the ball decision led the ball to find Lamb inside 50 at the 26 minute mark.

If ever there was atimefor aplaying-coach to go clutch, it was now. Lamb, from straight in front, but kicking from right on 50, had no troublemaking the distance, yet his kick sailed to the left hand side. Thesiren soundednot long after, extending Morwell’s season by at least one more week.

McColl was acolossus down back, while Rosato, Burkeley Macfarlane, Blake Couling, Quigley and Sam Walsh were all prominent.

Wallace was best for Warragul, followed by Whibley, Lucas Carter, Masterson, Riley Senini and Koby Grass.

Templetonthe best Iplayed with:Hawkins

Spakes departs, Kingi back, Ayres spotted

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

BY LIAM DURKIN

NOTHING like the Silly Season.

It doesn’t usually start this early though. Given the footy seasons now just blend into one however, clubs have wasted no time confirming appointments for 2026.

Wonthaggi’s flag hopes might alreadybe dashed, as gun midfielder Ryan Sparkes has returned home to Inverloch-Kongwak. Sparkes has accepted the senior coaching job, working alongside returning senior co-coach, Leigh Cole.

Sparkes has played the lastfourseasons with the Power, and played17games with Collingwood in the VFL this season.

There is general disappointment with Sparkes’ decision from local football pundits, who feel a man entering his prime should not be playing ‘minor’ league football.

However, Sparkes, who turns 25 next year, is understood to be on aGodfather deal with the Sea Eagles worth five figures.

At that age, and with the currentcost-of-living, one can hardly blame him for accepting.

He is also good mates with Wonthaggi leading forward, Cooper McInnes, so there will be little surprise if Sparkes gets him over.

Elsewhere, aSale Football-Netball Club official has confirmed with the Express that star midfielder, Shannen Lange will be with the Magpies next season.

Lange, who had been linked to Maffra, was re-signed late last week.

In aseason from hell for Sale,the Magpies have at least seen onepositive by securing Lange’s services.

Sale is still on the hunt for anew coach, although the official said the club had spoken to three candidates.

It is understood Lange and club legends Shane Fyfe and Chris Laverty (both 300 gamers) are all willing to act as assistants.

In the west ,D ro uin has con firmed the appointment of favourite son, Jordan Kingi as playing-coach.

The 200 gamer has previously coachedthe Hawks, and spent this season at neighbouring club Ellinbank.

Whether Kingi coaches Drouin in the Gippsland League or WestGippslandCompetitionremains to be seen, although the Gippsland League has committedtokeeping Drouin, while otherclubs are reportedlycrying foul given the Hawks' relative close proximity to Melbourne.

As one club official told this reporter “we would love to be where Drouin are located."

“We’d be able to set up training hubs for Melbourneplayers,weare just that little bit too far away.”

In any case, one can’t help but feel sorry for departing Drouin coach, Leigh Horsburgh, who was on ahiding to nothing this season, coaching on the road every week while the Hawks’ home ground was redeveloped.

Horsburgh coachedjust thisseason, and is understoodtobedisappointed with what has transpired.

Talk of Gary Ayres coaching Warragulhas also intensified.

The former Geelong ,A del aid ea nd Port Melbourne coach was spotted watching the Gulls in the elimination final at the weekend.

Shouldthe 64-year-old and two-timeNorm Smithmedallist return home, it would be just about the biggest homecoming the league has seen.

The Express is also aware afew other players might be on the move.

However, outofrespect, giventhose players are linked with clubs still competing,they won’t appear in these pages.

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

FOOTSCRAY legend, Doug Hawkins has labelled Traralgon superstar, Kelvin Templeton the greatest player he ever played alongside.

“Templeton was the best player Iplayed with -100 per cent,” Hawkins told the Life of Brian podcast last week.

“In ’78 we won seven games, he kicked 120-odd goals (118). The next year he kicked 91 we won seven, then 1980 he won the Brownlow, he kicked 75, then the next year he done his knee."

Templeton won two Coleman medals (1978, ’79) and was namedatcentre half forward in Footscray’s Team of the Century.

Before that, he was kicking bags of goals for Traralgon. Unbelievably, he kicked 104 goals for the Maroons in the Gippsland League in 1973 as a16-year-old-a featthat willsurely never be seen again.

Hawkins, the former Bulldogs games record holder, made the wing position famous at the Whitten Oval.

He also played alongside anotherTraralgon luminary, Bernie Quinlan, who later coached Hawkins in his final AFL season with Fitzroy.

There has only been four players in V/AFL history to win both the Brownlow and Coleman Medal. Traralgon is home to two of them. In the podcast episode talking with Brian Taylor and his son Harrison, Hawkins also looked back on his short-lived political career runningasasenator for Clive Palmer’sUnited Australia Party in 2013 As Hawkins humorously explained, he quickly realised he was out of his depth once he was requiredtomeet the mining magnatetodiscuss party policies.

“What would Dougie Hawkins know about carbon tax?!” he exclaimed.

“I said ‘Clive you gotta stop,mateI’ve got no idea what you’re talking about!'

“You know what he said? ‘You’llfit in great because these pricks have got no idea either.” Palmer’s image was branded on local billboards during this year’s federal election, as part of the campaign blitz for his Trumpet of Patriots party. The party ran acandidate for the seat of Monash

Alleged assault at Sale Oval

FOOTBALL

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

LIAM DURKIN

POLICE were called to Sale Oval on Saturday, August 23 after ateenageboy wasallegedly assaulted by youths after playing in afootball match.

The Herald Sun reported the Sale under 18s team player was walking back to his parents' car when he was allegedly set upon by five males and two females near the entrance gate.

Awitness told the newspaperthe "brutal attack" was unprovoked and only stopped when aspectator stepped in to help the victim.The young player appeared to have acheek injury after the incident, while the group of attackers fled.

In astatement to the Herald Sun, Sale FootballNetball Club condemned the alleged assault.

"The club takes the safety and wellbeing of our players and community very seriously, and we're proudofhow our members and officialsresponded to ensure it was resolved quickly,'' the club stated.

Police said officers were told five males and two females approached the victim about 1pm.

"The victim was assaulted and received anonlife-threatening injury. He declined to make a statement about the incident," police stated. "It is unknownatthis stage if the partiesare known to each other."

Anyone whowitnessed the incident or took footage has been asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

 FURTHERMORE, the 'fake journalist gate' issue reported in last week's Express has taken another turn.

The Expresscan confirm one of the Sale FNC officials caught up in the saga has taken the liberty of getting themselves voluntarily hair tested to disprove allegations of drug use.

The bizarre episode cametopublic attention recently, after agroup of disgruntled ex-Sale junior coaches allegedly created afake news service and circulated an email to clubmembers claiming drug use and sexual messaging was rampant within Sale FNC.

When askedabout the main culprit,aSale official described them as a"compulsive liar" to this masthead.

Traralgon’sown: Kelvin Templeton, picturedteaching Southside junior footballersIan Good and David Brindle some of the finerpoints File photograph

Legend: Kelvin Templeton, pictured backhome in Traralgon earlier this year

Photograph: Liam Durkin

Fishy into third straight decider

FOOTBALL MID GIPPSLAND BY

ROB POPPLESTONE

FISH CREEK became the first team to qualify for the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League senior grand final.

They will play the winner of this weekend's preliminary final between Foster and Yinnar.

 FOSTER VFISH CREEK (QF)

FINISHING first and second on the ladder respectively,two of the league'sheavyweightsmet in Saturday's qualifying clash at Stony Creek.

The winner was given adirect route to the 2025 MGFNL grand final.

Previous meetings throughout the year between the two had fallen at one apiece,that of course, come finalstimecountedfor nothing, their thirdand

mostimportantclashtodate was all thatmattered

The reigning premier of 2024 and 2025,Fish Creek found away to win in what turned out to be ahard fought arm wrestle for most of the day, 5.5 (35) to 4.5 (29).

Winning coach, Jarrad Walker happytowalk away and into another decider.

“Probablywasn't aspectacle of goodfooty,but both defences were pretty strong, it made it pretty hard to score, both teamsactuallyscored, or seemed to score better against the wind, as we worked in numbers, but both teams Ifeel were hesitant to take risksasthe game was always so close, and we and I'm sure they didn't want to make acostly mistake," he surmised.

"We have aweek off now, arest for some sore playersand wait to find who our grandfinal opponent might be."

The Kangaroos led by eight points at quarter time and 13 at the main break, before the Tigers

MID GIPPSLAND

FINALS WEEK 2

got it back to eight pointsagainatthe final change of ends.

Foster coach, Sam Davies was honest in his review.

“The scoreboard flattered us -beaten convincingly around the ball, they were cleaner and won the outside game," he said.

"They had really goodplansinplaceand executed accordingly which meant we could never get our gamegoing.Our defendersstood up again to their credit, as they always do andabsorbed alot of footy coming their way.

"The beauty of finishing top two is the second chance, no time to be down and out. Big week of recovery and planning for next weekend.”

 YINNAR VS MDU (SF)

LAST year's runners up, Yinnar, had from early in the season to set themselves to have asecond shot at the ultimate prize.

What stood before them on the weekend however, wassomething of abogey sidefor 2025 in the shape of the Demons.

MDU, having accounted for the Magpies in two previousmeetings throughout the home-and-away season, were lookingfor the trifecta to keep their premiership aspirations alive.

The Sunday game at Thorpdale started with Yinnar jumping out of the blocks and keeping the Demons at arms length for most of the first 30 minutes, holding a20point lead at the first break.

MDU had some work to do, but found it hard going withpressurebeing applied by awell-organised Magpies outfit.

The margin at the main break was out to better than five goals, with the Demons falling further and further behind as each minute passed.

Yinnar,inthe end, were comfortable 58 point winners,14.12 (96) to 5.8 (38).

Magpies coach Sam McCulloch paidcredit to his team.

"Very even performance from the whole group. Was afour quarter performance in which we maintained our intensity throughoutand were composed when needed,” he said.

The Demons felt as though they had the personnel to do thejob,but just could not gettheir game going "Disappointing end to the year. Ithought the boys worked hard, but Yinnar worked harder and were just too good across the board," MDU coach, Rhett Kelly said.

"All credit to Yinnar, they played agreat game, and we could not fire ashot.

"We will regroup and celebrate what Ithink has been areally positive year. We have had plenty of growth internally and we will look to continue to work on this over the preseason. We will get around our reservesteam and cheer them on next week and hopefully beyond.”

Saturday,September 6at

Boolarra Recreation Reserve

FOOTBALL

Seniors: Foster vs Yinnar (2.20pm) Reserves: Yinnar vs MDU (12.30pm) Thirds: MDU vs Hill End (10.45am)

NETBALL

AGrade: Fish Creek vs MDU (2.15pm)

BGrade: Fish Creek vs Newborough (1pm)

CGrade: Newborough vs MDU (12pm)

DGrade: Mirboo North vs Fish Creek (11am)

17 and Under: BoolarravsMirboo North (10am)

15 and Under: Yinnar vs Hill End (9am)

13 and Under: Newborough vs Tarwin (8.10am)

Hill End local sparks vocal talent

MUSIC

By AIDAN KNIGHT

HILL ENDfootballer, Ethan Calway is making waves on this year's season of The Voice Australia.

Meeniyan Dumbalk Utd: SWalsh 2T McRaeS Wilson NNagel BEST: Yinnar:T Robertson JNotmanW Robertson DLintonLLintonKGrinstead-Jones Meeniyan DumbalkUtd:JSchelling JHickey SWilson TMcRae JKennedy TCorry

(61)

0.6 2.6 3.7 (25) GOALS: MorwellEast: PHenry 3HDwyer FMarks BFrancis NNikodemskiI Terrick JQuinn. Yinnar:T Russell JSheaJ Garlick BEST: Morwell East: JAtkinson BAtkinson HDwyer CLane BFrancis JQuinn. Yinnar:KAlexander JSheaD Webster LAlexander BBurrows LPollard

DEATH)

The carpenter managed to turn all four chairs of the celebritycoaches with his rendition of Walking in Memphis Calway was raised in Drouin and now resides in Warragul. He has consistently been performing his takes on country and blues style songs across Gippsland pubs, from Orbost to Robin Hood.

"I play away more now these days," he said.

Calway's performing circuit has evolved over the years after several visits to Tamworth.

"The biggest portion of my shows are in Queensland and New South Wales these days, locally is where Iworkmy day job more than anything now, and will drop into the Nooj Pub (Noojee) for aset occasionally".

HGallagherLNelson.

BBoothman DPaul. Mirboo North: LPoljak NJackson AEvans JConlan OMahoney AWoodall

The high demand for tradies in today's economyisthe perfect springboard for Calway. While other musiciansmay have to give up their entire job for the music, or vice versa, the adaptability he has as a chippy means that whenever he returns from astintonstage,thereisworkwaiting for him at home in Gippsland.

"I just contract myself out, working for myself, save abit up and go on tour, so it works well. Ijust swap in and out, guitar or atoolbelt," he said.

local having acrack", he said of the reaction he received after his blind audition went to air.

Calwayhad participated in manytalent contests in his time, including 'Starmaker' in Tamworth lastyear, but feelsthere is a different sense of achievement for taking his craft to anationally televised version of that process.

"It felt unreal, like all the hard work I'd put in over the years had come together, and it was kind of the moment for me," he said.

"Everyonewatching in Gippsland loved it, I've always had the support of the locals, and of Gippsland, and Ifeel likemore than anything, everyone is just happy to see a

Elaborating further on the locals, Calway took amoment to make mention of musiciansfromthe area whom he's either admired or taken inspiration from. The first to be shouted outwas,ofcourse, Stratford's ownand previous Voice contestant, Mick Harrington.

"He's been good for me, as someone who's been through the whole experience before, and someone to get afew tips and tricks

off has been great," Calway said. "Others I've played alongside,Ricky Wood and Teagan Blackstock, are some of my favouritelocal artists who havebeen really supportive as well."

Of equal importance to the Express readers is his connection to Hill End, where he plays alongside his brother as aruckman for the Rovers.

Readers will be able to watch Ethan Calway'ssecond appearance on The Voice on Sunday, September 14, as he enters the battle rounds on Channel 7

Sing: Ethan Calway performingonThe Voice Photograph supplied

Edge: Hill End wona close thirds semi-final, beating Mirboo North by five points.Thomas Bastin (No 4) wasamong the Rovers’bestplayers Photograph: Annie Holland

Bulldogs,Roogirls prelim showdown

NETBALL

By ERIKA ALLEN

MARGINS blewout in GippslandLeague’sopening week of Agrade netball finals.

While minor premier and reigning champion Moe sat out, Warragul made light work of Morwell in Saturday’squalifying finalatMaffra. The Gulls dominated early with a15toseven first term and ran out58-42 winners, despite Morwell matching them goal-for-goal in the last quarter.

League leadinggoalshooterEmmaRydewas unstoppable,scoring 55 of Warragul’s58goals. For Morwell, Holly Stephens (26 goals) and Claire Marks (16) impressed, but the Gulls controlled the contest from defence to attack. Warragul’s victory sets up agrand final qualifier against Moe this Saturday at Morwell.

Morwell’s second chance comes on Sunday at Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe, where the Tigers face Drouin. TheHawks kept their season alive with a59-37 elimination final win over Bairnsdale at Wonthaggi.

Drouin out-scored the Redlegs by five or six goals in every term. Goal defender Lucy McKellar led the way, with centre Ava Gaul and goal shooter Charlize Traumanisalso starring. Traumanis piled on 54 goals,while Bairnsdale’sbest were centre Paris Dunkley, goal keeper Alison Dwyer, and goal attack Anna Mooney (26 goals).

 BGRADE margins were closer, as Leongatha edged out Moe 55-53 in atight qualifying final. The Parrots now face minor premier Wonthaggi on Saturday, while Moe meets Traralgon on Sunday after the Maroons eliminated Warragul 51-48.

In Cgrade,Wonthaggi defeated Leongatha 31-24 in the qualifying final, and Drouinscraped past Moe 36-35. This weekend, the Power challenges minor premier Morwell, while the Parrots battle the Hawks.

Bairnsdale forced Sale’s 17 and under side into Sunday’s elimination final with a50-32 win. The Magpies now face Leongatha, which knocked out Drouin 35-34.The Redlegs advancetoplayminor premier Traralgon on Saturday.

Sale’s 15 and under team booked agrand final qualifying clash against minor premiers Traralgon after aseven-goal win over Moe. Warragul stayed

alive, eliminating Leongatha 47-28 on Sunday.

Sale’s 13 and under side also advanced, defeating Moe 23-19 in Saturday’s qualifying final. The Magpies meet minor premier Leongatha this Saturday. Meanwhile, Traralgon ended Maffra’s run with a31-14 win and will playMoe on Sunday.

 SALE City and Heyfield will clash this Saturday in the North Gippsland Agrade preliminaryfinal -arematch of last year’s grand final which saw the Bulldogs triumph in one of their five netball premierships that day.

At the Woodside Recreation Reserve on Saturday, Sale City fell to Churchill 32-29 in the second semi-final.

Playing their first match in twoweeks, the Cougars shook off the rust and led at every change. Skye McDonald dominated with 24 goals,while Samantha Cullis added eight.

In the closing minutes, Charlotte Ronchi (19 goals) and MadeleineRodwell (10) pulled the Bulldogs withinone goal, but Cullis and McDonald steadied, scoring three unanswered before Rodwell netted the final goal of the game.

Sale City’s slip in its premiership defence now sets up the test against Heyfield, which comfortably defeated Gormandale 48-34 on Sunday at the Rosedale Recreation Reserve.

The Roogirls controlledthe match from the outset, with Phoebe Richardson unstoppable in attack, finishing with 37 goals, including three of the last five. Gormandale narrowed the gap to six at three-quarter time, but Richardson and Chloe Jones took charge in the final term to stretch the margin to 14.

Defenders Megan Kelly and Samantha Beha stood tall, limiting Agrade’sleading goal scorer Maddy Dark to 24.

 SALE City’s Bgrade side stormedinto the grand final with acommanding 60-39 win over Woodside. The Wildcats will get another chance to qualify this weekend when they meet Heyfield, which ended Rosedale’s campaign by asingle goal, 38-37, in Sunday’s first semi-final.

Traralgon-Tyers United became the first C grade team to secure agrand final berth, defeating Woodside 42-29 on Saturday at the Wildcats’ home court. Woodside now faces Sale City in this weekend’s preliminary final after the Bulldogs

flags is the Dgrade side,which booked its grand final place in two weeks’ time.

The Bulldogs will meeteither TTU or Churchill. The Cougars eliminated Gormandale 33-28on Sunday,while TTU fell just short againstthe reigning premiers on Saturday.

In the 17 and under second semi-final, TTU stunned minor premier and defending champion Sale Citywith afour-goal upset. The Bombers now awaitthe grand final,while the Bulldogs willfight for redemption in Saturday’s preliminary final against Rosedale, which knocked Heyfield out 41-33 in Sunday’s elimination semi-final.

The 15 and under semi-finalsdelivered nailbiting finishes. Sale City scraped into the grand final witha one-goalvictory over Rosedale

The Blues remain alive, however, and will face Woodside this weekend after the Wildcats edged past TTU 44-42 on Sunday.

 THERE are no Latrobe Valley clubs left in Mid Gippsland AGrade.

Yinnar lost itselimination final to Meeniyan Dumbalk Unitedbyjust one goal on Sunday,40-39 at Thorpdale.

The Demons will play Fish Creek for aspotin the decider this Saturday.

TheKangaroos already have AGrade netball in senior football in the big dance.

Crowded forwardline: Moe’s Lexi Micalleflooks foraway throughcongestion.

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Stickers: Olivia Rock takesashot forMoe during Sunday’s thrilling eliminationfinal.

sport

Heyfield with home prelim final

FOOTBALL NORTH GIPPSLAND

BY LIAM DURKIN

IT could be an even bigger yacht party for the TTU boys this year.

They will be hoping to have something extra for company as well.

Traralgon Tyers United won through to its fourth successive North Gippsland grand final at the weekend, after defeated Woodside in a classic second-semi final.

The added task of playing the Wildcats on their home turf did not deter the Bombers, who won 11.9 (75) to 10.10 (70).

Areported three to five goal wind toward the clubrooms at Woodside Recreation Reserve played some havoc, and was reflected in the quarter-by-quarter scores up until halftime.

TTU kicked five goals to start, before the Wildcats added three heading into the sheds.

Both teams played with seven-eight men defences to try and counter the wind.

The Bombers’ early ascendancy howeverproved decisive, allowing them to lead at every change.

Woodside mounted aspiritedcomeback in the last term, chewing away at a20-point deficit to get within five points.

As it is however,the Wildcats will have to do as they did last season, going the long way to the grand final before potentially lifting the premiership cup.

TTU meanwhile appears to have most things working for them.

The Bombers now have aweek off, and afull list to choose from as its reserves are also through to the last game.

The TTU twos caused aboil over in the second semi-final, beating the previously undefeated Heyfield (how often does it happen).

Liam Michie was best-afield in the main game, and has himself a third grand final in as many years to look forward to.

No doubt part of his motivation this year’s will be to win for his younger brother Caleb, who has suffered awretchedrun with injury. Caleb missed the 2023 triumph through injury, and will miss this yearwithasimilar fate. Adding further insult,heplayed in last year’s losing grand final.

Woodside should be confident of setting up arematch, given they are, in most league pundits eyes, simply abetter side than Heyfield. That being said, the preliminary final is at Gordon Street, and the Kangaroos will have the weightofsupportbehind them as every football grade is playing.

Luke Johnson, Adam Janssen, Ryan Foat, Michael Stockdale, Rob Michaelides and Jeremy Morgan were best for the Wildcats in the semi-final.

Woodside will surely have motivation of their own and win for one of their favourite sons, Daniel Missen, who was away for last year’s breakthrough premiership.

 HEYFIELD narrowly avoided going out in straight sets.

The Kangaroos were made to work hard for victoryagainst Rosedale in Sunday’s semi-final, 9.14 (68) to 8.8 (56).

Having worked hard all season to secure adouble chance, Heyfield at times looked like they might be victims of a‘classic stitch up’, needing to beat Rosedale on their home ground in asudden death semi.

The Kangaroos trailed by three points at the main break, before slamming on five goals to two to take ahandy 17 point lead at the last change.

The lead was enough in an eventual 12 point result.

Heyfield gambled by playing leading forward Darren Sheen in his first game since Round 12, but it paid off, with the big man booting four goals.

Sheen was the Kangaroos’ only multiple goal kicker.

On the other side, Spencer Fox kicked just as many for Rosedale.

Both were among their sides best players, in what was aday full of drama that saw the reserves clash between Yallourn Yallourn North and Woodside go to extra time.

Heyfield was perhaps also fortunate to have MitchStevensavailable

The Heyfield local and Victoria Country representative (who has reportedly already been provisionally signed by Adelaide, the club where his father, Markwon apremiership with in 1998), played just his third game for his home club at the weekend.

As he is still under 18 however, he was eligible to play under AFL Victoria by-laws which count representative games toward aplayer reaching the four matches requiredfor ‘home club’ finalsqualification.

Thomas Marchesi, Rob McMillan, Marcus Sunderman and Caleb Ronan also contributed.

Joining Fox in the best for Rosedale wasBrandon McConnell, Luke Stuckey, Thomas Northe, Rohan Diamond and Riley Atlee.

NORTH GIPPSLAND PRELIMINARY FINALS

HARRIET SHING

(2.20pm)

(1pm)

(11am)

(9am)

Welcome: Darren Sheen returned to the Heyfield sidefor the first semi-final,and kickedfour goals

Valley Suns preparing for finals tilt

Suns remained in the top eight and eliminated Western Bulldogs from contention.

THE Gold Coast Suns will play finals for the first time in its club’s history.

After defeating Essendon in the post-home-andaway fixture (played Wednesday, August 27), the

In a23.15 (153) to 8.10 (58) demolishing of the decimated, and most likely switched-off, Bombers at People FirstStadium, GoldCoast, the Suns clinched finals for the first time since they entered theAFL as an expansion club in 2011.

The AFL rescheduled Gold Coast and Essendon’s matchup after they were supposed to play in Opening Round, but was postponed to the end of the season due to the tropicalCycloneAlfredin Queensland earlier this year.

While pressuremounted on the young squadafter ruiningtheir top four chances by losing to Port Adelaide by four points just days prior,pushing the Suns into ninth ahead of their last game, they got to work early.

Up by 40 points at quarter time and then launching to a10-goal lead throughout the second half, Gold Coast refused to let up, only needing to beat the Bombers by fivegoals or more to leapfrog Hawthorn into seventh position.

The Sunsnow play Fremantle at Optus Stadium, Perthinthe Elimination Final this Saturdaynight (September 6) in Week 1offinals.

Moe’s Bailey Humphrey returned for Gold Coast to face the Bombers aftertwo weeks off with a knee injury.

Humphrey finished 15 disposals and agoal, but

SHORTPASSES with Liam Durkin

Sweet relief

COACHING must really take its toll. If bodylanguageisany indication, seeingJarrydBlairand Anthony Robbinsat Wonthaggi on Sunday, they looked absolutely relieved that their seasons finished the week before.

Both have served very lengthy tenures in country footy years. Blair with five at Wonthaggi, and Robbins four with Maffra. Blair was propped behind the glass of the social rooms, baby in one hand and pot of beer in the other.

Robbins meanwhile watched in support of the Maffra reserves, even saying to this scribe “good to see you”. Idon’t think he eversaidthat after agame when approached for acomment.

BetterBlues

MICHAEL Voss finally had awin this season. His old stomping ground, Orbost won its first final since 2017 at the weekend.

The Blues defeated former North Gippsland club, Boisdale-Briagolong by four points in Sunday’s East Gippsland elimination final. Orbost Snowy Rovers are now just one win away from afairytalegrand finalappearance. Atimber town the sameasHeyfield, it would be astrongshow of defiance to the establishment if both took home premierships.

Three certainties

FORMER Mid Gippsland club, Trafalgar had asemi-final to remember.

The Bloods defeated Buln Buln in extra time

was tactically subbed out in the second half.

After afew weeks out of the side and as the sub, Fish Creek’s and former Moe juniorfootballer, Sam Flanders was in fine form with 20 touches and five marks.

Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth was also at his best in the do-or-die match, finishing with 17 disposals and two goals.

As one of the longest tenuredSuns, draftedin 2016, Ainsworth will play finals for the first time in his career, the same for Humphrey and Flanders.

Of those who played against the Bombers in the Suns'final regular season game, only three players

have played finals matches in John Noble, Ben Long and Daniel Rioli.

Gold Coast has the strongest link to Gippsland and Latrobe Valley, with five localexportson its list, includingHeyfield’s Asher Eastham and Maffra’s Max Knobel alongsidethe aforementioned. Both Eastham and Knobel haven’t managed games for the Suns after beingpicked up in the rookie draft late last year, but the Heyfield firstyear playerhas managed afull season in the VFL, while the Maffra ruckman sufferedaseason-ending foot injury last month.

Flanders flying home?

FOOTBALL

EXPORTS

AFL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AHEADofa fruitful offseason for St Kilda making way from an improved 2026AFL season, and upon the lucrativeresigning of star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, alocal export has caught the eyes of the Saints.

Reports have circulatedmostofthe season that Fish Creek’s and former Moe junior footballer SamFlanders has interest from Victorian clubs, amid speculation over his future with the Gold Coast Suns.

Top AFL newsbreakers Cal Twomey and SamEdmund hinted that St Kilda could mark Flanders alongsideaplethora of recruitsthe Saints arehopeful on for next year.

Twomey was the journalist whobroke the landmark Wanganeen-Milera re-signingona two-year extension worth more than $2 million per year, meaning he has morethan enough insight into the St Kilda camp.

“So, Nas (Wanganeen-Milera) stays, TDK (Carlton’s Tom De Koning) is coming, Liam Ryan is coming, Leek Aleer is coming, do they have another top midfielder on the way as well?”

Twomeysaidonthe AFL.com.au program, Gettable last week.

“I think there’s abit of awatch on Sam Flanders and what he does at the Suns. Another player who’s had his role change this year.

“Other clubs are hunting him in Melbourne as well, (since) he’s changed positions.”

The 24-year-old is under contract at Gold Coast until the end of 2027.

SEN'sEdmund was even more emphatic of what's going on behind the scenes.

"The Saints are confident that they can prize SamFlanders out of Gold Coast," he said on Gerard Whateley's SEN radio porgram.

"The Saints arespreading the word that they will acquire Flanders in the exchange window after making contact about atrade in the middle of the year, but the relationship between the two clubs is far from rosy."

While Suns coach Damien Hardwick made adeclaration during the course of this past home-and-away season that Flanders wouldn’t be going anywhere, things do tend to change.

“We’re not in the business of trading our very best players, so Sam Flanders won’t be going anywhere,” Hardwick said in June.

brought back up as the sub for the finaltwo regular season games.

Flanders broke out two years ago and finished third in the Suns’ best-and-fairest in 2024, but ‘the freak from Fish Creek’ has seen less midfield time this year as Gold Coast has soared up the ladder and into itsfirst finals appearance in the club’s history.

Flanders wasthe 11thhighest disposalgetter in the AFL last season, and has since seen his numbers plummet in his new role.

After winning afourths flag with Moe in 2017, in which he was named best-on-ground with four goals, Flanders would storm through his final years of juniors and eventually get taken with Pick 11 to Gold Coast in 2019.

As stated by Twomey, if Flanders was to arrive at Moorabbin, he would join the incoming De Koning (on areported $1.7 million over seven years), the ruckman from Carlton.

to book aspotinthe Ellinbank District prelim. Trafalgaravoided going out in straight setsin the most pulsating fashion imaginable, winning its firstEllinbank finalsince crossing from Mid Gippsland in 2021.

One long-standing Trafalgar past player and official described it as “one of the best wins I have seen.”

Whether footy or cricket (and probably ever other sport involvingTraf), they just always seem to make it interesting.

Still the most nervous Ihave ever been on a sporting field was during acricket semi for Traf.

We were 4/144 chasing 181, then lost 4/35, meaningitcamedown to two needed with two wickets in hand.

Fortunately we got through, althoughthe thought of our Number 11 having to face the music potentially needingone to win was unbearable.

Also fortunate the late Trevor Blandford gave us an LBW after abloke middled it onto his pad.

Something old, someone new

ANOTHER drought breakerisonthe cards this September.

Alocal club from the ‘other’ football code has the chance to win its first Latrobe Valley Soccer League cup series in 42 years. Monash Soccer Club (based in Newborough) will play Olympians this weekend for the Battle of Britain Cup. The cup is the oldest trophy in Victorian soccer.

“I’ve got areal soft spot for Sam, he’s one of my favourites.”

Dimma’s ‘favourite’ played every game from Round3through Round 21 this year before subsequently being dropped and then only

Other potential newcomersfor the Saints includeWest Coast premiership player and highflyer Ryan, and young GWS defenderAleer. Ryan was famously involved in the 2018 Grand Final sequence alongside Yarram’s Nathan Vardy that led to Dom Sheed kicking thehair-raisinggoal fromthe boundarytobeat Collingwood.

In sight: Fish Creek’sand former Moe junior footballer,Sam Flanders is being eyedby Victorian clubs,including St Kilda, to lurehim away from Gold Coast. File photograph

Get around him: Morwell’sBen Ainsworthisflanked by teammatesafter kicking one of his two goals during the Suns’thrashing of Essendon. Ainsworthisone of Gold Coast’slongesttenured players,and will playfinalsfor the firsttime in hiscareer this weekend.

Arrived: Moe’s BaileyHumphrey celebrates during Gold Coast’swin over Essendon. The win secured afinalsber th forthe expansion club Photographs: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

Central Gippy junior premiers crowned

FOOTBALL

CENTRAL GIPPSLAND JUNIORS

BY LIAM DURKIN

GRANDfinals were playedinthe Central Gippsland Junior Football League at the weekend. Teams converged on Ted Summerton Reserve, Moe to see out the 2025 season. Premiersinthe respective age groups were: Tarwin (under 16s),Moe (u14s) and Meeniyan Dumbalk United,who took home the under 12 and under 10 pennants.

The Sharks completedanundefeatedseason in the under 16s, defeatingthe Tigers 14.8(92) to 8.3 (51).

Tarwin'sNoahMcLennanwas adjudged beston-ground, kicking three goals.

His teammate Oscar Bright kicked five, and was ably supported by Isaac Joske, Cody Gerretzen, Jarrah Lowe, Will Campbell and Evan Bruning. Mirboo North's Eamon Berryman led one of the mostremarkable efforts you are likelytosee in alosing grand final -kicking seven of his team's eight goals.

The youngster has had abusy season, doubling up most weeks for Leongatha fourths and thirds on a Saturday, before playing for the Tigers on aSunday. His season is still going, after Leongatha thirds won the Gippsland League qualifying final at the weekend.

Charlie Bickerton, Noah Bradley, Alistair

Buckland, Harry Ludlow and Tom Vale also played well for Mirboo North.

The Tigers have worked hard on their junior program in recent years, with teams in CGJFLand an under 18s in the Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League.



MOE 2025 or Geelong 2007?

The Lions capped off just about the most dominantseason imaginable, winning the under 14s grand final by 111 points.

Taking to their home turf, Moe kicked 11 goals in the second half alone in a17.10 (112) to 0.1 (1) routing.

JesseBowie led withfourgoals, while Sabit Kaka and best-on-groundMekhi Hayes added three each.

The team was coached by current Moe FootballNetball Clubsenior footballdirector,Clinton Taylor, with the aim of promoting full club alignment between the senior and junior club.

Some familiarMoe surnames featured in the team, including skipper Noah Keltie -nephew of former Lions senior coach, Declan.

Moe's under 16 team also won their Gippsland League elimination final on Sunday.



MDU won acouple of thrilling deciders.

The Demons got up in the under 12s by asingle point, 1.1 (7) to 1.0 (6) against Newborough.

Ryder Pedlow was awarded best-on-ground for the winners. Others to play well were Ben Lacy, Bohdi Helms, Aiden Cook, Tyeson Helms and Riley Hocken.

The winning team was coached by Brett Pedlow, familiar to many as the principal of Trafalgar High School.'Peds' has been involved in anumberof

nerve-killing premierships during his time. MDU also won the under 10s by asingle point. The Demons kicked 0.3 (3), to holdout Corner Inlet 0.2 (2).

MDU's Darcy Evans tookthe honours for best-on-ground.

Best players for the Bulldogs were Mason Peresso, Jack Peatey, Huxley Kennedy, Mason Robertson, Oscar Murdoch and Cruz Stellini.

Bite: Tarwin wonthe CentralGippsland Junior FootballLeagueunder 16 grand final.

Roar: Moe dominated theunder 14 season.

Photographs supplied

Give‘em hell: MDU got up in the under 14 decider

Future stars: MDU celebrates afterwinning the under 10s premiership

Saturday, September 6

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

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.25 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.00 Inside Our Minds. (PG, R) 5.00 Julia ZemirosHome Delivery (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Say My Name Louisa Ioannidis Pt 1. (R) Looks at the case of Louisa Ioannidis.

6.30 Back Roads: VanLifePt

1. (R) Myf Warhurst samples

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

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (R) Apaintingdisappears.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. the annual Midsomer Scarecrow

10.00 The Family Next Door. (Ml, R) Fran struggles with her husbandsdepression.

10.50 I, Jack Wright.

Jacksbombshell will. 11.35 Rage.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour 10.00 Blue Water Safari. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Going Places. (R) 4.00 The Day The Rock Star Died. (PGd, R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour.LaVuelta. Stage 13. Highlights. 5.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 5.35 Hitler: ALife In Pictures. (PGa, R) 6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Swiss Alpine Rail Jour neys: The Adaptable Arosa Line. (PGn) Looks at the Arosa Railway 8.30 ARoyal Residence: Althorp House. complex history of Althorp House, resting place of Princess Diana. 9.25 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Calabria. (PGa, R)

10.15 Great Australian Walks: Uluru-Kata Tjuta. (PG, R) 11.10 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R) 2.35 Australia With Julia Bradbury (PGaw,R) 3.35 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 8.00 Kids Baking Cship. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Second qualifying

From Optus Stadium, Perth. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show

at all the action from the game. 11.00 To Be Advised. 12.35 Riviera. Georgina searches for answers of the explosion. 1.35 HarrysPractice. (R) Information about pet care. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) Hosted 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

(9, 8)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 27. Canterbury Bulldogs

9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.00 MOVIE: American Assassin. terrorist attacks. Dylan OBrien. 12.05 Law &Order: Organized Crime. 1.00 Customs. (PG, R) 1.30 Rugby Union. WomensRugby World Cup. American Express Stadium, Brighton 4.15 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 Home Shopping. 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.40pm Ocean Parks. 3.30 Nula. 4.00 Proud Histories: Past, Present &Future. 4.30 OffCountry 5.00 Hunting Aotearoa. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 8.30 MOVIE: Lady In The Water.(2006, PG) 10.30 MOVIE: Chuck Berry.(2018, PG) 12.15am Late Programs. NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon 12.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30 The YorkshireSteam Railway: All Aboard. 2.30 Horse Racing. Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes Day and Chelmsford Stakes Day 5.30 Animal Rescue. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 2.35pm Explore. 2.40 MOVIE: Follow That Dream. (1962) 5.00

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Rob andRobyn try to sell their property in Penola. 8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Mdlm, R) Aspecialist critical careparamedic 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (l, R) to popular and topical TV shows. 10.30 Gordon RamsaysSecret Service. (PGal, R) Gordon Ramsay 11.30 FBI: Inter national. (Ma, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Hour Of Power 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Front Up 2000. Noon Alone UK. 12.55 Red Flag: MusicsFailed 2.05 Fashionista. 2.15 Wine 2.50 12 Dishes In 12 Hours. 3.25 News. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 The Frontier 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 Little Fires 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.20 Thelma 12.25pm 2.50 ARoom 4.55 Sun Children. 6.45 Paperback Hero. 8.30 10.15 Mamacruz. (2023, Spanish) 11.50 Late Programs.

Ski Rescue Down Under 4.45 Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge. 5.45 MOVIE: Show Dogs. (2018, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Journey To The CentreOf The Earth. (2008, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Tomorrow War. (2021, MA15+) 12.10am Supernatural. 2.00 Ski Rescue Down Under 3.00 Late Programs.

(PGa, R) Acontinued look Titanic

9.20 Monster: The Mystery Of Loch Ness: The Hunt For The Monster (PG, R) Peter Scott

10.20 The U.S. And The Holocaust. 12.40 Women Who Rock. (Ml, R) 2.45 Australia With Julia Bradbury.(R) 3.45 HughsWild West. (R) 4.50 Destination 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger 8.50 7NEWS Spotlight. 9.50 24 Hours In Police Custody: Frequent Flyers. (MA15+adl, R) Authorities search for acouple

Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: Buried Alive. at the

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.25pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.05 Abbott Elementary 9.50 Speechless. 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm HarrysPractice. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.00 Your Money &Your Life. 3.30 Animal Rescue. 4.00 Escape To The Country 7.00 Greatest Escapes To The Country 7.45 Mrs BrownsBoys. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The PembrokeshireMurders. 11.35 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.40pm Stable: The Boxing Game. 3.40 Black As. 3.45 Black Angels. 4.45 MOVIE: Chuck Berry.(2018, PG) 6.30 News. 6.40 Ocean Parks. 7.30 Extraordinary Animals. 8.30 MOVIE: Finke: ThereAnd Back. (2018, M) 10.15 MOVIE: The Color Purple. (1985, PG) 12.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.55 Show 10.30 Falling. (2020, Malns) 12.35pm My Salinger Year.(2020, Mls) 2.30 Show 3.05 4.50 6.35 The Secret Garden. (2020, PGa) 8.30 10.00 Likes It. (2024, Mal) 11.55 Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Rugby League. NRL 3.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 27. Parramatta 6.00 Rugby League. NRL WomensPremiership. Round 8.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Monuments Men. (2014, M) 10.50 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Ready VetGo: The VetParamedics. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 4.30 5.30 MOVIE: Encino Man. (1992, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: YesMan. (2008, M) 9.40 MOVIE: Horrible Bosses 2. (2014, MA15+) 11.50

Monday, September 8

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

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mor nings. 10.00 Teenage Boss. (R) 10.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 The Piano. (PG, R) 2.55 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow (R)

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story: Say My Name

Louisa Ioannidis Pt 2. Acontinuing look at the case of Louisa Ioannidis.

8.30 Four Cor ners. Investigative jour nalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Paul Barry

9.35 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron. 10.05 ABC Late News.

10.20 The Business. (R)

10.35 ALife In TenPictures. (Mv,R) 11.30 Grand Designs. (R) 12.20 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.05 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. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Dr AnnsSecret Lives. 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Contraption Masters. 9.25 The Crystal Maze. 10.15 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Road Open. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 YarningCulture Through Film. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 MOVIE: Sweet As. (2022, M) 10.30 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 WorldsMost Scenic River Jour neys. (PGa, R) 2.55 Garage Dreams. (PG) 3.25 Plat Du Tour (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Robson Greens Weekend Escapes.

8.35 Portillo In The Pyrenees: AQuest Of Identity (PGav,R) Michael Portillo treks along the Pyrenees mountain range.

9.30 Moulin Rouge: Yes We Can-Can! (Mn, R) 10.35 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.05 11.55 Tokyo Vice. (MA15+asv,R) 2.15 Blackport. (MA15+av,R) 3.00 The WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. (PGa, R) 3.50 WorldsMost Amazing Festivals. (PG, R) 4.25 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK WorldEnglish News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Small Business Secrets. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 TenYear Old Tom. 1.00 Front Up 2001. 3.00 Bamay 3.25 Wine Lovers Guide. 3.55 WorldWatch 5.50 The Food That BuiltThe World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Johnny Cash: Redemption Of An Idol. 10.15 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm The Glassworker.(2024, PGav,Urdu, English) 4.00 6.00 Grandpas. (2019, PGal, Spanish) 7.50 TenCanoes. (2006, Mnv,Ganalbingu, English, Gunwinggu) 9.30 Darkland. (2017, MA15+dv,Danish) 11.35 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) The competition heads to Adelaide, whereboss friends Maria and Bailey aim for the top spot.

9.05 The Rookie. (Mav) Following his stint at the LAPD, Evers retur ns connects him to the investigation.

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

11.05 S.W.A.T (Mv) The team hunts down aChilean arms dealer

12.05 Hooten &The Lady (Mav)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams work on their designer kitchens. (Ml) Ateam of footy experts tackles the AFLs big issues and controversies.

9.45 Players. (Ml) Three of the AFLs biggest stars talk about all

10.45 9News Late. 11.15 Opal Hunters: Red Dirt Road Trip. (PGal) 12.05 100% Footy (M) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)

9GEM (92,81)

Programs. 1pm AustraliasBest Drives. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Impossible Builds. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 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. 6am Morning

Programs. 10.00 Rainbow Country 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.10 MOVIE: Kind Hearts And Coronets. (1949, PG) 3.20 MOVIE: Lets Be Happy.(1957) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.

5.00

5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.40 MOVIE: Jupiter Ascending. (2015, M) 11.10 Seinfeld. 12.20am Pretty Little Liars. 1.15 Supernatural. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 TomAnd Jerry 4.00 Late

Tuesday,September 9

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

(7,6)

(9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Australian Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.05 Growing Up Jewish. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 I, Jack Wright. (Mal, R) 1.55 The Piano. (PG, R) 2.55 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

(Retur

Ml)

9.00

Oil:

(Ml, R)

11.00

(R) 11.15

ners. (R) 12.00

(PG, R) 12.15 Hawke: The Larrikin And The Leader (Final, PG, R) 1.15 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 2.05 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.55 Rome: Rise Of Empire. (PGav) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 WorldsMost Scenic River Jour neys. (PGa, R) 2.55 Garage Dreams. (PG) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Every Family Has ASecret. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great Continental Railway Jour neys: Bayeux To Argentan/ Lisieux To Giver ny (PG) 8.30 Insight. Explores how police forces arestruggling to recruit. 9.30 Dateline: Chateaux For Sale. Kumi Taguchi travels to France.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Secret World Of Snacks. (R) 11.25 Screw.(Premiere, Mals) 1.15 The WorldsMost Scenic Railway Jour neys. (PGa, R) 2.05 WorldsMost Amazing Festivals. (PGaw,R) 2.40 HughsWild West. (PG, R) 3.40 JSchwankesLife In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 SevensNational News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.35 Motorbike Cops. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away (PG) Remi is on anew venture.

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) The competition continues in Logan, Queensland.

9.00 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Masv) Birdie grows moreinvested in her scholarship recipient. Alice investigates her dogsmurder.

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

11.00 Tik Tok: Murders Gone Viral: The Killing Of Sania Khan. (Malv,R) 12.00 Fairly Legal. (Mav,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Britt strikes up a friendship with an ex-contestant.

8.40 Paramedics. (Mm) Adementia case hits home for Lisa. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFLs big issues.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 La Brea. (Mav,R)

12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 LetsEat With George. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping.

(10, 5)

6.50 Jeopardy! 7.45 8Out

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.50pm Isadora Moon. 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.35 BTN Newsbreak. 8.40 Deadly 60. 9.10 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

Cats. 8.45 Hoarders. 10.20 The Day The Rock Star Died. 10.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Finding Place. 2.00 Island Echoes. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 YarningCulture Through Film.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Bob Trevino Likes It. (2024, Mal) 11.50 Ten Canoes. (2006, Mnv,Ganalbingu, English, Gunwinggu) 1.25pm Scrapper.(2023, PGav) 2.55 The Secret Garden. (2020, PGa) 4.45 All Quiet On The Wester nFront. (1979, PGav) 7.30 Barry Lyndon. (1975, Masv) 10.55 Late Programs.

(34) 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 Impossible Builds. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30

Remembering aHeyfield icon

ONE of Heyfield'smore cherished residents,Dennis Munson, died on July 29, aged 78.

More than 400 people gathered to celebrate Dennis'life at St. James' Anglican Church, Heyfield, on August 5.

Acherished husband,devoted father of seven, pro ud gran dfat her of 21, and dot ing gre atgrandfatherof10, Denniswas more than just a family man; he was apillar of his community, atrue gentleman whose presence enriched countless lives.

Born in Ballarat on Monday, April 21, 1947, Dennis was the eldest of Bill and BettyM fivechildren.His ea saw his family relocate to Hey fiel da tt age of six, where he att end ed Hey fie ld Pri mar yS ch oo before furthering his education at Sale Tech, laying the groun dwork for his futur ei n the mechanical trade. Dennis's passion for mechanics found its earliest expression in the thrilling world of gokart racing. Wee kends were often spent with his father, Bill, indulgin hobby. Not content just racing, Dennis the help of Bill famously bui lt his own kart

atestament to his engineering skills, securing numerous wins and trophies along the way. His lovefor mechanics led him to an apprenticeshipwith ErnieHugg,athis sawmill and mechanic workshop located on Licola Rd. This experience established alifelong connection to his trade and the community. It was also during this period that he took asignificant step, marrying Teena on August 23, 1969, in St James Church. Dennis and Teenathen movedtoMalvern,where Dennis continued to apply his trade with dedication. He workedatSmalls GarageinCaulfield (a standingtoday) before moving to MacFies Transport,then rec og nis ed as the lar ges t private trucking company in the Southern Hemisphere. Around 1972, Dennis and Teena returned to Heyfie ld. Dennis effortlessly re-integrated intothe local workforce, returning to Huggsbefore lending his invaluable skills to Willato nB rothers , the Shire of Rosedale, Grah am Carstei ns, Colemans, and finally Trewins Transport. However, it was his work al ongsi de hi s

father, Bill, at their familybusiness, RW &DW Munson, that trulydefinedhis professional identity. Dennis was renowned for his unwavering reliability, aquality that made him indispensable to the logging community and anyone else in dire need of mechanical assistance. He was the man you called for roadside emergencies or breakdowns in remote locations, always ready to respond, come what may.

Beyond the demands of the business, Dennis and Bill shared adeep passion for machinery, dedicating countless hours to restoringvintage vehicles and engines. These meticulouslyrestored pieces were proudly showcased at timber festivals and machinery shows, atestament to their shared skill and dedication.

Dennis possessed an insatiable curiosity and a profound desire to learn,constantly dabbling in new fields like solar technology and computers.He found immense joy in applying his practical skills to innovative projects, such as setting up generators in remote Licola and other rurallocations,pushing the boundaries of what was possible.

Hisvastmechanical knowledge wasn't just for clients; it was acornerstone of his family life. Children and grandchildren alikeroutinely sought his expertise for their vehicles, often relying on his

quick thinking, even for late-night rescues, like pullingastrandedfour-wheel drive from ariver then driving it home wet and cold.

Even in official retirement, Dennis' hands remained drawn to the tools. His enduring passion for his craft meanthecouldn't stay away, regularly heading to Heyfield Truck NDiesel to work alongside his son Geoff, acontinuation of his remarkable mechanical legacy (making Geoff the third generation in Heyfield running amechanics business).

This dedication and expertise were deeply cherished by his wide circle of mates, who valued his wisdom,steadfast companionship, and profound understanding of all things mechanical.

Dennis Munsonlived alife characterisedby hard work, ingenuity, family devotion, and an unwavering commitment to his community.He will be remembered not only for his impressive mechanical talents but for his kind heart and the quiet strength he brought to every interaction. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, but his legacy of kindness,skill, andgenuinegentlemanly conduct will endure.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Gippy Waterupgrading Traralgon services

GIPPSLAND Water has begun critical sewer pump station upgrade works at PeterkinStreet, Traralgon.

The company's acting managing director, Nic Moss said the $550,000 upgrade is part of the organisation’s long-terminvestmentinmaintaining essential wastewater infrastructure for the growing community.

“Theseworks include replacing end-of-life pipes and components to enable the pump station to continue to perform reliably for years to come,” Mr Moss said.

“Upgrading this pump station ensures we can continue to deliver asafeand dependable wastewater servicefor Traralgon.Byreplacing ageing infrastructure now, we reduce the risk of future service interruptions.”

Peterkin St sewer pump station is the largest pump station within the Traralgon sewage

network, servicing more than 5200 households and transferring around 1.8 million litres of wastewatertothe GippslandWater Factory every day.

The upgrade followsroutineinspections, which revealed corrosion in sections of the pipework, as well as build-up of fats and solids entering the system.

“We’dlike to reassure residents that we don’t anticipate any interruptions to wastewater services as aresult of these works,” Mr Moss said. The pump station upgrade is due to be completed by the end of this month.

For more informa tion abou t Gippsland Water’s current works, visit www.gippswater.com.au/currentworks

Helping hand forRosedale Community Care

VOLUNTEERS at Rosedale CommunityCarehave received awelcome boosttostrengthentheir efforts, enhance volunteer involvement, and providegreater support to local families doing it tough through the organisation's vital foodbank program.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester delivered a$1600 grantthrough the 2024/25 Volunteer Grants Program to support Rosedale Community Care in attracting and engaging more volunteersand strengthening its capacity to help local families in need.

"Rosedale Community Care is alocal charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need,providing food to anyone seeking assistance and connecting people with additional services and support networks," he said.

"Through its volunteers and communitypartnerships, Rosedale Community Care plays avital role in helping vulnerable members of the community access the help they need

"Regionalcommunities,including towns like Rosedale, rely on the hard work and generosity of volunteers, but often they find it hard to get the support they need.

"This funding will helpRosedaleCommunity Care continue theincredible work of its volunteers, encouragemore peopletoget involved, and strengthen the organisation's abilitytosupport local families who are doing it tough."

Rosedale Community Care is one of 21 not-forprofit community organisations across Gippsland to share in more than $63,000aspart of the federal government's 2024/25Volunteer Grants Program.

Mr Chester said the program serves as asmall recognitionofthe dedicationand effortput in by the local volunteers who give their time and energy to help build stronger, more cohesive communities.

"Volunteersare the backbone of our regional communities, and organisations like Rosedale Community Care simply couldn't operate without their passion and commitment," Mr Chester said.

"These grants help make it alittle easier for local groups to continue the important work they do every day."

Hamilton-Kincaid alongside volunteersSteve Edwards and Glenda Johnson.

Photograph supplied

Vale: Thelate Dennis Munson gavegreat ser vice to the Heyfield district. Photograph supplied

Healthy living at Lowanna

By KATRINABRANDON

LOWANNA Collegeisthe first secondary college in Victoria to complete all health priority areas as part of The Achievement Program.

The Achievement Program is about helping schoolsworktogetheronhealthy eating, addressing vaping, physical activity and mental health in schools and to help create better attitudestowards health and wellbeing.

CollegeWellbeingLeader, PaulFry has been leading the project with the support of Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) Health Promotion Officer, Emily Koppen.

The school's canteen manager, Jodie Mace and her team have worked hard alongside Mr Fry, with anumberofchanges made to the canteen menu to achieve the healthy eating sticker.

“I had previously completed this program at a primary school Iworked at and found the program to be extremely beneficial,” Mr Fry said.

“(It has benefited) in creatingchangeand improving the health and wellbeing of schools. Withthis in mind, Ireachedout to the health promotion team at LCHS and registered to commence The Achievement Program.

“We have seen better atti tudes toward s health, wellbeing and healthy eating. Students have become more engaged in thechanges and promoting these and the idea of positive wellbeing across the school.”

Recently, Lowanna completed its final priority in the program.

The final priority area the college completed centred around healthy eating and oral health. Lowanna’s recent shift(late2023) in managing the college canteen and café has had ahuge influence on successfully completing the health priority, offering healthier food for students and

staffand removing deep fryers(replacing them with air fryers) and unhealthy food items from the menu. The college has also made changes to what is available in the staff vending machine to ensure there is healthier snack items available.

“Our revamp of the canteen andprovision of healthy food options was initially received with uncertainty," Mr Fry said.

“However, thisquickly changed to extremely positive feedback -more variety and abetter understanding of the need for healthy foods. Students have wanted to become more engaged in wellbeingactivities/events and feel more confident to talk about issues around wellbeing.

“The idea of being the first sole high school in Victoria to complete the program means we are leading the way to set benchmarks and high standards. Our hope is that this will encourage other schools to follow.

“This is awonderfulopportunity to assess where your school is in providing evidence-based educationand information about health priority areasthat schools work withineveryday. It is an opportunitytoengage families and provide educationtothem,whilst forming strongrelational links between families and schools aroundthe best interests and wellbeing of the students.”

Mr Fry hopesthe schoolwill continue to provide healthy food choices for students.

The college is excited to formally celebrate and recognise its success in The Achievement Program on RUOK? Day next Thursday.

For more information on The Achievement Program, go to: https://www.achievementprogram. health.vic.gov.au/education/schools

YEAR 7StPaul’s Anglican GrammarSchool student, RuminduRohanachandra, hasproven that initiative can leadtooutstandingachievement, earning aHigh Distinction in the Australian Science Innovations, Junior Science Olympiad. The Olympiadisastagedscience enrichment program designed for highly motivated secondarystudents fromYears 7to10, making Rumindu’ssuccess at such ayoungage even more impressive. What makes the story truly special is how it

began -itwas Rumindu’s own wish to take part. Spotting the opportunity, he approached his science teacher, Jennifer Witney to ask if he could be registered.

Ms Witney arranged for Rumindu to complete the competition at school and described his approach to learning as commendable.

“Rumindu’s enthusiasm and determination were evident from the start, and his result is a well-deserved reflection of his efforts,” she said.

Brainiac: St Paul’s youngscientist,Rumindu Rohanachandraearneda High Distinctionin the AustralianScience Innovations,Junior Science Olympiad. Photograph supplied

Sacred’sthinking caps on for STEM

AT Sacred Heart Primary School, Morwell students had the pleasure of Helenefrom the Education Group visit and run an incursion within the STEM class across the school's junior and senior classes. Students were involved in ascientific investigation where avirtual crime had been committed and each class had to work together in individual groups to piece together the evidence.

Tasks such as tapingoff the area in ordertoprotect the evidence,identifying clues and evidence,collecting, interpreting and analysis, observing, exploring and asking questionswerethe many skills practised in the scientific investigation. The students even got to analyse fingerprints, impressions, hair and fibre to solve the mystery.

Lavalla teacher returns from CERN

By AIDAN KNIGHT

ALAVALLA Catholic Collegeteacher has returned from an inspiring trip to the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, bringing back his newfound knowledge and experiencetobetter informhis students.

Mark Judd of Trafalgarwas one of only two Australian secondary school physicseducators chosen to attend the 2025 edition of the prestigious International High SchoolTeachers' Program, bringing together46physics teachers from36 countries to theCERN(EuropeanOrganization of Nuclear Resarch)Large Hadron Colliderin Switzerland.

The programwent for afortnight, and saw participating teachers take part in daily lectures from CERN leaders and global professors, as well as site visits around the huge underground facility housing the particle accelerator, nestled within the Alps of the Swiss-French border.

"We coveredtopics like the accelerators, magnetics, particle detectors,machinelearning, data storage, the Higgsboson, andantimatter," Mr Judd said The visitingscholars also underwent training fromCanada's Perimeter Institute, atheoretical research centre based in Ontario, which has producedamultitude of Frontiers of Science award recipients each year,and is one of the leading institutions doing research into quantum matter and gravity, among many other cosmic subjects.

Mr Judd’s attendance was fully sponsored by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), which he hopestopublicly thank for making the experience possible.

"Itwas inspiring to see the scale and scope of the research being done at CERN and to learn about the incredible range of career options available there,” he said.

The Large Hadron Collider is the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, famous for the 2012 discovery of the Higgs boson-afundamental particle that helpsexplainhow other particles acquire mass.

Mr Judd said he is looking forward to bringing his experiencebackinto the classroom to inspire local students to consider careers in cutting-edge science.

"The experience CERN providedmewith was once in alifteime," he told the Express

Mr Judd had applied three times for the CERN program previously before being accepted, which added to his excitement to be accepted in the Eurovison of Physics.

"It's easy to get people from the central European nations, but said in Australia you could get several hundred applicants and they're normally looking for one guy or one girl to come across, so Ifelt really privileged.

“One of the best parts was working directly with CERN’s education group,” Mr Judd said.

“I’ve already purchased acloud chamber, which lets students see radiation in the atmosphere, and I’ve introduced new activities like mystery boxes withhiddenobjects that model how scientists probe the unknown. It’s about making physics real, not just theory on apage.”

Mr Judd said the activities have already translated well withstudents,sparking curiosity through practical problem-solving.

“It’s the cosmic, out-there stuff that gets students excited, but it’s these hands-on activities that help them understand how science actually works.”

Mr Judd said the activities have already translated well withstudents,sparking curiosity through practical problem-solving.

“It’s the cosmic, out-there stuff that gets students excited, but it’s these hands-on activities that help them understand how science actually works.”

For him, the biggest takeaway was the sense of international collaboration.

“CERN was founded to bringscientists back to Europeafter World WarII, to work together for peace. That spirit is still there today -and it’s something Iwant to pass on to my students here in the Valley.”

Collab: Helene,Elijah,Alya and Shaniqua. Photographs supplied

Examine: Shaniqua with an eye fordetail.

Sacred Heart PrimarySchool, Morwell studentElijah investigating.

Clue: Eli piecing together thepuzzle

Solved: Courtney unlocks the code

Participants: MarkJudd wasamong 45 internationalphysics teacherstaking partatCERN. Photographs supplied

Accred: Trafalgar’s Mark Judd (centre) with his CERNS certificationalongside facilitatorsMilena Vujanovic and Jeff Wiener

Allthe fun,colour andimagination of Book Week

MORWELL Central PrimarySchool's theme for Children’s BookWeek this year was ‘Book an Adventure!’ Staff and students had agreat time dressing up as their favourite book character and taking part in aparade in the school’s gym.

The students also rotated around various rooms, listening to Children’s Book Council of Australia short-listed books and completing arelevant activity for each.These included makinganelephant, a3D beetle and aspider web, doing some weaving, and creating anature collage.

MONDAY1SEPTEMBER

Noah Harle turns 10

Tali Hawkins turns 8

TUESDAY 2SEPTEMBER

Oden Serong-Surman turns 10

WEDNESDAY 3SEPTEMBER

Lachlan Carnie turns 12

Jaxon Wyntjes-Maynard turns 12

Rose Ormrod turns 7

THURSDAY 4SEPTEMBER

Sophia Slayford turns 9

Hudson Stray turns 10

Rosie Caldwell turns 8

FRIDAY 5SEPTEMBER

Felicity McEwan turns 8

Gugan Palanikumar turns 7

SATURDAY6SEPTEMBER

Elijah Gillow turns 12

Ellie Chalmers turns 6

each receive Inflatable World experiences valued at $19 SPONSORED BY Stadium 34, 34

Dr Seuss inspired: Aisha enjoyeddressing up as the Lorax

Book Week: Grade 5/6 staffchose thetheme from The WizardofOz: Pictured is Ally, Jeneen,Brad, Sam, Sharmaine,Amanda (front) Franca, Alex, Brandy,Emily, Edie,Maddi andAlannah. Photographs supplied

Sparkle: Morwell CentralPrimar ySchool student, Candice in her Elsa costume

Search: Wesley as Wallyfrom‘Where’s Wally?’

Red: Oakleydressed up as the ‘Queen of Hear ts’.

Creative: Djungalahasthe Catinthe Hat. Photographs supplied

Business Guide

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READING CHAMPIONS

AT Hazelwood North Primary School, staff and students have been having agreat Term 3.

The school began the term by celebrating 100 days of school for the Foundation students.

The whole school was full of ‘old people’ as well as some other very creative ideas like celebrating 100 years of Disney and Western Bulldogs. In junior grades,literacy and numeracy lessons were all about the number 100. In the afternoon, everyone joined in with some whole schoolactivities led by the senior grades including making awhole school poster, ‘100 reasons why we love school!'

Students and teachers enjoyed celebrating and surprising principal Mrs Connolly on principal’s day. She received many handmade cards and gifts of appreciation from students and staff in and around her office to acknowledge the hard work and love that she has for the whole school.

Jett,Mason, Carter, Ashton,Noah,Lachlan, Oliver and Dylan represented the schoolat the District Basketball Competition. The team worked extremely hard before the game, trainingthrough many lunch times in preparation. They won two out of three games, workingso well together, showing great teamwork and sportsmanship. The school thanks Daniel Becket for coming to help coach the team on the day. Congratulations to the team on theirefforts and great work.

As part of learning, students are encouraged to read at home. It has been great to see so many students becoming reading champions and receiving their responsibility postcards for achieving their reading nights.

As part of the learning for Bullying No Way, students dressed in bold colours and patterns. Allstudentsattended an online session by Kids Helpline on bullying and what they can do to recognise and stop it.

From August 18 to August 22, the whole school was excited to dress up for their favourite time of the year -Book Week.

The variety of costumes and the effort put in was truly amazing.

Mrs Morgan and her team worked tirelessly with senior students in the weeks leading up to plan, preparing and leading learning activities connected to books written by Claire Saxby that were enjoyed by the whole schoolduring multi-age rotations. It was afabulous day that the whole school community enjoyed.

The students were also very excited to have a visit from the school mascot. Stay tuned for the results of the competition to name the koala.

Dress up: Hazelwood North PrimarySchoolstudents,Montana andElla in theirBookWeek costumes Photographs supplied

Rep: Hazelwood North PrimarySchool’sdistrict basketball team

Present: Hazelwood North PrimarySchool students,Carterand Ebonyreading to their group

Centenarians: Foundation students celebrating 100daysofschool

Characters: Students dressed forBook Week.

DIGITAL EDITIONS

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Advertisements with websites or email displayed allowredirection to that advertiser’swebsite simplyby hovering your mouse pointer over the address and clicking

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CLEARING SALE

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MORWELL 8Stanton St, Sat, 7:30am. Weather permitting. Monster sale, something for everyone. Jewellery, toys, tools, some furniture. Many more items. All takings go towards Motorcycle Toy Run.

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Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

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ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Sheds, driveways, footpaths, crossovers etc. Phone Justin 0409479737

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. Forfurther advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

General home repairs, 30yrs experience, old fashioned service. Call Ray on 0480 125 968. 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! 5135 4455

• George Bates Reserve CAC: held at George Bates Reser ve social club rooms, Yallourn North on Wednesday 29 October 2025 commencingat5:30 pm.

• Baillie ReserveCAC: held at Baillie

DELIVERERS WTD

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment

Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

Hill & Mildura 7fabulous days 6th to 12th October 2025

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Help support our local Tradies while they service, build and repair in our local communities - check out our Business Guide Pages and Home Maintenance Section in the Classifieds every Wednesday, for your local Tradies

COFEE VAN

MITSUBISHI 2003

Leigh, Matt and Adam, Jade and Mitch, and Blair.

Great-grandma of Harrison, Riley, Amali and Milla, Jay and Isla, Connor and Harper, Lenny and Ella, Violette, Vienna, Spencer and Charlie, Seth and Tayla, Ivy-Rose, Alice, Jimmy and Lainey. Loved sister of Jack (dec.), Mary (dec.), Frank (dec), Jim (dec.), Peter, Anne and Pat (dec.).

Dearest Grandma, when I visited two weeks ago you were so happy, sharing memories of my childhood and the special times we spent together -Itwas so lovely, Iloved how proud you were of looking so young at 95. Forever loved and remembered. Love your granddaughter Lisa and Bloomy, and great-grandchildren Jay and Isla. xoxo. Passed away peacefully, aged 95.

Loved grandma of Tanya and Jeff.

Great grandma of Harrison, Riley, Amali and Milla. Fond childhood memories and treasured times at Port Albert will always remain.

Glad you gave lawn bowls ago(you missed out on the singing group though!).

Reunited with Grandpa. Forever in our hearts. Loved great grandma of Harrison, Riley, Amali and Milla. We'll miss receiving our special birthday cards in the post every year. Deep in our heartsyou'll stay.

In loving memory, our thoughts and prayers are with you always. Aloving mum to Greg and Paula.

Adver tise your car, caravan, boat or motorcycle to reach MORE people. More than 9 out of 10 people read The Express

Grandma and great grandma to Jade, Mitch, Amba, Ivy-Rose, Alice, Jimmy and Lainey. No words can express what we have lost. Adored mother of Kevin and Merriann, grandma to Blair and Daniel, great grandma to Seth, Tayla and baby Scully. Reunited with Dad.

CUNNINGHAM Lawrence (Allan) 'Curly' Passed away on 24th August 2025, aged 83 years. Loving husband of Beverley (dec.). Father of Leah and Andrew and Step-Father of Andrew and Joanne (dec.). Grandfather of Reece, Stephanie, Dylan, Rory, Amber and Dana. Great grandfather of 6. Forever in our hearts and dearly missed.

CUNNINGHAM Lawrence (Allan) LV Prostate Cancer Support Group is saddened by the passing of their Leader Allan who had astrong persistent voice in LV and Gippsland and was dedicated to Supporting men fighting prostate cancer, creating awareness about prostate cancer and raising funds for research into the cancer. RIP Allan.

DALTON Alan Past members of Apex club of Morwell were saddened to learn of Alan's passing. Deepest sympathy to Ruth and family. Morwell Oasis.

DAVIS (Grima)

Theresa Francis

Passed away peacefully

surrounded by her loving family at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon, on 24 August 2025. Aged 76 years

Dearly loved wife of Ray for 60 wonderful years.

Cherished Mum and mother-in-law of Raquel and David, Melinda and Kenneth, Troy and Nadine.

Precious Nanny/Nan of Bai ley and Hayle e Braydan and Koby; Kayla, Chelsea and Harper. Reunited with her Mum and Dad Simply The Best.

DAVIS Theresa

Much loved, treasured sister of Fred, sister-in-law of Lois. Aunty to Sharon and Martin, Darren and Lee, Kerrie, Noel and Jo and families. You were the most kind, caring, beautiful lady. We are so blessed to have so many precious memorie s. Our love, hearts and prayers go out to Ray and family.

DAVIS Tess Much Loved Aunty and cherished member of our family. Our deepest sympathy to Ray, Rachel, Melinda, Troy and families Forever in our hearts. Mark, Bek, Quinn, Dylan, Archie and Ayla.

DESIRA Carmen

Our

aunt.

From Sam Baldacchino, Jane and Steve Phillips.

FARLEY Colin Roger

27/2/1953 -27/8/2025

Passed away suddenly aged 72 years. Loved husband of Loretta. Loved father of Danny, Lisa and Mick. Father-in-law of Lisa, Patto and Amber. Love db rot he ra nd brother-in-law to Maureen (dec.) and Steven, Kevin and Heather, and Bev and Max. Proud Grandfather of Jackson, Taylor, Ryder, Zara, Ava, Nash, Cruz, Cooper, Caleb and Bailey. Forever In Our Hearts.

FLEMING Ian

14/5/1946 -31/8/2025

Passed away suddenly and peacefully at home on 31 August 2025.

Loving friend, partner and husband to Jenny for 59 years. Wonderful father to Andy and Bec, and Jules.

Adoring and adored Grandad of Josh and Charlotte.

Awonderful, gifted teacher who made arealdifference to the many students he taught in his 36 consecutive years at THS/TSC.

Enthusiastic volunteer and expert rough-cutter at Traralgon Golf Club for the last 20 years.

Loved and respected by all who knew him. How lucky we were to have him in our lives. Our hearts are broken. Your guidance, smile, company, quick wit and wonderful sense of humour will be forever missed.

GARMENDIA Amaya

30/9/1979 -27/8/2025

Passed away aged 45 after abrief illness. Beloved Mother to Zach and Chad. Bel ove dd au ghter of Lorenzo (dec.) and Heather. Sister to Alana and Brandon (dec.) Aunty to Rebekah, Sarah, Ethan and Mikayla.

GRIFFIN Brian Mervyn 15/7/1949 -30/8/2025

Bel oved husb and of Margaret. Loving father of Kylie, Lisa and Nicole. Father-in-law of Jason, Vin and Rob. Cherished Pa to Alexander; Shae; Caitlin, Hayley, Sarah and Tamikah. Will be sadly missed.

AMemorial Service will be held at alater date. Please go to www.handleyandanderson funerals.com.au for details.

HARKOM Dennis James Passed away peacefully on 26th August, 2025, aged 78 years. Cherished father of Tanya, Lisa and Jessica. Adored Poppy of Asha, Zane and Joseph. Ex-husband and friend of Maria. In our hearts he will always stay, lovedand remembered every day. Rest in peace.

JEFFRIES Daryl Eric

10/7/1942 -26/8/2025 Aged 83 years

Loving husband to Trish. Father to Shaun, Troy and Dale.

Father-in-law to Cheryl, Suzi and Amy.

Brother to Barry and wife Julie, and children Nic and Heidi and families.

Adored Grandpa Alana, Regan,Cooper, Indi, Ruby, Blair, Rachael, Lydia, Amelie, Dane and their families.

Adored Great-Grandpa of Addison, Levi, Lucas, Braxton and Emersyn.

Darling, you were my best friend, my lover and my rock. Someone Icould talk to about anything at any time.

Rest in peace darling Ilove you so much.

JEFFRIES Daryl (Dash)

19/7/42 -26/8/2025

We'll treasure talks and Sunset Skies. The holidays and laughs gone by, your Subtle smile, your caring role.

Aforever friend, abeautiful soul.

Much love Diane, Daryl and families.

JEFFRIES Daryl The Board of the NGFNL is deeply saddened by the passing of their past President and Life Member, Daryl Jeffries.

LAZARIS Gerasimos "Gerry" Passed away peacefully at LRH, Tuesday 26 August 2025. Aged 97 years Loving husband of Tasia for 65 years. Adored father and fatherin-law of Stan and Sonia and Lisa and Paul. The best Papou of Natasha, Gor gia, Mad eli ne and Jereme. Agentle man, now in God'scare.

LAZARIS Gerry To our beautiful Dad, Gerry and Papou, Thank you for all of your guidance, love, and care throughout all of your 97 years. We will always remember your wise words, gentle nature, our chats over coffee, and dedication to everyone you knew. You will alwaysbein our hearts.

Love Lisa, Paul, Natasha and Madeline. Go Pies!

Dad was adevoted Father, aguiding hand, and acherished friend. His love, wisdom and kindness will remain with us always. Your love for a barbeque and passion for your veggie garden will continue through me. Loved always and never forgotten.

Stan ,S onia, Gor gia, Jereme and Emily To my darling Husband Gerry, Thank you for the wonderful 65 years together full of loving memories. You will always remain in my heart until we meet again. Rest in Peace. Your loving wife, Tasia "Go Pies"

LAZARIS Gerry. Gerry, what awonderful man you were. Kind, caring, helpful, always up for achat. You were the epitome of a 'Gentleman' and the world was abetter place with you in it. You gave us friendship, guid ance and lo ve wanting nothing in return. You were awonderful man and we thank you for having us in your life.

Love always, Loula, John and Kathy, Katy and Andrew, Olsa and Vangeli and families.

WALKER Adrian Hurst Passed away peacefully at Maryvale Private Hospital on the 28th of August 2025 aged 89 years. Dearly loved husband of Anne (dec.). Much loved father and father-in-law of Sandra and Misj a, Jillian, Graeme, Peter (dec.), Jocelyn and Neil. Loved Grandad of 7and Great-Grandad of 4.

WALKER Adrian The Chairman, Board, Mana geme nt and members of the CFA, are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed colleague, and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

WHELAN Shane Michael (Squirt)

8/8/71-27/8/25 Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Tannum Sands QLD.

Loving husband of Bec, father and father-in-law to Mitch and Tully and Bridie, Pa to Beau. Dearly loved son of Kath and Peter (Sk eet er). Loved Brother and brother-in-law of Darren and Leonie and Jackie, Uncle and Great Uncle to their families. So dearly loved, so sadly missed.

ZITKEVICIUS Rim

25/8/1940 -29/8/2025

Will be missed by Helen, his children Emily and Sam, their partners Sarah and David, and his much loved grand daughters Matilda and Delilah. Privately Cremated.

BROWN AFuneral Mass to celebrate the life of Mark Brown will take place at St Michael's Catholic Church, Kay St, Traralgon on Wednesday 3rd of September 2025 commencing at 2pm Following Mass, the cortege will proc eed to the Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon.

CUMMINS

Aprayerservice for Mrs Eileen Cummins will be held at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church Street Traralgon TUESDAY (9 September 2025) at 12 midday. At the conclusion of the service the funeral will leave for burial at the Traralgon Cemetery. This service will be livestreamed. Please visit our web site for details: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

CUNNINGHAM

The funeral service for Mr Allan 'Curl' Cunningham will be held at the Peter Murray Funerals Chapel, 30 Victoria St, Bairnsdale on Tuesday 9September 2025 at 11:00am. Please see our website for live stream details.

PETER MURRAY FUNERALS

30 Victoria Street, BAIRNSDALE VIC 3875 Phone (03) 5152 4596

DAVIS (Grima)

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Theresa (Tess) Davis will be celebrated at St Kieran's Catholic Church, Lloyd St, Moe on FRIDAY (5 September )at11.30am.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Theresa's Mass visit: www.nielsenfunerals.com.au

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Moe Cemetery.

FARLEY

For Funeral arrangements for Mr Colin Farley, please check our website or phone 5143 1232.

FLEMING

Agathering to celebrate the life of Mr Ian Fleming will be held at the Trara lgo nG olf Clu b, Princes Hwy Traralgon NEXT FRIDAY (12 Sept 2025) commencing at 1pm

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HEYES John Anthony (Tony)

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mr. John Anthony (Tony) Heyes will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe WEDNESDAY (3 September 2025) at 2pm. No flowers by request, online donations to the Heart Foundation would be appreciated. See website. Tony's service will also be livestreamed. To view the live stream please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

MOE 5126 1111

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

JEFFRIES

The Funeral Service for Mr Daryl Eric Jeffries will be held at the Sale Baptist Church, Princes Highway, Sale at 1.30pm on Friday September 5, 2025, followed by burial at the Rosedale Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Litt le Jem Foundation. Please see our website for livestream link.

LAZARIS

The Funeral Service of Mr Gerry Lazaris will be held at the Greek Orthodox Church, Elgin St, Morwell, FRIDAY (5 September 2025) commencing at 11am.

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon. No flowers by request. Donations to Latrobe Regio nal Health are appreciated. Donate online visit: myca use. com. au an d search for Latrobe Regional Health

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

WALKER

The funeral service for Mr Adrian Walker will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Road Traralgon, Friday 5th of September 2025, commencing at 10am. This service will also be livestreamed, please go to John Galbraith Funerals Fac ebo ok pag eo r Gippsland Memorial Park website and click on link provided.

PRIEST Elaine Charlotte (Late of Traralgon and formerly of Swan Hill), passed away 11 July 2025. Di and Barry Whitehead and the extended family would like to thank family and friends for the flowers, cards, messages, support and acknowledgement of what Elaine's life meant to us all. We would especially like to acknowledge the outstanding care given to Elaine by the LRH Palliative Care team and Breed Street Medical Clinic. Special thanks to the Rev Heather den Houting from the Traralgon and District Uniting Church for conducting the Memorial Service with such compassion. Thank you also to Dalkeith Heights Independent Living management, staff and residents. The support and kindness shown has really helped us through our loss -thank you.

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelings into words All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much

Forfriendly advice on howtoplace amessage contact

TheClassified Department 5135

HONOUR YOUR LOVED ONES and SHARE THEIR STORY

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardtoput your thoughts and feelingsinto words

Place your personal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress and share your memories

To place your message today contact

deepest condolences to Mary, Tony, Charlie and Ann-Marie for the loss of your sister Carmen and

GARMENDIA Amaya

Glad we had some time together, not just for a short time, but forever. Ray Murray.

Cup finals this Sunday at Sale

SOCCER

LVSL BY JOHN CARDONA

THIS Sunday at Sale Untied Soccer Club will see the Latrobe Valley Soccer League crownits cup champions for season 2025.

The Battl eo fB ritain Cup fi na lb etwe en Olympians and Monash headlines action.

Olympians will be desperate to take out the cup final after virtually throwing away the 2025 league champions title.

Theyare up against aJekyll&Hydeside in Monash, who can on their day, upset any side in the league.

Olympians will have to be at their best if the

good Monash side turn up on the day to end the LVSL 2025 season.

 THE reserves Shopwell Trophy is between leaguechampion, Sale Unitedand third-placed, Monash.

Sale United cruised into the cup finalwith a6-nil thrashing of East Gippsland, while it took Monash apenalty shootout to get over aweakened Moe United side. Monash has had atop season this year, but a big improvement is needed from their semi-final performance if they want to win the final.

 OLYMPIANS will start hot favourites in the thirds Nan Bosma Cup, with the likes of Henri Scott, Mauro Deluca and Alex van Vliet, the league champions will be hard to beat.

Tyers however has the classy ShaynePavich,

Consolation: Olympians will hope to redeem adisappointingend to its league season, by winning the Battle of BritainCup.(Nathan Leak pictured) File photograph

along with Drew Sedgewickand Donald Sykes to help.

 IN the woman’s Nan Bosma Cup final, it’s the undisputed hot favourites in Sale United who should take out the league/cup double against Tyers United.

Key to Sale United is Sally Hoffman and Maddi Breakspeare,while Tyersare ateam of hard workers who never give up at any stage.

LVSL CUP FINALS

Women's, 10am: Sale United vTyers Thirddivision, 10am: TraralgonOlympians v Tyers Reserves, 12.30pm: Sale United vMonash Senior,3pm: Traralgon Olympians vMonash

Reserves goes to penalty shootout

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

MO EUNITED reserves put up abrave effort in the semi-final of the Shopwell trophy, going down 5-4 on penalties to Monash after scores were level at fulltime and after extra time.

The Red Devils fielded asidemissingkey players in Tim Stephens, Tom Portelli, Max Lietzau, Jay Hall and keeper Joel Thomson, with players from the club’s third division side needing to make up the numbers.

Early in the match, Moe United took ashock 1-nil lead whae apassfrom Jake Heusmann found the evergreen Lee Dastey, who scored with aclinical finish.

Monash slowly got back into the match, but United should have been 2-nil up when Dastey this time was the provider whenhewent to the back post and headed the ball back to the goal centre, where Jake Heusmann mistimed his header from close range over the crossbar.

After 30 minutes, aMoe United corner clearance fell 20 metres out from goal, where Noah Bennett won aloose ball to score the Monash equaliser.

The second half saw the game open right up, with both sides creating scoring chances with aMonash shot hitting the post and rebounding back across goal and to safety.

At the other end it saw the same result when a shot by Heusmann beat the keeper,but this time it was Monash's turn to breathe asigh of relief when the ball hit the post and clear of the goal.

Play went into extra time, and with tiring bodies and legs both sides weremaking simple errors when in possession.

Lateinthe second half of extra time, Moe United won apenalty spot kick after aMonash player handled the ball.

Moe United’s top scorer stepped up to seal an upset win, but Harley Robinson sprayed his spot kick high over the crossbar.

The match went into apenalty shootout where Monash went on to advance to the Shopwell Cup final 5-4.

Best for Monash was Bennett, Broden Grover, Marc McHallam and Harry Shelley.

Best for Moe United was Seth Grixti, Heusmann, Ben Schembri and Chris Papanikolaou.

In the other semi-final match at Churchill, Sale

Tyers into women’ssoccer final

BY JOHN CARDONA

THEseniorwoman’s Browne-Huizer semi-final matchbetween Tyers United and Monash saw Tyers advance to the cup final with a2-nil win. In the other semi-final match, it was athoroughly entertaining game betweenleague champion, Sale United and the biggest improvers of 2025 in Moe United.

The Swans overcame adetermined Moe United 1-nil in amatch whichcouldhave gone either way.

Sale united was gifted agoal after only three minutes play when Moe

United keeper Renee Vidler failed to hold onto a long range free kick,with theball fallingtoSoretti Anderson who easily converted the loose ball to give Sale United a1-nil lead.

Afterthe early lead, both sides wereplaying possession football. Moe United’s best chance came from across from the right which striker Rebecca van der Koogh missed connecting narrowly by inches to level the scores.

At halftime,Moe United was forced to replace keeper Vidler in goals due to an angle injury.

Bridget Green came in as the substitute.

The secondhalf, despite no goals, saw Moe United play the more predominately attacking football, and came close to equalising when van der Koogh made abrilliant run up the right wing which saw

RedDevils presentation

SOCCER LVSL

BY JOHN CARDONA

MOE United Soccer Club will hold its presentation night Saturday,September 20 at Moe Racing Club.

Tickets are $70 per adult, which gets you atwo course meal.

Dress code is formal and money due by Tuesday, September 9.

Function starts at 6pm, with happy hour between 6pm and 7pm.

All Moe United players and supporters are encouraged to come along and celebrate the2025 league season alongwith the 2025 LatrobeValley Soccer League senior league championship side.

The night will also celebrate the short time career of club champion and top striker and all round good guy in Connor O'hanlon and his family, whoare headed backover to England in November.

League champs too strong

LVSL

THE battle of the bobbling back pitch was a fierce encounter between Churchill United and Olympians. Third Divisio nl eague champi on, Olympians came up trumps with a2-nil win in the Nan Bosma semi-final on Hazelwood SouthPitch 2. It was afiery match all across the park, with big tackles flyinginand the game being played between the 18 yard boxes. Chances went begging at both ends before Olympians took the lead just before halftime with agoal from Henri Scott.

In the second half it brought much of the same with the Rams turning up the heat looking for an equaliser.

her cross met by Georgia Wyntjes, who’s shot went narrowly wide of goal.

Moe United continued to apply pressure, and a shotfromHannah Mayer from 25 yards out got inches wide of the upright.

With time running out, Tylah Armistead made arun into the18yard box, where she look to be fowled but play was waved out to the crowds disappointment. In alastditch attack from acorner kick, Moe United pushed everyone into the box, but Sale United held out the cross to go on for a1-nil win into this week’s cup final.

Best for Sale United was Maddi Breakspear, Kaitlyn Taylor, TeaganFairbrother and Anderson. Best for Moe United was MileyCooper, Haley

But with time ticking down,Olympians burst down the wing and Scott doubled the advantage to give Olympians acomfortable 2-nil lead and advance to acup final against Tyers United this Sunday.

Bestfor Churchillwas Jack Breheney, Craig Johnson and Matt Prokopiwski.

Best for Olympians was Alex van Vliet, Scott, Philip Dibiase.

In the other semi-final, Tyers eventually advanced their way to acup final by overcoming Falcons 6-4 in extra time.

Scores were level 4-all at the end of regulation time.

Falcons raced to a4-2 lead, before Tyers got two late goals to level the agenda at Burrage.

Cinderella story: JesseDavis and hisMonash teammateswill be outto win the club’sfirst Battle of Britain Cup since 1983 in the Latrobe Valley Soccer League this Sunday. Photograph: Liam Durkin

SOCCER

BY JOHN CARDONA

Celebratingour onlyCup winner

HORSERACING

By ERIKA ALLEN

THE homecoming of the Patrobas monument, after alengthy restoration, will be marked by an event celebrating the MelbourneCup winner'slocal history in November.

In April this year, following months of restoration, the statue of the 1915 Melbourne Cup-winning colt returned to Prince Street Reserve, Rosedale. An eventwelcoming Gippsland'sonly Cup winner back will coincide with arelaunch of the book, Rosedale's Patrobas: the Remarkable Story of the 1915 Melbourne Cup.

The 'welcome back event' and book launch will be held at the Prince Street Reserve on Saturday, November 1, from 11am. The Rosedale Historical Society, Rosedale Neighbourhood House, Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Shire Council are supporting the event.

At the Old Rosedale School, ademonstration of the original 1915 Melbourne Cup race and cup presentation will take place, along with an exhibition of Patrobas artifacts. Unfortunately, the 1915 Melbourne Cup, wonbyPatrobas,will not be at the event but is on loan fromthe Widdis family and is on permanent display at the Port of Sale. The community of Rosedalehas astrong attachment to the statue,which has become apopular landmarkinthe town. Following the refurbishment, the statue was expected back in placefor last year's MelbourneCup celebrations. However, it was delayed and didn't return until earlier this year.

Wellington Shire Council sent Patrobasawayin August last year for restoration. It was transported to aspecialist workshop for some thorough TLC, which included metal repairs, anew protective

coatingand afresh lickofpaint.The statue, constructedfromplate steel, was unveiled by then state memberfor Eastern Victoria PeterHall in

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

ParSaturday23rdAugust 2025

AGrade Winner: B. Downie -1

BGrade Winner: S. Sanders-2

CGrade Winner: C. Stevens +3

D.T.L: 1. M. Lugton +2, 2. C. Waring -1, 3. Ash West -1, 4. G. Barnes -1, 5. T. O’Sullivan -2, 6. R. Zomer -2, 7. P. Flanigan -2

N.T.P: 3rdT.Collins (Propin), 5th C. Waring, 14th M. Soppe Target Hole –R.Dent

StablefordTuesday26th August 2025

Winner: C. Barnes 37 pts

D.T.L: C. Stevens 31 pts

N.T.P: 3rdC.Barnes,5th M. Dear,12th C. Barnes,14th M. Dear

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday26th August, Stableford

AGrade: NWhichello (14) 38pts

BGrade: DTaylor(22) 40pts c/b

DTL: TomTraill 40, SBeitz, NRutledge 38, PCmmaudo 36, NTP: 4th TBradshaw, 6th DSymons,13th CJames,16th TWhitelaw, Birdies: 4th PLee,6th TomTraill, D Symons, Saturday30th August, Stableford

AGrade: CBourne (13) 33pts

BGrade: NBaker (23) 39pts

DTL: DJerram 35, JSmeriglio 34, T Bradshaw, SMcInnes 32 c/b

NTP: 4th NWhichello,6th TWhitelaw, 13th BCunningham, 16th SMills, Birdies: 6th TWhitelaw, 16th SMills Eagles: GShandley10th hole

MOE

Sunday, 24 August 2025 OPEN Sunday Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Borg,Reno (6) 34

Grade BWinners: Radovich, David (17) 33

Grade CWinners: Hamilton, Ian (28) 34

Place Getters: Winter,Leigh 33 C/B Rothwell,Craig 33 C/B Babet, Alain 33 C/B Wallis,Elizabeth 33 C/B Mead, Anne 33

Wednesday, 27 August 2025 WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winners: Griggs,Andrea (35) 17

Wednesday, 27 August 2025 WOMEN'S STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners:Taylor,Amy (12) 35

Grade BWinners: Stewart, Leahann (26)

Place Getters: Keily, Bev32C/B MacGregor,Karen 32

Nearest to Pin: 4th KarenMacGregor

Target Hole Prize -Amy Taylor

Thursday, 28 August 2025 OPEN Mixed

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Yeomans,Wayne (10) 34

—The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 3September, 2025

November 2007, with the support of the Rosedale Chamber of Commerce. Patrobas'history is tied to Rosedale and Nambrok. Local grazier John Widdis

purchased Patrobas as abirthday gift for his wife, Edith. They resided at Nambrok House. The horse holds aspecial place in racinghistory,not only for winning the 1915 Melbourne Cup but also the Caulfield Guineas and Victorian Derby in the same year. To this day, Patrobas remains the only horse ever to win this unique racing treble.

The moment was history-making for another reason because Mrs Widdis became the first female owner of aMelbourne Cup winner. At the same time, Bobby Lewis, who rode Patrobas to victory, was the first jockey to ridefour Cup winners. Patrobas' trainer was Charlie Wheeler.

The Express’sisterpaper, TheGippsland Times, documented Patrobas' Cup win on Thursday, November 4, 1915.

"The Melbourne Cup was run in fineweather on Tuesday, and the result has brought heaps of satisfaction to Gippsland. Patrobaswon after a great race by anarrow margin,and MrsWiddis hasthe proud distinction of winning the Guineas, Derby and Cup with the first horse she ever owned," the short article said.

Rosedale's Patrobas: the Remarkable Storyofthe 1915 Melbourne Cup, delves into the colt's history Thebook waspublished in 2020 with support from the JohnLeslie Foundation,the philanthropic organisation established in memoryofMsWiddis's grandson.Her great-grandson, Andrew Widdis, wrote the book'sforeword. APatrobasworking group was established, comprising HeatherShaw, the then Neighbourhood House manager, Dawn O'Connell, Margaret Lobley, and author Jo Scanlan, who together ensured the book's success. For moreinformationabout the event, email Dawn O'Connell at dgoconnell1646@gmail.com

This year's MelbourneCup trophy is also coming to Traralgon and Moe this month.

SCOREBOARD

Grade BWinners: Papettas, Maurice (16)

36 C/B

Place Getters: Colvin,Anthony36

Gauci, Anthony33Backman, Phil 32 C/B

Scammell, Mark32

Great Score: MarkScammell (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Ricky Dyt

8th Max WOODALL 14th Murray Donaldson

Saturday, 30 August 2025 MENS 3person AggregateStableford

Individual Cards

Place Getters: Stansbury, Les 37 Backman, Phil 34 C/B Scullin, Aaron 34 C/B Buckman, Peter34Skicko,Nick33C/B

Great Score: Lee Wilson (Eagle) @12

Simon Stephens (Birdie) @8

Laurie Veenman (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Les Stansbury

8th Bob Harland 14th SimonStephens

Saturday, 30 August 2025 Competition : MENS 3person Aggregate

Type :Four-ball

Overall Winners:Stephens,Peter & Stephens,Simon 104

GreatScore: Les Stansbury(Hole in One) @4

MORWELL

27th August 2025 -Stableford

Winner: Lvan Rooy 33

DTL: BScurlock31

NTP: 2nd: CPeter 11th Lvan Rooy 15th A Pollutro

TRAFALGAR

Friday,August 29th, Open Men’s&Ladies

Stableford

Winner: Tony Johnson 40 pts

Runner Up: Declan Leggo 39 pts

DTL's: Connor Gell 37,Symon Lee 36, Uwe

Tomski 35, Heath Black34

Birdies: 2nd: Symon Lee 11th:BradPower

Kyle Orchard15th: GaryThorburn

Saturday,August 30th, Stableford

AGrade Winner: Tony Shearer 35 pts

BGrade Winner: Charlotte Killeen 39 pts

DTL’s: PeterPankhurst 36, Hank Fiddelaers

35, AnthonyCunningham 35, Symon Lee

34, PeterHobson 34, Jack Marshall34, Tom Woodhouse 33, Reno Borg33 C/B

NTP’s: 2nd: Josh Clarkson 5th: Russ Grant

11th: Josh Clarkson 13th:Peter Pankhurst 15th: Hank Fiddelaers

Tuesday-26/08/25- Stableford

Winner: Andy Kiss (23) c/b

Runner Up: JanGriffin (23) c/b

DTL: Mick Bennett(23) NormMether (22)

Heather Savige (20)

NTP: Max Pugliese (5th)

Lucky Gard- Graeme Grant

Thursday: 28/08/25 -Stableford

Women’s Winner: Olwyn Balfour (17)

Runner Up: Aileen McNair (16)

DTL: none

NTP No One

Lucky Card- KarenMacGregor

Men's Winner: Hank Fiddelaers(23)

Runner Up: Max Pugliese (19) c/b

DTL: Vic Hill (19) Chris Griffin(18)c/b Steve Lawrence (18) c/b

NTP: No One

Lucky card DirkMeyer

Friday,August 22nd, Open Men’s& Ladies

Stableford

AGrade Winner: Tristan Ashby40pts

BGrade Winner: Declan Leggo 37 pts

CGrade Winner: PeterPankhurst 36 pts

DTL's: David Winfield

Eagle:

Winner’s:

Historic: Edith Widdis withPatrobasand jockey BillSmart afterthe 1915 Victoria Derby. Photograph: Sale History, Facebook, from the Andrew Widdis collection

Rightful place: Patrobasreturned to Rosedale in April. Acelebrationwillcoincidewith Melbourne Cup week laterthis year Photograph: WellingtonShireCouncil

Sparkle sparkle: The Patrobasmonument is gleaming once again afterextensive restoration Photograph: Wellington ShireCouncil

Youngest to ever conquer theSimpson

ENDURANCE

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THROUGH heavyterrain, across three long days, an unbridled desire to see out ahistoric goal came true.

Traralgon’s Blake Bourne became the youngest person evertorun across the Simpson Desert, mounting380 kilometresalongthe red sand plains and dunes for acause close to his heart.

Adding to thefact he made history, over $30,000 was also raised for mental healthcharitySpeak andShare during the course of his journey.

While Bournehad his sights solely on setting the new world record, he ultimately had to make do with second best, finishing it still in aridiculous time of three days, 17 hours, and 40 minutes.

Traversing through taxing conditions (to the say the least) alongside agroup of friends and family as his support team, he pushed through to the finish line in the remote town of Birdsville, Queensland.

Pushing his body to the absolute limit, Bourne fought through illness, physical torture, and years of devotion to arrive at this exact moment.

“PhysicallyI felt strongthe whole time, but fatigue definitely didstart to set in towards the end,” he told the Express

Each step, every ounce of sweat, the mental fortitude, and the time taken to train for this mammoth missionbegan well beforehetook off on this running odyssey.

The 26-year-old tasked himself with this all the way back in 2021.

After years batting depression, he arrived out of the hospital with his head cleared for what he could do not only for himself, but to raise awareness.

As ayounger man, Bourne turned to boxing in his times of struggle, but in this latest crossroad, he looked to an objective otherwise viewed by many as crazy.

“I was able to rely on (boxing) for about 10 years, andthenhad fallen out of love with the sport and Ijust needed something,” he said.

“At the time, Ididn’t really have anything and Iread aboutsomeone who hadrun across the Simpson Desert and it was asimple as that.”

That person was ultra-marathon runner and former politician Pat Farmer, who traversed the intersection of Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory ninehours and four minutes quicker than Bourne in threedays, eight hours, and 36 minutes.

The Traralgon local originally mounted his first attempt in 2023, and due to arange of setbacks including atorn calf during the build-uptothe run, Bourne still managed 203.2km across alittle over two days.

“I was gutted because Iknew that Ihad more in me when it was called off,” he said.

To prove to himself, Bourne ran the remaining 177kmona treadmill, reinforcing his beliefs,if only marginally.

After alengthy period of recovery in the wake

Unreal: Traralgon’s BlakeBournerecentlybecome theyoungest person to runacross the Simpson Desert, totalling 380 kilometres in under four days

of his disappointment, Bourne recommenced his journey back to the top of the mountain.

“I had afew injuries, so Ispent most of last year just getting on top of those (and) got the all clear from the sportsdoctor in December last year to start running again,” he said.

“I started doing 30 minutes on, 10 seconds off, 30 seconds on, 10 minutes off, and just gradually (kept) building it up.”

Fromthe latter stages of last year through to July, Bourne readied for his second go round.

Learning lessons from his first attempt, admittedlynot goingashard as before, with his previous training runs including back-to-back days of 80km.

In his latest, he still needed to gets the kays in, but dropped back the total running load significantly to keep himself as fresh as possible.

“I wasn’t as fit as Iwas the first time, but Iwasn’t as fatigued or sore, so Iwas able to get there with my legs and bodyfeeling pretty fresh,” Bourne said.

Taking off from the Alka Seltzer Bore in South Australia, and after astrong start, he developed gastro 50km in, making it an even more difficult effort as he dealt with stomach issues through to around the 300km mark.

Bourne wore ahydration vest throughout his run, allowing him food and water for an hour and

Rally action in Gippsland

RALLY By ERIKA ALLEN

THE Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally has returned for its fourth year overthe weekend withafresh challenge -the Australian Rally Championship's (ARC) first nightstages in nearly adecade.

Crews completed two passes of four stages, with the day's program pushed back to finish under lights as stages six to 10 were completed under the cover of darkness.

Event director Andrew Rosemantold the Express

the returnofnight racing would test eventhe best drivers.

"That hasn't happened in the ARC for over 10 years, so it's going to be abig challenge," he said.

"The characteristics of the roads change at night because you can't see as far. If you're not taking as many risks you might be slower than your competitors, and that can ultimatelyimpact the overall event."

Last year, the Gippsland Rally drew the biggest entry list of the ARC season. This year, it hosted the smallest, with 21 teams lining up, but the championship battle only intensified.

Plenty to be happyabout: During thecourse of hisjourneyfromtraining to crossing thefinish line,heraised over $30,000 formentalhealth

ahalf at atime, while also being treated in other ways by his support team.

Learning from his last run, he increased his carbohydrates intake, giving him further energy to see him through.

The plan was to have powernaps of 10 minutes every two hours, and then slowly increasing by five minutes throughout, but those periods would quickly be usedupfor massages and strapping. He estimated that he got around two hours sleep across the three-and-a-half days.

Bournedealt withpolar opposite weather conditions as it switched from day to night, going from north of 30 degrees and then plummeting into the negatives once it got dark.

“During the day, Iwas running at agood pace, but when it come around to night time and it got sort of -1, -2 degrees and the muscles justcramped up and got tight, which wasn’t even so much that it was painful, it was just that my legs just wouldn’t move,” he said.

By the time Bourne knew he’d done it, emotions understandably poured out, embracing thosewho’d been therewith him in the thickofitand even hugging people he didn’t know.

In reflecting on his four-year voyage, he’s grateful for what he’s been able to achieve and

for the people who’ve supported along the way. During his first attempt, Bourne launched ‘The Uncomfortable Challenge’, allowingthose in the communitytotest their limits in any way they could.

For each week of the month of July, people were tasked with doing one thing outside of their comfort zoneinaneffort to spark meaningfulchangearound mental health by kick starting those uncomfortable conversations.

Bourne had 40 membersofthe public take part in 2025, while many businesses, families and friends got involved also.

“I’m very grateful for the partners and those involved who helped make the run possible, and then the community and everyone who’s supported my efforts so far as well,” he said.

Bourne willnow let the body rest, completing what was four years in the making, but may look ahead to future initiatives in the next few years.

His fundraiser for Speak and Share helps cover the cost of one student (for every $20 donated) to participateinamental health workshop,meaning that Bournehas helped more than 1500 young people.

You can still donated to Bourne’s cause at www. blakesbigredrun.com

Terrific taekwondo

TAEKWONDO

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ALOCAL touch to an international competition.

Members from the Traralgon-based sports club, Kim’s Martial Arts Academy recently took part in the KPNP International Taekwondo Open Championship down at the Craigieburn Sports Stadium.

Instructor WayneWardtook out the gold medal in the poomsae category for taekwondo.

Poomsae involves pre-choreographed attack and defense movements, stances and techniques performed in an exact pattern.

Local Traralgon coach Bonnie McMillan and Skye Casey competed in the doubles in poomsae and also earnt gold medals.

Young blue belts Kailtyn Laidlaw and Alexandra Walker contested in poomsaefor the firsttime, podiumingwith athird-place finish.

George Gallowaycompeted in thesparring, gaining asilver medal for his efforts.

This wasthe firsttimeany of theselocals took part in acompetition of this magnitude, showcasing the development and talentfrom the communityout of the Traralgon taekwondo and hapkido club.

The participants trained for sixweeksin advance on their specific category.

“We enteredjust trying to get more confidence around our new students,” McMillan said.

“Wanting to prove that they can be as good as the other students from all the different clubs all over Melbourne, as well as international students that came.”

People that arrived for the international event included fromthe likes of China, India,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Photographs: Jadyn Lam

Kim’s Martial Arts Academy was founded in 1984, with classes in Latrobe Valley ran out of the Grey Street Primary School Gymnasium in Traralgon.

Grand results: Locals Skye Casey, Kaitlyn Laidlaw, Wayne Ward,AlexandraWalker and Bonnie McMillan from Kim’sMartial Arts Academyall took home medals at therecent KPNP TaekwondoOpen Championship.

Joyride: WellingtonShire mayorScottRossetti (left) had atasteofrallyaction, being driven by Australianrallychampion Harry Bates ahead of theGippsland RallyaroundHeyfield. Photograph: Stefan Bradley

Fortuna ’60 finish theseason undefeated

SOCCER STATELEAGUE

BY ALLAN ROBERTS

AFTER winning the league championship a fortnight ago away at Bunyip, it was time for the all-conquering Fortuna Lions to return home and play their final fixture for the season in front of a big home crowd.

Coach Clayton Bell again stressing to the players to not be just content with winning the league but to go the season undefeated -afeatthat would create history and some waves within the State League structures.

In atight affair the Lions ground out a3-2 win overMount Martha who had nothing to play for except their pride, the team from the Peninsula set to be relegatedtwo divisions at the conclusionofthe season with the revised State League structures. With the whistle blowing for the start of the game the Lionswouldhit the scoreboardinthe first minute, Nonda Lazaris would slide apass to the feet of Damon Scott who would make no mistake with his finish to give the home team a1-nil lead. Mount Martha began to show some endeavour on the ball that signalled they were not just at the gamefor the bus trip, theircausewas strengthened via ahorrendous back pass from Fortuna’s Jordan Campbell that found the feet of the opposition striker who made no mistake from close range to even up the scores.

The Mounties were not done yet for the half and took a2-1 lead in the 24th minute via along range shot thatcaughtLion’skeeper well off his line, the visitors wheredefinitelyupand about and keen to do what no team had achieved all season -takea win against Fortuna.

With 29 minutes ticking over Jordan Campbell would atonefor his earlier indiscretion and smash home aheader from acorner delivered by Jake Budija.

The rest of the half was atussle with both clubs working hard to find that extra goal to go into the break with the lead, but neither could trouble the scorecard with conditions turning blustery on the pitch that made scoring difficult.

With the halftime whistle sounding the score was locked at 2-all and the visiting team were fancying their chances in what would be the upset of theseason.Thesecond half began, and it was all Fortunawiththe home-side having around 8shots

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on goal but failing to find the back of the Mount Martha goal. Frustration was starting to set in for theLions andthe time wastickingon; alittle bit of magic was going to be needed from either side to win the encounter.

Magic it was, delivered via 50-meter goal kick fromFortuna keeper Loagan Troughton that would land perfectly in front of Hayden Tanti for the Lions.

The enigma that is Tanti would getthe ball under control and out muscletwo Mounties defenders before perfectly placing the ball intothe back of the Mount Marth goal to give Fortuna a3-2 lead.

The remainder of the game wouldplay out with no further score to either team, the only sour note for the Lions was the expulsion of key striker Damon Scott early in the second half after picking up two yellow cards for being abit more conversational

with the ref than what was needed. Having secured the top spot on the table Fortuna have also earnt the right to play in the State League 'Champions of Champions'finalsatthe end of the season against the North, West and East League title winners.

If theLions makethe Grand Final of this post seasoncompetitionthey will gettoplayatthe Home of the Matilda's in Bundoora. This week, the club has abye for the final league round, and it will be agreat opportunity for the players to rest bodies and recover after aweekend of big celebrations.

Early on theafternoonthe Fortunareserves would pick up another point.

Finalscore, a3-all drawOn the Sunday after the game the players returned to the Den for the clubs 2025senior vote count, withthe award winners as follows: 2025 senior best player: Nonda Lazaris, reserves best player: Dontae Marino.

Monash, Olympians to battle for cup

SOCCER

LVSL BY JOHN CARDONA

THE game of the Latrobe Valley Soccer League finals was in the senior men’s Battle of Britain cup semi final.

The contest was amatch which hada bit of everything that you could imagine.

Olympians eventually took the chocolates with a4-1 victory to advance to the cup final.

The game at Hazelwood South started exactly how everyone expected it to, with hard tackles and an aggressive brand of football from Olympians and Churhcill United.

Olympians was gifted their first goal with a

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goalkeeping error leading to an easy conversion for the blues.

Germaine Otieno clawed the game back for Churchill to 1-all to keep the game in the balance with afine strike off his right foot.

Olympians benefitted from two more goalkeeper errors to advance theirleadto3-1 at the halftime break.

The second half brought more excitement, but not for Churchill when they were reduced to 10 men after ascuffle.

Olympians claimed their fourth goal and sealed the game with afinishfrom the right side.

As hardasthe rams workedthey could not get the job done against awell-organised Olympians.

Scorersfor Olympians were Riduan Sobari (two), Jaydon Steel (one) and an own goal.

Best for Churchill was KukuMahammud,

Otenio, Liam McCluskey and Choll Nyachiol. In the other semi-final, Monash scored a comfortable 4-1 win over Falcons.

Monash took an early 1-nil lead at the halftime break and went 2-nil after 70 minutes play with Falcons reduced to 10 men.

Monash went 3-nil up after 78 minutesand continued their dominance while Falcons eventually ended with only nine men.

Falcons scored avery late consolation goal to make it an official 4-1 score line.

Scorersfor Monash were Ryan McCluskey(two) with Adam Semple and Caleb Semple getting one each.

Best for Monash was McCluskey, Ethan Lawrence, Marcus Krznaric and Jesse Davis. More-Page43

deem, deme, dement, demon, demote, dome, dor m, emend, emote, emoted, entoder m, meet, mend, mender,meno, mentor, mentored, mere, mete, meted, meteor,meter,metre, metro, mode, moder n, monte, mordent, more, moreen, mor n, mor t, mote, motet, motte, nor m, omen, remote, teem, ter m, ter med, tome, tor ment, TORMENTED, totem.

Mr Consistent: Fortuna seniorsbest-and-fairest for2025, Nonda Lazaris

Solid: Dontae Marino wonthe reser vesbest player. Photographs: Peta Rober ts

Crucial: Jordan Campbell scored an important header in stateleague soccer at the weekend.

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 3 September 2025

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