Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 5 November 2025

Free travel on the Gippsland Line has commenced. Forthe monthof November,V/Line passengersboarding between Nar Nar Goon and Bairnsdale won’tbecharged.

DEPARTMENT TAKEN TO TASK

ABUSE VICTIMS SEEK COMPENSATION

By AIDAN KNIGHT

WARNING: This storycontains details of childsexual abuse and assault that may be distressing to some readers. Support is available by contacting 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or the VictimsofCrime Helpline on 1800 819 817.

LATROBE Valley residents are facing unsettling reminders of past failings in the education system, as six former students of the now-imprisonedteacher PeterFarmer brought legalproceedings against the Victorian Department of Education (VDE) last month for alleged negligence in failing to stop his longrunningabuse of children at alocal primary school.

Not to be confused with the Trafalgar resident(and 2021 Trafalgar Citizen of the Year) of the same name, Farmer was ateacher at Newborough Primary School and made infamous throughout the 1990s afterhis perpetrations of sexual abuse against his students was first revealed.

Farmer committed repeated sexual crimes while teaching from 1986 to 1988, violating students as young as eight-years-old.

Concerns werefirstraisedinJuly 1988 whenalocal milkbar attendant alleged to have seen Farmer acting inappropriately with afemale student on the school oval.

The attendant, given the pseudonym 'Claire Jones' duringthe courtprocesses, informed the principal, at which point Farmer was told not to return to the school. The milkbar was located across the road from the school premises.

Then- prin cipa l, Bri an Rod gers informed the Education Department direct ly af ter le arnin gofFarmer's actions from Ms Jones, who then provided him with awritten statementof her account.Farmerthen alarmingly left addressed parting gifts for several students in their desks, with corresponding notes,before fleeingthe Latrobe Valley. Mr Rodgers maintainsthis was the first time anything inappropriate had been flagged against Farmer.

The crimes resurfaced publicly in 2019, when the Latrobe Valley Sexual Offences and Child Abuse squad received aformal report from avictim, triggering anew investigation into Farmer, now as historical sex crimes.

He was located by Victoria Police, living in Queensland, in 2022, where he was then arrested, and pleaded guilty in April this year to 10 charges of sexual assault and gross indecency related to five victims.

During the interview stage of his arrest, Farmer denied certain allegations on the record, while admitting others. He had been set to face these charges earlier in the year, but had fled once again, having to be tracked down and arrested by Victoria Police.

Farmer attended most court sessions from prisonvia video link to the Victorian County Court in Bairnsdale, facingJudgeGeoffrey Chettle, who detailed that all of Farmer's victims were girls, and that he "offended against your victim in the presenceofother female students." Judge Chettle also saw that

Farmer's potential risk of reoffending has reduced as he hasaged.Hewas sentenced to six-and-a-half years with anon-parole period of four-and-a-half.

Ms Jones seesittobemore appropriate that he serve this lengthofsentence for each victim violated in his care, and it is only afraction in comparison to the "life sentence" one survivorhas described the impact of the abuse has had on her life.

The same survivor described in a victim impact statement heard during the sentence hearingthat "there has not been aday that Ihavenot thoughtabout, or feltthe shadowofthe abuse inflicted on me at school by Peter Farmer."

Another describedhow "In order to try to block the memories Iturned to alcohol," with devastating long-term consequences for herself and her family.

Athirdvictimdescribed difficulty visiting afamily member, whose house is near the school where she was abused.

Continued -Page3

Lucas leaves Libs for One Nation

By LIAM DURKIN

THEY are multiplying like rabbits.

One Nation has gained another prominent local, with Baw Baw ShireCouncillorBen Lucas jumping ship.

Mr Lucas turfed in his Liberal party membership recently, citing misalignment with the party’s policies.

Mr Lucas, who represents Baw Baw’s West Ward, was persuaded to join after conversations with One Nation Victoria state president Warren Pickering, whose placard was afeature around Moe during this year’s federal election.

The new member will be involved in the party’s state executive, and is likely to run at next year’s state election, although not for the seat of Narracan, currentlyheld by WayneFarnham for the Liberals “A sitting councillor runningagainstasitting Member of Parliament isn’t great for aconducive working relationship,” Mr Lucas said. Conversely, the Liberals will not run acandidate

for the seat of Morwell next year, given it is held by Nationals member Martin Cameron.

Laborisexpecting to make ahugeplay to win theseat, following aclose call in 2022.

It is understood the party is already shifting through potential candidates to try and topple the popularex-Traralgon footballer.

On Mr Lucas’ defection, Newboroughresident and vocalOne Nation member Greg Hansford, said his new colleague brought great pedigree to the party room.

“I’ve met Ben, I’ve beeninvolvedinextensive discussions with him. He’s ex-army, he’s acouncillor,he’swell-known in BawBaw Shire forhis work with the homeless and youth,” Mr Hansford said.

“He’s verywell connected, he cares alot about the direction Australia is going in and he ended up cutting up his Liberal Party card because he just got frustrated the Liberal Party just didn’t seem to be moving in thedirection he felt they should be to resolve alot of problems, particularly in our state.”

Mr Hansfordhimself ran in this year's federal election,contesting the safe Nationals seat of

Treaty passes through state’supper house

By DAVID BRAITHWAITE

AUSTRALIA’S first Treaty between First Peoplesand government will commence before the end of the year after theupper houseof state parliament passed enabling legislation last week. Having alreadypassed through the lower house,the StatewideTreatyBill wasintroduced by the Laborgovernment, andsupportedbythe Greens, Animal Justice and LegaliseCannabis MPs in the upper house.

The culmination of adecade of negotiations, the bill will be signed by the Victorian government and First Peoples’ Assembly in coming weeks when the Governor provides Royal Assent.

The Treaty agreement will commence through aceremonial exchange between the government and assembly in apublic event at Federation Square, Melbourne, on Friday, December 12.

The bill willestablish the FirstPeoples’ Assembly as apermanent representative body to provide advice to government, under anew statutory corporation called Gellung Warl.

Gellung Warl will also includeatruth-telling body,aswell as an accountability body, which will ensure the government upholds its commitments under the national agreement on closing the gap.

The assembly will be able to make representations, provideadvicetothe government and question ministers. Ministers and government departments, in turn, will be required to consult the assembly on laws and policies related to First Peoples.

The assembly will not have veto powers.

Premier Jacinta Allan said Treaty would give Aboriginal communitiesthe power to shapethe policies and services that affected their lives.

“This is how we build afairer, stronger Victoria for everyone,” she said. Treaty and First Peoples MinisterNatalie

Hutchins said Treatywas about acknowledging the truth of the past and working on afuture build on mutual understanding and respect for First Peoples.

“This is ahistoric moment for Victoria -today we’ve taken amajor step forward in building afuture that empowersand respects First Nations Victorians,” she said.

First Peoples Assembly co-chairNgarra Murray said the passing of the legislation was an historic moment for her people.

“We will tellour children abouttoday, and they will telltheir children, passing down to future generations the story of how decades of Aboriginal resilience and activism led to Australia’s first Treaty,” she said.

“Treaty marks the beginning of anew era, one where FirstPeoples’ 60,000 yearsofknowledge and culture is respected and celebrated. It’s an opportunity for all Victorians to acknowledge our sharedhistory, heal and move forward together.”

The assembly’s other co-chair, Rueben Berg, said Treaty recognised Aboriginal people were the experts on their own lives.

“Through treaty, we will have the ability to use our expertise to come up with and deliver practical solutions for our local communities, in areas likehealth,education, housingand justice. This will mean better outcomes for our peopleasweknow what does and doesn’t work forus,” Mr Berg said.

The Liberal-National Coalition opposed the Treaty,and have promised to repeal the bill if it wins next year’s state election. The opposition argued the money and resources invested into the Treaty process should be spent on other initiatives to improve outcomes for Aboriginal Victorians.

Gippsland, surprising many by winning anumber of booths in LatrobeValley regional towns.

“I think people are really wanting achange, there is agroundswell there, alot of conservatives are very upset with the direction the Coalitionare going in,” he said.

“Things like net-zero, migration, the affect it is having, house prices are going through the roof, so they are looking for agenuine change.

“It is just appalling what’s happening, particularly in our state. We’ve got Labor getting away with a whole lot of things that in ordinary circumstances they wouldn’t get away with because the Opposition aren’t doing their job which is to oppose.

“One Nation is very muchpro-industry, proworkers.We’ve picked up quiteafew ex-Labor people which were previously union people.

“Similarly if you are aCoalition person and you are upset withthe Coalition,you’re notgoingto protest and vote forLabor. OneNation are kind of that middle ground, we support the worker but also support private enterprise, businesses, entrepreneurs.”

The party has already cast an eye to next November, with Mr Hansford saying there was “somereallygood candidates lined up”togoon the One Nation ticket.

“Gippsland is going to be spoilt for choice when it comes to the next election,” he declared.

While Mr Lucas conceded there would be some backlash regarding his move, Mr Hansford hoped people could see past the stereotypical One Nation ties.

“One of the most common labels that the left have tried to apply to put us down (is) to say we’re racist,” he said.

“But look at the last election, we had an Indian lady, Kuljeet Kuar Robinson who ran as one of our candidates, she did afantastic job considering the time (+0.46 per cent swing).

“We’ve hadmulti-racial candidates running throughout Australia,weran in every single seat, so Ithink the racist tag has kind of done it’s day.” If the local bush telegraph is to be believed, there could yet be aLatrobe CityCouncillor followingthe lead of the Baw Baw counterpart.

Former Moe local dies in custody,prompting calls for prison reform

By AIDAN KNIGHT

Warning: this story details an Aboriginal person who has died. Reader discretion is advised.

THE death of aformerMoe womanwho died recently while in custody at aHobart women's prison, has prompted calls for reform in Tasmanian's prison system.

Chelsea Bracken, formerly of Kingsford Street, Moe, was incarcerated in the Mary Hutchinson Women's Prison located at Risdon Vale, 10 kilometres north of Hobart.

The facility houses around 45 women at atime, close to Risdon Cove -the site of British colonisation in the era of Van Diemen's Land.

Chelseawas detained there on remand for three charges:aggravatedarmed robbery, aggravated robbery, and wounding. She wasalsofacing 12 unrelated minor crimesrangingfrom theft and trespass to drug-related charges, according to documents from the Launceston Magistrates Court. Shehad also previously breached bail conditions. She collapsed suddenly in the early hours of Saturday, October 25, and while it was initially circulatedthat she was founddeceased in hercell, it was confirmed later her death occurred at the Royal Hobart Hospital on Monday,October 27,according to Director of Prisons Tasmania, Narelle Pamplin. Chelsea, ayoung woman of Aboriginaldescent, is thought to be the first Aboriginal death in custody in Tasmania since the 1990s, according to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service (TALS).

She had also previously lived in Traralgon,where she maintainedajob at McDonald's from 2019 to 2021 before moving to Launceston. She was 21-years-old. Chelsea had atroubled youth, which saw police issue amissing person's profile on her in July 2017, stating that she went missing in the Latrobe Valley, aged 14. Organisations such as Egender Equality are now

calling for reform following the young woman's death.

Egender Equality Chief Executive Alina Thomas issued astatement on the tragedy, saying: “While the circumstances of Chelsea’s incarceration and death are unclear, the factors leading to women entering and returning to prison are deeply complex and often rooted in repeated and intergenerational experiencessuch as family and sexual violence, homelessness, poverty and child removal."

Ms Thomas sees the correctional system in its current state to be amodel that punishes victimsurvivors instead of placing an adequate focus on their actual rehabilitation.

Chelsea's death has fuelled scrutiny of the state’s incarceration system, especially given the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in custody.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 23 per cent of Tasmania’s prison population is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, despite Aboriginal people making up just five per cent of the state’s population.

Nationally,Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are among the fastest-growing prisoner cohorts -and the most disproportionately imprisoned. They accounted for 41 per cent of all women in prison in 2023, and are imprisoned at arate nearly 20 times higher than non-Indigenous women.

Recent re search from the Uni ver sit yo f Queensland found that many Aboriginal women who died in custodywere unsentenced and on remand, as Chelsea was. Of the 34 women who died in custody nationwide between 1991-2020, 16 were Indigenous.

"Correctional staff need to be more traumainformed, and protocols should be in place to prevent re-traumatising women in prison.Our justice system mustdobetter at supporting victimsurvivors in prison,” Ms Thomas said.

An investigationinto the death of Chelsea Bracken is currentlybeing undertaken by the Tasmanian coroner's office.

Victimsstepforward againstex-teacher

From Page 1

THEoffending wasnot confined to the Latrobe Valley or even Victoria, with Farmer’s interstate teaching moves leading to further allegations of abuse in the Northern Territory, though the timeframe remains unconfirmed.

Keeping kids safe

Nikki Fielding of Latrobe CIU has been recognised forher work keeping predatorsawayfromchildren Photograph supplied

LOCAL Detective Senior Constable Nikki Fielding of Latrobe CIU was recognised for her work protecting kids, recognised at theGlenn PatonFamilyViolence, Sexual Offences &Child Abuse Practitioner of the Year awards.

The awards, held in Melbourne last week and run by the Family Violence Command, recogniseemployees whogoabove and beyond working in family violence, sexual offences and child abuse.

Det Sen Const Fielding was named Child Abuse Practitioner of the Year.

In 2023, Det Sen Const Fielding worked on an investigation involvingchild abuse material. Policeuncovered asignificant amount of child abuse materialonan alleged offender’s mobile phone including images and videos. It also helped identify alleged offending against children by another individual.Det Sen Const Fielding worked quickly to confirm the identity of the victims and theirfamilies to ensure their safety and linked them with support services and counselling.

Two people -aman and awoman -were arrested and charged with the matter currently before the court.

“There are alot of greatmemberswho do an exceptional job responding to child abuse -soI’m really honouredand humbled to receive this award,” she said.

“Protecting children and young people fromharm is akey priority for us at Victoria Police -and we won’t stop working tirelessly to ensure the safety of victims and hold offenders to account for their actions.”

This was revealed when six victims decided to sue the Victorian Education Department for negligence in its handling of Farmer’s employment and the threats he posed to children. It is their belief that the Department's failuresled to further preventable abuse. One of the six plaintiffs alleges she was sexually assaulted at Farmer’s home, saying the trauma led to decades of substance dependence and long-term use of antidepressant medication. Another victim has described being physically assaulted and beaten after attempting to defend classmates from Farmer’s abuse.

Judge Chettle summarised the offending during the sentencing as "extensive, repetitive and repulsive. Each offence involved aseriousbreach of trust; trust in the community, trust of the parents for theirchildren, trust that you would care for them and not molest them. Your victims were young, fragile and innocent girls."

Furthermore, he went on to say to Farmer, "lengthy delays are not uncommon in these cases as children often are reluctant or cannot, as was the casehere, report the offending. Youenjoyed lifeinthe Queensland sunshine while yourvictims haveendured years of personal distress." When convicted, Farmer had already served 103 days of his sentence.

The Express located NT courtdocuments that tell Farmer faced the Supreme Court on March 12, 1997over similar allegations raisedwhile working at aschool in Tennant Creek, while he resided in Alice Springs.

Farmerwas 37 at thetime, hadlived in theNTfor three-and-a-half years, in Alice Springsspecifically for two of those, and lost his job as aresult of the allegations he faced.

He was engaged at the time, and had been so since the December prior. The court document mentions "allegations of similaroffencesagainst children in the state of Victoria", and The Crownsuggesting there was arisk he committed "further offences against children whilst on bail". It also outlined thathewas notpermittedtoreturn to Tennant Creek for the safety of the child violated under his care. There is no public record of Farmer ever being convicted for his offending in the Northern Territory.

In astatement providedtothe Express, a Department of Education spokesperson said: “We unreservedly apologise to any person impacted by historical child sexual abuse in any of our government schools and continue to look at ways we can

strengthen child safety.Schoolshould always be a safe place for children and young people."

"We continuetoencourage anyonewho has experienced any form of abuse as acurrent or former student to report it to both the Department of Education and Victoria Police so perpetrators can be held to account and victims can access the support they need and deserve. We acknowledgethe courage it takes for victim-survivors to report abuse, and our commitment to continue strengthening our response to allegations of sexual abuse in schools is unwavering.”

The Department indicated to the lawyer representing the victims that they would not continue to fight the survivors about their legal responsibility for what was done to them at Newborough Primary. There has been no further update at the time of print.

The Victorian Department of Education has publiclyapologisedfor historicfailures and says it is committed to improvements in the child safety framework. The Department also confirmed that an employment limitation was applied to Farmer’s record upon his resignation in 1988, preventing further employment within Victorian government schools.

It said there was no record of prior complaints made against Farmer before his posting at Newborough, though archiveddocuments suggest communication between the Department and Victoria Police occurred at least once during that period. The records, however, do not specify whether thatcontact occurred before or after Farmer’s resignation.

The Express first reported on Peter Farmerafter the incident on the Newborough Primary oval, on the front page of Thursday, September 1, 1988.

The report detailed that the Police had no knowledge of the allegations until an anonymous letter signed 'Disgusted Parent' was provided to the Express, before being handed to Moe Police

Senior Sergeant Peter Hendy. The police then discovered that the Ministry of Education (now the Department) hadalready carried out its investigation and Farmer had resigned, despite police not being informed.

The onlyactiontakenasaconsequence was the marking of the teacher's file as "not to be reemployed" in the Victorian system.

Asecond Express article published the following Tuesday (September 6) stated that the Morwell CIB chief John King, had written to the ministry

Lynn appeals sentence

By AIDAN KNIGHT

CONVICTED former Jetstarpilot Greg Lynn, knownfor the HighCountry Killings, appealedhis 32-year prison sentence last Friday (October 31).

Lynn, who was trialled in Sale Magistrates Court, attended the Court of Appeal to argue both convictionand sentence,whichwas handeddowninJune last year (32 years with anon-parole period of 24).

His legal team argued a“substantialmiscarriage of justice” occurred during the trial, citing four principal grounds, includingallegedprosecutorial misconduct and issues with expert evidence.

Lynn was found guilty of murdering 73-year-old Carol Clay in the Wonnangatta Valley, but was acquitted of killingher partner, 74-year-old Russell Hill in 2020.

Amajor ground for the appeal is that the handling of evidence and cross-examination (including ballistics evidence from police expert Paul Griffiths) amounted to an unfair trial.

In his submission, Lynn alleges this was a“further serious departure from the rules that govern

the fair conduct of criminal trials”, and, as such, is unsafe and threatens the integrity of the legal system. During last week’s hearing, Justice Peter Kidd described parts of the Crown’s conductas “egregious”, “indefensible” and “extremely unfair”.

Lynn maintains Ms Clay died when Mr Hill allegedly took his shotgun during aconfrontation, causingittodischarge. He claims Mr Hill died in asubsequent struggle, and admits he later moved andburnt thebodies. Theremains were found in bushlandnearDargo in East Gippsland.Lynn was arrested on acampsite at Arbuckle Junction in November 2021 by specialoperations officers and was taken to Sale Police Station for four days of questioning.

Lynn’s legal team argues that during the trial the jury “travelled down an impermissible pathway” in reaching its verdict.

There are five appeal grounds being pushed, one relating to the sentence and four to the conviction itself.

to confirm whether or not the parentsofthose abused would be seeking to pursue the investigation, leaving it in their hands.Aninvestigation was undertaken, but the parents of the victims did not wanttoput their children through any proceedings in court, reportedly.

The six women pursuing the Departmentlegally are being represented by Grace Wilson of Rightside Legal, who was the lawyer successful in securing the $100million settlementfor theANZ survivors of the thalidomide drug,and numerous winning cases of both asbestos-related and child sexual abuse survivors.

Rightside is the firm responsible for securing the onlytwo child abuse cases to run to verdict in Victoriaagainstthe Education Department, fighting in casesconcerning other prolific paedophiles. The firm is also the same responsible forthe notorious Gippsland paedophile Gerard McNamara, convicted for crimes against students while teaching in the Catholicsystem in Sale and Traralgon. Nicknamed'TheRat', McNamarahas beenthe subject of many articlesinthe Express and sister-publication the Gippsland Times,relating to his crimes in 1995

Ms Wilson is confident there are other victims who are yet to come forward, and implores anyone to do so, whether from Farmer's time at Newborough Primary, or elsewhere.

She emphasisedthe convictionwas aided greatly by the assistance of Ms Jones and her account, which snowballed everything into motion initially, and anyone who couldoffer similarinformation even as abystander would be doing aservice to a "pack of real women", who deserve justice.

While the department ceasing to fight them in the caseisa win, Ms Wilson maintains, "The survivors of Peter Farmer are calling on their community to share what they know".

"We will succeed for these survivors. We've run and won much harder cases. But every memory helps. There are people in Gippsland who know more -other students, parents, teachers from the school, even other survivors. Iwant to talk to all of them.

"These women are tough. They've survived the abuse.They've survived abrutal, drawn-out criminalprocess. They're claiming what was taken from them."

Newborough Primary School was approached by the Express, but declined to comment.

Hero: DetectiveSeniorConstable

Halloween: legitimateevent or American nonsense?

By LIAM DURKIN

IT’S close to midnight, somethingevil’s lurking in the dark Front yards were transformed into cemeteries for Halloween around the region, as locals got into thespookyspirit.

As night fell, kids took their chances trick or treating,while the occasionalsopresented the perfect opportunity to throw on ascary movie.

With October 31 falling on aFriday this year, an array of local establishments also hosted Halloween-style events.

The Express evenpaid avisit to arealmurder house-Erin Patterson’s Leongatha address of course. The housewas (somewhat disappointingly) devoid of any Halloweendecorations, although that did little to disperse any chills that greeted drivers on the approach.

Halloween’s popularity in Australia has taken off

in the last decade, although there is still conjecture over whether or not it is alegitimate event and not just something hijacked by American pop culture.

Australian retailchainshave cashed in, with the holiday bringing in more than $450 million annually in costumes, decorations and confectionary.

Like ascene out of Mean Girls however, Halloween parties have become littlemore than an excuse for people acertain age to get drunk and wear as little clothing as possible. (“I’m amouse, duh”).

Before all this,Halloween’s origins go back more than 2000 years to Celtic Pagan times.

October 31 marked the end of the year when crops had been harvested and the darkest period of the year began.

People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits.

Pope Gregory III designated November 1asAll Saints Day,and the evening before came to be known as All Hallows Day, later Halloween.

False alarm for missing pump

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AN innovative turbine water pump worth tens of thousands of dollarsthat was invented by a Heyfield farmer, Fred Sundermann, has been found after being reported stolen from his property. In amisunderstanding,aconsultantcametoMr Sundermann’s property,locatedbetween Heyfield and Cowwarr, and took away the turbine.

Consultant John Mitchell, aformer Latrobe Valley municipal leader and Gippsland Water chairman, who is adirector of Mr Sundermann’s company, said it was obviously amistake.

“The turbine needed to be repaired, but there was no consultation. The contractor picked it up and did not tell Fred,” he said. “Fred was having a bad bout of health then, and it slipped his mind.”

Mr Mitchellsaidwhen theythoughtitwas stolen, they began working on insurance issues and reported it to the police.

“There was acommunication failure between Fred, the contractor and the people who did the repair. Theturbine is back.”

The turbine is being assessed by Southern Rural Water and potentially Melbourne Water for potential use in pumped hydro projectsand renewable energy programs.

“We are still negotiating with Southern Rural Water. There is apotential interesttoorganise ademonstration for apotential water user,” Mr Mitchell said.

The Sundermann technology can pump the water back uphill without using fossil fuel energy, hence its potentialuse in renewable energy programs

The turbine, which can pump and lift the water, can be used in aremote location without powerlines.

Mr Mitchell said the company was encouraged by positive discussions.

“We thinksomeone is interested in financial involvement,” he said.

“The turbine has been returned, and another can be built with specifications that suit the

demonstration site. This will improve the public understanding and help agriculture and other uses.”

Mr Sundermann’sturbine promises to be far more efficient than traditional pumped hydro technology, which involves storing water, pumped fromalower reservoir, into an upper reservoir. Power is generated by releasing the stored water throughturbines, but when power demandislow, the upper reservoir is recharged by using lower-cost electricity from the grid to pump the water back to the upper reservoir.

In Victoria, the electricity wastraditionally sourced fromthe Latrobe Valley’s browncoal power stations;

“We’ve designed aturbinethat’s slow-revving. We have done one that produces 25 horsepower driveand afive horsepower turbinethat turns into apump. With aone-metre head on the larger one, we can push thewater up 12 metres fossil-free,” said Mr Sundermann.

“We don’t have to have agenerator like now; we can do it via turbine to turbine, which saves theloss of electricity and is much more efficient.”

Mr Sundermann’s private company, Sundermann Water Power,has been looking for amanufacturer to mass produce the turbine, but first needs commercial interest from users.

The comp any app roach ed Sou thern Rur al Water as apotential customerorfor jointventure arrangements. SRW’s manager of strategy and business planning, Craig Smith, in aletter to Mr Mitchell,saidSRW was currently lookingatrenewable energy-generating opportunities across the organisation, of which there are many, including in-line and pumped hydro.

Another director on Mr Sundermann’s team is Dr Ulrich Hartig, achemical engineer and former seniormanager of the BASFGroup,who has more than 35 years’ experience in Australia,France, Germany, South Korea, Brazil and Canada.

So technically, Halloween could be classed as a Christian holiday.

LikeChristmas and Easter however,its true meaning has been lost amid commercialisation and the general tomfoolery now commonplacewith these times of year.

itinerary: 7am train -Royal -cricket, Crown -KingStreet).

FedUnitopsthe charts

FEDERATION University Australia has been named the Number 1university in Victoria for social equity in the 2026 Good Universities Guide ratings, also garnering recognition as a national leader in several disciplines.

The results revealed Federation is anational leader in several undergraduate fields of study, withthe university’srehabilitation offerings also rated Number 1inAustralia for skills development and student supportand Number 2in Australiafor learner engagementand learning resources.

Forthe first time ever, creative arts courses were rated Number1inthe country for learner engagement and skills development, while social work offerings rated Number 1inAustralia for overall educational experienceand Number 2in Australia for skills development and teaching quality.

In health services and support, Federation is rated Number2 in Australia for teaching quality and Number 2for learning resources.

Federation University Vice Chancellorand President, Professor Duncan Bentley was proud of the results.

“We know that students living outside our

major cities can face barriers to education, like geographical distance, financial hurdles, work and familycommitments, and we areproud to be embeddedinthose communities to help students from all backgrounds give life to their aspirations,” he said.

“These results demonstratethat Federation is not only supporting students to access education butproviding them with ahigh-quality teaching and learning experience when they get here, equipping them withthe skills they need to enter the workforce in criticalindustries like health and social work.”

The annual Good Universities Guide ratings break down how Australian universities are ranked across avariety of areas including teaching quality,graduateoutcomes,student support and overall satisfaction.

Federation University was rated five stars for:  Social equity;  Undergraduate learning resources;  Undergraduate student support, and;  Postgraduate full-time employment.

Community Consultation - decommissioning of oil & gas infrastru cture in Bass Strait

Esso Australia Resources Pt yLtd (Esso), awholly owned subsidiaryofExxonMobil Australia Pt yLtd, is committed to operating and decommissioning itsGippsland and BassStrait facilities safely and effectively.After delivering energy to Australia forover 50 years,many of theBassStrait oil and gas fields arenow reaching theend of their productive life. As planning fordecommissioning progresses,Essoisfocused on safely shutting- down non-producing facilities and ensuring the ystay safethroughout the entiredecommissioning process.

Communit yInformation Sessions

If you ’d liketoknow moreabout decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in BassStrait , the Esso Consultation Team will be hosting communit yinformation sessions at the following locations:

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

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

• BassStrait EnvironmentPlans

• Campaign 1A EnvironmentPlan

Liketobeconsulted about these activities?

Esso is working to identifyand consult with rele vantpersons[stakeholders]whose functions, interests,oractivities may be affected by one or moreofEsso’sproposed activities

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

Monday 10 November 2025

Lakes Entrance On the WharfCafé Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance

Tuesday 11 November 2025

Sale

The Criterion Hotel 90 Macalister Street ,Sale

Foster

Foster WarMemorial Ar ts Centre 79 Main Street ,Foster

Wednesday 12 November 2025

Leongatha Leongatha RSL Cnr Smith St &Michael Pl, Leongatha

All the above sessions will run from 5.00pm -7.00pm with a presentation about Esso’s operations,focusing on decommissioning projects We encourage you to come along and ask questions or raise any concerns you may have. Please register your attendance by emailing: consultation@exxonmobil.com

Refertothe NOPSEMA brochure Consultation on offshore petroleum environmentplans brochure.pdf(nopsema.gov.au) to understand moreabout consultation on offshorepetroleum environmentplans assessed under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023. Your feedback and our response will be included in the rele vantregulatoryapplication documentation and submitted to the regulator

Please connectuswithother interested people

If thereisanyone you know who may be interested in our activities,weencourage you to share this information with them.

To find out moreinformation

Formoreinformation about Esso’s activities and other projects,gotothe Esso Consultation Hub at : https://corporate. exxonmobil.com/locations/ australia/our-approach

Christmas Eve and Easter Thursday are two of the biggest nights for pubs and nightclubs, while ChristmasDay itself is little more than Boxing Day Test Eve for many sporting-mad locals (usual Boxing Day

Gasification the ‘next logical step’

By PHILIP HOPKINS

SCIENTISTS and engineers with world expertise in energy processing are urging the gasification of the Latrobe Valley’s brown coal as atechnically viable means of producing not only Victoria’s future electricpower,but alsoimportantexportcommodities in much demand across South-East Asia.

Dr Chris Hamilton, aleading Australian hydrocarbon specialistwith 50 years’ international experience in industry, said Victoria is blessed with an enormous yet “stranded energy asset”.

“Thestate cansignificantlybenefit through broader utilisation of this energy resource,” he told the Express in an interview. With Bass Strait oil and gas production in decline and insufficient natural gas forecasted, Victoria needs alternate sourcesofbaseloadenergy to secure its future energy supply.

“Gasification of brown coal offers the solution.”

Brian Davey, with 40 years’experience as a brown coal technology expert with the SEC and in university research, maintains that gasification is the next logical and most efficient step to use brown coal in agreenhouse-constrainedworld. He cites amajor brown coal gasification plant in North Dakotainthe US that employs hundreds of people as amodel for the Valley.

Dr Hamilton saidthe well-proven Integrated Gasification and Combined Cycle technology (IGCC) provides much more efficient power generation.

“Also, the carbon dioxide can be removed and geo-sequestered (via carbon capture and storage) into the deep shales under the Bass Strait oil and gas fields,” he said.

CCSiscommercially applied in different parts of the world, with more than 200 sites using it for enhanced oil recovery.

Dr Hamilton said coal gasification also opens up broader international markets for products like Fischer-Tropsch diesel,methane,methanol, DME

(the organic compound Dimethyl ether), ammonia and urea.

"Withkey markets such as China, Indiaand Japan on our doorstep,the potential opportunities are tremendous,” he said.

Dr Hamilton said for gasification to succeed, it was very important that both the stateand

federal governments provide the right support and encouragement behind industry to initiate a concerted development program.

Victo rian brown coal is almost two-thi rds water so for efficient utilisation, the coal must be dried, he said. Professor Owen Potter of Monash University inventedSteam-Fluid-Bed Drying, and

this technology is now commercially available.

German energy giant RWE uses steam fluidised bed drying at its 1000MW brown coal power station at Niederaussem in the Ruhr region of Germany.

Coal gasification was first commercialised in Germany in the late 1920s, and it has been further developed and applied all over the world. In 1956, the Morwell Lurgi Gasification Plant, using German gasificationtechnology, was brought on stream to supplyMelbourne with medium heating value towns gas.

Usingbriquetted browncoal from the nearby Morwell briquette factory,the Lurgigasification plant had five gasifiers and employed 200-300 people. The adventofBassStrait natural gas,with its higher calorific value, led to the closure of the Morwell plant in 1969.

Dr Hamilton said the Lurgitechnology was better suited to hard coals that did not require upstream briquetting, for example, as applied extensively in SouthAfrica.

Dr Hamilton emphasised that Victoria has the opportunity to commercially gain great benefit from its enormous brown coal research.

"Dryingtechnologyhas beentechnically proven. Newgasificationtechnologies areavailable which better suit Victorian brown coal," he said.

"Already, sufficient test work trials have been carried out in Germany to support the commercial application of such technologies."

Dr Hamiltonsaidexport marketsare in growing need of the products that can be made from Victorian brown coal.

"What is lacking is the federal and state support for such enterprises. Perhaps of greater importance is that the Latrobe Valley is in serious need of new industries to secure future employment for the many workers impacted by the impending closure of the state's remaining coal-fired power stations. Coal gasification provides that opportunity."

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE state government has fast-tracked approval of a300-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS)inHazelwood as AGL warned that hundreds of jobs will go as the company funds its multi-million transition away from coal.

The government’s go-ahead for the Hazelwood battery was made through the Development Facilitation Program, which took away the right of third parties (DFP) to appeal against decisions and centralised power in the hands of the Minister.

As part of the fast-tracked package, the government also approved a$750million, 332MW solar farm in Meadow Creek near Wangaratta.

Eku Energy's 300MW BESS in Hazelwood will have the capacity to power 104,000 homes during times of high demand and create 150 jobs during construction, with five ongoing once operational, the government says.

The Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny, said since the DFP wasexpanded to include renewable energy projects last year, the government had invested more than $7.8 billion worth in 22 projects that will create more than 3000 new jobs in construction and operations.

“Our fast-tracked pathway has unlocked nearly $8 billion worth of investment into renewable energyprojects -helping providecheaperand cleaner energy,” she said.

The government says proponents for both projects were required to undertake consultation with the community and relevant government agencies

including the CountryFireAuthority,Agriculture Victoria, DEECA and local water authorities.

Once completed,these22projects at full capacity will collectively generate enough power for more than 700,000 households annually, the government says, with the battery storage capable of meeting evening peak demand for 1.8 million households.

However,AGL has begun consultations with staff ahead of plannedcutsdesignedtocontaincostsand free up capital for asurge in investment in renewable energy and battery storage, The Australian reported on the weekend.

While AGL has not confirmed the total number of positions to go, The Australian understands early estimates put the figure at up to 300.

The reductions form part of abroader review of thecompany’s operations as it seeks to streamline internal processes and preparefor the sharp rise in capital expenditure.

AGL aims to retire its ageingcoal-fired power stationsand replace them with low-emissions assets including large-scale solar, wind and battery projects.

The companyplanstospend up to $20bn by 2035 to buildabout12gigawatts of newgeneration and storagecapacity -agoal thatwilldemand tight cost control at atimewhenprofit margins are already under pressure, The Australian said.

In August, AGL reaffirmed its intention to exit coal by the mid-2030s.

Loy Yang Apower station is scheduled to closein 2035, after an earlier closure of 2045 was stymied

by high tech rich lister, Mike Cannon-Brookes, AGL’s biggest shareholder.

Mr Cannon-Brookes remains committedtofaster emissionsreduction,but otherinvestors have urged management to maintain capital discipline and protect dividends.

An AGL spokesman confirmed to The Australian the plan to cull its workforce.

“As we transition our portfolio and connect our customers to asustainable future,weneed to ensure that today’s business remains productive andcompetitive in this changing market while we continue to invest in our business for tomorrow,” the spokesman said.

“As part of this focus, we’re proposingchanges to our organisational structure and reviewing both labour and non-labour costs to improve productivity and embed cost discipline across the enterprise.

“We understand this may be adifficult time for our people and we’re committed to communicating with transparency and respect and providing support throughoutthe consultation process.”

The company also announcedanupgraded transition target, committing to deliver 6GW of renewable and storage assets by 2030, up from its previous goal of 5GW. That includes 3GW of new battery capacity, whichAGL sayswillunderpin grid reliability as coal stations are phased out.

AGLisexpected to conclude consultationsinthe coming weeks, with final decisions on affected roles due before the year’s end.

Grahame Kelly, general secretary of the Miners andEnergyUnion, described the prospect of job

losses before Christmasasa“kick in the guts”.

“Coal-fired power stationworkersaround the country are already facing stress and uncertainty withmoving timelines forclosures,” Mr Kelly said.

“With aframeworkfor worker transition support nowinplace through the federal government’s Net Zero Economy Authority, we are very concerned aboutenergy companies fast-trackingjob cuts to avoid potential retraining and redeployment obligations in future.”

His commentsfollowthose of the Latrobe Valley’s Mining Energy Union, which has warned that renewables will never replace the jobs lost in the Valley’s coal-fired power stations and thatthe Gippslandoffshore wind industry will not be ready to operate when Yallourn power station closes in 2028.

The union’s President, Andy Smith, speaking at the recent Gippsland New Energy Conference in Traralgon,slammed the state government’s inaction in the LatrobeValley, but emphasised he was not against renewables.

Mr Smith said not one offshore wind company withalicence has an operations dateslatedbefore 2032.

“You can do asix-months course, but you will be waiting until 2032-33 before you can actually work in it,”hesaid

“I’m afirm believer in renewables, they are part of the future, butthey are not the futureright now. On top of that, the number of jobs involved in renewables is low, to put it bluntly.”

Proven: TheMorwell Lurgi plant (pictured) closedin1969, howeverits gasification technology could stillhaveaplaceinthe energy future.

Photograph: Express archives

Gasification of coal in full focus

By PHILIP HOPKINS

GASIFICATION is the new and best way to usethe Latrobe Valley's browncoal to produce electricity in a greenhousegas-constrained world. And the technology can also produce arangeofother commoditiessuch as hydrogen, diesel, an LPG substitute, methanol, ammonia and urea.

As BrianDavey, aLatrobe Valley coal industry veteran of 40 years explained, the brown coal used for 100 years in the Valley's powerstations is aprocess calledthe Rankine Cycle.

"It's the lawofdiminishing returns. You getthe biggest bang for your buckatthe lowertemperature; as you go up the temperature and pressure profile, the efficiencyimprovements getsmaller," he said.

"Current power stations are subcritical; the next level is supercritical and then ultra-super critical.Our power stations haveefficiency ratingsofabout29per cent, super critical about 35, ultra-super critical are about 42-45. You can do it, but you require special heat-resistant alloys, so the costs go up significantly.”

Mr Davey said the other cycle, the Braytoncycle, involves gas, normally natural gas.

"You’ve got agas turbine, and to make it really efficient, you have asteam generator that captures the waste heatfromthe gas turbineand heats water to feed asteamgenerator. This is calleda combined cycle -theycan get efficienciesupto60pc," he said.

"A combined cycle plant is bestfor baseload.Inthe Valley, Jeeralangand Loy Yangare open cycle -very inefficient, but quicktorespond.You put gas in and make power almost straight away. It's very expensive and youget littlereturnonenergy-35pcefficiencyon yournaturalgas fuel if lucky. In reality the LV stations probably run at about 25 per cent efficiency as they are based on veryold technology "

Mr Davey said gasification of brown coal takes it another step.

"It takes advantage of the chemical energy in the coal; convert that to gas and then you canburn that in aBraytoncycle,inagas turbine or youcan useit as achemical basefor other products,likehydrogen, ammonia, urea -all thoseare possible," he said.

The issues are coveredintwo recentresearch papers: 'Options for net zero emissionshydrogen from Victorian lignite: Part 1, gaseous andliquefiedhydrogen, Part 2, Ammonia production'. They are writtenbyDr M.A.Kibria and Professor SBhattaacharya fromthe Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, at MonashUniversity in Clayton,and Dr D. E. McManus, from Australian Carbon Innovation at Federation University in Churchill.

The authors note that Victorian lignite has low levels of ash, sulphur, heavy metals and nitrogen. The research concluded that "this was the first time that a coal-to-hydrogen studyhad quantified the greenhouse gas emissions acrossthe entire production chain, includingupstream fugitive methane emissions".

"Both gaseous and liquefied hydrogen can be produced from Victorian lignite,along with allnecessary electricity,withspecific emissions intensity (SEI) these values conformtothe EU (EuropeanUnion) Taxonomy limit", theresearch said. This result wasused using carbon capture and efficiency.

"Importantly, the very lowfugitive methane emissions associated with Victorian lignitemining is crucial to the low SEIofthe process, making thisacritical advantage overthe alternativenatural gas or black coal processes," the studysaid Net zero emissions and net negativeemissions could alsobeachieved by co-gasification withbiomass

"Optionsexist for productionofbluehydrogenfrom Victorian lignite consistent with a'netzero by 2050' target,"the study said.

Similarly, thestudy foundthat ammonia can be produced from Victorian lignite with very low CO2 emissionsintensity with carbon capture and storage. "Ifrequired, the emissions intensity can be reduced with apost-combustionCO2 capture system,and thenmadecarbon neutral by co-gasification withless than 1.4per cent biomass," the study said

ABOUT THE EXPERT

BRIAN Davey hasabackground in thecoal and power sector with more than 40 years’ experience, starting in 1980, in the operations, financial, marketing and technology sectors of the industry.

Mr Davey began his careerwiththe State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) in the Latrobe Valley, worked in avariety of roles andafter sevenyears waspromotedtogeneral manager level. On privatisation in the early 1990s, he joined anewlycreatedprivatepower entity in asenior management role.

In 2005, Mr Daveywas recruitedtodesign, implement and manage an advanced coal technology program for the Victorian state government. This role, after negotiations with the Commonwealth, resultedinaco-funded program of more than $200 million.

He leftgovernment servicein2013and returnedtofulltimeconsultancyworking with

Mr Davey saidthat"if we were clever as astate, we could co-invest in aplant thathas thecapacityto produce power andproduce product". By gasifyingthe brown coal,the initial product line includes amix of hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Doing gasification underpure oxygenconditions, there wasonlytwo gas streams -CO2 andhydrogen.

"Separationofthe two gases to get apurestreamof hydrogen is relativelystraightforwardand anecessarypart of the hydrogen productionprocess.Ithas theaddedbenefit of also providing apure stream of CO2 ready for sequestration.You’ve done the CO2 capture before you start. That CO2 stream is pure; youcan compressand store that relativelycheaply because it’s not an extra partofthe process -unlikein atraditional power station that involves highenergy and capital cost. Youdonot need extra energy -you have already used the energytoproduce hydrogen. And yourhydrogenisthe cheapestform of hydrogen productionyou will everget," he said

The CO2 can be sequestered in Bass Strait.

"It’seasy technology, thecost is as cheap as youwill ever do it in the world. One reason it’s cheap -the short distance -about 66 kilometres. Also, Bass Strait is the best geology to store CO2 in the world,itisfantastically porous and permeable; you putitinthere, it goesin easilyand stays there."

Mr Davey said Bass Strait fields have abig advantage: it'seasy to getthe oil out.

"There is an 85 percent yield,unlikethe oil fields in Canada where they get 15 per cent yield. They use CO2 pumped 350milesfromNorth Dakota to inject into ‘tight’ oil fieldstorepressurisethe fields to force the oil out; they do it economically. We are only66kmfrom theBassStrait coast, and regarding the injection wells,you do one andcovera huge area. There is lower capital cost in putting in fewer injection wells compared to what they have to do in Canada," he said. "It’s ano-brainer."

Mr Daveysaidyou can use the hydrogenproduced to makeammonia, whichiseasily transportable

"We ship about 20 million tonnesaround the word every year. We knowhow to do it;itdoesnot require specialist tankers. Youcan makeammonia,itcan be used as afuel itself.Incurrent power stations, you injectorburnit. In Japan, they use ammoniaasa hydrogen carrier. That’s complex but eminently doable, or youmakeureaout of it -urea is the mostcritical fertiliser in Australiaatthe moment, and most is produced overseas with ahugeCO2 footprint," he said.

Thegasification process also produces apure stream of CO2 that you canthen usetomakeurea.

"You have allthe building materialsinasingle plant,"hesaid

international clients to advance lignite projects in India and Indonesia.Mr Daveydeveloped the business case for anew briquetting technology to be deployed in Indonesia and negotiated the purchaseofaplant in the UnitedStates and the subsequent dismantling and transport to Indonesia.

In late 2016, he was recruited by Regional Development Victoria to work with companies hit by the closure of the Hazelwood power station to transition.

Ayear later, Mr Davey joined Australian Carbon Innovation at Federation University as chief executive, overseeing for the next seven yearsresearchtotalling more than $66m on low emission technologies associated withVictorian brown coal. Due to the lack of support for the development of the vast lignite deposits in Victoria,the companywas wound up last year.

The gasifiercan alsobemademulti-purpose

"If you know you have aproblem with supply, you can say, ‘OK, we can switch from production of a product -hydrogen ammonia or urea-into electricity. You have agasifier, and you could make electricity using raw syngas, then you don’t have to convert hydrogen, combust it straight into the gas turbine; then if want to get serious,put asteam turbine on the back of that and produce power out of that process," he said.

“You would need to put post-combustion CO2 capture technology if youwentdown this route, however, or youcould burn hydrogeninthe gasturbineand have no emissions.

"When it’s not producing power, it’s producing product. You don’t have to turn down the plant because there’s no market (ascurrent coal-fired stationsmust do) -you’re producing anumberofdifferentproducts from the sameplant; one is electricityand other products -hydrogen,ammonia, urea."

Mr Davey said that’s what happens in the Great Plains, North Dakota in the US. In their plant, they’ve got agasification plant that has eight gasifiers," he said.

Brown coal, in the Valley and North Dakota, has two significant advantages.

"One,itgasifies beautifully, but you do havetodry it. Second, it is never subject to commodity pricing; you can’t export it. You know the base cost of your raw material for thenext50years. You can plan your financial position with absolute confidence for the next 50 years," he said.

Mr Davey said sequestering in Bass Strait meant "you have net zero" -orinfact, minus net negative emissionsifyou co-gasify biomass. "Youremissions are actuallynet negative,"hesaid.

"There is ahuge opportunity to have an extensive greenhouse food-growing energy based in theLatrobe Valley. You get heatfree and CO2freefromthe gasification plant. CO2 is agreat growth stimulant

for plants. The three biggest costs in agreenhouse industry are labour, heat andCO2.Takeout two of those from the equation andyou become competitive immediately, only 100km awayfroma major airport for an exportfocus.

"It gives the Valley ajobs profile. Having an advanced chemicalplant willtake care of high valuewage jobs, even for the operatorsofthe plant,but if you havea greenhouse industry- that is farmorelabour intensive thanthat plant willeverbe. Andithas a broad spectrumofjobs from unskilled to quite skilled.”

Apartfromthis spectrum of jobs in the Valley because of this industry, Mr Davey said the gasifier plant provides back-up to powerindustry.

"Itallowsdiversification of thepower industry -it doesn’thave to be all renewables," he said.

Mr Davey said one of theissuesnot spoken about in the renewable production of hydrogen is that the process requiresa lot of water

“It is estimated that to produce one kilogram of hydrogen via renewable resources, you need up to 30 litresofwater -not agreat useofaresource on the driest continent on earth.

"Ifyou usebrown coal and have adrying technology -alreadyavailable -whichisabletocapturethe evaporated water fromthe drying process, you can use that as theraw input to the hydrogen production. You need no additional watertomakethe hydrogen. You do need extra water for cooling, but lessthanyou needfor anormal power station."

Mr Davey said the mining of brown coal couldbe donewith amuchsmaller profile.

"You could change mining methods to suit. Loy Yang is very deep, the bestcoal for power production is down low, so the closer they can make it to the powerstation the better. You could change the mining methodology so you could have aquite wide and shallow mine, then progressively rehabilitate, as is done in Germanyand North Dakota,not leaveittothe end," he said

"If you don't do it on aprogressive basis, youend up where we are today -massive holes."

Mr Davey acknowledged the need to fill the mine voids with water to stabilise the aquifers, at least to athird to half-full, but after that the minebatters could be revegetatedabove the water line to stabilise the mine

"It costsabit more, but is amoreuseful and sustainableoutcome," he said.

He rejected allegations there was not enough topsoil to do that.

"You can blend coal with overburden. There is a mythology in mines,thatifyou put coal withspoil,it will catch on fire and burn the mine. FedUni research shows you can have aone-to-one coal overburden mix, and there is no spontaneous combustionwhatsoever. You can double theamountofoverburdentomake topsoileffectively anditgrows vegetationthreetimes betterthannormal overburden."

Mr Davey said if the state governmentwas serious, the Japanese company already interestedinmaking hydrogen from brown coal, could be brought on board. "Ifweinvest 50 percentofthis- maybe 49 per cent to allow Japan acontrolling interest -wecould use the SEC to provide apower supply andjobs. That would be atrue SEC," he said.

arealpassion of mine!

The weather’s warming up and spring is in full swing across Gippsland, perfect time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine and get your garden growing.

Tomatoes -Everyon e’s

Nothing says summer like home-grown tomatoes.

Afew quick tips to get the best results: Love full sun: Aim for 6- 8hours aday

• Soil: Rich, well-drained and fertilised with liquid or slow-release tomato feed

Tomato companions: Basil helps repel aphids, while marigolds attract bees.

• Care: Tie main stems to stakes or guards and remove small side shoots to direct the plant’s energy into fruit, not leaves

Disease: Use tomato and vegetable dust to control insects and fungus

Mulch: Alayer of sugar cane mulch or pea straw helps lock in moisture and suppress weeds

• Water: Always water at the base, not on the leaves, to reduce disease risk

Plant seedlings now and you’ll be picking your own before Christmas!

What to Pla nt This Mo nth

November’s ideal for topping up the veggie patch with:

•Tomatoes, zucchini, capsicum, cucumber and beans

•Pumpkins and sweetcorn

•Basil, perfect with your tomatoes

•Lettuce,give them abit of shade as the weather heats up

To keep your garden blooming:

•Deadhead spent flowers

•Feed with abalanced fertiliser

•Workcompost into the soil before summer’s heat arrives

Free travel, but tickets not going digital

By AIDAN KNIGHT

AS we entered Novemberthis week, the Premier has fulfilled her promiseoffree V/Linetravel on the Gippsland line.

Commuters last Satur day (November 1), embarking on trains and coaches fromanywhere betweenBairnsadaleand Nar Nar Goon, were the first to receive the Gippsland-specific Transport Victoria voucher.

Thesecan be received from station staff at any station within those zones,orfrommost conductors on services. While travel is free beyond this zone to any otherservices in Victoria,onewayorreturn, passengers will be required to show thisvoucher to station staff, conductors and authorised officers to avoid any fines in zones other than the Gippsland line. Thisisespecially important for passengers continuing pastNar NarGoon towards Southern Cross, where regular ticket checks resume to ensure Metro travellers are not receivingGippsland’s monthlong concession.

Some travellers have already raised akey criticism: the free

pass is only validfor asingle day, meaning anew voucher mustbecollected at the start of every journey throughout Novem ber. For ma ny, tha t could mean arriving at stations earlier to obtain the pass before boarding.Because the voucher replaces the usual paper or e-ticket process, online bookings are no longer available for these zones -achangethat has added to commuter frustration

during what was intended to be acelebratory month of travel.

Those travelling to/from Sale, Stratfordand Bairnsdale are also required to book their free ticket ahead of time, as these are not Myki-compatible stations. This can be doneover the phone or at astation.

The Metro Tunnel is also set to open in early December, but no specific date has been announced by the state government.

FREE TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Free travel on the Gippsland line for commutersboarding bet ween Nar Nar Goon and Bairnsdale all of November 2025

Summer weekend travel free from early December 2025 (TBC) to February1,2026, on all PTV services

HOW

Passengersboarding bet ween Nar Nar Goon and Traralgon this month will be able to collect aGippsland free travel voucher from station staff, or aconductor onboard, instead of tappingontheir Myki.

Those boarding bet ween Rosedale and Bairnsdale,(paper-ticketedarea) cancollect

afreeV/Line ticketfromstation staffwhen boarding,orbookoverthe phone

On weekends during summer,all passengerscan access public transpor t across the entirestate withoutneeding to taptheir Myki.

ONGOING PERKS

Children under 18 travel free on all PTV services from January1,2026. Seniorstravelfreeonweekends on all PTV services star ting from January1,2026for all valid seniorscardholders.

Moreinformation: ptv.vic.gov.au and vline.com.au

Locals claim meteor sighting

By KATRINA BRANDON

STARGAZERSwere leftstunned on Sunday (November2)afterabright streak flowed through the sky.

Around 5pm, people across Victoria reported sightings of ameteor makings it way through the state, and, according to online comments, land on Gippsland soil.

One user on the Traralgon 3844 Community Group Facebook page claimed, "(The) Meteor fell at Wattle Point near Bairnsdale. Sonicboom causing ashock wave in approx 150k radius. It shook

houses for two seconds and was felt and thought to be an earthquake, except it wasn't. The affect of the shockwave was imagined as an impact of a huge plane falling on the roof. There is aMeteor showerover the next couple of days,hopefully today's event will be the only one."

While it didn't land in Latrobe Valley, residents wereabletoview the spectacular boltoflight stretch across the sky.

Sighting of the magnificent space rock could be seen from one side of the state to the other, with excitement continuing to stretch throughout the following days.

Heavy rainfalls across Valley

By KATRINA BRANDON

SPRING stormscontinue to develop, with Monday (November 3) and Tuesday (November 4) receiving heavy rainfall.

raised by the community about the new website, and Irecognise how significant these changes can be. We didn't make the change lightly, and I appreciatethatit'lltakesome time forthe community to adjust to them.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology,upto 45mm was predictedover the two days, with winds to follow.

While farmers welcomed the heavy rains as the green drought continues, roadusersfacedpuddles and new potholes to mark the occasion.

Last Friday (October31) joined in on the spooky fun, with rain and gloom, achance of thunderstorms in the late afternoon and into the night, sending off afarewell to October and awelcome to November.

 ELSEWHERE,the Bureau of Meteorology's (BOM) Acting Chief Executive Dr Peter Stone has announced that the updated BOM website will see further improvements over the following weeks.

The website update was launched on October 22, aiming to improve navigation and accessibility of the site, only for astorm of complaints to follow.

In response to the negative feedback, Dr Stone shared avideo on socials discussing the changes.

“The new website was designed to improve the long-term security, stability and resilience of critical Bureau services,” he said.

“I acknowledgethat therehavebeenconcerns

“I'd like to offer my sincere apologies for the challenges the change has caused. It's clear that we need to do more to help people navigatethe change, both by making adjustments to the website and by helping users understand its new features.”

One feature that people commented on, according to Dr Stone, was the radar.

He said there had been alot of feedback about the radar on the new web design, and that it was important for people to understand that the radar provides one view of the current weather situation, rather than looking ahead.

Dr Stone also went on to say that the radar is

“not intended to replicate or replace the Bureau's weather warnings, which are created by expert meteorologists and issued before asevere weather event” and that there is a“range of forms of damaging weather that are coveredinour warnings, but that don't appear on radar."

“The safety of Australians is aprimary concern, and Iwant to reiterate that our observations, forecasts, warnings and severe weather updates haven't been compromised and continue to be readily available on our website, app and social media channels."

Reel Ta lk

High Fidelity (20 00)

ONE-TIME senior footballer and Express sports reporter Blake Metcalf-Holt is back once again with musicsnob-in-denial and council correspondent Aidan Knight(who does indeed own avinyl player) to revisit one of the great heartbreak comedies of the early 2000s. This week’s film of choice: High Fidelity,a cult classic that mixes breakups, vinyl, and emotional self-sabotage in equal measure. Releasedin2000 and directedbyStephen Frears, High Fidelity follows Rob Gordon (John Cusack), afailing record-store owner who attempts to make senseofhis love lifebyrevisiting his 'Top Five Breakups of All Time'. Told with fourth-wall commentary, obviously acurated soundtrack, and razor-sharp wit, the filmexploresthe messiness of relationships, the comfort of nostalgia, and the emotional maturity that often arrives years behind schedule.

Now, it's time for REEL TALK...

BlakeMetcalf-Holt: Love and rock-and-roll, heartbreak …Springsteen? High Fidelity is an interesting case that is fully driven from its lead. John Cusack pushed this movie into existence from its inception on thepageand throughits production both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Usually,I’m not overly fond of Cusack through his peak erafrom the 80s through the 2000s, but this one speakstomedifferent. Weirdly, the one where he’s arguably the most self-consumed, arrogant,

and in adeep state of depression and anger is the one time it works best. Cusack is heavily supported by the elements surrounding his performance, making the movie truly special, from it’s music choices to the sweet Chicago setting and ultimately to its commentary on love and loss.

Aidan Knight: It's interesting how alead character, quite unapologetically depicted to be achauvinisticjerk, is simultaneously not exactly 'hateable'. John Cusack's protagonist isn't meant to be liked,but is human enoughthat you don't ever quite dislike him -and thatisattributed to the dry wit of the scriptwriting, leaning it further in acomedy direction than any sort of skewed coming-of-age story, and Cusack's ability in honest acting. Isay this with hesitation, as there is likely a reason we didn't see awholelot of memorable roles from him over the years, and Ican see him being typecastinthese more 'unlikeable' roles, but for some reason it doesn't feel forced in High Fidelity, and allowsthe audience to jump straight in without any of that jarring getting-to-knowthe cast period some films have. This accessibility, paired with the uniquenessofthe filmand its premise, makesitas easy to watch as it appears to be produced.

BMH: This eclectic group of ‘elitist’ music guys are terrible …however,it’salsowhenthe film is at itsmostalive. That energetic jolt primarily comesfromwhatJack Black is doing (despite him

making agreat opposingforce to what Cusack is doing -whichare both simultaneously needed to make the movie work and remain entertaining. WhileCusackisquite dynamic when he’s in his own head, breaking the fourth wall from the get go,every other time when around others, he’s also shown to be mopey and tense(to saythe least), meaning itsneedfor him to be bouncingoff someone else when reality is on display.

AK: There'ssomething to be said aboutpopculture therapy -something that everybody is guilty of, not unique to any generation. Music is the most prolific of this experience, as you'd be prettyhard-pressed to find someone who hadn't stopped listening to an artist after breaking up with someone who enjoyed their music, or listened to a particular group whengoingthrough the breakup phase. Music's innate ability to instantly throw you backtoapivotal moment. In this case, it's an incredibly realistic toxic relationship that most people can attribute their most problematic friend being involved in, and Cusack'sinsistentmonologues that break the fourth wall throughout, explaining misogynistically why each of his relationships didn't workout (spoiler, it'almost alwaysbecause of him) and howthey led to themost recentone, where he is now. This method of mid-scenesoliloquy is asignofthe timesfor films of this era-the very

Malcolm-in-the-Middle-esque 'you're probably wondering how Igot here' address that often cheapens ascript, as an unnecessary storytelling crutch. Interestingly, it's done constantly enough here, and without over-emphasis, to stop it from devaluing it at all.

BMH: Rob (Cusack) and Laura (Iben Hjejle) have great chemistry, even if Ican’t get fully invested in seeing them figure themselves out. By the time the final stretches of the film come to fruition, it does feellikeeverything culminates and comes together alittle too easily and quickly. Also, despite Rob seeming to relent and become more selfless in hisrelationship(even if that comesever so close to the end), Istill feel as if he’ll find away to screw things up in the future. Even with the mostly ‘quick to wrap up’ nature, the final scene is perhaps my most enduring part where we finally see Sonic Death Monkey (or Barry Jive and the Uptown Five) provide the greatest and mostsurprising final show in recent memory.

AK: Cusack'scharacterisation isn'tanuntrueone, and the only unrealistic aspect of it is how funny he manages to make acrappyperson appear. His Rob is totally insensitive to other humans, but does so outofa fear of being alone, whichinturn makes him develop multiple toxic traits that allow him to unconsciously push people away so they can't be theone to leave him, regardless of whether he engages with people for the wrong or right reasons (he'snot very consistent).It's alot like the 1995 cult classic Kids,but much more accessible, less off-putting, and asemi-recognisable cast (hello Jack Black). High Fidelity is agenuinely worthwhile watch, but it won’t be for everyone. Its portrayals of messyrelationships, questionable behaviour and early-2000s attitudes may grate on viewers sensitive to themesoftoxicity or gender politics. It’s also afilm best approached at the right moment: not somethingtothrow on out of boredom, but one to sit with when you're in the mood for something character-driven, lightly comedic and emotionally unvarnished.

BMH: ★★★★☆

AK: ★★⯪☆☆

High Fidelity is rated Mfor coarse language, mature themes and sexual references. The film is availblefor streamingonDisney+.

ONE POINTERS

Ta ke aB re ak

BRAIN STRAIN

1. Whatispencil lead made of ?

2. True or false: Bulls get enraged by the colour red?

3. Whatwas the name of Charlie Brown’sdog?

4. What1960s cartoon duo battled spies named Boris and Natasha?

TWOPOINTERS

5. Name the Australian actor that starredinthe TV shows ‘House’ and ‘Chicago Fire’?

6. Whatwas the name of thevolcano thateruptedin79AD covering the city of Pompeii in ash?

7. What is the name of the ABC character that drew pictures with his nose?

8. Wherewerethe 2024 Summer Olympics held? THREE POINTER

9. Howmanymoviesare thereinthe Bridget Jones series?

10.Whatisacrophobiaafear of ?

11. Who wasJohnnyCarson’slong-time sidekick on ‘The Tonight Show’?

12. Which global companyowns the makeup brand Maybelline? FOUR POINTER

13. Aureolin is ashade of what colour?

14. Whatisthe name of thelargestmoon orbiting Saturn? FIVE POINTER

15. Name the lead male actor from these movies?

1. The Green Mile 2. Close Encounters of the ThirdKind

3. TheGraduate4.The Dish 5. TwoHands

HOWDID YOUFARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 21-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books.

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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’.

On the western front the guns fell silent at the 11th hour on the 11th of November 1918, signifying an end to the First World War, a war that claimed the lives of 61,512 Australians, and those that are perhaps first remembered on November 11 when our nation stands in silence

It is not only Australia however who observe Remembrance Day, it is also observed in the United Kingdom, Canada, France, South Africa, The United States of America, Bermuda, Ireland and New Zealand

The ritual of observing one minutes silence at 11am, was first proposed in 1918 and continues to be universally practiced on Remembrance Day each year

This same day sees many Australians wear the symbolic vivid red poppy, which in soldier’s folklore represented the blood of their comrades soaking into the ground The poppies grew in profusion amidst the ravaged battlefields in Flanders Fields, and appropriately it became the symbol to represent the sacrifice of life and bloodshed of warfare

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields

It was after seeing these poppies springing up that Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired to write his poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, a poem that remains forever a part of Remembrance Day

Poppies continue to be sold by RSL’s as a means of saying ‘thank-you’ and to raise much needed funds for valuable welfare work, and they continue to hold Remembrance Day Services each year, at the 11th hour, on the 11th of November with local communities invited to attend

Teddy bears picnic

By KATRINA BRANDON

If you go down in the woods today, You're sure of abig surprise,

If you go down in the woods today, You'd better go in disguise!

For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain.

Because today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic at Morwell Park Primary School

IN light of National Children’s Week (October 18 to 26), Our Place Morwell and Playgroup Victoria hosted ateddy bear picnic at Morwell Park Primary School

More than130 families and their teddieswere in attendance,taking in the warmth of the day.

From 10am to 1pm, children and their guardians headed to Morwell Park Primary School's oval to enjoy activities set up by local organisations.

“The Latrobe Teddy Bear Picnic is afun gathering designed to bring together playgroups, family services, and families in the Latrobe community,” Playgroup Victoria’sFLAG SiteOfficer, Sascha Reese-Sharam told the Express

“This event celebrates children's creativity, imagination, and the joy of playwhile fostering connections among families, service providers and Latrobe Playgroups.

“Thank you to everyonewho joined our teddy bears picnic! We had the best weather possible The sun was shining, and the spacewas filled with many smiles and happy families.”

Aimed at children up to five-years-old, the event aimed to provide afun,inclusive day out for families, promote the benefits of local playgroups, connect families with local community servicesand support networks, raise awarenessofthe benefitsof outdoor play, and strengthen social bonds between families, organisations, and caregivers.

From story corner to the petting zoo, picnic area

and outdoor games, families were able to enjoy the event together. Alongside the many activities available, services suchasGippslandWater, Latrobe Community Health,GippSport -KIDDO,Our Place, 54 Reasons, Ramahyuck, Parent Pathways, Key Assets, Christian Playgroup Network, PlaygroupVictoria and Noah's Ark helped make the day asuccess.

Kids rock at expo

By KATRINABRANDON

THISyear’sLatrobe CityChildren’s Expo was ablast.

Hundredsofattendees enjoyedthe event at Kernot Hall, which featured the teddy bear hospital,jumping castle, hands-on activities and animal zones.

Children’s Week celebrations are part of Latrobe City’sbroadercommitmenttosupporting children and their families through delivering care, education and health services.

This year was the first time the expo featured the teddy bear hospital, run by student volunteers from medicine, dentistry and health sciences at Monash University.

The teddy bearhospital is afun, interactive program that provides children with positive healthcare experiences while promoting health and wellbeing. Kids brought along their favourite teddy (or soft toy) for aspecial check-up andto learn about healthy habits in asafe, playful environment.

"The Monash Teddy Bear Hospital is anot-forprofit organisation that aims to alleviate ‘white coat anxiety’ -the fear of going to the doctor or hospital that many young children may have,” Rural Coordinator of Gippsland, 2025 Monash Teddy Bear Hospital Committee, Hamish Quick said

“During our events, stations are set up to simulate real-life hospital or GP experiences young children may encounter, providingthem with an opportunity to engage with our enthusiastic teddy bear doctors (student volunteers) in afun and educational way. Some examples include asthma, X-ray, allergies, and many more interactive stations.”

With the special addition, attendees were able to enjoy avarietyofactivities in the sun and inside Kernot Hall.

Alarge collective of services and activities was set up within the facility, with some dressing up forthe occasion and others featuringactivities and futureeventsthatchildrencouldenjoy at alater date.

Latrobe City Mayor Dale Harriman praised the event.

“The Latrobe City Children's Expo was afantastic opportunity for our youngest residents and their families to enjoy an afternoon out, with lots of free interactive activities and entertainment, as well as information about arange of services on offer in Latrobe City,” he said.

"The expo brought together ahost of fun entertainment for children and their familiesand carers, including amagician, animals, hands-on activities, jumping castle and more.

"Thank you to the 50 training doctors and nurses from MonashUniversity whogaveup their time at the teddy bear hospital, which was abig hitwithkids.There weremore than 450 bears treated on the day!"

Newfriends: Morwell’sImogen (2) and Nora(2) enjoyedmeeting the animalsthatcame to the picnic.

Toys: Traralgon’s Navy (2)was fascinatedby the bubbles at the teddy bearspicnic.

Colourful: Morwell’sLuna (4) joined many kids at theMorwell teddybearspicnic. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Fun: Morwell’sIndi(8) and Navy (2) had lots of fun at the expo Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Play: Morwell’sNavy(2) par taking in an expo activity.

Popular: Hundreds visited the Latrobe ValleyChildren’s Week Expo at Kernot Hall last month.

H20: Craig and Jeremy from Morwell Countr yFireAuthorityUnit broughtoversome fire trucks forthe children to have agoatbeingfirefighters foraday

Something for all art lovers this weekend

By KATRINA BRANDON

NOVEMBER festivals around the Latrobe Valley are arriving, with seasonal plants in full bloom.

This weekend (November7 to 9) sees the annual Morwell RoseGarden Festival, TyersArt Festival, and the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists hosting awide variety of events.

Starting on the Friday, people can visitthe Greek Orthodox Church Hall at 44-46 Elgin Street, Morwell, viewing for free photographs by the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists, featuring a diverse range of flora, fauna and fungi found in Gippsland.

The exhibition is open until November 13, between 10am-4pm.

 ON the other side of the CBD, the Morwell Rose Garden Festival comes to life around 6.30pm. People can enjoy awarm meal to go with the cooler evening temperatures, the well-tended roses in the Morwell Rose Garden, and listen to and watch performances through the night. The Rose Garden Festival flows into Saturday,

whenpeoplecan enjoylocal musicians, aguided tour of the rose garden, library events,bloom performances, workshops, stalls, and the festival steam train delivering people from around the state  THE Tyers Art Festival springs into action this Friday (November 7) from 8pm-11pm, with a gala evening erupting with excitement as artists and fellow art lovers immerse themselves in the night of inspiration while listening to local musicians.

The festival is open both Saturday and Sunday (November 8-9), for people to enjoy artwork from 10am-4pmonSaturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

The Tyers Art Festival is held at the Tyers Hall every year and celebrates its 46th running this year.

Special guest: Thetime-honouredMorwell Rose Garden Festivalisonthis weekend. Renownedgardener CostaGeorgiadis will again be present.

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Students shine in Footloose production

FOLLOWING months of rehearsals, set design and creative planning, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schoolstudentsbrought the house down with their 2025 musical production of Footloose at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.

Under the creativedirection of production director and coordinatorNathanByrne, the cast, backstage crew, orchestra,and costume and set designers delivered aspectacular performancefilled with energy, colour and heart.

The high-spirited show followed Ren, acity teenager who moves to asmall town where dancing is banned. What unfolded on stage was avibrant story of rebellion, resilience and the joy of self-expression, broughttolife through powerfulperformancesand an unforgettable 80s soundtrack.

Audiencesweretreated to dynamic vocals, big dancenumbers and plentyofthat infectious 'Footloose' spirit, with hits like Let’s Hear It for theBoy, Holding Out for aHero and, of course, the iconic title song.

The production was atrue celebration of student creativity and teamwork, atestament to the dedicationand talentthat thrives within the performing arts community.

Beyondthe stage, opportunities like Footloose highlighted students' personalised learning to build confidence and shine in their own way.

Voice: Veratta, Matilda and SiennasingingSomebody’sEyes.

Duo: Jake as Willardand Sienna as RustyinStPaul’sproductionofFootloose

Act: AraanasReverend Shaw,Georgia as Ariel and Layla as Vi.

Perform: Harry as Renand JakeasWillardin the ICan’t Stand Still scene

Stage: GeorgiaasAriel with Matilda as Wendy Jo,Sienna as Rustyand VerattaasUrleeninthe Holding Out ForA Heroscene Photographs supplied

Roles: Noah as Chuck,Harry as Ren, Georgia as Ariel, Sienna as Rusty, VerattaasUrleen and Matilda as Wendy Jo during aBurger Blast scene.

Outreach program offers help

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IN an efforttocombat the loneliness crisis, and more so the homelessness crisis regionally, agroup of selfless and caring individuals have set up shop in Moe’s Apex Park to provide asafespace for those who need it.

Mental health support organisation Bettermentall Together began opening up their services more broadlythrough their Community Outreach Program, interchangingbetweenMoe and Warragul every week.

Offering free food and drinks along with ahost of essential resourcesfor those struggling and disadvantaged -the program is seeking to be a hive for all within the community.

Founder of Bettermentall Together and senior support worker,Jason Rantall said that to seepeople come to them, they’ve purposefully introduced themselves by going around the area.

“It’s always aslowuptake. Obviously you’ve got to build rapport and trust, so acouple of us have been walking around the streets with food packs and just having aconversation with people just to

Farming consults to assist during drought conditions

By RACHAELCAMPBELL

WITH thelong dry period, many farm dams are yet to fill. Support is available to assist with stock water planning and other farm management decisions.

All farmers in Victoria can register for afree one-to-one consultation with afarm management specialist.

Thisadvisory serviceoffersasession of up to three hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call,totalkthroughand help develop aplan for managing drought conditions.

The adviceistailoredtoyour situation,with a consultant that you nominate from Agriculture Victoria’s panel. Advice can include stock feed planning, water planning and arange of other on-farm decisions.

Moreinformation aboutthis servicecan be found at: https://go.vic.gov.au/452dHXb

There are also online tools to assist in farm water management.

Knowing your farm water requirements allows you to plan and make informed changes as required.

Agriculture Victoriahas information andtools available to help assess stock water supply and calculate how long water will last at: https:// go.vic.gov.au/4o6i4aJ

Reducing water losses across the farm can achieve significantwater savings. For example, in the short term,repair any reticulation leaks and in the longer term,reduce evaporation fromfarm damsbyplantingwindbreaks and minimising seepage.

Dairy farmers canalsoexplore howtoreduce water use in the dairy while maintaining milk quality by measuring water use in everyday activities such as vat and machine washing, pit activities and yard cleaning.

Improvements can then be identified that could achieve significant water savings by adopting different technologies or work practices.

For more information aboutdrought support, visit:www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Rachael Campbell is Agriculture Victoria Dairy Industry Development Officer.

build that rapport,” he told the Express “Towalk into something new,especially if you struggle with crowds and meetingnew people, which alot of people do,ifwecan givethem a face to it then they’re more likely to come along.”

Since the program is offered only fortnightly in Moe, it makesitdifficult to see bothidentified people and volunteers filter through continuously. Mr Rantall says they’ll look to do weekly meetings into the new year.

Many of the volunteers who come around are initially seeking support fromBettermentall Together, before finding their own worth in helping others.

“They’re apartofwhatwedonow, so they come for support and they feel their sense of belonging and they feel significant,” Mr Rantall said.

Once the program gains more traction, aportable shower will even be available for those who don’t have access to that basic necessity.

Food boxes are provided by Baw Baw Food Relief, while other items are also donated.

Much like Bettermentall Together’s community hub in Trafalgar, the items come secondaryto the real purpose -ensuring those out there who

otherwise wouldn’t have someone to open up with do.

“Whatwedowith the food and the barbecues and all that, that’s just to get people in to build some rapport,” Mr Rantall said.

“People aren’t open to support and service that help until you builds that rapport.

“It’s about the person reaching for help, coming in, getting involved, and then we help them to find their way.

“We don’t tell them how to do anything, because we support them on their journey.

“Providing all this as aservice for them to then (receive) that emotional and mental support outside of that.”

Alongside his wife Kerry, Mr Rantall founded Bettermentall Together with the aim to empower people through their most difficult times.

TheTrafalgar community hub has been asuccessful venture over the last three years, attracting many people every week for connection and stress reducing techniques, which has now led to further initiatives such as the Community Outreach Program.

Hereifyou need: The CommunityOutreachProgramisset up at Moe’s ApexParkonceafortnight.

Picturedisfounder of mental health organisation Bettermentall Together Jason Rantall (front left) alongside Jake,Craig,Elishaand Kym. Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

New game-changing health facility

Support: Latrobe Regional Health ExecutiveDirector Mental Health Mike Gatsi, LRHchief executiveDon McRae,Ministerfor Mental Health Ingrid Stitt, LRH chair Linda McCoy andMember for EasternVictoriaTom McIntosh at the soon-to-be-open YouthPrevention andRecoveryCarecentre in Traralgon.

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AHEAD of welcoming its first residents in the comingmonths, Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt stopped by the recently constructed and soonto-open Traralgon Youth Preventionand Recovery Care (YPARC) centre.

The latest Latrobe Valley facility is part of the state government's $141 million expansion program to deliver new and refurbished mental health centres across regional Victoria.

Located on HydePark Road, themodern, purposebuilt sanctuary includes 10 private bedroomswith ensuites, acommunal living area, and outdoor spaces designed for ahome-like environment.

Ms Stitt and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntoshwere shown around the facilityby representatives of Latrobe RegionalHealth and the Victorian Health Building Authority.

The MP applauded what she believes will be "a real game-changer for youngpeople in the Latrobe Valley."

"It is reallya beautiful building and Ithink it will go along way to helping young people who

are struggling with mental ill health and mental distress," she told the Express

"They'll be able to get the clinical care, therapeutic care that they need without having to travel long distances to find abed somewhere else away from home.

"This is really going to be awonderful addition to the mental health supports here in Traralgon."

The expansionprogramofYPARCs across the state was adirect response to key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria'smental health system, with an expectation of more services to be readily available for those aged 16 to 25.

Proposals included the need for facilities in each Victorian region and due to it being avoluntary resource, awarm and welcoming space be provided.

New centres will also be opened in Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton and Heidelberg, while upgrades are being completed on Bendigo, Dandenong and Frankston YPARCs.

The facilities offer ahelpful service and setting for young people to utilise, but also to not become disconnected from their community by remaining

in asecluded hospital wing, as articulated by LRH chief executive Don McRae.

"People get to come and go, and we actually encourage people to go out on day trips, go to the shops, go do their grocery shoppingand prepare theirmeals," he said.

"It's all about building those life skills and those coping skillsfor whenthey return to the community."

LRH will work closelywith mental healthservice provider MindAustraliaoncepeoplebegin filtering into the facility.

Mind will provide the day-to-day operations with care staff on hand, while LRH offer specialist psychiatry and psychology inputand mentalhealth nursing.

Mind chief executive Gill Callister highlighted the YPARC as an early interventionmodel that can ensure these moments of crisis that young people deal with don't become life-long sufferings.

"Earlyintervention care can make all the difference in ensuringthatmoments of crisis don't become permanent conditions through lack of support," she said.

The Range Retirement Village is aretirement living community in Moe, boasting alive-in Manager and high-quality residential villas set inside agated community.

The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area,wellappointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage.

Plan your social life with your new community.

Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo,cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to getaroundour local area

Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

"We look forward to developing our partnerships with (LRH), and providing holistic wrap around mental health and wellbeing supportfor young people in Traralgon."

The off-shoot facility, positioned ashort distance away from LRH, also acts as ameans to take pressure off staff at the Traralgon hospital.

"It really creates asafespace for people who are not acutely unwell but are struggling with their mental health to function in the community," Mr McRae said.

Additionally, LRH was hands on in the development stages of the local YPARC, helping design the building alongside LivedExperienceWorkforceand its other mental health partners.

"The end producthas been outstanding, it's state of the art," Mr McRae said.

There is often astigmaregarding mental health institutions and those who elect to use them. However, this service appears to break away from those trends and provide something truly special for young locals struggling.

FROM $350,000

Welcoming: Aspacious kitchen and communal space is the hub forthe Traralgonfacility, ensuring youngpeople enjoytheirstaywhile theyget the help theyneed. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Unique local collection to be auctioned off

BOOK investors and collectors will head to Traralgon this Sunday (November 9) for the silent auction of the reserve collection. This unique collection spans more than a century of Gippsland writing. FromAlfredHowitttoAlanHarding, it uncovers the heritageofthe regioninrare and highly sought after titles ranging from an 1880 first edition Fison,Lorimer and Howitt’s Kamilaroi and Kurnai to Phillip Peppers’ 1980 storyofhis family You are What You Make Yourself to Be, along with TheStory of Metung by Gay Halstead and Lover’s Walk: Inverloch, APatchwork of Historical Stories by E.P. Brewster (ed Joan Crawford).

Hosted by Bookcases @Court, the collection willbeavailable for sale through silent auction with all money raised going to Friends of the Traralgon Courthouse to support the ongoing preservation and sharing of community heritage. Retired second-hand bookseller Wayne Hardie

from Warragul hascompiled the catalogue and hasbeen working for several months withrenownedGippsland historian, Linda Barraclough to sort and disperse aprivate collection made available for distribution through Bookcases@ Court. The reserve collection of highly sought publications has emergedthrough this process.

Bookcases @Courtisoperated by Friends of Traralgon Courthouse Inc., volunteers who have worked for many yearstofacilitate the restorationofthe Traralgon Courthouse and open it to the community.

The reserve collection catalogue can be found on the GippslandLocal HistoryBook Facebookpage, or obtained fromthe Traralgon Courthouse in person or by request via email at: secretaryfotch@gmail.com

The auction will commenceat1pm at the Traralgon Courthouse (161-165 Franklin Street, Traralgon).

Back to where school all began

AGROUP of Year 12 students, who had previously attended St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School’s Traralgon campus,returnedfor aspecial afternoon tea and campus tour.

The visit was filled with laughter and nostalgia as students reconnected with the familiar faces of their formerteachersand shared memoriesoftheir VCE years. They were astounded by the changes made to the campus over the past two years, and were also given apreview of the 3D plans for the campus’ new VCE centre, which is set to open in Term 1, 2027.

This traditional rite of passage, where St Paul's Year 12 students return to their former Year 10 Traralgon campus after completing their VCE at the Warragul campus, has long been ahighlight of the school year, offering soon-to-be graduates achancetoreflect on their journey and celebrate their time with St Paul’s.

With the Traralgon campus expanding to include VCE studies from next year, this tradition will continue once more with next year’s graduating class, before evolving as the new VCE program becomes established on site.

From the with AIDAN KNIGHT

ARCHIVES

50 years ago

The Express, November 5, 1975 Museum faces cash crunch

THE state government’s method of allocating grants to the Gippsland Folk Museum is costing Moe ratepayers large amounts in bank overdraft interest payments. Council discussed the matter at aspecial closed meeting.The museumismore than $30,000 overdrawn at its bank, and council has refused to allow it to overdraw further. In fact, they have instructed the committee to reduce its overdraft to nil by October 1977. The problem, according to Deputy town clerk, Mr Lerstrang, is that the committee has to fully expend any announced subsidies, plus the local contribution, before the subsidy is payable -putting the committeeinto the red

The State Development Department gave approval to grant the museum $50,000 this year, but the money hasn’t been received, and the departmentnow wants more details on the $75,000.

30 years ago

The Express, November 3, 1995

Skilled workerswanted

AMULTI-MILLION dollar shipbuilding industry based in Hobartisdesperately seeking skilled and semi-skilled workers from the Latrobe Valley. The company wants an initial 100 workers with welding and metal

fabrication skills. Eventually, the company could take on up to 550 workers. “The plea followsameeting between the company and PrimeMinister Keating,which concluded that if askilled workforce could not be found immediately, then the industry would have to go offshore,” Incat spokesperson Grant Alifrod explained. “Itwas then suggested that such aworkforce would be readily available within the Valley, considering the redundancies following industry restructuring.” Mr Alifordexplainedthat Incatwas on amajor growth path with worldwide demand for its large aluminium catamaran ferries outstripping production capacity.The 25-year-old company was particularlyin demand within the European market, with this being on the increase. Workers would also have the opportunity to upgrade skills through the CollegeofAluminium Training, which is on-site.

10 years ago

The Express, November 2, 2015

Timelysavefor ‘Lucky’ guinea pig

ABABYguinea pig wrapped inside aplastic bag has been found dumped inside aMorwell charity donationbin.LifelineGippsland volunteersstumbled across ‘Lucky’ lastweek, with the charity’s actingCEO,David Rohde, describingthe disposal as a“disturbing”act He said the volunteers were saddened to stumble across the act. Since being rescued, Luckyhas been cared for by the volunteers and was on the mend, beforeheisupfor adoption, withmany Latrobe Valley residents having already stepped forward to offer to care for the animal. “There are far more appropriate avenues available to re-homean animal,” Mr Rohde said. The organisation is investigating the incident.

Remembering ‘old Jack’

THE region losta wealth of local knowledge, with the recentpassing of Trafalgar resident Cyril'Jack' McDonald.

He was 95.

Mr McDon ald cont ribute di mm en se ly to preserving the history of Trafalgar and district, penning weekly and monthly columns in various publications.

Mr McDonald came to Trafalgaraged two, when his parents, Elizabeth and Cyril, moved from New South Walesin1929.

As achild,heattended Trafalgar PrimarySchool and gained his Merit Certificate in 1943, aged 14.

In the following year he commenced his working life at the local newspaper office The Times as a typesetter, which left him with alifelonginterest in newspapers and printing. He later worked as atiler with Wally Matthews, then at Ern Cook's quarries and for ashort time, with the SEC.

Many of Trafalgar’s golfers will remember Jack, as his final employment was as greenkeeper at the Trafalgar Golf Club. He retired from the post after 30 years in June, 1997, aged 67.

Mr McDonald was also amember of the Moe City Rifle Club, where he enjoyed the accuracy of target shooting.

He maintained his fitness programme, walking each morning from his house on Old Thorpdale

Road, Trafalgar (Giles Rd), to the newsagents on the highway, and back, to buy apaper.

This kept him well informed about local happenings as he stopped to talk to people he met on the way. He managed to keep up with this practice until within afew monthsofhis death -and never even used awalking stick.

He was alsoakeen gardener, mostly growing vegetables that found their way onto many of his neighbours' tables, havingbeenquietly distributed as he walked.

In retirement, Mr McDonald spent alot of his time researching and writing the historyof Trafalgar and district.

He wrote many pieces for the Trafalgar and DistrictHistorical Society's publication, the Gazette, and wasanace proof readerfor many years (it was suggested Mc McDonald could spot atypo at 10 metres).

Mc McDonald was the society's ‘go to’ man for information on Trafalgar’s pastpeople and events. He was the publicity officer, and worked hard at encouraging people to join the society.

Hisworkintypesetting meant he rubbed shoulders with many fellow tradesmen, including late Express legend Paul Grant, whom he was good mates with.

Future: Year 12 students previewing the 3D plans forthe campus’VCE Centre

Finish line: Students who returned to St Paul’sTraralgon campus as par toftheir final days of schooling celebrations Photographs supplied

Ancient: Some of thebestwriting on local histor yisupfor auction this weekend in Traralgon. Photograph supplied

HOROSCOPES

by JoanneMadeline Moore

November 3-November 9, 2025

Uranus also opposes Mars, so don t spoil a potentially positive week by being physically reckless or making inappropriate comments Slow down and consult with others along the way The Super Full Moon (in your sign) emphasises your practical side so do your best to handle current situations in a suitably sensible and pragmatic fashion When it comes to a romance, work partnership or joint venture, avoid getting stuck in a rut The planets push you to find creative ways to express yourself personally and within relationships But is someone exaggerating or trying to manipulate you? Keep your Bulldust Detector switched onto high

With the help of the Super Full Moon, use the power of your imagination and intuition to get to the bottom of a problem that’s been bothering you If you listen to the wisdom of your inner voice (and pay attention to the symbolism in your dreams) it will point you in the right direction Be proactive about working constructively with a colleague or communicating creatively with a friend But don t get carried away and promise more than you can deliver

The silvery ever-changeable Moon is your power planet and many sensitive Crabs feel emotionally volatile and vulnerable around the time of the Full Moon This weeks Super Full Moon is in earthy, stable Taurus, so you’ll probably feel more grounded (and less moody) than usual But you still need to be extra careful and consistent in the way you communicate with other people – especially children, teenagers, work colleagues and close friends

Get cracking, Cats – especially at home and work! It’s one of the most proactive and productive weeks of the year as the Sun Super Full Moon Venus Mars and Uranus fire up your career and domestic zones Relationships with colleagues and relatives should improve, as long as you’re not being a right royal bossy boots Catching up with delayed chores and overdue DIY projects in your Lions den is particularly favoured so strike while the iron is hot

When it comes to romance, do you have ridiculously high expectations? Have you placed your partner (or imagined partner) on a towering pedestal? With Neptune and Saturn both transiting through your relationship zone stop expecting the perfect soulmate and, instead, be prepared to love a real flesh-and-bones person faults and all As singer, songwriter (and birthday great) Joni Mitchell sings: “I’ve looked at love from both sides now from up and down

Stylish Librans appreciate quality and luxury, but don’t overdo it or you’ll end up being the most beautiful bankrupt on the block! This week, the Sun, Super Full Moon, Venus and Mars stimulate your money and self-esteem zones So its time to get your finances in order work out a new budget, and plan to live in a more sustainable way On the weekend, the Venus/Pluto square could stir up obsessive thoughts or jealous feelings about a lover or friend

What a dramatic week! Theres a Super Full Moon in your relationship and joint ventures zones and then Venus (transiting through your sign) squares Pluto (your ruling planet) So, start flexing your adaptability muscles and expect some thrills and spills along the way Your motto for the moment is from Scorpio singer-songwriter-musician Neil Young (who turns 80 next week): As you go through life you’ve got to see the valleys as well as the peaks ”

You ll be at your chatty and charming best as Mercury and Mars both transit through your sign So its a wonderful week to create, collaborate and communicate in your friendly Sagittarian way As writer (and birthday great) Albert Camus wrote: “Charm is the way of getting the answer yes , without having asked any clear question But avoid making impulsive half-baked relationship decisions Slow down, take your time and think things through

Attached Caps – with Jupiter transiting through your relationship zone, maintain your independence within the partnership Singles – love and travel are linked The planets also highlight professional and volunteer work plus long-term career planning Success will be more satisfying if you are patient and disciplined as you follow your chosen path Be inspired by actress (and birthday great) Sally Field: “Your journey is unique; don’t compare it to others

The Super Full Moon and fiery Mars/Uranus opposition could stir up your restless and reckless side, as you unleash your Inner Rebel But try to do so in appropriate ways that don t upset loved ones, antagonise authority figures, or endanger your personal safety! A professional or domestic change could also test your mettle Be inspired by birthday great, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell: “Life is a series of changes Don t resist them – that only creates sorrow ”

You re in the mood to book an adventurous holiday or plan a new course of study But – on the weekend –hidden tensions could bubble to the surface with a family member, neighbour or work colleague Be extra diplomatic and try not to take criticism personally Social media is also a potential minefield, as Uranus and the Super Full Moon stir up your communication zone So be careful you don t send the wrong message to the wrong person at the wrong time!

COPYR GHT Joanne Made ne Moo e 2025

Walhalla church service

ST JOHN'S church, Walhalla will be open for a day of worship and music this month.

The old church building up on the hillside will be open Saturday, November 15 from 10am.

The church hasnot been opened for along time, let alone had its raftersshaken with song in decades!Come and sit inside this quaintold wooden church.

Soak up the atmosphere, sit quietly on the old wooden pewsthathave been waitinganage or two to be sat upon.

This will be aspecial day of prayer, praise and picnic (bring your own food and chair or blanket).

This is afreeevent for everyone. (Food can alsobe purchased at the Cafe and the Wally Pub). Bring your family, bring your friends and your children are most welcome.

Come sit outside to listentosome mountain stompin'goodtime gospel music played on folk instruments including Irish Bouzouki, mountain dulcimer, mandolin and bodhran guitar. Miss Fiona has created some wonderfully fun, interactive songs for children of all ages to participate in as well. There will be testimonies and prayers to be shared.

Use your dairyeffluent now

NOW thatpaddocksare being cut for silage,dairy effluent can be applied to areas with some green leaf still present.

This can be done after cutting to promote valuable pasture regrowth for an extra grazing and to replace lost nutrients.

Dairy effluent contains many important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorusand potassium. An effluent test is the best way to determine the most appropriate application rate for your farm as nutrient levels vary widely between farms.

Total potassium applied per application should be no more than 60kg potassium per hectare and no more than 120kg potassium per hectare per year.

Nitrogen application should be no more than 60-80kg nitrogen per hectare per application. Heavier applications increase the risk of problems such as nitrate poisoning, mineral imbalances and losses to the environment.

If achemical analysis isn’t available, aruleof thumb is to apply liquid effluent at arate of one megalitre per four ha to areas where there is no likelihood of runoff from the property. Target paddocks that are known to have lower nutrient levels

Remember to restrict cattle grazing for at least 21 days after the application of effluent as this

withholding period will overcome palatability or fouling issues, reduce the risk of pathogens and allowthe plants time to respond to the nutrients. Sludge will also need to be removed from your first pond every so often, depending on how the pond was designed.

This can be applied to paddocks about to be cultivated for acroporsprayed thinly on pasture at similar times to the effluent. Application rate should be basedonaneffluent test, however if this is not available, aguide forapplying sludge to pasture is arateofone megalitre per 12 ha.

Vacuum tankersand other specialisedequipment, often used by contractors, can be useful for this purpose. Withholding periods tend to be longer for sludge applications than liquid effluent, and thesepaddocks shouldn’t be grazeduntil thegrass has grown through the sludge layer.

Over the longer term, continue to conduct regular soil testing where effluent is being applied to monitor nutrient levels and soil health.

For more informationabout usingdairyeffluent effectively, email Rachael Campbell at: rachael. campbell@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Forinformation on available drought support, visit agriculture: vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

SHANAHAN Parade, Newborough is named after James Shanahan and his son Tom Shanahan.

James Shanahantook up the Narracan Shire secretary’s position on March 1, 1920.

He came from Omeo where he was secretary at the Omeo Shire. In the following 15 years, he worked assiduously for the benefit of the shire.

On his death in May of 1935 the Advocate wrote; ‘The news of Mr Shanahan’s demise was received with the deepest regret, not only in the Narracan Shire but throughoutGippsland, in many parts of which he was well-known.’

James had been under considerable stress with the fire in May of 1934 that destroyed the Narracan Shire chambers and most of the shire records, the floods in theshire in the same year, both of which had increased his workload and the involvement of his son in amotorcar incident.

The paperwent on to say in his obituary that he was highly proficient and painstakinginthe discharge of his duties and often congratulated by auditors for the quality of his work.

The Country Roads Board also paid tribute to his ability. The paper stated that he was considered

one of nature’s gentleman and won his way into the hearts of the people as awhole,his unfailing courtesy and consideration extended to rich and poor alike and caused him to win the esteem and admiration of all.

Reporting on the council meeting after his death, the paper noted the high praise given to James by councillors and the fact that it would be difficult to obtain the services of someone of similar ability. So appreciative were they of hisservices, the councilpassed amotion to grant his wife apayment equal to six months of James’ salary.

In 1935 he was nominated for and awarded the King’sJubileeMedal for honoured and faithful service. Unfortunately it arrived afew days after his death.

His son Tom was appointed to the shire secretary’s position in 1935 on the death of his father and remained in the position until his death in 1957. Between father and son, they served the shire for 37 years. Quite arecord.

Information provided by the Moe &District Historical Society.

TheGuide

HONG KONG GOURMET WITH JUSTINE SCHOFIELD

SBS Food,Sunday, 8pm

Home to an eclectic mix of individuals and cultures from all over the planet, Hong Kong is atruly global city,withthe culinary scene to match. Thelatest destination for MasterChefAustraliaalum Justine Schofield (pictured) has everything from iconic street food at night markets, timeless cafeswhereEast meets West,Michelin-starred eateries and traditional Cantonese dining.It’s lucky thisone is airingafter dinnertime– it’snot one to watchonanempty stomach. Schofield begins her adventurewith sizzling seafood stir-fries at a legendary diapaidong(open-air street food stall) beforeyum cha at Man Wah and avisittoOzone,the highest rooftopbar in theworld

ANNABEL CRABB’S CIVIC DUTY

MAIGRET

ABC TV,Friday, 8.35pm

Whether your memoriesoffictional French detectiveJules Maigret featureRichard Harris, Michael Gambon, Gérard Depardieuoreven RowanAtkinson, this modern British adaptation offers an enticing update forGeorges Simenon’s iconic character.This time, Benjamin Wainwright (pictured, Belgravia:TheNextChapter)brings adeadpan sense of humour to his Maigret,arelatively youngchiefinspector who prefers not to play by the rules of the Parisian police. In Friday’spremiere, he’s tasked with investigating aseries of bank robberies, but instead is drawn to the murder that his colleague Foulon(Jack Deam) is working on. He decidestojuggle both cases, racing to solvethem beforehegets himself fired.

Wednesday, November 5

ABCTV (2) SBS (3)

SOCCER:A-LEAGUE MEN

10 Drama, Saturday, 4.30pm

ABC TV,Monday, 8.30pm

Everythree years, Australians maketheir waytothe local primaryschool, church or community centretoline up,number acouple of slipsofpaper and scoff down asausage in bread– civic dutydone. But there’s alot moretoour democracy than what goes down on election day. In this informativethreepartseries, Annabel Crabb (pictured) explores the moreunique aspects of our electoral system, with help from politicians, experts, journalists and even some former PMs. In Monday’spremiere, “Fairness”, Crabb examines the preferentialv on of an independent,itsounds.

d premiers mostbeen eir fiercest ively) in the table in ng y, n ore er PMs Monday s premiere Fairness ex votingsystemand thedistinctly Australian inventi permanent election authority.It’smorefun than

Forreigning A-League Men champions MelbourneCity and Auckland FC,the first threerounds of this season havealm awarm-up forSaturday’sdynamite derbies. Each faces the rivals (Melbourne Victoryand WellingtonPhoenix respecti an unmissable double-header. Auckland managed to top t in their firstseason, coming outahead of their neighbours all three of their matches. While the Kiwi rivalryisjustgetti started, the Melbourne clash has along and storied history with the crowd antics almostaselectric as what unfolds on the pitch. TheactionislivefromSky Stadium at 5pm, befo Andy Harper and Robbie Thomson(both pictured) call the 50thMelbourne Derby from AAMI Park at 7.35pm.

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Four Corners. (Final, R) 10.55 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 NationalPressClub

Address 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 9.15 Boswell And Johnson’s Scottish Road Trip.(PGal, R) 10.10 Confucius WasAFoodie. (R) 11.00 The AdriaticSea. (PGaw) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News 2.00 Tell Me What YouReally Think. (Mal, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(PG, R) 3.35 The CookUp. (R) 4.05 Incredible Canals. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 SevenNewsWithAlexCullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 BridgeOfLies. 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChase Australia.

6.00 QI. (PG, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz (PG)

8.30 Crime Night! (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Julia Zemiro. 9.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 9.30 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG,R) 10.15 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Planet America. (R) 11.45 YouCan’t Ask That. (MA15+, R) 12.15 Parliament Question Time. 1.15 Grand Designs Revisited.(R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.45 Parkinson In Australia. (PG,R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: DragonsRising. 8.00

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 TheIdea Of Australia: CreativeNation (Final, PG) 8.30 JFK: TheHomeMovie That Changed TheWorld. (Mav,R) Alook at the assassinationofJFK. 9.30 No Hamburg, No Beatles. (Mdns, R) The story of TheBeatles. 10.30 SBS WorldNews Late. 11.00 IAmScrooge. (Mals) 12.00 This Town.(MA15+dl, R) 2.15 London: 2,000 Years Of History.(PG,R)

3.05 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 HomeAnd Away (PGa) Sonnylets afriend down gently

7.30 RFDS (Ma) Wayne attends his clinic’sfundraiser 8.30 Off TheGridWithColin And Manu (Mal) The guys return to Auckland, wheretheyexperiencethe traditional method of cooking ahangi.

9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG)Mel Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Dr Ahmed Kazmiwhere no topic is off limits.

10.30 Chicago Fire. (Mav) 11.30 TheAmazingRace. (PGl)

1.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

1.35 ARiver Runs Through It. (1992, PGaln) 3.50 Another Mother’s Son. (2017,PGalsv) 5.45 All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PGav) 8.30 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+lv, R) 10.30 Thirst.(2009,MA15+hlsv, Korean,English) 1am Comandante.(2023,Italian, English) 3.15 TheConference. (2022,Ma, German) 5.15 The MovieShow

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheGoldenBachelor (PGa,R) 1.00 Great Australian Detour.(R) 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 BudgetBattlers. (PGl) Hosted by Jess Evaand Norm Hogan.

8.40 Australian CrimeStories: TheInvestigators:Unmasking AMonster (MA15+asv) Revisits a1970doublemurder

9.50 Parole. (Premiere, MA15+av) Takes alook at Britain’s parole boards

11.05 9News Late.

11.35 Resident Alien. (Mas)

12.20 TippingPoint.(PG,R) 1.10 Great Australian Detour.(R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair. (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News 5.30 Today

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 10 News+. HostedbyDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 DealOrNoDeal Hosted by GrantDenyer. 7.30 TheCelebrity Traitors UK (PGa) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. 8.50 Jamie’s Air-FryerMeals. (R) Jamie Oliver demonstrates how to prepare dishes for arange of occasions usinganair-fryer 9.50 TheGilded Age. (Final, PGa) Ada and Aurorarushtostop Marian. 11.10 10’s

PICK OF THE WEEK

Thursday,November 6

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 IWas Actually There. (Mns, R) 10.30 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Final, Ml, R) 11.25 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv,R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Home Delivery (R) 3.25 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

Campbell.

9.45 Portrait Artist Of The Year (R) Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits. 10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.10 Grand Designs Revisited. (PG, R) 11.55 Parliament Question Time.

1.00 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.10 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.40 Late Programs.

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6am Mor ning Programs. 10.10 Confucius WasAFoodie. (R) 11.00 The Adriatic Sea. (PGaw) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The Idea Of Australia. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 The Mystery Of The Nazca Lines. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Madrid. (PGl) Eva Longoria heads to Madrid.

8.25 From That Small Island: The Irish Story: Contested Identities –The Coming Of The English. Asnapshot of Europe in the year 1000.

9.25 Blue Lights. Grace encounters aformer social work client.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Davos 1917. (Mav)

11.55 The Shelter (MA15+v,R)

2.15 London: 2,000 Years Of History (PG, R)

3.05 Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. (Ml, R) 4.05 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.45 WorldWatch. 12.15pm Fashionista. 12.25 The Late Session. 2.25 Bamay 2.55 Insight. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch 6.00 Our Medicine. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 The Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Kabul. Midnight Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Harper takes action.

8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+ls) Jim Jefferies gives his opinion on tattoos. Featuring Georgie Carroll, Chris Wainhouse and Jason John Whitehead.

9.30 First Dates UK. (PGa) It’s Christmas at the restaurant and this year’sfestive hopefuls areall wishing for the greatest gift of all –love.

10.30 Australia’sMost Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+av,R) Explores life behind bars. 11.30 Gatecrashers.

12.30 Life. (Malsv,R)

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

6am Morning Programs. 9.00

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT (Mdl, R) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Paramedics. (Mlm) Ahero bystander uses CPR to bring awoman back from thedead.

9.30 RPA: Farmer Mark. (PGm, R) Afarmer suffers abrain aneurysm. One of the show’sproduction staff presents with aheart arrhythmia.

10.30 9News Late.

11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+av) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Australia’sTop TenOf Everything. (Mls, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 The Celebrity Traitors UK. (Ml) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman. 8.55 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.25

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.25 Little JAnd Big Cuz. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia.

7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places With Er nie Dingo. 8.30 Moni. 9.40 MOVIE: The Town. (2010, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs. NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.35 AUnited Kingdom. (2016, PGa) 10.40 Long Story Short. (2021, Ml) 12.25pm 20,000 Species Of Bees. (2023, Maln, Spanish, Basque, French) 2.45 The Emperor’sClub. (2002, PGlns) 4.45 Dean Spanley.(2008, PG) 6.40 8.30 Platoon. (1986, MA15+alv) 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 QI. (PGals, R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG,

HardQuiz. (PG, R) Hosted by TomGleeson.

10.00 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.

10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Silent Witness. (Mad, R)

12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.30 SBS World News.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

7.30 Why Cities Flood. (PGa)

8.30 Nick Knowles Into Death Valley (PG, R) Nick Knowles explores Death Valley,travelling from Dumont Dunes to the Salt Creek Trail.

9.25 Ancient Builders Of The Amazon. (PG, R) Alook at the Amazon’sancient civilisations.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Sisi. (Mansv,R)

11.55 Rogue Heroes. (Mlv,R) 2.05 London: 2,000 YearsOfHistory (PG, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 TBA. 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 HardQuiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Dean Spanley.(2008, PG) 8.05 The Movie Show 8.35 10.25 Brother’sKeeper.(2021, Malv,Kurdish, Turkish) Noon Blue Jean. (2022, Malns) 1.50 All Quiet On The WesternFront. (1979, PGav)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.30 MOVIE: The Bour ne Legacy. (2012, Mav,R)Atop-secret gover nment project, involving the creation of super soldiers, is threatened with exposure. Jeremy Renner,Rachel Weisz, EdwardNorton.

11.15 GetOn Extra. Alook at the weekend’sbest racing.

11.45 Motorway Patrol. (PGadl, R) 12.15 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG, R)

1.15 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 David Attenborough’sAsia: Crowded Continent. (PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough.

8.40 MOVIE: The Dry (2020, MA15+alv,R)Afederal agent retur ns to his home town in regional Victoria to attend the funeral of achildhood friend. Eric Bana, Matt Nable. 11.00 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)

Saturday, November 8

ABC (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) 1.30 Maigret. (M, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Last Night Of The Proms. 4.50 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.25 Landline. (R) 5.55 Australian Story: It’sMy Party –KirshaKaechele. (Final, R)

6.25 IWas Actually There: Cronulla Riots. (PG, R) Looks at the 2005 Cronulla race riots.

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

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (Final, PG) Chaos ensues at Humphrey and Martha’swedding.

8.30 Retur nToParadise. (Final, Mav,R)Mackenzie investigates when amineowner is found dead in his locked bedsit.

9.25 The Following Events AreBased On APack Of Lies. (Final, MA15+l, R) Cheryl and Alice discover that in order to really challenge Rob, they will have to stop playing by the rules.

10.30 Neighbours Does HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson. 11.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) Music video clips.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.10 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. (Final) 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Nula. 2.25 Black Angels. 3.25 Tales From The Daly 3.45 The First Inventors. 4.35 Homesteads. 5.05 Revolution. 6.05 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Friday The 13th. (1980, MA15+) 10.10 MOVIE: Under The Cherry Moon. (1986, M) 11.55 Late Programs.

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6am Mor ning Programs. 10.55 Travel Quest. (R) 11.55 BBC News At Ten. 12.25 France 24. 12.55 Soccer Australian Championship. Round 5. Sydney Olympic FC vMoreton City Excelsior FC. 3.00 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 5. South Melbour ne FC vBroadmeadow Magic FC. 5.30 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw,R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Royal Homes: Bagshot Park. (PG) Alook at the royal residence Bagshot Park.

8.25 AYear At KylemoreAbbey Autumn descends on the estate.

9.25 Japan: World’sMost Punctual Train: From Osaka To The South Of Japan. (PG, R) Takes alook at the Sanyo Shinkansen routes.

10.20 The Hospital: In The Deep End: The Future. (Ma, R)

11.25 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mv,R)

2.50 Curious Traveller. (R)

4.25 Bamay (R)

4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R)

5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning.

5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.45 Fashionista. 11.55 Trip Hazard. 12.50pm Curse Of Oak Island. 2.30 AFork In The Road. 3.30 SBS50. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Eddie Murphy: Hollywood’s Black King. 9.30 The Idea Of Australia. 10.30 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm The Heartbreak Kid. (1993, Mls) 2.25 (2018, PGa) 4.15 Under The Cover Of Cloud. (2018, PGals) 5.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PGal) 8.30 Six Minutes To Midnight. (2020, Mav) 10.20 Bang Gang (A Moder nLove Story) (2015, MA15+adlns, French) 12.10am Late Programs.

6.00

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG) Chrissie Swan is joined by afresh new team of expert presenters, covering food, home, money,healthand travel.

8.00 MOVIE: Independence Day (1996, Mv,R)The US president and his motley group of allies battle to save Earth from an armada of attacking aliens. Will Smith, Bill Pullman, JeffGoldblum.

11.00 MOVIE: 65. (2023, Mv,R) An astronaut crash lands on prehistoric Earth. Adam Driver,Ariana Greenblatt.

1.00 In Plain Sight. (Madv) One of Mary’scharges is involved in an accident.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Shopping. 8.30

Travel Oz. 9.30 Better Homes. 11.00 Harry’s Practice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Hor nby: AModel Empire. 2.00 Better Homes. 3.00 Horse Racing. Five Diamonds Ladies Day and Charity Raceday 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. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Dipper’s Destinations. 2.00 Rides Down Under 3.00 Drag Racing. NDRC NitroFunny Cars. Nitro Champs. Replay 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Finals. 9.15 MOVIE: Spider-Man: Far From Home. (2019, M) 11.55 Late Programs.

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Speed 2: Cruise Control. (1997, Mv,R)Awoman and her policeman boyfriend’s romantic cruise is interrupted when acomputer genius disables the ship. Sandra Bullock, Jason Patric.

9.55 MOVIE: Exit Wounds. (2001, MA15+lv,R)ADetroit cop encounters corruption. Steven Seagal, Isaiah Washington.

11.50 Next Stop. (R)

12.30 Australia’sTop TenOf Everything. (PGal, R) 1.30 Rugby League. Ashes Tour ThirdTest. England vAustralia.

3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.30 Global Shop. (R)

5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm MOVIE: Turned Out Nice Again. (1941) 2.10 MOVIE: The Brigand Of Kandahar.(1965, PG) 3.50 MOVIE: Fire Over Africa. (1954) 5.30 MOVIE: Foreign Intrigue. (1956, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. (2015, PG) 9.55 MOVIE: Bank Of Dave. (2023, M) 12.05am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs.

2pm Soccer.English Premier League. Nottingham Forest vManchester United. Replay 4.00 Hot Wheels. (Final) 5.00 Young Sheldon. 5.25 MOVIE: DC League Of Super-Pets. (2022, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug. (2013, M) 11.10 The Winter King. 12.15am Love Island Games. 2.45 Late Programs.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (PGa) Awoman with too many items wants to sell her house. 8.30 Ambulance UK. (Ml, R)Every responders, including police and patient phones in abomb threat. Crews come under pressure on abusyStPatrick’s Day. 9.45 GoggleboxAustralia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 11.15 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) Ada andAurora rush to stop Marian. 12.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv,R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

10

Sunday,November 9

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6am Mor ning Programs. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Miriam & Alan: Lost In Scotland And Beyond… (PG, R) 3.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 4.10 The Role Of ALifetime. (PGns, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

7.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by Adam Hills. 8.00 Portrait Artist Of The

Nine artists compete to create celebrity portraits. 8.50 The Forsytes. (Premiere, PG) Looks at the lives of awealthy late Victorian family

9.45 MOVIE: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. (1994, Mals, R) Drag queens travel across the Australian desert. Guy Pearce. 11.25 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.55 Rage Closer.(R) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(R) 3.30 The Art Of... (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Australian Superbike Championship. Round 8. 4.00 Gold Stars: The Story Of FIFAWorld Cups. (Premiere) 5.10 Freedom Is AVerb. (PG) 5.30 The Irish Civil War. (PGaw,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 JFK: One Day In America: Manhunt. (M)

8.25 The Castle: Rebuilding History Looks at the rejuvenation project of Norwich Castle. 9.45 Watergate High Crimes In The White House. (Mas, R) Documents the Watergate scandal.

11.25 Ancient Superstructures. (R)

12.25 MOVIE: The Endangered Generation? (2022, PGal, R) Laura Der n, Klaus Ackermann, Simon Angus. 2.00 Sue Perkins: Along the US-Mexico Border.(PGadlv,R) 4.15 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.05 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.15 Abbott Elementary 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Mor ning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) 1.00 Behind Behani. (PGal, R) 2.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 3.00 To Be Advised. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Inter national. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.

8.30 The Girl Who Caught AKiller (Premiere, MA15+av) Looks at the tale of Rachel Watts, who at sevenyears-old, miraculously survived being abducted, assaulted and left for dead. 11.20 Crime Investigation

Australia: Most Infamous: Thrill Kill –The Janine Balding Murder (MA15+av,R)Alook at the murder of Janine Balding. 12.30 MOVIE: Secrets By The Shore. (2022, Mav,R)Christina DeRosa. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. Noon Escape To The Country 1.00 The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 The Golden Bachelor (PGas) 8.20 60 Minutes. Current affairs program. 9.20 9News Late. 9.50 Social Media Murders: The Murder Of Bianca Devins. (MA15+al) Awoman in upstate New York is murdered. 10.50 Mobsters. (Madv) 11.45 World’sMost Dangerous Prisoners. (Mlv,R) 12.35 World’sGreatest Jour neys. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Big Brother Australia. (Retur n, PGalns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Ghosts Australia. (Ms) Kate’s renovation plans arederailed by a treasurehunt for Joon’slost gold. 9.00 NCIS: Tony &Ziva. (Premiere, Mlv) With their family in danger,a couple anefarious cyber-attack. 10.00 Matlock. (PGl, R) Matty helps Olympia. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show 12.15pm Seeking Fire. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 History’sGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 AK47: The Legend Behind The Gun. 9.25 Uncanny.(Final) 10.35 The Change. 11.35 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Finding Place. 2.30 John Ware Reclaimed. 3.55 The Point. 4.55 Bob Marley &The Wailers: The Capitol 73. 6.10 Carpool Koorioke. 6.30 News. 6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.30 Emily: IAmKam. 9.30 MOVIE: Ghosts Of Mississippi. (1996, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PGal) 11.30 Six Minutes To Midnight. (2020, Mav) 1.20pm The Assistant. (2019, Mal) 2.55 Enigma. (1982) 4.45 It All Began When IMet You. (2013, PGa, Japanese) 6.40 Loophole. (1981) 8.30 Ka Whawhai Tonu (2024, Malv,Maori) 10.45 Late Programs.

Monday,November 10

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mor nings. 9.55 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 10.25 Annika. (Ma, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 QI. (PGls, R) 3.25 Julia Zemiro’sHome Delivery.(PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs Revisited. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story: His Brilliant Careers (Update) –Sam Neill. (R)

8.30 Annabel Crabb’sCivic Duty: Fair ness. (Premiere) Presented by Annabel Crabb.

9.20 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Planet America.

10.10 IWas Actually There. (Mns, R)

10.45 ABC Late News. 11.00 The Business. (R) 11.15 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Ml, R) 11.45 End Game With Tony Armstrong. (Final, Mal, R)

12.35 Grand Designs Revisited. (R)

1.20 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 2.05 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Mor ning Programs. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 2.05 The Airport: Back In The Skies. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Michael Palin In Nigeria. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bill Bailey’sVietnam Adventure. (Premiere) Bill Bailey explores Vietnam.

8.30 American Prince: JFK Jr.The Boy Who Would Be King. (Premiere) Charts the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., bor nwith the weight of the Kennedy legacy on his shoulders.

9.20 Jimmy Carr’sI Literally Just Told You. (Premiere) Comedic game show

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Conviction: The Case Of Stephen Lawrence. (MA15+al, R) 11.40 The Man Who Died. (Mals, R) 2.25 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 3.30 Curious Traveller.(PGa, R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 The Movie Show 11.45 SBS50. 11.50 WorldWatch. 12.20pm Faithless. 1.20 In My Own World. 3.00 History’sCrazy Rich Ancients. 3.25 Bamay 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Sue Perkins: Into Alaska. (Final) 9.25 Buzzcocks. 10.05 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Shepherdess. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Who Do You Think YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. (Final) 9.30 Yiyili. 9.40 MOVIE: Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 11.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon AWalk In The Woods. (2015, Mls) 1.55 Thirteen Days. (2000, PGal) 4.30 Whisky Galore. (2016, PGl) 6.20 The Personal History Of David 8.30 BeforeIt Ends. (2023, MA15+lv) 10.25 Operation Napoleon. (2023, Mlv) 12.35am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) as two teams face-offtowin aspot in the Grand Final.

9.00 The Rookie. (Ma) Documentary on acomplicated missing person’s case connected to Nolan.

10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) Awoman is abducted while shopping.

11.00 S.W.A.T (Mav) Acrewofviolent eco-terrorists abducts ateenager. 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s)

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

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Golden Bachelor (PGa) It’shometowns week and for in charge of planning the dates. 9.00 To Be Advised.

10.00 9News Late. 10.30 The Equalizer (Mav) McCall grapples with her feelings for Dante.

11.20 Transplant. (MA15+am, R) The team deals with one of their own.

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG,

Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys: RomfordToThe Blackwater Estuary

8.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? Adrian Dunbar (Premiere) Actor Adrian Dunbar traces his family’shistory

9.35 The Cancer Killers. (PG) Twoscientists develop arevolutionary cancer treatment.

10.40 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.10 The Point. (R) 12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Masv, R) 2.15 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R) 3.25 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.25 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Supertato.

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.15 Moving. (1993, Ma, Japanese) 12.30pm Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, Malv,Maori) 2.40 Loophole. (1981) 4.35 The Orator.(2011, PGa, Samoan) 6.40 Above Us The Waves. (1955, PGv) 8.30 The Lighthorsemen. (1987, Mav) 10.40 Late Programs.

10.35 Late Programs.

Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 The 1% Club. (PGls, R) Hosted by Jim Jefferies.

8.30 Murder In ASmall Town. (M) Karl and the team investigate areported bear attack, leading to questions about foul play

9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Mandy Ahmadi. (Mav,R)Alook at the case of Mandy Ahmadi. 10.30 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Masv) 11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGa) 12.00 MOVIE: Secrets Of A Marine’sWife. (2021, 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 Taronga: Who’sWho In The Zoo: Toothless Tiger. (PGm)

8.30 Bump. (Madl) Oly thrives with Santi at the Her nandez house. 9.50 9News Late. 10.20 Wild Cards. (Ma) 11.20 Around The World With 30 Kilos. (Premiere, Madlv) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.30

Remembrance walk

MOE Historical Society will hold aremembrance walk at Moe Cemetery this Sunday (November 9) from 2pm.

The walk will focusonthe graves witha defence force history.

Costis$5tocover refreshments at the end of the walk.

Meet at the cemetery office.

Register to attend by emailing: moehist@ aussieb.com.au or leave amessage on 5127 6264.

All welcome.

Community concert

COME along to aheart-warming community concert that celebrates ayearofcreativity, learning and live music.

The Latrobe Orchestra and ensembles from its beginnerstrings program take to the stageto perform an exciting and entertaining program of music with highlights including:

 Two moving pieces by local Gippsland composer Dani Maree Ashmore;

 A powerful performance of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, and;

 Afun and imaginative musical retelling of the famous 1870 paddle steamer race on the Mississippi River -complete with unexpected and colourful sound effects made using everyday household items, and including all 80 members on stage.

Perfect for families, friends, and anyone who enjoys agood story told through music.

The concert willbeheld Sunday, November23 at GPAC from 2.30pm.

Tickets:adults $22.50, under 18 years $5.

Tickets are available at the GPAC box office or via: https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/gpac/events/ The_Latrobe_Orchestra_presents_This_is_Us

Spiritual centre

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

JoineverySunday for service from2pm.Doors open at 1.30pm.

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

For enquiries, phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Chess battles

WITHonly one loss,Price Samaseia claimed the lead at the Latrobe Valley Chess Club competition last week.

Equal second was PeterBakkerand Ian Hamilton.

The highlight for CliffThorntonwas the clever win against Price Samaseia.

Brodie Ward stayed in touch with club events and said he is lookingforward to the coming tournament.

SteveAhern was asolidopponent for every player and was rewarded with two wins.

Phone Cliff Thornton on 0413 330 458 or Ian Hamilton (0400 221 649) for more information.

Get together

THE Get Togethergroup will meet today (Wednesday, November 5) at the Traralgon Uniting Church (Park Lane) from 10am.

Come and join for acuppa andachat. Allare welcome.

TRAMPS ride

TRAMPS(Traralgon and Morwell Pedallers) last scheduled ride on October 26 was cancelled duetoforecast rain.

TRA MPS next ride will be this Sun day (November 9) from Pakenham starting from the Pakenham station carpark at 9am.

The ride will stop at Tooradin for lunch then return to Pakenham.

TRAMPS welcomes new riders.

If you would like to belong to Gippsland’s premier cycling group, call Paul on 0459 823 422 or Vance (0403 662 288).

For more information visit: www.tramps.org.au

Plant sale

JOIN the Traralgon UnitingChurch (Park Lane) and find yourself abargain or more at its plant sale this Saturday (November 8) from 8am to 1pm.

Choose fromperennials, herbs, dahlias, succulents and more.

Morwell Uniting

FLEXIBLE and fun volunteering is on offer at Uniting in Morwell.

The group has some amazing people who give their time for arange of reasons and are looking at expanding the team.

Volunteering canlook like helping for just a few hours aweekwith Uniting'sfood pantry, delivering meals with fleet cars, joining into social groups like cooking, boardgames and craft or fulfilling Centrelink mutualobligation hours.

Reach out if you would like to discuss joining via email at: volunteerenquiriesgipps@ vt.uniting.org or by calling 9051 7000.

Traralgon District Historical Society

THE society had avery busy month. Octoberwas History Month, and the Traralgon District Historical Society participated in a three-day display at the Traralgon Courthouse, showcasing thehistory of Traralgon from the mid-1800s through to the 2000s.

The group also held its annual dinner at the TraralgonBowlsClub, which was very well attended by more than 50 people.

Guestspeaker Jenny Hammett gave afascinating talk on Sarah Griggs and her many connections to families throughout the district.

In addition, the society has prepared asubmission to Latrobe City Council advocating for the preservation of the Old Methodist Church.

The group proposes that the building be repurposed as the Traralgon District Heritage Museum, with afocus on the local railway industry and the history of faith in the community.

The society's 2026 calendar is also available from Office National,Church Street, Traralgon for acost of $15.

The feature of the calendar is the streets in Traralgon and brief history of the names.

The society also held amorning tea for members who are notabletoattendthe evening meetings. Ten members were in attendance and all participated in lots of chatter and laughter. All agreed they enjoyed the outing and friendship. Next meeting will be held Tuesday, November 11 at the society rooms at The Kath Teychenne Centre (11 Breed St, Traralgon).

Details for the Society are -email: secretary@ traralgonhistory.asn.au; telephone: 5174 8399; and postal: 11 Breed St, Traralgon VIC 3844.

Moe CWA

COFFEE morning is this Friday (November 7) from 10am at Tommy Brock's on Kirk St, Moe. All welcome to come along for acuppa and achat.

Then the usual meeting times for November meetings are still the second Monday from 12.30pm and third Monday of themonth is craft day, starting 12pm.

All women welcome.

Phone Anne Freeman on 0417 993 111 for more information.

Bridgeresults

TRARALGON Bridge Club results: Monday, October27-1st KayBaxter andAnne den Houting (58.33 per cent); 2nd Ken Tierney and Monika Cornell (54.17).

Tuesday, October 28 -1st Barbara Barr and Phillip Goode(57.29); 2ndChristine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (54.17).

Thursday,October 30 -1st Greg Nicholson and Kaye Douglas (64.81); 2nd Marion and Kevin Taylor (63.43).

Don't forget to give Helen McAdam acall on 0438 164 528 if you would like to play or learn more about bridge.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin Please write 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

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

Boolarra sheep dog trials coming up

By KATRINA BRANDON

ANOTHER year, another trial.

The Berryden Sheepdog Trials are on the way at Boolarra Reserve on November 14 to November 16.

Each day will bring eager pups to showcase the best that they can at working together with their owner to round up sheep, running them around a challenging course. Last year was ablast, with morethan90dogs competing in the trial.

The Berryden Sheepdog Trials are run by the South Gippsland Working Dog Group, which was originally formed after ameeting between the late Jean Moir and Don Jelbart, where they decided to call ameeting and invite numerous interested people to become the founding members.

This three-day eventattracts competitors and their families to travel from all regions of Victoria, SouthAustralia, New SouthWales and Tasmania. Participants in the trials are passionate about this sportand this event is the final event in Victoria for the year, so it provides aspecial place for all to meet and celebrate.

It is expected that more than 50 competitors and their families will travel to Boolarra this year to participate and stay in the local community for the three days.

Many trials are done throughout the year, with the Korumburra SheepDog Trialsfeatured the week before Berryden, and the Annual State Cattle, Sheep and Duck Dog Championships on the last weekend of November.

At the Berrydentrial, each dog will have to bring a small group of sheep to its owner, go around him or her,then up the course, through two lots of panelled obstacles (a gap and arace), up aramp, and into apen within a15-minute timeframe. Thedogs also have to keep the sheep (once bringing them to their handlers) at anine-metre distance from the obstacles or the handler.

Acouple of years ago, the trial lost one of its foundingmembers of the club, who was also the owner on the farm where they had practiced and trialled. The search went out to find anew home, where to their delight, the Boolarra Recreation Reserve welcomed them with open arms.

This year is their thirdyear of trialling in Boolarra.

Mirboo Northopen gardens

THE Mirboo North community will open its gates this weekend(November 8-9) for the open gardens and garage sale trail.

The weekend is set to be acelebration of spring, sustainability and small-town spirit.

Hostedbythe Mirboo North Lions Club, together with Mirboo North Garden Centre & Garden Supplies, 12 beautiful privategardens across Mirboo North, Mirboo, Darlimurla and Allambee will open to the public.

From lush cottage gardens to expansive rural landscapes, visitors can wander through acolourful array of gardens brimming with creativity and character.

Maps detailing all locations will be available for purchase from Mirboo North Garden Centre &Garden Supplies on the weekend.

Two of the open gardens will also serve Devonshiretea and asausage sizzle, offering the perfect spot to rest, refresh and enjoy the view

“Make aday of it or take the whole weekend and visit one garden or visit them all -the choice

is yours,” organiser Paula Calafior said.

Adding to the fun, the garage sale trail will also be running acrossMirboo North on the same weekend (and the following one), bringing Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt to the hills.

With more than adozen local garage sales expected, visitors can browse everything from books and toolstofurniture, homewares and collectables, whileenjoying springtimein Mirboo North.

Thegarage saletrailisa nationwide celebration of reuse, connecting communities and helping millions of pre-loved items find new homes.

To find sales in Mirboo North, visit: www. garagesaletrail.com.au

Whether you’reagarden lover,abargain hunter, or simply after arelaxing country escape,Mirboo North is theplace to be this November.

Explore: Mirboo Northand surrounding areasoffer some tranquil landscapes

Photograph supplied

Pupluck: Thetrialsattract some of the best workingdogsinthe country. Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Much more in Morwell thanismade out

WHAT'S good in Morwell?

Perhaps more than you’d expect!

Anew brochure ‘WelcometoMorwell’highlights many positives in the town.

It includes ahandy map of local facilities and was recently distributedwith help from theLatrobe Valley Express.

Morwell’s central location makeslife convenient

The downtown and Mid Valley retail centres offer easy access to shops and services with free parking. Public transport links also make other Valley towns, and even central Melbourne, simple to reach. Within just acouple of hours’ drive you can enjoy manyofGippsland’s greatattractions:Walhalla historic township, Mt Baw Baw snowfields, Inverloch beaches, Wilsons Promontory National Park and the Gippsland Lakes.

Local facilities often overlooked include the leisure centre, public library, central primary schools and newsagency. All are known for their friendly service. Manny’s Market is another local favourite, offering fresh produce, deli goods and bakery items with traditional personal service.

The end of ayear or start of anew one is often when people move home.

Landistypically moreaffordable herethan in Melbourne, includingrecently developed‘The Range’ residential estate to the west and ‘ICON’ industrial estate to the east.

The Zoe Flats are being refurbished to provide affordable central accommodation. This is Stage 1 of awider plan to transform the St Luke’s Princes Drive precinct into avibrant community hub, with housing, amen’s shed, op shop and social spaces. The second stagemay involve partnership with a private developer to facilitate about 15 small home sites at the rear of the property.

Morwell’s community spiritshines through projects like the huge wooden playground at the Town Common, built in 1998 by locals and Hazelwood Power.

This popular venue has forged afriendship group open to all nearby residents, calledthe ‘Wooden Park Crew’.They now share amonthly community lunch hosted at St Luke’s,ensuring no onein Morwell needs to feel lonely.

Copiesofthe new brochure are available from the Latrobe Visitor Information Centre. Ron and Anne Camier Morwell

Wide of the mark

OVERthe years, the letterspageofthis masthead has quitefairly exhibited abroad range of community views, including many contributions and characters that areperhaps most diplomatically described as colourful.

Contributions haveranged from informativeand entertaining to bizarre and incoherent.

Howev er, spec ial cong rat ulat ions must be reserved for Phillip Edwards, whomasterfully displayedthe pitfalls of left-wing incoherencein his missive to this newspaper last week ('Unseen costs', Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 29/10). Mr Edwards has an obsession with regular letterwriter Greg Hansford and his pronouncements on communityradio.

Ihave read several lettersfrom bothprotagonists

about the burden and incidence of taxation levied by state and local governments, but Mr Edwards is drawing arather long bow when he tries to link oppositiontotax increases with alleged union corruption and, more bizarrely, aconspiracy theory that non-white medical specialists will avoid working at Latrobe Regional Hospital because of debates at acommunity radio station thatmost people (whether locals or overseas professionals) have never heard of.

Mr Edwardsisfree to havehis own views and to continue being apropagandist for the Victorian Labor Party, but racial smears against anti-tax campaigners are beyond the pale.

If he is now reduced to playing the race card, that is atell tale sign that he has lost the debate.

Nicholas Tam Traralgon East

HELE fantasy

LIKE many of One Nation's poli cies, Greg Hansford's regular urgingtobuild brown coalburning HELE power stations ('HELE to help', LVE, 29/10) is rooted in a1950s worldthat is long gone. He neglects to mention that the CSIRO estimates any form of new-build coal-fired power generation has acost of electricity (LCOE-based) that is aboutthe same as nuclear; about doublethat of firmedrenewables (solar and windwithgrid-scale batteries). That cost includes carbon capture and storage because, while these plants are low emissions compared to conventional coal ones, they still emit more CO2 than agas-fired plant. Whywould we in the Valley allow any form of newpollution in our midst?

Another problem: the $40-odd billion build cost for 6Gw would have to be financed by the taxpayers because no investor anywhere is going to put ared cent into coal-fired generation.

Mr Hansford's claim thatwecould havethem within three years is ludicrous when you consider the projected build time for the very, very few coal-fired plants being built in the West is nearly six years. Add in typical project design establishment and financing periodsoftwo to four years and allow for the fact that the chances of One Nation and/or the Coalition having the balance of power to commit to such projects is unlikely before 2031.

So, Mr Hansford's "solution" might deliver first power by 2040 at twice the cost of what the grid will be delivering well before then and with the same difficulties nuclear will have fitting into the renewables-dominated grid in the 2040s.

Sounds like no solution to me, Greg.

If you think it can work, put up the details to support your claims.

John Gwyther Coongulla

Amazing grace

IT was amazing to see PremierAllan, along with Gabrielle Williams, Tom McIntosh and Lily D'Ambrosio visiting Gippsland to tell us all about how good they are looking after everyone in the Valley.

Iwonder, did they enjoy all the potholes on their way here, or did they do an Albo and fly?

What apity the ratepayers were not informed of their visit; otherwise, we could have organised a "warm welcome" for them to meet those workers from Maryvale Paper Mill and Loy Yang Power Stationwho will be losing their jobs thanks to the Allangovernment pushing its renewables agenda.

The farmers couldalsohave attended and asked why theirfarmland was goingtobecovered in wind farms, solar panels, and battery farms, and why they would be fined $12,000 if they didn't allow transmission lines to be built on their property.

We couldhave asked how much the Suburban Rail Loop is costing Victorian taxpayers and why Victorian ratepayers are now going to be banned from objecting to amonstrosity built next to their property.

Ratepayers could also ask why the Allan government is introducing abackdoor Treaty when Victoria said no to the Voice.

Now, Victoria is looking at two governments with more politicians, more red tape and more advisers andall at taxpayers' expense.

The introduction of battery farms is aclear indicator that renewables are unreliable.

The Latrobe Valley was the lifeline of Victoria, with the power stations supplying power to Victorianindustry and businesses 24 hours aday, andnow that lifelineisbeing cut, along with jobs impacting the local and Victorian economy.

We need nuclear power backed up by gas for reliability and to keep jobs and businesses afloat, both here in the Valley and in Victoria.

Ihave no doubt it will take several rubs of Alladin's lamp to get Victoria out of debtand for the Allan government to deliver even on one promise within budget. Now that would be amazing.

Brian Mawhinney

Traralgon

Treaty yeah!

MELINA Bath needs to justify the logic and reasoning for the Coalition’s opposition to Treaty ('Coalition will repeal Treaty if elected', LVE 22/10), given that FirstPeoples saythat Treatyisthe strongest path to enable their communities to close the gap. The Coalition believe they “have listened to Indigenous communities”, but their message is at odds with the messages Ihave heard from Victoria’s First Peoples.

Ilistened to co-chairs of the First Peoples Assembly (FPA), Ngarra Murray and Rueben Berg in their address to the Victorian Parliament on October 16. They spoke for the 33 members of the FPA, whowere each democratically elected by their respective First Nations Community.

The FPA thus represents all First Nations communities throughoutVictoria. The FPA highlighted how First Peoples’ have been seeking formal representation to Parliamentfor more than 90 years. They know through experience,“when First Peoples lead, outcomes improve”.

Withastandingovation,the FPA clearly endorsed that Treaty would be the best pathway for closing the gap. Yet Ms Bath states that, “[the Coalition] do not believe Treaty is the best way to close the gap and deliver better outcomes for Indigenous communities”.

As such, the Coalition must not have listened, or chose to ignore whatthey have heard. The FPA believe, “the time for paternalistic governments makingdecisions on behalfofour people ends with this Treaty”. However, the Coalition’s plan is to impose another government department to “work alongside Indigenous Victorians to implement a community-led, coordinated service delivery”.

We have seen that these paternalistic government-led approaches have continually failed over many decades. As demonstrated around the world, Treaty will enablethe deliveryofpositive outcomes through self-determined and locally driven initiatives, led by elected members of each local First Nations community.

Iurgethe Coalition to reflect on the contradictory and divisive nature of their current stance, and return to their earlier bi-partisan support for Treaty.

Australia is the only major Commonwealth country yet to achieve Treaty with its First Peoples. Let’s move forward together so all Victorians can be proud of this monumental achievement.

Greg Davies Morwell

Not good enough

TOOKmydear over to the bank recently in Traralgonasthere is no BendigoBankinMorwell

We couldn't find aparknearby. The next best was to use the multi-level carpark. What adisgrace -the graffiti in red paint and the language left us very disgusted. What is this world coming to?

Ifelt ashamed for visitors and locals to have to see this.

Janet Harris Morwell

Trend has started

THE letter by Greg Hansford ('HELE to help', LVE, 29/10) should awaken those with their minds in limbo.

In Queensland, Gladstone power station is shutting six years early. In NSW, Eraring retirement is 2027. Yallourn is in retirement mode, possibly Loy Yang following.All those solarpanels and windmills that are taking up good farmland will not cover the loss of those power stations. We are running outoftime. Nuclear willnot be builtin time to save us from blackouts.

With referencetocomment by John Tebbutt, I do not agree with this Treaty ('Treat Treaty with respect', LVE, 29/10).

First People are no better than Iam. We have a Parliament that runs the country. At the moment, Idisagree with the government, but majority rules which is our Westminister system. Why is an Indigenous person disadvantaged? Why do they have ill health?Why willtheir childrennot go to school to be educated?WillaTreaty change this? To my mind, Charlie Perkins, who advocated for Indigenous people to havecontrolofmonies allocated for Aboriginal affairs, it happened, and people like Geoff Clarkhappened but it did not work.

The Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Commission was set up in 1990 and abolished in 2005. It did not work no more than the Treaty will. Iamangry that the Labor government has done this Treatywithout the permission of all Victorians. This is one country with one government, This land was not stolen, it was developed into one of the most envious countries in the world. Just look at immigration.

Patricia Correa

Traralgon

The root of all evil

THE main problem with the net-zero myth is that, though it is utter nonsense, it is also agravy train for self-serving carpetbaggers who help to sustain the myth.

As aconsequence,'science'has been corrupted and prostituted by its efforts to support the myth, because with its support of the government's narrative surrounding alleged climate change comes research grants, amounting to millions and even billions of dollars of taxpayer money.

Likewise, the arts, big business, sport and the mainstream media all support the myth for the grants and lucrative kickbacks.

The building of wind towers and solar farms by opportunistic energy companies(mostly foreign owned) by way of taxpayer funded subsidies (your ever-rising power bills) through the government's Capacity Investment Scheme (a rort if ever there was one) further compounds the problem.

As the saying goes: 'Money is the root of all evil'. Joseph Lis Morwell

Have your say

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.

Letter sr eg ardi ng reli gion 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.

Premier visitsMirboo North schools

STAFFand students at Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary College had thehonour of hosting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allanlast month.

Theywere joined by Member for EasternVictoria Region Tom McIntosh.

Mr McIntosh arrangedfor the Premier to tour theschools and hear directly from students, particularly about the poor state and concrete floor of the schools’ gymnasium, for which the school and local community are calling for an upgrade. The gym changerooms and mezzanine are also not accessible,and with the gym used by the wider community every day formanydifferentsports and activities, the community is callingfor action.

Local Olympian Belinda Snell told the Premier the gym was in the same state it was many years ago when she was as young girl working towards elite level basketball.

People in the community can register their support using Tom McIntosh’s social media pages.

Special visit: Premier JacintaAllan

Photographs supplied

Stunning studentartwork displays versatility

MIRBOO NORTH Secondary College recently held its third annual art show, showcasing the excellent artwork from students.

The show was open to the school and wider community for three days, and an official opening was declared on the second day by acting principal Melissa Neill.

The arts and technology faculties worked together to exhibit excellent samples of the students’ work, including from textiles, wood, media, visual communication and design, ceramics, printmaking, photography and art.

Highly commended certificates were awarded to:

 Best drawing: Jamie Crutchfield, highly commended: Alice Haw;

 Best painting: Ruth Bates, highly commended: Aiden Mair;

 Best printmaking: Lillian Gramlick, highly commended: Isabel Duke;

 Best visual communication and design: Ellla Nowacki, highly commended: Sophie Almond;

 Best photography: Ryleigh Cardona, highly commended: Lily Caldwell;

 Best ceramics: Kayla Stryja, highly commended: Aylah Wright;

 Best textiles: Anabel Pobke, highly commended: Hamish Sinclair-Kelly;

 Best woodwork: Lachlan Jeffrey, highly commended: Archie Mahoney.

Visitors and guests were also invited to nominate pieces of work for the peoples choice award.

Teachers Ms Borg, Ms Benn, Mr Dunstan and Mrs Kelly were thrilled with the quality of the students’ work and were thanked by students for their leadership to make the art show occur.

with Mirboo Nor th primar yand secondar yschool staffand students

Free throw: The Premiertakes her shot, withBelindaSnell on handtosuggest some much-needed technical advice

Vote: Peoples choice awardwinners

Abstract: Kyewith his Picasso-type work

Teamwork: Ar tteachersLisa Benn and RebeccaBorgare allsmiles seeingthe showcome together

Topnotch: Mirboo Nor th Secondar yCollege student Jamie wasawarded forher excellence in drawing.

Skill: Alivewithher highlycommended piece in thedrawing section.

Display: Nicholas withhis painting Photographs supplied

Traf High School setsthe standard

TRAFALGARHigh School has been officially recognisedasahigh-performing school in the recently released 2025 Department of Education School Performance Report, one of only four schools across Victoriainits category to achieve this status.

Principal Brett Pedlow shared the results with staff lastweek, celebrating the exceptionalachievements while also identifying key focus areas for 2026.

“Thisisanoutstandingreportand endorsementof TrafalgarHigh School and what we offer students in WestGippsland and LatrobeCitycommunities,” Mr Pedlow said.

“The data reflects the feedback we hear from our community -that Trafalgar is aschool people are proud to be part of.”

The department’s assessment compares schools with similar enrolments and School Family Occupation and Education (SFOE) index levels, which measure social context and educational background. Trafalgar High School, placed in the medium SFOE band, outperformed many of its peers across Gippsland and the state.

Data used in the evaluation includes NAPLAN, VCE performance, and student, staff, and parent

survey results collected through the department’s Attitudes to School Survey.

Academic achievement

TRAFALGAR High School achieved a‘High Performing’ rating overall, with particularly strong results in learning performance.

Teacherjudgements (Years 7to10) show the majority of students achieving at or above expected growth, including 77 per cent in reading (a 15 per cent increase from 2024) and 76 per cent in numeracy (a four per cent rise).

VCE and VCE VM certificate completions reached 99 per cent,improvingonthe previous year’s 98 per cent, andwere rated ‘above similar schools.’

The school’s mean VCE English score of 28.3 (out of 50) was rated ‘well above similar schools’.

“Trafalgar’s VCE English results reflect six years of consistent, high-qualityteaching,” Mr Pedlow explained.

“It’sthe product of the learning journey our students take from Year 7through to VCE, supported by dedicated teachers across every year level.”

Communityconcertcoming

By KATRINA BRANDON

MUSIC sensation is set for Moe Town Hall on November 15.

Bringing in acollaboration from Latrobe Community Concert Band (LCCB), Morwell Citizens Band, West Gippsland Concert Band, and local saxophone sensation Saxsation, attendees can relax for freetothe combined performance of the four bands.

Startingat2pm, the bandswillperform familiar piecesand other songs, waltzing the crowd into amusical escape.

“It'sgreat to havethis free concert, because hopefully people come and say, 'I might want to come and join our band',” LCCB’s Kerry de Vent told the Express

Each band will play as et and later perform as ac ombined band, featuring brass, woo dwin ds, and perc uss ion. All th eb an ds are full of musicians at all levels and ages,

sharing aw ide variety of instruments.

Alongside the performance, Ms de Vent said that if people would like to try instruments, they can come alongtobandpractices. TheLCCB has instruments available to lend at no cost.

“If they feellikesomething, they can come and borrowaninstrument; we caterfor beginners,” she said.

“We play arangeofdifferent music, starting from really beginnersuptoquite intermediate level. For anew musician, just come along, have alisten and have ago. We don't discriminate basedonability. If you have just learnt how to play afew notes, come along.”

Throughout the year, the bands also perform at various events, including the traditional Christmas performances.

For passionatelisteners, an earlier session of the collaboration is also playing at Yarragon Public Hallthis Saturday (November 8) at 2pm

Student wellbeing

THE report also recognised Trafalgar High School’s strong focus on student wellbeing: ‘Above similar schools’ for Emotional Awareness and Regulation (Years 7–12). ‘Well abovesimilar schools’ for Managing Bullying and School Connectedness (Years 7–12).

“Students regularly share how proud they are to be part of Trafalgar High School,” Mr Pedlowsaid. “It’s fantastic to see that sense of belonging and safety reflected in the data.”

Trafalgar High School continues to build on its strong foundation of academic excellence, student wellbeing, and community pride, with afocus on continuous improvement heading into 2026.

Heyfield students journey to see Parliament House

Howthe systemworks: FederalMemberfor Gippsland Darren Chesterwith Heyfield Primar y School captains Hudson Turner,Makayla Southey, Alyssia Johnson and Jordan Powneyduring the school’svisit to Parliament House last week Photograph supplied

Music to your ears: MoeTownHallwillhosta combined communityconcer tfeaturing Latrobe CommunityBand,Morwell Citizens Band,West Gippsland Concer tBand and Saxsation. Photograph supplied

Young achievers: Trafalgar HighSchoolPrincipalBrett Pedlow and assistant principal JackBrown withstudents Oscar Bijl, PoppyBrown and Mackenzie McGill. Photograph supplied

Business Guide

JIM'S Mowing is awell-known and trusted franchise across the countryfor big or small ,with 11 franchises in the area.

yare currentlylooking for ranchisees in the Latrobe

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anchisees arefully and suppor tedbya anchisor;theyare all quipped forany work umay need done; mowers,pushmowers, ters,hedge trimmers, nd backpackweed

franchisees have Liabilitycover and ained. Some have nthe next step and ed aCer tificateIIin ticulture.

Jim’sMowing can take on jobs that arebig or small and arealwayswilling and able to get the job done

Jim’s Mowingser vices include: lawn mowing,hedging,pruning,weed control, gutter cleaning,and green

wasterubbish removal.

If youneed aquoteormore information, call 131546 and your details and requirements will be sent straight through to one of the franchisees.Need it done,Jim’sthe one

Landscaping Mulch

Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail

MORWELL 10 Foster Ave. Sat. 8am-1pm. Collectables, craft/material, tools, books, toys, clothes, furniture, camping gear, wrought iron, roof racks, shoes, kitchen appliances, and heaps more. No early callers.

TRARALGON 3Osborne St, 8.30am-2pm. General household items, Tupperware, books, camping gear, cane baskets, brica-brac.

TYERS 5Bradys Road, Saturday 8November, 9.30am-3pm. Household goods, camping gear, horse gear, old leather harnesses, lamps, tie down gear, dog and chains. Billiard table picture frames, children's books. Church pew Something for everyone!

YALLOURN NORTH 4North Road. Sat. &Sun. 9am-2pm. 90x70 hardwood timber, work benches, camping gear and some household items.

Meetings

Door Installer

GARDEN

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Yallambee Traralgon Village forthe Aged Inc (Margery Cole Residential Care ServiceProvider) is to hold its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Monday,24thNovember 2025 at 6.00pm at Margery Cole Residential Care Service, 1Matthews Crescent, Traralgon, VIC 3844 All membersofthe Incorporated Association areherebyinvited to join themeeting.

NOTICEOFANNUAL MEETING

Members of the communityare invited to attendLatrobeRegionalHealth’s Annual Meeting

Tuesday25November 2025 at 12:30pm The AuditoriumatLatrobeRegionalHealth Village Avenue, Traralgon West

The meeting will receivethe Annual Report and audited financial statements forthe year ended 30 June 2025. Questions on Noticewill be accepted in writing by Wednesday 19 November 2025 and aretobe marked forthe Attentionofthe BoardChair.

Agendas willbeprovided on request and will be available from Thursday20November 2025. Refreshments willfollowthe meeting.

RSVP by Wednesday 19 November 2025 Executive Office, LatrobeRegional Health Phone: 5173 8811 or email enquiries@lrh.com.au

McRae Chief Executive

ProposedPartialRoad Discontinuance&Sale Portion of Matthews Crescent,Traralgon

In accordancewith Section 223/207(A)(a) of the Local Government Act 1989, Latrobe City Council(Council) givespublic noticeofits proposal to close and discontinue aportion of Matthews Crescent, Traralgon (approx.2400 squaremetres) as aroad under clause 3, schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 and following discontinuance, provides noticeofits intention to sell the road parceltothe adjacent land owner,Yallambee TraralgonVillagefor the Aged. The portion of the road proposed fordiscontinuanceisshown shaded on the plan below.

The title description of the land is as follows: Matthews Crescent Traralgon Road R1 on Plan of Subdivision PS445360L

Council intendstosellthe land by private treaty

Any person wishing to make asubmission on the proposal must do so in writing.Any submissionsmust be received by Council no later than 3December 2025.Pleasealsoindicate if youwould liketo speaktoyour submission at afutureCouncilmeeting. Submissions canbemade by:

Send your submission by emailto: latrobe@latrobe.vic.gov.au quoting reference No Prop25-01.

Addressand post your submissiontothe Chief Executive Officer, Latrobe City Council, PO Box264 Morwell VIC 3840 quoting referenceNoProp25-01

Formoreinformation, contactMrJosh Graham, Coordinator PropertyOperations, Latrobe City Council on 0400 907728 or email josh.graham@latrobe.vic.gov.au Steven Piasente CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 3November2025

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. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Employment Permit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

HC/MC TRUCK DRIVER CASUAL RELIEF

RTLisseeking to recruit aHC/MC licensed driver with experiencein road transport operations including movement of OSOM loads. The successful applicant will be engaged with the RTLTransport division situated in Morwell, Victoria.

Applicants willrequire the following qualifications andpersonalattributes:

•Current Heavy CombinationLicence

•VicRoads printout to include last 5yearsofdriving history

•KnowledgeofLatrobe ValleyPowerIndustry and Industrial sites

•Experiencewithlow loaders/floats(70T) moving mobileplant and equipment

•Competenceinloading andunloading light andheavy machinery

•Experienceingeneral transport operationsincludingTiltTray, Flat Top, Drop Deckand Extendable Trailers

•BeSelf Motivated, Trustworthy,Reliable and Honest with astrong work ethic

•Ability to work individually as well as in ateam environment

•Excellentcustomer servicelevels both internal and external

•Goodverbal and written communication skills

•Safety consciouswith compliancetoOHS andcompany procedures always

•Accurate completion of National DriverWork Diary,Pre-trip inspections and other company documentation as required

•Prompt reporting andcompletion of incident, hazardrecords and task risk assessments as required

•KnowledgeofNHVR Chain of Responsibility (COR) and Load Restraint Guidelines

•Basic mechanicaland troubleshooting knowledge

•Working to ensurethe highest personal standards of behaviourand discipline always

If youmeet theselection criteria andare interested, please send your resumealong with copies of your licences to: recruitment@rtl.com.au

Shortlisted candidates willberequiredtocomplete aPre-employment

Drug andAlcohol, Test Driver Medical and Functional Assessment.

Thisposition is causal relief and willrequire availability to work flexible hours, weekends and at short notice.

CADET JOURNALIST

The Latrobe Valley Express is looking for acadet journalist to join ourdynamicteam.

This is afantastic opportunitytocontribute to the communities in our region.

The

The ideal candidate will:

• Haverelevanttertiaryqualifications have great communication skills, both verbal and written

• Be able to write punchy,informative storieson arange of subjects

• Possess great news sense and an understanding of what engages local readers

• Have acurrent drivers licence

Be motivated with commitment to accuracy and quality reporting

The Express is an awardwinning newspaper with acirculation of 35,000 copies.

The successful applicant will report to the Editor Send aletterofapplication, resume,list of referees and work examples to: The Editor -Liam Durkin Latrobe Valley Express ldurkin@lvexpress.com.au Applications close: GP1686592 10 No vembe r2 02 5

• Coordinator Rates– PermanentFull Time

• CoordinatorCustomerFocus PermanentFull Time

CorporateInformation Officer– Temporar yFullTime

Customer FocusAgent Permanent Full Time andTemporary Full Time

• Experienced Maintenance Employee -Urban ParksMaintenance West PermanentFull Time

• Sportsand Events Administration Officer– Temporar yPar tTime

• Duty Manager- Leisure Facilities Casual

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Galler yTechnician Permanent Part Time

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BROWN Raymond Francis "Ray" 2/9/1940 -30/10/2025 Passed away peacefully at LRH after ashort illness, surrounded by family and love. Deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his wife Lauris; adored by his sons Shaun and Duane, and dau ght ers-i n- law Teena and Donna. A wonderful Pop to Cameron, Bailey, Harrison, Rebecca, Alex, Evie, Theo, and Tori. Our hearts are broken, but we take great comfort in knowing his life was well lived. He would ask that

Deepest sympathy to Lauris and family.

CLEGG Kevin John Passed away peacefully on Monday 3November 2025. Aged 76 years Loving father of Jamie and Sharmaine. Father-in-law of Adam. Cherished Pop to Brittany, Chelsea (dec.),

DUXBURY (Ousley)

Patricia May (Pat)

29/5/1929 -2/11/2025

Loving mother to Ray and Trudy, Kim and Margrette, Lynne and John. Loved Nan to 8grandchildren and Nanny Oak to 4great-grandchildren. Forever Remembered. For service details please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FERGUSON (Moyes)

Janice Much loved sister of Ray and sister-in-law of Diane.

Loved Aunty of Michael and Tracy and families. Treasured memories are ours to keep.

FROST (nee Wilson)

June Marie

30/07/1935 -31/10/2025

Much loved wife of Ronald Frost (dec.).

Magnificent Mother to Stephen, Wayne (dec.), Deb orah (dec. )a nd Gregory.

You sacrificed so much for us.

Mother-in-Law to Anthony, Loretta, Lyn and Bruce (dec.).

Loving Grandmother to Michael, Christopher, Russell, Stephanie, Tammy, Melinda and Tarley. Loved Great-Nanny to Johnathon, Ava, Hailey, Kurtis and Natalie.

Now with loved family and friends passed. For funeral details please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FROST June

Mum, Iwill love and miss you for the rest of my days. Finally at peace. Ihope that Nanna Polly, Dad and Bruce were there to take your hand as you journey through the universe. Come visit me in my dreams.

Always your baby, Greg XX

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HARRIS (nee Morris)

Dulcie

7/3/1933 -29/10/2025

Passed away after ashort illness.

Loved and Loving wife to George.

Loved and Loving Mother and Mother-in-law to Peter and Jane, Catherine and Glen, Brian and Sharon, Christopher and Kirsten Grandma to Megan and Ben, Justin and Meg, Jamie and Sara, Natalie and Heydan ,A sh le y (dec.), Justin and Amy, Tim and Jess, Jessica and Nathaniel. Great-Grandma to Yvette, Annabeth, Jack, Dakota, Blair, Izzy, Angus, Scott, Alec, Lacey and Lachy. Rest In Peace.

HARRIS Dulcie

7/3/1933 -29/10/2025

We are heartbroken to say goodbye to our much loved Mum, Mother-in-law, Grandma and GreatGrandma. She was loving, kind and always there with asmile and open arms, her laughter, hugs and many kisses will be sorely missed. Mum you will be forever loved and remember by Catherine, Glen, Natalie, Heydan, Ashley (dec.), Dakota, Blair and Isabelle. Forever in our hearts.

HARRIS, Dulcie

7/03/1933 -29/10/2025

Dulcie, our treasured memories of you will be forever engraved in our family story. Though we mourn your loss, we celebrate the life you lived. Dearly loved Sister-in-Law of Doreen and John. Loved Aunt to Alan and Daryl, Rick and Trish and Jenny Great Aunt to Kim, Quentin, Jacqueline, Brent and their partners Rest in peace.

HUNT Jessica Lee

Passed suddenly 15/10/25.

Loved niece of Tanya and cousin of Katherine, Erin, Michael and Andrew. Forever in our memories.

KOOT (nee Salfischberger)

Geraldine Theodora Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at LRH on the 29th of October 2025.

Aged 69 years Loving wife of Hendrick (dec.). Mum to Adrian, Hendrik and Debby. Beloved Oma of Ben, Josh, Hayley, Mia, Olivia, Lucas and Charlotte. Back with Henk and at peace. Rust Zacht Moeder. XOXOXO

LAMBDEN (nee Cullen)

Alison Claire

29/12/1930 -26/10/2025

Aged 94 years

Adored daughter of Patrick and Janet Cullen (dec.).

Predeceased by Vic Haber, Jack Warnecke, and Bob Lambden.

Dearly loved Mum of Peter (dec.) and Alison, Sue and Jan, Guss and Carolyn.

Loved Step-Mum of Sally and Kevin, David and Karen.

Loved and Loving Nana of Michael and Kylie, Simon and Jenny, Danny and Alisha, Karyn and Daniel, Sandy and Jason, Ashly and Luke.

Loving Step Nana to Sharo n, Kristen and Heath, Brooke and Aaron, Timothy and Cara.

Adored Great Grandma of Jayde, Josh, Jarrod, Ollie, Darci, Nate and Penny, Maddison, Kelsey, Isla, Kove, Braxton, Hudson, Oakly, Baillie and Ryan. Great, great-grandmother to Connor, Amelia, Austin and Huxley.

Alison lived along, happy, fulfilled life surrounded by family and friends that loved her and that she loved in return.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. For funeral details please see: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

LAMBDEN Alison Passed peacefully 26th October. Mother of Pete (dec.) and mother-in-law of Alison. Nanna of Michael, Simon, Danny and families.

Alife lived to the full. Reunited withPete.

LAMBDEN Alison

Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch are deeply addended by the passing of their esteemed Affiliate Member and friend, Alison.We offer our sincere sympathy to her family. LEST WE FORGET

MAHONEY Ronald William (Ho Chi)

23/9/1946 -26/10/2025

3790787 Vietnam 102 Field Workshop

After along battle with Myelodysplasia Syndrome our very proud Vietnam Veteran passed away peacefully with Sandra by his side at the West Gip psl and Ho spi tal Warragul on Sunday 26th October. Aged 79 years. Dearly beloved Husband of Sandra.

Adored and Respected father and father-in-law of Noo sha- Kate, Bra ndon and Renae. Much loved Grandpa of Arabella, Finn, Sonny and River.

RIP Ronnie -Until We Meet Again XXX In accordance with Ron's wishes aPrivate Cremation has been held.

MAHONEY Ronald William 23/9/1946 -26/10/2025

Dearly loved brother of Colin, brother-in-law of Glenys. Uncle of Marita, Jeff, Trav and families. Sadly missed by all, forever in our hearts.

MORGAN Jill 31/3/1948 -25/10/2025

Peacefully at Latrobe Valley Village in Newborough. Loved andRemembered Always. Private Cremation..

RICHARDS (neeMarsh)

Dorothy Mary 26/5/1929 -24/10/2025

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Peter and Jo. Loving nan of Leah and Natasha. Finally at rest. Reunited with Jack.

STEVENSON Margaret Ethne In loving memory of Margaret Ethne Stevenson 8/6/1945 -27/10/2025. Loved wife of Malcolm. Mother to Dale and Brett (dec.). Grandmother to Nathan, Cody, Patrick and Tiffany. And friendtomany. Forever in our hearts.

AMMON The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Roberta (Bobby) Ammon will take place at the Kor um burr aU niti ng Church, 10-12 Bridge St, Korumburra, THURSDAY (6th November 2025) commencing at 11am. To be followed by private cremation.

CLEGG The Funeral of Mr Kevin John Clegg will arrive at the Yallourn Cemetery, Haunted Hills Rd, Yallourn FRIDAY (7th November 2025) for aGraveside Service to commence at 10.30am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

DUDLEY Aservice to celebrate the life of Gail Dudley will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park Traralgon on THURSDAY (6th November 2025) commencing at 11am. Please wear something black and/ or white. This service will not be livestreamed

HARRIS The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs Dulcie Harris will be held at St Mary's Anglica nC hurch 6/8 Latrobe Road Morwell, FRIDAY (14 November 14 2025) commencing at 11am. Dulcie's Service will be livestreamed. To view please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

HEIDE (nee Aslett)

Rosemary Phyllis In Loving Memory of Rosemary Heide (1944-2025)

Aservice will be held to honour Rosemary's life and legacy, Tuesday 11th November, 2025 at St Andrews Anglican Church Leongatha commencing at 1pm. Rosemary's service will be live streamed, to view please visit: handleyfuneral services.com.au

KOOT

The Funeral service for the late Geraldine Koot (Gerry) will be held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services chapel, 6Ollerton Avenue Moe, FRIDAY (7th November 2025) commencing at 1:30pm.

We are laying her to rest afterward at Moe Cemetery and aprivate gathering at her home after, for some reflection and reminiscing. Anyone who knew Mum and wants to pay their respects are welcome to attend.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SLACHTER (Cochrane) Dorothy Joan 16/4/1947 -30/10/2025

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Dorothy will take place at Saint Paul's Anglican Church, 3Queen Sreet Korumburra, THURSDAY (13th November 2025) commencing at 11am. Dorothy will be laid to rest within the Poowong cemetery, 646 LochPoowong Rd, Poowong at approximately 1pm. The church ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit: harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link. Please join us for Light Refreshments at Poowong Football/ Netball club, Drouin-Poowon gR oad Poowong from 1.30pm Forever in our Hearts.

STEVENSON The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Margaret Stevenson will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (12th November 2025) commencing at 11am.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

LEE Robert George (Bob) 21/12/1936 -7/11/2024

Ayear of missing you has passed. Thankful ly, wond erful memories of our 66 years together bring such comfort.

Much love Claire.

LEE Robert George (Bob)(Dad)

Treasured memories and antics are always held so close in our hearts as we miss our most wonderful Dad.

Definitely one of akind! Loved forever. Phillip, Karen and Denise

LEE Robert George (Bob)

One year has passed -we miss the best Grandad, best 'storyteller' and most patient teacher. Memories keep us smiling. Ben, Kyle (dec.), Alana and Husband Jack, George &partner Kim, Abby and Jake

SEBESTYEN Otto Sandor

The Sebestyen family wish to sincerely thank everyone that expressed their sympathy through flowers, cards, phone calls, visits and cakes and those who attended the funeral and sent tributes. It was much appreciated and we thank all of you. We thank LV Hospital for their care of Otto, and LV Funeral Services for their professionalism.

Family owned and locally based Funeral Directors

We bring 35 yearsexperience to familiesin Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe, Trafalgar, Korumburra and surrounding areas

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Practical, sensible and affordable. We offerboth at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funerals are available. Dignityand respect ,always

CREM AT ION PACK AG ES FR OM $3300

www.harwood fun erals. com.a u For24/7 support 0405 669 532

0413 332 647 Craig

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Placeyour personal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress and share your memories

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Newrolefor Rieniets,joinsVicGrid

VICGRID has undergone arevamp: it has become astatebusiness corporation with the responsibility to plan Victoria’s electricity transmission network, with anew independent board to oversee its work headed by asenior AGL executive, Steve Rieniets.

Theresponsibility for planning Victoria’s shared transmission network was previously carried out by Australian Energy Market OperatorVictoria Planning (AVP).

From November 1, VicGrid will have anew set of obligations under state government legislation and will report to an independent board.

Nats’ new responsibilities

THREE Gippsland MPs have had changes to their roles in the state Opposition.

Opposition leader Brad Battin and Nationals leader Danny O'Brien have unveiled changes to the shadow assistant ministry.

One of five Members for Eastern Victoria, Renee Heath, is now shadow assistant minister for victims and crime prevention, havingpreviously hadassistant ministries for multicultural affairs and victims of family violence.

Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, who remains shadow assistant minister to the leader, will replace the planning and building industry portfolios for building and housing affordability.

Member for Morwell Martin Cameron has had minor changes to his responsibilities. While he remains shadow assistant minister forenergy affordability, Mr Cameron's small business role will now focus on regional areas.

"Today we announceassistant shadow ministers to drive afresh start for Victoria and hold Jacinta Allan’s Laborgovernment to account," Mr Battin and Mr O'Brien said in ajoint statement.

"Our shadow assistant ministers represent arange of experience, backgrounds, and expertise to complement our shadow cabinet.

"To get her we wi ll fi ght for ab ett er Victoria. We will deliver less waste, lower taxes, and less crime.

"At the next election, Victorianswill face a choice between another four years of Jacinta Allan’s tired Labor government, or afresh start with the Liberals and Nationals."

The leaders also announced that shadow minister Melina Bath,another Member for Eastern Victoria, will add outdoor recreation to her responsibilities of public land management and Aboriginal affairs.

VicGrid’s board, appointed by the Minister for Energy andResources, Lily D’Ambrosio, willbe chaired by Mr Rieniets, who has more than three decades of experience in the energy sector including senior leadership roles with AGL Energy. In partnership with his wife, Mr Rieniets also runs a 125 hectare Angus beef cattle farm in the Latrobe Valley.

The deputy chair will be Sarah Clarke, who is Group General Manager Sustainability with Mirvac.The other members of theboard are an energy and finance executive, David Stegehuis, and aformer CleanEnergy Council Chief Executive, Kane Thornton.Afurther threemembers of the boardwill be appointed in the coming months.

VicGrid says the change is an essential step to allow it to coordinate the buildofthe renewable energy and transmission projects under the state government's power policy.

VicGrid says it is already changingthe way it plans the transmission network and renewable energy zones, with the introductionofanew long-term strategicplan, early and meaningful engagement, fairer communitybenefitarrangements and certainty for investors.

VicGrid Chief Executive,Alistair Parker,said he looked forward to working with theboard as VicGriddelivers its new approachtothe planning, procurement and deliveryofmajor transmission projects in Victoria

“We are thrilled to havesuch atalented and experiencedgroup of people to oversee our work and Iknow they all share the vision of deliveringfairnessand certainty forcommunitiesand industry,” he said.

Mr Rieniets said he was excited to be joining as board chair as VicGrid enteredthis newphase

and began deliveringthe recently released 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan.

“Victoria’s energy system is going through a significant change and Iamexcited to be able to playthis role in helpingVicGrid make sure the critical energy infrastructure the state needs is delivered in atimely way that respects local communities,” he said.

The change means VicGrid now has ultimate responsibility for major projects like the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and the Victoria New South WalesInterconnector West (VNI West).

AusNet Services remains responsible for the design, approvals, construction and operation of WRL and will continue to manage the project day-to-day. Transmission Company Victoria, which is overseeing the deliveryofVNI West, will now transfer from AVP to VicGrid. The responsibility for managing connections to the transmissionnetwork has now also transferred to VicGrid from AVP.

VicGrid will continue to work closely with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in its broader National Energy Market-wide roles.

The Victorian Transmission Plan will align with AEMO’s Integrated System Plan.

VicGrid says it will also work to ensure asmooth transitionfor energy companies who have already started the connectionsprocess and for large power users on the Victorian network.

In the know: Former AGLLoy Yang General Manager,Steve Rienietshas been appointed to chair theboardofVicGrid. Mr Rieniets is afamiliarface to manyinthe power industry and local football File photograph

VicGrid wanting to avoid dud route

VICGRID has released the corridor and draft preferred routefor the transmission to connect offshore wind energyfromGippsland to the electricitygrid. Followingthe release of abroaderstudyarea last year, VicGrid has now identified acorridor and a draft preferred route that runs from near Giffard, northwest past Stradbroke, west to Willung, across to Flynns Creek and into the Loy Yang Power Station.

The corridor is abroader area identified for potential transmissionalignment. Thedraft preferred route is anarrower section within the corridor wherethe transmission line couldbelocated.It is not final, but provides afocus for more detailed technical investigations and consultation.

The refinement has been informed by ongoing feedback from landholders and key stakeholders, as well as environmentaland technical studies. Landholders wanted more certainty and asked VicGrid to avoid homes and small blocks, protect high-valueenvironmental areas, prioritise the use of public or plantation land and align with existing infrastructure.

VicGrid Chief Executive, Alistair Parker said

VicGrid had tried to balance these factors based on information available, and would undertake further consultationonthe draft preferred route before it was finalised.

"We have respondedtofeedback with arefined area that reduces impacted privately owned land parcelsfrom 56 to 24 and minimises impactsto important environmental areas such as the Giffard (Rifle Range) Flora Reserve andMullungdung State Forest," he said.

"We have sought to avoid homes and to co-locate near existing infrastructure, like Basslink and the Saline Wastewater Outfall Pipeline, where possible.

"The proposedterminal station area near Giffard has also been refined to avoid locations close to dwellings, incompatible landuses, and areas of sensitive biodiversity."

Mr Parker said the state government was working to make sure locals get real benefits, by introducing new community energy funds to improve local energyoutcomes, landholder payments, neighbour payments and Traditional Owner funds.

Landholder input was instrumental in refining the study area.

“We’vehad reallyvaluable input from locals about their properties,their farmingpracticesand sensitive areas to avoid,” he said.

“On aproject like this, local insightsplay acrucial role in narrowing down the areas that are more suitable to host infrastructure and helping us minimise the impacts on local properties, farming operations and the environment.

“We want to thank everyone who has taken the timetosharetheir local knowledge and we look forward to continuingthose conversationsaswe keep refining the design of this infrastructure.”

Overthe coming months, VicGridwillkeep refining the draft preferred route in consultation with landholders and technical experts with an intent to finalise the route in early 2026.

“Our team will be reaching out to landholders in the corridor so we can better understandimportant valuesontheir propertiesand helprefinethe route for this infrastructure,” Mr Parker said.

People can find more details about the corridor and draft preferred route as well as details of next steps on the Engage Victoria website.

Clare’sLaw vital in ending domestic violence

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ALOCALworking withinthe community services sector has helped surge apotentially lifesaving domestic violence disclosure scheme in Victoria.

Latrobe Valleyresident Michelle Smith, who is asenior case manager workingwith family violencevictim survivors andperpetratorsfor the last eight years, approachedEastGippsland Shire Deputy MayorSonia Buckley about takingClare's Lawtothe Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)- the peaklegislative body for Victorian local councils.

Themotionwas successfully passed with more than 94 per cent in favour, meaning the scheme now has backing by all member councils across the state.

Clare's Law enables people to access vital information about apartner's history of abusive behaviour, well before any further domestic violence incidents happen, and helps those concerned make an informed decision whether to pursue the relationship.

It has been implemented in South Australia since 2019 and is currentlybeing pushed to be instated in New South Wales, while it has assisted people in the UK since 2014.

Following the UK'spolicy, similar models have beenpassed in New Zealand and Canada over thelast decade.

Withthe scheme being pushed throughthe MAV, they will now liaise with the state government on the motions passed, with Cr Buckley believing this will push "the compass north" to eventually afederal level.

However, Cr Buckley believes there also needs

to be continued support from representatives across the board.

"I'm confident that regional MPs, all MPs for that matter, will get behind this endeavour," she told the Express

Ms Smith became familiarwith Clare's Law about fiveyears ago, in themidst of fleeinga relationship of family violence herself.

"I found out through different means like The Orange Door and the police, that Iwas actually Woman D(the fourth person to have an IVO on the partner)," she said.

"If Clare's Law was around, the ability for an intimate partner through the domestic violence sharing scheme, namely Clare's Law, Iwould've been able to seek out if thatperson had ahistory of domestic violence, which would have dramatically swayed my decisiontocontinue the relationship."

Ms Smithsays that with amajorityofintervention programs and supports occurring after the abuse has takenplace, this schemegrants the ability to protect potential victims beforehand and save lives.

Ms Smithspoke at the August council meeting to highlightthe importance of Clare's Law and why East Gippsland Shire had to push the motion at the next MAV meeting.

According to the Gippsland Family Violence Alliance, the latest statisticsshow East Gippsland has the highest number of family violence incidents of any Local Government Area (LGA) in the state per 100,000 population, with Latrobe second in the state.

East Gippsland had 2499 total incidents of family violence from July 2024 to July 2025 -an

increase of 24.2 per cent from the previous year -while Latrobe had 3022 total incidents, which wasactuallya0.78 per cent decrease from the previous year.

These numbersshowhow incredibly important it is to tackle the issue in these regions specifically.

However, Ms Smith also says that rates could be higher duetomany casesgoingundocumented due to avariety of factors.

"There's shame around it. Financially, (victim survivors) don't feel like they can leave the home, there's amultitude of reasons why someone doesn't declare domestic violence," she said.

"Unfortunately, it's one of those spaces where also the victim gets more interrogated than the actual perpetrator.

"Domestic violence is absolutely (an) epidemic in Australia and Ithinkanything that can reduce the incidents of domestic violence (must be done)."

Cr Buckley is also the East Gippsland council delegate for the MAV, heavily advocating for its push since being clued in on Clare's Law.

"This law empowers individualsatrisk to access information aboutthe partner'shistoryofviolent or abusive behaviour, and this is apractical and lifesaving tool that can help prevent harm and support victim survivors to make informed, safe decisions before it's too late," she said.

"Family violence is not just astate issue, it's a local issue. It affects our residents, our families, our services, and our community safety.

"Local government is often the first point of contact for people seeking help and we have the responsibility to advocate for measures that protect our most vulnerable."

Cr Buckley acknowledged the concerns of those opposed to Clare's Law regarding the violation of individual's privacy rights, but that once someone commits acrime such as domestic violence, they forfeit that right.

"The safety of potential victimsmustcome first and our laws should reflect that priority," she said.

Shealsospecified the importance of creating strict parameters and safeguards, in which said perpetrator's history is only available to the partner and not athird party -this is true of other established schemes in SouthAustralia and other countries.

"Access (of)information shouldbelimited to those at genuine riskwith robust processes to protect against misuse and to ensure privacy is respected for all parties, except for those who have committed serious offences," Cr Buckley said.

Cr Buckley is also in support of Daniel's Law, which seeks to develop apublicly accessible sex offenderregister in Australia, freely available to thecommunity.

Anational petition has also surfaced over the lastfew months, calling for the House of Representativestocall on the Cabinettoestablish an Australia-wide framework mirrored on Clare's Law.

The petition calls for the framework to be informed by peoplewith lived experienceof domestic violence to ensure it'seffectiveand responsive, and thatfunding and resources be allocatedtosupport its operationinthe states and territories from the federal government. The petition closed on October 23 with atotal of 112,245 signatures.

Hit and miss start to veterans cricket season due to rain

CRICKET VETERANS

BY GORDON COWLING

UNFORTUNATELY, due to the lousy weather, neither of the Goannas teamsdue to play on Sunday, October 26 had agame.

The next game for the over 50s will be ahome game against the Geelong over 50s this Sunday (November 9).

On Tuesday, October 28, the over70s teamwelcomed the West Gippsland Wombats to the Village Green ground in Toongabbie. The turf ground was still rather wet from theweekend's rain

Winning the toss, the Goannasbatted first, with Donald Cameron and Neil Meredith opening the innings.

Both retired for 16 and 29 respectively from their 30 balls.

Ian Gibson (19) Ray Smith (30) andPhillHiggins (10) also retired after facing 30 balls.

The Goannas reached 87 at the 20 over drinks break.

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND Round 4ofGippsland Athletics Club trackand field season washeld Tuesday 28th October 2025.

ROUND 1RESULTS:

100M

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 14.69; Masters–Christine Stomps 17.32

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 13.63; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 11.88; Masters –Wayne Seear 17.88

JAVELIN

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 20.32; U/16–Zaria Dalton 8.71; Masters–Brandy Forgèt 16.95, Fiona Saltmarsh 14.78

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 12.02; Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 33.52; Masters –Simon VanBaalen 27.52, Wayne Seear 22.45, StuartDalton 20.77,Ian Twite19.13

3000m

Men: Masters–IanTwite16:18.00

LONG JUMP

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 3.15; Masters–Christine Stomps 3.00; Brandy Forgèt 1.54, Fiona Saltmarsh 1.30

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 4.35; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 3.15, Wayne Seear 2.39

DISCUS

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 29.25; U/16–Zaria Dalton 18.13; Masters–Brandy Forgèt 23.62, Fiona Saltmarsh 16.21

Men: Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 34.03; Masters–Simon VanBaalen 32.04, Wayne Seear 26.19, StuartDalton 23.77,Ian Twite 20.57

400M

Women: U/14–Brooklynn Wyatt 1:19.41

Men: Open -Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 1:09.93; Masters- Wayne Seear 1:57.03

BOWLS

STRZELECK NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT ROUND 328-OCT-25

DIVISION 1

Warragul 14 67 Traralgon 239

Newborough 12 54 Morwell Club 447

Drouin 12 61 Traralgon RSL455 Trafalgar 14 69 Moe 258

DIVISION 2 Traralgon (2) 16 74 Trafalgar (2) 047 Morwell 16 78 Yinnar 046

Newborough (2) 16 93 Drouin (2) 031

Newborough (3) 14 48 Neerim District 241

DIVISION 3 Morwell (2) 14 77 Traralgon (3) 245 Churchill 14 55 Yarragon 247 Warragul (2) 14 72 Drouin (3) 254 Longwarry1677Morwell Club (2) 040

DIVISION 4 YallournNorth 12 69 Newborough (4) 455 Traralgon RSL(2) 14 63 Garfield 241 Morwell (3) 14 61 Moe (2)

Murray Moore (26 from 20 with amightysix), also retired as the home side finished on 187 after 40 overs compulsory close.

Peter Anton did amagnificent job for the teams, getting the ground ready for play and setting up the afternoon tea back at the main clubhouse.

After tea, the Wombatsstarted their innings slowly. Ian Southall (who played in the UK last season on representative duties) gave just eight runs away in five overs.

Gordon Cowling took 1/6 off five overs, seeing the score 1/14 after the first 10.

The Wombats reached 1/45 at drinks.

Meredith took 1/5, Andy Slevin 1/9 and Smith 1/9 as the Wombats reached 4/114 after their 40 overs.

Smith tookagoodcatch at slip early. Gibson had agood stumping and Cameron took agood catch at backward square leg, but the ground fielding of Southall, Moore and Bob Duljas in particular was spectacular.

Whitepreparing for qualifiers

BASKETBALL FIBA

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

AFTER claiming gold at the recentFIBA Asia Cup last August, Traralgon's Jack White has once again been selected in the AustralianBoomers squad.

In the first window of the 2027FIBA World Cup AsiaQualifiers, theBoomers willtake on New Zealand on November 28 and December1inHobart.

The core of the gold medal-winning FIBA Asia Cup side has been retained ahead of the initial games, inclusive of White.

MelbourneUnitedhead coach and Warragul's Dean Vickerman will assume lead coaching responsibilities, whileBoomers coach Adam Caporn tends to dutieswith NBA franchiseWashington Wizards.

"We've got different dynamics compared to the Asia Cup for these windowsasall players

SCOREBOARD

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 23 00216 1417544

Morwell 12 10196 1603632

Traralgon 22 10178 1582030

Newborough 32 10168 1511729

Neerim District 11 20152 158-618

Drouin 21 20146 200 -54 18

Yinnar 11 20157 191-34 16

Trafalgar 20 30147 201-54 5

DIVISION 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Warragul 23 00232 131101 46

Longwarry1 300 236 1409646

Yarragon 12 10180 1532732

Traralgon 31 11169 199-30 25

Churchill 11 11159 188-29 21

Morwell 21 20183 187-417

Drouin 30 30162 216-54 4

Morwell Club 20 30119 226 -107 1

DIVISION 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon RSL2 300 202 1376544

Garfield 12 10186 1691732

Morwell 32 10193 1692430

YallournNorth 12 10180 1746 26

Newborough 41 20169 195-26 20

Moe 21 20165 176 -1118

Longwarry2 120147 199-52 17

Traralgon 40 30164 187-23 5

DIVISION 5

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Drouin 43 00139 80 59 28

Traralgon RSL3 210126 1002618

Morwell 42 10114 125-11 16

Churchill 21 20109 114-514

Neerim District 21 20118 119-112

Yinnar 21 20103 137-34 12

Trafalgar 31 20110 120-10 11

Warragul 31 20100 124-24 9

STRZELECKI NORTH PLAYING AREA

SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND 301-NOV-25

DIVISION 1

Newborough 15 76 Longwarry372

Trafalgar 14 89 Morwell 472

Traralgon 14 98 Drouin 451

Traralgon RSL18100 Morwell Club 052

DIVISION 2

Garfield 16 74 Neerim District 265

Boolarra1690Traralgon (2) 264

Moe 14 85 Warragul 483

Traralgon (3) 16 79 Traralgon RSL(2) 267

DIVISION 3

Newborough (2) 14 76 Thorpdale 474

Trafalgar (2) 14 82 Drouin (2) 481

Morwell (2) 16 89 Yinnar 252

Longwarry(2) 16 95 Moe (2) 250

DIVISION 4

Churchill 15 72 Newborough (3) 370

YallournNorth 18 97 Traralgon RSL(3) 062

Traralgon (4) 18 113Neerim District (2) 050

Warragul (2) 16 97 Yarragon 256

DIVISION 5

Garfield (2) 16 59 Warragul (3) 057

Drouin (3) 16 68 Morwell (3) 036

Traralgon (5) 14 65 Trafalgar (3) 247

DIVISION 6

Morwell Club (2) 15 78 Boolarra(2) 146

Moe (3) 12 53 Longwarry(3) 452

Morwell (4) 14 50 Traralgon (6) 246

Newborough (4) Bye

DIVISION 7

Boolarra(3) 848Thorpdale (2) 239

Traralgon RSL(4) 10 50 Churchill (2) 017

Morwell (5) 10 53 Yallourn North (2) 040 Drouin (4) Bye

DIVISION 1

WL DF ADiff. P Newborough 13 00184 1552940 Morwell Club 12 10170 1472334

12 10181 176 529 Traralgon RSL1 120171 172-120

11 20160 183-23 19

11 20177 1591818

11 20171 186-15 16

Drouin 33 00221

Traralgon 52 10166 1597

20159

DIVISION 6 Name WL DF ADiff. P Moe 33 00198 1415742 Newborough 42 00146 89 57 32

Morwell Club 22 10191 1563531

Morwell 42 10178 1753 30

Longwarry3 020102 125-23 4

Traralgon 60 30141 186-45 4

Boolarra2 02083167 -84 1

DIVISION 7 Name WL DF ADiff. P

Boolarra3 30 0146 92 54 26

Morwell 52 00106 56 50 20

Drouin 41 1050371312

Traralgon RSL4 12087761112

Thorpdale 21 2092135 -43 10

Churchill 21 105582-27 8

YallournNorth 20 3088146 -58 2 GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Men’sMonthly Medal (Stroke) Saturday 25th October 2025.

MonthlyMedal Winner: P. Kearns 64 Nett

ScratchWinner: T. Webb 79

Putts: J. Sanders(Snr) 23

AGrade Winner: P. Kearns 64 Nett

BGrade Winner: C. Sterrick67Nett

CGrade Winner: K. Del iccolo 69 Nett

D.T.L: 1. V. Monument 70, 2. P. Flanigan 70, 3. I. Fortune 70, 4. R. Davidson 71, 5. A. Auld 72, 6. C. Stevens 72, 7. T. webb 73, 8. P. Smart74, 9. M. Brereton 74 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdP.Smart,12th R. Dent (Propin)

Birdies: 3rdP.Smart,P.Kearns,12th V.

Monument

Target Hole: P. Jordan

StablefordTuesday28th October 2025. Winner: L. VanRooy35pts

D.T.L: 1. K.Del Piccolo 28 pts,2.S.Caldwell

28 pts c/b

N.T.P: 3rdS.Caldwell, 5thS.Caldwell, 12th

L. VanRooy

Stableford1st November 2025.

AGrade Winner: J. Sanders(Snr) 39 pts

BGrade Winner: B. Kilday37pts

will be in-season, so selections will be based on acombination of health as well as form," Vickerman said.

"We have alot of respect for our opponents (NewZealand) andwewill need to findthe right selection mix of prime players and rising stars."

Vickerman has coached the Traralgon star in his two stints with Unitedin2021and 2025. Before hisAsiaCup campaign, the previous world cup outing for Australia in 2023 was White's last time wearing thegreen andgold. It was adisappointing tournament for the Boomers where they finished 10th, having come off ahistoricbronze medal at the 2020 Paris Olympics(played in 2021 duetothe pandemic). White will return to Australia having played in Turkey with Mersin MSK most recently and winninga championship with German basketball club, Bayern MunichinJuly.

CGrade Winner: G. Leahy43pts

D.T.L: 1. C. Waring 36, 2. C. Sterrick35, 3. G.

Spowart 35, 4. I. Fortune 34, 5. W. McGrath 34, 6. P. Chapple 34, 7. C. Stevens 33, 8. S. Sanders33c/b

N.T.P: 3rdC.Gilfillan, 5th D. Burridge,12th

Adam West, 14th R. Vesty Birdies: 3rdM.Brereton, C. Gilfillan, B. Mathieson, 12th J. Banfield

MIRBOO NORTH

Tuesday28th October Stableford.

AGrade: TMakepeace 38.

BGrade: GGunn, 31 c/b

DTL: ESmith, JWinters, TWhitelaw, 35, M Grist 34, NTP: 4th DTaylor,6th DTaylor,16th M

Grisy=t. Birdie: 4th SMcKenzie,6th DTaylor

Saturday1st November,Stroke, AGrade: TBradshaw69nett

BGrade: JSmeriglio,72nettc/b

DTL: TimTraill71, CBracecamp,A Liebe72, CBourne,N Bickerton 73. NTP: 4th MCunningham, 6th TBradshaw, 13th BBradshaw, 16th SEvison, Birdies: 4th ALappin

Lowest putts: TimTraill 27 c/b

MOE

Wednesday, 22 October 2025 Twilight

Results -Stableford

AGrade Winner: J. Stewart(18)17

Sunday, 26 October 2025 OPEN Sunday

Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Duncan, Jack (21) 36

Place Getters: Edebohls,Jack35

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 WOMEN'S STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Turner,Shirley(25) 37

Grade BWinners: Griffiths, Jenny(33) 38

Place Getters: Shaw, Karen33C/B,Peter, Carmel 33, Mead, Anne 32 C/B Nearest to Pin: 4th KarynSavige,8th Susan Tulau, 14th KarenShaw

Target HolePrize: Anne Mead

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 Twilight Results -Stableford

AGrade Winner: S. Williams (15) 21

BGrade Winner: T. Nicklen (22) 18 C/B

Thursday, 30 October 2025 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Stirzaker,Jason (9) 37

Grade BWinners: Shearing,Andrew (16) 40 C/B

Grade CWinners: Cropley, Mike(21) 41

Place Getters: Coffin,Phillip 40, Gauci, Anthony39, Taylor,Amy 36 C/B,Garlick, Karl 36 C/B,Heland, Jimmy36C/B, Backman, Chrissie 36 ,Beveridge,Eric35 C/B,Colvin,Anthony35C/B,Spiteri, Paul 35 C/B,Williams,Shane 35 C/B,Harland, Bob 35, Lubawski, Raymond 34 C/B,Backman, Shane 34 C/B,Ray,Michael 34 C/B,Taylor, Brayden 34 C/B

Great Score: Shane Williams (Birdie) @8, Bob Harland (Birdie) @14, Eric Beveridge (Birdie) @8,Bob Harland (Birdie) @8,Tim Ford (Birdie) @8,Tim Ford (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th Brayden Taylor,8th Tim Ford,14th Bob Harland

Saturday, 01 November 2025 WOMEN'S SATURDAY OPENStableford

Grade AWinners: Shaw, Karen(23) 36

TRAFALGAR

WednesdayWomen’sresults 29/10/25

Stableford

18-Hole AGrade Winner: Cheryl Deppeler (25) with 35 points

AGrade Runner-Up: Karen MacGregor (24) with 33 points

BGrade Winner: Linda Chapple (29) with 29 points

BGrade Runner-Up: Aileen McNair (35) with 29 points

DTL: BevKeilyand Sue Klemkewith 31

points and SamCaldowwith 29 points

NTP: 5th SamCaldow11th no-one

Gobblers: KarenMacGregor on the 13th 9-Hole players

Winner: KarenSwingler (16) with 14 points

Runner-Up: Beth Lansdown (21) 12 points

Tuesday :28/10/25 -Stableford

Players: 31,Women 3, Men 28

Winner: Bronwyn Wallace (22) c/b

Runner Up: Chris Moody (22 )

DTL: Max Taylor (20), John Kerr (20), Chris Barfoot (19), Andy Kiss(18), BevKeily(18) NTP: Frank Kiss (5th

Lucky Card: Peter Griffin

Thursday30/10/2025 -Stableford/ Boomerang Ball

Players: 50,Women 20, Men 30

Winners: JanGriffin, Sue DeVries,Max Taylor,GeoffThomas (24)

RunnersUp: Aleen McNair,Karen MacGregor,Max Pugliese,Ray Williams (23)

DTL: KarenSwingler,Lorna Risol, Chris Barfoot, Hank Fiddelaers(21) Jo Baker,Bev Keily, Chris Griffin, RobCusworth/Warner (20) Sue Klemke, Cheryl Deppler,Dave Rose,Harold McNair (19) Ivan Grant, Al Gray,Ian Outhred, Heather Savige (19) NTP: JanGriffin (13th) Lucky Card: Aija Owen &Franc Kiss Friday,October 31st, Open Men’s&Ladies Stableford

AGrade Winner: Kyle Beveridge 38 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: MarkAndo 40 pts

DTL's: Stephen Mills 38, Simon McInnes 37 Greg Beyer36, Darryl Blackshaw36, Steve Klemke36, John Butler 35 C/B Birdies: 5th: Darryl Blackshaw, Garry Jansen, Tony O’Reilly, Dwayne Jenkins 11th: Kyle Beveridge 13th:Kyle Beveridge 15th: SimonMcInnes

Saturday,November 1st, Max Roberts Memorial Open Men’s& Ladies 4BBB Stableford

Men’sWinner: Mark Ando &Peter Burghardt 49 pts pts

Ladies Winner: Alison Bailey&Maria Brien Williams 50 pts

DTL’s: JanJansen &Annette Sutherland 49, Reno Borg&Chris Moody 47,TonyBickley &Ken Street 44, Phil James&Graeme Ayre 44, Jordan Chapman &Dwayne Jenkins 44, KarenMacGregor &Cheryl Deppeler 44 NTP’s: 5th: RichardGould –Dianne Grimble 11th:JeffHasthorpe –Bev Keily 13th:Wayne Robbins 15th:Peter Jolley–June Tickell

Eagle: 7th: Dianne Grimble SundayNovember 2nd,

Tooearly to playthe raincard?

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

THE first day of red ball cricket in Cricket Latrobe Valley was tinged with sadness at the weekend. Usual gamesmanship synonymous withclub cricket was momentarily shelved, as players and officials paused to pay respect to Melbourne teenager Ben Austin, who was tragically killed after being struck by aballduring atraining drill gone fatally wrong.

Aminute’ssilence wasobserved before play at games across the state, reminiscent of thefeeling the nationfelt following the death of Phillip Hughes.

While both were freakish incidents, the importance of cricket safety was again thrust into public consciousness.

Those who have played for awhile will attest to the countless close calls seen in gamesand at training.

It is also aminor miracle the game hasn’t seen more injuries, especially in the days beforehelmets. Senior batsmen are, and should always be, free to bat without alid if they choose, but by the same token, other measures can be taken to decrease the risk of injury.

How manynuffiesget on abowling machine and start slogging, meaning those bowling in the next net are constantly worried about balls flying everywhere? Or how manywant to show-off by facing speeds they never will in agame?

Councils and sporting bodies can also come in to help provide safer training environments.

Manyclubs still have old-schoolcaged nets,which, when the ball hits the metal poles at speed, ricochet off in unpredictable fashion.

Mostteams foundthe adjustment from short form cricket difficult at the weekend, and as a result, second innings results are on the cards across Premier Aand AGrade.

Rain however is forecast for all of this week, meaningthere is every chance of aDay 2washout. Should that happen, afew teams will surely only have one song to play inside the sheds: ‘If Icould escape, and recreate aplace as my own world …’

Premier A TON or seven fa?

Porque no los dos? (Why don’t we have both?)

Lee Stockdale once again proved the calibre of player he is, putting together one of the most prolific soloefforts of not onlyhis career, but in recent Gippsland cricket history.

The Ex Students all rounder started by running through the Morwell middle and lower order, finishing with figures of 7/14, then going on to torch an unbeaten 100 off 102 balls, before ending his day with two more wickets at stumps.

His work has virtually ensured the Sharks will secure outright points.

The Tigers are six down, and need to score another 57 runs justtomakeExStudents batagain. In what would have to be Morwell’s worst performance in some time, the Tigers were knocked over for 65 in their first dig after winning the toss at Keegan Street.

The scorecard appeared like aduck shooting range with five in total, including four in arow from numbers eight down.

Afurther three wereaddedinthe second innings, after the Sharks declared with 186 on the board. Stockdale’s exploits perhaps overshadowed the workofMatt Dyke at the topofthe order, who made 57 in asecond wicket stand of 119. Stockdale’s performance with the bat (11 fours

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY HONOUR

BOARD

2025/26

CENTURIES

• Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 100*

• Donald Mcdougall (Latrobe) 144*

• Darren brain(Rovers)138*

• Jamie Kendall (Gormandale) 109*

• Mark Smallwood (Gormandale) 105*

FIVEWICKETSINANINNINGS

• Lee Stockdale (Ex Students) 7/14

• Ben Edebohls (WillowGrove) 6/11

• Ben Fleming (Traralgon West)5/3

• MattStoddart(Toongabbie) 5/11

• Jagbir Dhillon (Raiders) 5/20

• Waseem AbrarMohammed (Latrobe) 5/24

• DarrenBrain (Rovers)7/15

• Angus Murdoch(Moe) 5/3

• Cooper Stanton (Mirboo Nth/JB) 5/11

• Josh Pearson (Toongabbie) 5/16

• Connor Hughes (Traralgon West)6/21

• Xavier Hurley(Toongabbie) 5/7

and two sixes) was elevated further by the fact two of his teammates also failed to trouble the scorers.

On aday when hardly anyone could hit it off the square, Stockdale made what appeared 22 yards of wet cement to some, 22 yards of concrete to him.

Tim Ford had some joy with the ball for Morwell, nabbing 2/49, and Joel Mason scored 39 in asecond innings that saw Mitch Harris end the day with 2/17 for theSharks.

 WHO would you rather be?

Churchill is 4/16 chasing 141 against Imperials at Andrews Park West.

The Cobras sent the visitors in, who negotiated 78 overs at abreathtaking run rate of 1.8 before being dismissed for141

Some lower order resistance followed Dilshan Thilakarathne and Brett Chapman, who scored 37 and 29 respectively further up.

The defensive tactics meant Churchill’s bowlers all returned economicalfigures, with spinnerMatt Harvey the only to go at more than two runs an over Harvey got the key wicket of Chapman, one of histwo,while Ryan Ayressnared 4/38 and Ross Whelpdale 3/25.

The Cobras then showed exactly how not to survive until stumps, losing four wickets in 14 overs.

Speedster Todd Mann’s post-match darts would have been all the more satisfying after taking 2/7, and he will look to make further inroads should play resume this weekend.

As aresult of the game hardly moving, aridiculous total of 92 overs were bowled in the day.

Under current rules, teamsplay to time, meaning there is no real incentive to push through overs.

Talk of bringing in compulsory closehas done the rounds for years, and has surely already resurfaced again after the first two dayer of the new season.

Afterbeing in the fieldfor 78 overs, there is little to no doubt Churchill and Imps players would have been quite happy to have abeer after the first innings.



THE most typical Moe scorecard.

Bat first, bat all day, make 200 plus.

The Lionsdid exactlythatagainst Glengarry (didn’t they just playeach other?),ending Day1 with 5/237 on the board after 89 overs at Burrage Reserve.

The top five allowedthe rest of the team to rotate square leg duties without the need to rush off and get padded up, as all got among the runs.

In abizarre sense, such asafeinnings was a welcome sight given the respective town’s football ties, where one league is seeminglytrying to outdo the other.

Moe opener Callum Grant top-scored with 65, putting on 50 for the first wicketwith Rob Phoenix in his first game for the season.

Phoenix went against the flow of what the game ended up, making 27 off 33 balls.

Andrew Phillip then contributed 28 before picking out afielder on the legside. Never one to dwell too much on amistake, the Bradman of the bush walked off as soon as the shot was made, just like the famous namesake.

Runs continued from the next generation, that of Benn Zomer (49) and skipper Matt Hibbs (43).

As previously reported, theBurrage wicket (disusedfor more than ayear) would takesome time to mature, and it appears that time has come.

 IF you lose 8/109, you probably don’t deserve to win.

That is the equation facing Toongabbie against Centrals.

Both teams are chasing their first win of the season, and will be looking for any possible advantage should play resume on Day 2.

The Lions decided to have a hit batting first at Apex Park, cautiously gettingto144 after 73 overs.

Opener Jaxon Murdoch negotiated atricky opening, making 39 off more than 100 rocks, while Tye Hourigan played asimilar hand.

The Centrals skipper was adjudged lbw to Gayashan Munasinghe, and slapped his pad with his bat in frustration as he walked off.

Humorously, the comment of “well f**k, that’s not good” was pickeduponthe FrogBoxaudio from someone on the sidelines.

While someclubs have FrogBox on mute, it does add to the viewing experience hearing background chatter. You hear some absoluteclassics, especially if the cameraisnear where blokes are waiting to bat.

Munasinghe bent his back for 20 overs and took 4/31, while Amal Athulathmudali bowled just as many and took 3/38.

Toongabbie lost two poles before stumps, to the father-and-son duo of Tyron and Nethul Gamage.

Athulathmudali is still at the creasehowever, andplayers on both sidesknowfullwellhewill be ahuge wicket if play resumes.

AGrade

GORMANDALE is in astrong position at stumps against Mirboo North.

The Traralgon-based Tigersmade248 batting firstagainst the team sharing the samenickname Yohan Soyza stood out with asuperb 92 off 137 balls, cracking nine fours and two bombs on the Mirboo North turf.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

GMunasinghe

TDunn12-4-21-1, AAthulathmudali 19-738-3, TShippen 16-1-35-0, SMoran 6-0-12-0 TOONGABBIE 1STINNINGS BATTING

TDunnb TGamage

Anumberofothers made handy contributions, in ascorecardthatsaw eight players reach double figures.

Nimesh Soyza (27) chipped in, while some late runs from Budath Karunasingha (29) took the score near 250.

Mirboo North kept their energy in the field,with theverytallFrogBox stand pickingupsomegreat commentary.

George Fairbairn took 3/56 off 22 overs, while Frankie Ingram (2/24), NilaThillekarathna (2/38) andDaleBanks (2/50)also made inroads.

The home side survived six balls, which may well have felt like 60 before stumps without losing awicket.

 CATS feel theyhave enough.

The team from TraralgonSouth declared with 163 on the board against Rovers.

CATS only batted 51 overs at Duncan Cameron, before having a10-over go at their opponents.

Rovers shutupshop withthe stick, seeing the scoreboard read 0/16 at stumps.

Veteran Paul McGill did most of theheavy lifting for CATS earlier in the day, scoring 74 against the new ball.

His Rovers counterpart Simon Duff also showed his vast experience, taking 4/66 off 24 overs.

Another veteran made an appearance -journeyman cricketer Rory Hare, who came out of first grade retirement to help CATS.

CATS skipper Nathan Harrup meanwhile made an unbeaten 30, setting up his declaration.  LATROBE has Raiders by the jugular at 2/18 chasing 203.

The Sharks used most resourcestocompile their score, led by treasurer-extraordinaire Jamie Coltman whopodged 66 in amarathon192-ball stay Wickets were shared among the Raiders camp. Harri McColl, Harvey Rogers-Collen and Tom Robertson each picked up three.

Latrobe’s Rhys Noble scored29, before unleashing adevastating three over burst with the new ball.

He knocked Barney Webber’s off pole out of the ground,and trapped Jack Daddo in front, sending both openers back to the pavilion for globes.  MAYBE it’s agood thing not every club has FrogBox.

In ascorecard reminiscent of pre-WW1 cricket when games were played in paddocks and bats likely carvedout of fenceposts, Traralgon West and Willow Grove(without sounding too harsh) did the reputation of the league no great service. In years to come when people say ‘the standard was better back then’, one look at this game may quickly disprove any such notion.

The Wolveswere bowled out for 36 chasinga grand total of 45 at Jack Canavan.

More than 20 wickets fell across three scarcely believable innings, whichstarted withformer Eagle Ben Edebohls taking 6/11 off 13 overs.

Luke Tumino had to make do with 2/19, as the procession continued.

The processiondidn’t stop at the change of innings though. Willow Grove was in an ‘okay’ position at 4/31 (okay in the context of chasing 45), and then lost its last six wickets for five runs.

Ben Fleming (5/3) and Connor Hughes (4/19) each returned insane figures across 26 overs of velcro doing and undoing.

TraralgonWest then madea mockeryofwhat had happened across the first two innings, going to stumps 1/71 after 24 overs.

Hayden Kimpton remains not out on 43, and amazingly, the Eagles could come out of this round as the only AGrade team with first innings points.

Tributes flow for late young cricketer

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

THE tragic death of young cricketer Ben Austinhad an unfortunatelocal connection.

Austin died after being struck by aball during the warm-up before amatch at Ferntree Gully in Melbourne's east last week.

Hisschoolcoach Darren Berry is from Wonthaggi, and taught the promising 17-year-old at Rowville Secondary College Sports Academy.

Berry, whoplayed more than 150 first class games, has lived through cricket's hell multiple times.

He was coach of South Australia when Phil Hughes was felled, and with Victorian playerDavid Hookes the night he died after being punched during an altercation. The cricket world united in grief at the weekend, with tributes flowing for young Ben.

Local cricket legend Barry Switzer sent in the following:

"Absolutely shocked by the terrible accident to young BenAustin. As alifelong cricketlover and participantinmany ways-mylatewife Loretta, Grantley, Travis and I-lifemembers of Gormandale Cricket Club,alsoGCL (Gippsland Cricket League) andGippSport,Isay this because of the love we have for the great game. Just can’t imagine the grief of the family, club and association."

Players observed aminute's silence before matches across the state.

AGoFundMe hasbeen established to help the family. Those wishing to donate can visit:https://www.gofundme.com/f/ vale-ben-austin

In memoriam: Abat inscribed with two of themosttragic cricketdeaths,sent in by local cricketlegend BarrySwitzer

SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 1

Premier B(Round 5): Glengarry0/93(PHenry61*)def Centrals 92 (H Pettie 31*, PHenry 3/10, JPorter2/6, AWinter 2/24, DMcDonagh 2/25), Thorpdale 4/157 (K O’Connell 77*, MPowell 42*, JBellingham 2/25, MAnthofer 2/29) def CATS 8/156 (J Motta 32*, KO’Connell2/23, TPickering 2/34, RKerrison 2/40), Toongabbie 7/174 MStoddart86*, DBarry62, WFrankland 3/10, BRoberts 2/29)def Morwell104 (R Francis 28, SBilic 25,MStoddart5/11, JWall2/27), Ex Students 9/168 (A Jaensch 84, MCropley 68,L Urand 3/30, STobin 3/34,D Hobbs 2/21) def Churchill 7/141 (S Forbes 42,DChurchill 2/21, TChurchill 2/28), Jeeralang-Boolarra 3/73(BMcCormack 26) def Moe72(SUrbanic 4/5, JHoy 3/10)

BGrade (Round 5): Imperials 4/127 (A Johnstone 37*, PDunstan 36, SDuncan 3/30) def Rovers 126 (B Monks-Hamilton 40, SDuncan28, J Randall 3/9, ADonoghue 2/4, AJohnstone 2/25), Traralgon West 2/141 (B Bright 71*, BHowe44) def Mirboo North 9/139 (G Walker 43, BHowe 3/4, HBright 3/17), Raiders114 (H Rai34, SPooni 25, DGanegodage 2/16, GSwan2/32) def Gormandale 71 (Jagbir Dhillon 5/20, JVarghese 2/5, KAlam 2/18), WillowGrove vs Latrobe (no scores entered). Premier C/C Grade: no games forMelbourne Cuplong weekend.

THURSDAY,OCTOBER30

Women’s Premier (Round 3): Imperials 1/91 (R Reid 30*, KMorley 25*) def Ex Students 6/51 (C Goodwin 2/4), Raiders2/93 (Z Long 33*) def WillowGrove 1/84 (M Donoghue 28), Centrals 1/77 (E Lugton 30*, SLovi3/13, KCollins 2/15) def Churchill 6/76 (K Collins 31*), Latrobe -bye Women’s Championship (Round 3): Morwell 3/114 (B Clymo 31*, R Ball 30*) def Toongabbie 3/71 (N Freeman 2/19), Traralgon West 6/84 (L Walker 35*, EWinkel 28, KGrima 2/18) def WillowGrove 4/82 (J Christie 25), Raiders2/47 (H Williamson 2/10) def Centrals 46 (L VanBerkel 4/6), Rovers 0/107 (F Morrison 30*) def Churchill 3/92 (S Black 30*)

JUNIORS

Under 16 (Friday, October 31, T20s): Morwell/Latrobe 1/100 (W Dowdell 34*) defWillow Grove5/94(NSallee 30*, LWalsh 27, J Stapleton 2/13), Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 3/95 (S Breddels 2/0)

tied Rovers/Gormandale 5/95 (S Breddels 30*, FHaig 25, LRoberts 2/9) Ex Students 5/105 (B Cake 2/20,KMicallef 2/23) def Moe67(KMicallef 40, LBastin 3/11), Toongabbie vs Raiders(abandoned), Centrals –bye

Under 14: halfway throughmatches Under 14 girls: startthis Friday (November 7). SATURDAY,OCTOBER 25 Premier B(Round 4): Ex Students 4/101 (A Jaensch 51*, HFerguson 3/9) def Thorpdale 99 (J Durkin 31, DChurchill 3/9, ACanny3/20, MBentley 3/21), CATS 165 (D Wilson 50, CWilkerson29, JDonovan 2/25, LZammit 2/30, DDoble 2/35) def Centrals 123 (B Hourigan 28, J Bellingham 4/12, LBence3/20, JMotta 2/21),Glengarry4/154 (C Dunn 63*, AWinter36, DFarmer 2/26) def Moe123 (M Whitney28, JPorter 4/11, PHenry2/23, DCochrane 2/32), Churchill 9/144 (R Johnson 30, P VanRossum 26, PCruickshank 25, SGniel 3/30, SSterrick 2/16, RGray 2/27) def Morwell70(JHolden4/9, CWilliams 4/11), Toongabbie 5/128 (D Barry42, GMcIlroy 34, MDunn 26, JWuss 3/30,C Stanton 2/13) def Jeeralang-Boolarra 127 (L Smith 44, HHewawasam26, NFarley 3/29, MDunn 3/32).

BGrade (Round 4): WillowGrove5/134 (T Norton61, NSallee 25, C Bickerton2/19) def Mirboo North 102 (L Corry25, Jvan der Stoep 4/8, MJennings 3/11), Rovers 2/100 (K Scott47*, JPearce29) def Raiders 98 (K Arora 39, KScott 2/13, AAgustin 2/24), Imperials 8/153 (R Williams 55, TPaulet 53, HBright 3/15, HPhillips 2/13) def Traralgon West 68 (D Loots 4/7, ADonoghue 2/13), Latrobe 5/159 (M Zomer57, BAitken41) def Gormandale 123(DNorton40, KChapman 4/14, BDuncan 2/14, SGedara 2/26).

Premier C(Round 3): Toongabbie 6/246 (M Farley 62, DAndjelkovic 46, JMcGown 45, CMichie 32, MNoble 29, JCorbin 2/34, MSnell 2/58) def Mirboo North 85 (M Snell 30, JPearson 5/16, JElms 2/14, JMcGown 2/39), Moe9/121 (C Veenman31, CAshton3/28, JChurchill 2/18,M Isles 2/21) def Ex Students 80 (D Biggins 2/6, PCake 2/16, JLewisBiggins 2/19), Rawson 3/38 defMorwell 35 (B Jarvis 4/14, DWilkie3/5), Glengarry 1/104 (J Lawrence45*, TMiller-Mowat 26*) def Centrals 101 (B Doble 52, CBurslem3/6, DRoulston 2/26), Churchill 2/54 (S Forbes 43*) def Imperials 50 (E Forbes 4/4, HBrighton 3/2, DHart2/5).

CGrade (Round 3): Latrobe 2/264(DMcDougall 144*, GHebbard49, SWernham 25*) def Imperials 30 (W Mohammed 5/24,HSmith 3/1), Rovers 5/82 (D Canning 44*, BNikodemski2/8, JScurlock 2/13) def Gormandale 79 (D Brain 7/15), Traralgon West 4/210 (A Joseph 68*, G Stephens 53*, AStafford 2/4) def Willow Grove7/118 (N McIntosh 35, BJennings 25, AUrmise 2/10,

(M Donoghue 26), Raiders -bye JUNIORS Under 16 (Round 2, Sun, Oct19):Centrals 4/129 (C Moncrieff 51*, AHurley 47,FHaig2/14) def Rovers/Gormandale 128 (FHaig 36, SBreddels32, KMorrison 2/8, XPettie2/14,CMoncrieff 2/22), Ex Students 8/188 (J Hodson 44, WEllis3/20, JWebber 3/32) defRaiders 4/166 (P Mills 45, TWebber 34*), Moe142 (N Keltie 60*, HSmith4/16 WDowdell3/21, BDuncan2/14)def Morwell/Latrobe76(AMurdoch 5/3, HBoothman 3/14), Toongabbie 8/76 (C Young 41*, CStanton 5/11) def Mirboo North/Jeeralang-Boolarra 75 (T Donoghue 2/5, ADomaille 2/10, OJohnston 2/13), Willow Grove- bye. Round3(Fri, Oct24, T20s): Centrals 6/73 (B Cake 2/12) defMoe 2/70 (K Micallef 32*), Toongabbie 6/99 (X Hurley 32*, AShine 2/9,

Moe Lions maintain unbeaten bowls streak

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

BOWLERS again enjoyedgood weather conditions on Saturday, allowing players to enjoy excellent playing conditions withouta lot of wind in Strzelecki North Region.

In Division 1, the game of the round was at Newborough, with visitors Longwarry providing strong competitionthroughoutthe match, with Newborough winning 76 to 72.

Sammy Atkinson and her rink of Glenn Slater and Danny Van Zuylen, together withNeale Houston, defeated Glenn Pask 28-19.

Kevin Lovett and his rink of Bluey Flanigan, Jo-Anne Michaels and Sheryl Atkinson defeated DavidAshby19-10. George Lambos drew 18-all with Ken Towt.

For Longwarry,Ian Peterson and hisrinkofJodie and Graeme Aubrey,together with Trevor Kitchin, defeated Scott Jones 25 -11, leaving Newborough the winners by four shots in an entertaining game.

Traralgon won all rinks at home against Drouin, with Michael Yacoub and his rink of Pat Trewin, Ian Kirkup and Nick Turnbull winning 27-8 against Dennis Throup.

Vin McIlwain and his rink of Michael Better, Ian Hilsley and Matt Eccles won 27-10 against Chris Deal. James Scullin defeated Doug Boggie 20-18 and Wayne Lynch defeated Toby Wallace 24-15, leaving Traralgon the winners 98-51.

Traralgon RSL welcomed Morwell Club and broke through for its first win of the season, with Ross Sizeland and his rink of Greg Pratt, Tich Hore and MaurieSutcliffe winning 40-9 against Neil Whitelaw. Beau Williamson defeated Brett Harlt 20-13, Alan Kanavan defeated Glenn Trembath 21-12 and Dave Hodson defeated Tara Harle 19-18, leaving RSL the winners 100-52.

Trafalgar welcomed Morwell, withMatt Schreyer and his rink of Graham Hill, Ted Kuklinksky and Adam Proctor defeating Morice Gardiner 35-11, and Nathan Cook defeated Danny McKeown 19-11.

For the visitors, Ron Jyfield and his rink of Bill Tumney,John Osborne and AlexMuirhead Jr defeatedChris Bortignon28-18 andBrianKingsley defeated David Cook 22-17, leaving Trafalgar

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

CPeaveylbw GFairbairn 11

NSoyza cunknown bDBanks 27

YSoyza cunknown bF Ingram. 92 NScammell lbwDBanks 6

PBrookscCAnders bN Thillekarathna 11 SGaniga lbwM Woodall 13

BKarunasingha cN/A bF Ingram.

MIRBOO NORTH 1STINNINGS BOWLING MWoodall 18-6-58-1, GFairbairn 22-7-56-3, FIngram12-4-24-2, DBanks 13-0-50-2, NThillekarathna 14-2-38-2, ZHollis5-1-20-0

winning 89-72.

 IN Division 2, Moe maintained its unbeaten run with anarrow two shot defeat of Warragul, with Michael Smogavec and his rink of John Williams, Barry Hawkett and Jayde Leech winning 29-15 against Robert Renn. John Westerlo defeated David Gatewood 23-17.

Boolarra had agood win at home against Traralgon (2) 90-64.

Traralgon (3) won wellathomeagainst near neighbours Traralgon RSL (2), 79-67.

Garfield had agood win at home against Neerim District, 74-65.

Division 3-7 scores on Page 39. Afull wrap of midweekpennantwill appear in next week's Express.

CATS 1STINNINGS BOWLING

TPanyangara 4-2-3-0, CStewart4-2-7-0,JCochrane 1-0-2-0, RHare1-0-1-0

MIRBOO NORTHVGORMANDALE at Mirboo North Turf

GORMANDALE 1STINNINGS BATTING

CPolo cCAnders bG Fairbairn 22

CBettsworth lbwGFairbairn 8

WEST 1STINNINGS BATTING MGriffithscAdams bBEdebohls

Daunting runs conquered

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY BARRYHIGGINS

WITHtheir usualspeediness,the Harriers’ ‘Scary Thursday’ run up Kay Street in Traralgon was aday ahead of the Halloween ‘Freaky Friday’ the next day.

The passers-by along the picturesque Kay St median park were slightly nonplussed, or worse, when confrontedbyfrightening figures with ghoulish faces running towards them.

Despite the frivolity among the macabre costumed creatures, times were still fast, considering the long uphill stretch from Breed St back up to Elizabeth St.

The reward wasa Halloween treat, dispensed by the Wicked Witch, aka Harriers vice president Desley Gray.

The usual groupdominated the fast times, withmanyjuniors running well and showing promise.A number of first timers were also welcomed at the post-race gathering and lucky draw.

Talented young Harrier Dempsey Podmore ran an outstanding race in the recent Maffra Mile event, conducted by the MaffraCommunity Sports Club.

Dempseykeptupwithhis olderopponents, including 19-year-old twin brothers Charles and James Leahy from Geelong. He finally dropped off near the finish, placing third, only fivesecondsbehindthe winner, Charles, and three seconds adrift of James, in the excellent time of four minutes 53 seconds.

Congratulationsalsogotoafather and daughter doubleatthe previous week’s Geoff Watt Memorial Fun Run. Yani Cornthwaite was the women’s half marathon winner and Ian, aprevious outright winner, was firstin his 60+ age group.

AnumberofHarriers and friends were to take part in the Four Peaks Bright Alpine Climb over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Across the four days, participants run or walk to the summits of Mt Buffalo,MtFeathertop, Mt Hotham and Mystic Hill. The now iconic event has had many distinguished athletes take part, as well as those who enjoy the countryside. The Harriers have along connection with the event and strongly support it, almost 50 years since its inception.

The Harriers Memorial Run is this Sunday (November 9) at the Toongabbie Golf Club. Supporting Lifeline Gippsland, the event raisesmoney and awareness for depression and suicide prevention. Registrations can be made online at: forms.office.com/r/RQpGj4eH7W Entry cost is a$20 minimum donation on the day.

The 6km and 12km Car ol and Bar ry Summersgill CrossCountry Championships are on Thursday, November 13 at the Edward Hunter Reserve, Moe.

The King and Queen of the Mountain, running to the summit of Mount Tassie, is on Sunday, December 7. The new start location is from the Jeeralang North Hall.See the Harriers’ Facebook page for details.

Tomorrow’sevent(Thursday, November 6) is a6km run/walk from the Railway Reservoir Reserve in Hickox St, Traralgon.

Selected results

GeoffWattMemorial FunRun -Half Marathon: Daniel Pratt1:24:47 (first), Ian Cornthwaite1:31:27 (fifth), Yani Cornthwaite 1:40:11(firstfemale), Liam Durkin 1:47:3, Geoffrey Francis 1:54:19. 10km: LukeArdill 40:16(first),Alexis Walsh 43:28 (first female). 5km: SidneyBox 18:40 (first), Kristie Mellon 25:13(firstfemale), Mattias Preston 25:07, Heather Farley 28:29. Halloween Trip and Treatghost run: Sav Mavrofridis 20:16, Ian Cornthwaite21:23, David Barr 22:07,Andrew Greenhill 22:23, Dave Mann 22:35, Adrian Sutcliffe 22:53, Clinton Jolly 24:03, Ryan McLeod 24:04, Jack Warr 24:06, Chris VanUnen 24:09, Jason Odlum 24:20, PeterSanders24:51,GeoffreyFrancis 25:00, TrentKooyman 25:40, Darrel Cross 26:45, John Skordakis 27:02, KarenGraham 27:20, Nicholas Talerico 27:20, Stephen McLeod 27:24, Paul Ellis 27:54, GaryFox 28:00, Rebecca Anderson 28:37,Ben Wilkinson 28:38, Liz Kenney28:56,Ree Graham 29:50, Mark Lansdown 29:56, Becky Grimwade 31:04, Toby Grzmil 31:07,Kay Pickard 31:14, Phillip Mayer 31:40, Kim Essex31:53,ClaireMacumber 31:55, ChesneyPodmore32:47,Kaye Livingstone 33:22, Leopold Notting 33:25, Fiona Syme 33:26, Owen Notting 33:35, Paul Smith 34:36, MollyIrvine34:45,Tania Whitehead 35:22, Max Wilson 36:09, RonVerschuur 36:09, Mandy Ellis 36:49, Emma Marino 39:17, Danelle Wright 39:34, Darren Fielden 42:00, JayMcGown 44:51, Samantha McGown45:03, Ann Bomers46:56,Stephen Renehan 48:48, Belinda Heafield 57:13, Michelle Colwell 57:54, KathyQuinn 57:54, PeterGrixti58:59, Rober t Embleton 58:59, Nick Hodson 1:00:00, Kylee Earl 1:00:00, Ian Heafield 1:00:03, KatKent 1:07:00, Angelo Gaudiano 1:07:00, LukeMarino NTR, Duke MayNTR,Rose Anderson NTR, Linda Buhagiar NTR, Seth BomersNTR,Barry Higgins NTR, MariekaReillyNTR,Helen Whitby NTR, DesleyGrayNTR,StaceyPodmoreNTR, Aaron MoreNTR.

Junior tennis tournament success

TENNIS

LVTA

THE Latrobe Valley Tennis Association Junior Tennistournament tookplace last Saturday (November 1) at Morwell Tennis Club. Thank you to the Morwell Tennis Club for hosting the tournament again this year.

Forty-fourplayersacross eight sections had a great morning of tennis with many close matches. Theweather was awesome, as was the standard of tennis.

LVT Ap re siden tS al ly Kirsti ne was very impressed with the quality of tennisand the spirit with which all matches were played.

Singles results:

Section 1- winner: Ryder Ferrel (Traralgon); runner-up: Harper Gratton(Traralgon). Section 2winner:Leo James (Traralgon), runner-up: Zeerus Ghayan(PaxHill). Section 4- winner:BillyGrimes (Churchill), runner-up: Charlie Kerslake(Churchill).

Section 5-winner:RoseRami (Morwell), runnerup: Moonic Vann (Traralgon). Section 6- winner: Jack Gordon (Pax Hill), runner-up: Mehreen Gill

(Pax Hill). Section 7- winner:BillyDawson (Pax Hill), runner-up: Kash Wright (Pax Hill). Section 8winner:LucyTringas (Morwell), runner-up: Hudson Evans (Pax Hill).

Doubles

Section 1winners: Harper Gratton/Ryder Ferrel (Traralgon), runner-up: LilyGratton/Boscoe Ke (Traralgon). Section 2- winners: Leo James/ Relic Vann (Traralgon), runners-up: Boscoe Ke/ Cooper Zammit (Traralgon). Section 4- winners: Evie Speirs/Oliver Zammit (Traralgon), runners-up: TomKerslake/Charlie Kerslake(Churchill). Section 5-winners: Rose Rami/Mehreen Gill (Pax Hill), runners-up: Moonic Vann (Traralgon)/Flynn Vesty (Yinnar). Section 6-winners: Asher Haggith/Ari Haggith (Pax Hill), runners-up: JackGordon/Eli Brady(PaxHill). Section 7-winners: BillyDawson/ Kash Wright (PaxHill), runners-up: WesMann (PaxHill)/Walter Lappin (Morwell). Section 8winners: MaryamElkersch (Morwell)/Quinnie Tiong (PaxHill), runners-up: LucyTringas (Morwell)/ Hudson Evans (Pax Hill). Section 9-winners: Jasper Sheen/Nissar Gill (Pax Hill), runners-up: Layla Samson (Morwell)/LilyVesty (Yinnar).

Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 5November, 2025

Occasion: Traralgon Harriersmembersgot intothe Halloween spirit, running in their spookiest costumes forthe ‘trip and treat’ ghost run. Photographs supplied

Return serve: Section 6winnersAsher Haggith and AriHaggith(PaxHill). Runners-up: Eli Brady and Jack Gordon (Pax Hill)

Congrats: Section 5runners-up Flynn Vesty (Yinnar) and Moonic Vann (Traralgon)and winnersRose Rami andMehreen Gill (Pax Hill).

Ace: Section 4players Oliver,Evie,Charlie, Tom, Billyand Will.

Magnificent: Section 7runners-up WedMann (Pax Hill) andWalter Lappin(Morwell). Winners BillyDawson andKash Wright (Pax Hill).

Well done: Section 8winners: Maryam Elkersch (Morwell) and Quinnie Tiong (Pax Hill) Runners-up: Hudson Evans (Pax Hill)and Lucy Tringas (Morwell).

Smash: Section 2players Zeerus,Cooper, Boscoe,Relic and Oliver.

Lifeafter footy: Former Moefootballer DarcyMcIntosh is oneofmanyex-players to take up running.Heran in the top10atthe recent GeoffWattHalf Marathon in Warragul. Current footballerstotakepar tincluded Liam Michie (TTU) and Gormandale newrecruit JudahLeak

Line-up: Section 9players Nissar,Jasper, Godric,Lily, Layla and Harvey. Photographs supplied

Tops: Section 1winners Ryder Ferrel and Har per Gratton(Traralgon) withrunner-ups Boscoe Ke and Lily Gratton(Traralgon)

Derby day meeting sunshine

RACING

HORSE

By LIAM DURKIN

LATROBE Valley Racing Club finally got the weather it desired (and deserved) at the weekend

Sunshone down on Glenview Park, Traralgon for theclub’s Derby Daymeeting last Saturday -one of justtwo racemeetingsheldinTraralgon eachyear.

The volunteer-run club hasbeen beset with rotten luck in recent years, with anumberofsetbacks threatening to derail its meetings. There was no denying racingthis time though,with Latrobe Valley Racing Club hosting aseven-card meeting on asuperbly rated Good 4track.

Great fields and great finishes highlighted the meeting, thefirst of threemajorracingevents scheduled for the Latrobe Valley this month.

Pundits did not have to wait long to see aclose call, with the Race 1Latrobe Valley Express Maiden Plate decided by ahead.

Much like the newsroom, stakes were high across 1100 metres, which saw Astari edge home for trainer Mark Walker.

Walker completed adouble next up, when threeyear-old filly Titahi Bay timed its run well to lead at the 400m mark all the way to the finish in the Race 2Latrobe City Council Maiden Plate (1430m).

She saw off good competition from Neck High, ridden by Trafalgar jockey JasonMaskiell and trained by Sale’s Andrew Perdon.

FellowSaletrainer SharynTrolove wasmore than three lengths back in third with Vire River.

The Race 3Morwell Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1900m) had to be seentobebelieved, after six-year-old gelding Captain Cat won by an astonishing eight lengths.

Such aperformancemadeupfor consecutive seconds in recent weeks, and couldwell have shown the horse'strueform under the training of Brett Conlon.

Sale trainer Angela Bench had success in the Race 4WIN Television Gippsland 0-56 Handicap (1900m), after Cudmore Street broke clear to win by more than two lengths.

Fourlengthsbehind was Norma’sFleet, also trained at Sale by Kerry Farrugia.

Moe trainer Catherine Martindale had something to celebrate in the Race5Traralgon Cup November 30 0-56Handicap (1430m), after six-year-old

gelding Ze Bee Nine won on the inside, holding its first position at the 800m mark to win by ahead.

Maskiell found somethingextrariding I’m Dynamite,who putinagreat effort to finish third for Sale trainer Susie Wellsafter sitting at the 400m.

Maskielllostthe Race 6TRFM Fillies and Mares 0-56 Handicap (1430m) by literally anose, in a finish racecaller Adam Olszanski said was too close to call live.

The judges determined the winner was Sinister Sauce for Simon Zahra, over the Maskiell-ridden Trinity’s D’Oro for Brian McGrath.

Maskiell finished the meeting ridding awinnerin the Race 7bet365 Same Race Multi 0-56 Handicap

(1100m), breaking from apackedfield in the last stretch on board Jessup.

It was an all-Traf podium, as trainers Paul and Tracey Templeton took second and third with ShamrockBay (riddenbyMoe Cup-winningjockey Craig Newitt) and Epicus.

Fittingly, Derby Day fellonMelbourneCup weekend. The very same Melbourne Cup trophy that was presented in Flemington yesterday toured Traralgon and Moe last September.

Latrobe Valley Racing Club will now turn its attention to the Traralgon Cup on Sunday, November 30.

Racing loverswill get afull complement, with the Moe Cup on two Sundays before (November 16).

Cowwarr catapults into flag contention

FOOTBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

AND you thought Kim Kardashian broke the internet.

Cowwarr has made the biggest signings of the North Gippsland football off-season, announcing the recruitmentofShannenLange and Jack Johnstone from Sale, along with Tristen Waack and Sam Hallyburton from Traralgon.

Johnstone has coached Sale the past five seasons, and guided the Magpies to the 2022 Gippsland League Grand Final.

Lange is an elite midfielder and twice winner of the Gippsland League best-and-fairest.

Along with their time at Sale and Maffra, both Lange and Johnstone have VFL experience.

In ordertosignthese players, currentplayers are apparently foregoing match payments so the Saints can stay withinthe North Gippsland league's $75,000 salary cap

“They’ve chosen success over getting acouple of hundredbucks in theirpocket,” Saints coach

Luke Hegarty told the Weekly Times last week.

“They’ve been downfor so long and creditto them to put their hand up and make this happen.

“I’m gettingthe congratulations forrecruiting these blokes, but Icouldn’t have done it without them.

“You’ve got to play it by the book, but you need people to sacrifice. It’s exactly what’s happened.”

Pat Tainsh,who playedthreeseasons at Sale beforereturningtoCowwarr this year, was instrumental in luring the pair to the Saints. Clubsalsoneed to fitwithin atotalplayer points totaleach week. The Saints have applied for three extra points on top of the 45 they had this year.

Hallyburton's dad Darrenplayedinaflagfor Cowwarr.

Next year will mark 20 years since the Saints last premiership.

(NB: Many readers are probablyexpecting a fullscale investigativepiece. Therewillbemore to come. This is without doubt the wildest off-season Ihave ever seen. Some of the stuff Iamhearing is absolutely staggering - Liam Durkin).

COUNTRY BASKETBALL LEAGUE

RESULTS -ROUND 5

Senior men: Warragul

Byes: Korumburra, Lakes Entrance,Pakenham, SouthernPeninsula Ladder: Warragul (25 points), Moe (19), Wonthaggi (15), Traralgon (15), Pakenham (12), Maffra(12), Korumburra(11), Southern Peninsula (9), Morwell (9), Sale (8), Lakes Entrance (8), Bairnsdale (5).

SouthernPeninsula

Ladder: Morwell (21 points), Warragul (17), Moe (14), Korumburra(9), Pakenham (8), Southern Peninsula (8), Wonthaggi (8), Traralgon (8), Maffra(4), Bairnsdale (3).

This wasn’t on the bingo card: Cowwarr recruitsShannenLange and Jack Johnstone. Photograph supplied

What aman: Trafalgar jockey Jason Maskiellrides thewinner of Race 7atLatrobe ValleyRacing Club at the weekend. Photographs: ScottBarbour/RacingPhotos

Success: CudmoreStreet,ridden by Koby Jennings,gaveMoe trainer Catherine Mar tindale awin on DerbyDay