Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 8 October 2025

ASKT HE EX PERTS

United in grief

Uncle Robert Wandin lit a ceremonial fire and embraced manyfamilyand those showing supportinthe wake of the death of Kaiden Morgan.

By AIDAN KNIGHT

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderreadersare advised this story contains the name and image of aperson who has died.

FOLLOWING the tragic death of young Morwell man Kaiden Morgan last week, the fractured community came together to bringasmuch attention as possible to the effects of the youth crime epidemic sweeping the state.

This took place in the shape of apublic commemorative march (held Tuesday, Se pt ember 30) from th eM or gan/ Johnstonfamilyhome to his final resting place on The Boulevard, where his life was taken on Saturday, September 27. Morgan, the victim of an alleged machete attack, was found by police around 10.25pm the night of the AFL GrandFinal andwas then rushed to hospital, where he diedthatnight. As reported in last week's Police Beat,

another young man, Tyrese Walsh (a Warragul resident aged 20), was also hospitalised after being found in a similar state on Gillie Crescent, only a few blocksaway.Police have notsupplied any further details on the second victim, as the investigation is ongoing.

Policeclaim that all people involved in the incident were known to each other.

Tributes flowed for Morgan, with many describing the 18-year-old as a"young Indigenous leader" who revered and loved hisfamily,friends,and culture. He appeared on ABC's Takeover program in May, as part of an Indigenous dance group, TheBoorunBoys, thatperformed at the MCG, something he was very passionate about.

The Gippsland Trades andLabour Council was one of the first organisations to pay their respects publicly, stating, "Kaiden was morethan just aparticipant in the Community Turf Force program; he was amentor, arole model, and afriend of GTLC. Kaiden

brought heart, strength, and generosity to everythinghedid,inspiring others with his leadership, conversation, connection to culture, and quiet determination to support others.”

They also describedhim as "a great listener,and his abilitytoholdspace for others was arare gift, and one that touched many."

Latrobe City River Ward Councillor, Tracie Lund, said Kaiden "wasn't just ayoung man with his whole life ahead of him".

"Violence like this hasn't just taken a life,itwill leave scars on familiesand friendsthatwill never truly heal,and it has shaken ourcommunity," she said.

Jordan Johnston, fellow Boorun Boy, spoke publicly on the deeper issue of it all, and the normalisationofviolence in the area.

"It’smessed up when you can’t even walk home safe in your own hometown," he said.

"Justbecause Kaiden’s killers got

caught doesn’t mean this won’t happen again.Thisisexactly why Idon’t livein theValley anymore.

"When is government going to step up and do something real for people? Why is it left to our parents, uncles, aunties, role models, and ourselves to keep us safe, but get in trouble when we've got to take matters into our own hands?"

"I grew up in Latrobe Valley thinking this was just normal life. Until Ileft and realised it’s not. And don’t say 'there’s trouble everywhere you go' because that’s only true to acertain extent.

"The stats don’t lie. Latrobe Valley crime rates are now on par with Melbourne’s CBD. How can we let that happen in asmaller community?

"We've got to make astand.Take alook at each other.Take alook at yourself and act on what you can do. If you wanna love where you live and take pride in your home. Now is time to do something about it. "

Continued pages16-17

Photograph: Aidan Knight

Sign of the times on council

By AIDAN KNIGHT

MORWELL River Ward Councillor, Tracie Lund moved amotion proposing anew Signage Strategy be implementedinLatrobe City at the September council meeting.

This strategy has been drafted, and sets out to provide clear outlines for local businessestoabide in terms of signage requirements,which comesdue to ongoing challenges in the processing of signage permits. TyersWard Cr Darren Howe seconded Affectingbusinesses, developersand landowners alike, Cr Lund said the rules in place were "unclear, especially when asigntriggers apermit". Cr Lund also believed that aclear signing strategy would improve the quality of consistency across Latrobe City through an easier permit application process, and "clear practical guidance".

Cr Lund asked that the proposal be put out on exhibition, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback.

"This is about providing clarity,cutting redtape, and improving outcomes for both businesses and the community," she said.

NewboroughWardCrSharon Gibson agreed with Cr Lund's overall approach, but felt that specificsof the plan went too far, citing the "painting or fixed signage on windows" section of the strategy was far too restricting on local businesses.

"IfIhad abusiness," Cr Gibson argued to her colleagues, "and Iwished to display what I'm actually selling in the shop, well Iwould want to be able to put on my window what Iwant."

Cr Gibson saw fit that provided the signageand/ or displays avoided anything of an offensive nature, Latrobe City had no right to dictatewhetherornot it is acceptable on aplace of business.

"I get the intent, but Ifeel that we are going too far, when we're tellingbusinesses that they cannot do certain thingsontheir own premises, we are goingtoo far,"she said

"I understandthere are certain quality standards we should accept, but it's how far we are goingthat Idisagree with."

Cr Gibson said once it's put out to the community and if businesses agree with it, "that's fine", but felt shewas speaking for the crowd when she said it is an unnecessary depth to which councilare imposing restrictionsonlocal business, who are alreadydoing it tough.

Moe WardCouncillorAdele Pugsley spoke up to voice her support of the "basic idea" of the proposal, and that she believed council officers developed it in hopes to simply make it easier and simpler for businesses to know when apermit is triggered.

Scoreboardpressure

WHILE many in the Latrobe Valley spent the long weekend glued to the AFL Grand Final enjoying the warm Spring weather, police were busy cracking down on dangerous driving.

As part of Operation Scoreboard, which targeted impaired drivers,more than 5000 offences were detected across Victoria.

Despite repeated warnings, the strike rates were alarmingly high:

 One in every 555 breath tests was over the legal alcohol limit, and;

 One in every 20 drug tests returned a positive result.

Other offences included:

 2179 speeding drivers;

"When you're trying to set up abusiness, lets face it, not all of us are great at paperwork, so if you have aguide to tell youthe scenarios to 'go for' you won't trigger apermit scenario," she said.

"I imagine when you set up abusiness it's very daunting, and there is so much paperwork. Iwant for red tape to be cut back, Iwant for it to be easy, andgood to do business in Latrobe City, or should Isay, the best it can be. The best we can make it.

I'm afan of it".

Cr Pugsleyalsoclaimed to hear Cr Gibson's perspective on the matter, and emphasised her encouragement for experienced businessesto give feedback on the strategy, and give honest opinions if they think the restrictions are too much for council to adopt. "We will take it on board,and that is the best way. It's collaborative. Anything to make it easier to run abusiness and thrive in Latrobe City."

The floor then moved to Yallourn Ward Councillor StephMorgan, also in favour,sayingthis strategy has been caused by existing issues, and should be heeded as such.

"Through this, we are trying to implementa city-wide signage strategy that makers sense for everyone across the board," she said.

Cr Morgan said she supported calls for greater guidance to businesses, and improved efficiency in applications, but also pointed out how it could create amore accessible Latrobe City for shoppers.

"You willbeabletolook into shops andget a better understanding of what is inside, and feel safer through the increased passive surveillance looking in and out of shops under these guidelines," she said.

"To make abetter, more amenable CBD across all of Latrobe City, there are alot of benefits to come out of this, and cutting the red tape is just one of them."

Cr Howe addressed Cr Gibson's concerns,saying that putting it out to businesses and shoppershelps drive strong engagement.

"I know Iwill be visiting all the businesses I know, and Iwant to encourage them to putin their submission, because once we adopt whatever our final (draft) looks like, it's too late for them to change it," he said.

When put to avote, the motion passed with all but Crs Gibson and Joanne Campbell (Jeeralang Ward) in favour.

The strategy will now be put to ministerial approval to go to the community, which takes a period of six to eight weeks, meaning Latrobe City residents will have the opportunity to have their say in mid November.

 375 disqualified or unlicensed drivers,

 46 mobile phone offences

Latrobe Police Service Area results:

 Two drink drivers;  Two disqualified drivers;

 Three unlicensed drivers;

 15 speeding offences;  Two unregistered vehicles, and;

 One vehicle impounded.

E-bikeunease

EMERGENCY services were called to Liddiard Road,Traralgon, on Saturday, September 20 after a15-year-old boyfell from his e-bike.

Theteen, who was not wearing ahelmet, was found unconscious with significant head injuries. He was later airlifted to hospital.

Police have urged riders of all ages to wear helmetswhenriding, stressing the lifesaving difference they can make.

Patterson expecting to appeal sentence

By AIDAN KNIGHT,STEFAN BRADLEY AND LIAM DURKIN

ERIN Patterson's legal team has revealed they intend to appeal her convictionsoverthe fatal 2023 Leongatha mushroom lunch on the second last dayofher appeal window.

Last Thursday (October 2) saw Patterson's barrister Richard Edney announce in ashort SupremeCourt mention, without detailing the grounds for the appeal, as the documentation had not yet been finalised.

"So, we seek that variation to the suppression order and can indicate to Your Honour there will be an appeal against conviction," Mr Edney said.

Mr Edneywillbejoined by anew addition to themushroom cook's legal team in Julian McMahon SC, atop human rights lawyer who represented members of the Bali Nine, and has built areputation for "looking after people who no one else really wants to defend."

Mr McMahon is reportedly askingfor extra time to file the appeal, citing anewlyintroduced rule that allows alimited extension of appeal deadlines. At the same time, prosecutors argue that the 33-year non-parole sentence handed down was already too lenient for Patterson.

Patterson's legal team will be specifically challenging the non-parole period of her life sentence, which was set during the proceedings on September 8.

The hearing that took place last week was not strictly related to that potential appeal. It was insteaddealing withthe expiry of asuppression order on pre-trial material, which hasnow been extended by Justice Christopher Beale from October 6toNovember 3.

ELSEWHERE,Patterson's car was recently listed for sale online.

Her Red 2023 MG SUV formed part of the trial,aftersecurityfootage fromthe Koonwarra Transfer Station showed Patterson disposing of the food dehydrator later found to have death cap mushroom residue.

The listing was postedbyPatterson's power of attorney, Alison 'Ali' Rose Prior for $18,500. She wrote the car was "only selling because of an upgrade".

Ms Prior sat in Morwell's Latrobe Valley Law Courts most days the 10-week trial was held, and was swamped by reporters after Patterson's guilty verdict was handed down.

Police Beat with Aidan Knight

Farfromover: Thelegal team of triple murderer,ErinPatterson intend to appealher life sentence.Patterson’s redcar (par tlyobscured) wasrecentlylisted forsale online File photograph

Powerofattorney: Patterson’s close friend, Ali Prior,swarmed by media as she exits Latrobe ValleyLaw Cour ts following the verdict last July.Prior recentlyposted Patterson’s car forsale online Photograph: Aidan Knight

Grace in the running for cowgirl crown

TRARALGON’Sown GraceGriffithhas

proudly raised $2000 for Rural Aid through her involvement in the 2025 Australian Rodeo Queen Quest, amilestonethat highlights both her community spirit and her passion for rural Australia.

The 29-year-old, who grew up in the High Country before relocating to Traralgon, said supporting the charity has been one of the most meaningful parts of her Quest journey.

“Rural Aid provides vital support to farmingfamilies, and to contribute $2000 withthe backing of my community means agreat deal,” Grace said.

Her fundraising included asold-out line dancing event in Maffra, which attracted 250 attendees. The event was astandout moment, not just for its success but for the way it brought people together.

LATEST NOWOUTISSUE

“One young woman told me she hadn’t had thatmuchfun in years, and it inspired her to reconnectwith the community. That’s exactly what Iwas hoping to achieve,” Grace said.

Now, Grace is preparing for the next stage of the Quest. Until October 12, she and seven other entrants -alongside the reigningRodeo Queen and runner-up-will step out on the Gold Coast in full Rodeo Queen attire, complete with signature cowboyhats and rhinestones. The 'girls from the bush' will bring rural pride and rodeo glamour to the heart of Surfers Paradisebefore aweekofinterviews, photo shoots, charity visits, horsemanship trials, and community events.

For Grace, the Quest is about much more than competition.

“It’s an opportunity to showcase and give back to the communitiesthat have given so much to me, and that have shaped me into the country-loving woman Iam today,” she said.

Havingreturned to the saddle two years ago after pursuing acareer in media and journalism,she says thejourney has been transformative.

“It’s pushed me out of my comfort zone, introduced me to incredible people, and reminded me just how strong and generous our country communities really are,” she said.

“I couldn’t haveachieved this without the incredible support of my community here in Gippsland and my hometown roots in Bright.”

Star: Traralgon’s Grace Griffith has raised $2000for RuralAid through her involvement in the 2025 Australian RodeoQueen Quest.

Photograph: Ana Car

THE Gippsland Dairy Industry Leadership Group has unveiled the new Gippsland dairy strategy, which focuses on strengthening connectionsacross the industry, whichproducesnearly aquarter of Australia's milk supply, according to the October edition of Gippsland Farmer.

IN other stories:

 The state government is developing new regulations to support the rollout of virtual fencing for cattle, bringing the state in line with other jurisdictions across Australia;

 Gippsland's giant earthworm: regenerative agriculture and the region's unique creature;

 Gippsland First Nation’s vision of the region's energy future includes agenuine

partnership and healing of Country, said GLAWAC chair, Troy McDonald;

 Victoria's farmers must be involved in the process and legislation to create aVictorian Aboriginal Treaty, according to the Victorian Farmers Federation;

 Australia's beef industry is on track to break production records in 2025, according to Meat &Livestock Australia's latest report;

 More than 300 people toured a100-stand rotary dairy at Nyora as part of the annual South Gippsland Farming Expo;

 Expo welcomes crowd in wind and rain for the 69th year, with lots in stock;

 Australian milk production set for decline

due to feed shortages and asmaller milking herd, said Rabobank;

 Farmers line up for soil carbon tests, with more than 700 projects signed up despite debate about the concept's legitimacy, and;

 Book puts Phillip Island farming and food on the map.

Gippsland Farmer is available from local outlets or at the Latrobe Valley Express office (21 George St, Morwell).

To view online, visit: https://gippslandfarmer.com.au

ResultsshowVictorians want to work from home

By AIDAN KNIGHT

VICTORIANS acrossthe state have expressed an overwhelming want for their right to work from home to be protected within state government legislation.

Asurvey opened by the state government in August, which ran for close to seven weeks, asked residents to share their views on plans to make working from home alegal right next year. Under the proposal,any employee whocan reasonably perform their role from home would have the right to do so for at least two days aweek, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the consultation aimed to make surethe rules were “fair,practical, and reflective of real-world experience.”

“One of the reasons work from home is at risk is because thereare no rules and workers don’t know where they stand,” she said.

“If you can do your job from home, we are making it your right -because we’re on your side.”

The consultation wouldnot revisit whetherworking from home should be aright. The government

says that is already decided -but will instead focus on matters such as which types and sizes of businesses will be covered, how “remote work” will be defined, and who will be eligible.

Allan and Act ing Min iste rf or Ind ustri al

Relations, Harriet Shing last Thursday released an initial snapshot of the government’s biggestever workplace survey,which attracted 36,770 responses.

The survey found more than 74 per cent of employees said the right to work from home was “extremely important” to them, while 88 per cent said the ability to do so would make them more likely to stay in ajob longer

Ms Allan said the results made it clear that Victorians want work from home protected.

“The biggest-ever Victorian government survey says workfromhomeworks for families and it’s good for the economy,” she said.

“Of those who could work from home but currentlydon’t, most had requested it, and mostwere refused. That’s exactly why we’re protecting work from home.”

Key findings from the survey included:

 More than 28,700 participants said they were

more productive when working from home;

 13,324 respondents said their one-way commute takes more than an hour, while more than 9200 said travel costs them $25–$49 each week;

 Two days aweek was the most common remote work arrangement, reported by 10,207 respondents, and;

 Of those who had asked to work from home but were refused, 97 per cent believed the response was unreasonable, with three-quarters saying it led to further workplace challenges.

The consultation will now move into the next stage, with industry forums and further engagement with businesses and unions underway.

Shing said the overwhelming response would help shape legislation expected to be introduced to Parliament next year.

“A record number of Victorians have told us how they feel about workingfrom home, and we’re listening,” she said.

“We’ll use this data and consultation with industry to help us shape laws that are fair and practical for everyone.”

GLP has vision forthe Valley

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AGROUP of prominent Latrobe Valley residents, fearful of the dramatic economic and social impact on the region when the brown coal power plants close, has forged avision of arevitalised economy based on newindustry in adramatically transformed physical environment.

The Great Latrobe Park (GLP) committee is pushing for aprominent Australian to lead the concept in order to unifythe various, uncoordinated government measures and companies involved in rehabilitation plans for the Valley's brown coal mines.

GLP president, NinaBurke, saidtherewere many possibilities to repurpose the Valley, but these needed to be identified before rehabilitation plans are put in place.

"Theseneed to be quantified and prioritised. This is planning that could, and should, be undertaken now," Ms Burke told the Express.

More than 25 interested parties are involved in plotting the Valley's future. These range from the mining companies, the regulators, federal and state government authorities, local government, water authorities, and industry and community groups.

"GLP has spent two years to get several of these parties to step up and take aleadership role but has been unsuccessful. There is aleadership vacuum on repurposing," Ms Burke said.

"The all-important role of leadership cannot be fulfilled from within the Latrobe Valley and that only an eminent Australia will have achanceof bringingall of the playerstogether to create asingle agreed plan for advancing repurposing."

TheGLP committee, formedin2018, is driven by people with decades of Latrobe Valley experience in mining, engineering, regional planning, health and community services, agriculture and education. These include Richard Polmear, acivil engineer with 34 years in the brown coal mining industry; Rob Gaulton, who for 25 years was the principal on-site geologist at the State Electricity Commission's Valley mining operations; David Langmore, aformer Gippsland regional planner; Barbara Johnson, an agricultural scientist and a former chair of the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority; Ross Harford, an economist and aformer strategist for the Liberal Party in Victoria; and Brendan Wilkinson, an IT specialist with an MBA and Master of Engineering and former manager at Australian Paper's Maryvale Paper Mill.

Many hundreds of direct and indirect jobs will be lost when the power stations close, with fears the Valley's gross regional product will decline by more than 16 per cent, and that more than 10 per cent of current jobs, adding up to more than $170 million in current wages and salaries being lost. Households will not have this money to spend locally, hitting shops and associated businesses, damaging confidence and perceptions of the region.

Ms Burke said the economic impactswere significant and likely to negatively affect many withinthe Latrobe Valleyand potentially damage the social fabric.

"What is needed is replacement of the lost economic asset by one or more economic assets of equal value whilst addressingunderlyingsocial-economic disadvantage," she said.

However, the task is massive.MsBurke emphasised that the area, depth and volume of each mine was unprecedented in Victoria. The full pit lakes by 2047 would contain up to 2685 gigalitres of water -almostsix times Melbourne's annual water usage in 2023-24,and more thantwo-and-a-half timesthe capacity of theThomson Reservoir.

"It has neverbeen done before on this scale in the world. The degree of difficultyisunprecedented as it includes not just one mine, but three interconnected mines and involves many parties with potentially conflicting interests," Ms Burke said.

It has never been done before on this scale in the world. The degree of difficulty is unprecedented as it includes not just one mine, but three interconnected mines and involves many parties with potentially conflicting interests.

With the power stations gone and the mines filled with water, GLP believes the Valley's image could be revitalised with appropriate access, attractive scenery, tourism, commercial and liveability drawcards established on the mine lands.

Ms Burke said changing the landscape between the Princes Freeway bypass of Morwell andthe Hazelwood mine would substantially improve the

aesthetic image of the Latrobe Valley.

"Addi tion ally ,G LP belie ves tha tM orwel l township needs to be physically connected to the Hazelwood mine via an extension of either Hazelwood Road or Tarwin Street over the Princess Freeway bypass of Morwell," Ms Burke said. GLP said ageothermalresourcehad the potential to generate new businesses.Artesian waterunder

the Hazelwood mine is extracted to maintainmine stability,but the heat energy is not captured or used.

"Heat energy within the artesian waters can sustain alternate industries," Ms Burke said, with Melbourne University conceptualising smart geothermal industrial loops.

"Majorsupermarkets, for example, may be interested as this potentially assists in their push to be CO2 neutral. The heat energy could also be used in an up-market spa/resort activities. These examplescan onlyberealised with progressive relinquishmentofminelands for repurposing. This requires minerepurposing workinginparallel with mine rehabilitation."

Tourism is akey plank in GLP's vision for economic growth, with improved liveability essential for population growth.

"If the sites are considered 'ugly', no one will want to visit or live in the Latrobe City Council area," Ms Burke said.

"The Yallournsiteisthe logical site to display the engineering history and heritage of brown coal mining and power generation." This could include ageological, Indigenous and early settlers museum; amuseum documenting the rise and fall of the SEC;and amuseumcelebrating Sir John Monash as the previous Yallournmainoffice,in which Monashhad an office. Related to this are visitorviewingpoints; which Engie Hazelwood and EnergyAustralia Yallourn have both nominated sites, but GLP urgesother companies to do the same thing, including monuments to workers.

Beautifying the Valley is crucial to GLP's plan, which praises Latrobe City Council's pathways and biolink concepts. Pedestrian and cycling pathways would interconnect towns within Latrobe City.

Ms Burke said the critical question was whether these paths would be mainly for commuting -the shortest route -oramore meandering, aesthetic experience.

"GLP's viewisthatboth shouldbeconsidered with areas of commonality. GLP would also like to seevisitorvantage points, memorials and visitor points on the pathways," she said.

The Strzelecki-AlpineBiolinkaims to provide corridors of vegetation for target species to allow them to move between the Strzelecki Ranges to the south and Alpine regiontothe north of the Latrobe Valley. An option is to use the Morwell River, its floodways and tributary drainage lines. GLP says defining the proposed alignments for biolinksthat run throughthe mine lands should be apre-condition to do the pathways design.

GLP has been working with Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists to identify high environmentalvalues and what levelsofprotection may be needed, access arrangements and how to make money by providing ahigh value experience.

Other options include:

 Plantings of deciduous flora with autumn colours, avenues of deciduous trees, commercial vineyards that run down to the edge of the mine lakes, or unusual plantings such as fire retardant Californian Redwoods as apotential tourist drawcard;

 An outdoor entertainment hub, or awhite water park across the ridge of the eastern batters of the Hazelwood mine. It could use the top-up water supply needed for the Hazelwood mine water level so as to operate at reduced costs;

 Creation of aGippsland Wildlife carers native animal hospital off Monash Way with access toa new 'Healesville-style' park at the northern end of the Hazelwood eastern overburden dump;

 Sowing native grasses on the 500ha-plus site of the Hazelwood Cooling Pond to support boutique farms of unique grains, and;

 With such large land areas available, model pig, beef and dairy farms could be developed.

Proposal: Great Latrobe Park’s plan from December 2023.The main yellow shaded area is the Hazelwood Mine,with the surrounding pur ple areas geothermal industr yand parks. Ahighresolution image is available on theExpress websitewith this stor y.

NINA BURKE ON FILLING MINE PIT LAKES WITH WATER

All servos now required to report fuel prices

THE state governmenthas commendedfuel retailers across Victoria for their compliance with mandatory fuel price reporting regulationsnow in effect,which thegovernment claimed would save Victorian motorists money at the pump. Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos announced almost 1300 retailerswere onboard across the state and ready to report their fuel prices. The retailers are now required to report their fuel prices through anew fuel finder feature soon available on the Service Victoria app that will help motorists make informed decisions aboutwhen

and where they fill up their tank. Data published last year fromthe AustralianCompetition and Consumer Commission foundMelbourne motorists could have saved up to $333 in 2023 from filling up at the lowest point of fuel price cycles and from shopping around for lower priced fuel retailers. Mandatory real-time fuel price reporting requires all fuel retailers to report their prices on the new fuelfinderfeature, giving Victoriandrivers the information they need to find their area’s most affordable fuel price. The regulations commenced in August ahead of

the official launch of the fuel finder feature later this year, to ensureretailersare compliant and onboarding complete ahead of the launch.

Victorian fuel retailers must now be registered with Service Victoria and report their fuel prices whenever they change, with penalties applying for those who are non-compliant.

“Underour plan, you’llbeabletofindout tomorrow’s fuel price at every single servo on your route to work and make your decisions accordingly,”

Minister Staikos said.

Sh ado wC onsu mer Af fa ir sM inist er, Tim

McCurdysaidnationalevidenceshowedthe policy was "built on shaky ground".

“A federalinquiry into petrol pricing warnedthat state governments should be very careful about intervention, becauseitcan distortanalready competitive market,” Mr McCurdy said.

“The committeeexaminingfuelpricing did not recommend the WA model for other states. While it reduced volatility, it led to higher averageprices overall."

Coalition committed to nuclear

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Coalitionhas reaffirmed that nuclear power will be apartofits energyplatformat the next federal election.

The Leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, said after the last election, the National Party left the Coalition until there was certainty over atechnology agnostic approach to the energy grid that includes nuclear energy.

"It's as simple as that. It will be in some form part of the grid that we will take to the next election. And you can't run an economy of the scale, size of Australia on an all-renewables approach," he told Sky News in an interview.

"Portugaland Spain had ared hot crack. Theygot to 77 per cent renewables and they lost their grid for overaweek-and-a-half. We need baseload power."

Mr LittleproudsaidAnthony Albanese's scare campaign at the last election was a$600 billion lie. Frontier Economics showed that the total grid -38per cent nuclear energy, 50 per cent renewables and the balance was coal and gas -was $331 billion.

"Andnow we see thattheir all-renewables approach will be well beyond $1.3 trillion," he said.

"The government's notprepared to tell us what this all-renewablemadness will be we are deindustrialising our country.

"And unless the adults take back ownership and get some baseload powerbackinto the

grid where the rest of the world is following particularly with nuclear energy, we're going to be left behind and we're going to be poorerfor it. "

While the Liberals seem to have come on board with nuclear,heindicatedthe Coalition had not settled on net zero. Mr Littleproud said he would like to settle the position sooner rather than later.

"Netzero isn'tthe only way in which to reduce emissions. This Labor netzeroisdestroying our country. And net zero has become more about trying to achievethe impossible rather than doing what's sensible," he said.

"What's sensible is not going down an allrenewables path to give us baseload power, to understand that we can't mitigate reduction of emissions across the globe whenwe're only a bit over one per cent. And when the rest of the world isn't doing the heavy lifting, particularly China, the United States and India, our country is being pegged and disadvantaged by apledge that is deindustrialising our country and without any common sense. "

Mr Littleproud said The Nationals would finalise their position.

"(Senator) Matt Canavan is working through those processes for us now in terms of making sure that we have the real data, and then we'll work in with the Liberals and hopefullyget them to aposition that they can settle sooner rather than later. But part of that will have to be asensibleenergy policy that includes nuclear energy," he said.

Handy: Motorists can access earlyinformation on fuel prices under newlegislation. Photograph: iStock

Gippsland PHNreporthighlights health needs across theregion

GIPPSLAND PHN has released anew Health

Insights paper on Multicultural Health and Wellbeing, highlighting the experiences, challenges, and health needs of multicultural communities across the region.

The paper draws on both data and lived experience, pointing to issues such as racism and discrimination, difficulties accessing mental health care, limited culturally appropriate family violence services, and alackofcommunity spaces. It also stresses the value of person-centred careand bettersupport to help newmigrants understand and navigate the health system.

Key findings include:

 12.4 per cent of Gippsland residents were born overseas (Victoria 30 per cent);

 138 languages, other than English, are spoken at home in Gippsland;

 In 2024, 77 per cent of new arrivals were in the skilled stream, 20 per cent family, and just three per cent refugee and humanitarian entrants;

 53 per cent of Gippsland’s multicultural

residents are aged 60+ (Victoria 28 per cent);

 Common long-term conditions include arthritis (11 per cent), diabetes (nine per cent), heart disease (six per cent) and mental health conditions (six per cent);

 People experiencing racism are five times more likely to have poor mental health and 2.5 times more likely to have poor physical health, and;



Migrants can face major barriers with service navigation and interpreter access.

Gippsland PHNChiefExecutive, Amanda Proposch, said the findings underline the region’s diversity and the need for services that respond effectively.

“Multicultural communities are avital part of Gippsland. The datashows they face real barriers in accessing care. By identifying these challenges, we can see where improvementsare needed to help people access health services and culturally appropriatecare,”she said

The paper outlines opportunities to strengthen the health system, including improved interpreter

access, moreculturallyresponsive mental health care,and greater community education to reduce stigma.

New Multicultural CareConnector (Health Connector) Program Gippsland PHN has commissioned the Multicultural Care Connector (Health Connector) Program, delivered by Latrobe Community Health Service, to support multicultural and migrant communities in accessingand navigating the Australian healthcare system.

Based in Morwell with outreach across Gippsland, the program provides free, culturally inclusive support to help people navigate the health system, connect with local doctors and allied health professionals, attend appointments, and access health informationintheir own language.

Gippsland PHN continues to work with local providers, community leaders and partnerorganisations to strengthen outcomes for multicultural communities across the region.

The full Health Insights Paper can be read at: https://gphn.org.au/resources/

Pest plant control the better alternative: Nats

THE state government has again been asked to endits expensive brumby shootingprogramin the face of significant cuts to other pest plantand animal control programs.

Member for Gippsland East and Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said at atimewhenwild dogs are killing stock, sambar deer numbers are out of control, andferal pig numbers continue to increase and blackberry, African lovegrass and English broom is spreading rapidly, the government is cutting effort in these areas, and has been silent on its horse shooting program.

“The state recently announced the gutting of Agriculture Victoria’s pest and weed team, aprogramthat was fighting an overwhelming battle against the spread of these pest species,”

Mr Bull said.

“These were programs that helped our farming and rural sectors, where aprogram like the brumby culling does nothing for farmers. The brumbies are not killing stock or invading farmland

“I find it astonishing that they have cut these jobs, that Iwould describe as essential services,

while being silent on ahorse shooting program very few in the electoratesupport -itisjust madness.

“This is agovernmentthat said it would not cut front line jobs. Iamnot sure you could get any more front line than this. These positions should be reinstated.

“Due to theprevailing silence on the brumby shooting program, Iasked the Minister in Parliament whether it would be discontinued. They have one month to provide an answer.”

LOCAL multicultural organisations have been encouraged to apply for fundingthroughthe Multicultural Festivals and Events Grant Program.

The state government program offers funding up to $50,000 for local community organisations to hold cultural festivalsand events.Applications for this grantround areopen until Thursday, October 23, 2026

Nationals State Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said the fundingcould make a significant difference for local organisations, particularly those requiring financial support to host local events.

“Our local multicultural organisations are such abig part of our Gippsland community,” she said.

“There are manymuchloved local festivals and events that bring people together, attract visitors to the region through their celebration of culture and diversity.

“Our region is enriched by our multicultural residents and the contributions they continue to make in Gippsland.

“Additional funding can go along way in supportinggrassrootsorganisations to celebrate culture.”

For more information and to apply visit: www.vic.gov.au/ multicultural-festivals-and-events-program

Breed StreetClinicgoes

BreedStreetClinic NOW BULK BILLING!

Residents are celebrating a significant win for affordable healthcare, with Breed Street Clinic announced bulk-billed services are now available The move ensures that every patient visiting the clinic with a Medicare card will receive free medical consultations, removing financial barriers to essential healthcare for local families

For residents, this development represents more than just free medical consultations, it’s about removing barriers that might prevent people from seeking timely medical attention

Breed Street has established itself as a cornerstone of the community’s healthcare landscape, seeing well over 30,000 patients last year alone The clinic has strengthened its medical team to better serve the community, now operating with nine doctors following the recent addition of three female doctors specialising in women’s health and paediatric care This expansion enhances the clinic’s capacity to provide comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the diverse needs offamilies.

The clinic’s commitment to maintaining high-quality healthcare standards while eliminating patient costs ensures that financial concerns will no longer delay necessary medical care

The transition to bulk billing at Breed Street Clinic marks a significant milestone in our communities’ healthcare accessibility, promising to deliver lasting benefits for the community’s health and wellbeing

Bulk billing applies to all items covered by medicaresome fees may apply for travel vaccinations and skin procedures.

More people meansmore traffic

MR Chester’s claim of 20 minutes to clear Traralgon becauseofheavy traffic ('Call to back Traralgon by-pass', 1/10) is part of the push for aby-pass of our town.

Admittedly, traffic is heavy but not necessarily because of out of town travellers.

Holiday times are exceptional and the double highway to Rosedale soon sorts out the congestion.

Ihave travelled to Paynesville many times over the years and Imaintainthat,ifthe powers to be were to put atraffic counter at the exit of the last roundabout of Traralgon, the count would not justify the cost of abypass.

Overthe passedyears, Traralgon's population has grown and spread far and wide and as expected, so has town traffic.

Patricia Correa

Traralgon

Clarification on court action

PHILLIP Edwards('Fund falsehoods', letters, 1/10) suggests my court case is creating afinancial burden on ratepayers.

This requires clarification.

Ratepayers bear legal costsinsuchmattersonly when councillors vote to fundthem using public money.

On July 14, 2025, Latrobe City Council held an unscheduled closed meeting to consider alegal matter. Any decision to use ratepayer money to fund the defendants' legal costsismadebythe elected councillors.

If ratepayers have concerns about how their funds are being used, particularly regarding funding in

legal matters, they should raise these concernswith their electedcouncillors whomakesuchdecisions.

DamianAndrews Moe

When did government have our back?

THE story"Valley ‘abandoned’ by govt, Union boss claimed” (26/9) made me think that in order to be abandoned, theValley, must havebeen supported by the government at some time.

I’ve been apower industry worker, union official and communityactivist from1989to2016. In those 37 years, Ican neverrecall atimethatthe government hadour backs.

Iinclude all governments -state,federal, Labor or Lib-Nats.

On the countless number of times we were forced to acourt or commission hearing in defence of our members or our Valley community, we would run into the government representatives, shoulder to shoulder with the bosses or the corporations representatives.

I, 100 per cent, agree with Andy Smith's view about not sitting on our handsand waiting for government support.

Thelittle help that we were able get from governments came way too late and after massive community and worker struggles.

Luke van der Meulen

Moe

Unbornneed protecting

IT has been 12 months since Ihad aletter to the

editor published in the Latrobe Valley Express

In the 12 months, the laws in Australia are still the same in regards to abortion, but the fight has grown stronger with thousands of people gaining the true knowledge aboutthe process of killing healthy viable babies under the guise of "health care".

In the 12 months, there has been apetition to stop the Labor government from paying mothers who choose to abort their baby the Stillborn Baby Payment, which stands at $4326.57.

Choosing to abort ababybyinjecting the baby's heartwith poisonand delivering them dead, is not on the same level as when amother tragically delivers astillborn baby. This is ablatantinsult to those heartbroken parents, not to mention the wrongful use of taxpayers money.

In two-and-a-half years in South Australia there were 79 viable healthy babies aborted after 22 weeks by injecting them in the heart with poison. This process is legal across Australia.

Seventy-nine children is three classrooms of students. Our future doctors, nurses, great politicians, teachers, aged careproviders,journalists and tradies etc.

There are bills being put through to stop the lethal injection process and deliver an unwanted baby alive, and to stop gender selection.

Let's gather together,unitedonOctober 11, 1pm, at the Treasury Gardens, corner of Spring Street and Wellington Parade, Melbourne, making our presence seen and heard.

Please wear pink or blue for the babies.

Josie Vitale Morwell

Expectations are clear: VicGrid

COMMENT

BY ALISTAIR PARKER

LAN DHOLDERS and communities who are hosting renewables in regional and rural Victoria deserve afairgo.

VicGrid has been talking to people in placeswhere there’s proposed renewabledevelopment, from Horsham in the west to Giffard in Gippsland, and there’s some things we keep hearing.

People want to be properly consulted and treated with respect. Theywant everyone to have information about what’s planned in their area. And they want their communities to see meaningfulbenefits.

Victoria’s coal-fired power stations are becoming unreliable and closing down.

The least-cost option to replace them is renewable energy backed by storage and transmission infrastructure.

This takes time to plan and build. There’sa pressing need to get on with the job to deliver the powerall Victorians need -whether they live in the city or the country.

But it can’t come at any cost. Good consultation andplanning are needed to minimise impacts and keep down coststoconsumers.

We have to plan well to protect the agricultural sector. It plays acrucial role in our economy and it’s the lifeblood of rural communities.

Agr icul ture an dene rgy inf rastru cturecan co-exist: thereare 6500 kilometres of existing transmission lines in Victoria, mostly located on

productive farms. We’ve consulted with the sector to better understand what types of agriculture are and aren’t compatible with renewables. We’ve listened and located renewable energy zones in places where grazing and cropping can, in the right circumstances, co-exist with renewables. Hosting wind,solar or batteries remains voluntary –all landholders have the right to choose.

Where development is going ahead, we need to make sure it’s done well. Many renewable energy developers are acting with the best interests of landholders and communities in mind. But we also hear from people that some are not.

So we’re takingaction to make sure all renewable energy developersinVictoria do theright thing by locals. We’resetting new standards for engagement and benefit sharing and telling solar and wind farms they need to meet these standards if they want to connect to the grid.

We’vereleased draftguidelines that setout 48 expectations developersmustmeetasaminimum. These cover things people have been telling us are of concern, like non-disclosure agreements, decommissioning, insurance, listening to neighbours and delivering real benefits.

We’ve heard clearly that non-disclosure agreements stopneighbours talking aboutproposed developments:that’s not the countryway.You get better outcomes when people are free to share information and discussproposals with each other.

We want to see clarity on developers’ responsibilities on decommissioning with agreements that protectlandholders

And we expe ct developers to consult with neighbours on things like insurance and how to mitigate impacts.

The transition to renewable energy has the potential to leave alasting legacy for regional Victoria. Doneright, it could create benefits for localbusinesses, improve local energy supplies, and provide new income streams for host farmers.

These guidelines will sit alongside compensation arrangements for host landholders and the government’s new Renewable Energy Zone Community Energy Funds, landholder payments and neighbour payments to ensure real benefits are delivered.

We know there’s lots of work to do to earn the trust of regionaland rural communities if we want to achieve these outcomes.These guidelines are an important step in earning this trust. They’re open for feedback and Iencourage people to take alook at the guidelines on the Engage Victoria website and have their say so we can get this right.

About: Alistair Parker is chief executive of VicGrid.

Transparency: VicGrid says it will work with affected landowners as the statemoves to renewableenergy

Photo:File

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.

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

The Express does not publishletters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphonenumber, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitled to aright of reply to a letter directed at them.

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

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

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

As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the pool of data used or people involved in surveys.

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

Let ter sr egar ding relig ion will not be published.

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

Clean energy pioneer earns honour

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

RECOGNISED at this year’s Clean Energy Council Awards, Andy McCarthy has gone from atrailblazer of renewables in Gippsland to supporting the next wave of trendsetters.

Taking out the Outstanding Contributionto Clean EnergyAward, the founder of Gippsland Solar continues to be akey figure in the industry. However, Mr McCarthy acknowledged that he didn’t expect to receive the honour.

“I had absolutely no ideaitwas happening, and I didn’t realise thatafew peopleatthe Clean Energy Council had coordinated the whole thing,” he told the Express

“I blinked and did abit of ashake of the head andlooked at them, the rest of the people on my table, and then someone said ‘go on mate, get up on stage!’

“So, yeah, Iwas shocked and I’m still shocked.” Now the ChiefStrategyOffice of renewable energy and storage fund CEP.Energy and the head of AJ McCarthy Consulting, Mr McCarthy wished to thank all that got him to this point.

“I just want to stress that it’s really just atestament to having agreat partner and great family to support, but also justhavingamazingpeople that came with us on that journey that have just donesomuchtobuildthe businessand ensure that we had this success,” he said.

TheMirbooNorth localreleasedhis first book last year, an autobiography titled Here Comes The Sun,detailing that journey, arriving in the coaldominated area of LatrobeValleyand Gippsland, eager to leave his mark in his own way.

From high school drop-out to renewable energy pioneer in the region, his story is one of perseverance as he faced tides of ridicule.

“For someone that didn’t finish Year 10 and couldn’t get their solar business off the ground in coal country back in 2010, all Iwanted to do was make enough sales in the Valley to be able to pay acouple of staff,” Mr McCarthy said.

“I never had any ambition beyond that really in the early days, (and) fair to say Ijust couldn’t imagine where it would’ve gone from there.”

Now being in thegame for 15 years, Mr McCarthy is proud to be someone that youngsters look to for business advice within the cleanenergy industry.

“One of thethings Ienjoy most of this phase of my career is taking that positive energy and that

It’s a beautiful thing to be apart of this sort of next phase, this next cycle of the transition that’s only just going to create morejobs and moreopportunity for our country.”

Andy McCarthy

‘‘ ‘‘

support that Ireceived and paying it forward to others,” he said.

“Since I’ve received the award,I’ve had a number of people reaching out, young ambitious entrepreneurial people in this industry, and I’m reallyquicktotake them under(my)wing and givethem support, because Ijustreceivedsomuch of that myself.

“It’s abeautiful thing to be apart of this sort of next phase, this nextcycle of the transition that’s only just going to create more jobs and more opportunity for our country.”

Mr McCarthy highlighted that this was his next mission now, pointing out that this was possible for the next generation with the path that he’d set.

Honour: Mirboo Northlocal Andy McCarthy wasthe recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Clean Energy Awardatthe 2025 Clean EnergyCouncil Awards Photograph supplied

ONE POINTERS

Ta ke aB re ak

ACROSS

1. WhatdoAmericans call lollies?

2. Whatisthe studyoflivingorganisms called?

3. The firstbi-plane built in Britainwas call aTiger what?

4. Which colour did ElvisPresley sing about the most? TWOPOINTERS

5. Howmanysoccerplayers should each team field at the startofa match?

6. Gwen Stafani is the lead singer of whatband?

7. In the ebaylogo,what colour is the‘y’?

8. What80’smodel wasRod Stewart married to? THREE POINTER

9. What is the onlymammal capableoftrue flight?

10.What colour areMickeyMouse’sshoes?

11. Whatisthe maximum number of clubs youare allowed to carry with youina round of golf?

12. Bombayisthe former name of which Indian city? FOUR POINTER

13. Which part of your body has no blood supply and gets oxygen directly from the air?

14. Howmanymolecules of oxygen does ozone have? FIVE POINTER

15. Name the artists/bands from their album titles. 1. Jagged Little Pill 2. WhenWeFall Asleep, WhereDoWe Go?3.The Dark Sideofthe Moon 4. KindofBlue

5. Born to Run

Howdid youfare?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 23-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books.

Billie lishEi ink.P-3 ydFlo -4. lesMi visDa -5. enteingspreSucBr

13: The earnco in uryo e;ey 14: ee;Thr 15: 2.e-ttseisorsMnila.A-1

een;Gr 8: helRac erHunt at;:B;9 10: 1:w1lloYe een;12:urtFo Mumbai;

rs:weAns 1: ndy;Ca 2: Biology; 3: th;Mo 4: Blue; 5: n;veEle 6: No ubt;Do 7:

Howtoplay

Using the9 lettersin thegrid, howmany wordsoffour letters or more canyou list? Thecentrelet termust be included andeach letter maybeused onlyonce. No colloquialorforeign words. No capitalisednouns, apostrophesorplural wordsending in ‘s’.

BATA SOCKS

AskThe ExpertsProperty Guide

Call me today:

Aaron Wilson

M: 0413 713082

4- 6Lodge Drive, Traralgon

What do the recent changes to the Home GuaranteeScheme mean for me as afirst homebuyer?

Thechangesmakeitmucheasiertostepinto the proper ty market. From 1October 2025,the scheme will no longer have income limitsorcappedplaces, so youwon’t miss outbecauseyou earntoo much or apply toolate. Another majorupdateisthat proper ty price caps have been lif tedtobetterreflect today’s housing market. This meansmore homes, particularly in growthareas andregional centres, nowqualify under the scheme.The depositrequirementremainsatjust 5%,but youwon’t need to pay costly lendersmor tgage insurance, becausethe governmentprovidesa guaranteeofupto15% of the proper ty’s value. Youwill still need to live in the proper ty,but overall the updates mean greateraccess, lowerupfrontcosts,and more choice,makingthe path to your first home much clearer. www.simonds.com.au

Alaw firm is best positionedtoprovide specific legaladvice on allaspects of proper ty transactions -from residential transactions to complexcommercial or farmingtransactions when furtherexper tise is required for:

•intra-family transfers

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•transfers fromadeceased estate

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•mor tgage discharges

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•vendor termscontracts

•GST &CGT issues

•Disputesoverownership, or encroachments

Proper ty transactionsare increasingly complex,and bdlegal’s exper tise in proper ty lawand conveyancingwillhelpyou navigatefrom instructionthrough to settlement

Before committingtoorsigning acontractoragreement, we canprovide youwithdetailed advice outlining your rights and responsibilities when buying andselling.

Q A How do I choose an agency to manage my rental property?

Call us today: T: 5176 1000 E: conveyancing@bdlegal.com.au 24 HothamStreet, Traralgon and 80 Albert Street,Warragul

www.bdlegal.com.au

Call me today:

Nerelle Lawn

T: 5174 7777

37-39Franklin Street,Traralgon

E: rentals@keithwilliams.com.au

Selecting the rightproper ty managerisacrucial step in securing the success of your investment.It’snot just aboutrentcollection, it’s aboutsafeguarding your asset, meeting legalobligations, andmaintaining the overall conditionofyourproper ty.Askilledmanagerwill have deep knowledgeofthe localrentalmarketand be well-versedinregulations like theResidential Tenancies Act, as well as compliancechecksfor gas, electrical, andsmoke alarmsafet y. Theright professional will help younavigatethese requirementswithconfidence, reducing the risk of breaches or penalties.Lookfor a team with stronglocal experience,a solidreputation, andacommitmenttoclear, honest communication They should have well-defined systemsfor selecting qualit ytenants,managingarrears,conducting inspections,and handling maintenanceefficiently.Most importantly, theyshouldtreat your proper ty with care andprofessionalism —reducingvacanciesand helping youmaximiselong-term returns. www.keithwilliams.com.au

Q A

What is the Australian Government Home Guarantee Scheme?

Home buyersusually need adeposit of 20%ofthe Proper ty Valuetoget ahomeloan, andthose with asmallerdeposit mayrequireLendersMor tgage Insurance(LMI).

Underthe Home GuaranteeScheme, Housing AustraliaprovidesaGuaranteetothe lender, so home buyersonly need a2%or5%deposit depending on the type of Guarantee.This helps home buyers to buyahomesooner, with lowerupfrontcosts.The Scheme is suitable for first home buyersorindividuals/couplesthat haven’towned proper ty in thepast10years.Call Communit yBankTrafalgar &Districton56332783 to makeanappointment to discussthe scheme andhaveone of ourexperienced lendersguide youthrough theprocess.

www.bendigobank.com.au/branch/vic/

Understanding the truevalue of your home is thefirst step in makingconfident decisions about selling.It’snot determinedbywhat you originally paid for it or thefigureonyour ratesnotice, it’s about what buyers in today’s marketare preparedtopay.Aprofessional appraisal looksbeyondthe basics, taking into account recent comparable sales, current buyer demand, theoverall condition of your proper ty andthe unique featuresthatmakeitstand out Getting this right from the star tensuresyou’re not underselling,overpricing or overlooking genuine oppor tunities. Aclear,well-researched pricing strategy sets the tone for your entire campaign andgives you thebestchanceofa smooth andsuccessfulsale.

Call me today: Jake Gardam T: 5174 7777 E: jakeg@keithwilliams.com.au 37-39Franklin Street,Traralgon

www.keithwilliams.com.au

Yes, absolutely. We encourage our clientsto be involvedinthe design process from the very beginning.You canbring us your ideas, sketches, andwish list, andwe’ll translatethose intoapractical,fully compliant design that’s tailoredtoyour lifestyle.

Ourroleistoguide you through the technical requirements,explore creativesolutions, and ensure the endresultisbothfunctional and unique to you.

Becausethe designisyours, you also have theflexibilitytoobtain quotes from arange of builders beforecommitting to anyone. This givesyou greaterchoiceand confidence as you move intothe next stage ofyourproject Contactour qualifieddesign teamtoday.

AskThe ExpertsProperty Guide

Q A

Why Use a Lawyer for Proper ty Conveyancing?

Call us today: LittletonHackford Lawyers

T: 5176 1345

E: reception@littletonhackford.com.au 115-119HothamStreet, Traralgon

Engaging alaw yerfor proper ty conveyancing of fers significantadvantages. Lawyerscan providecomprehensive legaladvice on allaspects of the transaction, including contract review,negotiation, andthe management of riskssuch as titledefects,easements, andplanning restrictions

They arequalifiedtohandledisputes, represent clients in legalproceedings, andadvise on relatedlegal matters suchastax,estateplanning,and assetprotection. While licensed conveyancersmay be suitable for straightforwardtransactions,law yers of ferbroader exper tise andlegalprotection, ensuring that clients’ interestsare fullysafeguardedthroughout the conveyancing process

Engagingalaw yerfor proper ty conveyancinginVictoria providesahigher leveloflegal protection, particularly wherethe transactioniscomplex or wherethereis potentialfor disputes

www.littletonhackford.com.au

A WhyBuild with Skyla Homes?

Sk ylaHomes, afamily-owned business withovertwo decadesofexperience, is your premierchoicefor custom home builds in Traralgonand surroundingareas

As adynamic building company, we prideourselves on craf ting homes that notonlymeetbut exceed your expectations throughoutGippsland, Victoria Youget the best building team foryourproject Greatbuildersknowthatbyhavinga team of highly skilled tradespeople, youcan builda greathome.

Sk ylaHomeshas worked with andbuilt agreat reputation as aleading high- qualit ybuilder that attractedand kept the best tradesinGippslandand is passionate abouttheir job. They work together as ateamtobuild brilliant homes. Ever yNew Sk ylaHome is coveredbya 7-Year Home Warranty

Sk ylaHomes goes wayabove andbeyondstandard warrantiesprovidedthroughout thebuilding industry

Call me today: CraigJames M: 0427 766875 64 Bradman Boulevard, Traralgon

Q A

I’’m thinking about selling my home —wwhere shouldIstart?

Call me today: TysonJenkin T: 5174 7777

E: tysonj@keithwilliams.com.au 37-39Franklin Street,Traralgon

Whyisitimportant to choose theright Proper ty Management Agencyfor your investment?

Why is it important the right

Your investment deserves more than just oversight— it deserves care.When youselectthe rightagency, theyshould bring extensive industry knowledge, educatedincurrent andchanginglegislation, know howa proper ty needstobemaintained,giving youpeace of mind that your investment propert y is in exper thands.Theyshould also create strong relationshipswiththe renterssothat communication is alwaysstrong. They should be localpropert y managers with adeepunderstanding of the communit yand itsneeds, this helps with attracting quality rentersthattreat your proper ty as if it were their own.They should work to protect your asset, ensure your investment reachesits full potential. When your investmentiswell-managed, you’re more likely to growyourpor tfolio andhelpstrengthen ourregion Truststartswiththe rightchoice

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Thebestfirst step is to book ano-obligation appointment with one of ouragents. We’ll visityour proper ty to gather keydetailssuch as the number of bedrooms,bathrooms,living areas, andany standoutfeatures.Wealsotakeinto account your home’s street appeal andthe characterofthe surrounding neighbourhood.Toprovide an accuratemarket estimate,wecompareyourproper ty to recent sales of similar homesinnearby areas. This helpsusset arealistic andcompetitiveprice guide. During our visit, we’llwalk youthrough the entire sellingprocess —from preparing your home formarkettooutlining marketing strategies andexpectedcosts.Our aim is to ensure you’re fullyinformedand confidentevery step of the way. Theappraisal is straightforward, obligation-free,and agreat star ting point foranyone considering amove www.keithwilliams.com.au Q

Whyshould Iactively reviewmyhomeloan?

Regularlyreviewingyourhome loancan helpyou make more informed decisions,potentiallysavemoney,and achieve financialstability

Youshould activelyreview yourhomeloanfor these reasons: Potential interestrate savings: Ensure you’re gettingthe best interest rate available, as even asmall reductioncan save youthousands overthe loanterm.

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• Different loan features: Take advantage of additional features or products that maybeavailabletosuityourpresent circumstances, suchasoffsetaccountsorredrawfacilities. Refinancing oppor tunities: Considerwhether youcould refinancetoa newloanwithbetterterms,whichcould help youachieveyourfinancialgoals faster www.anz.com.au

One Gippsland urges govt action

ONE Gippsland has called for government action and investment as anew national report shows climate changeisincreasing the severity and frequency of natural disasters.

The National Climate Risk Assessment showed an additional 1.5 million Australians would be in high-risk coastal areas by 2050 under current warming scenarios.

One Gippsland chair Nathan Hersey said now was the time to implement further government policy change to support better disaster preparedness, smarter planning and investment in disaster resilience.

“Gippsland comprises alarge portion of Victoria’s 2500 kilometres of coastline. The risk to our coastal communitiesfromcoastal hazards, such as inundation, is concerning," Cr Hersey said.

"Gippsland would benefit from the state government leading the way in coordinated mapping and planning.

“We need national reforms and long-term investment that build resilience into our roads, telecommunications and emergency systems, and planning frameworks that account for our changing climate."

By KATRINA BRANDON

LOCKED and loaded, state fire services are ready to go for this fire season.

Last month, at ap re-season briefing at Morwell’s Country Fire Authority (CFA) District 27 Headquarters,emergency serviceagencies gathered to discuss what may be in store.

“We’re heretoday withall ouremergency service agencies and our local government authorities, and our emergency broadcasters to get ready for the higher risk weather season,” Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch told the Express

“We know across Victoria that we’ve seen 18 months of very dry conditions in most parts of the state, with the exception of East Gippsland. And so today is about getting ready as agencies for what we might face for this coming season, not just here in Gippsland, but right across the state.”

As we head intothe summer season, Mr Wiebusch said that they could see amixture of emergencies across Gippsland.

In Gippsland, Mr Wiebusch said thatthere is a possibility of increased fire activity in the South and West Gippsland areas. They have already seenmultiplefires break out in recentweeks, including bushfires in Toongabbie and Coongulla on September 15, as well as two additional fires: one north of Licola and a2.5-hectare fire burning 6km north of Clifton Creek.

While none of thosefires were athreat to neighbouring communities, CFA’s Assistant Chief Fire Officer Brian Russel warned that locals should prepare themselves for the season ahead.

The assessment also found the economic cost of climate-related disasters would rise to at least $73 billion each year by 2060 -upfrom $35 billion in 2020.

“Gippsland is highly disaster-prone, having faced 74 declared disaster events since 2007, including bushfires, floodsand stormswithdevastating community impacts,” Cr Hersey said.

“We want to work with our government partners to ensure the policy settings and funding priorities align withwhatweneed to do now to prepare, adapt and protect our communities.”

One Gippsland is calling for:

 A‘betterment’ disaster funding model to rebuild infrastructure stronger to withstand future climate events, rather than replacing like-for-like;

 72-hour back-up power for telecommunications towers and recognition of digital connectivity as an essential service, to keep people connected when it matters most;faster, simpler and more flexible disaster recovery processes that reflect the compounding impacts of multiple events;

 Astate-wide interim flood and inundation

overlay, modelled on the bushfire management overlay, to ensure planning controls keep pace with climate risk and prevent new development on land vulnerable to flooding and sea level rise, and;

 Aclear statewide pathway for managed retreat in the most vulnerable coastal areas, so councils and communities have the tools and data to plan ahead.

Cr Hersey said One Gippsland planned to meet with government decision makers, including federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, Regional Development, Local Government and TerritoriesMinister Kristy McBain and Communications Minister Anika Wells, in October to discussits policy and fundingrecommendations.

“The science tells us there’ll be higher temperatures, more bushfire days, harsher droughts and coastal flooding,” Cr Hersey said.

“Weare looking for government action, investment and policy change so our communities don’t simply recover from disasters, but can continue to thrive despite the climate."

One Gippsland is apeak regional advocacy body representing Gippsland, with its membership

Getting ready for another fire season

Leader: OneGippsland chairman and South GippslandShirecouncillor NathanHersey.

including

we head into the high-risk season, particularly into the summer season, to undertake our risk reductionworks aroundcommunitiesand in the forest areas,”hesaid.

“We needtomakesure that people understand the conditions when they head out into the forest, particularly those people who head off to go camping and enjoy the opportunities that our forest provides for camping and the campfires that you have.

“Please never leave the campfire unattended. Ensure thatwhen youleave your campsite, your fire is completely out. We know it’s acause of bushfires when people leave unattended campfires.”

As the fire season approaches, the crew emphasised that, as part of their emergency planning, locals should download the VicEmergency App to stay informed about potential risks in their immediate vicinity.

According to VICSES, over the past five years, VICSES units in Gippsland haveresponded to thousands of storm-related Requestsfor Assistance (RFAs), with numbers climbingsteadily across key towns. The Warragul Unit alone has respondedto3044RFAs,followed closely by Morwell (2778), Leongatha (1971), and Moe (1233). These figures reflect the growing impact of severe weather across the region, from flash flooding and fallentrees to propertydamage and power outages.

“The emergency services,the fire services, have been working hard over the last couple of months getting ready for the fire season that is ahead, and we’re now calling on the community to do the same,” he said

“The conditions throughout Gippsland have been dry South Gippsland, in particular, has been very dry over the winter period and into spring As we head into spring, however, we’re starting to see some rain coming through Gippsland

“That rain will do some benefit for us, but it’s not going to make a big difference We just need to be aware of that We’re calling on the community to get organised and get started preparing their properties, just as the fire services have been doing over the last couple of months ”

Mr Wiebusch also stated that the season could go the other way

Fire risks: Preparing forthe fire season is ShaneMynardFRV,Bryan Russell CFA, Tim WiebuschEmergencyManagement Commissioner,Cameron Rothnie VICSES and David N Nugent FFMVIC Photographs: Katrina Brandon

recent weeks, or we could also see the increased risk of heavy rainfall,” he said

“The Bureau is forecasting for November and December that we could see above-average rainfall for parts of Gippsland So that means the risk of riverine and flash flooding is also on the list But as we come into the summer months, we know the risk of thunderstorm asthma is also with us ”

In the most recent storm season (2024/25), Warragul recorded arecord 878 RFAs, while Morwell responded to 692, and Moe 424. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent real emerggencies affecting g homes, , families, , and communities across Gippsland

“We’ve already seen some fires down here in

Mr Russel and Mr Wiebusch were also joined by David Nugent, Acting Director of Forest and Fire Programs from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV); Cameron Rothnie, VICSES (Victorian State Emergency Services); and

Shane Mynard, FRV (Fire Rescue Victoria)

Mr Nugent said that emergency services such as the FFMV have been working towards being ready to manage what is to come over the next few months

In preparation for the season, he stated that FFMV has a planned burn program, designed to mitigate risks to communities According to Mr Nugent, over the last 12 months, they’ve been able to deliver a program that treated more than 109,000 hectares This year, as the early parts of the season progressed, they also treated another 600 hectares across the state

More storms are putting Gippsland communities at greater risk, which means it’s important to prepare early and stay involved locally

With above-average rainfall forecast across eastern Victoria, the risk of damaging winds, flash flooding, and severe thunderstorms remains high VICSES encourages residents in towns like Warragul, Morwell, Moe, Leongatha, and Bairnsdale to visit: ses vic gov au for practical advice and safety tips

“We will continue to take every opportunity as

For more information on how to prepare for the fire season, go to: https://www emergency vic gov au/prepare/#being-prepared/ looking-after-your-wellbeing

the region's six councils,Destination Gippsland, Federation University,Food and Fibre Gippsland, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation, and TAFE Gippsland.

Photo: supplied

Ready: Cameron Rothnie VICSES, Br yan Russell CFA, Tim Wiebusch Emergency Management Commissioner, Shane Mynard FRV and David Nugent FFMVIC held a conference on September 23 to talk about the upcoming fire season

Act now: Answering the tough questions, David Nugent FFMVIC shared what may come of this fire season

Cameron slams latest ESVP revelation

MEMBER for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has taken aim at the state government after revelations some emergency services are being forced to pay hundreds of dollars underthe new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF). While volunteers can apply for exemptions for their primary place of residence, some brigades

and units are being charged the levy if they lease their headquarters from councils.

“It’s nothing short of adisgrace that our emergency service units are being slugged with this insidious tax,” Mr Cameron said.

“Our brigades and units, which are not-for-profits, are full of selfless volunteers who sacrifice so much

Scrap thetax: Member forMorwell, Martin Cameron (pictured with Nationals MPs thirdfromright), has takenaim at thestate government afterrevelations thatsomeemergencyser vices arebeing forced to payhundreds of dollarsunder thenew Emergency Ser vicesand VolunteersFund levy Photograph supplied

to keep their communities safe, but even they are not exempt from Labor’s cash-grabbing ways.

“Thistax wasintroduced under the guise of increasing funding for emergency services, but we know that just 20 cents in every dollar is being delivered to the CFA and ameasly fivecentsto the SES.

“This wasnever about better funding for our emergency services, it’s about plugging abudget blackhole that is set to balloon to $194 million by 2028.

“Labor needstostoptreatingour emergency services like aslush fund andstart treating our volunteers with the respect they deserve.

“JacintaAllan must movetoensure ouremergency service units are exempt from thistax, nothing less is acceptable.”

The Nationals have committed to scrapping the ESVF and reinstating the Fire Services Property Levytoensure emergencyservices funding is fair, accountable, and does not punishregional communities.

Enabling accurate flood info

THE stategovernmenthas unveiled anew riskbased flood hazard rating system, modelled on the successful bushfire danger rating system, to provide better flood information for local communities.

Insurers often apply ablanket approach to flooding risk, by increasing premiums for an entire community, when only one specific area is at elevated risk of flooding.

The new risk-based system will provide ratings ranging from ‘low’to‘very high’ to providemore accurate information, which will correspond to new planning and buildingcontrols. These changeswill bringfloodplanninginlinewith the bushfire approach used since 2015 and will make sure homes are built based on the latest modelling.

The new planning and building controls will give developers and residents better flood risk informationtoinform decision-making on where to build, what to build and also howtobuildwith flood-safe construction methods.

The controls will provide clarity by distinguishing between very high-risk areas where development must be avoided, high-risk areas where development warrants careful assessment, moderate-risk areas where projects will need to include the right safeguards and low-risk areas where minimum building requirements will apply.

This will support Melbourne Water and catchment management authorities to lead

floodmodelling and community engagement to streamline flood-relatedplanning scheme amendmentsled by the Planning Minister, reducing the costand administrative burden for local councils.

This will speed up development decisions by making sure the approvals process and development controls are proportionate to risk.

These changes will give householdsand insurers timely flood risk information, helping make insurance premiums more transparent. It will also help direct futureinvestment in emergency services and flood mitigation.

Water Minister Gayle Tierney said the new system was about protecting lives and property where the risk was greatest, while making it easier to build homes and businesses in low risk places.

PlanningMinister SonyaKilkenny saidthe government wasproviding better information and more clarity to councils, industry and communities, so flood risks could be managed while building the homes Victoria needed.

Housingand Building Minister Harriet Shing saidthe government was ensuring building standards protectedconsumersand delivered high-quality houses in the right places.

"As Victoria grows, we are supporting consumers by managing and mitigating the impacts of climate change," she said.

Communitymarches for justice

From PAGE 1

WHILE crime overall is getting progressively worse in Latrobe, ranking second-highest in local government areas in data released by the Crime Statistics Agency in September (up 10.5 per cent), edged weapon assaultshave swept the statein the past year.

Police don't publish data on the number of edged weapon-related deathsorcrimes, but by the end of August, an estimated 11,000 edged weapons had been seized since the start of the year in Victoria, while only 1386 have been collected via the 'machete bin' amnesty program launchedbyPremier Jacinta Allan.

The discourse reported on last week's front page of the Express ('Crime debate deferred', October 1) highlights just how topical an issue this has been in 2025 alone, but the crimes just seem to continue as each government agency tries to pass the ball to another, as seemingly nobody has asolution. There has been a31per cent increase in knives seized and destroyed since 2015, equally reflective of the popularity of the crime as the prevention of it, as there was an average of 40 seized per day last year, which is forecast to be exceeded by the end of 2025. The ratio of knives seized in Victoria is actually 1.5 times more than there are knife crimes recorded in Victoria currently, but there is still a noticeable rise in how common it is, with many locals knowing someone who has been threatened or attacked with an edged weapon, or simply carries one themselves.

Despite police interception efforts, the case of Kaiden Morgan underscores how weapons already in circulation can cause irreparable damage before they are confiscated. Victoria Police cannot effectively prevent weapons from circulating, but it is undeniable thattoo many people, especially youth, are being harmed in the midst of this epidemic.

On Tuesday,September 30, Kaiden Morgan's extended family organised a'justice forKaiden' march fromhis home to his final restingspot.A march of asimilar variety was organisedfor the following Saturday, this time goingtothe Morwell Police Station. Tuesday'swalk saw more than 200 come together to remember the beloved young man, retracing his final steps to "walk with him one last time".Kaiden's family spoke briefly after amoment of mourning when they arrived at the final resting place of their son, brother, and nephew.

"He moved alot of people," said his father, William Morgan. "He was agreat youngman.Hedidn't do drugs, loved his mum tenfold."

Kaiden'smother, Sascha Johnston,thanked everybody for attending, to walk that one last walk with her in spirit, and told the crowd how he was simply walking to his friend's house when his life was taken.

Together, as afamilyand community, everybody gathered at The Boulevard to say goodbye to Kaiden, letting off balloons in colours of the Indigenous flag, and holding each other as members

to attend to one of Morgan's aunties,who collapsed where the flowers were laid, obviouslydeeply affected by this immeasurable loss to her family.

Upsettingly, the family's anguish didn't end there, as avideo of Kaiden's last moments, filmed by his attackers, was circulatedand published by several tabloid mediaoutlets later thatweek. The extended family of the victim took to social media, damning anyone sharing and in possession of the clip, which broughtfurther pain to the familyastheywere forced to relive the traumatic event.

Kaiden's brother, also named William Morgan, said via Facebook on Friday, October 3, "This will always be ano-golimit for us, so don't be so insensitive and send anything …ifyou havecommon sense, use it".

"Thisisthe definition of sensationalism, so don't be sick and let the media profit off my baby brother's death," he said.

Two males were arrested Sundaynight in relation to the incident, aged 19 and 16.

The younger offender cannot be named for legal reasons unbeknownst to the Express,but the 19-year-old has been identified as one Tyson Fenton from Traralgon.Fenton faced court on Monday afternoon in Morwell, while the younger offender faced achildren's court later that day.

The incident resultinginthe deathofKaiden Morgan was Fenton's first recorded offence, and he hadneverbeenincustody before, whichhis lawyer cited when detailing the alleged's "fear of retaliation" if convicted. The lawyer also referenced an unconfirmedintellectual disabilityand an asthma diagnosis, pairing this with "custody management issues" when advocating on his behalf in court.

played clapsticks and adidgeridoo, and laid flowers where their loved one had last laid.

Cousins and brothers climbed up the tree close to his last location and took dead limbs from the tree, before lighting asmall fire for everyone to "throw astick on", as instructed by his Kaiden's grandfather, "tosay goodbye to Kaiden".

Victoria Policehelped facilitate this event, blocking off roads of the residential streets for ablock or so to allowthe walk to take place, and everyone to be uninterrupted in their grief. Such was the intensityofit, officershad to call for an ambulance

No application for bail was made by either offender and Fentonhas been remanded until February 10, 2026, when he will appear before the court again. Both are being charged with murder and intentionally causing serious injury.

The 16-year-old faces court this month before a comittal hearing on January 14.

Aloss not only for the Morgan and Johnston familiesand Morwell community,but for the GunaiKurnai people, now without apromising young man who helped practice and maintain his First Nations story, and would have one day been agreat leader within its future.

Kaiden: Apromising youngman with abrightfuture thathewill nownever know.

Photograph: Facebook

Together: Thecrowd walkingthe same path that Kaiden did in his finalmoments Photographs: Aidan Knight(this pageonly)

Remembering: More than 200 people showedtheirsupportonTuesday, September 30.

Solidarity: Local police helped facilitatethe event,and also attended to givetheir ownthoughts to the familiesofthe victim.

Sparks: Aceremonial fire waslit by Kaiden’s family.

Irreparable damage: The communitycame together to helpeach otherthrough the pain when they reached their destination

Asecond march was held on Saturday, October 4, from The GatheringPlacecommunitycentre in Buckley St, to the Morwell Police Station. This timethe walk attracted morethan1000people, all rallying together to mourn the life lost, the toll it has had on the familiesand friends, and what it means for the safety of the Latrobe Valley community.

Tributes were shared, flags were raised, and many contributed to abannerdedicated to Kaiden, with ared handprint, which was then left on the steps of Morwell Police Station with apair of clapping sticks. William Morgan Senior addressed the crowd, saying he “will not stop till Icatch up with my son”, advocating for violence to end, and to ensure he is remembered.

“I always told my kids to carry heart, don’t carry weapons.

“Violence, in general, women, kids, it’s got to stop. We’ve got to pull together”. These were words that rang outfrom the PA

system and were heard by everybody present, for the sake of what was the third machete death in September, the same month the weapons became officially illegal. The state government’s controversial ‘machete bins’ were also mentioned at the march, where one elder called out the Allan Laborgovernment, telling themto“wake up” on the notion that offenders will hand in their weapons, and violence will suddenly stop.

“This shows what’s not working,” he continued, while others held up signs with messages like “are you gunna listen now”. The community is listening But they are also hurting.

Whatwas once another crime statistic has become apersonal tragedy for hundreds who gathered to walk together in Kaiden’s name.

As balloons lifted, as hands pressed against the banner,and as clapsticks sounded in mourning, the message was clear: the Latrobe Valley is unitedin grief, and in its demand that no more young lives be lost to the violence gripping the state.

Demanding change: Saturday’smarch provided space forameanginful calltochange the current crime rate Photographs: Katrina Brandon (this page only)

you everybody

• Advantage Pharmacy

In the10Septemberedition of TheLatrobe Valley ExpressanRUOK? featurewas publishedtopromote the importanceofconversation; simplyasking someone “Are youokay?”can change alife.

• AGL

• Area Specialist Rachel Buglisi

• Bega Group

• Bendigo Bank Trafalgar

• Brown Wigg

• Chemist Warehouse

• Choices Flooring

• Cleaners World

• Cool Aqua Springs

• Crawford Marine

• Danny Edebohls Property Sales

• Eden of the East Foundation

• Encore Retirement Living

• Websters Butchery DAY

53 local businesses /organisations supported this featureand collectively donated morethan $2000.00 000.00 forthe not-for-profit organisation

Those businesses / organisations include:

• Energy Australia

• First National Real Estate Central KW

• First National Real Estate Latrobe

• Gippsland Boat Supplies

• Gippsland Times

• Grand Junction Hotel

• Guy's Glass & Glazing

• Hip Pocket Latrobe Valley

• Keith Williams Real Estate

• KG Counselling

• Latrobe City Council

• Latrobe Health Services

• Latrobe Valley Real Estate

• Lowanna College

• Loy Yang B Power Station

• LV Exotic Pets

• Maryvale Private Hospital

• Mining & Energy Union

• Mobility & More Moe

• Morleys Mowers & Chainsaws

• Morwell Bowling Club

• One Agency Latrobe Valley

• One Stop Interiors

• Optus Gippsland

• Pace & Associates

• Pats Sewing Centre

• Phillipsons Accounting

• Renee Heath MP

• Shaky Spear Milk Bar & Takeaway

• Simonds Homes

• The Range Retirement Village

• Traralgon 4WD Centre

• Traralgon Car Care

• Traralgon Charcoal Chicken

• Traralgon College

• Traralgon News & Lotto

• Traralgon Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

• Virtue Homes

Lend ahand: The banner manycontributed to in honour of Kaiden Morgan.

Family: Kaiden’s parentsstood withthe entire extended family, some travelling from Orbost and even Tasmania to be thereand support.

Unit prices down,house price median $555,000

By STEFAN BRADLEY

GIPPSLAND home prices are rising, butataslower rate than much of other parts of regional Victoria, according to new data provided to the Express Home prices across all of regional Victoria saw asmall uplift in September, but below peak,as stated in areport PropTrackHome Price Index September 2025, released last Wednesday. Last week wasvery newsworthy on the housing front -interest rates were left on hold by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), and changes to the federal government's first home buyer’sscheme went into effect.

According to REAGroup’sPropTrack real estate data, the Latrobe-Gippsland SA4 region sawa quarterly house price growth of 0.62 per cent,a yearlygrowth of 1.71 per cent, with amedian price of $555,000.

The price of units have actually gone down in Gippsland.The quarterly growth was -0.20 per cent, -2.11 per cent yearly, and amedian price of $361,000.

Price of all dwellings in Gippsland was up 0.53 per cent quarterly, 1.37 year-on-year and amedian value of $519,000.

“Gippsland is in agentle upswing, but it’s one of regional Victoria’s softer performers, lagging peers, quarterly growth is positive, annual growth is low-single-digit, and price levels are still shy of the 2022 peak,” REA Group Senior Economist, Eleanor Creagh told the Express.

Ms Creagh said that the RBA keeping the cash rate steady at 3.60 per cent in September was expected

“Keeping interest rates on hold allows the Bank to assess incomingdataand balance risks. Inflation is contained, the economy is operating near full employment, but job growth has slowed, and vacanciescontinue to decline. Against thatbackdrop,the RBA is in no rush to cut again, but nor does it see the need to keep policy restrictive.

“While affordability pressures remain, this year’s series of interest rate cuts, improved sentiment, and the October expansion of the Home Guarantee Scheme, are expected to keep upward pressure on home prices in the months ahead.

“With stock on marketconstrained and new supply challenged, demand-side stimulus will intensifycompetition. The housing market is poised for further gains throughout Spring, though

Catch 22: House prices are expected to rise given first home buyers now only need a five per cent deposit Photograph: iStock

the pace will vary across cities," Ms Creagh said.

The changes to First Home Guarantee took effect fromOctober 1, whichinthe short-term will make it easier for first-home buyers to purchase ahouse.

Prime Minister AnthonyAlbanese admitted that home prices will increase slightly because of the scheme that allows first home buyers to purchase with just afive per cent deposit.

But Ms Creaghtold the Express she expected the scheme to have more than amarginal effect on prices.

“The scheme cuts the deposit hurdle(no Lenders Mortgage Insurance at five per cent deposit, no income caps),soeligiblefirst home buyers are likely to be able to bring purchases forward, especially in affordable markets like Gippsland where price caps are not constraining,” she said.

“With stock on market tight and delivery of new housing remainingchallenged, the additional expected first-home buyer demand collides with limited listings and increased interest from both investors and owner occupier buyers. As aresult, competition is likely to intensify.

“Government modelling of 0.5 percent(increase) over six years looks conservative. Additional

upward pressure is likely, particularly in the first 6–12 months, as take-up builds and sentiment improves with this year’s series of rate cuts.”

Ms Creagh said the policy is likely to lift firsthome buyer participation, adding incremental price pressure.

“Demand mixwill shift. Some renters will exit into ownership, which can ease rental demand at the margin. But if first-home buyers outbid investors for existing stock, the rental pool doesn’t expand,itjust changes hands, so vacancies may not rise much,” she said.

“Lower rates and strong rental pricegrowth with the expectation of home price increases has drawn investorsback, supporting rental supply. Investor participation could liftand whether that offsets first-home buyer purchases is the swing factor.”

Regional Victorian home prices grew just0.1 per cent in September–the smallest rise of all markets over the month, but prices are up 7.1 per cent year-on-year.

PropTrack's report stated that national home prices are up 6.2 per cent over the past year, adding around $54,100 to the value of the median home, and have surged 50.6 per cent in the past five years.

Library funding lifelines

THE state government is continuing to invest in public libraries, the essential programs and services they deliver and the integral role they play at the heartofcommunities across Victoria.

Minister for Local Government, NickStaikos announced $48.1 million has been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program to promoteeducation and innovation among young Victorians.

The programwas establishedtoprovide annualfunds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected LibrariesLtd, My Community Library Ltd, Your Library Ltd and Vision Australia,and supports arange of essential community activities and services delivered every day across 293 branches statewide.

This includes everything from physical and

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 get around our local area. Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

electronic collection of items, information technology facilities,deliveryoflibraryand outreach programs, and the raft of other services provided by public libraries across Victoria. Librariesare no longer aplace just for borrowing books. They are places where the community can access e-resources, Wi-Fi,computers, meeting rooms,art spaces, and diverse child, youth, andadult programs.

Public libraries are vibrant community hubs that offer asafe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich, cultural experiences.

Since 2015, the government has invested more than $498.5million through the Public Libraries Funding Program.

For more informationonthe program, visit Public Libraries Funding Program.

HOROSCOPES

and

by JoanneMadeline Moore

October 6-October 12,2025

And

up a frustrating old partnership problem So, resist the urge for hot-headed arguing and feisty foot stamping, which could lead to a headache or migraine With the Sun visiting Libra, the buzzwords for the week are tranquillity cooperation and balance

Expect a rather intense week as the fiery Full Moon stirs vivid dreams hidden compulsions or submerged secrets You could also become obsessed about someone (or something) from your complicated past If you re a bright Bull, you’ll learn from your mistakes, let go and move on Wednesdays fabulous Venus/Jupiter link favours love creativity and local community connections as you socialise with family members and/or close friends

This week the fiery Super Full Moon focuses on friendships How to nurture them, keep them and let them go if you have outgrown each other You’ll find mutual interests are essential to long-term platonic relationships Mercury (your patron planet) squares Pluto mid-week, so avoid being scatterbrained, superficial and slapdash You’ll find the more mentally disciplined you are, and the more you focus on a problem, the more solutions you ll come up with

Jupiters jumping through your sign and there’s a Super Full Moon! Time to connect with colleagues and clients at work, plus family and friends from within your local community, as you talk, text, tweet, publish, podcast or post up a storm And don’t persist with outdated old ways of doing things Be proactive about initiating exciting adventurous and creative new strategies But things could become intense with a child teenager friend or lover mid-week

Many Lions are feeling restless This week’s fiery Super Full Moon activates your aspirations and adventure zones so you ll feel like pursuing a dream or going on an exciting trip But Saturn cautions you to be disciplined with money A lavish impulse buy (or expensive holiday) now could lead to financial worries later With Mercury and Mars both visiting your domestic zone, expect a busy time at home with plenty of people coming and going

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Virgo (Aug 23 - Sep 22) Libra (Sep 23 - Oct 22)

Jupiter (planet of positivity and good luck) forms a fabulous aspect to Venus (your power planet) so its a wonderful week to make a wish dream a dream and keep your fingers crossed for a fabulous outcome! It’s also time to focus on a problem and think things through carefully Your motto for the moment is from singer/songwriter PJ Harvey (who turns 56 on Thursday): “I’m a Libra That means that I can make a decision but only after much thought

(Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Tuesdays Super Full Moon fires up your wellbeing zone, so its a good week to exercise, hit the gym, play sport participate in a Fun Run or enjoy bushwalking But Pluto squares Mercury, which could increase your intense moods and obsessive attention to details, especially involving a personal project or a domestic matter Venus and Jupiter encourage you to be more philosophical about life as you find the time to relax and wind down with close friends

Tuesday’s fiery Super Full Moon shines a bright spotlight on trust issues and long-forgotten secrets And carefully laid plans may veer off in unexpected directions –which could be wonderful or stressful depending on the circumstances Whatever happens, drop the perfectly-planned schedule, and go with the flow When it comes to money matters, joint finances, taxes or trust issues, avoid being uncharacteristically rash Slow down and take a second look

There’s a super lucky aspect this week as Jupiter (your power planet) trines Venus (planet of love, beauty, pleasure, harmony and the arts) Which boosts your Sagittarian charisma and is particularly good for work involving writing teaching performing publishing public relations and all sorts of creative projects Throw in a fiery Super Full Moon on Tuesday and you’re set for an action-packed, stimulating week! If you want to last the distance, pace yourself

(Nov 22 - Dec 21) Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

The Sun is transiting through your career zone, which boosts your capacity for hard work and your ability to lead others But don t do so at the expense of your home and family life Tuesdays Super Full Moon highlights the importance of getting the balance right between professional success and domestic harmony Be inspired by fellow Capricorn, writer A A Milne: “You re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think

(Jan 20 - Feb 18)

The fiery Super Full Moon ignites your sociable spontaneous and adventurous Aquarius side, as you mix with locals and explore your neighbourhood But slow down (and calm down), otherwise you might put your foot in your mouth and come a cropper! With the Sun in Libra try to find more balance in your relationships and more equilibrium within Your motto is from birthday great Desmond Tutu: We are made for friendliness We are made for togetherness ”

Tuesdays fiery Super Full Moon activates your money zones, as you start to see your current financial situation in a revealing new light And – for some financially challenged Fish – money matters could come to a head Maybe its time to curb spending boost savings and/or redesign your dreams? Are you unhappily single? Love and travel are linked, so you could meet your soulmate while on holiday or they could work in the tourism industry

COPYRIGHTJoanne Madeline Moore 2025

Alliss Road, Morwell

ALLISS Road, was formerly known as Crinigan Road West until it was renamed by the Latrobe City Council in 2017 in memory of George Sharp Alliss.

George Sharp was born in 1877 in Morwell Bridge, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1915 and diedinJuly1916 in France.Hewas the youngest of six children born to John and Marion (neeSharp) Alliss of Morwell Bridge other children were Susan, Ada, Elizabeth, John, Charlotte.

George spent most of his life in the Morwell district, where he at one time, owneda property.He soldthis property and went to Western Australia, wherehespent some years, and bought another property. His brother, John, lived in WA.

George returned home to Morwell Bridge for a holiday and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on November 12, 1915.

Initially No.4727 Private George Sharp Alliss servedinthe 23rd Infantry at Royal Park, 16th DepotBattalion at Bendigo beforetransferring to the 7th InfantryBattalion.

On March7,1916, he embarkedatPort Melbourne on the MHAT Wiltshire for Alexandria in Egypt. At Duntroon Plateau in Egypt, Private George Sharptransferred to the 59th Infantry Battalion and on June 18, 1916, embarked at Alexandria on the British troopship HMS Kinfauns Castle and dis-embarked at Marseilles.

On July 19, 1916, which was the first day of the BattleofFromelles, Private Allisswas critically wounded with gunshot wounds to his chest and thigh. He was initially attended by the 14th Field Ambulancebefore being transferredtothe 8th Casualty Clearing Station in France where he died from his wounds on July 23, 1916. George is buried in the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Lille, France.

George Alliss was one of nearly2000Australians that lost their lives at the Battle of Fromelles. This battle and loss of Australian servicemen is often regarded as the most tragicevent in Australia’s military history.

More roadworks than roads

THE state government has claimed to be embarking on a“road maintenance blitz” again, for a seventhconsecutive year, despite all evidence that proves road maintenanceisatanall-time low,accordingtoMemberfor Morwell, Martin Cameron.

Mr Cameron said it was another example of shameless spin from the government.

“Everysingleperson in Victoria, exceptthose within this government it seems,acknowledges our roads are atrocious -anetworkofpotholes and shoddy patchwork,” he said.

“Still, Laborhas recycled arubbish mediarelease claimingit’sembarking on a‘road maintenance blitz’ -the same press release they've pumped out for the last seven years.

“If there's aroad maintenance blitz every year, why are our roads crumbling and getting worse? Why are ‘rough surface’ signs everywhere across regional Victoria?

“Labor's own data shows91per cent of roads surveyed were in poor or very poor condition, and no amount of spin can disguise the fact Labor has abandoned roads in regional Victoria.

“The reality is this government slashed road maintenance funding, and the road repair target has been cut from more than 1million square metres to just 70,000 square metres this financial year.

“Ourcars mustberoadworthy, but our roads are far from carworthy,and the condition of regional roads is now the biggest safety concern for motorists.

“The Nationals willkeep fighting for safer roads because communities deserve better than recycled press releases and broken promises

“Labor can’tmanage roadsand Victorians are paying the price.”

George Alliss’ name is memorialised on the Roll of Honour at theAustralian War Memorial and theMorwell War Memorial. He was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Article and photograph supplied by the Morwell Historical Society.

Fitting: Crinigan Road West wasrenamedin honour of George SharpAlliss Photograph supplied

Martin Cameron

TheGuide

DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’S ASIA

Nine, Friday, 7.30pm

Sir David Attenborough maybe approaching 100 but the legendary broadcaster stillholds an enduring passionand insatiable curiosity forthe staggering wonders of the naturalworld.Inthis magnificent seven-part series, theincomparable compèreguidesviewers through Asia’s most stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, from redpandas roaming in the foothills of the Himalayas to sea snakes that have learnt to team up with fish to hunt in the western Pacific Ocean.Inthis premiereepisode “Beneath TheWaves”, Sir Daviddives intothe breathtaking waters that surround Asia, which has thelongestcoastline of any continent,tolearn more about its intriguing inhabitants.

KING AND CONQUEROR

SBS, Sunday, 8 30pm

Set in 1066,this lavish epic explores the devolution of the relationship between William,DukeofNormandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gameof Thrones)and Harold,Earl of Wessex(HappyValleystar James Norton, pictured). Over eight sweeping episodes, the allies unexpectedly find themselves turning adversaries in abloody fight forthe British crown, with the bold sagaculminating in one of history’smostinfamous clashes, the Battle of Hastings.Fans of Vikingsand TheLastKingdomaresureto be captivated by this takeonthe brutal rivalry,but youdon’t havetobea historybuff to get hooked by the dramatic conflicts and political intrigue

Night shift: SamPang

Tonightreturns for asecond season.

PICK OF THE WEEK

SAMPANG TONIGHT 10, Monday, 8 40pm

If recent headlines are any indicator the late-night variety show format is on its way to being an endangered species in the United States The clock is ticking for cancelled CBS institution TheLate ShowwithStephenColbert while Jimmy KimmelLive!is on thin ice after being suspended last month However in Australia, the tradition is once again alive and well – after years without a successful tonight show – thanks to Sam Pang’s Logie-nominated efforts The comedian returns for a second season on Monday with special guest Rosie O Donnell Pang says of his fellow tonight show hosts’ fight for survival: “I plan to Steven Bradbury this thing and be the last one standing

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

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz (PGs) 8.30 Mother And Son. (PGdl) Maggiereveals her savings 8.55 TheAssembly:Ray Martin (PG,R)The students interview Ray Martin

9.40 Guy Montgomery’sGuy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG,R) 10.25 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Planet America. (R) 11.55 YouCan’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 12.25 Grand Designs. (R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

Kangaroo Beach. 6.00 Octonauts: Above And Beyond. 6.10 PJ Masks PowerHeroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Wallace And Gromit: AGrand Day Out. 9.40 Merlin. 10.25 Abbott Elementary 10.45 Late Programs.

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 ThePeopleVs Robodebt. (Final, Mal)

8.40 Great British TrainJourneys From Above:The Jacobite Railway (Premiere, PG) Looks at theJacobite Railway 9.35 Code Of Silence. (Malv) Thepolice head to the Mayfair vaultwith full backup 10.30 SBS World NewsLate. 11.00 COBRA.(Mal) 11.50 Freezing Embrace. (Mals, R) 1.35 CharlesI:DownfallOfA King. (PGav,R) 2.40 Curious Traveller.(R) 3.45 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World EnglishNews Morning. 5.30 ANCPhilippinesThe World Tonight.

Award-winningjournalistand podcasterMarcFennell (pictured) has spent his career interviewingpeople, be it foracclaimed documentaries Framed Stuffthe BritishStoleor as host of SBS game show Mastermind But as the presenter discoveredinthe makingof this bold four-part series, there’ssomething different about dinner table conversations. “It gets fiery, it gets funny,and sometimes it gets unexpectedly personal,” Fennell remarks. In each episode, he joinsa group of strangerstohavethe conversations we’reoften toopolitetostart, about ageing, obesityand even menopause. On Tuesday,he’sjoined by fiveAussies with ADHDfor achat in which nothing is off thetable

(9,8)

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 SevenNews With AlexCullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies 3.00 TheChase. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra.(PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 TheBlock. (PGl, R) 1.15 Great Australian Detour.(R) 1.45 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Home AndAway. (PG) 7.30 RFDS. (Ma)Eliza second guesses herself.

8.30 Off TheGrid With Colin And Manu (M) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel are off to Porouni Lodge, wheretheyhuntfor deer

9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Expertsshare advice on living well.

10.30 Chicago Fire (Mas)

11.30 Lopez Vs.Lopez (PGal) 12.00 Imposters (Madlsv, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 TheBlock. (PGl) Thebackyards bring headachesfor some teams

8.35 Sydney2000: TheBestEver. (PG) Looksatthe Sydney 2000 Olympics 25 years since it washeld, with the stars who made the Gamesmemorable.

10.05 Footy Furnace (Mlv)

11.05 9News Late.

11.35 CourtCam (Masv, R)

12.35 Tipping Point.(PG,R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 8.00 Ready VetGo: The VetParamedics. 8.30 Nanny. 9.30 Addams Family 10.00 Bewitched. 10.30

6am Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 6.55 The Legend Of TheChristmas Witch. (2018, PGalv, Italian) 8.45 FirstCow.(2019,PGalv) 11.05 Bad Company. (1972) 12.50pm November.(2022, Malv, French) 2.50 Murder Party. (2022, PGad, French) 4.50 WhereThe MoneyIs. (2000,PGasv) 6.25 TheStraight Story. (1999,PGa,R) 8.30 TheDrover’sWife. (2021,MA15+av,R) 10.30 Heathers. (1988,MA15+av,R) 12.30am Unforgiven. (2013,MA15+v,Japanese) 3.00 Iceman. (2017,MA15+v, Rhaetic) 4.45 Murder Party.(2022, PGad, French)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal.

7.30 DogsBehaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa) Graeme Hall needs to stop some perilousplaytime. 8.30 TheGilded Age. (PGa) Bertha, Marian,Auroraand Peggy take an overnight trip.Gladys’s desired beau

TELL ME WHATYOU REALLYTHINK SBS, Tuesday, 8.30pm

Thursday, October 9

ABC (2)

6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 IWas Actually There. (Ml, R) 10.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.00 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 11.30 Brian Cox: Life Of A Universe. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Malv,R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family (R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads: Tassie Woodchoppers, Tasmania. (Final, PG) Lisa Millar visits Tasmania.

8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. (Final, PG) Acouple model their home on aplane

9.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Mary’sniece goes missing.

10.10 Take 5With Zan Rowe: GFlip. (Ml, R)

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R)

11.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 12.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Amazing Animal Friends. 10.05 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.55 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Sunset To Sunrise. 2.00 Talking Language. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Great Parks Of Africa. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: Primal. (2010, MA15+) 11.05 Late Programs.

(3)

6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Great British Photography Challenge. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The People Vs Robodebt. (Mal, R) 3.00 MOVIE: When Love Is In Your Eyes. (2024) 3.50 The Cook Up. (R) 4.20 Who Do YouThink YouAre?(PG,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show.(PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by MarcFennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Eurostar: Minding The Gap. (R) Looks at the Eurostar

8.30 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve.

Reeve’sScandinavian jour ney takes him from SvalbardtoLapland 9.40 Blue Lights. (Retur n) Grace grows exasperated by the limits of the job.

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 Davos 1917. (Mlv)

12.10 The Head. (MA15+a, R)

2.05 Charles I: Downfall Of AKing. (PGalv,R) 3.10 Curious Traveller.(R) 4.15 J Schwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.45 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 Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.25 Addicted Australia. 2.30 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 Specials. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.40 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 11.05 The Te$t (2022, Mals, Spanish) 1.05pm Long Story Short. (2021, Ml) 2.50 First Cow.(2019, PGalv) 5.05 Mosley.(2019, PGav) 6.55 All At Sea. (2010, PGans) 8.30 The Thicket. (2024, Malv) 10.30 Master Gardener.(2022, Malsv) 12.35am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGav) David struggles to contain his anger

8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (MA15+s) Jim Jefferies tells the story of the time he met and nearly killed his comedy idol John Cleese, featuring Jimeoin, Amos Gill, Renee Percy and Ivan Aristeguieta.

9.30 The Amazing Race. (PG) The teams head to Prague, but their train plans aresoon thrown into chaos.

11.00 Gatecrashers. Alight-hearted take on the week of racing.

12.00 Life. (Malsv,R)Acollege student is found crushed to death.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) Emma shares ababy shower with an all-star

8.45 Sydney 2000: The Best Ever (PG) Look at the Sydney 2000 Olympics 25 years since it was held, with the stars who made the Games memorable. 10.15 9News Late. 10.45 Chicago Med. (MA15+av) Charles clashes with his former resident. 11.35 Next

they are found dead on their living room sofa.

9.15 HardQuiz. (PGs, R) Presented by TomGleeson.

9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) Maggie reveals her savings. 10.15 The Assembly: Ray Martin. (PG, R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Silent Witness. (Mal, R)

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

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles: Morocco. (R)

8.25 Lost Temples Of Cambodia. (PG, R) Pauline Carroll lear ns about Jayavarman VII.

9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Secrets Of The Royal Mummies. (PGa) Archaeologists uncover new evidence.

10.15 SBS World News Late.

10.45 Catch Me AKiller (MA15+av)

11.45 Rogue Heroes. (MA15+v,R) 2.00 Charles I: To Kill AKing. (PG, R) 3.05 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.05 The Wheelhouse. (Mals, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.30 MOVIE: Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris. (2022, PGl) An ordinary woman’sdream of owning aChristian Dior gown leads her on aParisian adventure. Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson. 11.00 Motorway Patrol. (PGal, R) Akitten needs rescuing. 11.30 GetOn Extra.

12.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PGl, R) 1.00 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 David Attenborough’sAsia: Beneath The Waves. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Sir David Attenborough. 8.40 MOVIE: Elvis. (2022, Mal, R) The life of Elvis Presley,fromhis childhood to becoming arock and movie star in the 1950s. Austin Butler,Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge.

Next Stop.

Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Great Australian Detour (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

Saturday, October 11

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (Ma, R) 1.30 Professor T. (M, R) 2.15 The Assembly.(PG, R) 3.00 The Larkins. (Final, PG, R) 3.50 Julia Zemiro’sHome Delivery.(PG, R) 4.20 The Assembly (PG, R) 5.00 Take 5WithZan Rowe. (R) 5.30 Landline.

6.00 Australian Story: Dog Gone

–The Hunt For Valerie. (R)

6.30 Back Roads: Tassie Woodchoppers, Tasmania. (Final, PG, R)

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

7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG) Apsychic’spredictions become real and dangerous.

8.30 ReturnToParadise. (PG, R) Clarke investigates when afamous in the middle of afun run.

9.25 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Jay and Mary’sworld is turned upside down whenMary’sniece goes missing while under their care.

10.20 The Following Events Are Based On APack Of Lies. (M, R) 11.20 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6pm Octonauts. 6.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Steve And Aneeshwar Go Wild. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.20 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm MOVIE: Tim Burton’sCorpse Bride. (2005, PG) 1.40 Great Parks Of Africa. 2.30 Nula. 3.00 Kindred. 4.30 Homesteads. 5.00 Larapinta. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Event Horizon. (1997, MA15+) 10.10 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. Midnight Late Programs.

MoreAussies access and connect to diversecontent dailybyreading, surpassing listening or watching...

6am Morning Programs. 11.55 BBC News At Ten. 12.25 France 24. 12.55 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 1. Metrostars vWests Apia FC. 3.00 Soccer.Australian Championship. Round 1. Preston Lions FC vNWS Spirit 5.00 Plat Du Tour.(PG, R) 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 Trains At War. (PGav,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Orient Express: AGolden Era Of Travel. (PG) Looks at the Orient Express network.

8.25 75 Years At Longleat. Lady Bath reveals her passion for some of the world’smost endangered species.

9.20 Royal Crisis: Countdown To Abdication: Collision Course. (PGa, R) Scandal engulfs the British royal family

10.20 Great Australian Walks: Bathers Way. (PG, R) 11.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Msv,R)

2.45 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R)

3.45 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.20 J Schwanke’sLife In Bloom. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Practice session. 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Practice session and support races. 4.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Top10Shootout.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. (PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan. 8.00 MOVIE: Die Hard: With A Vengeance. (1995, Mlv,R)ANew York detective tries to stop amad bomber who is holding the city to ransom. Bruce Willis, Samuel LJackson, Jeremy Irons.

10.30 MOVIE: Ambulance. (2022, MA15+av,R)Two bank robbers hijack an ambulance. Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. 1.20 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 2. Top10Shootout.

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

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday.(PG) 12.00 Our State On APlate. (PG, R) 12.30 The Block. (PGl, R) 3.20 David Attenborough’sAsia. (PG, R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway (PG)

6.00 9News Saturday 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991, G, R) Afamily plans awedding. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton. 9.35 MOVIE: Monster-In-Law (2005, Ms, R) Awoman tries to prevent her son’swedding. Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda. 11.35 Law&Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)

12.30 Australia’sTop Ten Of Everything. (PG, R)

1.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 GlobalShop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Awoman tries to sell her mother’sretrohome.

8.30 Ambulance UK. (Mal, R) Ambulance crews attend to a man who hasbeenfound unresponsive on the roadside. 9.45 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living roomstoreveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows. 10.45 The Gilded Age. (PGa, R) Gladys’sdesired beauisinvited to dinner 11.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power 6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon MOVIE: Stockholm. (2018, M) 1.40 Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure. 2.35 AFork In The Road. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 IAmSteve McQueen. 10.00 Snowpiercer 11.45 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 What We Did On Our Holiday.(2014, PGa) 11.20 Master Gardener.(2022, Malsv) 1.20pm Lions For Lambs. (2007, Mlv) 3.00 Mosley.(2019, PGav) 4.50 All At Sea. (2010, PGans) 6.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady (1974, PGlv) 8.30 The Hateful Eight. (2015, MA15+ansv) 11.35 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Home Shopping.

8.30 Better Homes And Gardens. 10.00 The YorkshireVet. 11.00 Harry’sPractice. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Guineas and Hill Stakes Day 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 1.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Late Programs.

7MATE (73,64)

6am Morning

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 7.30 TV Shop. 8.00 Thunderbirds. 8.30 Tomorrow’sWorld. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 MOVIE: Nicholas Nickleby.(1947) 12.45pm MOVIE: The Divided Heart. (1954, PG) 2.40 MOVIE: Trapeze. (1956, PG) 4.50 MOVIE: The Barefoot Contessa. (1954, PG) 7.30 To Be Advised. 1.20am Late Programs.

Programs. 1pm Blokesworld. 1.30 Dipper’s Destinations. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Watersport. Offshore Superboats. Replay 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Football. AFLW. Richmond vNorth Melbourne. 9.15 MOVIE: SpiderMan 3. (2007) 12.10am Late Programs. 9GO! (93, 82)

6am Morning Programs. 3.30pm Ski Rescue Down Under 4.30 Hot Wheels. 5.30 MOVIE: Short Circuit. (1986, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Police Academy.(1984, M) 9.35 MOVIE: The Hangover.(2009, MA15+) 11.40 Seinfeld. 12.10am Love Island Games. 2.40 Below Deck. 4.30 ILove VIP Pets. 4.50 Lego Dreamzzz. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Pokémon: B&W

a goodread! Nothingbeats

Sunday,October 12

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Conquest Of The Skies. (R) 3.20 Grand Designs New Zealand. (PG, R) 4.10 Bill Bailey’sWild West Australia. (Final, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Travel Quest. (R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. Round 11. Highlights. 4.00 FIFAWorld Cup 2010: Our South Africa. 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 Trains At War. (PGav,R)

6.30 SBS World News.

his suspect. 9.10 The Following Events Are Based On APack Of Lies. (M) Alice and Cheryl build arapport.

Mother And Son. (PGdl, R)

Take 5With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R)

MOVIE: In My Blood It Runs. (2019, M, R)

12.25 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R)

12.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor.(PG,R) 3.30 The Art Of... (PG, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

7.35 Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World. (Premiere, PGa) 8.30 King And Conqueror (Premiere, Mlv) Follows the story of William of Normandy and Harold of Wessex. 9.30 Dan Snow’sGreatest Discoveries: Terracotta Army (PG, R) 10.25 The Wonders Of Europe. (PG, R) 11.25 The Real Mo Farah. (PGa, R) 12.35 Gloriavale: New Zealand’sSecret Cult. (Ma, R) 2.10 Tough Trains. (PGav, R) 3.10 Welcome To My Farm. (R) 4.10 Urban Conversion. (PG, R) 4.40 Bamay (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 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 Do Not Watch This Show 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society 8.15 Crongton. 8.40 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary 10.05 Speechless. 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 3. Support races and warm up. 10.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 10. Bathurst 1000. Day 3. Build up and Race.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger 8.45 The Rise And Fall Of Kings Cross. (Premiere, M) 10.25 24 Hours In Police Custody: A Knife Through The Heart. (Madlv,R) Detectives investigate astabbing. 11.25 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Moorhouse Horrors. (Mav,R)A look at David and Catherine Birnie. 12.40 Miniseries: The Victim. (Malv,R)The jury returns its verdict.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

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

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Healthy,Wealthy &Wise. Noon Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 The Block. (PGl) The contestants reveal their magical backyards.

8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 AKiller Makes ACall: Grindr Killer (MA15+a) Police pursue aserial killer

11.15 Mobsters: John Gotti. (Madv)

12.10 The Gulf. (Madlsv,R) 1.00 Our State On APlate. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Believer’sVoice Of Victory (PGa)

The Garden Gurus. (R)

Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 The AmazingRace Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.30 Watson. (Mv) Watson confronts atraumatic event from his army days when his veteran friend’swife reaches out for help after herhusband appears to suffer apsychotic break. 9.30 Matlock. (Ms, R) Abrilliant woman usesher unassuming demeanour to make her way into 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business. 10.00 Movie Show 12.05pm Aust. Come Fly With Me. 2.10 Bamay 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington. 5.50 History’sGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Suranne Jones InvestigatingWitch Trials. (Premiere) 9.30 Uncanny 10.40 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Big Sky Girls. 2.20 Rugby League. Qld Murri Carnival. Finals. Men’s. 3.30 Artie: Our Tribute To ALegend. 4.00 The Point. 5.00 Yiyili. 5.10 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 6.40 News. 6.50 Great Parks Of Africa. 7.40 Great Australian Road Trips. 8.30 MOVIE: Sweet As. (2022, M) 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Metronom. (2022, Malnsv,Romanian) 11.55 Voyage Of The Damned. (1976, Mav) 2.55pm What We Did On Our Holiday.(2014, PGa) 4.45 WhereIsAnne Frank. (2021, PGadlsv) 6.35 Meek’sCutoff. (2010, PGalv) 8.30 True Grit. (2010, Mv) 10.35 1.20am Late Programs.

Monday, October 13

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 10.30 Endeavour.(Mav, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

stories.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser

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

10.05 IWas Actually There. (Ml, R)

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (M, R) 11.35 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.25 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 7.45 Maddie And Triggs. 7.55 Children’sPrograms. 6.20pm Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Supertato. 7.00 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. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm The Lake Winnipeg Project. 2.00 Talking Language. 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 Great Parks Of Africa. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 MOVIE: The New Boy.(2023, M) 11.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (Mav R) 3.00 Sorell 22: Country To Coast. (Premiere) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Who Do YouThink YouAre?US. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Big Fat Quiz Best Bits: Dream Teams. (Premiere) Hosted by Jimmy Carr

8.30 King And Conqueror (Mlv) The Godwins areexiled for breaking the king’speace

9.25 Sydney’sSuper Tunnel: Great Expectations. (R) Alook at atunnel extension.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes. (PG)

11.30 12.35 The Allegation. (MA15+av,R) 2.35 Tough Trains. (PG, R) 3.35 Welcome To My Farm. (PG, R) 4.30 Growing AGreener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.45 My Way. (R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Eden makes matters worse.

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

9.00 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan, Chen and Lopez investigate the suspicious stabbing of three teenage girls.

10.00 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) The team searches for amissing muralist.

11.00 S.W.A.T (Mav) The team faces off with afamily of doomsday preppers. 12.00 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (Premiere, 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 Block. (PGl) The contestants tackle their front yards.

8.45 Murder Down Under: The Toolbox Murders Pt 2. (MA15+adv)

As the legal aftermath of the toolbox murders unfolds, the criminal connections behind the crime come to light.

9.45 9News Late.

10.15 The Equalizer (Mv)

11.15 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 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. Hosted by Grant Denyer

7.30 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGl) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Return) Aweekly tonight show hosted by SamPang, featuring amonologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (Mls, R) Hosted by Anne Edmonds, with team captains Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Anisa Nandaula. 10.40 10’sLate News. 11.05 10 News+ (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning

Programs. 12.30pm Rap Game UK. 1.25 Australia Come Fly With Me. 2.25 Bamay 3.00 Wine Lovers’. 3.30 History’sCrazy Rich Ancients. 3.55 WorldWatch 5.50 The Food That BuiltThe World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Joe Lycett’sUnited States Of Birmingham. (Final) 9.25 Buzzcocks. 10.10 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Finding You. (2020, PGal) 8.10 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PGalv) 10.05 Girls Will Be Girls. (2024, Mals, Hindi, English) 12.15pm Knight Of Cups. (2015, Malns) 2.25 Lara. (2019, PGl, German) 4.15 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady.(1974, PGlv) 6.15 The Way. (2010, PGadl) 8.30 Lawless. (2012, MA15+av) 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

9GEM (92,81)

Programs. 9.00 Animal Rescue. 9.30 NBC Today 10.30 Better Homes. Noon The Voice. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hornby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning

7MATE (73,64)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 2.30 Motor MythBusters. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Crystal Hunters. 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Mighty Ships. 11.30 Late Programs.

Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 M*A*S*H. 2.00 Keeping Up Appearances. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: The Gentle Gunman. (1952) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.40 Seinfeld. 11.40 Veronica Mars. 12.40am The Vampire Diaries. 2.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Below Deck. 4.30 LEGO City Adventures. 4.50 Cry Babies Magic Tears. 5.10 Late Programs.

Don'tbe Puzzled

Tuesday,October 14

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (Ma, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.00 Who Do YouThink You Are? (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 News. 1.00 The Following Events Are Based On APack Of Lies. (M, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family.(R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

8.00 IWas Actually There. (PGa) 8.30 Take 5With Zan Rowe: Paul Kelly (Final) Paul Kelly

9.00 Sharon And Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home. (M, R) 10.00 YouCan’t Ask That. (MA15+l, R) 10.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Four Corners. (R) 12.10 Labor In Power.(PG,R) 1.05 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 1.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 2.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Aspatria To Carlisle. (PG) 8.30 Tell Me What YouReally Think: ADHD. (Premiere, M) MarcFennell

9.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End: The Problem With Modern Life. (Ma, R) Alook behind the scenes at St Vincent’s. 10.35 SBS WorldNewsLate. 11.05 The Point. (R) 12.05 Safe Home. (Mal, R) 1.00 The Unusual Suspects. (Mls, R) 2.00 Charles I: To Kill AKing. (PG, R) 3.10 Tough Trains. (PGa, R) 4.10 Urban Conversion. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 7.45 Maddie And Triggs. 7.55 Children’sPrograms. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.50 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 The Movie Show Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 The Rap Game UK. 1.25 Homicide. 2.20 Bamay 2.50 David Harewood On Blackface. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Alone. 9.40 Hoarders. 10.35 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Eight Ladies. 2.00 Talking Language. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay

6.30 News. 6.40 Guardians Of The Wild. 7.30 The Point. 8.30 ProBull Riding USA: World Team Series. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.20 True Grit (2010, Mv) 12.25pm The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, PGv) 2.55 Bonneville. (2006, PGa) 4.35 Finding You. (2020, PGal) 6.50 Lord Of The Flies. (1963, PGa) 8.30 AFistful Of Dollars. (1964, MA15+v) 10.25 The Grump: In Search Of An Escort. (2022, Mal, Finnish) 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Lacey tries to stay busy 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.

9.10 Murder In ASmall Town. (M) Aprotective father becomes asuspect in amurderinvestigation when his ex-wife is killed just after returning to town.

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

11.10 Grosse Pointe Garden Society (Masv) 12.10 Pretty HardCases. (Madv) 1.10 Travel Oz. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15 Getaway.(PG, R) 1.45 Garden Gurus Moments. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The contestants surprise Scotty with agift. 8.35 Bump. (MA15+als) Santi’s the Chalmers-Davis and Hernandez families together 9.55 9News Late.

10.25 Wild Cards. (Mav) 11.20 Forensics: Murder Scene. (MA15+alv,R) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Let’sEat With George. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer

Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (PGls) Hosted by Anne Edmonds.

The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take alook at the week that was. 9.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv) An international beauty queen is killed on live television. Hana senses Ethan is hiding something. 10.30 10’sLate News. 10.55 10 News+. (R) 11.55 The Late Show With

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Hornby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Foyle’s War. 10.30 The YorkshireVet. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 M*A*S*H. 2.00 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 3.00 Explore. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow 3.40 MOVIE: The Man Upstairs. (1958, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Raisin. 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.25am The Vampire Diaries. 2.10 Supernatural. 3.05

Come learn the art of podcasting

AONE-day, one-off workshoptobedelivered this Saturday (October 11) at the Moe Library willprovidewomen and gender non-conforming Gippslanders with an introduction to the skills of podcasting.

Experienced facilitator and Latrobe Valley local Steph Sabrinskas,who co-hosts the Coal Face podcast will introduce participants to the creative and technical processes of storytelling,episode structure, interviewing techniques, producing, basic recording and assembly cut editing.

Theactivityhas been funded by Regional Arts

Victoria, and aims to support individual and community capacity building in digital storytelling, specifically in one of the mostpopular and influential mediums of today -the podcast.

The workshop, coordinated by Dr Rochelle Hine, has been developed in response to the gender disparity in relation to podcastcontentcreation and hosting,with more than two thirds of podcasts being hosted by men,meaning thatwomen's stories are not being told or heard as frequently or as powerfully as those of men. Rural disadvantage adds an additional layer of inequity.

“This project aims to address this social and cultural issue to promote diversity and inclusion with respect to whose perspectives are shared via podcast,” Dr Hine said.

“We hope that this workshop will provide ideas and inspiration, along with the confidence and skillsfor women and gender non-conforming Gippslanders to break down stereotypes and have theirstories heard."

The workshop will be offered to 10 Gippsland women/gender non-conformingpeople and organisers will prioritise First Nations and migrant women for halfoftheseplaces.Inaddition to individual skill development and confidencebuilding that can

be harnessed for future arts practice and projects, it is envisaged this small project will result in increased social connectedness and networking opportunities.

Participants will learnthrough peer support, sharing ideasand inspirationrelatingtothe stories they want to tell, in addition to the knowledge and skills imparted by the lead workshop facilitator. This could lead to further collaborations and initiatives.

For more informationand registrationdetails, phone Rochelle Hine on 0428 313 119 or visit the Moe Library.

Grants to help strengthen state’srural communities

VICTORIANdairy communities will benefit fromamajor new investment, withGardiner Foundation launchingits inaugural Community Investment Grants program.

Three regional projects will each receiveupto $75,000 over three years, representing atotal investment of $225,000 in local innovation and community development.

Delivered in partnership with the Australian Communities Foundation (ACF), the program will provide multi-year grants of up to $25,000 per ann um per dair yr egi on, inc luding Gippsland, Northern Victoria and South West Victoria. Funding is available for initiatives such as seed projects, service delivery,dataand regional metrics to inform communityplanning,coaching andprogram support, events andworkshops, training and education, and essential equipment.

Gardiner Foundation Chief Executive, Allan Cameron said the program is designed to back locally led innovation at atimeofsignificant change for regional communities.

“Through this program, we are investing in projects with the potential to transform and strengthen Victoria’s dairy regions,” Mr Cameron said.

“By supporting ideas driven by local people, we can help ensureour dairycommunities remain strong, sustainable and vibrant into the future.” Communities across Victoria are adapting to changes in climate, workforce, industry and regional infrastructure. The changes are reshaping farming businesses, regional demographics and local services, while also opening up new opportunities for innovation and collaboration. Expressions of Interest for the Community Investment Grants are now open, and will close at 5pm on Thursday, October16, 2025 Successful recipients will be announced later in the year. Full detail sa re av ai lab le vi at he AC Fw ebs ite at: htt ps:// communityfoundation.org.au/grant-rounds/ gardiner-community-investment-grants/

Tech: Dr Rochelle Hine is hosting apodcasting workshop in Moe this Saturday. File photograph

ONE

ON ONE WITH

Chris Anstee

In this week’sinterview, Express journalist Aidan Knight catches up with Kurnai Collegealumni and former boyband member turned CEO,Chris Anstee,onhis journeyfroma boyinMorwell to managing amulti-million dollar company.

By AIDAN KNIGHT

Chris Anstee is aLatrobe Valley-bornand raised business owner,having foundedand successfullydirectedhis recruitment company, Cornerstone HR, from the ground up Growing up selling papersatthe SEC gates and working the fryers at KFC,the trajectory to founding a$95 millionbusiness isn’t a gentle one,but it’sone that began in the Latrobe Valley.

Chris returned recentlyfor the Latrobe City Business Festival.

The entrepreneur has worked in the past as National Account Manager forthe Integrated Group,beforemakinghis ownventures, and this week chatswith the Express about culture, business growth, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Aidan: Howdid Cornerstone HR start?

Chris: Imoved up to Melbourne when I wasabout 18-and-a-half afterfinishing Year 12.Transferred from Brashs Electronics Mid ValleytoMelbourne and worked therefor a bit. So that’swhereI had my firstsortofreal sales job

Then transitioned to Optus forafew years afterthat, and fell intothe recruitment industry, when Imet my girlfriend who became my wife18months later.Essentiallymoving to Melbourne as akid, looking forajob that had acompanycar,and that took me about two or three months because my wifeneeded her car.I didn’t have acar.Mywifeneeded her car

Fell intoa recruitment companythatgave me an opportunity, andthat wasprettymuch whereI startedmyequivalent of an apprenticeship.I didn’t go outwith agrand plan to makea business,Ijust discoveredI enjoyed the work,and the service industryhas always had an appeal to me in some form or another IworkedatKFC in Morwell beforethe Brashs gig so I’dhad acareer exclusivelyinservice I guess.I worked forthe recruitment company forafew years, andwas quitegood at it, and the same wayatradiemight starttheir

ownbusiness afterafew yearsofworking forsomeone else,Idecided to go out on my own. Idid about six yearsthere beforestarting Cornerstone

AK: What’sthe key to making your own business successful at abase level?

Chris: I’vealwayshad the opinion that culturebeats strategy.There’s so many courses out therewhere people trytosellyou their ‘business strategy’ butstrategy doesn’t makeahealthy workplace and astrong culturedoes.Gippsland definitelyshaped me as who Iamtodayand my sense of culture. Ithinkinregional areas yougrowupquite naturallyparochial, and friendships and relationships arethe basis of everything Maybe Isubconsciouslydeveloped those attributes growinginacountry town andthat transitioned to my employment. Then as an employer, relationship is king,people re and wo ma at. when Because academic on my it had ‘da the bu

ness.Now it’sgottenmefar enough, in building and growingagoodworkplace culture, to be able to makeanacquisition in NewZealand, which is great.

AK: What does that look likeinpractice week to week?

Chris: Our weeklywage bill is about $1.6 million, to giveabit of scaletoit. All those workersare ouremployees,soweoutlaythat directly. With so manypeople, youdealwith incidents daily-anything from near misses to accidents

My son actuallyworks forme, and one time he pierced the sprinkler systemina warehouse while driving aforklift, and it was aquiet dinner tablethatnight. WorkCover is another big factor

AK: If youcould giveyouryounger self some advice what would it be?

stress of having line at times got nfront of my staff Iwould change is to be less king up everyday wo or three years house on the line to get offthe ground, that raining at times of trading,Ihad fbad debt within ee-and-a-half months,and sverystressful, hindsight, I’dlove ve dealt with the essurealittle better. I nedfromthat.

e’s a50per cent ention rate in labour it’saveryhigh noverindustryin rmsof internal aff, and nowmy team averages six or seven years, and I’ve got managers

I’vehad for14years, which is impressivefor the sector.Inanindustrythatisall goodwill and relationship-based that’sveryimportant. Retention is one of the biggest issues with this business,and it’snot oneofmine

AK: What advice would yougiveto someone in the Latrobe Valleylooking to start abusiness of their own?

Chris: It’s got to be something that you enjoydoing.I knowit’scliché,but it’strue. I speak to alot of people who have abusiness idea in things theydon’t have anyexperience in; theyjust look formoneyin‘booming industries’.

The problem is looking forthe moneyinstead of the thing they’re good at. If youdecide you’re entering something youhaven’t done before, youreallyhavetodoyour research and spend time on it. Even something as straightforwardasatrade,you have to do the apprenticeship beforeyou go out on your own, andthat should go foranything,nodifferent to me in sales and then labour hire.

Then, if yougot that down pat, if you’re going big youneed agood CFO,good people around youtoperform the duties that aren’t your strong point. Knowyourstrengths and weaknesses and work with them instead of ignoring them.

Culturally, youhavetocreatesomething like astrong football club,soyou can getyour peoplethrough the good times and the bad, by having agoodboard. When the pandemic hit, we had to do doomsdaybudgets because we thought people would jump ship,but we have nurtured astrong and healthyenough workplace culture to makepeoplewantto stickwith us when times were tough.

From frying chips in Morwell to running a$95 million company,Chris Anstee’sstoryshows that success isn’t about astraight road -it’sabout resilience, relationships, and remembering where you come from. And for him, no matter how far the journey takes him,

the Latrobe Valley will always be home.

Speaking forbothsides: The Express caught up with ChrisAnstee recentlywhen he attended the Latrobe CityBusiness Festival, speaking on the potential partnerships between metro and ruralVictoria.

Impact: Chris delivered adown-to-earth talk at the festival on hishumble beginnnings.

Tender loving care fromparamedics

AMBULANCE Victoria(AV)and TLC for Kids have formally renewed their invaluable agreement which allows paramedics to facilitate treasured experiences for children in palliative care and their families.

The partnership, in placesince 2019, operates the TLC Ambulance service, which takes sick kids and their families on special memory-making trips. AV paramedics volunteer their own time to ensure the service can run, making joyful moments possible and medically safe for families with children approaching end of life.

The renewal of the TLC for Kids and AV partnershipwillsee asignificant expansion of the TLC Ambulance servicewith the introductionofa wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

This specialised vehicle is equipped for the comfort of children who rely on wheelchairs and areunable to use astretcher.

AV Chief Executive, Jordan Emery said he was proud to continue the valuable partnership.

“TLC for Kids do aphenomenal job creating moments of joy for terminally ill children and their families, andatAVwe’re incrediblyproud to know that ourhighly-skilledparamedics play avital role in making that possible,” he said.

“I know opera ting the TLC Ambulance is an opportunityour paramedics truly treasure,

volunteering their own time for the service and being involved in such aspecial day for the children and families who need it most.

“I’m proud to work alongside the paramedics at AV who put their hand up to operate the TLC Ambulance, doing so in their own time and out of the goodness of their heart.”

The TLC Ambulance is an Australian-first service, using specially designed ambulance vehicles to providemedically appropriate transport for terminally ill children, beyond standard hospital transfers.

It was the ideaofAVparamedic, Jemima Tawse, whosedaughter Emily received support from TLC for Kids before she passed away at age seven.

“Emily was born way too early, at 24 weeks, and spent most of her life in hospital,” Jemima said.

“When you get aterminal illness diagnosis, everything seems to be groundhog day. To get a little ray of sunshine in all that storm is reallynice.

“All momentsinlifematterand it’s nice to make the last moments qualitytime together.”

Jemimasuggested the idea of adedicated palliative care ambulance for children to AV’sthen chief executive, which got the ball rolling to create the TLC Ambulance service.

Memory-making trips facilitated by the service includegetting an ice-cream by the beach, visiting

the zoo or dropping in to see relatives -experiences that may not be otherwise possible for terminally ill children and their families.

TLC for Kids Founder, Tim ConolanAMsaidit’s special to be expanding the service.

“The TLC Ambulance is more than transport, it is aboutcreatingunforgettable moments of connection, dignityand joy for children and theirfamilies when time is heartbreakingly short,” he said.

“We are profoundly grateful to Ambulance

Victoria and their dedicatedparamedicsfor the generosity, compassion and professionalism that make these experiences possible.

“Through this renewed partnership, and with the introductionofawheelchair-accessiblevehicle, we can extend this gift to even more children, ensuring no childmisses out on the chancetoshare aspecial day with the people they love.”

The new memorandum of understanding extends the partnership until June 30, 2027.

SYPHILIS cases in Gippsland are rising sharply, with notifications 25 per cent higher this year, than the five-year average.

This year’s reported case numbers in the region have already matched the total number for all of 2024.

Late syphiliscases- or thosewhere the infection is believed to have been present for more than two years -isalsoskyrocketing, at 45 per cent above the five-year average.

In August, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Pro fes sor Mich ael Kidd, decl ared syph ilis a CommunicableDisease Incident of National Significance,due to record-high notifications nation-wide.

The GippslandRegionPublicHealthUnit is urging sexually active people to use condoms and dams, communicate openly with partners, and get tested regularly even if no symptoms are present.

GRPHU sexual health and viral hepatitis lead, Leearna Earwicker said syphilis is preventable and can be treated easily if found early.

But she warned the disease can often go unnoticed as there were often no symptoms, and if left untreated, could lead to serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and their babies.

“It's important that everyone who is sexually active gets tested regularly. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you could still have syphilis and pass it on without knowing,” she said.

“Testingisquick and available through GPs and local sexual health clinics.”

Syphilis is abacterialsexuallytransmittedinfection (STI) that spreads through sexual contact, and often begins with firm, painless sores, known as chancres, that can progressthrough severalstages if left untreated.

Early-stage syphilis can be easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, but without treatment, the infection can lead to serious long-term health complications.

This includes damage to the cardiovascular and nervous systems and other organs. It can also be fatal if left untreated.

In pregnant women, syphilis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth,and can be passed from mothers to their baby while in-utero.

“Congenital syphilis can be preventedand treated through early detection,and testing is now recommended three times during pregnancy,” Ms Earwicker said.

“Get regular sexual health checks, especially if you are sexually active,during pregnancy or when planning for ababy.”

For more information, or to book afree STI test, get in touch with your GP or nearest community or sexual health clinic.

Strong: AmbulanceVictoria’sTLC initiativehelps kids in need. File photograph

Shocktober educating locals on CPR

WITH more cardiac arrests in Victoria than ever before, Ambulance Victoria (AV)isencouraging Gippsland residents to learn or refresh their cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)skills and sign up to be aGoodSAM responder.

Acardiac arrest occurs when aperson’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.

This October marks the sixth year of AV’s statewide Shocktober campaign, which is dedicated to improving cardiac arrest survival rates.

Ambulance Victoria Regional Director for Gippsland Ross Salathiel encouraged locals to learnCPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and know where their closest defibrillator is located.

“Shocktober is about giving Victorianswho have a cardiac arrestabetter chance of returning to their lovedones,” he said.

“CPR and defibrillation are critical. Every day, around 21 Victorians suffer the medical emergency but only one in 10 survive. For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.

“Ourmessageissimple -you don’t needtobe aparamedic to save alife, just remember to Call (Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).” Ross also encouraged locals to sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.

GoodSAM is amobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with anearby volunteer who is willingtostart hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way. There are currently more than 17,300 GoodSAM responders across Victoria -but we need more.

Last year, AV paramedics and first responders

were called to 7,545 cardiac arrest patients. Victoria has the best cardiac survival rates in Australia and the third best anywhere in the world.

AV will run the following Call, Push, Shock sessions during Shocktober and locals are encouraged to attend.

Local events include Victoria Police Traralgon Open Day this Saturday from 10am and the Latrobe City Council Positive Ageing Festivalnext Tuesday, October 21, from 11am.

For information about Shocktober,the GoodSAM app and how to learn CPR and use an AED (defib), visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober

Snapshots in the running for Chester’sannual calendar

ALMOST 350 photos have been submitted by local photographers to federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester's 14th annual #lovegippsland calendar competition.

This year's theme, 'Iconic Gippsland', invited entrants to capture the heart and soul of the region -from the coast to the mountains, and across towns, rivers, forests, lakesand beaches. Atotal of 344 entries were received, with judging now underway to selectthe 13 images that will feature in thefree 2026calendar.

Mr Chester said he was impressedbythe quality and creativity of this year's submissions.

"We live in the most beautiful part of Australia, so it's no surprise thatGippslandhas inspired our local photographers," he said.

"What stands out to me is not only the extraordinary landscapes and scenes, but also the affection the photographers have for our region.

"Each image tells astory aboutwhy Gippsland is such aspecial place to live and visit."

The competitionwinnersand selected images will be announced at the end of the month, with more than30,000 free copiesofthe 2026#lovegippsland calendar to be distributed across the region later this year.

"We are certainly in for achallenge as the judging process begins, but Ilook forward to showcasing the best of Gippsland through the 2026 calendar," Mr Chester said.

All entries can be viewed onlineat darrenchester.com.au/calendar-competition-2026-entries

The signs were positive for Peter Bakker but oversights did not help in the final count.

Gone fishing

Trivia night

THINK you've got what it takes to be atrivia champ?

The St Michael's Primary School, Traralgon, Parents and Friends Committee will host atrivia night on Friday, October 17, at the Traralgon Tennis Association.

Doors open 6.30pm for a7pm start.

Tickets are $20 per person or $180 for atable of 10. BYO nibbles and snacks. Drinks available at bar prices.

For tickets go to www.trybooking. com and search for "St Michael's Parents &Friends Trivia Night".

Lifeline op shop day

SUPPORT Lifeline Gippsland by donatingpre-loved, good condition clothes at Traralgon Centre Plaze for achancetowin agift hamper.

An op shop will be held on World

Op Shop Day, Saturday,October 19, from 10am to 2pm in the centre food court, raisingmoney for Lifeline's crisis line (13 11 14) and suicide prevention programs.

Lifeline Gippsland, whichhas served the community for 57 years, receives only nine per cent of its funding from the stategovernment. The five Lifeline Gippsland op-shops contributeupto70 per cent of the organisation’srevenue.

Chess update

NEWCOMERS to the pastime of fishingwillget the chance to hook anew hobby at eight free events hosted by angling clubs and fishing organisations on Gone Fishing Day,Sunday, October 19.

VictorianFisheries Authoritychief

executive Travis Dowling said Gone Fishing Daywas an annual event which celebratedthe wonderful world of recreational fishing right across the country.

Artbackinbusiness

TRARALGON and DistrictArt Society (TADAS) is back in business for 2025.

TADAS has been active for the past 34 years and is one of the longest active art groups in Latrobe City.

TADAS is now located at the historical building adjacent to Traralgon RailwayStation at 26-28 Queens Parade, Traralgon.

The facility will be open on aweekly basis to conduct art classes on Mondays from10amtonoon; Wednesday evenings 4.30pm to 7pm, Thursdays 10am to 2pm.

The group also has after school sessions for children aged eight-to-14 years, from 4.30pm to 6pm.

Traralgon on the Sunday, October 19 from10am-2pm -Entry is by donation-therewillbea BBQ, sandwiches, salad rolls, slices, tea and coffee and cold drinks to purchase. Therewill be araffleand an auction of donated goods -Catering will be provided by the Traralgon Cancer Volunteer Group and all proceeds will go to Cancer Research. All enquires to 0419 524 671.

For more information aboutthe group, phone Raelene on 0407 368 848Cancer Council Supporters Hotline -1300656385CancerCouncil Help Line -131 20 Quit Line -137848

PRICE Samaseia and Ian Hamilton awaitthe nextconfrontation afterboth players finished withtwo losses this week at Latrobe Valley Chess Club. KeeganJustisalsoincontention after completing arewarding round. Giving away material was the main problem for Cliff Thornton. Steve Ahern fought the tight games till the end but did not avoid the critical mistakes.

“Gone Fishing Day is the perfect opportunity to take out afriend, neighbour or relative who’s always wanted to wet aline, but hasn’t had thechance,” Mr Dowling said.

“To help everyone give fishing ago on Gone Fishing Daywe’remaking Sunday, October 19, aday when arecreationalfishing licence isn’t required anywhere in Victoria."

For more information phoneGilioon 0444 552 175 or Jodie on 0430313 843.

Classic car collection

For moreinformation, including Gone Fishing Day events, visit www. vfa.vic.gov.au/gonefishingday25

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in thefollowing Wednesday issue. Community Corner with Liam Durkin

THIS willbethe final showing of the Classic Car Collection owned by Ray and Nan Ikin -itwill feature the Charger Club, Ford Capri Club, Valiant ‘R’ and ‘S’ Club. It will be heldat32McMahon St,

Thinking of ewe: ‘Lunch is on Mum’ by Heath Bruerton, Traralgon.

Scenic: ‘Sunrise Over aGippyFarmgate’ by Heather Dawes, Traralgon. Photographs supplied

Action: AU is taking steps in CPR education.

Shocktober: Vic Ambulancefull of shock events

Photographs: Julian Hanton

Lifetime service to timber,Tyers

By KATRINA BRANDON

TURNING over to triple digits, Tyers local John

Henry turned 100 on Sunday.

John was born in Horsham on October 5, 1925.

Livinginthe Horsham area for fourtofiveyears, John’s family moved out of the area when his father, an insurance agent, found the insurance business challenging and relocated to Warrnambool.

Until John was 20,helived on afarm in the Warrnambool area,where he worked on afarm and was involved with the local football club.

Not long after turnin g2 0, John mov ed to Melbourne, where he attended Melbourne Tech in acourse on weights andmeasures. Unfortunately, John told the Express that the course was unsatisfactory, with about 65 peopleinitially enrolled and only five completing it.

In the 1950s, housing in Melbourne was quite expensive, making it challenging to rent or purchase ahome. Thankfully for John, his sister lived in Melbourne, providing him with aplace to stay until he found his own home.

Later, John moved into ahome in Boola Boola, where he had anew job.

“It was quite abig camp there,” John said.

“There were 52 men's huts; each hut was supposed to carry two men, two bucks, and all their gear. There were tractor workshops and machine workshops and astore room, and there's acanteen there and cooks and so forth. There was an office there, and that was the available job.”

In the camp,John foundhimself befriending a fellow camper. Together, the duo brought atruck, and John began to load it with bulk wood.

After awhile,his friend went off on his own.

Out of work,Johnfoundanopportunity in the APM forested plantations in Longford. Conducting thinning operations, John was roped into picking up the wood.

At the same time, John said there had been a pine board factory in Rosedale.

“I got to know the chap that was in charge of the operations (at the Rosedalefacility),” John recalled.

“He showed me and told me how the table worked, because Ididn't know what apine board was, but

then they decided they wanted to take some, some of the locally grown timber,uptoapine boardmillat Oberon, up in the Blue Mountains,west of Sydney.

“I took three loads up, on the first load which was cut to six foot long, we cut all the pine wood, but it didn't suit the machinery up there. They debarked it and various other instruments that depend on thelength of the piece of timber to bail themselves in the debarking business.”

During his time with the mill, John became very engrossed in the ‘goings-on’ surrounding the process. Johnalsospent time at the Stockdale Pine Wood Factory.

From there, John has always worked in the timber industry. Working in the factory in Stockdale,

John injured his back while clearing timber, leaving him unable to work.

“I was out of work for awhile,and then Iwas applying to Morwell at the employment agency there for ajob that Igather every couple of days and go through the list of names, places and jobs that were available,” he said.

“Somebody there said that Iwouldbeworking in the bush, and asked if Iknew much about timber. I didn’t know so much abouttimber, but about the logs and the pulp. The person there said that Maryvale Timber was justdownthe road, and they were looking for someone to manage their timber yard.”

The employment agent gave John anote to ask for ‘Mr Lazaris’ at the timber yard, which he soon

found out was not one, but three brothers.

The Lazaris brothers ran asection each, with a largehardware storealongside the timber yard thatJohn managed.Whilst John was unable to do heavy lifting, he started working in the hardware department, sorting through nuts and bolts.

After about six months, John was transferred to the timber yard as the next-in-charge to the foreman. John spent 17 years at the Marvyale Timber and Hardware.

Moving on from the mill, John ended up selling his truck and started working at Turners Timber and Hardware on Latrobe Road.

“I'd put in about six or seven years at Turner's, and they went to so much trouble for me,” John said.

John lived in Tyers from 1951 until acouple of years ago.

According to John’s daughter, Jenny Tulau, her dad lived in Tyers for about 60 years,workingwith the community groups in the area.

For 25 years, John was avolunteer firefighter with the Tyers CFA, who gave him amedallion for his service.

John worked with the local school’s committee while his two daughters were at the school, where he was also appointed secretary for 12 months.

John also lived next door to the Jean Galbraith Reserve in Tyers, which he had bought from Jean Galbraith.

More recently, John had been awarded aroad in the new estate being built in Tyers. The John Henry Drive is located off the Glengarry West Road

Other roads affiliated with and named by John included the BertChristensen Reserve, alocal oval, and the road running into the oval, known as CommunityLane. The name for the road was entered into a raffle, where school children helped create some suggestions.

Well-known in the community, John celebrated his birthday with about 200 friends and family.

Celebration: Tyerslocal John Henry with his daughter,JennyTulau.

Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Career: John Henr y, whohas strong ties to theGippsland timberindustr y, celebrated his 100thbir thdayatthe weekend.

Musical wondersjoin Kurnai College

By KATRINABRANDON

BRINGING together amagicalcollaboration, Monash MedicalOrchestra (MMO),Monash Medical Jazz Band (MMJB) and Kurnai College gathered for anight to remember.

Last month, the partnership between the bands set the stage at the Federation University Churchill campus auditorium, welcoming about 200 people to witness 90 performers.

“We are honouredtopost such atalented ensemble of musicians whose passionand dedication bring joy and inspiration to the community,”Federation University Professor Andrew O’Loughlin said.

“Tonight's performance is not just acelebration of music, but acelebration of connection between institutions, disciplines and people.

“In my capacity as RegionalDirector at Federation University, I'mespecially proud of thegladiator spirit and that events like this represent, they reflect our sharedcommitmenttoenriching the cultural life of Gippsland and strengthening the ties between education, health and the arts.”

Starting with high-energy,conductor Joshua Choong led the Kurnai College teachers and students alongside the MMJB,withAlfred JamesEllis’

(arranged by Kris Berg) The Chicken, followed by Summer Wind by Johnny Mercer, Hans Bradtke and Henry Mayer (arr. Dave Wolpe).

While it was acooler night, the warmth of the band and the vibrancy of Mr Choong’s conducting brought an escape for listeners, as they were kept entertained by the energy created.

As time elapsed, the second half of the night featured astunning 45-minute orchestral collaboration between MMO and Kurnai College,performed the La La Land Epilogue (Justin Hurwitz, arranged by Daniel de la Rosa Oliva) and Scheherazade, Op. 35 -III. The Young Prince and the YoungPrincess by NikolaiRimsky-Korsakov.

As the night continued, the band's energy remained, even with the change in conductors from Mr Choong to Robert Dora.

Robert Dora has been apartofthe MMO for more than 10 years. Mr Dora is currentlyChief Conductor of theAustralasianOrchestra,the Melbourne Lawyers’ Orchestra, and the Monash Medical Orchestra.

Mr Dora has lecturedand tutored orchestral conducting at multiple tertiary institutions, includingMonash Universityand the University of Melbourne. He regularlygiveschoral andorchestral

workshops, as well as those by the not-for-profit education group The MusicGeneration. He has also conductedand given master classes to various music groups and secondary schools. In 2021, he also became amusic adjudicator, having since adjudicated for both international and local music competitions.

The Monash Medical Program has strong connectionstothe Gippslandregion, where more than 200 studentsare currently studying and completing their clinical placement.

Monash Rural Health Churchill, co-located at Federation University’s Gippsland campus, is also home to the first year of the graduate-entry medical program, teaching more than 100 students each year.

The MMO, first established in 2011, has played alarge role in the lives of numerous generations of Monash medical students, providing an outlet for theirmusicalcreativity and prowess. Robert Dora has long led the orchestra, acclaimed both nationally and internationally for his work with orchestras, soloists, and choirs.

Holding annual tours and community concerts, the MMO is proud to have upheld along-standing relationship with the Gippsland area. Continuing

thistradition,MMO wasdelighted to presentat Gippsland once again in 2025.

Recently formed in 2021, the MMJB was established by asmall group of passionate medical students eager to express their musical talents in amore intimate setting.Since its inception,the jazz band has performed in ahandfulofMMO concerts, Monash events and jazz nights. Whether through beautiful ballad tunes or upbeat big band works, the Monash Medical Jazz Band always strives to offer auniquemusical experience.

“This concert was more than just aperformance -itwas acelebration of what makes our region so special,” Director of Monash Rural Health Churchill Associate Professor Marianne Tare said.

“Seeing students, staff and community members come together in suchajoyful and creative way was deeply moving. It’s events like these that remind us why we do what we do.”

Mr O’Loughlin added, “The concert wasa brilliant example of regional collaboration at its best. The talent on display, the warmth of the audience, and theshared pride in our local institutions made it a standout moment for the Gippsland region. We’re proud to have hosted such ameaningful event.”

50 years ago

The Express October 8, 1975

Building Boom Stirs Shire

TRARALGONShire is the new building boom area in the Latrobe Valley. The slowmovingshire, which has always relied on the farming community for itsincome, is now experiencingthe start of the semi-urban sprawl.Inthe past12months51houses were built in the shire -easily the highest ever recorded. The total value of thesehouseswas more than $1,192,061 making an average of more than $23,000 per house. The shire's engineer, Mr Cooper, said there had been 101 houses built in Traralgon Cityinthe past 12 months. "And we thought this was apretty good year," he said. "It's quite significant that this is where the development in the Latrobe valley is taking place".

30 years ago

The Express, October 10 1995

Cinema site to be changed

THE intended site for anew multi-million dollar cinema complex at Mid Valley Shopping centre in Morwell appears likely to change. The eight-screen complexwas originally intended to be located in the far north-west corner of the centre close to neighbouring

residentialunits.However followinga meeting last week,the complex is likely to be repositioned closertothe shopping centre although still at the western end. By locating the cinema closer to the shopping centre, the buildingwill not be left out on its own if stage two of the proposedMid Valley expansion doesnot go ahead. Mid Valley's expansion plansare now likely to be redrawn to incorporate the repositioning of the cinema complex. Mid ValleyShoppingCentreowners, the Julliard Group,willconstruct the cinema complexfor the VillageRoadshow/Dennis Trewinjoint venture to fit out to completion.

10 years ago

The Express, October 12, 2015 MorwellMPflings paper useat government

MEMBER for Morwell Russell Northe has questioned the State Government over the source of paper used by each department and agency. Mr Northe has asked Finance Minister Robin Scott to advise him what percentage of copy paper produced in the 2014-2015 financial years was Australianmade and what percentage was 100 per cent recycled Australian-made. He has also asked the minster the same questions for the forecastperiodsbetween 2015 and 2019. Mr Northe's questions follow community concerns over procurement practices, in particular decisionsbythe Federal Government to no longer require the use of 100 per cent recycled paper in its departments.

Teamwork: Music ForThe Valleyplayedinthe Federation Universityauditorium, joined by the collaboration bet ween Monash Medical Jazz Band, Kurnai College Jazz Band andthe Monash Medical Orchestra Photograph supplied

Localtalent: Many musiciansjumped intothe Music forthe Valleyevent, with even some Kurnai Collegeteachersand students taking par t. Photograph supplied

Energetic: ConductorJoshuaChoongled theKurnai College collaboration with the Monash Medical Jazz Bandatthis year’s Music ForThe Valleyevent. Photographs: Katrina Brandon unless specified

Orchestral: Robert Dora led all threebands during the Music ForThe Valleyevent on Saturday, September20.

Tune: Music at full volume

Community power helps young locals

By KATRINABRANDON

COMMUNITY spirit could be found in bounds at the fourth Community Turf Force Program graduation.

While asmall cohort, the Gippsland Trades & Labour Council (GTLC) Community Project Officer, Kellie Bertrand, told the Express that the group of four showed up with awillingness not just to work, but to grow, ask questions, share their own stories, and support each other.

The Community Turf Force Program reflects the proactive engagementoflaw enforcement and the value placed on partnerships in localised communitybuilding initiatives aimed at fostering

social connections, skill development, and positive youth engagement.

Within the program, individualsdeveloped skills in lawn and garden maintenance, learnt about safety when using equipment, increased theirawarenessoflocal organisations, and worked together as ateam.

Awealth of support turned up at the GTLC graduation on September 18, with about 25 people in attendance.

Ms Bertrand welcomed the crowd.

“Thank you for being here today to celebrate theremarkable efforts and engagementofthe participants in our fourth Community Turf Force Program,” she said.

“Wehavehad atotal of 24 young people through our program, and each round brings something unique, anew dynamic, afresh energy, and arange of different challenges and successes, including the unpredictable Gippsland weather. What remains constant is the commitment, the resilience, and the heart that every one of you brings.”

Throughout thefiveweeks, the program participantscompleted projects at the Morwell German Club (Club Astoria), Morwell Historical Society, RotaryClub of Morwell, CWAMorwell Evening Branch, PowerWorks, and the Newborough Yallourn Men’s Shed.

At each venue, Ms Bertrandsaidevery participant

learnt somethingnew and becamemore confident.

“Throughout the past five weeks, we’ve seen incredible development,” she said.

“They’ve (participants) worked through challenges, celebrated small wins, and created asense of shared purpose.Theseare the qualities that make them stronger, and they strengthen communities, making programs like this meaningful far beyond the surface.

“They didn’t shy away from the complexities of learning something new.Whether it was handling unfamiliar tools, navigating team dynamics, or reflecting on their personal growth, we are grateful for the trust you felt in us to do that. That kind of openness is powerful.”

Fifty years and tackling barrierstoeducation and employment

LEADERS from acrossGippslandcame together at the CommunityCollege Gippsland (CCG) Morwell campus to both celebrate the organisation’s 50th anniversaryand address barrierstoeducation and employment through the Work and Learning Centre Local Advisory Panel (LAP).

The panel unites representativesfrom government, business, education, employment services, communityhealth, and local providers, with the shared goal of strengthening pathways into work and learning for Gippslanders.

At the recentMorwellgathering, members reflectedonfive decades of CCG’simpact in delivering inclusive education and training that has changed thousands of lives. The celebration was followed by afocused discussion on today’s employment and education challenges and opportunities across the region.

Buildingonprevious LAP work using systems thinking, members revisited key barriers holding people back from accessing work and study. These included food insecurity, language barriers, transport, domestic violence, mentalhealth, access to technology, cost of education, housing, childcare, and fragmented services.

This latestmeetingshifted towards action, exploring how cross-sector collaboration can reduce these barriers, connect job seekers with industry, and ensure more Gippslanders can pursue education and employment opportunities. Attendees included state Memberfor Eastern Victoria and Minister for Housing and Building, and Development Victoria

and Precincts, Harriet Shing, and the representatives from Kiss Professional Services, Our Place, Life Skills Vic, Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning & EmploymentNetwork (BBLLLEN), Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL), Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) and CCG.

CCG business development manager Den Lim said celebrating 50 yearswas aproud milestone forCCG

“But what’s equally important is working together through our local advisory panel to address the real barriers that hold people back, and to create stronger, more connected pathways into work and learning,” she said.

The LAP will continuetomeet regularly,driving collaboration and initiatives thatsupporta skilled, resilient, and inclusive Gippsland workforce.

The Work and Learning Centres (WLCs) are a Brotherhood of St. Laurence initiative, funded by the state government, with CCG managing the initiative across Gippsland.

The Gippsland WLC helps people with career advice and goal setting; resume, application and interview preparation; training and education pathways; job referrals and employer connections, and ongoing support after starting work or study.

Through the WLC, job seekers are supported not just to find opportunities, but to sustain them, helping create lasting benefitsfor individuals, families, and the wider community.

(front) Lachlan

and

Hand-on: Gippsland Trades &Labour Council (GTLC) Secretary SteveDodd,DustinWorthy, Wyatt Esler, SaphyraGriffiths, GTLCCommunityProjectOfficer Kellie Bertrand and Senior Constable Johannes de Bruin.Kayla Casar,who wasaparticipantmentor,was absent.

Community: Attendeesatthe CommunityTurf ForceProgram. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon

Joy: Celebrating 50 yearsofCommunityCollege Gippsland are: (backrow,fromleft) Clifford Jamieson (Kiss ProfessionalServices), Mellonie Dawes(Our Place),Daniel Buckton (LifeSkills Vic), Lisa Price (BawBaw Latrobe LocalLearning &Employment Network), Member forEastern Victoria HarriettShing,Jennifer McCafferty(CCG), SamFranzi (DOSCEL), Derya Deniz Demirol (LCHS), Gordon Talty(CCG),

Detar (Bullet SupportSolutions), KymWyntsos(Bullet Support Solutions)

DenLim (CCG). Photograph supplied

Stars shineatLVEisteddfod

By KATRINABRANDON

DOORShave closed on anotheryear of the Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod.

Starting in late August and finishing at the end of September, the Eisteddfod welcomed adiverse range of talents,encompassing speech, drama, instrumental, vocal, and dance categories.

This year marked the 69th year of the Eisteddfod.

The Eisteddfod offered performers of all ages the opportunity to take the stage before aprofessional adjudicator, providing valuable experience and constructive feedback that encouraged each performer's improvement.Sometimes, there are also monetary prizes, medals, or trophies.

Latrobe Valley Eisteddfodd Vice President, Dance Convenor Tammy Gardner said that, alongside the medals, the Eisteddfod meant much more.

“It's asafe space,” she told the Express “They are abrilliant group. They become these

little dance school families. The kids know that they can go to their teachers, and they go to their dance teachers abouteverything. It's not justabout dance stuff.

“Just having this opportunity to put thiseffort on and give them asafeplace to come and perform so they don'thavetotravel aridiculous distance to be able to perform their dances that they spend all year learning, it's pretty special for us.”

Ms Gardner has been involved with the Eisteddfod since her own daughter began participating in the dancecommunity, andhas been actively helping the Eisteddfod for about eight years.

Now, Ms Gardner’s daughter has gone from dancing to teaching the next generation of Eisteddfod children on the stage.

From on stage to off,she said that seeing students andfamilies come back every year to the Eisteddfod has been great.

“It's definitelyinteresting having them come back,

Poppin’: Participating in the10yearsand under 12 Hip HopSoloNovice,Abigail Brooks wasone of manytobring theirbestatthe Latrobe ValleyEisteddfodthisyear

All inclusive: Owen Edgar stepped intothe Latrobe ValleyEisteddfod’s10yearsand under 12 TapSolo Open with spunk. Shine: LillyBigham

and now they're teenagers,” Ms Gardner said.

“Just watching how much they improve and watching where their music or where their dance can take them, especially with dance, like we have kids that have been coming here and dancing since they were five-years-old, and now they'reteaching other little kids, it's acontinuous progression.

“It's great to see them coming backand giving back to the new generation of little kids that are having their first shot on stage and enjoyinglearning how to enjoy the performance as well.”

Coming onto the stage with jitters, Ms Gardner said that watching the progression from the jitters to the on-stage fun was incredible. She said that often, once they get onto stage,they shine more often than not.

From aparent’s perspective, Ms Gardner said that watching the transitionisincredible and that parents get as muchout of the eisteddfod as the children involved. She said, “The parents, you

watch them, and they love watching their kids on the stage.

“They love watching their kids enjoy their activities. But Isuppose dancers spend alot of time dancing, so they have alot to give. When a child starts dancing, there are very few who can simply say, 'I'm going to take adance class.’ It usuallyspiralsvery, very quickly into multiple dance classes and multiple nights aweek.”

Alot of work goes into the Eisteddfod, and Ms Gardner said thatthere is alwaysaneed for volunteers on the floor, whether it is helping with musicorjust ensuring that things run smoothly and on time.

Overall,MsGardner said that this year’s Eisteddfod was agreat success and looks forward to seeing what follows in the future.

For more information, go to: https://www.lve. org.au/

Longway to the shop for ahealthy sausage roll

CLASSIC Aussie meat pies and sausage rolls have been transformed into ahealthier school lunch at Lowanna College, thanks to acollaboration with Gippslandhealth professionalsand alocal bakery.

The re-crafted savoury pastry treats helped Lowannabecome the firstsecondary college in Victoria to meet seven health priorities in a state wide school program.

Lowanna College was supported by Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) to help meet these priorities, along with Gippsland Region PublicHealth Unit (GRPHU) and Cancer Council Victoria.

The Achievement Program is astate government initiative in which schools tick off activities likehealthy eating,physicalactivity,mental health, sun protection and drug and alcohol education.

Lowannahad overhauled its canteen menu by uppingfresh fruit and veggies, lowering salt, fat and sugar, and switching from deep fried to airfried or grilled food.

But there was one last thing to help the school tick off all health priorities and that was revampingthe canteen’smeatpie andsausage roll recipes.

Latrobe Regional Health dietitianElisa Davidson, who is aformer trade chef,used her skills to tinker with thepie andsausage rolls to make them healthier and flavoursome.

“It all comes down to measuring the saturated fats, sugar and salts,” she said.

“There is alot of evidence to show if we are exposed to highlevels of thesefromayoung age, it can contribute to adult obesity.”

Elisaused lowfat in the pastry, reduced salt, combined lean meats and more veggies in the pie mix, and swapped sausage mixfor lean pork mince in the sausage rolls.

Trafalgar bakeryBella’s Bakehouse agreed to adopt the recipe to supply the school canteen.

Lowanna wellbeingleader Paul Fry said the school ran awhole-schoolapproach with activitiessuch as awareness days and guest speakers.

“The students have been so far happy with the changes. Most things in the canteen are made fresh on-site using fruit and veggies,” he said.

“We have asalad bar withwraps androlls and even the crumbed chicken is made on-site.”

LCHShealthpromotion officer Emily Koppen said it great to see how Lowanna had made all the changes necessary to meet the Achievement Program.

“But this pastry product problem was the last hurdle they had to jump,” she said.

“To be able to partner with GRPHU and a local businesstocreate ahealthy alternative is amazingand the potential scale out of these products is also really exciting.”

Tap: ClementineReid energy kept theenergy high at theLatrobe ValleyEisteddfod on September 25. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Tap: Gliding andtapping wasdone by Violet Seccombe,who wasparticipatinginthe 10 yearsand under TapSoloOpen on Thursday, September 25.

Classic: Having agointhe 10 yearsand under TapSolo Open, Isla Benbowtapped on stage with lots of energy

Speak: Neili Thambawitage

Elegance: Milla Alesi

Movement: Cassandra Bechman Swing: Zara Booker

Jumping forjoy andhealthy hearts

PREP to Year 6studentsfrom St Paul’s Anglican Grammar Schooljumped for joy,asthey took part in this year’s Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser.

Jump Rope for Heart not only raises money for research into heartdisease prevention andmanagement, but alsoeducates young people about the importance of heart health.

Throughout the term, students practised their skipping technique duringlunchtimes, developing their fitnesslevel as they prepared for the final

‘jump off’ session. When the bigday arrived, the school’s gym came alivewith an endless sea of skipping ropes, laughter and determination.

Students bounced into challenges such as double dutch, criss cross, skier, high knees, single leg hops and side swings,showcasingbothenthusiasm and their improvedskipping skills.

The event wasajump start for heart healthand students raised more than$3000for thecause.

Spellbound students

ST Paul’s Anglican Grammar School students demonstrated their letter skills at thisyear’s Vicspell State Competition, spelling their way to impressive results.

From the St Paul’s Trar algon Campus, Keira secured fourth in the state in the Year 5 category, while Chloe placed fifth in the Year 6 category. From the school’s Warragul Campus, Uday claimed third place in the Year 6category, while Saanvi tied for equal fifth in the Year 5 category.

Vicspell is an annual spelling bee competition for students in Years 5to8designedtocelebrate alove of language and reward strong spelling achievements. Thecompetition commences with shire zone events in August and culminates in the state final,hosted this year at St Paul’s Traralgon Campus.

Topspellers: St Paul’sVicspell statefinalists,Uday, Chloe,Keira andSaanvi. Photograph supplied

Team effort: Oscar jumping forjoy while Arjanand Oliver turn therope

Focused: Annikamasterssome challenging skipping moves.

Jumper: Alice leaps high

Together: Isabella and Keiraleapfor Jump Rope ForHear tatStPaul’s Anglican Grammar School

Practice: Travis leaps high over the rope being turned by Leoand Blake. Photographs supplied

Business Guide

GUTTER Gleam Gippsland is here to help local residents maintain their proper ties

The recentlyestablished family owned and operated business based in Hazelwood South offers arange of proper ty cleaning services forresidential, industrial and commercial buildings, GutterGleam specialises in vacuum guttercleaning,which effectivelyclearssludge,debris and blockages from gutters, promoting proper rainwaterflow and preventing costlydamage to proper ties,and other services including -solar panel cleaning, pressurewashing,roof cleaning and watertank cleaning

Using high qualityequipment and the right exper tise to fulfil most cleaning tasks,including the abilitytoaccess hard-toreach places and high buildings (up to 15m).

GutterGleam Gippsland understands thereare many people who simplydon’t have time,orthe ability, to scalethe ofs of their homes to undertake enance.This is wherethey assist in not onlysprucing up oper ty,but also prolonging eofhouse gutters,thus

reducing the risk of water damage,pest issues,allergens and fires.

Servicing the Latrobe Valley area and all surrounding districts, the team pride themselves on being reliable,convenient, trust worthy and efficient.

On-siteworkiscompleted by Jay, with wifeLauren handling all the admin and business side of things GutterGleam Gippsland’sJob

Management System allows customerstoviewtheir quotes and accept at the clickof a button.

Customerswillalsoreceive maintenance reminderswhen their nextclean is due and the impor tant JobService Repor t with beforeand afterpictures on completion of jobs

Protecting your proper ty is thetop priority of GutterGleam Gippsland, being fullylicenced

and trained in Working at Heights,fullyinsured against injuryand proper ty damage with aminimum of $20 million in Public and Product Liability Insurance,as well as holding current Working With Children’s Checkand Police Check, you can trust that GutterGleam Gippsland will look afteryour proper ty Formoreinformation, phone Lauren on 0432 464 449.

Cash in Hand! d!

TR AR ALG ON 105 Church St, 8am. Sat 11 Oct. Items for sale include furniture and general household items.

TRARALGON 24A Albert St, Sat, 8am-12pm.

Celebrate 20 years with us by purchasing summer vegetable plants, homemade produce, fish fertilizer, kitchenware and bric-abrac. Proceeds to Guide Dogs Victoria.

Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

Letusdothe hardwork for you -advertise in both print and on-line

and Environment Act1987

Latrobe Planning Scheme

TheMinisterfor Planning has approvedAmendment C149latr to theLatrobe Planning Scheme

TheAmendment comes intooperation on thedatethis notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

TheAmendment implements the Latrobe Planning Scheme Review2024byupdating the Municipal Planning Strategy and Planning Policy Framework, amending zone andoverlay mapping, and amending the schedulestozones, overlays general provisions and operational provisions.

Acopyofthe Amendment can be inspected, free of charge,at the Department of Transport and Planning websiteat

ELECTRICIAN

Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 0438 998 849.

FENCING

Gates, retaining walls and back yard projects, 35 years exp. No job too small. Call 0407 336 237.

www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789386 to arrange atime to viewthe Amendment. A copy of theAmendment canalso be inspected, free of charge during officehours,atthe offices of the Latrobe City Council, Latrobe CityCouncil CorporateHeadquarters,141 Commercial Road, Morwell andonthe Council websiteat www.latrobe.vic.gov.au

Alison McFarlane Acting Executive Director,State Planning Policy DepartmentofTransport and Planning

ANDY'S

J.C CONCRETING

Security Doors

GunaikurnaiTraditional

Audit and Risk Committee, External

Gunaikurnai Traditional Owner Land ManagementBoard’s (GKTOLMB) has a position for an external member on our Audit and Risk Committee (ARC).

Information about the Board can be found at https://gunaikurnai.org/out-country/jointmanagement/ The ARC advises the Board on its financial, governance and risk compliance obligations. People with knowledge and experience of the Victorian government governance framework (or similar), risk management, or membership of CPAAustralia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants (Australia) willbehighly regarded.

Enquiries, including meetingfrequency, sitting fees and Committee Charter,orfor a confidentialdiscussionplease contact the Board’sExecutive Officer in the first instance at eo@gktolmb.org.au.

Interested personsare invited to email an expression of interest togetherwith aCVto theBoard’s Executive Officer, by

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandersare encouraged to apply

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

APPRENTICE PRINTING MACHINIST

An opportunity exists at out Print Site for an enthusiastic and focused personwantingto become apart of the WebOffset Printing Industry. Youwould be learning from the ground up how to operate and maintain our Goss Community printing press whilst working rotating day and afternoon shifts and a9day fortnight .Trade Schooling would also be an important part of your training.

To be successful, you must be motivated with

containing your educational standards and interests, along with references to: The PrintManager

DELIVERERS WTD

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns.

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 Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

Chief Executive Officer

Lead regional transformationthrough education and innovation

Champion equity,clean energy,and community impact

Inspirea high-performing,future-focused organisation

About the organisation:

TAFE Gippsland is aproud regional education provider committedto delivering high-quality vocational training that transformslives and communities. With 13 campuses across Gippsland,the organisation plays avital role in regional development, workforce readiness, and social equity.TAFE Gippsland is values-led, student-centred, and deeply connected to industry, government and community.Itisrecognised forits commitment to innovation, accessibility,and itsleadership in emerging sectors such as clean energy, health, aged care, agriculture, and construction.

About the role:

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will lead the strategic direction, operational performance and inclusive cultureofTAFE Gippsland. This is ahigh-impact leadership role that requires navigating complex government policy,state and national regulation, driving workforce developmentinitiatives, and enhancing the student experience. The CEO will represent the organisation across regional, state and national forums, advocate for and foster partnerships that deliver lasting outcomes for Gippsland’slearners, industries and communities

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.

It’s easy, just call 5135

About the person:

Youare avisionary and authentic leader withadeep understanding of the vocational education and training landscape or similar,and a passionfor regional development. Youbring strategicagility,financial acumen, and atransformational leadership style that inspires trust and performance. While experience in teaching and learningis valuable and an appreciation of the public service context isvital, your ability to lead innovation build stakeholder relationships and deliver impact across diverse service sectors is what sets you apart. Your communication and decision-making skills enable you to work effectively with the board, government agencies and industry partners while advocating for network level and local outcomes. Youare readytoguideTAFE Gippslandinto its next chapter, maintaining excellence, equity and regional prosperity shk.com.au

For moreinformation, please visit the SHK website www.shk.com.au or contact Penny Wilson at SHK on: penny.wilson@shk.com.au or Evan Willen at SHK on: evan.willen@shk.com.au

Closes 16 October 2025

miss you dearly. Fly high Ben. Love Uncle Gino and Zia Vanda

Our little cousin, Ben. You have left avoid in all our hearts that will never be filled.

We were lucky to have 22 years of you in our lives, and in that time, you brought so much laughter and joy to everyone that knew you.

Although, you were taken too soon, your smile, your kindness and your love will stay with us forever. We will forever honour and carry you in the stories we share and the love we hold for you. Rest easy baby cuz. Love always, Chris and Roxanne, Luke, Peter and Nadia, Danielle and Damien, Grace and Jay, and your baby cousins Frankie, Parker, Gianni, Jet, Cruz, Alia and Sam

DARBY

DORTMANS Maria

12/8/1925 -2/10/2025

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family aged 100 years.

Loved wife of John Dortmans (dec.), and Anton Van Leith (dec.).

Mother of Jo (dec.) and Harry, Henk (dec,) and Win, Hans, Nelly and Ross (dec.), Sjany and Paul, Tony and Anne, Renus (dec.), Keith and Gwenda, Jo and Shane, John and Hillary, Fred and Chris, Liz and Phil, Michael and Mary, Marg, Carol and Brian, David and Tracey.

Loved Oma of many, many grandchildren, Super Oma of many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She has led awonderful life and left agreat legacy.

"SO BE IT", "HET ZIJ ZO"

The funeral was held TUESDAY 7th October to view service recording, please visit our website at: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

FORBES Norman James

06/03/1939 -03/10/2025

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at LV Village on 3/10/2025. Aged 86 years Loving husband of Christine. Loving father of Stephen and Marie, Karen and Rod, Sue and Mark (dec.). Adored Pop of Linley, Ryan, Mitchell, Ashlee, Sarah, Jack and Jacob. Great-Pop to Levi, Maxi, Raff, Malakai and Grace. Forever loved and remembered. For Funeral information please visit our website at: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au/

FUNSTON Arthur John Born 18th of August, 1935. Passed away with his loving family by his side October 3rd, 2025. Aged 90 years

Loved and loving husband of Glenys (dec.).

Loving father and fatherin-law of Chris (dec.) and Donna, Andrew and Ellen, Aj and Mel, Carolyn and Murray. Adored Pop of 8grandchildren and 8greatgrandchildren. Loving brother to Maureen (dec.).

Awonderful person, so loving and kind, What beautiful memories you have left behind. Sharing and caring, always content, Loved andrespected wherever you went.

GAFA Joseph Fidel (Joe) Passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Cathy by his side on 5October 2025. Aged 79 Years

Loved and loving husband of Cathy for 55 years. Much loved father and father-in-law of David and Melissa, Daniel and Sally, Jean and Luke, and Marian.

Adored Nunnu to Ben, Annalise, Tom, Noah, Will, and Nick. Loving Brother of Charlie, Allan (dec.), Peter, Michael (dec.) and their families. May he rest in peace.

GAFA Joe

Loved and respected brother-in-law of Josie and Joe. Uncle to Mark, Michelle, David and Katherine and their families.

He will be dearly missed.

Our love and deepest condolences to Cathy, David, Daniel, Jean and Marian and their families.

'He who called you will not desert you, but the moment you are needed,He will stretch out His saving hand.'

(St Angela Merici.)

Iknow Ican't make your pain go away, but Iwant you to know that, I'm here with ashoulder, an ear or anything else you need.

Our love and thoughts are with Cathie, David, Daniel, Jean and Marian and their families.

Loved brother-in-law of Tess and Charlie. Uncle to Wayne, Steve, Robbie Jason and their families.

'Do not be discouraged, For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' Joshua 1:9 Rest in Peace.

GALEA (nee Chircop)

Rosina Born 5/5/1931. Passed away 5/10/2025 Passed peacefully, aged 94. Dearly lived wife of Carmelo (dec.). Cherished mum of Connie (dec.), Joe, Sam (dec.), Leli, Charlie, Carmen, Lukey (dec.) and Guy. Mother-in-law of Paul, Lena, Brenda and Vicki. Loved Nanna and biz Nanna. Reunited with Dad. For service details please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GALEA Rose Treasured Memories of my Mum. You'll always be in my heart, thank you for being there for me and my family. Lots of love from Charlie and Brenda, your grandchildren Michael, Angela, Sarah, Michelle, their partners and your 10 great-grandchildren XXX

GALEA Rosina Deepest sympathies to Rick, Jodi and families on the sad passing of Nunna. Our hearts break for you at this time. Look out Heaven, there's anew Belladonna champion in town. Love Sandy, Wayne, Drew and Jay.

GRAHAM Robinson "Ross" 24/9/1939 -3/10/2025

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family aged 86 years.

Loving husband of Lynette. Dad to Trevor, Kevin and Bec, Suzanne and Anthony, and Bruce. Adored Pop to Luke and Riley, Gemma, Tyson and Mae, and Amy and Nick. Great-grandfather to Andie. Ross' family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at Dalkeith Gardens Hostel for the care, love and support.

HARWOOD Ronald -Service No. 3728491The President, Committee, Staff and Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed Service Member and friend, Ronald. We offer our sympathy to all his family. LEST WE FORGET.

LORENZ Robert Francis Service No 3134678 Australian Army 15 Coy Workshop The President, Committee, Staff and members of the Morwell RSL Sub Branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their valued Service member Bob. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all the family and friends. LEST WE FORGET.

LYONS Richard

Much loved brother, friend and supporter. Patricia

MAY (nee Lewthwaite)

Sharon Lee

Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a brave fight with cancer, Monday 29 September 2025.

Aged 66 years. Loved and loving partner of John.

Adored mother of Janelle, Tracey, Darren and Jamie.

Cherished Nanand Great-Nan of her 13 grandchildren and 2great grandchildren.

Loving daughter of Neville and Valda Lewthwaite (both dec.).

Loving sister of Colin, Brett and Shane (dec.). She would not ask for sadness, she would notask for tears, just to be remembered, through the coming years.

MELENHORST Bernardus C.A. (Ben)

23/06/1936 -29/9/2025

Husband of Faye (for 62 years) Father of Stephen, Nigel, Belinda, Daniel and families. Poppa to his extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren

MELENHORST Bernardus C.A (Ben)

23/6/1936 -29/9/2025

Husband of Faye for 62 years. Father of Stephen, Nigel, Belinda, Daniel and families. Poppa to his extended grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. RIP

NIDDRIE Stan Roy The President, Committee, Staff and members of the Morwell RSL Sub Branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their valued Service member, Stan. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all the family and friends. LEST WE FORGET.

PATTINSON (nee Smith) Patricia (Ruyters) 16/1/1937 -3/10/2025 Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family aged 88 years. Loving wife of Rene (dec.), and Gilbert (dec.). Loving mum, grandmother and friend to many. For funeral information please visit our website: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SCHEMBRI (Baldacchino)

Angela Theresa

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon on 3 October 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Aged 88 Years

Dearly loved wife of Charlie (dec.).

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Mary and Michael, Catherine, David and Jodie.

Adored Nunna to Chloe, Maddison, Abbey, Max, and James. Buz Nunna to Seth, Anthony, Tahlia, Sasha, and Julian.

SIMMONS Marion 17/11/1954 -2/10/2025

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family aged 70 years. Loving wife of Allan.

Adored mum to Shanele and Damien, Renae and Brandon. Cherished Nan to Neesha, Ryder, Finn, Sonny and River.

WIRZ John Anton (Johno)

8/10/1967 -28/9/2025

Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health Traralgon after a4 year battle. Aged 57 Years

Loved and loving son of Horst and Jessie (both dec).

Loved brother of Sue and Amanda (Bub).

Loving fiancé of Wendy Dearly loved future sonin-law of Val (mum), brother-in-law of Julie, Craig and Uncle of Jess. You have now returned to whence youcame in the arms ofyour Mum and Dad. Rest peacefully.

Funerals •

DARBY Funeral Prayers will be offered for Mr Benjamin John Darby at the Heyfield Memorial Hall, MacFarlane St, Heyfield TOMORROW (Thursday 9October 2025) commencing at 11am, followed by burial at the Heyfield Monumental Lawn Cemetery. Please visit our website for the livestream of Ben's service.

DELAHUNTY

The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation for Mrs June Delahunty will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, TUESDAY (21 October 2025) commencing at 11am. The Funeral for June will also be livestreamed, to view the service, please visit our website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FUNSTON The Funeral of Mr Arthur John Funston will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (8 October 2025) commencing at 2pm. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Yallourn Cemetery. The Service for Arthur will also be livestreamed, please visit our website for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GAFA

Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr. Joseph (Joe) Fidel Gafa will be offered at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church Street Traralgon on FRIDAY (17 October 2025) at 11.30am. At the conclusion of Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. Rosary willberecited in the above church Thursday evening, (October 16, 2025) at 7pm. In Lieu of flowers, online donations to the Gippsland Cancer Centre would be appreciated, please visit: www.mycause.com.au/ev ents/gippsland cancercentre

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

GRAHAM AFuneral Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr Ross Graham will be held at the Uniting Church, 19-29 Park Ln Traralgon, THURSDAY (9 October 2025) commencing at 1pm. Private Cremation.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MACDONALD

Norman Jones 23/12/1951 -29/9/2025

Aged 73 years

Passed away Kalamunda Hospital Perth. Beloved husband of Trish and adored father of Donna and Luke.

Livestream of funeral at 1:30pm at Belong Church Moe, 13 October 2025. All my friends and family are warmly invited.

The Traralgon Cemetery Trust invites you to attend our OPEN DAY

SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER

2pm – 4pm the day will include: Self-Walking tour of historic graves (Brochure provided)

Crematorium Tours (2:30pm and 3:15pm)

Showroom open for plaques and keepsakes for ashes

Arrow Bronze Plaque Foundry – how to care for your plaque

View newly developed cemetery areas

Tea Coffee available in Oak Room and Coffee Van (51 Coffee)

MAY The Funeral of Ms Sharon Lee May will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, THURSDAY (9 October 2025) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. Sharon's service will also be livestreamed. Visit our website for instructions. In honour of Sharon, guests are invited to wear asplash of red.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MELENHORST

ARequiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Bernardus C.A. (Ben) Melenhorst will be offered at St Michaels Catholic Church, Church Street Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (8 October 2025) at 1.30pm. At the conclusion of Mass, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park. The Funeral for Ben will also be livestreamed, please visit our website for details.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SCHEMBRI Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Angela Theresa Schembri will be offered at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Monash Rd Newborough, TUESDAY (14 October 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Yallourn Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SIMMONS AFuneral Service to Celebrate the Life of Mrs Marion Simmons will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Road Traralgon on FRIDAY (10 October) commencing at 1pm. Marion's Service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website at: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au Private Cremation

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MATTHEWS Justin Victor 1/1/1992 -10/10/2022

In loving memory of our beautiful son, Justin. Life will never be the same without you. We all miss you dearly. Love Mum and Dad.

MORRIS Valerie 10/10/2016

MORRIS Dalzell 1/10/2017

To awoman that I'd spent more than 2lifetime's with and ason that passed before his time, Iwould like to say you are not forgotten and remembered every day with quiet reflection. From your husband and father.

ROBINSON Doug 10/8/1946 -13/9/2024

Just saying hi to you and the clan. Nothing's changed down here. The gutless politicians and the woke mob have destroyed everything here. P.S Let JC know not to let any of them in because they will do the same thing up there. Chris and family.

PALERMO Luigi

The Palermo family wish to sincerely thank everyone thatexpressedtheir sympathy through flowers, cards, phone calls, visits and food and those who attended the funeral. It was much appreciated and unfortunately we can't thank you personally. Abig thank you to the staff at Latrobe Regional Health for their excellent care of Luigi. They do an amazing job. Thank you to Latrobe Valley Funeral Services for their professionalism. During adifficult time it's comforting to have a caring family and special friends for support and for this we thank you all so much.

What can you do when words are not enough?

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardto put your thoughts and feelings into words

All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition

Apersonal message in the Latrobe ValleyExpress can say so much

Flowers by Bel wil have a photo d splay on what your loved ones flowers could look like Funeral Directors, Stonemasons and Celebrants will be here to answer your questions

WIRZ The Funeral Service for Mr John (Johno) Wirz will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Dr Morwell, WEDNESDAY (8 October 2025) commencing at 1pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery. Johno's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

Forfriendly adviceonhow to place your message contact

Bereavement Thanks •

Neo kicks three on the ‘G

FOOTBALL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

HOURSbefore Brisbane and Geelong stepped out onto the MCG for the 2025 AFL Grand Final,the futurestars of the game featured in an exciting showingwith ahandful coming from Gippsland.

The best under 17 footballers arrived for the Marsh Futuresmatch between TeamDocherty and TeamBoak-the sides named after recently retired AFL players, Wonthaggi’s Sam Dochertyand Port Adelaide 350-gamer Travis Boak.

Many players will now go on to be selected in the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys program ahead of next year’s national championships.

Ahot contest wasproduced on the field, with Team Boak ultimately coming out on top 14.5 (89) to 11.10 (76).

Bairnsdale’s Wil Malady was aforce with bag of five goals, follo we db y Traralgon’s Marlon Neocleouswith three for Team Boak.

The 2024 Maroons senior premiership player, now nicknamed ‘the nuke’, nailed an impressive goal from the boundary, which set social media alight.

During his year at both Caulfield Gramm ar and Gip psla nd Power, Neocleous has been closely compared to star Hawthorn small forwardNick Watson.

Other locals to feature on the day

AFLWlocals nearing endofregular season

FOOTBALL AFLWEXPORTS BY

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

JUST four rounds remain in the AFLW home-and-away season.

Hawthorn continue to keep in arm’s reach of top spotaftera15-point win over Fremantle at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston last Thursday night.

Morwell’s Casey Sherriff hadeight disposals and two tackles in the victory.

Rebounding after adisappointing finals exit last season, the Hawks has just one loss to their name through eight matches played.

West Coast laid the smack down on Collingwood at Mineral Resources Park, Perth, defeating the Magpies, 8.14 (62) to 2.5 (17).

Traralgon duoLily-RoseWilliamson finished with 14 points and eight tackles, and Amber Schutte finished with four disposals and two tackles.

AFLW rising star and Seaspray’s Ash Centra had 21 touches and sixmarks for the Magpies.

Collingwood has just two wins, coming against GWS and Sydney, whilethey currently sit third bottom on the ladder.

St Kilda, on the other hand are holding on to atop eight finish with their latest

On track: CaseySherriff’sHawthorn side sit just agame offtop spot in AFLW. File photograph

victory over the Giants,4.6 (30)to2.4 (16) at Henson Park, Sydney.

Traralgon’s Darcy Guttridge finished with six disposals and three marksin the win.

The Saintsare among anumber of teams attempting to make up the last four spots in the finals.

Gippy produces the best again

FOOTBALL

COATES TALENT LEAGUE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOR the second year in arow, aGippsland Power playerwas recognised as the best player of the Coates Talent League.

Drouin’sBrodie Atkins was awarded the MorrishMedal after polling 20 votes -two clear of teammate and potential top AFL draft selection, Foster’s Willem Duursma.

Atki ns foll ows in the foot steps of Melbourne rookie and Leongatha’s Xavier Lindsay, who took out thehonour last year.

Aprominent midfielder all year long, Atkins averaged 24 disposals, seven tacklesand five inside50s per game, in ayear wherePower reached the preliminary final.

BothGippslandproducts werealso namedinthe Coates TalentLeague Team of the Year, with Duursma named captain.

Bairnsdale’s Jonah Walker was a finalist for the Coates Talent League Boys PersonalGrowth Award,while Pakenham’s Abby Hobsonwas named in the CoatesTalent League GirlsTeam of theYear.

Next step in AFL draft

THE national combines for the upcoming AFL andAFLWdrafts took place recently, with anumber of localsputting themselves in the spotlight ahead of hopefulprofessional football careers. More than 100 prosp ects ventured to Melbourne from Wednesday, October 1toSunday, October 5for club interviews, medical screenings, and physical testing across that time.

Traralgon’s Ella Stodda rt, potential top AFL draft pick, Foster’s Willem Duursma, and Pakenham’s Abby Hobson all went through the ringer.

The state draft combines was also held last week across Victoria, South Australia,and Western Australia with 95 boys and girls featuring.

Melb ourne’s sho wcase ha d by far the most in attendance, given thatplayers alsoarrived from the ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, andTasmania.

Gippsland Power captain and Moe’s Tom Matthews, Heyfield’s Mitch Stevens, Drouin’sBrodie Atkins, Wonthaggi’s Baia Pugh, Warragul’s ChelseaSutton, and Pakenham’sMaya Crestani were all put to the test.

The 2025 AFL Draftwill be held from November 19 to 20, while the AFLW Draft will take place on December 15.

included Mirboo North’s Clancy Snell, NarNar Goon’sXavier Ladbrook,and Warragul Industrials product Cody Templeton.

Gip psl and Pow er co ac hR he tt

McLennan was also an assistant coach for

TeamDochertyunder CalderCannons Boys coach Sam Willatt.

Gun: Gippsland Powerplayer, Brodie Atkins (from Drouin) wonthis year’s Morrish Medal as best playerin Coates Talent League Photograph supplied

Rising: Traralgon’s Marlon Neocleous wasone of ahandful of locals to feature on the MCGprior to the 2025 AFL Grand Finalfor the Marsh Futures match.

Photograph: Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos

Only one direction in marathon run

ATHLETICS

TRARALGON HARRIERS

BY BARRYHIGGINS

TRARALGON Harriers members held their weekly runs at Yallourn North, Morwell and Traralgon recently, with the Athletics Victoria teamcompeting in Melbourneand around Victoria.Others ran further afield –atthe Sydney Marathonand the Berlin Marathon, bothWorld MarathonMajors. Furthest of all (pun intended), Shane Wilson ran 100 kilometres in the Surf Coast Century ultramarathon.

Whilemanymembers rubbed shoulderswith theother 35,000 runners in the recent Sydney Marathon, in late September,Stephen Renehan finished high in the Berlin Marathon field.He ran with Harry Styles of One Direction fame, and 50,000 others, finishing just over the 3.30-minute mark.

The previous weeksaw Wilson run his first solo 100km ultra after completing arelay leg the yearbefore. The course runs from Anglesea up the coastline and hinterland to Torquay and back before heading down the coast to Moggs Creek and return to finish at Anglesea.

“It was proof that the mind is apowerful thing -especially whenmybody wantedmetoquit," Wilson said of his achievement.

Here fishy, fishy,fishy

FISHING

NEWCOMERS to fishing will get the chance to hook anew hobby at eight free events hosted by angling clubs and fishing organisations on Gone Fishing Day, Sunday, October 19. Victorian Fisheries Authority Chief Executive, Travis Dowling said Gone Fishing Day was an annual event which celebrated the wonderful world of recreational fishing right across the country.

“Gone Fishing Day is the perfectopportunity to take out afriend, neighbour or relative who’s always wanted to wet aline, but hasn’t had the chance,” he said.

“To help everyonegive fishingagoonGone Fishing Day, we’re making Sunday, October 19 aday when arecreational fishinglicence isn’t required anywhere in Victoria."

For more information,including Gone Fishing Day events, visit: www.vfa.vic.gov. au/gonefishingday25

"To anyoneconsidering achallengelikethis,I say do it. Find the right environment, surround yourself with the right people, put aplan in place, andmake it happen. Make mistakes, learn,and keep moving forward."

Back home, the October 2Harriers event was a 5km run/walk from St Gabriel’s Primary School in Rangeview Drive. The three easy laps around WirildaAvenue, Parkwood Wayand Stirling Avenuedemandedvery little effort, but in the final run of the winter season, mother nature took her revengewith acold cutting wind and drizzling rain.

Relative newcomers Jack Warr, Aaron More and father-daughter duo Ash and Ivy Crawford achieved good times despite the bleak conditions.

The quickest women finishers were Melbourne Marathon ‘Spartan’ Liz Kenney, talented triathlete Fiona Syme and Yani Cornthwaite.

The fastest menwereSav Mavrofridis, Jack Warr and Ian Cornthwaite.

Anumberofmembers were tapering off for the Melbourne Marathon this Sunday (October 12) and cruised home, planning to again take it easy tomorrow. They will be joining the threeremaining Melbourne Marathon ‘legends’ –those who have completed every one since itsinception in 1978 -47 in total. One of the three, John Dobson, has also run sixTraralgon Marathons across the years, between 2004 and 2017. Sunday, November9,isthe newdatefor the

2025 Harriers Memorial Run, supporting Lifeline Gippsland. You can register online (see the Harriers Facebook page for details).

Withthe startofdaylight saving, this week’s run is the first of the club’s summer series, at Scales Road, Flynns Creek, off the Hyland Highway beyond Loy Yang Aand B. ResultsRangeviewDrive course,5km: SavMavrofridis 17:55, Jack Warr 18:44, Ian Cornthwaite19:09, Adrian Sutcliffe 20:18, Miles Verschuur 20:51, PeterSanders20:51, Andrew Greenhill 20:51, DempseyPodmore20:51, Clinton Jolly20:59, Darrel Cross 21:02, Aaron More21:20, Trent Kooyman 22:30, Geoffrey Francis 22:30, Ron Verschuur 22:52, David Barr 23:09, Andrew Broberg 23:10, Chris VanUnen 23:11, Jason Odlum 23:30, Belkey Podmore24:46, Seth Bomers24:49, Liz Kenney25:21, David Hood 25:51, Paul Rollandin 26:00, ScottSyme 26:13, FionaSyme 26:13, Yani Cornthwaite26:16, RemeyPodmore26:28, Phillip Mayer26:52, MariekaReilly27:46, DesleyGray 27:46, Ivy Crawford 28:17, Ash Crawford 28:17, Mark Lansdown 28:18, ReeGraham 29:28, Daniel Symons 30:21, Tania Whitehead 30:42, Mandy Ellis 31:30, BarryHiggins 42:40, Collette Hofmann 44:37,Belinda Heafield 45:50, Michelle Colwell 46:44, KathyQuinn 46:44, Sep Marino 49:23, Ian Heafield 51:31, Claire Macumber NTR, Nicky Semmler NTR.

World Championship silver for Silvester

BADMINTON

LATROB EV al ley badminton player Garry Silvester hasjustreturned fromThailand with asilver medal forthe 65+Men'sDoublesWorld Championship, losingatight three-set match, 21-13 17-21 16-21.

Silvester andLoke Pho Wong defeatedthe top seeds from England and Denmark in the third round before losing in the final to astrong Indonesian pair.

In making the final, they became the first ever Oceania pair to make it to the gold medal match in any age group.

Silvester and Wong were also runners-up to the same pair in the recent World Masters Games in Taiwan.

They are also the Australian national men's doubles champions in the 65 and over age group for the past two years. Silvester has won the Australian nationalmixed doubles title for the past three years in the 60 and over division.

This month, Silvester will be off to compete in the Australian Masters Games in Canberra, representing the Latrobe Valley.

MOE

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Stableford– Grand FinalFun Day

Saturday27th September 2025.

AGrade Winner: D. Burridge 46 pts

BGrade Winner: W. Sutton39pts

CGrade Winner: G. Leahy41pts

D.T.L: 1. P. Jordan 41, 2. R. Davidson 40, 3.

M. Hutchinson 39, 4. Adam West 39, 5. A. Sharrock 39, 6. J. Banfield 38, 7. P. Chapple

38

N.T.P: 3rdD.Burridge,5th G. Barnes,12th

D. Byers(Propin)

Birdies: 3rdD.Burridge,12th D. Byers

Target Hole: D. Burridge

StablefordTuesday30th September 2025.

Winner: S. Caldwell 29 pts

D.T.L: M. Dear 27 pts c/b

N.T.P: 3rdM.Hutchinson, 5th M. Dear,12th

M. Dear,14th M. Dear

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday23rdSeptember,Stableford,

AGrade: PWoodall37pts c/b

BGrade: SMcKenzie 37pts

DTL: NBaker,P Cummaudo,36, P Willshire, TBradshaw35, NTP: 4th PWoodall, 6th JRobbins,13th T Bradshaw, 16th TBradshaw, Birdies: 6th JRobbins

Saturday27th September,Stableford.

AGrade: SMcInnes 37pts

BGrade: PDraper 36pts

CGrade: CamLePage 37pts c/b

DTL: GDawson, JGunn, PWoodall 34, N Baker,S Woodall 33 c/b

NTP: 4th GDawson, 6th JRobbins,13th D Quigley, 16th TBradshaw, Birdies: 4th GDawson, 6th JRobbins,H Kerr,13th SMcInnes,16th TBradshaw, S Evison.

Wednesday, 01 October2025 WOMEN'S

WEDNESDAY 9HOLEStableford

Overall Winner: s: Mifsud, Helen (50) 13

Wednesday, 01 October2025 WOMENS MONTHLYMEDAL STROKE

Overall Winner: s: Wallis,Elizabeth (30) 74 -Medal Winner:

Grade AWinner: Shaw,Karen (21) 76

Grade BWinner: Wallis,Elizabeth (30) 74

Place Getters: Griggs,Andrea 78 C/B Tate, Sandy 78

Nearest to Pin: 4th Christine Elliot 8th Jane Blandford

Target Hole Prize: JoyBeath Putts: A-Pat Thompson 31, B-Elizabeth Wallis 32

Thursday, 03 October 2025 Stableford

AGrade Winner: Dale Collings (9) 36

BGrade Winner: Phil Coffin (18) 40

Place Getters: M. Pappetas 35 L. VanDer

Meulen 35 G. Wilson 35 L. Stansbury35M Matthews 34 G. Panozzo34G.Webb34M

McNair 33 C. Grant 33

Nearest to Pin: 4th Shane Bruce 8th

Graeme Wilson 14th MaxMatthews

Great Score: Shane Bruce Birdie @4

Shaun Lee Birdie @4 SteveNykoBirdie @ 14 AlainBabet Birdie @14

Saturday, 04 October 2025 WOMEN'S

SATURDAY OPEN Stableford

Grade AWinner: Rober tson, Jenna (8) 35

MORWELL

Women's Wednesday1st October 2025

StrokeMonthly Medal

Winner: STurner 74

DTL: Lvan Rooy 75

NTP: 2nd DVuillermin 11th NTePaa 15th

APollutro

TRAFALGAR

40 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 8October, 2025

SCOREBOARD

Tuesday: 30/09/25 -4 Club Stableford

Challenge Players: 28, Women 4, Men 24

Winner: RayWilliams (21) c/b

Runner Up: GeoffFallon (21)

DTL: Nola Fordham (20) Chris Moody (20) Frank Kiss (19)Rob DeVries (19)

NTP: (5th) Craig Scanlan

Lucky Gard: Harold McNair

Thursday: 02/10/25 -Monthly Medal

Players: 26, Women 5, Men 21

Ladies Winner :KarenMacGregor (34)

Runner Up: Aileen McNair (42)

ScratchWinner: Chris Payne (57)

NTP: (13th) KarenMacGregor

Lucky card: Nola Fordham

Mens Winner: Wayne Dunn (30)

Runner UP: MickBennett(34)

ScratchWinner: SteveKlemke(42)

DTL: RayWilliams (35) Vic Hill (36) Chris

Moody (36) RonPike(36) GeoffThomas (36)

NTP: (13th) Hank Fiddelaers

Par3 Event: SteveKlemke, RayWilliams

Lucky Card: NormMether

WednesdayWomen's results 1/10/25

18-Holes: 3Person Drop-Out Ambrose

9-Holes: Stableford

18-Hole Winners: SamCaldow, Bronwyn

Wallace and JanGriffin with 69&1/6

Runners-Up: Aileen McNair,Lorna Risol, RobynJames and Cheryl Toyne with 70&1/4

NTP: 5th Sue Klemke

9-Hole players

Winner: Sue Balfour with 18 points

Runner-Up: Heather Savige with 18 points

Friday,October 3rd, Open Men’s&Ladies

Stableford

Winner: DirkMeyer34pts

DTL's: CraigScanlan 30 pts,Glenn Doolan

29 pts

Saturday, October 4th, Stoney Creek

Challengesponsored by Aussie Thai Golf Tours

Winner ’s: JoePedemont, John Warren, Andrew Cochrane,Andrew Tangusso 113 pts

DTL’s: Nathen Dart,Lachlan Dart,Peter Dart,LukeBrain 111,Ramon dyke, Peter Heathcote, Jeff Matthews,Rod Boon 110, Max Taylor,JeffGray, Jim O’Brien, Anthony Cunninham 108C/B

NTP’s: 2nd: Tony Gray 5th: Reno Borg11th: Bob Baldry13th: RobCusworth-Warner 15th: Brian Watthchow

YALLOURN

Ladies 30-9-25 9HoleStableford

Winner: Donna Brown(35) 19 pts 2-10-25

18 Hole Stableford

Winner: Heather Ware (27)39 pts

DTL: LynMcAlister (13) 27 pts

NTP: 14th BetsyBrown 16th BetsyBrown

PISTOLS

TRARALGON

mon 22/9/25 Air pistol

CGrade: VBaldwin 515-66-581

DGrade: DO'Rourke 502-111-613. D Sykes437-122-559. JConrad 421-170-591

HMiller 392. Wed24/9/25 Rapid Fire

DGrade: CBenelli 473-1140587.B Chapman 462-143-605. Sat 26/9/25 Centrefire

CGrade: CGoodwin 407-113-520. J Wynguard183-269-451 25 mt pistol

CGrade: CBenelli 515-61-576. HMiller 334. Classic pistol

Brilliant: LokePho Wong and Garry Silvester wonsilvermedals at international events Photograph supplied

Moonlight finish: Shane Wilsoniselated to complete his first100km ultramarathon, theSurf Coast Centur y. Photograph supplied

Country basketballseason underway

BASKETBALL

CBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ANOTHERexciting Country Basketball Seasonis uponus, with many of the Latrobe Valleymen’s and women’s teams restocked with plenty of talent to see who’ll be crowned Gippsland champions by season’s end.

In the men’s division,Traralgonstarted their campaign off with two emphatic winsacross the weekend, beginning on Saturday, taking down Morwell, 108 to 96 at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium (GRISS).

While the final score perhaps indicated amore or less easy victory for the T-Birds, the first three quarters proved otherwise, as the game proceeded to go back-and-forth throughout.

Traralgon managed to get the upper hand after the first term to lead by one point before the Magic responded to go into halftime withthat slim margin after a12-4run to finish the first half off the back of Kelvin Austin.

As play returned,the contestremainedclose before Traralgon’s Koby Tibballs balloonedthe margin out for his T-Birds to nine points midway through the third quarter.

While Morwell stemmedsome of the bleeding,

Traralgon stillentered the final turnahead 80-73.

The trio of Tibballs, Zac Bezzina,and Dejay Ansell immediatelypushed their lead above double figures to begin the last quarter, which automatically gave the T-Birds the necessary space.

The Magiccontinuedtofight, but couldn’t get over the 10-point hump as Traralgon notched the first win on the season.

Bezzina (24), Ansell(21), and Tibballs(21) combined for 66 points for the T-Birds, while Mitch Evans also added 19.

Austin ledthe charge for Morwell with 24 points with WilliamTankard next best with 21.

Traralgon then more convincingly surpassed

Lakes Entrance on Sunday, 97-79 at GRISS.

A26-16first quarter created the gap for the T-Birds to work with however, the Pelicans did give them arun for their money as the game opened up in the second half.

After fighting to break into their deficit, Lakes

Entrance gotthe margin back to five points before Traralgon realised they needed to see the game out.

Tibballs arrived again for the T-Birds, hitting some timelyshots to push theirlead back outto double digits, where it remained through to the end.

The aforementioned Tibballs (27 points), Bezzina (26), and Ansell (24) were again at their best.

Morwell collectedtheir first win on Sunday

against Southern Peninsula, 97-69 at Latrobe Leisure Morwell.

The Magic asserted themselves to open the game, playing at their best during the first half to lead by 24 points at the main break.

While the Sharks picked up during the third quarter, Morwellfinished the game off well to finish ahead by the most all day.

Tankard and Matthew Yeates tallied 21 points each forthe Magic,followed by Jordan Canovan with 15.

On the other side of Gippsland, lastyear’sgrand finalists Warragul did battlewith Moe on Saturday night, with the Warriors coming out on top in overtime, 99-93 at Warragul Leisure Centre.

While Warragul did start the game off witha9-1 lead, the Meteors werethe ones that appeared most settled to begin each of their year’s, finishing the opening quarter ahead by six points.

The Warriors put their heads down and got to work, putting on a15-4run through to the middle markofthe second quarter, forcinga Moe timeout.

Returning Meteor Austin Shelley (who spent time this year with NBL team Cairns Taipans as atraining player) got the margin back closer with some toughdrivesinto the paint, butWarragul subdued to still lead by six points entering halftime. Moe seemed to be finding their groove as the game picked up in the third quarter, finally tying the score up at the three-minute markand then taking the lead.

Rohan Demczukdrilled acrowd-pleasing corner three-pointeronthe buzzer to give Moe afive-point cushionheading into thefinal term, but they were penalised with ataunting technical foulwhich gave the Warriors afree throw after the end of the third quarter.

As the game continued to go shot-for-shot as the fourth quarter deepened, the chippy-ness of thematchup only grew, with the two rivalsnot prepared to give an inch.

Warragul’s Jordan Gooiker finished atough reverse layuptotie the game 85-all at the one minute 20-mark, whichsignified the final score of regular time.

Missed shots and critical stops played out in the nextfew possessions,which includedShelley being forced into abackcourt violation as Moe attempted their final shot, and then Meteorsbig man Stephen O’Brien getting high enough to see Warragul’s George Morgan miss the potential winning basket on the final buzzer.

As overtime started, scores continued to be hard to come by, but Warriors young gun Riley Morehu openedthe game up with adeep three midway through the period.

Each team continued to miss shots, and as Moe had their chance to tie the game up with seconds remaining, Gooiker picked the pocket of the Meteors’ Tom Portbury, seeing Warragul come out victors.

Morehuand Murray Myers both finished with 26 points for Warragul, while Shelley also scored 26, with O’Brien next best with 17.

Moe took out their frustrations the nextday, travellingtoBass Coast Community Stadium and taking down Wonthaggi by 42 points.

While the Meteors were taking things alittle lightly to begin with, they still entered halftime ahead by 15 points however, pouring on 38 points in the third quarteralone blewthe game right out of the water.

During that period, from the nine-minute mark of that term to the next break, Moe went on a35-9 runtobeahead by almost 40 points.

Shelley totalled 28 points with six threes, while Josh Parkinson (20) and Portbury (15) were also stellar.

Are our Gold Coast trio on the move?

meeting with new Melbourne coach Steven King and assistant coach Nathan Jones.

THE Latrobe Valleytrio at the Gold Coast Suns

could potentially be no more

As AFL Trade Period started on Monday, news had alreadyleaked in its lead-upregardingthe likely movements and contemplationsofplayers ahead of next season.

While former Moe junior and Fish Creek’s Sam Flanders had been eyed by anumberofVictorian clubs on big money, whichhad been rumoured sincemidseason, histeammate and fellowMoe export Bailey Humphrey stole the spotlight off him. Despitebeing contractedfor the next two seasons at Gold Coast, Humphrey has reportedly met with three Victorian clubs, according to Channel Nine’s TomMorris

After winning Gold Coast’sEmergingPlayer award last week and finishing fourth in the Suns best-and-fairest, as the trade market began to shake up and news began to circulate, Gold Coast got on the front foot and said that he's not to be traded. Humphrey’s management also declared he had not met with any rival clubs, however photos then emerged justhours later on Friday of him

Whatcouldmakeadealeasier to seethe Moe export become aDemon is with Christian Petracca expressing his desire to join Gold Coast -aswap of the twoplayerswith alittle extra either way could make sense.

Humphrey has also reportedly met with Collingwood andHawthorn,while Carltonhave also shown interest.

Thishas all unfolded in the days following Humphrey’s return home to the state,with him also spotted watching Moe’s CBL opener on Saturday night in Warragul.

Meanwhile, Flanders has requested atradetoSt Kilda amid growing interest between the Saints, Essendon, and Melbourne.

SEN’s Sam Edmund reportedthat St Kilda’s fiveyear contract offer to Flanders is worth $900,000 per year.

To cap off everything, it was then reported that Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth wasalsoweighing up his future with the Suns.

Despite etching afour-yearcontract extension lastyear, AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey saidthat Ainsworth is exploring interest from rival clubs, with Carlton an early contender per Edmund.

next

 IN the women’s division, Morwell began their year taking down Traralgon on Saturday, 64-61 at GRISS.

This wasTraralgon’s first game in nearly two years, as they did notenterawomen’s side last season.

The Magic started impressively, entering halftime ahead by 16 points before the T-Birds made their move.

Traralgon held Morwell to just six points in the third quarter, while adding 18 in their own right to bring themarginbacktofour points entering thefinal term.

Cassie Davis knocked down consecutive threes for Traralgon to tie the game up before teammate Hannah Smith pushed the T-Birds intothe lead for the first time.

Traralgon looked to be with all the momentum and secure their first victory in well over ayear, before Morwell’s Olivia Ouchirenkodrilled amassivethreeatthe two-minutemark to bringthe margin back to apoint.

Kayla Welsh then hit the go ahead bucket before Abbey Noblett finished off at the free throw line forMorwell to see out the win.

Ouchirenko and Carmen Albrecht led the way for the Magic with 13 points each,while Marley Alimpic and Lexi Cruse both scored 11 for Traralgon. Morwell continued their winning through to the end of the weekend,with aspirted come-frombehind victory over Southern Peninsula on Sunday, 65-59 at Latrobe Leisure Morwell.

Aftertrailing17-4 at the end of the first quarter, theMagic stormed into the lead during the third quarter and held on for their second win of the year. Noblett led the charge with 19 points, followed by Welsh with 16.

Moe split at the weekend, first with aloss to Warragul, 66-57atWarragulLeisure Centreon Saturday, and then victorious over Wonthaggi, 69-46 at Bass Coast Community Stadiumon Sunday.

Whilethe Metoers couldn’t get over the line to close out against the Warriors, they did all their damage against the Coasters early (inclusive of a 21-7 second term) to add their first win of the year. Piper Albert had 20 points, followed by 17 from Tahni Hodgens against Wonthaggi.

Helping kids get active

SPORT

LOCAL sportingclubs and organisations have been encouraged to register to become providers under the GetActive Kids Voucher Program.

StateMember for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, said that while clubs could register now, applications for familiesto access vouchers of up to $200per childwould soon be open.

“With cost-of-livingpressures making it harder for families to afford fees, uniforms and equipment, this program offers alittle bit of support to keep kids involved in the sports they love,” O’Brien said. To be eligible, clubs must be affiliated with arecognisedstate sportingassociation or state sport and active recreation body. O’Brien acknowledged this meant not all local clubs were able to register under the scheme.

“I’m aware some groups, such as dance studios and other smaller providers, can’t sign up as registeredproviders due to the program’s rules. However, Iencourage those clubs to make sure their participants know they may still be eligible for reimbursement throughthe program as an alternative to using avoucher," he said.

“Keeping kidsengagedinsportisgood for their health and wellbeing, and it also supports ourlocal clubs who rely on strong membership to survive.”

Two rounds of the program willrun in 2025/26 –the first opening this month, followed by another in February.The vouchers are available for children up to 18-years-old who are named on aHealth Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and aMedicare Card.

Aspecial consideration stream is also available to support children in care, temporary or provisional visa holders, migrants and international students. Clubs and organisations eligible to register as providers can do so now at: getactive.vic. gov.au/vouchers

Targeted: Moe’sBailey Humphrey has reportedlymet withtwo Victorian clubs, despite being contracted with Gold CoastSuns forthe

twoseasons. Morefooty-Page 39. File photograph

He’sback: Austin Shelleyreturned forMoe to begin theirlatest CBL season,scoring 54 points across the firsttwo games File photograph

Opening round washed out

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

DAMNED if you do, damned if you don’t.

CricketLatrobeValley officials were made to looksomewhat foolish aftercancelling the opening roundofthe season at the weekend, only to see every other league in Gippsland go ahead.

While skies cleared by Saturday, the decision wasmadetoabandon Round 1followingheavy rain last week, leaving curators with very little time to prepare adequate wickets.

The league made the call last Friday night, which at least gave players the chance to get away for the weekend.

With races at Flemington on Saturday, it is doubtful anyone really minded not playing cricket. Regardless, the situation may have again reinforced calls for alater starting date given the winter sports season only finished afortnight ago.

Volunteer-run cricket clubs are generally scrambling at this time of year,and wouldcertainly welcome more time to have everything in order.

Players meanwhile often take afew weeks to get fully into 'cricket mode'.

Afootball preseasongoes forfive months.A cricket 'preseason' often commences five minutes before the first game.

It is possible to start acricket season in November and still get afull allotment of games in, provided players are prepared to play afew Saturday/Sunday rounds.

Giventhose seriousabout their cricket wouldput up their hand to play Sunday GCL, and juniors often play Sundays anyway, it doesn’tseem an overly unreasonable proposition.

There was some backlash over the cancellation, especially given Saturday was bathed in mid-20s sunshine. The league’sboard has sincedeclared lower grades playing on hard wicketswill go ahead in the event of adverse weather cancelling the all-turf higher grades.

Dare Isay it, hard decks have benefits.

If you are playing cricket in Victoria, you are going to encounter poor weather. Harddecks at least allow you to playthrough, and at grade level, surely that is why people pay their subs -toplay.

CLV will hope for better weather this weekend, to allow its all-turf competition to get underway.

The Premier Amatch betweenChurchilland Morwell offers intrigue, to see how the Cobras fare upon promotion. The same applies to AGrade premier Imperials taking on Centrals.

Pundits may also get an early indicationasto whether or not there will be asizeablegap in the A Grade competition when Raiders and CATS (both relegated) take on Willow Grove and Traralgon West respectively.

New Raidersrecruit Keenan Hughes could unleash some damage withthe new ball,while Callum Stewart is sure to provide ahandful darting it around off the seam against the Eagles.

Ships salute, Brown joins 100 club

CRICKET

WDCA

BY LIAM DURKIN

CRICKET wasplayed on the outskirts of the Latrobe Valley at the weekend on the Trafalgar Recreation Reserve hard deck.

The Ships got their Warragul District Cricket Association season off to awinning start by defeating traditional rival Drouin in Division 1action. Wet weather in the days leading up to the game made for avery lush outfield, yet some compromised boundaries and adry pitch meant afull game was still able to go ahead.

The Hawks posted 8/135 from their 40 overs, which Trafalgar,intypical ‘always make it interesting’ fashion, passed nine down.

Leading batsmen Rhys Holdsworth and Aidan George (grandson of local cricket great Lindsay) put on 71 for the fourth wicket before some late drama unfolded and the lower order was left to scrounge up 30 runs.

Young gun Zak Larkin stepped up to the plate, cracking apull shot for four, while Connor Dastey (of Moe United Soccer Club fame) managed to get two critical boundaries away to put the team on the cusp of victory.

Somenerves however came when the ninth wicket fell and scores were tied, leaving Number 11 Zack Brown two balls to survive.

Thelocal teacher did just that, and scampered through for aleg bye in the next over to seal victory.

Brown had earlier in the day taken 3/20 off eight overs, snaring his 100th First XI wicket in the process.

Having previouslypossessed alongerrun-upthan Mitchell Starc, Brown looks to already be reaping the benefits of amore sensible approach.

Holdsworth'shalf-century (51) also leaves him justshortof8000senior runs forTrafalgar,and remarkably (if equally bewilderingly), he is now just one wicket away from 250 First XI scalps.

Holdsworth took 2/15 at the weekend, with one wicket-takingdelivery registeringabreakneck speed around 40 kilometres an hour.

Whileseeing adelivery nearly travelling backwards it was that slow still take awicket, there is perhaps alesson to any junior bowlers out there.

As former Mirboo North captain, Jesse Giardina told this masthead on the eve of the 2021/22 season: “you only have to bowl full and straight and make the batsman play …you don’t need to be quick.”

Granted surprise results often come to hand in early season one day games, the win was rated by one veteran Trafalgar player as the best First XI win the club has achieved since 2022, when the Shipsdefeated aMorwell team thatwent on to win the PremierAflag in theformerLatrobe Valley District league.

Trafalgar transferred to the WDCA in 2023/24, mainly to allow its First XI to play at home more frequently (the club was forced to play away in Latrobe Valleyasleague by-laws required first grade games to be on turf).

Teeupfor mental health

GOLF

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHILEeverthe frustrating sport, localgolfers gathered recently for afriendly hit and to be reminded of those that are there to support during troubled times. TraralgonGolf Club hostedTee Up for Mental Health, seeing more than 180 people arrive to the golf course to raise money for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary Club of Traralgon.

The event partnered with ACSO (Australian Community Support Organisation) and has been runningannually for the last few years, with the most recent day by far its biggest showing.

While the overall tally had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing, the total is believed to have significantly exceeded last year’s tally of $25,000. Rotary Club of Traralgon were committed to putting the money back into youth support initiatives and programs locally, while Lifeline Gippsland continue itsinvolvement in the national 13 11 14 crisis line anddelivery of suicide preventionacross theregion

“LifelineGippsland is so heartened by the support of our partnersand community,” Lifeline Gippsland ChiefExecutive, Cindy Pullar said.

“Eventslike(this) give an opportunity to raise awareness aboutthe importance of mental health and wellbeing and simple steps others can take to reduce the stigma around help seeking.

“Thank youtoMelina Bath (Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region), all the players, sponsors, and the wonderful event committee.”

AlongsideLifeline Gippsland, Rotary Club of Traralgon and ACSO,the event's committee included support in the lead-up and on the day by the local substance abusesupportgroup and the Traralgon Golf Club.

Accompanying the typical 18-hole experience, some colourful stopovers were set-up including putting a ball in aboat situated on the water and a$10,000 hole in one shot on the Hole 6, Par 5.

CRICKET LATROBE VALLEY FIXTURES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11

Premier A

Centrals vs Imperials (at Apex Park)

Churchill vs Morwell (Andrews Park West)

Toongabbie vs Ex Students (Roger Reis Oval)

GlengarryvsMoe (Fred King Oval)

AGrade

Raiders vs Willow Grove (Yinnar Turf)

Traralgon West vs CATS (Jack Canavan)

Gormandale vs Latrobe (StoddartOval)

Rovers vs Mirboo North (Duncan Cameron)

Premier B

Ex Students vs CATS (Old Trafford)

Jeeralang-Boolarra vs Glengarry(Boolarra 1)

Thorpdale vs Churchill (Thorpdale Rec)

Moe vs Toongabbie (Burrage Res, Newborough)

Morwell vs Centrals (Keegan St)

BGrade

Mirboo North vs Gormandale (Mirboo Nth Turf)

ImperialsvsRaiders (Catterick Crescent)

Willow Grove vs Rovers (Willow Grove Rec)

vs Traralgon West (Maryvale No 2)

C(Round 1)

(Doug Timmins Oval)

North vs Imperials (Mirboo North Rec)

vs Ex Students (Gaskin Park)

vs Centrals (Dunstan Oval)

Moe vs Toongabbie (Racecourse 1) CGrade (Round 1)

Traralgon West vs Imperials (St Paul's)

Jeeralang-Boolarra vs Rovers (Boolarra 2)

Gormandale vs Willow Grove (Jack Maskrey

vs Latrobe (Yinnar Rec)

-bye

Students vs Centrals (Old Trafford)

vs Moe (Yinnar Rec)

Grove vs Mirboo North/Jeer-Bool (Willow Grove) Morwell/Latrobe vs Toongabbie (Keegan St) Rovers/Gormandale -bye

What aman: Trafalgar cricketerand local teacher,ZackBrown took his100th FirstXI wicketatthe weekend. Photograph supplied

Great showing: Morethan180 golfers took to the TraralgonGolf Course to support TeeUpfor Mental Health. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Dink: Players triedtheir lucknailing the ball into theboat

Lifeblood of the community: Rotary Club of Traralgon volunteers SandraButler,NormButler,JanetO’Brien, Helen Wallis and PeterWallis kept golfers well fedfor thecharityday

Welcome: Traralgon Golf Clubwelcomed players forthe annual mental health fundraiser

Alcott inspires at Traralgon tennis

TENNIS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

IT’Snot every day a23-time grand slam winner ventures into theregion.

TraralgonTennis Association hosted Australian sporting legend, Dylan Alcott for afun and wholesome meet-and-greet last week, giving locals the chance to mingle withthe charismatic retired athlete.

More than 100people gathered at the Traralgon tennisshowcourts to hear from the former wheelchair tennis and basketball player, talking about his career on the globalstage and those he’s crossed paths with along the way.

It also gave Alcott theopportunity to converse with and encourage those from within the local disability community that were in attendance.

Alcott, who is the only man to achieve the grand slam (winning all four major championships) in quad singles, addressed the crowd and detailed signature moments during his time on the tennis court.

He also talked about meeting Queen Elizabeth after being named Australian of the Year in 2022, and how he got to be in the room with two of the biggest tennis stars in the world during apivotal moment.

After winning Wimbledon for the first time in 2019, Alcottdivulged sitting back in the locker rooms, with trophy in hand, while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal prepared for their semi-final matchup, which Federer ended up winning and advancing to the final in an epic five sets.

Alcott would later praise the local tennis complex for its accessibility and itsrichhistoryfromthe Traralgon Junior International, where Federer

famously won as a16-year-old before his professional career blossomed.

Alcottalso took time to remind the youngpeople listening, specifically those with adisability, that they are valued and must embrace everything they are.

“When Iwas ayoung personwithdisability,I use to hate myself. Iwas really embarrassed with my disability and bullied about it, and society told me disability was abad thing, so Ibelieved that, but it’s actually not,” he told the Express afterwards.

“It’s anatural part of life, it’s abeautiful thing. I didn’t have anyone on TV with disability, Ididn’t know anyone with disability, so to be able to get out there and meet young peoplewithdisability and just tell them to be themselves …and follow whateverpassion they wanttodo, andifthere’s oneperson who doesn’t support them, there are a thousand of other people who will.

“Disabilityornot, I’d just tell anyone to be proud of whothey are. We all want to be different in life with different clothes, hairstyles, cars, whatever,

North Gippsland FNLawardwinners

FOOTBALL/NETBALL

NORTH GIPPSLAND

LEAGUEawards and recognitions were handed out in thewrapping up of the 2025 North Gippsland Football-Netball League season.

At the Grand Final dinner, which featured the appearance of formerAFL umpire 'Razor' Ray Chamberlain as guest speaker, club awards and other awards were presented.

Woodside Football-Netball Club wererecipients of the Football Code of Conduct award, while Yallourn Yallourn North FNC received the Netball Code of Conduct award.

Heyfield FNC won the David Kyle Championship PointsAward, while Gormandale FNC claimed the G&P BayleyAdministration Award.

Nick Cullis was recognised as Umpire of the Year, and Rosedale's Emma Callahan and Traralgon Tyers United's Riley Denovan received the Rising Star Award.

Two new life members, two hall of fame members, and arecognition of service were also handed out.

For more than 40 years, including 435 games for Rosedale, Alanna Diamond was rightfully a recipientofNorth Gippsland life membership, as wasCowwarr's Garry Blair.

Blair has been at Cowwarr FNC for more than 50 years, includingasa clubexecutivefor 28, being adriving force behind facilities, securing grants, and ground improvements.

Yarram's Anthony Rodaughan and Rosedale's DannyHopman were also inductedinto the NGFNL Hall of Fame.

Long-time Cowwarr water carrier, Shane 'Rambo' Bowlen also received arecognitionof service.

AS forthe league vote count, TTU's Michael Jacobsen won his second consecutive Sel Burley Senior Best &Fairest, while Gormandale's Maddy Dark took out the AGrade Best &Fairest.

Dark also claimed the leading goal scoreraward with 612 goals and YYN's Dean MacDonald secured the senior leading goal kicker award with 81 majors.

Shockwaves reverberated around the league in the weeks following presentation, after the passing of reservesleague Best& Fairest, Heyfield's Ben Darby.

Other league awards were:

BGrade Best&Fairest: Emma Best(Sale City)

BGrade Leading Goal Scorer: KimberleyWright (Woodside), 619goals

ReservesBest &Fairest: BenDarby(Heyfield)

ReservesLeading Goal Kicker: Ben King (Heyfield), 76 goals

CGrade Best&Fairest: Amanda King (Heyfield)

CGrade Leading Goal Scorer: EmmaCallahan (Rosedale), 463goals

DGrade Best&Fairest: Rebecca Gardiner (Gormandale)

DGrade Leading Goal Scorer: NicolaThatcher (Sale City), 424goals

Thirds Best&Fairest: SamRobinson (Churchill) Thirds Leading Goal Kicker: CharliePoulton

(Glengarry), 66 goals

17 &Under Best &Fairest: Lexie Francis (Woodside)

17 &Under Leading Goal Scorer: Emma Callahan (Rosedale), 541goals

15 &Under Best &Fairest: Zanthe Flewin (TTU)

15 &Under Leading Goal Scorer: Indi Gieschen (Sale City)

Senior Football Team of theYear

FB: TomMarchesi(Heyfield), Zach Kilgower(TTU), Harper Fox (Rosedale)

HB: JyeNielson(TTU),Michael Driscoll (Rosedale), Kaden McCulloch (SaleCity)

C: BlakeSafstrom (Rosedale),MichaelJacobsen (TTU), Hayden Willaton (TTU)

HF: Declan Barnett(Heyfield), Keenan Hughes (Cowwarr), Jaxsyn Whitehill(Sale City)

F: Mithcell Bennett(Heyfield), Dean MacDonald (YYN), Jeremy Morgan (Woodside)

R: FrazarBrouns (TTU), JaiMassese (YYN), Rober tMcMillan (Heyfield)

INT: Ryan Foat (Woodside), HaydnHector (Cowwarr), Michael O'Sullivan (Woodside), Dylan Bath (YYN)

Coach: Jack Brown(TTU)

AGrade Netball Team of theYear

A: Charlotte Ronchi (Sale City), Maddy Dark (Gormandale), Indigo Waugh (SaleCity)

C: LauraFoat (Woodside)

D: FaithFarmer (TTU), CaitlynPassalaqua (Rosedale), Cour tney Stevens-Risol (Churchill)

INT: Skye McDonald (Churchill), RachaelKearns (Chuchill), CaitlanJohnson(Woodside)

Coach: RachaelKearns (Churchill)

yet when we have abig difference we all think it’s anegative thing and shy away from it.

“Be proud of that. Be proud of your disability if you have one.

“There are so many opportunities out therefor you to do things and you know that I’ve gotyour backto keep fighting so (that) you get those opportunities that you deserve.”

The heartfelt message was also capped by Alcott, highlighting how inclusive of acommunity Latrobe Valley has -aplace he’s visitedsince his youth.

“I started playing basketball when Iwas 14, 15 (years old), and we had abasketball tournament in Traralgon everyyear, wheelchair basketball, so I’ve got fond memories down here,” he said.

Despite all the trophies and medals he’s won (a three-time Paralympic goldmedallist), Alcott was ever gracious with his time and offered an experience that will be cherished by many forever.

Target: Average -15, Good -21, Excellent- 27+ cervine, clever,culver,culverin, curve, elver,envier,even, ever, evil, evince, incurve, lever,levier, levin, lieve, live, liven, liver,nerve, neve, never,relive, revel, revile, revue, rive, riven, unlive, unveil, veer,veil, vein, velure, venue, vice, vile, viler,vine, VIRULENCE.

Champion: Australianspor tinglegend Dylan Alcottspeaking at the Traralgon Tennis Association last week

Role model: Alcott alongside localsClaire, Penny, Liam, Nathaniel andJames Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt