The Great Southern Star - September 18, 2012

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 - $1.20

Panthers premiers 2012 T THE Panthers made it two in a row on Saturday when they won the 2012 Alberton Seniors premiership by 19 points over Dalyston.

S Korumburra-Bena won the A Grade netball crown while Phillip Island booted a goal after the siren t win by a point in the Reserves. to Check out page 2 for highlights around the ground and front page captions, and pages 68-71 for ffootball action, and pages 60-61 for netball coverage.

GO PARROTS

Grand Final special inside

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Little Tiger: young Foster supporter Max Johnston, 20 months, was all smiles when his mum Jessica Johnston’s B Grade Foster team won the grand final on Saturday.

Above: Girl power: from left, Tenille Leicester from Dumbalk, Lauren Redpath from Stony Creek, Tyler Ralph from Leongatha and Taylar Kerr from Foster were out to support their teams at the grand final on Saturday.

Go Dalyston: from left Dalyston supporters Mollie Bloch, Gabby Bloch, Abby McNish, Claire Davie, Attika Stahl, Kirra Smith, Sophie Bolding and front Hannah Alexander cheered on their teams in the grand finals on Saturday.

FOOTY SHORTS

ALBERTON Football League president John Schelling described the weather on grand final day at Foster as perfect.

“It’s a top day, with hardly any wind and not too hot,” he said.

POLICE were out in full force at the AFL grand finals at Foster and did a great job policing underage drinking, confiscating alcohol and keeping the crowd in check. Well done on a top job.

GREAT to see a well behaved crowd at the AFL grand finals in Foster on Saturday.

TOORA Football Netball Club did a magnificent job serving up delicious footy fare on Saturday and one spectator reported to The Star the hotdogs were super.

FISH Creek supporter Henry Mueller was not only thrilled with the Fourths grand final win but at the kiosk commented that the hamburgers were “tops”.

THE Phillip Island Bulldogs claimed a thrilling one point grand final win against the devastated Korumburra-Bena Bulldogs in the Reserves on Saturday and one excited Island supporter was heard yelling after the game, “We know who the real bulldogs are now!”

COACH of the Under 15 Dalyston netball team, Jenny McRae was given a great birthday present when her team came out victorious on the weekend. She shared the day with coach of the Korumburra-Bena Under 17 team, Shelley Snooks, also celebrating her birthday with a win on the weekend.

IT WAS a battle for roommate supremacy in the Reserves on Saturday and now Phillip Island’s D’Arcy Garton has another thing to hold over Korumburra-Bena’s Nick Paterson at their Monash University student house.

WHILE police were thrilled with the fantastic crowd behaviour on Saturday, there was a quantity of drugs and alcohol confiscated on the day. Wonthaggi Police Sergeant Glenn Birt said alcohol was taken from patrons before 12noon, as the bar didn’t begin serving until midday.

“Security and the police were diligent in checking the punters for alcohol; we got on top of that and seized quite a bit,” he said.

“One person was caught with cannabis and was processed by police on the day, but overall the crowd was excellent.”

Police also undertook a traffic operation breath testing motorists, and were happy with the results.

“It was a really good family friendly atmosphere and Foster did a great job hosting the day,” Sgt Birt said.

Go Panthers: all but one person on this “couch” were barracking for Kilcunda Bass; from left, Leah Joyce, Owen Milton, Nath Milton, Jack Turner, and Bill Huitema (Dalyston) and Tommy Keating. Tommy was disappointed his team missied out on the grand final but appropriately received a premiership medal after the game.

Front Page Captions Two times: Kilcunda-Bass have gone back to back with premierships. The team was Ryan Fitzgerald, Adam Miller, Matthew Hendry, Steven O’Bryan, Brett Anthony, Ben Vague, Xavier Reicha, Damien Holmes, Jess Attenborough, Kane Ricketts, Kele Asa Leausa, Jason Wells, Dylan Shepherd, Bronson Interlandi, Benjamin Eddy, Jared Attenborough, Jamie Evans, Danny Wells, Paul Lange, Timothy Smith and Luke James along with trainer Skeeta Brown, water boy Sam Watson and supporters.

Hooray: Korumburra Bena A Grade netballers Zoe Archer, Maree Donohue, Kim Hillberg, Christie Hillberg, Tayla Smith, Kate Kilpatrick, Angela Croatto, Tarli Hillberg and Emma Kyle celebrate their premiership win against Foster in the AFL grand final on Saturday.

Aussie pride: nice to see a local touch, with the National Anthem sung by Jackie Snooks.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 3

TAFE cuts disaster

By Jane Ross and Matt Dunn SECRET State Cabinet documents show the impact of funding cuts to TAFE will be far worse than expected.

The Bass Coast campus of Chisholm cannot be guaranteed beyond 2013.

It has 680 students.

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Allan Bawden told The Star it would be disastrous if it closed because it is the only institute in the shire offering tertiary education.

GippsTAFE’s fees will skyrocket by 300 to 400 per cent and 100 staff will go.

Slashing staff and courses will result in the Leongatha TAFE building – opened last year to great fanfare - being under utilised.

GippsTAFE, Chisholm and Sale/Bairnsdale’s Advance TAFE are in merger talks. GippsTAFE is also in discussion with Community College Gippsland, which has a campus at Leongatha.

All this comes on the eve of the inaugural meeting of the Gippsland Tertiary Education Council, appointed by Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall.

Mr Bawden is a member of that council, developed out of the Gippsland Tertiary Education Plan. It meets next Monday.

Details of TAFE’s “transition plans” following $300 million worth of cuts in the May State Budget, were leaked to the media last week.

GippsTAFE CEO Dr Peter Whitley said he’s deeply disappointed by the leaks because the government had insisted on confidentiality.

He said the leaks further diminish an already demoralised sector.

Bass MLA Ken Smith told The Star he didn’t believe Chisholm would close its Bass Coast Campus, saying his discussions with institute representatives had given no hint of that.

But Chisholm’s transition document shows the campus is not profitable. When asked if the Bass Coast Campus could be guaranteed beyond next year, a spokesperson answered with an emphatic “no”.

The institute’s course fees are likely to rise by 70 per cent and 251 effective full-time staff will lose their jobs.

Courses offered in Bass Coast will be in the fields of aged care, community services, tourism and health and construction.

Mr Smith denied the changes to TAFE funding had been disastrous and said they were not aimed at privatising the sector.

He said the government wanted courses that create jobs, not ones that don’t.

Dr Whitley said GippsTAFE has a two-pronged approach to funding cuts: testing new programs to see if people will pay higher fees and seeing if the technology capabilities of the Leongatha campus could be used “by Chisholm, Advance or anyone else”.

He said the level of merger talks was “highly preliminary”, but pointed out Advance TAFE has links with Deakin and Ballarat universities, Chisholm has links with Deakin, and GippsTAFE with Monash and Ballarat universities, so if the TAFEs combined, students and communities would benefit from those university liaisons.

The government has made much of putting a lot more funding into apprenticeships, but Dr Whitley agreed the opportunity for these in Leongatha “is very limited”.

He said he hopes the leaking of transition details will lead to the government “expediting the decision-making processes”.

Adding, with typical candour, “It’s bloody tough at the moment.”

Most photos that appear in The Star can be purchased by calling 5662 2294.

Young followers: these young Dalyston supporters stayed on to support Seniors footballers after completing their grand final.

From left: Anna Kirk, Olivia Howell, Amara Sartori, Chelsea Wilson with young Jack Howell. See sport, facebook, and our web page www.thestar.com.au for all the wrap-up of the Alberton Football League grand finals.

Girl flees man

A TEENAGE girl escaped an attempted abduction near a playground in Leongatha.

Police are appealing for information after a man tried to force a 14-year-old girl into his car parked near McIndoe Park on Sunday.

The victim was walking along Turner Street around 2.30pm when a man in a dark green vehicle parked on the nature-strip near the inter-

section of Bent Street.

Wonthaggi Police Senior Sergeant Trevor Teer said the man attempted to grab the girl by her arm and told her to get into the car.

“The victim broke free and ran off,” he said.

“The male was described as being six foot tall with a deep voice. He was wearing a black ‘hoodie’ (jumper) with red white and blue stripes and a zipper. He also wore faded dark blue tracksuit pants, brown boots and black gloves.”

Police said the man was unknown to the victim.

At the time of the incident, the park was filled with children and parents enjoying the afternoon.

Police are asking for anyone who may have information regarding the dark green car parked on the nature-strip near the telegraph pole to contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 1400 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tell us more, minister CHANGES to Victoria’s planning zones threaten to increase ad hoc development in Bass Coast Shire.

Council’s planning and environment director Hannah Duncan-Jones said this, adding planners are concerned about lack of detail.

She said significant changes have been proposed for many areas including residential, business and farming zones, but “in many instances limited detail is available”.

“We have developed and implemented structure plans and design frameworks for all our towns and we need to ensure this work is not jeopardised by the changes.

“The State Government is currently not offering any funding support and council will need to do the research to implement any changes to local planning policies.”

But Ms Duncan-Jones said some of the positive changes included reducing permits to streamline development and providing more flexibility.

“We have some real concerns though about the reduction in lot sizes in the township zone, protecting farmland and biodiversity and the removal of legal requirements following subdivisions,” continued Ms Duncan-Jones.

Bass Coast is lodging a detailed submission with government. It’s due by Friday and its contents will

be discussed at tomorrow’s council meeting.

Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced on Friday all submissions will be reviewed by “an expert advisory committee”.

Members are: ministerial advisory committee chair Geoff Underwood, planning specialist Chris Canavan QC and Liz Johnstone of the Planning Institute of Australia.

The committee will report back by November 30.

Mr Guy said modernising the planning system was “a vital plank of social and economic reform”.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Karin’s focus is on social justice

Support: as part of her view that families should be supported, Leongatha’s Karin McKenzie has invited child and adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg to speak. His topic will be The Five Most Pressing Concerns for Parents in 2012.

By Jane Ross KARIN McKenzie admits she has become a bit feisty “in my old age”.

She has a very strong sense of social justice and lives out that concern by trying to address issues of family stability and life’s inequalities through her membership of the Anglican Church’s Mothers’ Union.

Karin is now president of the diocesan Gippsland Mothers’ Union which has 164 members across 10 branches in the region.

“We have four meetings a year and we have rallies around our faith.”

It’s her own life experience that has led her down this path.

“I grew up in the south east and I was very lacking in knowledge.

“The family moved to Benalla and I became very concerned when my children were at high school and I read their text books. I thought the English text books made parents out to be stupid and I made a bit of a fuss at the mothers’ club.

“But no one was interested!

“I didn’t realise people wouldn’t stand up.”

So, with the thought constantly in her mind that evil flourishes when good men do nothing, Karin decided she would speak up when she felt it necessary.

She writes to newspapers about matters she thinks society should be concerned about and she’s even marched in a couple of rallies.

When Karin moved to Leongatha 16 years ago, she joined the congregation of St Peter’s and became a member of the Mothers’ Union.

“The Mothers’ Union is under the umbrella of the Anglican Church and we support parish initiatives, but it is an autonomous organisation.”

Every now and then the Mothers’ Union brings guest speakers to Gippsland on issues of interest, particularly to families. It’s part of the Mothers’ Union mission to promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children and to help those whose lives have met with adversity.

She heard child and adolescent psychologist Michael CarrGregg speak at a function earlier this year on the sexualisation of children. Impressed, she thought people in Gippsland would be

interested in his expertise.

Accordingly, Dr Carr-Gregg has been booked for Tuesday, October 9, where he will talk about The Five Most Pressing Concerns for Parents in 2012.

The event will be at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School, Traralgon and reservations are necessary. Ring Bev Foster on 5622 1949 or Gwen Matheson 5134 1356.

Dr Carr-Gregg runs a private practice in Melbourne and is passionate about delivering evidence-based workshops and seminars that make a difference to the health and wellbeing of young people.

He is a founding member of the National Centre Against Bullying and chairs its cyber safety committee. He is also an ambassador for the Federal Government’s National Drugs Campaign and the resident parenting expert on a number of media programs.

Dr Carr-Gregg’s PhD on adolescents with cancer resulted in the formation of CanTeen and he has written seven books including Princess Bitchface Syndrome: How to survive teenage girls and Surviving Step Families.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 5

Nothing to hide

By Matt Dunn SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council director of development services Phil Stone said there was “no skulduggery” involved in the awarding of a late tender.

The Development at Coal Creek Feasibility Study tender, awarded to The Mawland Group (Mawland), was a source of angst for at least one other potential candidate, with complaints made to The Star that the Newcastle-based tourism consultant missed the deadline, but still ended up with the contract.

A commercial-in-confidence agreement between Council and the company means the paper has not been able to ascertain how much the tender was worth. But the total project budget is $90,000, including ancillary costs and contingencies.

“The company’s late application was accepted because we made an administrative error that contributed to that lateness,” Mr Stone said.

“It was only late by a matter of hours, rather than days. We had proof to show

Massive slip: Russell Ebrey, who owns land beneath a landslip on Fairbank Road, said he was so concerned the road would deteriorate further he banned his children from travelling on the school bus until repairs were done.

Fallen Fairbank to be fixed

By Simone Short REPAIRS have begun on a major landslip along Fairbank Road in Arawata.

The road first began to give way in mid-August, while wild weather two weeks ago caused a larger section of the road to fall away.

One lane of the road remained open, while the outside lane was closed off by South Gippsland Shire Council staff.

Residents hold safety concerns for the road, which is frequented by milk tankers and cattle trucks.

The road is also part of a school bus route, causing some parents to ban their children from taking the bus until the road is repaired.

Russell Ebrey owns the land be-

low the slip and said that section of road had been shifting for 10 years.

“There were already cracks in the road beforehand and the recent rains finally caused it to fall away,” he said.

“We’re not letting our kids ride the school bus until it’s fixed – maybe we’re just being over-cautious, but milk tankers and cement trucks use that road. I just don’t trust how stable it is.”

The slip sent a number of trees as well as a large quantity of rocks and soil cascading into Mr Ebrey’s paddock.

Fellow resident John Koenders said he was also concerned the road would give way under heavy traffic and believed the road had required repairs for years.

“It needs much more than just a

patch up job – they need to fix the road properly,” he said.

“Fairbank Road is only half made, but it’s getting more and more traffic through from Warragul to the Strzelecki Highway. It’s becoming more of an important road, but for years it’s been giving us problems.”

Mr Koenders said council had initially installed ‘slow down’ signs when the slip first occurred, but had added further warning signs once residents had complained.

Council operations manager Fred Huitema assured The Star the road had been monitored daily and said the one lane open was safe for drivers.

With the Loch-Poowong Road landslip finally repaired, Mr Huitema said crews were now available to begin fixing Fairbank Road.

they’d actually sent it off prior to the closing date anyway. They followed the process through a panel of four and were awarded the contract.”

Mr Stone said the decision to accept Mawland’s late tender was “made in the interests of fairness”.

“The decision was made very transparently by a panel, which included two councillors. So there’s been no skulduggery at all. People often have sour grapes because they haven’t won the contract,” he said.

“We’re really excited about what we’re doing with Coal Creek. We developed a plan about 12 months ago to adopt a strategy for Coal Creek that looks at increasing revenue so the site is cost neutral and pays its own way.

“This is the first detailed step in that project. We’ll pull together feasibility ideas about the kinds of investments we can make in Coal Creek to progress toward that cost neutral status. Mawland has really proved its mettle and we’re looking forward to kicking things off in early October.” ► More details about the study on page 14.

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Top award chance for cape village

By Jane Ross THE Cape Paterson Ecovillage is a finalist in the design category of the Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Sustainable: Cape Paterson Ecovillage director Brendan Condon said housing designs show sustainability can be beautiful too.

Milk prices tipped to rise

By Brad Lester DAIRY farmers can expect slightly higher milk prices towards the end of the season as the world turns to Australia for milk.

Dairy Australia is anticipating farmers should receive farm-gate prices to $4.70-$5/ kg milk solids, or 34-36 cents per litres.

That was the upshot of Dairy Australia’s latest Situation and Outlook update released last week, the first since the annual survey was undertaken in February.

Dairy Australia industry analyst Norman Repacholi expected milk production to grow around two per cent or 9.65 billion litres across all of Australia’s dairying regions.

“Across all regions except WA, milk price has been seen as the primary challenge for farmers, and this has seen an easing in growth projections,” he said.

The update also incorporated face-toface and phone interviews revisiting 340 farmers.

In Gippsland, the update found confidence levels among farmers had dropped.

In February, 82 per cent of surveyed farmers were positive about the future of the dairy industry. Despite this figure falling to 71 per cent, Gippsland farmers are still some of the most positive in Australia.

Milk production in Gippsland was expected to decrease by more than five per cent and a total 75 per cent of Gippsland farmers surveyed have experienced a wetter season than they would have liked.

The survey found 23 per cent were considering constructing feed pads as a result of the wet conditions.

A feed pad has proved a saving grace for Middle Tarwin dairy farmer, Jason McRae, during the wet.

“It’s made a huge difference. Otherwise it could have been a catastrophe,” he said.

The feed pad has enabled the Burra Foods supplier to keep his herd in condition despite flooded paddocks during winter.

“Normally this time of year we should have plenty of grass and it’s certainly been a bit tighter,” Mr McRae said.

“We have plenty of water so we don’t have to worry about that. We also have plenty of carry-on feed from summer last year because we did not use it in summer because it (pasture) was so green.”

A dairy farmer since 1997, Mr McRae said despite the wet winter and low milk prices, he remains hopeful about the industry’s short term future.

“The US drought should turn the milk prices back up. They are short of feed and it’s so expensive, so they are producing less milk over there,” he said.

Inverloch dairy farmer Ken Harris said the wet winter had resulted in less production, but the Murray Goulburn supplier was optimistic.

“The cows were down this year on production because they were bogging up the paddocks. They were just putting the grass into the ground and they were putting the hay back in too because it was so wet,” he said.

“But we are probably going back to the normal years we had all those years ago. After all those dry years, we wondered what we’ve struck.”

Mr Harris is hoping milk prices will rise to help manage rising costs.

“They are probably a bit low when you consider the carbon tax we are paying. Murray Goulburn said that it could be between $10,000 and $14,000 per farmer and with your electricity prices going up so much, the milk price is a bit too low,” he said.

“It might turn around because there is drought in other parts of the world where there is less production and it is fairly dry in Russia too, because they have not got enough wheat.”

Flu strikes IT’S ’flu season and there are some cases of pneumonia about too.

Gippsland Southern Health Service director of nursing Neil Langstaff said a number of people had been admitted to hos-

pital with pneumonia and ’flu over the past month, with those of varying ages affected.

The practice manager of Leongatha Healthcare Judy Robb said doctors report some pneumonia and “quite a bit” of A and

B strains of influenza, but nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year.

“August, September and October are the peak seasons.”

The indicators for ’flu are a high fever, aches and pains and a raspy cough.

Director Brendan Condon is thrilled.

“It’s a great feather in our cap.”

Not only is the ecovillage ranked alongside the Royal Children’s Hospital redevelopment, major companies Grocon and Lend Lease, the nomination coincides with news construction will start in the first half of next year.

This will mark the culmination of nine years of setbacks and hard work for Brendan who has long had a dream of establishing a carbon neutral village. He is expecting to very soon launch 10 house designs on the project website www.capepatersonecovillage.com.au, a development that results from drawing together “some of the best sustainable architects and designers in the country”.

He said their designs are “attractive, light on the environment and their low running costs will be easy on the wallet”.

Speaking of wallets, The Star asked

how much the houses would cost.

At the moment it’s $1600 to $2000 a square metre for a 130 to 180 square metre abode. The price includes all solar panels and water tanks and Brendan hopes for further efficiencies. Land pricing is separate and details will be released later in the year.

“The whole exercise with the ecovillage is about showing that sustainable housing now makes economic sense. The designs coming through are real ‘myth busters’ - they show sustainable housing can be beautiful, and have real style as well as all the comfort and environmental performance benefits. This gives me great confidence in the project.”

The ecovillage will be developed in stages to an eventual 219 blocks. Nearly 1000 people have registered their interest and Brendan believes 100 or 150 of those are “seriously engaged by it”, most considering permanent residency.

One of the major builders of the ecovillage will be Wonthaggi’s TS Constructions.

“I can’t speak highly enough of TS Constructions’ Tony O’Connell,” Brendan said, “he has been an invaluable resource.”

Ambo claims questioned

By Matt Dunn CLAIMS by Member for Bass Ken Smith that the Bass region had received 24 “new” paramedics and transport officers are under scrutiny.

Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Wade Noonan believes Mr Smith’s claims – along with other Coalition colleagues who claim 143 “new” ambulance officers (113 “new” paramedics and 30 “new” transport officers) have been delivered into the state system - are misleading.

“The three new transport officers at Wonthaggi, for instance, have simply been relocated. They were at Foster, now they’re at Wonthaggi. They’ve dressed that up as being new. They may be new to Wonthaggi, but, according to a local paramedic, they were simply transferred from Foster,” he said.

“Does that actually deliver a net gain for the community? I think the community can make their mind up on that. They may be new, but the question is, are they additional?

This is a government that told the community it wouldn’t be involved in spin. But I think what we’re seeing is the packaging of data, which presents a much rosier figure than is the case.

“I spoke to a paramedic in

Cowes about the six ‘new’ paramedics that AV said are there. The paramedic has been there a long time and he said there are not six additional paramedics at Cowes, since the change of government in 2010. There’s certainly some additional resources there, but not six additional paramedics.”

Mr Noonan said what the government was saying was far different to what paramedics were saying.

“The paramedics in these branches are certainly questioning the veracity of some of the information put out by government MPs,” he said.

The date of the “new” appointments has also become a point of contention, with revelations that the Bass region’s “new” officers were delivered last year.

While a recent media release from Mr Smith’s office claimed “ambulance services in Cowes, Wonthaggi and Grantville have received 24 new paramedics,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson conceded the positions were actually filled in “late 2011”.

“The government has missed that disclaimer in their media release,” she said.

General secretary of the Ambulance Employees Australia Victorian branch Steve McGhie has also questioned the newness claims. He believes claims that Grantville had

received 12 “new” paramedics are false and the number is more likely six.

“Grantville was being recruited to before even the last election. The state Labor government at the time and the opposition were saying they were going to put paramedics in at Grantville. It was already being recruited for,” he said.

“Grantville, initially, was only going to be a 12 hour roster. It’s now going to be 24 hour. There’s no doubt it’s moved from a six person roster to a 12 person roster.”

AV’s regional manager for Gippsland Mick Stephenson said the 143 new paramedics and transport officers had been delivered.

“We have now recruited 143 new paramedics. It’s just that those who turned up in Bass or in Gippsland, in Wellington or Maffra for example, may have been people who were employed in other areas,” he said.

“They may move from Melbourne to Grantville. They may be new or existing, but there has to be the new people put on. Without a doubt we have 143 additional new officers, maybe more. We’re just recruiting constantly. There’s no doubt the commitment’s being honoured.”

Why the waste? asks Alan Brown BASS Coast Shire Council election reform team leader Alan Brown wants to know why council is wasting money on new destination and locality signs.

The signs have been up for months but according to Mr Brown, the old ones were still “in very good condition and not in need of replacement and were highly visible and easily read”.

Mr Brown said, “We all remember the criticism when the council put

up new signs some years ago which many referred to as representing a hamburger.

“They paid a huge amount of money to have consultants design a new logo for the shire and now all those signs have been scrapped.

“The council copped a great amount of criticism at the time but went ahead with the erection of new signage shire-wide despite public concern.”

Coming on top of a revelation that the council is spending $1.2 million on new recycle bins, the new signs seem superfluous.

But council’s director of infrastructure Felicity Sist said the town entrance signs were nearly 15-years-old. Those that had not been vandalised or knocked had faded colour or rusted posts.

“The replacement cost us $44,000 across the shire as we were able to put the new artwork over the existing metal signs.

This is significantly less than the original project.”

That cost $60,000 in the late 1990s and was funded by a government grant.

She said new recycling bins were being “rolled

out” over a seven-year period which began in 2009. Since then, the recycling rate has increased 27 per cent, equalling cost savings a year in EPA levies and landfill space of $100,000.

Old recycling bins can be kept or deposited free at any council transfer station. Transport can be arranged on 1300 226 278. Members of Wonthaggi’s Men’s Shed will convert them into worm farms.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 7

Seeking help: Wattlebank farmers meet to discuss how the winter floods are affecting their properties. From left, Cr John Duscher, David Shambrook (DPI), Marshall Scott (Rural Support), Gai and Peter West, Jack Moyle, Joan Buckleigh, Nadine Verboon, Kerry Buckleigh, mayor Cr Veronica Dowman and Bass MLA Ken Smith.

Council seeks farm flood relief BASS Coast Shire Council will seek Federal Government financial assistance for farmers in the area who have been affected by flooding, particularly in June.

Local farmers have met with Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and council representatives to discuss their plight. Bass MLA Ken Smith was there too.

Shire CEO Allan Bawden, said the farmers talked about the impact the flooding was having on farms.

“We listened to their concerns and heard about the difficult circumstances they face as a result of record rainfall over many months.”

He said the farmers spoke about the poor condition of their pasture. Some had lost cattle. The farmers said pasture won’t recover in the short term.

Cr John Duscher raised the farmers’ issue at a recent council meeting and said, “We need to advocate strongly on their behalf.”

The State Government is seeking as-

sistance from the Federal Government to help farmers with flood clean up and restoration works, but the outcome is not yet known.

Mr Bawden said the meeting was positive and “we will do what we can to try to get State and Federal government support for these farmers”.

Farmers can contact the DPI on 136 186 but at this stage, the only financial options available are low interest concessional loans of up to $200,000 for eligible primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations whose properties have suffered direct damage as a result of the June floods. More information can be found at www.ruralfinance. com.au.

Anyone who has been impacted by an emergency in Gippsland can call the Gippsland Crisis Line on 1800 629 572 to receive personal support from professionally trained counsellors.

This is a free service that is supported by all Gippsland municipal councils and is available 24 hours a day. All calls are treated confidentially.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Killy-Bass beer bombshell

By Matt Dunn KILCUNDA-Bass Football Club will be spoken to after being photographed drinking beer during wild grand final celebrations on Saturday.

The Alberton Football League grand final winner, a signatory to the Good

Sports program (which promotes the responsible serving of alcohol), was warned in advance that its players should not be photographed drinking beer on the field.

GippSports, the administrator for sports in the region, has been making a push to stop grand final players being photographed celebrating with alcohol.

Recently, GippSports

executive officer Barry Switzer wrote to leagues and newspapers, asking that the players not be photographed boozing after grand final wins.

Clubs can face being “counselled” and be under review for up to 12 months if they ignore the directive.

News of the push angered the country’s biggest brewer, Carlton and United Breweries, with a company spokesman saying players should not feel they are being coerced by the health lobby to comply with its general abstinence policy.

Reports of being counselled or clubs being reviewed would appear to be an unreasonable imposition, he said.

Kilcunda-Bass president Luke Hill said the beer consumed by the players had been brought onto the ground by supporters and was not supplied by the club.

“We got emails (about the push to not have players photographed with beer), but it’s pretty hard to stop really. It’s nearly impossible, when you’ve got people coming from all directions, giving them cans,” he said.

“We didn’t put any grog out there, until they got to the rooms. But people come around and they’re all excited. It’s near enough impossible to stop them.”

Mr Switzer said the club would be spoken to in light of its on-field beer drinking and reminded of its responsibilities under the GoodSports program.

“We’ll be having a chat to them. It’s not about being aggressive. At the end of the day it’s not a ban. Some leagues have had a bit more trouble than others,” he said.

Mr Switzer said in the North Gippsland Football League “the clubs are all over” the no beer in photographs policy and spectators know not to bring it onto the ground.

Cyclist hit A LEONGATHA man was taken to hospital with shoulder and wrist injuries after being hit by a car on Sunday.

The 45-year-old man was riding east along Ogilvy Street in Leongatha when a vehicle driven by a 22-year-old female failed to give way from Hassett Street.

The car and the cyclist collided, with the cyclist hitting the passenger door of the vehicle.

Three ambulances attended the scene and the cyclist was taken to the Leongatha Memorial Hospital and later diagnosed with a broken wrist.

Police urge all motorists to be aware of cyclists, with plenty out riding in the good weather.

Slippery crash A MIRBOO North woman fell victim to a notorious Loves Lane corner last week.

The female in her late 30s was driving towards Dumbalk around 1.45pm last Thursday when she approached one of the sharp corners.

Police said the front wheels of her vehicle slipped in the mud, leaving her unable to turn.

She instead drove straight through the bend and off-road, tipping the vehicle onto its side.

The woman was taken by ambulance to hospital for observation and later released.

Bimblebox fuels campaign

By Simone Short LOCK the Gate advocates in South Gippsland were encouraged to continue their fight against major mining companies at the screening of the documentary Bimblebox at the Dakers Centre in Leongatha last week.

Around 60 people watched the regional premiere of the film based around the story of Paola Cassoni, who is the coowner of Bimblebox Nature Refuge near the town of Alpha in Queensland, and her struggle to keep mining magnates off her land.

The Bimblebox Nature Refuge, with its 8000 hectares of virgin bush and around 2000 species of flora and fauna, is currently being pursued for a mining project called China First, with plans of establishing four of the biggest open cut and underground mines in the world.

Mining stories: co-owner of Bimblebox Nature Reserve in Queensland, Paola Cassoni, spoke about her battle against coal seam gas mining at an event in Leongatha organised by Sam Massey from Mirboo North.

Ms Cassoni said she assumed Bimblebox would be protected from mining developments as an agreement with the Federal Government was done to protect the land for 999 years, while a State Government agreement was also done to protect the refuge for 99 years.

“I thought that for our lives, our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, we would maintain this biodi-

versity,” she said.

“I was so naive to think that a couple of phone calls would fix this up.

“It’s a threat to us, because the government advising us is the same government who gave the mining company the tick of approval in the first place.”

Although mining is yet to start in Bimblebox, Ms Cassoni said making a documentary was one of

POLICE BRIEFS Wonthaggi flasher POLICE are searching for a man who exposed himself to a teenage girl in Wonthaggi last week.

On Tuesday, September 11 around 5.15pm, a 16-year-old female victim was ‘flashed’ by a male near the army cannon in Memorial Park in McBride Avenue.

The male has been described as aged about 65-years-old with a long white beard and wearing a navy blue suit and green beret.

If anyone has any idea who this person may be, please contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Out of control

ager with reckless conduct endangering serious injury to persons as well as other traffic offences.

He will be summonsed to appear in court at a later date. The car was impounded by police.

the best ways of bringing the issue to the attention of others.

The story delves much deeper than Bimblebox, visiting other Australian communities affected by coal seam gas mining, including the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Whether the viewers were for, against or sitting on the fence when it comes to coal seam gas mining, there is no doubt the devastation of people losing their land to mining moved the emotions of the whole audience.

Ms Cassoni, who threw three men off her land and locked the gate when they came to inspect the area without permission, said there had not been a public movement in her community to prevent mining.

“People still think allowing mining in their town will bring better roads, a doctor and other benefits,” she said.

“They don’t realise it will be a fly-in, fly-out kind of set-up that will not benefit their town at all.”

course Road and Cameron Way in Pakenham.

Anyone with information about this theft can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Poultry pinched

Car stolen

SIX farm birds were stolen from a Wonthaggi home over the weekend.

A $50,000 vehicle has been recovered after being stolen in Leongatha over the weekend.

Offenders took four chickens and two ducks from a pen in the rear yard of a house in Toorak Road between 6pm on Friday and 7.30pm on Sunday.

Anyone with information about this theft can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Booze burglary

AN INVERLOCH teenager has been charged with a number of offences after driving dangerously last week.

THIEVES used a sledge hammer to rob a licensed store in Grantville over the weekend.

The 16-year-old male was reported to be doing burnouts and fishtailing whilst driving an unregistered vehicle in the Cashin Street and Royal Parade area in Inverloch last Wednesday, around 8.30am.

The vehicle knocked over bins and spun out of control near primary school students and parents.

Inverloch Police charged the teen-

Around 3.25am on Sunday, offenders smashed the front glass door of the business on the Bass Highway with the hammer and stole cigarettes and alcohol from the store.

A truck stolen from the Dandenong South area the previous day was used in the burglary.

The truck was located the following day at the intersection of Race-

Between 7pm Saturday and 7am Sunday, a white Toyota Kluger station wagon was taken from the garage of a Bair Street premises.

The garage has been left open, with the keys also left in the ignition of the car. The vehicle was recovered on Sunday morning in Graydens Road, Hastings, with no apparent damage.

Anyone with information about this theft can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

Thieves fail A WINERY staff member scared away offenders after they attempted to steal a rideon mower last week.

Anyone with information about this attempted theft can contact Wonthaggi Police on 5671 4100 or Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 9

Make dreams come true

By Jane Ross

THE need for large-scale accommodation in South Gippsland Shire was pressed home to members of the board of Tourism Victoria when they were hosted by the council last week.

They had to be put up at Inverloch’s RACV Resort which is in Bass Coast Shire.

Board chair Janine Kirk, chief executive Leigh Harry and others were presented with details of a council wish list. Projects costed so far amount to more than $22.6 million.

Ms Kirk told The Star the presentation, which includes a glossy booklet, was “very constructive”.

“The proposal booklet with its range of major projects is very useful for us. A lot of thought has been put into it.”

Mr Harry said the region needed to pitch its message about product, experi-

ences and what is trying to be achieved at a tourism level.

He said a lot of work is being done to see how Victoria can contribute to the emerging Indian and Chinese tourist markets and more needs to be done to attract domestic holiday makers.

The guests were taken on a bus tour which included Wilsons Promontory and the site just outside the national park where Tom Tootell wants to develop a retreat.

The Corner Inlet Tourism Development Project was also on the list. Restoration of Port Welshpool’s Long Jetty and extending the Great Southern Rail Trail from Foster to Welshpool are part of that.

A gathering at Waratah Hills Winery in Fish Creek, gave tourism industry representatives a chance to meet the visitors.

Mayor Cr Warren Raabe said yesterday it was hard to determine the full value of the tourism board visit, but it “went over well” from an advocacy and awareness point of view.

Visitors: Tourism Victoria board chair Janine Kirk and chief executive Leigh Harry discuss South Gippsland Shire Council’s pitch for government assistance for its priority projects. They were in Leongatha last Thursday.

Keep Prom open for all

By Simone Short

WILSONS Promontory could become a holiday destination only for the rich, according to a local developer.

Tom Tootell from Yanakie believes the State Government’s plans to allow private development in national parks could see a hotel for elitists built in the Prom.

He’s also concerned the announcement could destroy almost a decade of planning for a Wilsons Promontory gate tourism

development.

Mr Tootell’s project, the Wilsons Promontory Nature Reserve, was originally designed as an alternative to commercial development inside the national park, yet still provide accommodation in close proximity to the Prom for visitors.

“My whole desire was to stop any commercial development in the park – parks should be for people, not for hotels,” he said.

“They are not for the elite, they’re for everybody to enjoy. That’s why I bought the property outside the entrance.”

The owner of the 256 acre site in Yanakie said the government’s actions could also threaten his own project, which is strongly supported by the South Gippsland Shire Council.

“It’s taken me eight years to get to the stage now where I’ve got a workable permit,” he said.

“We’re ready to go and I’m ready to get an investor, but it’s very hard in this climate to do that; then all of a sudden the government comes out with an announcement they’re going to allow something high yielding in the park. I can

only think they’re going to put a hotel there.

“No investor is going to look at my property without first of all trying to do the project in the park.”

Mr Tootell said he didn’t believe the government hadn’t “thought it through”, or enunciated its intentions well enough.

“This announcement has been completely out of the blue,” he said.

“It’s quite ironic that Jeff Kennett lost his government because he tried to set up a hotel in the park. You have to question the government a little bit

about what they’re doing.”

The developer also believed another Hands off the Prom campaign, similar to the famous campaign in the mid-1990s, could ensue should any plans for a hotel in Wilsons Promontory become a reality, but voiced his doubts of a hotel actually being built.

“The chances are zero, because people don’t want it,” he said.

South Gippsland Shire Council customer relations manager Christian Stefani said council did not yet have a position on private development in na-

Housing demand through roof

By Simone Short

DEMAND for public housing in South Gippsland and Bass Coast is at its highest in 10 years and it’s only going to get worse, according to Gippscare team leaders in Leongatha.

Furthermore, public houses in the region are becoming run down, leaving tenants living in poor conditions without essential services.

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell recently released the statewide public housing waiting list figures showing significant falls in applications in Gippsland, with 38 less applicants through the Morwell office.

However Gippscare housing support services team leader Michelle Donohue said more people are trying to get into the system and the wait has dramatically increased from around six months to years.

“In a decade, has it got worse?

I’d have to say yes. Just from my time being here, it’s getting increasingly harder to house people and it’s getting more complex,” she said.

“We’ve got people living in hotels and caravan parks that are on leases now; even single parents with kids are living in them now because there’s not enough housing.”

Gippscare transitional housing team leader Di Williams said with the lack of develop-

ment in public housing in the region, struggling families and individuals would have trouble finding a house in the private rental market.

“What concerns me about South Gippsland and Bass Coast is the building has stopped, the demand is much higher and there’s no investment,” she said.

“Even if they invested a billion dollars tomorrow, we’re not going to see the results of that for at least a couple of years. I think people are increasingly running out of options, particularly down in the rural area; the blacklisting from private rentals is huge.

“Private rental is also not secure; if the market prices look good, you get a notice to vacate for sale, and every six months they can put the rent up.”

As of June 30 last year, Bass Coast had 349 Office of Housing properties, up from 336 in 2009.

However South Gippsland’s 225 houses did not increase at all between 2009 and 2010.

Gippscare currently manages 39 Transitional Housing Management properties across the South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Baw Baw Shires.

While THM houses are supposed to be short term options for people waiting for public housing, Ms Williams said the system is so “clogged”, all Office of Housing and THM properties are full, leaving those needing somewhere to live nowhere to go.

“On Phillip Island, there are

four two-bedroom units, but we can’t remember the last time anyone moved out of it,” Ms Williams said.

The condition of Office of Housing properties across the shires is also not improving; Ms Williams said the majority of houses in Wonthaggi were at least 30-years-old.

“In January, we had 10 hot water services blow up in both Office of Housing and THM properties,” she said.

“The maintenance company is only allowed to keep two in stock, so they had to get special permission to buy extras, so there was a delay in repairs getting done and people were without services for over a week,” she said.

“The stock is literally dying and no money is being invested in it. The carpets don’t get changed when they’re dirty, they hold out for 10 years. To get a full repaint you have to beg and plead.”

Ms Williams said staff also regularly comment on the poor state of the heating and cooling systems, with tenants choosing to live in only one room of the house because the heating isn’t able to warm the whole house, and others receiving huge electricity bills due to using less efficient heating systems.

Both Ms Donohue and Ms Williams believe waiting list numbers are not decreasing, and the Coalition Government is “significantly reducing the money they contribute to social housing”.

“With the Liberal Government coming in, the money has stopped and a lot of the housing associations like Community Housing Limited, who did new builds in Wonthaggi, have all stopped,” Ms Williams said.

“The Office of Housing has changed their wait lists because they’ve got to look like they’re doing something with these numbers; applications just keep firing in and they can’t get these people housed.”

Ms Williams said wait lists are also increasing because of people’s tendencies to try and find housing through Gippscare rather than seek out private rentals.

“It’s becoming the first place of call; they just want a THM until they get their office of housing offer,” she said.

“I say what about private rental and they say they can’t.

People are saying ‘That’s too hard. I want to get into the Office of Housing because it’s cheaper’.

“It’s absolutely a problem.

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell today released the statewide public housing waiting list figures which show a significant fall in applications in the June 2012 quarter.

The total number of applicants for the June 2012 quarter fell by 947, from 37,887 to 36,940.

The number of applicants in the Gippsland Region fell by 67, down by 38 through the Morwell office, Community Housing Limited.

tional parks, and suggested people had jumped to the worst possible conclusions about the Prom following the government’s announcement.

“There is clarity lacking in what they are going to do in the park, and until that comes out we won’t know anything,” he said.

“Nothing has come un-

der our noses in terms of property development in Wilsons Promontory.”

Mr Stefani said the council would, however, continue to support development on private land.

“Council has been working with Tom and supporting the rezoning for his property to proceed,” he said.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

A LEONGATHA shopper was shocked to be nearly run over by a motorcyclist on the footpath last Friday. The motorcyclist took off past Sportsfirst, accelerating all the way.

B I R T H D A Y wishes to Malcolm ‘Bluey’Aeschlimann who celebrated his 70th birthday with family and friends with lunch at McCartin’s Hotel, Leongatha, on Sunday.

FISH Creek Primary School is looking for items for the end of year performance. If you have any big boxes, get them to the school as fast as you can.

WITH the arrival of spring, snakes are posing a greater threat to pets as the warmer weather and drier conditions put an end to their winter hibernation.

Australia’s peak veterinary body, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), is urging pet owners to take precautions to prevent deadly encounters with snakes.

Symptoms of snake bite can include sudden onset of seizures, vomiting, weakness in the limbs and inability to move.

Soon after the symptoms occur, the animal may collapse with severely laboured breathing.

Although snake bites can be deadly, rapid treatment with the appropriate anti-venom can be a very effective if done quickly.

IF YOU suspect some-

Pink star: a giant pig is heading to Inverloch. He weighs in at 700kgs, is almost three metres tall, five metres long and two metres wide.

He’s also responsible for helping to bring home the bacon with a goal of raising $1 million for the Very Special Kids 15th annual Piggy Bank Appeal.

Pete the giant pig will be at Inverloch Lotto (Foodworks supermarket) this Saturday, September 22 from 11.30am to 4.30pm for a sausage sizzle by Inverloch Lions Club and a family fun day. one is thinking about suicide, the very best thing you can do is ask them, straight out.

That’s the advice being provided by Lifeline.

Some of the signs that someone may be thinking about suicide could be: withdrawing from friends and family; giving away possessions; saying goodbye; talking about ‘ending it’, or about despair or about overwhelming circumstances, including on social media; previous suicide attempts; uncharacteristic behaviour, such as no longer enjoying an activity they used to love; or mood swings, loss of appetite or heavy prolonged drug or alcohol use.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

THE Leukaemia Foundation is encouraging Australians to take five minutes to get to

know their nodes.

The focus is aimed at increasing the early detection of the country’s sixth most common cancer, which often has mild symptoms that may mean people do not see their doctor straight away, potentially delaying treatment.

People are urged to check their body for a more specific symptom: hard, painless lumps in the neck, armpits or groin.

Doctors without Borders.

It was a successful day with more than $3000 being raised for humanitarian aid.

After hearing of a fellow community member being in need and numerous staff members having attended Newhaven College and playing football at Leongatha, it was decided to donate more time by working longer on the day to also raise an extra $1500 to go to the Beau Vernon Trust.

THE Royal Australian Navy Band performed to a crowd of 175 at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre last Thursday. All money raised from the event went to the Wonthaggi Hospital Ladies Auxiliary to buy new equipment for the hospital.

PLANNING for the annual Carols in the Drome event in Leongatha is now underway. Meetings have already been held and this year, the event will be held alongside the velodrome, rather than in it. The carols will be held on Saturday, December 15. The Christmas carols involve school

choirs, Leongatha churches and the South Gippsland Shire Brass Band, as well as local artists.

BEST of luck to Jack Clements of Inverloch, who is representing Inverloch Primary School while playing for Victoria at this year’s Australian Championships. The tournament will be held in Perth from October 13-20.

being warned of melanoma danger ahead of summer.

Melanoma Institute Australia is calling on Australians to protect themselves against the sun and limit exposure to potentially harmful UV rays.

Be sure to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing and a broadbrimmed hat, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours, and wear wraparound sunglasses.

BE sure to check out Lifeline Gippsland’s retail shop at Wonthaggi. Look for a book, a pre-loved piece of furniture, or that piece of clothing not to be found in mainstream stores.

Proceeds from items sold will support Lifeline Gippsland’s Suicide Prevention and Support Program. This program is also unique to Gippsland Victoria.

MEMBERS of the Probus Club of Leongatha will embark on a tour of Parliament House and the Old Treasury Building next Tuesday, September 25.

AUSTRALIANS

are

Happy birthday: well known local doctor Ron Murley celebrated his 70th birthday on Saturday night with family and friends at the Kongwak Hall.

ON Saturday, August 4 all the staff at Cardell Chartered Accountants at Wonthaggi volunteered their time by coming into the office on the weekend and working for free.

Fees raised on the day would be donated to a charity chosen by the staff.

This charity day had been planned for many months with the chosen charity for this year being Medecins Sans Frontiers/

Guests enjoyed music from string group Stringz Costero and everyone danced to the local Streeton Court Big Band. Ron is pictured with his wife Donna.

Winning Entry: it was all smiles with the major award winner Meeniyan artist Leslie Monahan (centre), judge Dineke Mclean from Melbourne (left), and Cr Mohya Davies, deputy mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council who opened the exhibition.

Artist shines THE Leongatha Art and Craft Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary by holding the Liberated Books artist’s book competition at the Meeniyan Art Gallery.

The competition has received financial support from both the South Gippsland Shire Council and Regional Arts Victoria.

This exciting exhibition type is new to South Gippsland but drew entries from 35 artists from Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, and Western Australia.

Against such strong competition, the local art community can be proud that one of its own, Meeniyan artist Leslie Monahan won the major Award and $1000. Her entry, Four Decades, is a mixed media sculpture composed of recycled metal and fabric, and found feathers.

Judge Dineke McLean, who is well-known both nationally and internationally for artist’s books, handmade paper and private press publications, said that artists using the book format are able to employ all manner of mediums and techniques to achieve their end.

Commenting on Leslie’s winning artwork, Ms McLean believed it was a beautifully resolved piece of work consisting of many layers.

“The artist’s attention to detail and immaculate craftsmanship shows a thorough understanding of her chosen materials and how best to combine them,” she said.

“No matter where or from what angle this book sculpture is viewed, the observer’s interest will be rewarded”.

The Liberated Books Exhibition can be viewed at the Meeniyan Art gallery until Thursday, September 27.

Cheryl Opie: the Sandringham based art teacher took a class in Koonwarra recently.

Painting with feeling ART is emotional and when it comes to Cheryl Opie’s art class, that’s what it’s all about.

“I tell my students that it’s about the journey when painting,” she said.

“It’s all about healing through the art and you can tear up the painting if you want once you’re finished because the final product isn’t the goal.”

Cheryl recently took a class at Koonwarra.

Her classes are a relaxing and peaceful environment that encourages people to paint from the heart.

“Painting really shows the sort of person you are and it exposes your old patterns and mannerisms,” she said.

“Many people use painting as a meditation and that’s the sort of process that I teach.”

The Sandringham based artist has been teaching this process for 11 years.

Cheryl believes in using lots of colour to express oneself.

This was her first workshop in South Gippsland but she wants to return as soon as she can.

“There’s some lovely countryside around here and a very soothing environment,” she said.

“I’d like to return here and do more workshops if I can.”

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 11

A regional partnership with the TAC and the Victorian Government.

Police reveal unpaid fines POLICE were letting motorists know they are always on the watch, with a number of operations last week uncovering nearly $100,000 worth of unpaid fines.

Officers from the Bass Coast Highway Patrol, Cowes and Inverloch worked alongside the sheriff’s department to conduct another Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation in various locations in the Bass Coast Shire last Monday and Tuesday.

The ANPR technology was set up in Cowes, Venus Bay and Inverloch, with police members conducting road blocks at these locations.

The sheriff’s department spoke to 38 people and cleared 271 outstanding warrants for unpaid fines totalling nearly $100,000.

Police said a number of these people paid their fines on the spot to the sheriff’s department, totalling just under $10,000.

Highway patrol Sergeant Jason Hullick said using the ANPR resulted in another successful week endorsing road safety throughout the region.

“Over 3000 vehicles were scanned using the technology with about 1.5 per cent of vehicles being detected as registering an ‘interest’, requiring police or the sheriffs to speak to the driver,” he said.

“This detection rate is slightly above the state average which sits at about one per cent.”

Police also conducted over 500 preliminary breath tests at the road blocks.

As a result police issued a number of infringement notices for unregistered vehicles and unlicensed driving.

One man was also detected breaching his alcohol interlock condition.

In addition to this, two vehicles were detected speeding, with a 26-year-old male from Sale found to be driving whilst disqualified and under the influence of alcohol.

This man had his vehicle impounded under the hoon legislation for 30 days and will be charged on summons for numerous traffic related offences.

Sgt Hullick said while police were happy to see motorists driving safely, they were disappointed with those caught breaking the law.

“Once again we see that the vast majority of drivers are doing the right thing but unfortunately there is an element of our society that just do not get it,” he said.

“We will continue to run numerous road policing operations throughout the Bass Coast Police Service Area, especially as we head into the warmer months, which generally see more traffic on our roads.”

Keeping our roads safe: Inverloch Police Sergeant Glenn Parke takes part in an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation on the Bass Highway at Inverloch last Tuesday. The operation revealed $100,000 in unpaid fines.

New slogan spruiks safety VICTORIAN number plates will soon carry the road safety message, “Victoria – Stay Alert, Stay Alive”.

The new slogan is part of the State Government’s bid to reduce the state’s road toll.

Premier Mr Ted Baillieu announced the new number plate slogan during a regional sitting of Parliament in Ballarat recently.

The road safety message is expected to make its debut on number plates in early 2013, when VicRoads now predicts the current number and letter combination for plates will be exhausted.

Mr Baillieu said the initiative built on Victoria’s reputation as a world leader in road safety.

“We want to make sure that we keep road safety front and centre for every Victorian,” Mr Baillieu said.

“What better place to reinforce road safety messages to motorists than on number plates.

“Last year 287 Victorians lost their lives and more than 5000 people sustained serious injuries on our roads.

“When driving our attention needs to focus on many things: intersections, other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, speed limits, other hazards and our own behaviour.

“The message ‘Stay Alert, Stay Alive’ will act as a constant reminder to motorists about the need

A bloody idiot’s mum.

to remain focused and drive safely on our roads.

“This is also about getting people thinking and talking about improving road safety.

“We know that continual reminders and reinforcing messages are an important part of road safety public education.

“The new number plate slogan will effectively mean hundreds of thousands of reminders to drive safely on our roads every day.”

The search for a number plate message began last year, when the Coalition Government invited Victorians to submit ideas for potential messages as part of the Name a Plate for your State initiative.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Not fair

RATEPAYERS in Bass Coast need to be aware that shire money is being used to pay for work which is the responsibility of VicRoads.

Grant money paid to the shire under the Local Government Infrastructure Program is being used to do work on the Bass Highway on the road surface, bicycle lanes and highway lighting.

In addition a group of 82 residents under the Graham Street Special Charge Scheme are asked to contribute up to $29,000 each (a total of $763,494.92) for the alterations to the highway where it passes along Graham Street.

The Graham Street Area Special Charge Scheme SCS No.42 is described as an upgrade of road and drainage infrastructure.

The specifics describe sealing roads, lighting, drainage and footpaths in Lynch Close and Bent Street (shire responsibilities).

Graham Street works include footpaths and underground drains (a shire responsibility), highway lighting, bicycle lanes and road surfaces on the Bass Highway (which are a VicRoads responsibility).

VicRoads is actually contrib-

uting nothing to these works at all. The project overview documents sent to affected owners misleadingly state that VicRoads and council are funding the project. A prior special charge scheme for this area was defeated by a ratepayer petition.

The petition clearly stated community anger about being charged for work which VicRoads refused to fund. Why did this new document state that VicRoads is funding the project when it is not?

Bass Coast Shire received a grant of $2.5 million from the Local Government Infrastructure Development Fund.

The council has chosen to use approximately $1.15 million of this on the Graham Street Special Charge Scheme. This fund was established as a way for regional councils to get extra money to cover their needs for infrastructure development.

It may be appropriate to use the grant to make Lynch Close and Bent Street and put drains and footpaths on Graham Street but not the road surface, bicycle lanes and lighting on Graham Street which is a state highway.

Nor is it reasonable to ask residents in Graham Street to

E D I T O R I A L TAFE cuts may hurt sport SATURDAY was a day that brought people from across South Gippsland and the Bass Coast together in a way unlike any other.

The reason? The Alberton football and netball grand finals, perfect opportunities to showcase the talent of young people in our area.

However, the challenges of finding enough players to form teams only look to increase, with local TAFE colleges, GippsTAFE and Chisholm, last week revealing cutbacks more severe than first thought in the wake of earlier State Government funding cutbacks.

The future of the Bass Coast campus of Chisholm is not secure beyond next year, despite having 680 students.

GippsTAFE will reduce its workforce by 100 and fees will rise by up to 400 per cent.

The changes will more than likely force young people to pursue studies beyond the region and with the costs of travelling and time constraints, they may be less inclined to return home at weekends to pull on the boots or sneakers for their usual football and netball teams.

The Coalition, and particularly The Nationals, have long argued for the need to invest more in the regions and yet the TAFE policy conflicts with the latter party’s claim to represent rural constituents.

The State Government’s action is likely to hinder moves by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to improve Australians’ education levels.

COAG’s National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development aims to halve the proportion of Australians aged 20-64 without qualifications at Certificate 3 level and above, between 2009 and 2020.

The Gippsland Regional Plan also states: “The Monash University campus at Churchill and a number of TAFE campuses provide tertiary level education but the services need to be expanded and better promoted throughout the region, particularly to young people.”

Without local TAFE campuses – and ones that are adequately resourced – access to higher education would be limited, particularly in country communities where public transport is poor or nonexistent.

While the push towards online education may offer opportunities for people to study from home, online study is not feasible for practical studies requiring specialist equipment and tuition.

The government has often spruiked a desire to improve the number of Gippslanders pursuing tertiary education. Cutting funding to the education sector will not address that.

A decision made by the government this year will affect skill levels in Australia in years to come.

Letters guidelines ALL letters should be kept to 400 words or less.

The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style.

Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

contribute additional funds to the work on Lynch and Bent streets.

The Regional Infrastructure Development Fund should not be used to replace VicRoads funding. The grant should be used for infrastructure around the shire which is council’s responsibility.

There are many areas around the shire where drains and streets are desperate for improvement and I cannot understand why council has prioritised work which is the responsibility of VicRoads and should be funded by VicRoads.

Heather Carroll, The Blue Pig Gallery, Wonthaggi.

Just fix potholes THE Baillieu Government has failed to produce a road safety strategy after nearly two years.

The best the government has come up with to date is a survey which is nothing more than a stunt.

Victorians will be dismayed that the man heading the Baillieu Government’s road safety strategy development is none other than the failed Police Minister Peter Ryan, the man responsible for Victoria’s first rise in crime rates in more than a decade.

The Baillieu Government has sacked hundreds of VicRoads and Department of Justice staff, the very people who would have worked on a road safety strategy.

Producing stickers, a website and a survey is not a road safety strategy.

It is time the no-action Baillieu Government produced a detailed strategy that will save Victorian lives after two years of doing nothing.

Mr Baillieu and Mr Ryan as a first step should return all the maintenance funding it ripped out of the VicRoads budget and fix the thousands of dangerous potholed roads across Victoria.

Luke Donnellan, Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety.

Cr Fawcett’s vision

avoid or minimise unwarranted reductions in service or deferral of capital works, we must be bold and clever in exploring all options available to council.

We need to urgently review our substantial land holdings that are either unused or underutilised.

Preliminary studies have identified over 160 acres that fall into this category. Most of this land would have a residential, commercial or industrial use and have a high value.

While actual market value has yet to be determined, my conservative calculation suggests a value of more than $20 million.

Our community can no longer afford to have so much invested in non-performing assets. I suggest our next council adopt and commit to realising over 50 per cent or $10 million of that portfolio over the next four years.

If more is realised, so much the better.

Funds released from such a program would serve two purposes. Firstly they would be reinvested in more appropriate infrastructure, providing greater community benefit across each ward.

If elected I would nominate the following as worthy outcomes: • Tarwin Valley Ward, $4 million: purchase VicTrack land in Leongatha to develop car-parking and a civic centre precinct; and Mirboo North pool upgrade.

• Strzelecki Ward, $3 million: Coal Creek development to achieve cost neutrality; and community/children centre hub.

• Coastal Promontory Ward, $3 million: Port Welshpool marina development; and

Roads deplorable Dear Peter Ryan, THE South Gippsland Highway is now worse than it has ever been - much worse than when you were in Opposition.

The stretch between Korumburra and Leongatha is a virtual death trap. This is the road that you promised to fix when you became Deputy Premier.

What a joke. Just another example of regional Victoria being abandoned by this Coalition

Government.

Now we learn through secret leaked documents that the city Liberals have slashed millions of dollars out of the VicRoads’ budget and hundreds of VicRoads staff will be sacked. In other words, it is just going to get worse.

So what are you going to do about it Mr Ryan? Keep blaming the previous government? That is starting to wear a bit thin.

When are you going to stand up to the Liberal Party on behalf of regional Victoria Mr Ryan?

Or instead, will you simply make a lame promise to fix it during the next election campaign?

Regional people may not have preferred a Brumby Labor Government, but at least John Brumby had the decency to spend money on services to regional Victoria. We are now officially sorry that we voted for you.

Andrew McFarland, Venus Bay.

Council jobs

Disappointed to see a number of new job vacancies for the South Gippsland Shire advertised in last week’s Star.

Couldn’t the decision for these costs be left to an incoming council?

Also surprised to see we have a shire tourism department. I’d like to see our new council concentrate on fixing the roads and reducing our rates, not on empire building, tourism, sustainability and other such stuff we don’t need.

Steve Finlay, Leongatha.

South Gippsland Highway realignment at Koonwarra no longer being a priority for council and VicRoads, in the wake of a truck and two cars colliding.

•

THE next term of South Gippsland Shire Council may be the most important for our community since amalgamation.

We are facing extreme budget pressure from a $ 4.6 million superannuation levy, new or existing State Government imposed charges and increased spending on infrastructure such as roads, pools and waste management.

Council has already started the process to review our budget to identify savings. This by itself may not be enough. If we are to

• Foster services and emergency hub.

Secondly and more importantly, these developments will generate savings from cost reductions and additional rate income from previously unrated properties.

Fully implemented they should result in additional funding capacity of over $500,000 each year. Initially these funds would be applied towards our superannuation levy. In later years they could then be applied to infrastructure maintenance with an initial emphasis on roads.

There remains much work to be done but my last four years on council has given me the confidence that the organisation has now got the capacity to implement and complete such a strategy.

I am prepared to put my hand up to commit to that approach. I would ask that you do the same by voting for me and other likeminded candidates.

Jim Fawcett, sitting councillor and candidate for Tarwin Valley Ward.

• • • •

Morgan Fisher: “Not a priority?! How many people must be injured or killed on those bends before it becomes a priority? My mother was nearly killed on those bends 16 years ago, shutting down the highway for half the day when a 4x4 lost control and hit her driver’s door.

“I helped at a grain truck rollover accident on the same corners two years later, still nothing has been done. There has been too many accidents there over the years for this to keep getting put off!”

Scotty Hillis: “Let’s be honest. The roads are absolutely no priority to council. All this will fall on deaf ears.”

Brett Kneale: “It’s about time VicRoads does something before someone dies!!!”

Shawnt’e Tenielle Smith: “And the rail trail users are supposed to walk along here, instead of VicRoads getting their act together and helping to fix it/open it.

“Imagine if a family was riding/walking along here at the same time.”

Danielle Hepburn: “Those corners are bad at times, more when wet ... Yes something needs to be done before someone gets killed ... Stop pointing fingers at trucks with speed. Does anyone know for sure if it was speed?”

VOXPOP! VOX What would should people do while holidaying in our region?

Visit the beaches, even on the not so nice days. It is a great place to relax and think.

Helen Spencer, Korumburra

Visit the Prom, or go up into the hills to do some of the tourist drives. We have some really fantastic old places up there.

Lesley Riley, Leongatha

Visit the heated pool, or the cinema. Take a trip down to the Prom or definitely the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.

Carmen Olm, Leongatha

Go to the Tarra Bulga National Park. It just has some of the most stunning scenery.

Rose O’Halloran, Korumburra

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 13

Council dangles carrot BUSINESSES will enjoy relaxed parking rates in Leongatha under a plan now before South Gippsland Shire Council.

Businesses extending their premises or reconfiguring an existing site in the central business district will not have to provide – or pay towards – as many parking spaces as they do under current rules.

Council will even waive the fee for the first four car-parks.

When parking is not provided, a business’s contribution would be paid into a Parking Investment Fund that could be established.

The average car-parking space costs a total of $9600 to provide.

The changes are part of the draft Leongatha CBD Parking Strategy.

The news was delivered to 14 people – including seven council officers, councillors and media – at an information session at the council chambers at Leongatha last Thursday night.

Council’s strategic planner Victor Ng said the strategy sought to encourage commercial growth in the CBD. “From council’s perspective, it is important that we do not overburden ratepayers living elsewhere but at the same time, we do not want to disadvantage businesses,” he said.

Council’s contribution to parking provision would be capped at $86,400 when a business is required to provide 20 or more spaces.

People opening a new business at an existing site would benefit from any parking credit already paid by the previous operator.

A survey of business-people and residents, as well as the public, found that half of respondents believed there was a shortage of parking, but the consultants believed otherwise.

Council’s strategic planning co-ordinator Craig Lyon said: “Parking is not really a problem apart from the peak period. Even then, it does not meet the trigger points used by traffic engineers.”

The strategy recommended the rail yards owned by VicTrack next to the Leongatha railway station be considered for parking. Council is now working with RMIT university students to produce design concepts for that land.

“We have looked at sites (for parking) that are privately owned but they are not sites we are looking at going with at this stage,” Mr Lyon said.

The strategy found businesses were not providing onsite parking as required by regulations.

The strategy called for reduced parking limits and enforcing limits, but council does not have adequate resources to increase patrols.

Leongatha’s Lynn Tapscott said there was inadequate disabled parking around Leongatha and said able bodied drivers were parking in disabled zones. She and husband John were recently abused by a driver flouting the law, after asking the driver to move.

“A lot of elderly people are not picking up their medicine because they cannot park close to the pharmacy,” she said.

Mr Ng said existing disabled parking spaces were not used for 80 per cent of the time.

“We acknowledge the location of disabled spaces might need to be reviewed,” he said.

Other recommendations of the strategy include: improved directional signage to off-street parking sites; further review of parking for long trucks; providing new bicycle facilities; and providing cycling lanes.

Mr Ng said the strategy came about due to a perceived lack of parking in the town. He believed parking pressures would increase due to forecast population growth, given Leongatha’s proximity to Melbourne.

Public submissions to the strategy close on October 1.

The strategy is yet to be adopted by council.

to au d ra ic an e

c

se ng ne

9 evevnerCsSi-VT eanllgoiy wheels tible) s e H h pa CXith ralve DO 18 incg 3 com

P v n 24 tic ioni r (M V6 vema ondit playe e r D lit gew ~ r-c cti har 3.7 eed A trol ai disc C gs c a a -sp 6- airb extr con AY 6 90 W imate ntrol rtain at no 9 A l u , t o c C 4 RIVE uise c and a pain 4 Cr , side /mic D ont Y $ ic NL tall Fr y us me M O ist rant Pl O s s

r FR

w

e A y Wa d i r s ad acto o R F ar ear e s Y 3 tra Y ag rb i x a E eo 6 W NO

N

a r ed fo it m li

UR MA YO

FIRST! OU

{e Dy wh T engine Z { llo S-V l

e

m

ti

HC ro DO Cont V g 6 1 ility m nin w litre Stab Syste nditio 0 . c t l o i 2 s ynam ontro Air-c assi C e D ction ntrol brak le) ge o tib nd Tra har uise c EBD a ompa rbags tra c c ai ex h Cr S wit (MP3 rtain at no AB layer nd cu aint p a ca p i CD ide ont, s llic/m a # Fr met us Pl AY Y L

W ON A E OM IV FR DR

Mith a

E E FR ol rol tr n ont co ility C ning

ge har o ise ab nditio ble) tra c t e S x N ru o e ic ati c am Air-c mp t no d Dyn ol P3 co aint a LY AY n a W e contr er (M ica p ON A n s i g E y M ag T en uise IV pla llic/m FRO r rb S-V C CD meta DR ai C H em ist s 6 t s DO Plu h 6V ol Sys ke as s it 1 e a g r w br irba litr ont a 2.0 n C and ractio EBD urtain c h T t S wi and ide AB ont, s r F

PUTS Y ER

ZD

{

{

49 , 6

$2

$1

1045369-KS38-12 45369-KS38-12

M

0 9 1,9

0°

2

d

3els an

ø

A DEAL ZD

South Gippsland Shire Council held an information session about the Eastern Districts Urban Design Frameworks at Welshpool Hall last Tuesday night.

The framework lays out plans for the use of land within and adjacent to the four towns of Port Franklin, Toora, Welshpool and Port Welshpool, plus the localities of Mount Best, Agnes and Hedley.

Fifteen people attended from the various communities and groups, and there was discussion clarifying the proposed changes.

The framework is the basis of amendment C77, said Craig Lyon, council’s strategic planning co-ordinator.

“The purpose of the amendment is to define the towns’ boundaries and areas for limited future growth, and to support and enhance the settlements, local economies and environment for the benefit of current and future residents, businesses and visitors,” Mr Lyon said.

“Changes to zones and overlays are made so they are generally consistent with existing uses, or consistent with preferred land uses.”

Mr Lyon reported general support for the amendment and people were pleased to be consulted.

The amendment closes on September 28.

ss ts cam a

la

Towns to grow PLANS for the growth of the Corner Inlet district were well received by the community last week.

Stop here: Frank Considine and John Stewart discuss parking matters in Leongatha with South Gippsland Shire Council’s strategic planner Victor Ng.

ø Free offers apply to new Mazda2, Mazda3 excluding 300H models, Mazda6 and CX-9 that can be delivered within the month of September 2012. ~ Recommended Promotional Driveaway Price for CX-9 Classic. ° Recommended Promotional Driveaway Price for Mazda2 Neo manual. #Recommended Promotional Driveaway Price for Mazda3 Neo manual, Sedan or Hatch.

VIEW OUR QUALITY USED CARS at www.brucecloughmazda.com.au Family Owned Business... come deal directly with the owners, get the right deal and right advice first time, every time

Bruce Clough Mazda Princes Hwy Cnr Bessie Creek Rd, Nar Nar Goon Melway 319 E6

Sales & Service Ph. 5942 5238

OPEN ALL DAY SATURDAY www.brucecloughmazda.com.au LMCT 3039

WARRAGUL’s LOCAL Mazda Dealer PRIN

CES H

WY

PAKENHAM

Bessie Creek Rd

By Brad Lester

BRUCE CLOUGH MAZDA

WARRAGUL 20 minutes

NAR NAR GOON EXIT BERWICK 15 minutes

NAR NAR GOON EXIT

PAKEN

HAM B YPASS

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Beatson chases council seat

By Sarah Vella BRUCE Beatson from Agnes is standing for the Coastal Promontory Ward of South Gippsland Shire Council in the upcoming October elections.

Mr Beatson stood for council at the last election four years ago, and said since then his passion for the region and to serve the electorate has not diminished.

Previous roles held by Mr Beatson include being a director at Bonlac Foods for 13 years and he was deputy chair of United Dairy Victoria for two years.

Mr Beatson has also re-

cently stepped down from his role on the board of the Toora Community Bank, which he held for nearly 13 years.

“I have had the view for a long time that we need people in council with broad business skills, who understand the way a board works,” he said.

“They should be able to make decisions in the best interests of the entire constituency.

“Council’s basic role is to manage their area of land in the most efficient way, so people can go about their business without disruption.

“We seem to be seeing less and less people on the ground doing general maintenance.

I am just about sick of seeing hazard signs on the side of the road, only to have weeds grow

over them.

“We have to think about what we are going to do, rather than just doing it.”

Mr Beatson described himself as a pragmatic environmentalist, and believes answers to the questions about sustainability will be found.

“I am opposed to coal seam gas, but I would endeavour to say to people we need to understand the bigger picture,” he said.

Mr Beatson said his main interest if elected will be shire efficiency, “the efficient delivery of services to all constituents underpins my aim,” he said.

“I also believe getting back to basics with maintenance and the development of infrastructure is important for the South

Gippsland Shire Council.

“The other issue is that I think it is time that we took some of the politics out of local shire procedures.

“When a solution to an issue cannot be reached, it is ultimately up to the people in power to make a decision and move on.”

Mr Beatson is standing on a joint ticket with current councillor, Mohya Davies.

Local council: Bruce Beatson is standing for the Coastal Promontory Ward in the upcoming South Gippsland Shire Council elections.

National retailers rush to plaza

By Simone Short AS construction nears completion, Wonthaggi Plaza Shopping Centre has secured two more national retail stores.

Jeanswest and a Telstra Shop will join major stores Target and Coles, as well as The Reject Shop, Priceline, Best and Less and Centrelink.

With the Commonwealth Bank, Donut King, Baker’s Delight and Prouds Jewellers to also open, only four of the 16 specialty stores remain vacant.

Polaris Property Group director Lloyd Williams is happy with the confirmed vendors so far.

“There’s a mix of both national

and local retailers and the leasing is proceeding well,” he said.

“There’s four shops remaining for lease and we welcome expressions of interest.”

Although the official opening date is still yet to be confirmed, the plaza is expected to open in time for Christmas shopping.

Mr Williams said construction is on schedule.

“We anticipate opening in early December this year,” he said.

“The roof is on, all the walls are up and they’re commencing internals now.”

The first of its kind in South Gippsland, Mr Williams said the plaza would be a central point to retailing in the region.

Mother’s Union Presents

Shopping galore: national retailers Jeanswest and a Telstra Shop are the latest stores to confirm new homes in the Wonthaggi Plaza Shopping Centre, which is scheduled to open in early December.

Coal Creek must stand on own feet

The 5 Most Pressing Concerns for Parents in 2012

Dr Michael Carr-Gregg (Adolescent Psychologist)

Tuesday 9 October, 7.30pm

GP1375147

St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Traralgon Campus Gymnasium Cost: $10 Concession: $5

For bookings call Gwen Matheson on 5134 1356, Bev Foster 5622 1949.

Email: muauscpd@iprimus.com.au

“It brings an air-conditioned mall and national retailers who would not otherwise be in the area, such as the Reject Shop and Priceline,” he said.

Mr Williams, however, believed the shopping centre would not draw attention away from the main street, or refocus the main shopping district of Wonthaggi to Murray Street and surrounds.

“I think there are plenty of examples of shopping centres and a main street working side-by-side,” he said.

“While it’s big for South Gippsland, there are only a limited number of specialty stores.”

SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has taken the first step in a bid to make Coal Creek Community Park and Museum “cost neutral” within seven years.

Tourism consulting company Mawland Construction Pty Ltd has won the contract to deliver a feasibility study and business plan for Coal Creek.

“Following Coal Creek’s recent successes and consistent growth over the past four years, council is pursuing a strategy to make Coal Creek cost neutral within seven years through a business development project that will take advantage of its current market pull of over 60,000 visitors a year,”

said Phil Stone, council’s director of development services.

“Our consultants will assess the feasibility of improvements to the management structure, investment and resourcing of the park to increase annual revenues.

“There have been many ideas for new initiatives, including construction of a school camp, adventure training activities and other ideas to take advantage of the underutilised land and some of the buildings in the park.”

Mawland Construction Pty Ltd is an experienced tourism consulting company, with expertise in working in sensitive places such as national parks and heritage sites, council said.

They have seen major

Spam attacks BASS Coast Shire council has been hit by spam that bombarded its server with around 50,000 emails every five minutes.

Council’s corporate services director Danny Luna said there was no security breach but the spammers had disrupted email traffic. He said when the attacks started, the server overloaded, affecting incoming and outgoing email traffic.

He said anyone who had received a delivery failure notice should resend their email.

Mr Luna said the council’s IT team had worked “around the clock” to fix the spam problem.

“If you are concerned that an email hasn’t been delivered, particularly if it relates to a job application, tender or a contractual matter, please contact us or resend the email.

“We would certainly rather receive your email twice than not receive it at all.”

successes with Lilianfels Guesthouse and Q Station (the former Quarantine Station at Manly, NSW), turning around Q Station’s viability as lessee/operators and developing the site as retreat accommodation and an education program venue. Q Station has since received many tourism and hospitality awards.

Coal Creek co-ordinator Rowena Ashley welcomed the news and is looking forward to Mawland’s visit during the busy October school holidays to undertake a detailed assessment of the operation.

“They will also be consulting with stakeholders, groups and individuals across the shire to tap their wealth of knowledge and ideas for its future,” she said.

“Coal Creek belongs to all South Gippslanders, not just Korumburra people, and we’d love to hear from a wide range of interested parties.”

Mawland will make recommendations to council on the overall management approach to developing the feasibility study and implementing the business plan, while council will apply

for a grant of $30,000 under Regional Development Victoria’s Putting Locals First Program toward the project budget.

“Following its revamp in 2008, the park has successfully identified new markets and it’s now time to take it to the next level to make it a financially sustainable attraction for the shire,” Mr Stone said.

“It would be the perfect reward for all those who helped create the village back in the seventies, and to the thousands of volunteers over the years who have nurtured the dream.”

Give us bins: Rankine THE people of Bass Coast want green waste bins.

In his election campaign, Hovell Ward candidate Neil Rankine has so far knocked on the doors of 900 homes.

“I have a pretty good idea of what is concerning residents,” he said.

And what they’re bothered about is the lack of a green waste collection.

He is suggesting Bass Coast should get together with other councils to develop a facility big enough to be economical.

Mr Rankine said most Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson residents are proud of their gardens, but many don’t have the means of disposing of lawn clippings, pruning and weeds.

“They don’t like using poisons, they’re not allowed to burn them, they don’t want piles of rotting vegetation in their yards, but without a trailer they have a problem.”

Mr Rankine has heard some “amazing

stories” of the lengths some people go to to get rid of garden waste.

He is aware council has looked into provision of a green waste service, but in his view, it is not fair to say, “Too expensive, can’t be done.” Particularly not with the Rhyll transfer station being closed and not replaced.

“Naturally we have to keep costs under control, but I feel sure there will not only be a solution to this problem but a positive benefit if we just look at it carefully and are prepared to consider other possibilities.”

One of those is a joint council processing hub that would produce profitable products.

“If elected to the council I will be following this issue up strongly.”

He said EPA landfill levies are one of the fastest growing expenses for council and organic waste in landfill creates carbon emissions, so keeping green waste out of landfill makes sense.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 15

LOVE LOVE LOVE THE NEW F O U N TA I N G AT E MYER & NEW FASHION OPENS THURSDAY 9AM

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Jetset celebrates 20 IT takes something special to last a decade in a business, however it takes something extraordinary to last two.

Jetset Leongatha is proud to be celebrating its 20th birthday this week, with Jill and Ed Carmody originally taking over Great Southern Travel on September 14, 1992.

When they first took over the business all those years ago, Jill admits she didn’t think they would still be here two decades later.

“The business was in the red,” she said.

“I believe through good service we built it back up and in the first nine

months, we were back in the black. That was what I wanted to achieve in our first year.”

Jill said after the initial 12 months, she wasn’t sure where the business plan would take her, but through manager and consultant training with Jetset, they soon developed a five year plan and set goals.

Therefore, it only made sense that in October, 2002, Great Southern Travel would take on the Jetset name, which allowed the Carmodys to operate a professional, local business under a well known brand.

“I think after 10 years we had taken the Great Southern Travel name as far as we could on our own, and it was time to take on the Jetset name,” Jill said.

Happy birthday: Jetset Leongatha team Lisa O’Brien, Ed and Jill Carmody and Renee McLennan celebrate 20 years with cake at the office yesterday (Monday).

“We’ve always had great support from Jetset, from our marketing and training to strengthening our buying power, and they’ve also enabled us to access so many other tools, such as accruing Flybuys points for clients.”

Taking on a new name also coincided with Ed joining the business on a fulltime basis as office manager.

“He’s been very important over the past 10 years, providing us with background support in all areas of the business, including bookwork and marketing,” Jill said.

“He also attends conferences, is upto-date with all the latest developments in the industry and escorts travel groups.”

Jill said although the industry is forever changing and developing, the secret to success has always been to focus on professional service.

“When we took over, we only had one consultant and one computer to book holiday packs through the Jetset Booking engine,” she said.

“We’ve continued to expand our services and keep our emphasis on good customer relations. We have grown to three full-time and three part-time consultants, as well as an office manager.”

Today, Jetset offers its clients an extensive range of services, including Travel Escape, a bi-monthly newsletter advertising special deals and new initiatives, group departures escorted by Jill and Ed, and unique educational group departures for special interests, an initiative Jill has been offering for around 15 years.

In fact, Jill first came up with the idea for educational group tours after going on what she describes as her most memorable travel experience to date.

“The one I couldn’t replace would be my trip to Israel in 1997,” she said.

“It was an overwhelming experience visiting the country and all the holy places. In fact when I started group departures, my first educational one was to Israel because of my own experience.”

Today, Jetset Leongatha has taken groups to countries including Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Canada, the Celtic countries and the Middle East, and returning to Israel is still on Jill’s own bucket list.

Jetset Leongatha’s fantastic service hasn’t gone unrecognised either. They have received a variety of awards from major suppliers on an annual basis, with the most recent from Sunlover Holidays, Cox and Kings and Alliance Insurance.

The Jetset Leongatha team was also given the top accolade in 2007 when they

were awarded the Jetset Agency of the Year for Victoria and Tasmania.

Jill said when she first began working in travel in 1986, she never imagined she would be where she was today.

“Initially we didn’t set out to run our own business, but after working for another agent for four years, the opportunity arose and we stepped up to the challenge,” she said.

“I believe if you don’t grow, you go backwards, and part of that growth for us was in this business, which has been a big part of my life for the past 20 years.”

At the end of the day, Jill said what

does matter most is providing a high quality level of service to all, and their repeat clientele is proof of great customer satisfaction.

“Our experience proves the industry is about service; if you don’t provide it, you’re not going to be here for long,” Jill said. “I think that is why we are still in business today.”

And although it’s Jetset Leongatha’s birthday, they are offering a special gift to their loyal customers to celebrate.

When booking your holiday before September 28, make sure to ask Jill about a special birthday Flybuys bonus.

From the vault: Renee and Jill Carmody and Lisa O’Brien at Jetset Leongatha in 1995, only three years after the Carmodys first took over the business.

Professional service: Jill Carmody and the team from Jetset Leongatha pride themselves on providing quality and personal service to all their clients.

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 17

years in Leongatha

Two decades together: Jill and Ed Carmody are excited to be celebrating 20 years in business, having taken over Jetset Leongatha in September, 1992.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Shop of opportunity

By Simone Short WITH emphasis on ‘opportunity’, Moonya Community Services launched its latest venture last Wednesday night with an official opening of the Moonya Op Shop in Wonthaggi.

Open for business: Bass Coast Shire Council mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, cut the ribbon to open the store with the help of volunteers.

A large crowd of volunteers and special guests, including Bass Coast Shire mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, attended the grand opening, with the mayor given the honour of cutting the ribbon.

Cr Dowman was visibly impressed with Moonya’s latest project.

“How fantastic is this store?” she asked the crowd.

“It’s clean, fresh and inviting – I couldn’t get past the first rack when I walked in!”

The mayor described the store as a “showpiece” in Wonthaggi, and said it had set a high benchmark for other businesses.

“This op shop opens up many opportunities; it offers a variety of goods at affordable prices, is a place for volunteer contributions, breaks down barriers in our community, gives people a chance to donate and see the return spent locally, and enables local people to develop work skills,” she said.

The McBride Avenue store was assembled in only six weeks, with the generous help from the local community and business people.

Moonya CEO Barney Hanily joked it was rare to see an op shop opened by the mayor with such a large audience watching on.

“Six weeks ago we signed the contract for the shop and the difference today is absolutely incredible. We couldn’t have done it without the help of trades and business-people,” he said.

“Everyone helped out by giving us everything at wonderful prices and doing jobs as cheap as they possibly could.”

Mr Hanily said the shopping fitting would have cost Moonya around $100,000 if it weren’t for the generosity of others.

“We got all the work done for, well none of your business!” he laughed.

“But to go from a vision to the final result is just incredible.”

Deputy CEO Jodie Baker thanked Natalie Hanily, who was responsible for organising the set-up of the shop, including coming up with the concept, sourcing products, organising volunteers and tradespeople, and putting out stock.

Moonya staff also extended their appreciation to Scott Donohue from SMD Builders, Jordan Brown from Moonya Printworkz and Leigh Demunk from LDM Carpentry for their work and commitment to getting the store up and running.

The store aims to provide customers with a ‘boutique’ op shopping experience, with second-hand goods sold for low and affordable prices. ► More photos in Social Scene on page 43 and online at www.thestar.com.au.

Knitting to help others

By Sarah Vella MISSION Without Borders’ project, Operation CoverUp has been hugely successful, not just throughout Australia, but also in South Gippsland.

An information session about the project was held at the Christian Reformed Church in Leongatha last Tuesday.

In 2011, a regional support group was formed in South Gippsland, coordinated by Johanna Haasjes.

“I got involved with the project

because it is something people can do to make a difference for those who need it,” she said.

“If you are not a knitter, you might be able to supply yarn or fabric. These things get used in vocational classes, teaching young people to sew.

“I am really pleased with the items we have collected. We are not only spreading warmth overseas, but it has also given some older people an opportunity to do something meaningful as well.”

Jenny Grainger, the Victorian project co-ordinator, was in Leongatha last Tuesday, to give an overview of the project.

“Mission Without Borders works in six eastern European countries, including Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Romania and Ukraine,” she said.

Goods donated in Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and parts of Western Australia are sent to the depot in Dandenong, where they are checked and sorted.

“The recipients are just so grateful. It is not just that someone has given the clothing or blankets, but the fact that someone so far away has cared enough to create and send the items to them,” Ms Grainger said. ► More photos online at www.thestar.com.au

Blanket makers: Norma Beard, Faye Buchanan, Sue Kerr and Ada Medwin, all from Mirboo North. Norma crocheted the blankets in this photo.

Rusty dream shines SHAREENA Boyd has a dream.

The owner of The Rusty Windmill cafe in Leongatha (next door to Paradise Pizza and just two doors down from Voyage Fitness), has been working around the clock for 18 months to turn her business into something special.

And, like an ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan, the building has been transformed into something remarkable.

“I’ve worked in hospitality for years, but by trade I’m an interior designer. I’ve spent the last eight years renovating and selling houses, which I’ve loved,” Shareena said.

“It’s been a dream to open a community space, where everyone can be comfortable. That’s why we have the courtyard.

That’s unique to Leongatha. No one’s got that beautiful space. It’ll grow with age too, once the trees take off,” she said.

Shareena grew up in Mirboo North before hitting the road, bound for adventure.

She travelled around Australia and overseas before settling into motherhood.

Her partner, Jeremy Lawson, a painter and Fish Creek original, has been helping out with the renovation. Threeyear-old Indigo has also been “a big part of it all”.

“We’ll eventually have a lovely pantry at the front of the cafe, and tap into the local market. They have these beautiful little farm stores in the UK and you find them scattered along the countryside.

They’re cluttered and they have all local produce and condiments,” she said.

“That’s what I see that front space growing in to. We really want to embrace healthy food.”

The child-friendly business has toys galore and plenty of room.

“We’ll have pictures for the kids to colour in and little jars with pencils and crayons. We’ve got Golden Books and timber toys. If they’re entertained they’re fine. We’ve even got the kids’ menus in Little Golden Books,” Shareena said.

Children are encouraged to sample from the green eggs and ham, cowboy breakfasts with beans and other kiddie delights.

Shareena believes Leongatha has heaps of families looking for a place to go.

“The childcare centres are spilling over.

There’s definitely a call for somewhere to bring the family. People are also looking for a weekend destination,” she said.

But the cafe would also welcome people who were keen to host business meetings, Shareena said, as there was enough room for everyone.

The Rusty Windmill will open for three hours this Thursday (11am to 2pm), with jumping castles, face painting and balloons to celebrate. One lucky customer will win a luxurious two night getaway at Venus Bay Escapes Day Spa. On Friday, the business will open in earnest.

The cafe has parking for five cars at the rear of the premises.

Rusty dream shines: Shareena Boyd can’t wait for The Rusty Windmill to open. She is investing in a space that will welcome the whole community.

In the post THIS year’s council elections will mainly be conducted by post.

Voters who will be away for the local council elections in October should act now to make alternative voting arrangements.

Acting electoral commissioner Liz Williams said: “Ballot packs will be mailed to voters during the second week of October. Voters who will be away during this time should make alternative arrangements to ensure they get the chance to vote.”

South Gippsland voters away when ballot packs are mailed, or their address has changed since Friday, August 31, 2012, can request their ballot pack be redirected by mailing a request to: returning officer, South Gippsland Shire Council elections, Victorian Electoral Commission, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.

Voters must include the address for redirection and sign the request. Alternatively, requests can be faxed to 9277 7126 or can be scanned and emailed to redirections@vec.vic.gov.au. Requests must be received by 5pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012.

Voters who will be away without a redirection address can contact the election office from Wednesday, September 19, 2012 on 5662 2218 about applying for an early postal vote.

Voting is compulsory for all voters of South Gippsland Shire who were on the State electoral roll on Friday, August 31, 2012. Voters who are aged 70 years or older and non-resident voters are encouraged to vote but will not be fined if they do not vote.

Bass Coast Shire Council voters can request a ballot pack redirection by mailing a request to: returning officer, Bass Coast Shire Council elections, Victorian Electoral Commission, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.

For more information, call the returning officer on 5662 2218 from Wednesday, September 19 2012.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 19

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Dyson family celebrates THE DYSON family continued its 60-yearroad show celebration on Friday, with a big party at the Leongatha depot.

Established in 1952 by Laurence Collins Dyson, Dyson Buses began with four rundown buses and a small garage in

Collingwood.

Leongatha is now one of six depots. The company has 700 employees with a coach fleet of more than 420. On Friday, as a 60 year celebratory cake was cut and three classic buses were ogled, local drivers, mechanics and administrators shared their thoughts about working

for the renowned transport organisation.

The oft-repeated phrase was: “Great place to work, great family.”

New driver Glenn Bainbridge told the audience his previous experience working for a corporation was far different from working for a family business.

There was no comparison, he said. Family was far better.

Leongatha depot manager Darrell Verdon said working for Dysons had been a fabulous experience.

“They’re now in the fourth generation, with the fourth generation starting work on the fifth.

Classic stuff: Leongatha employees, back, Darrell Verdon and Allan Hughes, and front, Gayle LawsonVerdon and Peter Norrey, with a 1968 Bedford bus.

The family has come to Leongatha celebrate with our employees where they started and where they came from,” he said.

“Basically, they have the same family values as when the company was started. It’s not a given that the kids will take over the

business. They’ll start by washing buses and all that sort of stuff and slowly work their way into the business.”

Happy birthday: Col Dyson, Darrell Verdon, Jamie Dyson and Maisie Dyson cut the celebratory cake on Friday.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star 30 years ago, September 21, 1982

5 years ago, September 18, 2007

THE Woorayl Shire is concerned about not being able to burn rubbish at the Koonwarra tip during the fire danger period. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Mr Race Matthews, has agreed to look into the situation and suggested there may be a way to overcome the problem. **** A $75,000 loan at half interest rate to the Leongatha Recreation Reserve Committee for the grandstand building program was subject to heated discussion at a recent closed door Woorayl Shire committee meeting. Councillors are understood to have clashed head on over the subject.

DROVING cattle from Snake Island across the waters of Corner Inlet went ahead last week despite a total ban on horse movement due to the Equine Influenza outbreak. Spokesperson for the Snake Island Cattleman’s association, Jenny Bland, spent many hours on the phone ensuring the muster went ahead. **** THE Leongatha Medieval Society and Leongatha Kyokushin Karate Club have found a new home at the Leongatha Primary School gym. Medieval society president Len Buckland described the facilities as “excellent”.

10 years ago, September 17, 2002 EQUESTRIAN jumps, a walking track and bird watching are some of the planned uses for an eight acre site between the Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve and the town’s primary school. The plants and features of what will be the Tarwin Lower Commons will accommodate use by a large number of groups. **** ERNIE Dingo and a television crew from Channel 7’s Great Outdoors spent two days in Bass Coast earlier this week.

Ernie and the crew spent Monday and Tuesday in and around Inverloch and Wonthaggi.

1 year ago, September 20, 2011 THERE is a push to introduce CCTV cameras to Leongatha’s CBD. In order to attract state money to pay for it, a petition is circulating the town. South Gippsland Council is keen on the CCTV and the chamber of commerce is supporting it. **** Leongatha Memorial Hospital is illequipped to treat patients with a mental illness, due to a lack of government funding. At present, Gippsland Southern Health Services is not funded to provide mental health services and the redevelopment of the hospital will not change this arrangement, leaving the community heavily disadvantaged.

Happy 90th Mac MAC Stewart celebrated his 90th birthday on September 14, cutting a special birthday cake while his wife and family watched.

Mac and Nance have been married for almost 66 years and have spent most of that time living in Dumbalk, before moving to Leongatha.

Their son Rodney came from Queensland to be with his Dad on his special day, which was shared with his daughters Nancy Walker and Rosemary Mitchard and grandchildren.

Proud: Mac Stewart celebrated his 90th birthday on Friday. He is pictured with his wife Nance and members of his family.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 21

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Flicks, flippers and holiday fun SEARCHING for school holiday fun?

From September 22 to October 7 it’s all popcorn, pirates and exploding volcanoes at the Nobbies Centre on Phillip Island with kids’ movies on the big screen and daily ranger-led activities.

Let your imagination run wild on a pirate adventure, make your own exploding volcano, discover the research behind the little penguins at the Penguin Parade and dive into the wonders of the surrounding sea.

Plus, stick around for kids’ movies on the Nobbies Centre big screen – free with a family 3 Parks Pass.

The Phillip Island Nobbies Centre is just beyond the Penguin Parade.

Ranger activities will be held at 10am

and 2pm daily. Bookings required.

Movies will be screened at 10.50am and 2.50pm daily.

Ranger activities cost $5 per child.

Movies are free with a family 3 Parks Pass to Phillip Island Nature Parks, or $5 per child.

Parent supervision and bookings are required.

For a full list of activities and movies, head to the education section of www. penguins.org.au.

Three Parks Pass includes entry to the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, Koala Conservation Centre and the world-famous Penguin Parade.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a notfor-profit organisation. Funds raised are invested into conservation, research and education activities.

Environmental tip: a Phillip Island Nature Parks staff member helps kids uncover the amazing lives of seals during school holiday activities.

Salty seadogs: a pair of pirates take to the waters in their ship at last year’s Pirate’s Festival at Coal Creek, Korumburra.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 23

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Crash test cows CSIRO scientists have joined the fight to make farm cattle gates safer.

Hundreds of farmers and cattle handlers are injured in Australia operating cattle gates. According to latest statistics, 211 farmers were ‘caught, crushed, jammed, or pinched in or between objects’ between 2000 and 2005. Gate incidents also account for 0.5 per cent of deaths among agricultural workers in Australia.

SaferGate, designed by farmer and inventor Edward Evans, has been put through a rigorous CSIRO testing regime. The scientists used a 60kg crash test cow, which boasts authentic horns and hide, to simulate the force of a bull or cow charging a cattle gate.

The tests were conducted by hoisting the cow to a height of five metres before launching it at the gate.

CSIRO’s improvements have focused on simplifying the gate’s operation, optimising safety, and ensuring that all parts and mechanisms on the gate can be easily maintained when exposed to harsh weather conditions.

“We have never been asked to test

the performance of a cattle gate before. Our bread and butter is industrial fire, materials and building testing, but knowing how big an issue safety is for farmers and operators made this project as rewarding as it was challenging,” CSIRO research project leader Peter Westgate said.

“What our tests have shown us is that the harder and faster the gate is hit, the better it performs, and even though the tests use a 60kg ‘cow’ compared to a real-life 1000kg cow, the result is the same.”

Mr Evans, who had his own leg broken by a farm cattle gate, was keen to make something that swings away from the farmer or operator when a cow charges it, preventing injury or death.

This is achieved by a pivot mechanism which splits the gate into two pieces when hit, allowing the part of the gate in front of the operator to fold back on itself and away from them.

In 2011, Mr Evans won the ABC’s New Inventors grand final and was awarded testing and evaluation of the SaferGate by CSIRO. CSIRO scientists have improved the original design by adding a mag-

net on the SaferGate hinge (the magnetic latch), which allows the gate to remain in a steady position – like a traditional gate – until hit. They have also added a handle on top of the gate that makes it easier for workers on horseback to open the gate.

“With the help of CSIRO, it is great to finally see my vision for SaferGate coming to life. The improvements we have made to the original gate now mean it is even safer and easier operate on foot or on horseback. I hope to see it helping to improve the safety of Australia’s farmers and cattle gate to operators very soon,” Mr Evans said.

SaferGate general manager Mike Agnew said he was “very pleased” with the work that CSIRO had done.

The company is now keen to take the product to Australia and the world.

“We are now focused on taking their designs forward and getting SaferGate manufactured and on the market. We hope to be selling SaferGate in Australia within the next six months,” Mr Agnew said.

The company is planning to launch the SaferGate initially in Australia and the United States.

Great gate: CSIRO research project leader Peter Westgate (right) takes the crash cow through its paces during testing of the SaferGate.

Good option: inventor Edward Evans was inspired to make the SaferGate after his own workplace accident.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 25

That time: Tim Burgess and Kevin Smith from Gendore Tractors and Machinery are ready to work for customers this silage season.

Gearing up for a big season GENDORE Tractors and Machinery general manager Tim Burgess said this year was “shaping up to be a pretty reasonable year” for silage.

“Farmers have used up most of their feed and they’re going to be looking for stuff,” he said.

He said cape weed had been growing in abundance and Gendore had stocked up big on spray equipment.

The daisy-like flower is readily eaten by stock and provides reasonable nutrition. However, as farmers will know, grazing of young, rapidly growing plants can cause nitrate poisoning. High intake by dairy cattle can taint milk.

Mr Burgess said Gendore would have some “good machines coming” in the

coming weeks and already had heaps in stock.

The business is readying itself for the South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra, meaning everything was now in overdrive.

“It was sort of dying a little bit when it was in Poowong, but when it moved to Korumburra it became really successful.

We had a really good run out of it last year. It was losing pace a bit, but now it’s going great guns,” he said.

“People come to have a look. It’s not like Lardner, where people come to have a look, but it takes two or three days to get around. They can get there and see their local dealers and deal with them directly.

It’s a little bit more personal, you might say.”

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

By the tank or the tanker full EVANS Petroleum will be taking over a new depot in Sale on October 1, which will increase the customer service provided by Evans in the Gippsland area.

Evans Petroleum sales manager, John Schelling, said the company had been expanding its business in that direction for the past couple of years.

“It will also be an extension to our retail trade and will be branded BP. Evans Petroleum customers will also be able to access the depot on Raglan Street to purchase fuel and lubricants,” Mr Schelling said.

“We will continue to do what we do normally with our farm accounts and contractors, and we expect it to be a very busy season.

“We encourage all of our clients to use our new direct order number, which is 5667 2999.

This number can be used for all bulk fuel orders.”

Evans Petroleum is the Gippsland stockist of Mobil lubricants, and also supplies Castrol and Conoco lubricants, all of which can be delivered on-farm.

“We have always prided ourselves on customer service being our number one priority, coupled with a competitive price,” Mr Schelling said.

“Our staff are very experienced in the safe delivery of fuels and lubricants on-farm and to commercial accounts.”

Speeding up genetic gain DAIRY farmers who want to speed up the rate of genetic gain in their herds should consider inseminating their maiden heifers, according to Michelle Axford from the Australian Dairy Herd Improvement Scheme (ADHIS).

Good oil: John Schelling and some of the Mobil lubricants which are available from Evans Petroleum.

Mrs Axford said inseminating maiden heifers helps in two ways.

“Firstly it increases the number of replacement calves available, and that allows more opportunity for culling,” she said.

“Secondly, it reduces the generation interval; that is the number of years between mother and progeny.

Heifers represent the most modern genetics in the herd and their progeny are available a year earlier if they are inseminated and their calves kept as replacements.”

However, inseminating maiden heifers relies on excellent calf rearing and heifer nutrition so that they achieve their target mating weight by 14 months or even younger for later born calves.

“Inseminating maiden heifers is a good strategy for speeding up genetic gain, but it may involve planning ahead to improve heifer growth rates,” she said.

Mrs Axford also said when selecting bulls for heifers, an important consideration is to aim to use bulls that meet farmers’ breeding

objectives and have great calving ease.

“ADHIS provides breeding values for calving needs that allow farmers to find bulls that have easier calving, but are better choices to use in maiden heifers,” she said.

“You can find a list of calving ease bulls in the Good Bulls Guide, which farmers should have received recently.”

Mrs Axford said the choice of bull can have a large impact on a farmer’s herd for generations.

“One-third of productivity gains over the last 20 years in Victoria have been the result of genetic improvements,” she said.

“Every decision that we make has a long term impact on the direction of our herd; the bulls you choose will have daughters and granddaughters in your herd and so-forth.”

For more information on genetic gain, contact Michelle Axford, ADHIS extension and education manager, telephone 0427 573 330, email maxford@adhis.com.au or visit www.adhis.com.au.

ADHIS is an initiative of Australian Dairy Farmers that receives the majority of its funding from Dairy Australia through the Dairy Services Levy.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 27

Bale or pit for silage?

By Sarah Vella THE common question of which is better, silage made in pits or baled, does not have a clear-cut answer.

So believes Frank Mickan, pasture and fodder conservation specialist at the Department of Primary Industries at Ellinbank.

“There is no doubt baled silage is dearer to harvest and store than bulk harvested forage, but baling larger diameter or longer bales or using a chopper baler all reduce baled silage costs somewhat,” he said.

So why do many farmers still insist on making baled silage?

Farmers obviously consider other important factors that can outweigh the extra cost of baled silage.

“Some of the main reasons are flexibility, convenience, scale of operation and knowing how much silage is on hand or being fed out,” Mr Mickan said.

“The same equipment, if owned by the farmer, can be used for silage or hay and, it is available when it is required.

“Some farmers bale the early cuts, while the majority of the harvest can be forage harvested by a contractor midseason, followed by hay baling using their own baler.

“One advantage of baled silage is that a paddock can be baled when ready, that is while the pasture is at its highest nutritive value.

“Bulk forage harvesting usually requires waiting until later in the season to make it worthwhile.

“A loader wagon, if farmer or contractor-owned, may be used to make smaller stacks as paddocks become ready.

“If a stack/pit is continually reopened to add the next set of ready paddocks, silage quality and dry matter losses may be an issue.”

Mr Mickan said baling these early paddocks should potentially result in higher quality silage, although yields will be lower.

“However, achieving the higher dry matter (DM) contents required for baled silage compared to forage harvested silage, will require the use of a tedder or mower conditioner early in the season to achieve the desired DM content, and the risk of poor weather is often higher,” he said.

A convenience factor in favour of baled silage, often mentioned by farmers, is that they know how much silage they have made, how much is left and how much is being fed out each day.

Another factor to consider with baled silage is that, assuming the plastic film is not damaged and the silage is used within 12 months of harvest, fermentation and other losses should only be about five to 10 per cent DM in baled silage.

“Losses are about 10 to 13 per cent in stacks of precision chopped silage and 15 to 25 per cent in longer chopped silage, such as from loader wagon stacks,” Mr Mickan said.

“To be fair, there will be slightly higher harvesting losses with baled silage due to its higher DM content at final harvest.

“However, many bales have greater losses than quoted previously, due to damaged film or incorrect wrapping as do stacks/pits of silage which have been poorly compacted, poorly sealed or the plastic is damaged by wildlife or cattle.”

Water source: retired dairy farmer Charlie Zuidema at the small dam that provides water for his garden.

Check dam safety SOUTHERN Rural Water (SRW) is warning landowners to check the safety of their farm dams after all the heavy rain we’ve been having.

The authority is suggesting dam walls should be inspected for signs of leaks, slips or erosion and should be clear of shrubs or trees. Stock should not have access to the dam wall.

Dam crests should be level, without potholes or erosion.

Spillways need to be designed to take a one-in-100 year flood and free of obstruction and compensation pipes should be checked to make sure they are working.

SRW has also launched a new service on its website showing groundwater levels across southern Victoria. The service provides access to the latest readings from state observation bores, simply by clicking on a map.

“This means that anyone can have direct access to hydrograph data,” Graham Hawke said. He’s SRW’s general strategic and technical manager.

He said those interested can find out a bore’s latest read-

ing and also see a hydrograph showing longer-term trends in groundwater levels.

Retired Meeniyan dairy farmer Charlie Zuidema knows all about the importance of caring for dams but, having handed over his VFF involvement to the younger generation, did not want to be drawn on the politics of farming.

He was happy to be photographed with the small dam that sits behind his home, saying the large farm dam was inaccessible because of the mud and slush. He even has trouble reaching it in a four-wheel drive.

The Zuidemas are too far out to be on town water and rely on tanks. The home dam draws its supply from overflow from the tanks and the water is used on the nearby garden.

Frogs love the dam and Charlie said small ones with suction-style feet bound up to the house at night, clambering up the windows to eat the insects attracted by the light.

“That’s our night-time entertainment!” he said, “we turn the television off and watch them.”

Although he has retired from farming, Charlie still acts as “gofer” for his son, who now runs the farm.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Effective effluent a farmer’s friend

By Jacob de Kunder ALL dairy farms create effluent and wastewater and using these efficiently is beneficial for the farmer.

A well-planned and well-designed effluent management system is a must for an effective dairy farm but there’s one thing to keep in mind when it comes to this: different things work for different people on different farms.

When it comes to Neil Cope’s Middle Tarwin farm, a slurry spreader is the choice.

After deciding to buy one in March, Neil hasn’t looked back and with his 10,000 litre tank he can reach all of his paddocks on his 325 acre farm.

“The beauty of it is that I can get to every paddock on the farm and make sure all the paddocks are benefiting,” Neil said.

“We also have a pond stirrer for the dam as well, to ensure the effluent is used effectively.”

Before buying his own, Neil borrowed a friend’s spreading tank and has always chosen this method over

travelling irrigation.

“The trouble with travelling irrigation is that you can only use it on the paddock close to the shed,” he said.

“I want the effluent to get to all the paddocks.”

Even though Neil’s farm is quite flat, most slurry spreaders can tackle some gradient terrain.

“It’s fine on the hills. That’s another advantage compared to travelling irrigation,” Neil said.

To make sure the effluent is as effective as possible, Neil uses additives.

“We get the microbes in there to get it going and be an added benefit to the soil,” he said.

These microbes are designed to promote the good bacteria already found in the effluent and destroy the bad bacteria that may be harmful to the crops or cattle.

On this note, there are some important things to keep in mind when spreading effluent to look after your cattle.

Bacteria that cause diseases, such as Johnes disease, salmonellosis, leptospirosis, mastitis and enzootic bovine leucosis, can be found in ma-

nure, urine and milk and worm eggs, coccidial eggs, clostridial organisms and tetanus spores are also passed in manure.

Therefore a program must be implemented to protect against transfer of disease-causing organisms.

It is suggested that young stock should not graze on areas treated with effluent for the first 12 months of their life, while adult stock should not graze on these areas for at least two weeks in the summer and several weeks in winter.

Allow cattle to graze just prior to application to maximise sunlight penetration to kill organisms. Spreading in the summer months also helps reduce the survival chances of these harmful organisms.

It also pays to make sure you don’t allow drains from treated areas to flow into areas where young stock are being kept.

Veterinary advice should be sought on health matters concerning the herd.

Effluent is a dairy farmer’s friend but make sure you find the right system for you and take precautions to ensure your cattle’s health.

Reuse benefits: Middle Tarwin farmer Neil Cope uses a 10,000 litre slurry spreader to fertilise his paddocks.

Safety campaign to target farms WORKSAFE has kicked off a year long safety campaign to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities occurring on farms.

The campaign comes after eight of the 25 work-related fatalities in Victoria last year were on farms.

WorkSafe’s Ross Pilkington said with three of those deaths involving animal handling, inspectors would focus on dairy, beef and sheep cattle farms.

“More than half of the 478 claims WorkSafe received in the agriculture industry last financial year came from livestock farming, particularly dairy, sheep and beef cattle farming,” he said.

“Many injuries were caused by workers being hit by moving objects, body stressing, slips, trips and falls and vehicle accidents.”

There’s a large range of resources and guidance that businesses can use

to help make workplaces safer, which can be found by visiting: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au Victorian businesses with up to 20 employees can register for a free three hour session with an independent health and safety consultant.

For further information, visit: www. worksafe.vic.gov.au WorkSafe’s safety tips for farmers: • make sure your tractor has roll over protection and falling object protection; • if you’re working at height, use a scaffold, elevated work platform or fall protection device. Never travel on top of loads on vehicles or trailers; • make sure you’re using machinery for the purpose it’s intended. For example, when using a quad bike, ensure it is used in line with the manufacturer’s design and specifications.

Always wear a helmet and ensure people under the age of 16 do not operate an adult sized quad bike; • be aware of the proximity of

powerlines in paddocks where harvesting is underway; • keep children away from work sites and machinery in operation, particularly during loading and unloading operations; • fatigue leads to impaired judgement. Take regular breaks, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nourishing food; • to avoid sun exposure and heat exhaustion, cover up and carry plenty of water; • when tarping grain or covering loads on vehicles, be aware of the weather forecast and avoid working in high winds; • if you’re doing manual tasks like lifting heavy or awkward objects on or off vehicles, use a vehicle loading arm to prevent muscle and bone injuries; and • if you’re working alone, always let someone know where you are and your expected time of return.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 29

Silage outlook far from damp DESPITE a wet winter, agricultural contractor Jack Thorson is still expecting a reasonable silage season.

“It does not look like it’s going to be too bad a season and as long as we keep getting some moisture, it should turn out to be a good year,” the Meeniyan man said.

“But we don’t want an inch or anything like that because that will make the ground wet again.”

As far as yield is concerned, Jack is expecting a similar harvest to other years, although he conceded the difficulty of making such a prediction.

“There is still plenty of demand (for contractors). It’s more silage than hay at this time of year. It’s just better value for the cows and feed-wise, for the energy,” he said.

While the start of the silage season

varies from year to year, Jack expected to start cutting silage within two to three weeks.

“It all depends on what rain we get,” he said.

Jack believed demand for pasture and paddock renovation will be up this spring, given the extent of pugging after a wet winter.

He has a power harrow with seeder that he said provides an effective way of restoring paddocks.

“If the paddocks are really badly pugged, then you can rip them up and put in a crop and then sow it down to permanent pasture in autumn,” Jack said.

Fodder crops are still likely to be harvested around February and March, and turnips and brassicas are most likely to be among the more popular varieties, Jack said.

“Some people also plant sorghum, rape and millet,” he said.

All set: Jack Thorson is ready for a busy silage and cropping season.

Floating mowers a cut above WITH their unique suspension system and state-of-the-art cutter bars, Claas Disco Contour series mowers can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent while achieving a cleaner cut and less wear-and-tear.

Anthony Blackshaw from Claas Harvest Centre South Gippsland says Claas’ ‘active float’ technology suspends the mowing unit from its mid-point, achieving perfect balance.

“In effect, the system allows the mower to ‘hover’ above the pasture in rough or wet conditions without damaging the mower or contaminating cut fodder with foreign material,” he says.

“If the ground conditions become smoother and higher forward speeds are possible, then the mower may be set with higher ground pressure to allow cleaner and more accurate ground contour following.

“What we are aim-

ing for is minimal ground pressure under all mowing conditions.

“This will give us cleaner, more efficient and economical mowing while increasing the longevity of the mower investment.”

The hydraulically adjustable flotation system can be simply adjusted from the cab via a hydraulic lever as ground conditions change.

The selected pressure setting can be monitored from the cab via an easy-toread pressure gauge located on the mower.

Independent European tests have found ‘active float’ technology can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent and reduce foreign material in fodder by up to 16 per cent.

“In mowing situations where lighter crops are encountered, the PTO speed can be reduced to 850 rpm without any reduction in mowing quality, even over rough terrain,” Anthony said.

“This is only possible with the design of the ‘Pcut’ mower-bar with its

heavy duty construction, industry-leading blade tip speed and self-cleaning wear skid profile, which all adds to cleaner, more effective mowing.”

Hugh says the new range has been a hit with producers and contractors alike.

“The engineers at Claas Germany have really done their homework in designing these mowers.

“The design, construction and functionality of this mower really is superb.

“It’s all about efficiency, reliability and ease of use.

“The bottom line is a cleaner, faster and more efficient cut with improved ease of use and reduced maintenance.”

Claas Disco Contour mowers also incorporate a shaft-driven driveline that eliminates the need for vbelts, further enhancing ease of servicing.

The mowers incorporate a ‘break back’ safety system that allows the mower to pivot backwards and upwards if an obstacle is encountered.

“The centre pivot arm is mounted at 15 degrees, al-

lowing the mower to swing backwards and upwards if it hits an obstruction,” Anthony said.

“In addition, each disc incorporates a “safety link’ system designed to protect the gear-driven cutter bar if foreign obstacles are encountered.”

Maintenance is a breeze thanks to Claas’ quick knife change system.

“Bolted blades are a thing of the past,” he added.

“The blades can be changed in a

matter of seconds with the aid of one simple lever that is conveniently located on the machine.

“There is no chance of losing pins and clips as the knife retaining pins are attached to a spring plate located under each disc.

“A weatherproof blade box provides convenient storage for replacement blades.”

Claas Disco Contour has also vastly improved transport folding

Cut a great pre-season package today

over conventional mowers.

“The new diagonal folding design achieves even weight distribution over the three point linkage while reducing transport height and greatly improving visibility,” he says.

Claas is internationally recognised as the leader in fodder harvesting technology, manufacturing 40 different models of rear-mounted, frontmounted and trailed mowers spanning from 2.5 to 12 metres.

With you at every step Mowing, raking, baling. Whatever job you’re doing the CLAAS Greenline range of mowers, rakes, tedders and balers will use every grain of power, speed, versatility and efficiency to get the job done with you.

CLAAS DISCO contour mowers with unique active-float suspension technology, LINER rakes precisely windrowing, in even the most trying harvest conditions, and ROLLANT balers offering you the power to control both bale size and density, provide the perfect combination for your harvest.

Contact us today for more information on how the CLAAS Greenline range can help you every step of the way.

CLAAS Harvest Centre South Gippsland Office: 03 5662 2299 Anthony: 0419 591 620 Scott: 0417 591 600 www.southgippsland.claashc.com.au

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Trend turns to northern hay

By Brad Lester FARMERS are turning away from silage in favour of buying northern hay to save money.

Demand for northern fodder is expected to be higher this summer, with the local silage harvest likely to be reduced by a wet winter.

Those are the views of Colin Kelly of Hallston, who grows hay beyond the Great Dividing Range for sale in southern Victoria, including South Gippsland.

“We have had a lot of clients that choose not to do silage because of the cost and because they have the plastic to get rid of too, and the cost of the contracting too,” he said.

Mr Kelly specialises in oaten hay, which he said has twice the energy content of silage due to the sunnier conditions of northern Victoria.

“We just can’t grow that type of feed down here,” he said.

“We have such a narrow spring. This hay will sit on the ground for two to three weeks to cure until it’s dry enough to bale. You just can’t do that here. It would never dry.”

Many dairy farmers are using oaten hay as a precalving feed to boost springers’ energy, as well as during times of limited feed.

Mr Kelly began buying northern hay for his own use and upon realising the cattle’s weight gain, began his cartage business.

“Feeding local hay sustains cattle but it does not give them that edge. You can’t fatten cattle on local hay. Oaten hay has three to four times the benefits,” he said.

“Sometimes we just hand feed oaten hay for five to six weeks to give them 50-60kg extra.

“People have this thing about paying freight but they pay freight on everything. When people bale their own

hay, they think their machinery owes them nothing.”

Mr Kelly said South Gippsland hay is baled with a higher moisture content than northern hay, resulting in cattle consuming less dry matter.

Northern crops are now advancing well. Colin has about 4000acres of crop spread from Nhill through to Maldon and Pyramid Hill.

Colin carts hay as far north as Echuca year round, and also south west Victoria, and also to horse clients in the Yarra Valley, catering for seasonal demand.

“I do a bit of lucerne as well but most of that is pre sold,” he said.

Vetch is also offered, but at $100 a tonne dearer than oaten hay, demand is not as strong.

“I did do some export hay but we were finding that our sales to export were causing a lack of supply for the domestic trade,” Colin said.

About a quarter of his crop will go to export this season, with China a growing market. Processing plants at Bendigo and Horsham produce fodder in pellets and containers, so Asian farmers can transport the fodder from the back of a motorbike.

“Now is the time to place orders to guarantee supply for the oncoming season,” Colin said.

The Kellys also run up to 500 weaner steers and heifers a year on farms at Hallston, Alexandra and Yark, with all stock destined for Coles supermarkets.

They buy cattle at eight to nine months, and graze them at Alexandra and Yark until 12-15 months to build their frame.

Stock are finished off at Hallston on oaten hay and pasture.

Energy content: Colin Kelly finds oaten hay an effective way of increasing his cattle’s size.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 31

Taking notes: Leongatha Primary School students Maddie, Tomei and Kelly watch rehearsal.

Kids star on stage YOUNG performers experienced the time of their lives at the State Schools Spectacular recently.

Leongatha Primary School students were among the performers to feature in two shows at Hisense Arena in Melbourne, after rehearsing for two days.

The spectacular is a musical production featuring primary and secondary students from Victorian government schools.

Music teacher Jen Monk said the spectacular was

Sustainable farming mixes with fun run TREE planting and weed whacking has long been synonymous with Landcare.

In the coming months South Gippsland Landcare Network is hosting a Dinosaur Dreaming talk and walk, tree planting/fun run day and a Sustainable Horse Workshop for horse owners, among other events.

If you or your children love dinosaurs then the Dinosaur Dreaming event is for you. Learn about the diversity of fossils found at local dig sites such as Inverloch and Koonawarra from renowned palaeontologist Dr Tom Rich.

Tom will be giving a presentation at 7pm on Saturday, September 22 at the Meeniyan Hall. This is a free event, supper provided.

The following day, (September 23), education officer with the South Gippsland Conservation Society, Mike Cleeland will be leading a Walking in the Steps of Dinosaurs visit to the Inverloch fossil dig site.

The Tree Planting/Fun Run day is being held on Sunday, October 7 at the Meeniyan Wetlands, with the 5km run taking place along a picturesque section of the Great Southern Rail Trail. Tree planting commences by 10.30am, with the run at 11am.

If walking rather than running is more your cup of tea then aim to be at the start line by 10.30am. Tree planting is free, gum boots required. The Fun Run/Walk is $20 per adult. Bookings for this event are essential by Friday September 28.

Also being held in October is a Soil Health and Fertility Management training course. Take part and learn from independent soil specialist, Chris Alensen about sustainable agriculture, soil formation, composition and physical properties, soil sampling and analysis, plant nutrition and more.

The course includes a field trip to a host farm taking participants through to the preparation of a soil health plan tailored for their situation.

This course is running over three consecutive Fridays from October 5 to 19 at the Bena Hall and costs $220 per property.

To help with improving sustainable agriculture practices, this year’s round of Landcare grants through SGLN are now open. Landholders in South Gippsland are invited to express interest by completing a one page on line form via www.sgln.org.au.

Not a Landcare member? No problem, as you can still find out more by visiting the SGLN team at a number of events including: • the South Gippsland Dairy Expo on Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday, September 27; and • Mirboo North Farmers Market on Saturday, September 29 or the Foster Farmers Market on Saturday, October 20.

For further information on the above events visit www. sgln.org.au. For event or training bookings (with the exception of the dinosaur walk) or assistance with completing an expression of interest form please contact the South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759 or via email to sgln@landcare.net.

memorable.

“The show was inspiring to watch as it consists of so many talented school age children. It’s amazing that there is so much talent in our government schools and wonderful that it can be celebrated in such a wonderful way,” she said.

“I was so proud of the students’ brilliant behaviour and positive attitudes throughout the whole rehearsal and performance process. They were three very long days and their enthusiasm did not waiver the whole time!”

Ready to star: Leongatha Primary School music teacher Jen Monk with students, Alex, Ella and Nicola backstage.

• Obituary

Lorna’s knowledge was encyclopedic LORNA Dowel’s family re- cows before and after school but ferred to her as their much loved when she was younger, she’d be found hiding behind a door encyclopedia.

reading instead of attending to her chores. According to her family, she never changed.

She loved history and enjoyed reading about all topics.

She also kept wonderful scrapbooks which became an invaluable resource for the historical society.

Lorna left school after gaining her merit certificate and became a carer, looking after a family when the mother was in hospital with a new baby.

She’d stay and care for them for a while before moving on to the next family. Her job took her to every state in Australia as well as New Zealand, and some of the families became Lorna’s family.

When she had to give that away, Lorna took a keen interest in her beautiful garden, as well as the historical group and the South Gippsland Genealogical Society. To her joy, her research with the latter uncovered a convict relative.

She had no children but her very extended family loved her and she was a regular figure at the Leongatha Mechanics Institute where the historical society is housed. Colleague Lyn Skillern said the members’ best memory of Lorna is of her sitting on her stool, scissors in hand, cutting out obituaries from local papers and placing them in alphabetical files.

“She would be working way and joining in the conversations, often giving us previously unLorna Dowel: her knowledge was known gems.

“She was always cheerful invaluable to her family and the and grateful for the friendship Leongatha and District Historical of others.”

Any time any of them wanted to know anything, it was to Lorna they turned.

And her knowledge of the local area and its inhabitants was remarkable.

Over more than 30 years, she shared what she knew with the Leongatha and District Historical Society where because she was held in such high regard, she was made a life member.

Descended from original South Gippsland pioneers, Lorna was the oldest of six children born to Frank and Dolly Dowel. The others were George, Ann, Frances and later Bob and Coral.

The family lived on a dairy farm at Blackwood Forest, 12 miles out of Wonthaggi and when Lorna and George started school together, they dinked on a pony. As Ann and Frances joined them, the children walked to school through the neighbour’s paddocks.

Lorna did her share of milking the

Society.

Milpara (Korumburra) Community House News ON BEHALF of the families and individuals who access the services at Milpara, Belinda and Sandra express our thanks to the Korumburra community for their ongoing support of Milpara’s Emergency Food Bank. We thank the customers and staff of the Bendigo Bank in Commercial Street, Korumburra for their generosity during the recent food drive.

Customers were encouraged to drop in items of non-perishable foods during the month of August, to be donated to the Emergency Food Bank at Milpara. A special thanks to Murray Goulburn for their donation of long life milk. We also acknowledge the continued support of the Korumburra Baptist Church who have recently donated 40 casseroles and thank the Uniting Church, Anglican Church and Burra Hot Bread and also many individuals who also support Milpara.

Milpara Community House at 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra will be closed from Monday, September 24 during school holidays and reopen for term four on Monday, October 8. During this time the Centrelink office will open as usual on Tuesday from 10am to 2pm, and Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm.

Learn how to import photos into your computer and edit them.

Learn how to scan and restore old photographs with a photo editing course. Course will be held over three Wednesdays commencing on October 17 from 10am to 1.30pm.

Is English your second language? Come along to an English for Migrants class and learn to read, write and speak English with confidence in this friendly and relaxed class. Classes are held twice weekly, Tuesday from 10am to noon and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.

Recycle your old spectacles. Just drop them into Milpara to be given to the Lions Club Recycle for Sight project for Third World countries.

Most people say that meeting up with people is the best part of a community kitchen. Meet Belinda at Milpara at 9.50am on Friday, September 21 and join a group of people attending the Korumburra Community Kitchen held at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, Bridge Street, Korumburra. You will be provided with morning tea, lunch and some take home food.

Have you recently moved into the area? Would you like to meet other people and learn about this district? Then come along to our next newcomer’s luncheon on Monday, October 22 from 12.30pm.

Milpara Walking Group will commence again on Wednesday, October 17 from 1.30pm. Meet at Milpara Community House at 21 Shellcott’s Road, Korumburra and walk through the township of Korumburra.

If you would like to book into any of the above classes or would like further information on Milpara or our other programs, please contact either Sandra or Belinda on 5655 2524 or send us an email at milpara@dcsi.net.au or just call in. Bookings are essential for all of our classes.

TAC CLAIMS Know your rights, protect your future 1st interview free of charge and obligation - totally confidential www.simonparsons.com.au

Morwell (03) 5133 7788

enquiries@simonparsons.com.au

Sale (03) 5144 7788

Warragul (03)5622 2387

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Top side: winners are grinners as the Naughty Ninja team discovered.

Full cohort: front: region 26 chairman Helene Hayes is congratulated on the group’s last meeting by Bass Coast Shire deputy mayor, Cr John Duscher. Back: Angela Anderson and Ashly Haddrick of the Red Cross tracing service with Des Dowie, vice-chairman of the Victorian Advisory Board.

Red Cross creates history HISTORY was made at Woorayl Golf Club in Leongatha last Tuesday.

The last conference of Red Cross region 26 was held, before the region merges with region nine and becomes a zone from January 2013.

Region 26 now extends from Phillip Island to Welshpool, while region nine includes Warragul through to Traralgon.

Region 26 chairman Helene Hayes said the realignment would coincide with boundaries used by emergency services and would allow for more efficient operations.

Guest speakers Angela Anderson and Ashly Haddrick spoke about Red Cross’ tracing service, reuniting families divided by war and natural disasters.

Among their clients are asylum seekers and refugees, and cases originating from World War Two. Over the past 12 months, region 26 members have raised more than $40,000 for Red Cross and Korum-

★★★★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★ ARIES - March 21 - April 20

Don’t hesitate to talk about financial and career successes that you enjoy this week. Don’t pry and don’t take it personally if someone you love seems unrelaxed in your presence.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

Back to basics is the week’s theme. Go after pure facts, aim for simplicity and don’t embellish food concoctions with sauces and seasonings that can play tricks on your - or a guest’s digestive tract.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

A show of inner strength wins you the heart of an attractive new friend and applause from a normally poker faced superior. However, outspoken observations can cause some raised eyebrows, especially on the weekend.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Your built-in alarm system warns that a job may need some special repair, or certain friends should not be introduced to each other.

However, you are less intuitive about financial and legal affairs.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

Don’t offer free advice on love or finance, to friends, family or yourself. Check out those old treasures you may wish to throw away - you may be surprised at the prices they bring.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

Friends can surprise you with far out ideas and the most surprising part is they help you over recent obstacles. This is not the week for big risks, but little ones can prove fun and perhaps profitable.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

You observe some peculiar scenes and feel you can write a story about them. Why not? Creativity shines and crackles. Your social life seems a little quiet - but you are in demand by the weekend.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

You are known for your original ideas and independent nature.

Relationships thrive on an intellectual level. You are sometimes unconventional. Diversification is the theme. Learning new crafts can lead to significant career strides.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

The emphasis is on unfamiliar. Travelling to different places, meeting people and picking up new interests are highlighted. Telepathy isn’t your present forte. If you need information, ask directly.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

No sign is more determined than yours and this week you are certainly dedicated, in the areas of career and friendship. There may be uncertainty about affairs of a relative - the key is not to make snap decisions.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

Minor matters tend to distract you from major jobs, so review priorities from time to time. It’s a week of surprises, perhaps the greatest being the support you receive for a special project.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

Minor matters tend to distract you from major jobs, so review priorities from time to time. It’s a week of surprises, perhaps the greatest being the support you receive for a special project.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

The word excellence is a word you know very well. You are not happy until you have done the best you can with everything you pursue. Beware of people who regard second best as the norm.

burra unit has recruited four members.

Red Cross members raise money for the organisation’s aide work, while others volunteer in emergencies, helping with catering for other services.

The organisation also operates a patient transport service at Foster and Wonthaggi, conveying people to medical appointments in Melbourne.

The Red Cross shop at Inverloch is a major fundraiser.

“The manager down there, Lorraine Scott, does a wonderful job. They just raise a phenomenal amount of money for Red Cross. It’s completely run and staffed by volunteers, many of whom are local members, particularly of Leongatha unit,” Ms Hayes said.

Red Cross’ Australian arm will mark its centenary in 2014. The organisation was started in the ball room of Government House in Melbourne, 11 days after the outbreak of World War One. ► More photos in Social Scene on page 43.

School trivia raises $10,000 NEWHAVEN College student cabinet members excelled themselves by raising over $10,000 at their annual trivia night.

The money will go to their chosen charity, Harvest Cambodia to help build a medical clinic in the Cambodian village of Kok Thnot.

A further $980 was raised for the Beau Vernon Fund. Beau, a past college student, was badly injured in a recent football accident.

The 29 Year 12 students had full responsibility for organising the event, managing to balance months of planning questions and sourcing donations with their VCE study commitments. Year 12 student Jack Garton led the trivia question team. He worried no one would come to the night, but in the end nearly 200 people turned up.

Rex Kane-Hart and Callum Baker were the witty and entertaining MCs. Alex Roberts, Annie Holt and Grace Graham-Edney performed well under pressure, marking answer sheets and tallying

Church Times ANGLICAN: Wednesday, September 19: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Friday, September 21: 7.30pm St David’s, Meeniyan HC. Sunday, September 23: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Family Service; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower MP. ST MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Mirboo North. Phone 5668 1346. Holy Communion 8.30am: Worship and Sunday School 10am.

ST PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: Korumburra: Sunday 9.30am and Wednesday 11.30am. Poowong: Second and fourth Sundays, 11am.

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH: McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi. Sunday, 9.30am Eucharist, 11am Family Service, Wednesday 10am Eucharist.

Anglican Church of the Ascension: The Crescent, Inverloch.

Sunday 9am Eucharist, Tuesday 10am Eucharist.

For details of Community Meal, Youth Group, Bible Studies & Kids Club, contact Rev. Graeme Peters 5672 4590 or visit www. basscoastanglican.org.au AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (AOG): Prom Coast Community Church Inc. - Foster Community House, Station Street, 10am: Sunday. Sunday School and Creche operates. Pastor Bill Watson 5686 2248.

A.O.G. Inverloch - Cnr Bear and McIntosh Street, Inverloch. Sunday Service 10am; Imagine Christmas Day Service 9am. Contact: Jeff Robertson, 0418 125 832 or Imagine Burwood 9888 7466.

Korumburra Southern Hills A.O.G. - 4 Mine Rd, 10am: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Rob Davey 5625 3226. Youth: Neville Stuart ph. 0407 343 219.

Equip Church - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha. Sunday service 10am.

Contact: John 0408 305 880.

Wonthaggi A.O.G. - Billson Street, 10am: Sunday. Contact: Pastor Barry Smith 5672 3984.

CHRISTIAN REVIVAL CRUSADE: 40 Hughes Street, Leongatha.

Sunday, Morning Service 10.30 am: Inspirational Service, 6.30pm: Children’s Church 10.30am: Home cells weekly. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES CREEK: Every Sunday 11am Worship, 6pm Faith Forum; 1st Sunday of each month simultaneous service for singles to age 25.

Tea/coffee and lunch provided.

Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5678 7692, 0447 724 989.

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST: Saturdays, Church service 10am., Leongatha Sabbath School - 11.30am.

CATHOLIC: St Laurence’s Parish Leongatha: 5 pm Mass Saturday, 11am Mass Sunday.

Tarwin Lower: In St Andrew’s Union Church, 5pm winter, 6pm summer Mass Saturday.

Meeniyan: 9.30am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 11am, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

Mirboo North: 11am Mass, 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays and 9.30am Mass, 2nd and 4th Sundays.

St. Joseph’s Parish Korumburra: 9.30am Sunday Mass.

Loch: 5pm/6pm Daylight saving Sunday Mass.

Wonthaggi: Saturday evening 6.30pm: Evening Mass; Sunday, 10.30am: Mass. Inverloch: Sunday 9 am: Mass.

KORUMBURRA’S AGLOW: First Monday every month at Korumburra Day Centre, Korumburra Hospital, Bridge St., Korumburra at 7.45pm. Inquiries phone 5657 2214.

GIPPSLAND CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: meets at the Baromi Centre Mirboo North, Sunday 4-5pm Family Communion, 5-530pm refreshments, 5.306.15pm Bible Studies for adults, teens and children. Friday-Home Fellowships. More info: Bob Stevens 0400 403 765 or www. gippslandcf.org.au SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Sagala - Tuesday, 4 - 5.30pm; mainly music, Thursday 10am. All welcome.

Please contact Captain Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw, ph. 5662 5122.

SALVATION ARMY WONTHAGGI COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 149 McKenzie Street every Sunday at 11am for Family Worship.

Kids' Club - every Tuesday at 4 pm, Women's Group - Wednesday at 1.30pm, and Playgroup - Friday 9.30am. Evening Ladies' Fellowship - First Monday each month and Youth Groups held monthly. All welcome. Please contact Lt. Robyn and Max Lean. Ph. 5672 1228.

PRESBYTERIAN: Sunday Service 10am, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Moderator Rev. Mark Smith 5625 4112.

CHRISTIAN REFORMED

CHURCH: Reformed Church meeting at the corner of Peart and Brown Streets. Sunday family service at 10.30am. (10am daylight saving time), creche and Sunday School available. All Sunday evening services at 5pm. Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2527.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, September 23, 10am.

Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Pastors Gavin and Sue Sharp, 5655 1997. Arawata: 11.30am 1st & 3rd Sundays. Kongwak: 11.30am 4th Sunday.

BAPTIST CHURCH KORUMBURRA: 39 Mine Rd, Korumburra. Service and Sunday School 10.30am. Pastor Ian Wilkinson.

Phone 5658 1366.

BAPTIST CHURCH WONTHAGGI: Cnr McBride & Broome Crescent, Wonthaggi.

Morning Service & Children’s Activities, Sunday 10am. Weekly activities see www. wonbaptist.org.au, Pastor Geoff Pegler 5672 4769.

MEENIYAN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: Sunday, 10am: Meeniyan Youth Club Hall.

COMBINED CHURCHES WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH: 4th Sunday each month at 7pm.

SCOTS PIONEER CHURCH: Mardan South. Pleasant Sunday Afternoons on the last Sunday of each month at 2pm. See occasional ad in this paper for details. For enquiries phone 5664 9306.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

scores for each round.

“Competition was fierce,” Alex said.

“Everyone was so enthusiastic and it was much better than I had envisioned. We did get some very strange answers and the only question no one knew was the theme song to Bill and Ben, The Flower Pot Men.” The Naughty Ninjas team of Year 2 parents won by three points and was astonished to be presented with a tub full of wonderful prizes to share.

“I’ve never won anything before,” Tanya Bradford said. “We came along to have some fun, get to know each other and support the college, so to win some prizes is just a bonus. We have had such a good time that we will definitely be back next year.”

The two best-dressed tables were The CFA Team and a team called Zac Can Eat The Pretzels.

Teacher John Ward ran a successful auction, while Elaine Epifano, Jason Scott, Heather Riviere, Phillip Island Rotary Club and businesses donated prizes or contributed towards the event.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8343

ACROSS 1. Dodge (8) 6. Goddess of fertility (4) 8. Only (4) 9. Temerity (8) 10. Precipitous (5) 11. Run (6) 13. Continued (4,2) 15. Reply (6) 17. Accident (6) 19. Cost (5) 22. Make out (8) 23. Way out (4) 24. Remain (4) 25. Jointly (8)

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

18.

20.

21.

DOWN Sluggish (5) Mountain (7) Wood (4) Stand (8) Bring on (5) Severe (7) Picture (8) Obvious (7) Snake (7) Hirsute (5) Scold (5) Pull (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8343 ACROSS 1. Make yourself useful to satisfy the wife (8). 6. Blow the hair (4). 8. Look for a match (4). 9. Have to call round only to be made to leave (5,3). 10. Put on - the coach (5).

11. Overwrought, perhaps, and near to breakdown (6). 13.

Something new in the way of coins? (6). 15. He raises a rumpus and the man turns round (6). 17. Show a picture you carry round with you (6). 19. Resistance from the platform (5). 22. Improved when taken in hand (6,2). 23. A terribly sour “That is not your property” (4). 24. Years after, I’m to get the pictures (4). 25. Translated and gave to (8).

DOWN 2. The girl can’t half race! (5). 3. Pop something quite unwearable on the model (7). 4. Set out to capture a point (4). 5. Complete, notwithstanding, with gold lining (8). 6.

The material is fashionable, the man holds (5). 7. Run off to get a container (7). 12. He sees the hold drink is about to get (8). 14. Sense it’s a trial (7). 16. Result of obtaining the release order? (7). 18. Accepts as escorts (5). 20. Steel myself? The cheek! (5). 21. Begin round the corral (4).

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 33

Classic charm with a modern touch

This stunning Leongatha home is recently renovated and guaranteed to impress. Available through Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha. See page 34 for details.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Yesteryear’s charm with today’s comforts T

HIS classic red brick Bungalow with twin pillars and a large portico creates a classic façade.

The current vendors have completed an extensive renovation, and quite cleverly kept consistency throughout.

The original part of the home has period features with recessed sash windows, ornate ceiling roses, picture rails, lead light windows and chan-

nelled skirtings.

The formal dining with solid fuel heater is quite large and opens into the formal lounge that has an open fire place.

Two generous size bedrooms, both with built-in robes are located off the central hallway.

The rear of the home has a sunny family room with a new kitchen, island bench and huge cedar bifold doors that bring the outdoors in.

The main bathroom is

also new and has been kept in the period theme with pedestal basin, claw foot bath and a beautiful timber dresser.

The renovated laundry has plenty of bench and cupboard space and a separate toilet. Also located at the rear of the home is the study/home office with built-in storage.

Magnificent hand crafted timber stairs lead to the master bedroom with room for a parents’ retreat or sitting area.

The bedroom features a large walk-in robe and en suite with separate toilet and walk-in shower.

Outside is landscaped for easy living, with low maintenance gardens and a huge outdoor entertaining area surrounded by bistro blinds that adjoins the family room via the cedar bifold doors.

The backyard is enclosed by an extra-large fence for privacy. Completing this property is a single lock-up garage with adjoining workshop area and rear lane access.

All this is just a two minute walk to the main shopping precinct.

LEONGATHA Location: 94 McCartin Street Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Car spaces: 1 Price: $520,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800

Let’s get this party started Old world charm on Ogilvy

I

F you’re thinking of buying your first home, or maybe an investment property, here’s a great place to start.

Set on a huge 1260m2 block, straight across the road from the best park in Leongatha, and central to schools and shops, this home is fantas-

tically positioned.

Offering three bedrooms and open plan kitchen/lounge, the house also has a large covered north facing rear patio, perfect for soaking up the sun while the barbecue does the cooking.

There is a lock-up single car garage.

Come and get your party started.

LEONGATHA Location: 17 Turner St Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 Price: $249,000 Agent: Alex Scott & Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

F

ROM the moment you step onto the bull-nosed verandah and open the front door, you’ll know you’ve found a classic.

Central hallway with polished Baltic pine floorboards, high ceilings and generously sized bedrooms (four of them, plus a study); they’re all here.

At the end of the hallway, the house spreads out into open living, incorporating kitchen, dining and lounge.

Step out through the sliding glass doors to the undercover entertaining, or continue through the house to the laundry and bathroom.

There’s a single car garage, garden sheds and a secure back yard.

A literal stone’s throw from the schools pre-

LEONGATHA Location: 43 Ogilvy St Price: $245,000 Bedrooms: 4 (plus study) Bathrooms: 1 Agent: Alex Scott & Staff Leongatha Contact: 5662 0922

cinct, the home is a level walk to the CBD. A great place for a larger family, it has plenty of potential for improvement.

If you are searching for a project and position matters, then look here!

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 35

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Enviable country life-style property with sea views

T

WELVE Oaks is a picturesque property of approximately 50 acres, and is situated just seven minutes from Inverloch and in a central position to Venus bay and Leongatha.

Features of this property

are many.

Paddocks are well fenced; there is a variety of shedding and out-buildings; it is a peaceful location; gardens are an interesting mix of ornamentals, succulents and cottage style plants; school buses are available to Wonthaggi, Leongatha and Newhaven

schools. Most importantly, there are beautiful rural views from the house across to Anderson Inlet that are truly unique and have instant appeal.

Loving attention has been given to the rustic homestead-style home, from tasteful heritage paint work throughout the home to the

quality appliances, carpets curtains and blinds.

The home consists of four sizeable bedrooms and study (all with builtin robes, master a parent’s retreat with large en suite and sitting room), generous open living kitchen / dining area with solid fuel heater and Daikin reverse cycle air conditioner.

The formal lounge looks out over the outdoor covered patio, cottage-style gardens and beautiful rural/ sea views.

Divided into nine well fenced paddocks, there are

three dams and extensive shedding (five with power): hot-house, potting shed and separate studio, four bay machinery shed, hay shed, large powered shearing shed, wood shed, tool shed, chook pens, two car brick garage, undercover cattle yards with crush, three 7000 gallon water tanks and extensive orchard and a ‘kitchen garden’.

Full of surprises around every corner, this is an opportunity to have the ultimate country lifestyle.

Inspections are sure to impress.

POUND CREEK Location: Contact agent Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Car spaces: 2 Internet ID: 7470911 Price: $780,000 neg.

Agent: Insight Real Estate Contact: Lindsay Powney on 0428 515 103 or 5662 2220

Superb new spring listings from Stockdale & Leggo 8 Lee Parade, Leongatha $265,000 ID: 266085

NEAT three bedroom brick veneer located in one of Leongatha’s premier streets.

Sited on a generous 843m2 block with ample room for a good shed in the backyard and/or an easy extension.

The home consists of three good sized bedrooms, a spacious separate lounge and kitchen/dining.

A sliding door leads to a large covered outdoor area that was built originally for a fernery but would make a great barbecue area.

There is a single carport with direct access to the house as well as a small garden shed.

Just a hop, skip and a jump to the schools.

56 Horn Street Leongatha $259,000 ID: 265992

THIS is an attractive three bedroom brick veneer home that has been well maintained.

Well set out with open plan kitchen/meals area, formal dining, lounge room with reverse cycle air-conditioner and built-in robes in all bedrooms.

This home is located on a good block, close to the education precinct, with a nicely established garden, undercover paved pergola area and garden shed. Your inspection of this fine property is invited.

Agent: Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha Contact: 5662 5800

20 Greenwood Parade Leongatha $249,000 ID: 266108

PERFECT for entry level buyers or investors, this home is situated in a convenient location opposite the popular rail trail and within walking distance to the shops and nearby medical centre.

This home comprises three good sized bedrooms plus a study or fourth bedroom, master with en suite and walk-in robe, large lounge with reverse cycle air-conditioner and spacious open plan kitchendining area with electric oven, gas hotplates and dishwasher.

Outside is a large undercover paved area perfect for the entertainer.

There is excellent access to the backyard with plenty of room to store a boat or caravan beside the existing lock-up shed.

Inspection a must.

“THE STAR�, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 37

Style and substance T

HIS unique brick home in one of Korumburra’s better, established streets exudes a sense of style and substance, and a confidence that here at last is a home that will satisfy for a long time to come.

At first glance the right ingredients are clear. An elevated aspect with the living areas on the north side for sunshine efficiencies; brick construction with minimal maintenance in mind; level access from the double garage to inside and from the house to the rear garden to suit those preferring less steps; and a classy interior that promises stylish entertaining while retaining year-round comfort and practicality for the people who live here.

The impeccable presentation and upkeep promise that you can “simply move in�. A large, light-filled lounge, separate dining area, huge hostess kitchen with double pantry, spacious meals/family area, and separate billiard room with stunning built-in wet bar, make up the “living rooms�. A main bedroom suite has a gorgeous bathroom

and features outlooks through a wall of glass to a garden with flowing water feature, plus a walk-in robe to satisfy owners with clothes. Well proportioned bedrooms are zoned separately from the main, and the study would work equally as a fourth bedroom. The main bathroom is roomy and the laundry has space for drying and ironing.

A storage workshop at the rear of the garage houses the tools and toys. The gardens are a delightful mix of clipped hedges and lawn areas, highlighted by a sheltered rotunda for al fresco dining amidst the plantings that protect your privacy to perfection.

A long, paved undercover area extends living options from inside to out.

Korumburra, just 50 minutes to Pakenham and Cranbourne, is fast becoming the escape location for Melbournites moving out – take advantage of this fabulous chance at your own slice of country town living with a home that’s built to last.

KORUMBURRA Location: 9 Valley View Parade Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Car spaces: 2 New Price: $490,000 - $520,000 Agent: Prom Country First National Contact: Kaz Hughes on 0417 516 998

“Elysia� ultimate in family living

W

ITH one of the best views in Gippsland, this large quality-built family home is only six years old and boasts some much wanted features.

Surrounded by rich dairy country and situated on ž acre, the home comprises five generous bedrooms with built-in robes, en suite and walk-in robe to the master bedroom, superb open plan living, kitchen and dining area with large windows to take in the views, excellent storage in the kitchen, formal living area, homemaker’s dream laundry with loads of storage, bench space and twin sink plus a sizeable study adjacent to the dining area.

The main bathroom is well appointed to the bedrooms and families will appreciate a second wash area with sink

and vanity, handy to the toilet.

Outside there are some lovely established gardens plus lawn area for the kids and vegetable patch, double Colorbond garage with concrete floor and power and a verandah surrounding the whole home.All this, only minutes from town on a sealed road and school bus route.

LEONGATHA Location: 1195 Nerrena Road Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 Car spaces: 2 Price: $485,000 Agent: Stockdale & Leggo Leongatha Contact: 56625800

MIRBOO NORTH

MIRBOO NORTH

MIRBOO NORTH INSPECT Sun 1-1.30pm

INSPECT Sun 12-12.30pm

led ncel d!! a C l n Ope er ty So p Pro

MP STA BLE!!

O N YA Y PA T U D

NEW LISTING

Hacienda tranquilo

“Ferndale Cottage�

This ‘Spanish Mission’ 2BR unit offering tranquil living near shops features open-plan living, split system, quality window furnishings, remotecontrol garage and private courtyard garden.

Unit 4, 41 Baromi Road $190,000 - $210,000

Formerly a timber cutter’s home, ‘Ferndale Holiday Cottage’ is the perfect escape for you, your paying guests, or as a perm. small home.

Period features and modern comfort.

12 Old Thorpdale Road $310,000

On a 1200sqm+ lot with subdivision potential (STCA), the former police station incorporates

!

" # %

business (STCA) with main road exposure whilst maintaining an independent family home. Ample

& '

!"# %"& ''( )** * !"# +#! &+! / 7 ** !;( ";; ;(%

16 Baromi Road * ' / * ;< # <;

www.promcountryre.com.au Prom Country

@fnpromcountry

Mirboo Nth

5668 1660

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

SEJ and Ruralco increase market coverage R

URALCO Property is set to expand its presence in Southern and Western Gippslandwith the announcement that the teams at SEJ Real Estate in Leongatha, Foster, Sandy Point and Warragul have joined the national

property group.

Ruralco Property is a division of leading national agribusiness Ruralco Holdings Limited.

SEJ Real Estate has been part of the Ruralco group since 2004 and their new relationship with Ruralco Property significantly expands their market base beyond the Southern

and Western Gippsland region.

SEJ general manager Bill Egan said he was very excited about the new relationship and what it meant for their Gippsland-based clients.

“Our people have always been dedicated and professional and our new relationship with Ruralco Property gives us the additional

SEJ joins Ruralco: SEJ Leongatha team, Barry Redmond, Glenys Foster and Jenny Elliot, with Ruralco Property’s southern manager Mark Hullick.

edge required when servicing our clients and marketing their properties,” he said.

Nationally, the Ruralco Property group has 100 offices and branches with over 300 experienced sales people and agents dedicated to servicing clients’ requirements.

Ruralco Property’s southern manager, Mark Hullick said the addition of the SEJ business to the division had been well received by the Ruralco Property network.

“With Ruralco Property gaining momentum across the country, we’re attracting experienced, high calibre operatives like the team at SEJ who have a passion for helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes with their property interests.

“We know there is strength in numbers and Ruralco Property certainly has that. Our focus remains on local people and local service, but with the advantage of our national connections,” he said.

“We are particularly strong in generating enquiry from Melbourne-based buyers and investors with Leongatha, Foster, Sandy Point and Warragul joining our offices in Pakenham, Kilmore, Alexandra, Yea, Mansfield and Bendigo, all of which are situated close to

Melbourne.

“On a national level, the Ruralco Property group is also constantly promoting our listed properties to overseas investors and corporate buyers,” Mr Hullick said.

If you’re considering selling, buying or leasing a residential, rural lifestyle or rural property of any type in the Gippsland region, contact your local SEJ office in Leongatha on 5662 4033.

For more information on Ruralco Property go to www.ruralcoproperty.com.au Ruralco Holdings Limited (ASX: RHL), is a leading Australian agribusiness. Ruralco operates through a national footprint of businesses that specialise in providing rural customers with products and services in merchandise, fertiliser, seed, wool, livestock, real estate, risk management, water, grain, finance and insurance.

Ruralco’s businesses around the country operate under their own brands. They have their own cultures, their own service models and their own unique value propositions — all designed to meet the demands of local or regional markets. The group’s businesses are committed to supporting the communities within which they operate.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 39

Tree dweller: Foster Primary School students parade the koala back packs they received as a reward for their environmental know-how.

Koala visits schools THE South Gippsland Landcare Network conducted a road show at four primary schools to mark National Landcare Week recently.

The team visited Foster, Fish Creek, Toora and Poowong schools to inspire students in the South Gippsland area to care about, understand, investigate and value their local environment, with an emphasis on koala conservation.

Students from a range of year lev-

els participated in a number of activities that enhanced their understanding of koalas.

Students learnt what a koala needs to survive in the wild (eucalyptus trees) and what threatens the survival of koalas in the wild.

Their main threat is the clearing of vegetation and their subsequent need to cross along the ground in search of eucalyptus trees, encountering such hazards as cars, cows, foxes and blackberry bushes.

Fun times: Poowong Primary School students with the South Gippsland Landcare Network’s mascot koala, Fosky.

Children presented their ideas about what can be done to help koalas. Planting native plants on one’s property was seen as a useful way of providing the animal with food and a place to live while preventing the need for it to face hazards.

South Gippsland Landcare Network project officers, Kate Williams and Kathleen Bartlett were impressed with the students’ knowledge and awareness of koalas.

Kate said: “Of the students we vis-

ited during the week, virtually all appreciated that koalas are ‘special’ and agreed that they are worth protecting.

“Given koalas are such an iconic Australian species it’s comforting to know that their future here in South Gippsland appears to be in good hands.”

This initiative was part of the Friends of the Strzelecki Koala-Habitat for Life project funded by the Victorian Government’s Communities for Nature Program in conjunction with

Coastcare Victoria Community Grants, a joint program delivered in partnership between the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country and the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s Coast Action/Coastcare program.

For further information please contact the South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759 or email sgln@ landcare.net

In tune: Taylah Williams, Mia Douglas and Kate Maxwell with guest saxophone tutor, Georgia Kaye-Helmot.

First class: the award-winning team of Marriott’s Motorcycles and Power Equipment. Front: Tim Marriott, Adam Dean and John Jones. Middle: Scott Cole, Ryan Claessen, Andrew McAlpine and Brenton Williams. Back: Peter Russell, Laura Rockall, Pam Bethune, Pauline Graewe, Tom Davey, Wade Jarvis, Rob Logan and Jenny King.

Marriott’s ranks among

Australia’s best A LEONGATHA motorcycle dealership has proven to be one of the best in Australia.

Marriott’s Motorcycles and Power Equipment won a prestigious sales award recently, recognising superb sales and service linked with the respected KTM brand.

The award was presented to Marriott’s dealer principals Tim and Julie Marriott, and sales manager Adam Dean and wife Kate at a nation-wide conference at the Indonesian tourist hotspot of Bali.

Marriott’s won the KTM 360° Dealer Award, noting sales of new KTM motorcycles, spare parts and power parts (genuine bolt on accessories) across the mini, motocross, endurance, street sport and adventure ranges, and also Motorex oils.

“It’s taken a bit to achieve the goal and it’s KTM’s most prestigious

dealer award,” Adam said.

“We could not have done this without all the other staff members in spare parts, workshop, sales and the office.”

The conference also featured the release of new bike models and technical seminars.

Marriott’s have offered KTMs since 2004 and the Austrian brand continues to sell well.

“They are really good quality products. They are the market leader in enduro and motocross technology,” Adam said.

Following on from the award, Marriott’s will stage a KTM Dirt Day promotion at the Wonthaggi Motocross Track in West Area Road on Sunday, September 30.

The day will be held with KTM Australia and the Victorian dealer network, and will feature a full range

of 2013 off-road bikes for riders to test.

Riders can choose three bikes of their choice to ride around the track, with two circuits: one for enduro and the other for motocross.

Among the bikes will be the new KTM 350 Free Ride, a mix of trials and enduro. Very light and with slim ergonomics, it is ideal for hopping logs or trail riding in the bush, and can be fully registered for the road too.

Riders must be a minimum age of 16. Book online at www.ktm.com.au and click on Dirt Days, or book on the Marriott’s website at www.marriottsmpe.com.au and follow the link to the KTM site.

A $25 booking fee applies to cover insurance and track booking costs. The event will be fully catered for and spectators are welcome.

Music camp a highlight THE Newhaven College music camp is an annual highlight which this year attracted 75 students from years 6 to 12.

Tutors provided guidance, expertise and humour and college director of music Elaine Epifano complimented participants on an outstanding combined effort.

Students had the opportunity to participate in male and female choirs, a Year 7 concert band, string ensemble, senior concert band, junior rock band, interme-

diate rock band and senior rock band.

They also performed massed items in combined ensembles, along with many choral works incorporating everyone who attended the camp.

Long hours of rehearsal culminated in a performance evening showcasing the skills learned and refined throughout the intensive weekend. The musical concentration challenges were balanced with fun physical activities.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Three in a row for Purple Hen

FOR the third year in a row, Purple Hen Wines won the trophies for best shiraz, best red wine and most successful exhibitor at the 2012 Gippsland Wine Show.

Purple Hen’s 2010 pinot noir capped off a great performance for the winery, winning wine of the year.

Thirty-four wineries from across Gippsland entered 167 wines in this year’s show held at Lardner Park, Warragul.

The judging team comprised David Bicknell of Oakridge Wines, wine writer Matt Skinner and senior winemaker at Domain Chandon, Dan Buckle.

David has chaired the judging team for the last three shows and is also chair of the Royal Melbourne Wine Show.

Purple Hen won medals for eight of its eleven wines entered, with gold medals for the 2011 shiraz, 2010 pinot noir and 2011 pinot noir; silver medals for the 2012 sauvignon blanc, 2012 riesling, 2011 viognier and 2010 cabernet sauvignon; and bronze for its 2010 sparkling blanc de blanc.

In commenting on the awards, the winery’s Rick Lacey noted his great pleasure in the performance of Purple Hen’s 2011 vintage reds. Both wines won gold medals.

“The 2011 vintage was difficult with a cold and wet summer and autumn. Generally people have seen it as a good vintage for whites but not reds. This result demonstrates that this is not necessarily the case,” he said.

“The 2011 pinot noir and 2011 shiraz are lighter than those we produced in recent hotter vintages, but they are wonderfully aromatic, elegantly textured and show clear varietal purity.

“But perhaps the greatest thrill from the show was winning the trophy for Most Successful Exhibitor for a third successive year. This award reflects the consistently high quality across our range of wines.

The two foundations to this success are wonderful vineyard sites and strong team performance.

“All of us get involved in the vineyard and in the winery and all have a commitment to quality and learning.”

Holding attention: Maggie Dixon addresses the audience.

Here’s cheers: toasting the winning wines and the trophies from the show are the Purple Hen team, from left: Rick Lacey, Adam Corey, Pip Farr and Maira Vitols.

Walkers turn medics FIFTEEN members of the south Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club spent a full two days learning and practising skills in first aid recently.

Nurse inspires health minister A NURSE from Bass Coast Regional Health spoke at the Victorian Quality Council farewell dinner attended by the Minister for Health, David Davis, recently.

Maggie Dixon, an associate nurse unit manager and educator, spoke about the work she has undertaken as part of a state-wide pilot program on clinical leadership.

The Clinical Leadership in Quality and Safety Program was organised by the Victorian Quality Council, in conjunction with La Trobe University, the Australasian College of Health Service Management and The Australian Council for Healthcare Managers.

Having successfully completed the program, Maggie is now concentrating on the implementation of her chosen project, which is to bring forward the average discharge time at Wonthaggi Hospital from its current time of 1pm, to 11am.

“I chose this project as it has such clear benefits for all of our patients. It sounds like a small thing, but there are obvious benefits for those being discharged, who are

understandably keen to get home,” she said.

“It will mean that beds will be available earlier for surgical patients and there should also be major benefits for those needing admission from the emergency department. By freeing up emergency department cubicles, there should also be reduced pressure on the local ambulance service.”

Lea Pope, CEO of Bass Coast Regional Health, explained the program focused on giving participants the skills and opportunities to make improvements in the healthcare workplace that directly improve the quality of the service that patients receive.

“We are very proud of Maggie’s level of participation and performance in the program overall,”she said.

“Her work has certainly set us on the path to a much more streamlined system for patient discharges, which is a great outcome.”

In recognition of her work, Maggie has recently been made an Associate Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management.

This course was based primarily on remote wilderness first aid and will be of great benefit when members are conducting activities either in isolated areas or places difficult to access where a medical event can arise.

Despite the cold and windy weather, members have enjoyed many activities.

Day walks have been held at Wilsons Promontory with members walking the beautiful Tongue Point Track, then on to Whisky Bay and Tidal River, with another walk being enjoyed from Meeniyan to Fish Creek for a coffee stop.

Further day walks are organised for the Kilcunda and the Kongwak area.

Members sometimes enjoy a little comfort after being out in the wild winter days so a Healesville weekend was much enjoyed.

Walks were still held in

the rain, but companionship and good food was enjoyed in the comfort of a cosy home.

Seven members travelled to Balook to enjoy the forests and wildlife from the comfort of a warm lodge.

Again walks were enjoyed in the wet forest area as well as wonderful companionship.

Bookings are being taken for a meal at the local TAFE college. A meal was enjoyed locally before the group gathered at the Leongatha cinema to see the Australian film, The Sapphires, which all found most enjoyable.

The keen paddlers have trips planned for

the local waters. As well, several of the group are tackling a hard paddle on the Murray River from Barmah to Tocumwal over five days which will include camping on the banks of the river.

Bike riding continues. This will increase once the better weather arrives.

The club caters for all ages and abilities as well as families. Meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Leongatha Community House at 8pm. New members are most welcome. President Lyn can be contacted on 5672 1917.

First response: Linda Senhenn practises splinting Lynn Atkinson’s fractured leg at the remote wilderness first aid course.

Mayor’s message Cr Warren Raabe RATE notices were recently distributed and invariably raise the questions of what services do we get for our hard earned dollars.

We find that people are generally surprised when they see the extraordinary range of services (over 100) provided

by Council that support families from cradle to grave.

As you sleep, our road crews may be out there clearing trees and storm debris from the roads for your safety, and as you awake, you may hear the street sweeper or the garbage trucks doing their rounds.

Some exercise before breakfast? Take a run or a walk in our beautiful parks and reserves or an invigorating swim at SPLASH, our heated all year pool.

Kids off to school? Feel secure that our crossing supervisors will keep a caring eye on them when they cross the road (many of which we take care of as well!). We also provide immunisation to help keep children of all ages fit and healthy.

Dreams for the future? We can help you progress your dreams for a new home, business or event.

For our more frail residents we can provide a range of services and access that will assist them to live at home with dignity for longer.

And so the list goes on, but there are many less visible services that are part of the matrix that keeps an organisation such as council ticking, and of course need to be funded, issues like insurance, machinery, computer supply and maintenance, administration, cleaning of public amenities, libraries, boat ramp and jetty maintenance, emergency systems and disaster recovery, Land Information Certificates, animal control, citizenship and Australia Day ceremonies, for example.

We are in your lives and you are in ours. It’s called community. We are a partnership and we welcome your participation in our local democratic process to maintain and improve the health, wellbeing and inclusion of all our residents.

Your dollars are involved and you have a right to influence how we spend them.

And how great is it that we live in a country where we have that right - reason enough to celebrate!

Cr Warren Raabe, mayor.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 41

Trees planted, time for pizza KONGWAK Hills Landcare Group held its first ever planting recently, at the property of Murray Coghill and Susan Pryde.

More than 50 Landcarers planted 1500 seedlings in a record time of 1.5 hours.

The planting is in a highly visible spot as people drive into Kongwak from Wonthaggi, on the right hand side.

After the group planted the seedlings, people moved to the Old Kongwak Butter Factory for gourmet wood fired pizzas and champagne.

Murray and Susan hope to turn the butter factory into a pizza restaurant, which would be

great for Kongwak. The food was delicious and the company even better.

Both Murray and Susan commented that the day demonstrated “a wonderful response from the Landcare community in support of Kongwak Hills Landcare Group’s inaugural tree planting.

“We were overwhelmed with the level of enthusiasm and support,” Murray said.

If you are interested in joining Kongwak Hills Landcare Group or want to find out more, contact Dave Bateman on 0488 399 151 or check out the basscoastlandcare.org. au .

In they go: Murray Coghill with some of the hundreds of native seedlings planted recently.

Helping hands: Ian James and Jillian Durance at the Kongwak planting.

Mayor’s message Are you dreaming of dinosaurs?

Cr Veronica Dowman

DUE to the upcoming local government elections, this will be my last mayor’s message.

As I am not standing for re-election, it is also the last opportunity for me to thank and acknowledge all who have worked in or with our council to achieve some magnificent outcomes for our community.

We are privileged to have some excellent working relationships and partnerships with government bodies, advocacy groups, committees of management and community groups. These groups are made up of volunteers who are the “doers” in our shire and they help to contribute to our vibrant and active community.

As mayor and the spokesperson for council, I would like to thank our volunteers, staff and supporters for all their hard work and dedication to improving the quality of life of all residents in Bass Coast Shire.

Bass Coast Shire is now the fastest growing shire in regional Victoria and fifth fastest in Victoria. Our population is estimated to be growing at the rate of 3.6 per cent per annum. This, with our proximity to Melbourne and our abundance of unspoilt natural attractions, comes with a unique set of challenges.

Our major challenge is to continue to meet the increasing demand for works and services from our rapidly growing community and the large number of visitors to our shire.

The sea-change phenomenon brings with it an older generation. Twenty-seven per cent of our population is 60 years and older compared with the Victorian average of 17 per cent. This age group is expected to reach 47 per cent by 2030.

Consequently, our challenge is two-fold. We must provide the facilities and services needed for this ageing population. But also provide those services that will keep and attract young families to our shire, such as child-care and youth facilities, easy access to post-secondary education, broadband, a quality principal library, a regional art gallery and quality sporting facilities.

I am proud to say that our council has been proactive in planning for this exceptional growth and now has structure plans for all our towns. This directs where growth should occur and helps protect our environment, natural assets and rich agricultural land.

We now have a wide range of evidence-based and strategically justified policies in place, along with action plans which are being implemented step by step across the shire, all of which are aimed at improving the lives of those who live here.

I would like to thank councillors, council officers and our community for their active involvement in helping to develop and deliver projects and over 150 services that aim to benefit the diverse communities across our shire.

We are extremely fortunate to have many extraordinary people whose community spirit and volunteerism makes this shire a wonderful place to live. Thank you.

Cr Veronica Dowman, mayor, Bass Coast Shire Council.

DID you know that South Gippsland has a century-long association with dinosaurs?

There could be feathered dinosaurs preserved, similar to those found in China in the past two decades that have revolutionised experts’ thinking about dinosaurs.

You have a chance to find out more and get involved in future dinosaur discovery.

The South Gippsland Landcare Network is hosting an evening with Dr Tom Rich, world renowned palaeontologist from the Victorian Museum to talk about the history and diversity of fossils at the Inverloch and Koonwarra dig sites.

He will also be talking about the potential to discover other dinosaur sites in South Gippsland and how you can help.

According to Dr Rich and his colleagues: “The most common fossils from Koonwarra are insects, and other crustaceans, plants and small fish.

“However, they have also found fossil feathers, near Koonwarra. When the feathers were found in the 1960s and 1970s, feathered dinosaurs were unknown.”

Dr Rich will talk about the fossils that have been found, the likelihood of finding some more and how you can get involved.

The presentation will be Saturday, September 22,

Meals roster (Leongatha) Rd 1: Woorayl Lodge Auxiliary (all week); Rd 2: Rotary Club (Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri), National Bank (Tues); Rd 3: J. & J. Gaze (all week) will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning September 24, 2012.

7pm at the Meeniyan Hall.

This is a free event with supper provided.

The evening is open to all ages and as Dr Rich said: “You can’t have a popular dinosaur talk without children.”

Please RSVP for catering purposes to the Landcare office on 5662 5759 or email sgln@landcare.net On Sunday, September 23, the Bunurong Environ-

ment Centre and SGLN will be hosting Walking in the Steps of Dinosaurs at Inverloch, so you can see firsthand where precious fossils have been found.

For bookings and cost please phone the Bunurong Environment Centre on 5674 3783.

For more details of both events and other landcare activities, please check our website www.sgln.org.au

Striking image: an illustration of a dinosaur-like Allosaurus that appeared as part of the Australian Postage stamp issue in 1993. The ankle bone or astragalus of a dinosaur like Allosaurus was found near Eagle’s Nest in 1978 by Tim Flannery. Image courtesy of Australia Post, Peter Trusler.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Words intrigue at Coal Creek $500 up for grabs TO attend just one of the sessions at the recent Melbourne Writer’s Festival would have set members of the public back about $20.

This is 10 times more than the modest gold coin, or more if you can afford it, entrance fee being asked for next month’s Coal Creek Literary Festival, being held on Saturday, October 13.

What is more, authors participating pay their own travel and accommodation costs, so what they do, they do out of their love of the magic of words.

Honey Brown was a panel member at one of the sessions at the Melbourne Writer’s Festival, and has attended every Coal

NIGHT OUT OUT AT AT AA NIGHT LARDNER PARK PARK LARDNER 2 ICONIC PERFORMERS LIVE IN AN INTIMATE ATMOSPHERE “ROSS WILSON” (formerly Daddy Cool) & “THE PEACENIKS”

‘JOE CAMILLERI’ & ‘THE BLACK SORROWS”

DINNER & SHOW (included in admission) DATE : Saturday 3rd November 2012 TIME : 6.30pm-11pm VENUE : Lardner Park Exhibition Centre COST : $120 pp - includes 2 course menu (Lardner Park Silver Level menu) drinks at bar prices Table settings - 10 people (smaller numbers combined)

BOOKINGS : www.trybooking.com/29044

Exhibition Centre ph: 03 5626 1373 e: office@lardnerpark www.lardnerpark.com.au

Back in town: author Honey Brown will be at the Coal Creek Literary Festival.

Creek Literary Festival.

When asked why she keeps coming back, she said, “I return to the Coal Creek Literary Festival every year because it’s one of the most enjoyable writers festivals on my calendar. It’s a fun, warm, intimate and informative day.

Honey is the author of three fiction works. Her second novel – The Good Daughter – was long listed for the Miles Franklin Award, short-listed for the Barbara Jeffries Award in 2011, while After the Darkness, published earlier this year has already received high praise.

She will be sharing the stage with publisher and author Lindy Cameron.

By Gavin Van Ede A LITTLE over five years ago, my then friend and colleague at The Star newspaper, Bert van Bedaf, came up with the idea of a writer’s festival to be held at Coal Creek.

I was in the advertising department at the time and became part of the first organising committee, to put together advertising and a website. Five years later, I still seem to be there.

From the beginning, part of the festival was the writing and poetry competitions, from primary school picture books, secondary school and pen sections in both short story and poetry.

Bert was a driving force behind getting these competitions going and served as a judge for the open short story section.

Late in 2009, Bert began feeling ill and it was later discovered that he had cancer. His dream of publishing a collection of his own short stories became a reality when Ghosts and Angels, The Boswachter Miracle and other Mysteries

In memory: Coal Creek Literary Festival’s short story award is named after the late Bert van Bedaf, Star journalist and festival founder.

was completed and printed in late 2010. The book launch was held at the 2010 Coal Creek Literary Festival to a packed room.

Although looking frail, Bert was on a high all day, enjoying the opportunity to speak about his book, getting the whole project together and taking part in the panel discussions at the end of the festival. Not long after, Bert lost his fight with cancer.

When it came time to start organising the Literary Festival for 2011, the decision was made to do something in memory of Bert. The open short story competition had a name change to The Bert van Bedaf Short Story Award. To go with the name change, the prize money went from $200 to $500.

The competition is on again this year, with $500 up for grabs for this year’s best short story.

Entry forms are available from the Coal Creek web site, or by phoning Coal Creek on 5655 1811 or by email: coalcreek1@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 43

• Red Cross conference, Leongatha • South Gippsland Orchid Show at the Wonthaggi Hall • author visits Newhaven College • Moonya Op Shop opening, Wonthaggi

Social lunch: catching up at the Red Cross conference at Woorayl Golf Club in Leongatha last Tuesday were Helen Pearce, Marion Pollock, Marilyn Mackie and Jan McIvor.

Asian insight: Alison Shuttleworth thanks visiting author Simon Higgins for the Iaido demonstration he gave Newhaven College students. The well-known Australian children’s author also led a series of writing workshops.

Ready to serve: Moonya Op Shop manager Karen Earle from Wonthaggi and volunteer Marnie Hughes from Wonthaggi were all smiles behind the counter.

Civic presence: Bass Coast Shire Council deputy mayor Cr John Duscher chats with Woodleigh Vale Red Cross members Clare Caughey and Marion Walker.

Joyful time: Shelley Masters, Noreen Williams, Deidre Granger and Denise Swadling compare notes at the Red Cross function.

Store for the community: Graeme and Jane Peters and Judy Clemann, all from Wonthaggi, shared a celebratory drink together at the opening.

Official party: Lois Young and Glad Wilson, vice president and president respectively of the Leongatha Red Cross unit.

Winning orchids: award winning Wonthaggi orchid grower Enring Smith was thrilled with Official opening: Tayla McLean from Arawata and her success at the recent South Gippsland Brenton Reid from Leongatha volunteered at the Orchid Show at the Wonthaggi Hall.

Moonya Op Shop last Wednesday night.

Moonya Op Shop: Moonya Community Services deputy CEO Jodie Baker (far right) and her children Andrew and Melissa Rogers thanked Natalie Hanily for all her hard work over the past six weeks.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 45

PAGE 46 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;?, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

SCOTT and Dominique Teagle of Trida are delighted with the arrival of their first baby, Riley Benjamin Teagle, at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on September 7.

NOAH Thomas Wynne was born on August 29 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. He is the third son for Paul and Karen of Leongatha and a brother for Henry, 5, and Oscar, 1.

NOAH Henry Martin was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on September 3 to Amanda and Jarrod Martin of Inverloch.

RUBY Elise Anderson was born on September 10 at Leongatha Memorial Hospital. She is the second child for Stephen and Leah of Leongatha and a sister for Lachlan, 2.

HAMISH Luke McRae was born at Leongatha Memorial Hospital on September 4. He is the first child for Simon and Melissa of Leongatha.

JAXEN Samuel Marshall was born at Bass Coast Regional Health on September 6 to Kerri and Luke Marshall of Cowes. Jaxen is a little brother for Darcee, 4, and Brydon, 2.

NATHAN Scott Trezise was born at The Freemasons on August 27. He is the first child for Tristan and Sarah (nee Mayo) of Heidelberg.

AXEL Lee Cyril Pearson was born on June 14 to Nicole Maurer and Christopher Pearson of Eltham, and is pictured with grandparents Tony and Sharon Burns of Wonthaggi.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 47

Farmers will be enthralled THE South Gippsland Dairy Expo, organised by the Strzelecki Lions Club, will take place on Wednesday, September 26 and Thursday 27 at the Korumburra Showgrounds.

Cheesy grins: having a good time at last year’s expo were the team from Murray Goulburn in their hospitality marquee.

Knows tractors: Kevin Smith of Gendore Tractors and Machinery will be among the team from the Leongatha dealership to talk New Holland at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo this year.

The expo is now in its 13th year of providing the local dairying community with an event that showcases the latest in innovation, products and services available to the dairy industry.

During the past 12 years, the Strzelecki Lions Club has distributed over $260,000 back to the community from this event.

It is important to mention this achievement would not have been possible without the involvement of loyal sponsors who have continued to support the expo and the community.

The Dairy Expo will hear from Matt Harms from On Farm Consulting and will ask the questions “How high are the hurdles?”, “Is dairying like the Olympics?”, and “How do young people prepare to compete?” Panel members include Lucas and Kylie Licciardello (dairy farmers), Matt Wilson and Jim Watson (dairy farmers), Tim Kooloos and Caroline Brown (dairy farmers), and Russell Mann (Rabobank).

This session can be attended by expo patrons on Thursday at 11am, and is supported by the South Gippsland Shire Council and Rabobank.The topic will involve each panel member sharing a journey about what their hurdles have been and how high they have had to jump.

Find out if any of the panellists made it to the

finals. Find out what is involved in the leap between share-farming and purchasing a farm and if everyone can have a go.

Expo major sponsor, Murray Goulburn Cooperative, has a hospitality area in their marquee. Visitors can sit down and enjoy a friendly chat with their field staff and team from Murray Goulburn Farm and Hardware Supplies.

Murray Goulburn Cooperative has been the major sponsor of the Dairy Expo for 11 years. Support a company that is loyal to the community.

Don’t forget to book into the Murray Goulburn and Reid Stockfeed breakfast on Thursday morning. Bookings are essential to Murray Goulburn on 5662 9666 or Naomi Bakker from Reid Stockfeeds on 5633 2222.

It’s more than a handful this year at the Dairy Expo.

Come along and see our rural AgriBusiness bankers and milk companies go head to head in a milking competition.

There is sure to be a heap of froth and bubble and lots of laughs. Remember, no crying over spilt milk, so don’t miss out on a hilarious event proudly sponsored by Fonterra Australia.

Once again there will be something for the ladies, so come along and visit the Ladies Pavilion at the Dairy Expo.

Each year, as the Dairy Expo falls within the school holidays, it is important that there are activities for the children.

This year we have invited back the kids’ carEd activity to entertain our future young motorists.

Bring the kids along for a hands-on learning experience on road safety.

This activity is proudly sponsored by the Gardiner Foundation.

The kid’s activity centre will be located in the Sanders Pavilion.

The Korumburra Rotary Club will ensure that there will be plenty to do for the kids during these holidays, so bring the whole family along and enjoy your day out.

This year by popular demand, the expo welcomes back Paul Macphail to showcase his fabulous working dogs in action on both days of the expo between 1pm and 3pm.

A session about employment on farms will be held at the Dairy Expo at 11am on Wednesday. A facilitated panel session will reveal tips and must dos for employees and employers on dairy farms.

Learn more about the new service to support farmers with labour and people issues on farms.

The project is proudly funded by GippsDairy and Dairy Australia’s Work Force Planning program.

Be sure to catch-up with Murray Goulburn Cooperative, Murray Goulburn Farm and Hardware Supplies, Reid Stockfeeds, Rabobank, Dairy Australia, GippsDairy, Alltec, South Gippsland Shire Council and ADF Milking.

A special thanks to the Gardiner Foundation, Fonterra Australia and Burra Foods for sponsoring some additional entertainment at the expo.

The choice of days is up to you, but make sure you visit the South Gippsland Dairy Expo either on September 26 or 27 at the Korumburra Showgrounds.

Gate charge is $10 per person and children under 16 are free.

Opening hours are 9am to 3.30pm daily. Phone Deanne Kennedy for enquiries on 5659 4219 or email deanne@jaydee.net.au.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Burra growing for the future BURRA Foods has made bold moves to grow and they are paying off.

“We embarked on quite an ambitious growth plan a couple of years ago and we are well on track with that plan,” Dale O’Neill, general manager for commercial said.

“We’ve had softer commodity prices and had quite a high Aus-

tralian dollar for some years now, so we’re quite pleased to be meeting our objectives in quite a tough environment.

“In terms of our milk supply, we now have 150 suppliers supplying around 270 million litres of milk per annum.”

Around 85 per cent of these suppliers come from the South and West

Gippsland area and Mr O’Neill said they have been dealing with tough conditions well.

“It’s been tough and challenging seasonal conditions for our suppliers and many of them have faced some really tough challenges over the course of the winter and early spring,” he said.

“What’s been really pleasing is

that our suppliers are doing a terrific job with their milk quality.

“One of our strengths is that we target premium products into premium markets and we can only do that if we’ve got high quality milk to manufacture the high quality products with.

“That business model is really working and our suppliers are doing a terrific job supplying high quality milk in what’s been a really challenging season.”

As Burra Foods strives for high quality milk, communication with the suppliers about their production is vital.

“Our field team works closely with suppliers to provide lots of information on milk quality and up-to-date and timely information,” Mr O’Neill said.

“All our suppliers receive an SMS immediately when their milk quality results are available. They do not have to wait every 10 days and they do not have to wait for the tanker to go out and deliver their results.”

The suppliers are continuing to grow

with Burra Foods and Mr O’Neill is pleased with their efforts.

“We’re really pleased that they are continuing to grow despite the conditions,” he said.

“It’s encouraging for the growth of the industry because both suppliers and processors need to grow together.”

Burra Foods will be having a tent at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo and it will be a good chance for suppliers to see what they have to offer.

“The expo is a really good opportunity for suppliers to come in and have a cuppa, get an update on the business and what’s been going on and also provide an outlook for the rest of the financial year,” Mr O’Neill said.

“It’s also a good opportunity to chat to our field officers and ask all the questions that you may not have got around to already.”

Growing operation: Dale O’Neill, Burra Foods’ general manager for commercial, chats with tanker driver Bob McGeary at the Korumburra plant.

Treats to tickle your tastebuds: for a delicious range of coffees, cakes and lunches, stop by and see Gary Narwal at Cafe Swisse in Korumburra.

More than just papers: Marcus Fitzgerald from the Korumburra Newsagency shows off the new range of machinery toys in stock right now. With a large variety of stationery supplies, gift cards, reading materials and more, be sure to drop in and see everything the Korumburra Newsagency has to offer.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 49

Picture perfect: with 16 years’ experience, Jenny Rowe is your best option when wanting a precious artwork or photograph framed.

Businesses back expo KORUMBURRA businesses promise there’s “no bull” when it comes to their fantastic service and specials throughout this year’s South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

A number of stores are getting behind and supporting the expo and taking part in The Star’s 2012 Dairy Expo Korumburra No Bull Sale, encouraging those attending the expo to venture into town a little further and see what Korumburra has to offer.

Make sure you keep an eye out for black and white balloons to see which businesses are getting behind this year’s expo.

PAGE 50 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 51

First time at expo IAN Marshman, who owns Edney’s Yamaha, is looking forward to his first South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

He’s hoping to catch up with current clients, meet some new ones – and for fine and sunny weather.

“This is our first year with Yamaha and we see the expo as a way of giving the business a bit of exposure.

“We hope to see a few of our customers on a more casual basis – and, hopefully, meet some new ones, as well as show off our range of bikes.”

Edney’s Yamaha will have on display at the expo all its ATVs and ag bikes, as well as accessories such as spray units.

“We’ll do deals on everything we

have at the expo – there’ll be special prices and we want to see what interest we can create.

“We’re looking forward to being there.”

Ian is hoping a Yamaha representative will be attending too; he’s just waiting on confirmation.

With the wet season South Gippsland has experienced, Ian said there has been greater demand for mud tyres on ag bikes.

“The conditions have been very hard on equipment.

“Now is a really good time to buy a new bike!”

Yamaha finance is available to approved customers.

Specials: Ian Marshman of Edney’s Yamaha will have a range of ATVs at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

Hico for farmers’ future HICO Herd Improvement in Leongatha is focused on serving the farmers of the future and will add value to your business.

The team at Hico realise farmers and farming practices are always changing, and are committed to keeping abreast of all changes in agriculture.

This is why the Hico tent should be your first stop at next week’s South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra.

In the tent will be a comprehensive range of the services Hico offers.

Never before seen in Australia, an automatic drive over gate will be on display in what is an exciting development in agricultural technology.

The gate is especially developed for busy farmers, and is ideal for those with centre pivot irrigation systems and as a gateway used by quad bike riders without the constant hassle of opening and closing gates.

The Hico tent is your chance to

catch a glimpse of future farming technology, so make sure you don’t miss out!

Hico will also be exhibiting freeze branded calves; the brands are being done at the same time as de-horning, which saves another process for busy farmers.

Freeze branding your calves, rather than waiting until they are older, guarantees you’ll no longer struggle to identify calves - they can never lose their number.

MISTRO now offers new web based software and for those especially tech-savvy, MISTRO smart phone software is also available; just visit the Hico site and get the app downloaded.

If you’re not so up-to-date with your computer skills, there’s no need to worry at all; everything will be demonstrated on big screens, enabling you to clearly see how everything works.

Keeping farmers informed when it comes to herd improvement is of course imperative for Hico, and its information on semen vitality is a mustsee at the expo.

Sales and marketing manager Philip Fourie said the accuracy of the semen thawing process is important for semen vitality and everyone should visit the HICO site to gather information.

“When it comes to thawing semen, the correct process is critical to get healthy semen in the cow for a higher conception rate,” he said.

“This way, people can see it and visually understand why following a specific process is so important in adding value to a farmer’s herd.”

Hico aims to cater for each generation and will have something for everybody at the dairy expo – even the kids.

While you’re busy learning about everything Hico has to offer, you won’t have to worry about what the kids are up to, with calves at the tent for them to pat and pose for a photo with.

So for a family friendly environment and to meet with a team that truly cares about the future of your farm, visit the Hico tent at next week’s South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

Something for everyone: the Hico tent at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo will keep you busy learning about the latest technologies in farming, while the kids are entertained having their photo taken with calves.

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Farmers take up quad bike safety EMPLOYERS and farmers across South Gippsland are recognising the serious safe-

ty issues surrounding the use of quad bikes on their properties.

Community College Gippsland (CCG) has run its first nationally accredited quad bike safety program from its Leongatha campus, attracting local farmers involved in horticulture and agriculture.

Community College Gippsland, director rural education services, John Brereton, said with 10 quad bike deaths so far this year there was increasing industry pressure for change to increase quad bike safety.

“Employers and farmers

have a duty of care to ensure that anyone operating a quad bike on their property has accredited training to do so,” he said.

Mr Brereton said a major issue with quad bikes is a mentality that anyone can ride one.

“Very few farmers and others who operate quad bikes have ever received training on how to use them, yet it is a vehicle that handles very differently from a motorcycle or a car,” he said.

CCG trainer Chris Reeves said the one-day training program at Leongatha gave participants an opportunity to learn more about these vehicles and to practise their driving skills in a number of environments and terrains.

“Participants benefit from the practical focus of the training. A quad bike requires a different driving technique to handle it correctly and the training helps them learn how to use their body weight effectively to manoeuvre the vehicle,” Mr Reeves said.

He said contrary to the name all-terrain vehicle, they are not safe for use in all terrains.

“The driver must be aged over 16, wear a helmet and safety gear, and not carry any passengers,” Mr Reeves said.

He said the training program was being extended to industry groups, rural enterprises, farmers, and anyone who wants to improve their quad bike safety in the workplace or on their property.

“We are also receiving inquiries from people working in rural industries who want to increase their employability by gaining accredited training skills,” Mr Reeves said.

The nationally accredited Introduction to Quad Bike Safety program is available at CCG’s South Gippsland, Warragul, Traralgon, Sale and Pakenham campuses on demand.

For more information contact Community College Gippsland on 5622 6000 or visit: www.ccg.asn.au

Smart riders: Doug Auchterlonie, Tom Nye, Lachlan Ray, Ken Townley, Warren Nelson, Allan Ray, and Aaron Cordwell hone their quad bike skills at the recent training program at Community College Gippsland at Leongatha.

• VLE LEONGATHA

Heifers attract higher prices THERE were approximately 100 trade, 150 grown steers and bullocks, 500 cows and 30 bulls penned.

The usual buying group was present for a mixed market.

The trade run was mostly heifers of varying quality, which sold to a dearer trend on most sales.

The grown steers and bullocks were mostly good quality for an early spring sale and sold firm to a few cents stronger.

The cow run was mostly dairy cows which did not display a definitive trend, with some classes being firm or slightly stronger, while others were a few cents easier.

Very limited numbers of heavy beef cows sold to a dearer trend.

Bulls sold to a cheaper

trend, mostly 3c to 4c but up to 8c/kg in places.

Yearling grass heifers sold mostly from 177c to 211c/kg.

Four score grown steers made from 193c to 208c, with the three scores making from 185c to 199c/kg.

Four score bullocks sold from 175c for the heavy end of the class, with the lighter end making up to 204c/kg.

Grown empty heifers sold mostly from 145c to 168c, with an isolated sale to 175c/kg.

Plain condition one score and lightweight dairy cows

sold from 80c to 129c/kg.

Better condition two and three score heavy weight dairy cows made between 125c and 146c/kg.

Light weight beef cows returning to the paddock made from 119c to 137c/kg. A small run of good heavy three and four score beef cows made between 140c and 152c/kg.

The best heavy three score bulls sold from 152c to 168c/kg.

This week’s sale draw for September 19 and 20 is: 1. Elders, 2. Landmark, 3.

Rodwells, 4. Alex Scott, 5.

David Phelan, 6. SEJ.

Wednesday, September 12 BULLOCKS 14 E.J. & L.M. Ronalds, Drumdlemara 2 S.R. & F.M. Eddy, Dumbalk 8 C. & L. Van Dyke, Toora 3 P. Alicata, Thorpdale 1 Con Fourtzis, Korumburra 5 M. Triantafyllou, Woodside

571kg 620kg 610kg 621kg 595kg 594kg

208.0 205.0 205.0 204.2 203.2 203.0

$1187 $1271 $1251 $1269 $1209 $1205

STEERS 1 F. & C. Ooostermeyer, Dollar 1 M. Gheller, Wonthaggi 1 P.J. & C.A. Castles, Yinnar 1 Simmons Investments, Woodside

365kg 510kg 410kg 270kg

225.0 163.0 158.2 125.0

COWS 1 S. & K. Hogan, Woodside 3 V. & A. Garth, Mirboo 2 Benson Brothers, Meeniyan 1 Bullock Island, Hedley 1 Oldham Pastoral Co, Archies Creek 1 G. Belcher, Woodside

525kg 636kg 672kg 660kg 570kg 600kg

152.0 $798 152.0 $967 152.0 $1022 150.0 $990 147.0 $837 146.2 $877

HEIFERS 1 F.& C. Oostermeyer, Dollar 1 Bullock Island, Hedley 1 Ajay Nom P/L, Yanakie 1 K. Brennan, Yarram 5 P.H. & N.F. & D.P. Moore, Yarram 1 Con Fourtzis, Korumburra

300kg 430kg 400kg 335kg 420kg 380kg

215.0 210.6 209.6 205.0 195.0 192.0

$645 $905 $838 $686 $819 $729

BULLS 1 N.G. Hanks, Mirboo 1 R.F. & R.E. Spratt, Nerrena 1 A.M. & D.J. Zuidema, Yanakie 1 M. Breen, Buffalo 1 B.R. & M.R. Peters, Narracan 1 G. & S. Pearce, Berrys Creek

820kg 765kg 905kg 910kg 700kg 640kg

168.0 163.0 162.0 158.0 155.0 152.0

$1377 $1246 $1466 $1437 $1085 $972

$821 $831 $648 $337

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 53

Look under to lift yields above LANDHOLDERS looking to better improve their knowledge and understanding of soil health and fertility are invited to attend a three-day workshop run by Landcare in October.

The overall aim of the workshop is to give landholders the tools and technical knowledge to increase their own soil health.

A healthy soil is one that is productive and easy to manage under the intended land use.

It has physical, chemical and biological properties that promote the health of plants, animals and humans while also maintaining environmental quality.

Healthy soil can improve pasture and animal health, reduce chances of erosion and slips and improve overall farm productivity.

The course will be run

by Chris Alenson, an independent soil specialist who has had 25 years experience teaching and presenting in the agricultural field, and has held many similar workshops in the Westernport area.

The course is very practical and on a level that is accessible to all farmers.

All attendees of the course will gain practical

Back to basics: learn how to improve soil health by attending a Landcare workshop. and technical knowledge and experience that they can use on their own properties.

The course is perfect for a wide range of landholders, from new landholders, to long-term farmers looking to fill gaps in their knowledge.

Chris will cover topics including sustainable agriculture, soil formation, composition and physical properties, biological life in soils, soil sampling and

analysis, plant nutrition and fertility management, indicators of soil fertility and carbon management in soils.

Landholders will be assisted to prepare a soil health plan on their own properties.

Every attendee living in the Westernport region will be eligible to participate in the Land Stewardship Soils Project and receive a subsidy to undertake work on 10 hectares

of their property that improves the health of their soil (including activities such as liming, aeration, extending grazing regimes or adding compost tea), as well as subsidising the cost of the course.

The course is being held on Fridays: October 5, 12 and 19, and the cost is $220. The course is being held at the Bena Hall, five minutes from Korumburra. Please supply your own lunch.

Gippsland showcases dairy THE Cows Create Careers – Schools to Industry is an exciting initiative funded by the Gardiner Foundation.

The project aims to positively influence the work experience choice of secondary school students who are interested in pursuing a career in the dairy industry by matching these students with enthusiastic dairy industry advocates.

This initiative is a follow-on program to the Dairy Australia, Cows Create Careers – Farm module where students are involved in rearing two calves, which are supplied by local dairy farmers for a three week period.

Students complete various curriculum activities that require them to study dairy industry career pathways (both vocational and professional). This farm module project takes place in 180 schools and involves about 7000 students across Australia.

The Cows Create Careers – Schools to Industry project involves a dairy industry advocate visiting a class of students looking to uptake work experience to teach about dairy career pathways.

As a result of 20 presentations conducted last year, project managers have been able to place 16 students in work experience.

Recently, Gippsland was lucky enough to host five of these placements which involved five 17-year-old girls taking part in a rotating work experience program.

During their work experience the girls were able to visit Australian Dairy Industry Improvement Corporation, NCDEA Werribee, Hico Leongatha, Genetics Australia Leongatha, Wonthaggi Veterinary Clinic, Korumburra Veterinary Clinic and participate in a day on farm with Bill, Brett, Faye and Jodi Loughridge at Nyora, and Chris and Vicki Kershaw’s farm at Glen Alvie.

Karina Maronian, a student from Bellarine Secondary College said: “Spending time on the dairy farm and with the vet has made me decide that being a vet is what I want to do as my career.

“Thanks so much for helping me understand the many different areas of the dairy industry and what I could do in the future.”

The Gardiner Foundation has supported this initiative.

For further information please contact project leaders, John Hutchison and Deanne Kennedy of Jaydee Events on 5659 4219 or email jaydeeevents@dcsi.net.au

A Ruralco Partner

PRELIMINARY NOTICE 2ND STAGE DISPERSAL SALE Monday 8th October, Koonwarra VLE at 11.00am A/c D & B Kallady, Gelliondale.

Selling: 100 Head of fresh calved Jersey, Holstein and Xbred cows & heifers.

Outside entries invited.

Andrew Mackie 0419 595 932

Ph: (03) 9338 9259 PO Box 462, Tullamarine Business Centre, Tullamarine VIC 3043 www.dairylivestockservices.com.au

This course is being supported through the Westernport Targeted Land Stewardship Program, Port Phillip and Westernport CMA and Melbourne Water. To RSVP contact Kathleen at the South Gippsland Landcare Network on 5662 5759 or email kathleenb@wgcma. vic.gov.au.

PAGE 54 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

PATHOLOGY COLLECTOR 8.30am to 1pm Monday to Friday (Job Share Position)

Gippsland Pathology is currently looking for pathology collectors to work in our busy Leongatha Laboratory Collection Centre.

The successful applicants will have a strong commitment to customer service, exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team or alone. Comprehensive training is provided. Previous venepuncture experience would be an advantage.

Applications to: Stephen Griffiths South Gippsland Laboratory Manager Gippsland Pathology C/- Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 Leongatha 3953 Email: stephen.griffiths@gippspath.com.au Applications close Friday, September 28, 2012

South Gippsland Shire Council

Operations Team Member – Parks & Gardens • Casual position • $29.90 per hour As a member of the Parks & Gardens Team your primary responsibility will be to assist in the delivery of Council’s parks and gardens maintenance and construction programs.

You will bring prior knowledge of basic gardening principles and knowledge of operating and maintaining horticultural equipment.

A Construction Industry White Card and current Drivers Licence are essential.

Enquiries to Steve Missen, Coordinator Parks & Gardens on (03) 5662 9100.

All applicants must submit an Employment Application Form and address the selection criteria by 5pm Wednesday 3 October 2012.

Further information and a position description is available from our website.

We are currently looking for outgoing bubbly people to help build an exciting new cafe / Antique Sales business in Meeniyan.

Qualifications: • Food Handlers 1 & 2 • Responsible Alcohol Serving • Management skills (not essential) • Computer skills • A knowledge of antiques an advantage but not essential - can train Please contact the manager on 0408 650 874 or resumés to: PO Box 704, Wonthaggi 3995

Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College South Gippsland

Receptionist / Secretary / Occupational First Aid Officer The front office team at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is a dynamic and vibrant one that provides receptionist, secretarial and First Aid support to our College community.

Due to the retirement of a long serving staff member, a full time vacancy exists for someone to join this team who can demonstrate a commitment to the Catholic ethos of the College and the ability to work well with other office staff to provide these services in a cheerful, patient and highly skilled manner.

Interested?

Then visit www.mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au/ school-community/47/p/employment/ for more information.

Applications, including the names of three referees, should be emailed to the Principal, Mr Michael Delaney, as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday 3 October 2012. principal@mackillopleongatha.catholic.edu.au

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Part Time Funeral Director’s Assistant An opportunity exists to join a successful family owned Funeral Company on a part time basis.

The position requires working on a 24 hour on-call roster system (including weekends), which involves effecting the transfer of deceased person(s) after hours, assisting at funeral services; assisting in the general upkeep of our fleet of vehicles, and other associated responsibilities unique to this profession.

To fulfil this position you require flexibility with work hours, you must demonstrate a good work ethic within a close team environment, strong people skills coupled with compassion and understanding. You must possess strong attention to detail, excellent time management skills and excellent presentation. You must be physically fit and in good health. A current driver’s licence is essential.

This position would be suitable for someone who has taken early retirement or is semi-retired.

Please submit a current resumé, supported by handwritten application letter, with checkable referees to: The Manager Handley Funeral Services PO Box 457 LEONGATHA 3953

ENDORSED ENROLLED NURSE PERMANENT AND CASUAL POSITIONS Immediate start available Rose Lodge is a fully accredited 70 bed Aged Care facility centrally located in Wonthaggi. A further 30 beds will be added in 2013. We are currently seeking experienced Enrolled Nurses with Diploma of Nursing to join our friendly and professional team.

The successful applicants will be able to constantly deliver quality resident nursing care and support, enjoy working with the elderly and have good communication and organisational skills.

Rose Lodge is committed to offering staff career growth and professional development opportunities.

For further information please contact: Martine Maurizio on 5672 1716.

Please send resumé with covering letter to: Beverley Walsh CEO – Rose Lodge P.O. Box 626 Wonthaggi, Victoria. 3995 or E: beverleywalsh@roselodge.com.au Applications close1st October 2012 A current Police check relevant to Aged Care will be required prior to commencement

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 55

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

Primary School Chaplain WONTHAGGI AND WONTHAGGI NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOLS (2 days per week in each school)

South Gippsland Shire Council

We are seeking part time worker(s) to be active in pastoral care, programming and education to enhance the well-being of the school community.

Applicants will have appropriate degrees in either theology, education or counselling/pastoral care.

Applicants will be active members of a local church and be eligible for endorsement as a chaplain with ACCESS ministries.

For further details and job description contact: Garry Tobeck – 0459 094 337 or email – gtobeck@accessministries.org.au

Visitor Services Coordinator • Permanent full time • $62,437 total salary package • Option of 9 day fortnight An exciting opportunity exists to lead our team of Tourism Information Officers delivering a high level of service to visitors and residents of South Gippsland from our Prom Country Visitor Information Centres located at Korumburra and Foster.

Your primary focus will be to coordinate all key administrative and training requirements of the centres and to develop online and mobile media tools to promote South Gippsland Tourism and its operators. You will work closely with our Tourism Officer to assist with marketing projects and tourism development.

Your excellence in delivering high level customer service will ensure visitors to South Gippsland have a first class tourism experience in our region. If you have the drive and enthusiasm and prior tourism industry experience, then join our dedicated team today.

• Permanent part time – 19 hrs per week • $31,233 total salary package

LEONGATHA FULL TIME

We have an exciting opportunity for a communications professional to join our Customer Relations team utilising their excellent written and verbal communication skills to assist in the delivery of Council’s corporate communication requirements.

You will be tertiary qualified and bring a passion for communications, assisting with the development of media releases, advertisements and promotional material.

You will also have strong web content management skills and a working knowledge of social media. Good experience in graphic design such as Adobe Creative Suite is also desirable.

All applicants must submit an Employment Application Form and address the selection criteria outlined in the position description, by 5pm Wednesday 26 September 2012.

We currently have a full time position available working Monday to Friday, in our retail hardware division.

We require someone who has excellent customer service, is computer literate and willing to learn all aspects of the hardware industry.

WELDERS AND BOILER MAKERS Latrobe Community Health Service is one of the largest community health providers in Victoria. We provide professional and career development, salary packaging, an employee assistance program, work life balance and much more.

Experienced in mild and stainless steel, required for local engineering firm FULL TIME POSITION Apply to:

We are currently offering the following career opportunities:

HULLS ENGINEERING Speech Pathologist - 17685

PO Box 319 Leongatha PHONE: 5662 2639 FAX: 5662 4141

Permanent Full Time position, located across Latrobe Valley The position of Graduate Speech Pathologist offers a caseload of adult and paediatric clients, the successful applicant will work closely with the current Speech Pathologist to develop the new paediatric service and enhance the existing service for adults as part of a larger inter-professional team.

Applications close 4.30pm, Friday 21 September 2012.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

Physiotherapist/Exercise Physiologist - 17680 Permanent Full Time position, located across Latrobe Valley This is a unique opportunity for a Physiotherapist or Exercise Physiologist to be part of this new exciting direction.

You will have access to ongoing professional development as well as opportunities to be involved in research. Our allied health team have a dedicated academic position to assist with investigation and implementation of evidence based practice.

tenders

tenders

Applications close 4.30pm, Friday 21 September 2012.

Clinical Lead (Paediatric Clinical Services) - 17681 Permanent Full Time position reducing to Part Time, located across Latrobe Valley We are currently recruiting for a Clinical lead to develop and lead the newly formed paediatric service.

Request for Real Estate Services

The successful applicant will need to be an experienced Allied health clinician with experience in the development of services including setting up of clinical guidelines and risk management frameworks.

Our paediatric team includes a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist , Speech pathologist and an Allied Health Assistant

ads@thestar.com.au

ZO221357

Applications close 4.30pm, Friday 14 September 2012

Email your adverts to The Star

HOSPITALITY STAFF

$25 GARAGE SALE KIT

Beaches & Cream Café Inverloch

We are currently seeking enthusiastic staff to join our team.

Cook / Barista

DAYS ONLY - including some weekends Call Steve or Greg BH 5674 3366

FULLY Qualified Painter.

No job too small. Good rates. Call Drew on 56624238 or 0418-517443.

GUTTER Small homes $25 and large Contact Josh 0429-198606.

CLEANING and units homes $40.

5662-5037,

The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our

KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $31.90) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $39 ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classifieds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

Please forward applications to: Capeview Mitre10, Attention Ben Davey Lot 2 Cusack Road, Leongatha or email ben.davey@cv-m10.com.au Applications close 21st September 2012

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

• For further information and copies of each position description visit our careers page www.lchs.com.au/careers.

• Applicants must address the Selection Criteria and lodge their application online.

• No late or hard copy applications will be accepted.

GARAGE SALE

Public holiday/weekend work will be required at times on a roster basis.

For more information go to our website or contact us on (03) 5662 9200.

For further information in regards to the above mentioned positions please contact Petra Bovery-Spencer, Manager Primary Intervention on (03) 5136 5350

garage sales

work wanted

Communications Officer

If you see yourself as an integral part of a dynamic and supportive inter-professional team this could be the opportunity you have been looking for.

situations vacant CASUAL DAIRY position, maintenance, tractor work, fencing repairs and occasional milking. House available. Mirboo North area. 0448-572229.

This expression of interest requires expertise in selling and marketing properties as well as managing a rental portfolio. You will be expected to have extensive knowledge and experience in South Gippsland.

Respondents will be sent a document outlining the specific services that are required. You will be required to provide a response no later than the 26th September 2012.

Your response should specify your capabilities to provide some or all of the requirements that are detailed and a statement of your specific expertise.

Please forward any queries to: Dianna Mollica, Executive Assistant Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13, Leongatha PH 5667 5504

tenders

tenders

Registration of Interest ■

Tender Number : CFA-2012-0030 CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW WONTHAGGI FIRE STATION CFA is seeking registrations of interest from building contractors to tender for the construction of the new Wonthaggi Fire Station at White Road, Wonthaggi.

The total area of new building is approx. 910 sq.m. The major building comprises a 4-Bay motor room, amenities and offices. Associated works includes construction of civil and drainage works and landscaping.

Prospective Tenderers are required to register in writing.

Registration documents issued by CFA, must be duly completed and must include information indicating types of previous projects completed, their value and for whom constructed.

Contractors must be commercially registered building practitioners and must submit a copy of their registration number.

CFA will consider all registrations of interest. Tenders will then be invited from a number of registrants whose registration indicates their suitability for the job. Qualified local builders are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date for Registration: 4.00pm, Wednesday 3rd October 2012 To obtain registration documents and for all enquiries the contact officer is: Mr Kenny Louey, Project Manager, Phone: 03 9262 8340 Email: k.louey@cfa.vic.gov.au Forward Registrations to: Country Fire Authority Manager, Land & Building Services P.O. Box 701, MT WAVERLEY VIC 3149

ZO210813

situations vacant

PAGE 56 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

public notices

CHARITY CAR WASH for world hunger, KFC Leongatha, Friday September 28, 1-4pm.

AGM

Meeniyan Tourism and Traders Association Inc Monday, October 15 MOO’S AT MEENIYAN 89 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan 6pm

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER”

for rent

livestock

FOR RENT MARDAN NEW 4 BEDROOM HOUSE On 7 acres - $375pw Or house only - $350pw Reverse cycle air con Conditions apply Phone 0428 264 231

for sale

VACUUM CLEANER Repairs

DUST BAGS

Sales

FREE

QUOTES

WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE 167 Graham Street, Wonthaggi (opp. Ritchies IGA)

28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropractic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

DRESS Cocktail / wedding, Gerry Shaw creation, size 14, burgundy shot taffeta, lace overlay and bolero.

Cost $530, sell $250. Worn 3 hours. Ph: 5662-2483.

CHIROPRACTOR

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175.

Garry Harrison 19 Moonah Street Cape Paterson Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday By appointment Ph: 5674 8290

COUNTRY MUSIC, ROCK N ROLL & PIZZA NIGHT

Family event & community fundraiser for Cancer Council Relay For Life Featuring country band “WILDCARD CRUISERS”

SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER From 6.30pm Band 7.30pm to 12.30am JUMPING CASTLE FREE FACE PAINTING TEA & COFFEE PROVIDED Enry fee by donation at the gate, with all proceeds going to Cancer Council Relay For Life Pizzas available for purchase Supplied by “Wheelie Good Pizzas” Drinks available at bar prices Thanks to the MDU Cricket Club BYO chair Camping & toilet facilities

DUMBALK RECREATION RESERVE (Dumbalk Hall if rained out) Contact: Ian 5664 1248

message of hope GOD is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. I John 14:16(b)

accommodation PROFESSIONAL person seeks midweek selfcontained accommodation in Leongatha. Ph: 0431380089.

for lease

5 ACRES land with shed for lease, Dollar Road, Dumbalk, $80 per week.

0406-741518.

5672 3127

HAY CLEARANCE 500 small square bales, shedded, ex quality, suitable for horses. Must go $8 each. Can deliver 50 or more, conditions apply.

Mardan 5664-1320, 0428999691.

HAY 5x4 rolls, various quality, from $22 plus delivery. Ph: 0428-177433.

OUTDOOR SETTING 7 piece, with cushions, $90.

Contact 0488-105451.

REFRIGERATOR Fisher & Paykel 2 door, good condition, $300. 56642279.

BULLS FOR HIRE OR SALE Friesian, Jersey, Angus, Hereford and Limo All tested Phone 0447 331 762 ALPACA SALE Herd reduction / retirement sale of good quality breeding alpaca - some pregnant.50% off packages.

For prices and details visit www.caramiaalpacas.com

used vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL Will pay up to $300 for complete car Buyers of scrap metal All machinery Bins provided

Bass Coast Metal Recyclers 5672 2946 0417 556 593 MAZDA VAN 1993, mechanically good, body rough, work van, roof racks, factory gas/petrol, towbar, 5 speed, REU018, $2,000 ONO. 0413-884130 or 5662-3872.

wanted SEEKING POSITION

RELIEF MILKER / FARM DUTIES

RIDE-ON MOWER Husqvarna 12.5hp. Bought new - only done 34 hours work.

Owner moving interstate. $2,500 ONO. 0427-624191.

22 year old male, reliable, adaptable, dedicated, has previous experience and enjoys learning.

Any day, any time, just a call away on 0437 398 030 - Mick

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

SLASHER - any condition, rusted body okay. Ph: 0418515139.

wanted to buy

SUZUKI GSXR 750 sports bike. Rego March 2013, 27,000km, new tyres, always garaged, $9,500.

Contact Tim 5662-3743.

SWIMMING POOL vinyl, 7.3 x 3.8 x 1.2, with some cleaning accessories and chemicals. Good condition $750. 0407-343796.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 56812261.

TOYOTA COASTER 1992, LWB, diesel, IHZ motor, 260,000km. Ideal camper $19,500 neg.

0427647534.

TYRES 5 Good Year H.P. Wrangler 255/65 R17, good condition, done 3,000km, $600. 0407-343796.

FREE Pick-up and delivery in Leongatha/Meeniyan areas for MOTOR MOWERS,

CHAINSAWS AND STATIONARY ENGINES ETC. Repairs and services

Phone JOHN GOULD 5664 0012

deaths

Isobel, Jennie, Guy, Brad and family would like to extend their thanks to friends and relations for their support and attendance at his funeral.

Please accept this as our personal thank you.

COOK - John.

Shirley, Ross, Wayne, Susan and families wish to thank family and friends for their support, phone calls, cards, flowers and cooking on the recent passing of John. Your kind thoughts were deeply appreciated.

A special thank you to Dr Ros Giles, Father Manny, Paul and Marg Beck and the Bass Coast palliative nurses who took wonderful care of John. Please accept this as our personal thank you.

in memoriam HARRISON (Corbett) Gwendoline.

24.7.34 - 17.9.07 It’s now 5 years, we know now you were the rock in our family and we think of you all the time.

We have another family wedding soon and we know you and Vi would never have let anyone stop you both from being there and seeing your grandchild and great grandchild on their special day.

Love from your children, grandchildren (and partners) and great grandchild.

HAYWARD - John.

September 17, 2011 Treasured dad, father-inlaw and grandad to Darren, Natalie, Matt and Ryan.

Dearly loved remembered always.

and

HERRALD - Sheila.

22.9.72 A loving, kind, irreplaceable mother, missed so much these past 40 years.

Sue and boys.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

DEBENHAM - Ann. The Board and members of Leongatha Golf Club express their regret at the passing of our long standing, highly regarded member, Ann Debenham.

Ann was a keen golfer and a tireless worker for the club. As a member of the Ladies Committee, Lady President and a board member, Ann made a wonderful contribution to the development of the club.

We will miss her calm, pleasant manner, her wisdom and her warm, caring nature.

Our condolences to her family.

HANNON (nee Swenson) Martha Josephine.

Passed away peacefully at Narracan Gardens, Newborough, aged 94 years, late of Moe and Korumburra.

Loved sister-in-law of Helga, (Jack dec) and family.

Always in our hearts.

JEFFERIES - Beryl.

Loved mother of Lawrence (dec).

Mother-in-law of Thelma, friend of Ashley, grandmother of Norman and Julie, and their families.

A praying mother. Ph. 4:6.

funerals DEBENHAM - A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Ann Patricia Debenham will be held at the Church of the Ascension, 6 The Crescent, Inverloch on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 1.30pm.

HAROLD MILKINS MILKINS FUNERALS Wonthaggi 5672-3123

deaths

Big shoes: Jan Martin took over from Bill Jeffs as the head of Korumburra Primary School on Wednesday.

Headmaster Martin JAN Martin stepped out of the business world in her role as director of community services at South Gippsland Shire Council and into Korumburra Primary School on Wednesday.

She took on the role of principal of the school in the 11th annual Principal for a Day event.

Principal for a Day gives a wide range of community and business leaders from all walks of life a first-hand experience of a normal day in a Victorian government school.

Many business and community leaders were repeat participants, including Premier Ted Baillieu, and Cameron Schwab, CEO of Melbourne Football Club.

Bill Jeffs, Korumburra Primary School’s real principal, said it was a great pleasure to host Ms Martin.

Mr Jeffs said Ms Martin was keen to participate in a variety of activities such as attending a network principal’s meeting, observing classes, sharing ideas with the staff, meeting with school councillors and parents, as well as meeting with student leaders.

“This program provided us with an excellent opportunity to enable someone from the local council to gain a unique insight into the learning environment at our school and the various issues we face on a daily basis,” Ms Jeffs said.

Principal for a Day is delivered by the Australian Council for Educational Research in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

deaths

deaths

births WYNNE (Jones) - Paul and Karen are delighted to welcome their third gorgeous son, Noah Thomas, born August 29, 7lb 4oz. Baby brother for Henry and Oscar.

Special thank you to Tim, Hugh, Sewellyn and the wonderful theatre and midwifery staff at GSHS.

marriage celebrant

Jenny Milkins

BILLING - Arthur Ronald Eric (Eric).

06.11.1923 - 10.09.2012 Passed away peacefully at West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul surrounded by his family.

Dearly loved husband and soul mate of Iris (dec).

Cherished and adored father of Ron, Cheryl (Cheb), Trevor, Jan and Pam (Tup).

Loved pa of 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Always remembered, forever in our hearts.

PROCTOR - JOHNSON Marg and Rob of Warragul along with Kerrie and Terry of Inverloch are thrilled to announce the engagement of Jade and Kristy on 9.9.12.

DEBENHAM Ann Patricia.

19.05.1932 - 13.09.2012 Beloved Wife of David (dec).

Loved mother and motherin-law of Ian and Marigold, Sally and Matthew, Peter and Angela, Christopher (dec), Andrew and Bronwyn.

Dearly loved Granny Ann to her grandchildren Tom, Andrew, Lucinda, Tim, Felicity, Anna, Hugh and Annabel.

Our love and best wishes for your future together.

Memorial Service to be advised.

All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

CAM ABOOD

free

bereavement thanks COLLINS - Rex.

Leongatha 5662 4191

engagements

Paul & Margaret Beck proprietors Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8343 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Help-meet. 6, Lash. 8, Peer. 9, Sh-own out.

10, Stage. 11, Ornate (anag). 13, Change. 15, G-row-eR. 17, Tattoo. 19, Stand. 22, Picked up. 23, Ours (anag). 24, (I’m)Ages. 25, Rendered.

Down - 2, Eve-(ca)n’t. 3, Pa-rag-on. 4, E-a-st. 5, Th-orough. 6, L-in-en. 7, Scuttle. 12, Be-hold-er. 14, Hearing.

16, Outcome. 18, Takes. 20, Nerve. 21, O-pen.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8343 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Sidestep. 6, Isis. 8, Mere. 9, Audacity. 10, Steep 11, Sprint. 13, Went on. 15, Answer. 17, Mishap. 19, Price.

22, Decipher. 23, Exit. 24, Stay. 25, Together.

Down - 2, Inert. 3, Everest. 4, Teak. 5, Pedestal. 6, Incur.

7, Intense. 12, Snapshot. 14, Evident. 16, Serpent. 18, Hairy. 20, Chide. 21, Drag.

Water storages full

KORUMBURRA and Poowong/Nyora/ Loch recorded the most rainfall in South Gippsland Water’s (SGW) catchments last week.

Both the Coalition Creek and Little Bass holdings had 25mm of rain.

Wonthaggi’s Lance Creek had 11mm, Leongatha’s Ruby Creek, Foster’s Deep Creek and Fish Creek’s Battery Creek 15mm each.

SGW managing director Philippe du Plessis said ongoing rain has ensured all storages remain at capacity.

Meteorologists at The Weather Channel say changing water temperatures in the Indian and Pacific oceans will reduce the moisture – and rainfall – across Australia during the rest of the year.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 57

Rate rise stings

By Brad Lester

DON Hill cannot believe his council rates have risen by nearly 30 per cent.

The Wild Dog Valley teacher and farmer said while the combined rates of his two properties have risen by 10 per cent, rates on the smaller, 90 acre property have risen by 30 per cent.

He faces a bill of $4000 for a total of 290 acres.

Properties throughout South Gippsland were revalued ahead of the rate notices being issued, with farming land value rising by an average of seven per cent.

Mr Hill will stand for South Gippsland Shire Council in the Tarwin Valley ward during the October election and rates are an issue.

“Properties around me are selling for less than what was paid for them, or they are on the market for less than what they were bought for,” Mr Hill said.

“I do not pay as high rates as some farmers. Some pay as high as $10,000 and $15,000, and their rates will go up by more.”

In 2011, Mr Hill paid $701 in rates for his 90 acre property and $2835 for his 200 acre lot. Now rates for his 90 acre farm d hi are $913 and his 200 acre ffarm $2935 $2935.

Mr Hill will run for council alongside Frank Hirst of Ranceby and Bruce Beatson of Agnes. Mr Hirst will contest Strzelecki ward and Mr Beatson CoastalPromontory ward.

While the trio will not share a joint ticket, Mr Hill said they all hold the goal of “making council accountable and bringing some sustainability into the council budget”.

“We think the present council is not being run by the council but by the staff,” he said.

Mr Hill wants council to lobby the State Government to build a Consumer Price Index increase into grants to ensure such essential services as roads are adequately maintained.

“They are slashing the spending on roads and the roads are falling apart. It’s not just a few potholes,” he said.

Mr Hill said council needs more direction to progress and problem solvers among the council.

Dairy prices climb MURRAY Goulburn and Fonterra have increased their milk prices.

In a statement to shareholders, MG managing director Gary Helou advised of a price increase of $0.20 per kilogram of protein and $0.08 per kilogram of butterfat for milk supplied across the 2012-13 season.

“This step-up takes Murray Goulburn’s weighted-average available price to $4.63 per kilogram milk solids,” Mr Helou said.

“Improvements in market returns, the positive impacts of increased milk supply and lower operating costs across the MG business - are key contributors to this step-up.”

Damien Murphy, a dairy farmer at Dumbalk, said a price increase was always good news.

“It is a positive this early in the season and hopefully there is more to come. It is not so much the start price that interests me; it is the end price,” Mr Murphy said.

Mr Helou said the market outlook continues to be challenging due to last year’s surplus global milk supply and a strong Australian dollar.

“Despite these challenges, Murray Goulburn remains wholly focused on the task of growing our markets and lowering internal costs in order to maximise farmgate prices and improve cash flows,” he said.

Fonterra said current Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian suppliers will receive a price increase of eight cents per kilogram of protein for all milk supplied in the 2011-12 season.

This brings Fonterra’s average final full-year price across all five of its supply regions to $5.45 per kilogram of milk solids.

The price increase will be backdated to July 1, 2011.

“This is our third highest fullyear price on record, so it’s a strong finish. We are pleased to maintain our track record of offering suppliers very competitive farmgate milk prices in all of our supply regions,” Heater Stacey, general manager of milk supply said.

“Despite the ongoing softening in dairy commodity prices and the continued strength of the Australian dollar, we have delivered well on our sales and shipping program in the last few months of the season.

“We have also maintained a strong and balanced product mix, which has enabled us to focus on gearing our production to high-demand, highvalue categories.

“Looking ahead at the current season, we are starting to see some more encouraging signs from the market.

“We are also seeing encouraging data out of the US which indicates dairy producers there may be entering a phase of contracting production as a result of the severe drought.

“This reaffirms our view that the global supply/demand balance should recover in the 2013 calendar year.”

Fonterra’s next farmgate milk price review for the 2012-2012 season will take place in September

Not happy: Don Hill was taken aback by his rate increases.

Trawler ban joy THE ban on super trawlers operating in Victorian waters by Minister Peter Walsh, has been welcomed by Watershed Victoria.

President Mark Robertson said: “It shows this State Government is listening to concerns about our local marine environment. However, he is overlooking a much larger threat to our coastal ecosystems –

the Victorian desalination project.

“This plant will remove up to 40,000 tonnes of small marine life every year from Victorian inshore waters – more than twice what the largest super trawler can harvest.

“Chemicals will also be released back into Bass Strait. The knockon effects will probably impact on species such as little penguins and larger fish.

“No environmental manage-

ment plan for plant operations has been released by Aquasure or DSE, even though the plant is now operating.

“Minister Walsh, as Fisheries and Water Minister should make the public release of this plan a matter of utmost urgency, as the threat of this plant operation to the Bunurong Marine Parks and Phillip Island penguin parade is now a clear and present danger.”

Landcare unveils honour roll PEOPLE with a passion for the environment gathered at Korumburra on Saturday night to mark the South Gippsland Landcare Network’s annual general meeting.

The occasion also featured the unveiling of the

25th Landcare Anniversary Honour Roll.

The meeting was held at the Italian Social Club and featured guest speaker Robert Youl from Landcare International.

Full report and more photos in next week’s Star.

School goes solar KORUMBURRA Primary School will become more sustainable thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Federal Government.

The grant comes as part of the National Solar Schools Program and will give the school a chance to use solar energy.

Principal Bill Jeffs was excited about receiving the grant.

“With this we can put solar panels on the roof of our gym which will be used to offset our electricity costs,” he said.

“And if we generate enough energy, then it will go back into the grid and we’ll get a reduction in costing.”

As well as saving energy, students

will learn about solar energy.

“There will be curriculum about solar energy incorporated into learning as well,” Mr Jeffs said.

“We will have a visual data base of the power that we are using and we’ll be able to bring it back into the classroom.”

The school was lucky to get the grant as this was the final round of funding available to them.

More than 800 schools nation-wide have been given funding in the 2012-13 funding round and 5300 schools have shared in more than $217 million worth of funding since the program began in July 2008.

Evening out: enjoying the South Gippsland Landcare Network’s evening were Kevin and Coral Hughes, Eric and Sue Miles, Kelly and Adrian Hughes, and Zoe and Richard Baillie.

PAGE 58 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Bulls bring premiership Parrot junior presentations to Gippsland GIPPSLAND’S top hockey players brought home a State League 4 premiership when the Baw Baw Bulls defeated Bendigo Blazers at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne on Saturday.

The Bulls went into battle against the Blazers as hot favourites, having sealed the minor premiership with an undefeated season, and did not disappoint.

From the first whistle, Baw Baw passed the ball around at will, putting Bendigo on the back foot and that’s where it stayed.

Gerard Tong, Wes Dowel, Andrew Glazzard and Luke Hall looked to control everything with their clinical passing and patience in an outstanding display.

Bendigo held on until Steve Pearse stepped up for a short corner, drag flicking into the back of the net for a one nil lead on 17 minutes.

Matt Zurrer then stepped up at the 33 minute mark, weaving his way through the defence after another patient build up

to find Mark Robjant unmarked on the back post to take the score to two nil at half time.

The second half saw Bendigo score on 40 minutes to close the gap on the scoreboard; however Baw Baw were quick to respond, hitting back through Dave Cuthbertson on a short corner on 43 minutes.

The Bulls weren’t ready to end the game there either, with centre forward Robjant adding another in the 59th minute.

Robjant then went on to set up Cam Flemming’s tap in on the 65th minute mark, taking the final score to an impressive 5-1.

South Gippsland was well represented, with Robjant from Leongatha and Dowel from Korumburra key players on the day.

The Under 15s also had a big win for Baw Baw, sealing back-to-back premierships against Mornington by one goal on Friday night, while the Men’s Reserves were not so lucky, going down against Dandenong by one goal on Saturday in Frankston.

Clean pass: Wes Dowel from Korumburra played well in defence for the Baw Baw Bulls in their State League 4 premiership on Saturday.

Impressive win: the Baw Baw Bulls State League 4 men’s team completed their undefeated season with a big win against the Bendigo Blazers at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne on Saturday.

Triple treat

IT’S not often three brothers play in three grand finals for three different teams all on the same day.

Korumburra brothers Mark, Stuart and Wes Dowel were as busy cheering one another on as they were playing themselves when their hockey grand finals all fell on Saturday.

Wes represented the Baw Baw Bulls in the State League 4 grand final at the State Hockey Centre, while Mark played in the Metro 1 South East grand final and Stuart in the Metro 3 South grand final, both representing the Casey Cannons.

Fortunately it was celebrations all round at the end of the day, with all three brothers winning premiership medals.

Baw Baw Bulls: Mark Robjant from Leongatha plays well under pressure in the grand final against Bendigo Blazers at the State Hockey Centre in Melbourne.

Under 14s: Kyle Cooper (runner up best and fairest), Anthony Argento (most disciplined), Jacob Cecil (encouragement award), Riley Smith (encouragement award), Sam Forrester (encouragement award), Brock Jones (most improved), Louis Riseley (best and fairest), Matt Minogue (most determined), Jack Vanderkolk (encouragement award), Kaj Patterson (most dedicated).

Under 13s: Trent Westaway (most disciplined), Cam Olden (best and fairest), Mitch Harry (encouragement award), Damon Ginnane (runner up best and fairest), Michael McKinnon (encouragement award), Sam Hanrahan (encouragement award) and Jack Balagh (encouragement award).

Under 12s: Mason McGannon (best and fairest), Josh Hastings (encouragement award), Sam McGannon (runner up best and fairest), Nick Summers (coach), Jordan McFarlane (encouragement award) and Dylan Clark (encouragement award); front, from left, Mitch Scrimshaw (most improved), Jye Gourlay (encouragement award) and Tom Vanderkolk (most disciplined)

Under 11s: back, from left, Paul McKeown (encouragement award), Luke Stothart (most disciplined), Elii Clark (most improved) and Shem Murphy (encouragement award); front, from left, James Ryan (encouragement award), William Littlejohn (runner up best and fairest), Mitchell Bentvelzen (best and fairest), William Presnell (encouragement award).

Under 10s: back, from left, Andrew Van Hamond (encouragement award), Hayden Kewming (encouragement award), Colby Michael (most disciplined) and Jacob Wrigley (encouragement award); front, from left, Ethan Lamers (best and fairest), Royce Patterson (most improved) and Reegan Kemp (runner up best and fairest).

Absent Kaelin Littlejohn (encouragement award).

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 59

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL

Best ever grand final crowd SECURITY staff at the Alberton Football Netball League’s grand finals at Foster said “the crowd was the best behaved ever”.

League secretary and treasurer Lynn Whelan echoed this remark and said she thought the crowd was great.

While Saturday’s gate takings at Foster totaling $30,727 was down on the 2011 total of $34,100 at Inverloch, Ms Whelan said that was due to the fact last year there were 10 different clubs contesting grand finals where as this year there were eight clubs represented.

“This makes a huge difference to the crowd numbers but we were still very happy with the numbers and especially the behavior of the crowd,” she said.

Ms Whelan attributes the big police presence at the grand final as helping to promote good crowd behaviour.

“The police did a great job, as did the Foster club preparing all the ground and facilities, Toora with the catering and the South Gippsland Shire helped also,” she said.

“The League board members were at the Foster ground on Friday doing a lot of work including erecting the newly acquired poles and club flags.”

Ms Whelan said it was also pleasing in her fourth year in the role there were no reports for the whole finals series.

“All games were played in good spirit and we have received some really good feedback,” she said.

Ms Whelan said one of the highlights of the day would have to be the close finish in the Reserves match that saw Phillip Island defeat Korumburra-Bena by one point.

“Many of the supporters had their hearts in their mouth,” she said.

Big roar: Foster supporters Yasmine Duursma, Alexandra White, Meg McGlead and Macey McGlead and Amy Kindellan cheered for their teams in the grand finals on Saturday.

Didn’t notice them: the umpires for the senior grand final did a great job, pictured back row, from left, Graeme Mounsey (goal) field umpires Matt Holt, Vin Hally and Peter McLean, Ben Beck (goal); front from left, Tod Dorling, Brayden Krohn, Rhett Boscombe-Hill and Cam Trewan.

Go Brett: wishing dad Brett Anthony all the best were children Ethan and Jaide and his wife Christine.

Big fans: David and Jan Brown, life members of the Kilcunda-Bass Football Club were hoping for back to back premierships on Saturday.

Hot food: Tara Hollier and Dan Knee both from the Toora and District Football and Netball Club, who were running the canteen at the Alberton League grand final day on Saturday.

Footy food dished up SOME 500 sausages, 1000 hot dogs, 960 hamburgers, 900 buckets of hot chips, 360 pies, 240 eggs, 216 sausage rolls, loads of lollies, cakes, slices and drinks were devoured by the hungry crowd at the Alberton Football grand final day at Foster on Saturday.

More than 80 Toora football and netball club players, past and present, life members, volunteers and members of the community worked flat out all day keeping the hordes of supporters fed throughout the day.

Club spokesperson Rachel Brown said they would have made about $30,000 for the Toora club and they were very pleased with all the good comments they received

on the day.

“We ran two bars, two barbecues, a lolly stand and the canteen, we had great support and were thrilled we didn’t run out of food,” Rachel said.

“It all went really well and we were pleased to make so much on the day that will go towards improvements at the Toora club,” she said.

Heartbreak again: just when you thought the Korumburra-Bena side was about to break their grand final “hoodoo” in the Reserves it happened again, a goal after the siren by the Island’s Syd Siebel saw Phillip Island claim the flag by just one point, another heartbreak for Korumburra-Bena. Two of their players are pictured just after the siren.

PAGE 60 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL

Alberton netball premiers

Block: Korumburra-Bena’s Bena Maree Donohue puts the pressure on Nicole McKenzie in the A Grade grand final.

Under 15 champions: back from left, Britt Thomas, Brianna Pupetti, Maddi Carew, Elise Bainbridge, Mollie Bloch and coach, Jenny McRae. Front from left, Jade Macdermid, Elicia Garnham, Hannah McRae and Jade Ray-Angarane.

Under 13 winners: the Foster Tigers Under 13 side, back from left coach Carla Jenkins, Maddi Roberts, Maxi Park Deere, Will Chester, Stef Busuttil, Amy Thornell, Zara Prain and coach, Hannah Bassett. Front from left, Melissa Vanin, Yasmin Bohn, Brooke Roberts, Tori Cripps, Keighley Starrett and Jayde McGlead.

A Grade premiers: from left Korumburra Bena A Grade netballers Zoe Archer, Maree Donohue, Angela Croatto, Kim Hillberg, Tarli Hillberg, Christie Hillberg, Emma Kyle, Tayla Smith and Kate Kilpatrick won the premiership on Saturday beating Foster 40 to 30.

B Grade premiers: from left Foster B Grade netballers Litita Bullen, Best on Court, Yvonne Angwin, Katie Jones, Zoe Wogan Browne, Jessica Johnston, Tarryn McKenzie, coach Bronwyn Williams, Katie Eales and Shannon Clearihan Jervies won the AFL B Grade netball grand final against Korumburra Bena 52 to 41 at Foster on Saturday with mascots Max Johnston and Zayda Angwin.

Dalyston wins C Grade: back row, from left: team manager, Alisha Dunlop, Ellie Marotta, Ellie Miller, Maddy Wright, Bec Pupetti and coach, Paige Tait. Front, Ella Angarane, Maddi Dunlop, Jaclyn Dunlop, Lisa Brusamarello and Stacy Smith.

Go dogs: Korumburra Bena Under 17 premiers, back from left, Gemma Dixon, Gema Ellams, Tayla Smith, Madi Dunn, Ash Honan, and coach, Shelley Snooks. Front from left, Abbe Moriarty, Ellen Sorrell, Ashlee Cuff and Jacqueline Snooks.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 61

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL

AFNL netball action A NICE day started the first official Alberton Football Netball League Finals.

Some great games of netball were on show throughout the day, with the crowds around the courts always intently watching.

The netball subcommittee thanks the following for their support this season: Jack Charlton, Island Appliance Warehouse Cowes, Kelvin Johns Bi-Rite Leongatha, Wonthaggi Home Appliances, Yarram Betta Home Living Store and Parry’s Korumburra.

B Grade Tigers go again A STRONG start by Foster had them on the board early and Korumburra-Bena was soon to follow.

It was Foster’s quarter with a 15 – 8 lead at quarter time.

There was good shooting by both sides, with the wings feeding beautifully into the goalers in the second.

This was a much closer quarter, with both teams picking up the defensive pressure.

At half time the Bulldogs trailed by six.

The third quarter was well contested by both sides, with Foster’s goal defence Letitia Bullen taking some great intercepts.

This was a better quarter from Korumburra-Bena, but they still trailed by six.

The final quarter saw Foster step up a notch and show why they ended up top of the ladder. Beautiful shooting from Zoe saw Foster win the B Grade premiership for an-

Winning trio: Foster B Grade premiers Yvonne Angwin, coach Bronwyn Williams and Best on Court Letitia Bullen were all smiles following their win in the AFL B Grade netball grand final.

C Grade Daly topples Bulldogs THE game started with the battle of the shooters as both sides went goal for goal early but Dalyston soon capitalised on a couple of intercepts to go into quarter time with 11 to Korumburra-Bena’s 7.

Dalyston seemed to be able to move the ball through the mid court easily after the break, making quick breaks and converting the goals.

But the Bulldogs didn’t give up, with shooter Ange Williams sinking shots from everywhere.

At half time the Magpies led by five but the third quarter saw Dalyston further extend their lead.

Dalyston’s defence, Rebecca Pupetti and Ellie Miller capitalised on any misses from the Korumburra-Bena shooters and added to their team’s nine point lead at three-quarter time.

Korumburra-Bena came out in the final quarter putting everything on the line to win that flag, bringing the margin back to six, but it was Dalyston’s consistent athleticism and team work that gave them the victory.

Best on court went to Jaclyn Dunlop of Dalyston, with the final score Dalyston 40 to Korumburra-Bena 30.

Under 17 Korumburra-Bena wins well A PHYSICAL start to the game by both sides had everyone putting their bodies on the line.

Defence pressure was a key factor early, with the score nine-all at quarter time.

The second quarter continued much the same, with every ball strongly contested

Go girls: C Grade Best on Court and Dalyston captain, Jaclyn Dunlop with coach, Paige Tate.

Well played: Ash Honan from the Korumburra Bena side was named Best on Court, following her team’s winning performance on Saturday.

Well played: Under 15 Best on Court was Hannah McRae from the Dalyston team.

other season.

Letitia Bullen took out best on court with the final score standing Foster 52 to Korumburra-Bena 41.

Well done: Best on Court for the Under 13s was Tigers player, Tori Cripps.

and both teams making the most of turnovers.

A few late misses from both sides had the half time score Korumburra-Bena 15 to Inverloch-Kongwak 13 and it was still anyone’s game.

I-K made changes going in to the third, moving league Best and Fairest Kelsey Buxton into goal defence.

Korumburra-Bena seemed to pick it up half a notch in this quarter and a goal on the end of the quarter had Korumburra up 23 to 17.

The Bulldogs came out strongly in the final quarter, showing why they ended the year on top of the ladder, but I-K would just not go away.

A few missed goals from Korumburra-Bena kept I-K’s hopes alive but the Bulldogs prevailed in the end.

Final score was Korumburra-Bena 35 defeated Inverloch-Kongwak 21 and best on court went to the Bulldogs’ Ashleigh Honan.

Under 15 Magpies run home TOUGH defence was the key to both teams, with Foster and Dalyston applying pressure all the way down the court.

A tough contest was held between the league Best and Fairest Brittany Thomas (Dalyston) and runner-up Kelsey Angwin (Foster).

A goal for goal quarter in the first saw a minimal one goal advantage to Dalyston at the first break (8-7).

Some nice shooting by both teams saw the margin only slightly increase going into half time.

When the teams came back onto the court both sides had made some changes.

Some very tight defence work by the Dalyston shooters at the start of the third made it hard for Foster to get it in to the centre third and use the run that they like.

Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers were the highlight

of the third quarter with both teams running fast for interceptions.

Dalyston got a quick break in the quarter and extended the lead to nine at three quarter time. Best on Court Hannah McRae of Dalyston provided many options throughout the mid court and fed the ball well to her shooters.

Dalyston ended their game very strongly to take home the flag.

Final score Dalyston 33 defeated Foster 21.

Under 13 Tigers’ tight win

A STRONG first quarter started the game and Foster’s defence worked hard as did their counterparts Dalyston.

Dalyston led by five at the first break but some minor changes to the Foster side after the break saw them capitalise and score the first three goals to bring back the margin.

Will Chester from Foster added a lot of drive in their attack end and shot well.

There was a one goal lead in Dalyston’s favour at the half time whistle.

The third quarter started goal for goal and with some great passages of play from both sides.

The end of the quarter saw the game get quite physical, with every player giving 100 per cent.

Dalyston led by just one goal at the last change.

An extremely close last quarter which was well contested by both sides had Foster breaking the gap and getting in front to lead at the final whistle by two goals.

The final score was Foster 21 to Dalyston 19.

The Jack Charlton Best on Court went to Tori Cripps of Foster and league Best on Court was Alana McRae of Dalyston.

PAGE 62 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Wonthaggi

Welshpool

TUESDAY’S nine hole pub event was won by Poppy Pope with 18 points on countback to Andrew Brown.

Balls down the line to Phil Janson 15 on countback to Alan Hayes.

Nearest the pin 6th Phil Janson. Other scores: K. Hallett, T. Welsh 14, D. Harris 13, B. MacPherson, C. Fletcher, B. Matthews, P. Carroll 12.

Achievers award to Peter Westaway.

Pub points: Welshpool 13, Toora 15.5, Port Albert 13.6, Pier Port 13.

Friday’s Yarram Hotel voucher was won by Russ Borwick 18 points. Balls down the line Lionel Pope 17.

Nearest the pin 6th Brian MacPherson.

Other scores: P. Janson 14, A. Hayes, K. Lear, P. Carroll 13, B. MacPherson, T. Welsh 11.

On Saturday the 18-hole stroke event was held with competitors vying for the Welshpool Hotel voucher. Conditions were very wet.

The winner by a mile was the ever-consistent Lionel Pope with net 68.

Balls down the line Keith Lear 74. Nearest the pin 6th Lionel Pope. Other scores: A. Hayes 77, P. Carroll 78, L. Taylor 81, S. Money 94.

On Sunday a good field played an 18-hole, three-person ambrose event.

The best score of the day was the team of Alan Hayes, Merv Lowe and Brian MacPherson with net 621/3.

Balls down the line to Pat Carroll, Ken Hallett, Shane Money 642/3, followed by E. Brennan, G. English, R. Barwick 651/6, K. Lear, A. Brown, E. Fischer 652/3, T. Welsh, J. Welsh, M. Welsh 672/3.

Nearest the pins: third A. Brown, K. Lear, E. Fischer; 6th E. English; 17th A. Hayes.

OUR mid-week event attracted 19 players with Barry Dicker having the best score of 40 points.

Balls down the line: J. French 37, G. Turner 35. Nerest the pin: D. Crellin.

On Saturday we played a stableford event. A Grade winner: J. Sartori 37 points. B Grade winner B. Dicker 40 points. C Grade winner P. Chapman 36 points.

Balls down the line: D. Munro, N. Burns, G. Lingmey, S. Lowe, P. Young, D. Wilson; junior D. Tilley.

Nearest the pins: 2nd P. Young, 8th G. Henniquinn, 13th P. Davies, 17th P. Davies.

Eagles: 7th hole R. Sheean and R. Johnson.

Don’t forget our annual general meeting this Tuesday at the clubhouse, 7pm.

Good luck to the four players heading to Tasmania this weekend on a golfing adventure.

Eric Vanagtmaal will take care of official duties on Saturday while they are away.

Good golfing!

Korumburra FORTY players competed in Saturday’s 4BBB stableford competition, Sportsfirst taking the trophy with CCR of 70.

A Grade winners: D. Austin (34 hcp) and K. Pope (17 hcp) 50 points, runner-up D. Austlin and B. Pope 47 points, followed by S. Webster and D. Pricone 42 points, and B. Clasby and C. Clasby 42 points.

B Grade winners: P. Vanagtmaal and D. Hislop 41 points, G. Jones and I. Gibson 41 points.

Nearest the pin: 1st L. Guilfoyle, 7th I. Gibson, 10th B. Pope, 13th C. Clasby.

Tuesday’s winner: T. O’Neill 35 points.

Korumburra ladies ON Wednesday 20 women played a Canadian Foursomes event in fine, but windy conditions.

The back nine holes were played twice due to works on the greens. Scores were quite good given the irregular putting surfaces.

The winners were Beryl Brown and Moira Rogers with 37 points and runners-up Julie Brannaghan and Barb Twite on 35 points.

Nearest the pins on the 13th hole were Viv Enbom (first time through) and Julie Brannaghan (second time through).

After the 18 holes of golf and a delicious lunch there was a good attendance for the Associates Annual General Meeting.

The election of office bearers resulted in some changes, with Marg Clasby taking over as president in 2013 and Viv Enbom coming onto committee.

Retiring committee members, Joan Peters, Barb Wood and Julie Brannaghan, were thanked for their contributions.

A reminder that the timesheet for next week’s golf commences at 9am.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Port Phillip Heads

SEPTEMBER Time

19 WED

20 THUR

21 FRI

22 SAT

23 SUN

24 MON

25 TUE

height (metres)

0152 0728 1359 1947

1.60 0.46 1.53 0.22

0239 0812 1439 2032

1.66 0.45 1.55 0.15

0325 0856 1519 2118

1.67 0.46 1.55 0.13

0410 0939 1600 2204

1.64 0.48 1.53 0.14

0457 1023 1643 2250

1.58 0.51 1.49 0.18

0548 1108 1730 2338

1.50 0.56 1.43 0.26

0645 1157 1826

1.42 0.60 1.36

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

Leongatha SATURDAY’S stableford was won by Trevor Rickard with 36 points. Now on a nine handicap, Trevor was the only golfer to match the par standard.

Max Kavanagh took B Grade with a handy 34-point effort. Pro-pin to club captain Kevin Castwood and nearest the pin to Bruce Hutton.

Ball winners: G. Marsham, N. Lafferty, J. Feddersen 35, A. Macfarlane, J. Smith, T. McCarthy 34, D. Forbes, R. Williams, P. Hobson, K. Castwood 33, L. Page 32.

The winning team in the qualifying round of the Holden Scramble included Luke Cusack, who played all his junior golf at the club.

Tuesday Once again only one player managed the 36-point level and that was Joe Lowell.

Nearest the pins went to the Smiths, Jon on 14 and Andrew on 16.Ball winners: B. Hutton 35, G. Maher 33, E.

Poole 31, B. Borg, P. Hobson, D. Vorwerg, P. Horman 30.

Thursday Geoff McDonald is playing great golf as indicated by his score of 38 points, five better than anyone else could manage. Geoff’s fine round equates to 75 off the stick.

Norm Hughes gained the runner-up prize on 33. Nearest the pin: 14th Ian Barlow, 16th Peter Thom from Box Hill. Peter enjoyed his visit by having an eagle 3 on the 18th hole.

Down the line balls: P. Horman 33, D. Vorwerg 32, A. Smith 31, P. Brownlie, F. Smedley, P. Thom 30, M. Stubbs, P. Hartigan 29.

Saturday’s event is a stroke round flag competition.

On grand final day, the competition is stableford with an 8.30 shotgun start. The following day is the R. and M. Hodges mixed 4BBB stableord, which is a board event.

Woorayl LAST Saturday we held a two-man ambrose sponsored by Edney’s Nissan.

The winning team was Mark and Col James with a net 60¾. They won from Ross Winkler and Brendan Robjant, who survived a countback with 63¾.

Balls went to T. Burgess and B. Beilby, R. Goodwin and G. Young, C. Hall and G. Calder, T. Lund and T. Walters, G. Winkler and J. Howard, and P. Burgess and P. McCaughy.

Nearest the pins: Brendan Robjant and Rod Goodwin.

Ann Poole won the ladies event with Thel Scoble taking the nearest the pin on the 17th.

Thursday is raffle and meal night, so come along.

Next week we play a stableford event sponsored by G.T. and R. Plastering.

Woorayl ladies LAST week’s fine weather drew a larger field for the stableford round sponsored by Langdon Chiropractic and Dot Jarvis, with Marg Higgins (23) winning A Grade with 33 points and Fay Maynard (27) taking out B Grade with 29 points.

Balls down the line went to Sue Wakefield, Inge Giliam, Marg Tuckett and Melinda Martin. Nearest the pin on the 8th was Jenny Riseley, on the 11th was Karin McKenzie and the 17th was Heather Sullivan.

The second round of the S & B Thomas Stableford Aggregate event was also played, resulting in Sue Wakefield and Fay Maynard to play Marg Higgins and Jo Fennell in the final in two weeks’ time.

Next week is president and captains’ day and players are reminded to bring a plate of afternoon tea.

Foster WITH another wet week, conditions at the course were still wintry, with no run and a few spongy areas.

But it was still well playable with the benefit of preferred lies and all good scores were well earned.

On Tuesday, a good field turned out to take advantage of a nice sunny day. Peter Dight (8) had the good score of 39 pts to record a win. The Down the line balls went to Athol McGrath (19) on 37 pts, Neville Thompson (9) 35 pts and David Hutchinson (12) on 33 pts. Neil Chandler took out the nearest the pin.

Thursday was a wet day and only a few hardy souls braved the conditions.Kevin Flett (8) had a creditable 36 pts to take home the bacon.

Down the line ball went to David Hutchinson (12) on 33 pts and Peter Dight got the nearest the pin.

Wily veteran Denham Grierson returned from his winter holiday in the sun to take home the Friday chook with 17 pts. He also won the BTP. Bill Fuller, who had also just returned from his winter sojourn, got the down the line ball also on 17 pts.

Anyone who does not have an official club handicap is welcome to join in the Friday event and the $10 entry fee includes one free standard drink in the clubhouse after the finish. Non handicap players all play off a maximum handicap of 18 for their first 6 times, then they will be given a Friday

handicap.

On Saturday, members played a stableford round for trophies donated by SEJ. A Grade was won by John Mathers (16) with 39 pts, B Grade by Don Cripps (23) with 35 pts.

The SEJ trophies are still “mystery” trophies at present as Jonesy has not yet been in contact – but Don said that for his part he will be happy to settle for a block at Sandy Point.

Paul Spencer would have won B Grade with 37 pts had he signed his card – but unfortunately he was disqualified. Always check your card and make sure it is properly signed before handing it in.

The down the line balls were won by Neville Thompson (9) 38 pts, Fred Tyers (15) 37 pts, Lloyd McKenzie (7) 36 pts, Colin Pulham (16) 36 pts and David Knee (16) 36 pts.

The nearest the pins went to Lloyd McKenzie and Greg Paine, the encouragement award to James McIntyre (27) on 19 pts.

The prestigious Winchester Singles Knockout Trophy honour board event has reached the grand final stage. The final is to be played between two seasoned match players in Kevin Flett (8) and Fred Tyers (15) .

Ladies event Barb Britten – 38 pts won the ladies’ event which had carried over from the previous week. Down the line ball went to Val Gow on

34 pts, the nearest the pin to Jocelyn Towns.

A meeting to outline ideas for a children’s area in the clubhouse was held on September 13. There was a good exchange of members’ ideas and information. The proposal is still in the preliminary stage and the committee will seek to tie up remaining loose ends ASAP and prepare a final plan that will be made available in the clubhouse for members’ further comment.

Rory Musinskas was not present to collect the $500 in the Friday night members’ cash draw. The $500 will be available again next Friday.

You need to be in the clubhouse between 7 and 8 when the draw is made to be eligible to win the cash.

Coming events: Thursday September 20, - stableford; Friday September 21, chicken run – holes1 to 9, Saturday Sept 22 – 4 ball multiplication – draw for partners at 11am for trophies provided by Michael Cahill, Tuesday September 25 – stableford.

The AGM be held on Thursday September 27. The committee would welcome further nominations.

Club members were saddened to hear of the passing of respected former president and member John Palffy in a tragic accident. Sincere condolences are extended to Pam and all the family.

South Gippsland Veterans SEPTEMBER 13 dawned blustery grey and showery.

Conditions stayed that way for most of the morning over the Phillip Island Golf Club. The course that seemed to be finally drying out a week before the event had once more been reduced to a wet challenge following 30 mm of rain in the previous five days.

We also had the pleasure of a short burst of hail during the round and once again the terrific efforts of the club’s ground staff had been frustrated by the weather patterns.

It is a credit to the 55 players from as far away as Foster, Leongatha and Lang Lang as well as our neighbours at Wonthaggi that they braved the elements and played stableford competition in such conditions.

After the game welcome warmth and excellent lunch in the clubhouse restored the spirits.

A Grade winner with 38 points was Phillip Island’s John Monk while another Islander, Bruce Smith, won B Grade with 39.

Bruce and one of his playing partners Laurie Downward who had 38 points were playing their first games with the Veterans and I suspect it won’t be their last.

Nearest the pins went to Phillip Island players, Bruce winning on 5, Ray Bird on the 10th and Rob Davison on 7 and also the approach on 13.

Ball run down went to 28 points.

Our next South Gippsland Veterans game will be at Woorayl Golf Club on Thursday October 11. It will be stableford with a rolling start from 8.30 am.

Our inaugural Player of The Year challenge will reach its climax at the November Championships at Wonthaggi Golf Club and the presentation will be at the Leongatha Golf Club in December.

Three Wonthaggi players are battling for the honours.

The idea was introduced to try and attract more members to more venues but this winter’s weather has not helped inspire the players to rise in the early hours to do battle on far distant courses.

The State Championship for Victorian Veteran Golfers still has a few vacancies in the fields. Entry Forms are available from Phillip Island Golf Club, Tournament Director Rob Davison 5952 6770, SGVGA Secretary John Monk 5952 5945 or SGVGA President Don Chapman 5952 6650.

Meeniyan SATURDAY was a 4ball stableford event with the sponsor for the day being Hanley Funeral Services.

The winners for the day were Alan Kuhne and Jeff Wilson with 43 points.

Runners-up were Col Graeme and Daryle Gregg with 41 points.

Balls down the line went to Rod Matthew and Jeff Stoiljovic 40 points and Col Stewart and Fred Stalker with 40 points.

Nearest the pin on the 8th was won by Col Stewart. The pro pin on the 5th was won by Rod Matthews.

The members’ draw was won by Tony McHarg who was in the clubhouse so he collected the cash. The raffle winners were Col Graeme and Russ Evans.

Tuesday was a singles

stableford event with the winner being Kevin Harris, off scratch, with an excellent 41 points.

Balls down the line went to Daryle Gregg 38 pts, Bo Fiek 36 pts, Col Stewart 32 pts and Jim Cusack with 31 points.

Nearest the pin on the 2nd was won by Col Stewart. Best nine was Otto Vandervorm with 17 points.

Thursday was a single stableford event with the winner being Daryl Gregg with 37 points.

Balls down the line went to Lloyd Hemphill 36 pts and Frank Peile with 33 points.

Nearest the pin on the 8th was won by Daryle Gregg. Best nine went to Col Stewart with 17 points on a countback.

Next week is a singles par event.

Winners: Marilyn McGeary and Nereda Scholte won the Meeniyan ladies’ 4BBB.

Meeniyan ladies WINNERS of the 4BBB event on Wednesday September 12, with a magnificent 48 points were Nereda Scholte (33)and Marilyn McGeary(44).

Runners-up with 42 points were Veronica Park and Dot Christie.

Linda Brown was the trophy donor.

Nearest the pin on the 2nd was Veronica Park and Sue Hoskin on the 17th with a lovely birdie. The course is looking good with Thomo working hard to get the back nine up and running.

Meeniyan Golf Club will be holding Give Golf Go on Sundays October 14, 21 and 28. Call Sue Hoskin if you are interested in learning the skills of the game in a fun and friendly setting. Sue can be contacted on 5683 2467.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 63

Leongatha bowls WITH no bowls being played Wednesday September 5 or Saturday September 8, we managed to get back to business on Wednesday September 12 albeit in trying, windy conditions.

Six teams of four players took part in a social medley event, the winners being Wayne Walker (S), Ollie Crouch, Alan Brown and Tas Haywood on 73 points/51 shots.

Runners-up were Jack Kuiper (S), Trish McCormack, George Witherow and John O’Connor on 73 points/ 11 shots.

The Leongath Bowls Club sponsored the day and it was pleasing to see Murray Holderhead back on the greens renewing his skills.

On Saturday, September 22, the Leongatha Club will travel to Phillip Island for a pennant practise game. More players are needed for this event, so please put your name on the list displayed in the board room as soon as possible.

The first of the new season’s “Kitty Club” teas was held on Thursday night, September 13, with about 50 people attend-

ing. The next Kitty Club tea will be held on Friday October 5 at 6pm.

A pennant/social triples event was held on Saturday, September 15, in very pleasant weather.

Winners were Jack Kuiper (S), Frank Filimeno and Thelma Dean with two wins plus 6.

Wayne Walker (S), Ollie Crouch (Lance Lancaster P.T.) and Ken Dean were the runners-up with one win plus a draw plus eight.

The Leongatha Bowls Club were the sponsors for the day.

Any member who has not collected their new uniform please contact Barry or Lyn Davidson as soon as possible.

The first of the ladies’ pennant home and away games will start on Tuesday October 9 at 10am.

The men’s round one pennant will be held on Saturday, October 13 at 1pm.

The sheets for this year’s various club events are now up on the ladies’/ men’s notice board situated in the board room.

If you wish to play in any events for which you qualify, please enter your names as soon as possible.

Leongatha basketball Results - Round 6

Under 12 Boys: Maroon 14 lt Light Blue 19, Black 15 d Light Green 14, Blue 10 lt Red 24, Navy Blue 14 lt Silver 24.

Under 14 Boys: Maroon 23 lt Red 31, Black 23 lt Royal Blue 25, Silver 24 lt Green 29.

Under 17 Boys: Royal Blue 39 lt Black 40, Red 19 lt Maroon 42, Green 45 d Silver 33.

Under 16 Girls: Gold 10 lt Purple 28, Royal Blue 18 lt Red 22, Light Green 21 d Silver 4, Light Purple 4 lt Black 32.

Men’s A Grade: The Graemes 30 lt Rollers 54, Amberfluids Revamped 20 lt Liquidamber 44, The A Team 43 lt NBA Ballers 49.

Men’s B Grade: The Knicks 45 d The Who Knows 42, Macca Mad Boys 36 lt Tropics 53, Grain Train 27 lt Timberwolves 57, Vales Apprentices 45 d Team Stig 11, The White Team 50 d Bucks 46.

Under 10 Girls: Red 0 v Black 0, Navy 3 v Green 10.

Under 10 Boys: Royal Blue 11 lt Black 14, Green 42 d Maroon 4, Red 13 d Silver 10.

Ladders Under 12 Boys Black ...........................162.82 Red..............................165.27 Silver........................... 134.32 Navy Blue ................... 130.43 Light Green .................103.70 Blue ...............................94.00 Light Blue .....................56.89 Maroon ..........................37.41 Under 14 Boys Red..............................123.52 Black ...........................126.45 Green .......................... 118.42

15 13 11 11 9 9 7 5 16 14 14

Royal Blue ....................85.22 12 Silver .............................91.61 10 Maroon ..........................65.44 6 Under 17 Boys Green ..........................150.62 18 Maroon .......................134.96 14 Silver...........................109.71 12 Royal Blue ....................98.48 12 Black .............................78.57 10 Red ................................52.65 6 Men NBA Ballers ...............125.83 18 Rollers .........................164.77 16 Tropics ........................131.57 15 The Who Knows ........108.73 15 Vales Apprentices ........141.27 14 Timberwolves.............. 115.21 13 Bucks...........................120.95 12 The White Team .......... 115.85 12 Macca Mad Boys ........100.38 12 Liquidamber ..................87.98 12 The Graemes ............... 101.43 11 The A Team ...................94.37 9 Grain Train ....................63.69 8 Amberfluids Revamp. ...51.46 6 Team Stig ...................... 39.11 6 I Love Richo ..............................0 Under 16 Girls Red..............................143.82 15 Black ...........................256.00 13 Purple .........................196.72 13 Light Green................ 108.33 11 Royal Blue ....................98.91 9 Gold...............................91.74 7 Silver .............................62.79 6 Light Purple ..................16.07 5 Men’s A Grade NBA Ballers ...............125.83 18 Rollers ........................164.77 16 Liquidamber ................87.98 12 The Graemes.............. 101.43 11 The A Team ...................94.37 9 Amberfluids Revamp. ...51.46 6 Men’s B Grade Tropics ........................131.57 15 The Who Knows ........108.73 15 Vales Apprentices ......141.27 14 Timberwolves ............ 115.21 13 Bucks...........................120.95 12 The White Team .......... 115.85 12 The Knicks ..................102.12 12 Macca Mad Boys ........100.38 12 Grain Train ....................63.69 8 Team Stig ...................... 39.11 6 Under 10 Girls Green ..........................525.00 18 Navy............................152.00 12 Black ............................. 26.23 11 Red................................17.18 7 Under 10 Boys Green ..........................169.66 16 Silver...........................122.97 13 Red................................95.74 13 Maroon .........................72.80 12 Royal Blue ...................80.46 10 Black .............................74.73 8

Buffalo indoor bowls AN extra mat was rolled out on Wednesday September 12 as selectors organised the 14 bowlers into six teams of pairs/triples for three games of eight ends.

Last week’s decision to cancel bowls was vindicated with the wild storms causing power outages, trees over roads etc.

Looking refreshed after recent trips, Glenys Pilkington and Toni and Peter Heldens were raring to go with Peter against Toni in the first game.

Some very good bowling followed, but it was not always rewarded and some scores blew out.

Mardan indoor bowls WE were back to normal this week and had a turnout of 17 members who made the effort to come out on what was a bad night as far as the weather was concerned, however we had a healthy night of bowls, albeit with a team of two again, managed to play three mats.

What amazes me is, no matter what the mix the teams are so balanced that even though some struggle to get a win, games are not always a walk-over.

Vito and Ian Hasty were the two man team and started off in a very generous mood

Winning the night on countback were Bill Wolswinkel (S), Joe Occhipinti, Mary Tumino (DWW) 16 ends (+20) from Charlie Tumino (S), Glenys Pilkington (DWW) 15 ends (+14). Next Rod McConchie (S), Carolyn Benson, Illene Tiziani (WLW) 14 ends, Ian Benson (S), Peter Heldens (WLL) eight ends, Col Densley (S), Peter Tiziani (LWL) eight ends, then Toni Heldens (S), Joyce Occhipinti (LLL) eight ends.

Best first game: Ian 8/6. Best second game: Charlie 10/4. Best third game: Bill 17/2 with maximum six on fourth end.

Looking forward to another good night next Wednesday. All welcome at the Buffalo Hall, 7.30pm Wednesdays.

by gifting Cliff Smith’s team with seven very early points due to that little white ball falling off the edge of the mat.

But alas that was all the points the other team were going to get for that game.

In fact Ian and Vito made a lovely couple and played well together all night.

At the end of the night the results were pretty reasonable and it was a close call for second place with two teams having the same shots up.

It came down to ends and the runners-up had two ends over their rivals.

The results were as follows:

Inverloch bowls THIRTY-six ladies dug out their uniforms from the back of the wardrobe for the opening of Social Bowls on Wednesday, September 12.

Congratulations to the winners: Ivy Sheppard, Shirley Phillipson and Joan Hitchen while runners-up were Lois Luby, Marlene Jenkins and Carol Waters.

Raffle winners: Shirley Phillipson, Marg Flett, Gloria Growse and Lorraine Dowson.

Our cherished ‘Golden Oldies’ were treated to a lavish afternoon tea. It was great to catch up as most of the ladies have returned from their winter hiatus.

Due to pennant practice, there will be no Ladies Social bowls Wednesday,19th.

Men’s Social Bowls was held on Thursday.

Runners-up with two wins and 13 ends were: Lorna Roberts, Margaret Campbell and Cliff Smith (skip).

Winners with three wins were: Ian Hasty and Vito Serafino (both shared skip).

We would all like to say that we hope Kate Bristow makes a speedy recovery and is well enough for Ian to be able to come out and play next week.

For those members who weren’t there last night, there will be no bowls on Wednesday since we are playing the return leg of our annual social game at Wonthaggi on Thursday at 7.30pm.

Pairs were played with Nic Van Grunsven and Brian Humphris winning with Brian Growse and Arthur Moule coming in second.

A reminder that men’s triples will open for the season on next Thursday.

The first of our Friday night meals after the winter break was attended by 60 people.

We were joined by the Upwey/Tecoma Tigers who were very successful at winning the raffles.

The Board of Management decided that the proceeds of the raffles and spinning wheel be donated to the Beau Vernon Fund as a result of a recent public appeal for funds to support Beau.

We are pleased to report that $350 was raised for the fund.

Bev’s legendary passionfruit sponge cake was raffled for a winning bid of $50.

Thanks to all for their generosity.

Korumburra parlor bowls SOCIAL bias bowls at Outtrim on Monday, September 10 resulted in the usual variety of team scores.

Unfortunately, some of the results do not reflect the excellent and improved bowling that the players displayed.

Joyce Occhipinti and Connie Occhipinti helped new bowler, Margot and their team managed 2D1L, losing the one game by one point only.

Mary Tumino, Joe Occhipinti and Jan Dowling started very slowly but finally won the third game, 1W2L-14 shots.

Joanna Lomagno, George Bentley and Sally Gammaldi also scored 1W2L but their three games were all nail-biters with last end wins or last end losses.

Arc Gammaldi, Margo Maher and Andy Hanks had a fruit salad, 1W1D1L as did Charlie Tumino and Ashley Van Duffelen who helped new bowler, Adam.

But, it was the two

player team of Lee Armstrong and visitor, Vonnie Kilpin who took the night’s honors by winning all three games (3W+5).

Social parlor bowls began with a good number of bowlers returning, to catch up with friends and work on their bowling skills.

Many of the bowlers were “rusty” and took a game or two to warm up, but not so, Joanna Lomagno, Shirley Wyhoon and Ashley Van Duffelen, who decided to try his hand at straight bowls.

These three players teamed well, winning their first two games but the third game was very close, with the final end deciding the night’s overall winners as Joanna’s opponents, Charlie Tumino and his team had also won their first two games. Joanna led the way to victory with some fine bowling.

Everyone seemed pleased to be back to enjoy each other’s company and delight in “stirring” the poorly executed shots (of which there were many).

South Gippsland Bridge SOUTH Gippsland Bridge Club results:

Meenyan Monday evening:1st Kathryn Smith, David Baggallay; 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West; 3rd Clive Hope, Frank Arndt.

Tarwin Lower – Tuesday afternoon: North/South: 1st Jack Kuiper, John Sutton; 2nd Faye Rowlands, Pat West; 3rd Clive Hope, Frank Arndt.

East/West: 1st John Sullivan, Alan Johnston; 2nd Dawn Jolly, Althea Drew; 3rd Vivian Westaway, Mavis Parks.

Inverloch – Friday afternoon: teams event final:1st Kuiper Team, 2nd Farr Team, 3rd Rowlands Team.

Korumburra volleyball Results Round 9

A Grade: Bugs drew Golliwogs (1:1) 23:25, 25:23, 8:5; Giants d Warriors (2:1) 25:19, 22:25, 25:19; Pirates d Champions (3:0) 25:17, 25:16, 25:16.

B Grade: Panthers d Shark Bait (3:0) 25:11, 25:6, 25:7; Chargers d Why (2:1) 22:25, 25:16, 25:23; M.G. Holy Cows d Plasted (3:0) 25:18, 25:16, 25:22.

Ladders

A Grade: 1. Bugs, 2, Pirates, 3. Golliwogs, 4. Giants, 5. Warriors, 6. Champions.

B Grade: 1. Panthers, 2. Why, 3. HELP, 4. Chargers, 5. M.G. Holy Cows, 6. Plasted, 7. Shark Bait.

Life member: the Alberton Football Netball League Trainer’s Association held their end of season dinner in Korumburra last Wednesday. The highlight was the presentation of president of the AFNLTA, George Bovell, with a Life Membership for many years of excellent service. President of the AFL John Schelling, and League secretary Lynn Whelan, presented George with his award.

Korumburra domestic basketball Results September 10 16 Boys: Jazz 40 (L. Thomas 15) d Bulls 33 (J. Wyhoon 12); Spurs 50 (C. Trewin 22) d Celics 33 (H. Suckling 14).

18 Boys: Jeffs 60 (D. Wilson 21) d Rippingale 55 (J. Zwiersen 36); Maskell 70 (F. Kelly 19) d Rodwell 26 (J. Hopkins 8).

B Women: Hoodies 24 (P. Fox 7) d Bunch Of Grapes 19 (B. Appleton 9); Heat 23 (C. Herbet 5) d Hotties 12 (A. Kennewell 6); Parrotts 35 (E. Best 8) d Daly 25 (J. Thomas 10); Flame 44 (G. Dixon 8) d Bird 42 (M. Donohue 17); Shamrocks 28 (Z. Archer 10) drew DT2 28 (K. Schelling 13).

10 Girls: Dowel 14 (T. Kelly 6) d Donohue 9 (A. Grabham 4); Fitzgerald 12 (M. Stark 4) d Blair 7 (E. Anthony 4).

12 Girls: Cambage 17 (G. Matser 6) d Jackson 4 (J. Koolen 2); Harrower 34 (T.

Angwin 12) d Taylor 6 (L. Koscal 4).

14/16 Girls: Capitals 48 (E. Holmes 16) d Boomers 33 (B. Angwin 33); Spirit 52 (B. Harper 12) d Rangers 27 (S. Busuttil 13); Witches Hats 40 (M. Collins 11) d Mixtures 36 (I. Glasscock 15); Gilmores 32 (T. Riseley 0) d BSC (B. Grabham 0); Milk Drinkers 35 (W. Burgess 0) d Local Blokes 32 (C. Baido 0).

A Men: Wildcats 52 (J. Winderlich 14) d Hacks 28 (M. Gow 15).

10 Boys: Taipans 27 (F. Clarke 6) d Tigers 26 (E. Allaway); Kings 22 (Barkell 6) d Blaze 19 (J. Walker 5).

12 Boys: Bulls 26 (R. Treacy 12) d Heat 11 (C. James 4); Magic 25 (M. Nicholas 16) d Wizards 15 (T. Kelly 11); Knicks 45 (J. Harris 17) d Hawks 20 (C. Alger 14); Jazz 35 (J. O’Leary 7) d Suns 16 (R. Treacy 6); Spurs 45 (T. Kelly 14) d Lakers (C. Matser 12).

PAGE 64 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Power through to grand final

By Kate Mitchell GIPPSLAND Power will take on the Oakleigh Chargers at Etihad Stadium after snatching a four point win against the Sandringham Dragons on Saturday.

At the first bounce Power were reminded of the impact Tom Fusinato can have on a contest. In his first game in several months after suffering a serious neck injury, Tom was straight into the middle, gaining the crucial first clearance. His kick found Tim Membrey who converted the first goal of the match. It was the perfect start for the Power, but it didn’t take the Sandringham Dragons long to answer.

Daniel Jackson was also putting his stamp on the game early, his run and chasing efforts were outstanding, with a big tackle that resulted in another Membrey goal. Another quick reply from the Dragons made it clear this was going to be a free-flowing and high-scoring match. With both teams full of courage, skill and determination, the level of football on display was exceptional.

Josh Scott was all courage as he ran back with the flight of the ball to take a strong grab and his subsequent goal put the Power back in front.

With Ben Kearns, Matt Northe and Tim Membrey each slotting goals through, Gippsland went into the first break with a one-goal lead. A cautiously optimistic Stevens praised his

team at quarter time: “Excellent start, but it’s only a start”.

The tone was set for the match, a goal-for-goal arm wrestle where no team was able to break away with a big lead. In the second quarter both teams upped the ante defensively and it seemed that free kicks in front of goal were creating more scoring opportunities than open play. A patch of Anthony Tipungwuti magic just before half-time saw Power go into the main break with an 11-point lead.

Errors in decision-making and man-marking began to creep into the game for Gippsland at the start of the second half. Nick Graham’s first goal for the game kept the Power in front but the Dragons weren’t going away anytime soon, they were relentless in their run. Both teams were working incredibly hard but the reward for effort wasn’t there, with the Dragons kicking 4.4 to Gippsland’s 3.3 for the quarter. When needed, captain Tim Membrey stood up, slotting through a tough shot from the forward pocket with ease. ‘Skunky’s’ fifth goal gave Power the lead going into the last quarter.

At the three-quarter-time break, Stevens pulled his team in tight and put it to them that it was all down to this one last effort. Everything they had worked towards this year came down to this last 20-something minutes of football.

Membrey continued to be unstoppable on the lead and started the quarter with another grab and a huge goal from outside the 50-metre arc.

Minutes later he had done it again, putting through his seventh goal but the Dragons replied with a quick score, and after a free kick in front of goal were suddenly in front by four points.

Brilliant work from the midfielders enabled Liam Nash to bomb it in to Membrey. His eighth goal never looked like missing to put the Power up by four points. When another free kick was given to the Dragons in front of goal it seemed like the game was destined for a heart-breaking finish.

But Morrish Medallist Nick Graham stepped up and under immense pressure, calmly converted a set shot with just minutes remaining on the clock.

The teamwork from the Power in the dying minutes of the game was outstanding. Desperation from Aaron Heppell stopped a Dragons run in their forward 50. Gippsland supporters breathed a sigh of relief after Tipungwuti baulked and cleared the ball from defence with a massive barrel kick. As the siren sounded, the crowd erupted. Power had won an epic match by just four points.

Goal kickers: T. Membrey 8, B. Kearns 2, N. Graham 2, M. Northe 2, J. Scott , A. Tipungwuti 1.

Best players: T. Membrey, T. Muir, S. Lange, L. Channing, J. Johnstone, W. Hams.

Final score: Gippsland Power 16.10.106 defeated Sandringham Dragons 15.12.102.

Power player: Aaron Heppell (right) of Leongatha played well in the preliminary final for Gippsland Power.

Leongatha squash MONDAY night squash was a mixed bag.

In line 2 it was an experienced Brian Collier versus Steve Fowkes.

Steve took a two-game lead and then Brian began his comeback, winning the third and fourth 9-1, 9-1.

In the fifth Brian was serving and making the

• LEONGATHA BADMINTON

The drawn result in B Grade sent committee members into a tailspin, what to do now to separate these two gallant teams?

The decision was to put two sets back on where the one and two players, and the three and four players all participated in the eventual outcome.

After a tension-filled evening, Makita won the two deciding sets to take out a premiership all at the club will long remember.

Bosch took this match right up to Makita and could count themselves unlucky not to come out victorious.

Matt Howard was the star, winning his three sets and coming ever so close to getting his team over the line.

Glen O’Neill, Tracey Ryan and Ben Ryan all provided Matt wonderful support during the evening.

The premiers Makita were emotionally drained at the match’s conclusion. Chris Holt had some good sets during the night, and evergreen Guilia Joyce had enough experience to guide her team over the line. Well done Guilia.

While not as dramatic, the A Grade grand final was also an up and down affair. Greg Marshman and Neil Langstaff had a solid doubles win which

was counteracted by Joel Langstaff and Brenda Eaton winning by the same margin.

Greg Marshman then produced arguably his best singles win of his star-studded career, he reversed the club championship result and defeated his old mate Neil Jeremiah 15-7, which swung the match Rosellas’ way.

Neil Langstaff in awesome form was too good for Arthur Grabham, giving his team a comfortable lead.

Joel Langstaff then had a relentless singles win 15-1 over Matthew Oomman, giving the Kookaburras a hint of victory.

Jim Newton had an important singles win over Brenda Eaton 15-8, and the match was still slightly in Rosellas’ favour, but after a 21-5 doubles win to Neil Jeremiah and Joel Langstaff, not much was in the match going into the last set, but that’s where it ended.

Neil Langstaff and Jim Newton were unstoppable, winning 21-1 and taking out a memorable premiership for the talented Rosellas.

It was a great grand final night, with a large crowd watching some excellent badminton and some great sportsmanship.

A great presentation dinner was also had to round out a strong year of Leongatha badminton. We look forward to doing it all again next year.

Grand final results: A Grade: Rosellas 5/108 d Kookaburras 3/92.

B Grade: Makita 3/94 drew with Bosch 3/94 - two extra sets went to Makita to determine the winner.

an two games 37.

Ladder Montreal .................................36 Athens .....................................35 Sydney ....................................30 Mexico ....................................27 London ....................................27 Tokyo ......................................21 Beijing .....................................19 Moscow ...................................19

Get fit for cricket - grab a team and book a court at www.leongathasquash.com

• TARWIN VALLEY POOL

Close grand finals

THE Leongatha Badminton Club’s grand final night produced two extremely close matches, with A Grade going down to the last set and B Grade coming up with a draw.

ball hit the wall at all angles. He had Steve on the ropes.

However, it was Steve’s run and chase that started to turn the game his way.

Straight hitting kept him out of trouble and he was able to pick up Brian’s delicate drop shots.

The final score was Steve three games 29, Bri-

Bairs 5/4 in a thriller BAIRS won backto-back premierships of the winter pool competition 5/4 against a gallant Top Pub at Bairs Hotel on Sunday, August 19.

Final series A Grade: (back) runners-up Kookaburras: Neil Jeremiah, Arthur Grabham, Joel Langstaff, Brenda Eaton; (seated) premiers Rosellas: Greg Marshman, Neil Langstaff, Matthew Oomman, Jim Newton.

B Grade: (back) runners-up Bosch: Glen O’Neill, Matt Howard, Tracey Ryan, Ben Ryan; (seated) premiers Makita: Chris Holt, Stephen Holmes, Guilia Joyce, Tracy Miles.

The first semi final saw Gladiators the Underdogs upsetting Grizzlys 5/4 to advance to the preliminary final.

Top Pub meet Bairs in the second semi, Top Pub led 2-nil before Bairs found their feet.

Bairs bounced back winning the next three frames.

With the score at 4/4 it was down to the wire, Top Pub was steadier in the crisis, finally winning 5/4 to advance to the grand final.

The preliminary final was a whitewash, with Bairs proving superior to the Gladiators, scoring a 5/2 victory.

The grand final, played at Bairs lounge in front of an enthusiastic crowd produced excellent pool. Bairs jumped out of the blocks going to an early 2-nil advantage.

Top Pub regained

their compusure, with Matt Wrigley potting six balls straight and Ben Ireland potting a magic shot to win the third frame. Top Pub won the next three games to establish a 4/2 lead.

Bairs refused to throw in the towel, winning the next two games to square up the match 4/4.

Top Pub got away to a brilliant start, with John Beardsworth potting six balls straight.

This put a lot of pressure on Serge and Spin, with seven balls to one.

In the longest game of the day Bairs finally, in a tight and hard fought frame, tightened the screws, with Serge potting the ‘black’ to snatch a thrilling 5/4 victory.

The atmosphere in the final frame was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. Congratulations to both Bairs and Top Pub on a magnificent day of pool.

The Serge Frassenei trophy for the best player in the grand final went to Top Pub’s John Beardsworth.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 65

Parrots A and B in grand final

LEONGATHA’S A and B Grade Netball teams are aiming towards premiership glory on Saturday.

A Grade will be taking on Sale and B Grade will be fighting Traralgon for the glory.

Ebony Best, A Grade coach said that they will be going in to the game with the same mentality they’ve had all year.

“We’ll be using the same game plan, it’s worked for us all year so hopefully it will on Saturday too,” she said.

“We play great team netball and everyone puts in 110% to get us over the line.”

The girls will be joined by the reserves football side on Saturday also contesting a flag.

C Grade out THE Leongatha girls never gave up and fought hard to the end on Saturday in their game against Morwell.

Unfortunately the Tigers got the jump on Leongatha in the third quarter and kept the lead to the end of the game.

Final score was Leongatha 20 to Morwell 26.

The girls should be proud of the season and will be there to cheer on the A and B Grade sides on Saturday.

Awards went to Crista Davies, Aimee Collins and Sandi Leask-Grylls.

PAGE 66 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Parrots pipped at the post

By Kate Pellicano

THE Leongatha Parrots have missed out on a grand final berth, losing to Maffra by just one point on the weekend.

The preliminary final, played at Moe, saw the Parrots going in to the game with just one change -Murray Fleming in, Brok Davidson omitted.

The Eagles came out strongly, kicking the first goal of the match, with the ground in great condition and the weather mild but windy. Murray Fleming stepped up to the plate kicking the first goal for the Parrots, in a physical and high

pressured game.

Dylan Westaway marked the ball in the Parrots’ forward line, kicking a perfect ball to Dwayne Holt, who slotted his first.

The Maffra Eagles kicked a quick goal. Captain Col Sanbrook sent the ball to Jake Best, who kicked it through for another Parrots’ goal. Dave Gourdis put his body on the line with a hard bump, with Dwayne Holt capitalising from the spill and kicking another goal.

The Parrots went in to the quarter time break with a 16 point lead over the Maffra Eagles. The Burgiel brothers exchanged heated words at quarter time, with the pressure rising. Going

into the second quarter, Maffra once again kicked the first goal for the term.

But Dwayne Holt, with his skill and strength, kicked a long bomb from outside 60 metres. Hayden Browne, using his smarts, decided to play on after marking the ball, but was unable to find the green and gold jumper.

Adrian Burgiel sealed with a goal.

Maffra got one back from a fumbled ball.

Chris Verboon was quick to snatch back control, delivering to Dwayne Holt, who kicked another goal for the Parrots. Zak Vernon was rising to occasion, as was Sean Westaway. Verboon was again in the action, spinning around and kicking to Jake Best, who drilled another goal for the Parrots.

Maffra fired up at the half time break, coming out and kicking a goal in less than 30 seconds. The Eagles’ Daniel Bedggood followed up a short time later with another.

Tas Clingan was forced into the hands of the trainers after a heavy knock.

Parrots captain Col Sanbrook displayed strength, running with three Maffra players trying to tackle him down. He managed to kick to Dwayne Holt, who kicked one more for the Parrots.

Hayden Browne added another to the Parrots’ tally

shortly after. But Maffra’s Kelvin Porter was quick to reply.

Holt replied for the Parrots, after marking a slick pass from Verboon.

Dave Gourdis and Rhett McLennan did a great job in the back line, but Maffra was able to steal another goal at the 30 minute mark. The Parrots had a one point advantage at the main break.

Going in to the last quarter the Parrots needed to dig deep. But Maffra’s Kelvin Porter seized the advantage, kicking another goal to put his team in front. Holt was quick to reply for the Parrots, after a fabulous transference from the backline.

Tas Clingan was back on the field and making a big difference. Great strength was being shown by all the Parrot boys, but Maffra was able to bag another goal and take a four point advantage.

The Parrots fought on gamely, but were thwarted in the end, falling by one point.

Our boys did us proud.

Good luck to the Leongatha Reserves, who will play off in the grand final next week along with the netball teams. I hope everyone has enjoyed this year’s footy report. Thank -you for all your support.

See more Parrots photos online at thestar.com. au

Hard at it: Nick Phelin wins the tap against his Maffra opponent in the Parrots’ narrow preliminary final loss on Saturday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 67

Leongatha Reserves grand final bound THE Leongatha Football Club seconds will play Sale in the Gippsland League grand final, after downing Morwell on Saturday by 21 points.

The Moe final was a tough one, but

the Parrots held sway throughout the afternoon, playing a hard and fast brand of football.

Best amongst the Leongatha side were Cameron Roughead, Michael Comden, Lachlan Dumont, Daniel Langstaff and Jess Hickey, who booted four goals.

64. Mark Lafferty has done a brilliant job coaching this season.

5. Joel Renden (capt) - Has led from the front all year.

44. Cameron Roughead - A great tap ruckman.

46. Trent Renden - A defender who can take a great pack mark.

56. Daniel Langstaff Can play onball or up forward.

29. Jake Mackie - Gives the midfield some extra toughness and drive.

49. Jason Kennedy - A key defender who has a magnificent boot.

45. Jess Hickey Bobbed up to kick four goals in the prelim.

55. James Forrester Forward line player who works hard.

16. John Kilsby - One of the forward line’s tall timbers.

66. Justin Pellicano Another tall forward who can turn a match.

52. Kristian Gray Has reinvented himself as a forward this year.

15. Lochie Dumont Silky smooth midfielder who oozes class.

40. Luke Castagna - A great lead up forward, despite his size.

57. Matt Cook - Clearance king, plays onball, or in defence.

48. Matt Davies - Key forward who won the league goal kicking.

37. Matthew Grylls Veteran defender who can run all day.

58. Michael Comben Did everything asked of him this season.

39. Murray Fleming A linchpin in the forward structure.

54. Nick Eddy - Responds well under pressure in defence.

42. Nick Phelan - Top ruckman who is not afraid to use his body.

41. Paddy Kindellan Key midfielder who loves a contest.

36. Ricky O’Loughlin - Has done a great job on the tall forwards.

30. Sam Marriott - A defender capable of hurting the other side.

19. Sam Vagg (VC) Can play either up forward or on ball.

34. Tim Pellicano - Has had a breakout year on the wing.

Daniel Connelly Trainer who loves a big game.

Photos for Beau Mark Drury’s 2012 season Parrots’ football and netball photos are available for purchase, with ALL proceeds going to the Beau Vernon Fund.

Viewing galleries and purchasing instructions can be found at www.thedrurys.org/parrots

PAGE 68 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL • THIRDS

Four years running for Bulldogs KORUMBURRABENA has continued their dominance of Thirds football in the Alberton league, notching up their fourth back-to-back premiership in the age group on Saturday.

The team took on MDU who where the only side from their club competing on the day and were working well at the start of the match.

The Demons took off ,dominating the scoring opportunities in the first and limiting their opponents to just a single point for the quarter.

With a 14 point lead to MDU at quarter time the Bulldogs were in trouble.

Josh Hopkins and Thomas Wyatt were working hard in the second for the Bulldogs but holding onto the ball was harder than it looked, with many turnovers for both sides.

The Bulldogs managed to claw back within eight points by the main break despite the efforts of Lachlan Finlay and his MDU buddies.

Wayward kicking from the Bulldogs meant they were still trailing at three quarter time, however only by a margin of four now.

A long kick from Matt

Edwards on the boundary early in the quarter put the Bulldogs in front and pepped up the team.

MDU had no answer to the flurry of forward action by Korumburra-Bena and were just outrun by their opponent.

Korumburra-Bena was 15 points up at the final siren and pumped with their fourth back-to-back premiership.

Best on ground winners were Angus Harrison and Thomas Wyatt from Korumburra-Bena.

Wyatt told The Star after the game that it was a tough win.

“I was really worried at one stage when

MDU were playing really well and were four points ahead,” he said.

“But then Eddy (Matthew Edwards) kicked a goal from 40 metres out to put us in front and the whole team lifted.”

GRAND FINAL UNDER 18 Korumburra-Bena 5.13.43 d MDU 3.10.28 Korumburra-Bena goals: M. Edwards 3, J. Breen 1, A. Harrison 1.

Kormburra-Bena best: J. Hopkins, T. Wyatt, M. Edwards, A. Harrison, L. Auddino, D. Hateley, S. Lacy.

MDU goals: J. McMillan 1, J. Hoy 1, N. Moore 1.

MDU best: B. Thomas (Jnr), L. Findlay, S. Horvath, J. Winderlich, N. Moore, H. Sullings.

Top player: Angus Harrison goes for a run during Saturday’s Thirds grand final.

Best on: Jack Charlton presents Thomas Wyatt and Angus Harris with the best on ground awards for the Thirds match.

Above In trouble: Jack McMillan tries to get the ball up under pressure on Saturday.

Right Quick feet: Brad Pulham rushes to get to his feet while his Dalyston opponents crowd around.

Below, right Bayley Harfield-Park: the best on ground player was vital for Fish Creek’s win in the Fourths.

More photos online at www.thestar.com.au and on facebook.

• FOURTHS

Fish Creek dominates AFTER taking out the minor premiership and going into the grand final undefeated, the Fish Creek Fourths finished their perfect season with a big win over Dalyston on Saturday.

Although going in as the underdogs, the Magpies came out strong in the first and kicking on target with four goals straight.

While the Kangaroos had the same number of scoring shots, they went into the fourth break five points down.

Not continuing their slow start, Fish Creek came out firing in the second.

Managing to keep their opponents scoreless for the quarter, the Kangaroos

booted six goals, with Gus Staley impressive both around goals and on the ground.

Despite going into the second half down by 33 points, the Magpies were not yet deflated.

A low scoring third quarter added another goal and three behinds to Dalyston’s score, with Michael Marotta and Joseph Magro performing well for the black and white. Meanwhile, Fish Creek couldn’t seem to buy a goal, adding only five behinds to their own score.

Fish Creek were still well in front going into the premiership quarter and weren’t ready to give it up just yet.

Ryan McGannon and Bayley Harfield-Park were sharing the goal kicking

with Staley on the day, and another five goals to Dalyston’s one well and truly sealed the game for the red and white, taking out the cup by the biggest margin on the day.

Gus Staley and Bayley Harfield-Park took out the two best and fairest awards for the game.

GRAND FINAL UNDER 15 Fish Creek 14.9.93 d Dalyston 6.3.39 Fish Creek goals: G. Staley 4, R. McGannon 3, B. Harfield-Park 3, B. Carratello 1, J. Clifton 1, E. Park 1, G. Park 1.

Fish Creek best: G. Staley, B. Harfield-Park, G. Park, E. Park, J. Clifton, R. McGannon Dalyston goals: B. Atherton 3, J. McPhee 1, C. Collins 1, B. Bayne 1.

Dalyston best: M. Marotta, J. Magro, K. Kirk, M. Davey, D. Turton, O. Bates.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 69

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL

Island wins after siren IT was all on Paul Seidel’s shoulders as he lined up for goal on a tight angle about 30 metres out.

The Phillip Island hardworker had received a free kick, five points down and as he walked back to take his shot the siren went.

The Korumburra-Bena opponents rushed to the goal square for a distraction as the whole crowd stood silent, waiting for the result.

Seidel knew what had to be done – on the boot and straight through the big sticks – and that’s just what he did.

The Phillip Island crowd erupted, flooding the ground to congratulate the winning team.

Korumburra-Bena players fell to their knees in disbelief, the fifth year in a row that they have lost the penultimate match.

Efforts that got the Bulldogs to that final goal came from the whole Phillip Island contingent throughout the game.

Korumburra-Bena went in the favourites after a stellar season and was controlling the game early on.

They led at quarter time by 14 points and were

GRAND FINAL RESERVES Phillip Island 12.6.78 d Korumburra-Bena 12.5.77 Phillip Island goals: L. Woolford 4, K. Taylor 2, J. Turner 2, H. Pearce 2, A. Kalis 1, P. Seidel 1.

Phillip Island best: S. Gheller, P. Seidel, D. Johnston, J. Turner, H. Pearce, L. Woolford.

Korumburra-Bena goals: J. Paterson 2, L. Wilson 2, L. Palmer 2, J. Kyle 2, J. Fowles 1, S. Edwards 1, R. Provan 1, J. Wallis 1.

Korumburra-Bena best: J. Caporale, J. Whiteside, L. Palmer, D. Myors, S. Edwards, N. Auddino.

looking good, with some great passages of play.

Playing coach Jimmy Kyle was leading the way for the team, setting up plays from the centre.

The second was much of the same with Phillip Island not matching up to the speed of their opponents.

Scott Gheller and Dan Kirby were working hard in defence for Phillip Island and helped peg the margin back to 13 points at the main break.

A stronger Phillip Island side took to the field in the third quarter and they managed to lead for the first time in the game mid way through the quarter.

This was thanks to a set shot from Heath Pearce and after a behind from Korumburra-Bena a goal

to Kevin Tayor had the Island up by six.

A hard working Korumburra-Bena forward line didn’t want to go into the final quarter in a deficient and Leigh Wilson provided the goal to tie the scores at 64-all.

Phillip Island started the scoring in the third with a behind and Wilson again provided breathing space for KorumburraBena.

James Fowles added to the margin with another goal to make it 11 points in Korumburra-Bena’s favour.

Phillip Island brought the margin back within a kick with a great team goal and was hungry for the lead again.

Korumburra-Bena’s Kyle was working hard and pushing his team, who were attacking deep but were unable to get the footy over the line.

Phillip Island was unable to get a clean possession in the mid field but when they did it was at the right time.

As the clock ticked into extra time it was a fortunate free kick that handed Seidel his shot on goal and sealed the one point victory for Phillip Island.

Big fist: Korumburra-Bena’s Nick Paterson (front) led the defensive charge on Saturday, making sure no Phillip Island players got a touch of the footy during this contest.

Party time: the Island boys sing the club song loud and proud after their one point grand final win over a hapless Korumburra-Bena.

Got him: James Fowles wraps up his opponent during the Reserves match on Saturday.

Golden moment: Phillip Island’s Paul Seidel got his team over the line on Saturday, with a shot at goal after the siren. He is pictured here with former league boss Ed Hanley.

Scott Gheller: the Phillip Island star took out best on ground in Saturday’s game.

PAGE 70 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL

Panthers premiers again

KILCUNDA-BASS has gone back-toback, taking out the 2012 Alberton Premiership by 19 points over Dalyston on Saturday.

Grand final hype was definitely about on the day and Dalyston kicked with a slight breeze in the first.

The teams went goal for goal in the first quarter despite the Panthers getting more of the ball in their forward line.

A number of offline shots meant the Panthers failed to get the early lead they had hoped for.

It was a very tough game with both sides giving it their all, while players on both teams were touchy early on as old rivalries were shown.

The game got physical midway through the quarter with Peter Dunlop and Jason Wells having a disagreement in the Panthers’ forward line.

Dunlop was yellow carded for the incident and umpire Peter McLean finally managed to break up the feud.

The Panthers were

looking strong early and, with more accurate kicking, could have put the game away with 10 scoring shots, however they only managed three majors.

Dalyston only managed two goals for the quarter but still kept in touch.

An early Panther’s goal started the second quarter and Dalyston quickly returned fire.

The midfielders were working overtime, with the ball spending a lot of time in the middle.

After a tough push by Dalyston in to their forward line, Jackson Brooker managed a magnificent kick from a tight angle under pressure to bounce through an open goal and spark his team.

This also sparked a second dust-up - this time between Dalyston star forward Steve Pimm and Panther Dylan Shepherd.

Team mates came to break up the encounter and Shepherd was awarded a yellow card for his actions.

Matt Hendry was earning his stripes in the ruck against his larger Magpie opponent Rogan Jennings.

The clearances were helping the Panthers and quick work from a Dalyston turnover awarded Kilcunda-Bass another goal.

Pimm returned fire with a set shot from in front just before the siren.

His celebrations sparked another brawl as the teams headed into the rooms for half time.

The scores stood at 54 to 30 and Dalyston needed to lift.

The Magpies came out a different side in the third, working hard and pushing forward.

The whole team had lifted and were sending the ball forward every chance they had.

Benefiting from a Panthers lack of judgment Dalyston crumbed the ball at half back and after a good succession Peter Dunlop marked in front of goal.

This resulted in a goal and the Magpies were on a roll.

Another goal to Rosendale had the margin at seven and another Dalyston goal had them one point away from the lead.

A Luke James scissor kick out of nowhere put the

Panthers back in front by seven at three quarter time.

At the start of the premiership quarter, it was anyone’s game.

A quick behind and then another goal to Rosendale meant the scores were tied early in the last.

The crowd was on edge and the Panthers weren’t giving up that easily.

A free kick to Kilcunda-Bass’ Tim Smith 25 metres out from goal gave the Panthers six points and a lead once again.

A Dalyston behind followed, and then a Smith to James succession saw another goal to bring the lead out to 11.

With most of the play in the Panther’s forward line, the hope for Dalyston was slipping away.

Another few behinds added to the margin when a Luke James screamer on the goal line followed by a goal was the icing on the cake for the Panther boys.

Supporters flooded the field on the siren to celebrate with the dual premiership team.

After the game Panthers coach Steve O’Bryan thanked Dalyston for the game.

How sweet it is: Kilcunda Bass playing coach Steve O’Bryan savours the moment, sharing some time with the Alberton Football League 2012 premiership cup.

“There’s probably not much I can say to make it any better but you guys put up a hell of a fight and Skeet (Paul Brosnan), I’ve got a lot of respect for you as a coach and you’ve done a lot of work at the club this year as coach and all the best to you next year,” he said.

He also congratulated his team.

“It’s never been done at the club and we’ve done it; it was a very good job and you should be very proud of yourselves,” O’Bryan said.

“It makes my job easier to coach a great bunch of blokes like you.”

O’Bryan also won two of the three best on ground awards while teammate Matt Hendry took out the other.

GRAND FINAL SENIORS Kilcunda-Bass 12.17.89 d Dalyston 11.4.70 Kilcunda-Bass goals: L. James 5, T. Smith 2, P. Lange 2, D. Wells 1, J. Evans 1, J. Attenborough 1.

Kilcunda-Bass best: S. O’Bryan, M. Hendry, L. James, J. Attenborough, A. Miller, R. Fitzgerald.

Dalyston goals: M. Rosendale 3, M. Schreck 2, P. Brosnan 2, S. Pimm 1, D. Wylie 1, P. Dunlop 1, J. Brooker 1.

Dalyston best: P. Brosnan, D. Wylie, P. McKenna, C. Tait, M. Rosendale, M. Schreck.

Close contest: Dalyston’s Matt Schreck defends against veteran KilcundaBass hard man Brett Anthony.

Let’s go: Kilcunda-Bass’ goal kicking sensation Jason Wells shares his opinions with Dalyston backman Pete Dunlop.

Eyes for the pill: Kilcunda-Bass trio Ben Eddy, Steve O’Bryan and Tim Smith battle it out with Dalyston big man Scott Sibly.

Unfurl the beard: Dalyston hirsute hero Chris Simargis shows typical dash on Saturday.

“THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012 - PAGE 71

ALBERTON GRAND FINAL • A GRADE NETBALL

Bulldogs get the win IT was a sweet victory for the Korumburra-Bena girls when they took out the A Grade premiership on Saturday.

Both teams came out firing early, with the Bulldogs on the board first.

Foster soon followed, but the defensive pressure of the Korumburra-Bena defenders was too much early in the game and their goalers capitalised well on the turnovers.

Injury time then came into play with multiple calls within minutes, the most notable Foster’s Nicole Ann McKenzie ending up face down on the court.

Strong shooting from both sides had the quarter time score Korumburra-Bena 12 to Foster 5.

The second started off with the ball going from end to end without any goals scored in fast play.

This was finally broken when Foster scored.

This seemed to lift them and they

scored the next two goals to bring the difference back to five. Korumburra-Bena then picked up a few late goals for the half time score: Korumburra-Bena 22 to Foster 15.

The third quarter was an even affair for most part, with both teams showing moments of real athleticism.

The Tigers in true spirit just wouldn’t give up and seemed to find extra legs in this quarter, to go into the last break Korumburra-Bena 29 to Foster 24.

Foster needed to come out with a spark to get back into the game in the final quarter, but the aerial display, athleticism and defensive pressure of Korumburra-Bena was to be too strong on the day.

They were victorious, 40 to 30 at the end of the game.

Bulldogs’ Marie Donohue took out best on court for the game after a grand effort through the victory.

For all the netball coverage see pages 60 and 61.

Concentration: Alana Bassett looks for an option as Tarli Hillberg puts on some pressure in the A Grade grand final.

Dual celebration: Korumburra-Bena A Grade netballer Maree Donohue celebrated her team’s premiership win against Foster on Saturday and being awarded Best on Court.

One point winners: Phillip Island Reserves premiers Darcy Johnston, Scott Gheller, Rodney McKenzie, Bill Richardson, Tom Cole, Joshua Docherty, D’Arcy Garton, Benjamin Hamilton, Ben Tester, Hamish Harrison, Anthony Hornsby, Cameron McPhillips, Dan Kirby, Timothy Bunn, Adrian O’Gorman, Brendon Vernon, Paul Seidel, Andrew Kalis, Heath Pearce, Joshua Turner, Kevin Taylor and Leigh Woolford celebrated their premiership on Saturday at Foster.

Thirds premiers: The Korumburra-Bena Thirds side was made up of Scott Lacy, Dylan Hateley, Lachlan Auddino, Thomas Wyatt, Josh Hopkins, Zach Walker, Jarrod Richer, Nathan Allen, Kyle Arestia, Lucas Baido, Mitchell Boyd, Blake Cosson, Jack Harris, Darcy James, Jake Kilpatrick, Ashley O’Neill, Kodie Spokes, Jordan Waycott, Brock Dorling, Angus Harrison, Jay Breen and Matthew Edwards.

Fourths premiers: the Fish Creek Fourths Kieren Byers, Darby Walker, Billy Rogers, Matthew Mcgannon, Toby Redpath, Daniel Ryan, Rhy Pridham, Owen Straw, John Bowron, Bradley Pulham, Blake Stefani, Jasper Walker, Kurt Jacobson, Charlie Hengstberger, Liam Buckland, Jesse Clifton, Ethan Park, Gareth Park, Bailey Carratello, Ryan Mcgannon, Bayley Harfield-Park and Gus W Staley claimed the flag.

PAGE 72 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, September 18, 2012