The Great Southern Star - April 7, 2010

36 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 PHONE: (03) 5662 2294, FAX: (03) 5662 4350 ACN 006 507 580 ABN 61 318 952 541 PRINT POST 336735 10006 Email - news@thestar.com.au advertising@thestar.com.au

Published at Leongatha for South Gippsland

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SPORT

Star

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 2010

Fair weather Pg 6

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PUBLISHED TUESDAY 48 PAGES

Real estate

All the weekend action

Pg 21

Sport

Copping a spray: Ruby CFA’s Aaron Perks puts some water down on a grass fire that got out of hand on a Wooreen property yesterday.

THE CFA has issued a warning that despite the fire danger period being officially over, people still needed to be careful.

Tankers from Ruby, Leongatha, Leongatha South and two from Ruby were called to an incident yesterday afternoon at a private property near the intersection of the Leongatha-Yarragon Road and the Wooreen-Mirboo North Road, Wooreen, when a burnoff got out of control.

Members of DSE, who were planning a burn in the Hallston bush, also lent a hand.

The fringes of the fire almost reached a house frame, but did not spread to neighbouring properties.

About 10 acres of grassland was burnt in the blaze.

The fire fight took about two hours before it was deemed safe.

“It’s a timely reminder to let everyone know to be careful when they’re lighting fires,” Ruby CFA captain Darren Hardacre said.

Health risk Federal takeover threatens Leongatha hospital

By Jane Ross THE Federal takeover of hospitals would be disastrous for South Gippsland.

McMillan MHR Russell Broadbent, said it could well mean the closure of small hospitals such as those at Leongatha, Korumburra and Foster.

“The Prime Minister has said there would be no hospital closures, but we don’t know what decisions a regional board will make.”

And it is the prospect of regional boards that presents the major threat.

Under the Rudd Government plan, hospital boards would be replaced by a regional model.

Nationals Leader Peter Ryan said that would probably mean a centralised board in the Latrobe Valley, covering the whole of Gippsland.

His colleague, Shadow Minister for Health Da-

vid Davis, said the Rudd plan was unclear, but the Prime Minister had not ruled out axing local hospital boards.

Nor was it clear what the implications would be for hospital management and overall job security.

Mr Broadbent explained that with the federal plan offering no extra money, no more beds, no extra services and no more doctors, regional boards would be under pressure.

“My concern is that they would say we have hospitals at Wonthaggi, Latrobe, Bairnsdale and Sale.

Why fund a small hospital at Leongatha?”

He agreed such a move would “go down like a lead balloon”, but said the Prime Minister didn’t give a toss about the fact that Federal seats in the region

are marginal, so political pressure wouldn’t wash.

Mr Ryan said Mr Rudd had “no idea” how big Gippsland is, nor the “unique features” that characterise its health services and hospitals and was therefore ignorant of their place in local communities.

“We need to maintain our structures. He has no real practical understanding of how absolutely vital this is to our communities.”

Mr Ryan and Mr Broadbent share grave concerns about the takeover plan.

Mr Broadbent said the government would appoint “people of their own ilk” to the regional health boards; people who would do their master’s bidding.

Continued on page 11

PAGE 2 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Eyesore no more

WORK has started on a new office/shop building in Bair Street, Leongatha.

It will replace the former Gleeson building, which has been an

unused eyesore since early 2007.

This image was taken from the railway yard side of the building and created by joining two separate photographs together.

Two-thirds of the old Gleeson’s building will be taken down piece by piece.

Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning@www.fourcornersframing.biz

Happy campers: staff and residents from Woorayl Lodge enjoyed a four-day holiday at Lakes Entrance.

They are from left, Di Farrell, Harry Burge, Mollie Cameron (in front of Harry) Dot Davies, Betty Wilkinson, Hazel Morley, Joyce Calder, Sherrill Roughead and Di Williams.

Woorayl Lodge’s holiday STAFF from Woorayl Lodge took a group of residents to Lakes Entrance for a four-day holiday recently.

They travelled in a community bus and stayed in cottages at Whiter’s Holiday Village.

Staff members Di Farrell, Sherrill Roughead and Di Williams said each day was packed with activities including a cruise on the lake.

On the way to Lakes Entrance, the group went to the Clock Museum at Bairnsdale. The Nyerimilang Homestead at Metung and the Dolls

House at Swan Reach were other attractions visited.

The group enjoyed meals at local clubs and admitted to “a little flutter”, which everyone enjoyed.

The general consensus was that the whole group relished the companionship, laughs, food and fun.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 3

Ryan pledges cops

By Matt Dunn THE State Opposition will commit 1600 extra police around the state, with Nationals leader and Coalition police spokesman Peter Ryan saying he was confident it would mean more officers for Wonthaggi.

But where the officers would be placed, and whether the boom town would get extra police, would ultimately be a matter for police command, Mr Ryan said.

“It’s a matter for the chief commissioner to allocate the extra resources,” he said.

The Coalition’s policy was to “stabilise the position in Melbourne and then deal with the problems in Bendigo, Ballarat and the Valley and also have regard to the main problem areas across the rest of the state.

“With Wonthaggi facing a significant influx arising from the desal construction and the natural growth it would have had anyway, I’d be very confident that they will have the extra police they need,” he said.

Mr Ryan said the State Government was “in denial” about the crime problem facing Victoria.

“They are absolutely in denial about the extent of the problem. The position in Wonthaggi is just an example,” he said.

Mr Ryan said part of the money for extra police would be found by slashing government advertising when the Coalition was in power.

“Many of the Brumby Government advertising campaigns are nothing more than deceptive political advertising using taxpayer funds. Victorians can decide at the next election if they want more advertisements from John Brumby or more police from Ted Baillieu,” Mr Ryan said.

But Police Minister Bob Cameron told The Star that, despite calls from the region’s top cop Inspector Brian Curley for at least eight more officers in the town, crime was significantly down in the region.

In recent weeks Inspector Curley floated the idea that “the government could give us some temporary funding to create fixed term positions” to help out overstretched officers in the town.

Inspector Curley said the town would experience a boom in traffic, pub violence and other social problems with the ballooning population that will come in the wake of the construction of the desalination plant.

“How police stations are resourced is an operational matter and is decided by police,” Mr Cameron said.

“We will continue working with police to give them the strong powers and resources they need to keep driving down crime.

“Since November 1999, police

numbers in the Bass Coast Police services area have increased by 26.41 per cent, while crime is down 20.5 per cent since 2000-01.”

Official figures for Bass Coast Shire put the rise in assaults at 45.7 per cent, while the figure was up 9.3 per cent in the South Gippsland Shire.

Member for Bass, Ken Smith said Mr Cameron’s assertions that crime was being driven down were incorrect.

“He’s a showman. Sideshow Bob. Crime isn’t down. Crime is going up and we don’t have enough police. It’s as simple as that. Cameron won’t admit to it,” Mr Smith said.

“A least with (Nationals leader and Coalition police spokesman) Peter Ryan we’re going to have someone who’s very competent in doing the job.”

Mr Smith predicted a big increase in police numbers for the region if the Coalition were elected.

“One would expect there to be a large increase in police numbers right across the state and we would be getting our fair share of them. We don’t have enough here. Even (Inspector) Brian Curley attests to the fact there is not enough police and he’s calling for more,” Mr Smith said.

But Mr Smith believes the eight more police Inspector Curley was calling for would not be enough. He said police operations needed to change too, putting more police out on the beat and taking them out from behind desks.

“We should have unsworn officers doing that sort of (office) work. It’s just crazy that we’ve got really good police officers having to sit behind a computer writing out reports when we can get unsworn people doing that,” he said.

“We’ll get 1600 police officers, plus we should get unsworn officers back in the stations.”

Medicos back clinic

By Matt Dunn A medical clinic devoted to the needs of adolescents is about to open in Leongatha, thanks to the commitment of local medicos and the goodwill of a mystery donor.

GP Dr Sinead de Gooyer and practice nurse Anna Close-Mewett, who will run the Monday clinic, said young people were often those most at need of medical services – though they were sometimes too embarrassed to have their parents know about their personal affairs.

Backed by the Leongatha Medical Group, it will nonetheless be a “stand alone clinic,” Dr de Gooyer said.

The clinic will be located in Lyon Street and has been bequeathed by “someone who wishes to remain anonymous”.

“It’s a very generous offer and it’s

enabled us to start this clinic up,” Ms Close-Mewett said.

Dr de Gooyer said the establishment of the clinic was driven by a need in the community, with a dearth of services at schools in the region.

“It’s going to be all bulk billed, and we really need as much community support as possible,” Dr de Gooyer said.

The clinic will operate on a not-forprofit basis and is looking for businesses to supply equipment to help get things up and running.

“We need a few significant items – a couple of computers, two printers. We really need community support to get it up and running,” Ms Close-Mewett said.

She said Leongatha Medical Group was effectively “donating us” and would make no money from the enterprise.

“It’s all bulk billed, so there’s no out of pocket expense to the people who come in,” she said.

The dedicated nurse said that even if patients didn’t know their Medicare details, it would not be an impediment

Traffic cop OK A SENIOR constable from the Bass Coast TMU has escaped serious injury after being struck by a car last Saturday at about 4pm.

The motorcycle policeman collided with a car while he was working during the Easter road blitz. The incident occurred at the corner of the Bass Highway and Cashin Street, Inverloch.

He was taken by ambulance to the Wonthaggi Hospital with minor injuries.

The 65-year-old female driver, and only occupant of the other vehicle, was uninjured.

The accident occurred just hours after Inspector

Greg Parr announced a crackdown on motorcyclists.

He said 2010 had seen “almost double the number of motorcycle collisions or fatal collisions that we had at this time last year”.

to them being treated. The point of the clinic is to help those young people who may otherwise slip through the cracks in treatment or advice on sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy and the myriad of other problems that particularly affect adolescents.

“Dr Tim Linton has been quite keen on having something like this for quite some time. He’s got a passion, and I think when I came along I shared that,” Dr de Gooyer said.

“Without a doubt there’s a crisis in mental health, and pregnancies and STDs. It really is an issue, because the kids just aren’t coming to see anyone. But we’re going to be there.”

Ms Close-Mewett confirmed her commitment too: “We’re going to be there.”

The pair is clearly dedicated to their task and they have been hard at work trying to elicit whatever donations they can get from whoever will offer them.

The opening date of the clinic will be announced soon.

Medically minded: practice nurse Anna Close-Mewett and GP Dr Sinead de Gooyer are teaming up to establish a medical clinic that will specifically treat adolescents.

PAGE 4 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Dance the night away THE Nerrena Hall will be hosting a family bush dance on Saturday, April 24.

It will help raise money for continual improvements on the hall and provides a social event for the people who live in the surrounding areas.

There are prizes for the best dressed.

Tea and coffee is provided, soft drink cans are available to purchase. Would families please bring a plate of supper to share.

Prizes are on offer for the best dressed dance goers.

It costs $10 for an adult and $25 for a family. Tickets are available from Bridge Dairy Leongatha.

Community volunteers have spent a lot of time over the last few years renovating the hall.

Council grants and fundraising have helped with the ongoing costs to do this.

Over recent years the floor has been polished, the kitchen totally painted and fitted out with new furnishings.

This year the plaster has been repaired and will shortly be painted.

For more information about the dance contact Kerryl 5664 9357, Jenny 5664 2320, Rosemary 5664 2330 or Evelyn 5664 2209.

Ready to dance: Chloe, Alexander, Jayden, Nicholas and Kerryl Battersby.

Gardener’s treat THE Wonthaggi Garden Club hosted their annual flower and vegetable show over the weekend.

Club treasurer Sheila Ormerod said entries were slightly down on last year, probably due to the weather.

“It seems to be going very well,” she said late on Saturday afternoon.

“We’ve probably had more people in the door so far.”

Judges commented on the excellent standard in the vegetable sections and said the flower entries were improving.

Lita Gill of Wonthaggi had an impressive 78 entries.

There was also a children’s display featuring craft Good enough to eat: Ian and Joy Summerfield and with a floral theme.

Marion Kerry (all Wonthaggi) with the best exhibit in It was the second year the event has been held at the the show, which was organised by Mary Morgan of Workmens Club.

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“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 5

Money well spent

By Jane Ross

WITH a little help from the sidelines, Bass Coast mayor Cr Peter Paul, raised the pronged bucket of a bob cat yesterday afternoon and dug into the grass.

A white hard hat perched on his head as an unlikely accoutrement to his Bass Coast emblazoned jacket and tie, Cr Paul set in motion the construction of a new Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club.

Club president Philippe du Plessis, said the $1.4 million building would be finished by mid-December, in time for Inverloch’s busy summer period on the surf beach.

He was one of the happiest people at the historic event. His daughters Holly and Geor-

gia are patrollers with the club.

David Schultz was grinning too; he’s a past club president.

It has taken nearly 12 years of planning, hoping and lobbying for a new hub to replace the rotting old shipping containers that have served as the clubrooms. The containers were dark, dank and far from vermin-proof.

The new rooms will be built alongside the brick toilet block on the foreshore where Goroke Street meets Surf Parade.

They will provide a first aid room, patrol room, equipment storage space, recreation and training area, kiosk, and kitchenette/servery, as well as accommodation and a quiet room.

The State Government has provided a grant of $500,000, Bass Coast Council added $200,000, the Inverloch and District Com-

munity Branch of the Bendigo Bank a further $100,000 which was matched by Life Saving Victoria.

The rest of the cost will be met by donations and a $175,000 loan taken out by the club.

Sponsor representatives Alan Gostelow, Kevin McMahon and Scott Hughes joined forces with David Schultz and club building manager Trevor Dando, to make sure the mayor had dug a decent sized hole, by adding their expertise with a silver spade.

David Beveridge of construction engineers Louziou Design of Cape Woolamai, coached Cr Paul in his bob cat duties.

The mayor said he was delighted to be presiding over such an important day for Inverloch.

Digging deep: Bass Coast mayor Cr Peter Paul, is used to being at the helm (he’s a school principal), but not necessarily at the controls of a bob cat. The hole he dug marks the start of a new facility for the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club.

At last: Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club patrollers are looking forward to their new clubrooms. They are back from left, Molly Hassall, Kaitlin O’Halloran, Cameron Allum, Tim Evans and Holly du Plessis. Front from left, Thomas Malan, Jordan Tomas, Rebecca O’Halloran (Kaitlin’s sister) and Georgia du Plessis (Holly’s sister).

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A fair go THE Inverloch Primary School Easter fair on Saturday was the biggest yet, raising about $33,000.

Organisers began with the goal of a “new school, new fair” and achieved their aim as big crowds enjoyed all the fun on offer.

More rides were added this year, with the rock climbing wall, bucking bull and mechanical surfboard all proving popular.

Kids could buy a wristband, which entitled them to unlimited rides.

Also new this year was free spinal

checks, massages and reiki.

In the photography competition, students Alex Murie and Nicky Lawson went home the winners in their respective age groups.

The kids clothing and produce stalls were huge.

The enthusiasm displayed by the spinning wheel hosts and buskers were other highlights.

Tremendous support from local businesses played a big role in the fair’s success.

Holding on: Claudia Bolam (Inverloch) has a turn on the bucking bull.

Fair treat: Gemma Phillips (Inverloch) with cousin Sonny on Saturday morning.

Climbing challenge: Orana Lynch (Inverloch) makes her way up the wall.

Fire truck: Richard Jones (Inverloch) and Gus Charles (Silverleaves) sit in a CFA truck.

Easter fair: David Harman with son James (Wattlebank).

Ready to rumble: Elijah Cousins and Jake Benson (both Inverloch) try some fair items.

Hoop bottles: Jake Roylance, Xavier Hughes and Will Edwards.

Sweet tooth: Jo Hutchinson and Traci Burgess (Inverloch) with lolly shop treats.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 7

Foundations of future

By Chris Brown A NEW library and classrooms are being constructed on the Mirboo North Education Precinct The area will be shared by the primary school and secondary college.

Grade 1 and 2 classrooms border the work site and rather than let the sound of jackhammers disturb the learning process, teachers are using the hive of activity as inspiration.

Mirboo North Primary School principal Wendy Inman said it’s making the most of a situation that could be rather bad.

“The teachers are very creative,” she said.

“All the kids want to do is look out the window anyway, so you

might as well work with that.”

Each Friday the students present their work at assembly.

The $2.5million building will have a library and a few classrooms taking up a total of 880 square metres.

It has a footprint that is 60m long and 25m wide.

Ms Inman said the building should be completed by October.

“They’re putting down the suspended slab and I imagine once they do that it will go up fairly quickly as the steel works are already ready,” she said.

The new educational space will have lots of glass and doors that slide away.

It will be wired, so it can handle all the latest information and communication technology.

Ms Inman said the building

would change the way teachers work with students.

“We have to come up with a vision for the learning that happens in the space, but it’s very exciting as it makes you look at why you teach the way you do,” she said.

“We need to develop students for jobs that don’t exist yet.”

There are still books in a 21st century library, but there may be less reference volumes as students prefer to use the internet for research.

Video libraries and newspaper archives are things of the past though.

The library that is currently shared with the secondary college will become much needed updated classrooms for the college.

It’s possible Grade 5 and 6 students will use the classrooms in the new building.

2010 a space oddity

By Matt Dunn IT’S a massive building with few students, books, equipment or anything else that would mark it as a school.

And it’s clear to anyone who walks through its doors that there is something terribly wrong.

Overseen by the Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand, the Bass Coast Specialist School in Wonthaggi is a $4.3 million building that seems as lifeless as a dormant relic.

Member for Bass Ken Smith said it was “a beautiful building, but not much else”.

The Star visited the school last Wednesday, as Mr Smith and the school’s principal Sue Campbell showed Shadow Minister for Education Services Martin Dixon around.

They strolled through the vast hallways and empty high-ceilinged rooms as Ms Campbell talked about her hopes for the school.

Without more students, funding will not come.

Without funding, there will be no equipment. The vast grounds have no trees or shelter. A trampoline, donated by Rotary, is the only thing that suggests the space is there for the enjoyment of children.

Mr Dixon said it was a situation that would not occur in metropolitan Melbourne. An inadequate transport system has been blamed for most of the problem. The bus does not take students, some of whom are severely disabled, all the way to the school.

Consequently there are just 20 students enrolled,

even though it is built to accommodate 84.

“It’s a great facility for the few students who are here. But our primary aim is to get more kids here, and that will generate more income and more money for equipment. It’s a bit like the chicken and the egg sort of situation. I’m still surprised at the lack of equipment for the children here,” Mr Dixon said.

“Just because there’s 20 children doesn’t mean they don’t deserve more. They need a playground, books, just the things any student would expect in a school.”

He said a lack of proper transport was “the main issue”.

“It’s the right of any child who goes to a specialist school to have specialised transport available to them and I know there’s only 20, but that is the right that these children have got,” he said.

“Having a child with special needs is a massive burden on families. Many are single parents. They haven’t got much money, they may not have reliable transport and that means there’s an even greater call for transport. Even if it’s a compromise while there are 20 – a few pick up spots where parents can

take their children and pick them up.

“It just shows a lack of forethought in a way.

They’ve built the specialist school and walked away.

The forward planning hasn’t been done: Where are the kids going to come from? What sort of equipment do they need?

How long will it take for the school to grow?”

He said the department had failed in many of the planning basics.

“They’ve ticked the box of building the specialist school and now they’ve walked away,” he said.

But a spokesman defended the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s handling of the fiasco, saying it “provided the school with funding of $124,000 for the purchase of furniture and equipment, computers, library establishment and other items on the same basis as all new specialist schools”.

“The school is in the process of finalising purchases of this equipment.

The Department will continue to work closely with the school to ensure students’ needs are being met,” he said.

On the way: construction has started on the new library at the Mirboo North Education Precinct.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Prom’s camping upgrade CAMPING at Tidal River is about to become a whole lot safer and better.

On Easter Saturday, the State Government announced a $3.8 million upgrade to “visitor facilities” at Wilsons Promontory.

The bulk of this will be spent on moving the Tidal River Depot to a different location, out of public view and the river precinct.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings, said the changes would ensure the future of “one

of Australia’s most loved parks”.

The minister said it had been a bumper season at the Prom which had undergone “spectacular regeneration” following last year’s fire which burned nearly 50 per cent of the park.

He said the visitor centre would be refurbished and “new interpretative (sic) displays” installed.

“We want to see improved visitor experiences to our icon parks and this plan provides a framework for upgrades to accommodation, camping and toilet facilities at Tidal River and improved pedestrian and cycle access.”

Do you need a Working with Children Check?

• Do you work or volunteer with children in recreational or sporting activities?

• Do you provide coaching or tuition services to children?

If you do, then you may need to apply for a Working with Children Check by 30 June 2010.

Failure to apply could result in criminal offences.

Find out more at one of the following information sessions being held in Wonthaggi & Leongatha – Monday 19 April, 2010.

Wonthaggi Cricket Club, Wonthaggi Showgrounds, Korumburra Road, Wonthaggi at 2pm.

To book online or for further details visit www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren or call the Information Line on 1300 652 879

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Leongatha Memorial Hall, Meeting Room 2, Michael Place, Leongatha at 7pm

Renal failure

By Jane Ross

THE son of a 79-year-old Leongatha woman is calling on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate the inability of Wonthaggi Hospital to accommodate his mother for renal dialysis.

Paul Wray-McCann is devastated that his mother Teresa, is on what he sees as an indefinite local waiting list.

She remains in Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital and her son says she faces the distress and discomfort of having to travel by car from Leongatha to The Alfred three times a week for dialysis.

She has multiple health problems.

Mr Wray-McCann has taken issue with Bass Coast Regional Health Service, of which Wonthaggi Hospital is a part.

He said its 2008/09 annual report points to the “valuable” service of haemodialysis and its website trumpets the capacity to offer a haemodialysis program for those visiting the area on holiday.

He wants to know how that can be, given that his mother has been turned down.

Her son wants the ACCC to look at whether the health service is guilty of misleading and deceptive conduct under the Commonwealth Trade Practices Act 1974.

“In the case of my mother, it appears BCRH has failed woefully,” he wrote in his letter to the ACCC. Mr Wray-McCann said his mother was first diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in the mid 1990s.

“The existence of my mother’s renal condition … ought to have been known by relevant government agencies …. years ago.”

An aged care assessment in July last year said as much.

Mr Wray-McCann has also written to BCRH CEO Lea Pope, about what he describes as a dire and unacceptable situation.

His mother is on a waiting list for dialysis at hospitals in Traralgon and Warragul, but others are ahead of her and he has no idea if, or when she might be able to be accommodated locally.

As a result, the family is considering moving Teresa to Queensland where some of Paul’s siblings live and where she might have ready access to dialysis. Mrs Wray-McCann has lived in Leongatha for 50 years.

Lea Pope told The Star she has spoken with Mr Wray-McCann and regards the matters raised by him as perfectly legitimate.

She said the health service had “no idea” that Mrs Wray-McCann had been heading towards the need for dialysis.

Wonthaggi Hospital has six dialysis machines and all are fully used.

Mrs Wray-McCann is the only person on the waiting list.

A recent vacancy has been taken up by a woman from northern Victoria, who was unable to access dialysis near her home.

Ms Pope said efforts are being made to rectify that because it is not ideal for the person involved. A chair would then be free for Mrs WrayMcCann.

There is capacity to add another three machines to the dialysis unit.

The machines are provided by Monash Medical Centre.

“We’re getting close to expansion and we’re in ongoing discussion with Monash.”

Ms Pope said the lack of a place at Wonthaggi’s unit had only occurred in the past three weeks and she would see that the website’s holiday dialysis details were adjusted.

There is the potential to employ another dialysis nurse, but it would mean trying to find one with the necessary specialist training.

“We are doing all we can,” said Ms Pope.

A bonny idea

By Jane Ross AS the parents of an energetic 2 ½ year old son, Tammy Lee and her husband Matthew Duran understand the importance of fund raising for children’s health issues.

Through her skills as a professional photographer, Tammy has found a rewarding way of employing her talents for the benefit of an organisation called the Bonnie Babes Foundation.

The foundation runs a project called Pride of the Nation, which each year prints a beautiful book of engaging photographs of children from all over Australia.

The books make a lovely gift and the creation and sale of them raises money for the foundation.

With no government support, Bonnie Babes provides medical equipment to hospitals for premature babies, assists medical research projects into pregnancy loss and complications, provides a 24 hour, seven day a week family crisis phone service for those who have lost a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth or prematurity and offers other supports including public awareness and education.

Tammy has a studio in Long Street Leongatha.

She said she became involved in the Pride of the Nation project through a professional printing contact.

Her interest piqued, she lodged five photographs to qualify as an official Bonnie Babes photographer; the only one in the South Gippsland and Latrobe Valley area.

Tammy and Matthew’s son Jackson has his photograph in last year’s Pride of the Nation book and Tammy is now looking for subjects for the next.

She said a donation of $50 to the Bonnie Babes Foundation allows a portrait session with one of the official Pride of the Nation photographers.

Bonnie babe: photographer Tammy Lee with her son Jackson. She is looking for children to photograph for the next Bonnie Babes Foundation Pride of the Nation book.

“Last year was the first book I was involved with and this will be my second,” she said. “I’m calling for more participants to help raise money.

“People can ring me and I can register them or they can register via the internet.”

Tammy will then shoot the portrait in her studio or out on location.

The idea is to have individual portraits so that they can then go in the book, which, when it is finished, will be available for purchase from her and many other outlets around Australia.

“At the end of the day,” she said, “I just wanted to help.”

Her phone number is 5662 2694.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 9

In the genes

By Jane Ross RHONDA Evans was in the shower when she noticed the lump in her breast.

Alarm bells jangled.

She was 33, the mother of two young children and her own mother had died of cancer at the age of 41.

“I was 17 when she died and with that strong family history, I thought oh my God, it’s me.”

Doctors responded quickly, Rhonda had a mastectomy and “lots” of radiotherapy.

Living in South Gippsland, she had to travel to Melbourne three days a week for treatment and remains grateful for the help of family and friends.

She is also acutely aware that now, 25 years’ later, she is lucky not only to be alive, but to be able to enjoy living.

Since her initial diagnosis, Rhonda has discovered a very strong family history of cancer. She became interested in the genetic question of the disease and recently found out that she carries a particular cancer mutation.

Her daughter has it too and as a young mother herself, opted to have her breasts removed as a precaution against developing the disease. When pre-cancerous tissue was found after that surgery, Rhonda and her daughter knew the decision, though difficult, had been a wise one.

The genetic mapping has come about through research and research costs money.

That’s one of the reasons why Rhonda supports the Relay for Life which starts at 3pm on Saturday at the Dumbalk Recreation Reserve.

Commitments will prevent Rhonda from taking part, but she hopes others will do so because it has meant so much to people such as herself.

When her radiotherapy finished, Rhonda, her husband Stewart and children Amber and Wade, just got on with living.

POLICE BRIEFS

Counterfeit money hits Wonthaggi WONTHAGGI traders are being urged to watch out for dodgy money, after police reported a number of counterfeit $50 notes had been discovered in the town.

The investigation over the money scandal will be referred to the Australian Federal Police.

“During the past week there’s been three counterfeit $50 notes passed through several shops in Wonthaggi,” Wonthaggi Police’s Senior Sergeant Damian Whitford said.

“It’s currently being investigated by Wonthaggi Police, and the information will be forwarded to the AFP’s counterfeit unit for further investigation.

“We’re just trying to collate the

information. Shopkeepers should be warned to check any $50 notes and report them to police if they do find anything suspect.”

He said the notes had “more of a paper feel” than the legitimate polymer ones.

Counterfeit $50 notes have also been used at a Warragul shop.

Police say the notes are a good imitation, but can be identified by their waxy surface and brighter than normal yellow colour.

Police are compiling information about the notes and are trying to work out who has been distributing them.

Anyone who thinks they have been handed a counterfeit note should keep it and contact their local police station.

Traffic blitz

operation that included police, members of VicRoads, DPI and the Sheriff’s Office, had netted people for a myriad of offences in previous weeks.

“As a result of that we tested heavy vehicles and other larger type vehicles.

We tested for outstanding warrants.

And in relation to that we got a total of 38 un-roadworthy notices, and about 35 other offences. The Fisheries Department nabbed 78 people in relation to fisheries matters,” he said.

Crews were stationed throughout South Gippsland, including Leongatha and Korumburra.

WONTHAGGI Police’s Senior Sergeant Scott Bodycomb said the police blitz on Easter traffic had been a great success.

“We had an operation over the Easter weekend to assist with Operation Aegis and the other traffic operations that have been going on,” he said.

Particularly successful, he said, was the work of two officers who were patrolling the region on pushbikes.

“Two people over a four day period conducted about 200 intercepts – with 57 traffic offences detected and 45 penalty notices issued. There were 246 preliminary breath tests, one crime brief and one crime warning. They had a fair crack at it using pedal power,” Acting Snr Sgt Bodycomb said.

“They just take the car around to the various locations and target some of the black spot intersections and things like that – checking for people using mobile phones while they’re driving and other safety type offences.”

Bass Coast TMU’s Leading Senior Sergeant Wayne Beale said a joint

Sunday fire A fire on public land along Chamberlain Drive in Leongatha was contained by Leongatha and Koonwarra CFA crews on Sunday.

“It was amongst council land. Basically it’s swamp and we had to go there and we got stuck in the swamp. Little bits of bush were catching fire,” Leongatha CFA captain Andy Kay said.

Mr Kay said there was nothing suspicious about the fire.

Journey of recovery: Rhonda Evans of Mirboo knows she is fortunate to have survived two bouts of cancer.

“It was a roller coaster ride,” Rhonda admitted.

“Dealing with the highs and lows is the hardest, but I’ve got better at it. Earlier, it was really hard seeing your young children and thinking you were not going to be there. I tried to help them be independent.

“I had a mantra in my head that I’d repeat and try to remain positive.

“When I’d get that cold, black feeling in the middle of the night, my husband would just cuddle me.

“You’ve got to learn to cope and stay positive but it’s like demons fighting.”

Not quite two years after her first diagnosis, Rhonda found a lump in her other breast. It wasn’t

linked to the first tumour.

She had a second mastectomy and follow-up treatment.

“From then on, I’ve been moving along.”

Her surgery took place in 1985 and 1987 and in 1997, she saw an advertisement for genetic testing.

Given that her mother, two aunts, Rhonda’s younger sister and two female cousins had had breast or ovarian cancer, a genetic link seemed possible.

“They tested my blood and said no, I have no mutation.”

But 10 years’ later, the testing had become more sophisticated and a muta-

tion was detected.

“That answered my question,” said Rhonda.

Her daughter has already taken advantage of that information and in time to come, Rhonda hopes it will be useful for other family members too.

She understands that genetics “is not for everyone”, but in her case “it gave me hope”.

And through all her experience, she has learnt to look at life in a different way.

She and Stewart live on a farm and Rhonda enjoys that.

“I keep busy and involved.

“I had a great game of golf yesterday!”

NT MENT GRA E V O R P IM FARM Grants of up to $1000 are available to eligible farmers to invest in farm improvements.

Uncle Bob tops $26,000 WONTHAGGI and district can again be very proud of another magnificent effort for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, raising $26,031.10.

Term 24 months 12 months 6 months 3 months GSI Super Account At Call Min $10,000 At Call Bairnsdale Warragul

Grants are available to drought-affected farmers who receive Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payments from Centrelink. Applicants must receive grant approval prior to purchase of the improvement.

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This program is part of the Victorian Government’s $47 million drought package for 2009-10.

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The generosity of the people in the area was again exceptional, which clearly indicates the appreciation we have for the wonderful work done at the Royal Children’s Hospital for so many sick and injured youngsters.

There is no doubt that it holds a special place in all our hearts.

The collection was enthusiastically backed by our committed members of the local fire brigade and youngsters, parents and grandparents who worked hard all day.

They were joined by the CFA members and friends from Kilcunda who collected $1006.95, and the dedicated Cape Paterson collectors who netted $2130.50 for the appeal.

Safeway at Wonthaggi contributed a fine $10,242.50, while the George Bass Hotel did a magnificent job raising $6661.10 through the year with their regular raffles and fundraising efforts, including another big Good Friday event.

Congratulations and a huge thank you to all who have again supported the Good Friday Appeal so generously with their time and donations and encouragement.

This grant will fund half of a farm improvement up to $1000, so if the cost of installing new water troughs totals $1800, a $900 grant is available. Examples of eligible improvements include fixed fodder and water storages, irrigation system upgrades and permanent repairs to fixed infrastructure.

For advice on eligible improvements and how to apply contact Rural Finance on (03) 5448 2600 or visit www.ruralfinance.com.au

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

THREE students representing all of Leongatha’s secondary colleges are in Turkey for almost a month as part of a Rotary club initiative.

The trip, highlighted by a visit to Gallipoli on Anzac Day, is being backed by the Rotary Club of Leongatha, the local schools and the Leongatha RSL. Olivia Fiddelaers (Mary MacKillop College), Nicole Clark (LSC) and Jayden Stratton (South Coast Christian College) have already left for Turkey accompanied

by Rotarian Col Byatt and wife Barb.

Rotary held a farewell dinner last week where each student was presented with a “Digger” Bear to be given to each host family in Turkey.

South Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jim Fawcett, also presented the students with a ‘hoodie’ and a polo-shirt with the Student Turkey Exchange Program logo on the back.

PICTURED are Leongatha Lyric Theatre’s Marg and David Tattersall, another very special family involvement story for Lyric. Marg is seen here at work with costume making while David has come across from sets and scenery to say hello. David is a valued member of the company - he is a life member, director, performer, author and knows Lyric inside out, having participated in every aspect of the company. Marg has given many years of support to both David and Lyric Theatre and has tackled all sorts of jobs that are vital to the company’s function.

One of the most generous things this couple does is to offer Lyric a place to sell tickets, which is in the gallery at their shop, Mushroom Crafts, in Leongatha and very convenient to the public in a main shopping area. High Society ticket sales will commence there on April 7 for the show which opens on April 30. Drop in and see the seating plan or ring the booking hotline on 5662 3940 to gain your seat for this great show.

MARY MacKillop College Year 12 student Peta Margetts lost her battle with leukaemia on Easter Saturday. She died surrounded by her loving family. Just managing day-to-day life has been difficult for her loved ones and on March 29, an account, in trust, was opened at the Leongatha Branch of the Bendigo Bank, to support them.

Any donation, however small, would be appreciated. The details are: Margetts Family Trust, Bendigo Bank Leongatha, BSB: 633000, account no:139735963.

EACH year on Anzac Day, the RSL is asked about the protocol for marching and wearing a relative’s medal.

Meeniyan RSL encourages and welcomes rela-

tives young or old to join in the march and represent and remember your loved ones by wearing their medals.

Below is an excerpt in regard to the wearing of a loved one’s medals.

“Across the country, Australians will gather on Anzac Day to commemorate the lives of Australians lost in war and other military operations and to reflect on the service of our Defence personnel. Veterans and serving personnel will wear their Service medals at commemorative events, with a growing number of people also wearing medals as a tribute to loved ones, including deceased family members. There is a protocol governing the wearing of medals and people

are encouraged to follow these guidelines to avoid misrepresentation or disrespect to our veterans.Only the original medal recipient is entitled to wear medals on the left, above the heart. Your relatives’ medals may be worn on the right.”

The Meeniyan RSL welcomes you to attend Anzac Day in Meeniyan and march wearing the medals of your relatives.

THE South Gippsland Shire Brass Band has given more than 20 performances to the community over the past 12 months.

Among the more notable playouts have been the band’s concert at Leongatha Memorial Hall and continued appearance at Music for the People at Moss Vale Park.

In giving the 118th annual report of the band at the recent annual meeting, president Darryl Hunt praised band members for continuing a tradition that began with the formation of the group in 1892.

“We can feel proud of the fulfilment and pleasure we have brought into people’s lives, as well as marking important ceremonial occasions such as Anzac and Australia days,” he said.

Mr Hunt thanked former musical director Martyn Scrimshaw for his contribution and noted the calibre of new

Farewell dinner: pictured at the farewell dinner for those travelling to Turkey and Gallipoli are, from left, Olivia Fiddelaers, Barb and Col Byatt, Jayden Stratton, Nicole Clark and Leongatha RSL sub-branch president, Dr David Edwards.

director, Geoff Coote.

The president described the late Stan Elliott as a “much loved member of our band family”. A life member of the band, Mr Elliott was renowned for his bugling at Anzac and Remembrance days, and RSL funerals for 30 years, and only missed one Music for the People concert in 41 years.

At the annual meeting, South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Jim Fawcett presented Andrew Hunt with the George Rayson Trophy for Most Improved Player, recognising his diverse talents on euphonium, trombone and tuba.

Best Band Person was Greg Wright for the second consecutive year, in honour of his dedication as band librarian and occasional musical director.

Neville Drummond received his 20 year service award and Phil Richards will be presented with a 30 year service award.

The meeting re-elected Mr Hunt as president, Doug Appleton as vicepresident and secretary, Jan Appleton as assistant secretary, Brad Lester as treasurer, Bruce Jarrett as property officer, Greg Wright as librarian and deputy musical director, Geoff Coote as musical director and Peter Mayo as drum major.

Grinning winners: South Gippsland Shire Brass Band award winners, from left: Neville Drummond, Greg Wright and Andrew Hunt with South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Jim Fawcett.

THE crowd at this year’s Bass Coast Artists’ Society’s annual Easter exhibition enjoyed both the creativity and conviviality. Bass Coast mayor Cr Peter Paul officially opened the show, held in the revamped Goods Shed Art Space on the Rail Trail in Wonthaggi.

Maureen Loughran, a five-time winner of Best in Show Acquisitive Awards in Bass Coast Shire, was the judge.

PARENTS with babies and toddlers are invited to join in learning songs, rhymes and stories at the Mother Goose Circle Time program. The program focuses on the pleasure and power of using rhymes, songs and stories together to give their children fun and stimulating experiences with language and communication.

The Mother Goose program was developed by early years experts in Canada over 30 years ago and has since been successfully delivered all over the world by Mother Goose Trained facilitators.

The Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities are familiar with the program, having enjoyed Mother Goose in various settings over the past six years.

Along with Baby Rhyme Times that are being delivered across the two shires, Mother Goose Circle Time is especially for parents with babies and toddlers

across the South Gippsland and Bass Coast communities. The programs are aimed at building the language and literacy experiences, skills and opportunities for young families. “These activities are focused on creating fun and engaging language development opportunities for our very young”, says project facilitator, Geraldine Archibald of the South Coast Early Years Literacy Project. The project is funded by Kilmany Uniting Care and the Bass Coast Shire Council.

To find out more about the program or enrol please contact Jo Stringer on 0419 573 377 or email geraldine.archibald@ kilmany.org.au.

Pictured are Linda Jeffries and her baby Hudson, meeting up with Mother Goose facilitator Jo Stringer at the Korumburra Maternal and Child Health Centre.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 11

Cleo contender A FORMER resident of Leongatha has been nominated in the Cleo magazine Bachelor of the Year competition.

Rower Cameron McKenzieMcHarg was one of the 50 finalists in the annual competition.

He won a silver medal in the coxless four at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The 29-year-old did not return calls from The Star in time for publication.

He’s already received plenty of positive attention on the Cleo website with one commenter saying he is “hot, hot, hot!!!” and another stating

he “definitely deserves to win! He is the best of the whole lot”.

But according to his profile on the Cleo website the first people he told when he was nominated for the award were his crewmates in the Aussie men’s four.

Cameron said the highs of his occupation were competing overseas, staying fit and rowing on those perfect mornings, when the water is still and the sun is rising.

The lows were no holidays from training, getting out of bed at 5am, and there is no $1M prize money or contracts in rowing.

He told Cleo he hopes to have three kids, a big house, a dog, a gold

medal and not be wearing lycra on a daily basis in five years time.

Cameron will find out if he is the winner on April 28.

Dressing down: Cameron McKenzie-McHarg poses. Photo courtesy Cleo magazine.

Red Cross goodies for sale Health risk LAST Thursday April 1, Leongatha Red Cross ladies were at the Memorial Hall selling cakes, chutneys and jams, to raise money.

There was also a raffle with first, second and third prize, each consisting of chocolate goodies for the Easter season.

Smiling proudly: Lily Harris and Dorothy Forrester are happy knowing what they’re doing is for a good cause.

Cake display: Pat Harvey, Margaret Higgins and Thelma Goss show the lovely homemade cakes for sale.

Continued from page 1 And, with funding at a 60/40 federal/state mix, “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.

“We don’t want someone in Canberra dictating what happens in Leongatha.”

But that could eventuate.

Mr Ryan said the risk of regional boards covering large areas was “a reality”.

“In the absence of specific detail, which we’ve been seeking, that is my read.

“That is just unacceptable from our point of view.”

On the issue of regional boards alone, Mr Ryan said that in his mind, the whole takeover plan “would fall over”.

He said in reality there will be a lot of discussion between the federal and state governments about money for hospitals, but the matter of community rather than regional boards “is the fundamental”.

Mr Broadbent agreed.

“The issue for us is the protection of small hospitals.”

Nevertheless, Mr Ryan is “quietly confident” the State budget to be handed down early in May, will include money for a new Leongatha Hospital.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Water words Change for better THE proposed Federal takeover of the health system could be bad news for local hospitals.

It seems that rather than having local boards looking after the interests of local residents, regional bodies could be set up to oversee hospitals.

There are legitimate fears that the fate of small regional hospitals like Leongatha could be left in the hands of bureaucrats many miles away.

If this were to happen, who would be fighting for the rights of small hospitals?

Budgets would be spent across the entire local health system, leaving question marks over the financial viability of smaller facilities.

Everyone understands that we must have changes to a health system that is haemorrhaging money and is extremely inefficient.

But that change must not come at the expense of country hospitals which have served their local communities for generations.

New rivals LEONGATHA and Wonthaggi have always been rivals of sorts, but the competition between the Parrots and Power should take things to a new level.

The one point victory to the Power in last weekend’s inaugural match in the Gippsland League was the best possible start to this exciting chapter in both towns’ sporting stories.

The win will give the Power heart that it can mix it in its new league. It will also give the Parrots something to aim for when they host the Power later this year.

Every Carlton and Collingwood fan knows that it is great to have a team that you love to beat. It seems Wonthaggi and Leongatha have found theirs.

I WOULD like to clarify some points around the Dairy Shed Water Licence Transition Program (Dairy breakthrough, March 30).

Water used for domestic and stock purposes does not have to be licensed, however water used in dairy sheds is excluded from domestic and stock and therefore needs to be licensed. The requirement to licence water used in the dairy is not new.

Farm dams used for irrigation and commercial purposes have required a licence since 2002.

In relation to farm dams only, farmers have the choice between a conditional licence, or a normal licence. Fees will not apply to conditional farm dam licences as they are not transferable, however the conditional licence is only available during the amnesty period under the transition program.

The amnesty period is giving farmers an opportunity to comply with longstanding licence requirements without penalty.

The Dairy Shed Water Licence Transition Program will help account for all water used in dairies and ensure the sustainable use of the resource.

We want dairy farmers to use this opportunity to ensure they are correctly licensed which is why we have made

the recent amendments and extended the amnesty period to April 23.

Dairy farmers are urged to contact Southern Rural Water if they have any questions at all.

Patrick O’Halloran Manager, Resource Policy & Licensing Groundwater and Licensing Branch Office of Water Department of Sustainability and Environment

Clean vote FOLLOWING yet another debacle over the distribution of last minute and therefore unstoppable ‘How to Vote’ cards at polling booths influencing voters, their abolition is surely long overdue.

Once upon a time HTVs held some relevance because our system did not allow for the candidate’s party’s name to be printed on the ballot paper and electors were not expected to know the names and parties of all candidates and their preferences.

As an ALP supporter in those long ago times, I well remember how we campaigned for this anomaly to be addressed and eventually it was.

Unfortunately the ALP, after achieving this important reform to the ballot papers failed in Government to ever abolish the HTVs. Why are we still stuck with this stupid bane of electors and political parties alike in the 21st Century; money, human resources and precious paper continue to be squandered and the dirty tricks which influence unwitting electors still go unpunished.

All decent politicians and their supporters should welcome and support Senator Bob Brown’s call for their abolition.

We have time to do this before the next State and Federal elections, so let’s put Party politicking aside, enact the legislation and on our next polling days give the electors their right to enter their polling booths without harrassment and the possibility of annoying and possibly untruthful information being thrust upon them. I’m sure everyone will feel better for it.

Pat Fraser Toora

VOXPOP! VOX LAST week The Star hit the streets of Leongatha to find out whether people in town were just as excited about the start of the footy season as the editorial staff at the paper. We asked the pointed question, Are you happy about the start of the footy season?

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.

The Great Southern Star Address: 36 McCartin St Leongatha, 3953 Ph: (03) 5662 2294 Fax: (03) 5662 4350 Editor: Danny Buttler Email: news@thestar.com.au

Advertising Manager: Joy Morgan Email: advertising@thestar.com.au ACN 006507580 ABN 61 318 952 541 Print Post 336735 10006

I was never involved in it, but I think it’s a good community thing for everyone to do. It’s something everyone can get involved in and do on the weekend.

Euan Cumming, Brisbane (former Leongatha resident)

I play soccer, so it doesn’t really concern me. But my brother plays for the seniors at Leongatha so I support him.

Cassie Willcocks, Leongatha

Yes. Sure. I go to the Tarwin Lower games. It gives me something to do on a Saturday.

Keith Dwyer, Tarwin Lower

I’m very happy to have footy back. It really brings the community alive and gives everyone a common focus. It’s a common speaking point. I think it’s a fantastic thing for people to have a great local footy team.

Ed Carmody, Leongatha

Exhibition with a difference BACK in Time at the Mt Best Community Hall last weekend was a great success.

The display of memorabilia, artefacts, photography and cottage craft workers in action was very popular.

The old time sing-song and bagpiper Kim was also a hit.

Restoration of old photographs by

Good times: Irene Harmsworth from Fish Creek, showing the Portrait of Andrea Rerden from Mt Best, which she painted from life.

Keith Haycroft of Port Welshpool created plenty of interest.

Hall president Meryl Agars said the exhibition was very successful with about 400 visitors, with all proceeds going towards the extensions of the hall, kitchen and meeting room.

The exhibition was closed by Cr Jeanette Harding, who also drew the raffle winners.

Sing along: Old time sing-song from right to left, at the piano Pat Frazer, Pam Donnellan, Marylynn Zanella, Stephanie Deutschbein, Willem Van Cleef and Max Adam, were joined by two girls from the audience.

Ancient craft: Woodcraft worker Brian Pigdon from Warragul with Amber Rerden from Mt Best.

Pictures: Courtesy of Tessy Amesreiter, Mt Best.

Great day: everyone had a good time.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 13

Apply now for a Woolworths Community Grant of up to $5,000 in Leongatha It’s on again! We’re giving grants to local community groups that help primary school aged children lead healthier more active lives. In the past two years, we’ve awarded over 3,100 grants. And this year could be the year we help you make a difference in your community.

Apply today at woolworths.com.au Applications open 5th April 2010 and close 2nd May 2010

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PAGE G 14 - “THE S STAR”,, Wed Wednesday, esd y, April p 7, 2010 0 0

Walk for survival

By Matt Dunn GERRY Shellcot’s involvement in this year’s Cancer Council Victoria South Gippsland Relay For Life Survivors and Carers Walk on Saturday, April 10, has become very personal.

Cancer has struck her family twice in very recent times.

The member of the Leongatha Lions Club is helping to cater for the event at Dumbalk this weekend. But the Lions are well supported, backed by Michael’s Supa IGA, which has again this year generously donated masses of food.

For Michael’s Supa IGA fresh food supervisor Dom D’Agostino, there is also a tale to tell. His mother is battling through cancer too.

Dom said one in four people were affected by the disease, which was a “very scary statistic”.

“When you look at the 20 million

people in Australia, that’s five million that will contract cancer. It would be lovely if they could find a cure one day,” he said.

“My mum’s theory was, ‘I’ll lose a couple of body parts, but I’ll still be around.’”

It is little wonder he is so keen to get behind the push to raise money to find a cure.

“Relay for Life is a very worthy cause, as far as I’m concerned. Obviously we use whatever connections we have in the retail sector – whatever requirements Gerry needs,” he said.

“We’re happy to help out in whatever way we can and we’ve granted about 85 to 90 per cent of their wish list, which has been donated between us and whatever supplier contacts we’ve got.”

He said customers could also do their bit by donating points to the cause and coming along to the supermarket’s Market Day on Thursday, April 15 as a part of Michael’s Supa IGA Community Rewards Program which has raised more than $750,000 for community groups such

as the Relay For Life.

Gerry said Michael’s Supa IGA had been “really great to deal with”.

“Nothing’s been too much trouble.

They’ve been fabulous. We’ve needed all sorts of things – sausages, burgers, bread,” she said.

She had simply handed the supermarket a list of what was needed and they happily filled it.

All local cancer survivors and carers are invited to participate in the Survivors and Carers Walk, and participation is not restricted to people involved in a Relay For Life team. There is no cost to participate in the Survivors and Carers Walk but you do need to register on the day. The event kicks off at the Dumbalk Football Oval from 2pm.

The Survivors and Carers Walk includes a celebration afternoon tea beforehand, a presentation from a Relay For Life representative, and an invitation to complete the first lap of the Relay For Life event. Assistance will be provided to participants with mobility issues.

Dom D’Agostino: the IGA fresh food supervisor has been happy to help out.

Meeniyan bank reaches milestone THE effervescent Steering Committee for the Meeniyan and District Community Bank project, was rewarded this week with news of yet another breakthrough in banking services for Meeniyan and surrounds.

Excited and raring-to-go: Steering committee stalwarts (LR): Brian Hoskins, David Vance, Kaz Hughes, Lindsay Moore, Kathryn Smith, Ethel Hanks, Sally Hoskins, Frank Arndt.

It follows hot on the tail of the recent ATM installation, which was also co-ordinated by the Steering Committee.

Prom Country First National Real Estate has been conditionally approved to operate a Bendigo Bank agency at their premises in Meeniyan. “Having the agency will allow our community bank supporters to open

accounts and start conducting their banking business sooner”, said Kaz Hughes, Steering Committee member and partner of Prom Country First National. Customers will be able to open new accounts, apply for home loans and credit cards - in fact most normal personal and business banking services will be available through the agency.

“What will still be missing is the benefit of a full ‘community bank’, with return of profits to the community” said Kaz. “The exciting thing is that all banking business that the Meeniyan agency brings in, will eventually be transferred to the community bank. The whole point of starting the agency is to get our community bank up and

running, and in profit, as soon as we can”.

The new agency is expected to be up and running around the beginning of the new financial year.

In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the progress of the community bank project, or how to start moving your accounts to the Bendigo Bank under the Meeniyan agency code now, please call Kaz on 5664 0224, or any other member of the Steering Committee.

Names of other Steering Committee members can also be obtained from Kaz, or from information leaflets available at Meeniyan businesses and the Dumbalk General Store.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 15

Freak apple in ’Gatha Unusual: this apple has red and green perfectly separated.

LEONGATHA resident Steve Finlay was surprised as he was about a to bite into an apple last week.

The Jo Jonathan apple’s skin was perfectly divided red and a quarter green. into three-quarters thre “I was w just going to eat it and I thought, look at that,” he said. ““I couldn’t believe how straight it is.

“I can’t believe that can happen naturally, but what are they doing to it? That’s my ly question.” qu General Manager at Apple and Pear Australia Limited, Tony Russell said that no tr apples grown commercially are genetically a modifi ed. m “It appears to me that the apple has been shielded from direct light during its maturash tion tio phase, that is the last three to four weeks before harvest,” he said. be “Apples require sunlight to stimulate the red colouring and you often see that fruit that has colou limited or partial exposure to good sunlight is more poorly ccoloured.

“In this instance it almost looks like a wedge of paper was stuck stuc to the fruit during the maturation period in the lead up to harvest.” ha

Bite this: Leongatha resident Steve Finlay with his distinctively coloured apple.

CFA volunteer numbers rising THE CFA Region that includes the Leongatha district has more volunteers than it did before Black Saturday, and more of them are frontline firefighters.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV), which represents the state’s 60,000 CFA volunteers, says CFA Region 9 also has more female volunteers than it did a year ago.

VFBV’s Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ford said the inflow of new volunteers is part of a statewide trend.

“Volunteer numbers are increasing, more people are taking the training to become frontline CFA firefighters, and more are becoming non-operational volunteers, the people who do the support work that keeps local brigades going,” Mr Ford said.

“And while more people are signing up as CFA volunteers, it’s important that governments and the general community support them in their vital volunteer work.”

Region 9, which stretches from the Great Dividing Range to Wilsons Promontory and includes the Leongatha district, has gone from 1611 volunteers in December 2008 to 1763 a year later.

In the same region, there are 330 female CFA volunteers, many of whom are professionally qualified frontline firefighters.

And the trend is statewide CFA volunteer numbers rose by more than a thousand in the same year to more than 59,000.

One in five, or more than 11,000 of those volunteers are women.

Anyone considering becoming a CFA volunteer can visit the VFBV website (www.vfbv.com.au) or the CFA website (www.cfa.vic.gov.au), or talk to one of their local volunteers.

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 17

Full of bargains: Memorial Hall was packed with items for sale.

Everything was on sale LEONGATHA’s Memorial Hall hosted a preEaster stock liquidation last week.

There was $250,000 of stock that had to be cleared from Panthers Mensland and Shan’s Lingerie and Leisure.

Menswear, luggage, lingerie, swimwear and sleepwear were among the items on offer for four days.

Memorial Hall: Peter Beasley notes the sale prices on the luggage bags.

Hall sale: Patty Salmon from Cowes had just started browsing.

Purchase made: Shan’s Lingerie and Leisure’s Shirleyanne Wright hands Doreen Western of Kardella her purchases.

The art of Waratah Red Cross THIS year the March Red Cross Calling project included the now famous picnic held on Judy and Dick Edwards’ beautifully presented property overlooking Waratah Bay. For the first time it was combined with an open studio day at Mandy Gunn’s Studio Gallery near Tarwin Lower.

Around 250 people attended the picnic and the stunning lunch prepared by the Red Cross ladies and they enjoyed a bush walk through the fern-filled gullies on the property.

With 70 people visiting the open studio showing work by Mandy and her students, $5500 was raised through gate entries, donations, purchases and the raffles.

Raffle winners were: Carol Strong – wine, Hugh Goodman – accommodation Walkerville North, Dawn Allen – Meal at Moo’s, Pauline Weir – Ark Clothes voucher, Mary Ellis – Acacia, Holmes – Meal-at-Inlet, Helen Fulton – accommodation at Edwards, Kate Fergusson – Plant from Craig’s Nursery.

Thanks go to all the volunteer helpers including Margaret Windisch’s flute playing at the Art Studio and the picnic day Trio Artistic view: Sandra Cathie and Lorraine Nunn from Inverloch, with of Jack Cummins, Carrick Barter and Jose Alonso as well as the picnic location hosts Judy and Dick Edwards. artist Mandy Gunn view some paintings.

Paint talk: Ian Gunn and Jill Harvey discuss the art at Windabandi Studio. A percentage of the art sales for the day went to Red Cross.

Hot stuff: Red Cross supporters John Box (Inverloch) and Rob Hattam (Tarwin Lower) helped man the barbecue.

Spreading herself thin: Happy president Barbara Ford organises the chutneys for the guests.

Sound of music: Musicians Jack Cummins, Carrick Barter and Jose Alonso with a young student violinist at the Red Cross barbecue.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Super concerts Fabric Hunt VIRTUOSO Carmel Slater will be presenting two “super concerts” in the congenial setting of the Celia Rosser Gallery at Fish Creek on Sunday May 23.

One will be at 4.30pm, the second at 8. Bookings are essential. The program is identical for both concerts. It will feature Josh Hooke, Chris Grimmond and Carmel playing a number of classical and contemporary solos and duets.

Hilary Harrison and Carmel will perform flute and piano works and the haunting timbre of the Chinese flute will be produced by Dong Xu. Carmel said “the stunning Elly Poletti will wow everyone with her vocal solos”.

The “super” element of the recital will be a bracket of five or six songs from Jesus Christ Superstar by Paul Smith (Jesus) Russell Hemming (Judas) and Rhonda Melhuish (Mary). Elly will provide harmonies and backing vocals.

The gallery’s Banksia Café will be open before the concerts and during interval, offering coffee, wine and snacks.

Proceeds from the first concert will go towards the South Gippsland Singers/Bass Coast Chorale, while those from the second concert will benefit Lyric Theatre.

Bookings can be made by ringing Carmel on 5662 2801, 0428 622 801 or emailing slatercarmel@yahoo.com.au, Payment should be made to Carmel at 84 Brown Street Leongatha, before the day of the concert. Tickets cost $25 or $20 concession.

FABRIC sculptor Rhonda Hunt has called the Leongatha exhibition of her work Segue.

This is her first exhibition in the town, although she does have work on show at arc in Yinnar.

The Leongatha venue is Mushroom Crafts, a gallery that is open between 10am and 5.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays.

Rhonda’s sculptures are charming and appealing. She says herself that they make great garden pieces.

They are created from a combination of polymer clay and recycled fabric that is treated with a product called Paverpol. It’s a textile hardener and after a three-week curing period, the fabric becomes weatherproof.

Rhonda said she has tried “every craft known to man” and took up working with polymer clay about five years ago.

Looking for something to complement that, she discovered fabric sculpture and the two mediums suited each other well.

“I saw Paverpol sculptures at Lardner Park and was fascinated by it,” said Rhonda.

The only place where she could go to learn about it was Bacchus Marsh and she baulked at the distance.

But the fascination didn’t wane and she finally ended up at Bacchus Marsh

Appealing: Rhonda Hunt calls this sculpture Jacinta. learning the craft.

She is now an accredited instructor and runs workshops all over Gippsland, including one held recently in Leongatha.

Construction involves pieces of wire, “lots of aluminium foil” to form the body and fabric.

“I’m the op shop queen!” said Rhonda, who also details members of her family to recycle their

clothes via her sculptures.

She prefers to work with natural fibres.

The fabric is dipped in the textile hardener and Rhonda uses Glad wrap to get the “lovely drapes” that characterise her pieces.

They’re obviously well received because her workshops are very popular.

Her exhibition at Mushroom Crafts opened on Easter Monday and runs until April 23.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 19

Mums to win from $1.2m revamp

By Brad Lester WONTHAGGI Hospital will undergo $1.2 million worth of renovations this year to improve the maternity and sterilising departments.

The maternity section will be redeveloped to the tune of $580,000 to include three rooms for women to deliver their babies. Each room will have a double bed and host women for the duration of their stay.

Under current arrangements, four women share a single ward.

Bass Coast Regional Health chief executive officer Lea Pope said while the works would not increase capacity, women and their families would enjoy more comfort.

“The current area is outdated so we are just trying to make it more comfortable and attractive for the patients, and give them more privacy,” Ms Pope said.

“Women will have more privacy and they won’t have to move around as they move through the stages.

“This should keep us going for a few years. I do not think it is the final solution but the redevelopment of our wards will meet our needs at the moment further

planning goes on.”

The $620,000 revamp of the sterilising department will improve work flow and storage, and include more equipment.

“It’s not part of the hospital that people see but it is vital for all our regular operations,” Ms Pope said.

“The works will make it better and safer for our staff. It’s very cramped at the moment and it’s not very well designed.

It’s really difficult for the staff to work in and there are only so many ‘work arounds’ that staff can do.”

Architects are now preparing preliminary sketches. Meetings with relevant staff will take place over the next few weeks and construction should be finished by the end of this year.

The developments will be funded by the State Government through surplus funds from the $3 million allocated to the renovation of the hospital’s emergency department.

About 160 babies are born at the hospital every year.

Changes planned: Bass Coast Regional Health chief executive officer Lea Pope and midwife Danielle Thomas, with baby Chase Bergmeier.

Newhaven’s high arts THIS year’s Newhaven College Production, Under Milk Wood, is taking the students places they have never been before.

High arts: students Rex Kane-Hart, Katherine Coulter and Georgia Burns during rehearsals.

This most dramatic of works is a delight for audiences, but it has also helped students find new challenges and develop new skills.

Translating a radio play into a visual and atmospheric stage production encourages emphasis on ensemble performances, working as groups where each individual’s contribution is equally important.

This is in contrast to focusing on just main characters with supporting chorus.

The play presents the interwoven stories of the quirky people of the small Welsh fishing town

LUCY Rose Morgan was born on Monday, March 22 at Wodonga Hospital. Lucy is a little sister for Ella Poppy, second daughter for Nick and Bel of Albury and seventh grandchild for proud grandparents, Jim and Joy of Leongatha.

of Llaregyb. These are told through the desires, thoughts, dreams and gossip of the characters, reflecting the typical life of any small community. It is rewarding to see how the students are becoming thoroughly absorbed and passionate about this drama.

Under Milk Wood continues Newhaven College’s strong performing arts tradition while enabling students to work outside their comfort zone, particularly to work on creating their own character and to leave the production inspired by the literary qualities of a poetic drama such as Dylan Thomas’ work.

Tickets for Under Milk Wood will be on sale from April 12 from Newhaven College on 5956 7505.

Meals roster (Leongatha) Reformed Church (12th, 14th, 15th, 16th), National Bank (13th), South Gippsland Specialist School and St Vincent De Paul will be responsible for the delivery of meals on wheels, the week beginning April 12, 2010.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Team garage sale THE Relay for Life is on this weekend at Dumbalk and one team used a recent garage sale to raise $2300 for the Cancer Council.

Robbie’s team is named in honour of Robyn Hayward, late of Leongatha, who died in January following a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Her sister Wendy Pruin is team captain.

“She was such an inspiring person and her inspiration got us together. It’s just something we want to do to help fight cancer,” she said.

In late March they held a garage sale in Hilton Court, Leongatha to raise money.

They had received donated goods for the sale from people in the community, which they are very appreciative of.

The day before, a team of people spent 13 hours setting up.

Wendy said 15 people were waiting an hour before it started and there was a continual flow of people.

“People were coming back two or three times during the day and bringing other people back with them and by the end of the day they were getting some bargains,” she said.

“We had everything, including the kitchen sink, from baby clothes through to household furniture, garden stuff, there was just a full variety of bric a brac.”

Robbie’s team has raised almost $8000 so far through the garage sale, raffles and donations.

An Easter raffle at the garage sale raised $300.

It was won by Lil Hawkins and second prize went to Judy Bright.

An earlier wood raffle was won by Marg Harper of Korumburra.

Garage sale: Wendy Pruin, Valda Lions and Kaye Warren.

Robbie’s team: some of the 21 members are Jodie Hayward, Chelsea and Lainie Bennett, Wendy Pruin, Wendy McFarlane and Richie Bennett.

Raising money: a garage sale was held in Leongatha by Robbie’s team to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Sister and brother: Sharon and Stephen Loftus were Robyn’s niece and nephew. They are at the raffle table.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8216

Church Times ARIES - March 21 - April 20

This week is off to a sunny start. Singles are urged to be much bolder.

For marrieds, a splendid time for a second or third honeymoon.

Travelling can be hectic through the weekend.

TAURUS - April 21 - May 22

There is cause for celebration as a domestic obligation is lifted from your shoulders. This can be your week to be the big spender - and you have to admit it’s satisfying.

GEMINI - May 23 - June 21

Diplomacy is the week’s keyword. You could be made privy to some information that affects two friends. You are putting in lots of overtime - keep at it, it will pay off.

CANCER - June 22 - July 22

Balancing budgets and paying bills can take up more time than you planned, and you may have to forgo an outing or date. Advancement is highlighted through the week.

LEO - July 23 - August 22

In finance, a lucky period. In romance, a complicated one. Realism should be your keyword. Your sense of time can be slightly off, particularly in the career environment.

VIRGO - August 23 - September 22

The week has the feeling of a comedy of errors, whatever your plan, it seems to go wrong. On the positive side, some unexpected successes come your way after the weekend.

LIBRA - September 23 - October 22

Decorating and designing take a large chunk of the week. Your sense of style has rarely been so sharp. A little bit of drama is acted out on the weekend.

SCORPIO - October 23 - November 21

You are in a very proper, formal frame of mind, though the people you are socialising with happen to be a little offbeat. Interesting financial opportunities open up.

SAGITTARIUS - November 22 - December 22

Thoughts and projects go off on tangents, but the tangents can be more informative than the initial subjects. Watch out for anyone oozing too much charm, or offering too many good ideas.

CAPRICORN - December 23 - January 20

The week’s theme is recycling. An old idea that met with resistance can now be a winner, if you present it in a new format. Romancewise, your partner could stand a little more encouragement.

AQUARIUS - January 21 - February 19

The week accents changes and moves. If planning a trip, you could alter your destination at the last moment. For singles, the week favours commitment. For marrieds, devotion.

PISCES - February 20 - March 20

The emphasis is on the new rather than the familiar. Taking trips to unusual spots and seeing new faces are the week’s highlights. Plans can get muddled Thursday, Friday.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

It’s almost ironic. You hold onto the present, squeezing what you can out of any situation - but also you have such a sentimental streak. As for the future, it favours new educational developments which could give you a new lifestyle change.

ANGLICAN: Wednesday, April 7: 9.30am Woorayl Lodge HC; 10.15am Koorooman House HC; 11am St Peter’s Mid-Week HC. Sunday, April 11: 8am St Peter’s HC; 10am St Peter’s Exploring Worship with HC; 10.30am Union Church, Tarwin Lower HC. Tuesday, April 13: 7pm St Andrew’s, Dumbalk / St David’s, Meeniyan Fellowship.

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: Wonthaggi. Sunday, 10.30am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Monday, 7.30pm: Holy Communion; Wednesday, 8.45am: Christian prayer & meditation, 10am: Holy Communion.

CHURCH OF ASCENSION: Inverloch, Sunday, 9am: Holy Communion & Sunday School; Tuesday, 9am: Christian prayer & meditation; 10am: Holy Communion; Thursday 7.30pm: Holy Communion. 5th Sunday services, alternating at Wonthaggi & Inverloch, contact Rev Bruce Charles for details, 5672 3984.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD: 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 and 6pm: Sunday. Also Children’s Church and Creche. Contact: Pastor Vic Butera 5655 2478. Youth: Neville Stuart ph.

0407 343 219.

Leongatha South Gippsland Liberty Fellowship - 17 Michael Place, Leongatha.

Sunday services: 11 am and 7pm.

All enquiries contact Pastor David Stegmann 5662 2785. Office: 5662 3100.

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; Kids Club Wednesdays 4pm Guide Hall. For all enquiries contact 5664 5455.

THE CHURCH AT ARCHIES

CREEK: Meeting every Sunday at Archies Creek. Morning Communion Service 11 am: Evening Holy Spirit Revival 6pm: Phone: Ps. Chris Chetland 5674 3867 or 5672 4660.

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: Strongly family oriented church meets at the Senior Citizens Centre, Mirboo North, Sundays: 4-5.10pm Communion, 5.15-6pm Bible Studies for Adults, Youth and Children. Friday evenings: Home Fellowships 7.30pm; Youth Activities. Enquiries: 5668 2226 Bob Stevens.

SALVATION ARMY LEONGATHA COMMUNITY CHURCH meets at 52 Anderson Street (South Gippsland Highway) - Sunday: Family Worship at 10am: Kid’s Club - Tuesday, 4 - 5pm; 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: Weekly Worship Service 10am Sunday, corner Bent and Turner Streets, Leongatha. Phone Rev. Dr D. Clarnette 0409 236 981 or elder Col Rump 5662-2107.

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. Teaching service at 7.30pm.

Fortnightly youth activities. Home Bible Fellowship groups. Contact 5662 2762. Minister: Rev. Ron Nauta.

UNITING CHURCH: Leongatha: Sunday, April 11, 9am and 10.45am. “Life to the Max” 7pm.

Mirboo North: 9.30am. Meeniyan: 10am. Wonthaggi: Sunday 9.30am, Family Service, all welcome. Inverloch: Sunday 11am: Korumburra: Sunday, 9.30am: Rev. Geoff Smith and Rev. Jim Foley, 5655 1997.

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 9853 6627.

FISH CREEK UNION CHURCH: 1st & 3rd Sundays, 9am; 2nd & 4th Sundays, 7pm. Contacts: Fran Grimes 5683 2650, Sue Poletti 5663 6325.

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ACROSS Cease (4) Replace (9) Flush (4) Daze (4) Leave out (4) Stagger (4) Periodic (10) Predictor (10) Sword (4) Cut (4) Annoy (4) Herb (4) Glumness (9) Duck (4)

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DOWN Guide (5) Overweight (5) Country (6) Game (6) Capital city (4) Worthy (9) Meet (9) Plunder (4) Monster (4) Layers (6) Colour (6) First (5) Praise (5) Victim (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8216 ACROSS 1. A seat in class (4). 7, Only maintain you have a right to (4,5). 8. Self-possessed, but not friendly (4). 9. Until I left work (4). 10. Succeeding in the job (4). 11. Crack back “Nuts!” (4). 14. Your money back (6,4). 16. The new girl (6,4). 19. In that case, it’s not south, east or west (4). 22.

The creatures like quiet and sun (4). 24. Ordered in very imperfect English (4). 25. Flight in an organised tour (4).

26. What gives you a right to your name? (5-4). 27. The letter is itself returned from the continent (4).

DOWN 1. The fellow does get the information (5). 2. She takes the road winding round the hilltop (5). 3. Exclude, though a natural for it (6). 4. Alters, somehow, to make older (6).

5. Come to grief in the lingerie department (4). 6. The initial speed is very good (5-4). 12. Private transport? (5,4).

13. The cheese on which the bar suffers a loss, that is (4).

15. How to get a good appetite quickly (4). 17. What the poor wine has - not a big name (6). 18. recorded legally, of course (6). 20. With a “Good gracious, mon! gives a laugh (5). 21. She rises when the early-to-bed are retiring (5). 23. Tar in the form of a white powder (4).

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 21

STOCKDALE & Leggo have this functional Leongatha home for sale. Read about it on page 23.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Top of the Grange A

RE you 55 years young, or more, but not necessarily retired?

Located at the front of The Grange, Leongatha, with the driveway off McDonald Street, this two bedroom unit is in immaculate condition with nothing more to be done.

It features two bedrooms including the master with walk-in robe and a walk through en suite.

The open plan living area has two split system air conditioners, and top of the range window and floor furnishings.

The roomy kitchen features a walkin pantry, electric hotplates, stainless oven and rangehood, dishwasher, and gleaming laminate cupboards.

Outside offers concrete paving, brick retaining wall, neat established gardens, and an undercover porch.

A single lock-up garage with remote control roller door has direct access to the unit.

The Grange village brings to you beautiful stylish homes where you can live in the comfort of a fully self contained independent living dwelling.

The homes have been constructed in single story brick veneer that have been designed to be aesthetically pleasing and suited to easy living.

The surrounds of the village are landscape designed and wheelchair friendly, and offer a community hall and rotunda.

Contact Andrew or Peter for further information.

At a glance Location: Unit 21 The Grange, Leongatha.

Price: $285,000.

Sole agent: Alex Scott & Staff, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 0922.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 23

Neat home to invest or move into A

WELL presented three bedroom brick home is available that is situated within walking distance to all Leongatha schools.

It features a delightful combination of polished boards, new carpet and updated kitchen.

The living area is naturally lit and is a functional open plan design, well appointed to the dining and kitchen area.

The kitchen has been updated, with new benchtops and doors and has good storage including a pantry and also a stainless steel dishwasher.

Each bedroom contains built-in robes, plus the master bedroom boasts access to

the bathroom to act as an en suite and a sliding door onto decking.

The yard is low maintenance, secure with excellent fencing and has some paved areas including a private, covered area at the rear of the home for barbecues.

A single carport services the house and allows sheltered access inside.

A sizeable Colorbond garage allows room for a car or workshop and has a spacious section at the rear, which has been converted into a home theatre room or office, complete with fresh paint, projector system and carpet.

This is a great real estate starter or ideal investment in a high demand, low supply rental market.

At a glance Location: 2 Griffin Road, Leongatha.

Price: $285,000.

Agent: Stockdale and Leggo, Leongatha.

Contact: 5662 5800.

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

A home for all seasons O

FTEN admired by local residents and envied by the many visitors to Koonwarra, this brilliant solar passive residence on nearly two acres is crafted to enable living in casual elegance and comfort all year round.

During the day, the ideal northern orientation entices winter sun into all living areas, and all bedrooms too, through extensive picture windows and glass-filled doors.

As evening descends, it may be a cool South Gippsland one, but you’ll be snug and cosy surrounded by the natural warmth of timbers and accents of mud brick blending perfectly with professional interior décor.

Living and accommodation is cleverly zoned, with the private main bedroom suite and study opening up to a spectacular dining and living room featuring soaring ceiling and custom built open fire place.

A central family zone comprises a brand new kitchen with CaesarStone bench tops and European appliances, informal dining and a substantial, light-filled family room, with access through French doors to brick paved patios and verandahs.

Two further spacious bedrooms share a gorgeous family bathroom, zoned for convenient dual use.

Living standards are equally impressive outdoors.

A mud brick pavilion, paved and lit for evening use, extends to a decked and fenced swimming pool.

Expansive, flowing lawns, generously planted exotics and colourful garden beds can all be watered from the large dam, secluded amongst tall native timbers well away from the home itself.

Other creature comforts include a circular driveway with two entrances, oversized garage with workshop space, solar hot water, quality drapes, carpets and floor tiles, natural timber doors and windows in cedar, split system air conditioner and much, much more.

Inspect by appointment, or view at the property’s first open day on Sunday, April 11 between 12 and 12.30pm.

Priced at $650,000 to $690,000, contact the conjunctional agents for additional information.

Allen Bartlett at Prom Country First National Real Estate, Meeniyan, on 5664 0224 or Tim Harris at Alex Scott & Staff, Inverloch, on 5674 1111.

At a glance Location: 17 Bacon Avenue, Koonwarra.

Price range: $650,000 to $690,000.

Agents: Prom Country First National, Meeniyan and Alex Scott & Staff, Inverloch.

Contact: Allen Bartlett 5664 0224 or Tim Harris 5674 1111.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 25

National planning needed FIRST National Real Estate CEO, Ray Ellis, supports the call from the Australian Local Government Association for a national planning authority but says Australia’s problems with its planning processes go far beyond the single issue of coastal climate change planning and require a major overhaul.

“It’s very myopic to just consider this one issue in isolation of what is happening in other areas of the property market around this country,” Mr Ellis said.

“In Queensland, they are working off two year old planning approvals, while NSW planning approvals have dropped dramatically in recent times.

“And, while Victoria has just posted the strongest planning approval figures for some years, this is a result of a minister wielding a big stick rather

than systemic structural changes.”

Mr Ellis agreed that the confusion created by inconsistent sea level rise predictions makes planning and development increasingly difficult on coastal regions, but more importantly has the potential to impact negatively on the property market in general.

“Home owners and other property market pundits need certainty around property prices so that they can make decisions based on facts and consistent information,” Mr Ellis said.

“It’s all well and good to say that the responsibility for planning rests with state and local government, but ultimately, a consistent, unified and national approach needs to be considered in the property market.

“This is unsustainable and I can’t think of any other industry that would operate with this level of uncertainty and confusion.”

Prom Country Y N DA PE UR O AT S IS

TH

LEONGATHA ~ top investment Low maintenance, north & east facing living rooms, basic but neat, with 3 bedrooms, sep bathroom, sep laundry, sep toilet and two spacious living rooms. Freshly painted exterior, brand new roof, heating & cooling, open fire, side street access.

Inspect! Saturday, April 10 @ 11 - 11.30am Address 14 Parr Street, Leongatha For Sale $160,000 - $175,000

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

Selling Properties

DUMBALK NTH “ATHOLSTAN” ~ Idyllic Country Retreat $650,000 - $725,000

24/7

An exquisitely renovated and extended late Victorian residence set amidst glorious European gardens on a tranquil 1.5 acres in the picturesque Dumbalk valley. A gourmet kitchen and full butler’s pantry, 3 to 4 bedrooms, stately and elegant, yet light-filled and inviting, expansive living zones of a vast and informal family space to gracious, tasteful formal rooms featuring high ceilings and detailed cornices, polished floors and ornate fireplaces. French doors flow out to generous decked verandas and beyond to formal gardens, fountains and flowing lawns. Prestigious HIA award-winner for Gippsland. “Atholstan” is splendid, and unique.

INSPECT Sunday, April 11 @ 1.30 - 2.00pm Address: 28 Milford Road, Dumbalk North Conjunctional agents: Bennison McKinnon Armadale Greg Johnston 0412 370 574

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

N AY PE D O SUN IS TH

FOSTER ~ Anyone Fore Golf ?

House, 4 acres.

KOONWARRA ~ Sensational Solar Passive, For All Seasons

The ideal golf-lover’s country getaway, where a mown paddock provides the perfect driving range, with the Foster Golf Club just a few minutes away for the real thing. Invite the Melbournites down for weekends, to a comfortable executive home with sunken lounge, where wood fired heating and barbies are the order of the day. 3 big living rooms, 2 bathrooms, walk-in pantry, fenced pony paddocks , mature exotic trees. Very civilised.

Inspect! Sunday, April 11 @ 1.30 - 2.00pm Address 70 Hobson Road, Foster For Sale $475,000 - $495,000

$650,000 - $695,000

Admired by local residents and envied by Koonwarra visitors, this brilliant light-capturing residence is crafted to live in and enjoy all year round. Expansive formal and casual living zones feature vaulted ceilings and roof windows, and are oriented to the north, and a newly appointed hostess kitchen has Caesar stone tops and European appliances. 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 impressive bathrooms are included in the free flowing floorplan.

Equally impressive outdoors, with brick paved verandas, pavilion and decked pool zone, rolling lawns and manicured gardens, plus oversized garage and dam, on nearly 2 perfect acres.

INSPECT Sunday, April 11 @ 12.00 - 12.30pm Address: 17 Bacon Avenue, Koonwarra Conjunctional agents: Alex Scott Inverloch Tim Harris 0427 547 939

T

allen bartlett 0417 274 624

kaz hughes 0417 516 998

N AY PE D O SUN S HI

lisa williams 0438 133 385

FISH CREEK ~ a dream am find nd! n d!

So often we hear of the perfect little country property that people dream about. You know: high ceilings, verandas, views of rolling hills, cosy open fires, shady trees, lowing cattle, country kitchen, claw foot bath, cottage gardens! There’s not much that this absolute beauty doesn’t have: fully restored original in a stunning rural setting just minutes from Fish Creek township and an easy jaunt into Foster too. On a manageable 2 and a bit acres with a pony paddock, massive 4 bay shed, plus 2 car garage.

Address Address: 405 Falls Rd Fish Creek For Sale $425,000 - $465,000

GATHA/KOONY ~ 1 acre magic DUMBALK ~ Village Lifestyle, Country Comforts

$320,000 - $360,000

The vaulted ceilings and expansive glass of the living space entice northern and eastern light into this cleverly designed 2 to 3 bedroom home, ideally sited on nearly 2800sqm in the heart of Dumbalk village.

On 3 titles (which may be individually sold), the native gardens have been planted to perfection, the vegie patch is productive, and the fruit trees are maturing. Quality colorbond shedding, town and tank water, brush box fencing and so much more.

INSPECT Sunday, April 11 @ 12.00 - 12.30pm

93 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan

On a gorgeous acre with beautiful gardens and easterly outlooks across neighbouring farm lands, this character filled home, professionally rendered, offers light, spacious living and generous car accom under roof line. Plenty of room for extra shedding, and prominent location.

Inspect! By appointment Address 4 Beilby’s Road, Leongatha Address: 14 Farmers Road, Dumbalk For Sale $375,000 - $410,000

promcountryrealestate.com.au

5664 0224

Glenys Foster administration & property management

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Ready to go: Mirboo North Secondary College’s Andrew Jenkins and Charlie Kat.

Physics of fun IT doesn’t get much better than a day away from school at Luna Park for Year 12 students studying the physics of amusement park rides.

Mirboo North Secondary College students joined VCE Physics students from all over Victoria for four hours to study and experience the rides.

At 10am the gates opened and it was off to the first ride, G Force.

It wasn’t long before Chris, Kate, Andrew, Charlie, Ben and James were experiencing forces, acceleration, and circular motion, all of which had been studied in class.

After measurements were made and questions answered it was soon time to move on.

The Metropolis rollercoaster was a first for James. Later he admitted that

screaming out loud was the cure for his nervousness.

The Enterprise ride was a frightening prospect, horizontal circular motion to start with before the arm lifted to cause vertical circular motion.

Undeterred, Andrew, Charlie, Chris and Kate met the challenge before really testing their stomachs on the rocking boat Twin Dragon.

All too soon the four hours had passed and Pharoah’s Curse, Scenic Railway, Twin Dragon, Shock Drop, Skyrider, G-Force, Spider and Dodgem Cars all had new meanings for the students.

A final ride on the Carousel was a somewhat sedate end to the day, before making the return journey home.

Arriving: at the entrance of Luna Park.

Ready to go: Chris Comber and Kate Kreun.

Feel the physics: Year 12 students James Kirchner, Ben Birks, Andrew Jenkins and Charlie Kat at Luna Park.

Floral signature AS a rule, councillors stand for election because they are driven by a strong passion to serve the community. We seek the role with noble ideas of service and achievement.

Reconciling these intentions once elected can be difficult, as we balance the needs of the community for new or improved services against money constraints and State and Federal government requirements.

I encourage you to recognise and support our role in the community and our desire to keep the passion for service burning. This is particularly relevant as we are in the final stages of determining the South Gippsland Shire Council budget and spending priorities for the coming financial year.

I encourage you to maintain a direct and sustained dialogue with your councillors. Support them where you can and provide informed opinion with sound advice where you cannot.

It is refreshing and often enlightening to have people not directly affected by a particular issue to offer their opinion. Frequently they come forward because they have a specific skill or expertise that we may be missing in the debate. Upcoming council meetings and focused

community forums will provide the opportunity for you to be involved in this most important process.

Key messages can often be obscured by the discourse surrounding them. Open conversation between ratepayers and councillors clears this confusion so you can see the goals plain and simple. I urge you to participate. Check the council notifications in the local papers for details.

On another note, an enjoyable part of a councillor’s work includes the occasional chairing of community meetings. Last week, I was privileged to chair the South Gippsland Brass Band AGM. Events like these give us an opportunity to engage with you directly and improve our skills to run meetings effectively.

The usual meeting we are asked to chair covers the succession process for office bearers. I am constantly impressed when community groups ask for our assistance as it can ensure a smooth transition in times of change.

Please use the councillors for that role. I am pleased to see groups taking this step and increasing dialogue between themselves and council.

Cr Jim Fawcett Mayor

FLORA Victoria is the signature piece in a CWA exhibition at Coal Creek Korumburra.

The work was made for Victoria’s 150th anniversary in 1984.

Needlewomen came from three metropolitan and five country CWA branches.

Flora Victoria will be on view at Coal Creek for a month and will coincide with the CWA Gippsland Hills Group’s 56th exhibition of handicrafts, art and home industries on Friday and Saturday April 16 and 17.

Entry to the exhibition is free.

Artists-in-residence

Work of art: Margaret Hyde with the three-dimensional work Flora Victoria, embroidered by members of the CWA, including Margaret herself.

She did the spider and sunflower orchids. will add to the atmosphere.

There will be stalls, patchwork, applique, canvas work and art as well as horticulture, photography and cookery, dolls, sewing and knitting.

An official opening will

take place at 11am on the Friday and awards will be presented.

The exhibition will be open between 10am and 4.30pm on the Friday and 10am to 3.30pm the next day.

Buckley’s chance AN Artist’s passion for life and colour was celebrated at the Meeniyan Art Gallery on March 28. Antonia Buckley, a realist painter, who creates colourful works of art depicting fruit, flowers, and vegetables including the insects that live in their world.

Looking good: Antonia Buckley examines her work.

The artist’s sense of irony is present with her title Still Life?

The artist asks the viewer to stop awhile and reflect on her works of nature and her quirky sense of humour.

Many friends from Melbourne and Gippsland were at the opening to see this amazing exhibition.

Very good sales were recorded.

Representatives of the ABC series Bed of Roses have seen this exhibition and are negotiating with the artist to have some of her works in the next series of Bed of Roses which is to be filmed in Meeniyan shortly.

Creative work: a sample of Antonia’s art work.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 27

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

COSI comes to Wonthaggi THE Wonthaggi Arts Centre in conjunction with HIT Productions is again presenting live professional theatre for the enjoyment of patrons.

COSI will be performed at the centre on Friday, April 16 at 8pm.

COSI is a play about theatre, madness, illusion, sanity and life and comes to Wonthaggi with a strong cast, including Don Bridges, Jim Daly and Caroline Lee who play their roles as patients with vigour and feeling.

For those who don’t know the play, Lewis, a young director and a university drop-out, takes a job in a mental asylum working with patients who are interested in the dramatic arts.

He thinks his work will involve staging a small variety show with the group, until long-term patient Roy hijacks the show and insists that the production be nothing less than a grand staging of Mozart’s opera Cosi Fan Tutte.

Then the fun begins.

Jenny Churchill, centre director, chose the show because of its fun and sensitivity.

“HIT Productions selects high quality performances to bring to regional areas, and COSI is no exception,” Jenny said.

“The performance reviews have been sensational so we’re looking forward to a successful performance.”

Tickets are $30 adults and $25 concession and are available from the Wonthaggi Workmens Club.

Phone: 5672 1083.

Full flight: the cast of COSI seize the stage.

From pages past Historical snippets from The Star One year ago, April 7, 2009 The former Dumbalk kindergarten has been sold by South Gippsland Shire Council. Council will now work with the Dumbalk and District Progress Association to consider the possibility of running community house activities at the Dumbalk Hall. **** Olympic swimming medallist Brooke Hanson visited the Toora pool as part of Youth Week festivities. Hanson and husband Jared Clarke offered swimming lessons to people from as far as Korumburra and Mirboo North.

Five years ago, April 5, 2005 Bushfire has engulfed Wilsons Promontory National Park, threatening campsites at Tidal River and the famed lighthouse. Hundreds of

St Peter’s wedding FRIENDS and family travelled from all over Australia to attend the marriage of Laura Harmer and Mark McKinnon.

The ceremony took place at St Peter’s Anglican Church Leongatha on January 23.

Laura is the eldest grandchild of Joan and Kevin McAlpine and Mark is the youngest son of Julie and Peter McKinnon.

The bride had her sisters Steffanie and Melissa Busana and best friend Trista Interlandi as bridesmaids and the groom’s cousin Dianne Jackson as maid of honour.

The groom’s brother Scott was best man and Ben Mils was groomsman. The groom’s niece Matilda McKinnon was flowergirl and his godson Mark Jackson was pageboy.

During the reception at the Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club, Mark and Laura cut a three tiered cake decorated with a pink and white floral theme.

The couple is yet to go on a honeymoon.

tourists were evacuated and camped on Norman Beach as fire brigades battled the 7000ha fire. **** Police have recovered a $6000 yacht stolen from the boat ramp at Inverloch. The 16-foot vessel and trailer were found the next day on the Kongwak-Inverloch Road.

10 years ago, April 4, 2000 Mirboo North basketballer Abbey Nash has been chosen in the All Australian Country Under 18 Girls team to tour New Zealand over Easter. She will play against the Kiwis’ best and already plays with the Nunawading Spectres Women’s team in the Australian Basketball Association. **** Fish Creek dairy farmers Keith and Coral Ackland are searching

for a new home for their camel. The couple bought the camel from the Leongatha pound at auction, after riding camels while on holiday in Alice Springs. The camel, “Humphrey”, was found abandoned in an Inverloch paddock after a circus visited.

30 years ago, April 9, 1980 The Inverloch boat ramp has been deemed too unsafe to use and has been blocked off from public access. The wooden structure has been eaten away by toredo worm. **** Leongatha’s first electronic retail store ordering system has been installed at Supa Valu, enabling barcodes to be read electronically, saving the business time and money.

Sealing celebration!

CITIZENS of the Seaview and Trida communities gathered in late March to celebrate the sealing of their major road link; the Grand Ridge Road.

“Although the road has been sealed for some time, we felt that some form of acknowledgement of this wonderful achievement should be made,” said Chris Gow, secretary of the Western Strzelecki Local Neighbourhood Advisory

Group which organised the event.

Russel Broadbent, federal member for McMillan attended the gathering, as well as Baw Baw shire councillor Bill Harrington and South Gippsland shire councillor David Lewis.

Ralph Widmer, a major advocate for the sealing of the road for many years, also attended.

Both shire councillors mentioned the many hours of lobbying and perseverance that had gone into the final outcome.

Going places: citizens of the Seaview and Trida communities gather for the official opening of the sealed Grand Ridge Road.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 29

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 31

Powered up career option THREE students from Leongatha Secondary College and South Gippsland Secondary College visited Power Works in Morwell in March to learn about the production of energy.

Electrified future: South Gippsland students Brendon Turner, Jess Hickey and Katie Dessent with SGBCLLEN partnership broker Karena Kerr (second from left).

The students are taking part in a Victorian Energy Education and Training (VEET) program promoting careers within the energy industry to local youth, whilst endeavoring to overcome future staffing issues due to the industry’s ageing workforce.

VEET was developed in 2004 as a partnership between South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network (SGBCLLEN) Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN and the Energy Industry in the Latrobe Valley and has since grown to include the whole of Gippsland and the outer eastern Melbourne area.

The VEET program managed by Karena Kerr from SGBCLLEN includes several activities, which display the energy industry to young people.

The students visited the interactive

Power Works museum before taking a tour of Loy Yang Power Station.

The students and teachers alike were impressed by the size of the power station.

During the year students will have the opportunity to visit the Energy Training Centre in Chadstone where they will learn about the distribution and transmission of energy.

They will also meet with apprentices and learn about training within the industry.

At the end of the year they will visit SP AusNet’s Head Office and Chemical Laboratory to learn about a variety of scientific and information technology-based occupations within the energy industry.

The final aspect of the program is a practical work placement with SP AusNet in Leongatha, giving students an insight into the work environment and people.

For more information on the VEET program you can contact partnership broker Karena Kerr at SGBCLLEN, 26 Jeffery Street, Leongatha 5662 5500.

Dancers enjoy success in Sale BRINGING home a swag of ribbons from Sale Dance Eisteddfod put a smile on the faces of the small troupe of Leongatha Lisa Pellin Dancers who competed last week.

Tops: Lisa Pellin Dancers students Morgan Bolam and Jasmine Susic returned home from the Sale Dance Eisteddfod last week with top placing in a variety of sections.

Junior dancers Chloe Adkins, Claudia and Morgan Bolam, Jasmine Susic and seniors Tamika and Rhianna Ball competed in a variety of sections during the four day eisteddfod that attracted competitors from across Gippsland and Melbourne.

The juniors all won firsts, seconds and thirds and the senior girls won a couple of championships.

Proud mother Tanya Bolam said the

girls had a really good time and did a fabulous job.

“The girls all helped each other with costumes and props and looked out for each other. They were a real credit to their dance school,” Mrs Bolam said.

“Their teacher usually accompanies the girls to the eisteddfods but on this occasion the girls organised themselves and were very responsible and had a great time,” she said.

Mrs Bolam said it is such a great experience for the girls and they have forged many new friendships with girls from other dance schools competing in eisteddfods around Gippsland.

Winners: Chloe Adkins and Claudia Bolam, junior members of the Lisa Pellin Dancers in Leongatha enjoyed great success at the Sale Dance Eisteddfod last week. Chloe was also awarded the Most Promising in her age group.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Strong prices for small market SHORT and sweet was the best way to describe this very small sale at VLE Leongatha.

With only a few days until the Easter bunny comes, there was only a very small penning of manufacturing bullocks, and only slightly more young cattle penned.

Most of the yarding were cows with nearly all being plainer condition 1 score dairy cows.

While two of the major processors were not present, several others were, and they all wanted cows, some to fill the day’s kill.

Demand was strong despite the lesser competition, and prices were 5c to 7c/kg dearer for cows, and comparable for the quality offered for all others.

Only 15 vealers, and 29 yearlings were penned, and strong demand for the better vealers saw these top at 213c/kg. All other yearlings and vealers of reasonable quality made between 155c and 189c/kg.

Of the 13 manufacturing bullocks penned, 12 were Friesians, and one better bred bullock. The

Friesians made from 144c to 150c, with the other bullocks making 169c/kg.

Because of the strong demand for cows, the small penning of 171 sold very well, averaging 6c/ kg higher. The very small number of beef cows made

from 136c to 155c for reasonable to good quality, and from 125c to 129c/kg for some plainer condition cows to return to the paddock. With the exception of one single sale, all very lean cows made between 104c and 131c/kg.

Wednesday, March 31 BULLOCKS 1 D. & S. Leaver, Wonthaggi 1 I. Dados, Dollar 9 P. & J. Thorn, Glen Alvie STEERS 1 S. & K. Hogan, Woodside 1 F. Auddino, Korumburra 1 D. & S. Leaver, Wonthaggi 1 G. & C. Giardina & Sons, Mirboo 2 C. Watsford, Mardan 1 S. Barbagallo, Mirboo North COWS 1 EWA, Dollar 1 G. & C. Giardina & Sons, Mirboo 1 S. & K. Hogan, Woodside 1 W.J. & L.G. Verboon, Woorayl 11 E. Jones, Welshpool 1 Burrobridge Nominees, Doomburrim HEIFERS 1 G. & C. Giardina & Sons, Mirboo 1 C. Watsford, Mardan 2 Strathbrae Equity P/L, Inverloch 1 F. Auddino, Korumburra 1 I. Dados, Dollar 1 D.M. & R.L. White, Leongatha BULLS 1 F. Auddino, Korumburra 1 F.J. & M.J. Willis, Woodside

565 185.0 1045.25 570 168.6 961.02 688 144.0 990.40 280 435 515 445 408 480

188.6 188.6 185.0 181.2 175.0 148.6

528.08 820.41 952.75 806.34 713.13 713.28

375 665 540 480 467 640

155.0 150.0 145.0 138.0 138.0 138.0

802.50 997.50 783.00 662.40 644.21 883.20

375 315 480 345 520 200

214.0 175.0 170.0 155.0 125.2 100.0

802.50 551.25 816.00 534.75 651.04 200.00

Information to increase efficiency VICTORIAN Government scientists are helping dairy farmers better use farm fertilisers to boost onfarm productivity and slash environmental impacts.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) researcher Cameron Gourley said research, undertaken by scientists from DPI, had uncovered the secrets to understanding how nutrients behave over a diverse range of different dairy farm systems.

He said researchers will soon be sharing this valuable information with dairy farmers across Victoria.

“A key impact from the Accounting for Nutrients project has been the ability to specifically identify management options best suited for each unique dairy farm,” Dr Gourley said.

“Depending on the particular dairy production system, management options may include matching fertilisers to specific soil and climatic conditions, improving

cow diets to balance protein and carbohydrates and utilising the best fertiliser distributor on the farm, the cow, so the manure they produce is spread more effectively across the farm.”

Dr Gourley said nitrogen in dairy cattle feeds and farm fertilisers used for growing dairy pastures were key drivers for milk production but not all the nitrogen wais currently being utilised.

“For a typical dairy farm, every three per cent increase in nitrogen use efficiency is worth around $24,000 which equates to $70 million nationally,” he said.

“On Australian dairy farms efficiency is currently only 28 per cent but can range anywhere from 15 per cent up to 50 per cent.”

Dr Cameron led the Australia wide project, which involved 44 commercial dairy farms and 16 regional research teams.

“The main challenge for the project was identifying how nutrients could be better exploited as a productive resource instead of

escaping into waterways or lost as greenhouse and other gases,” he said.

“We wanted to understand what puts some farmers at the upper end of the nutrient efficiency scale, in other words the fifty per centers, and why others were at the lower end.

“We explored a range of farms such as those with irrigation or rain feed systems, organic ones that don’t use traditional fertilisers, farms that grow both forages and grain to feed cows, and those that rely on feed purchased from other farms.”

Dr Gourley said scenarios were modelled to show the triggers and relationships between cows, soil conditions, feed systems, manure and fertiliser, and milk outputs.

“We worked directly with dairy farmers and analysed data from milk production systems and we will soon be sharing this information with them through existing training and other company programs,” he said.

665 165.0 1097.00 665 145.0 968.24

VLE LEONGATHA KOONWARRA

Sale Draw April 7 & 8 1. SEJ 2. David Phelan & Co 3. Elders 4. Rodwells 5. Landmark 6. Alex Scott

Experience: Over 30 years experience in agriculture and the pasture seed industry

Fancy South America?

Knowledge: Recommending only varieties that have been trialed in the region

Agribusiness Gippsland has been asked to help source firms to receive a Chilean Government aid package to explore possibilities of marketing food, know-how or agricultural engineering into another Southern Hemisphere marketplace.

Candidates will travel to Chile in June for an agrifood investment forum.

The government there will cover accommodation, meals and transfers and will organise meetings with potential partners or customers. Participants have to cover the airfare.

The invitation follows a successful forum offered to the Australian mining industry last year and, like that initiative, is co-ordinated by regional business advisors, SED Consulting.

SED director Scott Williams said that meat and dairy industries are two of the target industries, as well as wine, grapes, olives and processed foods.

“We would be looking for companies that are ready to export, or are already exporting, and could benefit from a leg-up into South America,” he said.

“They might supply processors, or growers, or anyone else in the value chain.

“The Chilean Government is very active in trying to attract companies to supply or invest in its industries. It is not a bad deal. Chile provides a good jumping-off point to the rest of South America.”

Contact Scott on 0413 059 190 or email: scottw@ sedconsulting.com.au

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“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 33

Bait audit results THE results are in from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) audits of 1080 users throughout Victoria in 2008-09.

DPI Senior Chemical Standards Officer Steven Field said the 1080 distribution system changed in January 2008 to make 1080 baits more available to appropriately trained and authorised land managers.

“Through these audits we found many users observing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), but some users could improve their practices,” Mr Field said.

“The audits covered all bait types and a mixture of 1080-endorsed Agricultural Chemical User permit holders and Commercial Operator licence holders state wide.”

Mr Field said the following areas for improvement were noted: • Risk assessment – users must ensure that they fully complete the required risk assessment before purchasing baits and keep a copy of it for two years.

• Disposal of baits and containers – users must ensure they only bait for the permitted time frame and dispose of unused baits correctly.

• Notification and signage – users must ensure they notify neighbours and that the signs they use comply with requirements.

• Record keeping – users must make and keep the required records of use for 1080 baits (see DPI brochure Keeping records) for two years.

This includes the risk assessment and record of neighbours notified. The risk assessment and bait user declaration are not acceptable records of use as they are completed before baiting starts.

Mr Field said all the above requirements are discussed in detail in Directions for the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria.

“1080 baits are a key tool to help protect Victoria from the destruction that vertebrate pests can inflict. Good baiting practices will help ensure continued access to 1080 products for users.”

For more information please ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Good vineyard hygiene essential THE Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is encouraging improved vineyard hygiene to combat the potential entry and spread of grapevine pests and diseases.

DPI Senior Plant Standards Officer, Greg King said a number of exotic pests have the capacity to infest Victorian vineyards and lessons can be learnt from recent outbreaks of grape phylloxera.

“New outbreaks of phylloxera have been discovered in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and further spread is occurring in some of these outbreak areas,” Mr King said.

“Regulations are in place to prevent the spread of the pest from Phylloxera Infested Zones (PIZs) and into the Phylloxera Exclusion Zone (PEZ).

“However, the movement of host material of phylloxera within each phylloxera management zone is not regulated, so controlling the movement of pests and diseases relies on the voluntary adoption of good on-farm hygiene practices.

In order to protect vineyards from the movement of pests and diseases, all growers should be controlling what comes onto and off their properties.

This is vital for all pest and disease management, not just phylloxera. There are a number of practices that growers can implement to ensure good vineyard hygiene, including: • fencing off the vineyard to prevent public access; • installing signage advising that entry to the vineyard is prohibited; • requiring any workers coming onto the vineyard to use

disinfectant footbaths; • having a wash-down area for machinery and vehicles away from the vineyard; • ensuring all vehicles, machinery and equipment coming onto the property are clean and disinfected and, if necessary, accompanied by certification from DPI. “At this time of year there are many movements of mechanical harvesters, grape bins, picking buckets, cartage trucks and labour teams,” Mr King said.

“These all have the potential to spread phylloxera, so good hygiene is essential.”

Damien Sheehan, viticulturist and chair of the Victorian Viticulture Biosecurity Committee, endorsed Mr King’s hygiene messages.

“It takes a few years for phylloxera to become evident and during this time it could spread further within a vineyard or spread to other vineyards,” Mr Sheehan said.

“It’s wise for all growers to routinely apply the conditions for movement of any vineyard-related materials specified under phylloxera control regulations.

“Good on-farm hygiene is critical in minimising the impacts of pests and diseases on our viticulture industries.”

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has also advised grape growers to thoroughly check the causes of any poor vine growth in their vineyards, to ensure it has not been caused by grape phylloxera.

DPI Senior Plant Standards Officer Greg King said a number of instances of poor vine growth have been attributed to soil and water conditions when in reality grape phyl-

loxera has been the reason.

“Even in cases of shallow soil, the previous location of a tree, nutrient deficiency or blocked drippers, if there is poor vine growth, DPI recommends a survey of the root system for signs of pests or diseases,” Mr King said.

“Phylloxera has a distinctive effect on vine root growth, causing the fine feeder roots to swell up and form a gall near the tip of the root.

“On thicker storage roots, the surface takes on a rough, warty appearance and the yellow insects may be seen in the crevices along the roots.”

The insects are quite small and difficult to see directly by eye, so an X10 hand lens is recommended.

Soil should be dug near the vine trunk to more easily locate the infested roots.

Damaged roots can produce a range of stress symptoms on vines, so investigation of the cause is vital.

Mr King said that any vines having symptoms of phylloxera must be reported to DPI and it is an offence not to do so. “Immediate action is required to control the spread of phylloxera, since the economic impact of an unchecked spread of the pest can be devastating,” he said.

The Victorian Government is conducting surveys under the Future Farming Strategy to have more of Victoria’s grape-growing regions declared free of phylloxera.

Further information can be obtained from the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or on the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/psb

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Dairy reminders for April Pastures and forages • Ryegrass leaf appearance rate is 12 to 15 days per leaf (depending on soil moisture on dryland farms); and 12 to 15 days per leaf for irrigated pasture.

• The estimated grazing rotation length is 35 to 45 days between each grazing.

• The area of farm to graze today is one thirtyfifth to one forty-fifth of grazing area in 24 hours.

• Recommended pre-grazing decision: following good autumn rainfall, it is important to allow pastures to grow beyond two leaves before grazing.

This generates superior root mass and development, and as a result greater leaf area for photosynthesis and increased pasture growth rate.

• Recommended post grazing decision: don’t graze below 4 to 6cm. This ensures faster growing ryegrass plants in autumn and less soil erosion and space for weed germination.

• Seasonal management tasks include spraying broadleaf weeds in new pastures when weeds are about 3 to 5cm in diameter (six to eight weeks old); sowing new pastures if needed before the end of April, identifying barley grass dominant areas, spraying out with herbicide recommended for annual grasses, and re-sowing with perennial ryegrass.

• The estimated soil temperature is 14 to 16 degrees Celsius.

• The estimated daily evaporation is 4 to 6mm per day.

• The average daily pasture growth rate is 15 to 25 kg DM/Ha/day on dryland farms following autumn rainfall. Those with irrigated rye grass pastures can also expect an estimated 15 to 25 kg DM/ Ha/day.

Establishing and managing new pastures • Try to get pasture seed in the soil before the end of April.

• If you have concerns with ryegrass staggers, then select one of the new ryegrass varieties with novel endophyte (eg AR1) which has less effect on cattle.

• Grazing with young stock can be undertaken when new pasture does not pull out of the ground when pulled up by hand. Do the ‘pluck test’, that is when leaves tear off rather than the roots coming out of the ground.

• Ideally, the ryegrass seedlings should have three emerged leaves prior to the first grazing and ensure that stock do not overgraze.

• Graze if canopy closure is beginning to occur, that is no bare ground can be seen when looking from above.

• Avoid overgrazing - leave at 4 to 6cm residual.

Feed buying plan • Dairy Australia’s Grains2Milk program advises farmers to have a feed buying plan. Having a whole year plan connected to your budget means you won’t need to buy on the spot, week to week.

• Farmers should use contracts, not vague arrangements on the phone, and should understand how the grain and fodder market works.

• Check out Dairy Australia’s fortnightly Grain and Hay Report at www.dairyaustralia.com.au Cows • If possible maintain your current cows’ diet by continuing to use supplementary feeds until all pastures have reached the targeted leaf stage. Implementing a long rotation for building pasture cover may mean feeding the herd with a small portion of their diet in pasture and the remainder as fodder crop, palm kernel extract, silage, hay, pellets or grain.

• If autumn calving, prepare for the start of mating by ensuring all equipment is ready. Decide which heat detection methods to use and train and allocate jobs to staff.

• Make sure you have the necessary bull power!

• If running autumn and spring calving cows in the same herd, tail painting spring calving cows with a different coloured paint may help by showing which cows do not need to be checked.

Heifers • Feed quality supplements to dairy heifers. Advice from InCalf suggests that heavier, well-framed heifers get in calf easier, produce more milk in their lifetime, need less help at calving and cope better with herd competition.

LELY ROBOTIC MILKING OPEN DAY LELY CENTERTM TRAFALGAR INVITES ALL DAIRY FARMERS TO ATTEND A LELY ASTRONAUT ROBOTIC MILKING OPEN DAY ON THE 21ST & 22ND APRIL 2010 Guided farm tours by bus leaving hourly to Grant and Leesa Williams Farm.

Booking will be accepted from 10am to 3pm.

Telephone: 03 5633 1588

ASSEMBLE AT HALLORA RECREATION RESERVE MAIN SOUTH ROAD HALLORA (VIC ROADS MAP 96).

innovators in agriculture Lely Australia Pty. Ltd., 48 Mackay St, Rochester, VIC 3561 Ph: (03) 5484 4000 or visit www.lely.com

• Use lightweight, portable troughs that can be moved from paddock to paddock to increase growth of smaller heifers. Larger grain or pellet self-feeders cost a bit more, but save a lot more labour as they don’t need refilling as often. Some can be shifted using forks while others have wheels for towing.

Importantly, remember to take action to minimise the risk of acidosis with self feeders.

• For larger heifers, a simple platform with metal skirting will reduce fodder wastage.

Milking management • Now is a good time to get a shed test done to make sure the milking plant is functioning properly.

• Have a look at your laneways and upgrade if required and clean out drains, especially around culverts.

Water issues • Clean out your effluent pond to create maximum storage capacity for the coming season’s rainfall.

• Irrigate if necessary and remember the value of late irrigation.

• Make a note in your diary of irrigation trouble spots that need maintenance. Farm channel maintenance, irrigation stop maintenance and pump maintenance need to be planned ready for the next irrigation season.

• Start planning for any dam construction you plan to do over winter.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 35

Classifieds public notices

CWA OF VICTORIA INC Gippsland Hills Group invites you to the

56th Exhibition of Handicrafts, Art & Home Industries At Coal Creek Community Park and Museum South Gippsland Highway, Korumburra FREE ENTRY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Friday, April 16, 2010 10am - 4.30pm Saturday, April 17, 2010 10am - 3.30pm Official Opening and Presentation of Awards - Friday, 11am In the “Pig and Whistle” Café Refreshments available Raffle Stall

public notices

public notices

KONGWAK MARKET

REGENT CARAVAN

Fabulous in all weather!

Sunday10am Inside and out Collectables, vintage, retro stuff, loads of designer and vintage clothes, haircuts (March 21), books, plants, gorgeous veg, wine, curry, coffee and more...

Live music from 11am It's fun, come!

On display at LEONGATHA BOWLS CLUB

Saturday, April 17 Sales staff in attendance

Kongwak Market is a smoke free event

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

0417 142 478 Jane

situations vacant

situations vacant

situations vacant

PROPERTY MANAGER Paragreen Real Estate currently has a Property Manager’s position available.

Duties include supervising rental properties and day to day administrative roles.

Agents Representative Certificate and experience helpful but not necessary.

Please apply with a handwritten application with resumé attached to: The Manager Paragreen Real Estate 17 Main Street, Foster Applications close April 16, 2010 17 Main Street, Foster 3960 Phone 5682 2100

situations vacant

Mardan Family Dance Saturday, April 17 MARDAN HALL 8pm - 12 $20 family, $8 single

Great night assured Rhonda Richards’ music Please bring a plate of supper

Want to work in a rewarding, yet challenging environment? The job includes circuit coaching, sales, and promotions.

Applicants must have an interest in health and fitness, be enthusiastic, reliable, and able to work flexible hours. No qualifications needed, courses will be provided for training.

Please send your resumés to: curvesleongatha@waterfront.net.au Applications close Monday, April 19

CONNECT Kids Club A’Beckett Street Leongatha Starting Wednesday, April 14 Fun, games, songs, food, Bible stories For Primary School aged kids Contact: M. Aeschlimann 5662 2727 V. Stokes 5662 5036

CHIROPRACTOR NORMAN G. VRADENBURG “NON-FORCE PRACTITIONER” 28 Reilly Street, INVERLOCH HOURS - Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment Phone and fax 5674 3666 South Gippsland Chiropratic Services & Adjunctive Therapies P/L

Up to 1.4 EFT (Full-time / Part-time / Casual) Limited Tenure Positions April 2010 - July 2010 Gippsland Southern Health Service is seeking suitably qualified and skilled District Nurses to join our highly regarded team. Vacancies exist to cover periods of extended leave by our current staff. The organisation has available 1.4 EFT Limited Tenure of District Nurse Grade 2/Level 1 classification and EFT amounts will be negotiated with the successful candidates.

All applicants should have well developed clinical skills and be willing to expand/develop their nursing knowledge and skills within the community setting if required. As a team member you will need excellent communication, time management, team work and IT skills. An orientation to the district nursing team is available to successful candidates of the above position/s.

Applicants will be required to provide a current satisfactory police check, a full and current satisfactory Victorian Driver’s Licence and a current working with children check to progress their application. Letters of application and position descriptions are available by contacting the Administration Typist on (03) 5667 5664.

Confidential enquiries are invited and should be made to Sheree Duran or Brenda Mclean, Nurse Unit Manager - District Nursing on 5654 2722.

Applications addressing the selection criteria and listing recent and relevant professional development undertaken should be received by Friday, April 9, 2010 and addressed to: Judy Abbey Director of Community Services Gippsland Southern Health Service Private Bag 13 LEONGATHA VIC 3953

Latrobe Community Health Service are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals for the following positions:

WEDNESDAYS 3.30 - 5pm AT THE GUIDE HALL

DISTRICT NURSING SERVICE Division 1 Registered Nurse District Nurse - Grade 2 / Level 1

ABN 74136502022

Carer Support Coordinator 2 positions available Ref: 12937 - Permanent Part Time Based in Morwell Ref: 12946 - Permanent Full Time Based in Sale The Carer Support Coordinator's role is to work with carers of the aged and those with disabilities who require information, support or access to respite.

They will also be responsible for providing information, support and access to respite to individual carers.

The successful applicant will also work collaboratively with service providers, become an active team member to continually enhance the Commonwealth Respite Centre's capacity and maintain records to submit comprehensive reports as directed.

Closing date for applications is 4.30pm Friday, 16th April 2010.

Applications received for the above positions MUST address the stated Selection Criteria.

Please visit website www.lchs.com.au for further information and to lodge your electronic application. …Better health, Better lifestyles, Stronger communities…

ZO060648

public notices

PHONE 5662 5555 P FAX 5662 4350

Sell it in the "Star"

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR”,Wednesday, April 7, 2010

situations vacant

business opportunities

business opportunities

for sale

Sharefarming Opportunity in Gippsland VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau is currently looking to increase its team of committed volunteers. New volunteers will be asked to attend a Community Information Workers Course specifically designed to provide the skills to be an effective Citizens Advice Bureau volunteer.

The course will run for six weeks, one day per week, commencing on Tuesday, May 4 and concluding on June 8. (The dates are: May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1 & 8).

For more details contact the Bureau or call (03) 5662 2111, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

FULLTIME / PART-TIME A position is available on a 270 cow dairy farm at Fish Creek. Duties will include some milkings and general farm work. Some weekend work will be required.

Experience preferred but not essential. Ph: 0428832384.

situations vacant

MEDITATION COURSES 10 WEEKS Starting Monday, April 12 7pm - 8.30pm Sunday, April 18 11am-12.30pm Contact Kerri or Steve 5664 4252 www.dharmaheart.com.au

situations vacant

FOSTER GOLF CLUB Expressions of Interest are sought for a commercial catering opportunity in the Foster Golf Club from July 2010 The operator would have catering rights in the club’s premises and provide a popular menu designed to attract members and visitors and catering for special golf events, group bookings and private functions.

For further information please contact the Manager, Rod Coughran-Lane on 5682 2272 Applications close Friday, April 30, 2010

for sale

SILAGE: Knifed, inoc, clover and rye, excellent quality, $66 inc.

HAY: 5x4 from $38.50 inc.

SMALL SQUARES: From $7.70 inc. Delivery available. Contact 0417532262.

A 50-50 sharefarming position is becoming available on a dairyfarm near Poowong. 160 ha total farm area, 140 ha milking area, subdivided into 46 paddocks. Good lanes, fencing and water supply. Recently renovated three bedroom home, town and tank water, school buses pass door.

300 cow split calving herd preferred or July-August calving.

Ability for high pasture base feeding. New 20 unit swingover dairy, 10,500 litre vat, cup removers, auto wash, auto drafting, yard blaster. Calving shed, calf rearing shed with 2.5ha in calf paddocks.

Farm sown to perennial pasture species, most resown within the past 10 years. Good fertiliser history.

Further info email: gallienne@dcsi.net.au or phone John Gallienne 0407 863 493

health and wellbeing

for sale

SIMPSON 4.5kg washing machine, $270. Ph: 0418574539.

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200x50x2.4 $12.10 each, 200x75x2.4 $16.75 each.

Free delivery for pack lots.

Phone Joe 0417-530662.

for lease

TIMBER - kiln dried blackwood, clear pine, silver wattle. Most sizes for furniture and craft. Also builder’s graded structural pine. Phone 5681-2261.

MARDAN - 71 acres of pasture, mainly hill country.

5655-1824.

for rent VENUS BAY - house, short stroll to beach and shops, sleeps 7. Contact: 0408320001.

for sale

FAMILY CARAVAN AVAN Ray Mk II Dec 07 Pop Top 14’ extends to 17’3”

Excellent condition Sleeps 6 (bunks & dble bed), electric HWS, 12 volt battery, microwave, gas/elec fridge, annexe and awning $29,900 neg.

0419 342 221

FARM EQUIPMENT, 1 x concrete cattle race, GC, Mirboo, $700; 1 x stainless steel milk vat, square, GC, Mirboo, $700. Ph: 0408391594.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408-980711, A/H 5662-5175 FIREWOOD - Local gum split and dry. Free delivery in Leongatha, $70 metre.

Phone Steve 5662-5791 or mob. 0438-037764.

HAY, small squares, ex. quality, can deliver, $7 each. Ph: 0419-313483.

HAY - small square bales, $8 each. Fully shedded, suitable for horses, never been wet. Quality guaranteed. 4,000 available now. Mardan, 5664-1320.

FREE QUOTES WONTHAGGI SEWING CENTRE

IRRIGATION PIPES, 3 and 4 inch, sprays, accessories.

Ph: 5668-1376.

5672 3127

NSW red gum, split and delivered. 0412-486353 or 5664-9208.

167 Graham Street Wonthaggi

for sale

free

free

FREE to loving home.

Golden male Labrador 14 months. Loves kids.

Reluctantly relinquished as owners moved. Ph: 0427002196.

garage sales

MONSTER SALE Saturday, April 10 7am - 1pm 42 HASSETT STREET Wood lathe, 1hp Craftsman band saw, 3 tier natural solid Handcrafted shelf, Woodwork toys, Boxes of assorted toys, Household items

livestock

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

wanted to buy 3-4 BEDROOM house on small acreage, close to Leongatha. Ph: 0418574539.

FURNITURE: Parker, Noblett, Tessa, Chiswell, Moran, or any quality brand name used furniture. Phone Wendy on 0409-234482.

livestock

used vehicles

SEWING MACHINE REPAIRS & SALES

for sale RED HEELER pups, vet checked, vacc, $250 each.

Ph: 5668-6357.

for sale

FREE CAR REMOVAL

SPECIAL DAIRY SALE

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 FALCON BA MK2 ute, 2004 model, dedicated gas, column auto, 3-seater, cruise, alloys, tradies bars, TGJ050. $10,000 ONO. Ph: 0437-176187.

FORD Falcon BA, 2002, dual fuel, lady owner, beautiful car, RWC, reg.

TPH-925, $12,700 ONO. Ph: 5674-2693.

FORD Falcon ute, SE, 2003, Flexiglass canopy, tinted glass allround, towbar, alloys, EC, SFY159, $14,000. Ph: 0428-646523.

for sale

Koonwarra VLE Friday 16th April at 11.00am A/c A & S Mathews, Dumbalk - Relinquishing Dairying 50 Friesian heifers sired by Tidalwave, PT sires and stud bull. Joined to McIndoe Angus bull for 1st May calving.

25

25

A/c Mrs J Porter, Hazelwood Freisian cows AI bred by Goldbullion, Hunter, Lasso, Informer. Joined to AI bulls Alta Pat, Exhaust, Ninefold and Zircon for late April - May calving.

A/c Various Vendors Holstein and Jersey cows and heifers.

Further Entries Invited

SEJ

STEVENS EGAN JOHNSTON PTY LTD

Andrew Mackie 0419 595 932

Stuart Jenkins 0417 600 222

Damien Minogue 0427 507369

Ph: (03) 9338 9259 PO Box 462, Tullamarine Business Centre, Tullamarine VIC 3043 www.dairylivestockservices.com.au

for sale

for sale

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 37

meetings

marriage celebrant

SOUTH GIPPSLAND BRANCH

VFF / UDV MEETING On April 13

At 8pm At NCDEA Office 18 Smith Street Leongatha General Business: Resolutions for all Conferences Contact Meg 0408 514 048

Email your adverts to “The Star” ads@thestar.com.au

tenders

births

Jenny Milkins

DALE (Haywood) - To Kristin and Shayne 28.3.2010 at LMH, a baby boy, Cye William Keagan.

Little brother for Ella. Both well.

All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

in memoriam

CAM ABOOD Leongatha 5662 4191

MERLENE STRATTON Leongatha 5662 2574

message of hope FROM the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3:8.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

tenders

FRASSENEI Maria Caterina: 5.04.1996.

To our dear mum and nonna. How we miss you, your presence, your love and your kindness. We speak of you always in our home and in our hearts.

They say time heals all, but nothing heals the loss of our mum.

Together with dad in heaven.

Remembering always my beautiful mum and best friend.

Carla, David, Jarrod and Mikaela.

FRASSENEI Maria Caterina: 05.04.1996.

Life is not the same without you. You will never depart while you are in our hearts.

Loved and missed.

Tiz, John and Josh.

deaths ARALDO - Jeffrey.

Passed away suddenly at home on 29/3/10.

Mr Perfection - always there, job done right and so looking forward to the cows this season.

Esteemed colleague and respected friend of all who worked with you at Jelbart Dairy.

Your happy laugh and pleasant nature will be sadly missed by all who knew you.

Our deepest sympathy to your lovely daughter Rebecca, sister Marg, and family.

tenders

tenders

tenders

Mail Delivery Contract Australia Post is seeking tenders from companies, or persons willing to form companies, to deliver mail under contract arrangements in the Delivery Area listed below. Australia Post has a commitment to providing a consistent and personal service to its customers. Therefore, as far as practicable, the successful tenderer should be able to supply the same personnel to deliver the articles each day in the Delivery Area.

The successful tenderer will have sufficient time to make arrangements to comply with the conditions of the contract, including the procurement of a suitable vehicle. Training will initially be provided to the successful tenderer, who is then required to train its own personnel.

All genuine tenders and enquiries are welcome. However, Australia Post is not obliged to accept the lowest or indeed any tender, and reserves the right to accept or reject any or all tenders if it considers that it is in the interests of Australia Post to do so.

INVITATIONS TO TENDER FOR MAIL DELIVERY SERVICE Tenders are invited for the delivery of MAIL ARTICLES commencing 1 July 2010 for the following area/s: Bid No 4976

MS No MS V00868

Service Description Cape Paterson Street Delivery

Aprox Hrs per Week Greater than 30 hours

This Mail Service can be viewed on the internet by referencing the Bid Number noted above on www.auspost.com.au/etendering Tender forms for the Mail Service, full details and further information is also available online and a tenderer can submit their tender via the Internet by registering their details online.

Tenderers can also obtain tender details and forms by contacting: (between 9:00am – 1:00pm) The Manager, Leongatha DC, 17-19 Hughes St Leongatha Tel 5662 5694 Tenders must be submitted online via the Australia Post e-tendering website www.auspost.com.au/ etendering by the closing time and date or in the envelope provided, to the Mail Contracts Distribution Centre, Locked Bag 13000, South Melbourne Vic 3205 or lodged by hand in the provided Tender Box at cnr Woodruff & Bertie Streets Port Melbourne.

TENDERS WILL CLOSE AT 2PM ON FRIDAY 23 APRIL 2010

deaths ELLEN (nee Shaw) Bernadette Moyna (Bernie).

Passed away peacefully at Foster Hospital on Easter Saturday, April 3, 2010, aged 85 years.

Late of Tarwin Lower.

Dearly loved wife of Joff (dec.). Cherished mother of Cheryl and Russell. Loved mother-in-law of Ralph (dec.), John and Bronwen.

Adored Nan of Dean and Robyn, Rohan, Beck and Mick, Jake and Bianca, and Jean-Paul.

Great grandmother to Ben and Milly, Paddy and Georgie, Jordan and Beau.

A beautiful, kind and wise lady has left our world a much better place.

We will love and respect you always.

Fly free to Joffrey.

The song is ended, but the melody lingers on.

MARGETTS - Peta Rose.

Aged 17 years.

Our beautiful girl passed away at Foster Hospital on Saturday 3.4.10 with her family at her side.

Peta is now at peace after a brave battle with Leukaemia.

Much loved youngest daughter of Leonie and Peter. Adored little sister of Naomi, Ellie, Madeline and Justine.

A special girl to so many.

MARGETTS - Peta Rose.

Petrie, every single time I think of you, you remind me of all the funny and hilarious things we have ever done. You are the very best friend that I could have ever hoped for. We will still be bingo ladies one day.

I love you and I will miss you.

Emma xx A special smile, a gorgeous face, a beautiful angel, no one can replace. Pete, you touched our lives in so many ways with your determination, courage and strength.

Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to Leonie, Peter, Naomi, Ellie, Madeline and Justine. Sandra, Andy, Emma, Stacey and Rob. MARGETTS - Peta.

A loved and cherished friend who will remain in the hearts she touched forever.

Michael Fowles.

MARGETTS - Peta Rose.

19.10.92 - 3.4.10.

You were an amazingly strong girl who fought until the very end, and your optimism, humour and courage will always be remembered. You are an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know you, and you will be forever in our hearts.

We will miss you greatly.

Love Jane and Caitlyn xo.

MARGETTS - Peta Rose.

Someone too good taken too soon.

My sincerest sympathy to all your family.

Rest in peace Peta.

Sarah Ford.

deaths SHANDLEY (nee Price) Nita Valerie.

On March 29, 2010.

Passed away at Leongatha Hospital, 3 days after her 87th birthday.

Late of Leongatha North.

Dearly loved wife of Ernest Edward (dec.).

Devoted and loved mother of Terry and Ann, Glenn, Sue and Chris, Janet and Joe. Remembered and loved by Dot. Loved grandma of Peter and Tanya, Bradley, Kobe and Wade, Jesse and Emily; Chelsea and James, Bronte and Jess; Shannon and Tim; Garreth and Narelle.

Proud Great Grandma of Sarah and Joshua; Jasmin and William, Billy and Jamie. Ande and Monique, and Darcy.

Wonderful memories silently kept of a beautiful mother we will never forget.

A brave heart finally at rest.

SHANDLEY - Nita.

Loved and respected aunt of Tim and Diana, Neville and Anne, Yvonne and Allan, Bev, and families.

Sympathy to Terry and Anne, Glen, Sue and Chris, Janet and Joe, and families.

SHANDLEY - Nita Valerie.

You were more than a mother-in-law. You were someone special to talk, share, and laugh with.

Thank you for being my friend.

Loved always and forever.

Dot. Grandchildren Peter and Tanya, Brad, Kobe and Wade. Great grandchildren Sarah and Joshua xx.

Friend of Cliff.

STREET - Esme Jean.

VX046868 November 12, 1920 - April 2, 2010.

Peacefully at Seahaven, Inverloch.

Late of Leongatha, formerly of Carnegie.

Loving wife of Max (dec.). Loved mother of Christopher and Michael.

Cherished by Lorraine and Jo. Beloved Nanni to Darren and Merryn, Shelley and Robbie, Keegan, Michelle and great grandmother to Cassie and Sydney.

Reunited with Max. We will miss your laughter.

Always in our hearts.

funerals ELLEN - The Funeral Service (Prayers) for the late Mrs Bernadette Moyna (Bernie) Ellen will be held at St Laurence’s Catholic Church, Leongatha on Friday, April 9, 2010 commencing at 2.30pm.

Private Cremation.

No flowers by request please. Donations in lieu may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Envelopes available at the service.

Paul & Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA MARGETTS - A Funeral Mass to celebrate the life of Peta Rose Margetts will be offered at the Mary MacKillop College Multipurpose Hall, Horn Street, Leongatha on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11am.

Private Cremation.

It was Peta’s wish that everyone wear bright colourful clothing. No black!

(Black pants acceptable).

No flowers by request please. Donations in lieu may be made to Challenge House, King St. West Melbourne. Envelopes will be available at the service.

Paul & Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA STREET - The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Esme Jean Street will be held at the Wilson Chapel, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Princes Hwy, Springvale, on Friday, April 9 commencing at 10.15am.

No flowers by request.

Paul & Margaret Beck HANDLEY FUNERAL SERVICES Leongatha Korumburra 5662-2717 Member AFDA

Email your adverts to “The Star” ads@thestar.com.au

crossword solutions CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8216 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Form. 7, Just claim. 8, Cool. 9, To-I-l. 10, Post. 11, Stab (rev.). 14, Return fare. 16, Modern miss.

19, The-N. 22, As-p-s. 24, Bad-E. 25, Rout (anag.). 26, Title-deed . 27, A-si-a (rev.).

Down - 1, F-acts. 2, R-h(ill)-oda. 3, Cut out. 4, Staler (anag.). 5, Slip. 6, First-rate. 12, Troop ship. 13, B(a)r-ie.

15, Fast. 17, No-body. 18, In-deed. 20, Hoots. 21, Net-ta (rev.) . 23, Salt.

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8216 - SOLUTIONS Across - 1, Stop. 7, Supersede. 8, Even. 9, Stun. 10, Omit.

11, Reel. 14, Occasional. 16, Soothsayer. 19, Epee. 22, Snip. 24, Rile. 25, Mint. 26, Dejection. 27, Teal.

Down - 1, Steer. 2, Obese. 3, Rustic. 4, Tennis. 5, Oslo. 6, Admirable. 12, Encounter. 13, Loot. 15, Ogre. 17, Strata.

18, Yellow. 20, Prime. 21, Extol. 23, Prey.

Charity at home HISTORIC Glen Isla House on Phillip Island will host a Garden Party for the YAMS Foundation on Sunday, April 11.

Inspired by fiveyear-old Kahlilla Donahoo’s battle with Neuroblastoma, a rare and often deadly childhood cancer, her family and friends have launched YAMS Foundation to raise funds to find a cure for the disease that finally took her life.

YAMS Foundation proudly supports the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and is grateful for the status and accountability this partnership brings.

This is a rare opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beautiful surrounds of this property which dates back to 1870 and includes the original homestead at Glen Isla, one of the oldest homes on the island, three 100 year-old oak trees, and five mature Norfolk Pines and delightful gardens.

Visitors will enjoy the wonderful sounds of live jazz, and can try their hand at quoits and petanque, activities which would have been enjoyed by the early residents of this wonderful property.

Researcher, Dr Paul Wood from the Royal Children’s Hospital will attend and is happy to share his latest research information.

Children will have a ball with Tracey from Treehouse Secrets providing a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Bollywood performances, Faerie Godmother visits, Game Play and Mrs P Storytelling.

All you have to do is bring along the picnic and rug and be sure to leave some space for a traditional Devonshire tea or a glass of wine.

Entrance is $10 for adults and children under 16 are free. Tickets are available at the gate but for catering purposes, please call or email to judi3662@bigpond. com or telephone 5952 3369 with numbers attending. The Glen Island Garden Party will open at 12.30pm and run until 4.30pm.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR”,Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Mossvale’s autumn splendour MOSSVALE Park was where all the music lovers were on Good Friday.

Old Medicine Crow was the headline act.

They are an old-time string band from the American Deep South.

Justin Townes Earle and Henry Wagons also performed.

Listening to tunes: a section of the 1500 strong crowd.

Above and right Impressive: Justin Townes Earle.

Great music: Old Crow Medicine was the headline band wowing the crowd after dark.

Meeniyan CFA sale MEENIYAN CFA held a car boot sale outside its Whitelaw Street headquarters on Saturday morning.

Everything from spuds to car parts were on offer, with plenty of locals dropping by to help with the fund raising efforts.

Worth saving: looking out across Corner Inlet.

Fighting back in Corner Inlet

Big load: Meeniyan CFA member Doug Webb with the crate of potatoes that were donated by Creamy Valley Produce.

Everything must go: Meeniyan’s Amanda Delaney cleaned out the cupboards and made a few dollars.

THESE are the childhood memories of Corner Inlet landholder Garry Ardley, who farms beef cattle on the Agnes River between Toora and Welshpool.

Holidaying in the area in the 1960s as a young boy, he remembers the hills ‘moving’ with rabbits, and blackberries were everywhere.

“Vermin and weeds,” Garry recalls. “That’s probably one of my strongest memories of the Corner Inlet area as a young fellow.”

But in the 25 years that Garry has been running the property which has been in his family for 80 years, he has seen all that change. Thanks to landholder effort to make farms more sustainable, and continued appreciation for Corner Inlet’s unique environment, vermin and weeds are on the decrease.

The Agnes River District Landcare Group, of which Garry is secretary, started as a weed control group, applying for government money to control ragwort and blackberries. The group has evolved and changed since its inception in the 1990s and Garry now sees more focus on collabo-

rating to ‘preserve and protect’ on a regional rather than individual scale.

Garry is also a member of the Corner Inlet steering committee – a group that formed about three years ago to pool resources and attract bigger slices of Australian and Victorian government funding for the region. The committee, which includes natural resource management agencies, community representatives and industry groups, has formalised its regionwide focus under the name ‘Corner Inlet Connections’.

“The amount of information that I can pass on to my Landcare group members from the Corner Inlet committee is invaluable,” Garry says. “It’s certainly been good to be in the loop of what’s happening in the bigger picture and giving feedback to the committee from a landholder perspective.”

He also believes the holistic approach that Landcare and natural resource management is now taking is a step in the right direction.

“Landcare and natural resource projects used to be a lot more individual, but over the years they have become a lot more integrated and as a result it’s more effective on the

ground and there’s less duplication of effort,” he says.

When Garry first moved to the family property, there was just one small area of remnant bush. But now there are 7000 more trees on the place than 25 years ago. With help from West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Landcare, he has also undertaken extensive work to protect three kilometres of river frontage. As well, they have removed 90 per cent of willow trees from the property and revegetated steep gullies and the fenced-off river frontage. All this has resulted in more shade and shelter for stock and less erosion on the steeper country. It has also increased the property’s biological diversity.

“Another one of the great things about Landcare and natural resource management these days is that more people are looking over their fence at what their neighbour is up to and it inspires them to get involved and do something on their place,” Garry says. “By working together at a group level, network level and committee level we all gain from it – and at the end of the day, the environment gains from it,” he says.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 39

Third Charlie Brown day WARATAH Bay community celebrated its third annual Charlie Brown Day on Easter Saturday.

The event, resurrected with the help of Joan Newman and others, was hailed the best yet with more than 300 people attending. Early drizzle

cleared for a perfect day.

The event featured good, old fashioned fun like sand castle building, egg and spoon races, three-legged races, sack races and more. Even the “older” kids were involved.

A jazz band, sausage sizzle, prawns and fried rice on the barbie, and a raffle completed the pic-

ture. The event was held on the town’s green behind the playground.

And who won? The Waratites (town residents) defeated the Parkies (Caravan Park community). The score now stands at Parkies 2 and Waratites 1.

Left Sack race: they’re off in the five years and under sack race.

Fried rice: prawns on the barbie and fried rice was served up by Jimmy Harry and Mark Counihan at the Charlie Brown Day.

Below Tight finish: the competition was fierce in all the events.

Nearly there: Charlotte Boyd heads to the finish line in the egg and spoon race.

Winning style: Riley Livingstone and Daniel Brown show their style in the three-legged race.

TIDES Skiers leave crowd in awe 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.

TWISTS, spins and a human pyramid were among the stunts to woo the crowd at a water ski stunt show at Inverloch over the weekend.

The Moomba Water Ski Show Team performed a spectacular array of tricks before a large crowd on the shores of Anderson Inlet on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday.

Featuring experienced and young skiers, the schedule included a humorous clown, wakeboarding, a man skiing on chairs and two skiers carrying a girl between their arms.

The Inverloch on the Flip event was presented by the Victorian Water Ski Association and the Inverloch Business and Tourism Association.

Final hurrah: the human pyramid was a crowd pleaser.

Balancing act: this pair gave a fine display of strength and poise.

Waiting for the show: Jemma Eldred, Evan Llewellyn and Kristie Hiscock at the beach on Sunday.

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

MARCH Time

7 WED

8 THUR

9 FRI

10 SAT

11 SUN

12 MON

13 TUE

height (metres)

0502 1112 1812 2328

1.36 0.30 1.42 0.62

0544 1149 1856

1.29 0.38 1.34

0009 0630 1230 1945

0.67 1.21 0.47 1.27

0057 0728 1316 2038

0.71 1.15 0.57 1.23

0157 0845 1416 2134

0.73 1.12 0.66 1.21

0320 1007 1538 2229

0.71 0.15 0.72 1.22

0441 1117 1705 2319

0.63 1.23 0.73 1.26

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Tour de fun THE weather was ideal for the Tour de Tarwin on Saturday.

Participants rode, ran or walked their way from Venus Bay to the long tables at Tarwin Lower.

At Venus Bay there were market stalls, free face painting and live music while a sausage sizzle next to the Tarwin River greeted entrants.

The event raised money for the Tarwin Lower District CFA.

Tour de Tarwin: Richard McGregor and Prue Northey (both Venus Bay) were on their bikes.

Down the path: Luca Lytis rides to Tarwin Lower from Venus Bay on Saturday.

Leongatha bowls FIRST up, a special thanks to Russell Trotman for ensuring the details of Saturday, March 27 social bowls were included.

Wednesday, March 31, 24 players took to the greens in a social pairs, with the winners on the day Col Watt and Jack Rayson on two wins plus 17. The runners-up were Graham Greenway and Frank Lane with two wins plus 13. Great to see Frank back on the greens and again among the spoils.

Sponsors for the day were South Gippsland Quarries, and the club thanks them for their valued support.

The Good Friday social bowls afternoon saw 24 players in a mixed social triples, with all proceeds going to the Royal

Meeniyan bowls

Buffalo indoor bowls WEDNESDAY, March 31 saw 15 players on a nice night to bowl, which saw four teams with three of four and one of three.

We welcome Kimberley Hill and Angus Benson for a night of bowls.

In fourth (LLW), skipper Toni Heldens, Andrew Hanks, Mary Tumino and Jim Atkins. Third (DWL) 12 ends, skipper Ian Benson, Glenys Pilkington and Angus Benson. Second (DWL) 14 ends, skipper Charlie Tumino, Joyce Occhipinti, Carolyn Benson and Kimberley Hill. First (WLW), skipper Sebastian Terranova,, Bill Wolswinkel, Peter Heldens and Joe Occhipinti.

The best first game: Sebastian 7-4, second Charlie 10-3, third Toni 12-5.

We hope to see you all next Wednesday at 7.30pm.

OUR men’s section held their annual general meeting last Monday evening, with 45 members in attendance.

It was a very successful meeting, with all the committee positions, with the exception of secretary, filled prior to the closing date of nominations.

Our popular retiring secretary, Bryan Hensley, did not seek re-election prior to this meeting, saying after four years he wanted a break from the job.

With no other person willing to accept nomination, Bryan again agreed to carry on for another year, which was greeted with applause.

Retiring president, John Hedley, was reelected unopposed. Also elected unopposed was retiring vice president, Nic Van Grunsven.

There were seven nominations for the seven committee positions, who were all duly elected, those being Ric Brevitt, Jack Millar, Brian Growse, Ron Kee, Ray Paynting, Ian Bulloch and Trevor Scott.

Those elected unopposed to the match committee were Alan Easterbrook, Brian Griffin, Brian Growse, Rob Howard and Huie Nation. There were seven nominations for the five positions on the pennant selection committee.

After a ballot, the following were duly elected - Mick Coram, Ron Lawson, Norm West, Peter Shaw and Trevor Scott.

Association delegates - Ron Burge and Trevor Scott, tournament director - Ron Lawson with Jack Millar his assistant. Sponsorship co-ordinator - Ron Lawson.

For the 2010-11 pennant season the meeting decided to enter five teams again, which would be Division 1 team, two teams in Division 2 and one team in Division 4. Instead of having a team in Division 6 next season they will request to have a team in Division 5.

Mardan indoor Above: On the way: participants arrive in Tarwin Lower.

Well deserved rest: Elizabeth Collins with daughter Erica CollinsSavva (Venus Bay) enjoy some food after the tour.

Reminders: Saturday, April 17 is the last round of the Regent Caravans tournament, with the affiliated fours to take centre stage at the Leongatha Bowls Club greens.

Wednesday, April 28 will see the club’s monthly affiliated triples in action.

The club’s annual general meeting is at 7.30pm Thursday, May 5 at the clubrooms.

The next Kitty Club tea night is on Friday night at 6pm on May 7.

In conclusion, a very special thanks to those members who took part in the recent changes to the pavement/gravel area along the Hughes Street frontage within the club’s grounds. Again a job well done.

SOCIAL bowls on Wednesday, March 24 was enjoyed by 20 players.

Winners were Doreen Meikle and Ron Thorson. The lucky draw went to Dudley Harrison.

Sunday, March 28 was the annual Loch / Meeniyan visit, with players from each club plus some of our corporate bowlers joining us. Some 40 players made this a very successful day.

Thanks to Ron and Ev Thorson for their continuing sponsorship of this long-running event.

On Wednesday, March 31 Ron Thorson (yet again) with Avril Van Wamel and her granddaughter Megan were the winners. This is 11-year-old Megan’s second win in as many months.

Thursday, April 1 was our final monthly triples for the summer season, and thanks to our sponsors SEJ Real Estate.

Winners were Inverloch’s Peter Shaw, Ken McIntosh and Alan Baines. The runners-up were Foster’s Seb, Dino and Lucy.

A local team skipped by Mick Scott also won three games.

This Wednesday, April 7 is Burgie Memorial Day, with a 10 am start. This will be followed at 2.30pm by the presentation of Ian Dewar’s super veterans badge by RVBA officials.

Afternoon tea please.

Our final events for this season are the ladies guest day (Tuesday, April 13), Bev and Gordon Young Day (Saturday, April 17) for affiliated players. Two bowl mixed triples on Tuesday, April 20 and combined Presidents Day (date to be confirmed).

Members are also reminded that our presentation night is on Wednesday, April 29, and all club matches need to be completed before this date.

Inverloch bowls

Cooking up a sausage: Men’s Den members Colin West and Norm Fink (both Tarwin Lower) at the barbecue.

Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal via the club’s stalwart and faithful collector of the ‘wrong bias’ throughout the year, Don Strawhorn, which this year saw a total of $936 raised. Well done Don for your worthy and valued dedication to the club throughout the year.

Winners on the day were Bill Fisher (s), Frank Filomeno and Mary Jepson on two wins plus 20. The runners-up were Rod Jackson (s), Graham Washfold and Margaret Fisher on two wins plus 13.

Saturday, April 3 saw 16 players in a pairs event. Joint winners were Ellie McIntyre and Glenda Emmerson with a tie with Ray McGannon and Allan Moore, on two wins plus 15.

Sponsors for the day were Handley’s Funeral Services, and the club thanks them for their valued support.

SEVENTEEN bowlers for last week’s club night, some very close games and the adjudicators had to earn their money working out the results.

The winners for the night were Ron Baker, Theresa Bateman and Cliff Smith (skip); runners-up were Kath Irving, Bruce Douglas and Vito Serafino (skip).

A reminder to all members that the annual visit by the Wonthaggi club will take place on Thursday, April 29. Please make a note of the date, the club is hoping for the usual excellent attendance from members.

Fish Creek bowls WHILE the outdoor bowls is still a month away, the locals have cleared the top and made ready the banks for when the contractor comes in.

In the meantime the indoor bowls part of the club held their successful opening night with a full house.

Winners on the night were Andrew Hanks (skip), Peter Heldens, Joyce Occhipinti, Jeanette Grady. Runners-up Peter Williams (skip), Andy Plowman, Robert Burden, Mary Tumino.

The encouragement award went to Rob Matthews (skip), Paul Holmes, Joe Occhipinti and May Young.

Winner of the main raffle was Andy Plowman.

With the pennant season not far off, our club is short on players, so if anyone is interested in playing with us, let Glenys Pilkington or Jack Charlton know.

Last Thursday we had 26 playing social bowls. This number meant there were two teams of triples. After two games of 12 ends there were three two-game winners. Winners were Ron Kee and Harry Rybalka (sk) with 16 shots up.

There were two teams with 14 shots up, but taking second on percentage were the triple of Rod Huntley (ld), Geoff Brook (2nd) and Maurie Griffin (sk), with 68.4 per cent, just ahead of Brian Growse (ld) and Norm West (sk) with 63.4 per cent.

Last Saturday mixed fours were played, with only 16 players.

There was only one two-game winner, who were Norm West (sk), Fred Fryer (3rd), Peg Brook (2nd) and Veronica Muir (ld) who each received a bar voucher.

Inverloch ladies LAST Tuesday, March 30, was our ladies Annual General Meeting with about 37 present.

All positions were declared vacant. The new office bearers are as follows: President Veronica Muir, vice president Joyce Arnold, secretary Carol Waters, tournament secretary Lois Luby, Selection Committee: Maureen Paynting, Carol Hughes, Joy Brown, Elaine Miller and Ivy Sheppard.

Match committee: Cynthia Hensley, Gloria Growse, Yvonne Kee, Ivy Sheppard and Maureen Paynting.

Ladies committee: Joy Brown, Robyn Dennis, Cynthia Hensley, Dorothy Gilfillan, Gloria Growse, Diana Patterson and Bev Kurrle.

Catering: Bev Kurrle, Pam Sutcliffe and Susan Nation, provider Carol Hughes, table setters Marg Flett, Rhonda Davies, Elaine Miller and Phyll Peterson.

Flowers: Shirley Cook and Molly Treadwell. Turkey triples catering: Dorothy Gilfillan, Shirley Cook, Molly Treadwell, Shirley Phillipson, Carole Baines, Carol

Hughes, Nellie Martin, Rita Everitt, Diana Patterson and Pam Lawson.

It is good to see some of the newer bowlers taking on positions.

One position which remains vacant is the reporter, any interested parties contact Veronica Muir.

Health and safety Bev Kurrle and Pam Sutcliffe. First aid Diana Patterson. Raffles Kate Davis and Lois Luby. There were several items under discussion, one being the monthly triples concept, but as that is nearly six months off as yet, I am sure there will be more discussions on this item.

Don’t forget the Skirts and Shirts day on Saturday, April 17 starting at 1pm.

We expect the ladies to come up with some interesting skirts to wear.

The presentation dinner is also on that day and starts at 6.30pm, caterers are Let’s Have A Party, $22 per head. Please put your name on the list provided in the clubhouse.

Another date to remember is the wine and dine on Tuesday, May 4, invitations will be going out to clubs shortly.

There is a list for you to put your name down on. Please let Veronica know if you are available to help with the catering and we need a hostess for each table.

Wednesday, March 31, saw only 14 bowlers take to the greens for our social bowls day.

There was only one, two game winner and that was the team of Shirley Cook, Rhonda Davies, Cynthia Hensley and Yvonne Kee. Runners-up were Marg Flett, Shirley Phillipson and Nell Van Grunsven.

Thursday, April 1 was the final of the 100up competition between Robyn Dennis and Marg Flett. Congratulations to Robyn for her win.

Dumbalk indoor

Korumburra parlor bowls

ON Monday, March 29, 13 bowlers competed in three games of eight ends.

The winners were Sebastian Terranova (skipper), Carol Muller and Rob Butterworth with two wins and plus seven shots.

The runners-up were Pat Thomas (skipper), Lindsay Richards, Jim Atkins and Morrie Parry with two wins and plus two shots.

WHILE parlor bowls were again not played this year on Maundy Thursday, the club`s indoor bias bowls group were in action at the Outtrim hall on Monday, March 29.

Results are as follows: first team Rob Armstrong, Joyce Occhipinti and Sally Gammaldi with two wins and 24 shots up.

Second: Lee Armstrong, Arc Gammaldi and Geoff McCord with two wins and 15 shots up.

Third: Charlie Tumino, Michael Mathews and Lynn McCord with one win and 14 shots down.

The club was very well represented at the Fish Creek club`s season opening night, and Joyce Occhipinti and Mary Tumino performed admirably in the winning and runner-up teams, respectively.

So far, 12 players from the club have entered the Buffalo season opener on Wednesday, April 7 and a strong showing is again anticipated by Korumburra bowlers.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 41

Leongatha golf THE Easter break swelled Saturday’s field to 97.

Harrison Hooper is a new name on the winners’ list and he had a fine round of 40 points from a 12 handicap to win on a countback from an unlucky Geoff McDonald.

Steve Fisher took B Grade with 38 on a countback from Ian Murchie. C Grade went to Fred de Bondt (36) and D Grade to Steve Miller (39).

Russell Williams won pro-pin and Barry Standfield won nearest the pin. The following won balls: G. McDonald 40, I. Murchie 38, K. Castwood 37, K. Wardle 36, D. Stanes 35, D. Comrie, C. Indian, D. Matthews, B. Hutton, P. Richardson, C. Baldwin 34; J. Smith, R. Davies, E. Kosciuk, M. Standfield, G. Carcour 33; G. Sharrock, P. Hartigan 32.

Tuesday Age group champs: Leanda Linn, Aasha Linn, Tom Taylor, Alex Lloyd, Louise Rogers, Jeremy Salinger, Becky Poole, Sam Quirk, Charlie Kat, Liam Cornthwaite, Emma Lardner and Shane Clark with Oakley Kerr.

Dressed for a win IT was a fine day for Mirboo North Secondary College house athletics recently, with houses well represented and the day set for fun and fitness.

Fashions on the field was won by a two colourful young ladies, Emma ‘Bumble-Bee’ Philips and Alexandra Mitchell-Watt.

Broken records were another feature of the day.

Seven records in total were broken: male Under 17, 1500m Sam Quirk, male Under 16 javelin Ben Hopcraft, female Under 14 javelin Dana Flahavin, female Under 21 Anna McGlade, male Under 15 long jump Jack Battersby and male Under 16 200m Oakley Kerr.

Allambee house’s male Under 15 four x 100m relay team also broke a record.

The relay team was made up of Shane Clark, Jacob Dudek, Luke Heath and Jarred Abbey. This is the second year in a row that these boys have broken the relay record.

It shows what a stellar effort they have put in to this event and who knows, maybe next year they can make it three in a row.

Age group champions: U13: Leanda Linn and Tom Taylor.

U14: Aasha Linn and Jeremy Salinger.

U15: Louise Rogers and Shane Clark.

U16: Alex Lloyd and Oakley

Kerr.

U17: Becky Poole and Sam Quirk.

U21: Emma Lardner and Liam Cornthwaite and Charlie Kat. Overall results: 1st Mirboo (1036 points), 2nd Mardan (966), 3rd Allambee (961.5) and 4th Narracan (700.5).

As you can see, the mighty Mardan have fallen yet another rung on the ladder of success as the hungry and desperate ‘Green Machine’ (Mirboo) continues to take scalps in their quest for dominance.

Batters up for the cross country race and may the best house win!

Denis Hanna managed to win A Grade with 34 points, which is unusual the amount of good scoring recently. Hugh Goodman needed 39 points to take out B Grade. Kevin Scott (14th) and Doug Clemann (16th) were nearest the pin winners.

Down the line balls: D. Wylie 38, B. Gibson 36, G. Maher 35, M. Edwards, P. Waters, I. Nunn, B. Jamieson 34; P. Hartigan, D. Bethune, D. Clemann 33; R. Paice 32.

Thursday Doug Clemann took A Grade with 35 points, that same score winning all three grades. It was Ian Nunn in B Grade and Frank Smedley in C Grade who took the other prizes.

Woorayl ON Easter Saturday we played a stableford event sponsored by Drummond Golf.

We had 43 starters and the day’s CCR was 69 or 39 points.

The A Grade winner again was Geoff McKinnon, I think that’s three in succession. He had 42 points which was also the best of the day.

B Grade went to Caine Salmon with 39 points, while C Grade was won

by Otto Vandervorm with 41 points.

Balls went to J. Lovie, R. Gourlay, L. Wakefield, J. Howard, M. Wallace, P. Burgess, W. Turner, B. Stubbs and J. Hassett. The nearest the pins went to G. McKinnon and A. Hillis.

The Thursday bar voucher was won by John Diaper on a countback

Woorayl ladies ON Wednesday, March 31 the event was stroke monthly medal - putting, qualifying round Ken Grist Memorial singles knockout, first round Mona

RESULTS of the ladies L’Oreal Day stableford competition held on Wednesday, March 31: Winners: Division 1 - M. Thompson 14, 37 pts; Division 2 - F. Fernandez 35, 37 pts.

Down the line: J. Thorburn 35 pts, S. Lawler 34, S. Traill 34, R. Leslie 32 pts countback.

Nearest the pin 14th - C. Gunn.

Saturday, April 3 There were 39 starters for the stroke monthly medal on Saturday. CCR was

Jump: Chris Irwin shows fantastic technique.

Welshpool golf In the groove: Emma, Lisa and Donna.

Run and jump: Zac Porter flying over the hurdle.

They won: victorious Mirboo house captains Liam Cornthwaite and Louise Rogers.

TUESDAY’S barbecue nine hole event was won

by Don Harris, 19 points.

Balls down the line: Len Ralph and Stan Walker 18 countback Merv Lowe. Achiever’s award Joe Paynting.

Other scores: Bob Newton 17, Len Wood, Brian Macpherson, Craig Brown and Bill Matthews all 16, also Keith Lear; Peter Westaway 15, Pappy Pope, Pat Carroll and Ken Hallett 14; Don Norton and Jim Roberts 13.

Friday’s chicken run winner was Brian

Leongatha ladies NOREEN Williams was the sponsor of the stableford event on Wednesday, March 31.

There were some excellent scores, which will help those players retain present handicaps when the new system comes in this week.

Our esteemed captain was the winner of A Grade with 39 points.

Wendy Brown won B Grade with 41.

C Grade was won by president Ann Debenham who scored 33points.

Balls down the line went to Di Williams 37, Reanna Matthews 35, Anna de Bondt 35, Marea Maher 33, Carol Sowden 33, Marg Danks 31, Marilyn Williams 31, Kerry Hogan 31, Loris Clark 31, and Bec Thomas 30.

Rita de Bondt was nearest the pin on the 14th and Anna de Bondt on the 16th.

A stall held for anti-cancer raised a sizeable amount of money.

with 36 points, and balls went to Daryl Hunt and Ted Jackson.

The last chicken run of the season saw a chook go to T. Fleming and balls to B. Beilby and P. Hornibrook. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves.

Next Saturday we will play a fourball event sponsored by Colliers Carpets.

It is also the qualifying day for the A. and G. Wilson board event.

Don’t forget that the new rolling handicap system will commence on Saturday, April 10, so make sure that you check the handicap board before you play next.

Mirboo North Pretty in blue: Andrea and Amy.

John Moor won nearest the pin on the 14th and Andrew Peake on the 16th.

Ball winners: D. Malone, R. Brown, P. Walsh, J. Gilder 34; A. Monahan, A. Peake, A. Sperling, M. Oliver, N. Mackenzie 32; S. Connors, A. McHarg 31, R. McCann 30.

Saturday’s event is the April monthly medal and round two of the McMicking Plate.

On Sunday the G. and P. West Family Trophy will be on, and the following Saturday, April 17 is the qualifying round for the Herb Dearricott fourball event, with the leading eight pairs to qualify.

McLeod Brooch and silver spoon, sponsored by Woorayl Golf Club. The AWCR was 72.

Winners: Medal winner - M. Tuckett 26/70. A Grade - A. Poole 21/71, B Grade - M. Tuckett 26/70, C Grade - M. Harris 29/80.

First round silver spoon M. Tuckett.

Putting - A. Poole 29.

Nine holes out - M. Higgins 37.

Nearest the pin: 8th M. Harris, 17th J. Smith, 2nd shot on the 11th D. O’Connor.

Down the line balls: A. Campbell, D. O’Connor, H. Sullivan, J. Riseley.

Handicap break: M. Tuckett 26/24, A. Poole 21/20.

Next week is 3BBB stableford sponsored by L.C. Excessorise.

71.

Medal winner - Connor Williams. A Grade winner - Shane Bright (14) 83 / 69 net. B Grade - Connor Williams (24) net 63 (87 off-the-stick).

Down the line: Ian Evison 70 net, Joe Taylor 70, Stan Evison, Nigel Bracecamp 72; John Woodall 72.

Nearest the pin: 4th Gordon Graeme, 6th John McFarlane, 13th Wayne Reynolds, 16th Joe Taylor and pro pin.

Birdies: I. Evison (4th), B. Randall (4th), W. Reynolds (4th), S. Bright (6th), G. Colbert (6th) and G. Williams (6th).

Macpherson, 23 points.

Balls down the line: Jackie Lamb 19, Bernie De Hommel and Harry Mines 18 countback Chris Bailey, also nearest the pin 15th.

Other scores: Peter Westaway, Bob Wiggins and Stan Walker all 16; Kay Mines, Pat Carroll, Gary Brown and Norma Stoitse all 15; Len Wood 13.

Saturday’s nine hole stableford winner was Pappy Pope, 18 points.

Balls down the line: Mary Conley countback Bob Wiggins. Nearest the pin 6th Pappy Pope.

Other scores: Les Tay-

lor, Gary Brown and Bill Matthews 14.

Sunday’s 18 hole stableford was won by Keith Lear, 38 points, also nearest the pin 8th. Other scores: Tom Welsh 32, Gary Brown 23.

Monday’s nine hole stableford was won by Joe Paynting, 23 points. Ball down the line - Len Wood 19. Nearest the pin 6th Terry Nash. Other scores: Alan Hayes 18, Jeanette Swann 15, Pappy Pope 14.

Next week Welshpool tournament, Thursday Sunday, April 8 - 11.

Sweet swinging.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Parrots netball report

Mine: Leongatha’s Shobhan Smynet has the ball.

Competitive: attempts to Wonthaggi.

fierce win at

Gippsland League netball Results Round 1 A Grade Wonthaggi 57 d Leongatha 45.

B Grade Leongatha 43 d Wonthaggi 41.

C Grade Leongatha 32 d Wonthaggi 26.

Under 17 Leongatha 37 d Wonthaggi 31.

Under 15s Leongatha 28 d Wonthaggi 10.

Under 13 Wonthaggi 24 d Leongatha 13.

Caught: Power’s Sarah Lindsay catches the ball.

A Grade Good start to the game and we finished off well, but the lapse in the middle cost us dearly. We need to play four quarters to win girls.

Awards: Megan Hall (Dermalogica) and Kate Sperling (Nagel’s Pharmacy).

B Grade A well fought game from the first whistle with lots of play around the ring at both ends.

Our team began to work well together as the game progressed and this carried them across the line to win by two points.

Well fought to the end.

Awards: Amelia McCarthy (Pomegranate) and Amy Lester (LC Excessorise).

C Grade With a flying start to the 2010 season, the girls got to an early lead of five at the conclusion of the first quarter.

Thanks to the lethal combination of Wendy Sperling and Jane Harrison, they remained in front for the remainder of the game, stealing the first victory 32 to 26.

Great start to the season girls, look out 2010.

Awards: Jamima Wilson (RSL) and Aimee Collins (Clipit).

Under 17 Holidays left the team short for

numbers and Prue and Alice Tyson and Kate McCracken came up from Under 15s.

The game went goal for goal at a frantic pace until late in the third quarter when Leongatha managed a run of goals to lead by six at three quarter time.

The last quarter was very even again, with Leongatha winning by six in a highly skilled game.

Awards: Jess Shea (Nagel’s Pharmacy) and Sophie Bolge (Network Video).

Under 15 It was a strongly contested first quarter, then as the second quarter progressed the team began to settle into a rhythm, leading by 14 to five at half time.

A great start to the season with all girls really playing their part to win by 18 goals.

Awards: Kate McCracken (LC Excessorise) and Alice Tyson (Clipit).

Under 13 Our girls were up against a strong Wonthaggi team for the first game of the season.

They all put in a big team effort and worked hard throughout the game but were unable to come out on top.

Well done girls.

Awards: Codie Davidson (Mobil) and Aimee O’Loughlan (Clipit).

Alberton netball Results - Round 1

Eyes on the ball: Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www. fourcornersframing.biz

A Grade: Korumburra-Bena 56 d Inverloch-Kongwak 42; Yarram 45 d DWWWW 34.

B Grade: Korumburra-Bena 46 d Inverloch-Kongwak 38; Phillip Island 77 d Kilcunda-Bass 25; Yarram 31 d DWWWW 13.

C Grade: Korumburra-Bena 42 d Inverloch-Kongwak 31; Phillip Island 27 d Kilcunda-Bass 13; Yarram 39 d DWWWW 11.

17 & Under: KorumburraBena 56 d Inverloch-Kongwak 8; Phillip Island 66 d Kilcunda-Bass 4; Yarram 54 d DWWWW 3.

15 & Under: Korumburra-Bena 49 d Inverloch-Kongwak 19; Phillip Island 33 d Kilcunda-Bass 22; DWWWW 24 d Yarram 23.

13 & Under: Korumburra-Bena 24 d Inverloch-Kongwak 10; Phillip Island 18 d Kilcunda-Bass 8; Yarram 20 d DWWWW 3.

Hand in the way: Inverloch-Kongwak 17 and Under goal shooter Sarah Shaw tries to pass on Saturday.

Easter races success AT the Stony Creek meeting on Easter Sunday, a large crowd of around 1300 was in attendance to see some great racing at the club’s final meeting of the season.

Sale trainers were to the fore

with Regalmania (Ian Hutchins) and Lazari (Paul Worthington) scoring strong victories - Lazari’s in particular coming against a strong field.

However, the runner-up, Forty Two Below, was the run of the race, coming from last on the turn to be narrowly beaten. Jake Noonan took

riding honours with a double on the day.

The Stony committee and management must be thrilled with the success of the season. The club unfortunately had some inclement weather on Cup Day, but all meetings of the season were well attended.

Left They’re racing: the Easter Sunday meeting saw competitive racing.

Right Hot work: Jasmin Ramsbottom enjoys an icecream while father Paul readies for the clean up.

Above Relaxing afternoon: enjoying the member’s enclosure were (from left) Kelsey Abernathy, Andrew Houchen, Jason Abernathy and Chloe Harris.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 43

Fish Creek Tarwin Cricket Club presentation FISH Creek Tarwin Cricket Club held its senior cricket presentation on Sunday, March 28 in Waratah North.

The A Grade side returned to finals action this season under the leadership of Graeme “Paddy” Watkins though it had to settle for being one of the bridesmaids.

The C Grade side struggled all season, but was competitive in most games.

Thanks to Wayne Cocksedge for being the C Grade captain.

The highlight of the presentation was the awarding of Life Memberships to Ken Fisher and Norm Wilkins.

Ken Fisher played most of his cricket for Tarwin Lower in the South Gippsland Cricket Association as a very solid batsman and accurate medium pace bowler.

He played in B Grade premierships and compiled a hard earned ton in the A Grade grand final in 1979-1980 against Fish Creek Yanakie.

Ken was later instrumental in the amalgamation of the Fish Creek and Tarwin clubs as it then entered the Leongatha and District Cricket Association in 1997.

Ken continued playing cricket for Fish Creek Tarwin and served the club as president when the new clubrooms and practice nets at Terrill Park were constructed.

He has since retired from playing cricket, but his son Clayton continues to represent the club.

After playing sub-dis-

trict cricket in Melbourne, Norm Wilkins moved to South Gippsland and played for Doomburrim.

When they folded, he joined Fish Creek and played in several A Grade premierships in the South Gippsland Cricket Association.

Norm was then a key player behind the amalgamation of Fish Creek and Tarwin.

He was initially a capable opening batsman and cagey medium pace bowler who played in Fish Creek Tarwin’s A Grade premiership side in 19992000.

Norm now bats down the order and often comes to the rescue when the team is in trouble.

He continues to be a vital member of the A Grade bowling attack.

Off the field, Norm has been a club stalwart for many years.

During the last 10 years, he has also served the club as secretary, treasurer, junior coach and chief curator.

The turf wickets at Terrill Park were notorious for being less than ideal, but the significant improvement over recent years can be attributed to the considerable time and effort put in by Norm.

The winner of the Webster Family Shield for Best Clubman goes to a very worthy winner in Murray Lynch.

Murray took on the role of press secretary this year and did a fantastic job with his detailed editorials, which covered all junior and senior games.

He never misses a game or training and is often found cleaning and ti-

dying up around the rooms or looking for a job to do.

You can always rely on him to contribute to the club’s fundraising efforts, hay carting, attending meetings or umpiring and sub fielding. The list goes on.

Thanks Murray for all your efforts, the club really appreciates you, it’s a well deserved Best Clubman award.

A Grade award winners: Batting: Graeme Watkins 504 runs, average 33.6.

Centuries: Graeme Watkins and Jason Law. Bowling: Norm Wilkins 38 wickets, average 9.34.

Five wickets/innings: Norm Wilkins (three times), Shane Rabbitt (twice) and John Danckert

Ten wickets/match: Norm Wilkins.

Semi final man of the match: John Danckert.

Les Watkins Memorial Shield (Cricketer of the Year): Norm Wilkins.

C Grade award winners: Batting: Greg Buckland 219 runs, average 19.9.

Bowling: Jake Staley 19 wickets, average 12.74.

Five wickets/innings: Jake Staley (twice), Clayton Fisher and Jack Spokes.

Ten wickets/match: Jack Spokes.

Other award winners: The Webster Family Shield (Best Clubman): Murray Lynch.

Life memberships: Ken Fisher and Norm Wilkins.

A Grade award winners: Graeme Watkins, Jason Law and Norm Wilkins.

Absent: Shane Rabbitt and John Danckert

C Grade award winners: Jake Staley, Greg Buckland, Jack Spokes. Absent: Clayton Fisher.

Winner: Gary Webster (left) presents the Webster Family Shield for best clubman to Murray Lynch.

Great innings: Ken Fisher (second from left) and Norm Wilkins (second from right) were presented with Life Memberships by Graeme Watkins (left) and Gary Webster (right).

’Burra juniors recognised KORUMBURRA Cricket Club recently awarded their top junior players for the 2009/2010 season.

Under 14 award winners: Bailey Condoluci (batting average), Katrina Allen (coach), Gavin Allen (bowling average), Pierre Dunlevie (encouragement award) and Thomas Jenkin (fielding award).

Under 16 award winners: back: Darcy James (bowling average), Jarrah Raabe (encouragement award) and Michael Wight (fielding award); front: Keanu Miller (most disciplined), Trevor Allen (coach) and Nathan Allen (batting average and COTY).

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Crossing the 150 mark

By Chris Brown

INVERLOCH-Kongwak’s captain celebrated his 150th Senior game for the club on Saturday.

Adam Cross has been playing for Inverloch since he moved to the region from Sydney in the mid-1990s and swapped rugby for Aussie rules.

On the field the rover has excellent endurance and is very skilful and as he begins his third season as captain he’s prepared to lead by example.

The 26-year-old Inverloch builder wasn’t aware he was about to play his 150th senior game until contacted by The Star last week.

Cross or ‘Crossy’ loves taking to the field as captain, and obviously when the team wins and everyone plays a good game it’s a footy highlight.

Watching juniors develop, including players he mentored during a stint as Thirds coach, is another top footy moment.

“From my last season coaching Thirds I’ve seen these kids come up and succeed knowing I’ve coached them and I get to captain them and it’s really good to see that sort of stuff,” Cross said.

His most memorable game was a preliminary final on his 18th birthday as the club fought for a grand final berth.

As for this year.

“I’m hoping to get a taste of finals, because we have a young side,” Cross said.

“If we can start off like we did last

year with everyone on the track we can really push for a finals spot.

“I’d love to win a premiership with my team as a captain, that would just be fantastic. That’s what really appeals to me the most.”

Inverloch coach Matt Pugh said that while Cross was a young captain he definitely deserved the position.

“On the track he’s second to none with his work rate,” Pugh said.

“He’s the ultimate professional; he’s always there on time, he never misses a run and he always looks after his injuries.

“We are a young team with a lot of players under 21 and he’s well respected by them. He coached the Thirds a few years ago and now he is playing with them.”

Pugh said Cross was very good last season, but flies under the radar.

“I think he’s taken for granted a bit, unless he gets his 35 votes he’s not among the votes. But I personally think he was among our best two or three players last year,” he said.

“He is very humble; that’s just the way he is. He just goes about his business.”

Over the off season the club has worked to finesse his style so he can kick a few more goals when going forward.

Inverloch Football Club president Andrew Burns said Cross is very hard at the ball and professional in his set up.

“He’s a very good club person and he’s come right through all our junior ranks,” Burns said.

“He played seniors when he was still underage.”

Bulldogs tame Panthers PHILLIP Island Bulldogs started the 2010 season with the Easter Blockbuster against arch rivals, the Kilcunda-Bass Panthers for the Eric Marks Cup. K-B struck first on the scoreboard before hard work from McDonnell and captain M. Riky in the centre paid off with McDonnell kicking his first goal in Bulldog colours.

Minutes later K. Bilney kicked truly to give the Island a slight lead. K-B fought back, with their big men up forward starting to show their presence.

In an instance, the Panthers banged on three goals to grab back the lead.

Scoring was made difficult with even matchups in the midfield and measly defence from both teams.

New assistant coach B.Vernon broke free from his opponent, kicking a goal to close the lead before A. Stock marked and goaled to gain a one-point advantage at the quarter time break.

The second quarter

FOOTY DRAWS THIS WEEKEND Adam Cross: was one of the best during his 150 game at Inverloch on Saturday.

Mirboo North Football/Netball Club report MIRBOO North journeys to Newborough this Saturday to take on the Bulldogs at TRUenergy Reserve in the opening round of 2010 Mid Gippsland football and netball.

The MGFL, which was founded in 1935, will be celebrating its 75th year of competition.

Mirboo North, which has featured in the past seven senior finals series, for premierships in 2006 and 2007, is expected to continue to be a force in 2010.

Large numbers of the vociferous yellow and black army are expected to be in attendance to urge the Tigers on to victory.

Newborough, led by playing coach, Daryl Disisto, will also be keen to start the year with a win on home soil in front of its loyal supporters.

A tough pre-season culminating in practice matches against Meeniyan-Dumbalk

and Stony Creek has helped prepare Mirboo North for the challenging season ahead.

The mighty Tigers will be led by new playing coach, Matt Holland, who will be aided from the bench by Chris Day. Although Mirboo North is without dual premiership goal kicking machine, Tim Traill, who has moved to Queensland, ongoing improvement is anticipated from youngsters, Jacob Nash, Smokin’ Joe O’Loughlin, Luke Gervasi, Joe Brooks and Aaron Tangusso.

As well, excitement machine, Anthony Bence, has recovered from a knee injury which saw him miss the business end of 2009.

Brendan O’Loughlin, fresh from batting beautifully in Mirboo North Colts’ 2009/10 cricket premiership victory, will coach the Reserves, while Damien Turner and Scott Wightman are in charge of the Thirds and Fourths respectively.

Mirboo North’s netballers, whose six teams all featured in last year’s finals, are also reported to be cherry ripe for the forthcoming 2010 action.

between opponents and snapping a goal, giving the Bulldogs momentum going into the final term with a 17 point lead.

The Bulldogs started where they left off in the last quarter, with J. Youle running hard to kick a goal and W. Bilney putting one through the big sticks to extend the Island’s lead to 31points. The Panthers didn’t give up and hit back with a goal, but once again the Island won the disputed ball and two goals to Beau

Vernon in as many minutes sealed the game.

W. Bilney was in everything up forward and finished off the hard work from the midfield with three goals for the quarter.

The scoreboard didn’t quite reflect the closeness of the match, with the Island running out comfortable 43 point winners.

Beau Vernon was sensational all day and was awarded the Gary Todd Medal for best on ground.

Phillip Island 18.11.119 d Kilcunda Bass 11.10.76

Cox, J. Turner.

Phillip Island best: S. McDonnell, S. Riordan, W. Bilney, C. Terlich, M. Riky, C. Dykes.

Goals: 5: K. Bilney. 3: B. Vernon, A. Stock. 2: W. Bilney, S. Murdoch.

1: J. Youle, Z. Vernon, S. McDonnell.

Kilcunda Bass best: S. O’Bryan, J. Wells, M. Thompson, D. Wells, D. Foss, B. Hender.

Goals: 5: J. Wells. 2: P. Lange. 1: S. Clark, W. Anderson, L. Smith, C. Endres.

UNDER 18s Phillip Island 18.7.115 d Kilcunda Bass 6.8.44 Top goalkicker: J. Blackwell 4.

Phillip Island best: M. Price, A. Redmond, A. Emery, D. Kirby, T. Kenter, B. Pewtress.

Kilcunda Bass best: D. Crawford, L. Golby, L. Andersen, O. Milton, J. MacIntyre, J. Hughes.

RESERVES Phillip Island 20.16.136 d Kilcunda Bass 4.3.27 Top goalkicker: K. Taylor.

Phillip Island best: K. Taylor, T. Oke, K. Murphy, J. Emery, T. Winder, J. Robinson.

Kilcunda Bass best: B. Varker, C. Eden, J. Tregear, D. Wright, D.

UNDER 15s Kilcunda Bass 5.5.35 d Phillip Island 2.8.20 Top goalkicker: T. Thatcher 2.

Kilcunda Bass best: J. Andersen, J. Read, C. Smith, S. Hammond, P. Babington, J. Turner Phillip Island best: J. Kartinyeri, M. Manteit, A. Officer, T. Sandbach, T. Lee.

Yarram brush off Allies at home Yarram started their season with a comprehensive win against the Allies in front of a big Easter crowd at home on Sunday.

The Demons won every quarter, eventually running out 125 point winners.

Yarram didn’t have it all their own way early, with the Allies winning their fair share of the ball through the midfield.

Shaun Becker, Gerald Riley, Simon Hunter, Shane Raspin and the Faulkner brothers were getting plenty of the ball early, but the Allies just couldn’t finish off on the occasions that they did go forward.

Some good work on

th

started with hard running and fast ball movement from both teams. The Panthers kicked the first goal of the quarter to hit the front and followed up with another goal to extend their advantage.

It was a low scoring and at times scrappy quarter of football with K-B going into the long break with a slender lead. Both teams came out from their huddles with intent to put a winning score on the board.

K-B kicked the first goal after a tense start to the quarter, before K. Bilney added a second goal and W. Bilney kicked his first to give the lead back to the Island.

The Panthers replied with another goal of their own before the Island had a purple patch with S. Murdoch moving up forward and snagging two goals and Stock also slotting a major.

K-B once again had the answer, with their big forwards causing a headache for the Island defenders and minimised the advantage.

W. Bilney showed his skill, kicking a difficult set shot goal from the boundary which was followed by a bit of magic from Stock dodging

ALBERTON Round 2 - April 10 Kilcunda-Bass v MDU Fish Creek v Phillip Island DWWWW v Toora Foster v Yarram Stony Creek v Tarwin Korumburra-Bena v Dalyston Inverloch-Kongwak - bye

GIPPSLAND Round 1 - April 10 Morwell v Warragul Wonthaggi v Leongatha Moe v Traralgon (Yall Nth) Drouin v Maffra Sale - bye

MID GIPPSLAND Round 1 - April 10 Yarragon v Boolarra Newborough v Mirboo North Thorpdale v Hill End Yinnar v Yall/Yall North Trafalgar v Morwell East

ELLINBANK Round 1 - April 10 Catani v Ellinbank Cora Lynn v Lang Lang Nar Nar Goon v Bunyip Neerim South v Koo Wee Rup Nyora v Garfield Poowong v Nilma Darnum Warragul Indust. v Longwarry Buln Buln - bye

half forward by Michael O’Sullivan finally broke the deadlock before Yarram’s midfield started to get on top and win the centre clearances.

Rod Jamieson, Chris Bruns and James Parry were particularly good early, with Dylan Rash, Josh Swift and Corbin Sutherland proving to be strong targets up forward.

Yarram kicked five goals for the quarter to go into the first change with a handy 23 point buffer.

The Allies continued to work hard in the second quarter, but Yarram’s midfield proved to be too slick with Jamieson, Parry, Bruns and Shane Buckley again sending the Demons forward on numerous occasions.

Yarram added another seven goals for the quarter to the Allies’ two to take a 57 point lead at half time.

The Allies began to get their share of inside 50s in the third term, but when they did go forward it was seemingly with a lack of vision or focus and Brent Lynch and Jarryd Swift were able to run the ball out of defence to send the Demons forward.

Yarram had plenty of

goal kicking options going forward, with Brock Dyke and Stan Grazotis starting to get into the game across half forward. The Demons had the luxury of rotating players all day and regular full back Matt Sofoulis added another target up forward, finishing with two goals.

For the Allies, Kyron Rendell was strong at centre half back, taking some good marks while Adam Parry, Steve Buckley and O’Sullivan continued to try hard.

However, when they did manage to clear, Yarram were able to return the ball inside their forward 50 with interest.

Some pace went out of the game in the last quarter as both sides had some tired bodies from playing in warm conditions.

The Allies were able to send the ball forward on numerous occasions in the last through Shaun Becker, and Tyler Faulkner who was beginning to break the lines with some hard running.

However Yarram continued to work hard to get players behind the ball and were able to run the ball out of defence with ease

on occasions.

Yarram added another five goals in the last to run out 125 point winners.

Yarram 23.17.155 d DWWWW 4.6.30 Yarram best: J. Swift, B. Lynch, R. Jamieson, S. Grazotis, B. Dyke, J. Parry.

Goals: 3: D. Rash, J. Swift, S. Grazotis. 2: B. Dyke, M. Sofoulis, J. Swift. 1: M. Lush, C. Sutherland, J. Parry, M. Earles, L. Jenkins, B. Lynch, N. Lynch, D. Clavarino.

DWWWW best: S. Raspin, K. Rendell, T. Faulkner, D. McKean, G. Riley, S. Buckley.

Goals: 1: C. Faulkner, S. Hunter, M. O’Sullivan, T. Williams.

RESERVES Yarram 15.13.103 d DWWWW 1.3.9 Top goalkicker: C. Strobel 5.

Yarram best: M. O’Connor, K. Sutherland, R. Durkin, B. Taylor, H. Norman, C. Strobel.

DWWWW best: B. Brooks, O. Henderson, R. Kennedy, D. Quigley, B. Smith, J. Thomas.

UNDER 18s Yarram 14.8.92 d DWWWW 5.3.33 Top goalkicker: C. Sutherland 5.

Yarram best: R. Coulthard, B. Davis, M. Mason, L. Le Blanc, M. Thomson, M. Clavarino.

DWWWW best: R. Stainer, A. Parry, T. Williams, J. Pintus, J. Field, K. Henderson.

UNDER 15s Yarram 11.10.76 d DWWWW 1.1.7 Top goalkicker: P. Shrubb 3.

Yarram best: R. Baxter, C. Chaipol, J. Barlow, L. Rodaughan, P. Shrubb, A. Caygill.

DWWWW best: W. Bodman, J. Dunkley, D. Skarratt, S. Gamlin, T. Rendell, C. De Win.

Gippsland Power loses again GIPPSLAND Power suffered another loss in round two of the TAC Cup as they went down narrowly to the Sandringham Dragons.

However they didn’t perform any better, with a lack of endeavour and intensity and a stilted style of play that allowed the Dragons to win the game even though they too struggled to play competitive football.

Dyson Heppell won a lot of the ball and tried to generate drive with each possession.

He probably went short too often but was working hard for the full four quarters of the game.

The Power now travel to Bendigo where they will play the Geelong Falcons.

Final scores, Sandringham Dragons 11.13.79 defeated Loy Yang B Gippsland Power 10.8.68.

Goal kickers: 2 Tim Northe, Dean McDonald, Jed Lamb and Clay Smith. 1 Simon Deery and Jordan Staley.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 45

Ball skills: Bulldogs’ coach Dean Alger.

In the air: the Bulldogs’ Tom Olden marks. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz

On the run: the Sea Eagles’ Travis Krause attempts to escape the Bulldogs’ J. Hopkins.

Invy beats ’Burra by two A BIG Easter weekend crowd watched Inverloch-Kongwak defeat Korumburra-Bena by two points at Inverloch on Saturday.

The Sea Eagles came out fighting on the day of their captain, Adam Cross’s 150th senior game, kicking three goals, three behinds to the Bulldog’s 1.2 in the first quarter. They waned in the second quarter, kicking five behinds and allowing the Bulldogs to get within a point at the long break.

But I-K weren’t deterred and had the best quarter of the match in the third, with five goals and four behinds.

The last quarter was the Bulldogs’ best as they kicked three goals and six behinds, but they just fell short of victory. K-B would be disappointed with their 19 behinds, which ultimately lost them the match.

It’s a positive start for the season for I-K as they stayed ahead of the team that finished second on the ladder last season. For K-B it bodes ill if they hope to do better than last year.

Inverloch-Kongwak 9.15.69 d Korumburra-Bena 8.19.67 Inverloch-Kongwak best: A. Cross, D. Kilpatrick, W. Jeffs, M. Coyne, J. Martin, N. De-Santis.

Goals: 3: N. De-Santis. 2: T. Krause. 1: J. Martin, L. Reddie, A. Hill, M. Coyne.

Korumburra-Bena best: C. Maskell, T. Smith, S. Bray, B. Fitzpatrick, L. Earl, J. Hopkins.

Goals: 2: B. Fitzpatrick, J. Paterson. 1: S. Braithwaite, C. Maskell, T. Smith, B. Arnold.

RESERVES Korumburra-Bena 12.10.82 d Inverloch-Kongwak 5.6.36 Top goalkickers: 3: N. Williams and P. Edwards.

Korumburra-Bena best: S. Paterson, M. Olden, A. Olin, D. Caporale, J. Myors, N. Auddino.

Inverloch-Kongwak: S. Buxton, A. Powell, W. Taberner, S. Humffray, J. Griffiths.

Under pressure: Fitzpatrick.

Heated play: on field frustration boiled over.

UNDER 18s Korumburra-Bena 19.13.127 d Inverloch-Kongwak 5.4.34 Top goalkicker: I. Osman 4.

Korumburra-Bena best: T. Mayo, K. Rigby, A. Snooks, I. Osman, C. Kyle, J. Smith.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: A. Dowie, L. Rankin, B. Rigby, R. Johnson, J. Allen, S. Worthy.

UNDER 15s Korumburra-Bena 6.7.43 d Inverloch-Kongwak 4.6.30 Top goalkickers: 2: J. Hopkins and R. Hansch.

Korumburra-Bena best: N. Allen, L. Auddino, J. Hopkins, B. Cosson, Z. Mayo, R. Hansch.

Inverloch-Kongwak best: T. Miller, X. Phyland, L. Johnson, J. McCarthy, S. Worthy.

Korumburra-Bena’s

B.

Hands up: I-K’s Nick Williams. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www. fourcornersframing.biz

Top attack: Inverloch-Kongwak’s Adam Cross tackles Korumburra-Bena’s B. Arnold.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Power pips Parrots ISAAC McCallum will be embedded in the Parrots’ nest this season writing exclusive reports for The Star at both home and away matches.

JUST ONE point separated bitter rivals Leongatha and Wonthaggi at the final siren of Saturday’s blockbuster clash at Wonthaggi.

In a match that had been building up since both sides started their preseason training, the Power came out winners by the slenderest of margins.

The devastation on the faces of the Leongatha players was a stark contrast to the jubilation and relief shown by the Wonthaggi contingent at full time.

The loss, however, is not one to be lamented despite the fact that a win was expected.

Leongatha were playing with seven club debutants, two of which had never played senior football before.

The team will take time to gel together, and with the talent afoot, should make for good viewing for Parrot fans.

First gamers Matt Willcocks and Lochie Dumont both played up forward, and looked to provide a spark throughout the match.

Willcocks, a giant at just 17, presented heartily all day and showed signs of becoming a key figure in the Leongatha forward line for years to come.

Dumont also showed positive signs for the club, as he played with the finesse and risk taking abil-

ity that has brought him into the senior side.

He added two goals and never looked troubled in a great performance.

The expectations of a physical match were proved correct early on, as the players bashed and crashed on their way to find the ball, much to the amusement of the large crowd.

Wonthaggi, despite being the team coming from a lesser league, played more confidently than their counterparts early on.

The Power kicked five of the first six goals and looked as if they’d taken complete control of the match.

The sluggish start proved the visitors downfall as they wrestled back control later on in the match.

The effort in the first quarter was not well respected by the Leongatha coach, Adrian Campbell, as he told his players that the home side had “spooked” them.

“Keep your head over the ball.”

Campbell was convinced that the Power’s physicality and willingness at the ball had left his side on the back foot.

He asked for hard, yet controlled aggression as the Parrots planned to fight fire with fire.

Two players who looked at home in the hard and tough football early on were two stalwarts of

LACHIE Jones will be plugged in to the Power’s debut season in the Gippsland League. The Wonthaggi junior star will offer week-by-week analysis of every Power match in season 2010.

ROUND one of the recently adjusted Gippsland League saw Wonthaggi Power play their first match after being evicted from the Alberton Football League.

They came up against a former rival and neighbouring town, Leongatha.

The Easter weekend brought a large crowd to Wonthaggi and the atmosphere was similar to that of finals, many people just wishing to see how Wonthaggi would fare against their new opponents and also to see a close contest, which is exactly what they got.

The first quarter was full of hard hits, strong tackling and pressure on both teams. This greatly affected the clean possession and skills although Adam

the club, former captain Paul LePage and current captain Jack Hughes.

Hughes laid tackle after tackle in the midfield, whilst LePage spoiled and bumped at will in the back half.

His giant hit on a Wonthaggi forward early in the second quarter left the crowd amazed.

Despite the physicality of the game, most of the hits and tackles were in the spirit of the game.

The game slowed in the second quarter, but Wonthaggi still looked to own control of the ball, mainly due to their supreme footskills.

Leongatha’s ball movement was sloppy and they were paying the price.

The Power looked comfortable in their new league, playing with a confidence and bravado that made many in the crowd second guess their early game tip.

The Parrots’ intensity was up to the standard that was so defining of them last year, as was recognised by Adrian Campbell.

He chided his side, reminding them that they had built a reputation as the number one tackling side in the competition, and that they were falling well short of their mark.

“We pride ourselves on our pressure, and at the moment I’m not seeing enough. Lift.”

Campbell tried to inspire his players with his trademark finger pointed straight at them, asking each and every one of them to rise to the occasion.

Campbell’s address paid dividends as his charges came out and performed against the breeze in the third quarter.

The belief was in the players, and now it was a case of them putting it into effect.

Hayden Browne lifted

his workrate, and his possession count as he was all over the ground collecting disposals.

Leongatha’s pressure went up a notch and Wonthaggi started to second guess their ball movement.

Poor kicking by the Parrots, however, was allowing the Power to hold on to their handy 20-odd point lead.

But eventually the visitors got it right and, with two quick goals to Holt and Truscio, they were back within 15 points at the last change.

With the wind behind them and a full head of steam up, the Parrots looked at even money to come home with the goods when it counted most.

The players looked to have a distinct taste of hunger when they huddled, listening to Campbell.

His advice was simple.

Keep up the pres-

sure and the rewards will come.

The fired up side went out full of voice and confidence, whilst a quiet Wonthaggi team slowly made their way out, looking less like the Power that played so well in the first half.

When Lochie Dumont goaled early in the last quarter it brought his side back within nine points, just two kicks away and with plenty of time on the clock.

Young gun Tom Marriott lifted and threw his body into every contest, tackling fiercely, and finding the hard ball.

The Power had faded and were clenching to a lead they’d fought so hard for in the first half.

They looked tired, but were still giving their all, not willing to relinquish their lead.

The quarter played out continually, with stoppages and hard hits the main fo-

cus of the quarter, and the Parrots were still unable to kick their next goal.

But when Travis Brown somehow clawed the ball out of a pack inside 50, his quick snap sailed truly and the game was within two points.

The crowd were jumping out of their skins, half waiting for the siren, while the other half were praying for a goal.

Unfortunately for the latter, their prayers weren’t answered and Wonthaggi held on in what will surely be a historic clash for the two clubs.

A sore and disappointed Leongatha side limped off the field, with tired bodies and some hurt confidence.

The Parrots will have a week off next week, as the rest of the league completes round one.

Wonthaggi 9. 9.63 d Leongatha 8.14.62 Wonthaggi best: B. Young, S. Combridge, J. Olden, D. Matthews, T. Gedye, A. Seccull.

Goals: 2: R. Tack, N. Jones. 1: R. Ablett, P. Brosnan, M. Kremmer, T. Murdoch, R. Underwood.

Leongatha best: J. Sutherland, J. Hughes, T. Marriott, P. LePage, M. Truscio, A. Govers.

Goals: 2: L. Dumont, M. Truscio.

1: T. Brown, H. Browne, A. Govers, D. Holt.

RESERVES Wonthaggi 11.10.76 d Leongatha 6.4.40 Top goalkicker: M. Grech.

Wonthaggi best: J. Kelly, A. Ablett, T. Mayling, S. Cicala, M. Grech, F. O’Connor.

Leongatha best: I. McCallum, S. Marriott, M. O’Regan, J. Mackie, A. Eddy, B. Murphy.

UNDER 18s Leongatha 14.22.106 d Wonthaggi 3.11.29 Top goalkicker: N. Nagel 6.

Leongatha best: N. Nagel, D. Westaway, R. Kelly, N. Phelan, L. Castagna, P. Kindellan.

Wonthaggi best: M. Grinham, J. Sheerin, J. Hedley, B. Pugh, A. Grinham.

Tough match: the Parrots’ Jason Casey handballs under pressure on Saturday. Photo courtesy Gerard Bruning @ www.fourcornersframing.biz Govers was leading hard at half forward for the Parrots and managed some clever play.

The Power’s defence was strong through Dean Mathews, Tim Gedye and Leigh Earl.

Parrots skipper Jack Hughes was letting his presence be known with some great courage early on, but it was the Power who struck first through tall recruit Matt Kremmer, kicking his first goal after almost five years of not playing at all.

Govers then found himself with the ball and having a set shot from roughly 40m out, slotted it through, no questions asked.

The intensity was high and the skills also began to lift with cleaner passages of play being shown by both sides. Todd Murdoch took a strong mark and kicked truly.

Josh Olden and Rod Tack were both busy kicking with one each for the Power, who slipped out to a 28 point lead at quarter time.

The second term saw Leongatha lift slightly and some experienced players like Paul Le Page and Jason Casey were showing good composure.

Hayden Browne was also applying some strong tackles, to give the Parrots some opportunities to score with the breeze.

Another one of Wonthaggi’s recruits, Royce Ablett was running hard at half

forward and was rewarded with a clever goal.

There was also plenty of football being played on the wings, with an interesting contest being displayed by the Power’s Sam Combridge, and Leongatha’s Col Sanbrook, these two having a great battle with neither of them giving any easy football up.

The Parrots had most of the play, but were unable to execute any major damage on the scoreboard, which at half time read Wonthaggi 6.6.42 to Leongatha 1.8.14.

After the main break Leongatha again had the momentum and through some exciting play led by young Tom Marriott, Dwayne Holt was able to find the sticks and the comeback was on.

Wonthaggi were not using the ball well through the half forward line and Leongatha were starting to beat them through the midfield also.

Justin Sutherland was beginning to dominate the ruck contests and Tarwin recruits John and Stu Kissby were proving to be handy utilities.

Adam Govers soccered one off the ground to bring the margin to 21 points, but the Power’s midfielders lifted again through Ben Young who set up Nat Jones 30m out. He booted the goal then with another

UNDER 16s Leongatha 28.27.195 d Wonthaggi 1.6.12 Top goalkicker: A. Castagna 7.

Leongatha best: A. Heppell, B. Graham, A. Castagna, E. O’Loughlin, B. Chalmers, J. McMillan.

Wonthaggi best: J. Membrey, A. Murray, R. Lindsay, A. Filippi, Z. Gilmour, T. Hamilton.

clearance he marked again for two quick ones and steadied Wonthaggi slightly.

Parrots then worked the ball to Truscio who snapped his first and Holt ran into an open goal after some clever handballing by Leongatha, who trailed at the final break by just 15 points.

Three quarter time heard both Brosnan and Hughes urging their teams on.

Wonthaggi started well, their rovers reading the taps from the opposing ruckman Sutherland, and Underwood found Phil Young, but he missed, which eventually proved to be a costly miss.

Young Sean Westaway was playing a solid game across half back for the Parrots, as was Jarryd Moorehouse.

Wonthaggi’s Andrew Seccull was starting to find more and more of the ball as the match progressed.

Desperate football emerged, with both sides battling it out to the very end.

Leongatha had their opportunties, with several misses both sides of the sticks.

Despite Leongatha having all the play, they were not able to close the gap fully, and after roughly seven minutes of time on, the young Power outfit were able to throw their hands in the air as the siren sounded.

“THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010 - PAGE 47

Tough message: Parrots coach Adrian Campbell tells his players they were spooked at quarter time.

Left Town end: Leongatha’s Courtney Foulds and Wonthaggi’s S. Asa Leausa reach for the ball.

In the air: Power’s T. Murdoch and Parrots’ Stuart Kilsby charge for the ball.

With the ball: Tom Marriott scans for options.

New Cup: the new Star Sentinel Cup was won by Wonthaggi Power by the narrowest of margins over Leongatha on Easter Saturday. Leongatha Football Club president Glenn Wright (left) hands over the Cup to Wonthaggi president, Rob Tesoriero. Leongatha has a chance to win the Cup back when it hosts Wonthaggi in a night match on June 19.

Whoops: this young Parrot missed this opportunity to kick a goal.

Off the ground: T. Gedye takes the mark for the Power.

Determination: Power’s T. Gedye has the ball as the Parrots’ Dwayne Holt runs to intercept.

Right Tussle: temperatures on the ground soared in the final moments of the Reserves match.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR”, Wednesday, April 7, 2010

JUST a point separated South Gippsland’s top football teams when they played on Easter Saturday.

Wonthaggi Power was the relieved victor over the Leongatha Parrots at Wonthaggi in their Gippsland League debut.

Pictured are Sam Combridge and Hayden Browne with the ball.

Gippsland League football is on pages 46 and 47, with netball on page 42.