The Great Southern Star - January 4, 2017

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2017 - $1.40 www.thestar.com.au

Surfin’ good time INVERLOCH surf life savers, from left, Xavier Hughes, Beau Van Agtmaal, Olivia Hughes, Zoe Campbell, Ollie Collett and Jas Cook have loved starting the new year off on Inverloch’s main surf beach.

Holiday hospital rush Record numbers of patients fill Wonthaggi emergency department

By Brad Lester

WONTHAGGI Hospital’s emergency department treated a record 101 patients in 24 hours on New Year’s Day (Sunday).

The feat broke the previous record of 99 patients set last Tuesday, December 27, and equalled again on New Year’s Eve. The new record was short of triple the daily

average for 2016 of 38 patients a day and surpassed the earlier record of 90.

Christmas to New Year is one of the busiest times for the only 24 hour, seven day a week emergency department to service South Gippsland and Bass Coast shires.

Bass Coast Health CEO Jan Child said the new record further strengthened the case for a new modern and bigger emergency department at Wonthaggi Hospital.

The health service is awaiting the imminent outcome of its application for $10 million from the State Government to rebuild the department at the front of the hospital. “The new emergency department will give patients direct access and create a mental health area that will improve the management of the growing number of mental health patients,� Ms Child said.

Emergency department staff saw 89 presentations on January 3, bringing the total number of

presentations from December 31, 2016 to January 2, 2017 to 289.

Problems ranged from minor injuries and illness to more serious conditions.

Over the new year period, the hospital put on extra staff to cater for an anticipated influx of alcohol and drug related cases and also established a fast-track clinic to deal with simple injuries fast.

Continued on page 4.

Music festivals galore

Fillies’ fun at Stony

Pages 6 and 9

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PAGE 2 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Blocked drains: residents of Turner Street, Leongatha, inspect blocked drains.

Instant flood: water flows quickly out of McIndoe Park, across the road and towards houses in Turner Street, Leongatha.

Leongatha awash

By Tony Giles THUNDERSTORMS hit Leongatha last Thursday, December 29 and caused concern for residents of Turner Street, Leongatha, with at least one house inundated by water.

The sudden deluge caused water to gush out of McIndoe Park, and across the road before heading towards houses on the other side of the road.

Owners of houses nearby were quick to act in their efforts to try to unblock the drain which seemed to be clogged with debris and pine chips from the park.

Resident of Turner Street since 1993, Ron Sinclair, and his brother-in-law Sam Withers were out on the roadside clearing the gutters and drains to try to prevent water from entering houses.

The house adjacent to the park suffered some flooding to a lower level but the resident was too upset to comment to The Star.

Across the road from the park two houses came very close to being inundated.

Megan Fidler said the water lapped to within two centimetres of her top step. She was very appreciative of her neighbours, the SES and South Gippsland Shire Council for ensuring water didn’t enter the house. Mrs Fidler was out sweeping up all the debris from her driveway the next day.

Mr Sinclair said he had seen the park and road flood like this seven to eight times in his time at his current location.

“We started clearing the sticks, leaves and pine bark from the gutter and also lifted the pit lid and this helped immediately. By the time the shire and

SES arrived the situation had improved,” Mr Sinclair told The Star.

“Unfortunately drivers kept coming through quickly on the road, splashing up water and we got saturated.

“There has been improvements made to drains over the years but what the shire needs to do more often is clear away the build-up of leaves, sticks and debris from in and around the drains and this flooding would not occur.

“Sometimes the gardeners come but the debris is sometimes left in a pile and not removed. They need to maintain and clean the area more often to prevent a repeat of this.”

Fred Huitema, council’s manager operations, infrastructure maintenance said council maintains McIndoe Park and the drain to the highest standard possible within the resources available.

“All council road and drainage maintenance works are prioritised according to the level of risk to ensure the available resources are focusing on the safety of the community. Council has recently carried out works to increase the capacity and aid the flow of debris through the culvert,” Mr Huitema said.

“In the days leading up to the storm we had some hot, dry weather which places trees under stress and they tend to shed more sticks and leaf litter than normal under these conditions.

“Summer storms like the one Leongatha experienced on Thursday have a high rainfall intensity in a short time. This combination can create a higher amount of flood debris which can be problematic with the free flow of water through the drains.”

Council’s maintenance crews attended Turner Street as soon as possible to clear the drains and

Good Samaritans: Sam Withers, left, who was visiting his brother-in-law Ron Sinclair, right, helped clear drains before the Leongatha SES and workers from South Gippsland Shire Council assisted. other council staff visited the affected homes to provide support and advice on clean-up and insurance.

Elsewhere during the storm, a car came to grief when it left the South Gippsland Highway near Gwythers Siding Road, south of Leongatha and headed straight for the bush.

Leongatha Police urged people to drive to the

conditions as it was raining heavily at the time.

The driver and three passengers were lucky not to have sustained injuries as there were trees in the area where the car left the road.

The deluge also forced many under cover until the rain subsided. A bike rider, in Leongatha’s McCartin Street got caught up in the storm and waited it out until the rain eased.

Slid off road: this car came to grief during last Thursday’s deluge as it left the South Quick escape: Troy Grabham of Outtrim was having a leisurely ride until the deluge forced Gippsland Highway near Gwythers Siding Road, south of Leongatha. him under cover in Leongatha at the height of the thunderstorm.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 3

Police officers attacked

By Caroline Varrasso Crawford A POLICE officer was assaulted and another officer was nearly run-over by a rogue driver on New Year’s Eve. An 18 year old from Traralgon was arrested in Inverloch in relation to the assault of a person on the street and assault of a police officer.

The police officer walked away unharmed but the civilian sustained minor injuries from the incident.

The man was arrested and released pending summons to court at a later date.

At Newhaven, police were conducted preliminary breath testing when one driver was determined not to be tested.

A Bass Coast Highway Patrol officer was left

with minor injuries after jumping out of the way of a car. The driver did not pull over when directed to by police.

The red hatchback failed to stop and almost ran over the police officer, but the officer narrowly avoided serious injury.

Police have launched an investigation and are looking to speak to witnesses who may be able to identify the occupants.

Police have generally praised New Year’s Eve revellers for good behaviour across the region, with only five arrests for public drunkenness.

Sergeant Glenn Parke from Inverloch Police said, “It was quieter than previous years. In general, the crowd was well behaved.

“Obviously we appreciate the public’s cooperation and everyone was able to enjoy the fire-

works display.”

Police hauled three drunks from Inverloch’s streets and two from Cowes’ central business district. After sobering up in the police cells for four hours, the drunks were released with a sizable fine to pay.

A small amount of illegal fireworks were

found abandoned in Cowes and while many other fireworks were released unlawfully, no charges were laid.

In Cowes, police arrested a 19 year old Somerville man for theft from two shops, and also arrested two men, aged 16 and 20, on the Cowes foreshore for possessing drugs.

Woman killed at Wonthaggi THE death of an elderly woman near Wonthaggi on Monday was the first road fatality in Bass Coast in 2017.

Police believe the woman, aged in her 80s, crossed to the opposite side of the road while driving and collided with another vehicle.

The woman was from Inverloch and was the sole occupant of her vehicle.

Emergency services worked on the woman but were not able to save her and she died at the scene.

Police believe she had a medical episode before the collision occurred and so her death was not added to the road toll, but this could be re-

viewed in the future.

The female driver of the second car received minor injuries.

She was also the sole occupant of her car and was conveyed to hospital.

The collision occurred on the Bass Highway just before 4.30pm.

Police are investigating the incident and urge any witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Six people were killed on the region’s roads in 2016: three in Bass Coast Shire and three in South Gippsland Shire, up from four in 2015.

The road toll in Victoria was up 15.9 percent from 252 in 2015 to 292 in 2016.

Jumping for joy: Lucy Hilton and Eboni Miriklis of Melbourne celebrated their summer holidays on the shores of Venus Bay last Thursday.

Rate cap headache for rural councils THE State Government’s decision to cap rates at two percent next year has significant implications for rural and regional councils already struggling with a road and infrastructure maintenance backlog, Eastern Victoria Region MLC Melina Bath said.

“With the announcement of the rate cap, whilst ratepayers will be happy with this news, it reminds us of the ongoing headaches for councils after the Andrews Labor Government significantly reduced funding for rural roads and bridges,” she said.

“I call on the Andrews Government to provide specific and targeted funding programs to local government, similar to the previous Coalition’s Country Roads and Bridges Program, which provided $1 million each year over four years to 40 rural councils for infrastructure maintenance and renewal.”

Ms Bath is a member of Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee, which

conducts a six-month rolling Inquiry into the impact of rate capping.

“As a member of the Environment and Planning Committee, I have listened to the testimonies of many CEOs and councillors from rural and regional shires who raised significant concerns about their capacity to meet community expectations for service delivery and infrastructure upgrades,” she said.

“The Nationals understand that city councils have options to raise revenue from sources other than rates, such as money received through parking meters and fines. In addition to that, not only are metropolitan councils geographically smaller, they have more rateable properties which means lower average rates.

“Meanwhile, infrastructure maintenance and renewal requirements for country councils are quite large with extensive road networks, hundreds of bridges plus extensive walking and cycling paths that need to be maintained for local communities.”

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PAGE 4 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Zombies spook at Dalyston BLOOD and gore transformed Dalyston into the set for a zombie feature film last Tuesday, December 27.

The business Timber Treat was the shoot location of the independent film The Last Hope, written and directed by Leigh Ormsby and produced

by Pandora Productions, helmed by Glenn Ellis.

The film is set in Melbourne when tens of thousands of refugees from across the globe seek refuge in Australia from a zombie apocalypse.

Due to Australia’s strict border security and hardline military approach, Australia forms a stronghold and the last line of defence for humanities survival.

Filming has been underway for just over a year and the final shoot day is scheduled for late January.

Nearly 800 volunteers have been involved.

Inverloch’s Trilby Parise was among a member of the lead art department, with Pirili Parise.

“Working on set with Pandora Productions as an extra, make up and set designer has been an incredible experience,” she said.

Mr Ellis was impressed by the support the film received locally.

“Having filmed in Wonthaggi and Granville previously and worked with Bass Coast Shire Council before, we were more than happy to come back again,” he said.

Scary stuff: from left, Steven Law of Forest Hill, Melody Rooks of Melbourne and Rick Vaveliuk of Bonbeach appear as zombies and a refuge in the film The Last Hope, filmed at Dalyston recently.

Holiday hospital rush nursing staff and an additional ward clerk were Continued from page 1.

Up to two extra medical staff, two extra rostered on each day to deal with the rise in demand, as the party period coupled with the influx of holidaymakers.

Dr James Taylor, a clinical director of the emergency department, said “December 27 was a busy day because it came at the end of a four day weekend and there were not many GP clinics open on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday, and a lot of holidaymakers came down as well.”

While there were some long waits, staff received compliments from patients for the way they handled the situation.

On Tuesday, December 27, doctors and nurses attended to 30 cases of minor sprain injuries of arms, ankles and head injuries; 16 viral and chest

infections; 10 cases of ear, nose throat and dental injuries and illnesses; including headaches; migraines; six infections; three allergies; three cases of abdominal pain; two cardiac cases; plus many other incidents.

The emergency department saw 61 patients on Christmas Eve, 59 on Christmas Day, 84 on Boxing Day and 80 on Wednesday, December 28.

The additional staff appointed by the hospital included new nurses and medical staff comprising a mix of locums and existing staff working extra hours.

“We cancelled annual leave for some hospital staff so it was all hands on deck,” Dr Taylor said.

Leongatha scam warning LOCALS have been warned not to respond to suspicious text messages.

Leongatha’s Muriel Mann recently received a text claiming she had won $1.2 million worth of prizes after being randomly selected by a European accompany.

She was asked to email her details, including her name and her age.

Ms Mann said her phone number was private,

and was supposed to block any overseas calls or texts.

“I wanted to warn people because I was worried people may get confused, particularly the older generation,” she said.

“This is not something you should respond to.”

Ms Mann said she had also alerted the police about the scam text message.

First aid: nurse Yvonne Phillips and Dr Jade Lim attend to a patient in Wonthaggi Hospital’s emergency department yesterday, Tuesday.

per” a sp ew n y it n u m m co r ou Y “

36 McCartin Street, Leongatha 3953 Postal : PO Box 84 LEONGATHA 3953 Telephone : 5662 2294 Fax : 5662 4350 Web : www.thestar.com.au Editor Brad Lester : news@thestar.com.au Advertising Manager Joy Morgan : advertising@thestar.com.au Find us on Facebook Produced and published by Giles Newspapers Pty Ltd and printed by Latrobe Valley Express, Morwell.

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“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 5

Rescues stir beach warning

By Tayla Kershaw SURF life savers are urging beachgoers to take precautions after the near drowning of a 24 year old man at Woolamai Beach.

Drink driving swoop THREE drink drivers faced the wrath of Foster Police recently.

A 31 year old female from Mirboo North was stopped by police in Fish Creek on December 23.

She had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .144.

She had her car impounded 30 days, and will face court at a later date.

A 20 year old male from Toora was also caught in Fish Creek with a BAC of .027 on December 24.

The P-plate driver had his licence cancelled and was disqualified from driving for three months.

A 33 year old male from Point Cook, blew a BAC of .150, three times the legal limit on December 29.

The man was caught by police in Foster and was also driving an unregistered car.

The car was impounded, his licence was immediately suspended and he will face court.

$24,000 cattle theft POLICE are currently investigating the

All smiles: from left, Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club volunteers Hugh Bowman, Isobel Christie and Lachlan Peele said they have enjoyed patrolling the Inverloch surf beach from their new vantage point. The patrol tower was moved down the beach to a safer spot near the access path before Christmas Eve. and several incidents requiring first aid.

“The lesson is fairly simple: make sure you always have a friend with you. It gets fairly busy when it’s hot and there’s a lot going on. We encourage people to absolutely go out and have fun, but make sure consequences are considered before going out into the water,” president Mark Scott said.

“If you’re going out, make sure you tell someone. We’ve had incidents of kayakers and swimmers heading out without telling anyone where they are going. They get reported missing to us, but we can’t help unless we know where they planned to go.”

First aid was administered to people who slipped on a nearby rock formation. The club urged beachgoers to be careful in rocky areas.

Most beaches are patrolled by paid lifeguards on weekdays, and volunteers on weekends and public holidays.

Wonthaggi and Cape Paterson do not have paid lifeguards, so patrols are only active on weekends and holidays.

theft of 16 cattle.

The steers are valued at $24,000 and were stolen sometime between Friday, December 16, and Friday, December 23.

The theft took place in Inverloch on the Inverloch-Venus Bay Road.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have information to contact the Inverloch police station.

Bikie on the run A BLACK motorcycle was seen travelling from Leongatha to Korumburra at an extreme speed on Friday, December 30.

The public alerted the police to the speeding motorcyclist at about 9.45am and police attempted to intercept the rider within minutes near the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra.

The rider refused to stop and sped through the township of Korumburra towards Melbourne.

Leongatha Police are wanting to hear from any witnesses who can help identify the rider and particularly, anyone who may have written down the motorcycle’s registration number.

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A lifesaver from the Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club saw the unconscious man outside the patrolled area on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 27.

Members of the surf club brought the man back to shore and started CPR. They are unsure how he got into trouble.

He regained consciousness and was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

This was one of three rescues by Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club during the Christmas week.

Visits to the beaches patrolled by the surf club – including Smiths Beach and Cowes – spiked to 10,000 during this time.

Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club life member Michelle Murphy said it was an opportunity to remind beachgoers to stay safe near the water.

“Woolamai is a rip and bar beach. It may look scary when waves crash into the bar but that’s where it is safe. People tend to go towards calm waters, not knowing there could be a rip there.

That’s where we have our biggest problems.

Children jump in and don’t know the danger they could be getting into,” she said.

Smiths Beach and Cowes Beach are much flatter. There is a rip to look out for near the pier at Cowes and people are urged to be aware of the rock formation at Smiths. Otherwise, these are safer beaches.

Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club had two major incidents at beach five over the Christmas period, which were both responded to quickly.

“There was a tragedy at beach five two years ago, and since then we’ve planned responses and we have a vehicle ready to go,” president Craig Watson said.

“We monitor all the beaches but generally speaking beach five is not patrolled. Again we send the message for people to swim between the flags where it’s patrolled.”

A swimmer was caught in a rip on beach five on Christmas Eve. They managed to get back to shore themselves, but the surf life saving club and Venus Bay CERT team were on scene quickly provide additional care.

A 40 year old man was also caught in a rip on Christmas Day. The man was eventually rescued by his 14 year old son but was in need of urgent care. The surf life saving club and the CERT team helped to transport the man back to the clubhouse, where he received treatment by paramedics.

“We were lucky over Christmas because the conditions were beautiful, but the beach is known for rips and the size of the swell,” Mr Watson said.

“Attendance was way up this year. The car park was full and overflowing for a couple of kilometres. It’s a huge number and we need people to be aware to prevent accidents.”

Wonthaggi Life Saving Club had one rescue

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PAGE 6 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Inverloch rocks: thousands flocked to the Sounds of Summer music festival at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve for some fabulous music on Wednesday, December 28. Photo courtesyy of Shelleyy Price.

Festival organisers: Kate Adkins of Inverloch and husband Mick were thrilled with the success of the first ever Sounds of Summer music festival. Photo courtesy of Shelley Price.

Singing the praises of Inverloch festival MUSIC filled the open skies of the Inverloch Recreation Reserve on Wednesday, December 28 for the first ever Sounds of Summer music festival that attracted more than 2000 music fans and musicians and proved a huge success.

All smiles: Wonthaggi’s Deb Reilly, Lizzy Yates, Inverloch, and Janelle Edwards had a ball at the festival. Photo courtesy of Leo Edwards.

Fabulous funding: Inverloch Community Bank’s Trevor Dando (left) and Cheryl Clasby (right) presented a $3000 cheque to members of the IK football netball club. Photo courtesy of Leo Edwards.

Organisers of South Gippsland’s newest music festival Kate and Mick Adkins of Inverloch said they would love to stage the Sounds of Summer again in 2017 and would like to grow the festival to ensure a long-term future in the town.

Trevor Dando, chair of Business Development, Marketing and Sponsorship Committee for the Inverloch and District Community Bank Branch, Bendigo Bank, the major supporter, said they were happy to support the event and they were glad it was such a success.

“The festival offered some great family entertainment and it was nice the weather panned out,” Mr Dando said.

“The community bank supports local business and we have already seen an influx of people to the town during the festival and would like to see the festival grow to 5000 next year and grow to be a huge event in the town for the next 10 years.”

“It was also nice to be able to present $3000 on stage to two representatives of the Inverloch Kongwak Football Netball Club Captains Camp for the leadership and development program.”

Mr Dando said if approached by Kate, the event organiser, ongoing funding would be discussed at future board meetings.

Kate and Mick have been inundated with rave reviews following the event from happy festival goers and the Bass Coast Shire, and were thrilled the festival was a huge success.

“The crowd was a mix of lovely people across all genders and ages. We were so fortunate to not have any trouble. Our security was very impressed and did a wonderful job,” Kate said.

Many commented on the “brilliantly organised and executed event”, event , with others saying, “The The community is in need of this. Can’t wait for Sounds of Summer to be an annual event.”

“Thanks for an awesome night.

Lovely family friendly event, the music was great, the food was excel-

Sponsors: from left, Michael Malone, Stuart and Joan Scott, Chris Malone and Cheryl Clasby relax in the sponsors marquee. Photo courtesy of Leo Edwards.

Festival team: Abbie Watchorn, organiser Kate Adkins, Bron Kalos, Georgie Riseley and Kristy Leys. Photo courtesy of Shelley Price.

Left, Big Hit: X Factor performer Taylor Henderson hit the right note with his young fans.

Photo courtesy of Leo Edwards.

lent and caught up with so many friends. Thanks Kate you should be very proud of yourself and your team. Hope to see you next year bigger and better than ever.”

“What a superb event, for a first go you guys nailed it.

Well done on the initiative and look forward to seeing it as a regular event on the local calendar!”

“Brilliant night. Great effort from all involved. Hopefully it is on bigger again next year.”

“Well done to all the team, fantastic night, everyone so happy for it to come together will def be back for next year.”

“Loved it! Thanks to all who organised this event, and we will definitely be back next year. Even the toilets were clean and always had toilet paper!”

“What great fun! Fantastical times at this excellent festive event. Looking forward to seeing it back next year.”

“Great night. The local talent was fantastic. Thanks for a fantastic event. Food was great too.”

The crowd was also very appreciative of the fabulous line up of professional and local performers and acts.

Kate said, “Sara (Storer) and Clare (Bowditch) were extremely well received and Taylor was quite popular with the young ones at the end of the night.

“He also stayed on for quite a while afterwards signing autographs and having his photo taken with his many fans,” she said.

Kate said, “Quite a few food vendors sold out and festival goers were thrilled with the wonderful and wide selection of delicious food and fine wines on offer.”

All up Kate said, “It was a fantastic atmosphere, there was beautiful local food and wines and a great mix of ages amongst the crowd.

“We had so many locals support the festival and we are so grateful for that. There were also a lot of holiday makers there as well who enjoyed the event. Local businesses and community groups were also part of the event, giving it a great sense of community spirit.

As for running the event next year and Kate said, “We are taking expressions of interest for sponsors, artists and food vendors, please direct communication to info@inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au “A huge thank you to our major supporter, Inverloch and District Community Bank and all our sponsors, supporters and patrons on such an amazing day!”

Below, Crowd pleaser: Clare Bowditch rocked the festival in Inverloch. Photo courtesy of Shelley Price.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 7

Fire crackdown Council acts to prevent fire disaster

By Caroline Varrasso Crawford SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council has issued more than 800 fire prevention notices to ratepayers with overgrown land in a bid to reduce fire risk this summer.

Council officers inspected about 1800 properties ahead of the fire season.

The amount of notices issued was similar to last season with the majority of properties requiring slashing of grass or weeds.

This means more than 40 percent of properties inspected were still not fire ready.

A fire prevention notice is issued to private landowners if council deems there are fire hazards on their property that may put the lives and property of others at risk.

“People should maintain their properties to a fire ready condition all year round but especially during the Fire Danger Period,” council’s local laws coordinator Bruce Gardiner said.

No fires are permitted during the fire danger

period which started on Monday, December 19, 2016. These restrictions will be in place until May 1, 2017 unless revoked or varied.

“Yes, you can have a barbecue or light your pizza oven during the Fire Danger Period – unless it’s a declared Total Fire Ban Day – it’s just that there are conditions in place to keep us all safe,” council’s regulatory services manager Matthew Patterson said.

The penalty for non-compliance with a fire prevention notice is, initially, an infringement notice to the sum of 10 penalty units ($1560).

If the matter is referred to court, the court is limited to apply a maximum penalty of $18,700 and/or imprisonment for 12 months.

The costs associated with the removal of the fire hazard will also be billed to the owner or occupier of the property.

A fire prevention notice can be contested and over the last three seasons council has had two notices contested and amended.

Bass Coast Shire Council has issued 98 fire prevention notices, along with 329 notices to comply where grass or weeds exceed 300mm.

Fire season: South Gippsland Shire Council local laws officer Graeme Peters inspects a property that poses a high risk of fire.

Mulch alight in Wonthaggi FIREFIGHTERS extinguished a mulch fire at a Wonthaggi property on Christmas Eve, December 24.

Acting Sergeant Steve Forrest of the Wonthaggi Police said the pile of mulch ignited due to heat and wind.

Police did not deem the blaze at the Murray Street property as suspicious.

Wonthaggi CFA also responded to an alarm at the Wonthaggi Plaza shopping complex on Tuesday, December 27. It was later declared a false alarm.

PAGE 8 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Breaking ground Venus Bay in Australian research first IN an Australian first, pipis are being tagged to better understand their short and long term movement patterns in a project funded by recreational fishing licence fees.

it on the day, but did find tagged pipis during the summer holidays, could report to pipihunt@ gmail.com “We’d like anyone who finds a tagged pipi to record the tag colour and number, along with the location, date and time of capture,” he said.

“That information will help scientists map movement patterns and understand much more about this little bivalve shellfish, which is valued by anglers for bait and by multicultural communities for eating.”

In conjunction with The Great Pipi Hunt, project leader Dr John Morrongiello will present on Victoria’s unique marine life at the life saving club at 6pm, the night before on Thursday, January 5. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Acting executive director of Fisheries Victoria, Dallas D’Silva, said scientists from the University of Melbourne have tagged 2000 pipis at Venus Bay. “Every one of the 2000 pipis has been individually numbered with a small plastic tag glued to their shell,” Mr D’Silva said.

“Scientists have recorded release locations of the tagged pipis so their relative movement can be tracked over time.

“To help with the project, volunteers are being encouraged to join ‘The Great Pipi Hunt’ this Pipis galore: Maiya from Melbourne found Friday, January 6.

“We want lots of people collecting pipis and pipi picking for the first time easier than she helping to find the tagged ones. There are even thought at Venus Bay last Thursday. prizes up for grabs.”

The event will be held from 10.30am to 1pm at the Venus Bay Life Saving Club, beach one at Venus Bay. Register online via summerbythesea.vic.gov. au, and for enquiries call 0429 842 142.

Mr D’Silva said people who could not make

Hunt is on: pipi collectors harvest the prized shellfish at Venus Bay last Friday.

Avoid beach thieves

Culprits caught A SPATE of damages that occurred in Michael Place in Leongatha has ended in the arrest of five male offenders.

A 20 year old from Korumburra, a 19 year old from Kardella, and three men aged 20, 22, and 23 from Leongatha were all processed for multiple criminal damages and have been released pending their upcoming court date.

Cricket vandals

MIRBOO North Cricket Club was found in disrepair after vandals struck in the night.

At about 1.30am on Wednesday, December

By Caroline Varrasso Crawford 21, a driver performed donuts in a vehicle on the oval.

ESCAPING the heat this summer might Police believe the vehicle was a four wheel make you the next target for local drive and said the attack damaged grass on all cricket pitches and the outfield. thieves.

The club is run by volunteers who maintain the More people flock to the beach to deal with the heat during summer every year, but few look after grounds at no cost.

“We put all this effort in to create something their possessions properly.

The crowds, abandoned belongings, and car that benefits the community and these people keys left in the open makes the beach an ideal playground for thieves on the prowl.

Inverloch Police investigate between 20 to 30 thefts at beaches each summer.

People become targets by “using their phones and being seen using them and tucking them away DETECTIVES from Central Gippsland when they go for a swim,” Leading Senior Con- Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Invesstable Sean Stirton said. tigation Team are appealing for informa“Using anything of value can make you a tartion in relation to allegations of historiget, that’s why we advise people to keep anything cal sexual assaults in the Grantville area of value at home or in a locked car.”

People can keep their personal effects safe by in the 1980s and ’90s.

It’s believed the offences were committed against ensuring they are kept out of sight.

Placing car keys in easy to find places such as primary school aged children by an adult male.

Investigators are keen to speak to anyone who on a tyre or under a sun visor with the window down allows would-be thieves an easy entry way was a victim of a sexual assault in the Grantville into cars, and to steal valuables. area, particularly at the designated Grantville “Keep your car locked and anything of value camp, around that time. must be locked away and hidden out of sight. Put They are also keen to speak to anyone who has things in the boot,” Leading S/C Stirton said. knowledge of any sexual assaults taking place.

come over and ruin something everyone loves,” lifetime member and groundskeeper John Mercer said.

Mr Mercer has been at the club for 50 years and spends up to 35 hours each week maintaining the pitches and he was devastated by the damage.

Police are appealing to anyone who might have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Christmas still not safe CHRISTMAS lights were damaged in five streets in Inverloch.

The same group of people is believed to be responsible for the damage that occurred overnight on Wednesday, December 28.

Property owners on Glendale Court, Royal Parade, Queenscliff Drive, Honeyeater Circuit, and Tamara Crescent all had their Christmas spirit unceremoniously taken when they woke to find their decorations damaged and in some cases, stolen.

If anyone has information about the damage, contact Inverloch police station.

Police probe sexual assaults Victoria Police encourages all victims of sexual assault and child abuse, and anyone who has knowledge of such a crime, to make a report.

Victoria Police is committed to investigating and bringing to justice those people who prey on children no matter how many years have passed.

Anyone who was a victim of sexual assault or has information relating to sexual assaults in the Grantville area can contact the Central Gippsland Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team on 5120 0351.

Information relating to any alleged sexual assaults can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submitted confidentially online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 9

Festival cheer: music fans returned to the McLaren family farm for the annual NYE on the Hill music festival at Krowera on the weekend.

The festival featured incredible acts, including The Preatures, Pierce Brothers, Tash Sultana and Leongatha’s own Janie Gordon.

Korumburra Rotary Club volunteers catered for the sell-out festival from Friday through to Sunday.

Playground ready for Karmai children THE new playground for the Karmai Community Children’s Centre at KoruNo access: Wonthaggi’s Aileen Vening stands in front of the dune that limited im- mburra was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday). mediate access to the beach at Inverloch.

Call for climate change talk

Korumburra Rotary Club donated $10,000 to build a fort, in conjunction with the Robyn Holmes Foundation.

Board members worked with the community to develop and build the unique design.

The first of its kind to be built in Victoria, the

playground is an all natural and custom-built facility that encourages “children’s development and recognises the importance of natural play,” Karmai board member and project manage Rachel Carruthers said.

“The garden grows and develops with the seasons,” she said.

Included in the variety of equipment are forts, natural teepees, music stations, log climbing features, kitchen garden, stage, and dry river beds.

These facilitate jumping, climbing, exploring, and all related important movement to encourage gross motor skills in children.

“It encourages the exploration of natural materials and resources,” Ms Carruthers said.

Made from natural woods of jarrah, iron bark, and black bark, the playground will encourage children to use all their senses.

“The children are excited. The first thing they do is touch it,” Ms Carruthers said.

By Tayla Kershaw WONTHAGGI’S Aileen Vening is calling for the community to start talking seriously about climate change.

Inverloch’s surf beach – an ever popular tourist destination – is rapidly eroding.

This has caused two metre dunes that have limited access to the beach in the past, and an ugly sight created by the surrounding dead tea trees affected by saltwater.

It also affected the integrity of the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club patrol tower, forcing the tower to be relocated.

Ms Vening said, “The sea level is rising. That can’t be disputed. The ocean is warming, and warm water is bulkier. Add that to the melting glacier, and there’s no doubt about the sea level rising. We continue to get slightly higher sea levels and storm events, which eats away at the beach to a phenomenal scale.”

Ms Vening said the eroded beach will cause more summer tourists to choose the inlet over the surf beach.

“We need to talk about the big picture. We see a lot of erosion in winter, and some of it may come back in the summer but there’s always a loss,” she said.

Ms Vening said with every wave that gravity pulls back, more sand is being transported east and ends up in the inlet. She said sand was moving west towards the surf beach, but as it’s mostly rock along the coast, so there was nothing to replace the sand on the surf beach.

“We need to think about how we are going to deal with this. The first thing is to stop using fossil fuels that cause a blanket of greenhouse gases.

We have to start using clean energy on a massive scale,” she said.

“It’s not all doom and gloom. Imagine the jobs it would create if we all started putting in solar panels and retrofitting.”

Playground present: from left, Bev Hall, Bronwyn Beach, Daniel Carruthers, Rachel Caruthers, Julie Watt, Peter Biggins, Rebecca Marriott, Jed Marriott, Mark Holmes, Regan Marriott and Rani Marriott are pleased with final results of the newly constructed playground at the Karmai Community Children’s Centre.

Shape Leongatha railyards’ future DO you have a view about the old railyards in Leongatha should be used?

South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from people wishing to be part of a community reference group that will be involved in the Leongatha Railway Site Transformation Project.

The project seeks to improve the Leongatha railway yard and station area for the benefit of the community now the tourist railway has closed.

The project aims to make this large area into a focal point in the centre of town, building on the revitalisation works of Bair and Anderson streets.

The project will consider a new connection to town via the old footbridge pathway, car parking, new community spaces, rail trail access, coach stop and beautification works.

The project involves council working closely with VicTrack, the land managers on behalf of the Crown.

Council will consult the community about the future of the site early this year before entering the design phase, followed by more community engagement later this year.

Contact council senior strategic planning offi-

cer Chantal Lenthall on 5662 9200 to be involved.

Council’s planning manager Paul Stampton said council’s project to overhaul the streetscape of Bair Street had progressed to the detailed design stage and survey work had been completed.

Star readers shared their vision for the railyards via The Star’s Facebook page: Eric Chilver: “I was recently in Warragul. The parks there are well established and numerous. I think the railway station should be a licensed restaurant. Within that area a bike shop with railway history and rail trail information with bike hire”; Gary Burns: “A public park area that can be used for community events, such as concerts, markets and for general community use. The old station buildings need to be preserved for use as a community centre or similar. Use the area as a gateway to the rail trail and see it as a project to put life back into the Leongatha CBD which has become a wasteland of empty shops”; Allison Drury: “Car and caravan parking to the north of the site, parkland to the south to fit into rail trail parking and access. Transport interchange tied into where it is now with access to the main street where it used to be. And maybe some shops on top at main street level but only if the shire is serious

about attracting some larger businesses to town.

Some business people are so worried about competition they forget that more choice brings more people to town to spend their money and everyone benefits.

“Leongatha is seriously lacking in anything to encourage shoppers to town even though we have some really lovely shops”; Gerald Kirk: “Sell it and let the market decide.

This has been going on for years and we have not progressed an inch. Time for positive action to get Leongatha moving again”; Wendy George: “Would be a fantastic place to have a major market each month. A picnic area, play ground, etc.”

Rebecca Easey: “Plaza!! Leongatha needs to evolve, give people a reason to come, rather than driving all the way to the valley or Wonthaggi”: Craig Gittos: “Why not a miniature railway park area and market square. Like a farm produce market?”; Jo Fennell: “This would be the perfect site for an arts centre”.

Angus Clydesdale: “How about functioning railyards with a reopened railway. Just a thought I guess!” and Fran Henke: “Trains.”

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

COLUMN 7 col7@thestar.com.au

Sarah Vella

Do the right thing: Leongatha Police Leading Senior Constable Michael Thomas and Senior Constable Rohan Michael hit their bicycles last Friday, December 30 in Leongatha to provide a visible presence in the town. The police were targeting mobile phone use by drivers, seat belts and other traffic infringements.

Rotary gives Inverloch market and music fun

Keep it local: Waratah North’s Paul Boag had a win in race three at the Stony Creek Racing Club last Tuesday, December 27 with his horse Zai Bu Zai. He is pictured with race sponsor, Alison Lester. See The Star’s extensive coverage on the Stony Creek and Woolamai race meetings in Sport.

Angus relishes Lego win WONTHAGGI Library has picked its Lego Club prize winner for 2016.

One of the youngest club members, Angus Wood, was presented with a Three in One Lego Set by branch manager Lucy Nuttall.

“We are all thrilled Angus won the prize this year,” she said, adding the library’s Lego Club memThese are provided for attendees this year as bers had all been fantastic this year, making models MUSIC in the Glade starts at 6.30pm on Saturday, January 7 and is a free commu- the club had many complaints of children waiting of everything from robots to bridges, and spaceships up to two hours for food last year. A chair and to reindeer. nity event sponsored by the Rotary Club for rug are good additions particularly when a cool Angus was speechless about winning the prize, of Inverloch. but his spokesman, brother Jaxon, said he believed sea breeze blows.

President Rosa Turner said, “This is a great The Glade in Inverloch is on The Esplanade Angus “felt fabulous.” way to thank the local communities and other sup- opposite the Inlet Hotel.

His other brother, Archer, himself a big Lego fan, porters who have assisted the club, over the year, Earlier in the day, the 15 member Rotary Club said on Angus’s behalf that, “Lego rocks.” to provide local community projects, give aid to of Inverloch will be active in setting up the craft The 2016 prize-giving marked the end of Wontdisaster victims, support youth and young adults market to be operational at 9am in and around The haggi Library Lego for 2016, but the club will be rewith leadership programs together with many oth- Hub in A’Beckett Street, Inverloch. turning on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at its usual er programs here and overseas”.

Many products are available including plants, time of 4pm, when the first project will be to build a

There will be more than two hours of almost continuous music of favourite songs. Everyone is welcome to bring a picnic dinner or purchase one from the local shops or from food vans which will be on site this year.

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During the school holidays special Lego MashUps facilitated by Brickz for Kidz will also be held across the region on the following dates: • Wonthaggi Library, January 9 from 11am– 12.30pm; • Leongatha Library, January 10 from 11am –12.30pm; • Warragul Library, January 12 from 11.30am– 1pm; and • Drouin Library, January 19 from 12.30pm.

These special Lego sessions will have all kinds of themed building options based on Minecraft, Super Heroes, Star Wars and Teenage Brick Turtles.

Bookings are free, but essential and can be made via www.wgrlc.eventbrite.com.au or by contacting your local library.

books, greeting cards, local artist paintings, homemade children’s wear, jewellery and many other gift ideas.

For more information please contact: market - Colin Howard 0458 419 966 or Music in the Glade - Paul Everitt 0408 242 210.

THE new bridge over Ayr Creek at Inverloch as been receiving a good workout over the New Year period, with walkers, runners and cyclists enjoying the extension to the foreshore path.

GIPPSLAND South MLA Danny O’Brien was delighted to be able to handover more than 400 nappies to UnitingCare recently.

Mr O’Brien collected the nappies as a dropoff point for the Nappy Collective Giving Project. UnitingCare will pass the nappies on to families in need to help ease the burden during the holidays.

Mr O’Brien said the next collection will Happy to win: Wonthaggi Library’s prize-winner Angus Wood (right), with brothers, Jaxon take place in May next year. and Archer, displays his Lego prize.

Scientist earns doctorate FORMER Leongatha Secondary College student Christopher Langendorf graduated from Monash University with a PhD in microbiology.

Growing up in South Gippsland, Christopher’s parents were both dairy farmers at Buffalo.

During the time Christopher

was studying at Leongatha Secondary College, his mother Marilyn Langendorf was a teacher at the school.

His father Ray Langendorf also taught, at Leongatha Primary school.

Christopher works for St Vincent’s medical research as a research officer in the protein chemistry and metabolism unit.

Congratulations: Christopher Langendorf graduated from Monash University with his PhD in microbiology.

“THE S STAR” T ” Wednesday, TAR y, Ja JJanuary anuary 4, 2017 - PA P PAG PAGE A E 11

Concert ends year on a high FISH Creek Primary School hosted its annual Christmas concert recently, showcasing the talents of the entire school.

Every student was involved in the production and performed to a large audience of family and friends.

The Grade Prep/1 students entertained the crowd with a story about Pongo and then a sailor who went to sea, sea, sea and the Grade 2/3 students kept the laughs coming with their comedy show.

Then the magic of Christmas came alive with the Grade 4/5/6 skit about a couple of children who visited Santa and the elves at the North Pole.

All students had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Teachers Peta Hamlett, Kiarna Smith, Barry Farrell and Kerri Smith all worked hard with the students, preparing them for their performances.

The school’s awards presentation was also held during the school concert.

Kirra received the Rotary Award for Excellence, Olivia received the Jerry Seuren Kindness Award, Kaatje received the Science and Environment Award, Alice received the Anne Bright Memorial Award, Lara the South Gippsland Shire Leadership Award, Freya the Lance Moon Memorial Award and Emily, the Principal’s Award.

The school’s Grade 6 students also enjoyed their graduation ceremony recently, which included dinner together with school staff in the Oberon Room before heading back to school for the official part of the evening.

Students reflected on their time at Fish Creek school and parents and friends enjoyed a small video presentation involving the students answering tricky questions such as “What was your favourite grade?’

After the formal part of the evening, everyone enjoyed desserts prepared by students and looking over scrap books of memories students had created.

Cool kids: Fish Creek Primary School Grade 6 students Kirra and Olivia were fabulous snowmen in their last ever primary school performance recently.

On stage: Fish Creek Primary School students Alice, Kaatje, Freya, Lara, Emily, Kirra and Olivia performed a hilarious Christmas skit at the school’s end of year performance recently.

Left, All done: back row from left, Fish Creek Primary School Grade 6 students Kirra, Freya, teacher Kiarna Smith, student Kaatje, principal Dale Banks, Olivia and Lara and front, Emily and Alice, enjoyed the school’s graduation evening held recently.

Jetty Triangle moves forward BASS Coast Shire Council will go to tender for the detailed design and construction of the Jetty Triangle in Cowes.

This project is part of the Cowes Revitalisation Project which involves three catalyst projects – the Jetty Triangle, Cowes Cultural and Community Centre and the Transit Centre and all day car park.

The redevelopment of the Jetty Triangle will include the installation of terraced, grassed areas for event space, new pathways, landscaping and access to the cenotaph.

At a recent meeting, council gave the green light to go to tender for the triangle with an estimated cost of $2.3 million.

The tender will include a hold point following the detailed design to not proceed with construction until state and federal funding is confirmed.

A further report will be presented to council

Merry Christmas to Rose Lodge

detailing options for progressing the other two components of the revitalisation project.

Mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield said, “This is very exciting news, especially for the Cowes community and central business district, as the redevelopment of the Jetty Triangle was identified as a priority in the Cowes Activity Centre Plan.

“Once this project is completed, the triangle WONTHAGGI North Primary School will become a must visit for tourists and locals students spread Christmas cheer at Rose alike as a place to relax, socialise, be entertained Lodge recently. and enjoy.”

The Grade 3 and 4 classes visited Rose Lodge Council will be going to tender in the first to share stories titled Wonthaggi – My Place. half of 2017, so people may see consultants, engineers and landscape architects walking around the area in preparation for their design and tender responses.

If you have any questions about the project, contact council’s infrastructure project leader Derek Peters on 5671 2493 or email d.peters@ basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Students asked the residents to share their memories of their life in the town.

Each student then presented the residents with a lavender bag and card for Christmas.

The exchange was a delight for both generations.

No fine for illegal fire A WATTLE Bank man narrowly avoided rived, and so the landholder avoided a penalty.

Mr Olden urged people to be aware fires were a hefty fine after he extinguished an illegal fire before firefighters arrived on now banned during the high fire danger at the height of summer.

Tuesday, December 27.

“If people need information about what they The Kongwak Country Fire Authority was called to an illegal burn on Lynnes Road shortly before 7.30am.

A landholder had been burning grass and sticks overnight to clear his property, unaware fire restrictions were in force.

Kongwak CFA captain Ross Olden said the fire was out and steaming when firefighters ar-

Man collapses A MAN was taken to hospital after he collapsed in the middle of Inverloch last Wednesday, December 28.

He needed emergency care while in A’Beckett Street about 4pm.

An ambulance was called and so was the Inverloch Country Fire Authority’s support vehicle, equipped with a defibrillator, before paramedics arrived.

The defibrillator was not required and paramedics transported the man to hospital.

can and cannot do during the Fire Danger Period, they can talk to their local CFA or get online,” he said.

Firefighters call police to active, illegal fires and fines could be imposed to discourage the risk of a burnoff leading to bushfires and causing catastrophic damage, as well calling CFA volunteers away from their families unnecessarily.

The penalties for lighting a fire in the open air during the Fire Danger Period without a permit can be up to $17,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Stiffer penalties apply for fires lit on days of Total Fire Ban days.

The Fire Danger Period in South Gippsland and parts of Bass Coast shire councils began on December 19, 2016.

During the Fire Danger Period, fires cannot be lit in the open air without a written permit from CFA or a municipal fire prevention officer.

For more information on burn-offs and Fire Presents: Wonthaggi North Primary School student Siena gave Rose Lodge resident Thelma Danger Periods, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au Alford a lavender bag and a card for Christmas.

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

OPINIONS

Wise move, council

REGARDING the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting at Cowes on December 14, 2016, we have greatly enjoyed our first two years as residents of Phillip Island and were delighted to have the opportunity to attend this council meeting – and we were well satisfied by the experience.

As with other residents who attended the meeting, we were eager to see more positive directions for the Island, as part of the overall shire. We were impressed by the conduct of the meeting and the deliberations.

It was obvious some other visitors at the meeting were disappointed council decided not to proceed imme-

diately with some proposals, including aspects of the Cultural Centre and the pool. From our perspective, these decisions were responsibly taken, as financial foundations for much of the work require further clarification.

It would have been easy for the council to follow the recent global trends towards popularist policy design and decision making, and to accede to the demands of resident groups.

In these financially volatile times, it is most important to move forward within the current financial capabilities of any organisation, which is what the council appears to have done. Clearly, the door is still open to proposals but all decisions need to be wisely considered.

We came away from the meeting, understanding more about the workings of the council and what the new councillors appear to offer.

Letters to the Editor

We also realised this council appears to be well led and adopts a responsible decision making approach, based upon sound business and financial management, all of which is essential in managing the multi-million dollar enterprise that is the Bass Coast Shire Council.

At a time when there is dissatisfaction with governments in many parts of the world, council has an opportunity to showcase a style of local government that reflects an administration that demonstrates the transparency, communication, connection with community and accountability that is both possible and essential in any vibrant society in the 21st century.

A good start, so far. We will follow progress with great anticipation and interest.

Peter and Honey Spence, Ventnor.

Stay safe by water AS THE weather warms up, many of us will be looking to cool off in the water.

E D I T O R I A L Emergency upgrade is vital to our region’s health IF THERE’s any time you’re glad your community is serviced by a first class health service, it’s when you need it – and especially in an emergency.

The emergency department at Wonthaggi Hospital has faced staffing challenges in years gone by, but with dedicated emergency doctors, nurses and ward clerks now on duty, the community can rest assured it has the support of a 24 hour, seven day a week service covering a massive area, from Phillip Island to Grantville, and all the way to Welshpool in the east.

While waiting for treatment is a part of seeking emergency care, cases are processed on the basis of priority and those with minor ailments are generally only too happy to wait should a cardiac case or similar present.

Bass Coast Health, which oversees the emergency department, has applied to the State Government for $10 million to rebuld the department and relocate it to the front of the hospital.

This is a project the government cannot overlook.

The record for the number of patients seen at the emergency department in 24 hours has been broken twice in the past week.

First it was 99, then it was 101.

While the closure of medical clinics over the Christmas and New Year holiday periods would have contributed to those figures, the fact is the resident population of Bass Coast and South Gippsland is growing, and at this time of the year, the region is swamped by holidaymakers too.

Typically the more tourists an area receives, the more people discover the area and the more they move here, and the cycle continues.

Wonthaggi Hospital needs a bigger emergency department to meet demand. There is no doubt about it and with a funding announcing due from the State Government any day, the case in favour cannot be overlooked.

It’s a matter of health, for you, and your family and friends.

Whether it’s a pool, creek, river, beach or even the garden hose, I urge everyone to remember the safety message from Swimming Victoria, to ‘Play it Safe by the Water’ this summer.

Our surf life savers do an amazing job, but need your help, so please listen to their advice, always swim between the flags when present, never swim alone and perhaps most importantly, never swim intoxicated.

Alcohol contributes to at least 20 percent of all adult drowning deaths each year. However, it is

suspected the overall figure is likely to be higher as alcohol is not tested for in all drowning deaths. Swimming and alcohol just don’t mix.

There’s a lot to enjoy throughout Gippsland over the summer, please enjoy it responsibly. For more information visit https://www. watersafety.vic.gov.au/.

Danny O’Brien, Gippsland South MLA.

Council applauded READING our local papers, and hearing feedback from many community members, I believe the early performance of our new Bass Coast Council augurs well for our community in this new year, and beyond.

Already our councillors have demonstrated they are genuinely listening to the community and are working in the best interests of the whole community by leading, rather than by following the CEO. For example, we see the great result achieved with the successful relocation of the life saving patrol tower at Inverloch’s surf beach.

Whereas the previous council appeared to adopt an adversarial approach to the tower situation, our new councillors immediately turned that position on its head.

They swiftly engaged with the surf club, council officers, and the minister, to produce a very timely and satisfactory outcome. And only just in the nick of time for the summer holidays.

Visitors, both local and from around the world, will enjoy their beach holiday in added safety as the

Email: letters@thestar.com.au Post: PO Box 84 Leongatha 3953 Fax: 03 5662 4350

great team of life savers and volunteers keep a watchful eye over the water precinct from the relocated tower.

For another example, we have the recent decision by councillors to pause and reconsider the merit and feasibility of committing almost $1 million of ratepayers’ money into design drawings for the Cowes Cultural Centre.

Rather than blithely waving through the recommendations from council’s senior officers, our new councillors pointed out significant deficiencies in the report such as: • important information about the amount of borrowings associated with the project had not been disclosed to the community; • important financial information about grant funding and other conditions had not been fully disclosed to council; and • the Federal Government did not accept the figures claimed in council’s business case and thus rejected council’s application for funding.

In hitting the pause button on part of this $18 million combined project, our councillors have demonstrated prudent and proper management of ratepayer monies.

Our community, like all others, has competing needs and wants.

But just as our individual families must live within their financial means and determine appropriate priorities for spending and borrowing, so too must our community family. Our new councillors understand this.

But it seems to me the CEO and perhaps some of the senior officers at council are not accustomed to these higher standards of fiscal rigour, and they have some way to go in order to step up to the more

disciplined approach being applied by the new councillors.

With the CEO on $330,000 and his senior officers averaging $150,000, let’s hope they can catch up quickly.

Kevin Griffin,

Inverloch.

Smart decision, council CONGRATULATIONS to the newly elected Bass Coast Shire Council for its decision on December 14 not to spend $800,000 on detailed drawings for the cultural centre revitalisation.

It was a responsible decision as council cannot at this time be spending on non essential items.

I, like many others, would like a revitalised cultural centre but unfortunately council’s weak financial position did not help our application for funding for the project.

The Auditor General’s report shows despite the previous council stating what a good job it has done, the reality is very different. Our council has been underperforming.

Rates for the 2017-2018 budget are being capped at two percent, thus increasing rate revenue by $867,201, however employee costs, according to the budget, will increase by $915,000 to nearly $50,000 more than the extra rate income.

Bass Coast Shire Council obviously cannot afford any additional expenditure until the financial position is improved.

John Swarbrick, Rhyll.

VOXPOP! VOX

What is your favourite beach is South Gippsland?

“Inverloch because it’s safe for families and there’s always a really good vibe.”

Beau Van Agtmaal, Inverloch.

“Powlett River because it’s good fun, has easy access and hardly anyone goes there.”

Ollie Collett, Inverloch.

“Inverloch because it’s a safe beach, and the people are lovely and friendly. It’s a really special spot.”

Sophie Scott, Inverloch.

“Venus Bay. I’ve been coming here for 24 years. It’s a nice clean beach.”

Trevor Thomas, Melbourne.

Terror attack hits home RECENT terror attacks in Germany have touched South Congratulations: Wonthaggi Rotary Club president Graeme Sprague (back, far left) and Wonthaggi Gippsland.

North Primary School principal Andrew Strickland (back, far right) presented awards to graduating Grade At least 12 people were killed Six students, back from left, Bethany Reitsma, Amy Britt, Harry Adams, Jarvis Atkinson, Niamh Murray and around 50 injured after a truck and Matthew Dean, and front from left, Rosie Carter, Saphora Palmayre, Leah Zappa, Matilda Peters, Zoe ploughed into crowds attending Christmas markets in Berlin.

Bilson, Jasmine Scales and Casey Frazer.

School celebrates WONTHAGGI North Primary School farewelled its graduating Grade Six students in a presentation ceremony recently.

The ceremony was held at the Wonthaggi Arts Centre.

Jasmine Scales was congratulated for

receiving the overall academic award.

Subject awards were presented to Bethany Reitsma and Rosie Carter for English, Amy Britt for the arts, Jarvis Atkinson for science, Niamh Murray and Matthew Dean for maths, and Leah Zappa for physical education.

Harry Adams received the citizenship award, while Saphora Palmayre,

Matilda Peters, Zoe Bilson and Casey Frazer received awards for personal growth.

Wonthaggi Rotary Club president Graeme Sprague was the sponsor representative.

The staff and the students’ families were proud to celebrate the achievements of the entire graduating class.

Jill Carmody from Leongatha Travel and Cruise was in Berlin 12 months ago specifically to visit the Christmas markets.

She said it was “horrific” to hear of the alleged attack on the city.

“It is so sad for the victims and their families and everyone else who has been directly or indirectly affected by this heinous act,” she said.

“I am devastated for the people of Berlin.”

Ms Carmody said the people of

Germany put a lot of effort into their Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all around the world.

“During our time in Berlin we saw many of the workers call in to the Christmas markets, some of them had fine dining restaurants where they would gather for their evening meal and enjoy a drink with their friends before going home in the evening,” she said.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with them as they face the inevitable results of this crime, which included burying their relatives and friends when they should be preparing to celebrate on Christmas Eve, which is part of their tradition.”

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 13

Pool visions revealed MASTERPLANS have been finalised for the Korumburra and Mirboo North outdoor pools to guide future development at each site.

They have been completed as part of South Gippsland Shire Council’s commitment to improving the recreation facilities in the municipality.

The purpose of the masterplans is to outline what improvement works are required to enhance the functionality and public amenity of the two sites.

Improvement works have been recommended including: • refurbishing the existing pools and replacing the toddler pools with new splash pad play areas; • improving accessibility by providing all access change rooms and installing new ramps; • upgrading the reception and kiosk areas; • upgrading storage and plant facilities; and • grounds beautification through landscaping.

The Mirboo North outdoor pool has also had café style seating and car park-

ing included in its masterplan.

Council’s recreation coordinator Ian Murphy was pleased the masterplans for both facilities had been completed.

“Now the masterplans are complete we have a clear outline of how future works shall progress at each of these two sites,” he said.

“This also provides council with the opportunity to seek further funding as applicable grants become available through the State and Federal governments.”

People wishing to view the masterplans can visit the following websites: www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/korumburrapool or www.southgippsland.vic. gov.au/mirboonorthpool

Fun times: from left, Mirboo North’s Amy Williams, Meaghan Stothart, Bella Scolyer and Meg Harris were ready to jump in the pool during Mirboo North’s recent Idol competition. South Gippsland Shire Council is urging the community to comment about a masterplan released for the pool.

Council puts WiFi on hold

By Brad Lester SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council could expand the public WiFi network in the region but not in the foreseeable future.

Looking ahead: the possible remodelled kiosk, reception and changerooms complex that could become a reality at the Mirboo North pool.

Council recently voted to consider public WiFi as part of its overall strategy in developing the four year Council Plan.

This follows the previous council, in June 2016, calling for a report outlining the costs and feasibility of implementing free public WiFi in the main and tourist towns of the shire.

The council report found limited evidence that a free public WiFi trial

run by a comparable rural shire had supported tourism and encouraged people to stay longer.

The council report suggested establishing community interest and an appropriate model before going ahead.

“Setting up free public WiFi across the main and tourist towns is a significant commitment for council both in terms of installation and managing the resulting network,” the report stated.

“A more sustainable option is likely to be to set up a partnership arrangement that would be able to accommodate the different needs of each town.”

Initial investment and upfront support is likely to be around $10,000 per town based on nine WiFi access points covering the central business districts

of each town, with a total of 100 access points needed across the shire, bringing the initial total cost to up to $110,000.

The estimated annual cost would be $44,760 plus staff costs.

A free public WiFi trial in Leongatha in 2014 received poor uptake and was switched off after three months.

Cr Andrew McEwen said with many apps and websites supplying information these days, council should not rule out free WiFi. “I believe it needs to be looked at as part of a broader digital strategy for the shire,” he said.

Cr Meg Edwards felt cheaper mobile internet plans could make public WiFi unnecessary.

DADS WHO ABUSE WOMEN.

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Honoured: the Hardy Family Award for children making the most improvement in their learning at Inverloch-Kongwak Primary School was presented to Vanessa and Allan by Anne Hardy (centre).

Young achiever: the Jan Thompson Memorial Award at Inverloch-Kongwak Primary School was presented to Luke by Beautiful speech: St Joseph’s Primary School’s Will Carter Don Thompson. The award is for a child in Grade 1/2 mak- received second place at the Bass Coast Rotary Public Speaking the most improvement in their learning. ing Competition after delivering a fantastic speech about his grandfather.

Children ready for next step Young speakers impress INVERLOCH Kongwak Primary School farewelled Grade 6 students at a graduation ceremony recently.

Speeches, songs and dances made for a fun presentation evening.

The Inverloch Lions Club was the major awards sponsor.

The school thanked everyone who helped prepare the evening.

Students were also awarded for their yearlong efforts at a whole school assembly.

Grade 6 students enjoyed a barbecue lunch to finish off their final year.

LAURA Vivian of Cowes Primary School wowed the judges at the Bass Coast Rotary Public Speaking Competition recently.

At this event, nine schools selected one competitor each to present a five minute speech on topics ranging from memories, great explorers and winter adventures, through to heroes and marvellous inventions.

The competence and quality of performance across the board was outstanding, with each student being engaged, well rehearsed and delivered with confidence.

Although it was a competition, the support and well wishes amongst the speakers really

Lions Club Scholarship: Inverloch and District Lions Club Award winner: the Margaret Rees Community Award, president Linda Ally (second left) presented certificates to sponsored by Inverloch Community Bank, was presented to award winners Jasmine, Joe and Oscar of Inverloch-Kongwak Primary School.

Jack by Kate Dwyer, a board member of the bank.

School abuzz with excitement WONTHAGGI North Primary School finished off the year with its annual Christmas concert.

Students were decked out in Christmas costumes and performed songs and dances they

have been practising throughout the term for family and friends.

The concert was also an opportunity for the students to Dance ready: from left, Grade 5 and 6 students Oliver, Brofarewell the Grade 6 students die and Sarah were excited to show off their hip hop moves who will be moving on to sec- in the Best Christmas Dance Ever at the Wonthaggi North ondary school in 2017.

Party time: from left, to show just how excited they are to start the summer break, Grade 1 and 2 students Sharna, Blake, Kiahra and Chloe performed the song Summer Holiday during the Wonthaggi North Primary School Christmas concert.

Primary School Christmas concert.

Big plans: from left, camping, shopping, beach trips and Christmas celebrations are all on the list of things Grade 1 and 2 students Kai, Kiara, Iyla and Martine plan to do over the summer. The students performed the song Summer Holiday at the Wonthaggi North Primary School Christmas concert.

Winner: Cowes Primary School’s Laura Vivian earned first place at the Bass Coast Rotary Public Speaking Competition for her speech about Malala Yousifazi.

established a great atmosphere for the evening.

Laura chose to speak about her hero Malala Yousifazi.

Malala earned a Nobel Peace Prize for her stance on the right of all to receive an education in her home country Pakistan.

Laura’s passion for the topic was evident to all those who witnessed her performance.

She spoke with expression, exceptional clarity and kept the audience engaged with great eye contact.

On top of this, Laura managed to memorise her five minute speech to the point where cue cards were not required on the evening.

Laura’s stellar performance won her the competition, and she was proud.

Runner up was Will Carter from St Joseph’s Primary School, Wonthaggi.

Will chose to speak about someone he admired, and went on to tell an amazing story about an explorer who swims with the sharks and goes on incredible adventures.

The speech left the audience wondering who he could possibly be talking about.

Finally, Will revealed he was talking about his grandfather, who likes to tell fantastical stories to his family.

Staff at St Joseph’s Primary School said Will’s speech was beautifully written and delivered with confidence.

He did extremely well in the competition and gave his grandfather a delightful surprise, as Will kept the subject of his speech a secret until he delivered it at a school assembly.

Christmas helpers: from left, Grade Prep students Mali, Cruze, Dylan and Bella-Rose dressed as Santa’s elves for the Wonthaggi North Primary School Christmas concert. The Prep students performed a dance to the song, All I Want for Christmas is You.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 15

Michelle to lead St Joseph’s MICHELLE Charlton will officially become the principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Korumburra, this year.

Ms Charlton was the acting principal during 2016 and is looking forward to the permanent role.

She said the transition to the new school had been a challenge, but a rewarding one.

“I was a classroom teacher at St Laurence’s Primary School for 15 years,” she said.

“Stepping into a principal’s role was something I’ve always wanted to do, and it was good I was able to have a year to get to know the school and its strong community.”

Ms Charlton said she was looking forward to seeing some of the programs via the Catholic Education Office.

During third term this year, students were involved in weekly dance workshops, which culminated in a school concert for parents and friends. Next year – as part of

the same mindfulness project – students will participate in self regulating activities such as yoga.

The mindfulness program has made significant improvements to the mental wellbeing of school children and reduced negative behaviour.

The school farewelled classroom teacher Nicole Dudman, who has worked with the school for 19 years.

She will teach at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College, Leongatha, this year.

“We at St Joseph’s Primary School would like to thank Nicole for her dedication to the school and wish her all the best,” Ms Charlton said.

New principal: Michelle Charlton is looking forward to her new role as principal of St Joseph’s Primary School, Korumburra, and enjoying an exciting 2017 with students, from left, Tayla, Emily, Max, Valentino and Mikayla.

Annie aims for Navy KORUMBURRA’S Annie Carter represented South Gippsland at the Puckapunyal Army Base recently.

Valued service: Korumburra’s Annie Carter (second from left) participated in a five day work experience program at the Puckapunyal Army Base.

The 16 year old participated in five days of work experience.

At the end of the five days, Annie received a Commander Performance Medal, awarded to just three of the 16 participants.

She was also the top scorer in the rifle and tank simulators and received the shooting award, although she had never used a gun before.

Annie has done her family and her school, Leongatha Secondary College, proud.

The achievement will be put on her resume and Annie hopes to get into the Australian Defence Force Academy and become a musician

for the Navy. Military bands provide valuable entertainment for the soldiers and are required to learn a variety of genres of music.

Annie has been interested in the Navy and base life for the past two years.

She has just finished Year 10 and has studied VCE music at Leongatha Secondary College.

She hopes to reapply for the work experience program at the Hastings base, which will give her more experience to include in her resume.

As well as musical training, Annie would learn military skills, leadership skills, and participate in military exercises if she reaches her goal of studying at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Leave early THE REASONS ARE BLACK AND WHITE Bushfires can start quickly and threaten lives within minutes. When it comes to fire, what you need to do is black and white.

Check Fire Danger Ratings daily and monitor warnings. Leaving early, before a fire starts, is always the safest option.

emergency.vic.gov.au Download the VicEmergency app

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Don’t let sun burn you BAD sunburn in childhood increases your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma, prompting warnings for South Gippsland residents to ensure sunburn is not their summer holiday souvenir.

Melanoma Institute Australia CEO Carole Renouf has issued the reminder as locals and visitors enjoy summer in South Gippsland.

“The summer holidays in Australia are renowned for families enjoying long playful days in the sun, surf and sand,” Ms Renouf said.

“Whilst summer holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with family and friends and recharge after a busy year, they are also the prime time for severe sunburn.

“In addition to being painful, sunburn can have a far more harmful impact. Intense, intermittent exposure leading to sunburn at a young age significantly increases your risk of developing melanoma in the future.”

One Australian dies from melanoma every six hours. Melanoma is the most common cancer affecting 15 to 39 year-old Australians and the leading cause of cancer death in 20 to 39 yearolds.

The incidence of melanoma in the over 60s is also high, a legacy of sun-damage from decades ago.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is damaging to skin

cells as it causes mutations in DNA and it also impairs the immune system’s ability to repair.

Intense, intermittent sun exposure leading to sunburn – particularly in the years prior to puberty – is the most dangerous. Melanoma can develop decades after such exposure.

The real tragedy of melanoma is that it is largely preventable. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, reducing the amount of UV radiation that reaches cells.

However, the active ingredients in sunscreen break down quickly, meaning a single application in the morning will not last the whole day. It needs to be reapplied at least every two hours and it needs to be SPF50+.

“People relaxing on holidays tend to get sunsafe before they head out in the morning, but then Cover up: the Melanoma Institute Australia is urging Australians to protect themselves get caught up in the day’s activities and forget the against sunburn this summer. Photo: Cancer Council Australia. basics like covering up and staying out of the sun during hottest part of the day,” Ms Renouf said.

“I urge South Gippsland holiday-makers to not become complacent and actively take steps to help protect against the serious risks posed Apply and re-apply SPF 50+ sunscreen. by just one bad case of sunburn, particularly to Wear a broad brimmed hat, sunglasses and cover up. children and adolescents.

Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

“And when you arrive home is a perfect time Get to ‘know the skin you’re in’, and ask family members or friends to check. to check your skin for any changes. You need to for skin changes in places you can’t see, as melanoma is most common in men get to know the skin you’re in and ask family and on the back and in women on the calves. friends to check places you can’t easily see.

Opt for a keyring or fridge magnet as your summer holiday souvenir. Don’t “There are far better souvenirs to bring back from a summer holiday than a bad sunburn, which bring sunburn home with you. has the potential for serious ramifications.”

Summer holiday checklist

Learn to swim A MUCH loved Victorian water safety program that teaches children vital survival skills has returned just in time for summer.

Harriet Shing, Eastern Victoria Region MLC, encouraged families to sign up their children for the VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program, funded by the State Government.

The VICSWIM Summer Kidz Program grows each and every year. Last summer, more than 9,500 children took part in water safety activities at 129 venues across the state.

In Gippsland, children will be able to make friends, enjoy the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle and learn about how to stay safe in the water at a number of local pools, including Foster and Korumburra.

For the complete list of participating Gippsland swimming pools visit www. vicswim.com.au/locations It’s all about providing low cost aquatic education to help youngsters stay safe. The program can cost as little as $30 for five days during the January holidays.

The State Government

has provided VICSWIM with $400,000 for this year’s summer program.

For more information or to register online visit www. vicswim.com.au Ms Shing said, “VICSWIM is more than just an enjoyable experience for children, its saving lives too. Gippsland kids love to swim, and we want all of them to swim safely.”

“Registrations are open and classes can fill up fast. Get in quick to ensure your child is safe in the water this summer.”

Life’s a beach: young friends Poppy Gerovasilis of Emerald and Clementine Amsden of the UK haven’t seen each other for five and a half years so they were thrilled to spend some playtime during the start of the school holidays on the Inverloch surf beach with their families.

Be water wise this summer SOUTH Gippsland Water is urging the community to be cautious with water use this summer.

With warm weather occurring last week, all water supply systems began to drop as rainfall decreased and, in turn, demand for water across communities increased.

South Gippsland Water managing director Philippe du Plessis said, “The region’s water supply systems currently have storage levels at or above 90 percent capacity, but as we head into summer and coastal populations swell with holiday-makers, storage levels will drop accordingly.

“As such, we encourage customers to use water wisely at all times. Permanent Water Saving Rules

are in place across all Victorian systems and townships.

“These are simple things, like fitting a trigger nozzle to your hose or not hosing down decks or driveways, that are easy to do at a household level and add up to water savings at a regional level.”

Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place to help all Victorians maintain a common-sense approach to water use. The rules are in force permanently and are separate from any other water restrictions South Gippsland Water may need to impose from time to time.

Information about Permanent Water Saving Rules can be found in the Services section of South Gippsland Water’s website www.sgwater.com.au.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 17

Survive the heat

Family fun time: Trevor, Alicia, and Wayde Thomas of Melbourne relaxed and watched the waves at Venus Bay last Thursday.

AS Victoria braces for soaring temperatures this summer, South Gippsland Shire Council is encouraging residents to think about how they can stay safe in the heat.

The Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHS) Survive the Heat campaign was launched recently to raise awareness of the affects extreme heat can have on health.

Council’s coordinator grants/emergency management Penni Ellicott said extreme heat and heatwaves killed more people than any natural disaster in Australia.

“In the 2009 Victorian heatwave 374 people died and almost 80 percent of them were over 65 years of age,” she said.

“Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions occurring when the body’s temperature rises and the internal organs start to shut down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion range from muscle cramps, dizziness to nausea, vomiting and fainting.” South Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Ray Argento said there were actions people could take to stay safe in extreme heat. “Drink at least two litres of water a day, seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds to keep the heat out and take cool showers,” he said.

“We can also keep an eye on people we know who may be at greater risk of heat exhaustion like our neighbours who live alone, young children, or people with a medical condition.”

If you or anyone you know feels unwell on a hot day call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24, or call 000 in an emergency.

Emergency contact information: • radio - 774(AM), ABC Melbourne; • phone – in an emergency, dial 000 (TTY 106), Victorian Bushfire Information Line - 1800 240 667, CFA headquarters - 9262 8444; • websites: fire updates - www.emergency.vic. gov.au, road closures - www.vicroads.vic.gov.au or 13 11 70, park closures - www.parkweb.vic. gov.au or 13 19 63.

South Gippsland Shire is in the CFA’s West Sun and sandcastles: Jorgi Seymour and Eden Pillwein from Melbourne enjoyed the summer fun at Venus Bay last Thursday. and South Gippsland Fire Ban District.

Don’t leave a campfire burning CAMPERS are being urged to not leave campfires unattended this summer.

offence and can receive greater penalties.

“The message is clear: don’t leave a campfire burning. We urge campers to do the right thing and check for a Total Fire Ban on the CFA website at cfa.vic.gov. au.”

That is the message from Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) partners want Victorians to remember these summer holidays.

Parks Victoria director fire and emergency David Nugent said with around 10 percent of bushfires on • light your fire in a properly constructed fireplace or public land caused by escaped campfires, visitors en- in a trench at least 30cm deep and be less than one square joying Victoria’s parks and forests need to be respon- metre in any direction; sible and extinguish fires properly.

• branches and logs on your campfire must be less than “Visitors and campers in our parks need to under- one metre long; stand escaped campfires are dangerous and can threaten ensure the ground and airspace within a distance of lives and property,” he said.

“Do the right thing and stay near your campfire and always extinguish it with water before walking away.

Always use water to put out a campfire, not soil, as the fire can smoulder under the dirt and spread. If an extinguished fire is cool to touch, it is safe to leave.”

“Each year, fire agencies devote time and resources to fighting escaped campfires. It doesn’t take much for sparks from a campfire to turn into major fires in hot and dry weather. That’s why it’s important to never light a fire on a total fire ban or Code Red day. Check the CFA website for total fire ban information. If you are unsure whether it’s a total fire ban day, don’t light the fire.”

Being responsible with campfires is also good for the hip pocket. Under the Forests Act 1958, Infringement Notices of $466 can be issued for leaving a campfire unattended with a maximum penalty of up to $15,546 if the matter is dealt with by a court.

Parks Victoria staff issued more than 40 fire-related fines in the 2015-16 financial year.

“Lighting a fire on a day of total fire ban or allowing a fire to remain alight on a day of total fire ban is extremely serious and attracts even more severe penalties of up to $37,310.40, or two years’ jail, or both,” Mr Nugent said.

“Campers shouldn’t leave a fire burning unattended at any time, but also need to be aware that if they leave the campfire burning overnight, and the next day is a Total Fire Ban then they have committed an additional

Guidelines for campfires:

three metres from the outer perimeter and upper most point of the fire is clear of flammable material; • never leave a campfire or barbeque unattended, even for a short time, and maintain a line of sight of less than 50 metres; • make sure the fire is completely extinguished with water before you leave, even you’re only gone for a short time. If it’s cool to touch, it is safe to leave; and • for all campfires, use only wood that has been provided or fallen dead wood. Do not cut down trees or damage vegetation.

For more information on campfire safety, visit: http:// www.depi.vic.gov.au/fire-and-emergencies/public-landfire-restrictions/campfires-and-barbeques

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Save money, be energy smart SOUTH Gippsland businesses will have the chance to cut their energy and water costs and reduce their impact on the environment via Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs).

Huge attraction: the fifth Mossvale Markets was held recently at the beautiful Mossvale Park in Berrys Creek, amid concerns about traffic management and damage to the park’s trees.

Market’s popularity causes traffic delay DRIVERS were frustrated by traffic problems as a result of the successful fifth Mossvale Markets at Berrys Creek on Sunday, December 18.

The event at Mossvale Park also caused concern for the parks advisory committee, with fears soil compaction could permanently damage trees at the park.

The market attractes some 5000 visitors and brought an estimated $100,000 worth of revenue to the region.

Kerrie-Ann Garlick from market organiser Seed Folk Events said attendance was around double that expected.

“We didn’t expect the numbers that came out to support the market.

The traffic management plan that is part of our permit to hold these events was followed accordingly,” she said.

“We are working closely with Vic Roads, the local police and the South Gippsland Shire Council to try and find a way for this event to continue with road safety our number one priority.”

Mossvale Park Advisory Committee president Suzanne Wightman

said while she commended the markets’ popularity, it was held in the wrong place.

“We are going to suggest the markets find another venue,” she said.

Ms Wightman said the high level of prolonged foot traffic would cause compaction around the roots of the trees in the park.

“I know they set up within the guidelines, but there is a lot of foot traffic all at once around those trees.

While you can’t see the impact today, you will see it in the next few years,” she said.

“The park was set up to be free for the public to use. It is becoming famous, people are learning about it, but our focus is how to protect it while also allowing people to enjoy it.”

Ms Wightman said the market would be discussed at the advisory committee’s next meeting.

Sue Johnson from Leongatha attended the market and said after arriving at Mossvale Park at around 10am, she queued on the Strzelecki Highway for around 15 minutes.

“There was no traffic management there at that time. There was a volunteer on the highway when we left but I think they need a profes-

sional doing it,” she said.

“Overall, our experience was a positive one, I found it enjoyable.

Bins were few and far between, but the main issue was definitely traffic control.”

Ms Garlick said the traffic management plan would possibly be revised to keep roads safe.

She said a change of venue for the market was not something the organisers were considering.

“It is a public park and it needs to be utilised. No damage was done and people were really respectful of the park. Our number one priority is traffic flow on the highway,” she said.

Council’s community strengthening coordinator Ned Dennis said the park had been inspected since the market and did not appear to have been negatively impacted.

“There are guidelines about numbers of people attending activities at the park, with the focus on numbers present for a long period such as a whole day event,” he said.

“A market might attract more visitors but for short periods of time, therefore not necessarily creating issues for park maintenance and management.”

The agreements help businesses reduce their operational costs while increasing productivity.

Using support from the Sustainable Melbourne Fund, any non-residential property in South Gippsland will have the opportunity to enter into an EUA – an agreement between the property owner, council and a participating bank.

Repayments will be collected from the business through their rates payments and passed onto the bank.

EUAs offer 100 percent project finance, competitive interest rates and long term finance compared to other financial options. By deciding to introduce EUAs in South Gippsland, council is taking an innovative step in providing a way for

businesses to access capital and improve their business opportunities.

Council’s manager sustainable communities Chris Van Der Ark said the upgrades are expected to create more local jobs, investment, improved environmental outcomes and asset values in the region.

“Having the loans repaid via the council’s rates system means an EUA loan is prioritised over other debts attached to the property in the event of a loan default,” Ms Van Der Ark said.

“This gives lenders more security, allowing them to offer long term loans at competitive interest rates.

“Upgrading buildings within our shire will deliver savings on utility bills, driving down the overall cost of energy for business, while also reducing the impacts of climate change – a win, win situation.”

More information will be provided to local businesses wanting to be involved as the program is implemented by council.

Mayor hits our streets THE new mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council is taking his message to the streets.

Cr Ray Argento and some of his councillors will walk the streets of South Gippsland towns to meet with residents and businesspeople to discuss their opinions and needs.

The mayor joined with councillors Aaron Brown and Andrew McEwen and walked through Korumburra last month, where people raised such issues as the

Korumburra streetscape, tidiness of the town and planning issues.

The closure of the NAB bank also caused concern.

Cr Argento and council CEO Tim Tamlin also visited Port Welshpool, Welshpool, Toora, Foster and Fish Creek to hear locals’ views.

The Long Jetty, boat parking at Port Welshpool, drainage issues at Toora and the prospect of a dump point for recreation vehicles in Welshpool were among the issues raised.

Poowong land swap SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council proposes to undertake a deviation and land exchange of Houlihans Lane in Poowong to address land ownership concerns.

Houlihans Lane was created by the former Country Roads Board but now council is the responsible road authority.

Part of it was constructed on private land owned by the adjoining landowner.

To formalise this situation, council will create a road status over the privately owned part of the road, remove the road status from the road area that is not used as a road and complete a land exchange with adjoining landowner.

Council’s manager sustainable communities Chris Van Der Ark said, “Situ-

ations like this are common throughout South Gippsland however rectification is not actively pursued by council as usually there is no interest or risk.

“The adjoining landowner to Houlihans Lane is keen for the process to proceed to ensure boundary lines are clear in case the property is sold in the future.”

Council is undertaking public consultation about the proposed change and will accept written submissions from the community until 5pm on January 18, 2017.

All feedback received will be considered at the next available council meeting where submitters will have the opportunity to speak to their submission if requested.

If no submissions are received, council will proceed with the deviation and land exchange.

Seasonal rangers sign on PARKS Victoria’s new crew of 37 seasonal rangers is heading out to parks around the state to help out during its busiest season, with two members of the new crew joining the team in South Gippsland.

Daniel Norman will be based in Foster and will be working across a number of parks and reserves throughout the South Gippsland district, while Annette Cook will be based at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Daniel will be involved in a broad range of park management activities including the delivery of interpretation and education activities, visitor facilities maintenance, predator control programs including assisting with fox control activities within Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park, and threatened species management.

“I am excited to be joining the Parks Victoria team as a seasonal ranger, having completed my degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education at Monash University in 2013,” he said.

“This opportunity will allow me to enhance my experience so far as an outdoor education teacher and seasonal ranger at El Questro Wilderness Park in the Kimberleys in Western Australia.

“I am really looking forward to working with the community in promoting and managing the spectacular parks of South Gippsland for all to enjoy as well as extending my knowledge of region by working with the experts in the field.”

Annette Cook comes to Parks Victoria with a host of experience after undertaking her own tree change from the publishing industry and is now working in conservation and environmental management.

“I have led 4WD tours through

the Top End and the Kimberley, day tours through the Daintree Rainforest and the Tasmanian Western Wilderness,” she said.

“While working as an interpretation officer with Australian Wildlife Conservancy, I studied for my masters degree where I studied the effect of fire on the threatened northern quoll.

“I am looking forward to my time at Tidal River where I hope I can make a positive contribution during the busy summer period.

“I am hoping to gain some vital operational skills as well as learn new skills and knowledge from the local team.”

Seasonal rangers also benefit from their summer stint with Parks Victoria by learning a wealth of practical and management skills through a wide range of projects.

For those aspiring to become full time rangers it’s a great hands on and fun experience.

Sharing outdoors: new seasonal rangers with Parks Victoria in South Gippsland, Annette Cook and Daniel Norman.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 19

Community groups reap rewards COMMUNITY grants to the value of $126,985 were distributed across Bass Coast Shire recently.

Up to $10,000 was received by a range of community organisations.

A major grant of $10,000 was presented to the Wonthaggi Business and Tourism Association for the inaugural Wonthaggi Laneways Festival, to be held on April 1.

The festival will take place in Wonthaggi’s Jongebloed Lane, Taberner’s Lane, IGA car park and Apex Park.

The event fills a need for an annual festival that all community groups can be proud of and participate in.

This event will also reinvigorate busi-

ness vibrancy within the central business area.

Other significant grants included $4200 for the Corinella and District Men’s Shed to purchase equipment, $4000 for the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo to research San Remo’s culture and heritage and $4800 for the Wonthaggi Citizen’s Band to make further improvements to its band room.

Smiling faces: many community groups from across Bass Coast Shire received grant funding recently.

MP Bath promoted KOONWARRA’S Melina Bath, who joined the Legislative Council in May 2015, has been appointed Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Country Schools.

Prior to entering parliament, Ms Bath was a secondary school teacher in South Gippsland.

The promotion of Ms Bath to the shadow cabinet highlights The Nationals’ commitment to country students, to ensure they have the same opportunities and access to similar facilities as city students.

The Nationals’ leader Peter Walsh is enthusiastic about the appointment.

“We are very pleased to appoint Melina in this role as she brings to it her own first-hand experience as a teacher who worked in regional communities,” he said.

“Country schools are the launching pads for young people in regional communities and Melina’s work will help ensure a future Liberal-Nationals government delivers the right policies and programs for country schools and families.”

Coming from a teaching background, Ms Bath welcomes the opportunity to contribute to improvements for country education.

“I will be out listening to school communities in the New Year. I hope to meet with principals, teachers, school councils and parents to listen to their concerns,” she said.

“There is a significant and persistent gap between rural and metropolitan students when it comes to aspiration and performance.

“Children and young people from rural areas lag behind their metropolitan peers. The propor-

tion of 15-24 year olds with a Certificate IV or higher qualification is much lower, and far fewer rural students go on to attend university.

“I am keen to be part of the solution to improve educational outcomes.

“I want to see this change. It’s not something that will happen quickly, but when you look at the strains on infrastructure of a rapidly expanding Melbourne, it makes even more sense to put resourcing into supporting regional communities, starting with schools.”

Climbing ladder: Eastern Victoria Region MLC Melina Bath is now Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Country Schools in the Victorian Parliament.

Children cross the road safely KINDERGARTEN students across Bass Coast have been learning to cross the road safely with the help of Bass Coast Shire Council’s school crossing supervisors.

During term four, sessions were held at kindergartens and day care centres in Cowes, Inverloch and Wonthaggi.

Bass Coast mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield said the aim of the program is to educate children to use school crossings correctly.

“Key messages from program is for children to ‘stop, look, listen and think’, and promoting that road safety is for everyone – themselves, their family and friends, and other people using the road,” she said.

“It’s important for children to take the message home from the session and remind their parents of school crossing safety.”

Cr Rothfield said it was also important for kindergarten children to learn the correct way to use the crossing before they start primary school next year.

Valuable lessons: Bass Coast Shire Council school crossing supervisors taught children at McKenzie Street Kindergarten in Wonthaggi about crossing the road safely.

The education program consists of an interactive in class session run by two school crossing supervisors.

Phillip Island Early Learning Centre kindergarten teachers Lynne Hadley and Justine McLaren thanked council for allowing the lollipop education program to visit the kinder.

“We find the children enjoy joining in the role play the ladies present,” they said.

“Having the opportunity to see the uniforms and signs up

close, and to be able to ask questions, is invaluable to the kinder children and we view this visit as part of our transition program to school.”

The school crossing supervisors also received wonderful feedback from the Bass Valley Children Centre, which highly recommended the service.

Nine of council’s 14 school crossing supervisors are trained to deliver the safety education program at schools and kindergartens.

MP condemns bank closure GIPPSLAND South MLA Danny O’Brien has condemned the National Australia Bank (NAB) for its decision to close its Korumburra branch this year.

NAB announced its decision last month to close the Korumburra branch from February 2017.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Mr O’Brien said the decision was a bad one that needed to be reversed.

“Korumburra is a growing town, with new housing investments and future expansion touted for its major employer, Burra Foods,” he said.

“Of the 140 businesses in town about 40 percent bank with the NAB and few will be inclined to travel 15 kilometres to do their banking in Leongatha each day.

“The company made a cash profit of $6.48 billion this year, while revenue increased by 2.5 per cent against expenses growth of 2.2 percent — hardly the signs of a company in serious trouble.

“I would hate to think this is a return to the bad old days of the 1990s when Australia’s big four banks closed regional branches throughout the country.

“The NAB should reverse this decision and keep the Korumburra branch open.”

Mr O’Brien said he had been contacted by

Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien. many local people, including businesspeople, with concerns about the closure and he supported the Korumburra Business Association’s campaign to have the branch kept open.

Island chief to lead Parks lentless pursuit of that message.”

“The diversity of the parks offering we have in Victoria provides such an amazing platform for education, conservation and Matthew Jackson recreational activities. was the CEO at Phillip I am excited and humIsland Nature Parks for bled to have this fanthe past six years and tastic opportunity.” before that held other Parks Victoria senior roles within the manages 4.2 million organisation. hectares of parks and He has also had exwaterways across Vicperience in the private toria. sector in marketing and Chair Jeff Floyd distribution. said Mr Jackson has Mr Jackson was apoverseen a transforpointed after an internamation in the nature tional search that drew an outstanding response. Role change: Phillip Island Nature Parks parks with a high He has overseen CEO Mattew Jackson has been appointed the level of community consultation, and the strong and continued new Parks Victoria chief executive. delivery of major growth in research, environmental outconservation programs and visitor numbers and engagement during his time at Phillip Island Na- comes and significant new tourism attractions.

“Matthew’s leadership in securing funding for ture Parks.

He is expected to commence in mid-February our new Penguin Parade visitor centre and a major increase in penguin habitat has placed the nature 2017.

Mr Jackson said, “I have been involved in na- parks in a very strong position,” Mr Floyd said.

“His internal leadership with our wonderful team ture based tourism and education for much of my career and I hold a deep respect and affection for of staff has also been a key factor in our success.

“The board is sad to lose Matthew but equally Victoria’s parks and waterways.

“Parks Victoria is respected worldwide for its is very pleased to hear of his new appointment at Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative and I am Parks Victoria for which he is warmly congratuvery much looking forward to continuing the re- lated.”

THE new chief executive of Parks Victoria is the current CEO of Phillip Island Nature Parks.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Surfing summer away LOCALS and tourists alike are flocking to the beaches in droves this summer.

Sandcastle season is in full swing, fishermen are out to try their luck, and surfers revel in the local breaks.

Slap on some sunscreen and join the crowds at a local beach and have fun in one of Australia’s natural playgrounds.

Surf’s up: from left Leroy Peterson, Harley Jetson, Tom Smith, and Sam Ellis are cooling off in style, hitting the waves at Venus Bay.

Cavity ready to fill in Venus Bay SERVING three different menus throughout the day, including an all-day breakfast, The Cavity in Venus Bay focuses on locally sourced seafood with a Spanish influence.

“We change the menu based on the seafood from

the latest catch,” owner Jordan Meikle said.

Dependent upon the local catch at Corner Inlet, and what the best selling dishes are, the menu can change several times just over the weekend, ensuring the best quality dishes for customers.

The wine list also changes weekly and the bar offers beers, cocktails,

juices, smoothies, and milkshakes.

Supporting the local community is integral to the restaurant, not only by employing locals and sourcing local produce, but by raising money as well.

The Cavity has raised more than $6000 since its inception for local causes including the surf life sav-

Ready to serve: proprietor Jordan Meikle, left, is pictured with some of the hard working staff at The Cavity in Venus Bay after a busy lunchtime service.

ing club and local primary school.

Having finished its recent renovations in time to celebrate its fifth anniversary, sourcing local timbers and a new lick of paint, it is now able to seat 60 patrons inside and up to 120 all up, ready to tackle the holiday season influx.

Serving all manner of people, The Cavity focuses on the quality of food and service.

There is something for everyone to enjoy in this cafe-cum-restaurant, and there is always something new to discover.

Enjoy the live music scene three nights of the week, or come down for the popular Friday happy hour and a half with freshly made paella served at $5 a bowl.

Order a favourite seasonal seafood dish before it flies out the door or have a cup of the organic, fairtrade coffee and “enjoy a relaxing, good time for the children and family,” Mr Meikle said.

Treasure trove: regular customer Anita Booth enjoys her coffee at Venus Bay Treasures.

Hidden treasures near Venus Bay SUMMER season brings both tourists and locals out in droves to explore the many things Venus Bay and Tarwin Lower have to offer.

Open every day in January, the Venus Bay Treasures store helps customers beat the heat, or find a gift for someone special.

Selling ladies’ clothes, jewellery, and gifts, the store has also ventured into

drinks and cakes.

“Before you head to the beach, why not call in and get a cold pressed juice or smoothie,” owner Julie Horskins said.

As well as juice and smoothies, they offer coffee with organic beans that have been locally roasted and have a pre-ordering service available by call or text.

Beat the cafe lines for a morning coffee or drink and pick up an order with no hassle or enjoy a leisurely look at all the goods on offer while you sip.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 21

Tarwin Lower offers plenty of care THE Tarwin Lower Community Health Centre is working hard to meet the needs of the local community.

“We service a growing and ageing population in excess of 1000,” centre president David Miller said.

The centre celebrated its 25th anniversary in October and continues to offer a wide range of services and activities opening six days a week and running activities up to five days a week.

It currently offers the services of a naturopath, district nurses three days a week, a forensic healer, an acupuncturist, a maternal and child health nurse, podiatrist, nurse practitioner, clinical psychologist, and Dr Frances Grimes attending on a Wednesday.

“Unlike a lot of the coastal areas, we have a large percentage of our population over 65,” said Mr Miller.

The emphasis of the centre is on overall wellbeing and to contribute to the standard of living of the community, it has a wide variety of activities to keep everyone on their toes.

Tai chi is run every week, garden club once a month, meditation, yoga, and even a friendship group is on offer every Friday with the help of Gippsland Southern Health Service.

Group programmes are available in 2017, offering workshops run by clinical psychologist Debbie Birkett in creating happiness, chronic conditions, and writing through grief.

Currently they have an application pending to extend their service to include massage, and a midwife.

The facility is owned by the shire and the provision of service is up to the Gippsland Southern Health Service but the volunteers are an integral part of the centre’s ability to offer services.

The 10-12 volunteers who staff the centre allow it to offer a full-time service by doing necessary reception work.

It is free to be a member of the centre, which is always looking to the future needs of the locals.

Well managed: assistant secretary Wendy Don and president David Miller of the Tarwin Lower Community Health Centre are proud of the services offered at the centre.

Tarwin Lower a thriving hub SUMMER arrives and Tarwin Lower turns full circle from quiet town to a hub of action.

This year is no exception with a favourite among the locals the Ripple Cafe.

From Monday to Sunday, the cafe serves delicious down to earth food in a family-friendly en-

vironment.

With a large selection of home baked goods, Ripple Cafe can accommodate individual needs, offering gluten free options and is a licensed premises.

For a hearty breakfast, or a snack along the way, pop in and have a bite of something made from scratch in the unpretentious atmosphere.

Enjoy an extended stay at the Tarwin Riverside

Motel where the country meets the beach.

The self-contained accommodation available has cooking facilities, and the venue offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful Tarwin River.

Let your hair down, or get styled at Chizzas Scissors to keep up with the latest trends, and then explore the bay area during the upcoming summer months.

PAGE 22 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

STAR Real

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Holiday rentals snapped up HOLIDAY rental interest is booming.

Local real estate agents have been extremely busy leading into the peak holiday period as the population spikes in the major coastal towns.

Alex Scott and Staff Real Estate in Venus Bay has been a family owned and operated business for 14 years now.

It deals with sales, holiday rentals as well as permanent rentals in Venus Bay and the surrounding towns of Tarwin Lower and Walkerville.

The agents were extremely busy in preparation for summer.

“We’ve had huge interest this year in rental properties. The cooler weather this summer hasn’t affected us at all. If anything, this is probably the busiest year we’ve had,” agent Daniel Lawrie said.

There were 130 holiday properties booked in early.

All properties are booked out at different times throughout the summer.

Holiday rental properties in Venus Bay range between $600 and $3000 for a week stay.

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“We’re trying to support local business so we started the VIP program through venusbayshortstays.com.au. All of our guests get local discounts as part of renting through us,” Mr Lawrie said.

As an exclusive feature they offer all of their guests the opportunity to be involved in their VIP program.

The VIP program is free, and entitles their clients to exclusive offers and discounts at a number of local businesses.

Sandy Point SEJ Real Estate, has been hectic in the lead up to summer.

“Very busy is an understatement. We’re looking forward to a beautiful summer,” holiday rentals manager Rose Adams said.

According to Rose a large majority of their clients come from Melbourne to holiday in Sandy Point.

Sandy Point’s population of 227 grows to several thousand during the holiday period.

“We have 80 rental properties on the market, there is always one time during the Christmas period where we are all booked out,” Ms Adams said.

Sandy Point rental properties range between $980 and $3000 for a week stay.

Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate in Inverloch have also been booming in the lead up to the holiday season.

“We are having a bumper season for holiday rentals. This is our busiest year to date. We have been fully booked for the Christmas and New Year week and heavily booked for the weeks following that,” agent Adam Leys said.

Stockdale and Leggo Inverloch has well over 100 holiday properties on the market at present.

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Holiday rush: Stockdale and Leggo Inverloch’s Adam Leys said this year has been the busiest year to date for holiday rentals. He is pictured in front of a stunning property for sale at 15 William Street, Inverloch.

Prices for a weekly stay range from $950 to $4000 for peak period bookings.

The majority of their tenants come from Melbourne, but they come from as close as Leongatha and as far away as the UK and USA. “I think summer will be very busy again this

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“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 23

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PAGE 24 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Farming Insight

Kiwis in focus Denise to study NZ dairy industry

By Sarah Vella

A STUDY tour to New Zealand in February will give Stony Creek’s Denise Jones an insight into the country’s dairy industry.

The study tour is organised by the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria and funded by the Gardiner Dairy Foundation.

As herd and shed manager for Peter and Catherine Hanrahan’s dairy farm at Stony Creek, Denise said she wanted to learn about the resilience of the New Zealand dairy industry.

She is also keen to learn more about staff retention and managing on farm production, including pasture.

“I want to see how New Zealand farmers manage price fluctuations, while continuing to make the industry appealing to young farmers and newcomers,” she said.

“I also want to see how they use technology

to manage prices and climate conditions in a sustainable way.”

Denise has been on the Hanrahans’ farm for 12 months and has been involved in the industry for 15 years in varying roles.

“I started out relief milking when I was 14 and just loved it. I particularly love the cows and the passion grew from there,” she said.

“The Hanrahans’ farm has provided me with an opportunity to step it up a notch. It is a large, 900 cow operation and I saw it as a chance for a challenge.”

Denise said the dairy industry in Australia needed to work on becoming more appealing to younger generations and newcomers.

“The industry needs to better market the broad range of career paths that are available within it.

There are so many options, from on farm to pro-

cessing and agronomy,” she said.

“It needs to be marketed in a way that attracts people in and shows them the huge breadth of options that are available to them.

“I don’t come from a dairying background, but with hard work have got to where I am. It really is a great lifestyle, most of the time.”

After what has been a tumultuous year for the Australian dairy industry, Denise said the industry needed to convey positive news.

“Each business needs to know its margins and improve within the industry. We need to manage the one percenters better,” she said.

“On this farm, I am focused on building a strong team environment with long term staff, that is my one big thing.”

Chance to learn: Stony Creek herd and shed manager Denise Jones will head to New Zealand in February to take part in the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria annual study tour, to learn more about the dairy industry.

Cooling cows this summer NOW the weather is warming up, it is a good time to think about the immediate actions that can be taken to minimise heat stress in the herd.

There are severe consequences for heatstressed cows: decreased milk production, reduced feed intake, potential loss of body condition, mastitis, potential to not conceive or to abort, and many other animal health related symptoms.

There are short and long-term risk management practices that can be implemented to reduce the impact of hot weather.

The Cool Cows program developed by Dairy Australia offers a suite of resources, guiding you to areas of your farm that can benefit from some simple immediate actions.

If you know the day is going to be high risk for heat stress, you can plan to change your daily routine, getting cows milked and fed before 10am in the morning and delaying afternoon milking time to after 5pm.

This can make a big difference to cows coping with heat.

Think about how far you are asking the cows to walk in the hottest part of the day (about 3pm) and on extreme days, avoid walking the cows to the dairy until after 4pm.

You may consider changing your paddock rotation, keeping cows on a sacrifice paddock or cool stand-off area.

Sprinklers provide a huge benefit to cows.

Suggestions are to have sprinklers that can operate on a 15-minute cycle where the system is on for one to three minutes and then remains turned

off until the commencement of the next cycle.

This allows enough time for cows to be wet to the point that excess water does not drip down the udders, as it is important to not increase the risk of mastitis. You also don’t want extra water contributing to the effluent stream.

You can hose down the collecting yard before bringing in the cows. This will cool down the concrete surface and will help to keep your cows cooler. In combination with sprinklers, fans and ventilation systems in the dairy also keep cows cool.

During extreme hot weather, a cow will reduce her feed intake and try to consume most of her feed in cooler parts of the day. This can compromise rumen function, causing a wider variation in rumen pH and a greater risk of ruminal acidosis.

A diet that combines high-quality fibre with increased energy and a high rate of buffers can help minimise these effects.

For high-producing herds, it is even more important to manage diet and it would be worth discussing with your nutritionist other options like slowly fermentable sources of starch, feeding partial-mixed rations and fat supplementation.

During the cooler times of the year, some longer-term solutions can be implemented.

These include installing water troughs, shade cloth over the dairy yard and a roof over the feed pad, depending on the farm’s feeding system.

For the even longer term, you could plant trees across the farm to provide shade, but ensure you do this as part of your whole-farm plan.

Information from Agriculture Victoria.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 25

Sea Days Festival for all the family HUNDREDS are expected at the 11th annual Sea Days Festival at Port Welshpool in the Old Ferry Terminal building that runs for two days on January 7 and 8.

A family friendly event the festival offers activities and attractions to appeal to all age groups with sessions such as Come and Try Fishing, and on Saturday, the South Gippsland Bee-keepers will have its display showcasing the various aspects of beekeeping, and the importance of bees to agriculture industries.

Mini golf provides a challenging course, designed and manufactured by the Venus Bay Men’s Shed and always popular are the Marine Conservation Victoria touch tanks, where children will be able to see close up, some of the wide variety of marine life found in the waters of Corner Inlet. There may even be a seahorse.

Coastcare will also have a display highlighting the problems of plastic waste in our water-ways and Tammy from Tammy Talks Trash will give a presentation on Saturday from 11am on the problems of trash in the waterways.

As for children’s activities there will be loads to keep the children engaged with a fabulous poster competition display prepared by students from Welshpool, Toora, Alberton, and Fish Creek primary schools. Judging will take place on Sunday, January 8 at 11.30am and prizes will be awarded.

Children can have their faces painted throughout each day of the festival and a special area has been set aside for photos to be taken before the eyes are rubbed or ears scratched. A jumping castle will be there as well to help the children burn off some of that excess energy.

On Sunday, Andrew from Andrew’s Reptile Handling will have his reptiles on display for the children to get up close too and hold.

Marine Safety Victoria and the volunteers of the Port Welshpool Coastguard will be presenting information for all boat owners and they will be emphasising

Fishing: Fish Care Victoria representative David Cleeland gives Ethan Brownwell a few pointers on how to bait his hook during the Come and Try Fishing activity at Port Welshpool Sea Days Festival last year. the importance of safety on the water whilst boating.

Friends of Agnes Falls will stage an the informative display of the beautiful Agnes Falls to be presented by Kathy Whelan from the Friends of Agnes Falls.

Toora Heritage Pear Orchard and the Toora township will be featured in a highlights and history display and pyro artist Sue Guildford’s burning wood creations will be on show.

You will be able to see the informative display of the iconic Snake Island Cattlemens Association, its history of herding cattle to Snake Island and its role in the conservation of Snake Island.

The Port Welshpool Maritime Museum in Turn-

Sea matter: ranger Jonathon Stevenson helps Belinda Capuzzi and Lauren Mason from Welshpool get ready for sea life hunt during the Sea Days Festival at Port Welshpool last year and there will be some more fabulous activities for all the family at this year’s festival on January 7 and 8.

bull Street will be serving Devonshire teas in conjunction with its current exhibition, War at Sea, the Navy in WW1.

There will also be some great live music performed by a variety of artists on both days while the Welshpool Primary School parents will be providing light food and drinks at the venue, Port Welshpool Working Group will be dishing up delicious fare from the barbecue.

Alternatively, take away food and restaurant meals are available at Port Welshpool and Welshpool, and just remember the Sea Days Festival is an alcohol free event so head down for a great weekend of family friendly fun and entertainment

PAGE 26 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Love that holiday feeling SOUTH Gippsland is the place for families to have fun.

SPLASH leisure centre in Leongatha will hold swimming lessons from Monday, January 9 to Friday, January 13, and from Monday, January 16 to Friday, January 20.

Each day features five 45 minutes classes with an experienced and qualified YMCA teacher. Each child will be enrolled in an age and skill appropriate session.

The program will cover: water familiarisation, pool rules, water safety rules, safe water entry and exit,

skills to float and move in the water, stroke development, treading water, rescue techniques and personal safety skills.

Cost is $58.50 per child.

Free for members (restrictions apply). Enrol at the centre.

At the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, Parks Victoria offers underground tours of the mine.

Two tours are held per day – at 11.30am and at 2pm – and more tours may be scheduled based on demand.

The mine offers laser tag through the summer. The laser battle is played out in 1.5 kilometres of underground

tunnels and bookings are essential.

Families will enjoy the quoits, hula hoops and other fun games provided. Facilities in the grounds include barbecues, shelter and even a pizza oven. A cafe is in the main building. All the above ground facilities are free.

Phillip Island Nature Parks offers Sunday Sessions and Friday Summer Chill events at Churchill Island.

The events feature alfresco dining with fresh, local produce and wine, and live music, and the Sunday Sessions offer free children’s activities.

Children will enjoy the

Wild Island Discoveries program delivered by Nature Parks’ education rangers. They can learn about koalas, the almost extinct Eastern Barred Bandicoots, and take part in Marine Madness or Rockpool Ramble activities.

The Wild Oceans EcoBoat Adventure is a 90 minute high speed expedition along Phillip Island’s rugged coastline out towards Australia’s largest fur seal colony.

A three hour tour explores Phillip Island and its stunning surrounds. A gourmet picnic lunch is included.

Visit www.penguins.org.au for more details.

Pool fun: swimming lessons at SPLASH in Leongatha give children skills for life.

Summer at Phillip Island

Outdoors delight: children can discover wildlife during a rockpool ramble held by Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Underground journey: visitors will learn about Wonthaggi’s past during a visit to the State Coal Mine.

Antarctic Journey at the Nobbies

Nature Parks

EcoBoat Tours NEW summer tours!

Sunday Sessionss Jan 8, 22 & M Mar ar 12 live music, alfresco scco ds’ dining & free kids’ activities on d Churchill Island

Friday Summer Chill kick back with local food, wines & acoustic music on select Friday evenings at Churchill Island

www.penguins.org.au

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Summer School Holiday Program discover Phillip Island with a ranger

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 27

Swap meet will shine THE biggest one day event in South Gippsland is coming to Korumburra this Sunday, January 8.

The South Gippsland Historical Automobile Club’s 34th swap meet will be held at the Korumburra Showgrounds from 6am until mid afternoon.

Thousands of people are expected to attend and browse stalls selling vintage or special cars, parts, stationary engines, farm machinery and anything mechanical, plus antiques, toys, books and more.

Stallholders and shoppers come from across the region, Victoria and interstate knowing they can find what they are looking for, plus more, the car club’s Gerard Bruning said.

“People are there early looking for that elusive piece and then by midmorning we see the parents and children coming,” he

said.

Mr Bruning said the public would be well catered for with coffee and food.

“We have kept the customers happy and that’s why they keep coming back,” he said.

Visitors can enjoy a display of restored vehicles, from vintage through to classics.

Car club member Peter Fell of Korumburra will exhibit his 1949 Morris 6 MS. Built in Cowley, United Kingdom, the car was shipped to Motors Limited SA and sold to Rev. W.O.E Treasure on January 16, 1950.

There is no further information about the vehicle available until Mr Fell purchased it in 2011.

“I retired in 2006 and after a caravan trip around Australia, I sold up and moved to Korumburra in 2011 for a tree change,” he said.

“Restoring an old car

was to be my retirement project.”

Mr Fell found the old Morris in South Australia.

He bought the vehicle and started to dismantle it almost immediately.

“The car was complete so I repaired, repainted, and bought secondhand bits and new and old bits,” Mr Fell said “Five and a half years later, and after lots of cuts and bruises, Maurie is finished.”

Mr Fell undertook the disassembly, repair, spraying and assembly, apart from the sandblasting of the body, making and fitting of the exhaust, chroming of the bumper over-riders and recovering the leather seats.

“I didn’t have the knowledge or proper equipment to do these jobs,” Mr Fell said.

“Some things on the car could be better and a few things did go a bit awry but it was never about the desti-

Colourful fun: Bass Coast Paintball offers exciting, athletic fun at West Creek, just north of Wonthaggi. Children will have a ball taking part in SplatMaster Games (children only), which offers unlimited paintballs and games, with all gear (goggles, camouflage clothing and padded vest) and a referee supplied. Older competitors will enjoy the Paintball 16 and over sessions, with $25 covering 100 paintballs, no entry fee, all gear supplied and no time limit. Book early to secure a time by heading online to www.basscoastpaintball.com.a www.basscoastpaintball.com.au or phoning 5672 4109 or 0413 693 376, or email info@basscoastpaintball.com.a info@basscoastpaintball.com.au.. Enjoying paintball recently was Eddie Colwill, third from right, during his birthday party with family and friends at Bass Coast Paintball.

nation, only the journey.”

Proceeds from swap meets over the years have helped fund the transformation of the club’s rooms at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve that now serve as a social hub for the club and the community.

Pride and joy: Peter Fell of Korumburra prepares his 1949 Morris 6 MS ahead of the Korumburra Swap Meet on Sunday, January 8.

PAGE 28 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 29

Don’t risk the rip Sasha to study IN a bid to combat the ongoing issue of drowning deaths along the Australian coastline, Surf Life Saving Australia has launched a sobering safety campaign highlighting the serious dangers of rip currents.

According to figures, it’s young men who are most at risk of losing their lives.

‘The Facts about Rip Currents’ campaign will bust some common myths including the perception it’s only tourists who get caught in rips, that rips only take the lives of poor swimmers, or that competent swimmers know how to spot a rip.

According to research, only 15 per cent of people who drown in rips are international visitors, young men aged 15-39 years are most likely to get caught and drown in rips, and two out of three people who think they can identify a rip can’t.

Rips are the number one danger swimmers

face when enjoying a day at the beach.

Coastal safety manager Shane Daw advised it’s really important that people know what to do if they find themselves caught in a rip.

The options are to raise an arm and call out for help, float with the current – it may return you to a shallow sandbank – or swim parallel to the beach or towards the breaking waves.

Surf Life Saving Australia’s clear message this summer is ‘Don’t Risk the Rip’, a message echoed by Bass Coast Shire Council mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield.

“We had many tragedies on beaches in Bass Coast over the past year, and we don’t want to see anymore lives lost,” she said.

“If in doubt, ask a surf lifesaver about an alternative place to swim and, where possible, swim at a patrolled beach between the red and yellow flags.”

To find out more information about rips, visits www.beachsafe.org.au.

in Europe A SOCIAL worker will explore the value of the social cooperatives in Europe, as part of an international fellowship.

Sasha Boys of Korumburra is a social worker with Gippsland Southern Health Service and received an International Research Fellowship through the International Specialised Skills Institute to study the cooperatives in Switzerland and Italy.

The cooperatives encourage self-help and communities taking the lead in making decisions.

Cooperatives now provide services for nearly five million people in Italy.

Ms Boys’ own cultural heritage is Swiss-Italian. Her family lives in Riva San Vitale Ticino, a small village on the border of the Italian province of Como and she was born in Switzerland.

Europe bound: social worker Sasha Boys will study how social cooperatives provide health services in Europe and whether similar models could be applied in Australia.

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Disability advocates awarded SOUTH Gippsland residents have been recognised for their contribution to making the community inclusive at a special ceremony hosted by South Gippsland Shire Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

Community minded: from left, Ben Corcoran, Darren Bone and his seeing eye dog Daphne, Emily Ardley, Anne Marie Becu and Dennis Kadmon received awards from South Gippsland Shire Council for making the community inclusive.

Royal response delights seniors A SPECIAL delivery in the mail had a number of residents at

Bass Coast Health’s Kirrak House royally delighted.

A Star is born

CHRISTOPHER James Couller was born at Bass Coast Health on December 21, 2016 to Nicholas Couller and Kirsty Marks of Pioneer Bay. He is a brother for Skye Couller, 3.

LEILA Olivia Vagg was born on December 23 at Leongatha Hospital. She is a daughter for Sam and Claire Vagg of Inverloch.

Earlier in the year, residents decided to get into the spirit of the Queen’s 90th birthday by holding a celebratory lunch in honour of Her Majesty’s milestone birthday.

Realising this occasion would need to be celebrated in particular style, they decided to adorn themselves accordingly.

Over the course of a weekend, the residents made named crowns and tiaras for each resident and unleashed their creativity even further by designing and making decorations for the party.

Everyone joined in planning, designing and making their creations, with staff and fellow residents happily giving assistance to those residents who needed help.

Staff working on each shift during the weekend kept up the support and encouragement so the exciting atmosphere was kept alive.

Special handbags were found for everyone to complete the look and BCH’s food services provided a scrumptious lunch, including a fabulous birthday cake. The staff ensured plenty of happy snaps were taken of everyone enjoying the day in their finery.

To keep the momentum of the birthday celebrations going, they then decided to create a special birthday book containing their happy snaps and personal birthday wishes and send it to the Queen. Each resident wrote a personal message and those who were physically unable to do this were helped by their fellow residents.

Once the residents finished writing a front and back page for the book and approved the final copy, the book was sent off to Buckingham Palace.

BCH diversional therapist Suzie Hurry said, “It was such a great team effort by all the staff and residents.

This was all about empowering the residents and giving them something fun to work on and enjoy.”

BCH recently received a response from Queen Elizabeth’s senior lady-in-wait-

ing Philippa de Pass on the Queen’s behalf.

The letter stated in part that, “The Queen was touched to hear of the celebration…” and thanked the residents for the “…lovely book of messages and photographs…” sent to commemorate her birthday.

The letter has been framed and is now proudly on display. Unsurprisingly, there has been no shortage of admirers since it went up.

The achievement awards, titled Person with Disability and Inclusive Community Contribution, acknowledge the efforts made by people with and without disability.

The awards are presented in December each year to coincide with International Day of People with Disability.

The Inclusive Community Contribution is a new award, named in recognition of long-standing Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee member and committed advocate for social justice and inclusion, Blair Donaldson, who died earlier this year.

The awards were presented to: Darren Bone, Achievement Award - Person with

a Disability; and Anne Marie Becu and Dennis Kadmon, Achievement Award Inclusive Community Contribution.

Certificates of recognition were also awarded to Ben Corcoran and Emily Ardley to acknowledge their contribution to making the community a more inclusive place for people of all abilities.

Darren is a long-standing member and current chair of the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee. He has also volunteered for education programs related to disability.

Anne Marie and Dennis were recognised for their ongoing contribution to providing a place for young people with disability to learn and express themselves through music at Yooralla First Base.

Emily was nominated for her work on the Living Safer Sexual Lives: Respectful Relationships project, both in Gippsland and across the state, while Ben was recognised for his various volunteer roles and leadership in advocating for people with disability.

Petition prompts change BASS Coast Shire Council will support a pilot program for the use of Bioweed as an alternative to glyphosate based products to control weeds in a number of locations across the municipality.

A community petition received in September this year requested council consider alternative methods of weed control around schools, playgrounds and childcare centres due to concerns about health risks.

Bioweed is a plant derived product that dehydrates weeds, rather than poison them.

Council voted unanimously at the November ordinary meeting to trial Bioweed at council maintained playgrounds, as well as any council managed land abutting schools and childcare facilities.

Mayor Cr Pamela Rothfield said while the debate and science surrounding glyphosate would continue, council would change products to appease community concerns.

“A number of other councils have already made the change to move away from glyphosate in certain locations, and now we have committed to a pilot program around places our children play,” she said.

Cr Julian Brown said the outcome of the trial program will be determined after 12 months.

“We are talking about spraying Bioweed where children are playing, not along roadsides,” he said.

Council will receive a report at the February ordinary council meeting in 2018 detailing results of the program after 12 months of implementation.

Foodies deliver produce to needy A PROJECT to grow fresh food for local community foodbanks and build workrelated skills for participants has got off to a great start, with the first delivery of produce made to Milpara Community House at Korumburra.

Community College Gippsland (CCG) is running the new Community Foodies project at its Leongatha campus which is helping to skill people for work in rural careers and grow food for people in need.

CCG program leader Gillian Williamson said the Leongatha Community Foodies group was growing a range of fresh vegetables and herbs.

“The program has received support from two horticulture nurseries that have donated seedling trays of tomatoes, snowpeas, silverbeet, celery, carrots, strawberries and more,” she said.

“Scotsburn Nurseries and Oasis Horticulture’s contribution to the project is making a real difference to the quantity and range of crops our volunteers can grow.

“A number of local shops have also donated much needed fertilisers, hosing, seeds, wood chips

Food donation: from left, Community College Gippsland Community Foodies Steven Coster and David Kent delivery fresh produce to Leisa Minogue at Milpara Community House Korumburra. and mulch to support the venture.

“The more fresh food we can grow the more we can deliver to support individuals and families.”

Manager of Milpara Community House, Jenni Keerie, said the fresh food was well received by the families and people accessing the emergency foodbank at Milpara.

Mrs Williamson said the project was a creative approach to build real em-

ployment skills and contribute to the community.

“The program is open to people who are unemployed and seeking to build work skills and experience. Contributions from individuals or organisations willing to donate seeds, plants or equipment to boost the Community Foodies project are also most welcome.”

The project is being run by Community College Gippsland with the

support of Sureway Employment and has places for eleven participants at Leongatha and Warragul.

“The aim is to produce fresh fruit and vegetables each month to donate to Community Foodbanks at community organisations in South and West Gippsland,” Mrs Williamson said.

For information on the Community Foodies work skills program, phone Community College Gippsland on 5622 6000.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 31

Business school sponsors awards THE Gippsland Business Awards has a new naming rights sponsor, with a three year commitment by Federation University’s Business School.

Gippsland Business Awards chairman Graeme Sennett said, “The future of our region lies in diversification and success in its business operations, attributes that Federation Business School also demonstrate and support.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on an exciting new three year partnership with Federation Business School.”

Associate Professor Bob O’Shea, executive dean of Federation Business School, said the sponsorship reflected the school’s desire to make

a difference to the people, organisations and communities it served.

“The ingredients that contribute to sustainable communities are many but one thing for sure is the critical role business plays,” he said.

“Thriving businesses usually means thriving communities. Business creates jobs, which creates income, which leads to spending and re-investment in the community.

Jobs lead to family security, access to better health and education opportunities.

The launch of the 2017 Federation Business School Gippsland Business Awards is expected to take place in late March 2017.

Mr Sennett paid particular credit to long term naming rights sponsor Bendigo Bank.

“We are delighted Bendigo Bank

is staying on as a category sponsor and I would like to thank it for its contribution to the Business Awards and by extension the businesses of Gippsland. With the Bendigo Bank’s support, and the ongoing support of all of our sponsors, the awards have prospered,” he said.

Details of the 2017 awards will be on the Gippsland Business Award website www.gba.org.au

Done deal: from left, Bob O’Shea, executive dean of Federation Business School, signs the agreement with Graeme Sennett, chairperson of Gippsland Business Awards, recognising Federation University’s Business School’s sponsorship of the awards.

Beach-goers warned to avoid Bluebottle Jellyfish BEACH-GOERS are being warned to take care to avoid being stung as significant numbers of potentially harmful Bluebottle jellyfish have been spotted around South Gippsland.

Watch out: Bluebottle Jellyfish risk hurting beach-goers after being washed up on South Gippsland shores.

Bluebottle jellyfish have a small deep-blue air-filled float that looks like a half blown-up piece of chewing gum and gets to about the size of an egg.

Long, thin retractable tentacles hang below this float and can get up to three metres long. The tentacles are covered in powerful stinging cells.

Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning are asking people to be aware and avoid being stung by these animals.

Look for their presence on the

beach, do not touch the animals with bare skin and if present do not enter the water.

The sudden appearance of large numbers of Bluebottles are a consequence of prevailing easterly winds and currents over previous days and weeks, pushing these open ocean animals ashore, with some washing up on beaches.

Bluebottles can deliver a painful sting when the tentacles make contact with bare skin, even when washed up dead on the beach.

Intense pain may be felt from a few minutes to many hours and can develop into a dull ache that can spread to surrounding joints.

Children, asthmatics and people with allergies can be badly affected and many cases of respiratory distress have been reported in Australia.

Avoid swimming when bluebottles have been washed onto the beach as they are likely to still be in

the ocean. The tentacles frequently break off in rough water and can still sting.

Do not touch dead animals as the painful toxin remains active and nematocysts can still fire long after the animals are dead.

As a precaution, wear protective clothing such as a lycra top, skivvy, wetsuit or stinger suit.

If stinging occurs, leave the water immediately and wash off any adherent tentacles with salt water.

If any tentacles are still attached to the skin, gently lift off with tweezers or a gloved hand to minimise more stinging capsules from being fired.

Do not rub the area with wet sand or towel or wash with alcohol or vinegar as this will only make it worse.

Sightings can be reported to DELWP on 136 186.

Campers discover Bass Coast Call to scrap green PARTS of Bass Coast were explored by Bass Coast Specialist School middle years students and staff on a camp recently.

They were then off to tackle the dunes, where some dared to go up and down the steep dunes and played in the water.

They camped in Grantville and some were lucky enough to spot an echidna.

A barbecue tea was enjoyed and then the students settled into their cabins.

They were up early the next morning to enjoy a hearty breakfast.

Soon they were packed up and were off again.

The students were given the opportunity to explore Phillip Island, including the Nobbies and the Penguin Parade.

A lunch was enjoyed, including a birthday cake for student Max. After a fantastic camp, the students were excited to come home to their families.

waste amnesty

Death talk proves worthwhile

FREE disposal of green waste is available in Bass Coast Shire Council between October 28 and December 14, however one Phillip Island resident isn’t impressed with the system.

Kelly from Korumburra, Elizabeth and Uwe Steinki from Binginwarri, Jo Mackenzie from Foster and Jim White from Arawata worked for months planning the event.

There have been several cafes in Melbourne and regional Victoria in recent years, and there appears to be a global movement to hold these conversations.

All aim to demystify death and overcome the fears surrounding the subject, while encouraging people to discuss with their families and friends their wishes for the end of life.

The group will take the Korumburra success as a platform for further cafes to be held in South Gippsland. Mirboo North and Kongwak are under discussion.

John Tright would like to see the council scrap the green waste amnesty period and return to issuing tickets for green waste disposal.

He told a recent council community engagement session if rate payers were given four tickets for dumping green waste for the year, it would provide them with an opportunity to dump waste when it suited them.

“Holiday house owners may visit outside the amnesty period. Bass Coast has a large elderly population, who may not have a car or trailer and rely of family and friends to help them,” he said.

For many students, it was the first time away from family and home.

The first stop was at San Remo, where students were able to see the pelicans, walk along the foreshore and play cricket.

SOUTH Gippsland Palliative Care service held a conversation café in Korumburra to discuss end of life matters recently.

The community showed much interest in the event, at the former shire meeting room.

Mary Ross Heazlewood was event MC and is a clinical nurse consultant in charge of the South Gippsland Palliative Care service.

“While much care and attention had been devoted to the planning of the event, and the aim—to start people to feel comfortable discussing the end of their lives— was clear, it was hard to tell beforehand whether people would come, especially given the poor weather on the day,” she said.

Mary outlined the way the afternoon would unfold. There were three guest speakers: Ray Sullivan from Handley Funeral Services, Tegan Murley from Oakleys Law and GP Phil Huguenin from Korumburra Medical Clinic - who kindly spoke about medical and legal end of life matters and funeral matters.

There were six people at each table, with a host to oversee the conversation and make sure everyone had a chance to contribute.

Notices were arranged around the room with prompts or ideas for discussion; for example ‘Do you have an end of life care plan?’ or ‘What stops you from discussing your wishes?’ or ‘Do you want to be resuscitated?’

The organising team Jenny McDonald from Inverloch, Terry

“The system would create goodwill with the community.”

Council’s general manager sustainable development and growth Allison Jones said the green waste amnesty period aimed to encourage residents to prepare for the fire season.

Ms Jones said the council looked at intro-

ducing vouchers as a part of the recent tender process, however found it was not a cost effective option compared to the amnesty period.

Cr Clare Le Serve said the green waste rubbish bins will be introduced in 2017, which may help the elderly population with their green waste disposal.

Syringe concern A YOUNG child found a used syringe at Leongatha’s McIndoe Park recently, prompting concern from his father.

Steve Fitzgerald said they had gone to the park after attending the Leongatha Christmas carols, when his five year old son brought him a syringe.

“I was horrified and disgusted. We picked it up in a take away cup and disposed of it in a syringe bin,” he said.

Mr Fitzgerald said it was unacceptable to find a potentially dangerous item at a children’s playground.

The child was unharmed.

Police told The Star finding syringes in public places was uncommon in the region.

They said if people come across a syringe, they should call the police who will dispose of the item correctly.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

SPORT |

thestar.com.au

New nippers: some of the newest nippers hit the sand in the beach flags event last Wednesday, December 28.

Big turnout: there were at least 80 nippers ready to hit the surf at the start of nippers last Wednesday, December 28.

Nippers program underway WARATAH Beach Surf Life Saving Club was ecstatic when more than 80 nippers registered for the open-

ing day last Thursday, December 28.

The program aims to encourage participation in all activities including swimming, board and

beach flag events to name a few. The vision is to provide a safe and friendly environment where both nippers and parents can learn and enhance their knowl-

edge about surf life saving and to prepare the nippers to eventually be patrolling members of the club.

Nippers will be held throughout January on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The club encourages all children to do their best and develop to their full potential, whilst learning new skills and having fun.

Last week the club also held a Surf Rescue Certificate (SRC) course for all those who want to become volunteers in the water safety team with 17 registered. This strong team of volunteers ensure that all our nippers are safe

in the water and you’ll see them on the beach in bright orange.

Life Saving Victoria is urging beach-goers to swim between the red and yellow flags this summer, following a rise in coastal drownings across the state.

Extra lifeguards were on patrol during the Christmas to New Year period, traditionally the busiest time on Victorian beaches.

According to the latest Victorian Drowning Report, 20 of the 43 fatal drowning deaths in 2015/16 occurred in Victorian coastal waters, which

was a 32 per cent increase compared to the average for the previous decade.

Victoria has 811km of ocean beaches and 259km of bay beaches.

Life Saving Victoria Lifesaving Operations Manager Greg Scott says it’s important people realise just how dangerous beaches can be, even on a calm day.

“Conditions can change quickly so we ask people to check weather forecasts and monitor the conditions,’’ Mr Scott said.

“Please consider whether your activities are appropriate for the conditions and also assess your

own abilities.

“Know how to identify and avoid rip currents – rips occur on all beaches, even in the bay.’’

He said to read safety signs and swim at patrolled beaches when possible, so our lifesavers can help keep you safe.

Lifesavers patrol 57 locations on weekends over summer and during the peak period lifeguards are employed to patrol midweek as well as at additional locations.

For further information on patrolled locations visit beachsafe.org.au and download the VicEmergency app.

Left, Vital helpers: essential to the nipper program at all life saving clubs are the water safety personnel.

At the first day of nippers at Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club are some of the team, from left, Josie Andrighetti, Hayley Duncan, Claire Tremewen, Gretel Tobin, and Zac Fullagar.

TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

South Gippsland Field and Game THE South Gippsland field and game simulated clay target shoot was held on Sunday, January 1.

At Point Lonsdale

JANUARY Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

4 WED

5 THUR

6 FRI

7 SAT

8 SUN

9 MON

10 TUE

0455 1042 1657 2237

1.63 0.47 1.41 0.32

0530 1118 1740 2317

1.61 0.43 1.40 0.38

0607 1157 1827

1.57 0.39 1.39

0000 0645 1238 1921

0.45 1.52 0.35 1.37

0048 0729 1324 2025

0.53 1.47 0.32 1.37

0140 0817 1416 2138

0.63 1.42 0.30 1.38

0240 0915 1517 2251

0.72 1.37 0.28 1.42

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

Fist timers: Wonthaggi tennis players Darcy Methven, 13 and Dylan Beck,14 hit the courts at the Inverloch Tennis Club to compete in the annual summer tournament for their first time on Tuesday.

Hitting up at Inverloch SOME 50 young tennis players aged from 9 to 16 years hit the Inverloch Tennis Club on Tuesday for the annual two day summer tournament.

Keen player: Inverloch’s Larry Dell, 9, competes each year in the Inverloch Tennis Club summer tournament and was looking forward to his first match on Tuesday morning.

Organised by local tennis coach Grant O’Callaghan the tournament attracts players from all round Gippsland including the towns of Drouin, Warragul, Pakenham, San Remo, Wontthaggi and Inverloch.

See winners photos and results in The Star next week.

On a mild overcast day, 69 shooters enjoyed a 75 target Sim Grd event which was the first for the year.

The Leith Johnson Annual Junior Memorial Trophy was presented to Aaron McKenzie by Rob Hemphill for the 2016 year.

The late Leith Johnson was a founding member of South Gippsland Field and Game and was a great believer in encouraging junior members of the club.

The high gun for the day was G.Morey with a score of 71 which included two rounds of 25, which is exceptional shooting.

The other place getters are as follows.

AA: G. Morey 71, P. Passarin 69 and R. Passarin 69 (including one round of 25).

A: A. Busana 63, J. Passarin 63 and S. Dunn 57.

B: B. Hutton 57, G. Kent 57 and S. Bickle 53.

C: J. Walton 60, L. Verdon 57 and K. Talbot 48.

Vets: G. Hart 60, Reg

2016 award: winner of the Leith Johnson Memorial Junior Award Aaron McKenzie presented by the late Leith Johnson’s son in law Rob Hemphill.

59 and J. Robins 57.

Ladies: B. Hart 42, F. Morey 40 and Jenny 36.

Juniors: H. Hamilton 55, A. Mckenzie 53 and B. Morey 52 The next shoot will be a 75 Tgts Sim Grd event on Sunday, February 5, starting time 11 am at the ground situated at 940 Leongatha - Yarragon Road, Hallston.

If you are interested in trying simulated clay target shooting just come along on the day.

South Gippsland Field and Game will also be holding waterfowl identification tests in the New Year. Bookings are essential so get in early.

For further information, contact Geoff Cooper on 0408 623 738.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 33

accommodation

agistment

for sale

WANTED female to share 2 bedroom unit in Kew East, backyard, security gated, public transport 100 metres.

Ph: 0427-203336.

WANTED turn out blocks for dairy/beef cattle. Must be 50 plus acres and will maintain current fences, manage pastures, come with references. Please call Don 0417-547660.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408980-711, A/H 56625175.

public notice MARINE LICENCE COURSE Vic. Boat Licence with Jetski endorsement

INVERLOCH Saturday, January 14 1pm - 5pm BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Phone Bob: 0417 524 005 Approved TSV course www.abcboating.com ABN 43080057923

public notice

for sale CARAVAN Suncoast, 21ft, ensuite, no oven, ex condition, w/machine, $50,000 ONO. 0407343671.

for sale

FIREWOOD - local messmate/stringy bark, cut, split, dry. Discounts on bulk loads. Free delivery available. Pick up or delivered. $100 per cubic metre. Ph: 0437-176187.

HAY - small squares, new season, $10 each, Mardan. Ph: 5664-1320.

EXCELLENT quality F1 barley, vetch hay and lucerne hay. All under cover. Feed tests available.

Delivery available. Phone Joe 0429-138748 or Matt 0427-040686.

NEW POTATOES Potters Road. Phone Doug 5662-3076.

public notice

public notice

for sale

garage sales

SECONDHAND kitchen, professionally removed, with rangehood, sink and gas stove. Good condition, $500 Ph: 0419-660386.

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 5681-2261.

LEONGATHA SOUTH 7710 Bass Highway, January 7, 9am - 3pm.

Household goods, brica-brac, furniture, garden tools, books and more.

Everything must go.

SHIPPING containers, $1,950 each, can deliver, at discount cost, phone 0419-313483.

MOWERS

SLEEPERS, treated pine, 200 x 50 x 2.4 $12.10 each, 200 x 75 x 2.4 $16.75 each, 200 x 75 x 3.0 $ 20.90 each.

Free delivery for pack lots. Phone Joe 0417530662.

Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au

public notice

vicroads.vic.gov.au

Newhaven College Early Years Reunion Students, staff, board members, life governors and founding college families from 1980 – 1990 are invited to a family picnic to farewell the Boys Home Road campus before the college relocates to the Phillip Island Road Campus in 2018.

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY 2017 12 noon to 5pm BYO Food & Drinks Catch up with founding Principal Frank Moore and share your memories of Newhaven College’s early days. Please help us spread the word by sharing this with friends from that era.

Visit www.newhavencol.vic.edu.au/about/events for more details and follow the event on the Newhaven College Facebook page.

Pavement Rehabilitation Works Eastern Region Alliance advises that pavement rehabilitation works will be carried out on behalf of VicRoads during the following time period, weather permitting:

Works commencing the week of 9th January 2017 for approximately 2 weeks at: South Gippsland Hwy, Ruby between Sage & Logans Rd & Potter Rd There will be minor delays and lane closures whilst these works are carried out.

Any queries can be directed to VicRoads Traffic Management Centre on 13 11 70

situations vacant

PART TIME

MILKER REQUIRED

MEENIYAN AREA Phone 0448 128 851

situations vacant FULL TIME / PART TIME

FARM POSITION MEENIYAN AREA Please call 0408 175 388

MILK COLLECTION SUPERVISOR We are a Victorian, market leading, private transport company. Due to the expansion of our business, we are seeking a Milk Collection Supervisor with strong attention to detail.

The successful applicant will be capable of ensuring 100% collection of farm milk as required on two shifts daily, simultaneously maximising fleet utilisation and minimising labour and operating costs.

You must possess: • intermediate to advanced computer skills • personnel management experience • excellent time management • the ability to multi-task • good problem solving skills • customer service skills.

The role is based in Leongatha and will involve a rotating roster that includes weekends.

Email Sue at hr@stoitse.com.au (quoting ref: L006) to obtain a position description or lodge an application.

Applications close 4pm Friday 6 January 2017

We stock the largest range of New push and ride-on mowers in South Gippsland, including - Honda,Victa, Greenfield, Deutscher, Cub Cadet, MTD, Masport, Toro, Yard Machines & Rover from $149.

Professional repairs and service for ALL mower makes and models.

Also stocking a large range of parts and accessories.

We also have a large range of secondhand mowers available.

MOTORCYCLES & POWER EQUIPMENT

Cnr Allison & South Gippsland Hwy, Leongatha. L.M.C.T. 2714

Ph: 5662 2028

www.marriottsmpe.com.au

livestock BULLS for hire or for sale. Friesian, Angus, Hereford, Limo or Jersey. All sound young bulls. Hire or sale. Phone 0447-331762.

used vehicles VY HOLDEN Calais V6, 2003, silver, auto, 275,000kms.

Reg YTM981.

Fantastic service history and very reliable car. $3,500 ONO with RWC. Contact: 0407-681317.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

garage sales LEONGATHA Unit 13, 4 Miles Lane, Saturday, January 7, 8am 2pm. Assorted goods, lawn mower, whipper snipper.

GARAGE SALE The “STAR” can help you promote your event with our

$27.50 GARAGE SALE KIT KIT INCLUDES 5cm x S/C advert (valued at $33.00) • 2 x A4 Garage Sale Signs • Garage Sale Tips (dos and don’ts) • Sheet of Price Stickers • Star Carry Bag

Total package valued at $41 ADVERTISE by calling 5662 5555 or emailing classifieds@thestar.com.au or call in to 36 McCartin Street LEONGATHA to pick up your kit when you place your advertisement

Clearance Sale MOVING INTERSTATE Everything must go!

Furniture, lawn mower, whipper snipper, deb dress, ladies clothes, shoes & handbags, books, boxed lots of household items

Come and make an offer

32 Bellingham Street Leongatha SATURDAYJANUARY 7 8am - 3pm

Downsizing Sale 50 Horn Street Leongatha SATURDAY JANUARY 7 8am - 2pm Lounge suite excellent condition EVERYTHING MUST GO

marriage celebrant

Jenny Milkins All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

PAM HERRALD 5662 2553 0438 097 181

Wendy Rutjens

Weddings ~ Funerals ~ Namings

0429 688 123 e: rutjenswendy@gmail.com

in memoriam OLLE - Graham.

31.12.07 - 9 long years.

Loved and remembered always.

Elaine and family.

Email your adverts to The Star ads@thestar.com.au

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

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

deaths

deaths

deaths

ALLAN - Alexander Ronald.

11.7.1944 to 02.01.2017 Died peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer.

Beloved husband of Linda.

Your suffering is over.

Goodbye my love.

Forever in our hearts.

Linda, boys and family.

Mum, you were the greatest mother, you were always there for us. Really hope heaven has a kettle, as we know you loved your cups of tea, have one with dad.

Will miss our chats over the phone.

Lots of love Jackie and Shaun. xx GRIFFIN - Gayle.

Suddenly December 27, 2016, aged 67.

Loved sister of Pat and sister-in-law of Max (dec) and missed by her nephews Graham, Barry, Daryl, Matthew and David, and their families.

Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal.

Loved leaves memories that no one can steal.

Three little words: We love you.

GRIFFIN - Gayle.

November 20, 1949 December 27, 2016.

Loved always by your brother Les, Carolyn and families.

Forever in our hearts.

GRIFFIN - Gayle.

I will miss our chats, our Wednesday lunches and the jokes and laughter we shared. Thanks for being who you were my mad wonderful mate.

I’m so proud to be your friend.

Marlene.

GRIFFIN - Gayle.

What fun and laughs we enjoyed together.

Such sweet memories of our friendship, your generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness.

Rest in peace my dear friend.

Love Yvonne and Graham.

LITCHFIELD - Kirra.

23.5.82 - 28.12.16 Our beautiful girl taken too soon.

Love you to the moon and back.

Mum.

Former husband of Lyn. Loving father to Chris and Kerri, father-in-law to Anne. Loving Poppa to Richard (dec), Alec, Jack and Lotus.

Sadly missed.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Former partner of Marg (dec).

Loving other father and grandfather to Jude, Dick, Bianca, Josh, Trista and Savannah.

Rob, Jackie, Charlie, Anika and Max. Al, may your travels now be plentiful and free.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Now my friend, R.I.P. Dearly loved brother of Elaine and Lew. Loved and respected uncle of Catherine, Tim and Rachel, and great uncle of Amber, Jed and Emily.

For funeral details see Herald Sun. EVANS (nee Gibson) Mary Deans.

Passed away peacefully at Woorayl Lodge, Leongatha on December 29, 2016.

Aged 92 years.

Loved wife of Reg (dec).

Much loved mum of Stuart, Lucille and Yvonne. Mother-in-law of Jenene, Jim and Bob. Dearly loved Granny of Warren, Abby and Ebony; Daniel, Emma and Thomas; Erin, and their partners and great Great grandma of 8.

Dearly loved by all.

EVANS - Mary.

Loving memories of our dear friend.

Elaine, Maie, Zel and Rhonda.

GRIFFIN Gayle Margaret.

Passed away peacefully on December 27, 2016.

Daughter of Eric and Olive Arnett (both dec).

Sister of Leslie, Patricia, Gus (dec).

Loving wife of Fred (dec).

Loved and loving mother and mother-in-law of Justin and Wendy, Jackie and Shaun, John and Eleanor.

Loving Nan of Amelia, Chloe.

Mum, what can I say, you were always there through thick and thin.

I promise to keep the family together and look after the rest.

You go play with dad, give him a hug from all of us.

Justin, Wendy, Amelia and Chloe,

Thanks for letting me be your other dad, we had some fantastic adventures both here and overseas.

Love you princess.

Daryl. xxxx

funerals EVANS - The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Mrs Mary Deans Evans will be held at the Dakers Centre, Cnr Smith and Watt Streets, Leongatha on Friday, January 6, 2017 commencing at 11am.

Private cremation.

GRIFFIN - A Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Mrs Gayle Margaret Griffin will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Peart Street, Leongatha on Thursday, January 5, 2017 commencing at 11.30am.

A service for burial will precede the above service at the Meeniyan Lawn Cemetery commencing at 10am.

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

Paul & Margaret Beck Proprietors

Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717

Meeniyan golf Report for December 27

Close: the Inverloch social bowls runners-up were Nic Van Grunsven and David Turnbull.

Inverloch bowls THE final Wednesday social bowls for the year was held with a small contingent of bowlers attending on December 21.

The bowlers were in pairs and triples, and were happy to compete.

Runners up with a win and loss were Ben Chapman, Gail Applin and Carol Waters.

Winning both games was the pair Joan Clark and Carol Hughes.

Raffles were won by Laurel Lee, Jewel Huntriss and Carol Waters.

Wednesday social bowls will take a little holiday and be back on January 4 in a mixed mufti format.

Starting time remains the same at 12.30pm.

Names are to be in by 11.30am please.

Thursday social bowls on December 22 brought 20 players out for two games of 12 end three bowl pairs, on a sunny afternoon, which was considerably better than the windy conditions which plagued the Pennant bowlers on the previous Saturday.

Two teams won both games.

Winners, with 34 points were Paul Davis (S) and Bruce Corrigan.

Runners up, with 33 points were Nic Van Grunsven (S) and David Turnbull.

Sign on at 11.30am for a 12.30pm start.

Last Thursday, December 29, saw 23 play-

ers forming six teams to play two 12-end games of two-bowl fours (with one team of three), but this was changed to one 12 end game and one 10 ender because of time lost to an early afternoon shower.

The winners, with two wins and 37 points were Wayne Parks (S), Paul Davis, Peter Campbell and Glen Davis.

Runners up, with one win, a draw and 33 points, were Mal Marshall (S), George Scott, Harry Dunn and Brian Growse.

There will be no Thursday social bowls on January 5.

There will be a mixed mufti social bowls event on today (January 4).

Sign-on by 11.30am for a 12.30pm start. All welcome.

The club will be holding a raffle of seafood at the twilight community market starting at 3pm to be held on today.

The summer bowls season got underway on Monday, January 2.

Due to the Sunday public holiday, there will be a summer bowl session held on Tuesday and Saturday of this week.

Why not bring family and friends down for a barefoot bowl during the holiday season?

Friday night meals will return on January 13.

The membership night will be kick off for the New Year on Friday, January 20.

WITH the spread of news that the Meeniyan Golf Club course is looking a picture and playing well, the greens running true and getting a fraction faster in the warm weather, resulted in strong fields again this week.

Tuesday welcomed visitors from Lang Lang Golf Club who commented favourably on the course.

John Hyett took out the win on Tuesday with a magnificent 46 points.

Bruce Betts went five shots better on Thursday with an outstanding 46 points.

Marilyn McGeary couldn’t catch him although coming out one shot better on the back nine - the two wipes on the front nine didn’t help. Forty one points overall saw her taking the runner up prize.

The unfortunate shot of the day went to veteran Col Stewart, whose ball ended up firmly wedged in the fork of a tree on the seventh. Not even Col could play this, but playing partners had a few laughs.

On Christmas Eve, 22 players hit the course in very hot conditions, despite many of the regulars off on holidays already.

Mat Vanboven won with 39 points.

The Club thanks Damian Hairdressing of Leongatha for its generous sponsorship.

Truckie Hughes came with his cart decorated to get in the Christmas spirit.

Results Tuesday, December 20: Single Stableford.Winner: John Hyett (34) 41 points.

Runner-up: Lloyd Hempill (25) 40 points.

Nearest the pin: 2nd Will Bullock and 11th Alan Kuhne.

Best nine: Frank Peile 223 points.

Thursday, December 22: Single Stableford. Winner: Bruce Betts (31) 46 points. Runner-up: Marilyn McGeary (37) 41 points.

Nearest the pin: 14th Col Stewart and second Bruce Betts. Best nine: Frank Peile.

Saturday, December 24: Single Stableford, Damian Hairdressing. Winner: Mat Vanboven (20) 39 points. Runner-up: Bob McGeary (14) 36 points.

Down the line: Truckie Hughes 36 and Col Graeme 36 points. Pro pin second: Paul Robinson. Nearest the pin: 14th Bob McGeary.

Members draw: John Dumont, not present so jackpot to next week.

Report for January 4

Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Foster golf Triumph: the winners at Inverloch last Thursday were Bruce Corrigan and Paul Davis (S).

A FANTASTIC week of golf saw great scores and lots of fun.

The course is in great condition as reflected in the scoring.

Terry Spencer was not present for her chance to take home the $550 Friday night members draw; it will now jackpot to $600.

Stephen Reid was present to collect the $1080 on the Saturday afternoon members draw and its now at $200 and is open to all members of the club

Last match: Carol Hughes and Joan Clark were the winners at the final Wednesday social bowls at Inverloch for the year.

Tuesday, December 27: Stableford. Winner: C. Gray 41 points.

Scott and Sharon Anderson With care & dignity we serve South Gippsland and Phillip Island Main Office: WONTHAGGI / INVERLOCH 5672 1074 176-178 Graham Street, Wonthaggi 3995 Fax: 5672 1747 email: randm33@bigpond.net.au PHILLIP ISLAND 5952 5171 15 Warley Avenue, Cowes 3922 (by appointment only) Pre-paid & pre-arranged funeral plans available

MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

Results Tuesday, December 27: Single Stableford.Winner: Brian Dewar (16) 36 points.

Runner-up: Will Bullock (14) 34 points.

Nearest the pin: 2nd Bo Feik and 11th Peter Wilson. Best nine: Bob Gourlay.

Thursday, December 29: Single Stableford. Winner: Frank Peile (35) 39 points.Runner-up: Peter Wilson (22) 38 points.

Nearest the pin: 2nd Frank Peile. Best nine: Peter Wilson 19 on a countback from Daryle Gregg.

Saturday, December 31: Single Stableford. Winner: A Grade - Bob McGeary (14) 42 points; B Grade - Lloyd Redpath (27) 43 points.

Runners-up: A Grade - Craig Buckland (12) 41 points; B Grade- Daryle Gregg (24) 41 points.

Down the line: Frank Peile (35) 39 points; Matt Vanboven (20) 37 points; Col Stewart (25) 36 points. Pro Pin: 11th Paul Robinson.

Nearest the pin: 5th Phil Hutcheson and 8th Bob McGeary.

Members draw: Andy Horvath, not present so jackpot next week.

A Grade winner: Bob McGeary won the Single Stableford event on New Year’s Great effort: Saturday B Grade winner and Eve at the Meeniyan winner for the day Lloyd Redpath with pro pin winner Paul Robinson.

Golf Club.

Pre-need Funeral Plans available

CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE www.handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au

The last week for 2016 saw good fields of golfers come out to work off some of that Christmas cheers.

Results were spread across the days with Frank Peile taking out two of the three days.

A number of green fee players also came out to try the Meeniyan course with many returning for another game later in the week.

With a good field of 17 players for a Tuesday, Brian Dewar came away with the win with 36 points, beating Will Bullock by two clear shots.

The weather on Thursday put off most players however a few strong hearted ones ventured out with Frank Peile coming away with the win by one shot from Pete Wilson.

Saturday’s Single Stableford comp was sponsored by Nereda Sholte and Marilyn McGeary, and the club thanks Ned and Marilyn for their support.

Bob McGeary took out A Grade with a lovely 42 points; however Lloyd Redpath went one better in B Grade with 43 points, winning the trophy for the day.

Results

NTP: 6th N. Thompson and 13th C. Downing.

DTL: J. Parry 39, F. Tyers 38 and S. Barwick 38 and N. Thompson 37.

Ladies summer golf: No results available.

Thursday, December 29: Stableford. Winner: Ryan Spencer 48 points.

NTP: 6th P. Dight and 15th Ryan Spencer.

DTL: J. Stone 41, T. Jones 41, N. Thompson 38 and S. Canning 37.

Friday, December 30: Chook Run. Winner: A. Naylor 23 points (c/b) and P. McKay 23 points.

NTP: 17th W. Vendramini.

DTL: G. Phelan 22, D. Knee 21, J. Freeman 20 and N. Shaw 20.

Saturday, December 31: Stableford. Winners: A: F. Tyers 40 points. B: S Barnes 48 points.

NTP: 4th J. Forbes, sixth G. Watkins ,13th S. Rathjen, 15th O. Kindellan and 17th S. Barnes.

DTL: K. Esler 46,T. Manne 42, R. Mihailovic 40,S. Barwick 40,C. Gray 39, J. Stone 39 and G. Paine 45.

Nine holes: K. Esler 23 points.

Ladies: Winner: G. Tyers 36 points. DTL: J. Prain 33. NTP: 6th A. Heywood and 17th G. Reid.

The course will be seeing quite a bit more traffic in the coming weeks, members are asked to be patient with novice golfers on the course.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 35

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thestar.com.au

Ironman to inspire GOLD Coast ironman Ali Day will be a star attraction as he ventures down to Venus Bay on Saturday, January 14.

Ali will be offering a surf clinic for Venus Bay, Inverloch and surrounding surf lifesaving competitors to help hone their skills for the upcoming junior and senior competition series which lead up to the state and Australian championships.

Ali himself is the current and four times Coolangatta gold winner, which is the most grueling surf lifesaving endurance event in Australia.

He is also the winner of the prestigious Nutri Grain Ironman Series and has won numerous state and Australian championship events.

In the sport of surf lifesaving there is no better role model for athletes to learn and enhance their skills.

The two hour clinic will take

place at 11am on Venus Bay number one beach on Saturday, January 14.

This is for competent competitors from all age groups from any surf club, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to train alongside the absolute best.

However, the Saturday spectacular doesn’t end there with Ali attending the Venus Bay Surf Lifesaving Club at 8.30pm that night as a special guest for a sports night.

Ali will share with the audience what it takes to become an elite athlete and be successful in your chosen sport.

He will share the highlights and the challenges of his amazing career in the professional sport of ironman racing and surf lifesaving.

Endurance training, motivation and nutrition amongst many other topics will be covered by Ali as we all discover what it takes to be at the top and how to stay there.

This evening is perfect for any athlete in any sport to understand true commitment and the pathway to success.

Venus Bay Surf lifesaving Club is hoping to attract families, athletes and people from all over our region to attend this spectacular evening.

Tickets for these events are on sale now by contacting Dave Cumming of Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club on 0438 831 376.

The club also has a pasta night preceding the sports night from 6pm so book a meal and tickets to the sports night and enjoy an evening at Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club.

Role model: Gold Coast Ironman Ali Day will be at Venus Bay to help local surf club members hone their endurance skills on January 14.

Surf club set a record VENUS Bay Surf Life Saving Club set an Enduro Ironman record last week.

The event ran for four hours and 10 minutes, setting the record for future events to beat.

Initially, the club had planned to run the event for six hours, but it had to finish early due to thunderstorms.

In this time, 78 relay lengths were completed with a huge cross section of the club competing.

The lifesaving Ironman included a 288 metre swim, a 388 metre board paddle and a 502 metre surf ski paddle.

“It was great to see both young and old members having a go and setting a record in the process,” organiser and active member of the surf club Paul Hoffman said.

“We had great support from the community. A lot of people came down to the Tarwin River and showed a lot

of interest.”

The Ironman was held in the Tarwin River to promote water safety and raise awareness about river drownings.

“We believe we got our message across, but it is a work in progress,” Mr Hoffman said.

“It was good that we had some Nippers participating, because it reinforced messages of water safety to them.”

Mr Hoffman said the Enduro Ironman will certainly become an annual event.

“Most definitely we would want to do it again. We’ve set a benchmark and we plan to set another record,” he said.

“The club would like to thank the community for its support and South Gippsland Shire Council who gave us the grant to get this great initiative underway.”

Initiative: from left, Troy Harvey, Paul Mullarvey and Paul Hoffman participated in Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club’s Enduro Ironman to raise awareness about water safety near rivers.

First win of the day: Little Whistle ridden by Noel Callow streaks across the line in first place for the first race of the day at Stony Creek.

Left Beautiful: from left, Cape Paterson’s Ashlee Bendall and Josie Edmonds looked stunning in their race day outfits at Woolamai on Monday.

Good company: from left, Wonthaggi’s Marci Katz, Betty Butler, Britt Thomas, Jarney Thomas and Jules Pigdon watched the races together at Woolamai on Monday.

Funding supports local clubs GIPPSLAND South MLA Danny O’Brien is encouraging all local sporting clubs and organisations to apply for grants of up to $5000 through round two of the State Sporting Club Grants program.

Mr O’Brien said the grants allow sporting clubs to update their equipment, train their volunteers and improve their operational effectiveness.

“Grant streams like this are a great opportunity for clubs to purchase new equipment and help improve their facilities and club.”

There are three categories in the grants program.

Grants of up to $1000 can be spent to buy new uniforms or equipment vital for participation in the sport.

Grants of up to $2000 go towards improving the skills of the club members by providing training for coaches,

officials, administration, staff and management committees.

Finally, grants of up to $5000 can be used to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of clubs through strategic planning, or to increase community participation through accessible sport and active recreation opportunities.

“Clubs and organisations can submit one application in category one and one in either category two or three in each funding round,” Mr O’Brien said.

The following local clubs were successful in their applications through round one of the Sporting Club Grants program; Poowong Tennis Club ($970) and Leongatha Basketball Association ($3000).

For more details about the grants, visit www.sport.vic.gov.au/grants-andprograms/sporting-club-grants-program.

Applications are now open and will close on February 15.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

SPORT |

thestar.com.au

Woorayl golf SATURDAY’S event was the December Monthly Medal, hotly contended by 51 entrants.

The scores reflected the fine weather and great course conditions.

Men: A Grade:Runner-up D. Cleamann 71 net. Winner P. Rayson 69 net.

B Grade: Runner-up R. Goodwin 71 net. Winner A. Peters 68 net.

C Grade: Runner-up R. Warren 72 net. Winner: B Wilson and Monthly Medallist for December with a terrific 66 net.

Ladies: Runner-up A. Campbell 33 points. Winner P. Lancaster 35 points.

Leongatha golf

Nearest the pins were M. Herrald 8th and T. Hogan 17th.

Down the line balls went to J. Hickey, R. Gourlay, G. Winkler, J. Howard, M. Herrald, T. Hogan, B. Stubbs, J. Hassett, J. Hermens and T. Martin.

The raffle winner was R. Goodwin syndicate.

Thursday’s competition was won by J. Newton 42 points on a countback from G. Calder and R. Gourlay.

T. Ryan took the eagles nest on the 13th.

Congratulations to all of this week’s winners. Next week’s event is also a stroke round.

December 27

Fun and games: children enjoyed the activities provided at Meeniyan Golf Club’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Meeniyan celebrate the New Year A FUN night was had at Meeniyan Golf Club to celebrate the end of 2016 and welcome in 2017.

The mini golf and jumping castle was popular with the children; as were the free icy poles, balloons and whistles and of course the barbecue sausages.

Parents enjoyed a relaxing meal of hot roast meats and coleslaw plus varied desserts, or a plate of meat and salads.

Organiser Col Olden said it was great to see the community enjoying a night out in a safe environment where the children could have a bit of fun together and the parents could relax.

On the green: Graeme Calder and Brian Wilson competed at the Woorayl Golf Club on Monday morning.

SATURDAY’S Stableford competition was played in hot oppressive conditions with Stuart Harry amassing 41 points to win the overall by countback and the C Grade event.

A Grade was taken out by Craig Hams with 41 points and Brock Fennell also had 41 points to won B Grade.

Balls were awarded to Bryan Roylance, Peter Stivic, Nathan Wardle, Leroy Sharrock, Marl Lafferty, Chris Leaver, Grant McRitchie, Nick Shaw, David Mock, Frank Thomas, John Fraser, Rod Brown, Anthony Sparkes, Fred de Bondt and Greg Welsford.

NTPs were Darrell Prior on the 14th and David Mock on the 16th.

On Tuesday, 61 golfers contested a Stableford Competition in which John Moor amassed a tidy 38 points to win the A Grade event and the overall in a countback from the unlucky Geoff McDonald.

B Grade was taken out by Fred de Bondt with 37 points and Hugh Goodman won C Grade also with 37 points.

Balls were won by Geoff McDonald, Ian Baker, John McLennan, Will Norden, Marilyn Williams, David

Woorayl golfers: Gary Young and Peter Burgess participated in Woorayl Golf Club’s individual competition on Monday.

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 9 - January 7 Home team Grade A1 Town Inverloch Phillip Island OMK Grade A2 Imperials Koon-L/RSL Foster Glen Alvie Grade B1 Nerrena MDU Won Club Kilcunda-Bass Grade B2 Won Miners Poowong-Loch Glen Alvie Korumburra Grade C1 Town Phillip Island MDU OMK Grade C2 Glen Alvie Korumburra Koon-L/RSL Won Club Town

Away Team

Ground

Umpire

v v v v

Korumburra Won Club Nerrena Kilcunda-Bass

SP 1 I Turf Cowes Outt

T. Rogers G. Laird G. Goss A. Stride

v v v v

Poowong-Loch L Turf MDU Koon Won Miners FGC Bye

C. Salmon L. White G. Adams

v v v v

Phillip Island Town Inverloch OMK

Nerr Meen McMhn Bass 1

I. Richards A. Jordan N. Grabham M. Heenan

v v v v

Imperials Foster Koon-L/RSL Bye

Won Rec N. Barnes Loch K. Scrimshaw Butch W B. Bek

v v v v

Korumburra Inverloch Nerrena Won Club

SP 2 Rhyll Dmblk KSC

N. Graydon I. Thomas B. Bek V. Baskerville

v v v v v

OMK Phillip Island Poowong-Loch Kilcunda-Bass Bye

GA Kor Rec M McK WSC

TBA TBA TBA TBA

Any person interested in umpiring contact Graham Laird 0408 454 741.

Please note all games start at 1pm.

Victories: Lynette McIvor had an Eagle at Korumburra on the 18th and is pictured with grade winners, Joan Peters, Betty Thomson and Chris Rickard.

Korumburra ladies WEDNESDAY, December 21, started with a light shower of rain but the weather cleared for a lovely day for golf.

There were 21 women playing in the second round of the Gloria Burgess event and the third round is planned for January 25.

Division 1 (0-22) was won By Joan Peters (21) with 33 points.

The runner up was Lynette McIvor (17) 30 points on a count-back from Lee Clements (12).

Chris Rickard (23) won Division 2 (2331) with a nice 39 points and runner up was Kath Welsh (30), 32 points.

Division 3 (32-45) was won by Betty Thomson (34) with 32 points. Viv Enbom (35) was runner up with 30 points, on a count-back from Lyn Perks (34).

It was great to have Julie Mulhall visiting the club after many years. Thanks to Julie for donating some marker clips from her current club, Tin Can Bay in Queensland for the NTP winners.

Julie was NTP on the first so the clip went to Marg Clasby, who was the next closest, and Kath Welsh was NTP on the 13th. The lucky draws went to Heather Grist and Marg Young.

A highlight on the day was a fantastic Eagle by Lynette McIvor on the par five, 18th hole.

On Saturday, December 17, there was a small field with Lynette McIvor (18) having a good score of 38 points and was also NTP on the 10th and 13th greens.

Runner up was Jenny Blackmore (34) with 35 points.

Last Thursday week, the twilight winners yet again were Betty and Bill Thomson with a fantastic score of 22 points. Runners up were Lyn and Allan Perks with 20 points.

Kathleen Bronsema was the only person

to have a NTP on the 13th green.

There was a Social competition on Boxing Day, with Deb Wrigley (29) having an outstanding 40 points.

Last Wednesday, there was a smaller field of 14 for the par event.

Division 1 was won by Lee Clements (12), with one up and Chris Rickard (22) finished square.

Jan Hewitt (26) was the Div 2 winner, with three down.

Betty Yann (29) was runner up with four down, on a countback from Betty Thomson (34).

Lee was NTP on the first and Chris was closest on the 13th green.

The January Monthly Medal is scheduled for January 11, followed by the ladies committee meeting.

Last Saturday, December 31 there was beautiful weather for the nine players.

It was lovely to have Jo Stewart back on the course and also terrific to have Jenny, a visitor to the club, play her first round here.

Marg Harper (36) had a very impressive 41 points and Betty Thomson (34) also had a good score, with 37 points.

NTPs went to Chris Rickard on the first and Marg Harper on the 13th.

There is a timesheet circulating for the rescheduled Richie Beecroft 4BBB on January 18th.

Beginner’s Day is around the corner too, on February 8, and the club encourages those new to the game to come along for a fun, social round.

More on this day in a later report.

There will be an auction night on Saturday, February 18, so if people have goods or services they can donate, the club would be most appreciative.

Please keep the date free so that you can come along and support the evening.

Child, Geoff Maher, Trevor Moss, Ian Barlow, Andy Bassett, Gary Sharrock, Bruce Hutton, Graham Spruzen and Bill Bittlemann.

NTPs were John Moor on the 14th and Bert Borg on the 16th.

Thursday was a fun day with a Mulligans Stableford event contested in which each player had five chances to replay a shot they did not like.

Naturally there were some high scores carded but none better than Fred de Bondt who continued his good form from Tuesday to win B Grade and the Overall with 44 points.

A Grade was won by the very consistent Geoff McDonald with 41 points and Les Newton took out C Grade with 42 points.

Balls were awarded to Jocelyn Howson, Frank Gill, Ray Burton, Antony Gedye, Bruce Cathie, David Child, John Eabry, Jessica Harry, Allan Schache, Keith Finney, Jon Smith, Neil Mackenzie, Chris Leaver, Kevin Castwood, Marilyn Williams, Denis Wallace, Ross McRobert, John Housey and Warren Dummett.

NTPs were Ron Paice on the 14th and Jon Smith on the 16th.

January 4 On Tuesday of last week, 93 players contested a Stableford competition with Allan Schache having a day out to amass 41 points and win the overall in a countback.

A Grade was taken out

by Doug Clemann with 40 points, Jon Smith won B Grade also with 40 points and John Dalton won C Grade in a countback with 36 points.

Balls were awarded to Malcom Legge, Gary Sharrock, Greg Davis, Gerard Mooney, Stewart Schache, John Eabry, Andrew Macfarlane, Bruce Hutton, Rod Brown, Antony Gedye, Neale Gillin, Robyn Williams, Ted Bruinewoud, John Fraser, Simon Drummond, Mark Lafferty, Darrell Prior, Antony Roberts, Grant McRitchie, Grant Cameron, Ross McRobert and Kevin Harris.

NTPs were Tim Shackleton on the 14th hole and Ross Evans on the 16th.

On Thursday, Russell Williams amassed 40 points to take the A Grade honours and also win the overall in a countback from two others.

To complete a very successful day Russell was also NTP on the 14th hole.

B Grade was won by Peter Walsh with 40 points, Denis Wallace took C Grade in a countback with 38 points and D Grade was won by Denis Manners with 39 points.

Balls were awarded to Rod Mackenzie, Neale Gillin, Peter Dowling, Kevin Scott, Chris Leaver, David Barrack, Peter Hartigan, Malcom Legge, Antony Roberts, Col Martin, Anthony Sparkes, Bruce Hutton, Nick Shaw, Colin Keritz (Riversdale), Gerry Carcour, John Dumont, Barry Attwood, Stewart Anderson (Kew), Trevor Moss, Bryan Roylance and Peter Waters.

The other NTP, on the 16th hole, went to Jarrod Brusamarello.

On Saturday 108 golfers contested a Stableford competition with Russell Williams continuing his outstanding form to once again win the A Grade and the overall, for the second time in three days, this time with 41 points.

B Grade was taken out by Andrew Smith with 38 points, Simon Drummond won C Grade with 40 points and Mick Oliver won D Grade

with 39 points.

Tom Sorrell provided a high light with an eagle two on the par four third hole.

Balls were awarded to John Fraser, Steve Fisher, Ian Murchie, Fred de Bondt, Barry Attwood, Stuart Harry, David Child, Tom Sorrell, Dale Gude (Lang Lang), Ian Watson, Henry Sedelies, David Mock, Noel Johnson, Warren Dummett, Terry Chipman, John Wheatley, David Barrack, Jon Smith, Andrew Macfarlane, Nicholas Hill, John Housey, Merv Stubbs, Trevor Moss, Geoff Maher, Ken Wardle and Noel Pye. NTPs were Peter Stivic on the 14th hole and Peter Hart on the 16th.

The par three challenge was won by Stuart Harry with 12 points. Interestingly, Stuart has recently changed from being left to a right handed golfer. It seems to be working.

The course is in magnificent condition and visitors are welcome, either in competition play or social golf.

Contact the club on 5664 3314 to book a tee time and enjoy the premier golf course in the South Gippsland area.

Leongatha ladies Wednesday, December 28: Men and Women’s Stableford.

A Grade: Helen Fraser (12) 40 points.

B Grade: Coral Gray (29) 40 points.

Down the Line: Karen Orford 39, Jan Brownlie, Ian Debenham, Wendy Parker, Marg Berry, Sue Woods and Marg Griffiths 38, Anna de Bondt and Marie Sands 37, Lianne Adamson and Marea Maher 36 and Rita de Bondt 35.

Nearest the Pin: 14th Karen Orford: 16th Wendy Parker – a hole in one.

Saturday, December 31: A Grade: Dot Stubbs (16) 41 points.

B Grade: Louise Schache (31) 39 points.

Down the line: Coral Gray and Rebecca Thomas 38, Di Williams 36, Helen Fraser 35, Lynne Hart 33 and Anne Gibson and Anna de Bondt 32 points.

Nearest the Pin: Marea Maher.

Korumburra THERE were 38 players on Saturday, December 24 for a par competition.

A Grade: (3 hcp) T. O’Neill +4 on countback M. Garnham +4, M. Wrigley +1, R. Besley +1, S. Hislop +1, P. Vanagtmaal +1, R. Rees +1.

B Grade: (33 hcp) J. Campbell +7, K. Spokes +4, L. White +1.

Nearest the pin: 1st I. Gibson, 7th K. Spokes, 10th N. Ladgrove.

Tuesday’s winner was D. Gow 37 pts and Thursday’s winner was T. Marotti 41 pts.

Matt Wrigley eagled the 4th hole.

On Saturday, December 31 there were 37 players for a stableford competition, with trophies by Peter Vanagtmaal.

A Grade: (13 hcp) R. Ludenia 39 pts, T. O’Neill 38, P. Hornibrook 38, M. Wrigley 37, C. Clements 37.

B Grade: (17 hcp) M. Belvedere 39 pts, J. Wilson 39, M. Webb 38, M. Deleeuw 38, W. Hopkins 37.

Nearest the pin: 1st S. Harland, 7th R. Crawford, 10th T. O’Neill, 13th J. Stein.

Tuesday’s winner was C. Clements 41 pts and Thursday’s winner was R. Besley 39 pts.

Tim O’Neill eagled the 16th hole.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 37

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thestar.com.au • Junior Country Week Cricket

Bardwell brings it home AARON Bardwell’s early century kicked off Junior Country Week cricket on a high note for the Leongatha and District Cricket Association (LDCA).

The Poowong Loch opening batsman secured a win for the U/15 side with 132 runs.

Bairnsdale won the toss and batted first, and would prove to be a force to be reckoned with.

Opening batsman Dougie Ryan put Bairnsdale made 92 runs. Third batsman Jordan Hack also performed well, making 74 runs.

LDCA bowler William Walker took out four Bairnsdale wickets and three catches were made by Rohan Slade.

Bairnsdale played out its 50 overs with a final score of 5/214.

Bardwell stepped up for LDCA and quickly dominated the match. He was not out at the end of LDCA’s innings.

Joshua Schulz and Joel Brann also performed well, making 21 and 38 runs respectively.

Bairnsdale bowler Max Bowden put the pressure on LDCA, taking two wickets.

LDCA defeated Bairnsdale with a score of 6/217 after 50 overs.

The U/14 LDCA side also had a win against Bairndale.

LDCA batted first and the partnership of Ethan Lamers (88) and Keith Robinson (86) put the team in a comfortable position.

Lamers was eventually caught by Bairnsdale’s Max Keddie and Robinson was bowled by Reece Carstairs.

LDCA finished the innings 4/225.

Bairnsdale’s Curtley Farley played a stunning innings, making 113 runs.

However, he was caught by Robinson and it was not enough to close the gap.

Darcy Hume was the stand out bowler, taking 2/27, and Jacob Whiteside took two catches.

Bairnsdale’s final score was 7/220.

Junior Country Week cricket continues for the rest of the week.

Great win: back from left, Josh Ryan (Phillip Island), Steve Brann (coach), Blake Christopher (Phillip Island), Jy Hull (Glen Alvie), Rohan Slade (Glen Alvie), Ben McRae (Glen Alvie), Joel Brann (Wonthaggi Workmens), Emmett Dempsey (Wonthaggi Workmens), Josh Schulz (Wonthaggi Workmens), Aaron Bardwell (Poowong Loch), William Walker (Poowong Loch), Kearny Hull (Glen Alvie), Matt Hull (team manager), front from left, Levi Cocksedge (MDU) and Jacob Wrigley (Korumburra) played in the Leongatha and District Cricket Association U/15 team on Monday and celebrated a victory against Bairnsdale.

Top bowler: Will Walker put up some impressive figures for the Leongatha U/15 side, taking 4/26.

Left, Young gun: LDCA bowler Callum Buckland watches the ball as he sends it toward his Bairnsdale opponent.

Close match: back from left, Jareth Hume (coach), Jacob Whiteside (Korumburra), Ethan Lamers (OMK), Bailey Harvey (Wonthaggi Workmens), Evan Allaway (Korumburra), Jacob Strickland (Inverloch), Xavier Robertson (Inverloch), Darcy Hume (Town), Heath Dobbie (Wonthaggi Workmens), Keith Robinson (Workmens), Warren Williams (team manager), front from left, Billy Manicaro (Koonwarra L/RSL), Josh Williams (Inverloch), Callum Buckland (Koonwarra L/RSL) and Liam Dyson (Phillip Island) battled against Bairnsdale and came out victorious. The boys are in the U/14 Leongatha and District Cricket Association Junior Country Week team, which kicked off on Monday.

Kearny bowls to success GLEN Alvie’s Kearny Hull is turning heads on the cricket field.

Kearny has loved and played cricket for the past five years and is known around the Glen Alvie Cricket Club for her bowling skills.

Her talent landed her a position in the U/15 Junior Country Week team for the Leongatha and District Cricket Association.

She is the first female player the Country Week team has seen in at least five years.

Junior Country Week started on Monday (January 2) and will finish this Friday.

Kearny has enjoyed a successful season so far in the Glen Alvie’s U/16 junior side – a hattrick being the highlight of the season so far. During the match against Phillip Island, she took 3/10.

“The hattrick was pretty exciting; dad was ecstatic,” Kearny said.

After round six before the Christmas break, Kearny’s bowling statistics were 5/58.

She also plays in the Glen Alvie’s C2 side, and she is currently ranked as the seventh top scoring bowler in the club.

Kearny said her interest in cricket piqued after watching her dad Matt Hull play for Glen Alvie for many years.

She now plays alongside her dad in C2. Her brother Jy plays B Grade and her youngest brother Beau plays U/14s.

“I love playing cricket and I have really enjoyed playing in C2,” she said.

“It’s a great experience to play alongside some of the older guys who can give me tips along the way. We’ve won a couple of games. I look forward to it every week; it’s the game I love.”

The gun bowler enjoys trainings on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and is hoping to work on her batting skills.

Aside from Glen Alvie, Kearny has played for the Wonthaggi Secondary College Year 10 team and Gippy Pride.

Gippy Pride is a girls’ side and Kearny was named vice captain in her second year.

Training from Traralgon, Gippy Pride takes on Melbourne sides.

Kearny said she believed women’s cricket is growing in popularity.

“There are nine girls playing in Glen Alvie’s U/14s side and heaps of girls try out for Gippy Pride,” she said.

“Some of the girls at Glen Alvie have never played before and it’s great to see them improving each week.”

Kearny recommended the sport to all girls who are interested.

“Once you get into the zone, it’s so much fun.

It’s also fun to play against your brothers and friends and give them a bit of a run for their money.”

Kearny said she will definitely be back out on

Star bowler: Glen Alvie’s Kearny Hull has had an impressive season and is ranked seventh for most wickets taken in the Glen Alvie Cricket Club. the ground for the 2017-18 season, and looks forward to returning the Leongatha and District Association competition next week.

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

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Victory: trainers at Eden Racing and owners of winning horse Rock It Doc celebrated a win after race two at the Woolamai Races on Monday. Photo courtesy of PicnicBet.com.

Woolamai races on the small screen Special guests of the WOOLAMAI Racing Club was televised club came along to support for the first time on Monday.

This was a momentous occasion for picnic racing and despite the weather a large crowd turned out for the event. A full TAB was also provided.

“It’s a big day for picnic racing and we are really happy with the turn out. It’s amazing,” club secretary Bev Carmichael said.

Advertised as a family friendly day out, children were treated to a range of activities during Big win: jockey Sophie Logan took out race the day.

These activities included face painting, jumping two at Woolamai on Rock It Doc, a horse castle, balloon twists by Pockets the Clown, and trained by local Shea Eden. Photo courtesy sport based activities provided by Kelly Sports.

of Bradley Best PicnicBet.com.

the event, including top Victorian trainer Mick Price who was experiencing his first taste of picnic racing and local trainer Shea Eden.

Mr Eden’s provides an elite training environment based in Cranbourne and is fast becoming a well respected Victorian horse trainer.

Woolamai Racing Club has big things up its sleeve for 2017. The club is gearing up for its next meeting on January 21, which will be followed up by the major cup day event on Febru-

ary 4.

There were five meetings

scheduled for early 2017; the last one will be held on March 18.

Cheers: from left, sisters Angie Di Conza, Anna Miha, Adele Marulli and Adriana West had the perfect spot to watch the races at the Woolamai Racing Club on Monday.

Celebrate: Renee Moore, Ava Scapin, Kim Wilkinson, Sophie Bolding, Charlotte Bolding, Aleesha Lawrence, Julie Jackson, Molly Edwards, Bec Slavin, Emma Phillips, Emma De Munk, Ash Bendal, Ash Vuyst, Brooke Scapin, Hope Dudley, Courtney Brann, Emma Horner, Georgia Slavin, Emma Plumb, Carley Gilliland and Shona Milner enjoyed CBXer- Lots of fun: from left, Corinella’s Paden, Madison, Cataleya and Sage Kelly acquired a collection of twisted balloons at the Woolamai Races on Monday. cise’s break up at the Woolamai Races on Monday.

Cute: from left, Dewhurst’s Teaghan and Victoria Glassenbury and Ballarat’s Chloe Ryan had their faces painted at the Wo o l a m a i Racing Club on Monday.

Learning: 197 Inverloch Nippers were taught about water safety on the beach recently as Day out: from part of Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club’s junior program. left, Wonthaggi’s Claire Lewis, Jenny McRae and There were a few nervous youngsters attendLouise Alexan- A PICTURE perfect day welcomed the der relaxed at 197 Inverloch Nippers to their first ses- ing their first session, but the majority of the Nippers were returning from previous years and the Woolamai sion at the surf beach. quickly caught up with their summer buddies.

Races after Nippers is the junior section of life saving, Water conditions were ideal and the different the busy holi- where Under 7 to Under 14 children gain expeday period last rience in the waves, beach conditions, boards, age groups rotated through their water and beach activities with everyone happily joining in.

Monday. swimming, flag games and first aid under the

Nippers hit the water

supervision of age managers and the support of water safety members.

The end of the two hour session finished with the popular sausage sizzle and cupcakes to fill some very hungry bodies.

“THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017 - PAGE 39

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Paul Boag’s horse salutes at Stony PAST president of the Stony Creek Racing Club, Paul Boag, saddled up a winner at the opening race meeting at Stony Creek on Tuesday, December 27.

Mr Boag’s horse Zai Bu Zai won the Noni the Pony Alison Lester maiden. He is trained out of Mr Boag’s Waratah North property.

Vice president of the club and manager of Alison Lester’s Fish Creek shop, John Cooper, joked to Paul earlier in the day how funny it would be if Paul won “Alison’s race” and the horse duly saluted.

Wearing the saddlecloth number 13 proved lucky as Zai Bu Zai won by three quarters of a length and paid a healthy $11.20 on the Victorian tote.

Chief executive officer of Stony Creek Racing Club, Sarah Wolfe, said the first meeting for the season was “terrific.”

“We had 1,800 through the gate which is up on last year and we recorded 333 children in for our “Kids’ Day Out” promotion,” Ms Wolfe said.

“The children’s show bags handed out at the gate were gone within one and a half hours.

“The weather was just right too, a mild day with a slight breeze.

“Everywhere you looked people were out for a relaxing day and the picnic rugs were evident.”

Children’s book author Alison Lester was out under the Allen and Unwin reading tree signing books, reading and conducting children’s activities which were also well received.

A full complement of bookmakers was present while for the first time members of the Stony Creek Adult Riding Club assisted the Meeniyan Pony Club in the horse movement area.

Day out: Ella, Tyson, Shari and Mel Harris were spending a family day out at the races last Tuesday, for the first race meet at the Stony Creek Racing Club.

Happy headwear: Sheree Marshall from Yarram and Morena Lainez from Hallam were dressed to impress at the Stony Creek races last Tuesday.

Trained eye: Holly DeGaris from Meeniyan, Fleur Timmins from Buffalo and Taleisha Snell from Mirboo North were watching the horses in the mounting yard at the Stony Creek races last Tuesday.

Family fun: Paul, Beau, Jude and Kera Zaltsberg from Melbourne enjoyed a day out at the Stony Creek Racing Club’s first race meeting of the year last Tuesday.

Winner: Zai Bu Zai crossed the line first in the Noni the Pony Alison Lester maiden at the Stony Creek races last Tuesday. The horse is locally trained by Paul Boag from Waratah North.

Colouring: Meeniyan children Lilly McKenzie, Jada Davey and Jack Linke had a ball colouring in some beautiful Alison Lester illustrations at the Stony Creek races last Tuesday.

Pony rides: Glenys Anastasi from Korumburra shows Holly Patton from Lang Lang the pony at the Alison Lester tent at the Stony Creek races last Tuesday.

Keep it local: Waratah North’s Paul Boag had a win in race three at the Stony Creek Racing Club last Tuesday, with his horse Zai Bu Zai. The horse returns to scale with jockey Michael Dee in the saddle.

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR” Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Ladies lead the races

LADIES Day at Stony Creek Racecourse attracted visitors from near and far for a great day out on the field.

Chris Humfrey from the Wild Action Zoo was a special guest for the day, delighting families with all manner of native Australian animals.

He brought koalas, joey kangaroos, flying fox bats, a python, crocodiles and many more.

Three stage shows were run throughout the day promoting environmental awareness and show casing Australia’s rich biodiversity and children were also able to hold the animals and learn about the way they live.

The Australian theme was continued through the races at the pink roses marquee.

“We’re continuing the theme of natives in the

marquee with native flowers as the centre pieces as well as our pink roses. There’s good food, good music, it’s a really good day,” marquee hostess Jessica Odgers said.

Kate McKenzie from Landcare was also the key note speaker for the day, addressing nature in Australia as well.

Some 78 ladies attended the special marquee where they enjoyed food, wine, and music.

“We’re blessed with the weather today,” Ms Odgers said.

The sun was out, but it was not a good start to the races, with four horses scratched for the first race, and trouble at the gates early on.

The races settled from then on and punters gathered with eager eyes.

Ladies lounge: longtime friends, came out to enjoy some relaxation at the races. From left; Sharyn Newton, Kerryl Battersby, Tracey Ryan, Deb Watchorn from Leongatha

Race ready: Olga Hutt, Lisa Russell, Angela DiConza, Connie Butterfield from Venus Bay relaxed at the Stony Creek Races for Ladies Day. Local ladies: ready for the races at Stony Creek, from left, Jo McNaughton, Jenny Cecil, Paula Warriner, Nicole McNaughton, and Kaitlyn McNaughton.

Passion for fashion: Sarah, Amy, and Kaelene Shervell from Meeniyan donned their best outifits for a day at the pink roses marquee.

Scary friends: Sam, Emily, and Greg from Melbourne delighted at their chance to get up close and personal with native wildlife thanks to Chris Humfrey from the Wild Action Zoo.

Big Croc: Summer, Indigo, and Cooper Lee from Lilyfield were not scared of their new Koala-fied: Andrew, Carina, Luke, and Michael, are down from Canada to experience the crocodile friend with television zoologist Chris Humfrey from the Wild Action Zoo. wonders of Australian native animals with handler Stuart Murray.