The Great Southern Star - October 4, 2016

www.thestar.com.au TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2016 - $1.40

Fun and games at Chairo Looking good: Leongatha’s Chairo Christian School student Rebecca Caarels competed in the hotly contested fashion competition at the Chairolympics, held at the end of third term. Page 13.

CRICKET PREVIEW 2016

Pages 47-52

BASS COAST RESIDENTS PROTEST

RALLY RAGE

By Stuart Biggins

PRESIDENT of the newly formed Bass Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association, Kevin Griffin, said Sunday’s 300strong public rally at Inverloch achieved everything he hoped it would.

Former Woorayl Shire engineer Keith Godridge said the location of the current transfer station is ideal. “The need for the transfer station

300 flock to The Final Straw rally

has only become stronger and stronger as time has passed,� Mr Godridge said.

Continued on page 8.

Mr Griffin told The Star, “We’ve put forward the candidates we think are best placed to represent us into the future.�

Those at the rally, who came from all parts of the shire, shared some of the issues they have been battling with the Bass Coast Shire for the past four years.

Volunteer at the Inverloch Opportunity Shop, Barbara Bickley joined the public outcry over the shire’s decision to close the Inverloch transfer station.

Mrs Bickley said, “The closure of the transfer station will impact enormously on the shop with the dumping of unwanted Well meaning: around 300 people attended “The Final Straw� public goods.� rally at the Inverloch Recreation Reserve on Sunday to express their disShe said Inverloch is a large town and a satisfaction with the Bass Coast Shire Council’s administration in the past transfer station is warranted.

four years.

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PAGE 2 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 3

Splash worth the cash SOUTH Gippsland Splash leisure centre is running at a loss but South Gippsland Shire Council will continue to fund and expand the Leongatha facility, saying the community highly values pools.

Council’s recreation coordinator Ian Murphy said SG Splash cost council about $385,000 last financial year, excluding council expenditure on maintenance and equipment replacement that cost an extra $190,723.

Maintenance included replacing light fittings in the pool and stadium, sanding and resurfacing of the stadium floor, and general maintenance.

For the same period, Splash returned an income of $956,433.

“The cost to South Gippsland ratepayers is a little less than the average cost achieved in similar rural councils that have a full year heated pool facility, based on the statewide Local Government Performance Reporting Framework statistics that are required quarterly by the State Government,” Mr Murphy said.

This financial year, council will spend $70,000 developing detailed designs of dry programs and gymnasium spaces, and a review of warm water program pool designs.

Council has earmarked a further $1.975 million in 2017-18 and $1.17 million in 2018-19 to construct the gymnasium, dry programs and warm water exercise pool.

Mr Murphy said, “The community has consistently demonstrated to council that the aquatic facilities within the municipality are highly valued

community assets.

“Council continues to work with the operator to ensure the centre is operating as effectively as possible while continuing to provide services to a broad range of users.”

By the end of May this year, SG Splash was on track to receive more than 105,000 visits for the financial year. Of these, 25,000 were swimming lesson visits, 7000 aqua aerobic or Aqua Movers visits, more than 10,000 stadium visits, and 10,000 school visits.

“Over the past 10 years Splash attendances have been very consistent and an average around 103,000 visits per year,” Mr Murphy said.

The proposed warm water programs pool will offer water aerobics for older adults and people with disability, and rehabilitation activities such as physiotherapy, arthritis support and sports injury recovery.

The pool will measure 9.5m by 11.5m and will operate at 34ºC plus. Extra changerooms will be built to complement it.

The dry area programs area is proposed to include a gymnasium/weights area of 400 square metres and an activity room of 200 square metres.

“These facilities will allow for full range of fitness activities as well as use for health services. They will provide a dedicated temperature controlled space allowing greater range of group activities such as aerobics, yoga and personal training activities, rather than having to share spaces that are only intermittently available such as community halls and sports stadiums,” Mr Murphy said.

The community raised $680,000 over three

Making a splash: Narelle Salmon from Leongatha exercises at South Gippsland Splash leisure centre as often as she can. years towards the construction of SG Splash, which made a major contribution to the initial capital cost.

Fundraising chair heralds Splash’s success

He chaired the fundraising committee of about 20 people that raised $680,000 over three years and continued to serve as chairperson on the advisory committee to the centre until he was elected to council in 2008.

“The complex serves as the only indoor heated pool facility for the shire and is attended by residents

across the shire,” Cr Fawcett said.

“Our aquatic facilities are highly valued by our communities and I have attended public meetings at Mirboo North, Foster and Poowong where this was reinforced by public comment.”

Cr Fawcett said SG Splash was the “most successful and most used recreational facility built by council or its predecessors”. “It is a meeting place for recreation, it encourages physical activity and good health, and most importantly fulfils a safety need through its learn to swim programs.

The cost is minimal when compared to these benefits and the cost of our outdoor pools,” he said.

“Council has committed to expansion of the facility through the provision of a hydrotherapy pool and gymnasium. These are due to occur in the next three years, and will add to the viability and utility of the centre.

“I would urge our residents to visit the pool during the week and witness parents, grandparents, children, the disabled and students all using the facility.

“SG Splash is a wonderful and much used facility and valued by many of us. This well justifies the investment council has made and will continue to make over the coming years.”

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THE construction of South Gippsland Splash leisure centre was the result of one of the best fundraising efforts in Victoria, on a per capita basis, according to South Gippsland Shire Cr Jim Fawcett.

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PAGE 4 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Skating furore as hearing day set

By Brad Lester A CONTROVERSIAL mega skating ramp – the largest in the southern hemisphere –returned to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on Friday, September 23.

VCAT has decided there was enough of a case to justify a one day hearing scheduled for October 17.

Neighbours of the megaramp in Nyora’s Restlee Drive have asked VCAT to review South Gippsland Shire Council’s decision to allow sponsors’ signage and logos on the ramp, claiming such logos pointed to the proponent’s “business intent” for the ramp.

VCAT had ordered no logos, signage, banners or the like to be placed on or around the skate ramp “to the satisfaction of the responsible authority”.

That authority is council, which said the objectors want to delete one of the endorsed plans relating to the approval of stickers and or logos that are only visible to ramp users.

Council approved a large sticker measuring 1.2m square and a smaller sticker.

Objecting neighbour Gary Clarke said neighbours “thought it was all over until we viewed the council approved plans”.

“In these plans it clearly shows sponsors signage and logos on the ramp. In the VCAT ruling it pro-

Rebirth on the way: the original mega ramp is removed at the order of South Gippsland Shire Council, ahead of being built in a new location on the Nyora property. Photo: Facebook.

Inverloch appeals for sound shell

By Tayla Kershaw INVERLOCH is amping up its music festivals.

The town is well known for its musical talent and incredible seaside shows, and now community members are looking to take it one step further.

Bass Coast Shire Council voted to provide ‘inprinciple’ support to help the Lions Club of Inverloch and district develop a sound shell in The Glade.

This support will help the Lions Club solicit support and funding from other organisations – including grants on a state and federal level.

“The sound shell is in line with our plans for the area,” Cr Neil Rankine said.

“It will help the community put on events and will be a great addition to the community. It will require a small amount of vegetation removal, but

the structure would protect the remaining vegetation from the wind. In balance, I think it’s a fantastic thing for the community.”

The Lions Club’s Klaus Edel said getting the sound shell on council’s agenda was a collaborative effort between the Lions Club and many other organisations, and in particular thanked council’s manager for sustainable environment Deirdre Griepsma for assisting with the planning stage to present a case to council.

“We are quietly confident but there is still a long way to go. We will need the support of the community before it can be built,” Mr Edel said.

Mr Edel said the club is hoping to use an 11.2 kilowatt solar battery to power the structure so it leaves little to no carbon footprint.

Sound shells have popped up in places all over Victoria, including the popular local venue Mossvale Park.

hibited signage on or around the ramp - condition 11, no logos, signage, banners or the like must be placed on or around the skate ramp to the satisfaction of the responsible authority,” he said.

“Council feels it has the right to amend the decision because the phrase ‘to the satisfaction of the responsible authority’ was written in at the end of the condition, so with our barristers’ advice we are off to VCAT again.

“We are filing a section S89 application to cancel or amend a planning permit.”

Megaramp proponent Peter Wilson said he had been unaware of the upcoming VCAT hearing.

“I have been issued my permits to have the Megaranch Training Facility which was a long time coming,” he said.

“The earthworks have begun to re-position the ramp out of the complainants’ view. I’m looking at completing the Megaramp by late December.

“I have a couple world class athletes booked in to come from overseas in January to test the ramp for me.”

Jetty restoration gets a start THE FEDERAL Government funding promised for the restoration of the Port Welshpool Long Jetty has not been received by the South Gippsland Shire Council but preliminary works have begun.

Council’s manager engineering and projects John Moylan said while the funding had not yet been made available, the project had progressed.

“Three additional sections of deck opened for condition inspections in early September, underwater pile inspections started last week and an additional condition assessment of structure is scheduled,” he said.

The project was expected to reach practical completion in June, 2018.

Prior to the July federal election, the Coalition Government announced it would commit $4.858 million toward the project.

McMillan MP Russell Broadbent said at the time the major infrastructure investment would deliver extensive benefits to the region.

“Together with the community, I have been fighting relentlessly over a number of years for the restoration of the Port Welshpool Long Jetty for the McMillan community and I’m proud that together, we have finally prevailed in securing this funding,” he said.

A spokesperson from the office of Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash told The Star the election promise was binding and the funds will be made available in the near future.

He said a letter had been sent to the council to inform it of the funding progress.

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” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 5

Candidates clash heads at Korumburra

By Tayla Kershaw A CALL for change was the resounding message from the majority of the 10 South Gippsland Shire Council Strzelecki Ward candidates at a public forum in Korumburra last week.

While current councillors felt they had made some genuine achievements during their four year term, candidate David Amor said it was time for ‘a spring cleanout’ come the October 22 election.

“To find direction, we need to go in with a clean slate,” he said.

Dubbing himself the ‘candidate for change’, fellow candidate Viv Pepper said council must

Candidate for change: Strzelecki Ward candidate Viv Pepper appealed to residents about delivering better outcomes and value for money.

stop seeing its ratepayers as just residents and start seeing them as customers.

“You must vote for change if you are dissatisfied or if you have genuine concerns about the current council,” he said.

“Let’s do better and achieve better business outcomes.”

One such issue Mr Pepper had in mind was to fast track the Korumburra town plan to ensure it does not become a ghost town.

As the only Generation Y candidate, Aaron Brown said he could stir change by delivering fresh ideas and different outcomes.

“We need people who will work harmoniously. We need to build on community engagement.

South Gippsland is in quite a good state financially and it won’t take a lot to get back on track but we need the right people,” he said.

Candidate Frank Hirst backed up the need for the community to choose wisely during the election.

“I have been to a few meetings and I have not been impressed with what I have seen. When it comes to anything controversial, a group of councillors stick to the status quo,” he said.

“Unfortunately, when you ask people about their connection with council, you often get a negative response.”

South Gippsland farmer David Wanless said the community had had enough of council’s antics for the past four years, and believed the record number of standing candidates backed up his argument.

“The dissatisfaction rating in this shire is real.

There is a lack of leadership and there needs to be a shift,” he said.

“This is a great place to live and we need to make it better. Our representatives have not fought for us. Strzelecki Ward has seen less than $1 million in capital works and we need an agricultural advisory board to keep the region working well.”

Current mayor Cr Bob Newton and councillors Andrew McEwen and Lorraine Brunt shared a different view, believing the council had operated well over its four year term, and positive energy would return positive outcomes.

“I don’t wish to change much and I don’t wish

Fresh ideas: from left, candidates Aaron Brown, David Wanless and David Amor spoke at the Strzelecki Ward public forum to inform the community about their stance on important issues. to make promises that I can’t deliver. I have seen potential candidates say they will turn everything upside down. You are one in a council of nine – it’s not that easy,” Cr Newton said.

“This council is free of debt, which is not a bad achievement. I have pride in the Karmai Children’s Centre and the sewerage schemes.

Capital works have not gone to just one town – it has serviced the whole shire.”

However, candidate Ian Nicholas said change was the most important theme coming out the session, and needed to be considered by the community.

“We really need to change the culture of this council, which has border lined on bullying,” he said.

“There needs to be a complete review on services and the management structure. I think it’s unbelievable the CEO is paid in excess of $300,000 and it’s discriminating that farms less than 400 acres are forced to pay residential rates.

I also want to work against in camera sessions by council.”

Former Shire of Korumburra councillor Jim Forbes said it was time the council properly reflected this area and move forward.

“As a council, we have everything going for us. We have the most productive land, great rainfall, the coast and we are 100 kilometres away from the most liveable city,” he said.

“We need to work together and achieve financial stability to move forward.”

By Tayla Kershaw TOWN plans, rates, coal seam gas and overall community satisfaction were the pressing issues for the Strzelecki Ward community.

Residents were given the opportunity to ask important questions of the Strzelecki candidates at a forum held in Korumburra last week.

Trish McCraw from Poowong asked the South Gippsland Shire Council Strzelecki Ward candidates about their strategic plan, which stirred a debate about growth and streetscapes.

As Korumburra is the first South Gippsland town that welcomes Melbourne travellers, residents feel a beautifying scheme needs to Current councillors united on the fact that plans were set in motion for the entire shire, and a queue of priorities is in place.

“We can’t just look at the development of Strzelecki, we have to look at all three wards. Foster and Leongatha are priorities now and Korumburra will be, but not yet,” mayor Cr Bob Newton said.

“Candidates who come in here just to look after Strzelecki will find it doesn’t work that way and you can’t jump the queue.

Cr Lorraine Brunt said Korumburra will be developed in the 2020-2021 and designs are being looked at in the meantime.

Korumburra’s Chris Amor said it often felt to Strzelecki residents that Leongatha is always prioritised over Korumburra, and asked if it was true that Leongatha was getting a United petrol station and a Hungry Jacks.

Councillors Andrew McEwen and Lorraine Brunt said nothing had been confirmed, and there is capacity for a permit to be given to the franchises in either town.

While development was a hot topic, Meeniyan’s Clive Hope was concerned for the future of the shire land after a letter to the editor written by Cr Andrew McEwen on February 24, which suggested some of the current councillors may be in favour of coal seam gas.

Mr Hope asked the candidates for their position on fracking; candidates responded no

unanimously.

“Council has a firm stance against coal seam gas. It was not a case of ‘we didn’t agree with Cr McEwen, therefore we are for it’. We were never for it,” Cr Lorraine Brunt said.

Leongatha’s Paul Norton attended the forum to express his dissatisfaction with the way disability had been handled in the shire and was disappointed works were going on that were not capable of handling disability.

“We are an aging community and the concept of disability is changing. I will be making an issue of this to the next council,” Mr Norton said.

Cr Newton said all works go before the access and inclusion committee before going ahead, but Mr Norton claimed the Heavy Vehicle Route – which limits footpath access near Long Street – did not go before the committee.

Candidate Aaron Brown voiced his willingness to consider policies about disabilities before

making decisions if elected.

Leongatha South’s Ron Wangman said the issues in the ward come down to roads, rates and rubbish, and waste management was a particular concern for the residents.

Candidate Viv Pepper voiced his concern for the increased truck movement if a landfill was to go ahead in Leongatha South, and said he would look for ways to move heavy vehicles out of the community as a councillor.

The candidates were also asked why they were unwilling to develop a $32 million civil hub in Leongatha, which would be used primarily as council offices.

Candidate Jim Forbes said the centre could incorporate a library and a community space, but had been slammed by many of the candidates.

Ian Nicholas felt the plans for the building were inappropriate, and needed to be properly considered if it were to go ahead.

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Strzelecki speaks up

PAGE 6 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Meeting done in record time LAST Wednesday’s South Gippsland Shire Council meeting took just a shade over 15 minutes to complete, with the meeting closed at 2.17pm.

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It was the last ordinary meeting for the current council and due to the caretaker period, there was nothing of much significance on the agenda.

All councillors except Kieran Kennedy were present at the meeting.

The draft 2015/16 annual report of operations was up for discussion at the meeting and was endorsed in principle unanimously.

Councillor Jim Fawcett said the report demonstrated the council’s success over the past four years.

He mentioned projects such as the Great Southern Rail Trail completion, the new Leongatha skate park and the council’s $6.2 million investment in roads.

“There have been a number of considerable achievements this year as well as in the preceding three that the community should be well satisfied with and the councillors should be well satisfied

with,” he said.

Cr Fawcett conceded the report was not 100 per cent full of great achievements.

“Some bits may not have met the full tote... there are some things we could have done better,” he said.

Cr Mohya Davies said the report indicated council was in a good fiscal position.

She said the development of the Korumburra Karmai Children’s Centre, the rail trail and public facilities at Toora, Fish Creek, Tarwin Lower and Waratah Bay were some highlights of the council’s term.

The other item on the agenda that created discussion was the unaudited financial statements and performance statement.

Cr Fawcett said it rounded off 14 years of work by councillors and officers to get the council into a position of strong financial capacity.

“We can pat ourselves on the back. It is a good position for any incoming council to continue the good work,” he said.

The statements were approved in principle unanimously.

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Get involved: Loch Primary School students embraced the walk to school program in 2015.

Health habits start here REGISTRATIONS for VicHealths’s walk to school program are walking out the door.

Thirteen out of 17 South Gippsland primary schools have already registered for the program and the South Gippsland Shire Council’s walk to school team is now busy finalising resources for the important event in October.

Council received funding for the walk to school program for the third year running, which has been instrumental in supporting participating schools.

“The funding from VicHealth allows us to create resources for schools such as feet first Fridays, fresh fruit fun, park and walk, walk – bus – walk and safe routes to schools,” council’s walk to school project support officer Irene Desiatov said.

“Council’s focus for walk to school goes beyond the month of October...as we work with schools to

develop safe walking route maps and signs they can use well after the event is over.”

Walk to school encourages primary school children to walk, run, scoot or ride to and from school every school day in October. ‘ Walking time is also talking time for parents and children.

“When the stress of driving and keeping your eye on the traffic is taken away, it’s easier to talk to your children about what’s happening at school and in their lives when walking together,” Ms Desiatov said.

“October is a great time to start walking, because the fabulous spring sunshine makes it a pleasure to get out of the house, and the car and students could win some great prizes for their family and their school.”

Schools not registered for the program can do so online at www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au or contact council for more information.

Crime up in Gippsland CRIME is continuing to increase across Gippsland according to the latest statistics.

In the past 12 months, crime has risen 10.3 percent in the Wellington Shire and 8.2 percent in South Gippsland Shire figures released by the Crime Statistics Agency show.

“Since the election of the Labor Government, crime has risen 18.3 percent and 12.5 percent respectively in the two shires, while across the state, the crime rate has risen 13.4 percent in the year to June 2016 and 16.5 percent since the last election,” said The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien.

“The community has every right to be alarmed at the rise in crime.

“These figures are concerning for every

Gippslander and are the result of Labor’s cuts to front-line policing, closure of police stations and winding back of bail laws.

“I know our local police are working hard but they have one hand tied behind their back due to the resourcing issues caused by the Labor Government.

With our state’s population growing, police numbers have not kept pace meaning we are seeing real cuts to frontline numbers.

“I know our local police have been put under pressure to return staff to fight the crime wave in Melbourne but country Victorians will not stand for any action like this.

“If Daniel Andrews spent less time fighting CFA volunteers and members of his own party and more time focussed on issues like rising crime, Victoria would be much better off.”

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 7

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Four weeks ago the language coming from interest groups including the Historical Society and Korumburra Rotary Club was, “What is known, is a new library will be built.”

The new library was envisaged as occupying the corner of the site at street level with a commercial development – rumoured to be a supermarket – below.

The development would take in the vacant land that abuts the council owned Korumburra Library and Federation Gallery.

Bryan Sword the acting CEO of the shire recently issued a statement that seemed designed to quash public interest in a possible development.

The statement read: “Contrary to rumours, the Korumburra Library site has not been sold.

“This site is identified in the Korumburra Town Centre Framework Plan as a potential site for a future supermarket, which was developed following extensive community consultation in 2013.

“If Council is to transfer or sell land it must comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1989, which requires public notification and consultation.

“Any proposal to develop this land for the purposes of a supermarket would require a planning permit application which includes strict notification and advertising requirements under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.

“The Library and associated community facilities are important assets to Korumburra and the broader South Gippsland community and I strongly encourage anyone with a query about any aspect of Council’s operations to contact us directly so that we may provide you with accurate information and prevent unnecessary concern or unrest.”

Mr Sword’s statement was a response to a letter to the editor and several calls from members of the community wrongly accusing the council of having sold the old Korumburra shire offices.

There is no doubt that progress is being made to redevelop this prime location at the entrance to Korumburra and few would doubt what a lift this would give the town.

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Building the future: the striking new Frank Bartlett Library in Moe is proving to be a new focus in the heart of the town.

A high profile person with strong involvement in the town said, “Over the years there have been many proposals but this one is for real.”

The shire approached the president of the Korumburra Historical Society which has space in the building and the stewards of The Federation Art Gallery, Korumburra Rotary to sound out their views on becoming tenants of the Korumburra Railway Station development.

Clearly this is to rationalise plans for a new library building without other tenants at the site.

The president of the Korumburra Round Table, Peewee Lewis is determined that community interests are best served by what unfolds.

Mrs Lewis said, “I would be concerned if the art gallery was isolated in the railway station.”

She said she was very much in favour of incorporating community facilities such as a library and art gallery with commercial enterprises such as a supermarket.

She argues that a whole lot of people who would never otherwise bother to go out of their way to visit either, would be brought into the fold.

Mrs Lewis guessed that many children in the town would have been to neither the art gallery nor the library.

Currently the entrance to Federation Art Gallery is through the adjoining library which arrangement means the gallery can operate without being formally staffed 210 days each year.

Strategically locating public facilities such as librar-

ies and art galleries makes them mainstream and if an art gallery shares a concourse with a shopping centre it has access to a captive audience.

Mrs Lewis cited the exciting new Frank Bartlett Library in the heart of the Moe CBD as an example of what can be achieved.

Mrs Lewis questioned too why a library can’t provide a comfortable, calm and unobtrusively supervised space where teenagers might lounge with their peers to engage in gaming.

“We have to change our mind set,” she said. “Our communities need to provide interconnectedness.”

Meanwhile the committee of volunteers looking at the ideas submitted for the Korumburra Railway Station business plan, met last Wednesday night with Barbara Look the council’s community strengthening officer who has sorted and collated the ideas.

Korumburra Business Association secretary Shirley Arestia said that the meeting left the working group with a lot of homework to do which includes reading an assessment of the building’s structural integrity.

Ms Arestia said, “Across the working group there is a breadth of experience which includes business management, planning and historic buildings as well as a mix of long term and new residents of the town.”

There is even a couple from The Gurdies who are there by dint of their interest in bringing long forlorn infrastructure back to life.

The next meeting is on October 19.

Emus find new home

By Tayla Kershaw TWO emus have taken up residence at Bass Coast Specialist School.

New friends: from left, Bass Coast Specialist School’s education support officer and animal whisperer Rachel Cullen, students Brianna and Daniel, and business manager Christina Burns were out feeding the emus on Thursday afternoon.

Belonging to Phillip Island’s Mikayla Woodroffe, the emus needed to be rehomed for 18 months, and the school was happy to accommodate them.

“We were glad to take them on. It’s an excellent way to help our students learn about native animals and how to be kind and respectful to animals,” business manager Christina Burns said.

“It’s a great opportunity for students who may have never gotten the chance to go to places like Healesville and see real native animals.”

Both emus – a female and a male

named Bonnie and Clyde – are tame and are new best friends for many of the students at the school.

“They are so friendly and funny. They run around and do silly things, just like you’d expect from a cat or a dog,” Ms Burns said.

“They even race with the children up and down the fence line. The children love it.”

The emus have sparked a lot of curiosity amongst parents and friends, who have visited the school to see the birds themselves.

The school is well equipped to maintain the emus, with three large paddocks available for them to explore.

Ms Woodroffe said she was thrilled with the emus’ new home and described the school community as ‘heroes’ for taking them on.

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PAGE 8 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Vote cards cause a stir

By Tayla Kershaw THEORIES suggesting five of the 13 candidates running for South Gippsland Shire Council’s Tarwin Valley Ward were stooges for benefit of current councillor Cr Don Hill have been refuted.

Initial suspicion flared within the community when the how to vote card began circulating with five candidates encouraging voters to put Cr Don Hill at number two, regardless of where they sat with the rest of the group.

Cr Hill said the candidates – Di Tod, Kim White, Rosemary Cousin, Philip Murphy and Ben Corcoran – were not dummy candidates

and the group how to vote card was created in an effort for the candidates to save money on campaigning.

“The (Victorian Electoral Commission) changed its rules about preferential votes being included in the ballot pack. By this time, I had been campaigning for 10 weeks and had door knocked asking people to vote for people with similar views.

The new rules made it impossible for people to know and use my advice,” Cr Hill said.

“The only thing I could do was what the (Victorian Electoral Commission) had told us to, which is to send out how to vote cards.

“I contacted all the candidates – with the exception of three – and the five who responded joined the group to reduce the cost of mail outs. Instead of having

six people spend more than $2000 on campaigning, the cost was reduced significantly.”

Leongatha’s Vic Rowlands said suggesting who people should vote for without any evidence was an insult to voters and would not result in the election of a better council.

“The (vote card) circulated so far on behalf of six Tarwin Valley candidates is receiving the public opprobrium it deserves,” he wrote in a letter to the editor to The Star.

“For the first time in 20 years I have heard people saying ‘I think it might be better to go back to appointed commissioners’. Tear up the how to vote tickets and just vote for who you think are the best candidates.”

Mr Rowlands was not alone in his views, with two other letters being sent in to The Star with concerns about false claims, the importance for voters to make their own informed decisions, and the excessive use of ratepayer funds to boost candidates.

Mr Rowlands said he had not spoken to or had been influenced by any of the other candidates on this issue.

Koorooman’s Di Tod – who appears on

Cr Hill’s how to vote card – confirmed she was not a dummy candidate and was totally independent.

“Personally, I’m standing because I feel people are fed up with what goes on in this council – like the de-

cision making behind closed doors and the top level expenditure, and the distribution of funds,” she said.

“I have had a not so good experience with this council and I feel the culture needs to change. I barely know

Don (Hill) and I am not standing upon anyone’s request. There’s no conspiracy.”

Cr Hill said he was more concerned the dummy candidates were those who were unwilling to spend money on campaigning.

“Why not put out a document or a preferential list? The suggestion that if you are on a how to vote card you are not independent is rubbish. These candidates have taken the time to discuss their views, talk to

candidates with similar views and inform the ratepayers at their own expense,” he said.

“There are others who have not bothered to spend a cent and are leaving people uninformed.”

Vote card: here is a copy of one of the pamphlets sent out by an independent group of six candidates who are sharing the cost of distribution. Cr Don Hill has refuted claims the other five were “stooges” despite the fact they have all placed him at number two on the ballot paper, after themselves.

Inverloch rally rage Continued from page 1.

A petition was circulated to be presented to the shire following the election calling for the decision to close the transfer station to be rescinded and for the re-establishment of the Phillip Island transfer station.

Kevin Griffin said the decision to close the transfer station is the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Despite what the shire claims Mr Griffin said there has been little public consultation and it is clear that the overwhelming majority of people who attended consultation sessions during August were in favour of the transfer station staying open.

Michael Thomas from Pioneer Bay said, “I am sick and tired of the dust, damage to my property and my health from the mess the council has made of Kallay Drive.”

This is the road which was temporarily sealed for seven years before it was controversially turned back into a gravel road by the shire.

“Unless the incoming council re-establishes the seal, the intention is to take the matter to the Minister for Local Government and the State Ombudsman in association with the Bass Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association,” Mr Thomas said.

Inverloch resident Ross Smith told the public rally that the annual state government survey of local governments placed Bass Coast Shire as the worst performing of all 72 Victorian local governments. He said there is incredible waste, incompetence and millions of ratepayer dollars are squandered on hired consultants for work that could be done in-house.

“Rename the shire Teflon Coast, because nothing sticks,” Mr Griffin said.

He said Bass Coast Shire comes off badly when compared to the income and expenditure of Baw Baw Shire and the Surf Coast Shire and has not controlled expenditure and has pushed up rates year after year, higher than CPI increases.

Not everyone who attended the rally was as supportive of the motives.

Candidate for Bunurong, Peter Dalmau was among the crowd and said that the protestors were “well meaning amateurs.”

He said planning is an integral role of council work and from his observations candidates standing for council were giving lip service to things they know nothing about.

Mr Dalmau said, “We need councillors with nitty gritty, down to earth, grass roots experience which fits them for the role.”

Three angry men: from left, president of the Bass Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association, Kevin Griffin, and guest speakers Rhyll resident John Swarbrick and Pioneer Bay’s Not happy: Inverloch’s Ross Smith addresses the public rally.

Michael Thomas at the first public event of the newly formed association.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 9

Rail trail shapes up

By Sarah Vella

“We are told by people from Meeni- is expected to be examined in more provide good analysis in partnership site, which will go live just before the yan, Fish Creek and Toora in particu- detail, with the implementation of so- with the business community,” he relaunch,” he said. said.

“The website is close to being lar that they have seen a significant phisticated counters.

THE Great Southern Rail Trail Mr Dennis said data from the counMr Dennis said the counters will be increase in trade since the new section ready.

It is a useful site, with features will be officially relaunched on used in different places along the trail ters should provide meaningful inforon every town and links for people to was completed,” Mr Dennis said.

Saturday, November 26 once access the online mapping as well.” mation for businesses and communiMr Dennis said positive feedback to check real use. new signage has been erected, “The counters will be able to tell ties along the trail.

Since the completion of the Black was also regularly submitted to the rail effectively completing the trail. Spur section of the trail, feedback from trail’s Facebook page.

“We should have that equipment by the difference between walkers, horse The first of the signs, which will local businesses has been positive.

The economic benefit of the trail riders and cyclists and over time will time of the official relaunch,” he said. feature the new rail trail’s new-look branding, should be in the ground in October.

“The signs are in the process of being made at the moment and we are really pleased with the quality,” South Gippsland Shire Council community strengthening manager Ned Dennis said.

“All of the new signage should be in the ground and useable by early November.”

Mounting blocks for horse riders are already in place on either side of every bridge along the trail.

“That is a little thing, but in a way, a big thing as well. It was a tangible, straight forward way of making it a better facility for horse riders,” Mr Dennis said.

The details of the relaunch are yet to be determined, however Mr Dennis said the communities along the rail trail will be involved in the celebrations.

He said it is expected to be a significant event, which will elicit a lot of attention for South Gippsland.

Around $190,000 has been spent on the signage and association infrastructure and around $70,000 was spent on the marketing plan development.

Mr Dennis said for the extensive detail included on the signage, the cost was pleasing.

“We are also spending quite a bit of money on building a brand new web- Economic driver: the Black Spur section of the Great Southern Rail Trail, which was completed earlier this year, has improved usage of the trail

and benefits for local businesses.

PAGE 10 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

A REMINDER to Mirboo North and District organisations that the Mirboo North and District Community Foundations 2016 Community Grants program is open until 4pm on Friday, October 14, 2016.

This year the total value allocated is up to $45,000,with two levels of grants, up to $5,000 and up to $20,000. Application forms for the Community Grants are available on its website www.mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or from Derrick Ehmke as per contact details below. Please also be sure to talk to Derrick about your proposed application on phone 0418 301 092 or email: info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au

THE annual Fairer World Bazaar is on again, this year to be held at the Leongatha Uniting Church Hall on Saturday, October 15 from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Run during Anti Poverty Week, the bazaar aims to help fight poverty and hardship.

Hosted by the Leongatha TEAR Support and Make Poverty History Action groups, the event is a great opportunity to do something positive and solve some Christmas gift shopping at the same time.

The bazaar is an alternative gift fair, with charity stalls selling handcrafts from Asia and Africa, supporting projects that provide hope and dignity to many who may other-

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Most stall holders have firsthand experience of the projects they support and are only too happy to talk about them.

The bazaar has built a reputation for variety and quality and with up to 20 stalls expected, event spokesperson Johanna Haasjes is confident this year’s bazaar will be big-

ger and better.

Entry to the Fairer World Bazaar is free and light refreshments are available. All proceeds from the kitchen are donated to TEAR.

maritan’s Purse, are reminded boxes can be returned to New Beginnings Christian Book Shop in Leongatha. Please return sometime in October.

FOR anyone who is participating in the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes, an operation for Sa-

FORMER owner of a fuel injection business in Leongatha, Ted Giliam, is inviting anyone who wants

Raising awareness: Falun Dafa practitioners, from left, Lucy Liu, Yuan An, Susan Zhang, Jenny Zhang, Shexiang Hon, Ping Sun and Trinity Cui, were in Leongatha last Wednesday to raise awareness on the issue of forced organ harvesting in China. The group is touring to more than 200 Australian cities for the cause, including Wonthaggi, Sale, Warragul, Traralgon, Morwell and Lakes Entrance.

to view the first running of the Ruston12H engine that a public event is coming up.

On the weekend of October 15 and 16 at Glen Valley (on Omeo Highway 55km north

of Omeo) there will be an open day celebrating the return to running of the Maude and Yellow Girl Mine Ruston engine. Bookings to view the engine can be made via the web-

site www.ruston12h. com Mr Giliam, from Nerrena, has a second house he visits in the Glen Valley area and has been assisting in the restoration of the engine.

Ladies night out: ladies are invited to the Kongwak CFA for a safe night, where there will be information about fire prevention and safety in home, work and car environments. There will also be demonstrations on how to use fire extinguishers and blankets, which will be followed by a wine and cheese tasting. This will be held at the fire station at 7.30pm on October 13. The brigade also has an open day planned, which will include displays and hands on demonstration. This will be held from 10am to 2pm on October 30. Children’s activities and a sausage sizzle will be provided. This event is open to everyone.

• South Gippsland Gemstone and Lapidary Club

Special guest welcomed ON Monday, September 26 club members were delighted to welcome Mr. Graham Young, secretary of the Victorian Facetors Group to its club rooms.

Secretary Chris Rump had arranged the visit so members could discuss with Graham the possibility of setting up occasional faceting meetings for facetors in their rooms in the Old Bowls Club in Hughes Street, Leongatha and learn more about faceting.

Faceting is the skill of making a plain gemstone into a highly polished gem that becomes a thing of

value and beauty in the process.

Graham was able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of the various machines that members had brought in for discussion, as well as talking about various polishing techniques and a most interesting day was enjoyed by everyone.

As a result of his visit members will discuss the feasibility of running on open day specially for the facetors in South Gippsland at the club’s next meeting.

The club meets on Mondays from 9.30am to about 2.30pm and warmly welcomes new members and visitors.

Speaker: last week saw a visit to South Gippsland Gemstone and Lapidary Club by the secretary of the Victorian Facetors Group, Graham Young. Pictured standing from left, Brian Patching, Rob Ray, Len Ralph; sitting Graham Young, Fran Smethurst, Yvonne Ralph and Val Bremner.

Seniors Festival is here OVER 55s are in- Seniors Festival vited to a free cel- this month.

The 2016 South ebration to mark Seniors Festhe 34th Victorian Gippsland tival Concert will feature

authentic rock ’n’ roll band, Honey B and The Stingers, taking participants on a nostalgic musical journey back to the

1950s and 1960s.

The event will also celebrate special guest, Marjorie Jarvis from Leongatha, who is a finalist in the 2016 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. Mrs Jarvis, who is 95 years young, has dedicated much of her life volunteering and supporting the South Gippsland community.

Nominated by a close friend, Mrs Jarvis will attend a special awards ceremony at Government House in Canberra this month where she will be honoured for her contributions. Aged and Disability Services coordinator, Louise Brydon, said the event promised to be one to remember.

“This year’s concert Festival highlight: rock ‘n’ roll band, Honey B and The Stingers, will be one of the best,” Ms Brydon said, “which are all set to go for the South Gippsland Seniors Festival Concert.

we know is a big call coming off a remarkably successful event last year.

“Participants provided some wonderful feedback following last year’s concert that we are incorporating into this event and to have a local nominated in the 2016 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards really adds a nice shine.

We are excited to be able to share this occasion with Marjorie.”

The local Seniors Concert is one of many free or low cost events being held throughout Victoria in October, including dances, theatre shows, celebratory morning teas, tours, and a host of indoor and outdoor recreation activities.

A program of events

is available from Council’s main office, libraries and community houses, or you can request a program by phoning 1300 135 090 or visiting www.seniorsonline.vic. gov.au.

Read more about the Seniors Festival in today’s Star feature on pages 20-22.

The South Gippsland Seniors Festival Concert will be held on Friday, October 7 at the Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre in Elizabeth Street. The doors to the centre will be open at 11.30am. The concert itself will start at 1.30pm sharp. Although a free event, tickets are required. Tickets can be obtained by contacting Council on 5662 9200.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 11

Centre celebrates quarter century THE Tarwin Lower and District Community Health Centre will celebrate 25 years since its opening in September 1991 on Saturday, October 8.

The committee of management including some volunteers has been working hard preparing for this important occasion.

“We would like to see as many people from Tarwin Lower, Venus Bay, Walkerville and surrounding districts come and join us celebrate this important landmark in our history,” president Don Kennedy said.

The idea to build some sort of medical facility like a first aid station or nursing station was conceived way back in 1984 through the matron of the Woorayl Hospital at Leongatha.

It wasn’t until 1986 when the first community meeting was called by councillor Ted Fisher to discuss the possibility of building a health centre.

“From there, the idea became a reality and this community was committed,” Mr Kennedy said.

Clinical psychologist and committee member Debbie Birkett has written a history of the centre for the celebration.

“With wide community commitment, government funding, and dedicated foundation nursing and medical personnel, health professionals and volunteers, much was achieved in providing a range of vital health services and health related activities,” she wrote.

“The formation of the health centre we are celebrating was testament to the dedication of early activists and consolidated over the past 25 years

by a long list of professionals and volunteers.”

Mr Kennedy said the celebration is not just to mark the quarter of a century in operation.

“It is also to show our gratitude to the many people who had the vision and knowledge to build the health centre and to keep it running for the last 25 years,” he said.

The celebrations will start at 10am and lunch will be provided at 1pm.

“The highlights of the day will be the open forum where you can speak if you want to or ask any questions, the unveiling of the new sign, the burying of the time capsule and the entertainment provided by some groups that believe in the holistic approach to health and wellbeing,” Mr Kennedy said.

“It will be a fantastic program and I hope you Hard at work: the Tarwin Lower and District Community Health Centre committee of won’t miss it. I’ll look forward to seeing you management is working hard to get the place prepared for the upcoming 25 year anniversary, there.” which will be celebrated on Saturday, October 8.

Children’s centre on the way BASS Coast Shire Council appointed TS Constructions Pty Ltd to construct the $2.5 million Bass Valley Children’s Centre.

The works expected to begin from November 7 and take up to 15 months to complete.

SR Excavations Pty Ltd has begun works on the new internal driveway and car park area, which will be completed before the building works start, weather permitting.

The building works will involve construction

and commissioning of all demolition, site work, building elements, and electrical, mechanical and hydraulic services for the new centre.

The existing kindergarten facility will continue to operate for the majority of these works.

Demolition and final landscaping works are scheduled for the Christmas holiday period 2017-18.

Contributions to this project included $1.5 million from council, $900,000 from the Department of Education and Training and $70,000 from the Bass Valley Children’s Group.

Council’s general manager healthy communities

David Elder said the aim of the building project is to construct an integrated children’s centre adjacent to the Bass Valley Primary School and provide childcare services for families in the Bass Valley area.

“This new facility was developed to incorporate provisions for kindergarten for three and four year olds, long day care, school holiday programs, before and after school care, maternal child health services, access to specialise services and parenting programs, and community meeting spaces,” he said.

It is expected there will be some minor traffic delays during the works period.

Closing ceremony: the Girl Guides reflected on the fun they had during the sleepover on Saturday morning.

Girl Guides prepare for camp SOME 43 Girl Guides from Leongatha, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island finished the term with a fun sleepover at the PAC centre at Leongatha Primary School.

The theme of the sleepover was horses and the girls started the night with a game played outdoors in which each patrol had to find their missing horse.

They had to decipher codes, learn to plait hair, learn a hitch knot and complete a dressage drill in order to find the way to their horse.

This was a fun adventure, especially as it got dark.

Indoor activities followed, which included

making lucky horseshoes, decorating horse shaped biscuits for supper, playing pin the tail on the horse and horse races.

A horse themed movie finished the night and everyone was pretty quiet by midnight.

The sleepover was to prepare the girls for a two night camp next term, which will include riding an actual horse.

The Girl Guides would like to thank Rob Higgins and the Leongatha Primary School for allowing them to use such a wonderful venue; it was greatly appreciated.

Anyone interested in joining Girl Guides or helping out, please contact Chris Oliver at coliver@guidesvic.org.au.

Leongatha Lyrebirds: back from left, Arna Lamers, Erica Beggs, Savannah Interlandi, Charlotte Cashin, Kaydee Jones, Charlie-Rose Graham-Cross, front from left, Georgia Lawry, Ayla Jones, Rybyann Kuffer and Erin Dooley had plenty fun during the horse themed Girl Guides sleepover.

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McEwen, Andrew

IAN NICHOLAS

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Pepper, Viv

Candidate for Strzelecki Ward “It is Time for Change”

Voting Preferences for Ian Nicholas Please ensure you number every box

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Brunt, Lorraine Mary

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Wanless, David A

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NICHOLAS, Ian

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Amor, David Authorised by Ian Nicholas, 90 Outtrim Inverloch Rd, Outtrim, 3951

PAGE 12 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

OPINIONS

Rate savings achievable

IN year one of this Council (South Gippsland) rate rises had been 6 percent plus for the last 10 years and projected to be 5 percent plus for the next 15 years.

We were told by the administration that it was not possible to reduce the rate rises without cutting services.

We were told money was tight. We did not have sufficient briefing time to understand and make good decisions on the budget matters.

During the year we were informed that changes to government regulations meant we had to find around $1 million to ensure compliance under the EPA regulations. I expected a cut to service provisions to find that $1 million. I was wrong, we were informed some left over money from completed projects and an identified project that no longer needed to go ahead meant the money was available. Good news.

When this circumstance occurred three more times in that first year I started to wonder how many other such projects currently in the 15 year budget may also not need to go ahead.

In year two, I discovered a large amount of money at the end of the 15 year budget in unallocated roads funding. I asked why this was there and being unsatisfied with the response proceeded to investigate. I looked up the previous year’s 15 year capital works budget sheet and found it was not included in that year.

This showed me the amount was $34 million and at the next budget meeting I again asked about this $34 million. I pointed out the $34 million was not included in the document titled “changes to previous capital works 15 year budget” presented to councillors in the budget sessions and that not informing councillors of a

material cost to the ratepayers of this magnitude would be illegal.

The answer was the $34 million was “left over” after allocating all the 5 to 6 percent rates revenue to expenditures.

These facts were conveyed to me by letter from the director at the time, but for the next 10 months during council debate, they were denied by the majority group on Council. The absurd position by some councillors was that this $34 million did not affect the rates charged.

I determined to discover whether there was more money included in the expenditures that did not need to be there.I added up all the items in the whole 15 years budget from the previous year and then did the same for the current year for the same period of time. The result was around an extra $100 million being added,raising the expenditure costs from around $600 to $700 million dollars.

At the end of this second year Cr McEwen and I proposed a 2.5 percent budget, rather than stick with 5 percent plus figures. This idea was dismissed by the majority group at the time. I returned to my investigations concerning what constituted the $100 million items.

I discovered four areas of concern. First was the pile of cash ($34 million), second was the inclusion of named items within the budget that were never going to be built within the 15 year period and so could only be there to keep the justification for high ongoing rate demands in place.

Nyora Hub was included at $8 million yet council had a report stating that this building was not required for 25 years.The third concern was CPI factored into all future expenditure. Now at the time CPI was around 2 percent, so all future works should be costed up by 2 per-

E D I T O R I A L Crunch time for council elections ELIGIBLE voters in both Bass Coast Shire and South Gippsland Shire are expected to receive their ballot packs in the mail later this week or early next week and with huge fields to choose from they’ll need to make careful consideration on who to vote for.

Judging from the amount of letters in The Star, there are many people taking these elections very seriously and rightly so as they are electing people to make decisions on your behalf for the next four years.

Depending on who you listen to some of the current crop of councillors are doing alright but others are destined for the chopping block.

One thing is for sure you’ll need to do plenty of homework to work out who to vote for in your ward with between 8 to10 candidates running for each ward in both shires.

Ask questions of your candidates and if they are current councillors, have they done their job to your satisfaction?

Are there agitators on council who actually make things happen or are they there to stymie progress?

Mail boxes are being filled with every amount of how to vote cards and candidate information but at the end of the day it is you who will decide, who to cast number one vote for and to fill in the other numbers in order of your preference.

You don’t have to agree with their preferences, number the ballot paper according to your views.

Have your current councillors worked in yours and your shires better interest or aren’t they doing nearly enough.

Whilst there have been some good councillors operating in these shires for many years there are also some high quality candidates willing to step up and make our area a better place.

Beware of those candidates who promise the world and have no chance of delivering. Making promises as a candidate is a lot different from prioritising the never ending number of projects that seem to be important when on council.

Your completed ballot material must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6pm Friday, October 21.

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

The Star reserves the right to edit all letters for length and style. Writer’s details, including full name, address and phone number (not for publication), must be included.

Letters to the Editor

cent each year from what it would cost if built in the current year.

The actual CPI factored into future expenditures was around 5 percent. The last area of concern was the over estimated cost for most individual items in the budget.

So with this analysis done, I with assistance from Cr McEwen, put together a 2.5 percent budget paper detailing how council could have a 15 year budget with only 2.5 percent rate rises for all the 15 years. This was presented to Council in March 2015 and presented to Council and administration by myself in budget discussions prior to this meeting.

The consensus from the majority group in Council was to dismiss all those ideas out of hand. They then caused the vote to be lost on the day. The comments at the time were all saying the ideas were mathematically incorrect and fanciful and that 2.5 percent could not occur without cutting services.

Later the same year the government decided to introduce rate capping and determined the rise to be 2.5 percent. Well, the administration brought us its first draft budget in December 2015 and not one service cut in sight! Also, nine of the 17 ideas put forward by Cr McEwen and myself earlier in March were now included in the budget papers.

This budget was accepted at the June 2016 meeting. If Council had accepted the 2.5 percrent budgets two years earlier your rates bill would be 5 percent less today. If we had looked at the other eight ideas contained in our report we would perhaps be 10 percent less now.

I have two main concerns here.

The first is how is it good governance to have $100 million included in the budget expenditure, but not to inform the councillors of all the information.

My second concern is once the facts were identified, how the majority group of Councillors could allow the behaviour to continue unchallenged and when identified in open council debate how could those same councillors mislead the ratepayers by saying the expenditures did not raise the rates demanded of them in future years.

It is important to realise the 2.5 percent budget now in place came about from returning only $40 million of the $100 million and that we have scope to reduce future rate rises and build appropriate infrastructure without cutting necessary service standards by returning to the ratepayer or utilising this extra amount of money. The $32 million municipal office project is part of this $60 million.

This election will have important outcomes for the ratepayers.

You can vote for keeping the same Council mentality for the next 40 years or vote for some much needed

Railway future

change. To do this we need to replace the old guard councillors.

Don Hill, Candidate for Tarwin Valley Ward.

About independence IN last week’s newspaper Cr Lorraine Brunt’s advertisement stated she is “A truly independent female candidate for Strzelecki Ward”.

At the Candidates’ Forum the next evening I commented that just half of that statement was true. Later that night, in an email addressed to all the Ward candidates she demanded an apology from me. Well, what a breathtaking own goal!

Lorraine, I’m happy to oblige: I apologise for not making myself crystal clear in my observation that you are obviously not independent!

I’ve been to numerous Council meetings over the last couple of years and I’ve seen you on three occasions, ask Cr Jim Fawcett, “Jim, how are we going to vote on this?” That’s not a question from someone who’s independent. All the Councillors know it and now the public can know it too, as they should. Perhaps you’d like to tell everyone why this is the case?

It’s your call – I’m not going to stoop to that level.

Also Lorraine, you stood up at the second last council meeting and said Point of Order, then went um, um, um, Jim help me with this, I need the words, Then the mayor and the CEO started looking. Lorraine that’s terrible.

I’m totally independent, as anyone who knows me it’s true.

Candidate for Strzelecki Ward, David Amor, Korumburra.

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

• •

reduced financial transparency the dog being wagged by the tail, or the councillors following rather than leading the CEO On the other hand, there are a number of candidates whom the BCRRA committee has identified as being standouts.

People who we believe, if elected, will give the entire community its best shot at restoring balance and equity to Council culture, Council behaviour, and Council decision making.

We identified these people to you in all the local papers last week.

These people are highly credentialed, having high grade qualifications and experience in business administration, financial disciplines, and community and social engagement activities.

We believe these candidates bring the skill-set needed to act like a ‘Board of Directors’ in order to properly manage the Bass Coast Council and its CEO. And importantly, we believe these people demonstrate a sincere desire to act in the interest of all people in our community, and not just for special-interest groups, or self interest groups.

It is now up to the community to make its decision as to how we will be governed for the next four years.

Please share this information with all your contacts, friends, neighbours, and acquaintances so that everyone can add this information to their deliberations when considering who to vote for at this election.

Kevin Griffin, President, Bass Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association Inc. (A0096592H).

Clear choice

Do your homework

THE looming council election presents a clear choice for the residents and ratepayers of Bass Coast Shire.

On the one hand we have the prospect of the incumbents being reelected for another term.

In essence this would mean another four years of the appallingly poor performance that the community has suffered for the past four years.

It would mean four more years of; • excessive increases to rates and charges • over-the-top executive salaries and entitlement • poor decision making • financial mismanagement (e.g. $Half a Million wasted on failed schemes) • unnecessary use of external consultants • decisions being taken secretly behind closed doors, and without community consultation • cuts to important services (e.g. Phillip Island Transfer Station, Visitor Information Centre, Inverloch Transfer Station)

THE Victorian Electoral Commission isn’t including candidates’ preferences (how-to-vote cards) in the voting pack you’ll get this week for the Shire Council election.

There’s a suggestion around that election candidates who produce and publish a preference list are somehow less “independent” and therefore, by implication, less worthy of election, than those who don’t. I would suggest it may be the other way around.

Last Wednesday night about 20 Strzelecki Ward residents had a chance to meet and hear the 10 relevant candidates for the election, and will now be well equipped to make up their minds as to what order they’ll place the candidates on the ballot paper.

But the 9765 voters who weren’t there might appreciate some guidance as to where they place their preferences. After all, if you know a candidate and want to vote for them but don’t know the others, you’d like to think that your candidate has done his/her homework and can suggest which ones are of like mind and ability, and

thus deserve your preference.

Well I’ve done my homework and distributed a preference list showing at the top the candidates I think have the most to offer and that I can work best with. The ones in the middle I’d be comfortable to see on council whilst at the bottom are those I don’t believe are offering much to move our Shire forward.

This approach in no way compromises my independence of thought and action should I be fortunate enough to be elected. On the contrary, I think it’s an indication of howp seriously I’m treating this task.

Of course there’s no need to follow a how-to-vote card – if you know all the candidates it’s easy to pick your preferred order - but it can be a valuable help to those who don’t.

Frank Hirst, Candidate for Strzelecki Ward.p

Vote carefully ON returning from our trip up north I looked through the several weeksb of papers and noted how Cr. Hill and Cr. McEwan have used excessive ratepayer’s funds to promote themselves as candidates for Shire Elections. Yes, we as ratepayers are asking these gentlemen to repay the money back to the Shire.

Don Hill, as councillor for the Tarwin Valley Ward, is not known to many residents in this area but re-p cently local residents have receivedb a flood of promotional material at resident’s front doors. The “How to Vote” card authorised by Don Hill reminds me of a step ladder - a way of climbing to the top.

I do respect the candidates who are prepared to stand. We live in a democratic country. Thank Heavens.

When voting, we the ratepayers look at the balance of skills provided by our councillors. As a councillor it is a big responsibility and one needs excellent management skills, and a good understanding of Local Government requirements and policies.

Shire councillors are appointed by ratepayers with the purpose of assisting management and responding to the residents needs in the Shire and not to promote one’s own ego.

The South Gippsland Shire is going through a big transformation of major developments of Korumburra and Leongatha plus the rebuilding of the Welshpool jetty.

I know we all have a whinge about Local Government but we must all work together for the future of our Shire.

My view for the Tarwin Valley Ward is to retain both Nigel Hutchinson-Brooks and Jim Fawcett and elect Maxine Kiel as a new councillor. These three people will providep a balance ofexperience, professionalism and business skills for the South Gippsland Shire Council.

Ed Hanley, Dumbalk

VOXPOP! VOX

What is the greatest issue affecting who you will vote for at the upcoming Shire elections?

p

still in the air

VICTORIAN Railways is no longer planning to take over the South Gippsland Tourist Railway.

The Star published a letter to the editor entitled Railway Resurrection, which was overdue.

The information printed is no longer factual and the future of the South Gippsland Tourist Railway is still undetermined.

Transparency, competence and the business acumen of those representing us. We need councillors with the business experience and integrity to serve the community and grow the shire.

Gary Simmons, Cowes.

This whole council (Bass Coast) should be put into administration and amalgamated with the South Gippsland Shire Council.

Clive Ringshaw, Pioneer Bay.

I am voting for dogs on the beach (providing they are on a leash) and I want the (Inverloch) transfer station to stay.

Doug Powell, Inverloch.

I want the tip (Inverloch) to stay, dogs to be allowed on the beach and improvements made to surf parade.

This is our third year in Inverloch and all the council do is waste money and make a mess of things. They p are not up to it.

Graham Martin, Inverloch.

OPINIONS

All share drug problem

We’re not dummies

I AM writing in regards to the withdrawal of the proposed drug and alcohol rehab for Loch.

I can totally understand the fear and concern of the local community of Loch on how the centre would have affected the town, how it may have caused negative social and economic effect on the town however this is my view on the situation.

Unless you have had your head in the sand (and believe me a lot of people do) we are in the middle of a drug crisis, walking amongst us in our picturesque towns are people who are using or know of people who are using drugs.

The ice problem is the one biggest issue I believe that is facing regional areas and we need places for people to get the much needed help they deserve. I suppose it’s the case I don’t want it in my backyard when it comes to creating these rehabs, but unfortunately it is already in your backyard.

The problem can only be solved with these facilities of which there is not enough of to cope with the thousands who desperately need help.

Ice and alcohol is not someone else’s problem it’s all our problem; it is destroying communities and decent families. Again I can understand the concern of the people of Loch perhaps I may have objected myself, but I know I am more scared of the fact we are losing young people to this drug and that they have no places to go to get help. f There are no easy solutions to this issue, we can only take it step by step.

But we need to make those steps because we will drown in the murky waters that we are already knee deep in.

Katrina, (surname withheld) Leongatha.

I HAVE just received by mail, something claiming to be “Important Council Electoral Information”.

Imagine how shocked I was to find it contained the how to vote cards of five first time candidates and Don Hill, all packaged to look like official voting information, all extremely similar and all putting Don Hill as their number two.

Most of these candidates have also claimed they are against the $32 million dollar council offices. Yet this claim is completely false. There is no $32 million dollars in the budget for any such thing. The budget was supported by Cr Don Hill, why would he support something that included something he is so much against?

The kindest thing that can be said about Don Hill’s five dummy candidates is that they may themselves have been treated as dummies.

It all smells pretty fishy to me.

Be careful who you vote for. They are treating us all as dummies.

Brian Kearins, Dumbalk.

Make up your own mind THE Local Government Act 1989 states that councils “have the primary objective of endeavouring to achieve the best outcomes for the community having regard to the long term and cumulative effect of decisions.”

This requires councillors to represent the whole community when making decisions, which in turn means councillors have to have the capacity to be able to take a whole shire, big picture view. These qualities are by no means evident in many of the candidate statements for the South Gippsland Shire Council made so far.

Letters to the Editor

We do not need candidates with a narrow, often populist focus on topical subjects. Nor candidates promising changes which can’t be guaranteed before the new council has considered them. Or candidate authorised disingenuous “How to Vote” tickets which are aimed simply at grabbing power.

Suggesting people vote for particular candidates without accompanying evidence as to why they should is an insult to the intelligence of voters and it certainly has nothing to do with electing a better council. The one (hopefully the only one) circulated so far on behalf of six Tarwin Valley candidates is receiving the public opprobrium it deserves.

The capacity to work cooperatively with other councillors to achieve the best outcomes is also an extremely important personal attribute for any aspiring councillor.

The dysfunctional conflict in the last council has to stop. Representing ratepayers will at times mean deciding between conflicting interests and will generate robust discussions, but with a good community consultation framework and decision making process the council can still function well.

All levels of government are experiencing serious levels of disengagement with their constituents and our council is no different. For the first time in 20 years I have heard people saying “I think it might be better to go back to appointed commissioners.” Voters, tear up the “How to Vote” tickets and just vote for who you think are the best candidates.

Vic Rowlands, Leongatha.

Think carefully COUNCIL, like any board of directors or committee, requires a group

that genuinely wants to work together for an outcome that is good for the Shire as a whole.

During my time on council, there were regular discussions and emails with fellow councillors who wanted support for an issue. They would have the opportunity to discuss their reasoning and receive feedback and suggestions from their colleagues, which often resulted in a better outcome.

Grandstanding ideas, only in front of the media and crying foul play when you don’t get your issue supported only creates hostility and distrust.

At this time, we need a council that can work together, foster ideas, support the community, encourage economic development and be financially responsible.

We need to stop the constant name calling and spreading of blatantly inaccurate information.

I will be supporting in Tarwin Valley Ward, my good friend and former council colleague Nigel HutchinsonBrooks, together with Maxine Kiel and Meg Edwards.

I strongly believe this will give us a good mix of experience, good business sense and fresh ideas.

I hope you will do the same.

Melanie Ryan, Business Manager, Ryans Bricks, Leongatha.

Who needs desal water?

SOUTH Gippsland has the biggest rainfall in the state.

Our reservoirs are full again but South Gippsland Water refuses to make our reservoirs bigger, clean out silt, or make new ones, instead it has made a 30 million dollar (so far) deal to pipe water

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

from the desal plant to Wonthaggi reservoir then pump it up to Korumburra, Poowong and Nyora.

If we need water from the sea, God help the rest of the country.

Noel Hogan, Korumburra.

Unite not divide AS a candidate for the upcoming elections I attended the Bass Coast Ratepayers Association rally, held at Inverloch last Sunday.

Whilst I agree with many of the issues raised I was disappointed in how it concluded in relation to preferencing.

I believe we as a community will be best serviced if voters look at candidates individual skill sets and then preference accordingly.

We need to aim to get a diversity of skills in council that will allow our councillors to make the best possible and most informed decisions on our behalf.

Please do not let this election divide our community. Let it be a new beginning of unity and quality decision making, based on the concept of legitimate community consultation.

Max Wells, Candidate for Bunurong Ward.

Budget blues WITH the exception of Councillor Clare Le Serve voters must make sure that existing councillors standing for election should not be reelected in October.

Asset renewal for the past four years during which these councillors have been in control has been well below the 100 percent stated in the 2016/17 Budget as being the minimum required.

The figures from the past four years annual reports are below.

2012/13 – 36 percent, 2013/14 – 36 percent, 2014/15 – 41 percent 2015/16 – 55 percent and in the budget 2016/17 – 75 percent.

In the budget papers, council stated that “a percentage greater than 100 indicates council is maintaining its existing assets, while a percentage less than 100 means its assets are deteriorating faster than they are being renewed and future capital expenditure will be required to renew assets.”

Our Council has been not performing financially to its own targets.

The financial performance has been disastrous; again the figures are from the 2015/16 Annual Report (p12.)

Budget Actual Variance $’000 $’000 $’000 Total Income 74,006 69,881 (4,125) Total Expenses 70,007 71,106 (899) Surplus (Deficit) for the year 3,799 (1,225) (5,024) This clearly shows that the performance last year was $5 million worse than the budget. This is why they must not be re-elected and there are many other reasons.

John Swarbrick.

Rhyll

Esso looks to outsource

. y o d

ESSO Australia’s operation of the Barry Beach Marine Terminal could be coming to an end, as the company looks to find a new operator for the facility.

f a f e e e y -

Family fun: the Ellen family competed for the blue team in the Chairolympics late last term, hosted by the Chairo Christian School.

Chairo ends term in style k

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 13

BEFORE the end of term, the students of Chairo Christian School held events to celebrate the term.

The junior school students competed in the Chairolympics, which involved costumes and students interacting along with their families.

The school’s three sporting houses competed in the games, with students and their

guests dressed up in their house colours.

Complete with its own theme music and opening ceremony, the night was full of spectacular sport, fun and games.

Some of the activities the teams competed in included tallest tower of milk bottles, a skip off, a fashion parade, a paper plane contest and a balloon stomp.

The winning team walked away with the gold medal.

The company said a recent review of the terminal located near Port Welshpool, “identified significant underutilised capacity” at the facility.

A spokesperson for Esso’s parent company ExxonMobil said it is intended any new operator would provide supply depot services to Esso’s offshore platforms, as well as utilise unused capacity to provide services to third party customers.

“A new operator, appropriately skilled in logistics, will be able to better manage the combined needs of Esso and other potential facility users,” they said.

When oil production was at its peak, Esso had over 1000 employees at Barry Beach. In more recent times, the workforce is substantially smaller.

The company told The Star until an

agreement was made, it was too early to indicate the impact on current employees.

Despite looking to divest itself of local assets, ExxonMobil said it will continue to have an ongoing presence in the Gippsland region.

“For over 50 years, Esso has been an active member of Gippsland communities and has invested over $1 million through the Gippsland basin joint venture,” the spokesperson said.

Esso has recently changed catering and housekeeping contractors for its offshore facilities from Sodexo, with Gippsland based employees, to ESS and Western Australian employees.

Australian Workers’ Union Victorian secretary Ben Davis said there are 110 people, the vast majority of whom live in and around Sale with their families, who are now out of work.

“Their replacements are flown in from Western Australia to earn 28 percent less than is the situation currently,” Mr Davis said.

“There are people who have been working offshore for decades who were given precious little notice of this major disruption to their lives.

“This will tear a hole in local communities and disrupt families who have built their lives in Gippsland. They deserve better.”

An Esso spokesperson said ESS will provide similar service quality, while delivering efficiencies at competitive costs to help the company build a stronger business into the future.

“Esso remains committed to its Gippsland operations, however, as our industry evolves, we need to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity so that we can continue to compete in this changing market,” they said.

“Esso requires all of its contractors to comply with the Fair Work Act and that where enterprise agreements are entered into by the contractor, they must be approved by the Fair Work Commission,” they said.

First catch up: former Leongatha High School students attended a major reunion in 2012.

How far: Jett, Seth and Abbey from Chairo Christian School competed in the Chairolympics’ plane throwing competition for the red team last term.

Railway future still in the air VICTORIAN Railways is no longer planning to take over the South Gippsland Tourist Railway.

The Star published a letter to the editor

entitled Railway Resurrection, which was overdue.

The information printed is no longer factual and the future of the South Gippsland Tourist Railway is still undetermined.

Students set to reunite LEONGATHA High School is celebrating another school reunion this Saturday, October 8 at the Leongatha Tennis Club.

The event will kick off at 7pm and anyone who started Year 7 in 1965, 66 or 67 through

to Year 12 in 1970, 71 or 72 is invited to come along, but all year levels are welcome.

A list of names has also been compiled for people who attended Leongatha Technical School from 1967.

The event is bring your own drinks and bring your own nibbles to share.

Pizza and sandwiches will be available,

and the cost of food and the venue will be shared between attendees.

The Leongatha Motel and Caravan Park are across the road for those planning a long stay.

To find out more or to RSVP, contact Leila Wilson (nee White) at leeby54@ gmail.com

PAGE 14 - “THE STAR� Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Fresh, new makeover for Leongatha Optometrists A BRAND new showroom, double the previous size, is part of just some of the renovations now complete at Leongatha Optometrists in Bair Street.

In addition to this there’s a new layout, new carpets, a fresh coat of paint and many new products for customers to choose from.

The interior has been given a green edge in the carpets and new furniture to match the new company logo and new uniforms will complete the makeover.

Testing rooms have also had a fresh coat of paint and new carpet to complement the state of the art diagnostic equipment being utilised during all eye examinations.

“It was a big job as we did a lot of the works ourselves,� owner Leah Meulendijks said. “My dad came down from Northern Victoria and my brother also helped out the first weekend, which turned it into a great family project getting the store ready for the local tradies to start. “Rod and David also lent a very much needed hand which was fantastic and the result was well worth the effort! “In designing the new look for our store we thought it essential for the layout to best suit our customers, giving them ease of access when trying on our range of eye wear as well as providing a comfortable atmosphere when waiting for their eye examinations.�

Ms Meulendijks took over the business about six months ago from Rod Jackson and David Lawry, who both continue working as optometrists in the business. “We are now also able to stock far more frames to provide an even greater range for our customers to choose from, which has been appreciated by our customers since the change,� Ms Meulendijks said. “To all our wonderful patients, we hope you will love our changes as much as we do and trust you will be excited to try out our new ranges of frames and sunglasses. “For those who are new to the Leongatha region, please come in and visit us.�

Staff at the business said the customers have really been impressed.

Receptionists Dot Harland and Dorothy HallKinnear said customers loved the new layout saying it is very light and bright. “It’s all been very positive, they’ve liked how it is all opened up, it’s quite welcoming,� Mrs Harland said.

Optical technician for 15 years Steve Trotman

said it provided a nice environment for both staff and customers to be in.

Both Rod Jackson and David Lawry were impressed and, as landlords, helped with some of the structural works required.

Leongatha Optometrists is also announcing its new range of Maui Jim prescriptible sunglasses which have arrived just in time for spring. They are beautifully made frames; light weight, have advanced polarised lenses and are claimable through any health fund.

The business is also affiliated with all health funds, so you can use your benefits, to your benefit. You will be assisted by the wonderful staff in making smarter eyewear purchases with your optical benefits that complement the different aspects of your lifestyle.

The experienced and trusted optometrists and staff at Leongatha Optometrists are all ready to assist you with your eye health and vision requirements.

If you would like to view the newly revamped practice or any of the range of frames or sunglasses please feel free to pop in, no appointment is needed.

Waiting area: customers can wait in comfort and inspect the new range of frames at Leongatha Optometrists.

Unblock & deodorise septic Caravan parks reviewed tanks & drains... without chemicals!

New display: to view the newly revamped practice or any of Leongatha Optometrists’ range of frames or sunglasses please feel free to pop in, no appointment is needed.

THE recommendations and results of Bass Coast Shire Council’s caravan park service review were adopted at council’s recent meeting on September 21.

This was part of council’s ongoing commitment to finding cost efficiencies throughout the shire.

The internal review was undertaken throughout 2015/16, in line with council’s strategy to improve governance arrangements over the acquisition, retention and disposal of council land.

Some of the recommendations included maintaining management of caravan parks under commercial lease through open tender to ensure revenue is maximised, adopt appropriate site development guidelines and ensure better communication occurs

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between council and caravan park operators.

Council also voted to consult with key stakeholders in Cape Paterson for leasing arrangements in the caravan park, including input on where additional cabins may be located in the future. “Cape Paterson is divided into sections and there are two sections where cabins may be built in the future. The community is keen to have input on the sites of these cabins, as there are concerns about how it might impact on the view,� Cr Neil Rankine said.

Cr Phil Wright endorsed the review and its recommendations to give a better idea of how to manage the changing urban areas.

Cape Paterson is due for a lease review in 2017.

The VicEmergency app will provide another channel to access warnings and incidents for fires, floods, storms, earthquake, tsunamis and water safety.

Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley said the new VicEmergency app would align with the VicEmergency website to

provide timely information about all emergencies. “With extensive rain and flooding across the state, it’s timely for us to announce we will be expanding the capabilities of FireReady to include all types of emergencies,� he said. “The VicEmergency app is in line with our all communities, all emergencies approach. From November the app will provide the community with warnings and incident notifications tailored to individual locations and watch zones.�

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 15

PAGE 16 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Maxine aims for progress BEING an avid community worker and business owner, South Gippsland Shire Council Tarwin Valley Ward candidate Maxine Kiel has spent the last 20 years performing various roles and delivering results for the Mirboo North community.

As a business owner and operator, she understands the need for balancing the books, making sure expenses do not exceed income, and that financial stability is paramount to the running of any business or organisation.

Ms Kiel is keen to bring her passion and knowledge to work with the other councillors for the Passionate: Tarwin Valley progress and betterment of the Ward candidate Maxine Kiel shire. is dedicated to bringing comShe is committed to her roles munity satisfaction to South in the community, having run the Gippsland.

Mirboo North market for 13 years, been president of the Mirboo North Development Association after being both secretary and treasurer, and is involved with the RSL and the Mirboo North and District Historical Society.

Ms Kiel is on the board of Prom Country Regional Tourism and a Mirboo North representative on the Business Emergency Leadership Program.

Working with the community and understanding the needs of the community are her strengths.

As there are 27 towns in the shire, a fair distribution of funds is required to service all towns; whether big or small, all communities have the same requirements on a different level.

Ms Kiel feels it is important all towns feel they are receiving the correct ratio for the rates they pay and the contribution each community makes to the shire.

She is passionate about the community and dedicated to progress.

Business growth and development are key issues Ms Kiel could bring to council, assisting current businesses and encouraging new businesses in the area that are essential for the growth of employment and the economy.

This in turn will lead to increased services for public transport.

Looking at alternatives for the new council offices will also be a priority for the new council, and it is evident from discussions Ms Kiel has had with the community that this is a disturbing issue.

Ms Kiel is currently the South Gippsland Shire Citizen of the Year.

Lots to celebrate SOUTH Gippsland has a bright future and council candidate Steve Finlay wants to make it even better.

The Leongatha resident is standing for Tarwin Valley Ward within South Gippsland Shire.

“Our advantages are our agricultural production, proximity to Melbourne and our coastal areas,” he said.

“My aim, if elected, is to make the most of these advantages.”

Mr Finlay also pledged to: • ensure council ran efficiently and transparently; • promote economic development and jobs growth; • represent ordinary ratepayMany matters: Steve Finers and traditional values; • revitalise retail and busi- lay wants to celebrate what South Gippsland has, while ness centres; • provide more opportuni- focusing on future growth. ties for the community to ask questions and suggest ideas to council; • progress the issue around the return of rail services, redevelopment of Leongatha railyards and the extension of the Great Southern Rail Trail to Korumburra; and • ensure council focused on core business.

“If we are not able to get the train back, we should see what else we can get from the State Government,” Mr Finlay said.

“The railyards could become a focus for the town rather than just being an area behind the shops.”

Mr Finlay and his family moved to South Gippsland more than 30 years ago and he has found the region to be a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“My community involvement has been through sport, schools and church, and now semi-retired, and without conflicts of interest, I want to see South Gippsland grow and be an even better place to live in the future,” he said.

“Some time ago our council CEO said the community should receive the red carpet treatment, not the red tape. My aim is to see council working for the community.”

Financial situation Bunurong candidate fights for fairness vastly improved OVER the past four years Cr Neil Rankine said he has worked hard to improve Bass Coast council’s financial situation; making it a tighter, leaner organisation, less top heavy and providing improved value for money.

“We are very close to our current savings target of $5 million annually and have shifted significant expenditure (of your rates) from operations (wages and salaries) to maintenance and new facilities,” he said.

“These include the arts centre revamp, the life savers access ramp at Cape Paterson now built,and the $24 million Wonthaggi aquatics and courts complex/stadium. All now Ready to serve again: Cr possible because our improved fi- Neil Rankine. nancial situation will enable us to repay debt and obtain major government grants.

“I believe we have the ship of council turning and I am keen to build on my achievements so far. I believe my experience and knowledge I have gained - as a councillor, as mayor and as council’s representative on a broader range of government committees – will enable me to continue to make a valuable contribution over the next four years.

Cr Rankine has advocated for a transparent model of engagement with the community, consisting of public forums that enable residents to voice their opinions and concerns directly. A prime example of this has been the council’s decision, after several community forums, to maintain the rate cap.

“I am a long term resident of Bass Coast, with a passion for the very special environment we all enjoy; the warm, village character of many of our towns, the beautiful rolling hills and the spectacular coastline. I am committed to protecting and enhancing all these values.

“I know this needs sensible planning and environmental policies; promotion of social and cultural programs and activities, and encouragement of diverse and sustainable businesses. Wonthaggi has the potential to become a true regional centre for South West Gippsland. “ I can work constructively with the State Government to facilitate this while ensuring our very special environment, the basis of our existing successful tourism businesses, is protected and enhanced.

“In summary, I offer my experience, continuity and connections across Bass Coast, the peri-urban councils and state government. I have a sound grasp of the financial, planning, social and environmental issues and will represent your interests with energy and integrity if re-elected,” Cr Rankine said.

AT 35 years of age, Julian Brown will be the youngest candidate contesting Bunurong Ward in the upcoming Bass Coast Shire Council election.

He was born in Leongatha and grew up in Wonthaggi until the age of 14.

He then moved to Melbourne where he lived for many years in order to finish secondary college, complete university and work.

In 2000 he moved to South Africa to do volunteer work as a HIV/AIDS information educator.

Mr Brown also lived in Ja- New approach: Inverloch’s pan for a number of years teach- Julian Brown is Bunurong ing English and studying martial Ward’s youngest candidate arts. and is focused bringing reHe returned to the area four sponsibility and accountability years ago, and now lives in In- to Bass Coast Shire Council. verloch, and runs and owns a small business in Wonthaggi.

“I will be focusing on a common sense approach, responsible budgets and more of the budget going towards capital works,” he said.

“I am also in favour of the rate cap and want to see the Inverloch transfer station remain.

“There was no consultation over the decision to close the Wonthaggi Information Centre. At least now they are having discussions around how to keep it open but this should have been done from the very beginning.”

Mr Brown said the last four years have seen a rampant use of consultants.

“Any objective person knows that Bass Coast Council has a lot of staff and I don’t have anything against any individual staff member,” he said.

“I blame management on this issue (councillors) because they have a responsibility to set out the overall structure of the organisation. Not using existing staff to their full potential and paying even more people as consultants has been quite scandalous.”

Experience, integrity and common sense THE South Gippsland Shire council must comprise strategic thinkers who have experience, leadership and common sense, and can tackle community issues with maturity, not personal politics, according to candidate Nigel Hutchinson-Brooks.

“South Gippsland needs strong economic development and investment in order to provide support for our all important dairy farmers,” Cr Hutchinson-Brooks said.

“I would like to continue the big picture issues I have been involved in such as Economic Development, Emergency Management Planning Another go: Nigel Hutchinand Road Safety. My experience son-Brookes is keen to conin relations with State and Federal Governments and their many depart- tinue as a South Gippsland ments that affect our Council would councillor. continue to be a distinct advantage.

“I have been Chair of the Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee for the last four years, and am particularly keen to continue to support and encourage all businesses and in particular Tourism businesses.

“The Emergency Management Planning Committee, which I have been on for the last term, provides forward planning for flood, fire, storm and other emergencies. It also has a particular role in emergency planning and recovery for businesses after any type of emergency. The Committee also runs Council’s Tactics for Tough Times Support and Recovery Network for Dairy Farmers.

While roads, rates and rubbish are core activities for any Council, Cr Hutchinson-Brooks said there needs to be a balance between economic development, social cohesion, and improvement of the natural environment, which are not mutually exclusive.

“My broad experience at senior levels in State Government; in the Transport, Banking, Property and Aviation industries; and as a Councillor of both metropolitan and rural councils, together with technical experience as a military engineer and town planner, are relevant to Council’s present needs,” he said.

“My community involvements include RSL, Lyric Theatre Funding Governance Committee, Shire Brass Band, Court House S86 Committee, and many other groups.

“We need a Council of new blood and old experience. I would love to serve on a Council with a majority of women and that could well be achieved this election. It would change the whole tone of Council’s activities!

“We must move forward with mutual trust, cooperation, energy and commitment, and I believe I can offer experience, integrity and common sense to help achieve this.”

Mark strives to improve community BASS Coast Shire Council Bunurong candidate Mark Robertson believes in protecting the natural environment.

Furthering discussions on climate change to protect the coast is a priority.

“Council needs to take this seriously, something needs to be done,” he said.

“It’s not just the coast – Bass Coast has amazing farmland that supplies our industry and we have to do what we can to look after them.

Mr Robertson has lived in Bass Coast his whole life and is renowned for his Volkswagen repair business in Wonthaggi.

“I’ve provided the service Ready to listen: Bunurong throughout Gippsland for more than Ward candidate Mark Rob20 years,” he said.

“I’m well aware of the challenges ertson is happy to stop in the faced by small businesses. Individual street and listen to the conbusinesses offer great services and cerns of the ratepayers. we need to take care of them.”

As a long term resident, he has looked for ways to improve the community.

“I’d like to see the youth catered for – especially the ones who don’t play sport,” he said.

“We have some fantastic sporting clubs but there are a lot of others who don’t engage in that kind of activity. I think a youth hub needs to be established and the old CFA building (Watt Street, Wonthaggi) is the perfect spot.”

Mr Robertson suggested incorporating a music recording area into the hub, with more talented children emerging. He also advocates for the education precinct.

“We need to find ways to encourage youth to stay in the town. They disappear from the area because opportunities are limited. We need to put the pressure on to give them the best possible facilities.”

Although he feels the current Inverloch transfer station was a ticking time bomb, Mr Robertson believes an alternative site should be found in between Inverloch and Wonthaggi.

“If finances became available, a new state of the art facility would help to clean up the current site and would take the burden off the residents.”

He continues to be amazed by the level of expertise in the community and feels council should rely on its residents rather than external consultants.

“I feel council forgets to consult the community. If council spent more time listening to its local experts, it would cause a lot less grief,” he said.

Mr Robertson is happy to listen to anyone and welcomes people to stop him on the street for a chat. Otherwise, he is contactable on 0408 528 864.

More candidates’ profiles on page 37.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 17

Fix Gippsland roads, save country lives THE Andrews Labor Government has no excuse to continue its neglect of crumbling and dangerous roads in regional Victoria after the windfall $9.7 billion lease of the Port of Melbourne, according to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath.

She said negotiations by the Liberal-Nationals secured 10 per cent of the Port funds for regional transport infrastructure.

“With the final price tag nearly $4 billion more than expected there is no excuse for Labor to ignore the terrible state of our country roads any longer,” Ms Bath said.

The Nationals’ Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien said the leasing of the port would deliver $970 million for road and rail upgrades in the state’s regions.

“The Nationals fought hard to ensure that regional areas like Gippsland would benefit from the leasing of this asset and refused to support the legislation until at least 10 percent of the lease proceeds was guaranteed for the regions,” he said.

“This means that Melbourne Labor now has the money and absolutely no excuse not to fully fund projects that will deliver better rail services and roads for those in Gippsland and make it safer and more efficient to get from school, home and work.”

Ms Bath has now set up a page on her website calling on the community

to help report local road surface hazards to highlight the urgent need for more investment into country roads.

“By reporting road hazards directly to VicRoads we can give them the evidence they need to demand additional state funding to better manage and maintain our roads,” she said.

“I believe we can and must make a real difference to achieve safer roads for our region.”

Ms Bath said potholes, uneven surfacing and hidden hazards littered regional and rural roads, slowing travel and increasing the risk to country drivers and their passengers every day.

“Under Labor, potholes and dangerously uneven road surfaces are just a part of everyday travel – but it shouldn’t be,” she said.

A new campaign from the LiberalNationals Coalition will collate a list of the worst of our country road network to present to the Victorian Government.

Motorists are asked to send in photos of road hazards and list the location and how long the road has been in need of repair.

“Daniel Andrews was happy to spend $1.1 billion not building the East West link in Melbourne, meanwhile, the roads in country Victoria are crumbling with neglect,” Ms Bath said.

Please send images to melina. bath@parliament.vic.gov.au and sign the online petition at www.melinabath. com.au/report_a_road_hazard

Left, Nasty edges: local bus driver David Tree and Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath inspect the deteriorating state of Grand Ridge Road.

Crumbling: Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath inspects the poor state of the Meeniyan – Promontory Road which is a main tourist road also used by local transport.

Help make highway safer VICROADS is encouraging the community to help shape road safety improvements on the South Gippsland Highway between Leongatha and Meeniyan.

VicRoads’ Eastern Region planning nanager Pas Monacella said the section of highway between Leongatha and Meeniyan was identified in the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan as one of the state’s top 20 highest risk rural road segments.

“We have the opportunity to improve this section of road with a State Government commitment to the highway under the Safe System Road Infrastructure Program. Importantly, the community can influence what we do to improve it,” Mr Monacella said.

“Under the Towards Zero road safety vision we aim to have a 15 per cent reduction in serious injuries and less than 200 deaths on Victorian roads by 2020. To meet that goal we all need to share in the responsibility of making our roads safe.

Nearly 5000 vehicles travel this section of highway every day.

“In the last five years there have been 20 crashes involving 70 people which tragically resulted in one

person losing their life and 13 people seriously injured. Each death or serious injury on our roads has far reaching effects,” Mr Monacella said.

“It is important people do have a say on what they think can improve safety.

“VicRoads is asking the community to provide their thoughts and suggestions on what could be implemented to address the serious crash history and improve safety. We are open to all ideas which could include audiotactile centre and edge lines, wide centre-line or flexible roadside barriers.”

VicRoads will continue to involve the community in further discussions as the project develops.

VicRoads is working with its road safety partner Victoria Police for a region free of fatal and serious injury crashes into the future.

People can provide feedback to VicRoads via email towardszerogippsland@roads.vic.gov.au or by phoning 0413 703 951 All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of a proposal for safety improvements that will be taken back to the community for comment.

Submissions and comments will be received until close of business, Friday, October 21.

Fuel pricing inquiry backed THE Nationals have worked hard to establish a Parliamentary Inquiry into regional fuel prices that will look at the differential in fuel costs between city and country, The Nationals Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien said.

He said the inquiry would also look at why the price of fuel is different between different regional areas.

“It’s quite frustrating for many motorists to see places further from Melbourne having a cheaper fuel price and places with more competition not necessarily having a cheaper fuel price,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This inquiry will look at all those issues and I hope that it will get to the bottom of things that really frustrate motorists in Gippsland.”

Mr O’Brien said the inquiry would look into pricing of unleaded, diesel and LPG fuels and: • examine the methodology behind pricing, particularly the divide between metropolitan and regional communities; • consider approaches and initiatives elsewhere in Australia, with a view to reducing fuel prices;

• look at fuel price comparison technology; • investigate the impact of pricing on families, businesses and industry; and • assess the influence of regulations and legislation on fuel pricing.

“I congratulate my colleague, Morwell MLA Russell Northe, who proposed this inquiry. It will really shine a light on regional fuel pricing and explain why we see these differentials and why we don’t get the same levels of discounting as the city, as I know that annoys a lot of motorists,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr Northe, Shadow Minister for Consumer Affairs, said long-distance travel was unavoidable for many country people.

“Regional Victorian MPs understand that getting from A to B isn’t as simple as jumping on a tram or flagging a taxi when you live in the country,” he said.

“I am pleased to see this Liberal-Nationals proposal receive widespread support and look forward to the results.”

Mr O’Brien said he was looking forward to the inquiry getting underway, saying there would be opportunities down the track for people to have their say.

Accomplishment: L2P participant Kristal Flanders thanks her mentor driver Robert Davey for helping her obtain her driver’s licence.

Learn to drive SOUTH Gippsland Shire Council is encouraging young people in South Gippsland struggling to gain driving experience to apply for the L2P Program.

The L2P Program, which currently has vacancies, can provide access to volunteer mentors and suitable cars to people who find it difficult to get adult help to meet their target hours.

The program is open to young people aged between 16 and 20 who face a significant barrier to successfully obtain their licence.

Individuals are advised not to self-assess their eligibility for the program as it is not means tested but provided on an as-needs basis.

Council’s L2P coordinator John Ernst reminded parents their children need to complete 120 hours of practice prior to being eligible to sit for their licence test.

“Year 12 exams are often the focus of student’s

attention at this time, however many young people will need a licence once they finish school. Gaining 120 hours is a pre-requisite for all 18 year olds who wish to be eligible to sit for their driving test,” he said.

“With daylight savings soon upon us the opportunities for gaining night driving hours are also reducing. All learners must have a mixture of driving experiences, including at least 10 hours of night driving.

“We are encouraging learner drivers to take any opportunity for night driving now but to aim to drive no later than 10pm to avoid higher risk situations.”

Council’s L2P Program has assisted 65 young people from South Gippsland to gain their probationary licence. Those needing assistance in gaining 120 hours of driving experience are encouraged to contact the L2P coordinator in their area. For more information on the program please contact council on 5662 9200 or visit council’s website.

PAGE 18 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Colour me in: team member Ben Lehmann and shire parks and gardens team leader Kevin Thorne at work on one of the most spectacular garden beds around the shire, the McCartin and Peart Streets roundabout in Leongatha.

Blooming for our enjoyment I

T is impossible to miss the culmination of the planning and plain hard work that the shire parks and garden staff have put into beautifying our towns, and it is very easy to take for granted the joy these street gardens bring to our daily lives.

Our towns would actually be quite dull without the garden beds which right now are a riot of

colour as the spring planting reaches its peak.

The displays, which are carefully planned, begin with the daffodils which are followed by the tulips after which the spring annuals take over.

The spring annuals will be followed by the summer plantings which promise to be as spectacular as always.

Like any home gardener those who care for our civic plantings have to deal with vandalism, theft and disease not to mention the dam-

age done by semi trailers navigating the roundabouts.

This year, team leader Kevin Thorne points out, the pansies have been hit by collar rot.

“Because of the mild winter,” said parks and gardens coordinator Steve Missen.

For the same reason, this year’s tulips, while still glorious, have not been as prolific.

A lot of tulips and daffodils are lost to thieves but the good news is that vandalism is much less common now than it has been in the past.

Two seasonal displays come at the modest cost of $60,000 which covers labour, plants, material and equipment.

Ownership is an important aspect of the design of street planting with beds allocated to teams who then have the choice of what is planted and the design.

“Water use is always an issue for us, particularly during summer restrictions, but to have displays like this we have to use a certain amount of water,” said Steve Missen.

Agnes Falls well No action at Toora worth the trip DREDGING of the Toora channel at the boat ramp has been a proposed project for the South Gippsland Shire Council for several years.

The project is dependent on an additional $250,000 to make up the funding shortfall.

The total cost of the project is $600,000. Council has committed $300,000 and $50,000 has been provided by the State Government’s boating, safety and facilities program.

Council’s coordinator grants/emergency manBetween 10.30am and 4pm on Sunday, Octo- agement Penni Ellicott said the remaining funds will ber 9 the friends group will be manning the bar- be sought through an appropriate grants program becue and will also have refreshments and limited which has not yet been identified. edition souvenirs for sale on the day.

“Council has 12 months to expend the funds proThe team will also be selling raffle tickets, vided by the government, however a time extension which will be drawn at 4pm. Prizes include a $30 may be sought if another funding opportunity presgift voucher from the Welshpool Post Office and ents for the shortfall. This will be discussed with the a $20 meal voucher from the Pier Port Bistro at funding body,” she said.

Ms Ellicott said the work on the channel would Port Welshpool.

“If you have never been to see the beautiful allow for increased use of the Toora boat ramp.

The ramp is currently only usable by small boats Agnes Falls and gorge, or have not been for some time, do come for an outing and bring a picnic around an hour either side of high tide, thus limiting to enjoy in the bushland picnic grounds beside its efficiency in providing all tide access to Corner

Inlet and impacting on the area considerably.

“Dredging of the Toora Channel will allow for increased use of the Toora Boat Ramp; it will address the current lack of boat launching and retrieval options for Corner Inlet,” Ms Ellicott said.

“The project will further assist in decreasing the congestion at the Port Welshpool boat ramp.”

Ms Ellicott said a busier boat ramp would enable an increased number of recreational boating days to be spent on Corner Inlet.

“This is expected to provide local economic benefit because a share of these additional recreational boating days will be spent by visitors to South Gippsland shire, who will also spend money on supplies such as food and fuel in local stores,” she said.

Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien said he is happy to work with the council to identify a source of funds for this important project.

“I’m very supportive of improvements to the Toora boat ramp and channel and have previously called on the State Labor Government to provide funding for this important project,” he said.

“Boating and fishing is a critical driver of the local economy and improving facilities at Toora would add to the attraction of Corner Inlet as a destination.”

the Agnes River,” friends’ group secretary Kathy Whelan said.

“If you plan to cook please bring your own portable barbecue.”

Members of the Good Times Motoring Club of Yarram will be visiting the reserve on the day with their vehicles from 2pm and have asked the friends group to give them a talk and provide them with afternoon tea in the rotunda.

“Our group recently hosted a most successful visit by the Classic Motorcycle Club of Victoria, so if your group may be interested then please also contact us,” Ms Whelan said.

“You can see lots of photographs on the Friends of Agnes Falls Facebook page, which now has almost 1600 likes.”

If you are interested to support or to join, FoAF further information can be obtained from Ms Whelan on 5688 1400, or email kathleencw@ dcsi.net.au.

riety of new and emerging technologies.

“The introduction of the NBN in Mirboo North marks the beginning of a new brilliantly connected era for locals,” Ms Willaton said.

“Residents in FTTN premises connect to the NBN via a community node or pillar. Telstra will make this next generation in telecommunications technology available to more than 900 homes and businesses surrounding Mirboo North.

“The launch of the NBN comes as broadband use in Australia has reached unprecedented levels. Last year the volume of traffic carried over Telstra’s fixed network increased by more than 30 percent.”

The streaming video revolution is accelerating demand for fast, reliable connectivity, with more than half of Telstra’s fixed broadband traffic now video related.

THE Friends of Agnes Falls will be hosting an open day at the Agnes Falls Scenic Reserve, providing a great opportunity for first time and repeat visitors to the area.

Visit the falls: Friends of Agnes Falls members Kathy Whelan and Peter Lee look forward to welcoming visitors to the scenic reserve on Sunday, to experience the park and of course, the falls.

NBN switches on in Mirboo North SUPER fast internet has arrived in Mirboo North, with hundreds of local residents now able to connect to the NBN for the first time using Fibre to the Node (FTTN) technology.

More than 900 homes and businesses in Mirboo North are now eligible to connect to the NBN, setting new benchmarks for the area’s broadband speeds and reliability.

Over the past six months Telstra has been heavily involved in testing the performance of FTTN technology ahead of its roll-out to residents Australia-wide.

Telstra Area General Manager Loretta Willaton, said the local launch of the NBN around Mirboo North would give locals the opportunity to use a va-

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 19

Pipeline talks underway LANDOWNERS are learning how they will be affected by the new pipeline linking Lance Creek reservoir with the Korumburra, Poowong, Loch and Nyora water systems.

South Gippsland Water is making contact with landowners as the route is finalised and is eager to minimise disruption to landowners.

The proposed pipeline alignment has been planned to follow property boundaries and existing road easements.

That will minimise the impact of difficult terrain such as high hills and steep slopes, and to avoid significant areas of flora and fauna, and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.

The Lance Creek Water Connection project

will secure the water supply needs of Korumburra, Poowong, Loch and Nyora over the next 50 years to secure water supplies for the region.

A pipeline will connect Korumburra, Poowong, Loch and Nyora with South Gippsland Water’s largest reservoir, Lance Creek.

This system will use an existing connection to the Melbourne Water Supply System, including the Wonthaggi desalination plant, for use as required.

The supply system will allow the community to expand, the economy to grow and encourage further investment in the region.

The project will cost a total of $43 million.

In May this year, the State Government promised $30 million.

“At this stage of the process, it has been identified that planning for the Lance Creek Water Con-

nection pipeline requires some extra land survey and Aboriginal cultural heritage studies in order to finalise the alignment of the pipeline,” a South Gippsland Water newsletter stated recently.

Project staff are making contact with affected landowners to provide more detailed, one on one discussions and to arrange site visits.

Further south at Yanakie, South Gippsland Water is continuing to work on the preliminary stages of a feasibility study to explore long-term water supply options for Yanakie.

A call for tenders closed recently and a consultant is expected to be appointed within soon.

Last summer, the Yanakie district experienced record low rainfall and the local farming community joined forces to look at options for long term water security for the area.

Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville recently announced $50,000 to undertake the feasibility study to determine viable options for securing water for both residential and on-farm supply.

The study will take into account possible pipeline options and improvements to on-farm surface water storages.

During 2015 and 2016, farmers pumped water from a nearby spring, under a scheme overseen by the Yanakie Progress Association.

That group is committed to exploring options to secure Yanakie’s water supply to meet the needs of the community, and local farming and tourism industries.

South Gippsland Water is expecting to release further information after the progress association’s next meeting.

Spring in the air on Phillip Island AS the the he days start starrt getting getting longer and there is a hint of warmth in the air, our thoughts turn to spring on Phillip Island and another season full of promise for our wonderful wildlife.

The little penguins are getting right into the swing of things. For those penguins still looking for love, the males have renovated their burrows in an effort to attract the attention of the opposite sex.

Phillip Island Nature Parks’ researchers have reported many burrows already have two podgy penguins inside, busily preparing for the breeding season.

The first eggs should be seen soon, leading to chubby and fluffy chicks. They don’t stay fluffy for long though, as chicks usually only take between eight and 11 weeks to fledge and find their own way in the world.

Millions of short-tailed shearwaters are on their way to the southern hemisphere. Their incredible trip of around 15,000km takes up to eight weeks as they fly from the northern feeding grounds in the Aleutian Islands near Alaska to arrive at Phillip Island in late September.

More than one million shearwaters will breed on Phillip Island before starting the cycle all over again and returning to the northern hemisphere in April.

The Cape Barren geese fluorescen nt geese, with their fl uorescent green beaks, are a familiar sight right across the island, and there are plenty of gorgeous, stripy young chicks to be seen. They grow incredibly quickly from tiny little fuzzballs through the awkward and ungainly ‘teen’ period to mum and dad size within a short couple of months.

Drivers are urged to take extra care in their cars if they are on the island over the next little while, as these birds are not known for their road sense.

Male koalas are developing that pungent aroma that is a sure sign they are thinking about breeding.

Rangers say it is not the best smell, and so far the female koalas don’t seem too thrilled about it either, but it’s only early days in the koala world, so hopefully there will be koala joeys in the near future.

Located 90 minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island Nature Parks is a not for profit ecotourism organisation that manages 1805 hectares of Phillip Island, encompassing wildlife sanctuaries, wetlands, woodlands and breathtaking coastlines.

The Nature Parks also engage in research, education and environment programs designed to protect Phillip Island’s unique flora and fauna. All profit generated is re-invested into research, environment, conservation, infrastructure and community projects.

For more information, see www.penguins.org.au

Dollars build men’s sheds

THE State Government has announced upgrades to men’s shed upgrades, thanks Out, about: a Cape Barren goose and her chick are among the natural sights now at Phillip to $172,888 in grants across eastern Victoria.

Island

Wonthaggi Woodcrafters will receive $27,589 to buy a portable building to use as a new meeting room and kitchen, and to redevelop the old meeting room to create extra workspace.

Meeniyan and District RSL Men’s Shed will use $30,000 to build extra workspace to accommodate met-

alwork projects, improve safety, and add space for health and wellbeing activities.

Eastern Victoria Region MLC Harriet Shing said the new shed and upgrades would boost space for community programs, and support the physical and mental wellbeing of locals.

Men’s sheds are safe and practical places for men to meet, make social connections, develop new skills and participate in their communities.

The sheds also promote social inclusion and enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of men.

Jobs dive according to Nats ACCORDING to the Australian Government Department of Employment, jobs in South Gippsland have been much harder to come by since the election of the current State Government.

Unemployment rates have risen by a full per cent in the last quarter.

Since Labor came into office, the unemployment rate in Bass Coast has risen from 5.9 per cent to 8.3 per cent in June 2016.

In South Gippsland shire, the rate has risen from 3.8 per cent to 5.1 per cent.

Gippsland South MLA Danny O’Brien said the State Government was too focused on a big spend up in Mel-

Bench builders: from left, Welshpool and District Primary School Grade 6 students Sophie, Erik, Leo, Brianna and Olivia put together benches for their school’s playground.

bourne and neglected the regions.

“Anti business policies like the grand final eve holiday that no one asked for and costs local businesses money and cuts to vital initiatives like the country roads and bridges program have hurt regional Victoria,” he said.

The Coalition is working on a plan to manage Victoria’s population to drive economic growth and create new job opportunities throughout all of Victoria.

“The State Government needs to release funds into the Bass Coast for important local projects such as the Wonthaggi Secondary College rebuild, and also recreational and sporting facilities such as basketball and aquatic centres, which are sadly lacking,” Bass MLA Brian Paynter said.

“I’ve continually requested funds to be injected into local community and with the recent sale of the Port of Melbourne there are no longer any excuses.”

Benches provide support These benches were bought with money the school received from a grant which was to be used to promote resiliency in students.

These benches will be painted by the school’s leaders and placed in the playground.

The better buddy benches will be used to help and support all of the students at the school. When a child is feeling lonely or upset they can use the benches to sit on and the other students, particularly the

leaders, will know to approach them and find out if anything is wrong and try and help them.

This can include finding an activity for them to join or just have a chat.

All done: Welshpool and District Primary School Grade 6 students Michael, Erik, Sophie, Brianna, Olivia and Leo sitting on finished benches, which will be placed in the playground.

BJS3800060

WELSHPOOL and District Primary School’s better buddy leaders built two buddy benches recently.

PAGE 20 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Come and join the Senior Citz THE Leongatha Senior Citizens Club is looking

for new members to enjoy great weekly entertain-

ment and fun social activities.

The club provides weekly entertainment for its members at the Daker Centre in Leongatha.

Club secretary Ian Rasmussen said it is a great place to meet new people and socialise, as well as enjoy quality entertainment.

“We currently have around 150 members, which is very good. We put on entertainment every Friday and have some great acts coming up in the next few weeks,” he said.

Mr Rasmussen said anyone of “senior age” can join the club, which costs just $5 annually.

“The club is open to anybody who wants to join,” he said.

Some of the entertainment coming up in October includes an afternoon with The Hoffmans on Friday, October 21.

The duo has it all including country, rock and roll, 50s to 90s covers, comedy and some opera thrown in.

Mr Rasmussen said country music performer Wayne Horsburgh will also be performing for the club in October.

“We provide absolutely quality entertainment. Last time Wayne performed we had over 200 people in attendance,” he said.

“We also have people who intend to travel from places like Drouin and Hill End for The Hoffmans.”

On the third Friday of each month, the club puts on a two course luncheon which costs $10 for members and includes the afternoon’s entertainment.

The luncheon starts at 12 noon.

All other weeks, the entertainment and afternoon tea is just $2

Best yet: Heather and David Hoffman, better known as The Hoffmans will be performing at the Daker Centre in Leongatha on Friday, October 21 as the Senior Citizens Club’s weekly entertainment. for members and $5 for visitors, which starts at 1pm.

If there happens to be five Fridays in the month, the club does another special luncheon, usually catered for by Yooralla.

The club also runs indoor bias bowls every Monday between 1pm and 3pm.

Mr Rasmussen said the seniors club used to have a large in house entertainment group, however in recent years it has begun to dwindle.

He said the club is keen to recruit some new performers.

“We want singers, instrumentalists and comedians, anything entertaining. We desperately need more entertainers,” he said.

“It is a lot of fun and social, that is what it is all about, they don’t have to be a professional.”

Another initiative the club is looking into is the development of a seniors’ playground.

Mr Rasmussen said he doesn’t know of anything similar in the area and said what they are looking at is akin to what is installed at Yarram and along the foreshore in Inverloch.

He said there is land available next to the Daker Centre which has the potential to be developed into something for senior’s club members to use.

“It would be fun exercise for seniors, that is the sort of thing we are looking at,” he said.

Get active at Splash THERE is no better time to sign up for a membership with South Gippsland Splash.

Right now the centre is offering a free six month joining fee, which will continue to be an option for new members for the next two weeks. With normal fees costing $47, there’s significant savings to be had.

There’s nothing more important than the health and wellbeing of the community, and Splash’s programs are all inclusive.

Senior members can enjoy a range of fun group fitness activities including aqua movers, strong movers and water workout available throughout the week.

“Aqua movers runs every weekday morning at 8.30am and is perfect for people to work at their own pace and have a bit of fun,” centre director Adrian

MUR6010023

Paino said.

Strong movers runs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10am, and the centre is trialling water workout at 6.15pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The gym and the 25 metre lap pool are also readily available for all members.

After each session, members can also head over to the cafe and enjoy a coffee or something delicious to eat in a friendly, social atmosphere.

Upon joining, members will receive a passport to help them work their way around the centre. The passport entitles members to a number of discounts, including coffee and merchandise.

If you refer a friend to the centre, you will also receive two weeks off your membership payments.

For seniors, concession memberships are also available if you miss out on this offer.

Pumped: aqua movers instructor Emily Hughes leads a happy group of participants through a workout at Splash.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 21

Retire and travel in style SO you have finally retired?

Why not take that holiday that you have always dreamed of but put off.

With over 30 years’ experience in the travel industry, Jill Carmody of Leongatha Travel and Cruise has seen lots of travel trends and some great deals over the years.

“Some of the deals we are looking at for the 2017 European season are the best we have seen in many years; I believe next year will be a particularly good year for travel.” Jill said.

With Earlybird fares being released many of the coach touring companies have now released their programs, including new itineraries for 2017.

“We are excited to announce that Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations now have air deals including fly free in conjunction with their coach tours,” Jill declared.

There are many different discounts available, depending on the duration of the tour and many are even combinable which makes for even greater savings.

In line with Leongatha Travel and Cruise tradition, Jill and her team will be holding their 24th annual Trafalgar Tours film and information evening on Tuesday, October 25.

“We will have a Trafalgar representative to present the new programs for 2017 and their new air deals,” she said.

“The night will also see the release of our exclusive 2017 Christmas markets itinerary which we are running with Trafalgar Tours after such a successful response to our 2015 group departure.”

Gordes: in Provence, France.

Jill and her team of senior consultants will be available on the night to discuss future travel plans with anyone thinking of travelling in 2017.

“This is always a great night and gives Gippsland locals a chance to learn about Trafalgar’s wonderful program of guided holidays.”

To register, people need to RSVP to Leongatha Travel and Cruise on 5662 3601 or in person by Friday, October 21.

Lake Bled: in Croatia.

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PAGE 22 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Celebrating Seniors throughout October THE contribution of Victoria’s one million seniors aged 60 years and older will be celebrated in October when the Victorian Seniors Festival kicks off its 34th year.

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley recently launched the 2016 Victorians Senior Festival, which promises to be a better program than ever.

Running throughout most of October, the Victorian Government initiative will see more than 1500 events and activities held across the state throughout October.

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley said, “The 2016 Festival will pro-

vide an opportunity for older Victorians to participate in an array of social, cultural and fun activities – celebrating the contribution they make to our communities.”

“We’re proud to support the festival and initiatives like it, which help to ensure Victorians can age in a healthy and active way.”

The Victorian Seniors Festival will provide a strong mix of social, cultural and educational events for older Victorians who represent almost 20 per cent of the state’s total population.

This year’s program features entertainment, adventure and fun activities including sport, the arts and concerts such as the Festival Big Band Dance.

Food tours, information and skills sessions are also part of a jam-packed festival program.

The festival also provides opportunities for older people to come and try new or old activities such as bowls, tennis, technology, dance and more.

Events are free or low-cost and free public transport will be available for Seniors Card holders during the festival’s first week from now until October 9.

Businesses to back seniors LEONGATHA businesses are thanking the region’s senior residents with discounts during the Victorian Seniors Festival from October 10 to 16.

Leongatha resident Joan Turner approached businesses to participate and was overwhelmed by the result.

“Everybody wants to find a way to support our businesses and this is a way of businesspeople supporting the locals too,” she said.

“If we can get a success out of it, I hope that it would be a yearly event that grows bigger and better every year.”

Participating businesses and their discounts are: • Henrietta’s – five per cent off giftware and $1 scone with a cup of tea or coffee; • Central Café – five per cent off everything; • My Leongatha Beauty Care $10 off manicures and pedicures; • Shady Oaks Café – standard cup of tea or coffee with a meal; • Inspiration Hair – new cli-

42 Murray St, Wonthaggi 25 A'Beckett St, Inverloch 2/1524 Bass Hwy Grantville Bass Coast Health Central Suites

A’Beckett Street Medical Centre Inverloch Re-Opening on October 17, 2016 The A'Beckett St. Medical Centre upgrade is nearing completion. Bookings can now be made for appointments at Inverloch from October 17 onwards.

Appointments are presently still being made through our Wonthaggi Clinic reception.

All telephone calls are re-routed to Wonthaggi.

For appointments patients call: 5674 1207 5672 1333

www.wonthaggimedical.com.au

WON2870055

All Pensioners, Health Care Card Holders and Children under 16 are Bulk Billed at all locations.

For more information on events and activities, visit www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au or pick up a free Victorian Seniors Festival program at your local library, council office or neighbourhood house.

You can also call 1300 135 090 to have a program sent to you if you are unable to obtain one locally.

Making it happen: Joan Turner has arranged discounts for seniors at Leongatha businesses. ent $10, and vouchers for hair or pampering appointments; • Leongatha Newsagency – 10 per cent off stationery and books.

Also a local craft display;

• Pomegranate’s – five per cent off shoes; • Rusty Windmill – coffee or tea and cake, $8; buy two meals and receive free tea and or coffee; • Panther’s Mensland – a spot special; • Sweet Life Café – five per cent off everything; • Lulu’s Café – coffee and cake $7.90, and 10 per cent off lunch; • Hartley Wells – spot specials; and • Bakers Delight – 10 per cent off everything.

To receive a discount, show your pension or senior’s cards.

A highlight of local celebrations will be a surprise movie at Stadium 4 Theatre in Leongatha on Sunday, October 16 at 12.20pm –The Quartet.

The entry fee of $10 includes a movie ticket and a country style afternoon tea, catered for by local citizens. Bookings are essential to Joan Turner on 5662 2516, 0409 642 277 or jturner@ dcsi.net. Or book now at the cinema.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 23

STAR Real

THE GREAT SOUTHERN STAR

Stunning and spacious Page 27

Leongatha

PAGE 24 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

LEONGATHA 1 Callaway Cres Stockdale and Leggo Leongatha 5662 5800

$295,000

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Solid as a rock There are three good sized bedrooms all with HIS very affordable low mainterobes with the master having direct access to the nance brick veneer home has somebathroom. thing for everyone.

The covered outdoor barbeque area is conve-

T

The home consists of a light filled open plan niently accessed through a sliding door from the living area that incorporates a nice neat fully ap- living area and adds to the comfortable liveability pointed kitchen with all the mod cons, meals area of the home. and living room.

Externally there are large areas of quality brick paving with established garden area and lawns.

There is a large double garage/storage shed which could also double as a workshop.

EXCLUSIVE BASS COAST DISTRICT This home has an ideal northerly aspect and boasts picturesque rural views and is positioned in a very popular part of town. It is well worth an PRESTIGIOUS inspection.

Open for inspection Saturday, October 8 from 11am till 11.30am

KERNOT

“Argyle Farm” 139 ACRES - 56 ha

Welcome home.

Location: Prime Bass Coast district, 1037 Loch-Kernot Road. Kernot.

Approx 30 minutes Phillip Island and 90 minutes from Melbourne CBD. O O O O O

A stylish 5 B.R. residence of absolute quality in an immaculate garden area including asphalt driveway, sweeping lawns and in-ground swimming pool.

Picturesque improved pasture country with extensive frontage to permanent creek.

Excellent fencing into 14 main paddocks with laneway system Outstanding and permanent water supply.

High quality outbuildings include; entertainment shed (ex woolshed), timber and steel cattle yards, all steel lock up machinery multi-purpose shed.

Expressions of Interest Friday 28th October at 2.00pm Melbourne (03) 9866 5588 0418 317 440 0408 576 582

GJG2190011

A MAGNIFICENT MODERN AUSTRALIAN HOMESTEAD OFFERING THE PINNACLE OF LIFESTYLE LIVING. MAGNIFICENT GENTLY ROLLING PASTURE COUNTRY TO CREEK FLATS, SUITED TO CATTLE.

Wednesday 12noon - 3pm and Saturday 2pm - 4.30pm or by appointment 5952 2150 113-115 Parr Street, Leongatha

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 25

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Superb 20 acre lifestyle property on the edge of town L

IVE on the land, enjoy your privacy and yet only be a hop, skip and a jump to town; how good would that be.

This property is right on the edge of the Leongatha township and combines lifestyle living with hobby farming interests.

This unique brick home is set on 20 acres (approx.) of flat land.

A spacious family home with three good sized bedrooms, a study, two bathrooms and three living areas.

The master bedroom is complete with a full ensuite and good size walk in robe.

The front lounge has a vaulted ceiling and feature fireplace which also covers the open plan family room, dining and kitchen.

There is also a split system reverse cycle to cover your heating and cooling needs.

The central kitchen has a walk in pantry, plenty of cupboards and bench space and gas cooking.

There are lots of lovely windows that really open up the home making it light and bright and allowing you to take in the rural outlook.

At the opposite end of the house to the master bedroom are two bedrooms, bathroom with spa bath and its own living space which would be ideal for the kids or dual occupancy.

Owning a property of this size offers the opportunity to run some cattle, calf rearing or horse agistment, which would make an ideal income opportunity.

It’s also spot on for someone wanting to run their business from home.

The property has excellent shedding (approx. 20m x 7.5m), a double car garage, good fencing, two dams and the home is on town water.

At 8600 Bass Highway, Leongatha, the attributes sought after in quality lifestyle living is provided.

This property is in a great location and with a few finishing touches you can stamp your own mark on this superb property.

These types of properties are extremely popular.

Come and have a look on one of the open Elders Real Estate days or book an appointment for another time that suits you better.

Leongatha Open for inspection times are Saturday, OcDon Olden tober 8, at 11 – 11.30am, Saturday, October 15, 0417 805 312 at 11 – 11.30am, and Saturday, October 22, at 11 – 11.30am, or inspection by appointment.

AUCTION

LEONGATHA 8600 Bass Highway Saturday, Nov 5 at 11am on site

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PAGE 26 - â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE STARâ&#x20AC;? Tuesday, October 4, 2016

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Quality and convenience A

LEVEL 300 metre stroll from the main street, this low maintenance brick veneer unit is conveniently located.

At the front of a block of four, it offers two bedrooms, both with built in robes.

The L-shaped living space incorporates a generously sized kitchen, dining area and lounge.

Other features include a bathroom with separate bath and shower, laundry, and a single lock up garage.

It is currently tenanted, but available with vacant possession if required.

LEONGATHA 1/35 Roughead St Alex Scott and Staff Leongatha 5662 0922

$219,000

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“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 27

STAR Real

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Exceptional lifestyle property on the edge of town I

F you are seeking a lifestyle change yet want to be close to town with all the facilities, this gorgeous family home on 10 acres is worth taking a look at.

This well built brick home has been repainted and renovated with a designer kitchen featuring Cesar stone benches, quality appliances, and walk in pantry.

The main living area has solid wood heater plus reverse cycle air conditioner and opens out on to a covered verandah which overlooks the low maintenance native garden.

A separate large rumpus room provides extra living space for a growing family.

There are four bedrooms; the master is complete with en suite and three have built in robes.

The main bathroom is complete with dual sinks and a spa bath.

All windows command views of the mature trees and natives in surrounding gardens.

There are many choices for alfresco dining in-

cluding a large undercover barbecue area with an open fire.

Moving outside there is an abundance of different forms of shedding including workshops, chook house, garden shed, double garage plus carport If you are looking for a property set up for horses p y is or starting up a hobby farm this fabulous pproperty ready to go.

It has been well laid out, divided into three paddocks, one dam which reticulates to troughs plus there is easy access to the well cared for stockyards.

Landmark Harcourts This property proLeongatha vides peace and quiet, with wonderful views toGlenys Foster wards Leongatha and it’s 0477 622 297 only 4.8 kilometres to the centre of town.

LEONGATHA 65 Timmins Estate Road

$595,000

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PAGE 28 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Fracking ban celebrated AROUND 70 people gathered in the Old Grain Store in Mirboo North recently to celebrate the coal seam gas/ fracking ban recently announced by the State Government.

People from Mirboo North, Poowong, Foster, Fish Creek, Morwell and Warragul came together after a hard fought community campaign to stop unconventional gas devel-

opment in Victoria.

Gayle Margaret, from the community group Coal and CSG Free Mirboo North, said, “It was lovely to catch up with some of the people from the region who signed petitions, wrote letters and displayed Lock the Gate signs to let government and mining companies know they were not prepared to give social licence to this industry.

“An unprecedented number attended rallies andjoined thousands

of ‘accidental activists’ across the state to make the ban a reality. We’re just thrilled at this outcome and are now looking forward to the ban passing unimpeded into legislation.”

Communities united and took action when they found themselves under threat by invasive gas mining.

Many quickly stepped up when they realised mining companies had rights over their land, directly affecting vast areas

Job done: from left, Ray Boys of CSG Free Poowong and Brian McClure of CSG Free Boolarra give the thumbs up to the State Government’s ban on coal seam gas and fracking.

of Victoria.

“It’s disappointing that after five years of having the ear of government and a failed $5 million media campaign, mining companies and lobbyists are not prepared to play by the ‘umpire’s decision’and accept the ban, consequently, misinforming the public on the status of our energy needs and gas availability,” Ms Margaret said.

Among those at the celebration were South Gippsland Shire councillors Andrew McEwen, Kieran Kennedy and Don Hill, who had advocated for a ban and also lobbied council to seek an exemption for South Gippsland from all coal and gas mining.

Candidates for Tarwin Valley ward in the upcoming council election, Meg Edwards and Ben Corcoran, also made an appearance, along with former Labor candidate for McMillan, Chris Buckingham.

Phil Piper of Mirboo North addressed the crowd and gave a short history of the campaign, followed by Marg Thomas acknowledging the work of the Gasfield Free groups and

Out, about: members of the South Gippsland Walking and Adventure Club explored The Gurdies recent on a recent wet Sunday morning.

From left, Sue Marriott, Sandra Lewis, Val McDonald, Lyn Birt, Kerry Baggallay, George Bentley, Joy Downes and Anne Callanan enjoyed nice views of French Island at the start and end of the trip.

Have your say on water THE region’s water and sewer customers are being asked to spend a few moments giving their local water corporations some feedback.

Gippsland’s four water corporations - Westernport Water, South Gippsland Water, Gippsland Water and East Gippsland Water - are working together to survey customers to get feedback on overall satisfaction, current services as well as ideas on how best to plan for the future of the region.

“This survey is really important for us, in terms of measuring where we are at currently and in assessing how customers think we should move forward,” South Gippsland Water’s managing director Philippe

du Plessis said.

“With the four water corporations working together, we not only save money, but we are also able to compare individual performance against each other which is another really useful outcome from working collaboratively.”

The telephone surveys have commenced and will continue through October.

The survey company, Fieldworks, will clearly identify themselves at the start of the call and will not engage in any sales pitch during the call.

“This is all about gathering information from customers and not selling any product or service,” Mr du Plessis said.

“If customers receive calls from

people offering to sell water filters or any other water device, that is not our survey.”

The calls will take around 10 minutes with the customer being asked around 20 questions about service, expectation and price.

“This is the third time the local Gippsland water corporations have joined forces on this type of survey and is an example of how we are all working closely together to find savings in our operating costs, which then allows us to continue to put downward pressure on customer bills,” Mr du Plessis said.

Results of the surveys will be shared via the media and on individual water corporation websites from December 2016.

Print impresses A LARGE crowd of more than 60 people attended the official opening of the inaugural print media exhibition Arts-Print on Sunday, September 25.

Grand opening: from left, exhibition curator Susan Hall, printmaker and master and lecturer at Monash University Marian Crawford and ArtSpace Gallery president Ursula Theinert were thrilled with the opening of Arts-Print.

Held at Wonthaggi ArtSpace Gallery, the exhibition was officially opened by well known print identity Marion Crawford.

The exhibition displayed the work of 12 local print artists and celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Print Council of Australia.

This must see exhibition will continuing showing at the gallery until October 17.

ArtSpace Gallery is located at 5-7 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi, and is open Thursday to Monday from 10am to 4pm.

the successive ministers who brought about the ban.

Ursula Alquier, Victorian Lock the Gate cam-

paign manager, spoke of the tenacity and determination of communities and said this contributed to the success of the campaign.

The afternoon highlighted the successful conclusion of a campaign that united communities as never before.

Community achievement: from left, Marg Lyn of Berrys Creek, David Jones of Mirboo Farm and Phil Piper of Coal and CSG Free Mirboo North, enjoy the festivities.

National conference on the way UP TO 100 people from across Australia will converge on Inverloch next week for a national conference.

They will attend the 2016 National Community Foundations Forum, to be staged by Australian Community Philanthropy, the peak body of community foundations in the country.

The forum, from October 11 to 13, will be jointly hosted by the Bass Coast and Mirboo North community foundations.

All activities will be based at RACV Inverloch Resort, apart from a delegates reception at Mirboo North on October 11.

Mirboo North foundation executive officer Derrick Ehmke said the event would showcase the work being done by community foundations and further opportunities for them to grow.

South Gippsland and Bass Coast chief executive officers, Tim Tamlin and Paul Buckley respectively, will speak about how

the local foundations have worked with councils to achieve goals.

Sessions will also be held about grants, developing funds, new regulations and individual philanthropy.

The latter way of giving is gaining pace, with donors specifying how they would like their donation to be spent.

“The community foundation movement is poised for growth, with 38 foundations in Australia, including the new Leongatha foundation this year,” Mr Ehmke said.

“It’s not about the money. Of course the money is important but it is about the outcome, and collaborating and giving to the community.”

Inverloch and Mirboo North are expected to benefit economically, with delegates to receive showbags about the areas in the hope they will return in the future.

The executive officer of Australian Community Philanthropy, Kate Buxton, is a Mirboo North resident and director of the Mirboo North Community Foundation.

MP: sugar tax to beat obesity MCMILLAN MP Russell Broadbent is proposing a sugar tax to curb childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes, with revenue to be channelled into sporting facilities.

Speaking in Federal Parliament recently, he said the extra revenue from a 10 per cent wholesale sugar tax would “be put into those facilities right across this country on behalf of young people and the future of their health and wellbeing in this nation”.

“I think we can do it.

I think it is something we should be looking at. We do it with cigarettes now.

We do it with other things.

We do it with alcohol,” he said.

“Well, sugar is a major trauma for this country, and we need to address it very seriously, and I call on the government to inquire into the probability or possibility of a sugar tax in this country to ben-

• McMillan MP Russell Broadbent efit our generations.”

The proposal has already sparked significant interest, with support from the national peak industry body for Australian vegetable and potato growers, AUSVEG and health proponent LiveLighter.

“Diabetes is an epidemic across our nation and we have the responsibility to do something about it,” Mr Broadbent said.

“Now I want to start a conversation about a sugar tax and have people think

about the damage it’s doing. This is a beginning of a conversation we might continue to have, to draw attention to type 2 diabetes and obesity in Australia.”

Mr Broadbent said if major changes were not made to sugar use “the health problems into the future are going to be enormously expensive for this country”.

“There’s nothing wrong with safe sugar. It becomes a problem when it’s used to excess and it invades every food product in the supermarket,” he said.

“I’m not too concerned about what enemies I might make out of this; if it helps to save the life of one child I’ll be thrilled.”

Leongatha Healthcare practice manager Judy Robb said hidden sugar in so many food products in supermarkets is an issue.

“Anything that is aimed at educating young people so that they don’t develop the addictions that affect current generations is welcomed,” she said.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 29

Emma’s show stopping dress CAPE Paterson designer Emma Sullivan enjoyed success at the Royal Melbourne Show.

One of her creations – a smocked toddler dress – placed second.

Emma had entered this dress into the Alexandra Show late last year where it took out first prize.

It then qualified for the Seymour Show and once again claimed first prize, which qualified her for the Royal Melbourne Show.

“I had no idea it would go so far,” she said.

“I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, so this was very exciting.”

From practicing on a toy sewing machine, Emma has excelled to recently opening her own design business – Bluebird Designs – and is operating from her house in Cape Paterson.

Her designs and creations are mainly

for babies and toddlers, and are available through her Bluebird Designs Facebook page, the internet shop Etsy and at local markets.

“I have been involved with the Loch Village Market and I hope to start going to more markets during the summer while the weather is nice,” she said.

Emma has now created a range of smocked dresses and other toddler dress designs.

She also has a range of knitted toddler boots, shoes and headbands.

In addition, her range also includes popular ear warmers, rose bookmarks and trivets.

In recent weeks, Emma has started to offer small group classes from her home, teaching skills such as knitting, sewing, and smocking.

The classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and also on Sundays if the demand is there.

P i winner: Prize i Cape C Paterson P designer d Emma Sullivan won second place for a smocked toddler dress she entered in the Royal Melbourne Show.

Bass Coast Council briefs Plover protection COUNCIL took a step forward to protecting the hooded plovers by adopting the Bass Coast and Phillip Island Hooded Plover Strategy at its recent meeting.

Councillors Neil Rankine and Phil Wright shared disappointment, feeling the strategy didn’t go far enough, but agreed it was a critical step.

“I think we’ve set up a good foundation. We didn’t quite cut it for this summer but it is a big improvement and I’m hopeful that by next summer it will well and truly be enmeshed in our future.”

Education has been proposed in the strategy to help people share the beach appropriately with nesting birds.

Regular conversations will be had to ensure people know where the birds will be nesting during peak periods.

Contracts questioned FOUR contracts were awarded and listed in report for council, which was presented at its recent meeting.

President of the Bass Coast Resident and Ratepayers Association Kevin Griffin asked why only one contract was awarded because it had the lowest cost, and why other low cost submissions were turned away.

Council advised Mr Griffin that the best value for money was not

always the cheapest price and all submissions were considered against a range of criteria before selections were made.

“The proponent looked at other sites but this one was deemed to be the best for a number of reasons.”

Mental health recognised

Wright awarded

MAYOR Cr Jordan Crugnale and deputy mayor Cr Bradley Drew were invited to attend a roundtable discussion with Mental Health Minister Martin Foley in Traralgon on September 7.

CR Phil Wright received an award for 10 years continuous service to council on September 8.

Suicide and mental health awareness were the key topics discussed, as well as service provision in Bass Coast.

Cr Crugnale said she hoped to see flow on funding as a result of these discussions to increase the level of mental health awareness in the shire.

Tech plan goes ahead COUNCIL approved a permit to develop a telecommunications facility at 85 Ventnor Road, Cowes, recently.

The facility was classified as an essential service and councillors felt there would be little justification for a refusal if the applicant were to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

“We notified 318 people and received seven objections. The advantages of the facility will be the growth of a community and more tech assistance in an area that needs it most,” deputy mayor Cr Bradley Drew said.

He and Cr Kimberley Brown had attended Municipal Association of Victoria annual conference and dinner when Cr Wright was honoured.

Cr Kimberley Brown said it was fabulous night with terrific entertainment.

Projects in spotlight A COMMITTEE to identify key projects in the region will be established.

This initiative has come about as a result of the round table discussions council had with State Government ministers earlier this year.

Cr Phil Wright commended mayor Cr Jordan Crugnale for her efforts to bring the Premier to Bass Coast.

“We were able to sit down and collect some wonderful notes,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the mayor for putting the day together. It empowered the people of Bass Coast.”

PAGE 30 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

The Good Life

Your LOCAL guide to Art and Entertainment

Exhibition to impress

A MAJOR art exhibition of the latest works of Di and John Koenders of Mayfield Gallery, Arawata, will be held from Saturday, October 8, until Tuesday, November 1.

The exhibition will be open daily from 11am until 5pm, including public holidays.

Di and John’s studio/gallery is an intriguing place, and this is a unique chance to be part of the artists’ world.

Situated on a historic and picturesque farming property, Mayfield Gallery surrounds visitors with a welcoming ambience and charm.

Di and John are always happy to chat about their art, and offer a chilled glass of wine or a cup of tea or coffee.

John is well known for his soaring gum trees – a passion of his – and is honoured to often be compared to the legendary Hans Heysen.

He also has an endless supply of inspiration all round him – all the wonderful old local farmhouses and the tranquil scenery give him a bountiful supply of subjects.

John has been busy on commissioned works for people who wish to immortalise their property and pass it on to the next gen-

Captured: Di Koenders works on her beautiful birdlife works.

eration.

He paints in watercolour and oils, and has included some paintings of Holland, England, France and Italy in this exhibition.

The latest collection of Di’s work includes magnificent vibrant ‘portraits’ of many wonderful birds – from tiny blue wrens with their splendid coats of shining blue to majestic wedge tailed eagles, which are so much a part of the rolling South Gippsland hills.

Di has also painted some beautiful watercolours – nostalgic images of flowers and birds, which evoke another era.

Native animals in minute detail are also a speciality in Di’s repertoire.

Clients purchasing paintings also receive the major benefit of being able to buy direct from the artists, thus avoiding costly commissions charged by private galleries.

The recent revelation that they are related to famous Dutch Master Vincent van Gogh has added even more provenance to their beautiful paintings.

Di and John have produced a documentary covering the life and times of Vincent, and their connection to their famous ancestor and were thrilled to have the honour of presenting it at Cannes, France.

The documentary – Vincent – The Untold Story of Our Uncle – has been shown in

many countries around the world.

Recently, they received a five star rating from a happy customer in the United States, and US TV is negotiating for rights to screen the documentary in the US. DVDs of this unique art film have now been produced and copies can be purchased at their gallery.

Next year, an exhibition of Vincent’s works will be held at the National Gallery of Victoria, and an animated film will be released where Vincent’s paintings ‘come to life’.

All these events can only add to the provenance of Di and John’s art, and show there is still massive interest about Vincent and his short – but amazing – life.

Di and John’s work is highly sought after and they have an impressive list of famous clientele – HRH Princess Anne, John Howard, the Sultan of Brunei, Jeff Kennett, the late Bud Tingwell, Rob Gell, Peter Hitchener, John Wood and Andre Rieu.

Mayfield Gallery is located at 655 Fairbank Road, Arawata, approximately 10 kilometres north of Victoria and Korumburra.

If you would like directions or have any enquiries, phone Di and John on 0428 598 262.

You can also visit www.mayfieldgallery. com.au or info@mayfieldgallery.com.au.

Aussie humour exposed WHAT does it mean to be an Aussie in 2016?

And how should we celebrate AusJohn tralia Day?

Inspired: Koenders reflects on his scenery and brings it to life on a canvas.

These key questions come in for some hilarious treatment in ‘Australia Day’, which Foster theatre company, FAMDA, will stage from October 14-23 under Andrew Oldroyd’s direction.

The play was written by noted satirist, writer and comedian, Jonathan Biggins, who has drawn on his own experiences as

an Australia Day Ambassador to create a comedy full of fearless wit, topical references and sharply observed Aussie humour.

A witty look at our nation’s identity, this up to the minute comedy is set in a fictitious small country town where six members of the local Shire Australia Day Celebrations Organising Committee are busily planning the Day’s program while arguing over politics, patriotism and progress.

For the colourful committee members, the issue of cultural identity is a contentious one. With an ambitious Liberal mayor (Chris Pappas), his loyal deputy (Luke Dearlove), a member of the CWA (Genevieve Moore) and a true blue Aussie (Lloyd Morcom), plus new residents, Greens councillor (Joanne Street) and

a young school teacher (Trevor Young), all fighting for their own celebration, it quickly snowballs into controversy and hilarious chaos.

The play is stacked with pithy one liners and a few twists and turns which make for an uproarious evening’s (or af-

ternoon’s) entertainment.

‘Australia Day’ will be staged at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre opening with a gala performance at 8pm on Friday October 14.

The performance season runs until October 23 with evening shows at 8pm on Fridays and

Saturdays plus a bargain night on Thursday October 20 and matinées at 2pm on both Sundays and Saturday October 22.

Book your tickets now for this wickedly funny new comedy via www.famda.org.au, at Main Street Revelations in Foster or 0435

Aussie Aussie: from left, Genevieve Moore, Luke Dearlove, Chris Pappas, Joanne Street and Trevor Yong in rehearsal for ‘Australia Day’.

Native flowers set to shine

Annual event: Australian Plants Society South Gippsland Group annual native flower show coordinator Coral Hughes is expecting a huge display of flowers and plants at this year’s event. The show will be held at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16 from 10am to 4pm. As well as the magnificent floral displays, the show will also feature a native plant sale and a book sale. See more about the show in next week’s Star.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 31

The Good Life

Your LOCAL guide to Art and Entertainment

Massive talent set for Unify AFTER two massively successful years, Unify will return to Tarwin Lower in January 2017 with its biggest line up yet.

Headlining performances are Alexisonfire, Violent Soho and Northlane as part of a 26 band line up over two huge nights.

In 2015, Unify famously sold out its 3000 ticket allocation in just three hours, while its second year sold out all 5000 well before the event kicked off.

The festival is a uniquely Australian event that takes pride in showcasing South Gippsland’s beautiful natural surroundings as well as incredible musical output and fandom for which the country has become renowned.

The line up includes 20 Australian artists including performances from recent breakthrough successes such as Thy Art Is Murder and Luca Brasi, as well as legacy sets from House Vs Hurricane and The Getaway Plan.

Joining the absolute best heavy bands Australia has to offer will be international heavyweights Every Time I Die, Moose Blood, Counterparts and The Dirty Nil. Headliner Alexisonfire (from Canada) is coming together for a special Australian performance – the first Australian appearance since their anticipated sold out 10th anniversary in 2012.

One of the biggest bands to come out of Canada’s underground music scene, Alexisonfire released four hugely successful albums, amassing a legion of fans the world over.

Multi award winners in their native Canada, Alexisonfire topped sales charts in North America, and achieved a top 20 ARIA chart debut in Australia with 2009’s Old Crows/Young Cardinals.

They performed on the main stage of legendary festivals like United Kingdom’s Reading and Leeds, Riot Fest and took over native Toronto for a six night stay, boasting over 9000 tickets sold, and sold out tours in Canada, United States, United Kingdom Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Japan.

Violent Soho will make a Unify debut off the back of a massive year.

After the breakthrough success of their gold accredited third record Hungry Ghost, 2016 has been the biggest year of Violent Soho’s career.

In March, its latest album WACO debuted at number one on the ARIA chart and was Triple J feature album.

They toured with DZ Deathrays and Dune Rats selling every single ticket in huge theatres across Australia.

They also appeared at this year’s sold out Splendour in the Grass and will be heading overseas for a North American headline tour before landing Tarwin Lower for Unify 2017.

Northlane will make a triumphant return to Tarwin Lower.

Since its inaugural Unify appearance in 2017, Northlane released its ARIA number one album Node, scored Triple J feature album, won the ARIA award for best hard rock/heavy metal album, dropped a surprise collaboration EP called Equinox with In Hearts Wake and slayed massive stages around Australia, United Kingdom and Europe.

Atmosphere: get in quick to be part of the crowd at Unify 2017.

The band will be back in Europe for a run of shows with The Amity Affliction before trekking down to Unify.

Rounding out the line up is an all Australian who’s who featuring Thy Art Is Murder, Luca Brasi, Storm The Sky, Trophy Eyes, King Parrot, Ocean Grove, Saviour, Columbus, Polaris, The Brave, Bare Bones, Justice For the Damned, This City, and Ocean Sleeper.

Full information and a blurb on each band can be found at www.unifygathering.com/artists.

Just like previous events, Unify will be held in between the Tarwin recreation reserve and football ground Thanks to the support of the local community, the 2017 show is now a two night affair, which means more artists, more amenities and more amazing memories for artists and punters.

With the continued support from the community behind the event and the incredible enthusiasm shown by all of the amazing artists involved, every- Big year: Unify 2017 promises to top the previous two events with its biggest line up yet. thing is set for Unify to be the perfect start to 2017.

PAGE 32 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 33

Paddlers oblivious to danger PADDLE sports are rising in popularity, but many enthusiasts are unaware of how dangerous the activities can be and are hitting the water unprepared.

Victorians own around 242,000 non-powered vessels, including kayaks and canoes.

Unfortunately, Victoria has the highest number of kayak fatalities in Australia and New Zealand 30 per cent of overall boating fatalities in the past five years compared with 13 per cent nationally.

In an effort to reach out to paddlers, Maritime Safety Victoria (MSV) – a branch of Transport Safety Victoria, has launched a survey with four personal locator beacons (PLBs) up for grabs.

The 12-minute online survey will collect data about safety attitudes and behaviours, and relevant demographics which will lead to the development of targeted information for paddlers to enjoy their sport safely.

“Lifejackets are mandatory for all paddlers, and

nowadays they are affordable and comfortable,” said Peter Corcoran, director of maritime safety.

“MSV encourages anyone taking to the water to also have a means of raising the alarm such as a PLB so help can be called if needed.”

Paddlers are urged to complete the MSV survey so their views can be heard.

All responses are anonymous and your details will not be connected with your responses.

If you have paddled a kayak, canoe, standup paddleboard or surf-ski/ocean-ski on Victorian waters in the past 12 months, visitsurvey.instinctandreason.com/paddlingsurvey to take part in the survey.

All personal information is treated in the strictest of confidence and will be conducted in accordance with the Market and Social Research Privacy Code and the principles set out in the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic). See transportsafety.vic.gov.au/privacy for details.

Safety precautions: kayakers are being urged to make themselves aware of the dangers of their sport.

PAGE 34 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Communication is the key SOME THINGS are worth running for: how to handle the elephant in the room? was the title of a panel discussion convened by Matt Harms in the Giants’ club rooms at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo last week.

Sponsored by the South Gippsland Shire Council and Rabobank the discussion attracted a large crowd to hear from the panel which represented several men and women involved in the dairy industry.

They included Chris and Cameron Brown from Browns Stockfeeds, Outtrim farmers Les and Lyn Warnby with 20 years in the industry, Rabobank’s Leongatha branch manager Russell Mann, and Prom Country Cheese makers Burke and Bronwyn Brandon.

The elephant in the room is of course a metaphor for the current state of the dairy industry, caused primarily by the low milk price.

Russell Mann said the current situation is as bad as it is, “because it came on the back of a crook season. It was this bad timing which affected the farm-

ers’ ability to manage the season.”

Lyn Warnby described how she manages when often there is too little money to cover all the farms accounts.

She said communication is the key to keeping finances flowing to creditors satisfaction.

Mrs Warnby said, “Working out who is going to get paid and how much,” is something she has to constantly manage.

A night out for her and her husband, she said, is usually going to a family gathering.

Cameron Brown agreed that good communication is the key to avoiding bad feelings and that people generally are compassionate and understanding.

He said that business can be like a big roller coaster and droughts up north have made it difficult to source grains.

Chris Brown said the industry is looking up with grains and fertilisers ‘on the up.”

Mr Mann added that the dairy industry in Australia does not operate in isolation but is part of and at the mercy of what happens in the much larger world.

Versatile vehicles: from left, Tim Brown and Mat O’Donnell with part of Wonthaggi Motorcycles impressive range of Kawasaki vehicles on display at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra on Wednesday.

Rugged, tough and built to last ACCORDING to the staff at Wonthaggi Motorcycles the season is looking good and farmers are out and about looking to upgrade old and outmoded farm transport.

The once popular all terrain vehicle has been superseded by the utility terrain vehicle and it is easy to see why.

Also called side-by-sides these Kawasakis have approved roll-over protection.

They are built tough for dairy farmers working in out harsh conditions, have seat belts for all occupants and driving one is similar to driving a car.

Their tray capacity makes them versatile, multi purpose vehicles for carrying fencing gear, hay and calves.

Independent suspension gives them stability on uneven ground.

The cabins come with optional full enclosure to keep occupants out of the weather.

Reliability and maintenance is a strong point of the Kawasaki UTV with repair costs kept down due to mechanicals being sealed and protected.

Good finance packages are available at Wonthaggi Motorcycles and there is currently a government rebate of $1200 on side-by-sides which Spot on: from left, ONFARM Consulting’s Matt Harms; Browns Stockfeeds’ Chris Brown; Rabobank branch manager, Leongatha, Russell Mann; and Browns Stockfeeds’ Cameron range in price from $11,500 up to $21,000.

Brown were some of the dairy industry experts offering their expertise in a forum at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra on Wednesday.

Reliability: from left, rep Cameron West and salesman Kevin Smith at Gendore’s display at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo. Mr Smith said, “Gendore’s Tractors and Machinery have been operating in the Gippsland area since the 1950s.” Mr West said, “We must be a good and substantial machinery business or we wouldn’t have lasted this long.” Among the wide range of machinery on display were New Holland tractors and machinery, Hustler feed out equipment, Keltec bale slicers and B&A spray equipment.

Farmers’ support: from left, Irene Baker, Louise Sundermann, Donna Gibson and Tony Platt at the GippsDairy pavilion at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo at Korumburra. GippsDairy offers extension services and industry leadership for dairy farmers funded by the dairy levy.

Its recent forum which travelled the state, Tactics for Tight Times, at which industry leaders presented strategies for farmers to manage tough times arising from the 2015 - 2017 season, drew large attendance at all locations.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 35

Irwin Stockfeeds busy at Expo IRWIN Stockfeeds staff was kept busy at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo in Korumburra last week.

Many people were interested to learn more about the large plant to the north of the South Gippsland Highway at Lang Lang as motorists approach the Bass Highway merge.

The ruminant nutrition manufacturing facility slideshow displayed the various working components in the new mill and provided visitors with a glimpse into the size and capacity of the facility.

Demand for high quality ruminant feeds produced in Gippsland is on the rise and the large output ability of the new facility will more than cater to the

needs of farmers and their cattle.

Irwin Stockfeeds manufactures an extensive range of quality dairy and beef products designed to assist in meeting the energy and protein demands of herds and many visitors to Irwin Stockfeeds impressive and hard to miss pavilion, were enquiring about both products and their delivery.

As a FeedSafe accredited operator, Irwin Stockfeeds is determined to deliver on the promise of improved feed conversion efficiency, increased pasture utilisation and total feed intakes, which customers can expect to see reflected in increased milk production.

For 28 years this proud, family owned business has worked hard to meet the needs of its Gippsland clients

Factory hit: many visiting the Irwin Stockfeeds pavilion were curious to learn more about the large ruminant nutrition manufacturing plant on the South Gippsland Highway at Lang Lang.

and is continuing to do so by placing a strong emphasis on exceptional customer service, the highest quality grains, competitive pricing, and expert nutritional and agronomic advice.

They have a diverse range of modern trailers including compartmentalised augers, blowers and single and B-double combination bulk tippers delivering the best possible feed and

service to its customers.

Speak to Irwin Stockfeeds’ sales and nutrition team for all information on your feed needs and increase your production and feed efficiency today.

Rural experts: from left, Shane Doherty, Katrina Galindo, Peter Lowry, Heath Killeen and Greg Pate pause during a rare moment of calm on the steps of the Irwin Stockfeeds pavilion at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo last week.

PAGE 36 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Farming Insight Chapmans launch new facility A CROWD of more than 200 people at- warehouse at Chapman Machinery Sertended the official opening of the new vice in Leongatha recently.

The opening coincided with the celebration of 25 years of trading in Leongatha.

AGCO’s Asia Pacific CEO, Warwick McCormack was one of the specials guests. AGCO owns the Massey Ferguson, Valtra, Fendt and Iseki tractor brands carried by Chapmans.

Representatives from other franchises, Krone and Kubota, were also on hand to chat with farmers about the latest products.

Mark’s first employers in the agricultural industry, Ian Lee and Serge Panozzo from Elliotts Marketing Group, were also in attendance to wish them well.

“Ian was the one who first employed me in sales back in 1985,” Mr Chapman said.

The celebrations kicked off at lunchtime and later in the day the lights were turned on to illuminate a massive display of tractors and machinery. Local wines were enjoyed and celebrations continued till midnight!

This display included tractors, hay and silage machinery, tillage equipment, power harrows, and farm ATV’s.

Front and centre was Greg Barry’s number 4, in Australia, Grey “Fergy” tractor made in 1947.

Owners of Chapman Machinery Service, Mark and Marita Chapman, were presented with a gift of a mounted toy Krone baler to mark 25 years the company has sold its product.

“This item was organised in Germany by fourth generation owner of Krone, Bernard Krone and sent out for the occasion,” Mr Chapman said.

He described it as a fantastic day with the main focus being on clients, customers and friends catching up in a social way.

“People’s jaws certainly dropped when they entered the warehouse and saw just how vast it is and were even more impressed by all the gear,” he said.

One of the new items getting plenty of attention was the new Kubota 130-170hp M7151 premium tractor.

There are still a large number of tractors and implements available for the current season and you are most welcome to call down and take a look.

Kubota Australia now owns the Kvernland company and has gained a wide range of tillage and cultivation machinery as part of the Kubota brand. This includes a 3 metre disc cultivator and a 3.5 metre power harrow with seed drill now in stock.

Happy birthday: from left, Krone’s sales and distribution manager, Lars Pasedag and division sales manager, Marco Leying hand over a specially made mounted Krone baler to Mark and Marita Chapman.

Blown away: a massive display of tractors, agricultural equipment and machinery was shown off at the special celebrations on Friday, September 23.

Cow boys: from left, Bille Townley and Ashton McCauley from Coralyyn were enjoying target practice with Friesha in the beautiful spring sunshine at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo at Korumburra. Speaking the truth: from left, Lindsay Davies and Chris Lawton taking charge at Browns Stockfeed pavilion at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo. At Browns Stockfeed the emphasis is on animal health.

Cow nutrition is highly important to increase the yield and Quality of milk Mrs Lawton said. warm, moist conditions.

Dr Jeff Cave, District Veterinary

Foot abscess or footrot?

Officer, Agriculture Victoria GOOD spring conditions can bring foot problems in sheep, a leading animal health issue.

I am often asked ‘Is it a foot abscess or footrot?’

A sheep with foot abscess will usually be very lame in just one foot.

Footrot will invariably affect more than one foot.

In a spring with abundant feed, sheep become unusually heavy.

This, coupled with standing on wet pasture or muddy ground for an extended period, leaves them susceptible to developing foot abscess.

Foot abscess is associated with the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum. It is not contagious. In contrast, footrot, caused by the bacterium Dichelobacter nodosus, spreads readily in

The foot of a sheep with foot abscess will appear hot, swollen and painful. The abscess may be in the toe or the heel of the foot.

The severity of footrot (inflammation between the toes and underrunning of the hoof) will depend upon whether the strain of bacteria is benign (mild) or virulent (severe).

A foot abscess contains pus and can be treated by hoof paring to provide drainage for the pus. Antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian will also help clear the infection.

Footrot can be controlled through foot bathing. Virulent footrot can be eradicated but a long, hot, dry summer is needed.

For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

Brown’s cow: from left, Browns Fertilisers’ Sally Pate, Peter Kershaw from Glen Alvie and Ben Thomas from Wonthaggi. Mr Kershaw and Mr Thomas were enjoying strolling in the sunshine at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo and meeting and chatting with stall holders some of whom used mascots to stand out from the crowd.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 37

Farming Insight Qualified to lead

Having a look: Peter and Chloe Challis from Leongatha North were at the store sale at VLE Leongatha last Thursday, to have a look at the market. Mr Challis said he thought it would be a good sale.

A VOTE for Peter Dalmau is a vote for a qualified, experienced, committed and locally involved candidate.

Cute cow cockies: Keira, Logan and Zahli Dixon from Loch sold 10 Angus steers at the store sale at VLE Leongatha last Thursday.

Steers and bullocks solid THERE were approximately 1300 export and 200 young cattle penned representing an increase of 270 head week-on-week.

There was a full field of buyers present but not all operating fully in a mixed market.

Quality was good with a larger selection of steers and bullocks showing good finish and a few more young cattle suited to the trade.

Trade cattle sold firm. Grown steers and bullocks sold generally firm while a handful of heavy weights over 750kg slipped 20c/kg. Heavy weight grown heifers improved 11c/kg. Friesian manufacturing steers eased 11c for a plainer quality selection while the crossbred portion held firm.

Cows sold from firm to 5c/kg easier while the heavy weight bulls eased up to 10c/kg for the D muscle dairy lots and just a few cents for the C muscle bulls.

Vealers reached a top of 410c/kg. A handful of yearling trade steers sold from 380c to 390c/kg.

Yearling heifers to the trade made between 335c and 372c/kg.

Grown steers sold between 335c and 375c/ kg. Bullocks made from 330c to 372c/kg. Heavy weight grown heifers showing good finish sold from 342c to 363c/kg. Heavy weight Friesian manufacturing steers made mostly between 290c and 310c/kg.

Most light and medium weight cows sold between 190c and 260c/kg. Heavy weight cows made mostly from 230c to 290c/kg.

Heavy weight C muscle bulls sold from 289c to 308c after a single A muscle bull reached 333c/ kg. D muscle dairy bulls made between 245c and 279c/kg.

The next sale draw - October 5: 1. Landmark, 2. Rodwells, 3. Alex Scott & Staff, 4.

Phelan & Henderson & Co, 5. Elders, 6. SEJ.

Prime Sale - Wednesday, September 28 BULLOCKS 11 N. & K. Beecher, Driffield 21 O’Loughlin Bros, Meeniyan 8 Von Pace Pastoral P/L 14 Rumridge Pty Ltd, Mt Eliza 8 M. Peterson 4 G.A. Clarke, Inverloch

560.5kg 714.3kg 593.1kg 683.6kg 573.8kg 573.8kg

374.6 371.6 368.6 368.6 368.0 366.6

$2099.46 $2654.29 $2186.26 $2519.64 $2111.40 $2103.37

STEERS 1 JDK Pastoral Co, Korumburra 1 A. & S. Turton, Korumburra Sth 5 R. & B. Bright, Dumbalk 1 Est H.J. & D.M. Shandley, Buffalo 1 Von Pace Pastoral P/L 1 J. & M. Bongers, Leongatha

370.0kg 365.0kg 387.0kg 305.0kg 540.0kg 215.0kg

410.0 390.0 379.6 373.6 368.6 366.6

$1517.00 $1423.50 $1469.05 $1139.48 $1990.44 $788.19

HEIFERS 1 JDK Pastoral Co, Korumburra 1 A. & S. Turton, Korumburra Sth 1 Est H.J. & D.M. Shandley, Buffalo 1 G.L. & W.J. Price, Yarram 1 P.A. Young, Buffalo 1 R. & B. Bright, Dumbalk

310.0kg 335.0kg 295.0kg 260.0kg 260.0kg 365.0kg

410.0 374.2 373.6 373.6 370.0 370.0

$1271.00 $1253.57 $1102.12 $971.36 $962.00 $1350.50

COWS 2 R.A. Atkinson & N.N. Van Den Hoven, Bass 1 D. Pilkington & F. Toohey Waratah N 2 Vuillerman Past Co, Yanakie 1 G.H. & K.M. Browne, Drumdlemara 3 Hinchcliffe Holding P/L, Glengarry 2 S.R. & M.K. Greaves, Nerrena

637.5kg 510.0kg 550.0kg 580.0kg 588.3kg 452.5kg

290.0 288.0 288.0 275.0 275.0 273.6

$1848.75 $1468.80 $1584.00 $1595.00 $1617.92 $1238.04

BULLS 1 K.C. Price, Glen Forbes 1135.0kg 332.6 $3775.01 1 J.M. & N.L. Mason, French Island 850.0kg 308.0 $2618.00 1 S. & K. Hogan, Cowes 800.0kg 299.6 $2396.80 1 V. & V. Manuzza, Mirboo North 735.0kg 298.6 $2194.71 1 Vuillerman Past Co, Yanakie 880.0kg 296.6 $2610.08 1 D. Pilkington & F. Toohey Waratah N 760.0kg 288.6 $2193.36

Mr Dalmau – a Wattle Bank resident – is running for the Bunurong Ward in the Bass Excellency and experiCoast Shire Coun- ence: Wattle Bank’s Peter cil election, and is Dalmau aims to deliver committed to lissatisfaction tening to ratepayers community Bass Coast, and has the and residents.

“Consultation qualifications to achieve has been a regular improved outcomes. issue. There was no proper consultation when council made decisions about the Wonthaggi Information Centre and the Inverloch Transfer Station, and people are unhappy,” he said.

“There is no garbage service in Wattle Bank and no notice of the public meetings unless you found it in a report published in the local papers. The transfer station was meeting needs in Inverloch and tests found that

Screw Creek is clean. Council shouldn’t be closing facilities unnecessarily or fixing things that aren’t broken.”

His qualification in public administration and advocacy and his work experience at an executive level of public service; a mix that makes him ideally suited for the role of councillor.

In addition, he was a councillor for the Shire of Woorayl.

He has been involved in many leadership positions in planning strategies for Inverloch and Cape Paterson, and chaired many local groups from scouts and youth to the RSL. Through his involvement with the veteran’s advocacy, he achieved an 80 percent success rate, which was unheard of and led to ongoing support for war widows.

Mr Dalmau firmly believes in achieving excellence; a drive he will bring to the table if elected to council.

In all, he has gained 25 years of voluntary experience within his local area.

He believes local clubs are of great importance in the community, and would like to see clubs such as the Wonthaggi Bowls Club and the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club reinvigorated to help maintain the health and social activity of residents.

A basketball stadium for the emerging talent in the area is also on the list of priorities.

Mr Dalmau is willing to conduct regular consultations and supports common sense and reasoned development in Bass Coast to enhance its natural attributes.

He believes in strategic decision making and that meeting financial targets is not about removing services.

Fresh ideas to improve Bass Coast CAPE Woolamai’s Mikhaela Barlow has entered the Bass Coast Shire Council election race and has plenty of ideas in mind to improve council’s function- Inspiring change: Cape ality.

Woolamai’s Mikhaela BarRunning for the low wants to promote liveWesternport Ward ability in Bass Coast and at just 18 years of age, Ms Barlow is is the youngest candidate the youngest can- standing in the election. didate.

She is the daughter of former councillor Gareth Barlow. Her interest in council piqued from her early teen years when she would pour through the council material and learned about the intricacies of planning and budgeting.

She has been an active member of the community, protesting against the development of the desalination plant and volunteering at Vietnam Veterans’ Museum in Newhaven.

Environmental sustainability is a priority to her and just one of the issues she would fight for as a councillor.

She aspires for change in the shire and wants to en-

sure Bass Coast remains liveable.

“I always had the thought that one day I would run for council but to not have a plan with any concept of environmental sustainability will mean by the time I’m 30 I won’t be able to live here,” she said.

Ms Barlow advocates for more youth input considered in council.

“I think the Bass Coast young leaders program is great but youth can’t just be involved with youth. Council needs to bring them along with every decision,” she said.

“Young people are desensitised to council and I encourage council to remember they exist.”

Ms Barlow believes council needs to look into its own revenue and find alternatives instead of relying on government funding and rates.

As for the culture of Bass Coast, Ms Barlow believes it is time to find new ways to showcase Bass Coast’s rich and vibrant lifestyle.

“Bass Coast has huge two day events and I think people are sick of it,” she said.

“We need to look at the small culture everyone loves. Promoting the intimacy of Bass Coast to attract 200-400 people will encourage tourists to stay for a week, eat in our restaurants and enjoy the small town society.”

Technology is also a big part of Ms Barlow’s plan.

“People are sick of the secrecy in council so I think introducing live streaming will help. The information people want would be just a click away and they would know what’s going on without having to travel across the shire,” she said.

Ms Barlow is willing to speak with residents and ratepayers about their concerns and is contactable on 0437 840 799, at mikhaelabarlow@hotmail.com or via her Facebook page.

Councillor keen to boost efficiencies CURRENT deputy mayor Cr Bradley Drew will restand for Bass Coast Shire Council in the upcoming election.

Support: the Strzelecki Lions Club played a big role in the smooth running of the gate and catering at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo.

From left, Strzelecki Lions Club’s Jim Watson, Matt Wilson from the Poowong Kindergarten committee, and Simone Notman and Lachie Smith from Poowong.

Cr Drew is a committed, focused Re-standing: current depuand family driven ty mayor Cr Bradley Drew man who has integrated into the com- has re-entered the election munity over his 10 race. years in Bass Coast.

During this time, he was the president of the San Remo Tourism and Business District Association and has had coaching roles at the Phillip Island and Kilcunda Bass football netball clubs.

Cr Drew has worked hard in community fundraising – previously for flood relief victims, and assisting local schools and kindergartens.

He is committed to improving the mental health and suicide awareness.

Being a previous business owner in Bass Coast, Cr Drew is passionate about supporting local business development.

In his current term, Cr Drew has achieved great outcomes, such as the progression of two aquatic centres and convincing his colleagues to commit $150,000 to a concept design for aquatics on Phillip Island.

He has achieved low operating costs and improved the efficiencies of the business model within council.

Cr Drew is proud to say these reviews and changes have resulted in great outcomes for the community.

With over $3 million in this space saved, these funds have been redirected into capital works projects.

Cr Drew said there is still much work to be achieved, and he will continue to work towards further efficiencies and maintaining culture change to see monies saved through service reviews.

He has continued to advocate for skate parks within the shire and is proud that this work has been achieved through an allocation of $100,000 in the budget for a skate park strategy.

“Should I be re-elected to council on October 22 I will continue to listen to the community and maintain a discussion around operational facilities and service reviews,” he said.

“I will continue to advocate for youth recreational facilities for the shire, continue to support a differential rate for farmers, continue to be the best I can for this community, and continue to advocate towards better outcomes for the Phillip Island transfer station.

I will advocate strongly for a revitalisation program for San Remo and Cape Woolamai foreshore and business district as a priority.”

PAGE 38 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Leongatha Uniting Church presents a

Fashion Parade by

“Influence on Dusk” FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 7.30pm St Andrew’s Uniting Church

public notice

public notice

public notice

situations vacant

situations vacant

SADDLERY AUCTION SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 10am 15 Church Street Boolarra All Australian gear Cash only sales Enquiries: Clint 0406 606 762

Expression of Interest Customer Satisfaction Survey 2016 South Gippsland Water values feedback from its customers. Your input is important as it helps us improve water and wastewater services across the region.

16 Peart Street, Leongatha

$12 per head includes supper Anita 0458 442 750 or Glenice 5662 3959

We have a variety of avenues through which customers can provide us with information, including our customer satisfaction survey to be conducted during October 2016.

Customers will be randomly selected and contacted by phone to participate in the survey.

An independent research company, Fieldworks, will conduct the phone survey. You can participate in the survey anonymously & confidentially.

We look forward to using the survey results to benefit our customers and region.

Philippe du Plessis Managing Director

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. GOTAFE is the trading name of Goulburn Ovens Ins tute of TAFE (3094).

Help shape road safety improvements on the South Gippsland Highway: Leongatha to Meeniyan

www.gotafe.vic.edu.au 1300 GOTAFE (1300 468233)

VicRoads wants community members to help shape road safety improvements on the South Gippsland Highway between Leongatha and Meeniyan*.

South Gippsland Shire Council

This section of highway has been identified in the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan as one of the State’s top 20 highest risk rural road segments.

Ideas could include audio-tactile centre and edge lines flexible roadside barriers. All ideas will be considered when it comes to road safety .VicRoads is working in partnership with Victoria Police to support a region free of fatal and serious injury crashes into the future.

Help shape road safety improvements on the Princes Highway East: Sale to Bairnsdale

$31.30 to $32.93 per hour Enquiries to Client Services Team Leaders on (03) 5662 9200.

Intake and Assessment Officer Aged and Disability Services Casual position

Submissions and comments will be received until 5pm Friday 21 October 2016. *Please note that the realignment of Blackspur curves near Koonwarra is being considered separate from this project.

ZO661014

Ideas could include audio-tactile centre and edge lines, wide centre-line, flexible roadside barriers or centreline wire rope barriers. All ideas will be considered when it comes to road safety.

Tertiary qualifications in health related field essential Enquiries to Sara Cox, Intake & Assessment Team Leader on (03)5662 9200.

ZO661013

Community members can provide feedback to VicRoads on email towardszerogippsland@ roads.vic.gov.au or by phone 0413 703 951

Submissions and comments will be received until 5pm Friday 21 October 2016.

Comprehensive intake, holistic assessment, care planning & referral pathways

$49.86 per hour

VicRoads is also working with their road safety partners Victoria Police to support a region free of fatal and serious injury crashes into the future.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of a proposal for safety improvements that will be taken back out to the community for comment.

Casual positions Quality care & support to clients in their own homes

All feedback will be reviewed and considered in the development of a proposal for safety improvements that will be taken back out to the community for comment.

This section of highway has been identified in the Towards Zero 2016-2020 Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan as one of the State’s top 20 highest risk rural road segments.

Community Support Workers Nyora, Toora/Welshpool areas

Community members can provide feedback to VicRoads via email towardszerogippsland@ roads.vic.gov.au or phone 0413 703 951.

VicRoads is seeking community input into shaping road safety improvements on the Princes Highway East between Sale and Bairnsdale

GOTAFE is seeking suitably qualified and experienced persons to deliver training and assessment in the above areas on a casual basis.

Mandatory criteria: • Minimum Voca onal Qualifica on at Cer ficate level III in one or more of Agriculture, Dairy Produc on, Produc on Hor culture or related discipline.

• CV should have evidence of currency of related trade skills and industry experience.

• Current Cer ficate IV in TAE 40101 • A sa sfactory Police Records Check and Working with Children Check Please forward a copy of your CV, indica ng 3 referees to: Luke Prime Commercial Manager NCDE Gippsland PO Box 353, WARRAGUL VIC 3820 lprime@gotafe.vic.edu.au Applica ons Close: Wednesday 19th October 2016

vicroads.vic.gov.au

vicroads.vic.gov.au

Sessional Trainers are required in the following areas: • Dairy • Agriculture • Produc on Hor culture These posi ons will work out of the following loca ons: • Gippsland Region • Warragul • Leongatha • Sale

ZO641531

public notice

situations vacant

situations vacant

COOK/SUSHI CHEF A cook/sushi chef is required by a Japanese restaurant in Inverloch. The successful candidate must have suitable qualification and experience in food preparation, cooking and sushi making with passion and commitment to high standard of food quality.

To apply please email your resumé and qualification documents to: tomo-modern-japanese@hotmail.com

Please refer to our website www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au for further information. All applicants must submit an Employment Application form and address the Selection Criteria within the position description.

Applications close Friday 14 October 2016 at 5.00pm.

www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Classified advertising closes 12 noon Mondays

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 39

situations vacant

situations vacant

Do you have passion in food?

1st or 2nd Year Apprentice Chef Full Time An excellent opportunity exists to join our busy Award Winning Venue for the State of Excellence Best Regional Country Bistro AHA 2015.

You must be reliable, highly motivated and work well in a small team environment.

Please email your cover letter and resumé to office@korumburrahotel.com.au 81 Commercial street Korumburra

for sale

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.

2 MARY MACKILLOP summer dresses, size 12. Never worn.

Accidently bought wrong size. Were $84, selling $75 each. Ph: 0428-308844 AH. Or text any time.

FIREWOOD, redgum & local wood, Ph 0408980-711, A/H 56625175.

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.

HAY - wheaten, oats, vetch and straw. Top quality, shedded, feed test available.

For delivered price call Greg 0429-822544.

situations vacant

TIMBER Kiln dried blackwood, silver wattle, cypress, celery top pine, most sizes for furniture and craft, also slabs and structural pine. Ph: 5681-2261.

situations vacant

GRADER OPERATOR & LABOURER

Casual Positions (Will include some weekends and relieving of annual and sick leave) We are seeking an enthusiastic Support Services Assistant to work as a casual on our Support Services Team in our Food and Environmental service areas across all sites of Bass Coast Health.

The successful applicant requires excellent communications skills and a commitment to person-centred care.

• Experience in cleaning is essential • Basic Food Safety HLTFS207C • Current Police Check Applications in writing, including a cover letter, resume and 2 professional referrees should be addressed to: Shane McRae, Manager Support Services shane.mcrae@basscoasthealth.org.au Applications Close on Wednesday 12 October 2016

A1 Civil Pty Ltd are currently seeking suitably experienced persons to fill the following positions for work in the Leongatha area: • Grader Operator • Civil Construction labourer/plant operator Applications by email to dave@a1group.com.au stating relevant experience, competencies, references and contact details.

TAXI DRIVERS WANTED South Coast Taxis are seeking Taxi drivers. The positions would suit both those looking to earn some extra income or those looking for more regular shifts.

The shifts are available from our Wonthaggi Depot working the areas of Wonthaggi and Leongatha.

The successful applicants must be experienced drivers, be available to work a mix of days, nights and weekends and hold the appropriate licences including the Taxi Driver Accreditation.

Please send your resumé by either email: taxis@southcoastbus.com.au or post: PO Box 946, Cowes, 3922

DAIRY ASSISTANT A FULL OR PART TIME PERSON

ST JOSEPH’S SCHOOL KORUMBURRA Applications are invited from suitably experienced persons for a fixed-term position of

Is required for a modern and well maintained progressive dairy, with the opportunity to learn and work in a team environment.

Must be adaptable, reliable, willing to learn and physically fit.

Machinery operating and cattle handling experience would be preferred.

Driving licence and references are essential.

Koonwarra area.

Contact Mike: jelbart@activ8.net.au

garage sales

FAIRER WORLD BAZAAR Saturday, October 15 9.30am - 1.30pm LEONGATHA UNITING CHURCH HALL Peart Street ~ an alternative gift fair ~ Making a difference Queries: Johanna 5662 2494

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

livestock BULLS for hire or for sale. Friesian, Angus, Hereford, Limo or Jersey. All sound young bulls. Hire or sale. Phone 0447-331762.

CHAROLAIS BULL (Poll) 3 yo, medium frame, excellent temperament.

Photo available. $3,000. 0408149802.

wanted to buy ANY OLD farm four wheelers, good or bad, 4WDs or trucks. Will pay cash. Phone Matt 0401194601.

Teacher for 2017 Full time for Semester 1, with a reduction to part time, job share for Semester 2.

This is a maternity leave position under the Victorian Catholic Education Multi Enterprise Agreement 2013.

The successful applicant will have a demonstrated commitment to Catholic education and to the safety and wellbeing of children.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate capabilities in the following areas: • Inquiry learning • Positive behaviour management • Highly skilled in literacy and numeracy pedagogy • Teaching Religious Education The successful applicant will be appropriately qualified, demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to a range of educational abilities, and be able to provide care and support for students whilst supporting and respecting the ethos of the school and its environment.

The successful applicant will hold Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration.

Graduates are welcome to apply.

Application form can be accessed from www.cecv.catholic.edu.au/Positions-Vacant/ Teacher-(1) Please email completed application form, letter of application and resume including the names and contact details of three phone referees to: principal@sjkorumburra.catholic.edu.au Applications close at 5pm on Friday 7th October 2016.

birthdays

Part Time Retail and Timber Yard Team Member Capeview Hardware M10 – Tarwin Lower A Part Time position as a Retail and Timber Yard Team Member exists in our Tarwin Lower store.

As this position requires permanent weekend work, only candidates to whom this does not pose a problem, will be considered.

A truck driver’s licence and a forklift licence are required for this position.

To be successful in this position you must: • Be able to work weekends • Have an approachable and friendly nature • Have strong customer focus • Be team orientated • Be able to handle regular physical work (e.g. heavy lifting) • Understanding of a POS system would be an advantage Knowledge of DIY hardware, timber and timber products will be an advantage.

If you believe you have the qualities we are looking for, you are invited to apply in writing

by Friday 14th 2016 to: Rod Van der Kolk, Store Manager, Capeview Mitre 10, 37 River Drive , Tarwin Lower, 3956 or by email to Rod.vanderkolk@cv-m10.com.au

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY David Harris 5/10/16 From Mum, Dad & family XX

marriage celebrant

Jo Fennell 0437 465 399

johanne4@bigpond.com

Jenny Milkins All areas - 5672 3123 jenny_milkins@hotmail.com

bereavement thanks

deaths

funerals

LANDRY - The Landry family would sincerely like to thank all family and friends for their support, cards, flowers, visits and phone calls after the recent passing of the late Don Landry.

He will be sadly missed but forever in our hearts.

We would also like to thank all those who remembered and honoured Don by attending his funeral service.

With thanks to the CFA members and management for the fitting tribute to Don’s CFA service.

Special thanks to Ray Sullivan, Jenny Nation and staff from Handley Funeral Services.

Your caring support and guidance at such a difficult time is very much appreciated.

HULSHOF - John Paul (Pap).

18.10.1933 - 3.10.2016.

Devoted dad to Johanna and Kevin.

Loving grandfather to Kerry, John and Alan.

A compassionate great grandfather to Austin, Kyrin, Brydon, Ariella, Dustin, Lilly and Alec.

Special friend to Wendy and Xanthe.

Taken from us too soon, will be always loved, never to be forgotten until we meet again.

RIP. Lots of love from us all.

CRUTCHFIELD - The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Mr Francis Gordon (Frank) Crutchfield will be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church, Mirboo North on Monday, October 10, 2016 commencing at 2pm.

Please accept this as our personal thanks.

NEYLAND - Graeme.

Val, David, Leanne, Karen, Jen and families wish to thank everyone who attended Graeme’s funeral, sent flowers, cards and visited.

Thanks to doctors, hospital staff, Ray and Handleys Funeral Services and Graham Knott.

Please accept this as our personal thanks.

Email your adverts to The Star

McDONALD - James Thomas (Jim).

6.11.1936 - 1.10.2016 Most treasured husband of Peggy (Marlene) for 55 years.

Adored father of Kim, Mandy, Trevor, Joanne and Michael.

Good mate to his sonin-laws Bones, Oli and Thierry and his daughter-in-laws Kayo and Linda.

The most fantastic and full of wit grandfather to his 9 grandchildren Joel, James, Shea, Harley, Jasmine, Aaron, Amanda, Sasha, Tori and their partners.

He will live on in our hearts forever.

May he rest in peace.

deaths

Private cremation.

HORDER - The Funeral Service for Mrs Dorothy (Joan) Horder will be held at the Inverloch RSL, Bolding Place, Inverloch on Thursday, October 6, 2016 commencing at 10.30am.

A private cremation will follow.

Wonthaggi 5672-1074 A.F.D.A.

McDONALD A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Mr James Thomas (Jim) McDonald will be held at the Inverloch RSL, Bolding Place, Inverloch on Friday, October 7, 2016 commencing at 2pm.

Privately cremated.

Wonthaggi 5672-1074 A.F.D.A.

deaths

ads@thestar.com.au

Paul & Margaret Beck deaths CRUTCHFIELD Francis Gordon (Frank).

Passed away peacefully at Strzelecki House, Mirboo North on September 29, 2016 aged 85 years.

Loving husband of Nene.

Loved father of Simon, Leonie, Scott, Jackie, Andrea, Adam, Eugene and Jasmine, and their partners.

Adored Grandpa of 23 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Always loved.

Now at rest.

HORDER - Dorothy (Joan).

16.06.1927 - 25.09.2016.

Passed away at Wonthaggi hospital.

Late of Inverloch.

Dearly loved wife of Percy (dec).

Loved mum of Darryl (dec) and Narelle, and mother-in-law of Sue and Barry.

Loved Gans to Rennae, Peta, Kellie, Simone, Amanda, Kristen, Daniel and partners.

And beloved great grandmother.

Words are few, thoughts are deep, memories of you are ours to keep.

Proprietors

Caring for our Community, personal dignified service to all areas 5662 2717 Pre-need Funeral Plans available Office and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha hfs1@vic.australis.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

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 CARING & PERSONAL 24 HOUR SERVICE www.handleyandandersonfunerals.com.au MEMBER OF AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION

PAGE 40 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Boogie boarder rescued A YOUNG boogie boarder was rescued by two surfers at Cape Woolamai last Wednesday.

At 2pm, the 11 year old from Sunbury entered the water when no Surf Life Saving personnel were present.

He was almost immediately caught in a powerful rip and swept away from shore.

A breaking sea created real danger of him being swept off his board.

Luckily, two surfers saw the boy was in distress and entered the water to rescue him.

The boy was treated for shock and was allowed to rejoin his family.

The names of the surfers are not known, but almost certainly saved his life.

With the warmer weather approaching, Police remind beachgoers that it is imperative people went the water only in relation to their abilities.

Riptides along the southern coast are severe and pose a real threat to even experienced swimmers.

Self harm threatened A MAN barricaded himself in a locked car and threatened self harm at Ned Neale’s Lookout car park in Sandy Point on September 24.

Police from Foster, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Leongatha were called out at 10.30pm to attend the scene.

Police secured the vehicle and started negotiations with the man over a period of several hours during heavy rain to convince him not to carry out his threats.

This was finally successful and the 38 year old man from Reservoir was arrested under the mental health legislation and conveyed to the Wonthaggi Hospital for assessment.

String of burglaries A RASH of burglaries was committed across Bass Coast and South Gippsland over the past week.

A house at Cowes was entered via a smashed window between September 27 and 30.

It’s not believed anything was stolen but damage was caused.

A similar crime was committed in Heyley Avenue, Ventnor, between September 25 and 29.

On September 27, residents of a property in Nicholls Road, Mirboo North, were less lucky when a burglar entered the premises and stole a Sam-

sung computer and a HP laptop valued at $600.

Cameron Street raid OFFENDERS broke into the Bass Coast Shire Animal Pound in Wonthaggi last Tuesday night (September 27).

The offenders broke into the Cameron Street property by cutting a barbed wire fence and forcing a door.

It is believed nothing was stolen in the raid.

On the same night, offenders broke into a recycling business on Cameron Street by breaking a window.

Electrical items and a sports bag to the value of $50 were stolen.

Plates and petrol stolen NUMBER plates were removed from a car in Wonthaggi last Wednesday.

The owner had left their car on Wentworth Road during daylight hours and later found the plates had been stolen.

The plates were later used in a theft of petrol from Liberty Service Station in Wonthaggi.

Police reminded motorists that ‘anti theft number plate screws’ are still available free of charge from the Wonthaggi Police Station.

Overall, thefts from vehicles have decreased.

Family threatened A FAMILY, including two young children, found a man ransacking their Mills Street home in Toora last Thursday.

After making a number of threats to the family, the man left the house and smashed windows with rocks.

He then returned and splashed petrol over the building, threatening to set it alight.

No one was injured.

The police are presently looking for the offender, who is advised to contact Foster or Toora Police and surrender himself.

Driver airlifted after side swipe A SMALL hatchback car struck the side of a semi trailer while overtaking on the Bass Highway last Tuesday at 12.50pm.

The hatchback was travelling towards Leongatha from Leongatha South at about 70 kilometres per hour in a 100 kilometre zone.

The hatchback then veered into the

semi trailer while overtaking and left the road, crashing into a paddock.

The driver of the hatchback – a 77 year old woman from Pound Creek – was seriously injured in the accident and airlifted by ambulance to the Alfred Hospital.

The driver of the semi trailer – a 44 year old man from Truganina was not injured.

Driver injured in tree collision A DRIVER was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital after failing to notice a car had stopped to make a right turn near Ten Mile Creek Road.

The driver narrowly avoided colliding with the rear of the car, but lost control and left the road, colliding with a tree.

The 20 year old from Moe was seriously injured and airlifted to the Alfred Hospital Trauma Centre.

The occupants of the other car were not injured.

Power pole struck A DRIVER collided with a power pole in Coronet Bay last Thursday.

The woman veered onto the left shoulder of the Agar Road, over corrected and lost control.

She travelled across the road and hit the pole.

The 64 year old from Coronet Bay received minor injuries.

Three flee after car collision THREE people fled the scene after crashing a car in Korumburra on Saturday night.

Travelling down Kardella Road, the driver collided with a bank on Kardella Road at 7.15pm.

Police believe excessive speed and hooning may have caused the incident.

He and his two passengers left the scene on foot before police or ambulances could arrive.

The car was damaged extensively.

At 8.30pm, one of the passengers was admitted to the Korumburra Hospital with a head injury.

He was a 27 year old from Cowes.

Police have not found the driver and the other passenger.

Charges are pending.

Riding high: Josh Dunkley, from Yarram, celebrates a goal kicked by his team mate Tom Boyd in Saturday’s grand final. Photo courtesy Herald Sun.

Dunkley plays his part FORMER Yarram resident, and Gippsland Power footballer Josh Dunkley played a role in the Western Bulldogs first win in 62 years when it beat the Sydney Swans in front of a crowd just shy of 100,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Dunkley had 15 disposals, nine kicks, six handballs and three marks.

His father, Andrew played in the 1996 grand final for the Sydney Swans against North Melbourne, and is a former Leongatha Parrots coach from season 2003.

At the same time ex Bulldog Paul

Father’s Day fun no trivial matter THE Cubs and Scouts of the 2nd Leongatha group got together to celebrate their dads with a night of fun and home grown trivia.

The MC and organiser of the event was Scout leader La La (Nicole Pouw), who decided the dress code for the night would be crazy hats and wigs.

Dads were challenged to shave a balloon using a plastic knife and move m&ms from one side of the table to the other using a straw.

A pamper corner was set up for dads to take some time out and have their nails painted.

Then it was down to some serious trivia.

Scouts presented ques-

A generous community: the lucky winner of the Ella’s Ear car raffle, Alison Lester of Nar Nar Goon collected her prize from Edney’s Leongatha dealer principal, Darryl McGannon last Monday. The raffle raised a wonderful $10,800 towards Ella’s surgery in November. A big thank you to everyone who has supported Ella’s fundraising over the past 12 months, we will keep you updated on her progress.

Hudson, son of the famous Hawthorn full forward Peter Hudson, was playing for the Parrots.

The young Dunkley has shone since being selected at pick number 25 in the national draft by the Western Bulldogs.

Since then he has played 15 games. He debuted in Round One against Fremantle, where scored his first AFL goal.

He spent a couple of weeks in the VFL which he took in his stride before being recalled to the Bulldogs AFL side.

In Round 20 against North Melbourne he was awarded a Rising Star nomination after amassing 19 disposals, four tackles, three clearances and three inside 50’s.

tions they had written themselves that related to Leongatha or Scouting.

Each question was hotly contested by the teams; Dingos, Koalas and Redbacks.

The Cubs enchanted everyone with their stories about their dads.

Supper was enjoyed by everyone, especially the freshly popped popcorn, fruit platters, and delicious homemade cakes and slices.

The Cubs and Scouts thanked Veronica and Darren Eastwood of Central Cafe for providing piping hot and freshly brewed hot chocolate with marshmallows.

The Redbacks were the victors, taking the coveted prize of three rolls of toilet

Challenge: fathers of the Cubs and Scouts competed in a night of fun and trivia recently.

Fun night: Cub Julia Spencer enjoyed the celebration evening recently. paper and two bottles of hand wash – because they really cleaned up.

The night was a great success. The Cubs and Scouts thanked La La for her ideas and hard work in coordinating the night, and thanked Annalise for being the official photographer.

If you would like to be part of the 2nd Leongatha Cubs and Scout, call Barry Ferguson on 0499 233 158 to found out more.

The 2nd Leongatha Scout Group is turning 100 next year – watch this space for more information.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 41

| SPORT

thestar.com.au • South Gippsland Field and Game

Club gains comfort of defibrillator SUNDAY’S weather was fine and warm with a northerly wind for the 77 shooters who enjoyed a 75 Tgt Sim Grd event at the South Gippsland Field and Game Club.

The high gun was A. McDonald (70).

The other place getters are as follows: AA: N. Peart 69, K. Jacobs 64, S. Silver 64.

A: A. McDonald 70, W. Lieshout 66, B. Morrison 56.

B: R. Hemphill 60, B. Grills 60,

N. Nelson 54.

C: L. Toner 50, R. Gerloch 44, J. Dunn 44.

Vets: J. Robbins 56, G. Hart 56, J. Jennison 53.

Ladies: A. Thompson 56, K. Matthies 55, K. Stybosh 51.

Juniors: J. Lieshout 50, H. Hamilton 47, C. Klienitz 46.

Mrs Sharon Hardman presented President Mr David Thompson with a defibrillator for the club, purchased with the proceeds from a fund raiser organised by Sharon and her husband Tommy, with the help of other club members.

The next shoot will be a 75 Tgts Sim Grd event held on Sunday, November 6 starting at 11am at 940 Leongatha-Yarragon Road, Hallston.

If you are interested in trying Simulated Field Clay Target Shooting just come along, you will be made most welcome.

Great work: from left, Sharon and Tommy Hardman presented president David Thompson with a defibrillator for the South Gippsland Field and Game Club.

More than Tiger cubs MIRBOO North Football Netball Club’s Junior awards and presentations were held at the club on Friday night, September 23.

Fourths: most improved, Alex Krausz; most determined, Linc Oddy; most consistent, Andy Irwin; runner-up best and fairest, Rory Peter; best utility, Joel Mason; coach Jack Oddy; and best and fairest, Ryan Lowrie.

Fifteen and Under: back from left, coach, Steph Mueller; Lucy Edmondson; most improved, Gemma McCormack; players’ player, Chloe Palmer; Mia Renouf; Charlie Eaves; coach, Dani Hilliar; and front, runner-up best and fairest, and best in finals, Miki Hilliar; Eryn Elgar; best and fairest, Jaime Chila; and Elissa Barry.

Seventeen and Under: from left, team manager, Jacqi Wilkins; players’ player, Lucy Palmer; most improved, Chloe Maxwell; runner-up best and fairest, Tylah Wilkins; best and fairest, Charlie Chila; and coach, Shona Chila.

Seventeen and Under: from left, Lucinda Graeme, Arli Wilkins, most improved, Chloe Maxwell; players’ player, Lucy Palmer; runner-up best and fairest, Tylah Wilkins; best and fairest, Charlie Chila; Chelsea Loh, Monique Giardina and front, Sienna Falkingham.

Thirds: from left, best in finals, Lachie Barry; best and fairest, Kylie Wilson; runner-up, Liam Swallow; most consistent, Jayden Hohmann; most determined, Declan Allen; coach’s award, Dean Huynh; and coach (and Seniors’best and fairest), Josh Taylor; and front, team manager, Andy Taylor.

Right, Fifteen and Under: from left, runner-up best and fairest, Mikaeli Hilliar; most improved, Gemma McCormack; players’ player, Chloe Palmer; and best and fairest, Jaime Chila.

PAGE 42 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

SPORT |

thestar.com.au

Leongatha Football Netball Club presentations

Under 16: back from left, Brock Hastings, Brodie Motton, captain Jordan Hill, and front, Jake van der Plight, Bailey Patterson, Lachlan Scott, vice captain Cam Olden and Kyle Reid.

C Grade: from left, best and fairest Kate Gourlay, most determined Philippa Littlejohn and runner-up best and fairest Ashley Van Rooy.

Under 15: from left, Keely Price, Zali Rogers and Simone Dekker.

Under 13: coach’s award, Josh Under 13: best and fairest Ella Goff.

Littlejohn

Under 13: equal best and fairest, Chloe Brown.

• Leongatha Cycling

Devil hijinx at weekend cycling TIDES Here is an easy guide to tides in your area.

To determine tides for a particular area, add or subtract periods of times as shown below.

Earlier Minutes Apollo Bay ...........................25 King Island (Grassy) ...........10 King Island (Surprise Bay)....40 King Island (Franklin) ...........40 Lakes Entrance .................... 170 Lorne ...................................... 20 Mallacoota Inlet.................... 158 Rip Bank ................................ 15 Snowy River Entrance ......... 170 _______________________ Cape Schanck, Flinders, Mornington Ocean Beaches, Seal Rocks, Venus Bay, Waratah Bay, Woolamai ....... nil _________________________ Later Minutes Altona ................................... 195 Barwon Heads Bridge ........... 15 Carrum ................................. 195 Corinella ................................. 68 Cowes Pier............................. 50 Dromana .............................. 195 Frankston ............................. 195 Geelong ............................... 210 Hastings ................................. 66 Hovell Pile ............................ 195 Inverloch Pier ......................... 15 Melbourne ............................ 200 Mornington ........................... 195 Newhaven Jetty ..................... 30 No. 1 West Channel (Annulus)........................... 50 No. 2 South Channel Light .... 70 No. 8 South Channel Light .. 150 Port Albert Pier ...................... 90 Portarlington Pier ................. 190 Portsea Pier ........................... 80 Port Welshpool (Rabbit Island .................... 10 Queenscliffe Pier ................... 30 Rhyll ....................................... 60 Rosebud............................... 195 Rye Pier ............................... 170 St. Leonards Pier ................. 190 Sandringham ....................... 195 Sorrento Pier........................ 130 Stony Point ............................. 40 South Channel Pile Light ..... 190 Swan Island Dock ................ 120 Tooradin ............................... 105 Warneet.................................. 84 Williamstown ........................ 200 Welshpool Pier....................... 90

At Point Lonsdale

SEPT / OCT Time

height (metres)

Add one hour for daylight saving

5 WED

6 THUR

7 FRI

8 SAT

9 SUN

10 MON

11 TUE

0341 0921 1537 2135

1.59 0.50 1.49 0.31

0413 0956 1608 2209

1.59 0.51 1.48 0.30

0445 1030 1642 2243

1.59 0.52 1.46 0.31

0518 1104 1715 2315

1.56 0.55 1.43 0.34

0555 1139 1752 2347

1.52 0.59 1.39 0.37

0635 1215 1831

1.47 0.63 1.33

0020 0720 1251 1916

0.40 1.41 0.67 1.28

All times shown in 24 hour clock 0001 - 1200..................AM 1201 - 2400..................PM

ON Saturday, September 24 the Leongatha Cycling Club held the first of a tri-series of events at Poowong.

The event was sponsored by the Korumburra Medical Centre.

Although the number of riders was down on what was expected, those who participated enjoyed the event on a warm spring day.

Scratch races were the event format with four grades riding a short hilly 17.5km course.

With 22 riders competing in the event the grades comprised six A Grade cyclists riding three laps of the course, five B Grade cyclists riding two laps, six C Grade cyclists riding two laps and five D Grade cy-

clists riding one lap.

There were five riders from other clubs competing on the day.

Adding a touch of humour to the day, an anonymous red devil appeared during the event on the Loch-Poowong road climb into Poowong, but even the devil was not enough to inspire some riders who found the hilly course too demanding by not completing the last lap.

The climb back to Poowong had the riders stretched out as they crossed the finish line with Stuart Smith winning A Grade, Matt Parkinson second and Austin Timmins third.

B Grade was won by Oliver McLean, with Leigh Stott second and David McFarlane third.

C Grade was won by Conner Bagot, Damien King second and Shaun

Donaldson third and D Grade was won by James Williams closely followed

by Kaleb Jans second and Robyn Baker third.

After a successful event, a social get-together with

Pairs fly in all directions

Third were Clive Hope and Bron Sund with 55.65.

East/West first pair was the very talented Kay Douglass and John Sutton with 58.88.

Second were Anne Williams and John Farr with an excellent 56.25 and third with 55.65 were Viv Westaway and Maureen Stiles.

Viv has recently returned from overseas

heat bike shop in Wonthaggi, two entries to the ‘Bass Coast Cycle Challenge’ being held on November 12 at Inverloch, and a meal voucher for the Poowong hotel.

Wrath of the devil: from left, Thomas McFarlane and Will Lumby confront the devil on the Loch-Poowong road climb into Poowong.

• Bridge

FRIDAY, September 30, Inverloch Pairs, North/South was won with an excellent 57.74 percent by Ken McKenzie and Peter Campbell closely followed by Jack Kuiper and Arendina Drury with 57.14.

the trophy presentation to the winners along with the road season awards was held at the Poowong hotel.

The prize pool for the event included $500 in cash, vouchers from Wheel-

and we welcome her and Dawn Jolly, fellow traveller, back to the club.

It was Pairs at Meeniyan on Monday, September 26 and first with the best score of the week were Jack Kuiper and Clive Hope plus Faye Rowlands and Frank Arndt 60.42; four of the club’s top players performing beautifully.

Second were Kathleen Dowd and Ellie McIntyre with 54.17.

The club will hold its annual congress on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6 at the Daker’s Centre in Leongatha.

Entry is via bridgeunlimited.com or telephone Neville Chapman on 5678 3323 or Carol Sowden on 5662 2936.

Leongatha Small Bore Rifle Club TRV 50m Bench Pennant, 2016.

Section E, Round One: Wangaratta 724.019 (bye), Lake Gillear 712.022 defeated Leongatha B 680.008, and Ballarat East B 725.025 defeated Kyabram B 719.023.

The best shooter for Round One was David Jackson (Kyabram B) with 245.008.

Round Two: Ballarat East B 724.030 defeated Lake Gillear 720.018,

Kyabram B 714.016 defeated Wangaratta 664.007, and Leongatha B 691.010 (bye).

The best shooter for Round Two was Simon Noonan (Kyabram B) with 249.013.

Ladder: 8 Ballarat East B, 8 Kyabram B, 4 Wangaratta, 4 Lake Gillear, 4 Leongatha.

We shoot Wednesday nights at 8pm at the rifle club on the Leongatha Recreation Reserve.

Any inquiries please call Rob Spratt 5664 2358.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 43

| SPORT

thestar.com.au

Parrots stay determined THE Leongatha Football Netball Club celebrated the end of the 2016 season with a full house at Friday’s presentation night.

The Juniors and Seniors gathered in the club

rooms to receive the honours of being named the season’s best.

Keeping in mind the magnificent win of the B Grade netballers, despite the Parrots’ Senior football team being beaten for the second year in a row for premiership status, the mood of the night

was charged with a commitment to go one better and third time lucky in season 2017.

There were awards aplenty to celebrate.

While the Junior presentations were made the bar was closed.

Photographs courtesy of Dominic Amato.

Forward planning: coach Beau Vernon and Shield bearer: James Forrester and the reclub president Mal Mackie at the Parrots end cipient of the best club person trophy Mark Butch Dwyer. of season celebrations on Friday night.

The new 18: playing coach Kaila Bentvelzen on the left with the inaugural all girls team which made its debut this season.

B Grade: most consistent Abby Dowd.

Seniors: back from left, coach’s award (co-captain), Chris Verboon; most consistent, Zak Vernon; runner-up best and fairest, Hayden Browne; best and fairest (vice captain), Tom Marriott; most dedicated player (Phil RiseleyAward), Ben Willis; and front, most improved, Sean Westaway; and best in finals, Luke Bowman.

Under 18: best in finals and B Grade: runner-up best coach’s award Kaj Patterson. and fairest Georgia Riseley.

Absent: best and fairest Kate Rankin.

Reserves: back from left, coach, Matt Davies; equal best and fairest, Caine Salmon; Fraser Kelly; Lachie Wright; assistant coach, James Forrester; and front, players’ most valuable player award, Jackson Harry; and equal best and fairest, Justin Pellicano.

Under 18: most valuable player Sam For- Under 18: most consistent Harrison McGannon. rester.

Under 18: best and fairest Tim Sauvarin.

Honours: the Peter Dixon Memorial tro- A Grade: from left, best and fairest Nicola phy was presented to Kyle Cooper by Joan Marriott and runner-up best and fairest NiDixon. cola Danckert.

PAGE 44 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

SPORT | GOLF

thestar.com.au

Leongatha Golf

Woorayl

ON Saturday Jon Smith handled the heavy conditions best to win A Grade with a very solid 37 points.

B Grade was taken out by Peter Stivic with 32 points and Gary Sharrock also had 32 points to take the C Grade honours.

Chris Leaver won the Super Comp with 36 points.

NTPs were John Moor on the fourh hole, Dean Brown on the seventh, Peter Hart on the 14th and Peter Stivic on the 16th.

DTL balls were awarded to Chris Leaver, Ian Murchie, Glen Marsham, David Forbes, Dean Brown (Centenary Golf Club), Craig Hams, Steve Hemsley (Warragul Country Club), Fred Debono, Will Norden, Geoff McDonald, Daniel Ruffin, Bryan McCorkell, and Andrew Smith.

Tuesday’s Four Person Ambrose Event was dominated by the Thomas Family with Rebecca and her son Lachlan combining with Jessica Harry and Mauro Tarantino to win the day with a net 56.125, four and half shots clear of their nearest rivals.

DTL balls were won by Geoff McDonald, John Eabry, Peter Hobson, Ed Poole, John Simon, John King, John McLennan, Kevin Scott, Frank Gill, Bruce Hutton and Marilyn and Russell Williams.

NTPs were Jessica Harry on the fourth hole, Allan Edney on the 14th and Allan Schache on the 16th.

Thursday’s competition was abandoned due to rain.

Next Saturday is Medal Day and the first round of the Club Championship.

THE trophies for the grand final stableford were provided by the club.

A Grade winner was Rob Gourlay with 33 points, B Grade to Gary Young with 35 points and Gavin Price won C Grade with 44 points, easily the best of the day.

We gave balls to P. Wallace, G. Calder, E. Poole, R. Goodwin and P. Rayson.

The only nearest the pin was Gavin Price on the 17th.

The ball raffle to ‘No Luck’.

Next week is another stableford and with the grand final over no doubt players will return to their usual times.

Game for life PLAYING the game of golf on courses as large as 200 acres requires players to be outdoors.

Basking in nature’s glory provides many health benefits for our mind and body and studies have shown that constant exposure to green areas relaxes the body, reduces stress and can aid in alleviating anxiety.

Furthermore, exposure to sunlight allows the body to soak up vitamin D from the sun, promoting bone growth in youth and reducing the risk of depression, heart disease and certain cancers at all ages.

Golf fosters relationships as it is a very socially enjoyable sport.

It can be a great way to keep in touch with friends, provide opportunities to meet new people and help connect a community.

Since golf is a game that is not as intense or competitive as soccer of basketball, there is plenty of time for interacting with fellow golfers and silence for communing with nature.

Social interaction after the game discussing your successes and failures is hugely enjoyble.

Covering 30 to 200 acres means a lot of walking.

Skipping out on the golf cart and walking the average course you can cover a distance between five and seven kilometres.

If you opt to carry your own clubs, you’ll burn even more calories.

With the walking, carrying and swinging, golfers can burn up to 1000 calories in a single round.

Your heart rate is raised keeping it pumping and increasing blood flow.

This will naturally lower your risk of heart disease and decrease bad cholesterol.

Blood also flows to the brain stimulating and improving nerve cell connections.

This can delay mental illnesses such as dementia.

While competing against others, golfers will also compete with themselves for personal best scores. This type of challenging boosts confidence and self-esteem, while the mental acuity involved in tallying scores, improving strategy and fostering hand-eye coordination will keep the brain active in logical functions.

Meeniyan Golf Club will be running its popular Give Golf a Go golf clinics on three consecutive Sundays: October 16, 23 and 30 at 10am.

Also, called Swing n Sip, our evening clinics for complete beginners or those returning to golf - both men and women - are on three consecutive Wednesdays: October 19, 26 and November 2 at 5.30pm.

Contact Sue Hoskin on 0429932467.

Korumburra THERE were 22 players on Saturday, October 1 for a stableford competition, with trophies supplied by N. Green and G. Jones.

A Grade: (4 hcp) T. O’Neill 39 pts, P. Hopkins 34, S. Harland 33.

B Grade: (16 hcp) L. White, B. Pope (13 hcp) G. Wilson 35 pts, M. Belvedere 33, J.S. Wilson 33.

Nearest the pin: 1st T. O’Neill, 7th L. White, 10th S.

Leongatha ladies A LARGE field competed in the Lois Cameron Foursomes board event last week in, what would appear from the scores returned, very difficult conditions.

Margaret Raynor sponsored both the event and the raffle.

In an effort to encourage the less experienced players, the match committee changed the format of the game from stroke to stableford. This was well received by most competitors.

Rebecca Thomas and Sue Woods, winners of this event last year, finished well ahead of the field with 34 points.

Harland, 13th P. Hopkins.

Tuesday’s winner was L. White 36 pts, no competition on Thursday.

Mirboo North THURSDAY, September 29 was a Stableford competition won by Scott Blencowe (25) with 38 points on a count back.

DTL: Russell Pentland 38 and Mark Heiberg 37.

NTP: on the 16th hole, Paul Woodall.

Saturday’s competition was Stroke play for the Monthly Medal – Count Putts.

The A Grade medal winner was Neil Whitelaw (15) 70 net while Russell Pentland (18) with 74 net won B Grade.

DTL: Terry Bradshaw 72, Stan Evison 75, Jeff Hughes 75, Steve Bickerton 75, Mark Heiberg 75 and Paul Woodall 75.

Second shot NTP: first hole, Steve Bickerton.

NTP: fourth John Blunsden, sixth Tom Whitelaw, 13th Steve Bickerton and 16th Russell Pentland.

Next week is Stableford sponsored by Barry Atkins

The next qualifiers Maxine Eabry and Trish Owen just scraped in with 23 points, 11 shots behind.

These two pairs now compete in a match play playoff later in the year.

Down the line balls were won by Jill Steer and Lianne Adamson, Marea Maher and Toni West and Helen Mackenzie 22 points and Sue Bowler and Loris Clark and Jocelyn Howson and Glenyce McRobert 20 points.

Toni West was the closest to the flag on the 14th and Rebecca Thomas on the 16th.

Gwen Chapman, playing her first round since breaking her arm, won the nine hole competition with 12 points.

and the AGM is coming up on Monday, October 24 at 8pm.

Wonthaggi OUR midweek competition attracted eight players and the winner was G. Hewlett with 39 points.

Balls down the line: K. Staley 37 and W. Eyers 34.

On Saturday we played a four person Ambrose event. Winners were E. Vanagtmaal, G. Crawford, A. Hooten-Shandley and A. Copeland, 65 gross, 56.75 net.

Nearest the pin: 2nd A. Lowe, 8th S. Laing, 13th no one, 17th P. Brusamarello.

This Saturday is the October monthly medal and hopefully the sun will shine and the course will have dried up a little.

Have a great week and I will see you all on Saturday.

I heard some very interesting news this morning which may have a major impact. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, so the old saying goes.

Keep your eye on this space.

Korumburra’s winners: Sherrin Solly (C Grade), Jan Hewitt (B Grade) and Carie Harding (A Grade and September Monthly Medallist) shared success last Wednesday.

Korumburra ladies THE weather was absolutely glorious last Wednesday for golf although it was heavy going underfoot after more rainfall during the previous day.

Carie Harding was the winner of A Grade and the September Monthly Medallist, with a great score of 97(22)75.

The runner up was Lee Clements with 91(12)79.

B Grade was won by Jan Hewitt, with 87(26)113 on a countback from Kath Welsh, 116(29)87.

Sherrin Solly was the C Grade winner, with 112(33)79.

The runner up was Lyn Perks, with

Qualifiers: from left, Trish Owen, Sue Woods (winner) and Maxine Eabry will compete in a match play off later this year. Absent: Rebecca Thomas.

Meeniyan IN a shortened event last week Veronica Park won on a countback from

Heather McCaughan with 17 points.

BDL went to Jan Trease with 15 points.

On a roll: from left, Veronica Park and Heather McCaughan are on a roll winning two weeks in a row at the Meeniyan Golf Club.

On Wednesday, our flag day, Veronica carried the flag to the 18th green while Heather McCaughan won the countback from four other players with minus nine.

We will be running Give Golf a Go golf clinics on three consecutive Sunday’s beginning October 16 at 10am and three Swing n Sip evening clinics 5.30pm Wednesdays beginning October 19 until November 2.

These clinics are for complete beginners – both men and women - or those returning to golf.

Contact Sue Hoskin on 0429932467.

Croquet offers the best THE Leongatha Croquet Club is celebrating the Victorian Seniors Festival with a Come and Try Day this Saturday, October 8 from 1pm to 4pm.

All age groups are invited and welcome to come and try this great game.

The use of equipment and coaching is free and please wear flat soled shoes.

The afternoon wouldn’t be complete without the club’s famous afternoon tea.

For more information call Nanette Meredith 0412 187 608 or just come

along and have some fun.

Pennant croquet competition is in full swing with mixed results from both the association and golf formats.

Phillip Island defeated Leongatha in both golf and association while Leongatha had a draw with Wonthaggi One in golf and in association.

Leongatha defeated Sale but was defeated by Traralgon Two. The fun continues as we reach the half way mark next week.

Interested people are welcome to come and try out this great game anytime and club days are Wednesday and Saturday from 1pm.

Wonthaggi ladies WEDNESDAY was a busy day as some girls played early so they could farewell one of our club stalwarts, Rose Banks.

Rose was a long standing member of Wonthaggi Golf Club until ill heath caused her retirement.

Her funeral was today (Wednesday).

The daily event of Stableford was played by 18 players and divided into two sections.

A Grade was won by Irene Walsh (18) with 29 points .

Irene’s clubs, while intact this week, did manage a tango with her playing partner’s clubs. Word for the wise next week, for her partners: beware the marauding buggy.

B Grade was won

by Anne Poulton (35) 31

122(33)89, on a countback from Pam Eyers 129(40)89.

Balls Down the Line went to Judy Webb, 80 net and Lyn McIvor, 82 net.

Lyn McIvor was NTP on the first and Lyn Perks had the closest second shot on the seventh green.

Next Wednesday is the October Monthly Medal with Lee Clements and Betty Thomson rostered to send the field out.

The following three weeks will be Stableford competitions for the Gloria Burgess event.

The Ruby Stephen’s Ambrose event is Friday, October 28.

points narrowly pipping Donna Van Veenendaal (45) who also had the best score returned in the day of 31 points.

NTPs were elusive today: no prizes given.

BDL: Donna Van Veenendaal 31, Susan Jagoe 28, Julie Evens 28, Pam Hanley 26, Heather Wintle 26 and Robyn Wilkinson 26.

The results of the knockout semi-finals 4BBB Board Event were nail biters and the results could have gone either way but there can only be one winner per match and Ally Adams and Leonie Bentick beat Marg Johnson and Maree Anderson on the 18th.

The second match was also completed on the 18th and saw Ivy Ruby and Chris Hamilton victors over Annie Walker and Catherine Bolding.

Catherine was a rookie match player participant but she was on a fact learning curve after today’s match.

Good luck to the four players who will compete in the final in three weeks time.

Narrow win: B Grade winner at the Wonthaggi Golf Course on Wednesday, Anne Poulton.

Everyone’s a winner: from left, the winning team from Phillip Island, Pat Wilsmore and Pauline Leditshke with their still smiling although defeated Leongatha opponents Sandra Birch and Mary Ann Kinnish.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 45

| SPORT

thestar.com.au

Tigers hungry for success again MIRBOO North Cricket Club players enter the 2016-17 season with every reason to smile.

The Tigers enjoyed great success last season, with all three senior sides making their respective grand finals, and the First and Second grades won premierships.

The junior Tigers were competitive, but only the Under 16 side made finals and bowed out in the semis.

The club will have seven sides in the CGCA competition this season: First, Second and Third grades, and in juniors, an Under 16 side, two Under 14 sides and an Under 12 side.

Club president Brendan Van Heurck said, “So far we have only had a couple of training sessions but numbers should be very reasonable for us this year.

“We have retained a majority of our players this year, although losing Josh Taylor to injury for the season will take a toll on our First Grade

bowling line-up.”

The club has again secured the services of Shane Peters as First Grade captain and club coach, and he will be assisted by Peter Grima who has returned after a year playing at Rawson.

Grima will also take on the role of Second Grade captain.

The Third Grade side will be captained by Todd Alexander and Chris Anders.

“We are also excited to have Adam Mates returning again as our English import. Adam played his first season with us last year and was part of our First Grade premiership,” Van Heurck said.

“He is an opening bat as well as our wicket keeper. Also returning is Brett Pedlow. Brett has been away from the club for two seasons and we are happy to have him back again this year.”

The club’s newest senior recruit is Will Cheatley, an opening bowler and a middle order batsman.

“Will has come across to us this season from

Gormandale in the Traralgon and District Cricket Association and we are excited to have him in our club,” Van Heurck said.

Other players to watch in First Grade are Jesse Giardina, who was player of the match in the First Grade grand final last year, as well as Rob Phoenix, Jed Alexander and Dale Banks.

“We have some exciting juniors coming through the ranks in the likes of Connor Williams, Riley Oddy, Hudson Kerr, Jesse Buxton, Rohan Hughes and Fraser Austin,” Van Heurck said.

“All of them had a taste of senior cricket last season, so hopefully we will have them up and about in the coming year and moving through the ranks.”

The Tigers are resurfacing the top oval with a new astro.

“It’s been eight seasons since the old one was done so will be nice to have a new matt to play on. Our premier ground and turf oval

is shaping up very nicely after the soccer season and hopefully with a bit of nice weather, a great deck can be produced by our groundsman for the round one clash,” Van Heurck said.

The club’s committee has generally remain unchanged, with the only position changing the bar manager’s role.

Committee members are: president Brendan Van Heurck, vice president Andrew McCarthy, secretary Caz Barry, treasurer Jarrod Speed, junior coordinator Ang Cannizzo, bar manager Jed Alexander and grounds coordinator John Mercer.

Last year, the Tigers inducted two life members, Dale Banks and Ian Southall, in recognition of their efforts over the years.

If anyone is interested in having a hit this season, the club welcomes new players at training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Walter J Tuck Reserve cricket nets from 5pm.

Alternatively, ring president Brendan on 0402 817 485.

Perfect bounce starts historic match FORMER Leongatha resident Matt Stevic officiated in his fourth grand final on Saturday.

17/U team: Back from left: Kayla Redpath (MDU), Ellie Holmes (Korumburra Bena) , Keighley Starrett (Foster), Brooke Anderson (Inverloch Kongwak), Dayle Egan (Dalyston), Jayde McGlead (Foster) and 15/U team, Jasmine Mackie (MDU), and front, Lanni Pryor (Inverloch Kongwak), Brylee Angwin (Foster), Grace McRae (Dalyston), Taylah Brown (Leongatha), Irene Thorson (MDU), Chelsea Livingston (Traralgon), Zali Anderson (Wonthaggi), and Chelsea Bowman (Wonthaggi).

Gippsland to vie for State title THREE Gippsland teams will be travelling to Werribee to compete in the Victorian Netball State Titles this weekend, October 8 and 9.

The 15/U, 17/U and All Abilities teams have been training hard the past several weeks to prepare themselves for the hot competition they will face.

They will travel together by bus, leaving Friday after-

noon and returning Sunday evening.

The Gippsland region encompasses netballers from the Alberton League, Gippsland League, LDNA and Wonthaggi Netball Associations.

The 15/U and 17/U teams will play up to 15 games spread over Saturday and Sunday and the All Abilities will play on Sunday.

Local surfer helping the struggle TOM McMorrow from Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club will be competing in Surf Life Saving’s premier endurance event, the Coolangatta Gold on October 16.

The Gold is a gruelling 42 kilometre race from Coolangatta to Broadbeach and back involving kayaking, swimming, board paddling and running.

In doing so Tom aims to raise awareness for depression and anxiety as well as raising funds for the RUOK? Foundation. Tom said, “I have chosen to dedicate my journey to RUOK? as they do an amazing job to inspire regular and meaningful conversations every single day.

“Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life, but there could be more to it for some, and it’s okay to talk about it.”

Competing in the Coolangatta Gold as a sole competitor has been a personal goal of Tom’s since completing the course in a team event in 2011.

Every step in his training will contribute to breaking

down the physical barriers he has set for himself.

Breaking down social barriers is also one of the goals that he intends to tackle in the lead up to the October event which will be the pinnacle of Tom’s volunteer competition career.

“It can be awfully tough to talk about mental illness and if I can inspire one person to make a positive change I will feel like my campaign is a success,” says Tom. Tom has already raised over $1,000 for the RUOK? Foundation.

Anyone willing to support the RUOK? Foundation through sponsoring Tom can do so through his fundraising page: https://give.everydayhero.com/au/tom-takes-on2016-coolangatta-gold-for-ruok-initiative Tom would also like to thank the support received from his family at Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club since starting up his fundraising page.

Our community is a special one, and the people whom help to form it give me determination at every training session over the last year.

Any pre-match nerves must have been settled by his sight of the perfection of his bounce to begin play.

The 304 gamer was be hoping for a different experience to last year’s grand final which he said was the scariest experience of his career.

“I’ve been umpiring for 20-plus years and I’ve always considered

myself a pretty consistent bouncer but I was rapt post the game to have the courage to do it – it’s something that is very, very nerve-wracking.”

“Every year I’m involved in the sport I continue to gain a greater appreciation of how challenging our role is,” he said.

“There are a lot of rules that aren’t black and white, but we hope to go out in the same manner we’ve done all year.

“Certainly the first three weeks of the finals there’s been some incredible games, there’s been some incredible moments and if they’re talking about the game and moments in games and not certain decisions, we will be rapt with that.”

The result of the grand final, a magnificent win to the Western Bulldogs, captured the imagination of the entire state.

There was next to no discussion about the umpiring on the day apart from the imbalance of free kicks in favour of the Western Bulldogs.

No one could dispute which of the two teams threw itself hardest at the ball.

On the ball: Matt Stevic’s pre-match nerves must have settled quickly when his opening bounce could not have been more perfect.

PAGE 46 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

SPORT | BOWLS Leongatha TUESDAY, September 27 saw the 2016/17 ladies pennant under way.

Division 1 ladies were the winners on the day at Leongatha against the Phillip Island, winning 97 to 54 shots: R. James’ team won 26 to 11 shots, T. McCormack’s team won 29 to 26 and J. Miller’s team won 42 to 17.

Division 3 also at home defeated Loch & District, 80 to 56 shots: B. Thompson’s team won 24 to 19, M. Rayson’s team won 24 to 21 and M. Jepson’s team won 22 to 16.

Round 2 October 4 sees Division 1 away to Korumburra and Division 3 away to Fish Creek.

Wednesday, September 27 saw 32 teams take to the greens for the club’s monthly triples. Winners on the day were Daryl Mason (s), Peter Forrest and Graeme Cornel with four wins plus 44.

Runners-up the Leongatha team of Chris Richardson (s), Bill Harry and Gary Vansinderen with three wins plus 29.

Best last game went to Rob Howard (s), John Sutcliffe and Bruce Corigan with plus 10.

Sponsor for the day was Alex Scott and Staff and the club thanks it for its valued support.

The next monthly triples will be on Wednesday, October 26 and the sponsor will be Birch, Ross and Barlow.

Saturday, grand final day saw an event called Grand Final Day Football

Concept. Do not ask me what the rules were but it appears this may have been in favour of the flavour of the day, Bulldogs, as the winners were Harry Forrester and John Richards with 14.28, 112 points.

The best quarter went to Pam Widdows and Fred Sauvarin with 5.7, 37 points. According to all reports a lot of fun was had by all.

Reminders: Friday night, October 7 will see the first of the club’s Kitty teas. Names to be placed on the list near the entrance to the match committee room.

Until the next report, good bowling - ‘Jackhigh’.

Buffalo indoor Wednesday, September 28

AN enjoyable night of bowling at Buffalo this week.

Four teams of pairs were selected with Peter and Rod sharing a spot each bowling from one end. Two games of 10 ends were played with some good bowls and very close results.

In the first game Joe, Peter and Rod had a drawn game against Joyce and Toni Ball, and Bill and Mary beat Charlie and Carolyn 14-10.

In the second game another draw to Toni and Joyce against Charlie and Carolyn, eight all. Joe, Peter, Rod had a narrow victory over Bill and Mary 10-6.

Winners for the night were Joe, Rod and Peter

thestar.com.au (DW) 12 ends, third Bill and Mary (WL) 10 ends, next Toni and Joyce (DD) nine ends and fourth Charlie and Carolyn (LD) nine ends.

Social bowls Wednesday 7.30pm at the Buffalo hall. All welcome.

Mardan indoor WITH only a few more weeks of the season left this week saw a good turnout of 14 players along for what was a mixed bag of results and another very enjoyable night of bowls.

There were a couple of noticeable absences, the most obvious being no Vito.

Rumour has it that he had a hard day on the greens and was tired, but his side of the story was that he wanted to let John Chadwick have a chance of getting a win on the card; either way we had a great night.

And by the way, John did have a win on his card but not enough to take out the night.

All teams had a good night; no one went down with two losses and no one team had two wins so everyone was reasonably happy with their performance on the night.

Winners with one win and a draw were Jeannie Baker, John McColl and Jeanette Grady (s).

Runners-up with one win, one loss, nine ends were Bert Bright, John Chadwick, Tony A-C and Ann Plowman (s).

Next Wednesday we are

at Wonthaggi for our second game of the annual get together which is always a good night of bowls and great supper.

Tarwin Lower LAST Tuesday saw the first day of the new season for Ladies Pennant.

Our Division Four team was off to a really good start with a win against Phillip Island.

Conditions made it tough for Division Two that went down to Wonthaggi.

On Wednesday two men’s teams from Wonthaggi took home the meat trays at our triples competition.

Frankie, Aldo and Stan were winners for the day with Noel Jackson’s team as runners up.

Peter Taiton’s team from Tarwin won the Best Last Game.

Thanks to Steve Graham’s football tipping competition for sponsoring the day.

Meeniyan TUESDAY, September 27 was the first week of Pennant with Division Two playing away to San Remo in very cold conditions.

One rink got points.

This week they were at home to Inverloch.

Saturday was our grand final practise with 24 players taking to the green before the rain set in.

Barb Scott was the lucky grand final tipster.

October 8 is the beginning of our Saturday Pen-

nant season with Division Three away to Wonthaggi and Division Five home to Foster.

We are scheduling regular practice on Fridays from 5pm onwards.

Coming October events include our regular Monthly Triples on Thursday 6, Ladies Invitation Day on Friday 7 and Meeniyan Fours catered day on Monday 17.

Fish Creek THE first day of Tuesday Pennant turned out to be a very cold blustery day, however, this did not deter the players from having a most enjoyable day.

This in spite of Fish Creek going down to the very gracious host, Koru-

mburra.

Today, Tuesday, September 4 Fish Creek is home to Leongatha.

The social practice game and barbecue held on Sunday, October 2 was a great success, and hopefully advantageous to some needing the practice.

Saturday Pennant begins on October 8 with the teams as follows: Division 2 (playing away at San Remo: the bus will depart promptly from the club rooms at 10.45am).

Skips: T. McLean, R. Mortlock and D. Christie.

Thirds: A. Kerr, R. Knight and N. McKenzie.

Seconds: R. Grylls, B. Cooper and R. Poletti.

Firsts: R. McKenzie, J.

Lavarda and C. Bell.

Division 5 (playing at home to Loch. Members to meet at the club between 12 and 12.15pm.

Skips: J. Lindeman, K. Flanders and R. Barham.

Thirds: N. Buckland, D. Stefani and R. Staley.

Seconds: R .

Constantine, C. McGannon and P. Dean.

Firsts: M. McKenzie, K. Loader and A. Masson.

Members not chosen to play are encouraged to be at the club in uniform in the event of an emergency and are invited to make up teams amongst themselves to play as bankers on the vacant rinks.

Friday, September 7 is the monthly casserole evening.

SGBD Tuesday pennant bowls Round 1 September 27 Division 1: Foster 14/67 (7 shots) d San Remo 2/60 (B. Tyers 24 d M. Forrest 22, G. Facey 27 d C. Thorn 18, M. Climas 16 lt S. Carvosso 20).

Leongatha 16/97 (43 shots) d Phillip Island 0/54 (R. James 26 d R. Eames 11), T. McCormack 29 d D. Wagner 26, J. Miller 42 d J. Dyer 17).

Korumburra 13/73 (10 shots) d Inverloch 3/63 (J. Nicholl 27 d L. Dowson 16, M. Goad 26 drew J. Brown 26, J. Lomagno 20 lt C. Hughes 21).

Wonthaggi 14/68 ( 8 shots) d Corinella 2/60 (P. Wintrup 25 d M. Hoy 18, K. Simpson 22 d C. Lincoln 20, M. McBain 21 lt J. Carter 22).

Division 2: Wonthaggi 16/101 (59 shots) d Tarwin Lower 0/42 (J. Kellow 39 d S. Browne 12, S. Hamilton 32 d H. Twite 10, S. O’Connell 30 d H. Marshall 20).

Lang Lang 14/84 (18 shots) d Port Welshpool 2/66 (R. Geyer 36 d M. McDonald 14, B. Kitchin 25 d

B. Crawford 24, J. Prowd 23 lt L. McLaine 28).

Toora 13/76 (7 shots) d Inverloch 3/69 (R. Richardson 25 d N. Martin 16, B. Curram 25 drew M. Flett 25, B. Worden 26 lt D. Patterson 28).

San Remo 14/75 (21 shots) d Meeniyan 2/54 (J. Blackwell 21 d B. Dyke 18, J. Naylor 40 d B. Scott.13, J. Grindlay 14 lt A. Maruzza 23).

Division 3: Mirboo North 14/82 (25 shots) d Phillip Island 2/57 (L. Roberts 32 d L. Waters 17, M. Briscoe 34 d D. Reynolds 18, A. Plowman 16 lt C. Hoffman 22).

Leongatha 16/70 (14 shots) d Loch 0/56 (M. Rayson 24 d M. Cochrane 21, B. Thompson 24 d V. Kennedy 19, M. Jepson 22 d H. Garnham 16).

Korumburra 16/91 (33 shots) d Fish Creek 0/58 (M. Brown 33 d N. Van Dyk 19, M. Hams 26 d M. Bath 20, C. Snooks 32 d N. McKenzie. 19).

Division 4: Tarwin Lower 12/53 (2 shots) d Phillip Island 2/51 (J. Coates 24 d C. Honkey 18,

V. Martin 29 lt D. Bateman 33).

Wonthaggi 14/58 (32 shots) d Foster 0/26 (G. Mitford 27 d R. Riati 11, L. Stanes 31 d N. Jacobs 15).

Corinella 14/58 (18 shots) d Inverloch 0/40 (E. Johnston 33 d M. Paynting 17, J. Brown 25 d V. Muir 23).

Ladders Division 1 Leongatha .........................+43 Wonthaggi ..........................+8 Foster...................................+7 Korumburra.....................+10 Inverloch .............................-10 San Remo..............................-7 Corinella ...............................-8 Phillip Island .......................-43 Division 2 Wonthaggi ........................+59 San Remo..........................+21 Lang Lang ........................+18 Toora ...................................+7 Inverloch ...............................-7 Port Welshpool....................-18 Meeniyan ............................-21 Tarwin Lower .....................-59 Division 3 Korumburra.....................+33 Leongatha .........................+14 Mirboo North ...................+25 Phillip Island .....................-25 Loch ....................................-14 Fish Creek ...........................-33 Division 4 Wonthaggi ........................+32 Corinella ...........................+18 Tarwin Lower.....................+2 Phillip Island .......................-2 Inverloch .............................-18

16 14 14 13 3 2 2 0 16 14 14 13 3 2 2 0 16 16 14 2 0 0 14 14 12 2 0

Leongatha table tennis FROM 2002 to 2007 Michael Grist and Phil Munro were the players to beat.

Triple treat: from left, Rita Everitt, Nell Van Grunsven and Pam Sutcliffe were the winning team at Wednesday Social bowls at Inverloch.

Inverloch social bowls success WEDNESDAY Social Bowls was a two game, 12 ends event played in triples and fours. There were two teams that won both games.

Runners-up were Judy Parker, Gail Burge and Marg Flett.

Congratulations to our winners Rita Everitt, Nell Van Grunsven and Pam Sutcliffe.

Raffles were won by Judy Parker, Joan Clark, Elaine Miller, Carol Hughes and Gail Applin. Our next Social Bowls is on October 5.

We would love to see our casual bowling members joining in a game.

Names in by 11.30am for a 12.30pm start.

Thursday Turkey Triples were a no-go due to wet weather.

The normal Thursday social game is back this week on October 6 with the game starting at 12.30pm.

The AFL Grand Final brought the bowlers onto the green to enjoy a game of 14 ends before retreating to the clubrooms for a footy lunch and settling in to watch

the game on the big screen.

Triples and fours took to the green.

Winners with 13 shots up were Sue Nation, Huie Nation and Doug Muir.

Thanks to the ladies for organising an appropriate footy style lunch and to the Bulldogs for making us believe in fairytales again.

Saturday Pennant kicks off this week and the second round of Tuesday Pennant is on.

Good bowling to all teams.

Pie Night for Saturday Pennant players will be held on Wednesday, October 5 starting at 5.00pm. If attending, names on the sheet provided in the clubhouse.

Friday Night Meals returns this week. Names on the blackboard if attending.

A reminder to indicate your interest in attending our entertainment, The Bagman who will be appearing at the club on Sunday, October 16 from 2.00pm. Tickets are $20 and include afternoon tea. Please put your name on the sheet on the noticeboard.

Both players took out club championships on more than one occasion.

They do not get the chance to play each other much nowadays but on Tuesday night the opportunity to renew old rivalries occurred.

Phil was filling in for team DKM and what a great job he did in winning his three singles and one doubles match.

Alas, it was still not enough to get a win for the cellar dwellers, going down 6-5; he enjoyed his 11-4, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8 win over Michael though.

Top team Cheetahs defeated the third placed MBN convincingly (8-3) and are outright premiership favourites.

Cheetahs did have a very handy fill

in, Jason Comrie, who defeated MBN’s number one player Bryce Holwerda in five hard fought games (8-11, 2-11, 11-8, 11-4, 12-10).

In the other match between fourth and fifth sides, Milko’s defeated a depleted Hopefuls who took the opportunity to blood a rising junior, Aiden Holwerda, into the fierce competition of A Grade.

Well done Aiden for having a go.

The rubber between Alan Fletcher and Neil Chilver was decided in five games, Alan winning the decider12-10.

Cheetahs lead the table on 20 points, 70 rubbers, 232 games; TMM 18, 69, 243; MBN 8, 62, 227; Hopefuls 8, 57, 200; Milko’s 6, 55, 197; and DKM 6, 50, 200. llan Robic has a stranglehold on the top player award with 33 wins, Michael Grist 28, Bryce Holwerda 27, Kevin Dowling and Neil Chilver both on 22.

• Wonthaggi table tennis

Tables resound with success THE Wonthaggi Table Tennis Junior Championships were held last week with the following the Open Singles going to Kenzi Gardner who defeated Archie Paxton.

Semi finalists were Beau Allamby and

Jack Duff.

Under 13 Singles saw Beau Allamby overcome by Jack Duff.

In the Handicap Singles, Malachy O’Flynn defeated Poppy Duff.

The Jumbo Ball Handicap was won by Archie Paxton defeating Beau Allamby.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 47

Girls’ cricket will bowl you over THIS grew out of last season’s LDCA Girls competition with 48 players fielded over a 14 week competition.

Koonwarra Leongatha/ RSL Cricket Club’s all girls team was strongly driven

by Britney Thomas. Several others - Bianca Proudlock, Ruby Mattingly and some of the new arrivals - also promoted the idea of forming a team.

Courtney Walker and Jen Bals who had been mentored by Chelsea Moscript and Jade Ellams had in turn acted as important role models.

This mentoring has been evident at other events such as the Gippsland Girls Carnival which has been run-

ning since 2002 and has had up to 184 girls participate in any given year.

This carnival is conducted in the Latrobe Valley as it is central to the region.

South Gippsland regularly contributes a large number of girls for the event which is conducted centrally in the Latrobe Valley.

In Leongatha last year Cricket Victoria and the Gippsland Cricket League ran a not for profit holiday programme over two days that attracted 96 participants including 18 girls.

Former Australian Southern Stars captain, Jodie Fields and State rep, Courtney Brown filled the mentor roles.

Girls’ cricket is increasingly popular and this sea-

son the number of clubs is anticipated to grow from four to at least six teams.

One of the new teams will be fielded by Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL that has entered an all girls team in the LDCA U14 (predominantly a Boys’ cricket fixture).

This competition is conducted via a modified rules format that ensures that all players get to bat, bowl, field and wicket keep in each game.

The games are 20 over innings and some evenings see two games played.

The aim is to develop the skills of the players in an engaging and fun environment with theme nights such as funny wig dress ups or Halloween matches.

The age range is 10-14 which includes a couple of older role models in each team to act as coaches and coordinators.

The Gippsland Cricket League is hoping to increase the number of teams from the four that played last year to six to eight this season.

Promotions will be conducted soon with girls encouraged to form teams from their schools.

Any girls interested in either or both the KLRSL CC team and the LDCA Junior Girls Competition should call Rob Wood (0408 820 582) or Greg Mattingley for the Foster area (0419 546 015).

Training for the Koonwarra team is conducted

on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 4pm to 5.30pm at Mary MacKillop College.

After a year in recess the LDCA plans to enter a Senior Women’s team in the Gippsland Cricket League Women’s Division.

This competition has been running since 2002 and has produced many players who have gone onto play Women’s Premier and State cricket.

Again, anyone interested please contact Rob Wood.

Games are played every second and third Sunday.

There will be a Come ‘n Try Day this Sunday, October 9 from 11am followed by a barbecue lunch at the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve.

Shaping up: the all girls team to front up for Koonwarra Leongatha/RSL this season came into existent with a supreme effort by Britney Thomas in the middle of the group wearing the long white pants.

The official launch for the LDCA girls team is on Sunday, October 16 (details TBC) with the season starting on November 7 at 4pm at the Town Cricket Club ovals (Leongatha Primary

School).

The Gippsland Cricket League is looking for sponsors or a major sponsor to assist with subsidising junior cricket camps and carnivals.

Diggers are winners Workers step it up WHAT is it with little out of the way Outtrim Moyarra Kongwak that it can lose several players including the association’s batsman with the lead average and yet still field four teams and remain supremely confident of going all the way?

COMING off the back of a major A Grade premiership win, the Wonthaggi Workmens is keen to uphold its legacy of strength.

Six years ago Daniel Lloyd arrived at the club from England and stayed.

This year he takes over as the coach of the first eleven.

The club farewelled stalwart captain and coach Tim And the news at OMK gets even bigger with a per- Hooper, who has decided to retire this season. mit granted for the development of a second oval.

Tim has been a member of the club since his junior With four teams this new oval is critical to club co- years. He left the club for 10 years but returned to serve Several larger town clubs struggling to field vi- hesion and will allow C1 and C2 to play at home when another 10 years with his beloved club.

He takes with him a wealth of experience. able teams would love to know the secret but to Russ home rather than elsewhere as has been the case.

Gavin Britt has also left the side following a move At a cost of between $90,000 and $100,000 it is a White the president of OMK it is as simple as ABC: to Pakenham. the success of OMK rides on it having a good family not insignificant investment.

The club will still field four senior teams – A1, B1, What to call its new ground which it hopes to have friendly culture.

C1 and C2 – and three junior teams. operating at 375 Outtrim Moyarra Road, Outtrim by And yes, that is obviously of great importance to Former Wonthaggi Miners player Ryan Birkett has building numbers at a club, but there is more to it Christmas: Diggers’ Park, of course. been picked up by the Workers, and is an all rounder than that: take a look at OMK’s facebook page, note when it was last updated and then check in on a few other clubs and compare.

Last year the club fielded four teams which each finished top of the ladder.

This season it is hoping to field Under 12 and Under 16 teams and for the first time will offer Milo Cricket (contact Junior cricket coordinator Craig Walker 0419839654 or Russ White 0409574334).

White said, “We won’t far off the mark again, numbers are good.”

An opening bowler, Jamie Dewell, from the south of England arrived last Wednesday night.

He returns to Australia after a reasonably good season playing in the Traralgon and District Cricket Association last year.

Jason Wilson who led the association’s batting average last year has left the club as have Alan Jenkins who has gone to Poowong Loch and Jake Co- Welcome aboard: from left, Paris Buckley (president) with son William, Ben Davison (ascherin who has gone to Cranbourne. sistant coach), with English imports Jake Guinan (captain/coach) and Jack Hale.

All the same, and as a mark of the depth of the club’s talent, White said, “We have guys who will step up and we are confident they will fill the shoes of those who have left.”

The club sees this as an opportunity, not as a loss. AFTER finishing runners-up to Kilcun- cess again as reigning premiers.

Buckley is pleased with player numbers so far. da-Bass in last year’s A2 grand final, “Everyone is keen,” he said.

Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL is aiming to The club’s three new full sized bowling nets at go one step further this season. the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve will hopefully The club will welcome a new senior captain- be ready to use at the start of the season and were coach, Jake Guinan, from England this year and built with a grant from the State Government’s with him comes another Englishman, Jack Hale.

2016-2017 Community Sports Infrastructure Guinan is now first eleven captain of Whitstable Fund.

Cricket Club in the Kent League, and a hard hitting “The grant of approximately $120,000 will enmiddle order bat and handy spin bowler. able our very proud club to proceed with the deHale, 22, is from Plymouth Cricket Club and molition and construction of three training nets, plays in the club’s first eleven as a top order bat drainage, irrigation and surface reinstatement on and spin bowler. the oval,” Buckley said.

He has played extensive representative cricket At the end of this season, the club will turn its from a young age. attention to improving drainage and installing adBen Davison has returned to the club as assis- ditional sprinklers at the reserve, which is prone to tant coach and will bring his considerable experi- being saturated and unavailable to be used earlier ence and enthusiasm to the role. in the season.

Club president Paris Buckley said, “We are also The Cougars came together on Sunday, Octoexpecting several new players as well as a couple ber 2 for the opening of the club’s renovated cluof players who are returning to the club after short brooms. New carpet has been laid, and the rooms absences.” extended and painted.

The Cougars will field senior sides in A2, B2 Leading the Cougars this season are president and C2, and junior teams in 12s, 14s, an all girls Buckley, vice president Nick Arnup, treasurer 14s side, and 16s.

Jenny Buckland, secretary Debbie Vanstone and The all girls team is a first and comes on the general committee members Len Buckland, Lauback of rising interest in cricket from girls. ra Rockall, Jodie Arnup, John Manicaro, Kevin The Cougars’ Under 16s will be aiming for suc- Thorne and Brad Anderson.

English recruits buoy Cougars

who will bring great things to the team.

The Workers have always been a side to contend with, and this season it plans to bring the club’s young guns up through the ranks.

Every Workers team slotted into the grand final last season, but only took one flag home. This season, they’ll be looking to go one better.

The following captains have been announced; A1 captain James Sheerin and vice captain Ryan Thomas, B1 captain Liam Sawyer and vice captain Luke McGuirk, C1 captain Chad Harvey and vice captain Ian Barnes, and C2 captain Sam Liddle.

Steve Brann will coach all senior sides and the junior sides will be coached by Rob Geyer and Brent Ion.

PAGE 48 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Numbers boost MDU

MDU Cricket Club president Craig Hoober said player retention, recruiting new players to the club and junior numbers have been major focuses during the off season.

“With our new score shed completed at Meeniyan at the end of last season and the inside toilets done this

time last year, the off season has been quieter than normal,” he said.

The club will be fielding three senior sides and an Under 14 and an Under 16 team in the juniors.

“We will have excellent numbers in the Under 16s with the Under 14s needing two or three more at this stage,” Mr Hoober said.

MDU’s A2 side fin-

ished on top last year and then lost the semi final, So Mr Hoober is hopeful the club can go a step or two further this season.

“With the recruits and the continued development of our younger players the club is quietly confident it can get all three of its

senior sides and the Under 16s in the finals this season,” he said.

“It would be great for the club and something which has never happened before.”

The club has picked up some new players to boost its A Grade side this season, while Steve Smith has returned to

Glen Alvie.

“Darien Mathews is an excellent A Grade opening bowler and middle order batsmen from Inverloch who played in the A1 premiership two seasons ago,” Mr Hoober said.

“We are very excited about what Darien can bring to the club

after tasting success at a higher level.

“We have also secured an opening bowler, Jack Mason, from England and are hopeful of picking up a top order batsmen from there as well.”

Mr Hoober said Darien, along with Mikey Olden and Tom Corry will be a few of the players to watch at MDU this season.

Nick Eddy is again the club coach, after doing a great job for the past two years. Craig Hoober and Mark Cantwell will coach the Under 16 team and Tim Bright will coach the Under 14s.

Nick Eddy will also captain the A Grade team and Dale Thomas will lead the C Grade team.

The B Grade captain is yet to be decided.

Mr Hoober said the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve is in great condition.

“The Dumbalk oval is currently a bit wet. It may be right for round one, depending on the weather,” he said.

The club’s executive committee includes Mr Young and keen: MDU Cricket Club Under 16 players Mitchell Hoober, Tyrone ZukovsHoober, left and Lachie Elliott are ready for the start of the cricket kis as secretary and Tim Bright as treasurer. season this weekend.

Aiming higher with new cousins IMPERIALS’ secretary Gary Sauvarin says the club is hopeful relegation from A1 to A2 will reinvigorate the team if it can produce wins.

Player numbers to training have not been startling, Mr Sauvarin said, and the club welcomes any past or new players to come along to training.

Recruiting hasn’t gone as well as the club would have liked.

Chris Silkstone, an English cricketer who played with Imperials a couple of seasons ago was intending to return this season and bring with him a fast bowler to add to the club’s stocks.

This arrangement has fallen over and Imperials have picked up no other players of note during the off season.

An arrangement which is proving positive for the club is the relationship it has been building with the Miners Baseball team.

The Miners have set up home base at Imperials’ East Campus home ground and on the weekend

the clubs played a game of 20/20 cricket to mark the changeover from the baseball to the cricket season.

It is planned for this to be a bi-annual inter-club event.

Playing for the Miners over the winter has been a couple of Imperials as a way of keeping fit and Gary Sauvarin said the baseball club is likely to yield some young cricketers.

The A2 and B2 teams the Imperials are fielding this season train at the East Campus oval each Thursday afternoon.

The oval is in its usual excellent condition and while there are no improvements to club facilities to report at present , the relationship with Miners is expected to give the club considerable clout when it comes to applying for grants to develop facilities.

Both A2 (wooden spooners 2015 - 2016) and B2 (fifth placed last season) will be aiming for finals berths this summer.

Looking up at Town THE Leongatha Town Cricket Club will be looking to improve on last year’s results, with a team in each of the senior sections as well as three junior sides.

Town will field a team in A1, B1 and C1 and a junior team in Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s Club president Steve Fixter said he is expecting player numbers to be satisfactory this year.

“New players at this stage are Nick Tuckett and Matt Wilson returning and the chance of a few others yet to be announced,” he said.

“Most players are returning, however we are facing the possible retirements of Nathan Johnston and Nathan Lovie. Jake Burge has also moved to Queensland.”

Mr Fixter said premier cricketer and twice reigning competition cricketer of the year Amila Ratnaike will be returning to Town, along with Madura Weerasinge.

“We are also stoked with the development of our junior program and look forward to seeing more of

15 year old Jack Hume in A Grade alongside guys like Brandon Berry and Sam Clarke,” he said.

“The early form of Damien Burge is also promising.”

In 2015, Town’s A1 team just missed finals finishing sixth on the ladder. B Grade finished third and C1, fifth.

Ground improvement has been a focus of the off season, with Leongatha’s Scorpion Park looking a treat.

“We have verti-drained our ground and established more Santa Ana couch in bare areas, so the ground and pitch should again be top quality or better,” Mr Fixter said.

“Hopefully it will be as good as any ground in country Victoria by early November.”

The club’s committee for 2016 includes Warren Turner as secretary, Anne Davies as treasurer, Jareth Hume as vice president and Brian Davies as facility manager.

The club trains at the Scorpion Park nets on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Poowong Loch punches above YOU cannot help but admire clubs like the Poowong Loch Cricket Club.

There is not an ounce of complacency about the organisation.

The committee is dedicated to making the club a prosperous heart of the community and knows the value of hard work.

Once again three sides will compete: A2, B2 and C2.

At the Junior level the Under 16 and Under 14 teams will be joined for the first time by an Under 12 team.

The Under 12 team owes its existence to the success of Milo Cricket which will be up and running at the club again this season.

Adam Fisher, who remains the club’s president, said one of the highlights of 2016/17 at the club will be the black tie celebration of the 25th anniversary of the merge between Poowong and Loch.

The date has yet to be announced.

The club has recruited well in the off season with Alan Jenkins returning from OMK as an opening bowler and James Bardwell has been recruited from the West Gippsland Cricket Association.

He will play alongside his 15 year old younger brother Aaron who has been playing A Grade for Poowong Loch.

The club has lost none from the previous season’s list and Adam Fisher said numbers at training have been very good.

Wilson Pollock is staying on as the coach and alongside him, Gary Knox will continue as training coordinator.

Facilities at the club are in great shape with last year’s upgrade of the pavilion providing a comfortable environment with a view of the oval.

It is a great entertaining area and a place where children can play safely corralled.

The pavilion is set to expand again with the provision of two change rooms.

The Poowong wicket has a new mat on it and a complete resurface has been carried out at Loch with drought tolerant fescue and ryegrass given there is no irrigation available at that ground.

Power has been extended at Loch across to the practice nets allowing a bowling machine to be deployed for training.

With the help of a grant from the South Gippsland Shire Council the club has upgraded its training equipment with new throwing aids, witches hats, gloves and the like to the tune of $2000.

Positive signs for Foster THE Foster Cricket Club is looking to field four teams in this year’s Leongatha and District Cricket Association competition.

It will have a senior team in A2 and B2 and an Under 14 boys and an Under 14 all girl side.

Club president Dave Thornell said at this stage, senior numbers are good, however it would be good to see a few more players for the junior teams.

“At the moment about five new players have arrived from mid Victoria, Devon, Yarram and also Toora, with only about three players having left,” he said.

“Our senior sides were competitive last year and only just lost a few games by a couple of runs.

“There are really good signs ahead for the club this year so get down to the golf club and support the boys.”

During the off season, the cricket club put a bit of effort into rejuvenating its grounds and clubrooms.

“We have just had a good clean up, painting and putting up new sponsor signs and relining of the roof,” Mr Thornell said.

Foster holds its training on Sunday mornings at 10am and also Thursday nights from 5pm. The Under 14 boys train on Sunday mornings at 9.30am and will start on Thursdays at 4.30pm once the season starts.

The club executive includes Mr Thornell, Ros Griggs as secretary and Tania Rathjen as treasurer.

Club folds THE Leongatha and District Cricket Association will officially be one club less from now on, with the demise of Fish Creek-Tarwin Cricket Club.

The club entered recess last season due to a lack of players and with just eight players on the books ready to play season 2016-17, the club executive made the decision to fold.

Former president Clayton Fisher said he was disappointed but realistic about the end of the club he had played with since he began as an Under 14s cricketer.

“A few people have gone to Foster, to MDU and I’m playing with Inverloch,” he said.

“We could see it coming for the last five years. We went from two teams back to one and then none, and then not having juniors as well, it’s just been slowly going downhill.”

A dearth of players forced the merger of the Fish Creek and Tarwin cricket clubs in the late 1990s, and with the continual drop in young farmers and general population in rural communities, the club faced a battle sourcing recruits.

The club’s inventory is being sold.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 49

Youth shines through at Nerrena THE Nerrena Cricket Club is putting together a new look A Grade side for the 2016/17 season, with several younger players joining the top team.

Shaun Helms and Adam Trotto and I expect all of them to be pushing up for A Grade selection.”

Star batsman Mitchell Clark has gone to the Western District for work and Renish Joy has returned to India to get married.

With a team each in A1, B1, C1, Under 16 and “It is going to be a different team this year. It has Under 12, the club is doing well for numbers, par- been an old A Grade team in the past, now we have a ticularly in the junior sections. lot of youth pushing up for the top grade,” Mr Croatto Club president Ben Croatto said the players have said. been training under new coach Gerard Murphy since “Our A Grade team has ended the season as runners late August. up for the past two years, so we have played well.”

He said while a few players have left, a lot of past Mr Croatto said this year will be more about getplayers have also returned to the club. ting the youngsters in for a game.

“We have Gerard Murphy back and Dave Trot“Two years ago, we won the Under 16 premierman has returned to the club as A Grade captain, re- ship and a lot of those players are now in A and B placing outgoing captain Chris Savage,” he said.

Grade,” he said.

“Other players returning include Charlie Doherty, Mr Croatto said he is expecting Nathan Trotto, Nick Battersby, Hayden Funnel, Jarrod Hoy and Adam Trotto to be up for selection for A Grade in the first round.

“There could be as many as five changes in round one from our grand final team,” he said.

“Both B and C grade failed to make the finals last year, but have been a good nurturing ground for the young guys, pushing them up.”

Mr Croatto said Jacob Beckwith and James Kelly will start the year in C Grade, but will also be pushing up for B and A grade selection this year.

“Shem Murphy, Ben Martin and Ryan Gilliam will also come into C Grade this year from Under 16,” he said.

The club is aiming to obtain a grant to replace its nets, which Mr Croatto is hoping to have done by the start of the next cricket season.

The committee consists of Mr Croatto as president, Andrea Funnel as treasurer and Graham Wightman is now in his 22nd year of being secretary.

Mr Croatto said the club is looking forward to a positive season.

“The way Gerard Murphy has been conducting training, it has been interesting and different. There is a great vibe around the place at the moment,” he said.

Top team: from left, Nerrena Cricket Club C1 captain Brian Gannon, A Grade player Jarrod Hoy and club coach Gerard Murphy are ready to play ball this cricket season.

Young guns: bowlers Nathan Trotto and Nick Battersby are both expected to have a crack at A Grade selection for the Nerrena Cricket Club this year.

Looking for success KORUMBURRA Cobras has a new A Grade captain, coach and opening batsman in Michael Giles.

Michael, in his early 30s, hails from Koo Wee Rup and fits the bill in terms of what the club was looking for to lift its stocks.

“We needed another top order batsman bowler and he was keen to coach as well,” said club secretary Allan Summerfield.

As is often the case he has come across to Korumburra with at least one associate; Brayden Browne, in his early 20s, from Cardinia, an opening, first change, medium pace bowler who is keen to play on a turf wicket.

The strength of its numbers at the Junior level, means the club has enough interests from parents to field an additional side this year: C2 (A1, B1, C1, C2).

At the Junior level it will field teams in Under 16, Under 14 and Under 12.

Training has been underway for a good eight weeks and Summerfield said numbers have been strong.

“Our goal is to get the best out of our players, to play finals and ultimately to win premierships.

“That being said, winning finals isn’t the be all and end all of a club,” he said.

“You basically just want to have a good club people enjoy coming to.

“The coach of course would say different!”

The club has been building over the last two years and is hoping to have success on the field.

The ground is beginning to look its best, helped along with some top dressing and over sowing, getting it nice and level and with good grass cover.

The club house was renovated last season and this season’s project is to deck the front to provide a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the action on field.

“We’re about to start building a deck onto the front of the club rooms,” Summerfield said.

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Ph: 5662 3199 86 Yarragon Road, Leongatha At the ready: from left, Korumburra Cricket club’s new captain coach Michael Giles and assistant coach Kyle Dorman at training in the indoor gym at the Korumburra Recreation Reserve.

Lining up: from left, Jacob Whiteside, Under 16; Evan Allaway, Under 16 and C Grade; Tom Crocker, Under 16 and C Grade; and Jye Celebrine, B Grade are full of enthusiasm to get out there and do their best for the Cobras in 2016/17.

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PAGE 50 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Miners up to the challenge Phillip Island eye finals AFTER all sides bowed out in the semi finals last season, the Wonthaggi Miners is looking to take its game a step forward during the 2016/17 competition.

The A2 side lost in the semi finals to last season’s premiers Kilcunda Bass and the club is determined to climb the ladder.

A recent practice match against Kilcunda Bass was a learning curve for the side and gave the players an insight into how they can improve and enjoy a successful season.

The club will be fielding an A2 and B2 side this season – folding the C2 team – to be coached

by Adam Hall. He has taken over the position from former coach Jason O’Reilly, who will continue to play with the club this season.

The A2 captain is Daniel Loos and the B2 captain is Adam Zanella.

There will be no junior teams, but the club will be having a Milo cricket program to be coordinated by club president Matt Donohue.

James Honeysett has returned to the club after a two year break, joined by Ken McLean.

The only departure was Ryan Birkett, who has joined the Wonthaggi Workmens this season.

Ryan was the opening bowler for the Miners; a position which will be taken over by Joel Piasente.

With Daylight Savings now here, the Miners will move training out to the Wonthaggi turf after six weeks of training in the Wonthaggi Primary School gym.

The players were working to improve their fielding while in the confines of the gym but will now be working hard to improve on all aspects of the game and become a force to be reckoned with throughout the season.

PLENTY of interest has sparked growth at Phillip Island Cricket Club.

The club will field four senior teams, three junior teams and a Milo program this season.

“Last season we had some players missing out on games. We’ve picked up some more players this year to field more teams,” club president Liam Keating said.

“Still, we are always looking out for more players to join the club.”

The club farewelled Tom Officer, who is off to play district cricket this season.

The former A Grade cricketer is a young quick player and a standout bowler.

Regardless, the club has high hopes this year after a fairly good previous season.

The B and C sides both made finals, but were knocked out in the semis.

A Grade was a young side that was still developing, and finished off seventh.

“We hope the young players keep stepping up, it’s great experience,” Keating said.

“Once again we are aiming for finals. We want to see A Grade in it this year and we want B and C to do one better.”

New to the club is level two coach Charith Keerthisinthe, who will coach all the senior sides.

A Grade’s captain is skilled batsman Lachlan Cleeland, who won A Grade club champion last season.

This year, the club hopes to fully develop the Rhyll ground. New rooms and decks will be going in, and the club hopes it will be an active playing ground this season to be used by the lower grades.

United team: from left, Inverloch Cricket Club’s Brett Debono, Lucas Anderson, coach Paul Roberts, Ned Bradley and Nathan Brayley anticipate a successful season.

Stingrays ready to play INVERLOCH Cricket Club has welcomed two new players to the fold this season and aims to draw on their extensive experience.

Training: from left, Wonthaggi Miners’ batsman Blake Andrighetto and wicketkeeper Cam Thomas moved out onto the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve for a well rounded training session.

Reigning premiers promoted KILCUNDA Bass Cricket Club is prepping for a high intensity season, with players moving up to A1 and B1 this year.

The club experienced an incredible 2015-16 season, which resulted in an A2 and B2 flag.

After a defeating Koonwarra L/RSL, Kilcunda Bass celebrated its first A Grade win since joining the Leongatha and District Cricket Association.

Grand final day was topped off when B2 came home with a victory against Korumburra, earning both teams a deserving promotion.

“We’ve moved up this season so we will be looking to improve on our skills, keep fit and see what happens,” president Ray Gardiner said.

“We’ve been training for a while now so we will keep building on that.”

The side will also field a C2 team and two junior teams.

No players from the previous season have left, but the club has picked up a few new players from England who will compete in the senior sides.

The club will also be looking to develop its juniors and prep them to play some senior matches.

The A Grade captain and coach is Andrew Donohue.

“This is Andrew’s fourth year with the club. He leads by experience, works hard and never misses training,” Ray said.

Dave Newman has relocated from Kyabram Fire Brigade Cricket Club. A talented all rounder, he has plenty of experience to assist the club’s younger payers.

The Stingrays also welcome Clayton Fisher, a right hand top order batsman with great technique, as well as being a swinging bowler.

Fisher is eager to contribute after having last year off when his beloved Fish Creek–Tarwin Cricket Club entered recess and has since folded.

Paul Roberts has joined the club as coach, drawing on his experience playing cricket in Melbourne and coaching a junior side at Inverloch last year.

The club hosted a special evening for players to meet Roberts recently.

Past coach Kit Rotthier will focus on A Grade captaincy duties this season.

Senior players have been focusing on stretching and preparing their bodies for batting and bowling.

Inverloch will field senior teams in A1, B1 and C1 this year, and junior sides 12s,14s and 16s.

Coaches and captains of other grades are yet to be appointed.

Numbers have been good at training with both young and old cricketers attending. With football finals now over, the club expects attendance at training to improve.

John Muir will lead the club as president this year, joined by secretary Jim Dalmau, treasurer David Taylor and also committee members Dean Cashin, Matthew Goldsmith, Mitchell Woods, Warren Williams, Paul Johnson, Shaun Hayes, Walter Taberner, Brian Dennerley and Bill Aikins.

“We have got some good Under 16s who we’ve been spending a bit of time with and so hopefully in a few years they will be up there,” Muir said.

Brian Dennerley has a new motorised roller that is bigger and heavier than the previous model, doing twice

Recruitment boom for Glen Alvie TWELVE new players have been recruited to Glen Alvie’s senior cricket side for the 2016/17 season.

As a result, the club will be fielding three senior teams – A2, B2 and C2 – and two junior sides – U12s and U16s.

Among the new players are A2 captain John Reid and his brother Geoff, who have played high level cricket and will be team assets.

Returning to the club is Steve Smith from MDU and Daniel Hales, who gained some extra experience in a different league last season and has come back a better bowler.

No players have left the club, giving Glen Alvie a positive start to the season.

An additional positive for the club is the state of its ground.

“It’s awesome – it’s the best I’ve ever seen it.

We’ve finished expanding the fence line as well,” club secretary Jay Tiziani said.

A poor 2015/16 has prompted the push to recruit, and players have already clocked up two months worth of training.

This season, the club will work on building up all sides and encouraging the juniors to step up.

“We are looking to have a more successful side this year, and building up our juniors is the way to go,” Jay said.

“The juniors achieved some great success in previous years and we keep getting good numbers, which is really positive.”

Ray Slade is the junior coordinator this season, and will oversee both sides.

Glen Alvie was training on Sundays, but has moved to Tuesday and Thursday nights since the start of daylight savings.

the work to save time and produce a better result.

The roller was funded by Bass Coast Shire Council, Inverloch Rotary Club, Inverloch Bendigo Bank Community Branch and a club fundraising dinner held on the turf wicket itself.

“The club is excited to have a blend of experienced role models and talented young players who are keen to improve and develop their skills,” Muir said.

“THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016 - PAGE 51

A Grade - Division 1 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Wonthaggi Club v Town (Butch W) Phillip Island v Kilcunda-Bass (Cowes) OMK v Nerrena (Outt Rec) Korumburra v Inverloch (Kor Rec) Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 Inverloch v Phillip Island (Inv Turf) Nerrena v Wonthaggi Club (L Turf) Town v OMK (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v Korumburra (Bass Rec) Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 OMK v Phillip Island (Outt Rec) Kilcunda-Bass v Nerrena (Bass Rec) Korumburra v Wonthaggi Club (Kor Rec) Town v Inverloch (SP 1) Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 Phillip Island v Town (Cowes) Wonthaggi Club v Kilcunda-Bass (Butch W) Inverloch v OMK (Inv Turf) Nerrena v Korumburra (Nerr Rec) Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Town v Kilcunda-Bass (SP 1) Inverloch v Nerrena (Inv Turf) OMK v Wonthaggi Club (Outt Rec) Phillip Island v Korumburra (Cowes) Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 Korumburra v Town (Kor Rec) Nerrena v Phillip Island (L Turf) Kilcunda-Bass v OMK (Bass Rec) Wonthaggi Club v Inverloch (Butch W) Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 Inverloch v Kilcunda-Bass (Inv Turf) Town v Nerrena (SP 1) Phillip Island v Wonthaggi Club (Cowes) OMK v Korumburra (Outt Rec)

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Kilcunda-Bass v Town (Bass Rec) Nerrena v Inverloch (L Turf) Wonthaggi Club v OMK (Butch W) Korumburra v Phillip Island (Kor Rec) Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 Town v Korumburra (SP 1) Phillip Island v Nerrena (Cowes) OMK v Kilcunda-Bass (Outt Rec) Inverloch v Wonthaggi Club (Inv Turf) Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Kilcunda-Bass v Inverloch (Bass Rec) Nerrena v Town (L Turf) Wonthaggi Club v Phillip Island (McMhn Res) Korumburra v OMK (Kor Rec) Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Town v Wonthaggi Club (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v Phillip Island (Bass Rec) Nerrena v OMK (L Turf) Inverloch v Korumburra (Inv Turf) Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 Phillip Island v Inverloch (Cowes) Wonthaggi Club v Nerrena (Butch W) OMK v Town (Outt Rec) Korumburra v Kilcunda-Bass (Kor Rec) Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 Phillip Island v OMK (Cowes) Nerrena v Kilcunda-Bass (Nerr Rec) Wonthaggi Club v Korumburra (Butch W) Inverloch v Town (Inv Turf) Round 14: Saturday, March 4 & 11 Town v Phillip Island (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v Wonthaggi Club (Bass Rec) OMK v Inverloch (Outt Rec) Korumburra v Nerrena (Kor Rec)

B Grade - Division 1 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Town v Wonthaggi Club (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v Phillip Island (Bass Rec) Nerrena v OMK (Nerr Rec) Inverloch v MDU (Inv Turf) Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 Phillip Island v Inverloch (Cowes) Wonthaggi Club v Nerrena (McMhn Res) OMK v Town (Outt Rec) MDU v Kilcunda-Bass (Meen) Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 Phillip Island v OMK (Cowes) Nerrena v Kilcunda-Bass (Nerr) Wonthaggi Club v MDU (McMhn Res) Inverloch v Town (Inv Turf) Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 Town v Phillip Island (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v Wonthaggi Club (Bass Rec) OMK v Inverloch (Outt Rec) MDU v Nerrena (Meen) Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Kilcunda-Bass v Town (Bass Rec) Nerrena v Inverloch (Nerr Rec) Wonthaggi Club v OMK (McMhn Res) MDU v Phillip Island (Meen) Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 Town v MDU (SP 1) Phillip Island v Nerrena (Cowes) OMK v Kilcunda-Bass (Outt Rec) Inverloch v Wonthaggi Club (Inv Turf) Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 Kilcunda-Bass v Inverloch (Bass Rec) Nerrena v Town (Nerr Rec) Wonthaggi Club v Phillip Island (McMhn Res) MDU v OMK (Dmblk)

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Town v Kilcunda-Bass (SP 1) Inverloch v Nerrena (Inv Turf) OMK v Wonthaggi Club (Outt Rec) Phillip Island v MDU (Cowes) Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 MDU v Town (Meen) Nerrena v Phillip Island (Nerr Rec) Kilcunda-Bass v OMK (Bass Rec) Wonthaggi Club v Inverloch (McMhn Res) Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Inverloch v Kilcunda-Bass (Inv Turf) Town v Nerrena (SP 1) Phillip Island v Wonthaggi Club (Cowes) OMK v MDU (Outt Rec) Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Wonthaggi Club v Town (McMhn Res) Phillip Island v Kilcunda-Bass (Cowes) OMK v Nerrena (Outt Rec) MDU v Inverloch (Meen) Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 Inverloch v Phillip Island (Inv Turf) Nerrena v Wonthaggi Club (Nerr Rec) Town v OMK (SP 1) Kilcunda-Bass v MDU (Bass Rec) Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 OMK v Phillip Island (Outt Rec) Kilcunda-Bass v Nerrena (Bass Rec) Town v Inverloch (SP 1) MDU v Wonthaggi Club (Meen) Round 14: Saturday, Mar 4 & 11 Phillip Island v Town (Cowes) Wonthaggi Club v Kilcunda-Bass (McMhn Res) Inverloch v OMK (Inv Turf) Nerrena v MDU (Nerr Rec)

C Grade - Division 1 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Wonthaggi Club v Town (McMhn Res) MDU v Inverloch (Meen) Phillip Island v Nerrena (Newh) Korumburra v OMK (KSC)

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Inverloch v Town (Inv Rec) Nerrena v OMK (Nerr Rec) Wonthaggi Club v Phillip Island (McMhn Res) Korumburra v MDU (KSC)

Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 OMK v MDU (KSC) Nerrena v Wonthaggi Club (Nerr Rec) Town v Phillip Island (SP 2) Inverloch v Korumburra (Inv Rec)

Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 Town v Korumburra (SP 2) MDU v Nerrena (Dmblk) Phillip Island v Inverloch (Rhyll) OMK v Wonthaggi Club (KSC)

Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 Phillip Island v MDU (Newh) Inverloch v Nerrena (Inv Rec) Korumburra v Wonthaggi Club (KSC) Town v OMK (SP 2)

Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Inverloch v OMK (Inv Rec) Nerrena v Town (Nerr Rec) Wonthaggi Club v MDU (WSC) Korumburra v Phillip Island (KSC)

Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 MDU v Town (Dmblk) Wonthaggi Club v Inverloch (McMhn Res) OMK v Phillip Island (KSC) Nerrena v Korumburra (L Velo)

Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Town v Wonthaggi Club (SP 2) Inverloch v MDU (Inv Rec) Nerrena v Phillip Island (Nerr Rec) OMK v Korumburra (KSC)

Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Town v Inverloch (SP 2) OMK Nerrena (KSC) Phillip Island v Wonthaggi Club (Rhyll) MDU v Korumburra (Dmblk)

Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 MDU v OMK (Meen) Wonthaggi Club v Nerrena (McMhn Res) Phillip Island v Town (Rhyll) Korumburra v Inverloch (KSC)

Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 Korumburra v Town (KSC) Nerrena v MDU (Nerr Rec) Inverloch v Phillip Island (Inv Rec) Wonthaggi Club v OMK (McMhn Res)

Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 MDU v Phillip Island (Dmblk) Nerrena v Inverloch (L Velo) Wonthaggi Club v Korumburra (McMhn Res) OMK v Town (KSC)

Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 OMK v Inverloch (KSC) Town v Nerrena (SP 2) MDU v Wonthaggi Club (Meen) Phillip Island v Korumburra (Rhyll)

Round 14: Saturday, Mar 4 & 11 Town v MDU (SP 2) Inverloch v Wonthaggi Club (Inv Rec) Phillip Island v OMK (Rhyll) Korumburra v Nerrena (KSC)

A Grade - Division 2 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Poowong-Loch v Glen Alvie (Loch Rec) Foster v MDU (Foster GC) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Won Miners (L Turf) Imperials - bye Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 Glen Alvie v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Butch W) Wonthaggi Miners v Poowong-Loch (Won FG) Imperials v Foster (EC) MDU - bye Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 MDU v Wonthaggi Miners (Meen) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Foster (L Turf) Glen Alvie v Imperials (Butch W) Poowong-Loch - bye Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 Poowong-Loch v MDU (Poow) Foster v Glen Alvie (Foster GC) Imperials v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Leon Rec) Wonthaggi Miners - bye Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Glen Alvie v Wonthaggi Miners (Butch W) Foster v Poowong-Loch (Foster GC) Imperials v MDU (L Turf) Koonwarra-L/RSL - bye Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 Poowong-Loch v Imperials (Loch Rec) MDU v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Meen) Wonthaggi Miners v Foster (Won FG) Glen Alvie - bye Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Poowong-Loch (L Turf) Glen Alvie v MDU (Butch W) Wonthaggi Miners v Imperials (Won FG) Foster - bye

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Poowong-Loch v Foster (Loch Rec) Wonthaggi Miners v Glen Alvie (Won FG) MDU v Imperials (Meen) Koonwarra-L/RSL - bye Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 Imperials v Poowong-Loch (EC) Koonwarra-L/RSL v MDU (Koon Rec) Foster v Wonthaggi Miners (Foster GC) Glen Alvie - bye Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Poowong-Loch v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Loch Rec) MDU v Glen Alvie (Dmblk) Imperials v Wonthaggi Miners (EC) Foster - bye Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Glen Alvie v Poowong-Loch (Butch W) MDU v Foster (Dmblk) Wonthaggi Miners v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Won FG) Imperials - bye Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Glen Alvie (L Turf) Poowong-Loch v Won Miners (Loch Rec) Foster v Imperials (Foster GC) MDU - bye Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 Wonthaggi Miners v MDU (Won FG) Foster v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Foster GC) Imperials v Glen Alvie (L Turf) Poowong-Loch - bye Round 14: Saturday, Mar 4 & 11 MDU v Poowong-Loch (Meen) Glen Alvie v Foster (Butch W) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Imperials (L Turf) Wonthaggi Miners - bye

B Grade - Division 2 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Glen Alvie v Poowong-Loch (GA Rec) Wonthaggi Miners v Foster (Won FG) Imperials v Korumburra (EC) Koonwarra-L/RSL - bye Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 Korumburra v Wonthaggi Miners (Kor Rec) Poowong-Loch v Imperials (Loch Rec) Foster v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Foster GC) Glen Alvie - bye Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 Wonthaggi Miners v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Won FG) Foster v Glen Alvie (Foster GC) Poowong-Loch v Korumburra (Loch Rec) Imperials - bye Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 Glen Alvie v Wonthaggi Miners (GA Rec) Korumburra v Foster (Kor Rec) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Imperials (Koon Rec) Poowong-Loch - bye Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Poowong-Loch v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Loch Rec) Korumburra v Glen Alvie (Kor Rec) Imperials v Foster (EC) Wonthaggi Miners - bye Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 Imperials v Wonthaggi Miners (EC) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Glen Alvie (Koon Rec) Foster v Poowong-Loch (Foster GC) Korumburra - bye Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 Korumburra v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Kor Rec) Poowong-Loch v Wonthaggi Miners (Loch Rec) Imperials v Glen Alvie (EC) Foster - bye

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Poowong-Loch (Koon Rec) Glen Alvie v Korumburra (GA Rec) Foster v Imperials (Foster GC) Wonthaggi Miners - bye Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 Poowong-Loch v Foster (Loch Rec) Glen Alvie v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Butch W) Wonthaggi Miners v Imperials (Won FG) Korumburra - bye Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Korumburra (Koon Rec) Glen Alvie v Imperials (GA Rec) Wonthaggi Miners v Poowong-Loch (Won Nth) Foster - bye Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Poowong-Loch v Glen Alvie (Loch Rec) Foster v Wonthaggi Miners (Foster GC) Korumburra v Imperials (Kor Rec) Koonwarra-L/RSL - bye Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Foster (Koon Rec) Wonthaggi Miners v Korumburra (Won FG) Imperials v Poowong-Loch (EC) Glen Alvie - bye Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Wonthaggi Miners (Koon Rec) Glen Alvie v Foster (GA Rec) Korumburra v Poowong-Loch (Kor Rec) Imperials - bye Round 14: Saturday, Mar 4 & 11 Foster v Korumburra (Foster GC) Wonthaggi Miners v Glen Alvie (Won FG) Imperials v Koonwarra-L/RSL (EC) Poowong-Loch - bye

C Grade - Division 2 Round 1: Saturday, Oct 8 Kilcunda-Bass v Glen Alvie (Bass Rec) Korumburra v Poowong-Loch (SP 2) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Phillip Island (Koon Rec) OMK v Won Workmens (L Velo) Round 2: Saturday, Oct 15 Won Workmens v Korumburra (WSC) Phillip Island v Kilcunda-Bass (Newh) Glen Alvie v Koonwarra/L/RSL (GA Rec) Poowong-Loch v OMK (Poow) Round 3: Saturday, Oct 22 Koonwarra-L/RSL v Korumburra (Koon Rec) Poowong-Loch v Phillip Island (Poow) OMK v Kilcunda-Bass (L Velo) Glen Alvie v Won Workmens (GA Rec) Round 4: Saturday, Oct 29 Korumburra v Glen Alvie (SP 2) Kilcunda-Bass v Poowong-Loch (Bass Rec) Won Workmens v Koonwarra-L/RSL (WSC) Phillip Island v OMK (Newh) Round 5: Saturday, Nov 5 & 12 Glen Alvie v Poowong-Loch (GA Rec) Won Workmens v Phillip Island (WSC) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Kilcunda-Bass (Koon Rec) Korumburra v OMK (L Velo) Round 6: Saturday, Nov 19 & 26 OMK v Glen Alvie (L Velo) Phillip Island v Korumburra (Rhyll) Poowong-Loch v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Poow) Kilcunda-Bass v Won Workmens (Bass Rec) Round 7: Saturday, Dec 3 & 10 Won Workmens v Poowong-Loch (WSC) Glen Alvie v Phillip Island (GA Rec) Korumburra v Kilcunda-Bass (L Velo) Koonwarra-L/RSL v OMK (Koon Rec)

SEMI FINALS - March 18 & 19 (1pm)

Round 8: Saturday, Dec 17 Poowong-Loch v Glen Alvie (Poow) Phillip Island v Won Workmens (Rhyll) Kilcunda-Bass v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Bass Rec) OMK v Korumburra (L Velo) Round 9: Saturday, Jan 7 Glen Alvie v OMK (GA Rec) Korumburra v Phillip Island (Kor Rec) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Poowong-Loch (MMcK) Won Workmens v Kilcunda-Bass (WSC) Round 10: Saturday, Jan 14 Poowong-Loch v Won Workmens (Poow) Phillip Island v Glen Alvie (Rhyll) Kilcunda-Bass v Korumburra (Bass Rec) OMK v Koonwarra-L/RSL (L Velo) Round 11: Saturday, Jan 21 & 28 Glen Alvie v Kilcunda-Bass (GA Rec) Poowong-Loch v Korumburra (Poow) Phillip Island v Koonwarra-L/RSL (Rhyll) Won Workmens v OMK (Won Nth) Round 12: Saturday, Feb 4 & 11 Korumburra v Won Workmens (SP 2) Kilcunda-Bass v Phillip Island (Bass Rec) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Glen Alvie (MMcK) OMK v Poowong-Loch (L Velo) Round 13: Saturday, Feb 18 & 25 Korumburra v Koonwarra-L/RSL (SP 2) Phillip Island v Poowong-Loch (Rhyll) Kilcunda-Bass v OMK (Bass Rec) Won Workmens v Glen Alvie (Won Nth) Round 14: Saturday, Mar 4 & 11 Glen Alvie v Korumburra (GA Rec) Poowong-Loch v Kilcunda-Bass (Poow) Koonwarra-L/RSL v Won Workmens (Koon Rec) OMK v Phillip Island (L Velo)

GRAND FINAL - March 25 & 26 (1pm)

PAGE 52 - “THE STAR” Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Massive turnout: a huge show of force was out at Koonwarra Recreation Reserve for the unveiling of the newly extended clubrooms for the Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL Cougars on Sunday.

The two new English cricketers and members of the new all girls Under 14 team also attended the celebrations.

SENIOR CRICKET DRAWS page 51

Cricket set for damp start Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL unveil extended clubrooms SOGGY grounds could severely affect the opening round of Leongatha and Dis-

trict Cricket Association matches this weekend.

With many grounds

Leongatha District Cricket Association Umpire Appointments EVANS PETROLEUM Round 1 - October 8 Home team Grade A1 Won Club Phillip Island OMK Korumbura Grade A2 Poowong-Loch Foster Koon-L/RSL Imperials Grade B1 Kilcunda-Bass Town Nerrena Inverloch Grade B2 Glen Alvie Won Miners Imperials Koon-L/RSL Grade C1 Won Club MDU Phillip Island Korumburra Grade C2 Kilcunda-Bass Korumburra Koon-L/RSL OMK

Away Team

Ground

Umpire

v v v v

Town Kilcunda-Bass Nerrena Inverloch

Butch W T. Rogers Cowes Rec J. Curry Outt Rec G. Goss Kor Rec

v v v v

Glen Alvie MDU Won Miners Bye

Loch Rec G. Adams Foster GC G. Wightman Mary Mac G. Laird

v v v v

Phillip Island Won Club OMK MDU

Bass Rec SP 1 Nerr Inv Turf

v v v v

Poowong-Loch GA B. Bek Foster Won Rec N. Barnes Korumburra EC N. Grabham Bye

v v v v

Town Inverloch Nerrena OMK

McMhn Meen Rec Newh KSC

M. Wishart K. Scrimshaw TBA I. Thomas

v v v v

Glen Alvie Poowong-Loch Phillip Island Won Club

Bass 2 SP 2 Koon Rec L Velo

TBA TBA TBA TBA

A. Stride A. Jordan I. Richards M. Heenan

Any person interested in umpiring contact Graham Laird 0408 454 741.

Please note all games start at 11am.

suffering due to the above average spring rains, it could be just A Grade matches which get a start.

Drier conditions on Thursday and Friday could improve the situation but more showers are forecast for Saturday.

Koonwarra/Leongatha RSL cricketers were out in force on Sunday to officially unveil their newly extended clubrooms with a massive turnout of cricketers, friends and family and some members of the new Under 14 all girls cricket team.

The club has been

working hard in the off season to extend the clubrooms and three new cricket nets are almost completed. The club plans to work on improving the drainage at the Koonwarra Recreation Reserve in the near future.

At OMK, fund raising produces everything from new training equipment to new rollers and even in one case, a whole new cricket ground; not a replacement ground either but one which reinforces the fighting strength of the Diggers.

OMK’s C1 and C2

Celebrations continue THE Parrots’ B Grade premiers celebrated the win with a traditional muck up day on Sunday, September 25. Back from left, captain Jackie Smith, Kate McCracken, coach Alisha Hemming, Kate Rankin, Kathy Reid and Maddy Kerr, and front, Kate Sperling, Georgia Riseley, Abby Dowd and Beth Dunne. Parrots presentations - pages 42 and 43.

sides will no longer be shunted about all over the district but will finally have a ground to call home.

And the Englishmen are back in force recruited from Whitestable and Plymouth and swapping them for places with names like Koonwarra and Outtrim Moyarra and Kongwak.

Poowong and Loch will celebrate their 25 year partnership this season while Imperials has announced it is in a relationship with the Miners baseball club.

Thinking outside

the box and looking for lateral fixes to chronic problems like growing the playing list, particularly the Juniors, is to be admired.

Junior cricket is getting a big push across the association and bearing fruit with robust competitions at the Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 levels; with huge interest coming from girls wishing to get into cricket.

This guarantees the future of cricket and the comfortable pavilion at Meeniyan Dumbalk United with its bright main

room, comfortable sofas, wide screen television and snack preparation facilities is an example of the home away from home kind of environment that appeals to the younger generation.

Relegation or promotion? Spare a thought for Kilcunda Bass Cricket Club that experienced an incredible 2015-16 season: an A2 and B2 flag and will now compete in A1 and B1 this year.

For details on each club this season see inside for The Star’s annual cricket preview.