Issuu

Galaxy of stars

The Latrobe Valleywas spoiltfor choicelastweek,with footballerspast andpresent making theirmark. Moefootballer TomMatthews wasdrafted to Melbourne,whileMid Gippsland player Willem Duursmawas takenwith Pick1 to West Coast.Elsewhere,KrisPendlebury has been appointed the newcoachofGippsland Power, and Traralgon Brownlow/Coleman medallistKelvin Templeton hasreleased hisdebut novel. To topitoff,the greatGaryAblett Senior even calledinfor ararepublic appearance

Photographs: AFL/supplied

New life for Yallourn

REVEALED: STATION TO BECOME LOW-CARBON EMISSIONS HUB

By PHILIP HOPKINS

ENERGY Australia will convert the Yallourn Wcoal station site into alowcarbon emissions hub supplying data centres, industry and households, in an ambitious plan that will cost more than $5 billion.

Energy Australia,which is Australia’s third-largestelectricity andgas retailer, said the scheme that it has quietlydeveloped as the coal plant moves towards closing in 2028, will mean the Latrobe Valley has along-term future in power supply, the Australian Financial Review reported.

EnergyAustralia’s chiefexecutive, Mark Collette, said the age and inflexibility of the 1480-megawatt coal generator, and its struggles to remain reliable and profitable amid the rise of renewables, meant extending its life was not on the agenda, despite speculation it will run for longer becauseofthe uncertainty how

quickly renewables can be rolled out.

The company, owned by Hong Konglisted CLP Group, has drawn up plans for what it callsthe 'Yallourn Energy Security Precinct', where gas power and solar generationalongside large-scale battery storagewill use the huge site, its access to water and its connection to the grid.

“The site’s been running for 100 years, and we’d love to see it run in some capacity for another100 years,” Mr Collette said in an interview with the AFR.

“It’s clearly not goingtobeonbrown coal if we’re looking 100 years into the future, but data centres, solar, batteries, gas-fired generation that can back up a renewable system -they all look quite prospective.”

The first stageofthe new precinct would be agas power plant that could ultimately supply up to one gigawatt of power, and asimilarly sized lithium-ion

battery with capacity for eighthours of storage. The gas power would come online by the middle of the next decade.

Mr Collett es ai dt hat while EnergyAustralia hadyet to “bringthe business case to life” and nail down gas supplies andother elements, he saw a clear role for gas-fired power to allow other Victorian coal stations, including AGL’sLoy YangA,toclose. “Whetherit’s abit earlier or abit later for the other technologies, we think there’ll be an opportunity,” he added.

Mr CollettesaidEnergyAustralia had held earlydiscussions with data centre operatorsabout the opportunityand was “quite optimistic” aboutthe prospects for that industry to set up around Yallourn, given its access to transmission, water and power. But he also pointed to “challenges”, including access to fibre optic cable capacity into Melbourne.

“There ’s some rea ladvantag es to

Yallourn and at the full scale,itcould well be $5 billion-plus,” he said.

“Havingsaidthat, it’s acompetitive marketout there,and we’ll have to prove that this is the best site for those technologies.”

EnergyAustraliaisinstalling the Wooreen 350MW megawattbatteryat the Valley’sJeeralang gas power station that the companyrefurbished two years ago.

The Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred, saidthe plannedYallourn project was welcome news for the Valley and Gippsland.

“If state and federal Labor governments get out of the way, it can be great news nationally,” she told the Express

“Gas is critical for stabilising the grid as partofthe energy transition. We absolutely should be incorporating agaspoweredplant into the energy pipeline.”

Continued -Page4

Further timberblow as Yarram mill closes, morethan 70 jobstogo

By AIDAN KNIGHT AND PHILIP HOPKINS

FEDERAL

Member

for Gippsland, Darren Chester, has blamed the state government's axing of Victoria's native forest industry as akey factor in the closure of the AKD softwood timber mill at Yarram, which will result in the loss of 73 jobs.

Mr Chestersaidthe sawmillclosure was aresult of aseries of issues, including the Victorian Labor Party’s decision to abolish the native hardwood timber industry.

“That illogical decision to ban native timber harvesting hasset off acascading effect across the broader Gippsland region,” Mr Chester said.

“We are continuing to see the downstream impacts of the native timber industryclosure, with job losses in several towns, along with the closure of paper production at the Maryvale Paper Mill, leading to less demandfor wood chips, and the AKD (Associated Kiln Driers) Yarram sawmill has been caught in the backwash.

“We now have the bizarre situation where Australia is not building enough houses to meet a growing population, but alocal sawmill is closing because there’s adownturn in the housing market, construction and compliance costsare killing investment, our energy prices make manufacturing uncompetitive and cheapimports are displacing locally-made timber products."

The Leader of the Victorian Nationals, Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien, saidthe announcement

was “a shock and amassive hit” for Yarram and the surrounding district. “Seventy-three jobs lost in atown the sizeofYarram is enormous,” Mr O’Brien said.

Mr O’Brien said he had contacted the Minister for Regional Development and would work with the state government to support those affected.

He added that while AKD cited industry and construction-sector pressures, broader economic conditions and stategovernment policies had worsened the situation.

AKD's decision, confirmed on Monday last week, puts 73 localjobs at risk. That'smore than one worker for every year it has been operational.

The Yarram site, which has produced lower-grade fibre products for landscaping, pallets,and packaging, is being shut down amid challenging market conditions and aprolonged slowdown in housing construction nationwide, the company said. AKD employs about 1000 people across Australia, with Yarram being one of its smaller operations.

AKD chief executive Shane Vicary said the closure followed an organisationalreview, which determined the Yarram mill was no longer sustainable given rising operating costs and forecast demand.

“Thishas been an extremely difficult decision to arrive at -but anecessary one to take -when we consider all the external factors at play and prioritise what’sbestfor AKD’s long-term future,”

Mr Vicary said.

He added that production will be consolidated across AKD’s four largersites in Colac, Caboolture,

Tumut, and Oberon, which will continue supplying the full range of structural softwood products.

For Yarramworkers, AKD said employees would be supported throughanEmployeeAssistance Program and offeredredeploymentopportunities

Mr Chester said he had been assured that AKD Yarram Sawmill workerswill receive their full entitlements and additionalassistance to manage the shock announcement of major job losses.

Mr Vicary acknowledged the closure’s impact on the local community.

“Having operated in regional communities for 70 years,the significanceofour departure from Yarram is not lost on us.Weunderstand how important our operations have been to the fabric of thisregion and we are committed to working with local stakeholders in Gippsland to reduce the impact of the closure where reasonably possible,” he said.

Local industry representatives expressed concern about the mill’s closure, citing its importance to the town and surrounding communities.

“This mill has been part of Yarram for decades,” one source said. “Losing it affects more than just jobs –ittouches families, local suppliers, and the wider economy of South Gippsland.”

Whilethe Yarram closure marks adifficult chapter for Gippsland, AKD insists it will not affect its ability to deliver products to customers nationally.

AKD has not yet confirmed when the sitewill formally cease operations.

Nuclear,why bother wasting your money?

COMMENT

BY ADRIAN COSGRIFF

IN responsetothe comment by WillShackel in the November 12 issueofthe Express ('Let's discuss liftingban').

Let's start with thefacts

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), ahighly respected and often referenced organisation, in the period 2025-27, of all the new electricitygenerationbeing built world-wide, 95 per cent will be renewables. Five per cent will be nuclear.

You have to ask yourself: why is the world putting so much money into renewables and so little into nuclear?

Coulditbethat renewableenergy and storageis the fastest, cheapest way to obtain new electricity generation?

Let's not forgetthat nuclear powerhad a50-year head start on renewables. And yet, whose winning the race?

In all the major nuclear nations such as the UK, the USA and China, possibly excluding France, new renewable energy outpaces nuclear construction by an order of magnitude. We can look at very recent examples of nuclear builds in countries with very similar safety standards to that of Australia. Namely the UK, the US and France. Those three projects, Hinkley Point C, Vogtleand Flamanville, ran enormously over budget and build times blew out.

Just this year globally, renewables overtook coal as the largest source of electricitygeneration. Good old coal that has been powering us for 150 years has just been knocked off by renewables,34.3 per cent and 33.1 per cent respectively. Nuclear is down at around nine per cent. Nuclear power has been running since the late 60s and yet it still only provides nine per cent of the world's power.

According to the World Nuclear Association, the total capacity of nuclear generation on the planet is 400GW. It took 50 years to achieve that. By comparison, China built 300GW of renewables in the first three quarters of this year! Anumberthat is up 47 per cent on last year.

The world added 582GWofrenewables lastyear, up 15 per cent on the year before.

So, despite Mr Shackel's enthusiasm for nuclear power, the rest of the worldjustdoesn'tagree. The numbers don't lie. The numbers clearly show that the world is switching to renewables and it is doing it fast. Countries that have mature established nuclear power industries are building much more renewable power instead. Faster, cheaper, safer, cleaner.

Here on the east coast of Australia, more than 40 per cent of our annual electricity comes from renewables today. Up from just afew per cent 15 years ago. That percentageisexpected to hit around 80 per cent by 2030and be verycloseto100 per centin10years. Baseloadcoal is already struggling to compete today. Baseloadcan no longer run at the highrates 24/7 because of competition from renewables. So why,inacountry that has some of the best renewable energy sources in the world, clean, free, abundantresources that are distributed nationwide, would we bother wasting any time or money on even considering anuclear baseload power plantfor some time in the distantfuture? What would be the point?

Renewableenergy and storage are booming in Australia and creating new jobs every day.

Baseload power is rapidly becoming yesterday's technology as all of our electricity generation companies are demonstrating by their investments movingtorenewables. Eachand every oneofthem.

As to Mr Shackel's survey results: did anyone notice that he didn't publish the questions asked?

He didn't show us how they were framed. People can rig asurvey any way they likebymanipulating the questions.

The real survey that matters was the last federal election. Australia made it very clear that they didn't want the Coalition running the country. They didn't want the imaginary Small Modular Reactor policy. Theydidn't want the planthat wouldn't have delivered anuclearplant for at least 20 years. They didn't want the plan that had no solution for thousands of years of toxic waste storage. They didn't want aplan that required coal to run for decades longer despite those plants becoming less and less reliable every year.

As to savingWhyalla or Tomago. What willthose operations do for electricity between now and 2050 which would be the earliesta nuclear plant be built? Those operations need aplan now, notone 25 years away. And, it seems, Rio has arenewables planfor their smelter in Gladstone already.

Unlike ex pe nsive nuclear, renew ab les are powering the grid today. Every day. Proven. Safe. We already have atrained workforce installing them. They are being built all across the country in just abouteverycommunity. Theyare legal and accepted in every state and territory. More than four million households have solar and now they are embracing batteries with gusto. We have added1GW of domestic battery storageinjust three months, and batteries continue to get better and cheaper year on year. Can't say thatabout nuclear.

There is simply no future for nuclear power in Australia. Too expensive.Too slow. No waste solution at all and no electricity market for baseload in the future. And of course, we have abetter, safer, cheaper, legal alternative that is readily available to us today.

Adrian Cosgriff is aTraralgon resident More energy opinion -Page 34

Hydrogen pathway

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project, which can make hydrogen from Latrobe Valley brown coal, is concentrating on supplying hydrogen to the Australian domestic market now that the exportofthe product to Japan has fallen away.

The HESC project was originally run by two consortia -J-Power and Sumitomo, which tookcharge of the supplychain to produce clean hydrogen from Valley brown coal with carbon capture andstorage(CCS) underBassStrait; andKawasaki Heavy Industries(KHI) and their joint venture partner, Japan Suiso Energy,who were responsible for the liquefaction and transport of hydrogen by sea to Japan.

Howev er, the KHI/ JSE partne rs in September announced they would take part in adifferent liquid hydrogen supply chain between Australia and Japan based on natural gas in WesternAustralia. It has teamed up withWoodside Energy and The KansaiElectric Power Co in a memorandum of understanding (MOU); thisdeal involvesshipping liquid hydrogen produced at Woodside's proposed H2Perth Project in WA in liquid hydrogen carriers to receiving terminals in Japan. Kawasaki is continuing the commercial demonstration phase in Japan.

The HESC pilot project has already successfully shipped liquid hydrogen based on brown coal fromLoy YangtoJapan. The hydrogen was transported by truck to Hastings in Western Port where it was liquefiedfor transport to Japan in 2022. The HESC pilot project,successfully completed in 2022 by the HESC project partners, was aworld first and proof that the supply chain between Victoria and Japan is technically viable.

The J-Power and Sumitomo Corporation joint venture said despite the WA move, they would continue to work to produce clean hydrogen from the Valley with CCS at afully commercial scale.

Aspokesman for J-Power and Sumitomo saidthe originalplanhad changedfroman export focus to adomestic one.

"They (J-Power and Sumitomo) are seeking domestic (Australian) off-takers for hydrogen," he said.

Woodside's H2Perth projectisplanned to be located in the Rockingham and Kwinana industrial zones in Perth. The plant aims to produce liquid hydrogen via natural gas reforming to achieve net zero Scope 1and 2greenhouse gas emissions from the start of operations.

This would be achieved by CCS -subject to further technical assessments, commercial arrangements and regulatory approvalsandtothe extent needed, the use of carbon credits as offsets.

The partiesmaintainthat the MOU reflects their commitment to accelerate the energy transition, bringing together technology, infrastructureand international collaboration to help power alower-carbon future. Theysay it underpins the value of ahydrogen supply chain and further strengthens Australian-Japan relations.

Carbon capture vital to net zero: Japanese ambassador

PoliceBeat with Aidan Knight

Smashing stuff

TRARALGON Police are investigating after at least six vehicles were damagedinthe early hours of Sunday, November 9.

Owners on Albert Street awoke to find their front and rear windscreenssmashed, with offenders also stomping on several bonnets, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Police believe amale offenderwearinga hoodie used astick or piece of wood to carry out the vandalism.

Anyone with information is urged to contact First Constable Keoghan at TraralgonPolice Station on 5172 2700, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Traralgon terror

DETECTIVES charged aman following an alleged hit-and-runonWatkins Court, Traralgon on August 7around 5.45pm.

Police understand an altercation occurred between people known to each other before amaroonFord Falcon hit a45-year-old man and fled the scene.

The victim was takentohospital with non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released.

Freeway incident

TRAFFIC was delayed on Monday morning (November 24) after avan rolled over on the Princes Freeway, near Newborough.

The incidentoccurred justafter the Gunns Gullyturnoff,heading towards Traralgon.

Multiple carswere involved in the incident

By PHILIP HOPKINS

JAPAN'S ambassador to Australia has urged the Albanese government to offertaxpayer-funded incentives for carbon capture and storage, arguing the technology will eventually become commercially viable and that gas will remain akey part of the energy mix for decades.

Kazuhiro Suzuki said carbon captureand storage was vital to achieving net zeroemissions by 2050, and government incentives for the technology wouldsupportdomestic industries, the Australian Financial Review reported.

"Japan is doing so, and Australia -blessed with depleted gas fields idealfor storage -has even greaterpotential to do so,” he toldthe National Press Club in aspeech marking the upcoming50th anniversary of Australia and Japan’s post-war bilateral relationship.

“I believe that both Australia and Japan share the view that gas willremainanimportantenergy source in the coming decades of transition, keeping the electricity on, keeping houses warm and keeping industry running,all while reducingemissions as we move towards net zero.”

Japan heavily relies on natural gas, and needs carbon capture and storage to achieve its net zero by 2050 target, but it lackssuitable geological formations to storecarbon. As aresult,itispushing other countries to develop storage industries so it can achieve its decarbonisation goals.

Mr Suzuki said it would be wrong to assume the efficiency of the technology would remain static until 2050,suggesting it could become commercially viable in future.

“With continuedR&D investment,technology willadvance,costs will fall, and efficiency will rise,” he said.

“In the early 2000s, many experts predictedthat Australia’s population could not exceed 25 million because of water scarcity. Yet today, projections suggest morethan40million by 2060. Why? Because science and technology evolve.”

Consultant Wood Mackenz ie estimate s Australia’s geological potential for carbon dioxide storage far exceeds its ownneedstostore emissions

from industry and power generation and represents arevenue opportunity of up to $582 billion.

In Gippsland, two opportunities for carbon storageare regarded as excellent: CarbonNet’s Bass Strait Project and the depleted oil and gas reservoirs of Exxon’s 9(now Woodsides's) affiliated Gippsland Basin Joint Venture CCS Hub.

Mr Suzuki said it was vital to maintain a predictable and stable business and investment environment, praising Resource Minister Madeleine King’s consistent supportfor Australia’s mining and gas industries as well as Environment Minister Murray Watt’s decision to extend the operation of Woodside's North West Shelfproject.

“Theseplansand actions send strong positive signals to foreign investors when making their future investment decisions,” Mr Suzuki said.

Ms King in August launched areport, 'The Economic Potential for CCS in Australia' by Low Emissions Technology Australia, which she described as "essential". The report said afully networked CCS industry along the east coast, with Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley akey contributor, could boost economicactivitybyabout $66 billion and support jobs over the coming decades.

The reportwarned that without co-ordinated efforts, there was abig risk that Australiamay not develop the carbon sequestration capacity to reach net zero emissions.

More than 90 per cent of Japan’s primaryenergy is imported, makingAustralia -its largest LNG supplier -central to the country’s energy security.

Mr Suzuki saidhehoped Labor’s overhaul of environmental laws would bring more transparent and predictable processes for industry while maintainingAustralia’s strong environmental standards.

Critics of carbon capture and storage, including environmental groups, say the technology is a backdoorway for the fossil fuelindustrytoprolong its life.

Santos received Australia's largest issue of carbon credits for its Moomba CCS project last month, a milestone that it says shows the untapped potential of the abatement technology.

Powering on at Yallourn W

From PAGE 1

MS Aldred said Yallourn supplies up to aquarter of the state’s baseload electricity needs.

“It concerns me greatly that we are scheduled to lose that in only three years’ time with nothing available to supplement it,” she said.

“I’ve been saying for alongtimethat data centres will be critical to our datasovereign ty in Australia. We need to be holding as much data as we can onshore. To do that, we need datacentres, we need alot of energy. All of these opportunities present ahighly skilled, highlypaid jobs future for our region.”At the GippslandNew Energy Conference earlier this year, the Mining Energy Union warned that renewables would never replace the jobs lost in the Valley’s coal-fired power stations and that the Gippslandoffshorewind industry would not be ready to operate when Yallourn closes in 2028. The number of jobs involved in renewables was low and earliest offshore wind farm would not start fully operating until2032-33, the unionsaid. EnergyAustralia had already started atransition in its energy assets, the AFR reported.

Apart from the Jeeralang developments, the company last year brought online agas power plant in NSW’s Shoalhaven region, which it has used more thanexpected. It has also revived plans to build agas power plantatMarulan, south of Sydney, and this year partnered with French giant Electricite de France for apumped hydro project near Lithgow.

EnergyAustralia had previouslystarted to implement plans for gas power at Yallourn, applying for permits and negotiating with turbine manufacturers, but they were put on iceafter the carbon price was scrapped.

The Australian Energy Market Operatorforecasts that the National Electricity Market will require 15 gigawatts of gas power generation over the next 20 years to support intermittent renewables. This impliesasignificant expansion, given that some existing plants are nearing retirement.

EnergyAustralia’s rivals,including AGL, all have gas power growth plans, but the exclusion of gas from thefederalgovernment’s Capacity Investment Scheme and from some state-based underwriting programshas madethe businesscase more difficult.

Amultibillion-dollarinvestment at Yallourn would require co-investment partners at atime

when CLP hasbeen lookingfor apartner for EnergyAustraliatobringinnew sourcesofcapital, the AFR said. The company had been in talks on apotential $10 billion merger with Alinta, which owns the Loy Yang Bpower station.

Mr Collette declined to comment on discussions with Alinta but noted that the strategy over the past 12 months had been to link with partners at the project level, including Thailand’s Banpu for the Wooreenbattery and EdF for LakeLyellhydro.

That would apply also for Yallourn.

“We haveahugeportfolio of opportunities in thingslikethe Yallourn EnergySecurity Precinct, and we do expect that we will both explore and find capital partners at abigger scale as we need them.”

EnergyAustralia’s earnings from the Yallourn coal plant, Australia’s most carbon-intensive, have taken ahit from an unexpected breakdown in late Augustofone of its four turbines, taking it offline until mid-January. The failure came not long after the completion of a$400million, two-year maintenanceprogramacross all four turbines that was intended to ensure reliable performance through to the generator’s closure.

Longer term, the economics of the plant just don’t work, Mr Collette said.

Yallourn’s old, inflexible technology limits its ability to ramp downduring sunnyhours when

wholesaleprices often sink belowzero, unlike EnergyAustralia’smore modern Mount Piper coal generator in NSW.

“The days of 24/7 base load power, generating the same hour after hour, they’re numbered,” Mr Collette said.

“It’s not alackofcoal that spells the end of Yallourn –itisthose market factors.”

Speaking at an Energy Week conference last year, Mr Collette said gas-fired power generation was integral to asuccessful energy transition, which costs an estimated $320 billion and requires10,000 kilometres of new transmission.

“It’sthe biggestengineering projectinour history. Australiansare beginning to understand the physicaland technological challengesofthe energy transition.Australia mustsortout supply chain constraints, planning challenges and community support …and has no option but to work through all these issues,” he said.

“The existing coal fired electricity system is increasingly fragile. Investment cases to maintain coal power stations in the face of policy pushing rapid transition are tough. There is alimitto extending the life of old power stations, particularly at short notice.”

Mr Collette said customers want predictability in energy prices and bills.

“Customers expect prices to move something in the range of flat to inflation levels and when this does not happen, they are unhappy.Customers expect when they reduce usage that their bills will go down and feel trapped when this does not happen,” he said.

Mr Collette said customers spent money on solar, an investment for the next 20 years, because they expect it will reduce their energy usage and value the predictability they see from this action.

“Predictability is not afeature of Australia’s energysystem today.The long-term interests of consumers of energy are not beingmet. Consumers want efficiency to deliver predictability not volatility,” he said.

Network and transmission costs were predictable drivers of every bill but were rising fast.

“The wholesale part is less predictable. The reason is that the wholesale market is fundamentally designed aroundvolatility, around scarcity driving investment,” he said.

In the 1990s to early 2010s, the national energy market(NEM) was efficientand predictable,with some of the lowest energy costs anywhere.

“But as Australia embarks on transforming its energy supply… Australia is seeing insufficient investment in the new system on top of arapidly aginginstalled system. This is amarketprimed for unpredictability. Of course,thereare solutions The challenges are exacerbated by policy, regulatory and commercial decisions and these can be changed.”

Mr Collette said gas-fired power generation was needed to protect reliability.

“Storage is one way to deal with no wind or sun. However, there still needs to be enough wind and sun to charge the batteries and hydro. Alow-sun, low-wind week just does not have enough energy to charge the batteries or pumped hydro,” he said.

“This is why Australia’s renewables-based energy system needs lotsofsolar, lotsofwind, lotsof storage and gas fired generation in reserve. Gas generation willpredominantlyplay areserve role. While gas generation will run infrequently, gas generation will be essential for reliability in those days and weekswhenitdoes run. Without the gas, there is no way through other than coal,” he said. Dan Nugent, Trading and Transition Executive at EnergyAustralia, said the retirement of Yallourn powerstationmarks notanending,but anew chapter for the Latrobe Valley.

"We are excitedtobeexploringtransformative energy developments at this historic site that will continue to position our region at the forefront of Victoria's energy future,” he told the Express.

"These proposed developments represent our commitment to ensuringthe Valleycontinues to power Victoria for generations to come. By embracing new energy technologies and opportunities, we're creating apathway that honours our proud energy heritage while building the reliable power infrastructure our state needs."

Mr Nugent said with developments like the Wooreen EnergyStorage Systemalreadyunderway, "we're determinedtoensure ourregion remains essentialtoVictoria's energy security while leading the transition to asustainable future".

"Wooreen and the proposed developments at Yallourn would connect into existing power lines and transmission infrastructure,which helps to reduce the cost of the transition,” he said.

Next chapter: EnergyAustralia has released proposals that will see Yallourntransformed into alow-carbonemissions plant. File photograph

New mayor to be elected Thursday

LATROBECityCouncil will electits new mayor and deputy mayor tomorrow (Thursday, November 26).

Mayoral elections are for 12 month terms.

Currentmayor Dale Harriman and deputy mayor Sharon Gibson have both held the top job in previous councils.

The election willbeheld at Kernot Hall, Morwell from 6pm.

Thosewishing to attend must register via Eventbrite.

To register, visit: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au.councilmeetings

This meeting is separate from the monthly council meeting, which was held last Monday (November 24).

Details of this meeting will appear in afuture Express.

The Express goes to print Monday nights, after the meeting took place.

From the with AIDAN KNIGHT

Remembrance Dayreflections

HEAVY rain and windy conditions did not deter the Yallourn North Primary School children from participating in the Yallourn North Remembrance Day Service.

They were joined by Yallourn North residents and members of the Girl Guide Strzelecki Boomerang Trefoil Guild.

Theservice was conducted by Linda Hall and everyone sheltered under the veranda of the local hall with the rain holding off while wreaths were laid.

Yallour nW ar dC ouncillo rS teph Mo rga nr epr esent ed Lat ro be Ci ty Council and laid awreath. Nick from the primary school read In Flanders Fields, while Jacynta and Emmalyn laid awreath.

LowannaCollege student, Nick said the Closing Reading, and Jake laid a wreath.

Cheryl Moysey laid awreathonbehalf of the Yallourn North community.

MargaretGaulton read APrayer of Remembrance. Dorothy Sturgess and Christine Thomas of the TrefoilGuild raised the flags.

Gathered: YallournNor th Primar ySchool students and localspausefor Remembrance DayatMonash Hall/McGregor Reser ve Photograph supplied

Lest We Forget: Traralgon’s ser vice wasmet withdrizzle.

Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Quartet: Latrobe ValleyNationalSer vicemen RobMar tin, AnthonyIshtchuk, Lothar Schnabl and RobJohnstone-Wade at Moe RSLonRemembrance Day. Photograph: Liam Durkin

Honour: Moe Vietnam veterans IanCaines,Rex Daly,Tom Hunt andPeter Shears. Photograph: Liam Durkin

An industrybuilt on addiction

COMMENT

BY JOHN DE SOUZA-DAW

IHAVE never gambled in my life -Idon’t even buy raffle tickets. Yet Iknow that many Australians are not so lucky. For too many, gamblingbeginsas away to blot out stress, trauma or loneliness, but it fast spiralsinto something farmore destructive.

In our owncommunity, Latrobe City,the cost is staggering. In 2023/24, we lost $49.6 million to electronic gaming machines alone. That works out to roughly $829 per adult, which is $254 more than the Victorian average. These losses don’t just vanish -they damage health, housing, employability, relationships and wellbeing.

Gambling harm isn’tafringe problem.Ina national study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), 32 per cent of adults reported gambling at least monthly, and around 3.1 million Australians (15 per cent) experienced harm, stress,guilt,borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.Among high-risk gamblers, 16 per cent reported suicidal thoughts, compared to just four per cent for low-risk gamblers; 19 per cent of people whose partners gambled weekly or more said they’d experienced intimate partner violence. According to the Australian Gambling Research Centre,73per cent of adults gambled in the last year, and 38 per cent gambled weekly. The most vulnerable in this crisis are the ones the industry depends on. Recent data from the Alliance for Gambling Reform shows that just 12.7 per cent of gamblers, those experiencing moderate or severe harm, generate almost half -48.5per cent of all gambling revenue. That is not business as usual; it is predation.

In Victoria alone, the toll is even more sobering. Arecent studyestimated that gambling harm cost Victoriansmorethan $14 billion in 2022/23.Twothirds of that came from pokies,and the worst-off are often those who canleast afford it. So, what can we do?Wecan act now-athome, in ourclubs, in our politics.

MP David Pocock and former MP Peta Murphy havelaid out aboldreform agenda, based on Murphy’s 31 recommendations. These include athree-year phase-out of gambling ads, atotal ban on online wagering advertising, and stronger consumer protections -alegislated duty of care so gambling companies must look after their customers, not just chase profit. Murphy also calls for a

national regulator, paid for by aharm-reduction levyonwagering providers, plus amassiveboost to treatment and education programmes, especially for young people and vulnerable communities.

These are not half-measures.They are long-term structural reforms that shift responsibilitybackto where it belongs: with industry, not individuals. These measures are not popular with everyonegambling operators and some broadcasters have pushed back, and the government has dragged its feet. But theoverwhelming majority of Australians support it. Polling consistently showsaround 80 per cent want strong action on gambling advertising.

This issue is not just about personal willpower or 'bad luck' -it’sapublic health crisis, aregulatory failure and abusiness model built on harm. When young people see gamblingads all over their screens, or when simulated gambling in video games normalises risk from early age, we are grooming ageneration to be hooked.

Thereishope. On the ground in Latrobe City, professionalslike Sandra Luxford from Latrobe Community Health Service are doing vital work. She offers solution-focused therapy, self-exclusion programs and practical tools- mindfulness, family activities, finding new hobbies -tohelp people turn their lives around.

“When someone tellsmethey haven’t gambledfor weeks or months, or theirfamily is smiling together again, Iknow this work is worthwhile,” she says.

If you are personally affected, or know someone who is, help is available.

The Gambler’s Help team at Latrobe Community Health Service can be reached on 1800 242 696, and the national Gambler’s Help Line is free and open 24/7 on 1800 858 858.

We all have arole to play. Speak up, support reform, encourage people to set limits, and direct them to help. And if our politiciansstill can’t summon the courage to regulate this industry -then we should demand they do.

Because no one should risk their home, their family or their future defending an industry built on addiction.

John de Souza-Daw is aTraralgon resident with degrees in history and politics, English and sociology.

More letters -Page20

Debilitating: Gamblingand electonicgaming machines continue to effect manyfamilies in the LatrobeValley.

PhotoiStock

By PHILIP HOPKINS

Nuclear for Australia wants commitment to science

NUCLEAR for Australia has urged acrackdown on lies and misinformation, and acommitment to science and facts, in debates on energy issues.

The orga nisation' sf ounder, Wil lS hackel,

Energy hubs here to help

By PHILIP HOPKINS

AS OU TH Gi ppsland livestock farmer, Lindsay Marriott, has backed renewable energy, in apresentation to aSenateinquiry

Mr Marriott, abeef and sheep farmer who hosts 12 wind turbines and asubstation on his family property, appeared as awitness at the Senate Committee on Information IntegrityonClimateChange and Energy public hearing in Sydney.

Mr Marriott was invited to address the hearing by the Renewable Energy Alliance (RE-Alliance), an independent not-for-profit workingfor more thanadecade with regional communitiesatthe centreofthe shiftto renewables.

Mr Marriott,whose windfarm hasbeen in operation for more than 10 years, spoke about the campaigns that ran against his windfarm during the planning process, some of the claims that were made, and what the reality has been 10 years later.

RE-Alliance's national director, Andrew Bray, told the committee that there were a range of opinions about renewable energy in the regions, but repeated datashowedaclear majority support renewables.

“While the rollout can be messy and communities have legitimate concerns that deserve to be addressed, one of the biggest contributorstocommunity anxiety is not being able to easily access factual, locallyrelevant and trusted information," he said.

“When there is an information void,we see it filled, time and time again, by false and exaggerated claims. This is why our submission recommends the federal government establish anetwork of Local Energy Information Hubs in renewable energy regions across the country,” he said.

Local Energy Hubs are proposed local service centres run by councils or community organisations. Each hub would have ateam of trusted local staff working to ensure communities are genuinelyseeing the benefits of renewablesatall levels, from accessing bill subsidies to helping electrify farms and small businesses, to responding to large-scale projects in development.

Mr Bray said local energy hubs are not simply shopfronts or drop-in-centres.

"They are designed to dramaticallyincrease the capacity and agency of rural and regional communities so they can leadthe shift to renewables, incorporate arange of local perspectives andtacklechallengesasthey arise," he said.

Moreinformation on the Local Energy Hubs modelcan be found at: localenergyhubs.org.au

appear ed before the Select Committee on Information Integrity on Climate Change and Energy to give evidence.

"I anticipated speaking about facts, science and the need for an informed national debate. Instead Iwas met with hostility. Rather than abalanced, good-faith hearing, Iwas relentlessly bombarded withunfair, loadedand at times inappropriate questions designed to discreditmyselfand the thousands of Australians who support Nuclear for Australia," he said.

"Compared to their questioning of the groups that were responsible for the nuclear disinformationcampaign,the double standard was simply incredible.

"I did my best to answer every question calmly, clearly and with evidence. But some of what happened last week went beyond scrutiny- it was openly hostile. The truth is there are powerful interests determined to shut down honest discussion about nuclear energy -and they are not playing fair."

The group's submission to the committee said information integrity about climate change and energy was critically important after the 2025 election featuredclear and targetedmisinformation and disinformation campaigns against nuclear as an energy source.

"False information abut nuclearenergy was shared by numerous political, advocacy and lobbying groups. Nuclear power is proventobe an affordable,safeand emission-freesolution, yet television, radio,print and broadcast video on demand advertising spread false claims about the cost, safety, effectiveness and time to develop nuclear power in Australia," Mr Shackel said.

In the last federal election, Loy Yang in the

Latrobe Valley was oneofsix locations around Australia that the OppositionCoalition had nominated as the site for anuclear power station.

The submission had three recommendations:



The committee should support increased literacy about nuclear technologies, in particular nuclear energy, based on science and facts, not fearmongering;

 The committee should recommend the requirements for truth in political advertising, either legislatively or via an independent code of conduct, and;



The committee should recommend Australia rejoin the Generation IV International Forum.

This would enable anuclear Australia to retain close ties with future industry and technology developments.

Nuclear Australia referred to several examplesof misinformation. It refuted the claim that nuclear wouldtakemore than 20 yearstobuildinAustralia.

The AustralianNuclear Science and Technology Organisation, based on the International Atomic Energy Agency Milestones approach, estimated nuclear could be built in anewcomer country like Australia in 10 to 15 years, it said.

Nuclear power plants in Australia were not at risk due to earthquakes, as claimed.

"Engineering would mitigate any earthquake risk in Australia's disproportionately low seismic environment, according to Geoscience Australia.

Around the world, earth quake risk is easily mitigated against in the design of nuclear power stations," the submission said.

There were inaccurate and disproven fears that nuclear caused cancer and The Simpsons' 'threeeyed fish'.

"The issues with these claimsare widely documented and ignore basic scientific principles," the submission said.

Nuclear Australia said Labor's claim that the nuclear power policy would cost $600 billion was basedonresearch by theSmart EnergyCouncil, a renewable energy lobby group. It assumedacapital cost of morethan fourtimesthe Coalition's cost and assumed acapital cost more than five times the CSIRO GenCost report.

"The number was calculated by doublingthe cost of the most expensive nuclear power project in the world, Hinkley Point C, and extrapolatingit. This clearlymisleadingfigurewas sharedbymany groups to mislead the public," the submission said.

Nuclear Australia said increasing the public's literacy on the issue would enable people to know what is fact and what is fiction and reduce the impact of mis/disinformation campaigns. "There is strong evidence thatthosewho know more about nuclear are more likely to support it," the submission said.

Suggested actions included improvement to school curriculumstoensure thatnuclear science is taught and understood; andthe outreach of ANSTO should be expanded.

The submission said it was revealed at the end of last year that Australia would effectively be removing itself from the Generation IV International Forum.

"This decisionundermines ourcredibilityand moves us out of step with key allies," it said.

GIF includesCanada, China, France, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the UK,the USA and Euratom (the European Atomic Energy Commission),which works together to share knowledgeonthe next generation nuclear power developments.

Affordability stillthe key

By PHILIP HOPKINS

THE peak energy body, the Australian Energy Council, whose members includes Latrobe Valley operators AGL and Energy Australia,maintains that affordability is the key to ensuring public confidence and ongoing community support for the energy transition, which it says is now delicately balanced. Thecurrent chair of the board is Damien Nicks,Managing Director and chief executive of AGLEnergy,

The AEC's Chief Executive,Louisa Kinnear, said asurvey of the AEC's chief executive officers, 'Delivering Australia’s energy transition affordably' -highlights the challenges in meeting the country’s energy and emission ambitions.

Thechiefs remain committed to supporting net zero on the premise that the least cost, lowest impact pathway is an energy system dominated by renewables and firmedbybattery storage, gas and pumped hydro. The AEC has arange of members, includingenergy retailersand generators such as AGL, Energy Australia and Origin Energy.

The surveysaysreplacing ageing,emissionsintensive generation is not costless.

"The CEOs want amoreopen and honest dialogue about the challenges andcosts of the energy transition," Ms Kinnear said.

Thesurvey also reinforces thecriticalimportance of policy certainty and stability as Australia

enters the “difficult deliveryphase” of the energy transition and the need to support customers.

The surveyreportincludes recommendationsto address affordability and includes some guiding principles on how governments and industry can work together to successfully deliver areliable, low emissions and affordable energy system.

“Industry has an important role in supporting customers through the energy transition and we don’t shyaway from the need to invest in and advocatefor initiatives that help to improve energy affordability for all customers,” Ms Kinnear, said.

“We are keen to work collaboratively with federal and state governments to ensure that the policy and market settings give us the best chance at ensuring affordable and reliableenergy supply is accessible by all.”

The survey of the CEOs of the leading energy retailers, generators and investors was undertaken by SEC Newgate and commissioned by the AEC. The importance of ensuring affordability of Australia’s powersupplywas one of the key issues flagged by the CEOs, along with the danger of price and supplyshocks in thesystem, and concerns about the impacts these could have on vulnerable customers.

CEOs noted that prices had never been under more pressure, with the large-scale investment required to replace and decarbonise generation

assetsand delaysinthe rollout of some renewable projects.

“I think it’s the calm before the storm, and the storm is coming around cost and competitiveness,” according to one gentailer CEO.

“Network costisonly going to go up, and go up by increasing levels. And the Australian consumer is not really wise to that yet because they haven’t seen the worst of it,” another gentailer CEO noted. “… the cost of this transition is really going to affect the people who can afford it the least, so people that are already struggling to pay their power bills are going to get slammed withmore costfrom moreofthe transmission and distribution costs that are yet to come, and the higher cost of electricity with storage that’s got to be factored in,” according to aretail chief executive.

Commenting on the transition, CEOssaid: “The transition right now is delicately poised and at quiteanimportant point. There havebeen these bumps along the way. It is taking longertodeliver the new generation and transmission projects, transmission is obviously acritical path.”

“The energy transition now is as much about system securityasitisabout emissionsreduction, and sometimesweemphasise one at the expense of the other and we need to actually hold them both together.”

Liberal leader merry-go-round continues

By LIAM DURKIN

THE blind leading the blind.

The circus that is leadership of theVictorian Liberal Party continued last week, after Brad Battin was ousted littlemore than ayear out from next year’s state election.

Taking over is Jess Wilson -afirst-term MP and firstfemaleleader of the state Liberals.

Ms Wilson, just 35-years-of-age, defeated the incumbent following aleadership challenge on the morning of Tuesday, November 18.

Sheisthe sixth leader of the party in the last seven years.

Making up part of what will likely become a ‘magnificent seven’ after Victorians go to the polls next year is Traralgon-born John Pesutto.

Mr Pesutto led the party from2022and 2024, losing to Mr Battin after pressure mounted from hisdefamation case againstLiberal colleague and MP Moira Deeming.

Mr Pesutto faced the prospect of bankruptcy and being ineligible to stay in office, after being found guilty and slappedwith a$2.3 milliondamage bill. Bizarrely, reports recently surfaced that Mr Pesutto and Ms Deeming had called atruce, in a bid to oust Mr Battin via abackdoor deal.

Mr Battin managed to make one visit to the Latrobe Valley during his shortstayasstate Opposition leader, joining Member for Morwell Martin Cameron in May this year to announce the Coalition’s ‘break bail, face jail’ plan.

While the opposition’s stance on crime may have forced the government to act by introducing tougher laws (machete bans, children over 14 facing adult sentences), somepolitical commentators have said Mr Battin’s sole focus on crime actually led to his undoing, as there was nothing further in his proposals for an alternative government.

Ms Wilson was previously an advisor to federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, and it can be reasonably assumed party room colleagues see her as astrongvoice in addressing the state’s crippling balance sheet.

Still, the path to victory next November appears to carry little hope for the Opposition.

Mathematically, the Liberal/Nationals need to pick up at least 16 seats to win -adaunting task in anyone’s language, even more so for aparty thatchangesleaderssofrequentlyand one that mustbeexperiencing low confidence among voters.

Locally, one of those seats is set to be hotly contested given what happened last time around.

Mr Cameron won Morwellin2022for the

Nationals, but attracted nearly 4000 less first preference votes than Labor’s Dr Kate Maxfield.

Mr Cameron won’t have aLiberal candidate to preference him this time.

Labor meanwhile is set to have astrong local presence across Gippsland, with former LatrobeValley Authority Chief Executive Chris Buckingham running for Bass.

In and around all this, former professionaltennis player Sam Groth remains state deputy Liberal leader.

Mr Groth playedanumberofITF Futuresevents at Traralgon Tennis Association during his career.

His timeinpolitics hasn’tbeen withoutcontroversy however, especially after he allegedly borrowed achauffeur-driven car to get home from last year’s Australian Open.

Labor didn’t miss the chance to jab their opponents in Parliament, referencing the current ‘6-7’ meme doing the internet rounds.

“I start by congratulating the Member for Kew on becoming the sixth leader of the Liberal party in seven years,” Deputy Premier Ben Carroll jibed. Criesof“six-seven” and balancing hand gestures synonymous with the meme then came from Labor MPs Mary-Anne Thomas and Anthony Carbines, as well as Premier Jacinta Allan.

Without knowing if the Premier is also acloset rapper (unfortunate Deb Leonard video flashbacks) or not, there is surely now the chance for adisstrack Nicki Minaj style set to Super Freaky Girl:

"They can't govern, they so stupid, we just laugh when they try."

Maybe even aQueens’s mix could be in order given the state’s mostly female cabinet?

NickiMinaj, JT, BIA, Katie Got Bandz, Akbar Vand Maliibu Miitch, replaced by Jacinta Allan, Jaclyn Symes, Gabrielle Williams, Lily D'Ambrosio, Sonya Kilkeeny and Harriet Shing:

“We’re gonna take the whole vote when you go in and pick;

“The state's got 99 problemsthatwe're aiming to fix;

“We see these fake opinion polls and it's making us sick;

“We're just the realest party ever and withno need for tricks.”

For obvious reasons, there could be two very different staff Christmas partiesincomingweeks.

Girl power -women in politics

State

Premier: JacintaAllan

Treasurer: Jaclyn Symes

Opposition leader: Jess Wilson

Ministers

HarriettShing

LilyD'Ambrosio

Gabrielle Williams

Lizzie Blandthorn

Melissa Horne

Natalie Hutchins

Sonya Kilkenny

RosSpence

IngridStitt

Natalie Suleyman

Mary-Anne Thomas

Gayle Tierney

Vicki Ward (15of21Victorian Ministersare women)

Federal

Governor-General: Samantha Mostyn

Opposition leader: Sussan Ley Greens leader: Larissa Waters (One Nation Leader: Pauline Hanson)

Gippsland MPs

House of representatives

Member forMonash: MaryAldred

Legislativecouncil (upper house)

Harriet Shing (Labor)

Melina Bath (Nationals)

Renee Heath (Liberal)

LegislativeAssembly (lowerhouse)

Jordan Crugnale (Member forBass)

Latrobe City Council

Sharon Gibson (deputymayor)

Tracie Lund (former deputymayor)

Adele Pugsley

Joanne Campbell

Leanne Potter

Steph Morgan (six of nine Crsare women)

Feedback sought on renewable energy zones

VICTORIA has taken another step towards the formal declaration of the renewable energy zones that the state government maintains will help coordinate renewable energy development, minimise impacts and deliver benefits for locals.

The Minister for Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio, has issued draft renewable energy zone orders for five onshorerenewable energy zones -Gippsland, the Western, Central Highlands, North West and South West zones.

The Minister has also issued adraft order for the Gippsland Shoreline Renewable Energy Zone, which is designed to coordinate the private underground cables thatconnect offshorewind generation to the shared network.

Consultation is now open on the draft orders until February22, 2026,offeringanother chancefor people to provide feedback to help shape development of renewable energy zones.

VicGrid Chief Executive,Alistair Parker,said

alot of consultation and technical work had gone into developing the zones.

"VicGrid says it has been listening and responding to the input from communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and industry," he said..

"We are now seeking any significant new informationabout sensitiveareas, potentialimpacts or areas that are suitable for development that wasn’t identified in previousrounds of consultation. Each draft order sets out amap of the zone, transmission projects to enable the zone, and the intended hosting capacity that the planned transmission networkcouldsupportinthe zone. The orders makeitarequirement that solar, wind and battery developers meet government expectations for community engagement and deliver social value andeconomic benefits."

Mr Parker said coordinating development in renewable energy zones would give communities and industry greater certainty, minimise impacts and keep down costs. He claimed coal-fired power

stations are becoming unreliable and closing down.

"The cheapest option to replace them is solar and wind generation backed by storage and transmission infrastructure,” he said.

“This is abig change thathas the potential to leave alasting legacy for regional and rural Victoria if it’s well managed and planned. Renewable energy zones will play akey role in helping us coordinate the energy transition and ensure that local communitiessee real benefits and are treated with respect.”

All of the feedback received on the draft orders will be reviewed and relevant new information will be incorporated to help define zone boundaries or other aspects of the draft orders.

The Minister will then make adecisionabout the formal declaration of these five renewable energy zones. In addition to the five zones currently open for consultation, the 2025 VictorianTransmission Planalsoproposed aCentralNorth Renewable Energy Zone. More information on the consultation

for the Central North REZ will be provided in early 2026.

People can find details of the draft renewable energy zone orders andhow to provide feedback on the Engage Victoria website.

At thetop: Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes and Premier JacintaAllan. File photograph

Incoming: Newstate Liberalleader,Jess Wilson. Photograph supplied

Ta ke aB re ak

ONE POINTERS

BRAIN STRAIN

1. If Iwas visitingthe town of Coffs Harbour, what statewouldIbein?

2. Bump,set and spikeare termsfromwhich sport?

3. Name the song from these lyrics, “Outwherethe river broke. The bloodwood and the desert oak.”?

4. True or false: Bears can actually smell fear? TWOPOINTERS

5. Who wasthe singer thatplayedthe part of Jareth in the movie ‘Labyrinth’?

6. What actor appeared in in the music video forPaul Simon’s ‘You CanCall Me Al’?

7. What year did Kate Middleton and PrinceWilliam get married?

8. What classic record label boastedthe acts Diana Ross &The Supremes and Marvin Gaye?

THREE POINTER

9. Which AFLWteam does Tayla Harris playfor?

10.What doesthe Latin phrase ‘Carpe Diem’ mean?

11. In whatdecade wasthe internet created? a: 1950,b:1960 c: 1970, d: 1980

12. What is the name of John Travolta’scharacter in the 1977 film ‘SaturdayNight Fever’?

FOUR POINTER

13. What is the term forawordthatisthe same forwardand backwards?

14. Desdemona is one of themain characters in which Shakespeareplay?

FIVE POINTER

15. What states arethesefive towns in?

1. Ararat 2. Derby3.Beaudesert 4. Parks 5. Ceduna

HOWDID YOUFARE?

37: Topofthe class; 30-36: Outstanding; 21-29: Well done; 15-20: Solid effort; 9-14: Room forimprovement; 0-8: Hit the books. rs:weAns 1: W;NS 2: yball;lleVo 3: Beds urning;aB 4: lse;Fa 5: vidDa wie;Bo 6: vyChe ase;Ch 7: 11;20 8: ds;orecnRowMot 9: ne;Melbour 10: heetSeiz y;da 11: b: 1960; 12: Goat; 13: ome;lindrPa 14: Othello; 15: oriaict.V-1 -2. ernstWe liarastAu LD.Q-3 SW.N-4 -5. South liarastAu

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

HeadwayGippsland Art& Talent Expo

FOLLOWING the incredible success of last year’sInclusive Inspirations Talent and Arts Expo, Headway Gippsland is excited to announce the Art&Talent Expo 2025.

Building on the energy and community spirit of 2024, this annual event celebrates the creativity,skill, and individuality of artists and performers living with disability

The intention of the expo is simple but powerful: to promote inclusivity,showcase the exceptional talents of people living with disability,and make their work accessible to the wider public.

The event is achance for participants to share their art, crafts, and performance skills in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment.

Reminding us all that creativity has no limits. This year,the expo embraces the theme

“CreativityUnfolded”,encouraging artists and performers to express themselves freely

Each participant’swork will reflecttheir unique perspective and talent, making the expo avibrant celebration of individuality and self-expression.

The Art&Talent Expo 2025 will be held on Wednesday,December 3rd, from 10am to 3pm at Life Skills Victoria Community Hub, Moe.

Visitors can enjoy awide range of activities, including:

•Exhibiting and selling artwork and crafts

•Live music, dance, and other performances

•Virtual realityexperiences

•Freeentry

•Foodand drinks areavailable at the venue

Artists and performers living with disability who wish to participate areencouraged to register as soon as possible by calling 5127 7166 or emailing

reception@headwaygippsland.org.au

Everyone is invited to attend this free community event, wherecreativity, fun, and connection take centrestage

Headway Gippsland looks forwardtoseeing families, friends, and community members come together to celebrate the incredible talents of local artists —makingDecember 3rdatruly special day for all.

DailyLiving Disability Services

AT Daily Living Disability Services, they believe life is all about engagement, growth, and meaningful connections. Their wide range of tailored programs empowers participants and their families to meet new people, build confidence, develop and improve skills, and embrace independence—all while honouring individual goals, needs, and preferences. They offer an exciting variety of experiences, including: •Sharedadventures

•Community outings

•Wellness Activities

•Local community supportinitiatives

•Special interest events…and so much more!

Ready to explorewhatDaily Living Disability Services can offer?

Find out moreabout how they can support you at www.dailylivingdisabilityservices.au and starty jour towardam vibrant,

At DLDS, we believe life is all about engagement, growth, and meaningful connections.

Ready to explorewhat DLDS can of fer?

Connect with us today at www.dailylivingdisabilityservices.au and start your jour ney towarda more vibrant, connected life!

 Shared d adventures

Choose frro n x itin vari t of experieences, inclu in :

 Commuunityoutings

 Wellness Activities

 Local community support initiatives

 Special interest events… and so much more!

Josh showcased his homemade cards and playedthe piano at Art& Talent Expo 2024.

VR Experience at Art& Talent Expo2024

Lynne performed Filipino martial arts called Eskrima at Art& Talent Expo2024.

Liveyour best life with Mobility and MoreMoe

MOBILITY and MoreinMoe areyour independence specialists who will help you live your best life.

The products that arenow available to improve daily living for people with adisability areamazing.

Hereare afew to consider

Ucello tipping kettle

The Uccello Tipping Kettle is an all in one appliance, its features have been carefully designed and crafted to help people with restricted mobility and limited strength.

It is akettle and tipper in one. Easily and safely used without ever removing it from the cradle.

Quintroswivel cushion

Avoid painful movements with this cleverly designed swivel cushion which reduces the effortrequired to turntosit or stand.

This comfortable cushion is ideal for cars, as well as for sitting and turning on achair without arms –for example sitting on adining

chair then using the swivel aid to turntoface the table.

Lightweight rockerknife

Arocker knife is an adaptive knife designed to make cutting food easier

Its stainless steel curved blade moves in a rocking motion, so users don’tneed to saw back and forth.

This design allows food to be cut with one hand and requires less wrist movement and strength than aregular knife.

With all the aids and devices now on the market, it is extremely possible to live independently and with ease.

Mobility and Moreare also suppliers of Australian Medical Sheepskins, Molicare continence aids and have ahuge range of pressurecushions.

The best way to find the best products for your situation is to call in for achat and let the experts at Mobility and Moreshowyou allthe latest innovations to help you live your best life.

Moe Cup on the Field Fashions

Once again: best dressed gentleman at theMoe Cup

Photographs: Liam Durkin

Moe’s BreanneBea (r flag

Moe Cup 2025

Represent: Latrobe CityCouncillor Sharon Gibson (Newborough) and Adele Pugsley(Moe) at theMoe Cup Cr Pugsleyhas been busy at many previous Moe cups through her work

Traralgon jockey Thomas Stockdale with hishandoverhis heart as thenational anthem is sungbeforethe Moe Cup

Eager: Ahealthycrowd came to th first-everSunday Moe Cup on November 16.Here, spectatorswatch the main race Photographs: Liam Durkin Leade onash Mary Aldred and Moe Racing Club Chairman MikeVanderfeen.

Goldens anthembeforethe Moe Cup fe

Three great men: CountryRacing Victoria directorsMichael Hodge and Lance McMillan flanking Member forMorwell Martin Cameron, holding the MoeCup trophy.

Proud to live in Morwell, but improvements still needed

IHAVE been meaning to writefor along time regarding two shops on the corner of Tarwin and George streets Morwell.

They advertise their names on the shopfront. Their appearance is verybad from years of neglect.

We havealovely clean town. Our councilworkers keep our gardens and city neat, clean and tidy. I'm proud of where Ilive.

Idonot understand how this corner is such an eyesore and it's letting Morwell down.

Nancye Pateman Morwell

Seniorsdeserve better

IWOULD like to express my concern regarding the proposal to further reduce the number of accessible parking bays in Traralgon CBD.

Councilnaively believe that the new car park will overcome all problems.

There are anumberofolder people in Traralgon who will find it difficult, if not impossible, to walk from the new carpark to Seymour and Hotham streets.

In effect, you will prevent those people from attending the CBD during business hours. This is the reward you will give them after they have given alifetime of service to this city.

Around three years ago, Isuggested to acouncillor that the city investigate building acarpark above existing shopsinChurch Street between Seymour and Hotham streets. There are two lanes in this block; one could have beenfor this and it would have enabled direct pedestrian access to National Mutual Arcade, ChurchStand a50metre walk to both Seymour and Hotham streets

There is insufficient disabled parking spaces, but increasing these will be balanced by the increase in disability parking requests as aresult of this pending decision.

On behalf of the less fortunate in this city, Iask council to please reconsider this decision.

Bruce Lawn Traralgon

AKD KOed

THE closure of Australia’s largest softwood producer Associated KilnDriers’ (AKD) Yarram sawmill, and withitanother73local timber jobs, is another unfortunatestepinthe steady de-industrialisation of Australia, removing yet another important business from Gippsland.

The reasons given for thisdecision were “challenging market conditions and the prolonged slowdown in housing construction across the country… and increased operatingcosts” resulting in the Yarram operation becoming ‘unsustainable’.

While the Yarram operation admittedly produces landscaping, pallet and packing material, its shutdown is atimelyreminder of the much bigger problems that exist within the Australian timber and building industries,which havecontributed to this mill's demise.

According to aNovember 2025HousingIndustry Association report, Australia currently needs an additional 1.9 million new homes to meet current demand.

You’d think, with that sort of figure, that timber millswould be working flat out to produce wood for framing, trusses, cabinets etc, and that the construction industry would be facing boomtimes Yet, this is not the case.

In the 2023/24 financial year, 2832house construction companies went under.

We’re now almost halfway through 2024/25 and already another 1587companies have joined them. Accordin gt oa recent ABC news rep ort, Australia’s shortage of construction tradies is set to hit 300,000 by the middle of 2027, most of these beingconcentrated in regional areas. We currently import $6.5 billion of timber from overseas -from poorly regulated places like the Amazon rainforests and South East Asia, who don’t particularly care aboutthe habitat of endangered species. About halfofframing timber comesfromEurope and Scandinavian countries who see timber as atruly renewable, natural resource that benefitstheir economies.

Much of the blame for the dire state of Victorian industries can be directed to the state government, and unfortunately the Opposition as well. They have allowed the shutdown of the nativetimber industry, with the loss of thousands more localjobs; they've stifled pine plantations with amyriad of

Disappointed: Local OneNationmember Greg

Hansford has lamented the closureofYarram’s AKD sawmilland theloss of 73 jobs File photo

planning restrictions; and they’ve cut off access to the timber that sawmills, value adders like AKD and paper makers requiretoeconomically operate. It would seem that they are more interested in photo opportunities,glossy press releases, policy framework documents and emissions aligned future dreamscapes than doing the hard work of coming up with strategies to reverse the current decline. Hopefully you’ll remember theirinaction when you vote in the 2026 Victorian state elections.

Greg Hansford Newborough and 2025 One Nation candidate for Gippsland

Planned policy

EXCESSIVE complexity in AustralianTAFE arrangements leads to waste and bureaucratic inefficiencies.

In the long run, it’s the quality of programs and learningresources thatsuffer,and hence, student outcomes.

With local students being affected by excessive TAFE complexity, Ibelieve that the board of TAFE Gippsland should extend its roles, as well as regularly informing government(s) of systemic shortcomings.

In the spirit of 'Simpler is Usually Better', and 'Act Locally', here is my draft of aTAFE Gippsland operational policy:

"Theprimary purpose of TAFEGippslandis to provide, withoutdiscrimination, high quality, engagingand effectivevocational educationto Gippsland people and their employers.

"To achieve this, TAFEGippsland’sboard will ensure that leaders in each vocational department have an excellent understanding of the vocational area(s) they are leading, including havinghad experience in multiple roles within that industry sectorand having demonstrated the ability to clearly express researched views on the industry sector’s history, current challenges and arange of possible responses to future changes.

"Leaders will demonstrate knowledge of pedagogicalapproaches appropriate to various student cohorts.

"To ensure aproactiverole in Gippsland vocational education, TAFE Gippsland’s board will actively support ongoing teacher development in both specific skills training and vocational education more generally.

"This willinclude collaboration with other vocational teachers across Victoria and Australia toward better meeting the education needs of our students, the industries that employ them,and our Gippsland community generally.

"The board will encourage staff development and stakeholderparticipation activities which highlight successful developments and experiments in vocational education in Australian and overseas.

Iask the board to consider broader roles for itself and more interaction with TAFE Gippsland stakeholders."

Wit ham aj or it yo fb oard member sb eing Ministerial appointments, there may be difficulties, but changes to the status quo are urgently needed, in my opinion.

Neil Hauxwell Moe

Natureand infrastructure can coexist

IWAS surprised to read about the proposed loss of

car spaces in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon ('Dude, where's the cars, LVE, 12/11).

Ilive in Moe and it has always been difficult to find aparking spot. Moe and Morwell have alarge proportion of seniors who have difficulty walking to the shopsand are dependent on being able to park close to where they needtoshop.The demographic of ageing people will increase dramatically in the next few years.

There are plenty of trees along Albert St, but I believe it is more important to keep the car spaces over and above 'beautification'. There is plenty of room in the area next to the skatepark to plant smaller shade trees.

The large trees in Moore St between Albert and Haigh streets cause alot of trouble to motorists tryingtopark there as the roots break up the road surfaceand it is difficult getting in and out of cars.

Maybe abetter plan would be to removethe current trees and replace them with some more suitable ones.

If you want more greenery in Moore St, you could possibly considersometubs with small plants placed on the footpath at intervals.

Iwould like to hear more opinions from the local population.

Joan van der Koogh Moe

Labor of love or stupidity?

FEDERAL and stateLabor leadersand their cohorts continue to blind us with their'vision'of the future.

Brian Mawhinney (LVE Opinion, 'The fear continues'19/11) hit the nail on the head. Albo and Chris Bowen are hellbent on doing irreparable damage to this country with their over inflated egos, and their net zero BS, which, quite rightly is bloody stupid. Australia is just one solitary grain of sand on aworld beach which is long and wide.

For somereason, our so called'leaders' simply want to please and pamper the numbnuts who are nothing but scaremongers. Once again, this is nothing more than left leaning, Greens ideology.

The world'sclimatehas been changing for thousands of years and will continue to change for thousands more.

Nature is adominant creature and will continue to show us all just what it is capable of doing -in its own sweet time.

Tim Flannery,Chris Bowen, Albo and the Greens are merely pawns in agame of 'who wants to go firstand show the rest of the worldwhatnice people we are!' Oops, Iforgot to mention the saviour, the chosen one: Gretta Thunberg!

Never mind our electricity billsskyrocketing into the stratosphere. The above-mentioned just want to have their names put up in bright lights, and another 'achievement' typed onto their resume. What aload of rot! By the way Albo, we are still waiting for our $275!

When was the last time these 'hero do-gooders' paid their own electricity bill, or any bill for that matter, out of their own pocket? Nice work Brian.

Good on youJoseph Lis ('Economicsuicide', 19/11) your words also ring very true, to be sure, to be sure.

Patricia Correa is also correct when she states that people have to "circumnavigate the town" ('What adisgrace', 19/11) or to put into Aussie terms, do multiple 'blockies' to even hope, hope, that they will score acarpark,ifluck is on their side!

Yes Patricia, people need to be close by to where they shop. Especially the elderly who are still able to drive acar

Ah yes, we live in astate wheredebt,crime, and moronic decisions are made every day. As a close friend said to me recently, if you're feeling stressed and you need aholiday and you'd like to go to Queensland or France, then commit acrime

The Labor mob and the NDIS will make sure you have awonderful time and you are well looked after.

This is what makes Victoria so 'wonderful' -no consequences for criminal actions, and thousands of Victorians scratchtheir heads and wonder why?

Enjoy the weekfolks, Christmasand summer are just amere electricity bill away.

Oliver 'Shadow' Bergens

Dandenong

Aussies arewatching

PAULINE HansonOne Nation candidate and Gippsland FM personality Greg Hansford must take responsibility for costs to the public for using the FM station to recruit plaintiffs for his litigation

to overturn last year’s council election when the voters elected awoman.

The Victorian Electoral Commission has produced asummary of the matter quoted here.

“An application by agroup of voters in Latrobe City Council, Yallourn Ward for afurther recount of the election was unsuccessful. We had already conducted arecount due to the close result. In its decision to dismiss the application, VCAT decided that for arecount to be justified,some form of invalidityinthe election process needed to be established, and that the closeness of results alone is not evidence of invalidity. This was consistent with our submissions.”

Mr Hansford was not eligible to join the action as he resides in another ward, so he signed on as advocate, the brand name of apopular dog wormer.

My requesttothe VEC for astatement of the cost burden is still pending.

The costs are in the charge to Latrobe City taxpayers for the VEC running the council election. I have previously been 'named and shamed' as Mr Hansford put it, on his radio program when Iasked aquestion about the costs at the council meeting (Latrobe Valley Express, 04/06/25).

There are perceptions that the policy of Mr Hansford’s One Nation Party is basically aracist White Australia Policy and our community radio should not be politicised when the internet is the online gateway to Gippsland society for highly sought after people considering moving here.

Pauline Hanson has never recanted her maiden speech in FederalParliament that Australia is at risk of being swamped by Asians, but she has learned to dress up her policies in codewords like 'Immigration reform' which we hear from Mr Hansford on Gippsland FM when he reports on joining the immigration reform rallies in Melbourne.

When the VEC announces the quantum of the costburdenonLatrobeCity taxpayers by Mr Hansford’s litigation,the GippslandFMbosses and Mr Hansford must address their moral obligation to pay the amount wasted and not cause unplanned cuts to council services.

Aussies of allpolitical persuasions and ethnicity will be watching.

Phillip Edwards Hazelwood South

Have your say

THE LatrobeValley Expresswelcomes letters to the editor.

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

TheeditorLiam Durkin, reserves the righttoeditlettersfor reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

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

Readers are entitled to aright of reply to aletter directed at them.

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

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

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

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

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

Lettersregarding religion will notbe published.

Email letters to news@lvexpress.com. au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line.

Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.

HOROSCOPES

by Joanne Madeline Moore

November 24 -November 30, 2025

With bold bountiful Jupiter jumping through your professional zone, its up to you to be proactive about creating career opportunities This week, Venus forms terrific trines with Jupiter, Saturn and Neptune, which boosts confidence focus and personal glamour So its time to shoot for the stars! Be inspired by birthday great Bruce Lee: “To hell with circumstances I create opportunities Sunday favours mixing and mingling in your local community

be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it

This week Venus and retrograde Mercury activate your wellbeing zone So its a good week to revise your diet and get your body moving via a gym membership a rebooted exercise program or a vigorous workout in the great outdoors Spend some quality time savouring the splendour of the natural world Its also time to rethink and double-check emerging plans and projects before you put them into action after Mercury moves forward on November 30

Midweek theres a marvellous trine between prosperous Jupiter (in your sign) and lucky Venus So, Crab charisma is at an all-time high as you charm the cynics and dazzle the doubters This week – plan, dream and write down your goals and aspirations for the future Then from Sunday (November 30) onwards (when Mercury moves forward), its the perfect time to apply for a job, bonus or promotion; enter a competition; or call in a few old favours

With intense Pluto powering slowly though your relationship zone you re not in the mood for superficial encounters with others, preferring deep, serious, philosophical and/or spiritual conversations with family and close friends But make sure you communicate your ideas clearly and concisely (especially with relatives and housemates) From November 30, a family drama should start to settle down as Mercury moves forward in your home zone

Ever-vigilant Virgos are the worrywarts of the zodiac And when Mercury (your patron planet) is in retrograde mode you worry and obsess and overthink even more than usual, which can end up being counterproductive As birthday great Bruce Lee wisely observed: If you spend too much time thinking about a thing you’ll never get it done ” Sunday promises a fresh start, when Mercury moves forward and you can relax with family, friends and/or neighbours

Venus and retrograde Mercury (both in your sign) shine a spotlight on personal projects and financial matters plus power and trust issues You have a good business brain

– just make sure you’re using it! Ignorance is no excuse

Do all you can to improve your financial literacy ASAP

The Venus/Jupiter trine is good news for travel plans a romantic relationship or helping a charitable cause Compassion, kindness and patience will take you far

The fiery Sun and feisty Mars are both transiting through your sign So it’s time to be bold and brave as you solve problems and take on challenges with extra energy and enthusiasm Your motto for the moment is from writer (and birthday great) Louisa May Alcott: I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship ” But Mercury is still in retrograde mode until Sunday morning, so smart Sagittarians will also be prudent, patient and persistent

Mercury is reversing through your hopes-and-dreams zone until next Sunday So, a long-cherished dream may need to be re-imagined and reworked so that it better suits your current situation Rather than seeing it as a disappointing setback, clever Capricorns will perceive it as an exciting new challenge You’re also unusually impatient, as you communicate about a wide range of topics and share creative ideas with family friends colleagues and acquaintances

Many Aquarians are having problems at work, as Mercury reverses through your career zone (until next Sunday) If its too much to handle on your own, then don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from your friends work colleagues and/or your extended peer group Don t battle on alone other people are happy to pitch in and help But Sunday looks unsettling as disruptive Uranus (your ruling planet) opposes Venus which could lead to relationship hiccups

Many Pisceans who ve been travelling have experienced delays, disruptions, breakdowns and/or cancellations, as Mercury has been reversing through your travel zone Thank goodness Mercury moves forward on November 30 In the meantime make sure you double-check all things involving car maintenance, transport timetables and connections, itineraries, accommodation and appointments Sundays Venus/Neptune trine is terrific for drifting and dreaming

Tarra-Bulga volunteers needed

FRIENDSofTarra-Bulga National Park are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join the team at the visitor centre, as thepark preparesfor a busy summer season.

No prior experience or specialist knowledge is required -just afriendly attitude and awillingness to help.

Newvolunteersreceive comprehensive training to ensure they feel confident and supported in the role.

Volunteering at Tarra-Bulga offers aunique opportunitytoconnectwith visitors fromacross Australia and aroundthe world. Volunteers provide face-to-face information, helping guests make the most of their park experience, and open the visitor centre to give access to interpretation displays and children’s activities.

The role is described as low stress, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings between visitor enquiries. Volunteers are rostered individually, but friends are welcometosign up together

Long-time volunteer David says, “It’s awonderful way to give back to the community. Ienjoy seeing people from all walks of lifesoexcited about visiting one of Victoria’s most beautiful natural settings."

The visitor centre aims to open on weekends and school holidays from 11am to 4pm.

Organisers are seeking reliable individuals who enjoy meeting new people and want to make a positive impact in the community.

To register your interest, email: friendsoftarrabulga@gmail.com or call 0488 035 314.

Tiny towns, huge opportunities

MEMBERfor Gippsland East,Tim Bull is encouraging localcommunities to apply for the latest round of the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.

This fund offers grants ranging from $5000 to $50,000tosupportprojects that enhance tourism, liveability, and community pride in townswith populations of 5000 or fewer residents.

opportunity for small communities within the electorate to access grant funding for key local projects.

Incorporated not-for-profit community organisationscan apply and there is aco-contribution required which can be acombination of financial and in-kind support.

Mr Bull emphasised that this is an invaluable

“These grants have already made apositive impact on various community-driven initiatives, and I’m eager to see more proposals from the Gippsland East electorate this year,” Mr Bull said. “This is awonderful opportunity for our towns to secure funding that can make areal difference in their communities.”

For more information, go to: www.rdv.vic.gov.au/grants/tiny-towns-fund

RotaryClub time capsule

ROTARY Club of Traralgon is really honing in on organising the burial of the newlyfilled capsule at thesiteinVictoryPark(behind the Monmeath Senior Citizens Centre) on December 10, with arrivalsfrom 10.30am for ashort formalceremony commencing at 11am, which will include the burying of the capsule.

Theclubsaysitislooking forward to the receipt of many items to fill the capsule, which it hopes will give just as much enjoyment to members of the club and the community when it is opened again in 2050.

Having first been buried in 1975, this project is creating quite alegacy for the club.

"We lookforward to having an item or items fromindividuals,schools and businesses alike," the club said.

"Thesecan be placed in an envelopeorenvelopes,

up to and including A4 size. Please ensurethat envelopes have areasonable amount of identification on them, so those who are distributing items in 2050 will be able to get them to an appropriate person or group.

"Thisyear, thesearchfor some owners has even been taken interstate and certainly to all parts of Victoria, so any extra information could be useful. We look forwardtoreceiving many items from the Traralgon community."

You can post your envelopes to the Rotary Club of Traralgon at PO Box 160, Traralgon, 3844 to arrive by December 1, 2025 or ring Janne Speirs on 0409 356 469 with any queries.

Donation boxes have also been established at Traralgon Centre Plaza and at the library in Kay Street, Traralgon.

Stunning: Tarra-Bulga National Park is one of the region’s trulygreat landscapes Photograph supplied

COPYRIGHT Joanne Madel ne Moore 2025

TheGuide

PICK OF THE WEEK

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENSCHRISTMASSPECIAL

SPICKS AND SPECKS

ABCTV, Sunday, 7.30pm

sstrategyguide beforerivals

Withafan base as devoted as any rock band, this belovedmusic trivia show is stillentertaining audiences and celebrating Aussie artists 20 years after it first burstontothe scene. Tonight,hostAdam Hills and team captains Alan Brough and Myf Warhurst welcome another OG back to the panel: Angie Hart (pictured), the lead singer of ’90s pop band Frente! who appearedonthe show’s pilot episode in 2005.Infact,Hart wasa pioneer of the show’sinfamous “Substitute”round, singing from the Torana 1600 service manual. She’s on the micagainthistime, hoping teammates Brough and ZoëCoombs Marr can decode lyricsfromatable tennid bf lW h Robert Baxter and Noah Szto buzz i

THE ROOKIE

Seven, Monday, 8.30pm

As packed as your social calendar might be it’s wise to accept this invite to the BetterHomesandGardensannual gathering The laidback lifestyle experts get together at Calmsley Hill City Farm for their Christmas special during which they share food jokes and their favourite highlights of 2025 Among the delicious treats on offer are a grilled ham served with a peach salad from Colin Fassnidge and a seasonal dessert board prepared by Clarissa Feildel Meanwhile, Dr Harry Cooper showcases the property’s working dogs and interior designer Juliet Love shares ways you can do festive entertaining in style and on a budget

10, Saturday, 4pm

From the Kimberley to Cape York, the Torres Strait and Tasmania, there’snot much of this countrythatmodern-day explorers Jase Andrews and Simon Anderson (pictured) haven’tseen–and documented foraswagoffellow 4x4 enthusiasts in their popular outdoor series. Thepair’s latestoffroad expedition sees the adventurers joined by newcomer Mitch in one of the country’s mostremote frontiers: ArnhemLand, an area of vast,unspoilt wilderness in northeastcornerofthe Northern Territory. Thetrio battle rough tracks, crocfilled rivers and wild coastlines as they sharethe rawbeauty,epic campsites and phenomenalfishing spots to be found when visiting thissacred space.

Wednesday,November 26

ABCTV (2)

SBS (3)

One of this police procedural’smost returns forMonday’scompellingsea

Affablesociopath Oscar Hutchinson has been on the runsince escaping the end of season six,but seasoned Nolan (Nathan Fillion, pictured) is ho fugitive’stail. Nolan heads to LasVeg with fellow detectiveNylaHarper (Mekia Cox) in adetermined bidto catch Hutchinson while the crook recovers some stolen diamonds buried in the desert, but the crimina always seems to be one step ahead Elsewhere, Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) look intoamysterious bankrobbery while couple Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Bradford (Eric Winter) adjust to hernew work schedule

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Annabel Crabb’s Civic Duty. (Final, PG, R) 11.00 AntiquesRoadshow.(R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 National Press ClubAddress. (R) 1.35 Media Watch. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 2.55 QI. (PGl, R) 3.25 Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery.(PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz.

8.30 Crime Night! (PG) Hosted by JuliaZemiro.

9.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by Adam Hills. 9.30 Celia Pacquola: I’mAs SurprisedAsYou Are (Mls)

10.35 If You’re Listening. (R) 11.00 ABC Late News. 11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 Planet America. (Final, R) 12.05 YouCan’t Ask That. (Ml, R) 12.35 Parliament Question Time. 1.35 Grand Designs.(R) 2.25 Long Lost Family.(PG R) 3.10 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Destination Flavour: Singapore Bitesize.(R) 9.10 Outta Town Adventures.(PGn, R) 10.05 London: 2,000 Years Of History.(PG,R) 10.55 Rick Steves’ Europe. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Wildlife ER.(Mal, R) 2.55 Spain’s Atlantic Train. (PGaw,R) 3.45 The Cook Up.(R) 4.15 London: 2,000 YearsOfHistory.(PG,R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 MastermindAustralia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 MichaelPalin In Venezuela (PG) Michael Palinexplores ZuliaState.

8.30 Reckless. (Malv) June’s shady business empire starts to crack. 9.30 Scotland’sPoshestTrain: AlanCumming. (PG, R) Alan Cumming’stripcontinues.

10.25 SBS World News Late.

10.55 Crime. (M, R) 1.50 Devil’sConfession: Lost Eichmann Tapes. (MA15+avw,R) 2.50 The Story Of Beef.(PGaw R) 3.50 TravellingInThe 1970s.(PGdsv, R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

5.30 Peter Rabbit. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach 5.55 Knee High Spies. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 BenAnd Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05

3.30 The Furnace.(2020, Madlv) 5.40 The Movie Show.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorning Show. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Rule Of 3. (2019,Mav)Kelly Rutherford. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies 3.00 TheChase. (R) Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNews At 4. 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. Hosted by LarryEmdur

6.00 SevenNews. 7.00 Border Patrol (PG)

7.30 The1%Club UK (PGd, R) Hosted by LeeMack.

8.30 TheFront Bar (Ml) Sam Pang, Mick Molloyand Andy Maher take alighter look at the world of cricket and catch up withthe stars.

9.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG) RickyPonting discusseshis career

10.00 House Of Wellness (PG) Experts share advice on living well.

11.00 Chicago Fire (Ma)

12.00 MOVIE: Secrets In The Snow. (2020,Mav,R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

t elusivevillains asonseven finale. n (Matthew Glave) from prison at cop John otonthe gas al ks

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Taronga:Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 1.00 Getaway. (PG,R) 1.30 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG,R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9NewsAfternoon. 4.30[VIC]TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 Everyday Gourmet.

6.00 9News

7.00 ACurrentAffair

7.30 Budget Battlers. The team transformsalatefriend’s home.

8.40 Australian Crime Stories: TheInvestigators: UnderThe Gun. (MA15+alv,R)While serving as an undercoverpolice officer,Keith Banks became used to ahigh-octane lifestyle.

9.40 9NewsLate.

10.10 Parole. (Mal)

11.30 Resident Alien. (Malv)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA.(PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping 4.00 Believer’sVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 TodayEarly News 5.30 Today

6.00 10 News+. HostedbyDenham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace.

Warhurst

Thursday,November 27

ABC (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00

When The WarIsOver.(PG, R) 10.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 11.30 Crime Night! (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 2.00 Parliament. (Final)

3.00 QI. (PGl, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs. (PGl, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.40pm Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Secret Life Of The Koala. 10.05 The Mysterious Benedict Society 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.55 Rick Steves Europe. (R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Royal Autopsy.(Man, R) 2.55 (PGa, R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 London: 2,000 YearsOfHistory.(PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Eva Longoria: Searching For Spain: Asturias. Eva Longoria heads to Asturias.

8.25 BritainsRailway EmpireIn Colour: Tracks Of Empire. (PG) Explores the origins of Britains railways and their initial impact.

9.20 Vigil. (Mav) Amy and Kirsten battle for their lives against aruthless armed killer

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Vienna Blood. (Ma, R)

12.50 Willie Nelson: Life &Songs Of An American Outlaw.(PGad,R) 2.50 The Story Of Sugar.(PGa, R) 3.50 Travelling In The 1970s. (Md, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6am

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: An Organized Killer. (2021, Mav,R)Allison McAtee. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG) Customs inspect paint scraper tools.

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGadl, R) Amotorist is caught on aphone.

8.30 MOVIE: Uncharted. (2022, Mv,R)

Astreet-smart young man is recruited by aseasoned treasurehunter to recover afortune amassed by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, which has been lost for morethan500 years. TomHolland, Mark Wahlberg, Sophia Ali.

10.50 The Amazing Race. (PG) Hosted by Phil Keoghan.

12.20 The Front Bar (Ml, R)

1.20 Life. (Malsv,R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 RBT (Mdl, R) Follows the activities of police units.

8.30 Topknotz. (Premiere, Ml) Rob Palmer and TomWilliams catch up with Judy Johnson, akiwi ocean swimmer

9.30 To Be Advised.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) Twopeople become trapped down awell. 11.55Tipping Point. (PG, R)

Pointless. (PG, R)

SBS VICELAND (31)

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1pm Escape To The Country 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Our Town. 3.00 The Zoo. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30

6am Morning Programs.

1.30pm The LoreOfLove. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30

Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News.

6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.29 NITV Weather

7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reservation Dogs. 9.30 MOVIE: The Long Kiss Goodnight. (1996, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Forbidden History 2.15 Bamay 2.45 Insight. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 8.30 HistorysGreatest Mysteries. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.55 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.20 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PGals) 10.25 Dance First. (2023, Malv) 12.25pm All The Pretty Horses. (2000) 2.35 The Movie Show 3.45 Bring It On. (2000, PGals) 5.40 Golden Years. (2016, PGals) 7.30 The Tender Bar.(2021, Mals) 9.30 Dead Again. (1991, Malsv) 11.30 Late Programs.

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Celebrates Jane Edmansons38 years on the ABC.

8.30 Maigret. (Mav) Maigret grapples with his failureand tries to understand the man whom he failed to protect.

9.25 HardQuiz. (R) TomGleeson grills four fan favourites who areexperts on topics in acomedic quiz show

9.55 Crime Night! (PG, R) Hosted by Julia Zemiro.

10.25 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Silent Witness. (Ma, R)

12.15 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv)

5.00 Rage. (PG)

Australias Lightest

7.35 Discovering Film: Robert Redford.

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

8.30 MOVIE: Thelma And Louise: Bor nToLive. (2025, M, R) Looks at the cultural impact of Thelma and Louise.Geena Davis.

9.30 Discovering Film: Maggie Smith. (PG, R)

10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Sisi. (MA15+a, R) 11.55 Tokyo Vice (MA15+asv,R) 2.15 Stutter School: Untold Australia. (PGa, R) 3.15 The Story Of Cheese. (R) 4.15 Home Of The Year: Scotland. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.20pm Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 ScoobyDoo And Guess Who? 8.25 BTN Newsbreak. 8.30 HardQuiz Kids. 9.00 Robot Wars 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.15 Cat Call. (2023, Ma, Hungarian) Noon Suffragette. (2015, Malv) 2.00 The Magic Of Belle Isle. (2012, PGals) 4.00 The Monk And The Gun. (2023, PGa, Dzongkha, English) 6.05 Paperback Hero. (1999, PGalsv)

7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Virgin Island. (Premiere) 10.20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 11.15 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.30 MOVIE: Love Actually. (2003, Mlns, R) Explores aseries of interlocking vignettes about romance in moder n-day Britain through the eyes of eight different couples, including the British prime minister and his assistant, in the weeks beforeChristmas. Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson. 11.15 MOVIE: Firestarter (2022, MA15+av,R)Agirl gains the

1.15 In Plain Sight. (Madv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (Retur n) Hosted by Shelley Craft. 8.30 MOVIE: Aquaman. (2018, Mav,R) Ahalf-human, half-Atlantean goes on aquest to retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlan and protect the water world. Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe. 11.15 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Drive TV:Launch Pad. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by

Saturday, November 29

ABC (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend

Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00

ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Retur nTo Paradise. (PG, R) 1.25 Maigret. (Mav R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Queensland Symphony Orchestra. 4.45 Mamir nikuwi. (PG, R) 4.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Australian Story: Peter Garrett. (R) Presented by Leigh Sales.

6.30 Stateline. (R) An analysis of politics and local issues.

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

7.30 Retur nToParadise. (PG) After aCEO is poisoned during aspiritual ceremony at acorporate retreat, the

8.30 Vera. (Mav,R)A hit-and-run and astabbing death, in aremote Northumberland valley,haveVera and her team investigating the connection between the two people involved.

10.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) James attempts to sabotage Joylon.

10.55 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac goes rogue with anew lead 11.40 Rage. Music video clips.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 6.10pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.45 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.10 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tour nament Of Houses. 8.40 Chopped Junior 9.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.05 Abbott Elementary 10.25 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm AfricasUnderwater Wonders. 2.45 Nula. 3.15 Other Side Of The Rock. 3.20 Supreme Team. 4.20 WhereThe Dreamings Come From. 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 Island Food Revolution. 6.00 Amplify 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: 10.35 Late Programs.

(3)

6am Mor ning Programs. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History

Bites. (R) 9.10 Matched. (PG, R) 10.00

Puppy Secrets: The First Six Months. (R) 11.00 Shepherdess. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 Soccer 3.30 Soccer.Australian Championship.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 ARoyal Guide ToChristmas. Looks at the Christmas period for the royals.

8.25 Christmas In The Cotswolds. (R) Takesalook at the popular holiday destination, The Cotswolds, during the festive season.

9.20 Christmas At Longleat. (R) Takes alook inside Longleat, one of Britainsgrandest estates, during the Christmas season.

10.20 Reckless. (Malv,R)

11.15 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Ma, R)

2.35 The Story Of Chocolate. (PGa, R) 3.35 Being Beethoven. (PGa, R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 France 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am

WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Tiny Beautiful Things. 1.05 Curse Of Oak Island. 3.35 News. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 Mastermind Aust. 6.40 HistorysGreatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Cult Massacre: One Day In Jonestown. (Premiere) 10.20 Snowpiercer 12.05am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am The Movie Show 6.30 Finding You. 8.45 PGalsv) 10.35 12.35pm 2.40 4.30 Whina. 6.35 Music & 8.30 Saturday Night Fever 10.45 Late Programs.

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 Mor ning Show.(PG) 12.00 JabbasMovies. (PGv,R) 12.30 Border Security.(PG, R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Cship. 3.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Cship.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL Womens. Grand Final. 10.00 MOVIE: Battleship.

themselves involved in apitched battle against apparently hostile alien invaders, who have come to Earth in response to amessage transmitted by NASA to their planet. Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Skarsgård, Rihanna. 12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) Students compete against other schools to win cash and prizes. Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R) Experts shareadvice on living well.

6.00 Getaway.(PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 TodayExtra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Golf. PGA Tour of Australasia. Australian PGA Championship. Thirdround. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway (PG) The team walks around Mexico City

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 ACurrent Affair 7.30 MOVIE: Barbie. After suffering an existential crisis, stereotypical Barbie must leave the matriarchal society Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling. 9.50 MOVIE: Hairspray obsession with aTVdance show pays offafter she lands aspot on the program. Nikki Blonsky,Zac Efron. 12.00 MOVIE: Suburbicon.

2.00 The Incredible Jour ney Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.00 Mission Melanoma: On The Road Together 11.00 12.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa,

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Acouple wanttotravel in aconverted bus. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Follows property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie as they search for the perfect home for two sets of buyers. 9.50 Harry And Meghan: The Rise And Fall. (PGa) Looks at Harry and Meghanslife. 10.50FBI:Most Wanted. (Mv,R)The team hunts down ateamofkillers. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power

6am Home Shopping. 8.30 Travel Oz. 9.30 Better Homes And Gardens. Noon Horse Racing. Day,TattersallsClassic Raceday And Winterbottom Stakes Day 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 The YorkshireVet. 1.30am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Helping Hands. 10.30 My Favorite Martian. 11.00 The Baron. Noon MOVIE: 1.30 MOVIE: 4.30 M*A*S*H. 6.00 MOVIE: The Lone 7.30 MOVIE: 9.50 MOVIE: Gran 12.15am Late Programs.

9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 3.40pm 4.40 Young Sheldon. 5.10

Sunday,November 30

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. (Final) 10.30 World This Week.(R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. (Final) 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 NigellasChristmas Bites. (R) 3.20 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 4.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 11.00 Irelands Secrets From Above. (PGa, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBSWashington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 When The World Watched. (Premiere) 4.00 My Rembetika Blues. (R) 5.35 Blood Money: Inside The Nazi Economy.(PGaw,R)

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The

8.50 The Forsytes. (PG) Jolyon recommits to his family

9.45 Retur nToParadise. (PGa, R) ACEO is poisoned at acorporate retreat.

10.45 When The WarIsOver. (PGa, R) 11.15 AnhsBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 11.40 NigellasChristmas Bites. (R) 12.30 3.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 3.30 The Art Of. (Ml, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R)

5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Pearl Harbor: Battle In The Are-creation of the attack on Pearl Harbor 8.30 Troy Story Explores the latest archaeology and science about whether or not the Trojan Warreally happened. 10.15 Bronze Age Apocalypse: Pt 1. (R)

11.55 Peter OToole: Along Sky Roads To Aqaba. 1.35 3.15 Tutankhamun. (PG, R) 4.20 Home Of The Year:Scotland. (Ml, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.15 5.30 APAC Weekly

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 The Mysterious Benedict Society.(Final) 8.10 Crongton. 8.35 Fresh OffThe Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary 10.00 Speechless. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Presented by Michael Usher 8.00 Ultimate Crash Test. (Premiere, PGal) Looks at what happens in amulti-vehicle pileup, with an experiment aimed to gain new insights on car safety 10.00 MOVIE: Green Book.

atough-talking chauffeur.Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali. 12.40 Motor Racing. Supercars

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

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

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Stompem Ground: Pearl Smith. 2.35 The DroversBoy 2.50 MOVIE: 5.00 MOVIE: 6.30 News. 6.40 Africas Underwater Wonders. 7.30 The American Buffalo. 8.30 Johnny Cash: Redemption Of An Idol. 10.10 Late Programs. NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.40 The Movie Show 11.15 12.55pm 2.40 Dean 4.35 PGal) 6.50 The Man Who Knew TooLittle. 8.30 10.25 12.40am Late Programs.

TEN (10, 5)

Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Cross Court. 10.30 Next Stop. (R) 11.00 ExploreTV. (R) 11.30 Drive TV: Launch Pad. 12.00 Golf. PGA Tour of Australasia. Australian PGA Cship. Final round.

5.00

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

8.00 Live Aid: When Rock n Roll Took On The World. (Ml) The second half of Live Aid in the US is asuccess. 10.00 Essex Millionaire Murders. (Mdv) Detectives close in on Luke DWit.

11.00 Mobsters: Nicky Scarfo. (Madv) 11.50 WorldsMost Dangerous Prisoners: Osuna.

12.40 AustraliasTop Ten Of Everything. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Big Brother Australia. (PGalns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.10 Ghosts Australia. (PGalv) Kate and Sean meet their wealthy neighbours, and adispute quickly escalates. 8.40 FBI. (Mv,R) Jubalslong-time intel of an impending large-scale terror attack to the team. 10.40 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 NCIS. (Mad, R) The team mour ns the loss of Ducky 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon Trip Hazard: My Great British Adventure. 1.50 WWE Rivals. 2.45 Jeopardy! 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 HistorysGreatest Heists With Pierce Brosnan. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Inside The Cult Of The Jesus Army 10.50 Liaison. 11.50 Late Programs.

Gotham. 1.15 Arrow 3.05 Jeopardy! UK. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Storage Wars. Noon Cricket. WomensBig Bash League. Match 3.30 Cricket. WomensBig

Monday,December1

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mor nings. 10.00 Take 5WithZan Rowe. (PG, R) 10.30 Vera. (Mav,R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (Final, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. Presented by Sarah Ferguson.

8.00 Australian Story: On The Brink Bon Scott. (R) Alook at the life of Bon Scott. 8.40 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml) Incarcerated women enter asongwriting program. Nancy Bates. 10.05 IWas Actually There: Woomera Detention CentreBreakout. (PG, R)

10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Creative TypesWith Virginia Trioli. (PGv,R)

11.35 Grand Designs New Zealand. (Ml, R) 12.30 Long Lost Family.(R) 1.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Childrens Programs. 2.45pm TBA. 3.00 Childrens Programs. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: Archie Roach. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 AfricasUnderwater Wonders. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.00 Prison Songs. 9.55 MOVIE: Krush Groove. (1985, M) 11.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.05 The Isle Of Rum. (PGaw) 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Imagined Touch. (PGl, R) 2.35 Larapinta: End To End. (PG) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.10 We Hear You. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

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

7.35 Bill BaileysVietnam Adventure. (PG) Bill Bailey heads to the nationscapital Hanoi.

8.30 Never Mind The Buzzcocks Christmas. (Mls, R) Presented by Greg Davies. 9.25 Jimmy CarrsI Literally Just Told You. (M) Comedic game show 10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 The Man Who Died. (Mav)

11.40 ACriminal Affair.(Mals, R) 1.20 Bowled Over: Untold Australia. (Mal, R)

2.25 Looking For Rembrandt. (PGa, R) 3.30 Boswell And JohnsonsScottish Road Trip. (PGal, R) 4.25 Growing A Greener World. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.00 HistorysCrazy Rich Ancients. 3.25 Bamay 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 DNA Jour ney 9.40 MOVIE: Monty PythonsLife Of Brian. (1979, M) 11.25 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.10 On The Basis Of Sex. (2018, Ml) 12.20pm 5To7.(2014, Mals) 2.10 Music &Lyrics. (2007, PG) 4.05 The Final Countdown. (1980, PGalv) 6.00 Manganinnie. (1980, PGa) 7.40 The Legend Of The Christmas Witch. (2018, PGalv Italian) 9.30 The Tower. (2012, Mal, French, Korean) 11.50 Late Programs.

(7,6)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Sweet Navidad. (2021, PGa, R) Camila Banus. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG) Acigarettesmuggling ring is stopped.

7.30 Queen: In Their Own Words. (Mal, R) The story of rock band Queen. 8.30 The Rookie. (Final, Mav) Nolan and Harper work together to catch Oscar.Lopez investigates abankrobbery

9.30 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Mav) The team investigates when abrewery foreman is kidnapped after arguing with his CEO over safety violations.

11.30 Autopsy USA: Desi Ar naz. (Ma, R) 12.30 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) 1.30 HarrysPractice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

Programs. 10.30 Better Homes. 1pm Hor nby: AModel Empire. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 Hor nby: AModel Empire. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To TheCountry 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs.

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00 MOVIE: ARoyal Proposal: ARoyal In Paradise II. (2024, G) Rhiannon Fish, Mitchell Bourke. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) The guides head to Newcastle, NSW

8.40 MOVIE: The Castle. (1997, Ml, R) The happy existence of aman and his family is disrupted when they aretold they must leave their home. Michael Caton, Sophie Lee, Anne Tenney

10.35 The Equalizer (Mav) McCall, Dante and Miles areheld hostage.

11.25 Transplant. (MA15+m, R)

12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.05 Hello SA. (PG)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 ACurrentAffair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

6am Morning

Programs. 11.30 Find My Country House NZ. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Building Icons. 2.00 WorldsGreatest Natural Icons. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Happy Go Lovely.(1951) 5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (Malns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.40 Sam Pang Tonight. (Final, Mals) Aweekly tonight show hosted by Sam Pang, featuring amonologue roasting the news of the week. 9.40 Just For Laughs Australia. (MA15+ls) Stand-up comedy performances from JoanneMcNally, Nazeem Hussain and TomCashman 10.40 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mor nings.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Circuit Boat Drivers Cship. 2.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Cship. Adelaide Grand Final. Hlights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Cship. Adelaide 500. Hlights. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (93, 82)

7MATE (73,64) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel

2.30 Nanny 3.30

4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. 9.45 MOVIE: The Edge Of Seventeen. (2016, M) 11.50 Seinfeld. 12.50am The Vampire Diaries. 2.40 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.

FACTS about Regional Newspapers:

•“Thereiscontinued strongdemand(andpassion)for theprinted productinrural andregionalAustralia.”

•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of their newspaper as an essentialservice fortheir community.”

Tuesday,December 2

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7,6)

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Art Of... (PG, R) 10.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Forsytes. (PG, R) 2.00 Death In Paradise. (Ma, R) 3.00 QI. (PG, R) 3.30 Forever Summer With Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Mor ning Programs. 10.15 Leave No Trace. 11.10 Who Do YouThink YouAre?US. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 Changing Channels. 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Stutter School: Untold Australia. (PGa, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Great British Railway Jour neys: Swanage To Portchester. (PGa, R) 8.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? Vicky McClure. Actor Vicky McClureexplores her roots.

9.50 The Assembly. (PG, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 MOVIE: Songs Inside. (2024, Ml, R) Nancy Bates. 12.35 Grand Designs New Zealand. (R) 1.25 Long Lost Family.(R) 2.15 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PGa, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

History (Mals, R) Continues to look at Australiashistory 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Families Like Ours. (Malv) 12.10 Carmen Curlers. (Malsv,R) 2.30 Looking For Rembrandt. (Ms, R) 3.35 Boswell And JohnsonsScottishRoad Trip. (PG, R) 4.25 Growing AGreener World. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Mor ning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 2.45pm TBA. 3.00 Childrens Programs. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory 9.15 Super Shark Highway 10.10 Merlin. 10.55 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Mor ning Show (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: AChristmas Mission. (2020, PGl, R) Mary Antonini. 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. Hosted by Larry Emdur

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Patrol. (PG)

7.30 Highway Patrol. (PGa, R)

8.30 Murder In ASmall Town. (Mav) After political deception is uncovered, everyone becomes asuspect when Mayor Holman is attacked.

9.30 Homicide: With Ron Iddles: Terry Floyd. (PGa, R) Alook at the case of Terry Floyd. 10.30 MOVIE: The Social Network. (2010, Ml, R) Jesse Eisenberg. 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

TEN (10, 5)

6.00 Today 9.00 Today Extra Summer (PG) 11.30 9News Mor ning. 12.00 MOVIE: Forever Christmas. (2018, PGa, R) Chelsea Hobbs, Christopher Russell. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News After noon. 4.30 [VIC] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 [VIC] WIN News.

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Taronga: WhosWho In The Zoo: Baby Boom. (PG) Red panda cubs aretrained for breeding.

8.30 Jamie DuriesFutureHouse. (PG) to life and the Fox familysmodular

9.35 Beyond The Build. (PG) Acouple try to convert a1980s redbrick house. 10.35 Wild Cards. (Ma) 11.30 La Brea. (Mav,R)

12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Cross Court. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 BelieversVoice Of Victory.(PGa) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Big Brother Australia. (PGalns) Hosted by Mel Tracina. 8.30 Soccer WomensInter national Friendly.Australia vNew Zealand. From Coopers Stadium, Adelaide. 11.00 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 11.30

6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.10 Dreaming Whilst Black. 2.40 Stutter School: Untold Australia. 3.40 News. 3.50 WorldWatch 5.50 Mysteries From Above. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 TribeWith Bruce Parry 9.40 Go Back To WhereYou Came From UK. 10.45 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Our Law 2.00 On Country Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Unstaged: City Sessions. 5.30 Indian Country TodayNews. 6.00

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Couch Potatoes. (2017, Madls, Italian) 12.50pm Someone Who Takes CareOfMe. (2023, Mlns, Spanish) 2.40 The Movie Show 3.50 The Man Who Knew TooLittle. (1997, PGlsv) 5.35 Darling Companion. (2012, PGls) 7.30 Holiday Harmony.(2022) 9.35 Happy Christmas. (2014) 11.10 Late Programs.

NZ.

Be Advised. 10.40 Late Programs. 9GEM (92,81) 7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 Love Island Australia. 9.45 MOVIE: Four Holidays. (2008, M) 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am The VampireDiaries 2.10 Supernatural.

Tricks. 1.00 ShakespeareAnd Hathaway 3.00 Antiques Roadshow 3.30 MOVIE: Maytime In Mayfair (1949) 5.30

Tricks. 8.40

House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30

Christmas Tree Appeal

In support of Morwell

Neighbourhood House

A helping hand will make a difference for families and children this Christmas

Bring in gifts for babies and children up to 16 years or non-perishable goods to go under the Christmas tree. Non wrapped presents are preferred Feel the warmth as youre giving and make a difference this Christmas

All gifts and non-perishable goods will be passed onto Mor well Neighbourhood House, for distribution at their discretion f rom Monday 15 December.

Drop off deadline is: Monday 15 December by 1pm

Connecting with culture, country

YEAR 3studentsfrom St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School welcomedGunaikurnai Traditional Owners, Hollie Johnson and Aunty Christine Johnson, into their Community, Culture and Countryclass for asession of storytelling, learning and creativity The visitorsspokeabout theirculture,families and their important role in the community, before introducing students to thepurpose and significance of oral storytellinginpreserving history.

Students were captivated by the telling of the Gunaikurnai Creation Story, which explains the origins of the land and its people. Inspired by thetale,they worked alongsidethe Traditional Owners to recreate the story using bark and paper -anactivity that brought the narrative to life in atangible, hands-on way. The session deepened the students’ understanding of local Gunaikurnai culture and fostered appreciation for the traditions and stories that continue to shape our community today.

Give ahoot, read abook

THE state government is giving Victorian schoolkidsthe opportunity to swapscreens for stories these summer holidays, as part of the fifth annual Big Summer Read.

Minister for Local GovernmentNick Staikos has launched the statewide reading challenge that aims to combat the 'summer slide' -acommon reduction in reading time and subsequent loss of literacy skills children experience during the long school holidays.

Victorianchildrenunder the age of 18 are eligible to register and track their reading progressthrough the Big Summer Read website, with digital badges and prizes on offer for participants.

As part of the program, parents can registerand read to children who can’t read independently yet.

Four winners will each take home aZoos Victoria family membership, one for each age category, and local librariesfrom across the state will also award locally sourced prizes to Big Summer Read participants.

The program reinforces the role of public libraries as avital community resource for early childhood development and lifelong learning throughout adulthood, and was designedtogive smaller,rural publiclibrary services without an independent summer reading program away to engage young Victorians over the summer break.

For more information on the Big Summer Read, visit: https://readbooks.com.au/bsr

South going blue for breakthroughs

TRARALGONSouth Primary Schoolcametogether in apowerful display of solidarity and awareness for World Diabetes Day(Friday, November 14), hosting'Going Blue for Breakthroughs',lighting up the school yard in many hues of blue.

World Diabetes Day is aglobalcampaigntoraise awareness of diabetes and its challenges. By hosting the event on this date, Traralgon South Primary School aligned itself with the global mission to promote understanding and awareness.

Traralgon South Primary School has an enrolment of 116 studentsthis year and three of those live with Type 1diabetes. This is the deeply personal reason for making World Diabetes Day apriority. Their experience is not confined to home -it’spart of school life, too. For them, diabetes is not aconcept, it's adaily reality.

By wearing blue, decorating the school, and sharing stories, the schoolaimed to raise awareness among students,staff,and familiesabout what managing Type 1diabetes means,reduce stigma by normalising conversations around the condition and its challenges,celebrateresilience -acknowledging how brave, disciplined, and strong students with diabetesare everyday, and to show support for ongoing research and 'breakthroughs' in diabetes care, especially in aschool environmentwhere insulin and blood-glucose monitoring are part of life for some.

Throughout the day, students participated in a range of activities to makethe day special,from dressing up in their favourite blue items of clothing, to learning about diabetes and what it is like for students from their personal reflections.

Aguess the jellybeans in the jar competition was also held in the lead up to the day, which helped raise $102 for The Type 1Foundation. Jellybeans

were used as they are quite literally alifesaving lolly for people with diabetes. By choosing to mark World Diabetes Day in this

way, Traralgon South Primary School was not only participating in aglobal movement, but also sending avery local, very personal message.

Blue world: Traralgon South Primar ySchool students donned their blue attire in suppor tofWorld Diabetes Day. Photograph supplied

Artwork: Antonio andClayrecreatingthe Gunaikurnai Creation Stor y. Photographs supplied

Material: Ariand Mason usingbarkfor the stor y.

Expertise: AuntyChristine Johnson assisting Hendrix, Leo,Lincoln and Lewis

Lifting offthe page: St Paul’sAnglican GrammarSchool student Chloe bringsthe Gunaikurnai CreationStory to life.

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club results.

Monday,November 17 -1st Robin andMoira Hecker (79 per cent), 2nd Ken Tierney and Vivienne Hendriks (54).

Tuesday, November 18 -N/S 1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (57),2nd Roxy Lamondand Fred Sundermann (56) E/W 1st Heather Watt and Anne Howes (63), 2nd Christine Zarb and Fred Kaminski (55).

Thursday, November 20 -1st Kaye

Douglas and Greg Nicholson (67), 2nd

Ken Tierney and Roxy Lamond (61).

Tuesday, November 11 -1st Heather Watt and Anne Howes (61),2nd Geoff Dixon and Anna Field (59).

Thursday, November 13 -1st Rob Graham and Glenis Lohr (60),2nd Robin and Moira Hecker (58).

If you would like to playorlearn more ab out brid ge, giv eH ele n McAdam acall on 0438 164 528.

Christmas concert

YALLOURN Madrigal Singers will presentits annualChristmas concert at the Traralgon Uniting Church (Park Lane, Traralgon) on Saturday, December 6from from 2pm.

The con cer ti se ntit led Tis the Season to be Jolly! and includes lots of beautiful Christmas music,both secularand sacred. This music is largely from across Europe, plus a couple of the well-known Australian carols by William James. The choir has had alot of fun preparing this program and is really looking forward to presenting the music.

Highl ight swill incl ude so loists Tamara Warden (flute) and Claire Morrissey (soprano). Therewill be an opportunity for the audiencetojoin in with some of the Christmas music.

After the concert ther ew ill be afternoon tea at no extra cost.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for school students and can be purchased at the door (cash preferred) or booked online through: www.trybooking.com/ DGZRG

Spiritual centre

LATROBE Valley Spiritual Centre (2 Avondale Road, Morwell).

Joinevery Sundayfor service, starting at 2pm. Doors open 1.30pm. Different guest speaker every week with demonstrations from an invited medium followed by acuppa and afternoon tea.

For enquiries,phone Amanda Webb on 0411 051 044.

Join the Facebook page: Latrobe Valley Spiritual Centre for updates.

Picketpainting

UNITING will host apaint apicket dayatthe Traralgon Uniting church today (November 26).

Picketsthat are paintedwill be featured in the new community garden. This is afree event withall materials provided, so come along and paint your ownpicket, meet some new people and enjoy alight lunch.

For more infor mation, pho ne Kelly-Anne on 9051 7000, or email: haccpypgippsreferrals@vt.uniting.org

Familyhistory

THE fin al meeti ng of the Mid Gippsland Family History Society for 2025willbeheldtomorrow(Thursday, November 27) from 2pm.

The session is being held in the Moe Community Groups Hub (44 Albert St, Moe, opposite the post office) and is open to all.

This will be aChristmas themed gathering to wind up the year before the holiday break. Research room will be closed from December 11 for six weeks, reopeningWednesday, January 28, 2026. Merry Christmas and we’ll see you in the New Year.

For further information, phone 0403 611 730.

Christmas social ballroom dance

JOIN La trob eV al le yD anc e Promotions Inc to have fun, socialise and dance the night away at the end of year Christmas social ballroomdance (no lessons).

Dance will be held tomorrow (Th urs day, Nov emb er 27) at the Morwell Girl GuideHall (18 Margaret St) from 7pm to 10pm at acost of $5 per person.

Those coming are asked to bring a plate of supper to share.

Sincethisisthe last dance for the year, feel free to come dressedin Christmas attire.

Phone Len on 0439683 834 or Lynda (0428 489 041) for more information, or email:latrobevalleydancepromotioninc@gmail.com

Follo wL atr obe Valley Da nce Promotions Inc on Facebook.

Collectables fair

THE ever-popular annual vintage, retro and collectables fair, hosted by theGippsland Antique Bottles &C oll ec tab les Cl ub In c. wi ll be held thisSaturday (November 29) at theGippslandRegionalIndoor

Sports Stadium (Catterick Crescent, Traralgon).

The fair will open to early birds ($30) at 8am and to the general public (adults $5, children free) at 9am. More than 150 trading tables will operate, provided by collectors and dealers from all over Victoria.

The range of collectables will be immense and every year many rare and desirable items are available for sale. Therewill be collectorcards, coins, stamps, bottles,tins, garagenalia,tobacciana, breweriana,books, china, glassware, dolls, retro items, small antiques -the list is endless. Something for every collector and a feast of viewing for the curious.

Phone Mick on 0499 515 800,or email:gippslandcollectablesfair@ gmail.com for more information.

Jazzy tunes

MOE Latrobe Valley Jazz Club will hold its last function for theyear at Moe RSL this Sunday (November 30). The band, Hot BHines, is from Western Victoria and hasplayed at Moe for more than 30 years.

During this time, the band has proved to be the most popular to play at Moe, bothatthe Moe Jazz Festival andatthe jazz club.

The band is led by Ken Collins -a dynamic and popular trumpet player. For enquiries, phone Bruce on 0427 743516.

Carols by candlelight

CHURCHILL carols willbeheld

Sa tur day, Decemb er 6b yt he Co-OperatingofChurches of Churchill at 1Williams Avenue.

Barbecue from 5.30pm (goldcoin donation),children's programme at 6pm, Santa arrival 6.45pm and then carols from 7pm.

Featuring the Coal Valley Male Chorus and Latr obe Com munit y Concert Band.

Carols books and glow candles will be availableatthe venue. Acollection will be for Fed Uni student food relief

Pre sen te db y: Lumen Chr isti Chur chi ll Par ish (5 134 2849 ), Co-Operating Churches of Churchill (5122 1480) and Churchill Christian Fellowship (0409 173 747).

Chess classics

KAVIKjoined thecontests at Latrobe Valley Chess Club and made an immediate impactwith four convincing wins as well as two hard fought losses.

Ian Hamilton defeated Peter Bakker and results afterthe completed round left these two players on equal terms

Hurdlesoften proved to be troublesomefor both Cliff Thornton and Steve Ahern.

Samantha Juers kept all the options open, showing plenty of skills.

Trevor Poultonwas happy to pass the win to the opponentafter two eventful tussles.

Phone Ian Hamilton on 0400 221 649 or Cliff Thornton (0413 330 458) for more on local chess.

Old time dance

NEXT Toongabbie Old Time Dance will be Friday,December5atthe ToongabbieMechanicsHall(Village Green) from 7.30pm.

Music will be supplied by Norm Lade with MonteCarlo,lucky doorprize and raffle.

Admission is $8. Those coming are asked to bring aplate to share.

For further information, phone 0419 874 958.

Everyone is welcome to come along for anight of fun and dancing.

Trycroquet

IF you would like to try anew sport whichissuitable for all ages, come alongtothe Traralgon Croquet Courts (66-110 McNairn Rd, Traralgon).

Flat soled enclosed shoes are the only requirement, and the club will provide everything else including assistance from memberstohelp understand the game.

Times for social play are on a Saturday and Tuesday: 10am to 12pm and 12.30pm-4pm.

On Wednesday nights, social play is 5pm-8pm which gives another opportunity to try croquet outof working and school hours. Cost is $5. For further information, phone 0447 276 783.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

You can address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin.

Please write 'CommunityCorner' in the subject line and nothing else. Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

30 —The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 26 November, 2025

Choir: YallournMadrigal Singers arelooking forwardtopresentinganafternoon of Christmas music. Photographs supplied

Nice brass: Moe Latrobe ValleyJazz Clubwill play its last function forthe year this Sunday.

By enteringintothe Latrobe Christmas Lights Competition Or simply register the location of your display for the whole community to enjoy!

Addressesofall registered and competition displayswill be printed in theLatrobe Valley Express during December.

The winningdisplay in each townwill receive:

$50 Gift Voucher from $50 TM&H Gift Card PLUS

Email your NAME (not for publication), ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER (not for publication) and a HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPH of your Christmas display to: reception@lvexpress.com.au

All competition entries and photographs must be received by Latrobe Valley Express by 12 noon on Friday 12 December,2025

Judging will take place Monday 15 December, 2025 and winners will be notified by phone and published in the Latrobe Valley Express on Tuesday 23 December,2025.

Forfurther enquiries please phone Reception on 5135 4444

Email: reception@lvexpress.com.au

Back To The Future: 40 years on

TO celebrate the 40th anniversary of cinema’s most beloved time-travel adventure, cinephile sports specialist Blake Metcalf-Holt joins forces withthe Express’ in-house temporal-mechanics correspondent,Aidan Knight (who would use a timemachine purely to ensurehehad the best newscoverage of theErinPatterson trial),for a nostalgic trip back to 1985. Or 1955. Or… well, you getit. Four decades on, Back to the Future remains as electricallycharged as aDeLoreanhitting 88 miles per hour.Whichisa speed it wouldn't survive should Doc Brown ever attempt to drive on the pothole plagued Prince Highway. It needs no introduction, but we'll do it anyway. Rele ased in 1985 and dire cted by Rob ert Zemeckis, Back to the Future follows high-schooler Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) as he’s accidentally launched 30 years into the past by eccentric inventorDrEmmettBrown,played with iconic chaos by Christopher Lloyd.

Trapped in 1955, Marty must repair the timeline, fix his parents’love story,and avoid collapsing the universe, all while navigating small-town quirks and one very angry Biff Tannen. Seamlessly blending comedy, sci-fi and heartfelt storytelling, the film remains abenchmark of blockbuster filmmaking -endlessly quotable, endlessly rewatchable, and still faster on its feet than half the modern franchise films that owe it everything. The sequel also taught Blake what an almanac is and inspired him to begin the turbulent life of achronic sports gambling addict (he can beat the TAB if he just believes hard enough).

Now, it's time for REEL TALK... Blake Metcalf-Holt: Apillar of not only '80s comedy,not only science fiction and coming-of-age films, but aclassic that has captivated generations sinceits release. That may seemlike hyperbole, but you’d honestly be hard-pressed to find anyone around that either hasn’t seen Back to the Future or dislikesit. Iwas introduced to the franchise when Iwas roughly10-years-old through asteelbook three-disc boxset (remember those) and devoured the trilogy of time-jumping adventures like there was no tomorrow.Itwas actuallythe second movie thatgrabbed me the most, the wholefuturistic redesign of the original’s story beats and seeing what happens when one messeswiththe space-time continuum. However, the olderyou grow, the more you see the chinks in the armour of Part II, and how undeniable the 1985filmthatspawnedittruly is. The classic has it all -iconic characters and moments filled with both heart and laughs, and despite the fixed years it jumps between,atimeless storythat could be inserted and adapted(although, please don’t) at any period, both now and ever.

Aidan Knight: Michael J. Fox was famously a last-minute casting, and theyhonestly couldn't have donebetter. Theysomehowused a23-year-oldwho still looks younger than Blake, as a17-year-old, and it kinda works, unlike every 30-year-old manchild who has ever pretended to be Spider-Man. Ifeel this is so rare for its time, as films like The Breakfast Club also failed to convince its castweren'tpaying mortgagesand rates notices, let alone being children. Interestingly,thiswasn't akey factorinFox's hiring, but his comedictiming -which is undeniable upon any number of viewings. It's integral to it all coming together, but not underpinning of the

CONFIDENCE Lashes And Beauty, from Traralgonhas been revealed as the champion in the Brows and Lashes category for the 2025 Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awards.

Servingasthe nation's biggest celebration of women in small business, the national presentation evening was held at The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, on Saturday earlier this month.

Outstanding: ConfidenceLashes And Beauty owner Madelyn Barnes with her national award title. Photograph supplied

Reel Ta lk

film, akey style of Robert Zemeckis (director and co-writer), who does this again to great accolades nine years later with Forest Gump. Fox's McFly is so likable because he's so genuine, he's not an exaggerated characteratall, neithercool nor dork. In an ’80s teen movie, this is basically witchcraft. And Lloyd as Doc Brown? Still the most definitive mad scientist in modern cinema. He looked exactly like one particular high-school teacher everyone had. You know the one -the teacher who seemed one lost set of keys away from inventing time travel out of frustration alone.

BMH: While the stars of the show are where it’s at and are the reasonthis remains endlessly iconic, the filmmaking is equally what makesBackto the Future so damn great. Robert Zemeckis, with more classics aheadofhim like Forrest Gump and Who FramedRoger Rabbit,still is in the veins of the movie industry to this day. Although he had ahit in Romancing the Stone the year prior, this film is what elevated him to astatusthat has allowed him to still be pushing titles out …even if he isn't what he once was. Between Zemeckis and producer Bob Gale (whobirthed the ideaofBackto the Future), they are the binding forcesthatallow this film's style and feel not be questioned even 40 years later. The visual effects hold up, the set design nurtures the believability of the story, and the editing makes it so seamlessly re-watchable. That all comes back to what Zemeckis is guiding due to the adventurousand tender tone that fit him perfectly and has frankly flowed throughout the rest of his filmography.

AK: One of my favourite things about this film is that they used Marty to invertedly 'invent' iconic motifs by simply adapting them from his time to his parents. To be the first person to skateboard and play rock and roll music must be apretty good feeling, and opens up an interesting world of time theory to think about. But the beauty of it is that the movie itself is not really that deep. The crux of the marketing at the time was guy-in-cool-jacketgets-flying-car, and at its mostbaseline,that's what it still is, and it works terrifically. That’s still the vibe, and it still works. Everything else -Biff, the parents, the diner, the Peabodys firing shotguns at him -iswallpaper. On the flip side, however, there is no picturing anyone but Fox and Lloyd doing what they do here.

BMH: The most impressive aspect of Fox’s performanceisn’t the delivery of his lines, but two integral and distinct items. The first is most blatant, but so vital to selling the movies premise, and that’s the chemistry built between he and Llyod. You need to buy that, for some reason, arandom high school kid is best friends with a50-year-old failed scientist. Despite Fox arriving to the film well into its production, due to the firing of Eric Stolz as Marty,each scenethatfeaturesbothheand

Best brows in the country

Confidence Lashes And Beauty received a championstrophy, winners certificate and welldeserved critical acclaim from peers as anationally recognised industry leader.

Renowned as the 'Oscars of Australian small business', the red-carpet eventwas hosted by Nine News and TODAY show journalist, Jayne Azzopardi, and attended by women in small business, dignitaries and supporters from across the country.

Australian Women's Small Business Champion Awardswere specifically created to recognise hard-working women from across the country who contribute to economic, cultural and social contributions of female-led smallbusinesses.This year's awards attracted recordentries with thousands of submissions received, spanning more than 65 categories in retail, servicesand manufacturing industries.

Confidence Lashes And Beauty scored the topmost result in the Brows and Lashes category, comprehensively adjudicated by an independent expert panel that considered various aspects of smallbusiness operations -including each entrant's strategies, growth plans,financialperformance, eco-friendliness, innovation, customer service quality and community support -toname but some of the judging criteria.

"Being selected as achampion of this major program from anational entrant pool of thousands speaks volumes of the tenacity and leadership at Confidence Lashes And Beauty," AwardsFounder and Managing Director of Precedent Productions, who manages the Women's Small Business Champion Award, Steve Loe said.

"The awards honour the nation's mostexceptional female leaders today who are making an indelible mark on the small business sector."

Lloyd on screen is so electric with their ability to work off each other. It’s quite miraculousgiven the circumstances, besides Fox coming on late to the picture, he was also working on practically no sleep, as he went from working on Family Ties (TV show) during the day and then raced over to the Back to the Future set for night shoots. That also makes it so surprising that the best part of his depiction of Marty, his physical comedy, is so well done and adds to every scene, whether its action or heartfelt, consideringhewas workingthoselong strenuous hours.

AK: That iconic clocktower scene is one of the most well-done final acts of any '80s films. It never succumbed to feeling like aflash Hollywood franchise despite its success, which allowed it to stay firmly grounded in the vision. The sheer amount of Easter eggs is worth adozen rewatches alone. Between the Huey Lewis cameo, and the endless alternate timelessnewspapers, it'd take along time to exhaust every extra detail in Back to the Future. The only thing Ican fault it on would be the unnecessary Freudian interaction Marty has with his mother, which is the only thing potentially preventing it from being aperfect movie.

BMH: Likemost films of thisera, and even though you may not remember it that way, Back to theFuture is still surprisingly raunchy. There’s areason Disney passed on making the movie, especially considering the squeamish mother-son relationship at the centre of the plot. Idon’t know whetherI couldliveifIwas victim to that scene in the car beforethey enteredthe Enchantment Under the Sea dance.However, the other central theme of the film, which is characterised so greatly through Marty and his father George (Crispin Glover), is how our parents shape us. If we elect to mirror or rebelagainst who our parents are and how they act, there’s always going to be similarities that were forged through both ours and theirs upbringing Ironically, that’s one spot that the sequel does better then the original, in showing how Marty actually follows in his dad’s footsteps …perhaps for the worst.

AK: This film is just like Doc Brown -joyous, inventive and surprisingly good company for its age. Perfect execution of asimpleidea,memorable castand appealstoawidevarietyofages -let alone types of people. It has the aesthetics of a family movie, with enough in-jokes and relevant

is 40

directions to appeal to the sci-fi nuts without wateringanything down too much, or resorting to cartoon violence to garner amainstream audience. It's hard to find it underwhelming, but it sure won't be the opposite, and has been an inspiration for many stories since. Oh, and the amazing ability nostalgia has on people who weren't even alive at the time of release, I'd love to know the metrics around the amount of Back To The Future merchthat has made its way from Hill Valley to Latrobe Valley. Probably enough to fill the boot of aDeLorean. Or at least aCommodore pretending to be one. Or the 2009 Cruze Blake drives to work, the backseat of whichisfull of footy-tipping sheets (allhistorically inaccurate in any timeline).

BMH: ★★★★★

AK: ★★★★★

Back To The Future turned 40 this month, and is available to stream on Netflix, Binge, and 7+. Rated PG for mild themes and coarse language.

Nature comes alive through photograpy

By KATRINA BRANDON

PASSIONATE explorers and handy photographers took to exhibiting some of the fungi-est works.

Celebrating its 65th year exhibiting and 66th year as an association,the Latrobe Valley Field Naturalists shared their works and adventures with localsfromNovember 7to13.

The exhibition, Nature of Gippsland,was judged very successfulatthe Greek Orthodox Church Hall in Morwell,featuring photographs of flora, fauna and landscapes taken in the Gippsland region by club members.

Independent judges assessed the photographers, who were quite impressed with the quality,and were put to the challenge of picking the best. The club’s leadership was also quite pleased with the collection, and thanked Latrobe City for ongoing support.

The ‘BestInShow’ was awardedtoMitch Smith, who shared his work, Lowlands Copperhead Austrelaps Superbus

“We often get snakes visiting our property at Woolennook searching for food and generally find that they don't pose arisk," Mr Smith said.

"One warmday,whilst Iwas out photographing insects, oneofour resident snakes, whichwe suspect was about four-five years old at the time, was making her wayacross the driveway when Iapproached abit too closely.She got startled and reacted with this defensive posturing. She was alert but calm, and, after afew quick photos, she was back on her way.”

The ‘Best In Show’ award is the Ken Smith

Award in memory of along-timemember and outstandingcontributor to the LV Field Naturalists.

Many naturalists come from far and wide for achancetospeak with like-minded people, with adventures stretching just as far, some even farther.

Volunteer naturalist Jack Weerts was introducedtothe passion as an exchangestudent about 25 years ago. In 2001, he returned permanently and has shown great interest in plants and nature.

Likethe judges,MrWeerts said it was an incredible collection on show this year.

“It’s (nature)sodiverse and that’swhatthe exhibition shows,” he told the Express

“If you look at the judging sheet, Idon't know how many categories, but there are categories for orchids, wildflowers, trees, and lots of different categories.”

With amagnifyingglass,onhands and knees, he said that alot of the work is quite diverse. Mr Weerts saidthat during his time with the naturalists,heassistedanecologist in New South Wales in measuring the area of the ecosystem. During that time, he said that they had found more than 26 different species. Withinthe club’s experience, peoplecan participate in acampover summer, spring or autumn, where they can look closely togetherat different areas and learn more about the ecosysteminwhich they live. In December, naturalists will be heading over to Mount Buller, and last year’s was at Wilsons Promontory.

Passion: Naturalist enthusiast Jack Weer ts wasexcited to see theexhibition come together. Photograph: KatrinaBrandon

Sharpeye: Mitch Smith presented with the KenSmith AwardbyLatrobe ValleyField Naturalist VicePresident Alix Williams. Photograph: Marja Bouman

Time flies: Thismonth

yearssince Back to theFuture hit screens Photograph supplied

What’schanged from theNats?

Fear of change much worse

COMMENT

BY TREVOR HOARE

EASTofMelbourne thereisavalley where, for more than 100 years, ancient coal beds havebeen excavated and burnedtorelease precious energy.

The town of Yallourn wasbuilt by government for the workers in early coal fired power stations.

Averypleasant plannedtown withfull facilities but plagued by coal dust from the growing opencut coal mine it was built next to.

Eventually, as Victoria and its demand for electricitygrew,the townwas pulled down and houses moved away to enable the mine to get the coal beneath it. Growing Victoria demanded ever more energy, so first Hazelwood mine and power station was built on the edge of Morwell, then the giant Loy Yang Apower station and eventually Loy Yang Bboth serviced by another giant open cut mine on the edge of Traralgon. The power stations broughtjobsand economic growth to the Valley to be sure, but its people had to live with dust from the mines, noise, giant smokestacks continuously belching dustsmoke and various toxicproducts released and produced when millions of tonnes of coal were burnt every year.

Water hadtobecontinuously pumped from th eg ia nt holes to stop aq uifers draining into them, causingsubsidence, especiallyonthe southern edge of Morwell And vast amounts of the water from the Latrobe River was evaporated from cooling towersand ponds to cool the power stations instead of flowing to the Gippsland Lakes andhelping flushout the salt. Historically, notanattractive place to live.

Then the Hazelwood Mine caught fire and burned for 45 days, shrouding Morwell and Traralgon in toxic coal smoke and carbon monoxide, with many physical and psychological health impacts, social disruption and probably some early deaths.

Of course the power produced by these giant industrial machines has to get to where it is needed -toMelbourne and all over the rest of Victoria. So over the years, six giant power lines were built across farmland and through suburbs on several differentroutestoMelbourne along what is now calledMelbourne’s South East Corridor.

Farmers and millions of residents in this rapidlygrowingarea through Warragul, Drouin, Packenham, Berwick and along the Monash Freewaythrough Melbourne’s eastern suburbs have to put up with the blight of looking at and driving under this infrastructure. “Ahhh, the serenity”.

So it rankles when afew farmers and otherswho have had electricity at their houses and businesses west of Melbourne for 75 years produced and delivered by all this infrastructure cry foul and claim their amenity and businesses will be destroyed if they have to see awind farm or powerline or drive around atransmissiontower or wind turbine on theirfarm as we transition the electrical system to use wind and sunshine insteadoffossil fuels. Those hosting or even living near the new infrastructure will be generously compensated for it. Unlike the residents of the Latrobe Valley and the south eastern corridor for the last 75 years who, while havingjobs, had no say in their loss of amenity or health

The world is hotter and heating faster then ever before in human existence.

We all know that the old coal generators are clapped outand must close. Theenergy system is changing. While change is not always pleasant, fear of change is almost always worse than the reality of it.

We will all need to learn how to adapt to change whether we like it or not. So what would it look like to adapt?

Trevor Hoare is aM irb oo Nort h resident

BACKin2021,Federal Member for Gippsland

DarrenChester called net zero by 2050 a“sensible and responsible” goal. He pointed to renewable energy -like offshore wind -asawin for Gippsland: more reliable power, more local jobs, and astronger future for the region.

Fast forward to today, and Mr Chester appears to be walking away from that commitment. What changed?

If offshorewindwas goodfor Gippsland then, why isn’t it part of the plan now? Has the science changed? Have the job opportunities disappeared? Or is this shift more about politics than people?

Gippsland deserves leaders who stand by solutions that create jobs, strengthen the energyfuture, and protect the environment we all depend on.

I’d genuinely liketounderstand what’s behind this reversal.

Wendy Farmer Newborough

Evidence-based debate

IREADPhilip Hopkins’ piece'Energy mix critical: Page ResearchCentre' (Latrobe Valley Express, 12/11) withgrowing concern andfeel compelled to correct several misleading impressions it leaves about whobenefits fromthe policy prescriptions in the Page Research Centre’s report and about the history and consequences of Australia’s energy transition.

The Page documentpresentsapolicy agenda framed around “affordability” and“high cost energy” that explicitly recommends publicsupport for expanded gas, advanced coal and even nuclear options alongside renewables.

That is alegitimate policy position to debate,but it must be examined in context: who commissions and funds such reports, and whose commercial or political interestsstand to gain if taxpayers are askedtosubsidise competing, higher-cost generation that undercuts the private renewable investments made underthe market reformsofthe 1990s and 2000s? Readers deserve transparency about the sponsorsand commercialplayers behind advocacy that callsfor publicfunds to prop up fossil fuel or large capital projects.

The article’s implication that the market failed to delivercheaperenergy ignores the deeper arc of the last three decades: privatisation and market signals spurredlarge-scale investment in solar and wind, driving down costs and delivering consumer andindustrial value. Where costs rose were poorly controlledlargely tiedtocontinued reliance on fossil fuels and the policy uncertainty that discouraged efficient long-term planning.

The Page report’s claim that “net zero is failing Australians” needs empirical supportbeyond rhetorical framing -selective costs can be highlighted while obscuring the demonstrable cost declines in renewable technologiesand the avoided long-term risks from unabated emissions.

It is reasonable to debate the role of dispatchable capacity, firming, and grid resilience. It is not reasonable to argue for taxpayerunderwrite of expensive alternatives without clear, transparent cost-benefit testing against existing private investments and community priorities. Using public money to compete with or strand private renewable projects would be aperverse outcome: it risks reversing the innovation and investment that have made clean energy cheaper and would saddleregionalcommunities with the risksand costs of technologies that are, in many cases, more expensive and slower to deploy.

Constructive energy policymust startwith an honest accounting: reveal who funds and stands to benefit from policy recommendations; compare lifecycle system costs (including firming, transmission, and environmental externalities) acrossoptions; and prioritise measures that protect households and regional jobs while accelerating low-cost, scalable solutions. Calls for “all technologies” are not neutralwhenthey translate into publicmoney and regulatory preference for some incumbents or even anew government entrantoverthe marketinnovators who already delivered cheaper renewables.

Iwelcome robust debate about Australia’s energy future -especially in regional centres like ours where communities bear the consequences of policy choices -but that debate should be evidence-based, transparent aboutinterests,and focusedondelivering secure, affordable andclimate-resilientenergy without wasting public funds on measures that simply prolong high-cost, high-risk pathways.

Brian Burleigh Cowwarr

Underground solution

THE state’s reluctance to consider underground transmission for offshore wind energy is fuelling distressinfarming communitiesand delaying Victoria’s renewable energy future.

Farmers in Gippsland say they are feeling pressured and intimidated by land-liaison officers contracted to VicGridwho areseeking access to properties along the proposed offshore wind energy transmission corridor.

Landholders are being approached by multiple representatives -sometimes two, three, or even four people at atime-asking for access to take photographs so they can 'show' farmers what overhead powerlines might look like.

Farmers are tellingusthey feel cornered. They’re being outnumbered across their own kitchen tables. They feel anxious and unsure of their rights. This is their home, their business, and their legacy, and they’re scared it’s being put at risk.

The pressure is taking atoll on mental health in rural communities already under strain.

We’ve been hearingdirectly from farmers who are struggling. The uncertainty, the letters, the visits- it’s wearingthem down.Mygreatest concern is that this added pressure in already stressed communities could push someone over the edge. That’s arisk that’s simply unacceptable.

At arecent community meeting hosted by Better Transmission Gippsland, farmers spoke openly about the distress being caused. There’s no trust left. People are exhausted by the constantpressure. They just want to be treated with respect and honesty.

The situation could be resolved almostovernight if the government builtthe transmission line underground.

The irony is,ifthis project was going underground, those same farmers would be opening their gates. They want to see renewable energy succeed, but they can’t support aproject that cuts across their propertieswith overhead linesthat everyoneknows are outdated and vulnerable to extreme weather.

It’s not VicGrid’s fault. They’re following abrief set by government that simply says: buildoverhead. That’s notevidence-basedpolicy.It’sinertia, shaped by old deals, old pressures, and old thinking.

The cost argument used to justify that position no longer stands.Ten years ago, they said underground was 20 times more expensive. When the renewables transition started,they said 10 times. Now even their own numbers put it closer to two or three at worst -and that’s before you factor in the costs of outages, compensation, and maintenance for overhead. The world’s moved on, but policy hasn’t.

Some private developers have already chosen underground connections for renewable projects, but government agencies have refused to consider them.

It’s as if they’re scaredofproving themselves wrong.

Kirra Bott

Better Transmission Gippsland Chair Emissions impossible

"WE can ignore reality, but we cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality," Ayn Rand, Net-zero is being effectivelyabandonedorignored almost anywhere you look around the world.

Truth bombs are explodingall around us as physics detonates politics.

Meanwhile, back in the new dark ages that is modern-day Australia, our reality-proof Energy Minister, Chris 'Blackout Bowen', deep in denial andallergic to reason, and flippantly dismissing any contrary argument to his highly biased version of climate change as 'misinformation', continues to pretend that his utterly reckless renewables-only rollout is progressing swimmingly despite the veritable Mt Everest of evidence from overseas where weather-dependent renewables are beingconsigned to the dustbin of oblivion due to their inherently unaffordable,unreliable,and intermittentnature

Indeed, 33,000-plus Australian small business and industries going bust in the last three-anda-half years under Labor's economy-wrecking net-zero policies attests to this grim fact.

Nearly all of those businesses and industries that crashed cited Australia's crippling energy costs as the chief reason they were forced to close.

Speaking through false teeth, and as predictable as awindscreen wiper's path, Bowen's false narrativesurrounding wind and solar power is accompanied by lie after lie.

Thus,power prices will not come down; they will continue to go up. Jobs will not be created, they will be destroyed. Enough of this net-zero nonsense!

Ifor one am ready to call atruce with the climate change fanatics.

Let schools stop indoctrinating kids with the alleged consensus of 'scientists' falsely packaged as facts. In return,usclimate change skeptics should agree to immediately close down Australia's remaining 15 coal-fired power stations, thereby cutting our negligible 1.1 per cent contribution to global Co2 emissions per year. Then we wait, aday, aweek, amonth, ayear, however long it takes for the penny to drop that our once prosperous economy lies in ruins, our citizens reduced to living like pigs at third world standards, and all for an utterly inconsequential effect on global climate.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Coalition net zero morality

THE Coalition's'plan'todump our net zeroeffort is built on falsehoods, shows an abject moral failure

on behalf of future generations and will render them unelectable for ageneration.

They claim that Australia is 'ahead of the pack' in emissions reduction and that we should aim for 'the middle of the OECD' (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries) pack in emissions.

Yes, we are 'ahead of the pack' but not as they think. We have the third highest per capita CO2 emissions in the world (14.5 tonnes per person), compared to the OECD's 6.5 tonnes (source: Our World In Data).

If we want to put ourselves 'in the middle of the pack', we must first get there and reduce our per capita emissions by about 54 per cent.

As for the 'China first' argument, their figure is 8.7 tonnesand falling as they supplant coal with their gargantuan renewable energy rollout. Our figures alsodon’t countthe emissions from our massive coal and gas exports, from which we generate our wealth.

Including them moves our global share of emissions from about one per cent to nearly four per cent. If we profit handsomely from exporting products which damage the environment, surely we bear some moral culpability and obligation to reduce our emissionsfaster, not slower. We are no different from the gun manufacturers saying they have no responsibility for people killed by their products.

The Nationals' goal of 'no compromise on lifestyle' also shows theircomplete lack of morality and regard for future generations; thanks aheap Darren Chester!

We are already having our lifestyles compromised by climatechange. If you dismiss that thought, maybeyou'd best have athink aboutwhatiscausingthe rises in your insurance premiums.

The Coalition continues to claim, in the face of evidence to the contrary, that 'we are naturally the better economic managers'. Yet, they have put out their emissions and energy plans without askerrick of modelling to support their claims.

Put simply, they have no basis to make the claims about being able to lower prices and you should test them on those claims.

This plan condemns our children and grandchildren to live in aworld warmed to around 2.8 degrees. We can all see what is happening at around 1.4 deg C. The only positive thing about their plan is that renders them unelectable before 2031 or maybe even longer.

Who under 60 is going to vote for them?

John Gwyther Coongulla

Have your say

THE LatrobeValley Expresswelcomes letters to the editor.

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

TheeditorLiam Durkin, reserves the righttoeditlettersfor reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters must include aphone number, email address and the author’s hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity.

Readers are entitled to aright of reply to aletter directed at them.

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

The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff. Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support aperson’s point of view.

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

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

Lettersregarding religion will notbe published.

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

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Young lady In Town Jennifer 22yo First time in town. Sweet, pretty lovely. Good fun. 0421367038.

Notice to ADVERTISERS and RESPONDENTS

Voicemail introductions advertisements and voice messages may only be submitted by persons 18 years and older.

When making contact with people for the first time, it is advisable to meet in apublic place and let amember of your family or atrusted friend know where you will be.

We would advise readers and advertisers to exercise caution in giving out personal details. This will be respected by genuine respondents.

Korus Connect is seeking aChaplain who is

Help support our local Tradies while they service build and repair in our local communities - check out our Business Guide Pages and Home Maintenance Section in the Classifieds every Wednesday, for your local Tradies WHEN YOU GO LOCAL, YOUGROW LOCAL!

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General

ADVERTISERS

PLEASE NOTE:

Much hardship and difficulty is caused to job seekers by misleading advertising placed in the employment columns. Our Situations Vacant columns are reserved for advertisements which carry aspecific and genuine offer of employment. Ads for `Business Opportunities' and `Training Courses' and `Employment Services' should be submitted under those headings. Placing misleading ads is an offence against the Trades Practices Act and state/territory fair trading acts and all advertisements are subject to the publisher's approval. Forfurther advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

DELIVERERS WTD

PRUNING SERVICE

All areas. Hedges big and small, fruit trees, natives, camellias, ornamentals. Over 25 years experience. Phone 0478 658 025.

Would you like to deliver the Latrobe Valley Express newspaper to individual homes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday afternoons in Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Newborou gh and Churchill? Please apply to the Circulation Manager 0456 000 541. Please note: Children must be 11 years or over as we will need to apply for agovernment Child Emplo ym ent Pe rmit Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

• Senior StrategicPlannerPermanentFull Time

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Latrobe City Council as the declaredwaterway manager for Lake Narracan hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) thatall persons and vessels not registered to take part in the Latr obe Va lley Wa ter Ski Club Events ar e prohib ited from entering and re maining in the fol lowin gw aters.

Waters of Lake Narracan –Halls BayAreaC

The exclusion zone will be in effect from the dates, times and for the events specified in Table 1below.

Table 1: Latrobe ValleyWater SkiClub Public Notices •

Engineering Cadet

Loy Yang Bispartnering withFederation University to offer acadetship to someone interested in studying Electrical Engineering at the Gippsland Campus. Findout moreabout how this opportunity could kick start your career:

Music Teacher (One day aweek)

St Joseph’s Primary School is aCatholic co-educational primaryschool located in Trafalgar,justover100 kilometers East of Melbourne. Catering forapproximately 105 students, the schoolpridesitselfon being awelcoming community whereeveryone is valued and respected. Applicationsare invited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.

Thesuccessfulapplicant will be appropriately qualified,demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculumtoarangeof educational abilities, and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupportingandrespectingtheethosoftheschoolanditsenvironment.

VictorianInstitute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply

Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025

• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees

• Visit https://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria and Application forEmployment form.

MrsTrish Mulqueen

Principal

St Joseph’s Primary School Private Bag 3 Trafalgar,Vic, 3824

Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au

The interview process maycommence prior to the closing date and, if asuitable applicant is found, the role mayclose early.Weencourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as soon as possible.

St Joseph’s Schoolcommunity promotes the safety,wellbeing and inclusionofall children.

Permanent Teaching Position

Full time

St Joseph’s Primary School is aCatholicco-educational primary school located in Trafalgar,just over100 kilometers East of Melbourne. Cateringfor approximately 105 students, the school pridesitself on beingawelcomingcommunity whereeveryone is valued and respected. Applications areinvited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.

The successful applicant will be appropriatelyqualified,demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to arangeof educational abilities, and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupportingandrespectingtheethosoftheschoolanditsenvironment. Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply

Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025

• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees

• Visit https://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria and Application forEmployment form.

MrsTrish Mulqueen

Principal

St Joseph’s Primary School

Private Bag 3 Trafalgar,Vic, 3824

Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au

The interview process maycommence prior to the closing date and,if asuitable applicant is found, the role mayclose early. We encourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as soon as possible.

St Joseph’s Schoolcommunity promotes the safety,wellbeingand inclusionofall children.

See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details

Submissions are to be lodged as detailed in the documentation. Council is notbound to acceptthe lowest or any tender

Learning &Teaching Leader (POL2) Permanent Teaching Position

Full time (1 day leadership, 4days classroom)

St Joseph’s Primary School is aCatholic co-educational primaryschool locatedinTrafalgar, justover100 kilometersEastofMelbourne. Catering forapproximately 105students, theschoolprides itselfon being awelcoming community whereeveryoneisvalued andrespected. Applications areinvited from suitably experienced persons forateaching position.

The successful applicant willbeappropriately qualified, demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to deliver the appropriate curriculum to arangeof educational abilities, and be able to provide careand support forstudents whilstsupportingandrespectingtheethosoftheschoolanditsenvironment.

Victorian Institute of Teaching Registration is arequirement. Graduate Teacherswelcome to apply

Applications close: Thursday 4th December,2025

• Applications should include coverletter,Curriculum Vitae and 3referees

• Visit https://www.trafalgar.catholic.edu.au/ forSelection Criteria and Application forEmployment form.

MrsTrish Mulqueen

Principal

St Joseph’s Primary School

Private Bag 3 Trafalgar, Vic, 3824

Email: principal@trafalgar.catholic.edu.au

The interview process maycommence prior to the closing date and,if asuitable applicant is found, the role mayclose early. We encourage applications for the vacancy to be submitted as

St Joseph’s

21'

BRIGHT Carol 6/11/1947 -18/11/2025

Passed away peacefully at LRH.

Aged 78 years

Loving wife of Peter.

Adored Mumma and Mother-in-law of Darren, Melinda, Matthew, Leasa and Matt.

Loved Nanna of all her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren

You dedicated your life for those you loved, you always did your best, you fought until you could no more, and now you are at rest.

You will be sadly missed, loved now and always XX

CAIN Alan 3/6/1961- 22/11/2025 Passed away peacefully at LRH. Much loved son of Ian and Barbara (dec.). Loved brother to Neil and Sue, Jenny and Craig, Bruce (dec.) and Julie.

Loved Uncle Al to all his nieces and nephews. Reunited with Mum and Bruce.

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CESARELLO Angelo Born 19 August 1938, in Italy. Passed away 16 November 2025, at Latrobe Regional Health in Victoria, Australia. Aged 87 years Loving husband to Edith (dec.) and brother to Tommy (dec.). Adored Father, Grandfather and Great- Grandfather to Riccardo (dec.), Angelina, Zane, Justine, Jessica, Luke (dec.), Jamie, Jason (dec.), Campbell, Mia, Harrison, Reid, Lincoln and Charlie.

Agentle soul, known for his kindness, his big heart, and alifewell-lived.

Forever atrue gentleman. Funeral for Angelo was held Tuesday 25th.

CHURCHILL Jim

Passed away peacefully at LRH, Traralgon on the 16th of November 2025, aged 90 years. Loved and loving Husband of Margaret. Father and father-in-law of Peter and Joan, David, and Deb. Loved Pa to his Grandchildren and GreatGrandchildren. Safe in the arms of Jesus.

CRONIN (Shields) Maureen Anne Born on 23 December 1954. Passed away peacefully at home in Moe, 18 November 2025. Aged 70 years Loved wife of Christopher Cronin, loved Mother of Linda, and Wayne. Proud sister to Peter and Michael Shields. Alife made beautiful by kindly deeds.

Avery special thanks to sister-in-law Tricia Cronin who support ed Mum through her illness.

DUFFELL Lea

Passed away peacefully in Melbourne on 18 November. Loved and loving wife of Geoff and mother of Bryan. Step mother of Adrian and Gavin, daughters-in-law

Emily and Vinci. Grandma to Ethan, Bonnie, Elliott and Ruben.

You brightened the lives of others, may the memories never be dimmed.

Aprivate funeral service will be held.

FRANCIS

Murray Edward Passed away suddenly on 16th November 2025. Aged 72 years Loved husband of Gaylene (dec.) and Margaret. Much loved father of Kelvin and Sara, Duane and Letitia. Adored Pa to Mikayla, Tarquin, Rory and Xander.

GUNN Lindsay John (Joe) 3796552 Australian Army The president, Committee and Members of the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Sub-Branch are deeply saddened by the pass of their value Ex-Service member, Joe. Deepest heartfelt sympathy to all of his family and friends. LEST WE FORGET.

LAIDLAW Shirley Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch are deeply addended by the passing of their esteemed Affiliate Member and friend, Shirley. We offer our sincere sympathy to her family. LEST WE FORGET.

MACKAY Neville Douglas (Ted)

Born on 4July 1947. Passed away on 18 November 2025. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Neville Douglas Mackay (Ted) on Tuesday 18 November, at Dalkeith Gardens. Dad was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Dad Loving father of Shane, Jason, and Loretta. Beloved husband and soulmate of the late Lyn Mackay

Honouring the life of my hardworking and humble Dad. For 78 years he lived with grit, humour and heart. He cherished his friends and loved sharing his famous Dad jokes right to the end. I'm proud I could honour Dad's wishes and be by his side. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I've ever done, I'll forever treasure his love, our bond and the time we got to spend together. Thank you for creating memorable moments with my family.

Rest peacefully Dad, you'll be missed big time.

All our love forever, your daughter Loretta, Son-inlaw Carlos and GrandChild re nC arl os- Ale xis , Charlise and Santiago Cornejo XX

To the hardworking man you were, Your battle has come to an end, and you can finally learn to rest. You were always the one who lived for your work, never working just to live.

Rest in peace, old man. Thank you for everything you taught me and our family, the strength, the grit and the pride in doing things the right way. We'll carry those lessons with us for the rest of our lives. Always, your son Shane, Daughter-in-law Sacheen Grandkids Alyssa and Lucas

Rest in peace Dad, now reunited with your wife Lyn and your siblings. Love from Jase, Lee and family.

MORAN John Thomas

1/6/1940 -18/11/2025

Passed away peacefully at LRH, aged 85 years old. Leaving behind his loving wife Pamela, brother Kerry and extended family. Gone but never forgotten. Love Pamela

RADFORD (nee Bennell)

Margaret Irene Joyce

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at LRH on November 22, 2025, aged 85 Years.

Loved and loving wife of Neil (dec.)

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Chrissy, Annette and Mark, Melinda and Tony.

Adored Nan to all her Grand Children, Great Grand Children and their families.

Loving sister to Laura, Maureen, Albert (dec.), Kenny (dec.) and their families. Reunited with her beloved Neil Forever in our hearts.

ROBERTS Hilda

Born on July 31st 1939, passed away November 22nd 2025. Peacefully at Latrobe Regional Hospital with family by her side aged 86yo. Loving Mother of Kevin, Linda, Luke and their partners. Loving Sister, Nan and Mima to many. You worked so hard for those youloved, you always did your best, you fought until you could no more, and now you are at rest. Sadly missed.

ROBERTS Hildagard Passed away 22/11/2025. An incredible, generous loving person to the Thomas family. You were such adedicated friend to our mum for 71 years, and was the closest thing to an Auntie, we could have. Your love and great memories will last forever. Much love, Laurajean xxx

ROBERTS Hildgard

Passed away 22/11/2025. My precious friend 'Fred'. We had 71 years' special friendship. Never anasty word; our cuppa's and counter-tea's were always so special. Always your love and generosity during our pokie days. Our love for each other is forever. Love to all family members from Fred and the Thomas family. Love for you will last an eternity Glady (Fred).

SMITH

Raymond Keith "Ray" Born 4April 1942. Passed away 15 November 2025. Passed away peacefully, after along illness, surrounded by family at Heritage Manor, Morwell on Saturday 15 November 2025.

Aged 83 years Loved and loving husband of Sue. Belo ved fath er and father-in-law of Melinda and Matt. Rest in peace.

WALLACE Peter Born on 11 September 1946. Passed away 16 November 2025.

Aged 79 years Following along and arduous health battle, Peter passed away sud den ly at Lat rob e Regional Health, with his family by his side.

Dearly loved and loving husband of Rachel, his wife of over 35 years, the yin to his yang.

Much-loved Father, StepFather, and Father-in-law of Maddie, David, Chris, and Mardi, each of whom he guided with quiet wisdom and unwavering support.

Adored grandfather and treasured Poppy to Leo, Isla, Remy, and Odette, who brought him immense joy and pride.

Peter will be remembered for his strength, intellect, resilience, and the deep love he shared with those around him.

Forever loved and respected by us all.

Aprivate service and cremation was held.

WALLACE Peter The members of Traralgon Field and Game Club, mourn the passing of our respected Life Member. Rest in Peace.

BRIGHT 27 Nove mber 202 5 at 1:30pm The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mrs Carol Bright will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 6Ollerton Ave, Moe THURSDAY (27 November 2025) commencing at 1.30pm. At the family's request, if you wish please wear a splash of red. In lieu of flowers online donations can be made to MS Research at the service and online. To donate online please visit Latrobe Valley Funerals website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

CAIN Alan Please come help us celebrate the life of Alan on MONDAY (1/12/2025) commencing at 1pm in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon, Commencing at 1pm.

CRONIN

The funeral service for Mrs Maureen Anne Cronin was held at St. Kieran's Catholic Church, Lloyd Street Moe, on Tuesday 25th of November 2025 at 11am. Private family burial to follow. Maureen's service was also livestreamed. To view please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on live streaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

FRANCIS

The funeral service for Murray Francis will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437A Princes Dr Morwell, Friday 28 November 2025, commencing at 1.30pm. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Yallourn Cemetery. Murray's service will also be livestreamed. To view, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MOE 5126 1111

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MACKAY 3December 2025 -1pm

The Funeral of Mr Neville "Ted" Mackay will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Hwy Traralgon, WEDNESDAY (3 December 2025) commencing at 1pm At the conclusion of the Service, the Funeral will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon. Neville's service will also be livestreamed. To view, please visit Latrobe Valley Funerals website.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

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RADFORD (nee Bennell) The Funeral of Mrs. Margaret Irene Joyce Radford will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 437a Princes Drive, Morwell on TUESDAY (December 2, 2025) commencing at 11.00 am. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, online donations to lifeline would be appreciated.

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SMITH APrayer service for the rep ose of sou lo f Mr Raymond Keith Smith will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Rd Morwell, FRIDAY (5 December 2025) commencing at 11am. Following the service the funeral will leave for the Tr aral gon Cemet ery , Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive Traralgon.

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JEFFERYES Jim 15 years have passed. We love and miss you. Wendy and Meg.

In Memoriam •

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hard to put your thoughts and feelings into words

Apersonal message in the L atrobe Valley Express can say so much

For friendly advice on how to place your message contact The Classified Department

Masters in weightlifting

File photograph

WEIGHTLIFTING

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ONCEagain, Chris and David Holtcontinue to defy their age, winning gold and silver medals at the recent Australian Master Games for weightlifting.

The Traralgon family partnership has been going to state, national and world weightlifting championships for decades and have reaped the rewards of hard work both in their senior years.

At the latest venture in Canberra last month, David took home gold with atotal score of 125, while his uncle Chris at the staggering age of 88 claimed asilver medal.

Trainingout of the TraralgonWeightlifting Club, David formed the group in 2003 after attending the World Masters Games hosted in Melbourne and also watchingChris, his cousin James (Chris’ son), and his father Robin who all devoted themselve stopowerliftingand weightlifting.

“I can remember James doing this as ayoung kid and Inever thoughtanythingofitbecause Ialwayswanted to play soccer,” David told the Express “But watching Chris lift and then watching my

dad, Ithought ‘I reckon Icould give this atry.’”

Sincetaking the sport up, David has accumulated acollection of around 15 medals for his efforts and held state records for aperiod of time. Chris, on the other hand, has been lifting weights since he was ateenager and seen success especially in the veteran category over the last three decades.

He has won medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and World Masters Games in numerous travels and snatched three Australian records at the Bendigo Open in 2019. Additionally, Chris was on top of the world in 1994 when he took out the gold medal at the World Master Games held in Brisbane that year. David said it’s still athrill to compete alongside his standout uncle.

“Sometimes it can be achallenge, most times it’s very rewarding to be able to sit down and (see) here’s achapwho’s beendoingthis since he was 14 and he’s now near 90, and he’s still competing,” he said.

“Just to see that and most people going ‘I can’t believe you’re still lifting.’” David added that both will continue to put themselves in aposition to liftweights at any level as long as their bodies allow them to.

Newborough wins midweek

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

MIDWEEK pennant bowls continuedTuesday, November 18, with players enjoying good bowling conditions despite the threat of possible rain which is not unusual for this season.

In Division 1, Drouin with only the rink of Chris Deal alongwithRon Westrup, Mary Firth and Ian Wake winning 30-15, defeating Moe who had winners in Banger Harvey 20-19 and Paul Read 26-25 leaving Drouin the winners 74-61.

Newborough had agood win at home against Trafalgar with Phil Mustoe and his rink of Fran Clark,Danny Van Zuylen and Jo-Anne Michaels winning29-9 and SherylAtkinsonwinning16-10.

For Trafalgar, MattSchreyer and hisrink of GrahamHill, Pat Tatterson and David Cook won 25-16 leaving Newborough winning 61-44.

Morwell Club had agood win at Warragul with Tara Harle and her rink of Jo Leslie, Jody Capp and Lynne Smith winning 29-17 and Neil Whitelaw winning 20-16.

For Warragul, Robert Renn won 22-20 leaving Morwell Club the winners 69-55.

Trar algon won av ery close matc hw it h Traralgon RSL, 58-56 with Trevor James winning 23-20 against Beau Williamson and Lyn Moffat 18-16 against Ross Sizeland.

For the RSL, Maurie Sutcliffe defeated Kathy Smiles 20-17.

 IN Division 2, Newborough (2) travelled to Trafalgar (2) with Trevor Kennedy and his rink of Michael Holroyd, Jeff Wetzel and Julie Jackson winning 32-10 and Paul Gallagher winning 22-9.

For Trafalgar(2),Paul Dawson won 28-15 leaving Newborough (2) winning 69-47. Neerim District with Karren Sheers and her rinkofHeather Guppy, Linda Chappleand John Rochford won 22-17 and Chris Hogan 23-20

defeatedMorwell- who had Steve Collins winning 19-16 leaving Neerim District winning 61-56. Newborough (3) drew with Traralgon (2) with Peter Policha winning 21-17 and Di Bertoli 18-16.

For Traralgon (2), Bill Bishop won 22-16 to tie the game 51 shots all.

Yinnar with only one rink up defeated Drouin (2) narrowly at home 60-57with Jenny Harris and herrinkofPeterRennie, Maryann Peters and Julie Klein winning 26-14.

For Drouin (2), Rudy Kerkvleit won 24-21 and Col Jeffrey won 19-13.

 IN Division 3, Drouin (3) defeated Yarragon 88-42 with Brian Thorpe and his rink of Laurie Innes, Russell Dawson and Neil Bullen winning 38-7.

Longwarry defeatedChurchill79-54 withJason Lieshoutand his rink of RobertQuinn,Col Finger and Craig Cousin winning 31-10. Morwell (2) defeatedMorwell Club (2) 85-49 with John Matheson and his rink of Rebecca Matheson,Leanne Broadbent andJill White winning 36-13.

Warragul (2) defeated Traralgon (3) 80-38 with all rinks up and David Gatewood and his rink of Brian Kennedy, Ian Belling and Glynis Mitchell winning 31-9.

 DIVISION 4saw Yallourn North, 12-63 defeat Moe (2), 4-50 with Steve Postlethwaite winning 69-12.

Longwarry (2) 14-63 defeated Morwell (3) 2-59 with John McCarthy winning 25-17.

Traralgon RSL (2) 14-67 defeated Traralgon (4) 2-38 with Brian Wilkinson winning 30-7. Garfi eld 16-90 won all rinks defeat ing Newborough (4) 0-46 with Alan White winning 36-12.

 IN Division 5, Drouin (4) 10-46 defeated Yinnar (2) 0-32. Morwell (4) 8-39 defeated Churchill (2) 2-30. Traralgon RSL (3) 10-47 defeated Trafalgar (3) 0-31.

Neerim District (2) 9-42 defeated Warragul (3) 1-38.

Neverstop: Traralgon uncle and nephewChris and David Holt accumulated even moreweightlifting medals recently. Christook up the spor twhenhewas 14 andisnow close to 90-years-old.

Region welcomes WNBL action

BASKETBALL

WNBL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE reigningpremier of theWNBLarrived in Traralgon at the weekend -not just for ameetand-greet, not just for aclinic, but to take on fellow contender Perth Lynx.

While fans young and oldtook their seat to watch the best women basketballers in the country for the first time since 2023 in the Latrobe Valley, the contest itselfproved more one-sided than predicted.

After trailing at the firstquarter break, the Spirit dismantled the Lynx by 29 points at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on Sunday afternoon, moving Bendigo ahead of their most recent opponents and into second on the WNBL ladder. To go along withthe return of thegame to the region, Spirit superstarsKelseyGriffin and Marianna Tolo both celebrated 250 games -each formerWNBA players and five-time champions with Bendigo.

The match at Traralgon was expected to be a showdown, as the two teams went head-to-head just the week before, with Perth getting up by 14 points.

More than 500 fans watched Tolo and Perth’s BriannaTurnertip the game off and Tolo score on the first possession for Bendigo.

Perth openedaggressively, mounting an early lead of six points, only for the Spirit to leap ahead through Isobel Borlase from the perimeter.

Borlase continuedtoknockinshots however, the Lynx dug deep in the latter stages of the opening term to lead 20-16.

Signs that Bendigo weren’t going to be deterred appeared early on in the second quarter with Georgia Boothraining in asmooth step-back three-pointer.

Offence was coming easier for the Spirit, but Perth persevered throughout the backend of the first half.

Once Borlasehit herthird threefor the night, pushing Bendigo into the front at the one-minute and 30 second mark, the Spirit didn't look back. Bendigowent into halftime with afour-pointlead,

Renegades, Faltum marching on

CRICKET

WBBL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

THE Melbourne Renegades have rarely put afoot wrong in its title defence during the latest Women's Big Bash League season.

Coming up againstthe top-placed Hobart Hurricanes wasn'tgoing to be easy, and as such the Renegades succumbed for the second time on Thursday evening (November 20).

Weather halted the blockbuster matchup betwe en the to ptwo sides fro mbeing completed, withthe Hurricanes winning by sixwickets via DLSmethod at North Sydney Oval.

Latrobe Valley export Nicole Faltum lasted just eight balls finishing with 11 runs.

The Renegades were all out for 155 with just three balls remaining in their innings, only for the Hurricanes to see aslightly better turn in the batting.

Faltum caught Hobart opener Lizelle Lee off the bowling of Milly Illingworth, but the Hurricanes only faced a39-rundeficit with seven overs spare before the game was called.

However,the Renegades did respond emphatically on Sunday morning (November 23), defeating Sydney Thunder by eight wickets in short time at Drummoyne Oval.

The reigning premierrouted Sydneyall out forjust64, with Faltum finishing the innings by stumping Shabnim Ismail as she attempted to launch one.

Finishing in due time, the Renegades reac hed the targ et quickly ,t hanks to Bairnsdale's SophieMolineux (29 runs) and Alice Capsey (24).

The Renegades play tomorrow night (November 27) against Perth Scorchers at CitiPower Centre.

NB: Afull wrap-up of local cricket will feature in next week's paper, covering the last few weeks.

Limited page space and more prominent sporting events has made for an impossible juggling act, not easy given the editor's love of cricket Liam Durkin

but adecimating third quarter blew the game and themarginout of the water.

Making fivethree-pointers during the period, the Spirit went on a20-4run andentered the final break having outscored the Lynx by 13 points.

Bendigo refused to let in and went right to the finalbuzzer playing their best, reaffirming their back-to-back championship aspirations.

Borlase led the charge with 26 points (including six threes), five rebounds and four steals, while Tolo and Griffin had 10 and seven points respectively in their milestone games.

The Spirit made the most of its time in the Latrobe Valley, making some stops at the local primary schools for guest speaking and smallskill sessions

WhenBendigo defeated Townsville Firein last season’sWNBL Grand Final series, 2-nil, Traralgon’sAsha Nightingale featured as adevelopment player- she is currently undergoing her first year in the States at Davidson College.

To defendtheirtitle this season, the Spirit brought in even more talent, with the arrival of American import MeganMcConnell (whosebrother T.J. has played with the likes of Australian NBA players Ben Simmons and Johnny Furphy).

Bendigoreplaced the void created for women’s basketball in the region when former WNBL

franchise Melbourne Boomers were relocated and rebranded to the GeelongVenom (GeelongUnited in their first season last year), who ironically, feature Moe’s Jaz Shelley.

The Boomers had welcomed regular season WNBL matches at Traralgon since 2018, with the most recent outings coming against UC Capitals with Traralgon’s own Jade Melbourne at the centre.

 ELSEWHERE in Round 6, Geelong rued remaining in the top four after an overtime loss to Adelaide Lightning, 99-93 at the SA State Basketball Centre on Friday night.

Moe’s Jaz Shelleyhad one of her best performance in the WNBL to date and almostgot her team over the line, scoring 11 of her 24 points in the fourth quarter and overtime period.

TheMoe export also talliedimpressivefigures of sevenrebounds, six assists and five steals against Adelaide.

As for Traralogn’s Jade Melbourne and her Capitals, coming up against the top-placed Townsville wasnever going to be an easytask, and so it proved, as the Canberra outfit fell by 40 points at Townsville Entertainment Centre on Saturday night.

Melbourne finished with nine points, three rebounds and three assists in the loss.

Running to change CTE measures

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ASWARM of Gippslanders will take part in the 2XU Wellness Run this weekend as ameans to raise vital money for those, both knowingly and unknowingly, suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Board member of the Concussion Legacy Foundationand former Churchillpremiership coach, Leigh McDonald and event ambassador and former Saints player Justin Koschitzke will joinaround100 people at Catani Gardens, St Kilda this Sunday (November 30).

Around 80 participants are said to be from the Gippsland area, specifically Sale.

Amarathon, half marathon, 10km and five kilometre events take place over the weekend, with money raised going directly to ConneCTErs Australia, which works to better support the community in their understanding and prevention of CTE through education and research.

The 2XU Wellness Run hasset atargetof $30,000 with close to $15,000 already raised in the lead-up to the event.

Diagnosed with probable CTE two years ago, McDonald haschampioned better awareness and combatting the degenerative brain disease in local sport.

Having been playing coach when Churchill won the North GippslandFootball-Netball League in 2008, and then playing for VFL club Coburg andalso coaching Wonthaggiinthe Gippsland League, McDonald suffered close to 40 concussionsduringhis 20-year football career.

He speaks candidly about his condition, which effects even the most basic of tasks during the course of his day.

"I have to work so hard to keep on top of things, so hard to be normal and Iget jealous at people that can just be normal," he told the Express

"Part of my condition now really is that Ineed to have agoal in front of me, that's the way I need to live my life now, Ineed to have purpose otherwise Isort of get in alull as alot of people do.

"I cannot function at all unless I've got something to aim towards.

"Effectively, it's early onset dementia is what it is."

Last year, McDonald set his sights on his first mission-the CairnsMarathon -not only to raise awareness and money, but to pay tribute to those who've lost their lives to CTE.

Alongside famous cases like former AFL players ShaneTuck and Danny Frawley, the condition has trickled down to the local football scene, and McDonald especially wanted to honour young Traralgon player Nick Lowden, who took his own life in 2023 with CTE later found to be acause

The Lowden family eventravelled to Cairns in support of McDonald's run, just as he was supporting them.

McDonaldsaidthat his wife Michelle had to sign him up for that event due to him still being in the fog of his initial diagnosis.

"The last one Idid it was life-or-death really, she wasn't expecting me (to be) coming home that was the start of the change for me," he said.

Completing this next run alongside Koschitzke, someone with lived experience and still realising the effectsofthe many head knocks sustained during his AFL career which more than adecade ago, McDonald and othersdealing with the disease have someone to lean on, and vice versa.

"He (Koschitzke) is providing support because

he cares (and) becausehe'sgonethrough it," McDonald said.

"He doesn't want people to feel what he feels."

In bringing those from Gippsland into the fold during this run, McDonald wants to see more effort from country football (leagues, clubs, players and trainers) in setting up preventative measures for CTE, ensuring the reduction of diagnoses in the future.

"A lot of peopleare supporting (the run) because they can see what'sgoing on in regards to concussion with the 21 day protocols, (which is) great, but nothing's changed in relation to the trainers will run out and say 'are you concussed?' and the players will still run off and say 'I'm fine'," he said.

"The damage is done in the days afterwards or the week after, and people just need to know that they can rest and we haven't got that bit right.

"We need our first aid officers to have been trained it can't be that hard."

Even with the AFL being more switchedonwith concussion protocolsand the resourcesthey have in place, McDonald is passionate about making sure country football is continuing to learn and grow in relation to the issue.

"It's all about regional for me because you look at the AFL and they'vegot everything they need -they watch footage and can see what's gone on and could do the relevant tests because they're trained," he said.

"We just need to have the basic protocols for the testing, so we've got the protocols for the break, (but) we need protocols for the testing."

You can help the LaceUpfor CTE cause by dona ting at :h tt ps://www .mycau se.c om.au/ page/381863/lace-up-for-cte

Traralgon draw back against Traf

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT BY

MICHAEL HOLROYD

BOWLERS wereappreciative of another nice warm day for bowls after many games had been hindered by wind and rain in recent weeks.

In Division 1, the game of the round wasat Traralgon where they drew with Trafalgar despite having three rinks up.

Vin McIlwain and his Traralgon rink of Michael Better, Ian Hilsley and Matt Eccles were playing Matt Schreyer and his rink of Graham Hill, Ted Kuklinsky and Adam Proctor with Traralgon trailing by two shots with as many ends to play.

McIlwain scored four shots putting Traralgon in thelead with one end to play.

Schreyerclaimed two shots leavingthe overall result 73 shotsall. McIlwaindefeated Schreyer 20-16. In other rinks, Michael Yacouband his rink of Pat Trewin, Ian Kirkup and Wayne Barnes defeated Chris Bortignon and his rink of Matt Ogilvie, Mich Fleming and Matt Coutts 16-15.

WayneLynchand his rink of Trevor James, Julian Wildenberg and Shane Chapman defeated Tommy Lodge and his rink of Wayne Hurst, Paul Dawson and Ian Miles 22-18.

Traralgon RSL startedwell against Newborough

withRoss Sizelandand his rink of Tich Hore, Nathan Forester and Maurie Sutcliffegaining six shots on the first end against Kevin Lovett and his rink of Bluey Flanigan, Jo-Anne Michaels and Sheryl Atkinson winning 36-12.

DaveHodson and his rink of Rick Lukey, George Cargill and Kevin Durward also started well for the RSL winning five shots on the first end and leading 14-3after six ends before Phil Mustoe and his rink of Glenn Slater, Alan Ryan and Josh Kennedy fought back to draw 23-all after drawingthree shots on the last end.

Newborough’s George Lambos andhis rink of Paul Sherman, Wayne Arnold and Alan Grubb defeated Beau Williamsonand his rinkofGreg Pratt, Ross McKenzie and Peter Barnes 25-11.

Scott Jonesand his Newboroughrink of Lisa Arnold, Debbie Kennedy and Neale Houston defeated Alan Kanavan and his rink of Ian Hartley, GregMcRonald andBrianSmith 37-13 leaving Newborough the winners by 14 shots, 97-83.

Morwell Club had another good win at home against Longwarry with Brett Harle and his rink of Matt Rodgers, James Turner and Alan Campbell defeating Glenn Pask 26-17.

For Longw arr y, Ken Towt defeated Glenn Trembath20-14 and Ian Peterson defeatedNeil Whitelaw 20-18 leaving Morwell Club winning 81-79 overall.

Morwell won well at home against Drouin with

Brian Kingsley and his rink of Aaron Illman, Alex Monroe andRoss Kennedy defeating Doug Boggie 32-13.

Danny McKeown defeated Gareth Rich 16-14 and Kevin Pigdon defeated Dennis Throup 20-10.  MOE maintained its unbeaten Division 2run at home against Boolarra with Stuart Caines defeating Darren Napier 23-16, John Westerlo defeated Joel Anderson 24-17 and Michael Smogavec defeated David Stevens 23-15. Garfield had astrongwin at Traralgon (3) with Alan Whited defeating BarryFernance 21-8, Steve Whyte defeated Greg Swan 20-14 and Les Pumphrey defeated Brendon Smiles 21-20. Warra gul had ab ig wi na th ome again st Traralgon (2) with Robert Renn and his rink of Anthony Wynd, Lynda Morrison and Dave Smith winning 33-8 against Cary Locke. Neerim District won all rinks at home against Traralgon RSL (2) with Peter Wilson and his rink of Heather Guppy,GregBond and Jim Fallon defeating Alan Jones 32-13.

AngusMcGillivray defeated Max Gibbins 23-20, PeterThroup defeated Graeme Hore 21-15, and to complete the clean sweep, Peter Brookes defeated Laurie Melhuish 30-16, leaving Neerim District winning 106-64.

To see the full bowls review (Divisions 3-7), visit the Express website.

Midweek report -Page 41

Arm-in-arm: BendigoSpiritplayers embrace following their win at Traralgon. Marianna Tolo and Kelsey Griffin(second and thirdfromleft) each celebrated 250 WNBL games played. Photograph supplied

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND ATHLETICS CLUB

ROUND 6OFGIPPSLAND ATHLETICS

CLUB TRACKAND FIELD SEASON WAS HELD TUESDAY 18 TH NOVEMBER 2025

ROUND 6RESULTS:

Women’s MastersShotput: Fiona

Saltmarsh8.47m (8.35m previous record, Fiona Saltmarsh 21/01/25)

Women’s U/14Hammer: Brooklynn Wyatt

36.75m (36.75m previous record, Brooklynn Wyatt 21/10/25)

800M

Women: U/14–Xanthe Dalton 3:14.30

Men: U/16–Liam McCandless 2:49.97

HAMMER

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 37.99; U/16–Zaria Dalton 24.18; Masters-Brandy

Forgèt 29.97,Fiona Saltmarsh20.00

Men: Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 31.91, Cameron Hughes19.40; Masters– Wayne Seear 26.93, StuartDalton 25.41

TRIPLE JUMP

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 8.20; Masters–Christine Stomps 6.18

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 9.96; U/16–Liam McCandless 7.77; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 8.47

SHOTPUT

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 8.12; Masters–Fiona Saltmarsh8.47; Brandy Forgèt 7.19,Christine Stomps 5.47

Men: U/14– TajMakepeace 6.76; U/16 –Liam McCandless 6.38; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 9.89, Cameron Hughes 8.48; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 6.83, Wayne Seear 6.53

100M

Women: U/14–Brooklyn Wyatt 14.26, Xanthe Dalton 15.53; U/16–Zaria Dalton 12.75; Masters–Christine Stomps 17.53, Brandy Forget 20.03

Men: U/16–Liam McCandless 12.44; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 12.20; Masters– Aaron Makepeace 15.02, Stuart Dalton 16.22, Wayne Seear 17.48

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH

MIDWEEK PENNANT ROUND 518-NOV-25

DIVISION 1

Traralgon 14 58 Traralgon RSL256

Drouin 12 74 Moe461

Morwell Club 14 69 Warragul 255 Newborough 14 61 Trafalgar 244

DIVISION 2

Newborough (3) 951Traralgon (2) 751

Neerim District 14 61 Morwell 256

Newborough (2) 14 69 Trafalgar (2) 247

Yinnar 12 60 Drouin (2) 457

DIVISION 3 Morwell (2) 15 85 Morwell Club (2) 149

Longwarry1479Churchill 254

Warragul (2) 16 80 Traralgon (3) 038

Drouin (3) 14 88 Yarragon 244

DIVISION 4

YallournNorth 12 63 Moe (2) 450

Traralgon RSL(2) 14 67 Traralgon (4) 238

Longwarry(2) 14 63 Morwell (3) 259

Garfield 16 90 Newborough (4) 046

DIVISION 5

Trafalgar (3) 942Warragul (3) 138

Traralgon RSL(3) 10 47 Trafalgar (3) 031

Drouin (4) 10 46 Yinnar (2) 032

Morwell (4) 839Churchill (2) 230

MIDWEEK PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND 5

18/11/2025

Division 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 14 01245 1994662

Morwell Club 13 11239 202 37 56

Traralgon 12 21218 239 -21 41

Trafalgar 12 21225 237 -1239

Drouin 12 21245 247 -2 36

Traralgon RSL1 131227 230 -3 30

Warragul 11 31232 228 428

Moe 11 31214 263 -49 28

Division 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 24 01285 1889766

Traralgon 23 11294 261 33 53

Morwell 13 20322 257 65 50

Newborough 32 21255 272 -1738

Yinnar 12 21217 248 -31 36

Neerim District 12 30265 279 -1432

Drouin 21 31203 260 -57 30

Trafalgar 20 41194 270 -7615

Division 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Warragul 24 01312 169143 70

Longwarry1 401315 194121 68

Yarragon 12 21222 241 -1942

Morwell 22 21268 236 32 40

Traralgon 31 22207 279 -72 33

Churchill 11 22213 267 -54 31

Drouin 31 31250 258 -8 26

Morwell Club 20 41168 311-14310

Division 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon RSL2 401269 1759466

Garfield 14 10348 253 95 64

Morwell 33 20315 294 21 46

YallournNorth 13 20305 287 18 40

Longwarry2 221210 258 -48 39 Moe 21 31215 239 -24 30 Newborough 41 31215 285 -70 28 Traralgon 40 50240 326 -86 7 Division 5 Name WL DF ADiff. P Drouin 44 01185 1127343 Traralgon RSL3 311173 1314233

Morwell 43 11153 155-229

Neerim District 22 21160 1573 26

Churchill 21 31139 153-14 21

Yinnar 21 31135 183-48 17

Trafalgar 31 31141 167-26 16

Warragul 31 31138 166-28 15

SATURDAY PENNANT 2025 -26ROUND 622-NOV-25

DIVISION 1

Traralgon 11 73 Trafalgar 773

Newborough 15 97 Traralgon RSL383

Morwell Club 14 81 Longwarry479

Morwell 14 80 Drouin 457

DIVISION 2

Neerim District 18 106Traralgon RSL(2) 064

Garfield 16 78 Traralgon (2) 264

Warragul 17 108Traralgon (3) 151

Moe 16 85 Boolarra265

DIVISION 3

Newborough (2) 16 87 Moe (2) 272

Trafalgar (2) 16 81 Yinnar 266

Drouin (2) 16 83 Morwell (2) 263

Longwarry(2) 16 81 Thorpdale 262

DIVISION 4

Traralgon RSL(3) 16 81 Yarragon 274

Churchill 14 89 Traralgon (4) 471

Yallourn North 15 72 Warragul (2) 370

Newborough (3) 18 127Neerim District (2) 047

DIVISION 5

Garfield (2) 16 71 Traralgon (5) 048

Morwell (3) 14 69 Drouin (3) 253

Trafalgar (3) 14 59 Warragul (3) 255

DIVISION 6

Longwarry(3) 14 80 Traralgon (6) 257

Newborough (4) 16 55 Boolarra(2) 047

Morwell Club (2) Bye

Moe (3) 14 65 Morwell (4) 253

DIVISION 7

Churchill (2) 940Drouin (4) 136

Yallourn North (2) 10 43 Thorpdale (2) 026

Boolarra(3) 848Morwell (5) 232

Traralgon RSL(4) Bye SATURDAY PENNANT 22 NOV2025

ROUND 6

Division 1

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Traralgon 15 01552 363 18993

Newborough 15 01514 452 62 85

Morwell 13 30467 444 23 58

Trafalgar 12 22449 451 -2 51

Longwarry1 240495 456 39 45

Morwell Club 12 40402 521 -119 37

Traralgon RSL1 141365 471 -106 32

Drouin 11 41352 438 -86 31

Division 2

Name WL DF ADiff. P Moe 16 00557 397 16096

Warragul 13 21422 345 77 64

Boolarra1 321400 348 52 63

Garfield 13 21383 381 263

Neerim District 12 31399 371 28 51

Traralgon 22 40422 492 -70 41

Traralgon 32 40400 506 -106 36

Traralgon RSL2 150403 546 -143 18

Division 3

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 25 01415 351 64 82

Longwarry2 411440 316124 79

Trafalgar 24 11400 347 53 76

Thorpdale 12 31355 360 -5 51

Morwell 22 31351 373 -22 44

Drouin 21 41347 425 -78 36

Moe 21 41347 400 -53 33

Yinnar 11 41333 416-83 31

Division 4

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Warragul 24 11419 327 92 78

Newborough 34 11471 297 17476

Churchill 13 21396 379 17 61

YallournNorth (1)321360 404 -44 56

Traralgon 42 31378 372 649

Traralgon RSL3 231355 416-61 45

Yarragon 11 41357 399 -42 37

Neerim District 21 41329 471 -14230

Division 5

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Drouin 34 11339 225 11470

Garfield 23 12287 279 863

Traralgon 53 21281 271 10 52

Morwell3 222282 268 14 45

Trafalgar 32 31256 313-57 39

Warragul 30 51238 327 -89 19

Division 6

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Newborough 44 01276 170106 70

Moe 34 01263 1946964

Morwell 43 21289 292 -3 54

Morwell Club 22 21236 2122441

Longwarry3 221238 227 11 40

Boolarra2 041182 280 -98 11

Traralgon 60 50232 341 -109 8

Division 7

Name WL DF ADiff. P

Boolarra3 401194 1247039

Morwell 53 11186 1444235

Churchill 23 11158 1451330

YallournNorth 22 31181 196-15 27

Drouin 41 31126 1251 20

Traralgon RSL4 131111 126-15 17

Thorpdale 21 40145 241 -96 12

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS RD 1(STROKE) 15TH NOVEMBER 2025.

AGrade Winner: A. Jenkins 73 Nett

BGrade Winner: G. Sanders74Nett

CGrade Winner: C. Gilfillan75Nett

DGrade Winner: B. Mathieson 69 Nett

ScratchWinner: T. Webb 80

D.T.L: 1. S. Vary 72, 2. B. Downie 73, 3. B.

Cluderay 73, 4. T. Webb 74,5.C.Thompson

75, 6. J. Cahill 75, 7. M. Brereton 75, 8. P.

Flanigan 75, 9. G. Barnes 76,10. S. Caldwell

76 N.T.P: 3rdP.Smart(Propin), 12th P. Smart

Target Hole: R. Dent

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIPS RD 1 MONTHLYMEDAL (STROKE) 18TH

NOVEMBER 2025

MonthlyMedal Winner: S. Caldwell 81 Nett

ScratchWinner: M. Dear

Putts: M. Dear 27

AGrade Winner: S. Caldwell 81 Nett

BGrade Winner: S. Gosling 85 Nett

D.T.L: 1. M. Dear 82, 2. C. Sterrick83

N.T.P: 3rdS.Gosling,5th S. Turner,12th M. Dear,14th L. Brent.

MIRBOONORTH

TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER, STABLEFORD

AGrade: TWhitelaw, 40pts

BGrade: JSmeriglio 34pts

DTL: PWoodall35, NWhichello,D Taylor

34, NTP: 4th PWoodall, 6th GShandley, 13th

MPayne,16th NRutledge, Birdies: 4th GShandley, PWoodall, 13th M Payne,T Whitelaw, SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER, STROKE, FINAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP DAY

WINNERS

AGrade: TBaker 69 c/b

BGrade: JMcFarlane 69

CGrade: SEvison, 73.

DTL: NBickerton 70, TimTraill 72, F Fernandez, RKratzat, LGilliam 74

NTP: 4th TBaker,6th DFelmingham, 13th J Smeriglio,16th FFernandez, Birdies: 6th DFelmingham, TimTraill, 16th

FErnandez, Lowest putts: TimTraill.

CHAMPIONSHIP:

AGrade scratch: TimTraill HCP,Tim Traill

BGrade scratch: ALiebe,HCP,S

Hill-Smith

CGrade scratch: SEvison HCP,SEvsion

Vets scratch: (div 1) TBradshaw, (div 2) J Smeriglio,HCP JMcFarlane

MOE

SUNDAY,16NOVEMBER 2025 OPEN

SUNDAY 9HOLE STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Spowart,Geoff(13)18

SUNDAY,16NOVEMBER 2025 OPEN

SUNDAY MIXED STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Donaldson, Murray (14)

Grade BWinners: Hamilton, Ian (26) 42

Place Getters: Felmingham, Daryl37C/B COLEMAN,Jeremy37

WEDNESDAY,19NOVEMBER 2025

WOMEN'S WEDNESDAY 9HOLE

STABLEFORD

Overall Winners: Beath, Joy(17)9C/B

GreatScore: Chris Birrell (Birdie) @14

WEDNESDAY,19NOVEMBER 2025

SPLIT FINAL RND WOMEN'S CLUB

CHAMPIONSHIPS STROKE

Grade AWinners: Taylor,Amy (13) 69

Grade BWinners: O'Reilly, Christine (33)

Place Getters: Borg, Kathy78 Elliot, Christine 79 Great Score: AmyTaylor (Birdie) @11

WEDNESDAY,19NOVEMBER 2025

TWILIGHT STABLEFORD

AGrade Winner: K. Borg(21) 18 C/B

THURSDAY,20NOVEMBER 2025 OPEN

MIXED STABLEFORD

Grade AWinners: Peel, Michael (7) 40

Grade BWinners: Beveridge,Eric(10)36

Grade CWinners: Dunstan, Craig (16) 36

Grade DWinners: Pace,James (26) 38

C/B

Place Getters: Matthews,Max 38, Hayes, Albert37, Ellwood, Dane 35 C/B,Porto, Chris 35, Stansbury, Les 34, Spiteri, Paul 34 C/B,Pedemont, Joseph 34, Jenkins, Andrew 33 C/B,Bruce,Shane 33 C/B, Scammell, Mark33 C/B,Jenkins,Brian 33 C/B,McGrath, William 33 C/B,Soppe, John 33 C/B,Collings,Dale 33 C/B,Morrow, Darren 33 C/B,Gauci, Anthony33 C/B

Great Score: Hayden Svenson (Birdie) @ 14,MarkFife(Birdie) @14, Paul Richmond (Birdie) @8,TonyJohnson (Birdie) @14, Joseph Pedemont (Birdie) @8,Albert Hayes(Birdie) @14 Nearest to Pin: 4th Craig Downs,14th Tony Johnson

SATURDAY,22NOVEMBER 2025 FINAL

ROUND MENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

STROKE

Grade AWinners: Cheetham, Ben (11) 71 C/B

Grade BWinners: Eastaway,Karl(12)70

Grade CWinners: Wolski,Ted (21) 73

Place Getters: Wilson, Lee 71, Borg, Shannon 72, Wright, David 73 C/B Johnson, Charles 73 C/B,Pickard,Andrew 73 C/B,Veenman, Laurie 73, Backman, Shane 73 C/B,Boorer,Kade 73, Nyko, Steve74C/B,Johnson, Tony 74 C/B

Gross Winner: Lee Wilson 74

GreatScore: Tony Johnson (Birdie) @ 8, Finn Agius-Walker (Birdie) @4,Jeffrey Bassman (Birdie) @8,Craig Dunstan (Birdie) @14, Graeme Brien (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th Shannon Borg, 8th Graeme Brien, 14th Craig Dunstan

MENS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS RESULTS

Winners: Tony Johnson -Scratch 216, Tony Johnson -Handicap (3) 207

Winner BGrade: Karl Eastaway -Scratch 253, Karl Eastaway -Handicap (13) 214

Winner CGrade: Jack Duncan -Scratch 280, Jack Duncan -Handicap 220 Vets Champion: Tony Johnson 216 WOMANS CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

RESULTS

AGrade Winner: AmyTaylor -Scratch 263

BGrade Winner: Leanne DonaldsonScratch 305

CGrade Winner: Leahann StewartScratch -330

AGrade Handicap Winner: AmyTaylor (15) 224

BGrade Handicap Winner: Leanne Donaldson (24) 233

CGrade Handicap Winner: Andrea Griggs (37) 233

MORWELL

WOMEN WEDNESDAY 19TH

NOVEMBER 2025 1STROUND 4BBB

CHAMPIONSHIPS

DayEvent Winners: BScurlock&S Turner

40 NTP: 2nd ELau 8th DVuillermin 11th I Yoshimura15th CBoers

TRAFALGAR

TUESDAY:18/11/25 -STABLEFORD

Players: 25, Women 4, Men 21

Winner: GeoffFallon (21)

Runner Up: NormMether (20) c/b

DTL's: Graeme Grant (20) MickBennett (19) Hank Fiddelaers(19)DaveRose (18)

Vic Hill (18

NTP: Graeme Grant (5th)

Lucky Card: Craig Scanlan

THURSDAY 20/11/2025 -3RD ROUND

SENIORSCHAMPIONSHIP STROKE

Players: 52, Women 16,Men 36

Ladies Winner: JanJanson (31)

Runner Up: Cheryl Toyne (32)

DTL: JanGriffin (33) Chris Payne (34) Sue DeVries (35) BevKeily(35)

NTP: Sue Klemke(13th)

LuckyCard: Cheryl Deppeler

Mens Winner: Chris Griffin(26)

Runner Up: Keith Owen (30)

DTL: Harold McNair (31) Andy Kiss (31) Andy McCrorey (32) PeterCooke(33) Max Taylor (33) Duane Baker (33) Rob Cusworth/Warner (33)

NTP: John Turpin (13th)

Lucky Card: MickBennett

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERSFOR 2025

Ladies: H/Cap: JanJanson (101)

Scratch: KarenMacGregor (143)

Mens: H/Cap: Craig Scanlan (88)

Scratch: Harold McNair (129)

Putting Comp: 2rounds: Chris Griffin(27)

LADIES 19/11/25

18-Holes: 2nd Rd Championships

9-Holes: Stableford

AGrade Winner: Sue Klemke(15)with 72 c/b

Runner-Up: SamCaldowwith (10) 72 nett

BGrade Winner: Alison Bailey(27) with 73 nett

Runner-Up: JanJansen (43) with 74 nett

DTL: Ange Bayleywith 75 nett, Christine Payne with 76 nett, June Tickell with 77 nett and JanGriffin with 78 nett

NTP: 5th SamCaldow11th Sue Klemke

Gobblers: SamCaldowonthe 12th and RobynJones on the 10th

9-Hole players

Winner: Sue Balfour (24) with 16

Runner-Up: KarenSwingler (16) with 12

Full details of results can be foundon

MiScore

CURRENT LEADERS@ RD 2OF CHAMPIONSHIPS

AGrade Scratch: SamCaldowwith 169Handicap: SamCaldowwith 149nett

BGrade Scratch: Charlie Killeen with 204Handicap: Charlie Killeen with 150nett

CGrade Scratch: JanGriffin with 221Handicap: JanJansen with 154nett

FRIDAY,NOVEMBER21ST, OPEN MEN’S& LADIES STABLEFORD

AGrade Winner: Russell Dent 36 pts C/B

BGrade Winner: RobCusworth-Warner

37 pts

DTL's: Glenn Doolan 36, Ross Anderson 36, BarryDwyer 36, Chris Porto34, Bob Baldry34, Tony Gray 34, Graham Rawson 34, Shaun Lee 34, Michael Warry33 C/B

Birdies: 5th: BarryDwyer,Peter Griffin, Brett English, Craig Radford11th: Shaun Lee 13th: Paul Robertson, Glenn Vassett15th: Glenn Roberts

SATURDAY,NOVEMBER22ND,STROKE–FINAL ROUND CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS

AGrade Winner: Glen McCulloch 68 nett

BGrade Winner: PeterBurghardt 67 nett

C/B

CGrade Winner: RobCusworth-Warner 72 nett

DTL’s: BarryDwyer 68, Jess McGrath 69, Graeme Grant 70, NickRowe71, Nathan Dart 72, StewartCluning 72, Neil Clark72, Tony Gray 72, Brian Fox 72, PeterMoss 72, Bruce Aplin 72, Symon Lee 73 C/B

NTP’s: 2nd: NickRowe5th:Peter Burghardt

11th: Tony Gray 13th:Keith Owen 15th: Glenn Roberts

CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS

AGrade: Scratch: Wayne Robbins 227 gross

Handicap: StewartCluning 215nett

BGrade: Scratch: AnthonyGould 258 gross

Handicap: RobClark211 nett

CGrade: Scratch: Brian Fox274 gross

Handicap: Graeme Grant 216nett

DGrade: Scratch: PeterCollier 296 gross

Handicap: PeterCollier 221 nett

Veterans: Bruce Aplin 140nett

YALLOURN YALLOURN GOLF CLUB LADIES RESULTS 2025 CLUB CHAMPION.

Winner 1DivisionScratchand Club Champion: Lola Carter.94+92+87=273

Winner 1DivisionHandicap -54Hole

Aggregate: Lola Carter (17)77+75+70=222

Round 1Days Event Winner: Heather Ware (29) 76 on c/b from Sue Caldowand

LynMcAlister

Round 2Days Event Winner November

MonthlyMedal Winner: LynMcAlister 89-15-74on c/b from Lola Carter.Count putts Lola Carter 30 putts

Round 3Days Event Winner: Lola Carter 87-18-69

NTP Day1/Round 1: LynMcAlister 2nd and 8th

Day2/Round 2: LynMcAlister 8th, Sue Caldow16th

Gobbler: Sue Riches 14th

Day3/Round 3: Lola Carter 2nd and Birdie Tuesday4-11-25. 9Hole Stableford1 Division Sue Riches (32) 16 pts on c/b from Donna Brown, Heather Ware and Sue Caldow Tuesday18-11-25. 9Hole Stableford. 1 Division

LynMcAlister (15) 18pts

PISTOLS

TRARALGON

Mon 10/11/25 Air pistol

CGrade: VBaldwin 519-62-581 DO'Rourke 480-106-586. HSheils 474-112-586.

DGrade: DSykes 448-113-561.P Leys 446-116-562. LMorris 408-132-540. HMiller 394-154-548.

Ladies Air

CGrade: KPeters515-67-582.

Mens Junior

DGrade: NChapman 208. Wed12/11/25 Centrefire

DGrade: DBest 432-124-556. BChapman 356-152-508. DChandler 394-174-478. P Sheils 227-235-462

25 mt pistol

CGrade: MHoward 483-98-581

DGrade: FBorgnine 447-97-544. D O'Rourke 372-252-624.

Classic pistol

DGrade: BCollins 261-126-387.L Morris 161-150-311. Sat 15/11/25 morning Standardpistol CGrade: DFarnham 495-84-579. DGrade: BChapman 420-143-563. HMiller 375-202-577.D Chandler 372-154-526. AfternoonCentrefire

DGrade: BChapman 437-163-600. DChandler 385-189-574. PSheils 289-240-529.

25 mt pistol

CGrade: CBenelli 535-54-589. AUrban 514-75-589. DGrade: HMiller 446-202-648. PLeys 407-319-726.

Classic pistol

DGrade: BCollins 299-120-419.

TENNIS

RIVERSIDE TENNIS ASSOCIATION

RIVERSIDE

Siddle’shat-trick,15 years on

CRICKET

By LIAM DURKIN

“PETER Siddle’s got ahat-trick on his birthday!”

Yesterday (November 25) marked 15 years since Peter Siddle put Morwell on the map, after his extraordinary feat on the openingday of the 2010/11 Ashes series in Brisbane.

In one of Australian cricket’s most memorable moments,the former Latrobe player celebrated his 26th birthdayinthe best possible fashion, with his toe crushing hat-trick ball and subsequent raise of the umpire’s finger sending fans into delirium.

Much like his birthday neatly coincidingwith ahat-trick,the 15th anniversary coincided with Siddle being home for the weekend.

The Morwell boy tooktimetocatch up with family, and watched some local kids basketball.

Speakingwith the Express,Siddle said while the anniversary hadn’t really dawned on him, it was impossibletoescapethe moment continuously replayed around this time of year.

“It’s gone pretty quick, it’s pretty crazy,” he said. “I didn’t realise the extent of it at the time.” His hat-trick started by drawing England great SirAlastair Cook forward, knicking to first slip, before knocking over loudmouth keeper Matt Prior.

In came Stuart Broad, long before his role as the pantomime villain was established.

The planets may have aligned for Siddle, who wasnot only on ahat-trick on his birthday, but bowling to someone who it was later revealed was helplessly unprepared.

“Englandhave got aproblem, Stuart Broadhasn’t come out yet,” former Australiancaptain Mark Taylor quipped on commentary.

“Get ready to yell happy birthday Tubs,”the late, great Shane Warne added.

"When Stuart Broad was due to go in, he was still

naked in the changerooms," teammate Graeme Swannsaid in an episode of the Willow Talk podcast earlier this year.

"He'd had ashower, we lost awicket and he was just strolling through and then MattyPrior got out andhehadn't realised.

"We were literally helpinghim get padded up -one person one leg, one person on the other.

"He walked out, and if there's everbeena definite, guaranteed hat-trick ball, it was Broady that day."

Siddle said he wasn’t planning to bowl aleg stump yorker.

“In my mind it was -hit the top of off stump,” he said.

“I missedmylengthbysix metres! The misjudgement ended up executing something special.”

Siddle, known for his animated appeals, let outa huge cry to umpire Aleem Dar, whoadjudged three reds for leg before wicket.

The challenge system had just been introduced, meaning Siddle faced anervous wait after England reviewed.

“The boys kept reassuring me it was out,” Siddle said.

Sure enough,the ball pitched in line and was going on to hit leg stump, ensuring Siddle’s place in Ashes history.

Back home, it was said the moment sparked an instant party at the house of one of his childhood mates.

Being Day 1ofaTest match, Siddle didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate, but said he was given free bottles of champagne when he went out for a 'bowlers dinner' that night.

Keeping his sense of humour, Siddle said he has “ruined everyone’s birthday” as nothing will surely ever top taking an Ashes hat-trick.

While he took more than 200 Test wickets and is certainly worth more than three balls, he said he was happy to be remembered for it nonetheless.

“As the years go on, that’s whenyou’re made more aware of it,” he said.

“Kids that wouldn’t have been alive, you walkpast and they go ‘he’s got ahat-trick on his birthday’.”

Swann, whoholds the record for most internationalwickets by an Englandslowbowler, declared the roar that greeted him after Siddle’s hat-trick was the loudest of his international career.

"I have never known noise like that, at the Gabba whenIfaced the doublehat-trick ball,"Swann said "I walked out and the noise, all the noise (at the Gabba) is directed straight at the pitch. I've never known noise like that at acricket ground."

Siddle is still playing professional cricket in the Big Bash League, and has agoal to hit 150 kilometres this season -not bad for someone 41-years-of-age.

He says he is still as competitive as ever, and willing to put in the hard yards -attributes many Latrobe Valleyyoungsters could surely feel inspired by.

“I want to do well for my team. It works at any level of sport,” he said.

(NB:Thisissurely one of thegreatest 'where wereyou?'moments. Iwas at boardingschool in northern Victoria, and revelled in the brief uptickofGippsland knowability. Before that, no one knewwhere Gippsland was, but thanks to Peter Siddle,Iwas at least able to say it was ‘where Peter Siddle's from'.Hugethanks to Michael'Chunky' Duncan as well for arrangingthis interview).

Pendleburynew Power coach

FOOTBALL

COATES TALENT LEAGUE

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

ASTAPLE nameofGippsland football is returning to the region.

Gippsland Power announced that Sale’s own Kris Pendlebury will be head coach of the boys program for 2026.

The older brother of Collingwood champion Scott arrives back home having spent the last two years in the Mornington Peninsula Football-Netball Leagueassenior coach of Edithvale-Aspendale, where he took the club to adivision two premiership in his first season.

In 2025, Pendleburywas recognisedas MPFNLCoachofthe Year, as the Eagles reached finals in their return to division one.

Taking over from Rhett McLennan after seven years at the helm, who accepted the role as senior coachatVFL club Casey following Power’s lossinthe preliminary final,Pendlebury eyed the vacant position as achancetoreturn to his roots.

“I saw that Rhett was moving and got the Casey job, so Iput two and two together and was just waiting for that opportunity to have achattothe AFL about the Gippsland role,”

Pendlebury told the Express

The Coates TalentLeague is run by the AFL, meaning the sport’s top administration is in charge of hiring coaching candidates.

“(I)wentthroughthe interviewprocess, really good experience going through that and lucky enough to get offeredthe role… really happy and looking forward to getting started,” he said.

Pendlebury himself wore Power colours from 2003 to 2004 under head coach, Moe’s Lachlan Sim and played alongside the likes of future AFL stars Jarryd Roughead and Dale Thomas.

Ayearlater, while Kris was playingVFL for the now disbanded Bendigo Bombers,his younger brother Scott arrived back from playing basketball at the Australian Institute of Sport and won aTAC Cup premiership in his lone under 18 season with Powerbefore being drafted to the Magpies.

Once Collingwood relaunched its own VFL team, Kris joined his brother in the black and white stripesand would eventually captain them.

The older Pendlebury sibling said that with his similar journey as many of the local juniors coming through the system, he’s excited about guiding them during aperiod he knows well.

“I went through the pathways as ayoung kid, I’ve lived this experience that these boys are going through, so I’ve learned ahell of alot the last 20 years really since I’ve left that pathway,” Kris said.

“I’m just really keen to help the boys grow as players, as people and develop them as best Ican

“It’s an area with arich history of producing really good AFL/VFL players, so I’m really looking forward to just helping the kids’ development and having agood time as well."

While Power, likeall other CoatesTalent

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

GLENGARRYV CHURCHILL at Fred King Oval

GLENGARRY1ST INNINGS

SMarks c&b RAyres 4 NAllen cA Ceeney bRAyres 8 JHodson cA Ceeney bRHarvey. 6 AJenkin cB Kelly bRAyres 4 FMarks cunknown bRAyres 110 BMarks cACeeney bS Warr 0 CGraham cMHarveybS Warr 6 JCochrane cR Whelpdale bS Warr 1

MMertonnot out 87 TDuncan cunknown bRAyres 0 JFrancis not out 0 Sundries (2b 5lb 0w 4nb) 11

(89.4 overs) 9/237 CHURCHILL 1STINNINGS BOWLING

23.4-10-47-5, RWhelpdale 18-4-39-0, RHarvey14-2-44-1, SWarr 24-9-55-3, MHarvey1-0-1-0, JHigham 6-0-28-0, ANorman 3-0-16-0

CHURCHILL 1STINNINGS

SWarr cAJenkin bMMerton. 8

ACeeney cFMarks bM Merton 6 N/A cAJenkin bB Mayberry. 29 RAyres cJ CochranebA Jenkin 47 MHarveycF Marks bAJenkin 0 JKeighran cSMarks bAJenkin 0 BKelly bB Mayberry. 1 BKearnsc NAllen bA Jenkin 25 JHigham cJ Cochrane bNAllen 6 ANorman cFMarks bNAllen 6 CWilliams notout 1

RHarveynot out 0 Sundries (0b 1lb 1w 0nb) 2 TOTAL (64.3 overs) 131 GLENGARRY1ST INNINGS BOWLING NAllen 14.3-3-34-2, MMerton7-0-22-2, JFrancis 2-0-7-0, B Mayberry14-7-12-2, AJenkin 13-5-21-4, CGraham 14-5-34-0 EX STUDENTSV MOE at TerryHunter Reserve EX STUDENTS1ST INNINGS

MDyke cB McCartney bRColgrave 4 JPryde bRColgrave 1 MHarris cNKaneb

ZBastin cRMahajan bBZomer 20 RBattista bBZomer

AMcCormick bRColgrave

FGraham lbwBCake

CPotalej bRColgrave 2 AMatthewsc NKane bBCake 39 ABrady not out 5 Sundries (5b 0lb 1w 1nb) 7

(52.4 overs) 170 MOE 1STINNINGS BOWLING

BMcCartney 5-1-16-0, RColgrave 20-7-42-6, BZomer 4-1-10-2, C Grant 10-2-43-0, AAnubhav2-0-11-0, BCake 8.4-3-27-2, RMahajan

3-0-16-0 MOE 1STINNING

CGrant lbwJ Pryde 17

RPhoenix cAMcCormickb JPryde......................................................... 30

APhilip lbwA Brady 14

BZomer bAMatthews. 33 NKanecLStockdale bJPryde .49

AAnubhavc AMcCormick bA Matthews. 14

MHibbs c&b LStockdale 1

RMahajan cAMcCormick bLStockdale 8

KMicallef bL Stockdale 0

BCakec LStockdale bJPryde 0

BMcCartney not out 2

Sundries (3b 6lb 0w 0nb) 9

TOTAL (75 overs). 177

EX STUDENTS1ST INNINGS BOWLING

AMatthews6-1-31-2, LStockdale24-9-37-3, JPryde 25-8-51-4, A McCormick 2-1-2-0, FGraham 5-1-19-0, MHarris 7-3-17-0, ABrady 6-2-11-1 EX STUDENTS2ND INNINGS

MDykecB

Appointed: Sale’s Kris Pendleburywillbe head coach of Gippsland PowerBoysin 2026. He is picturedonthe dais followinghis Edithvale-Aspendale Grand Finalwin last year in theMornington Peninsula league Photograph supplied

League clubs, is built on dedication and high performance, Pendlebury stressedthe importance of still having fun with the game and creating an enjoyable environment.

"It's important to have fun and enjoy your footy," he said.

Besides senior coaching roles like at recently dissolved VFL club Northern (Preston) Bullants in 2023,Pendleburyhas alsoworkedclosely with AFL junior program Rookie Me Academy, delivering integral development resources to kids aged 12 to 18 during school holidays. Even during his time at Edithvale-Aspendale, Pendleburysupported plenty of under-age players stepping up to play senior football early.

“I’ve sort of had abroad range of experience I think which will help me to develop the boys,” he added.

Pendleburyisfocused on building relationships with all the young players regardless of what their commitments are outside of Power.

“Obviously, some are in Melbourne at private schools,some might be doing apprenticeships or trades, and some are at school, so just getting the balance of learning how everyone works, I think that’s one of my strengths,” he said.

“Communication is really important and building astrong connection, which Ithink are my strengths."

Pendlebury may still lace up the boots for Edithvale-Aspendaleduring oneofthe many breaks Gippsland Power receive during the Coates Talent League season.

GippslandPower encompasses one of the largest areas of talent in terms of regional Coates Talent League clubs, and have reached three preliminary finals and gained two minor premierships since 2019.

However, 2005 remains theonly year they’ve lifted the premiership cup since the club's formation in 1993, but aPendlebury could yet be linked to the next one as well.

"I think if you're really connected as acoaching group and as aplaying group, the results will look after itself," he said.

Gippsland Power is still yet to fill the girls headcoach position after NathanBoyd departed at the end of last season.

The moment: “Ohwell bowled, that’sclose” Photograph supplied

Traralgon Cup 2025 Next stop,Traralgon Cup

Sunday, November 30

Location:

GlenviewPark, Traralgon (110 McNairnRoad, Traralgon)

Gates open: 11am

Track characteristics

Traralgon Cup distance: 1900m

Trackrecord(1900m): 1:54.30 -Sondheim (1995)

Circumference: 1570m

Straight: 230m

Traralgon Cup prizemoney(split): $80,000

Recent winners

2003: Just Cris

2004: RoyalRule

2005: LordErin

2006: LordErin

2007: Prior Knight

2008: El Pretender

2009: Escape Artist

2010: Escape Artist

2011: Firejet

2012: King’saStar

2013: Severn Road

2014: Abandoned

2015: Beau Brommell

2016: Loving Home

2017: Abandoned

2018: Mahamedeis

2019: Prince Ziggy

2020: No Effort

2021: HuntlyCastle

2022: Starspangled Baby

2023: Station One

2024: Abandoned

HORSE RACING

By LIAM DURKIN

DON'T forget the little guys.

The Traralgon Cup will be held this Sunday (November 30).

The Latrobe Valley Racing Club’s marquee meeting is settowelcome racegoers from across the region.

General excitement is expected to permeate, while at the club, the finishing touches are beingput on to makesure racegoers have the greatest experience possible.

Latrobe Valley differs from Moe, Sale, Bairnsdale and Stony Creek racingclubs, as the club is run entirely by volunteers.

There is no hospitality manager at Latrobe Valley Racing Club -acall for bookingscame straight to chairperson Frank Bezzina when the Express visited the club last week, just after he'd finished mowing part of the track.

Bezzina leads apassionate crew, who are committed to seeing racing thrive in Traralgon.

Attendeesthis Sunday will get to experience the best of country racing, including elevated viewing along the straight.

The Latrobe Valley club has arguably one of the best viewing spots in country racing, with avirtual birds eye view literally one metre above the finishing post.

Trainerswill be vying for ashare of the $80,000 prize pool on offer in this year’s cup.

At time of going to press, fields had not yet been finalised for the main event

The club hopes Traralgon jockey Thomas Stockdale will be available to say afew words at the members luncheon (his race schedule pending).

However, that racing itself will be held at Traralgon willbecause enough for celebration.

Prize: Latrobe ValleyRacingClub member Gary Beecroft(father of Paralympian Emily) holds the Melbourne Cup at arecent club function. Photograph: Liam

The luckless Latrobe Valley Racing Clubhas experienced countless misfortune in recent years, capped off by last year’s abandonment.

Patrons however still cametopartake in festivities, and with horses now set to exit the mounting yard and onto the track, it is hopedthe clubwill get the meeting it deserves.

Those entering Glenview Park will be struck by an impressive mural on the sideofthe grandstand overlooking the main garden. Watch for the impressive paint job as well completed on the grandstand andfencing -doneofcourse through volunteers hours.

No clowningaround: Latrobe Valley Racing Club Chairpersonand Jackof all trades Frank Bezzina hopes to see abig crowdatthisyear’s Traralgon Cup Photograph: Liam Durkin

While the club only hosts two race meetings per year, its facilities are used for the betterment of many local community groups.

Thatsame sentiment is set for the Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club, whose facilities sit inside the horseracing track.

Developmentworks are currently underway, and it is hoped greyhound racing willresume in Traralgon in the new year.

The horse racing track meanwhile has beenmet withringing endorsements in recentyears, including from 2023 Traralgon Cup-winning jockey Alana Kelly.

In keeping with thesenseofcommunity, Latrobe Valley Racing Club receives support fromMoe RacingClub, with curator Brad Nottlooking after track maintenance.

Community will be at the heart of the Traralgon Cup.

Latrobe Valley Racing Clubhas anumber of activations for the whole family, demonstrating thereisalot more to a day at the races thanjust horses and gambling.

There will be the usual goings-on in the half hour intervals between races, with music played in marquees, mingling on thelawn, perhaps on the comfort of an unfurled picnicrug,togowith the general hustleand bustle and click-clack of horse shoes trotting around the mounting yard.

Latrobe Valley Racing Club committee member Danielle Danielsisagain overseeing the marquees, and if last year is anything to go by, there will be no better spot to be.

Fashionsonthe field is also set to feature. Once again, the fashion stakes can be expected to be as hotly contested as the races themselves.

Community connections will also be strongatthis year’sTraralgon Cup, withpeople from local sporting clubs, groups, workplaces and even Latrobe City Council all mingled in the one venue.

As avolunteer organisation,Latrobe Valley Racing Club depends on the supportfrompatrons comingthrough the gates to ensure race meetings continue in Traralgon.

Even I’m missing cricket in order to attend this year’s Traralgon Cup. That’s the equivalent of Ned Flanders missing church.

The signs then could not be any clearer: this is an event not to be missed.

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

INNINGS BOWLING AWilkes 8-4-11-1, Dvan der Stoep 10-4-16-2,AForth 3-1-3-0, L Payton 6-0-14-0, DWalsh 16-5-36-1, RFiddelaers 12-6-16-3, BEdebohls 20.3-6-30-3, NWheildon2-1-2-0

GORMANDALEVLATROBE at StoddartOval

GORMANDALE TIGERS 1STINNINGS

CPolo bLDuncan 12

CBettsworth cADuncanb SRasool 3

CPeaveycRDuncanbJ Bloomfield 1

NSoyza cJBloomfield bL Duncan 10 YSoyza cLDuncanbS Freshwater 65

NScammell cSRasool bLDuncan 7

PBrooksbS Freshwater 14

SGanigastADuncan bSFreshwater 0

BKarunasingha lbwSFreshwater 13

BDissanayake cADuncan bRNoble 11 CWhitenot out 1 Sundries (4b 1lb 6w 10nb) 21 TOTAL (62.2 overs) 158

LATROBE 1STINNINGS BOWLING

SFreshwater 8-2-10-4, RDuncan 7-0-24-0, ITerrick 5-0-23-0, EHopper 4-0-18-0, LDuncan 10-1-33-3, RNoble 11.2-4-18-1, JBloomfield 10-5-17-1, SRasool7-1-10-1 LATROBE 1STINNING EHopper run out (NSoyza) 11 RChokununga cPBrooks bCPeavey. 24

SRasoolc SGanigabC Peavey 1 RNoble cBKarunasingha bNScammell............. 53

JBloomfield run out NSoyza 9

SFreshwater lbwY Soyza 8

MZomer lbwY Soyza 43

LDuncan cNSoyzab YSoyza. 6

cCBettsworth bY Soyza 9

NScammell bY Soyza 2 Sundries (10b 1lb 0w 5nb)...........................................................................16

TOTAL (77.2 overs) 182

GORMANDALE TIGERS 1STINNINGS BOWLING BDissanayake 11-3-23-0, CPeavey14-1-47-2, NSoyza 2-0-3-0, PBrooks9-2-24-0, NScammell 6-2-19-1, YSoyza 26.2-14-30-5, CWhite 9-2-25-0

MIRBOO NORTHVROVERS at Mercer/McKenzie Turf

MIRBOO NORTH 1STINNINGS

CAnders cN SinghbLPatterson 1

LChila run out LLittle 11 ZHollis cM Leslie bNFindlay. 26 FIngramc&b LLittle 12 NThillekarathnacSDuff bD Williams 60

GFairbairnlbw

TOTAL(72.5 overs) 160 ROVERS 1STINNINGS BOWLING

LPatterson 5-0-12-1, NSingh 9-3-15-1, MLeslie 5-3-6-0, LLittle 176-37-1,

Durkin

Times: Traralgon friends Ashlee Jennings,Lea Chahoud, ShanaePalmer, Jess Fabris and ClaudiaCaroleohad agreat dayatlast year’s Traralgon Cup File photograph

Always there: Churchill LionsClub pictured at lastyear’s Traralgon Cup.The Latrobe Valley Racing Club uses alllocal vendorsfor itsmeetings File photograph

The imprecise science of drafting

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

MORE than 30 years since the AFL draft’s formative years, another South Gippsland footballer went No 1.

Foster’s Willem Duursma bucked conventional wisdom that says aplayer must play in the Gippsland League to attract the attention of AFL clubs.

As they say: if you are good enough, you’ll get picked up.

Justask Poowong’s JaiNewcombe, who never played forGippsland Power,and has gone on to win abest-and-fairest for Hawthorn.

It was asimilar story back in 1989 when Anthony Banik was taken with Richmond’s first pick. Banik hailed fromthe old Alberton league, the same league Foster once competed in (now essentially Mid Gippsland).

LikeDuursma, his abilitywas evident veryearly on. Banikmadehis seniordebut for Won Wron Woodside as amere14-year-old, kickingthree goals just to prove he was by no meansmaking up the numbers.

It was said Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy (who wasatthis year’s MoeCup) sentscoutsdownto Won Wron to catch aglimpse of the boy wonder. Oddly enough, it was actually Thorpdale and former Moe footballer Barry Rowlings who formed part of the Tigers' recruiting team who took apunt on the then 16-year-old.

At the time, the AFL was just becoming anational competition,and with manyVictorian clubs still suffering financially duetothe Black Tuesday crash of 1987, had little choice but to draft kids barely old enough to start driving.

“Almost fromday one Iwas on the corner of Bridge Road and Punt Road shaking acan as part of the ‘Save Our Skins’ campaign,” Banik told Richmond media for astory last year, coinciding with atime when the Tigers held the No 1pick.

Old Tiger: Woodside’s AnthonyBanik (left) was takenatNo1 in the 1989 AFL draft. He later returned to coach his homeclub,and is pictured withpremiership teammate Ash Walpole at DWWWW’s20year reunion twoyearsago

File photograph

“That was my welcome to league footbal l! Footscray, too, were in asimilar situation, and it was dire times for acouple of the other clubs.

“The drafting process is so refined now and the scrutiny vastly different to my experience.”

Banikplayed 49 games for Richmond,anumber alongside Trafalgar’s Brian Leys, before his career came to an end before he’d even turned 22.

Banik suffered chronic fatigue, while Leys won just 37 of his 110 career games in atough time for the yellow and black.

The pair had better success later on. Leys won four flags with Port Adelaide in the SANFL,

Ablett Snr drops by

FOOTBALL

By LIAM DURKIN

BY the grace of God.

Gary Ablet Senior himself made asurprise visit to Moe last week.

Staff at Michael's Golden Hen (Chicken Mick's) couldbarely believe their eyes when the former Geelong superstar called in for afeed.

The man himself was suitably impressed, calling it the "best pork meal I've had".

The business, headed by Manny Gelagotis, has been astaple in the Moe community for generations. Manny's son Michael said "it felt like Michael Jordan walked into the shop."

Ablett,from Drouin,has connectionstoMoe. His older brother Geoff coached Moe in 1989 and 1990, while two other brothers, Graham and Len also played for the Lions.

Gary Junior is also good friends with Lowanna College teacher Mike Santo.

For those un awa re, Ablett Sr is gen er ally regarded as one of the greatest players in AFL history. He kicked more than 1000 goals from 248 games for Geelong and Hawthorn.

Ablett Sr started playing seniors for Drouin at age 16, and was used mainly on awing for the Hawks.

As a17-year-old he kicked 62 goals to be third in the West Gippsland Football League senior goalkicking in 1979.

He often also playedsoccer for Drouin, fronting up on Sunday after playingfootball the previous day.

Gelagotis was himself anoted soccer player, enjoying stints with Morwell Falcons during their national league days.

He played alongside ayoung Archie Thompson,

who reappeared recently for the 20th anniversary of Australia's memorable World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, sending Australian soccer back into public consciousness.

Ablett Sr has been famously reclusive in retirement, as he has remained largely out of the public eye. This airofmystic has arguably only enhanced his reputation further.

AFLgreat Gar yAblettSenior with Moefamily Vicki, Mannyand Michael Gelagotisatthe family’srestaurant.

Photograph supplied

GIPPSLAND N0 1PICKS

1989: AnthonyBanik (Won Wron Woodside)

20 02: Brendon Goddard(Traralgon/ Glengarry)

2025: Willem Duursma (Foster)

DRAFTED FROM MINOR LEAGUE/OR WITHOUT PLAYING GIPPSLAND POWER

20 01: Adrian Burgiel (Richmond)

2021: JaiNewcombe (Hawthorn)

2025: Willem Duursma (West Coast)

while Banik coached his home club (then DevonWelshpool-Won Wron-Woodside)topremiership success in 2003.

“Itall comes and goes pretty quick,” he saidof hisAFL career, in apossible cautionary warning to anyone drafted.

Bear in mind the average AFL career is only three years. For Sale’s Scott Pendlebury to last 20 means he is well and truly an exception to the rule, and for good reason.

Playersofthat calibre stand out from the very start.

Thelate, great doyen of Gippsland sport, Kevin Hogan remembers Pendlebury even as a10-yearold at Little Athletics.

“He had freak ability,” he recalled in an interview with the author shortly before his death in 2019.

The same has been said of new Trafalgar draftee Tom Matthews, who certainly has good lineage.

He is the grandson of late Bloods legendGreg ‘Bags’ Lincoln, who was involved in just about every facet of the club across 30 years.

There are others however who perhaps left an AFL career begging.

Trafalgar goalkicking great Shane McGrath played just one game for Hawthorn in 1984.

Aman named Jason Dunstall debuted the next year,and is reported to be ‘glad’ McGrath didn’t wishtopursue his timeinthe big league any further.

The modern equivalent could well be Traralgon’s Tye Hourigan. Considered by some to already be the Maroons’ greatest ever, it is understood he has had multiple offers to sign on and join AFL clubs, but is content just playing with his mates at Traralgon.

It is also mind-blowing to consider those who never played even asingle game at the top level.

Given Adrian Burgiel’s feats for Maffra (more than 600 senior goals), it is staggering to think he never cracked it for even one game at Richmond in the early 2000s -atatime when the Tigers

weren’t exactly flying either (admittedly the two key forwardswere Matthew Richardsonand Brad Ottens).

The same could perhaps be said of Morwell local and now Yallourn Yallourn North senior coach DeanMacdonald, who wasalso drafted to Richmond in 2010 and had ayoung Jack Riewoldt to compete with.

Former Moe coach James Blaser (who looked every chanceofbeing added to the list of Trafalgar drafteesinthe mid-2000s), has often been labelled one of the ‘best players never drafted’. In his case however, injury and poor form at the worst possibletimecurtailed apossible professional career.

“I spoke to afew AFL clubs and thought Iwas achancetoget picked up, Ifinished fifthinthe MorrishMedal (state best-and-fairest), and was vice captain of Vic Country,” he said.

“I had abad national carnival (and) at the end of the day, I’m short, inside midfielder and there’s thousands of them every year in the draft.

“Looking back Ijust probably wasn’t good enough.”

Like countless youngsters before and since, Blaserthen hadtoface the realityoflooking for jobs outside‘playing footy’.

He went on to become one of the Gippsland League’s modern day greats, much the same as Leongatha’s Tom Marriott and Sean Westaway, who were both discarded by now Warragul coach Gary Ayres when they tried out for VFL club Port Melbourne.

The pair have won multiple flags for the Parrots, surely morethanmakingupfor their VFL careers that neverwere.

Their attitudesare to be applauded -continuing to play at the highestlevel they can -instark contrast to anumberofactual former VFL players who have taken the money and defected to minor leagues.

Three votesfor new novel

FOOTBALL/LITERATURE

By LIAM DURKIN

TRARALGON footballing great Kelvin Templeton has written abook. And it's not an autobiography.

The Brownlow/Coleman medallist's debut novel Collision is now available to purchase.

Collision tells the story of ayoung footballer cut down in his prime, and the subsequent challenges that come with loss of identity.

“The focus of the book is really what happens after that, how he (the main character) deals or doesn’t deal with the loss of your dream,”

Templeton said speaking with the Express

While that synopsis may sound likea virtual retelling from the author’s real life experience, Collision is no ordinary footy book.

Templeton wasnoordinaryfootballer either.

He is one of just four men to win theBrownlow and Colemanmedal, achievements that last year saw him elevated into the AFL’s Hall of Fame.

Post-playing, he lived and worked in the Middle East for 15 years, and studied in his home country and the US.

Teammate and former Bulldogs games record holder DougHawkins has said publicly Templeton was the greatest playerheever played alongside.

As Templeton explained, his interest in fiction stemmed from his early days growing up around Traralgon.

He beganreading fiction as astudentatTyers Primary School, building his literary base over the years and decades that followed.

“I’ve been an avidreaderoffiction since a very early age,” he said.

“It had amajor impact on me. Being transported to adifferent world through reading.

“It’s anatural consequence after reading as much to think that you could try (writing) it yourself.”

Templeton has worked on his novel “on and off” for the last 10 years.

He aims to be back home next football season for signings at the Traralgon Football-Netball Club social rooms.

Traralgon was zoned to the Western Bulldogs (then Footscray) during the 1970s/80s.

Templetonplayed 143 games and kicked 494 goals for the Bulldogs, before moving to Melbourne where he played afurther 34 games for 99 goals.

He kicked 104 goals for the Maroons seniors as a16-year-old in 1973.

According to local legend, fellow Traralgon Brownlow/Coleman medallist Bernie Quinlan once kicked atorpedo from Terry Hunter Oval that sailed over the railway line and bounced into Victory Park.

SOMETHING IN THE WATER: AFL PLAYERS FROM TRAFALGAR

1971: Les Hawken (Hawthorn)

1984: Shane McGrath (Hawthorn)

1988: Brian Leys (Richmond)

2019: Leo Connolly(St Kilda)

2022: BaileyHumphrey (Gold Coast)

2025: TomMatthews (Melbourne)

compiled by Liam Durkin

For the now published author, even that story is perhaps stranger than fiction.

Wordsmith: Champion Traralgonfootballer

Chancemeeting:

Demon delight forMatthews

FOOTBALL

AFL EXPORTS

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

MELBOURNE used its 30th selection to take Gippsland Power captain Tom Matthews.

The Moe and Trafalgarjuniorwas taken with one of the first picksofthe draft’s secondround proceedings, completing awhirlwindtwo years and displayed the phenomenal perseverance of the 18-year-old.

"Very overwhelmed, it's very surreal, I'm just stoked to be here -Ithink thefirst personImet was Max Gawn,sothatwas so unreal," Matthews told the Demons media.

"It was big mixed emotions, like everyone jumped on me (when his name got called out)... it was so amazing."

After an outstanding preseason entering his final yearofunder 18s, Matthews wasnamed Power captain, but akneeinjurysustained in Round 1 (which he attempted to play on in an effort to be picked for Victoria Country) didn’t see him return until finals.

Matthewsshowcased all he had to offer in astate trial game in May against the Young Guns where he booted four goals, including the match-winner, and was one of the most dangerous players on Vic Country’s squad.

Despite undergoing surgery on aPCL tear at the end of the season, the Demons still saw what was special aboutMatthews, with the club prioritising potential and talent during arebuilding phase.

Matthews joins ahealthy contingent of Gippsland exportsonMelbourne’s list, includingformer Power teammates in Morwell’s Ricky Mentha and Inverloch’s XavierLindsay,aswell as recently acquired Morwell's Changkuoth Jiath (from Hawthorn).

The 2025 Number 1pick, Willem Duursma had this to say about Matthews:

“He will just give 110 (per cent), determination and dedication.His pressureand goal kicking is unbelievable,” he told Zero Hanger.

Matthews will also once again be under former Gippsland Powercoach Rhett McLennan, who was

recently announced as Casey Demons head coach for next season -Melbourne’s VFL affiliate club. McLennan was understandably quite happy to stillbeapartofMatthews' journey, and spokeabout what makes him such agreat choice.

"The games that he played thisyear and last (year) showed that when he's fully fit, he has all the characteristics, football and attitude-wise of a high levelAFL small forward," he told the Express

"He is a'create something out of nothing' type player that are all the rage at the moment.

"I'm wrappedtobeabletostill be involved in Tom's development."

Matthews said having that familiarity stepping in to ahistoric club makes him feel that little bit more at ease.

"It just makesmefeel alot morecomfortable aroundhere it just makesthe transition so much easier," he said.

"Rhett McLennan was amazing to me throughout the year, which made we feel so comfortable with it (injuries)."

From Mid Gippslandtothe AFL’s No 1 draft pick

FOOTBALL

BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

FOR the third time in draft history, aGippsland boy’s name was read out first.

The 2025 AFL Draft saw the West Coast Eagles select Foster’s own Willem Duursma with Pick 1 out of Gippsland Power.

He was greeted on stage by AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon and 2023 Number 1drafteeHarley Reid, who congratulated Duursma and handedhim his new Eagles jumper.

“It’s obviously very special, you work so hard over the years and it’s obviouslyadream come true,I’m pretty happy,” Duursma told Fox Footy

The Foster export will be guided by Traralgon’s

Andrew McQualter as senior coach and under the wing of current Gippslanders in Drouin’s Ryan Maric and fellow South Gippsland boy, Inverloch’s Archer Reid.

It had been suspected for months that Duursma would be taken with the top selection, and has now completed aquartet of siblings featuring in theAFL and AFLW.

Willem joinsbrothers Xavier (Essendon,drafted in 2018) and Zane (North Melbourne, 2023) and sister Yasmin (Carlton, 2022), with the youngest and most recent taken at highest pick of any of the family.

Duursma has taken the tag as the standout player of his draft class in stride.

“It’s noteasy,Ithink throughoutthe year you find that out, but having the support of my mates,

my family, that’s really why they’re here tonight (because)they’ve been areallygood helpfor me -all my coaches and stuff, the whole of Foster as well,” he said.

“It’s just been really special, all that support all year and I’m thankful for it.”

After bursting onto the scene last year, Duursma rose even further during an exceptional year for Powerwhere they reached apreliminary final, averaging23.5disposals, 5.2 marksand more than agoal per game in 2025.

He wasselectedinthe Victoria Country teamfor the National Championships and played two VFL gamesfor Casey.

Ironically, he possessed muchgreater numbers the seasonprior for Gippsland Power in his first official year of under 18s, averaging29.4disposals,

4.6 marks and 1.7 goals per game played.

Back home, plenty packed into the social rooms at Foster Football-Netball Club last Wednesday night(November10),asthe reigning Mid Gippsland Football-Netball League senior premier celebrated the Duursma family’s success.

Duursma joins Traralgon’s Brendon Goddard and Woodside’sAnthonyBanikasGippsland talents to be taken with the first selection in the national draft.

Official: Moe and Trafalgar footballer Tom Matthews has beendrafted to Melbourne Photograph supplied

Footballfamily: Foster’s Willem Duursmawas takenwithPick1inthe 2025 AFL Draft, becoming the four th and finalDuursma to be addedto an AFL/AFLWlist. He is pictured with brothersZaneand Xavier and sister Yasmin Photograph: MorganHancock/AFL Photos

Meet your newboss: Traralgon’s

Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 26 November 2025

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