Latrobe Valley Express Wednesday 28 January 2026

Celebrating Australia

Traralgon HeartFoundation walkersDawnDavidson, RosemaryKirk, Sue Mann, Ian Mann and FayeBaldwin joined hundreds of Latrobe City residents taking partinAustralia Dayfestivities. MORE -PAGE 9

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Healthy debate Hospital staff seeking pay rise

By PEACE IJIYERA

DECKED out in bright pink on Tuesday, January 20, agroup of 11 healthcare workers and members of Health WorkersUnion (HWU) from Latrobe Regional Hospital (LRH) took an hour out of their day to demand extra pay for healthcare workers.

They stood in solidarity with about 10,000 other healthcare workersacross Victoria, who were marching from the state's Trades Hall to the doorstep of Premier Jacinta Allan’s office (1 Treasury Place, Melbourne).

The protestwas in response to the state government's failure to reach an agreement over fair wages and pay increases for healthcare workers. This dispute has been going on for 13 months.

Frustrated workers who walked off the job included admin staff, cleaners, kitchen staff, security guards, orderlies, theatre technicians, pharmacy and pathology workers.

Elective surgerieswere haltedand hospitals had limitedaccess to beds and services while protests took place across the state.

As the workers at LRH went on strike outside the main hospital entrance, cars driving by beeped, occupants waved and gave 'thumbs up' in support. Admin worker and team leader at LRH, Alica Hearn, recognises the importance of healthcare workers, and is calling on thegovernment to do the same.

“A lot of departments would not be able to run without the support of all the admin,cleaners, kitchen staff andpathology.Without those people, we would not have ahospital to run," she said.

Describing healthcare workers as “the backbone of doctors and nurses”, admin worker and HWU delegate Jemma Hearn, outlined the pay rise specifications, saying what healthcare workers are asking for is “not much”.

Shesaidthat healthcare workers are pushing to get an increase of 12 per cent over two years (six per cent each year) which would bump them up just over the inflation rate, which currently sits at 3.4 per cent.

“We’re really just asking for liveable wages so that we can meet the inflation rate that is occurring across thecountry," shesaid.

"Currently, we’re not being met with that; we’re met with offers that are under and not meeting that standard."

The last offer by the Allan government was3.0 per cent, which was the least pay rise offered among the public sector workforce, with paramedics having an annual 8.25 per cent increase and afive per cent increase for police.

That rate, rejected by healthcare workers, was “not going to meet the inflation rate by any means”, Jemma said.

Protestors in Melbourne were originally meant to

meet the Premier face-to-face during the opening of thehighly anticipated Peninsula University Hospital in Frankston on Tuesday, January 20. But, in what healthcare workers are callinga“back door exit”, Ms Allan instead silently opened the hospital on the Sunday two days before to avoid the pink army.

Healthcare workers at LRH did not hesitate to call that move by the Allan government “cowardly” and “disgusting”.

“It saves her the confrontation …but it backfired, and now she has to deal with us more," Jemma said.

HWU lead organiserJakeMcGuinness added, “healthcare workers don’t want to be on strike, but the government has left them little choice."

Mr McGuinness'smessagewas echoed by Alica, who says that the job of caringfor patients and keeping the hospital running is the most important thing for healthcare workers.

“We don’t want to be doing this; we just want afair offer," she said.

"We want to be met with an agreement so that we can stopdoing this [protesting], do our jobs to full capacity, and go back to doing everything the way that we usually do."

Holding up signs and banners, protesters only had one message for the Premier:"Stop hiding from us and have aheart for healthcare workers".

See Pages 30 &31 of today’s paper pap forfurther details forfur

Bondi victims honoured

AUSTRALIA observed aNational Day of Mourning last week to honour victims and all those impacted by the Bondi terrorist attack.

Following arequest by the ExecutiveCouncil of Australian Jewry, anational commemorative installation titled 15 Pillars of Light were lit around the countryfromsundown to midnight last Thursday (January 22).

In Victoria, pillars were lit at Flinders Street Station and aThe Conservatory in Bendigo. People were asked to observe aminute's silence at 7.01pm.

Fifteen suggestions -one of each person killed in the attack, were penned:

1. Give to others -donate to organisations in service of others.

2. Uplift the sick -visit someone who is unwell and offer support.

3. Help those whohave helped you -performone

small task to help your parent or older relative.

4. Open your home -offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.

5. Travel with care-help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.

6. Act withintent -reflect witha moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning atask.

7. Prioritise family -spend thefirst hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.

8. Gratitude first -begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.

9. Prayerfor healing -say aprayerfor the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.

10. Work with integrity -give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to.

11. Pay it forward-when someonewants to repay you for an act of kindness, encourage them to ‘pay

LatrobeValleycompliant with firearmstorage

MORE than 150 firearm checks have recently been conducted across the Latrobe Valley.

Officers from Traralgon Uniform and Morwell Divisional Response Unit -assisted by the divisional firearms officer -attended 150 properties to ensure licensed firearms holders were complying with storage obligations.

Operation Vulvan ran fromJanuary 17 to January 18.

Police were pleased to have identified only one storage breach throughout the checks, with one man found to be storing afirearm in aclothing locker. He was issued anotice to improve.

“It waspleasing to see the vastmajority of licensedfirearmsholders complyingwith storage requirements," Latrobe Divisional Firearms Officer, Leading Senior Constable Steve Dixon said.

“The requirements are there for areason -to keep everyone safe."

Crime data reveals six firearms were stolen frompropertiesacross the Latrobe local government area in the year to September 2025.

The year before recorded 14 firearm thefts in the area.

To help prevent firearm theft, police conduct

residential inspections to ensure legal firearms are stored as safely and securely as possible.

“Firearm thefts continue to drop, whichshows correct storage goes along way in deterring thieves," Officer Dixon said.

“We will continue to conduct random inspections withthe goal of preventing firearms from ending up in thewrongs hands.”

Firearm storage requirements include:

 Firearms must be stored in apurposebuilt steel storage receptacle;

 The steel must be of athickness of at least 1.6mm (which complies with Australian/New Zealand Standard 1594:2002);

 If the receptacle weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises;

 When firearms are stored in the receptacle, it must be locked with alock of sturdy construction, and;

 Cartridge ammunition must be stored in alocked container separate from the storage unit in which the firearm is stored.

For more inform ation on firearms compliance visit https://www.police.vic.gov.au/firearm-storage

Tiptruck’s tripstopsinTraf

By PEACE IJIYERA AND AIDAN KNIGHT

ANOTHER car chase in Traf.

Three men have been charged following a pursuit involvinganallegedly stolen truck across the Latrobe Valley last Sunday (January 25).

Policeactivity, including patrol vehicles and the Air Wing, was observed in the Traralgon area earlier in the day, before the

incident culminated near Trafalgar about 1pm, where traffic was disrupted on the Princes Freeway and the left lane was closed.

Wellington Highway Patrol officersfirst tracked the Kenworth tipper truck in the Maffra area about 11.35am.

Police stop sticks were deployed near Trafalgar, puncturingtwo tyres,howeverthe truck continued driving.

Thevehicle allegedly travelled onto adead-end

it forward’ to astranger instead.

12. Cherishyour partner and friend -remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.

13. Kindness without expecting anything in return -quietly perform an act of kindness to brighten someone else's day.

14. Teach children- read children stories that show them all the good in the world.

15. Legacy of life -empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope. Those wishing to write an online condolence can do so via: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departmentsand-agencies/premiers-department/about-us/ bondi-beach-condolence-book

Solemn: Flags flyathalf-mast last Thursdayat Latrobe City Headquarters,Morwell.

Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Sharpest in the shed

POLICE patrollingHickox Street, Traralgon, located an unoccupied vehicle bearing false registration plates on January 14, 2026.

Asubsequent searchofthe vehicle allegedly uncovered anumberofitems, including 14 improvised weapons, ahandgun gel blaster,stolen Victorian registration plates and ammunition.

Anyone withinformation relatingtothe items is urgedtocontact Traralgon Police Station on 5172 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Another one rides the bus

A16-year-old girl Latrobe girl wasone of five teens arrested for the theft of acar in Richmond, after ramming amarkedpolice car with aFord Focus in Lilydale last Thursday (January 22).

The vehicle drew the attention of officers on Maroondah Highway at 1.30pm after it was taken from Palmer Street, Richmond at 9am that day,

road, drivingthroughpaddocksand farm fences.

Two men are alleged to have jumped from the truck and hiddenata nearby property, where they were arrested.

Police allege the driver continued onto the Princes Fwy before fleeing the vehicle on foot. He was arrested ashort time later.

A29-year-old Wandong man was charged with theft of motorvehicle, dangerous driving while beingpursued by police, drugdriving, criminal

by the 16-year-old and her four associates.

These included three 13-year-old girls and one boy(from Bayside,GlenEira,Frankston, and the YarraRanges)who are all now in custody.

Police attempted to box in the stolen vehicle for stoppage, before being rammed and evaded, only to receive areport of loitering at 2.45pm that day in Bayswater.

The report heard that the teens piled out of the car on Burdekin St before boardingabus close by, which police intercepted and used to apprehend the alleged offenders.

Drive-thruservice

BLUEBAYFish Shop Traralgon seemingly offered direct-to-car service on Saturday afternoon (January 24), after acar entered the shopfront from the main street and hit the counter. The business,located along the train station complex, wasaccidentally broken-and-enteredby thegreyToyota Camry around 1.19pm. Emergency servicesattendedthe scene at 1.45pm and were pleasedtoreport no injuriesineither the driver or any of the store's occupants.

damage and burglary.

He was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, January 27. The two passengers -a 29-year-old Leongatha man and a35-year-old Wallan man -were charged with theft of motor vehicle, trespass, burglary, and recklessly handling proceeds of crime. Theywere bailed to appear at SaleMagistrates’ Court on August 11.

Police allege the truck was stolen from Wallan Railway Station on January 24.

Another summerscorcher

By KATRINABRANDON

LOCALS braved hot temperatures over the weekend.

Saturday hovered around the mid-30s, in a precursor for Tuesday's expected top nearing 40 degrees.

Temperatures and dry conditions have sparked multiple Total Fire Bans.

Despite warnings, multiple fires were seen in camping areas such as Rawson and Coopers Creek. Saturday didn’t stand alone in rising temperatures as Sunday (January 25) hit ahighof33. Due to the hot and dry conditions, January 2026

has seen arise in Total Fire Ban days, rivalling previous years.

Authorities warn thatdue to temperatures being so consistent, there is ahigher possibility for fires or already lit fires to become unpredictable.

“We want people to be able to enjoy the great parts of Victoria, but you need to be aware of the risks,”EmergencyManagement Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said.

“Plan your days around the heat. Make sure you’redrinking plenty of waterand are staying cool. If you are at our various lakes and rivers or by the beaches, please swim between the yellow and red flags."

Before lighting afire, authorities are urging people to check conditions, fire danger warnings and to stay up to date withwhat they can and can’t do on hot, dry days.

As Februaryapproaches, there is predicted to be more hot weather events and possible storms throughout the state.

February does not mark the end of hotweather, only the end of the “summer” period.

Overthe lastfew years, temperatures have consistently seen high 20s and low 30s into May.

For more information, go to: bom.gov.au or emergency.vic.gov.au

Sticky Nicky handed suspended sentence

By AIDAN KNIGHT

ASMALL Moe business has been left short changed after aformer employee got off lightly on charges of theft under their boss's nose.

Peri Hortis has operated Saviges Road Fast & Ezy service station for close to three decades, and became the owner seven years ago.

Mr Hortisbegan to notice discrepancies over aperiod of 12 months, dating back to August 2022, when consulting with the accountant of his business,and decided to investigate CCTV footage against recorded transactions.

He describes afeeling of "sick to my stomach" when what he discovered was footageofhis trusted employee pocketing $500 in cash directly from the till.

The offender was one Ms Nicky Styles, who had been an employee for two-and-a-half years.

In his victim impact statement to the court, Mr Hortis described Stylesas"someone Itrusted almost as much as family, stealing directly from me and placing the cash in her pocket. Ihad given Ms Styles free fuel on top of her wages and gifted her exceptional presents at Christmas time", and evensupplied her with amobilephoneatone point in time.

He alleges an immediate admission when confronted about the footage, but no remorse from Ms Styles, which led him to dig further, and uncovered business records exceeding $43,000 of financial loss.

These actsoftheft started off in smaller portions, first at $100 weekly, always from the till.

Mr Hortis' financials clearlydisplaythe repeated instances multiplying until she reached $500

Back to school

By PEACE IJIYERA

WITH the new school year starting this week, academics from Australian Catholic University (ACU) have given their top tips for ensuring a smooth transition back into school.

Considering the recent social media banfor under 16s, academics have also given parents and guardians tips on how to educate their children about online safety, personal boundaries and consent.

Associate Professor Paul Kidson’sguide fora smooth transition to school:

1. Be positive about the overall experience.

“It varies abit if this is afirst child and particularly if it is afirst child, there can be some real anxieties about the whole process. So being as positive as you can,talkinginapositive way about school andtalking aboutitonafairly regular basis”.

(severaltimes perweek),and then branched out to fuel cards, totalling to $1500 of the stolen amount She stole from her boss more than 100 times.

Mr Hortis also alleges that upon admitting she stole from him, Stylesclaimed the money was forher daughter's braces, which she could not afford, and she would pay him back. It was at this point that he took back her keys and fired her from the store.

"Her own family member returned some of the stolen cards because even she knew Ms Styles could not havepossibly afforded them," Mr Hortis said, detailinghis former employee'scharitable theft, after she began gifting the stolen funds as birthday presents.

The theft became more elaborate to avoid detection, as she started to process her taking from the till as non-existentscratchy pay outs, whichcaught Mr Hortis' eye on the transaction logs as absurd amounts for one person to win on ascratch-its ticket.

Uponcompiling this evidence,MrHortis approached Moe police in July 2024 with detailed financial records and even some incriminating CCTVfootage. Despiteanabundanceofevidence, police only proceededwith charges amounting to twoweeks'worth of offending, whichMrHortis expressesdeep disappointment in.

“Knowing the full extent of the offending and having theevidence to support it, yet being told that only afraction could be pursuedleft me deeply shaken …ithas damaged my trust in the justicesystem in away Inever expected,” he told the court. He further describes making formal complaints to Victoria Police and having meetings with higher-ranking officers, but ultimately, the

2. Start to get into routine even before school starts.

“Thingslikemaking sure uniforms and bags are ready. [Making sure] there’s aroutine at night, ‘this is what we do, we get our bags ready in the morning’, so that the child is already getting into the sense of what’s going to happen”.

3. Practise the school run.

“Go to the school, have apractise run, get going on it. Especially if this is the first time, it’s anervous time. Again, this is going to be different if you’ve got an older siblingwho is already at school, maybe go with them and they can showyou afew things. Youmight notbeabletoget into theschool, but at leastyou’ll be able to getthrough the ideaof what its like going there”.

4. Talk with family and friends who are in the same position.

“Talk with family and friends who also have got their children at school. It’s about trying to create apositive approach to the whole process”.

Aformer principal himselffor 11-and-a-half years, Mr Kidsonhas experiencedmanyfirstdays back at school.

scope of charges did not expand. Mr Hortis was told to purse furtherlegal proceedings independently.

Mr Hortis says he is looking into further renumeration via his legal team, to recover the theft that "the justice system failed to charge Ms Styles with".

The final court appearance occurredonDecember 1, 2025, in which Ms Styles pled guilty. She was ordered to repay $1657.39, as well as a$200fine to the court, and was sentencedtoafour-year suspended sentence, which correlates with agood behaviour bond.

In the first hearing, before pleading guilty, Mr Hortis alleges that the perpetrator'sdefencelawyer initially argued that she was simply transferring money from the service station to the bottle shop for "bits and pieces".

"I felt ignored, unsupported, and abandoned by asystem Ibelieved was there to protect victims. The lack of action made me feel powerless, and it has damaged my trust in the justice system in a way Inever expected."

Mr Hortis’s victim impact statement described not only financial ruin but also the deep personal toll.

“Thishasn’t just harmedmybusinessesand my family.Ithas rippled out and hurt the wider Moe community that Ihave always done everything I can to serve.”

Reflecting on theunfortunate situation, Mr Hortis attributes the case even coming to court to his own persistent complaints and advocacy, rather thansupport from authorities. He continues to hope thatattention to theseevents might bring some measure of justice -not only for himself, but for all who have been affected.

Arunning joke during his tenure was “the tissues that you takedown were often morefor theparents than for the kids”.

Acknowledging that theback-to-school transition period can be an anxious time for parents, guardians and caregivers, Mr Kidson encourages them to place their trust in the school.

“Overwhelmingly, schools are positive places and being able to entrust the care of your child is abig undertaking. Teachers, particularly early childhood teachers, are so caring, they’ve got this warmth and inclusivity that they want to create, and they do that from day one.

“They’ll oftenbeout there greeting people on the way in, and principals often will be out there greeting people as well. The beginning of the years got alot of energy about it and being able to have confidence that you’retrusting your child to people who are professional, who are dedicated andmost of all deeply caring [is important]”.

More youth stories -Pages 26-27

Circus continues:

By LIAM DURKIN

ROBERT Menzies mustbeturning in hisgrave.

The Liberals and Nationalshavesplit up for the second time since last year's

Under fire: TheNationals have said theywill notserve in aCoalition government while Sussan Ley remains leader of theLiberal party

federal election pummelling, following mass resignations from Nationals frontbenchersover the government's hate speech laws.

All eight Nationalsservingonthe frontbench, including Federal Member forGippsland, Darren Chester, handed theirresignations to Liberal leader Sussan Ley last week.

Three Nationals frontbenchers voted against abilltotargethate groups, going againstwhat theCoalition had agreed upon.

The Nationals maintain proper process was not followed when bringing in the new laws, fast trackedinthe wake of the Bondi attack, before Parliament.

The new laws,the toughest in Australianhistory, passed with Liberal support, although the Nationals, One Nation, and perhaps most tellingly, The Greens, voted against.

Concerns around freedom of speech were raised, and more specifically, exactly what constitutes ahate group.

As Greens leader LarissaWaters pointed out: "It is not antisemitictocall out the actions of the Netanyahu regime in conducting agenocide."

Hate groups have been defined as organisations that publicly incite hatred or communal violence against aperson or group due to their

Ley’sfailures damage the Liberal Party

COMMENT

BY THOMASQUINN

LIBERAL Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is perhaps the worst and most toxic leader the Liberal Party has ever witnessed.

Herlitany of failure is staggering.Inthe 2025 Federal Election as Deputy Liberal Leader, she participated in the dumbest policy platform everknown, recording the worst electionloss in modernhistory by losing 15 lower house seats. Essentially by pursuing aridiculous notion of nuclearenergy while neglecting Labor's disastrous 'cost of living' crisis.

Her polling is horrendous, according to Roy Morgan, it has tumbled from amiserable 31 per centinMay 2025 to 24 per cent in January 2026.

Sincebecoming Liberal leader, she has alienated Coalitionpartner TheNational Party and ostracised many within her own party.

The trickle down effect on individual 'rank and file' Liberal party members, supporters, sponsors, federal MPs and state MPs has been ruinous.

In regional communities, voters are now increasingly identifying with One Nation ahead of the Coalition.

Sussan Ley must resign and do it quickly.

Thomas Quinn is aMoe resident and traditional Liberal voter

race or national or ethnic origin.

The Home AffairsMinister must however be satisfied agroup has met that definition, and cannot act without advice fromthe AustralianSecurity Intelligence Organisation.

The bill was passed to target neoNazis and radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahir, whose online presence was takendown once the laws came into effect.

Traralgon-born John Pesutto lost his leadership of the state Liberal party in 2024 after aprolongedlegal battle againstcolleague Moira Deeming attended awomen's rights rally that was gate crashed by neo-Nazis.

Back in Canberra, the Nationals will sit on the crossbench.

Nationals leader David Littleproud informed Ms Ley last Wednesday morning that three of his senators, Bridget McKenzie, Susan McDonald and Ross Cardellwere resigning.

Mr Littleproudwarned Ms Ley to expect the whole party to quitifthe resignations were accepted.

From the carnage, pressure has mounted on Ms Ley's leadership of the Opposition,which is now on life support.

Mr Littleproud has made it clear the partyisnot willing to serve in ashadow cabinet under Ms Ley.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is surelycounting himself as either very lucky or very smart to come out of the Bondi aftermath, from apolitical context, relatively unscathed.

The PM withstood abarrage of criticism over his handling of the tragedy, before eventually yielding to public

demand in callingaRoyal Commission

As they say, timing is everything. The Coalition split last Thursday (January 22), on what was anational day of mourning for victims of the massacre. Both party leaders at least showed enough class to respect the day before fronting the media.

Chester committed to Gippsland

By LIAM DURKIN

FEDERAL Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he will continuetoservethe interestsof regional Australians after resigning from the Coalition Shadow Ministry.

Mr Chester toldOppositionLeader Sussan Leyit was with "a heavy heart" that he resigned from the position of Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs after the Nationals voted against the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill.

The billwas describedas"flawed"inapress release from the Gippsland leader.

“The shadow portfolio responsibility of protecting the interests of Australian veterans and their families was aposition that Iheld dearly due to my enduring respectfor Australian DefenceForce personnel,” Mr Chester said.

“But given the circumstanceswhere theLiberal leader was demanding three National Party Senators resign from theirpositions for voting against the bill,I joinedwith my colleagues in tendering my resignation.”

Mr Chester said the decision would have no impact on his role as Member for Gippsland.

“I remain absolutely committed to representing the interests of Gippslanders, and all regional Australians in federal Parliament,” he said.

“The Prime Minister is treating regional people with contempt, and this week’sappalling abuse of Parliamentary process on amatter of national security just strengthens my determination to get rid of this bad government.

“Now more than ever, regionalAustralia needs strong and experienced representation in federal Parliamentbecause the Labor-Greens are combining to undermine our way of life, and our livelihoods.

“The Nationals are the only party which is 100 per cent focused on the needsofregional communities, and we will continue to fight for afair share of fundingfor critical services and infrastructure, along with policies which support rural and regional industries and our families.”

LIBERAL Member for Monash, Mary Aldred declined to comment to the Express

Ms Aldred did however reaffirm her support for Ms Ley when interviewed on ABC Gippsland last Friday.

The Memberfor Monash padded most questions back to the bowler, saying "I'm an optimist" three times in the first two minutes of the interview.

"Of course therehavebeen some roughpatches," she acknowledged.

"I think in the Australian national interest we will come backatsome point. Idon't think it's abad thing to take amoment for each of our respective party's to think through those issues.

"Darren and IgotoCanberrawith avery strong 'Team Gippsland Region' approachtoour work. We work very well togetherand very closely together, we workverymuch as ateam in this region to deliver for our local community."

Ms Aldred could be facing anervous wait should federal Liberal colleague AndrewHastie challenge for the leadership, given the two clashed in apartyroom meeting last year.

Where things could also get tricky for the Libs is dealing with connotations that the removal of Ms Ley- thefirst womanto holdleadershipofthe party -will be viewed as misogynistic.

As one Latrobe City female councillor has said repeatedly over the years however whenever genders are raised: "Just do your job".

Formertreasurer Josh Frydenberg has also emerged as apossible candidate to challenge Ms Ley.

While currently out of politics, Mr Frydenberg has been akey spokesperson since Bondi.

AJewishAustralian, he won national acclaim for his condemnation of the attack, and high praise in many quarters for standing up to ABC journalist Sarah Ferguson, after she questioned if the former Liberal MP was using the tragedy as political motivation.

What happens now?

By LIAM DURKIN

THENationals will now sit by themselves on the crossbench.

Nationals leader David Littleproud has said this will remain while Susan Ley is leader of the Liberal Party.

He has however statedthe current divorce does not signal the end.

At its most basic, there are only two options, either:

-The party's reunite, or;

-They go their separate ways.

Getting back together wouldrequire settling differing policies, as aCoalition government requires shadow cabinet solidarity.

The Liberals and Nationalshave been in a Coalition of some form since the 1920's.

It has been broken only five times -twiceinthe last year, and most infamously in 1987 after the Bjelke-Petersen debacle.

Should the parties go at it alone, it would just about becomemathematicallyimpossible for either to win government in its own right.

Additionally, unlike some European countries where coalition agreements are often made after elections, this is not the case within Australia's political climate.

Thereisalsothe possibility of members shifting parties.

Liberal conservatives might join theNationals, or alternatively, independents might crossover.

Deals could also be done to eliminate smaller parties. One Nation lost all 11 members who won seats at the 1998 Queensland election within just two years.

Palmer weighs in

FORMER Liberal National Party life member Clive Palmer says Australia is witnessing the death of the Liberal Party.

“Goodbye Liberal Party, goodbye,’’ he said.

“The Liberal Partylacks the conviction and strengthneededtohold the Albanese government to account.

“We need anew dawn; we need an alternative to bring back prosperity.”

Mr Palmer said Australians deserved a government thatcould createjobs and athriving economy.

“We need real policies that will make adifference to our country; not populistpoliciesbut policies that provide solutions and create wealth for all of Australia.

“Stop the rot, we need areal alternative for the people of Australia.

“The Liberals used to pride themselves on beingdifferent to Labor, they stood for smaller

government and less tax,now they are nothing more than aClaytons Labor standing for bigger government and more taxes.

“Meanwhile Australia is sufferingacost-of-living crisis with Foodbankrecognising more than 3.4 millionhouseholds are experiencing food insecurity

“Thiscountry has given me alot and Iamgrateful for that. However, it is adisgrace that we live in one of the richestnationsinthe world, yet millions are hungry and homeless."

Palmer has been alarger-than-life character since enteringpolitics, generally viewed as a novelty candidate.

His obviously named ‘Trumpet of Patriots’ party was plasteredonbillboards across the Latrobe Valley during last year's federal election.

Placards of independent candidate Deb Leonard are still being spotted, although one of her Moe billboards was replaced with KFC advertising shortly after the election.

When support for One Nation goes up, it goes down for the Coalition

By LIAM DURKIN

THE elephant in the room keeps growing.

There's no denying it -One Nation is becoming increasingly popular.

Primary support for the Pauline Hanson-led party is at arecordhigh 21 percent on Roy Morgan Research.

Another opinionpollfrom TheAustralian showed One Nation was even leading the Coalition on primary voters 22 per cent to 21 -arecord low for the Coalition.

ABCelectionanalysis,Antony Green,generally regarded as thebest in thebusiness, believes support for One Nation has been gaining momentum in recent months.

"Despite denials, Ifind it hard to believe that this week’s split in the Coalition doesn’t stem from the reported surge in support for One Nation," he posted last week.

"Perhaps this week is not all about One Nation, butwhathas been building for months is about One Nation."

"And everything we know frompastelections tells us that One Nation’s support is strongest outside the nation’s capital cities, precisely where the Coalition’sremaining representation is concentrated after last year’s defeat.

"One Nation is now polling stronglyenough to eat further into Coalition representation,particular National Party representation.

"If OneNationispolling 22 per cent in national polls, thereare electorates across ruraland regional areas where One Nation will be polling above 35 per cent, that is leadingonprimaryvotes.

"The debateabout One Nationpreferences starts to become irrelevant if the partyistoppingthe poll. We would be back to the 1998 and 2001 Queensland elections when Labor preferences were required to save some of the National Party’s safest seats.

"The rise in One Nation support could hurt Labor in some of its own seats, but the recordofelections

over several decades is that whenever One Nation support surges, it tends to hurt the Coalition. "It is too early to make predictions for the next election, but if the trend in this week’s Newspoll continues, Labor could be comfortably re-elected with the biggest change being the Coalition losing seats to One Nation."

Local One Nation candidate Greg Hansford attracted close to 15 per cent in last year's federal election running for the seat of Gippsland -the best result for One Nation in Victoria.

That he achieved such agroundswell of support competing against one of the safest Nationals seats in the country speaks volumes.

Locally, the partyenjoyed agreat turnout at arecent meeting held at the Drouin Recreation Reserve.

Former NationalsMPand Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joycehas joined One Nation, as has former Liberal member and current Baw Baw Shire Councillor Ben Lucas

Mr Hansford has always maintained the party is asuitable middle ground for disenfranchised Liberal voters.

Even the Herald Sun and SkyNews didn't hold back when lashing the Liberals last week -most tellingindeed given bothare owned by News Corp -anetwork often criticised for right-wing bias. With supportfor One Nationrising, andadecade afterpopulism seemingly brainwashedAmerican voters, it is incredibly eeriethat the same could be happening in Australia.

This year willmarkadecade since DonaldTrump came from political outsider to aseat in the Oval Office -where he still sits.

Granted thevoting system is completely different here, there was an important lesson nonetheless once the dust settled on Trump's all-timeshock win.

Love him or loathe him, Andrew Bolt surmised rather accurately: "stoppatronisingthe silent majority, or they will rise in terrible revolt."

Money for nothin’ no free TV (we want our MTV)

it maybecome

By AIDAN KNIGHT

THE media landscape is shifting, as free-to-air

television movescloser and closer to extinction in 2026.

It becamepublic knowledgelastyear that many residents in new home and estates, as well as developing suburbs across the whole country, do not include the infrastructure for families to receive free-to-air service anymore. Wherehomes do still have service, most residents will experience regular outages and patchy reception, especially in greenfield suburbs. A majority of thesesuburbs are providedinternet and television connectivity by aprivatefibre-optic network company called Opticomm, rather than the (public) National Broadband Network,orNBN, other Australians are provided with.

Unlike the NBN -which does not carry free-to-air television signals and requires homes to install a rooftop antenna -Opticommhistorically delivered television over itsfibre network in certainestates.

This design meantresidents could receive ABC, SBSand commercial channels without an external aerial, aselling point for many new developments

That service, however,has now been phased out. Opticomm formally withdrew its fibre-delivered free-to-air television servicefrom October1, 2025, rendering the legacy TV-over-fibre system inoperable.Inpractice,some residents reported losing accessearlier, depending on location, in some cases as early as late September 2025, just daysbefore the AFL Grand Final, traditionally one of the most-watched television events of the year on Channel Seven. Any Opticomm users still experiencing asurvivingfree-to-air connection with cease to do after February 2026, when the service finally depletes altogether.

Thismeans residents previously relying on Opticomm are now required to install an antenna, or transition to streaming services to continue accessing public channels,

all at their own cost and inconvenience.

The median price for antenna installation in Australia is estimated at around $600, excluding signal boosters that may be required for reliable reception in regional areas. For retirees, renters, and residents of retirement villages -manyof which wereamong those affected -the expense has proven prohibitive.

Others have opted to stream instead, but that solution is far from universal acrossall demographics, despite its overall popularity.

While broadcasters promote apps such as ABC iView, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play as equivalents to traditional television, some viewers argue the experienceisfundamentallydifferent. Many say they prefer the immediacy and simplicity of turning on the television for nightly news or live events, rather than navigating algorithm-driven platforms designed primarily for on-demand entertainment.

The median price to set up an antenna in Australia is around $600without asignalbooster for enhanced reception.

Compounding the issue is access inequality. Not all households have the internet capacity to stream live television reliably,particularlyinregional areas. Others face data caps, unstable connections, or rising broadband costs. For some, installing an antenna or upgradinginternetinfrastructure is simply not financially viable.

Despite this,free-to-air televisionstill plays a significant role. Industry figures indicate around 20 million Australians (roughly three-quarters of the population) still engage with broadcast or broadcaster video-on-demand services each week, particularly for news, sport andmajorliveevents. Advocates warn that further barriers to access riskaccelerating audience loss, particularly for public broadcasters.

For regional communitieslike the Latrobe Valley, the consequences are already being felt -quietly, one missing antenna at atime.

Television in Australia

1956 - Television launches in Australia in time for the Melbourne Olympics.

1957 - UK-style mandatoryTVlicence fee briefly in place.

1975 - Colour TV introduced nationwide.

1980's - Free-to-air TV becomes the most consumed media over radio.

1995 - PayTV entered the zeitgeist, as Galaxy,Foxtel, Optus Vision, and Austar began test broadcasting.

2001 - Digital reception becomes an option.

2010 - Analogue TV switched off, gradually being phased out completely by 2013; digital becomes standard.

Mid-2010's - Streaming services reshape viewing habits.

2020s - New homes increasingly built without antennas.

2025 - Fibre-delivered TV,including via Opticomm, phased out.

Onus on streaming services to support Aussie films

By AIDAN KNIGHT

THE federal government has announced a variety of legislation into the realm of streaming servicesand onlinesubscriptions, aimedatsaving Australians money, and preserving the local film industry.

Starting this year, under laws passed in Parliament late 2025, streaming giants possessing excess of one million subscribers in Australia are requiredtoinvest compulsory amounts into Australian programs -films or series.

Titled the Communications Legislation Amendment Bill, the content requirement dictates that services that fall underthe criteriamust spend at last 10 per cent of their total (content) expenditure, or 7.5 per cent of overall revenue, within Australia.

This meanspeople may see more content filmed within the Latrobe Valley, suchasthe AACTA award nominated Netflix series Videoland,which wasfilmed in Moe, and rumoured to return for a second season. Liam Neeson alsomadeheadlinesin 2024 when appearing among the trees of Walhalla to film the sequel to action flick Ice Road

This increased production activity has tangible flow-on effects for regional communities.

Film and televisionshoots typically inject money into localeconomies through accommodation bookings, catering contracts, equipment hire, location fees and the use of local trades and services –not all that different from the economic benefit of the Erin Paterson trial in Morwell last year.

Cafés,supermarkets, hotels and short-stay providersoftensee aspike in businessduring production periods, while residents are employed as extras, drivers, builders, cleaners and production assistants. Industry bodies have long argued thatregionalfilming not onlysupportsshort-term spending, but also promotes tourism by showcasing towns and landscapes to national and international audiences.

The reformsaim to ensureAussies see Australian stories on big screens, as well as traditional television, and support jobs in the local screenindustry. The legislation came into effect from January 1 this year.

As Australian content rules are introduced, the government is also targeting the other end of the digitalentertainment equation: consumer protectionsinthe subscription economy. In November 2025, the federal government reached agreement with statesand territories on reforms to banunfair trading practices, including subscriptiontrapsand hidden fees that cost households money and time. Underthe proposed reforms, businesses would be required to clearly set out subscription terms before sign-up, warn customers before free trials roll over into paid plans, ensure cancellation processes are at least as simple as joining, and displayunavoidable fees upfrontrather thanat the final stage of payment.

Government officials say the changes are aimed at restoring fairness and transparency in consumer markets.Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition,Charitiesand Treasury Andrew Leigh said toomanyAustralians were being locked into ongoing payments simply because cancelling aservice was more difficult than signing up. Research underpinning the reformsestimates subscription traps cost Australians around$46 million each year, largely through avoidable charges tiedtohidden fees and deliberatelycomplex cancellation processes.

The federal government is expected to begin consultations on draft legislation in early 2026, with the new unfair trading practices protections intended to be legislated later in the year. Taken together, the subscription reforms and new Australiancontent requirements mark a two-pronged shift in the digital media landscape -boostinglocalscreen production whilecurbing online practices that disadvantage consumers.

Printing errors picked up on new timetables

By STEFAN BRADLEY

BIG Switch, big printing errors. And mostlysmall changes.

From this Sunday (February 1), there will be minor changes to bus and coach services in Traralgon,Moe, Morwell, Churchill,Yarram, Sale, and other towns in Gippsland and regional Victoria, as well as new train services on the Gippsland Line.

The new Gippsland Line services only go as far as Traralgon, with 18 additional services for the Traralgon Line. They are in addition to the new services that were addedwhenthe GippslandLine Upgrade was completed last year.

Thestate government says this all forms part of theso-called'Big Switch' when the Metro Tunnel project adds many more new servicesonFebruary 1, after its soft launch late last year. The Big Switch aims to integrate the Metro Tunnel into the state's whole public transport network by implementing thousands of changes, includingtoregional buses.

The government says the new timetables make better connections, shorter waitsand smoother journeys throughoutthe state.Morethan270 changes have been madesobus and coachservices connect better with train services.

Some of these changes are very negligible, with

some departure times afew minutes earlieror later than they are currently, which of course can stillcause passengers trouble if they aren'taware of them.

Some changes have been confirmed to be printing errors. The new Yarram viaGormandaletimetable did not list the services to gettoTraralgonvia Gormandale, but Latrobe Valley Bus Lines customer service said this was amistake.

Route 4, 'Sale Station via Reeve Street' added two new services on weekdays, for atotal of six, but aprinting error confirmed by Dysons Sale (who run anumberofbus services) duplicated a few services by mistake.

The Bairnsdale Line also has minortweaks to the timetable with certain services leavingorarriving at aslightlydifferent time. Aprinting error for the new timetable originally said there will be no trains at all from Bairnsdale to Rosedale on the way to Southern Cross, but the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)confirmed this was amistake and the timetables have since been fixed.

Be suretodouble checkthe timetables from your trainstation, onlineorbyphoning customer service before you travel from February 1.

Moredetails ca be found here: https://transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/ metro-tunnel/bus-and-coach-timetable-changes

Powering her pathway into clean energytrades

With over 10 years’ experience in administration andscheduling under her belt,Jasmine wanted 2026 to be the year of career pivot. As a Gippsland local,Jasmine had been watchingnew cleanenergy projects getunderway,and she instinctively knew she wanted to be part of this excitingnew sector What she didn’t know was thepathway to get there.

“Since2023, Ihavebeen trying to gain entryinto thepower andclean energy industry,” she explains. “However, without aclear pathway, andwithlimitedinformationand resources, Ifound it difficult to navigatethe processon my own. That’swhenshe noticed apost about Trades-

women Australia’snew program, Powering Her Pathway,onLinkedIn.

The Powering HerPathwayprogramprovides aroadmap forwomen interested in entering cleanenergy trades, startingwithtailored vocationaltrainingat TAFE Gippsland,followedbysupportedjob placementsfor women into skilled cleanenergy positions across the Gippsland region

The TAFE Gippsland course is afreesix-week ‘taster’, whichprovides insight into thetrades involved in renewable energy development as well as hands-on training. ForJasmine,it ticked all theboxes and she registeredstraight away “I feel likeIamnow on

thepathway,” Jasmine says. “I’menrolled in the TAFE Gippsland course, andIamexcited about startinganapprenticeshipwithTradeswomen Australia’s partner organisations.”

Tradeswomen Australia’s CEO,CleaSmith, says thePoweringHer Pathwayprogramis ideal forwomen looking to entertrades because it’s been designed with local energy partners committed to creating

workplaceswhere women aresupported “Clean energy is being builtinGippsland,and theenergytransition needs local workers. Powering HerPathway is givinglocal women aclear,supported pathwayintothe jobs it’s creating.”Cleasays.

“Isthere awoman in yourlifewho is interested in exploring atrades career in the green energy industry? Powering HerPathway is agreat waytostart that journey.”

Find out more about Powering HerPathway andget in touch: https://tradeswomenaus.com/about-us/ current-projects/powering-her-pathway/ Or email: rachels@twaus.com.au

IN this week’s edition of Reel Talk, cinema tragic Blake Metcalf-Holt teams up with Aidan Knight (who firmly believes no problem in cinema has ever been solved by “adding abiggeranimal”) to tackle afilm that treats the Amazon rainforest like an escape room with asnake problem.

Released at the heightofthe 1990's creaturefeature boom, Anaconda is equal parts jungle thriller, star-studded curiosity, and unapologetic B-movie spectacle.

Released in 1997and directed by Luis Llosa, Anaconda follows adocumentary film crew travelling deep into the Amazon rainforest in search of alegendary snake.

Their expedition quickly derailswhenthey encounter amysterious hunter, played with unhinged enthusiasm by Jon Voight, who has his own plansfor the creature. Featuring asurprisingly stackedcast including Jennifer Lopez, IceCube, Owen Wilson and Eric Stoltz, the film leans hard into suspense, camp and larger-than-life action

While its visual effects haven’t aged gracefully, Anaconda endures as agleefully ridiculous slice of ’90s cinema -proof that sometimes all amovie really needs is ajungle, aboat, and asnake that refuses to die.

With areboot recently in cinemas starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, and suspiciously tall grass of our own making Express headlines,the duo thought it was high time they sanktheir fangs into some gold old snake action.

Now, it's time for REEL TALK....

BlakeMetcalf-Holt: This is trying to be the next Jaws so bad, anditfalls incredibly flat. Almost immediately, it is clear that not alot of effort was put into the film outside of our titular enemy -and even that is lacklustre. There wasn't much expectation heading in, and even though I appreciate the work of Jack Blackand Paul Rudd, I've feltnodesire to check out the latest feature. I was somewhatintrigued by the solid cast of talent on display, but from the moment they spew out their lines, it's evident that this was acashie for all involved.

Aidan Knight: If you couldn't already tell from the blurb, this movie is not to be taken seriously. This bodes well for anyone with an easy-to-please senseofhumour. The opening cuts of the forest, paired with forlorn flute music feel like alaughable

Slithering piece of theatre

David Attenborough intro. Nine minutes later we effectively get just that, in Johnathan Hyde's portrayal of Dr AllenChamberlain, hiredasthe voiceover for the meta-doco the film is set within. Keen-eyed movie buffs may notice the first actor seen on camera as the iconic Danny Trejo, which reallysets the tone for the kind of movie you're about to watch -for better or worse. My personal highlight however, was Ice Cube's first line being "today's agood day" (real ones will get it).

BMH: There's four central, and equally poor, performances here to eithersighorlaugh over Jennifer Lopez is unsurprisingly limited, as is Ice Cube (who managestospewout alinefrom one of his own songs as the first words he utters in the movie), and Eric Stolz. While the former two are renownedaspoor screen performers, Stolz up until 1997 was one of the best character actors out there, and it's so abundantly clear that he is just going through the motions with this bland dialogue. It was probably for the better that he is unconscious amajorityofthe runtime. Theonly standout is Jon Voight, who I'll carefully put into the 'so bad, it's good' category of 80s/90s wackiness due to his nonsensical accent and equally dumb menacing face, which is at least worth note unlike the rest of theunmemorable cast, that also features ayoung Owen Wilson.

AK: Ithink this franchise could be elevated with the addition of crossover films. Godzilla vs Kong? Moveover for RambovsAnaconda. It is crazy to think that this sold so well upon release, when the actual anaconda itself looks more like agarden hose than aferocious animal at some points. At the end of the day, everyone is on the snakes side Ithink, which is what separates it from the thrillofJaws. Sure,you're effectively there to watch[insert giantmonster] eating people at aridiculous rate on amurderous rampage, but the way asnake attacks doesn't hold up the same way cinematically as ashark -which is baked in spectacle and scale. Ashark attack is inherently visual -thrashing limbs, churning water, sudden disappearances beneath the surface.The ocean becomes astage,and the audience is forced to watch helplessly as nature asserts itself. There’s acruel clarity to it. By contrast, Anaconda trades in constriction, ambush, and off-screen implication. Snakeskillbycoiling, squeezing, and slowlycutting off breath -processes that are either too quick, too obscured,ortoo anatomicallyawkward to linger on without tipping into silliness

Engie now owns100 per cent of Hazelwood battery

ENGIE has acquired Eku Energy’s minority stake in its 150 MW/ 150 MWh Hazelwood Battery EnergyStorage System (BESS), including the ongoing HBESS 2.0 project to build a second battery.

ENGIE Australia’s Managing Director of Renewables and Batteries, Laura Caspari welcomed the procurement.

“Full ownership of the Hazelwood Battery allows us to progressour expansion plans as we pursue additionalstorage investments in Australia," she said.

“This consolidates our commercialisation plans, including ongoing work to expand the battery capacity at the Hazelwood site.”

ENGIE now owns 100 per sent of the battery and expansion project.

The Hazelwood BESS was ENGIE’sfirstin Australia, and the first in the country built on the site of aformer coal power station.

The BESS has operated successfully for more than two-and-a-half years, supporting grid reliability in Victoria.

Construction of ENGIE’s second Australian battery, the 200 MW/ 400 MWh Pelican Point BESS, is progressing in Adelaide. Engie says co-locating largebatteries with existing or former thermal power sites is one of the keys to accelerating Australia’senergy transition, by leveraging existing infrastructure and minimising environmental impacts.

BMH: It's hard to completely knock the CGI, but the thrillswork awhole lot better,like in Jaws, when you actually see less of the creature. At times, director Luis Llosa showcases thisinamuch better way by use of the camera itself, acting as the head of the slithering monstrosity, but it is then more times than not immediately cut to afull image of the anaconda, that isn't just fake, it's obvious that it's not there at all. The Amazon is avast setting, and it could have been used slightly better by way of water and land. Having said that, Iwon't hate this movie even more if it was over the 90-minute threshold. Idid like the music though!

AK: The jungle setting doesn’t help: foliage blocks sightlines, attacks happen in flashes, and victims are oftenswallowed whole, robbing scenes of spatial drama. What shouldfeel terrifying instead feels rushed or strangely abstract. Where shark movies

weaponise visibility and anticipation, the dorsal fin, the circling camera, the inevitability -snake movies rely on surprise alone. And surprise, without spectacle,fades fast. Theresultisacreaturefeature that has the right monster, but none of the visual grammarthat makesmonster deaths lingerinthe cultural imagination. In short:sharks perform. Snakes just …end scenes, which leave it in the open water alittle more than I'd like. If Tropic Thunder was slightly too silly for you, but Snakes on aPlane was too serious, give thisago. Hopefully, the reboot is more put-together though.

BMH: 1/5 stars ★☆☆☆☆

AK: 2/5 stars ★★☆☆☆

Anacondaisrated Mfor moderate-levelviolence and low-level coarse language. The film is available to rent on AppleTV and Youtube, or streaming on FoxtelNow.

Wrong bin, briefly

By AIDANKNIGHT

LATROBE City Council now has an interactive screen within it'sMorwell office, designed to make it easierfor residents to access forms, documents and services withoutneeding to fire up the homeWi-Fi.

These informationhubsappear to have alow opinion of councilwork,however, which aMorwell resident broughttothe attention of the Express last week.

"I went into council offices on my way past while Iwas in town," he said, "and foundout that they're getting ahead of themselves with April Fools this year".

He then producedanimage of the screen's listings of documents under 'Waste Information'.

The Morwellian man had hoped to find the 2026 waste pickup calendar, but instead found that whatwas listed as rubbish was council meeting documents -specifically the minutes and agendas.

This slight hiccup has now beenremedied,thankfully,and the hard work of councillors and their

officers are no longer mislabelled, as amusing as the local found it.

The resident said he briefly considered whether this meant council paperwork was collected fortnightly, or only on public holidays.

If residents find themselves near council offices, or have limited internet capabilities in their home, they can now drop in during office hours to access the following via the information hub:

 Planning information;

 Have your say surveys;

 What's On Latrobe event calendar;

 Policies and strategies;

 Book and sign in for meetings with staff and reception,and;

 Brochures and magazines.

The label has now been corrected, much to the relief of both councillors and rubbish trucks, and residents are reminded that while opinions on council meetings may vary, home-waste disposal via touchscreen is not yet supported.

Shining light on outstanding locals

LATROBE City Council has congratulated recipients of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards.

The awards recognise the selfless acts of Latrobe Citylocals who make LatrobeCity agreat placeto live,work andplay.

Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson said award winners were all outstanding local citizens.

“What adelight it is to celebrate all winners and nominees of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards,” she said.

“Every moment they’ve given has helped make Latrobe Citythe greatplace we knowitis. Recognising them on this special day inspires me,

and I’m sure many others, to give back and support our community.”

Awards for the following categories were announced during aceremony at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. (Feature stories on the winners will appear in future issues of the Express, along with local OAM recipients).

CommunityService of the Year -WillowHouse

Community Support(Paid ForwardProgram)

WILLOW House Community SupportLtd is a grassroots volunteer-run organisation based in Newborough, dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing hardship.

CommunityEvent of the Year -Traralgon Community Christmas Parade,Marketand Grottos

THE parade market and grottos event combines the spectacle of the parade, the fun of the Grottos and the festive stalls of the markettocelebrate the joys of Christmas.

Theeventisacombined effort from various local communitygroups working together.

Young Citizen of theYear -Emily Sutton EMILY has been part of the GippSport team for two years andisa memberofthe ChangingGippsland’s Gamenetwork, contributing to the promotion of gender equality in sport and recreation.

We are one, we are many

COMMENT

BY LIAM DURKIN

IN lightofrecent events, Australia Day was surely the most appropriatetimetoreflect on our identity. Not to get too nationalistic, but if we step back fromthe perpetualoutragethat seems to dominate society, we wouldhave to agree we do live in a great country.

We have never had acivil war, our island home means we are safe from invasion, and our laws give people the right to demonstrate peacefully. If you doubt me,I recommendattending the

Day of mateship

COMMENT

BY DANNYO'BRIEN

AUSTRALIA Day is, at its heart, about reflecting on the character and spirit of the Australian people.

In recent weeks, that spirit has been clearly on display during the bushfires that have ravaged the state.

Across fire-affected communities, Victorians have helped one another without hesitation. Opening their homes to strangers, sharing what they had, volunteering their time, and

Boxing Day Test.

Even if you have zero interest in cricket, Iwager you will feel proud when IStill Call AustraliaHome is sung by the Qantas Choir before play.

And then seeing the Australian team walk out, baggy greens in tow, withall of the nation right behind them.

As Ian Higgins of TheGrade Cricketer said of MatthewHaydenand his"little mate" Justin Langer: "They used to batfor me, with aSouthern Cross on theirchest. They used to bat, not with a GrayNicholls -they usedtobat with an Australian flag."

standing shoulder to shoulder in theface of loss anduncertainty

Our firefighters, manyofthem volunteers, worked tirelessly to protect lives and property, backedbylocal communitiesthat rallied around them and stepped up in every way possible. These actions speak louder than any words about what Australia Day represents to many of us.

Mateship, resilience, generosity,and awillingnesstohelp othersintough times are values deeply woven into our nationalidentity. They are not limitedtoone dayofthe year, but Australia Day provides an opportunity to recogniseand appreciate them.The responsetothe bushfires demonstrates that our nation’s greatest strength lies in the compassion and resilience of our people.

That is something worth acknowledging and celebrating.

Danny O'Brienisleader of the state Nationalsand Member for Gippsland South.

Senior Citizen of theYear -Jeffrey Sawyer JEFFREY is adedicated and community-focused professional with more than 50 year's experience across the energy, transport, youth services, and waste management sectors. Jeffery is well-known for his commitment to volunteering throughout the Latrobe City community. Citizen of theYear -BlakeBourne

LAST year, Blake became the youngest person to run 380 kilometres across the Simpson Desert, to advocate for mental health awareness. He raised more than $30,000 for mental health charity Speak and Share.

That patriotism can be seen whenever Australia is on the world stage.

Below are the lyrics to IAmAustralian by The Seekers.

Released more than 30 years ago, the words are perhaps now more poignant than ever.

Its unifying message has led many to label it as Australia's unofficial national anthem. Some politicianshaveeven called for it to becomethe official national anthem. (If ever there is achange, it is surely time to incorporate an Indigenous verse, much like New Zealand's national anthem, which sees the first verse sung in Mori).

Regardless of language or background, the simple words in the chorus encapsulate how most decent Australians view each other: "I am, you are, we are Australian."

Icame from the Dreamtime From the dustyred-soil plains Iamthe ancient heart Thekeeper of the flame Istood upon therocky shores Iwatched the tall ships come Forfortythousand yearsI've been Thefirst Australian Icame upon the prison ship Bound down by iron chains Ifought the land Endured the lash And waited forthe rains I'm asettler I'mafarmer’s wife On adry and barrenrun

AUSTRALIA Dayfells on aMondaythis year -the same daythe Express goes to press.

Due to this deadline,the Expressis

Aconvict,then afreeman IbecameAustralian

I'm the daughter of adigger Whosoughtthe mother load Thegirl became awoman On the long and dustyroad

I'm achild of the Depression Isaw the good times come I'm abushy,I'mabattler IamAustralian

I'm ateller of stories I'm asinger of songs IamAlbert Namatjira And Ipaint the ghostlygums I'mClancyonhis horse I'm Ned Kellyonthe run

I'm the one who waltzedMatilda IamAustralian

I'm the hot wind from the desert I'm the blacksoil of the plain I'm the mountains and the valleys I'mthe drowned and flooding rains Iamthe rock Iamthe sky Theriverswhentheyrun Thespirit of this great land IamAustralian

We areone

But we aremany And from all the lands on earth we come We'llshareadream And sing with one voice Iam,you are,we areAustralian

unable to giveextensiveAustralia Day coverage in today's issue

Express journalists were out in the field reporting all dayonMonday (January26).

FullAustralia Daycoverage will appear in the following issue,onFebruary4

ONE POINTERS

Take aBreak

1. Pink Ladies and GrannySmiths arewhattypes of fruit?

2. Which film followstoysthat come to life when humans aren’t around?

3. Which deviceusessunlight to tell time?

4. What colour do youget when youmix yellow and cyan?

TWOPOINTERS

5. Starting with ‘L’what do we call an embankment that prevents overflowofariver?

6. What is the main ingredient in the dish BombayDuck?

7. What town is theDennyUte Musterfestival held?

8. What does the GinGmail stand for?

THREE POINTER

9. What arethe three layers of the planet?

10.Inwhich city is Australia’sNationalPortrait Gallery found?

11. What do youcall agroup or gathering of witches?

12. What is asomnambulist?

FOUR POINTER

13. What everydayitemdid ancient Romans useasaform of toothpaste ingredient?

14. If youliveinTahiti, whatcountry areyou acitizen of?

FIVE POINTER

15. What arethe namesofeach of thePirates of the Caribbean movies?

One point foreach correct answer.

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.

3.t-hessCMan’ At ndsErld’Wo -4. On ngerraSt Tides -5. Dead Men llTe No lesTa

pples;:A:1rsweAns 2: undial;:S;3rytoySTo 4: een;gr 5: e;veLe 6: fish; 7: Deniliquin oogle;:GW8NS 9: t,Crus mantle and ;reco 10: a;nberrCa 11: n;veCo 12: Sleep er;lkwa 13: Crushed bones or shells; 14: e;ancFr 15: he.T-1 hefteorsCu ackBl Pearl -2. Dead

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

RED FEB is more than just amonth of awareness: it is avital call to action forall Australians to assess their cardiovascular disease risk factors.

Heart health remains atop priority because manyconditions associated withthe heart arepreventable through early detection and lifestyle adjustments.

Awareness is the first tool in your wellness kit,helpingyou identify symptoms or risks youmight otherwise overlook in your busy daily life.

Taking the time to understand your heart health duringFebruary sets a positive tone for therest of your 2026 wellness journey.

It encourages ashift from reactive caretoproactiveprevention, which is the most effective waytomanage long term health.

Thisyear,the focusisonstress, thesilentepidemic thatoften goes unnoticed until it’stoo late.

STRESS:The Silent Epidemic

Stresshas become the hidden health crisis of modern life– and it’squietly breaking hearts

Risingcost-of-living pressuresare adding additional stressonto many Australians, leaving them to feel like every dayisa crisis

Living with chronic stress canhavea detrimental impact on heart health, increasingthe risk of cardiovascular disease,heart attack, andeven

suddencardiac events

Recent national data fromThe Growth Distillery andMedibank. (2025).State of mind: Australia’s mentalhealth reportshows nearly 50 percentofAustralianssay financial

worries aretheirbiggestwellbeing concern, 40 percentofAustralians are feeling stressedevery week,and more than one-third of workers feel burntout every week

Whilstmanythink of stress as

emotionalormental, it impactsthe whole body, including the heart.

HOW

STRESS

IMPACTS THE HEART

Whenyou’reunder stress, your

body releases stresshormones like adrenaline andcortisol.

Thesetrigger your “fight or flight” response,yourheart beats faster, bloodvessels narrow, andblood pressure risestoprepare your body for action

While this reaction can be helpfulin the short-term, long-termstresscan causethese systems to stay on high alert.

The stress system is designed to spike andthen return to baseline

Overtime,whenitdoes notreturn to baseline, risksbuildupsilently, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke

STRESS CAN HARM THE HEARTINTWO WAYS:

Acute stress: An extreme surge of stress hormones –such as from amajor shock –can trigger a heart attack or even “broken heart syndrome,” where the heart muscle temporarily weakens.

Chronic stress: Constantexposure to evenfairly lowlevel stress without recovery periods can raiseblood pressure, cholesteroland blood sugar, increasing the risk of coronary disease

SIMPLE WAYS TO RESET

Connect to self: mindful breathing, journaling or pausing to noticehow you feel

Connect to others: ahug, alaugh, an act of kindness,orsharing ameal.

Connect to Nature: even onehour outdoorscan lower cortisol and blood pressure moreeffectively than screen time.

Mine steps taken, but long process still ahead

GIPPSLAND Critical Minerals (GCM)has submittedanEnvironment Effects Statementself referral to the Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny for the Fingerboards mineral sands mine near Bairnsdale. However, the company has not finalised water availability.

This is crucial to the viability of the project.

Many ill-considered possibilities for obtaining water have been proposed in the referral.

Irrigators in the Macalister irrigation area now learn, for the first time viathis referral, that water from the Macalister River system is one of the options. Water security could be at risk for these irrigators if water is taken from this fully-allocated system.

Alocal irrigator of the Mitchell River system commented that “This situation, with threats to water security from aproposed mineralsands mine, has been with us for many years since the original Kalbar proposal in 2014. Now the Macalister irrigators are facing the same uncertain future.”

He added, “At this stage, GCM has claimed that they only need three gigalitres of waterper year to run the proposed mine. This is the annual make-up for losses, and ignores the huge quantity of water requiredfor start-up. It was discoveredduring the previous Environment Effects Statement(EES) for the Kalbarproject, thatthe waterestimate provided by the proponent was only half of that which was actually needed. Ibelieve that GCM’s claim of three gigalitresper year of water is agross under-estimate, especiallyifthey are using this precious resource for dust suppression.”

“Justinthese last few weeksirrigators have learnt that the state government is planning to change the waterpolicy for the MitchellRiver. This

will affectall currentlicence holders as it will place restrictions on water sales. Irrigators here are up in arms as they are concerned water will be diverted from agriculture to use for the proposed mine.”

“GCM has stated it will work with the relevant water trading rules to acquire the water they need. Irrigators on the Mitchell and Macalister systems face the possibility of being outbidfor water by GCM with theiruse of investors’money,and agriculture will suffer as aresult.”

Another water source GCM is investigating includes the Latrobe group aquifer. Alarge bore field is planned which extends from just south of the project site and crosses overthe Princes Highway intothe Red Gum Plains area.Many farmers believe and fear that water from existing bores in this area will be compromised and available water will be restricted.

Accessing recycled water from East Gippsland Water’s WasteWaterFacilitiesatPaynesville and Bairnsdale is another possibility put forward by GCM. Use of this recycled water at the Fingerboards location couldhave inherent problems associated with contamination; such as pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, industrial waste, hormones, antibiotics and PFAS.

Recycled water from both of these treatment plants would require the constructionofapipeline around 30 kilometres in length across both public and private land.A seriesofpowerful pumps along the lengthofthe pipeline will be required for water to reach the elevated Fingerboards site.

Biosecurity on farms in the path of the pipeline could be compromised during construction, and whenaccessingproperties for future maintenance In the Western Districts, Iluka’s pipeline for its

mine was constructed above ground, creating an uncrossable obstacle.

Customers of East Gippsland Water may be required to fund this infrastructure. This could lead to increased water charges and result in cost-of-livingpressures and financial hardship for customers.

Water recoveryand recycling from dewatering of tailings is also being consideredasa water source. At this time, the viability and volume of water recovery fromthisprocess havenot been determined.

GCM is planning to construct alarge two gigalitre dam which it claims will have benefits for growers in the Lindenow Valley, drought-proofing farms. The water in this holding dam willberequired for the life of the mine, irrigators who have been promised this water will have to wait at least 22 years until mining and rehabilitation are completed. GCM also claim in the referral that this will be afresh water dam. However, in the same document they admit it will be aholding dam for any wateraccessedfor the proposed mine. This wouldinclude recycled wastewatercontaining contaminants and thereforenot be suitable for irrigating food for human consumption or fodder crops for livestock.

Construction of 14 holding dams for diverting water from the project site has landholders in the project area very concerned.

The locations for these dams have not been specified.

Dam failures could readily occur due to the widespread dispersivenature of the soil throughoutthe area. There is also the risk of contamination and siltation of rivers from dams over-spilling during

heavy rainfall. These dams will prevent water from flowing down the gullies and it will therefore not be availablefor those landholders who rely on this supply. They willalsoprevent significantamounts of water reaching the Mitchell and Perry Rivers.

Previous to the release of the referral, First Nations’ two gigalitres of cultural water from the Mitchell River was under consideration by GCM.

An Elder in the communitycommented “First Nation’s people were angered and disgusted at this grab for water; it showed alackofrespect for our culture and failed to see the importance of this area to the Gunaikurnai people, GLaWAC and the Eldershad previously expressed strong opposition to this mine. Why did the mining company continue to pursue this option when the community had alwaysobjected to amineral sand mine at this culturally sensitive location?”

Aspokespersonfor MineFreeGlenaladale (MFG) said, “As more facts are revealed about this proposal, it highlights that this project will not only affect thoselandholderswithin close proximity to the proposed mine. It now appears it could have lasting repercussions across both East Gippslandand Wellington shires, withlarge scale infrastructure corridors needed, and possible costs to the ratepayers for this infrastructure.”

“With these latest revelations coming to light in the referral, it is obvious GCM has failed to adequately consult with the wider community or inform them of possible impacts.

“There is still wide spreadoppositiontothe mine, and the community is left wondering what other unpleasant surprisesmight be in store in the future as this project develops.”

Taking the sting out of mozzie bites

VICTORIANS heading to holiday hotspots are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites and stay safe in the heat to keep themselves and their families well.

Ross River Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in trapsaroundGippsland in recent weeks. Previously, Japanese encephalitiswas detected in amosquito trap in the Horsham area in early December.

TheVictorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program found these resultsthrough routine monitoring that helps inform the risk of mosquito-borne diseases and helps to keep the public safe.

Basedonrecentresults, it’s likely mosquitoes in other coastal areas of Victoria are also carrying Ross River Virus.

The state's Chief Health Officer, Dr Caroline McElnay has outlined measures to avoid mosquito bites.

“We’ve seen an increase in mosquito activity alongcoastalareas in recent weeks and with detections of Ross River Virus in multiple locations, we’re reminding Victorians to do what they can to avoid being bitten,” she said.

“Wearing long loose-fitting clothes, using repellent and avoiding the outdoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active can greatly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease."

Travellers are advised to pack repellent containing picaridin or DEET before leaving home,ensure accommodation,caravans and tents have intact mosquito screens, use mosquito coils, and camp away from rivers and lakes, where mosquitoes breed. Symptoms of Ross River Virusmay include fever, joint pain and swelling,muscle aches, fatigue or rash.

Symptoms may not be presentinall case but can last for weeks or months. Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Ross River Virus infection should seek advicefromtheir GP.

Dr McElnay also advised Victorians to take steps to protectthemselves and theirloved ones from the heat.

“Extreme heat can affect anyone but people aged 65 or older, young children, people with acute or chronic medical conditions, and those with limited ways to keep cool are more at risk,” she said.

“Stay cool and hydrated, schedule activities during cooler times, check in with family,friends and neighbours, and monitoryourlocal weather conditions. And never leave achild unattended in avehicle, not even for aminute.”

More information about Ross River Virus and how to protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease is available on the Better Health Channel.

Managingand treating damsinfire affected areas

By CLEM STURMFELS

FARMERS in fire-affected areasare encouraged to monitor theirdams and removefloating debris as soon as possible following heavy or prolonged rain. They shouldalsoconsider installing sediment traps upstream of their bigger dams. Followingfires, manydamsbecameunusable due to pollution from decomposing organic matter or after being filled with soil, sand, and gravel. While little can be doneinthe shorttermto remove the heavier materials, quick action to remove floating materials can be highly effective in maintaining water quality. Typically, these floating materials consist of ash, charcoal, straw, grass, leaves, and manure. These materials can causeissuesfor the water supply if they aren’t quickly removed.

Within acouple of days,debriswill sink and begin to break-down, causing the water to become putrid and potentially unusable for livestock.

There are many ways to remove debris from dams, including dragging the material to the bank using achain meshboom.Use of chain mesh, which

is commonly used to construct tennis court fences, suspended from aseries of floats to create aboom to clear the debris.The boom can then be dragged across the dam using ropes attached to each end. Once the debris has been dragged to the side of the dam, it can be removed using asmall weldmesh cage or with asieving bucket on an excavator. While upstream sediment traps will reduce the risk of pollution, it is inevitable that some dams will become contaminated.

When time permits, sediment traps can be installed to prevent debris from entering dams. There are anumberofways that farmers can establish asediment trap.

Common approaches include attaching wire netting on the upstream side of existing fences where they cross the drainage line (to trap the flood debris) or establishing atemporary netting fence across adrainage line if thereisnoexisting fence. For current available bushfire support, visit: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires Clem Sturmfels is Land Management Extension Officer at Agriculture Victoria

FREAWARENESS

IN the Latrobe Valley,firesafety is not an abstract risk or aonce-a-year conversation, it is alived reality

Our region sits at the intersection of bushland, industry and growing townships, wherefire can move quickly and withdevastating consequences. From house fires to industrial incidents and bushfirethreats on the urban fringe, preparedness remains one of the most effective tools communities have to protectlives and property

We encourage residents to takesimple but crucial steps: checking smokealarms, planning escape routes, clearing flammable materials around homes, and knowing when, and how, to actinanemergency.These measures are

not about fear; theyare about readiness.

Importantly,firesafety is ashared responsibility While emergency services play avital role in response and recovery,prevention begins at home, in workplaces, and across neighbourhoods. Awareness serves as apause point,anopportunity to reassess risks before summer conditionsintensify

Formany in the Latrobe Valley,firehas already shaped memories, losses, and lessons learned. Honouring those experiences means staying vigilant,informed, and proactive.

Moving forwardthe message is clear: preparation saves lives. Afew minutes spent checking safety measures today can makeall the difference tomorrow.

Local farmers learn from experts in the pasture field

By KATRINA BRANDON

FARMERSlearn from farmers, Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAGG) generalmanager,Jen Smith, said at the Valley Farmers night.

Valley Farmers is anew farming support group where farmers from the Latrobe Valleycome together, share agricultural knowledge across all farming types, and listen to experts in the field while enjoying awarm meal.

The recent event,named Fodder Future,was the fifth official meeting of the group, organised by Matt Lloyd.

About 40 people attended, held at the Yinnar Bowls Club, with new farmers, experienced farmers, and next-generation farmers participating.

Guest speakers at the event were Ms Smith and Trafalgar-based agronomistBrett Tonkin. The event also marked the first partnership between Valley Farmers and GAGG.

"This group(GAGG)isjust aphenomenalexampleofsuccess on what farmers can achieve if they self-organise," Mr Lloyd told the group.

Ms Smith runs sheep andcattle at Tambo Crossing with her husband, in addition to her work with GAGG for the past five years.

Ms Smith highlighted the importanceofthe young farmers in the room and said that it was great to see them receiving the support they needed to help secure their future in the industry.

"I think it's fantastic to see Valley farmers supporting young peoplecomingalong and

learning and being part of things," she said.

"We've got amassive labourshortagefor all aspects of our agricultural industry in our region. These sorts of groups and initiatives work when you bring people together; we never stop learning and contributing to others. The success of groups like this isn't due to having brilliant technical experts. It's because farmers learn fromfarmers. That's where the power is."

Throughout her presentation, Ms Smith delved into projects related to fodder, hay, and silage production, as well as supporting farms during tough times.

"Everything we do is focused on our production systems within our farms. How do we manage them better?How do we make better decisions? How do we set things up?"

Expanding into helping farmers, GAGG partneredwith Wellington Shire and EastGippsland Shire, with the support of hundredsoflocal farmers,toestablishits ownresearch farm, as well as an additional property. Both properties are council-owned.

During the East Gippsland bushfires,GAGG successfully secured agrant to buildacentre that was fit-for-purpose for their research.

Throughout the experimentation process, Ms Smith said that they learn alot from their mistakes and failures, and try to push the parameters of the trial. During the trials, they ran ryegrass varieties and sowed paddocks.

"If it's wet, we'll sow and see how wet youcan sow," she said.

"If it's dry, we'll sow anyway and see what we can do in lots of different areas. (We have) 21 active projects at the moment."

Every year, the GAGG grouphosts aspring field day, where farmers and like-minded individuals can see projects being undertaken and observehow things are being done differently.The research undertaken is also published on the GAGG website, typically around February.

Ms Smith also mentioned that GAGG operates on other properties.

"We also operate on several satellite farms, and so this is to push out into communities, up into the high country,orout into Toongabbie,Rosedale or Dargo, different places where people are doing various things," she said.

"Often, afarmer will be doing something, acertain activity, they'll be growing acertain crop or trialling something new. And we'll partnerwiththem. They put all the inputs in and conduct all the activities, and we'll measure, monitor, and evaluate that activity. We will then organiseafew days and share those learnings with other farmers in their area.

"Whenwefirst kicked off and were developing thesite, we used contractors, obviously, to do that physicallabour, and the volunteers and the farmers to install all the crops, and the trials and the demos, do all the reporting and various information."

From knowledge to challenges, Ms Smith

mentioned that since the farming industry in Gippsland is "younger" than other regions, there is alackofservices available. Another thing she highlighted was that the land is considerably cheaper in Gippsland than in other farming regions across the state.

The need for product growth and increase is needed.

She said that meansfarms can't affordtobe unproductive and that farmers need to learn what they need to know to improve productivityontheir farms progressively. Efficiency in farm use and in farm carbon emission was highlighted as abarrier for farmers.

Moving on to GAGG's projects, Ms Smith discussed how creatingsolutionsand options for farmers differs, as each farm hasits ownuniquerecipe.

"Everything is different everywhere, on every single farm, but it's about what are the things that you can participate in, to get involved in, to glean information,toget your own recipes fromyour own farm," she told the group.

"Every single kitchen produces aslightlydifferent scone that everybody goes and collects all of those recipesfromdifferent places and comes up with something for their own future.

"Thought up is aprogram of work that sort of came up about three years ago -real push to to be able to grow, cut, store fodder for future, whether you're filling that winter feed gap, whether you're feeling that autumn feed gap before the break,

whether you want to stick it in the ground for 30 years, and wait for that next round or 40 years, as it would be in South Gippsland. We all need to consider what it means to havehomegrown fodder cut and stored for the future."

Oneofthe first projects GAGG completed at the research farmwas acomparison of different rye grass varieties. They looked at how the product would perform in that system and the cost of the seed.

When examining the varieties, they also considered the early maturity, which depends on the feed base on the farm.

Ms Smithexplained, "When we start to compare those out annuals on the cost of the perennials, what fits really challenges that paradigm to actually, maybe with the perennial fashion blends that we're getting, with the breeding selection and variety and stuff that they're doing, the advancement in seed breeding and productivity."

"I think it's like everything; our computers used to be massive, and now we have phones.

"The seedbreeding industry is getting better and better all the time, and bringing those improvements to us quicker."

Another project she discussed with the group was acollaborationwith the University of Melbourne, comparing multi-species systems to monocultures. Over asummer and winter period, they are examining land performance in multi-species versus monocultures.

During this project, Ms Smith said that weed control became very challenging.

Ms Smith mentioned that GAGG has started working on projects for seed companies and has conducted variouscomparisonsbetween them.

One project, undertaken as asummer research option, examined various mixtures. Unfortunately, this one failed.

"Thisprojectwas actually atrain wreck," Ms Smith admitted.

"I've resown twice because it got wet, and then the brassicas fellout of the system because we had atough time. Many things that we do in this sort of trial and testing space fail. It's important for you to record that and to see that, to understand that and to hold those stories, not to shy away fromsharing them, becausethere'slearnings in those failures,and often there's more learnings in the failures.

Mr Tonkin then spoke,bringing along areal-life example of the work he provides.

Mr Tonkin invited localfarmer Jason Leetothe fronttogive aQ&A session.

Two years ago, Mr Lee bought afarm and has been "ticking along and just leasing blocks of land

andall that sort of stuff comes up in the area".

Mr Tonkin asked Mr Lee about resilience in his farm business.

"By growing lots of grass,wesort of have acheap source of feed, so that allows us to know what our cost of production is," Mr Lee answered.

"So then if the milk price goes up or down, we know what our cost of production is and whether we can make money or not."

Mr Tonkin then asked what happens when Mr Lee has afair gap in his farm and how he fills it, and whether it is excessgrass in spring that is converted into silage.

"Through the springs on quite heavily stocked," Mr Lee said.

"So we're six cows per hectare. Whenever the grass is growing beloworabove 86 kilos, we'll cut the surplus and load it up. We'll be bringing in water from our side blocks and topping it up.

"We'll sort of, we'll cover cows down. We'll sort of hit December. We'll sort of celebratethe bottom line, and whether or not there's amarginmelting those numbers, or if it's dead stock, or let's reassess things as we go to see what's profitable."

Mr Tonkin said that bringing Mr Lee up helped him make the point thatthe mostcrucial thing is resiliencetothe feed base of the farm,and to ensure that there is no bare ground.

He also pointed out that it is essential to understand what your soilisdoing and what it needs to thrive, considering the type of farm the farmer is working with. Mr Tonkinalsomentioned that the seed type can also come into effect when considering success with soil.

Considering the other factors, such as sowing, Mr Tonkin said that many things can affect the outcome of the property.

"With over-sowing,you've got abit of moisture available, so established plants will alwaysget first crack at the moisture," he explained.

"If you are dry sowing, with an over-sowing system, you're not going to have as many plants survive spraying out, and whether you're cultivatingorjoining in, either there's ahigh weed burden or the paddocks thinnedout to the point where there's not reallymuch value in savingwhat's there.

"Jason's got some really high phosphorus levels on the farm here, but as he said on these out blocks, that's its quite low, phosphorus is always going to be your biggestdriver for persistence and for establishment as well. So,roots need phosphorus, and they will chase it. So, if it is high in phosphorus soils, root expansion will be quite quick, and we get an established plant very quickly."

Critical steps to reduce risk of drowning

AMBULANCE Victoriaisurgingpeople to take extracare in and aroundwater, as aspate of tragic drownings continue to impact communities across the state.

Life Saving Victoriareported 52 people fatally drowned in Victorian waterways in 2024/25, a nine per cent increase on the decade average. Afurther123 peopleexperiencedanon–fatal drowning.

AmbulanceVictoria Acting ExecutiveDirector Regional Operations, Michael Georgiou said paramedics witness first-hand how quickly a fun day out can turn into alife-threatening emergency.

“Everyone is at risk of drowning -even strong swimmers and people who know an area well,” Mr Georgiou said.

“Be aware of your current abilities and don’t underestimate the risks around water. Conditions can change rapidly, and different parts of the same waterway can behave very differently.

“We work closely with our emergency service partners to keep people safe, but everyone has aresponsibility to look after themselves and each other.”

Mr Georgiou said taking simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or tragedy.

“Alwayswatch children closelywhenthey are in or around water. Ensureunder 5s are always within yourarm’s reachand children aged 5-10 are always in your line of sight,” Mr Georgiou said.

“We also recommend wearing lifejackets when boating and fishing and avoiding alcohol until after you’ve finished being around the water to ensure you remain vigilant.”

Life Saving Victoria Chief Operations Officer -EmergencyManagement Capability and Response, Kirsty Robertson said no one wants aday by the water to turn to tragedy.

“One drowningisone too many, and we need everyone to do what theycan to keep

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The Range offers elegant new and refurbished two and three-bedroom independent living villas, set in attractive and well-manicured surrounds. Each villa features an open-plan living area,wellappointed kitchen, private courtyardgarden and single or double garage.

Plan your social life with your new community.

Youwill have the flexibility and freedom to embrace life with asocialcalendar that includes, billiards, indoor bowls, craft, movie nights, trivia, bingo,cards and many moresocial activities and make use of our community bus to getaroundour local area

Now is your time to down size and embrace life at The Range

themselves and each other safe," she said.

"Water safety is everyone’s responsibility."

Mr Georgiou added that Ambulance Victoria has recently responded to anumberofcases involving risky behaviour near cliffs and rocky coastal areas.

“This summer, we’ve seen anumberofpeople seriously injured after falling or jumping from cliffs -often in very difficult terrain with limited access,” he said.

“Theserescues can takehours andinvolve multiple emergency services. Cliff jumpingand leaving adesignated path and getting too close to cliff edges can have devastating consequences and should be avoided.

“Most importantly, if you are planning to spend time around waterways, people can prepare themselves by knowing how to get help in remote areas and learning CPR.

“Ifyou seesomeone in trouble in the water, call Triple Zero (000)."

How to stay safe around waterways:

-Read the signs around waterways to familiariseyourselfwith the dangers, which differ at each bodyofwaterand even at differentsections of the same river or lake; Learn how to swim and know your limits;

-Never swim alone and let people know where you’re going, and;

-Be alert around waterways. Whether you’re planningtoenter the waterornot -this includes keeping watch on children while they’re in and around water. Whether in aboat, taking part in water sports or swimming, people should wear acorrectly-fitted lifejacket.

Other helpful water safety resources are the Beachsafe app or beachsafe.org.au

The Royal Life Saving Society Australia also offers multilingual inland water safety resources.

Check the current weather conditions by using the VicEmergencyorBoM weatherappsbefore yougoout on the water.

If in doubt, don’t go out.

Salvos are here to helpin2026

THE start of the new year brings with it an array of opportunities.

For us at the Salvos, it is an opportunity to reflect on the Christmas season that has just passed, and more specifically, show our gratitude for the generosity shown by the Australian public for our Christmas appeal.

Onceagain, Aussies cametogethertosupport their fellow Australians in need.

If it wasn’t for your support, kids would have gone without presents under the tree, families without aspecial Christmas meal and many without hope and joy during the festive season.

For this, we say thank you.

The new year also gives us all an opportunity to set ourselves up for the year ahead.

That is why our financial counselling service, Moneycare, is encouraging all Australians to take afresh look at their finances this year.

Our recentresearch found that 44 per cent of Australians arestarting this New Year in debt, 45 percentsay they feel pressure to spend more than they can afford and 24 per cent find it difficult to even create abudget.

We know that people are struggling financially right now, but there is hope.

The Salvos Moneycare serviceoffersfree and confidential financial counselling to thousands of Aussies each year, helping them to get on top of their finances. They can help you create abudget, supportyou to getout of debt, sit withyou to create realistic money plans, and everything in between.

Regardlessofyourfinancial situation, there is no better time than the start of anew year to take a fresh look at your finances and get on top of your financial situation.

So don’t start the new year on the wrong foot. Do afinancial check up this new year to avoid stress later in the year.

And if you are struggling to cope financially, pleasereach out to The SalvationArmy’sMoneycare service.Weare here for you, and thereisnoshame in reaching out for support.

If you or someone you know needs support from The Salvation Army’s Moneycare, please visit: salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare or call 1800 722 363. Kristen Hartnett Head of Moneycare for The Salvation Army

To zee, or not tozee IREPORT with much sorrow, JosephLis thinks he's Zorro. (Latrobe Valley Express Opinion, 'The ballad of net-zero', 21/01). So just hit me with amallet, He can't see he's the zealot, For it's no matter of mirth, How Joseph sees his self worth, Forget Bowen and Albo, And all that evil net-zero, Joseph and his fictitious hero of mystery, Sadly reside in the dustbin of history, And if your pet hate is graffiti, Blame Joseph's own mumbo-jumbo, "The sign of the 'Zee". John Duck Trafalgar

Abundance of falsehoods

THE proposed$10 billion data centreatHazelwood (LVE,20/01),whilsta most welcome economic announcement for the region, brings withita numberofconcerns that will need careful consideration before it can be approved. According to an article in the Australian Financial

Review ('Electricity costs now ahot issue', 19/01/26) ameeting was held recently between the US President, agroup of state governors and others regarding the impactofdatacentres.

It was claimed by this groupthat the very high powerdemands of thesefacilities were stressing their power supplies,leading to soaring domestic powerprices -whichhad risen 6.7 per cent in 12 months. They recommended that these companies be required to provide their own power supplies, or alternativelycover the cost for new power plant construction to cover their enormous, continuous energy demands.

Perhaps with this in mind, Keppel Ltd, the backers of the Hazelwood project, have pre-emptively announced that they intend installing a720 MW powerbank as their contribution to the energy needs of their facility.

This soundsimpressive until you realise that apowerbank is another name for abattery,and giventhat large US data centres typicallyconsume 100+ MW of power, it is clear that this unit will only provideenough power for arelatively short time before having to go offline to recharge itself. The facility would then have to switch to the local electricity supply to meet its energy needs.

GiventhatAustralia is facingthe loss of six gigawatts of electricity from its national grid between 2028 and 2029 with the closures of Eraring, Yallourn Wand Gladstone power stations, and the government’s admission that they will be unable to meet their 2030 'renewable'/weather dependent energy targets, the addition of thisdatacentre will place even more pressure on the already strained national supply.

Withthe likelihood of Victoria facing rolling blackouts from 2030 onwards as these coal fired power stations sequentially go offline, the Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron’s claimthat “… we’ve got water, power and land in abundance” for the Hazelwood data centre is enthusiastically inaccurate.

Greg Hansford Newborough and One Nation member

Mor-sell

REGARDING the article 'Morwell the worst town? Hardly' (Latrobe Valley Express, 21/01/26,Page 20).

There are many other former Morwell residents of note:

 Sir Stanley Savige: World War 2General and founder of Legacy;

 Rocky Mattiolo: boxing world champion;

 AFL footballers Bryan Quirk, Vin Waite and Alex Ruscuklic, and;

 John Trevorrow: champion bike rider.

There are probably many others (not just sporting people) over the years that escape my memory.

Maybe this paper could compile alistand publish them, and maybeinvestigate the credentials of this idiot 'Tedsthetics' who has 500,000 followers (you're joking!).

Name withheld

Morwell

Weak and pitiful ... then brilliant

AGREATletter by BrianMawhinney (LVE Opinion, 'Historical repeats', 21/01). Spot on Brian. This Labor government,led by a"runningscared" supposed "leader"Albanese, is nothingshort of disgraceful and dishonest, and Jacinta Allan is acarbon copy of her predecessor. They are like Sergeant Schultz in Hogan's Heroes.His motto of

"I see nothing, Iknow nothing" is tattooed on the forehead of these two clowns.

The lies, deception, BS and spin from them and their Labor numb nuts is truly mind blowing.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the late, great Shane Warne's wrong-un is justasimpleleg break comparedtowhat these two "imposters"can and did produce on agreen turf wicketmind you, that'sclearly suited to afull blown Aussie pace attack! Now, that's what Icall real, fair dinkum spin Nice oneBrian, love your work.

Now that Australia Day has come and gone for another year and the usual misfit "pain in the arse" protesters, activists, hellbent deniers of our national day, have had their moronic, mundane, say in proceedings, let's get on with life.

Avery good friend of mine (who wishes to remain anonymous) wrote the following poem, especially for Australia Day. Ipersonally think it's brilliant and worth amention.

Australia day gives us the chance,

To honour this great land, People come from all around, To celebrate hand in hand.

Our Diggers fought abloody war, Gave their lives for our safe shore, To pave the way for our freedom, To this country we adore.

We thank them for their courage, And raise our flag up high,

To this land we love Australia, Where our Diggers' spirits fly.

Our island continent is rich in folklore, With stories often told, Of tales from aland of dreamtime, And rivers of flowing gold.

Australia has so much to offer, And it's there for all to see,

From Cape York down to South Point, Aportrait of unimaginable beauty.

See the mighty Murray River, The majestic Sydney Opera House, Hot, dusty plains of our outback, It's our great free land of choice.

On this day we are reminded, Australians we all are, Multicultural, democratic and fair dinkum, The greatest country by far. Celebrate our national day, It's such awonderful day to be, Australians proud, one and all, On the 26th day of January.

Hope you all enjoyed the day folks. Iknow I certainly did. Imight indulge myself in some hot cross buns! Ah life, don't you just love it!

Oliver 'Shadow' Bergens Dandenong

Cattle class

WITH reference to the letter by HFabris travelling home after the Big Bash. Iassumethose standing were paying passengers.

Vic Rail is government-owned, and servicesrural areas but is very poorly managed. Standing to Moeisunacceptable. You have to wonder why Traralgon. Morwell, Moe, Trafalgor have double platforms with such poor services. Iknow that there are frequent trains travelling that must be beneficial to some.

JacintaAllanonlyconcentrates on Melbourne and thatbig hole (SRL and itsdebt). Allan will learn that country people matter come November.

Patricia Correa Traralgon

of Legacy, wasborninMorwell. Hisbust sits proudlyalongCommercial Road Photographs supplied

Fragile

"ON and onethe rainwill fall like tears from a star, /Onand on the rain will say how fragile we are," Sting, excerpt from 'Fragile'.

"Any man's death diminishes me," the English poet John Donne (1572-1631) expressed that thought more that 400 yearsago in aworld without mass communication, whereaperson'sdeath was signalled by achurch bell

"It tolls for thee,"hesaid. In 'The Third Man', Harry Lime peered down from the top of aFerris wheel at the dot-like people below, and asked who would really care if one of those dots were to stop moving. Donnesaw the dots as close relatives At certain times the world can feel as small as Donne's. If nothing else, we have our vulnerability to share. Thus,the recent tragedy of the Bondi massacrereminds us of our common mortality. Of the intrinsic fragility of the human condition, of life, and how easily we can lose it in an instant and when least expected.

Joseph Lis Morwell

Have your say

THE Latrobe Valley Express welcomes letters to the editor.

Preferencewillbegiventobrief, concise letters which address local issues.

The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.

The Express does not publish letters from anonymous contributors.

Letters mustinclude aphone number, email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiating authenticity. Readers are entitled to aright of replytoa letter 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 thoseofthe writers, and do notnecessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.

Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support a person's point of view. As such, statistics can quite often be fabricateddepending on the poolofdata 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 not be published.

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

Big batteries prove themselves

COMMENT

BY DANCAFFREY

IN the heatwave conditionsbetween January 7 and 9, Victoria’s electricitydemand peakedatmore than 12,000 MW for the first time ever.

According to AEMO, for most of the daylight hours, demand was over 10,000 MW, yet the grid coped with no blackouts (except for those areas where power lines were burnt in the horrendous wildfires of central Victoria) and almostzero imports from neighbouring states.

The contribution from brown coal generators never got above 4000 MW and expensive gas was mostly limitedtolessthan 400 MW for most of this period, although it did peak at around 2600 MW, but only for short periods.

The majority of the supply was from both rooftop solar during the day and the same winds that drove the destructive fires also poweredthe state’s wind turbines dayand nightaswell

Supply fromwindrarely dropped below 3600 MW andweremostlyabove4000MWformuchofthistime.

What this shows is that renewables, which

Migrant values test

IN both the pages of the LatrobeValleyExpress (Opinion, 'Take back our borders' 14/01) and the national press, ('The Rise of One Nation', The Age 24/12), controversy has raged over the ‘type’ of migrant entering our fair land.

This has given rise to prospective migrants passing avalues test where Australian values can be checked out.

So, to apossible question.

Q87. Which scenario best fits Australian values?

Scenario A: Ayoung lady wearing aheadscarf gives up her

supplied 50.1 per cent of the National Electricity Market (NEM) for the last quarter of 2025, (The Age 22/01) when paired withbig batteries and hydro, can provide secure electricity in the most extremeconditions.

Just as acomparison, aweek later, the Callide Cblack coal power station in Queensland tripped and was offlinefor anumber of days, dropping 800MW from the grid. However, major blackouts were prevented by the instant response from the big batteries that activated within asplit second to the loss of power.

While these units wereoffline, supplementary power was provided by diesel generators, costing the QLD state $20,000/MWh for several hours of peak demand each day.

This will impact the prices that Queenslanders will be charged for electricity in the coming year.

Wind power on average is $65/MWh. Solar is even less.

The things to note are:

1. That renewables are increasing their share of electricitysupplytothe NationalElectricity Market (NEM) almost on amonthly basis, and now supply more than coal and gas do.

2. That big batteries can be reliedupon to stabilise the NEM when supply drops out.

3. The reliability of aging coal fired generators is decreasing to theextent that they are costing consumers money, every time that they trip out.

4. It is increasingly obvious now that the more renewables, supported by big batteries supplying the grid, the cheaper the electricity will be.

Dan Caffrey is president of Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group.

seat on the tram to an elderly passenger.

Scenario B:

Afemale politician tells Australia is awash with Asians. Despises non English speakers. Featured recently in brilliant political cartoons after wearing aburqa into Parliament. Boasts of bringing 30 years experience to politics. In truth it’s one year’s experience 30 times.

Scenario C: Amalepolitician who sideswipes an entire electorate by changing horses mid-stream. Stuffs a20-year marriage after an affair with office journo. Found prostrate and drunk on aCanberra footpath, muttering obscenities into his mobile phone. Pontificates that Australia is letting in the wrong type of people.

For One Nation voterstorn between the male and female pollie, the correct answerisactually Scenario A.

Ian Whitehead is aTraralgon resident.

Where is the data to back it up?

COMMENT

BY BEVERLYGREEN

SO, Australia’sbiggest data centrecouldbe smack bang in the middle of the Valley.

“Jobs!” cries Mary Aldred. Jobs for who Mary?

Of course, there will be short term jobs to build the monstrosity.

But permanent jobs?

The last time Ichecked, adatacentre was just that -adatacentre run for AI by AI.

The article declared the formerHazelwood site would be ideal due to its proximity to the grid and large source of non-potable water.

Guesswhat, data centres are insatiably hot and hungry -that water source will have to be replenished with how many gigalitres of fresh waterfromour maindrinking supply(as was Hazelwood)? And how much power from the grid will thismonster suck out? For suchahuge project, you wouldthink thesedetailswould be readilyavailable.This is also coming at a time right when we are trying to bringdown

demand and think renewable, small scale, circular economies.

Iamhaving deja vu to when they wereproposing the largest desalination plant in the southern hemisphere in Wonthaggi -alsoahugeenergy intensivemonstrosity, which turnedout to be abig dirty waste of time.

We can all see climate change is here, we have pastsomecritical tipping points andwe are just getting ataste forthe unpredictable weather events which will make "living the Australian dream" impossible. We can't even takethe kids camping oversummer without asudden downpour washing our vans/tents/ cars out to sea.

Projects at this scale will only tip us right over into more extreme weather. The time is now to be thinking of how to scale projects to asustainable size, not be bulldozing apathfor tech billionaires Iamnot against data centres existing, Ijust think we need to protect water and energy sources and not let weak politicians sell them out to foreign corporations. Beverly Green is aMorwell resident.

Community Corner with Liam Durkin

Jazzy tunes

MOE Latrobe ValleyJazz Club willhold its first function for 2026atMoe RSL on Sunday, February 1.

MaryboroughTraditional Jazz Ensemblewillfeature, along with the ever-popular KenCollins on trumpet Their repertoireconsists of 1920's/30'smusic with astrong jazz flavour.

This outstanding band has played at festivals and jazz clubs throughout Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. For information, phoneBruce on 0427 743 516.

Open mic

NEXT our kinda country open mic afternoon will be held Sunday, February 1.

Special guestartistJan Dandridge and Little Miss Country.

All welcome. All ages, all abilities.

Music for fun and friendship at 100 Crinigan Road, Morwell.

Acoustic music

ON the firstSundayofevery month, Gippsland Acoustic Music Club presents aconcert for members and the general public at Tyers Hall.

The first concert for this year will be on Sunday, February 1 at 7.30pm,featuring the big, bold and brassy sound of Deep South Brass 8.

The New Orleans-influenced band playsa mix of funk,blues and jazz delivering ahigh energy, interactive show.

Support act on the night will be singer/guitarist Sean McGuinness.

Costis$30 for adults, $25 member/concessionand under 18s are free.

Ticketscan be purchased through: www.trybooking. com/DGDMF or cash entry at the door.

For more information, go to: musicclub.org.au, Facebook or Instagram@gippslandmusic

Stoma support

ENTERING its third year,the Ostomy SupportGroup, Coffee Bags, is set to meet again on Wednesday, February4at Moe Hotel (Leggies) Saloon Bar room from 12.30pm. This grouplends its support, care,information sharing and friendship to thosewho have a urostomy, ileostomy or colostomy and would liketoinvite anyone who has astoma to join.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Meals,drinks and coffee are available for purchase if desired.

Find the group on Facebook at Gippsland Ostomy, or call Sue Graham on 0415 751 145 for more details.

ValleyCrooners

DO you lovetosing? Do you enjoy singing with agroup? Well then, ValleyCroonersare here waiting for you. The Valley Crooners are back singing again for 2026, beginning February 2.

The group meets on Monday nights from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Traralgon East Senior Citizens Hall (Matthews Crescent, Traralgon). There is acost of $5 per night. Comealong and enjoy a night of singing, laughter and companionship. Always happy to welcome new members. For further information, give Val acall on 0421 475 859 or Karin (0427 008 192).

Anniversaryof Yallourn

YALLOURN Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The group was previously known as Yallourn OldGirls' Association.

Anyone connected to the townshipofYallourn is welcome to get involved in anniversary celebrations. Get in touch with old classmates and friends from your time in this beautiful town.

The reunion will be held in two locations. Entry to both locations required booking and payment by February 27.

There will be lunch at Morwell RSL from 12pm (cost $35 per person). Additionally, there will be activitiesatWoorabinda School Camp from 3pm. Bring some drinks and nibbles. Cost is $10 or $45 per person for thosestaying overnight, which includes acooked breakfast. Bringyourown bedding if staying the night. To book for both or either, email: julie@yallourn.orgor go: www.yallourn.org

Viewclub

MOE ViewClub's firstmeeting for 2026 will be held Wednesday, February 4atMoe Hotel (Leggies) from 10.30am.

This will be the Annual General Meeting. Membership for the year is due,and will be $20 as in previous years.

Moe View Club sponsor8students with Learning For Life. For any information, please call Sue on 0417515745 or Maureen on 0458842256.

Trycroquet

IF you would like to try anew sport which is suitablefor all ages, come along to Traralgon CroquetCourts (66-110 McNairn Rd, Traralgon).

Flat soled enclosed shoes are your onlyrequirement, and the club will provideeverything else, including assistance from members to understand the game.

Timesfor social play are on aSaturday and Tuesday from 10am-12pm and 12.30pm-4pm.

Wednesdaynight social play is 5pm-8pm which gives another opportunity to try croquet out of working and school hours. Cost is $5.

For further information, phone 0447 276 783.

Familyhistory

MID Gippsland Family History Society Inc. research room is now open for 2026. Awarm welcome to members and anyoneinterested in researching their family history.

The family history centre is open to the public every Wednesday afternoon between 1pm-4pm. The centre welcome anyone interested in learning more about their ancestors and family history -whether araw beginner or an experienced family historian/genealogist -tocome along and have a chat to one of the experienced researchers.

You’ll be amazed at what you can discover about your ancestors by using such resources as Trove, Ancestry. com and the society's large holdingsofcemetery records and transcriptions.

All are welcome.

For any inquiries,call 0403 611 730.

Brilliant bridge

TRARALGON Bridge Club

results:

Monday, January 19: 1st Ken Tierneyand Monika Cornell (62.5 per cent); 2nd Kay Baxter and Anne den Houting (50).

Tuesday, January 20: Helen McAdam and Moira Hecker (63.33); 2nd Kaye Douglas and Roshni Chand (57.04).

Thursday, January 22: N/S 1st Greg Nicholsonand Kaye Douglas (63.5); 2nd Moira Hecker and Helen McAdam

(56.83). E/W 1st Kay Baxter and Roshni Chand (63.93); 2nd Christine Zarb and Anna Field (60.57).

If you would like to play or learn more about bridge, don't delay.

Beginners' lessons are plannedfor Sunday, February 22 and Sunday,March 1(registration required)

Give Helen acall on 0438 164 528 if you would like to find out more.

Historical society

TRARALGON &District

Historical Society is backafter theChristmas break.

The group held aworking bee recently.Alot was achieved withmanymembers helping out.

Abig thank you to those members who took the time to come along and lend ahand.

First meeting for the year will be the general meeting, which willbeheldonTuesday, January 10 at the rooms from 7.30pm.

Supper is held at the conclusion of the meeting.

The group is looking forward to another busy year, with some very interesting guest speakers at general meetings, outings to local historical societies and a

visit to ahistorical site at Flynn happening through the year.

New members are welcome to join the society. If you have an interest in family history or history of the area, get in touch and amembership application form will be sent out.

Fees are $30 for individual, $40 for afamily and $50 for corporate membership.

The rooms are located at the Kath Teychenne Centre (11 Breed Street, Traralgon).

Phone numbers are: 5174 3899 (rooms) and 0402 911 950 (secretary).

Classic chess

LEADINGLatrobeValley Chess Club playerlastweek was Peter Bakker, who was not allowing opponents any reprieve for their mistakes.

The wins for both Price Samaseiaand Ian Hamilton were offset by misdirection in other games.

Dave Proctorpondered three tight battles and was then helped by SteveAhern to advance the techniquefor Deb Winnell.

Austin Vincent had some chances to take control, althoughthe necessary defences were not easy.

Thomas Kounath used an array of skills to providea challenge in every game.

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

Moe Ladybirds CWA

MEET on the second Monday of the month from 12.30pm. Meetings are held at the Old Yallourn Production Centre (Yallourn Rd, Yallourn).

On the third Monday of the month,meetings starts around 11am, which is acraft day. Phone Ann Freeman on 0417 993 111 or email: moeladybirdscwa@gmail.com for more information.

Youcan be apartof Community Corner

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

Youcan address correspondence to the editor, Liam Durkin. Pleasewrite 'Community Corner' in the subject line and nothing else.

Deadline is Friday 9am to appear in the following Wednesday issue.

Bushwalkers ready for year of adventure

THE first month of 2026 is nearly finished, and mostare backinto work and familiar routines. Christmas festivities are behind us, and alot of peoplewill start to give some thought to new year’s resolutions.

If your ideas centre around meeting new people, getting fitter or being more active within the community,then the Strzelecki BushwalkingClub might just be an option.

The SBWC is an incredibly inclusive and active clubthathas abroad range of activitiesonits agenda at all times.

Activities can include short and long walks, dog friendly walks, kayaking and bike riding. There are social opportunities each month, with club nights held on the second Wednesday of each monthatthe Trafalgar Scout Hall commencing from7pm. Visitorsare welcometoattendthese evenings, haveacuppa andmeet existing members. MattMorgan, theclub's newslettereditor, has led walkstoMount Bishop, the HorseshoeBend Tunnel near Walhalla,and adog friendly walk out to Rokeby. Club secretary, Jim Rowley led awalk to JeeralangWest.This walkhad avery historical aspect as this district has been settled for farming twice. The first farms were allocated in the 1880’s At its peakthere was 38 families livingand

Latrobe

farming in this area. Lifeonthese early allotments was extremelyhard, and farmers had to battle bushfires, rabbits and steep terrain.

The Great War saw alot of farmers leave the land and the district became uninhabited. The Depression saw the state government of the time reallocate farmlands once again in the Jeeralang West area. Farming included dairying, pigs and sheep. These hardy farmers battledrabbits and noxious weeds, but the area was burnt out in the 1930’s bushfires and has not been resettled.There is still evidence of theseearly pioneers to be seen with orchards, driveways and remains of old homesteads in the area.

The Australia Day weekend saw agroup of hikers walkupinto the BawBaw NationalPark for a three-day hike led by MartinNorris.Martin is along-term leader of theclub and is extremely knowledgeable in the bush. He is always more than happy to share some of that experience with new members.

The SBWC’snext social meeting will be the annual barbecue in McGregor Park, Trafalgar on Wednesday, February 11, starting at 6pm. For further information, go to: sbwc.org.au, the club's Facebook page, or email: contacting publicity@sbwc.org.au

Moe Art Society back at the easels

MOE Art Society began its 2026 year with its first weekly friendly “paint together” day on January 8. Members,anxious to get together again and get back to painting, gathered at its facility in the east end of the MoeLibrary.

Manynew paintings, createdfor thegroup’s monthlychallenge on the theme“Cars”, were presented and have now been hung on the library walls.

The public are encouraged to wander in and have alook at these new artworks, which change each month.

The group has many activities planned for the coming year whichare designed to instruct, encourage and help members take their work to another level.

Thiswillinclude monthly demonstrations, workshops and talks by some of the more talented

members about the way they approach their work.

The first will be adrawing workshop heldon February 12 and 19 with instruction by member BobPelchen.

It will focus on “drawing for your painting” and coverperspective and shape drawing. Also being plannedisan“Affordable Art Market” to be held before Easter, on March 26, 27 and 28. This will feature small paintings,prints,cards and other “little treasures”. This follows the very successful similar event held early last year.

New members, or anyone interestedinseeing what the group is doing,are always welcome to come and join at the Moe Library. Moe ArtSocietymeetsevery Thursdayfrom 9.30am.

Information about the society can be obtained by phoning Chris at 0423 976 620 or Sue (0412 459 031).

Brushing up: Moe ArtSocietyislooking

Veterans and War Memorial grants open

“These projects help ensure local tributes remain respectful and enduring symbols of service and sacrifice.”

THE National Servicemen's Association of Australia (NSAA) is looking for any person who was called up between the years of 1951 and 1972. The NSAA ask that they assemble in the forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance at 11.45am on Sunday, February 15 to march off at 12 noon. Therewill be aflyover by the RAAF museum at Point Cook at 12.15pm, and then into the shrine for guest speaker, Dave SabbenMGwho was the OC of 12 Platoon DCompany 6RAR at the battle of Long Tan on August 18, 1966; Thoseattending are asked to wear any medals to be worn on your left side and relations to be worn on the right side. Any inquiries, phone Peter Kemp on 0427 859 549.

The Veterans Capital Works Grant Program offers grants of up to $50,000 to upgrade buildings and facilities used by groups that assist veterans, their families and communities.

Ms Bath said the program aims to create safe, modern and welcomingenvironments that strengthen community connections and improve access to services.

“Community groups can also apply for funding through the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of HonourProgram, which supports not–for–profit organisationsto protect, restore and enhance local memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour," she said.

The memorial restorationprogram includes two funding tiers:

 Up to $10,000 for planning and design work, and;

 Up to $30,000 to carry out restoration and conservation projects.

ForprogramguidesandtoapplyfortheVeterans Capital Works Grant Program, visit:https://www. vic.gov.au/veterans-capital-works-grant-program

For the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour Grant Program, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/restoring-communitywar-memorials-and-avenues-honour Applicationsfor bothprograms close February 3, 2026.

50 years ago

The Express, January 28, 1976

$500streak gets $100 fine

AMORWELL youth was fined $100 in Melbourne Magistrates thisweek for streaking during theThird Test at the MCG. Graeme Wood, 20, pleaded guilty to willful and obscene exposure and offensive behaviour on December 26. Wood had said he stood to win $500 in bets for the act. ConstableJohn Knowles told the court that he saw Wood climb over afence near the scoreboard and run onto the playing area. Wood was naked except for apair of running shoes and had his jeans tucked underhis arm. "He ran out to the wicket area and offered the umpire adrink from acan," Knowles said. "He then placed the can at the umpire's feet and ran towards the wickets at the southern end of the pitch and broke them". There were close to 90,000 people at the game which was held up for about five minutes. After receiving the fine for exposure the offensivebehaviour charge was withdrawn.

30 years ago

The Express, January 30, 1996

Twoshaken after balconycollapse

THE collapse of ahotel balconyinMaffra on the weekend left two Latrobe Valley residents shaken. After witnessing the incidentand narrowly escapinginjury, Express employees AngieLush and Ruth Truscott described the event as frightening. Asmall crowd had gathered on the balcony of Maffra's Metropolitan Hotel on Saturday night to watch the CFA torchlightparade. At 9.15pm the parade finished and spectators enjoyed the various bands. "I heard acrack andturned around and sawsomethingfalling,"MsLush said. She said screams rang out and the balcony appearedtoswing down.

According to Ms Lush, people were quick help those injured despite all the confusion "Initially we though peoplewere under it. Mrs Truscott said she heard ascream and turned aroundtosee the balcony falling. People upstairs were screaming. She saidif the balconyhad fallen straight down instead of collapsing on an angle, then her friends would have been flattened". Following the incident, 18 people were taken from the scene to the Gippsland Base Hospital in Salewhere they were treatedfor spinal, arm and legfractures.Atotalofnine ambulances attended the incident, with 17 officers assisting.

10 years ago

The Express, January 28, 2016 Cinema planned for T'gon

AGOLDclasscinema complex is on thecards at avacant supermarket site in Traralgon's town centre. Developer Minister Constructions applied to Latrobe City Council to build a$20 million cinema compound,including restaurant, motel and residential living at the old Manny's Market site, on the corner of Franklin and Grey streets. Jim Northe of Minister said he was optimistic the company would receive aplanning permit to begin work. Traralgon Community Development Association vice president Axella Johannsson said acinema wasalways at the top of people's wish lists in the area. The proposed motel and apartments also drew praise from the TCDA "There is currently only one motel in walking distance to the CBDand it would be of huge benefit to have accommodation that close. Morwell residents have voicedconcern on social media about the proposal and the impact the cinema wouldhave on the town's economy, fearing the impact it would have on the existing Morwell cinema in Mid Valley. However, Advance Morwell treasurer Max Williamson said two cinemas operating in the Latrobe Valley would benefit movie goers and drive competition.

HOROSCOPES

JoanneMadeline Moore

January26-February1,2026

This week the Sun, Mercury, Pluto and Venus (your power planet) all activate your creativity and good fortune zones So, it’s time to connect with your inner child, express yourself, and make the most of any fortuitous opportunities that come along Plus – with diligent Saturn visiting your daily routine zone – work hard Your motto for the moment is from Oprah Winfrey (who turns 72 on Thursday): “Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity

Mercury, Venus, Mars and Pluto all stimulate your reputation/career zone So, you could shine at work, at school or in a volunteer position When it comes to your job do you need to up-skill? Are you looking for employment or is it time to change vocation? The winds of change are blowing so prepare to pivot, Bulls! And with Neptune moving back into your solitude and spirituality zones, it’s also time to dream

Travel communication and education are all highlighted this week as you embark on a trip connect with friends (especially from foreign shores) or start a new course of study With Neptune back in your hopes-and-wishes zone, its also time to dream big dreams and visualise magical things coming true in the future Your motto is from Oprah Winfrey (who turns 72 on Thursday): “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams ”

Crabs are sentimental creatures and can spend too much time in the past Resist the urge to brood over a relationship gone wrong This weeks stars help heal your hurt feelings so you can finally let go and move on The planets also signal a major shift in the areas of intimacy or money Perhaps a passionate new affair or the start of a promising financial partnership? With Neptune moving back into your career zone, be more creative and intuitive at work

This week the planetary focus is on love marriage platonic relationships, a joint venture or a business partnership as you communicate and cooperate with family, friends and/or work colleagues When making future plans, put others first (for a change) With Neptune transiting back into your adventure and aspirations zones (until 2038) start visualising (and planning) a heavenly holiday, a spiritual odyssey or a glamorous adventure sometime in the next few years

Get your body moving in 2026! The Sun Mercury Venus Mars and Pluto highlight your health-and-wellbeing zone, so strive to be the fittest and most vibrant Virgo you can be Reinvention is the name of the game, as the planets encourage you to reboot your daily routine with innovation and determination The best way to manage stress is with relaxing indoor pursuits (like meditation or yoga) and vigorous outdoor activities (like running, cycling or hiking)

Five planets shine a bright spotlight on your domestic zone The Sun and Mercury boost communication and lively conversation, especially with family members and/ or housemates Peacemaker Venus encourages you to patch up a troubled relationship with a relative as you demonstrate endless patience and hold out the olive branch of peace Plus, Mars and Pluto demand that your voice is heard amongst the competing voices, in a firm but fair way

The planets inspire you to contribute your versatile talents to a worthy cause within your local community Plus, Jupiter is jumping through your intimacy and manifestation zones, which is terrific for romantic and platonic relationships as your humour and generosity charm the birds out of the trees Be brave dream big dreams ask for what you want, and you shall receive! Be inspired by birthday great Oprah Winfrey: “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for ”

With five planets stimulating your cash zone, take stock of your financial situation and initiate some smart strategies And don t forget to do an inventory of your inner wealth, which includes your self-esteem and core values Remember – you are more than your job, what you earn and what you own Positivity planet Jupiter is jumping though your partnership zone until June 30 So – the more generous and optimistic you are – the better your relationships will be

There are five planets transiting through your sign The Sun increases creativity, Mercury boosts communication Venus invites consultation Mars encourages being proactive and Pluto improves focus So use these planetary powers to supercharge a personal project thats been languishing in the wings Your motto is from Oprah Winfrey, who turns 72 on Thursday: You are different, your gift is special – own it and unapologetically share it with the world ”

This week Neptune (your patron planet) transits back into dynamic Aries – where it stays until 2038! So, it’s time to become a more daring, dynamic, fiery Fish as you display confidence initiate projects and spend more time living in the present Its also important to take off your rose-coloured glasses and be more realistic about money matters If your finances need fixing, then be proactive and do something about it Plan to have fun with a friend on the weekend

COPYR GHT Joanne Made ine Moore 2026

Mitchells Road, Moe

MITCHELLS Road and Mitchell Court, Moe are both named after Ken Mitchell.

The Mitchell Grove estate also carries his name Ken was ahighly regardedresident of Moe with astrong sense of civic duty.

The following list illustrates his commitment to the local community:

-Councillor of Narracan for 26 years (1947 to 1973), shire president on two occasions (1953-1954 and 1964-1966).Thesewere times of significant change including the rapid growth of Moe and its separation from the Narracan Shire Council.

-Directorofthe Moe Dairy Co-op for 33 years from 1943-1976. He was elected to the position left on the death of Edward Hunter.

-Chairman of the Trafalgar Meadows Drainage Trust for several years.

-Chairmanofthe localHousing Commission Advisory Committee and as such accepted officially the 100th Housing Commission Victoria home built in Moe.

-Member of the Moe Sub-branch of the RSL and until his later years, never missed an ANZAC day march.

-Memberofthe Moe High School Advisory Council and in early times, memberofthe Moe Racing Club. Ken attended the openingofthe high school as council president.

He allowed the use of apaddock on his farm by the Moe Pony Club, and this early assistance helped bring the club into existence. For this he was awarded life membership of the pony club.

He also assisted the Moe Field and Game Club in similar fashion in the club’s early days.

He was the first life member of the Moe and District Historical Society.

Ken was asuccessful dairy farmer and as noted in So Tall the Trees by John Adams, his property was one of anumberlisted in The Weekly Times as prize winning farms and used as acentre for field days, with demonstrations of new equipment and techniques.

So stronglydid he believe in Moe and its history, in 1947 he offered to put up the equivalent of $20,000 as aloan to underwrite the costs involved

with aproposed Moe Centenary Celebration. It was amagnificent gesture, but in the end, the celebrations did not take place. The difficult times beingexperienced after the war, the growing pains of arapidly growing township and general lack of public support had resulted in amotion to abandon theidea to alater date. The celebrations never took place.

Information and photos provided by Moe District Historical Society.

LATROBE City Councilisinviting local artists to apply to join anew Public Art Artist Register.

Council is planning several exciting new mural installations around LatrobeCity, andonly artists on the Public ArtArtist Register will be involved. The registerwill also enable artists to stay informed about opportunities to participate in future creative projects in Latrobe City.

The projectwill deliver paid opportunitieswhich will provide valuable support for local artists. The murals are planned for delivery by the end of June 2026, with the aim of reducing graffiti and transforming spaces around Latrobe City to be more vibrant and inviting for both locals and visitors.

Latrobe City’s art is adrawcard for local

tourism, with visitors being driven to the region for Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Latrobe Regional Gallery,and Moe and Newborough town murals. The murals will build on the existing artistic presence and continue to make Latrobe an attractive place.

“The mural projects are an exciting opportunity

TheGuide

MILLIONAIRE HOTSEAT

10, Monday, 7pm

After 15 years on air, Millionaire HotSeatis aquizshow most Australians know like theback of their own hands. But 10’s fresh takeonthe format hosted by

Wednesday, January 28

national treasureRebecca Gibney is changing thegame.The Gold Logie winner is the first female to host HotSeat–the high-risk, highreward edition wherejustone wrong move can meanwalking home empty-handed –and brings herbubbly personality, plenty of

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

ARTDETECTIVES

MIDSOMER MURDERS

Quizmaster: Rebecca Gibney hosts the reboot of Millionaire Hot Seat

ABC TV,Friday, 8.15pm

Now awell-established crime-solving duo,investigator Mick Palmer (Stephen Moyer) and sergeantShazia Malik (Nina Singh) takeonmurder mysteries with links to antiquities and the art world in this quirky six-part drama. Theson of acriminal forger, Palmer’s passion forthe preservation of historical relics and painting is personal –and hisenthusiasm is often educational forviewers. In “Ice Cold”, Palmer andMalik investigate the suspicious death of an American millionaireinBelfastwho wasintown to donate his prized collection of RMS Titanicmemorabilia to alocal museum. After discoveringthat he waspoisoned, they suspect someone wastrying to stop the donation.

NCIS

10, Tuesday, 9pm

positivity and compassion to the role. “I know Ihavebig shoes to fill,”confesses Gibney.“But Isaid when Iturned 60 Iwasn’t going to let fear stop me from trying new things–soherewego!”Six clever contestants trytowin $1 million in Monday’spremiere

SEVEN (7,6)

ABCTV, Saturday, 8.30pm

With its 30thanniversaryonthe horizon in 2027,thiswildly popular crime drama (and its ballooning body count) show no signs of slowingdown. DCI John Barnaby (NeilDudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) need their gumboots forSaturday’sseason 25 opener as they lookinto Midsomer’s highly competitivemudlarking subculture. It’susually aharmless hobbythat sees scavengers searchriverbanks for priceless piecesofhistoryand longforgotten artefacts –think Roman pottery,ancient coins and badges. However,when ajar containing humanremains is found on the banks of ariver,a disputebetween rival treasurehunters turnsdeadly

Keepingviewersguessing by following an e special agent whoplays hisorher cards clo chest is rule no.1 in the NCISplaybook. It allo show’s writers to keep fans hooked by brea theaudience with tantalising reveals, and it much easier than writing aback storythat complicated plot holes down the line.Afte at thehelmofthe team,it’sfinally time we little moreabout AldenParker (GaryCole, p After his father wasmurdered in season22 Parker is more determined than ever to tra the elusiveCarla Marino (Rebecca De Morn if it means ignoring the orders of Director V (Rocky Carroll) to carryout hispersonalven

NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.05 Meet The Penguins. (R) 11.10 All CreaturesGreat And Small. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 To Be Advised.

1.00 Miniseries: The Cry.(Final, Mals, R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6.30 HardQuiz (PG, R) 7.00 ABCNews.

7.30 7.30

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Hosted by TomGleeson.

8.30 TheWeeklyWithCharlie Pickering. (Ml) Asatirical news program.

9.00 Bowie:The FinalAct (2025) (Ml,R)Looks at David Bowie’sartistic resurrection.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 TheJetty (MA15+, R)

11.50 Grand Designs: House Of TheYear.(PG, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.30 Rage (MA15+dhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 ABite To EatWithAlice. (R) 5.30 7.30.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (PG,R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Women’s Surf Coast Classic. 2.00 PBS News. 3.00 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.45 TheCook Up.(R) 4.15 Ocean WreckInvestigation. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS WorldNews.

7.30 JFK: TheMakingOfA President (Mav,R)

8.25 TheJury: Murder TrialUK. (Final, M) The juries retire to decide their verdicts. 9.20 Weight Of TheWorld. (MA15+a,R) Examinesthe drugsOzempic and Mounjaro.

10.30 SBS WorldNews Late.

11.00 Face To Face.(Mals) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+s) 1.30 Golden Boy. (Mdln, R) 2.25 24 Hours In Emergency.(Mal, R) 3.20 Craig &Bruno’s Great British Road Trips.(PGn, R) 3.50 Barkley Manor.(PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English NewsMorning. 5.30 ANC PhilippinesThe World Tonight.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 TheMorningShow. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: JustAdd Romance (2019,PGa, R) Meghann Fahy

2.00 Bridge Of Lies. HostedbyRossKemp. 3.00 TheChase. Hosted by Bradley Walsh. 4.00 SevenNewsAt4 5.00 TheChaseAustralia. Hosted by LarryEmdur

6.00 SevenNews.

7.00 HomeAnd Away (PG) Leah’s worldcrumbles.

7.30 The1%Club UK: Rollover. (PGl) Hosted by LeeMack.

8.30 MOVIE: TheSapphires. (2012, PGalsv, R) During the ’60s, four talented Aboriginal singers learn about love,friendship and war. Miranda Tapsell, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy.

10.40 Air Crash Investigations: Cockpit Catastrophe (PGa, R) 11.35 BorderSecurity:Australia’s Front Line (PG, R)

12.05 Wolfe. (MA15+av)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. Thelatest in news andcurrent affairs 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Coverage of the Australian Open tennis tournament,featuring reviews, previews, interviews, highlights and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open.Day 11 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 11. From Melbourne Park.

6.00 9News.

7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 11.

11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 11

12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Maggie’s budding romancetakes flight.

1.00 Next Stop (R) Alook at holidaydestinations.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop (R) Home shopping.

3.00 TV Shop:Home Shopping. (R)

enigmatic ose to their ows the ad-crumbing t’s also could cause rfour years learna pictured).

2’s finale ack down nay),even Vance ndetta.

TEN (10, 5)

4.00 SkippyThe Bush Kangaroo (R) The park receives much-needed rain 4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) Apanel of experts discussesgolf 5.00 TodayEarly News. 5.30 Today. 6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcockand Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 I’mA Celebrity…Get

9GEM

Fireman Sam. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey. 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.45 Ben And Holly 7.00 Supertato 7.05 Batwheels. 7.20 Bluey. 7.30 Shaun TheSheep 7.35 Ninjago 8.00 Deadly 60 8.30 StevenUniverse 8.50 AdventureTime. 9.15 Teen Titans Go! 9.35 We Bare Bears. 9.50 ShaunTan’s Tales From OuterSuburbia. 10.10 My Adventures WithSuperman 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am MorningPrograms. 7.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 7.30 The Actually Really Very Difficult Show 8.00 The Garden Hustle. 9.00

6am TheMovie Show 6.25 TheReturnOfThe Soldier.(1982) 8.20 Perfect Days. (2023,PG, Japanese,English) 10.40 My Father’s Mexican Wedding. (2023,Mlnsv, Spanish) 12.40pm Sing Street. (2016,Mal) 2.40 The MovieShow. 3.20 DiscoveringFilm. 4.15 Finding You. (2020, PGal) 6.30 TheThree Musketeers. (1973,PGsv, R) 8.30 TheWhale. (2022, Madls) 10.40 IWant YouBack. (2022, Mdls) 12.50am We’reAll Going To The World’sFair.(2021, Mal) 2.30 The Nest. (2020,MA15+l) 4.25 TheMovie Show 5.00 FindingYou. (2020,PGal)

Hook, Line And Sinker 7.00 Oz FishTV. 7.30 Creek To Coast. 8.00 AFootball Life. 9.00 America’s Game:The Super Bowl Champions. 10.00 Aussie Adventure Bike Show. 10.30 AmericanRestoration. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska 4.30 AmericanRestoration. 5.00 Storage Wars 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 HighwayPatrol. 8.30 TheForce:Behind The Line. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 LivePDPresents: PD Cam. Midnight American Resto. 12.30 Late Programs.

(93, 82)

Thursday,January 29

ABC (2)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Creative Types. (PGv,R) 11.30 Home Delivery (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miss Austen. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 WouldI Lie To You? (R) 3.30 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year.(R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

7.30 7.30. Presented by David Speers.

8.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Turkish Queenslander And Newstead Bath House. (PG) Twoproperties aretransformed.

9.00 Amanda &Alan’sItalian Job. (PG) Alan takes charge designing the

9.30 The Piano UK. (PG, R) Hosted by Claudia Winkleman.

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 Grand Designs: House Of The Year: Pioneers. (R)

11.35 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite ToEat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 6.05pm PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 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. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 The Secret Life Of Our Pets. 10.05 The Wonderful World Of Puppies And Kittens. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Wild Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Motown Magic. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Living Black Shorts. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Coastal Africa. 7.29 NITV Weather 7.30 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. 8.30 Reckless. 9.30 MOVIE: Mortal Kombat. (1995, M) 11.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG) Ahuge winter storm slams into Toronto International Airport.

8.25 Robson Green: World’sMost Amazing Walks. (PG) Robson Green heads to Normandy 9.20 In Flight. (Madlv) Jo demands answers.

10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 BeforeWeDie. (MA15+v) 11.40 This Town.(MA15+l, R) 2.00 24 Hours In A&E. (M, R) 2.50 Craig & Bruno’sGreat British Road Trips. (PGas, R) 3.20 The Andes Tragedy: 50 Years Later.(PGa, R) 4.15 Bamay.(R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGaw,R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am WorldWatch. 11.00 Food That Built The World. 12.30pm WorldWatch. 1.00 Mastermind Aust. 2.00 Devoured. 2.50 Insight. 3.50 News. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. (Final) 9.25 History’sGreatest Mysteries. 10.15 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 11.10 The Last Emperor.(1987, Malv) 2.15pm The ReturnOf The Soldier.(1982, PG) 4.15 Perfect Days. (2023, PG, Japanese, English) 6.30 The Four Musketeers: Revenge Of Milady.(1974, PGlv) 8.30 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 10.30 Nobody Has To Know.(2021, Ml) 12.20am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PGa) Justin and Leah areatanimpasse.

8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Secret Service. (2014, MA15+lv,R) Atroubled young man must prove his mettle, and save the world from abillionaireset on killing millions of people, after he is recruitedasa candidate to join asecret British spy organisation. TaronEgerton, Colin Firth, Samuel LJackson. 11.15 9-1-1. (Ma, R) The 118 makes adedication to Bobby 12.15 MOVIE: AMother’sTerror. (2021, Mav,R)Awoman’schild is kidnapped. Jessica Morris.

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

7TWO (72, 62)

6am Morning

Programs. 1pm Escape To The Country 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Room For Improvement. 3.00 The Real Seachange. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30

6.00 9News. 7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 7.30 Tennis. Australian Open. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late

12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv,R) Charles treats abipolar artist.

1.00 Next Stop. (R)

News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (92,81)

5.30 YorkshireAuction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 To Be Advised. 8.30 MOVIE: The Birdcage. (1996, M) 10.50 Late Programs.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 Attenborough’sParenthood: Grasslands. (PGal) David Attenborough

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

7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG) James’shealth takesaturnfor the worse.

8.15 Art Detectives. (Ma) A Titanic obsessive is found dead.

9.05 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presenter TomGleeson grills four self-declared experts in acomedic quiz show

9.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) Asatirical news program.

10.05 ALife In TenPictures: Alexander McQueen. (PGa, R) 10.55 ABC Late News.

11.15 Smother (Mal, R) 1.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)

Rage. (PGadhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

7.30 The Great House Revival: St Mullins. (PG) Acouple transform aruinous property

9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PG, R) Follows Darcy Muncer, who helps maintain the Isle of Wight’s hundreds of thatched properties.

10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 Sisi. (Ma, R) 11.40 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ans, R) 1.30 Silent Road. (Madsv,R)

3.30 Craig &Bruno’sGreat British Road Trips. (PG, R) 4.00 Barkley Manor (R) 4.30 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer Adam

8.30 MOVIE: Kingsman: The Golden Circle. (2017, MA15+sv,R)After the Kingsmen areattacked by a mysterious enemy,Eggsy and Merlin arethe organisation’ssole survivors and must join forces with their US counterpart, the Statesman, to defeat the villain. Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Mark Strong. 11.30 Doc. (Mav,R)

12.30 MOVIE: ASister’sGrudge. (2021, Mav,R)Annika Foster

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today 6.00 9News. 7.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 7.30 Tennis. Australian Open.

11.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+amv,R)Aninfection threatens Marcel’stransplant. 12.00 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)Reyes goes undercover at Rikers. 1.00 Next Stop. (R) 1.30 TV Shop:

Italian) 1.10pm That Good Night. (2017, Ma) 2.50 The Three Musketeers. (1973, PGsv) 4.50 Robot Dreams. (2023, PG) 6.50 Thunderbirds Are GO. (1966, PG) 8.30 Of An Age.

Saturday, January 31

ABC (2)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PGadhlnsv) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Ma, R) 2.20 All Creatures Great And Small. (PG, R) 3.10 Australian Of The Year 2026. (PG, R) 4.25 Human. (PG, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’sHow Things Work. (R)

6.00 Back Roads: Local Heroes Special. (R) Heather Ewart

6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. Alook at the 7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) Julienne’sskillstothe test. 8.30 Midsomer Murders. of rival mudlarkers excavate the Holly Brook river,a dark

10.00 The Jetty Ember tries to uncover the truth about Amy 11.05 Rage.

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm MOVIE: Thomas And Friends: The Mystery Of Lookout Mountain. (2022) 4.25 Children’sPrograms. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 8.45 Shaun Tan’sTales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Secrets Of Britain’sHistoric Houses: Women On The Frontline. (PG) Looks at the homes of two Royalist women. 8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Contrasting Bernina Railway (R) Looks at the Bernina route, years, winding from the remote Engadine over the Bernina Pass.

9.40 The Secret DNA Of Us: Geelong. (Ma, R) The team heads to Geelong. 10.45 LordLucan: The Evidence. (Mav,R)

11.45 House Of Promises. (Msv,R)

3.15 Barkley Manor.(PG,R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC

SBS VICELAND (31)

6am Morning

Programs. 2.55pm Mastermind Aust. 3.25 Heroines. 3.55 News. 4.00 WorldWatch 5.55 Mastermind Aust. 6.55 History’sGreatest 7.40 Engineering From Above. (Premiere) 8.35 9.30 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Women’s. 12.30am Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 MOVIE: The Super Mario Bros. Movie. aresent to amagical kingdom.

9.00 MOVIE: The King’sMan

Gemma Arterton, Harris Dickinson. 11.40 Air Crash Investigations: Dream Flight Disaster (PGa, R)

12.40 MOVIE: Betrayed Within. (2022, Mav,R)Ashley Dakin.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’sAcademic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Better Homes And Gardens Summer 3.00

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Coastal Africa. 2.25 Patou: In Black And White. 3.25 Her Name Is Nanny Nellie. 4.50 The Mountain Of Sgaana. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 Haututu Hunters. 6.30 News. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: 10.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 11.50 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.45 Thunderbirds 10.25 Nobody Has To 12.15pm Mlsv) 1.55 Discovering Film. 2.55 Storm 4.30 The Four Musketeers: 6.30 IKill 8.30 The Gunman. 10.40 Late Programs.

6.00 9News Saturday. 6.30 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show Coverage of the

7.30 Tennis.

12.00 Chicago Med. Crockett receives shocking news. 1.00 Law &Order: Organized Crime.

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents.

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky 9.00 Insiders. (Return) 10.00 Offsiders. (Return) 10.30 Secret Science. (PG, R) 11.00 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (Final, R) 1.30 Australia Day Live. (PG, R) 3.40 The Piano UK. (PG, R) 4.30 Amanda &Alan’sItalian Job. (PG) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.05 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 10.35 PBS Washington Week. 11.00 Cycling. Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Elite Men’s. 4.00 4.30 Street Tunes. (Mls) 5.35 Our Tiny Islands.

6.30 SBS World News.

is left to take careofa dog he never wanted and soon

9.00 This England. (Premiere, Ml) Looks at Britain during Covid. 10.05 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 11.05 Midsomer Murders. (PGav,R) 12.35 3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (PG, R) 4.30 ABiteToEat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

7.30 Lost Cities Of Genghis Khan: Cities Of Nomads. (Premiere) 9.20 Angkor: Hidden Jungle Empire: The Lost Jungle Empire. Looks at the rise and fall of the city of Angkor 10.20 Zelenskyy: Citizens At War. (PGalv,R) 11.15 AYear From Space. (PGavw,R) 12.30 R) 1.25 The Deadly Bermuda Triangle. (PGa, R) 2.15 Rise Of The Nazis: The Downfall. (Mav,R) 3.20 Barkley Manor.(PG,R) 4.20 Bamay.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Douglas, Laurence Olivier 4.00 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 4.30 Cows For Cambodia. (PGa) 5.00 Seven 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG) Aman’s dark history is revealed.

7.30 John Farnham: Finding The Voice. (Mal, R) Acelebration of John Farnham.

9.30 Queen: In Their Own Words. (Mal, R) The four founding members of the rock band Queen tell the story of their lives and careers in music.

10.30 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Backpacker Murders.

12.30 Temple. (Malv)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Fishing Aust. (PG) 11.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 12.00

The First 48: Point Of No Return. (Ma, R) Twofriends arefound executed in acar

Next Stop. Alook at holiday destinations.

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Great Ocean Road

12.30am Django. 2.30 NHK

5.00

6am WorldWatch. 10.30 Mastermind Aust. 2.30pm 4.35 WorldWatch. 5.55 Icons Unearthed: The LordOfThe Rings. 6.50 Abandoned Engineering. 8.40 The 9.30 Cycling. Cadel

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.10pm Koori Knockout. WACv Bourke Warriors. 3.35 Qld Murri Carnival. Women’s Tiddas. 4.40 Black Magic. 5.40 Big Name, No Blanket. 6.40 News. 6.50 Coastal Africa. 7.40 8.30 Night Parrot Stories. 10.10 Late Programs. NITV (34)

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.30pm Fireman Sam. 5.40 Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun Tan’sTales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 MOVIE: 9.10 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm The German) 2.55 PG) 4.35 6.40 8.30 10.25 12.15am Late Programs.

Monday,February2

ABC (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Midsomer Murders. (PGv,R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Bowie. (Ml, R) 2.35 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R) 3.00 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.30 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (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.

8.00 Australian Story: Sink Or Swim –Michael Klim. (Return) Presented by Leigh Sales.

8.30 Four Corners. (Return) Looks at the Bondi Beach terror attack.

9.15 Media Watch. (Return, PG) Presented by Linton Besser

9.35 Planet America. (Return) Alook at American politics.

10.05 Dr Karl’sHow Things Work. (R)

10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) 11.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.25 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PG, R) 3.05 Going Places. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Legends End: The Loch Ness Monster Story.(PGaw, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Building The World’sGreatest Castle. Explores the 1000-year story of the Tower of London.

8.30 8Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. (Return) Game show,featuring contestants tackling awords and numbers quiz. Hosted by Jimmy Carr

9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (Return) Hosted by Greg Davies.

10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+v) 11.25 Vigil. (Mav,R) 2.45 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 4.10 Bamay.(R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 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. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.15 The Crystal Maze. 10.05 Merlin. 10.45 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Stompem Ground 2022: Karajarri Dancers. 2.00 Wild Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Living Black Shorts. 5.30 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Wild Rockies. 7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? 8.35 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 MOVIE: Ka Whawhai Tonu. (2024, M) 11.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 The Food That Built The World. 12.10pm WorldWatch. 12.40 Rex In Rome. 3.25 Mastermind Australia. 3.55 WorldWatch 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 News. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Drop Dead Gorgeous. (1999, M) 10.20 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 10.25 Prayers For The Stolen. (2021, Madv,Spanish) 12.30pm Swan Song. (2021, Ml) 2.30 IKill Giants. (2018, PGalv) 4.30 The Most Beautiful Day In The World. (2019, PGa, Italian) 6.25 Another Country.(2015, PGaw) 7.50 HereI Am. (2011, M) 9.30 The Eagle Has Landed. (1976, Mv) Midnight Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 Australian Idol. (Return, PGl) Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

9.15 9-1-1. (Ma) Athena and Hen face increasing danger in space as friends both near and far try to get them home safely

10.15 ICut OffHis Penis: The Truth Behind The Headlines. (MA15+av) Takesa look at the trial of Lorena Bobbitt.

11.15 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Gonzales Family Murders. (MA15+av,R) 12.30 Conviction. (MA15+av,R)

1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning

6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Return, Mls) The social experiment begins.

9.30 Forging Champions. (PGl) Alook at Canberra’sAustralian Institute of Sport, which has sharpened sporting talent into excellence for morethanfour decades.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Sight Unseen. (Mv) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today

9GEM (92,81)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.00

Programs. 1pm Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harry’sPractice. 4.00 Medical Emergency 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Australian Idol. (Return) 7.35 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 M*A*S*H. Noon Escape To The Farm With Kate Humble. 1.00 Amazing Spaces. 2.00 Antiques Roadshow 2.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Cowboy.(1965, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Chelsea Detective. 10.40 Late Programs.

7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Mighty Ducks. (1992) 10.35 Seinfeld. 11.35 The 100. 12.30am Love Island UK. 1.35 The VampireDiaries. 3.30 ILove VIP

Tuesday,February 3

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

(7,6)

(9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story.(R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Human. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Would ILie To You? (R) 3.30 Anh’sBrush With Fame. (PG, R) 4.00 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 South America With Simon Reeve. (PGaw,R) 3.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Secrets Of The Deadly T-Rex. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show.(PG) 12.00 Seven’sNational News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

(PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Dr Karl’sHow Things Work. 8.30 Human: AGreat Gamble. (Final, PG) Looks at humanity after the Ice Age.

9.30 Grand Designs Transformations: Turkish Queenslander And Newstead Bath House. (PG, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Four Corners. (R) 11.50 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.10 Love Your Garden. (R) 12.55 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.40 Parliament Question Time. 2.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? TomGleeson. (PGals, R) TomGleeson explores his roots.

8.30 MOVIE: From Roger Moore With Love. (2024) Aglimpse into the life of actor Roger Moore, featuring interviews with those who knew him best. Roger Moore, Steve Coogan.

10.10 Rock Legends: Journey. (R) 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 Exit. (MA15+ads) 12.05 DNA. (Mav,R) 1.45 Australia In Colour.(PGa, R) 3.40 Rediscover Victoria. (PG, R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 5.55pm Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.25 Paddington. 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. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 BTN Newsbreak. 8.35 Whale With Steve Backshall. 9.25 Planet Weird. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away (PG)

7.30 Australian Idol. (PGal) Anationwide search for Australia’s next singing superstar continues with big voices, surprises and star talent.

9.15 Doc. (Mav) Apatient forces Amy to confront the realities of medical tourism. TJ helps aveteran.

11.15 St. Denis Medical. (Ms) Joyce brings in abody scanner

12.15 MOVIE: Broken Ties. (2023, Mav,R)Awoman tries to escape her abusive husband. Brianna Cohen.

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 Married At First Sight. (Mls) The social experiment continues.

9.10 Beyond The Dream. Alook at the Australian athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. 10.10 9News Late.

10.40 The Equalizer (Mv) 11.30 ARemarkable Place To Die. (MA15+lv,R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

Destination WA. (R)

TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00

The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R)

6am WorldWatch. 10.30 The Food That Built The World. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.20 Kars &Stars. 3.45 News. 3.50 WorldWatch 5.50 The Fast History Of. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Nice Guys. (2016) 10.40 Casketeers Life &Death Across The Globe. 11.35 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Turn Up Respect. 1.45 Kai Time: Time To Eat. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Living Black Shorts. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 News. 6.40 Wild Rockies. 7.30 Big BackyardQuiz. 8.30

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Another Country.(2015, PGaw) 10.55 HereI Am. (2011, M) 12.35pm Welcome Back, Mr.President. (2019, Mals, Italian) 2.30 Discovering Film. 3.25 The Orator.(2011, PGa, Samoan) 5.25 Brief Encounter.(1974, PGa) 7.20 Out Of Season. (1975, M) 9.30 The Prestige. (2006, Mav) 11.55 Late Programs.

Banners tell the story

SEASONS of Women,a year-long creative project by Ballarat-based artist Janette Wotherspoon,willopen at arc Gallery, Yinnar thisSaturday (January 31), with apublic opening from 2pm to 4pm.

Beginning on Mother’s Day 2024, SeasonsofWomen invited nearly 100 women from across Australia to reflect on asingle, meaningful detail from their day on four dates across the year,one in each season. As the seasons shifted,sotoo did the reflections, capturing thequiet,oftenunseen moments that shape women’s everyday lives.

The resulting exhibition features apowerful collection of handwritten, digitally printed, artistic, and handcrafted narratives,presentedascloth banners thatlinethe gallery walls. Together,the works form acollective portrait of women’s lived experience celebrating what women make,carry, create, achieve, and manage in the minutes and hours of daily life.

Wotherspoon describes the works as “elaborate yet simple, some happy, some sad but all truly honestand from the heart.”

“The project cameabout duringatimeofdeep sadness and uncertainty,”Wotherspoon said

“There was so much heartbreak in thestories we were hearingabout women locally and globally.But Ialso knew women who were extraordinary in their ordinary everyday lives. Women who quietly succeed in the smallest moments, just by getting thingsdone. Iwanted to find away to celebrate that.”

Theexhibition highlights the strength of collective reflection

and the power of community, with contributors ranging in age and background, each offering apersonal insight into their day moments that are rarely documented or publicly shared.

SeasonsofWomen will be on displayatarc Gallery untilMarch 1, 2026. For more information, go to: www.arcyinnar.org

STALLEDconstruction of apedestrian underpass connecting Kosciuszko Street and Bank Street in Traralgon has drawn criticism from Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.

As partofthe stategovernment’spromised Kosciuszko St and Bank St improvement works, an underpass beneath the Gippsland Rail Line was meant to be completed in 2023.

“This projectisnearly threeyears overdue,and we are still nonethe wiserabout when it will be delivered to improve safety for pedestrians," Mr Cameron said.

“Many students from thesouth side of the Princes Highway continuetoput their lives

at risk by crossing the train tracks to attend school because there is no other safe passage to Kosciuszko St.”

Mr Cameron said he was concerned about the future of the promised works, pointing to the Transport Victoriawebsite where all references to the underpass have been removed.

“Thewebsite now states thegovernmentis ‘exploring solutions’ for safe pedestrian access, which indicates thereare serious issues with the proposed underpass,” he said.

“Could it be that the government failed to properly consult with V/Line in the first instance and has now discovered an underpass can’t be built becauseitwouldinterferewith critical infrastructure under the train line?

“If that’s the case then discussions must now turn to whether an overpasscan be builtinstead of an underpass.

“I’ve written to the Minister for Roads demanding answers about these longoverdueworks, because regional Victorians deserve betterthan a government that puts their safety in the too-hard basket.”

thetrain tracks to get to KosciuszkoStreet,

or overpass

What hard work canleadto

WITH school going back this week, there may be some local students struggling to find motivation for the year ahead.

If they are, they could do worse thanhear the story of aman they are surely familiar with, if not at least for the-now famous saying -StevenBradbury

While everyone knows Bradburyfor how he glided to immorality at the 2002WinterOlympics,the amount of effort it tooktoget to that point provides no shortage of motivation.

It took Bradbury 14 years to win Olympic goldthe same amount of time students spend at school and into their first year of adulthood.

Express journalist Liam Durkin spoke to Bradbury while he was in Gippsland some years ago, helping inspire school students.

Liam Durkin: People just remember the race butcan you explain just how much work went in behind the scenes?

Steven Bradbury: Itrained 12 sessions aweek, two-and-half hours in the morning, two-and-ahalf hours in the afternoon, six days aweek with Sundays off.

Irode 400 kilometres aweek going up and down mountains on my bike, then spent heaps of time in the gym pushing weights. Iused to be able to squat 240 kilograms.

Ispent heaps of time in aplace Iuse to call ‘The Big Fridge’ in the western suburbs of Brisbane. I spentthousandsofhours theredoingsprint work, endurance work and technical work.

Iused to have asignstuck to the ceiling in my bedroom that read ‘this is the Olympics -get up’. That was the first thing Isaw at 4.30am when the alarm went off. Idid that because Iknew my competition on the other side of the world was doing the same thing.

LD: Is there amessage you hope to get across?

SB: Ithink Australiansare quite well knownfor notgiving up and we love the underdog victory.

Apositive mindset is where elite level anything begins.

The question is -are you getting up? Not just in body but in mind, you have to put it on positive every morning, it makes the day go quickerand it’llget you better results at the end too.

Itrained 14 yearstobecomeanovernight success. Whatever youdoinlife, if you workhard at it for along time eventually you start to make your own luck.

Keep on trying, don’t give up, and you too could be the last one standing.

LD: Alot of people probablywouldn’t know some of the setbacks you went through. Can you take us through those?

SB: Iwas unlucky enough to get impaled on the back of another guys skateand lost three-quarters of my blood in 60 seconds.

Icame very close to dying on the ice in Canada, but was able to find some power inside of myself that Ididn’t know Ihad, and tried to use that as apositive when Icame back to the sport.

Isaidtomyself ‘you loseconsciousness-you die’. It really is amazing the amount of power that any human can drawonwhenthey are put in alifeand death situation.

If Icouldhave drawnonthat sort of powerevery dayinmytraining, Idon’tthink Ieverwouldhave got beaten by anybody. Ilimped out of hospital three weeks later after they’dtaken more than 130 stiches out of my body.

Ialsohad acrash in training in Brisbane, I wentheadfirstinto the barrier and brokemy neck, fracturedthe C4, C5 and C6 and wasput in ahalo brace, pretty much resembling ahuman building site.

LD: You were in that halo braceinthe lead-up to the 2002 Games. How was your headspace then? SB: Ihad to wear it fora couple of months and

had alot of time to think about the big picture in those couple of months.

Alot of peoplewere telling me it was time to quit.

The doctor who put the brace on said I’d never skate again, (but) Ihad unfinished business.

Idecided Iwas going to trainthe 16 more months Ihad untilthe next Olympics.

When you put alot of time and energyinto something -don’t go back, see it through.

LD: Thereisanelement of Cool Runnings about your story. How did you get into speed skating?

SB: Istarted speed skating when Iwas eight. I watched my dadwho was anationalchampionand saw the passion he had for the sport and Ithought to myself -‘Iwant to do this to’.

The first time Iskated Igot wet, Igot cold and Ibawledmyeyes out, but once Igot abit older and wanted to share in what my dad was doing, I started to go back.

Igot agreat feelingwhenI’d make my way across the ice and I’d love the speed because I’ve always loved stuff that goes fast and that adrenalin just kept me coming back for more.

LD: Iimagine speed skating wasn’t the most popular sport as akid?

SB: Iwon the under 13 national speed skating championships when Iwas 10-years-old. The kid who got the bronze medal also finished last.

LD: How does competition at speed skating events work?

SB: Thirty-two skaters, four guys in each race, finish firstorsecond,skate your waythrough to the next round. Ninelaps for the kilometre, top speed of 54 kilometres an hour.

LD: Thecommon misconception is thatyou came fromabsolute obscurity, but that’snot the case is it?

SB: Iwas ranked in theTop 10 speed skaters in the world for over adecade and was one of just four Australians to contest four Winter Olympics. In 1994,Iwas part of the Australian team that won our first Winter Olympic medal, abronze in the 5000 metre relay.

LD: Were you really that much of an underdog heading into 2002?

SB: Isupported myself by making skating boots in abackyard workshop. Isupplied the favourite at the Games with free boots and asked him to endorse them when he won gold.

LD: What happened in the rounds leading up to the final?

SB: In the quarter finals Ibeata guy fromCanada by the name of Marc Gagnon who was afour time worldchampion.Ihadn’tbeaten that prick for eight years, but Igot him on that day. Iskated really well in the semi-finals too, and then Iwas in the finalofthe Olympics after training my guts out for 14 years.

LD: Can you take us into the rooms before you walked out for the final?

SB: Iwas sitting in the change rooms and they handed me the draw of the other skaters Iwas about to race against, and Ithought ‘I don’t think Ican beat any of these guys’.

Ihad achatwith my coach, alittle Chinese lady by the name of Ann Zhang and she agreed withme.

We decided on percentage that my best chance of picking up amedal in the final was to stay out of the way and hope for amistake. That took abit of experience and judgement and knowing my own limitations and knowing Iwasn’t quite as good as the other guys in the final. We were pretty confident that we might pick up abronze medal.

We concluded that none of the other four skaters was interested in finishing second. They all wanted gold and that meant agood chance of crash. The worst Icould finish was fifth.

LD: Of course everyone knows what happened in the final. How did you feel when you crossed the line?

SB: That’s the question I’ve been asked the most since Igot the gold medal.

Straight after the race Iwas sitting back in the change rooms and Iknew the first question they would askmewas how Ifelt when Icrossed the line.I had to go to the medal ceremony and media conference and Iwasn’t sure if Ideserved to go to either of them.

My brain was sure, it was already out there, it was my heart that wasn’t sure. My brain was already at the second question at the media conferencewhich was going to be ‘the whole worlds about to ask if you think you deserved to win or not’.

There was even atelevision crew there from Pakistan. At that point Iwasn’t even sure if Iwas going out onto the podium to accept the gold.

During the few minutes in that change room I thoughtabout what Iwent through my whole life. Ihad askate go through my leg, Ibustedmyneck, andIgot takenout when Iwas Number 1inthe world in this event two Olympics prior.

But in the final I’d just had all the other skaters fall over in front of me and that’s what they want me to take the gold medal for.

Ithought ‘I can’t take agold medal for that’. But whatI can go out onto the podium and takethe gold medal for is the 14 years of hard work in the lead up to that final.

LD: The hoopla that followed the victory was extensive. How crazy did it get?

SB: Igot to carry the flagatthe closing ceremony which was aproud day to be an Australian. Ithen had abrief stint on DancingWithThe Stars which wasn’tsuch aproud day when one of the judges gives you athree out of 10 and you’re the first one voted out. More recently Iwas on Survivor Ijoke that Ican like the back of my own head because they brought outa stampwithmyface on it.

Igot acongratulatory message fromRussell Crowe and went to parties hosted by Hugh Hefner. I also got to meet Richard Branson and he gave me a phonethat Igot to make free calls on for four years.

LD: How does it feel to have something that has entered the Australian vernacular named after you?

SB: I’ve had people tell me that race is the most Australian thing they’ve ever seen.

Forme, I’m just incredibly proud that I’ve got an Australian saying that looks like it’s going to last the test of time.

If that helps inspire peopletotry alittle but harder in what they do, then even better, because Iunderstand the luck connotation that goes with ‘doing aBradbury’.

LD: Ithinkthe point of yourstory is not how you won but whatittooktowin.What do you think the legacy is?

SB: When you talk about it to agroup you can tell thereare peoplesitting therethinking "Steven Bradbury, what would he know? Only reason he won was because he was lucky".

WellI can tell you one thing-you needalot more than luck to get to the finalofthe Olympic Games.

Igavemyheart, my youth and almost my life to winning gold and it wouldn’t have come true if I wasn’t the last man standing.

Withanything in life, the more work that goesin behind the scenes, the greater the victory.

Applications open for community scholarship

GIPPSLAND Critical Minerals (GCM) is supportinga new community scholarship, reinforcing its commitment to investing in local leadership.

Delivered through the Committee for Gippsland’sGippsland Community Leadership Program, the scholarship funds one full place in the 10-month2026program, withall participant fees covered by GCM.

The scholarship is designed to remove cost as abarrier and ensure leadership development opportunities are accessible to emergingtalent from communities near the Fingerboards Project.

Current Federal Member for Monash, Mary Aldred was chair of Committee for Gippsland before entering Parliament.

GCM Community and Engagement Lead and GCLPalumni MickHarrington said the scholarship responds to what the company has heard consistently across local communities.

“People want ways to build local capability

and create real opportunities, not just for them but for their community,” Mr Harrington said.

“Thisscholarship supportsindividuals who caredeeply about their region and want to play an active role in shapingtheir community's future.”

Open to people living in, or with strong demonstrated connections to, communities in and around the Fingerboards Projectarea, including Stratford, Munro, Walpa,Glenaladale, Fernbank, Lindenow,Lindenow South, Hillside and Bairnsdale, the scholarship also includes nearby communities.

Committee for Gippsland Chief Executive Tony Cantwell saidthe partnershiphelps ensurethe Gippsland Community Leadership Program continues to reflect the diversity of the Gippsland region.

“We are pleased to partner with Gippsland Critical Minerals to deliver this new scholarship, enabling local East Gippslanderstodevelop their leadershipcapacityand strengthen our

communities,” Mr Cantwell said. Applications are welcomed from people at all stages of their education and career, with priority considerationgiventopathways aligned with regional industries and needs. Theseinclude primary industries, environmental and land management, Indigenous land and sea management, and emerging sectors such as renewable energy, technology, advanced manufacturing and research.

The Gippsland Community Leadership Program is one of Australia’s longest running regional leadership programs. The 10-month programfocuses on building leadership capability, confidenceand strong local networks through astructured, experiential learning model delivered across Gippsland.

Applications for the Gippsland Critical Minerals Community Scholarship are now open, withfull detailsand application information available at: committeeforgippsland.com.au

For more information on the Fingerboards

Apply: Scholarship opportunitiesare available forGippslandleaders.

Photograph: iStock

St Paul’sstudents run for Timor

THE St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School oval was alive with energy at the end of 2025, as students took partinthe annual Run for Timor fundraiser. Completing laps in their own way, whether running, walking or piggybacking to the finish, students eagerly took up the challenge. Secondary studentsbroughtcreativity,enthusiasm and happinesstothe event, uniting to

raise money in support of important initiatives in Timor-Leste.

Staff were also quick to join in the fun, embracing the spiritofthe event in costumeand on the track.

The event highlighted the strong sense of community at St Paul’s and successfully raised $674 to support ongoing projects in Timor.

Young fiction novelinspired by Latrobe community

LOCAL author John de Souza has anew book coming out.

The author draws on his own years at Kurnai College, Churchill to bring readers asharp, imaginative junior novel set against apotted history of 1997.

Starting high school is no small feat for Ted. Between navigating bullies and searching for where he belongs,guidance from an elder and an English teacher helps him begintounderstand hisroots. When Ted and his brothers stumble upon amysterious time-travelling taxi, they’re propelled into defining moments of their family’s past -afast-moving exploration of history, identity and courage.

De Souza describes himselfasalaconic writer. Aware that muchjunior fictionismarketed towards girls, he deliberately crafted ashorter, punchier novel to engage reluctant youngmale readers, agroup reading less than any generation before them. In addition, the book can be easilyenjoyedbyadultsoranyone nostalgic about the 90's.

The tale’s origins stretch back to De Souza’s own childhood. In Grade2,hebegan writing adventures featuring Fred, Harry and Tednames that now resurface in thisstory.Even thechess battles in the book have local roots, inspired by write-ups of theLatrobe Valley Chess Club in the Latrobe Valley Express Community Corner.

De Souza extends his heartfelt thanks to friend KayleneMustoe for her insightful critiques, suggestions and constant encouragement, and to Hollie Johnson for her striking cover artwork Thebookispublished under the name John de

St

Souza,a shortened form of John de Souza-Daw.

The book launchwillbeheld this Friday (January30) at the Language Centre, Kurnai College-Churchill Campus (Corner Northways Road and McDonaldWay). Books areavailable forpurchase and signing.

The author is aTraralgon resident with degrees in history/politics, English/sociology.

James McDougall turns 8 THURSDAY29JANUARY

Jasper Sheen turns 8

High Voltage Hugh rocks AC/DC tributegig

Tunes: Willie Maxwell and 10-year old Hugh Ridley (from Newborough) serve up some ‘High Voltage’ rock ‘n’roll.

By STEFAN BRADLEY

ROCK ‘n’ roll fans were thunderstruck by 10-yearold Newborough guitarist Hugh Ridley’s electric performance of AC/DC’s High Voltage at the Sale Memorial Hall last Thursday night.

Tribute band Riff Raff were in town to celebrate 50 years to the day that AC/DC performed at the same hall on January 22, 1976.

The band’sset focused on the pre-Brian Johnson era tracks, and it was singer Willie Maxwell's chance to channel his inner Bon Scott. Maxwell fronts the band Willie J’s 6v6s, and two of his bandmates are also in Riff Raff -Callum Leavey on the drumsand bassistSeb Robertson. Completing

the line-up was Sarsha Marsden from the band Hot Machine,and her heavymetal fatherJeff Barrett, on rhythm andlead guitar respectively.

The show hadunexpectedlysold out, andthis Sale-based celebration became alarge Gippsland event with about 540 people attending from far and wide. They opened with Hell Ain’t ABad Place To Be,delivered classics like Jailbreak, Highway to Hell, Whole Lotta Rosie,and some surprises like Touch Too Much and Kicked in the Teeth

You can sing along to plentyofAcca Dacca tunes, but few can match the chorus of T.N.T.and the crowd yelling “Oi!” in unison.

Then, young Hugh Ridleyhit the stage to fittingly playthe Angus Youngrole for High

Voltage. Angus continues to don his famous

school uniform to this day at AC/DC shows, but Riff Raff had brought in areal schoolboy to play atrue Aussie classic.

And just like in the 1970's, Hugh jumped on Maxwell’s shoulders, facinga stunned crowd.

During the song’s bridge, he played the lead guitar solo and added his own creative flair.

Hugh told the Express the band picked High Voltage for him,and he practised non-stop for two days to learn it. He said it was an amazing feeling to be up there on those shoulders and seeing everyone’s faces.

“I was feeling nervous that time because he got me on the shoulders abit crooked. Otherthan that,

Iwas fine. Ididn’t expect that many people to be there,” he said.

He of course sawAC/DCinconcert last November and absolutely loved it, and was able to harness that rock ‘n’ roll energy to alocal stage. There was also 14 of his family members in the audience, including four who flew in from Western Australia to see him play for the first time. What else could end aRiffRaffshow other than Bon Scott’s signature song, It’s aLong Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll)?The crowd was invitedtojump on stage to rock and share one last salute to the stage, the fans, and to Bon Scott and Malcolm Young (Rock in Peace).

Reshape social media convo, expert urges

By PEACE IJIYERA

THE recentsocialmedia ban for Australian children under16has shone aspotlight on the importance of engaging with conversations around online safety.

That spotlight is likelytoincrease, as students return to school for the start of Term 1this week.

Dr Gabby Hunt from Australian Catholic University's Institute of Child Protection Studies saysthat parents and guardiansneed to be having conversation around safe online use with their children early.

“I think we should startthese conversations reallyearly. Probably much earlierthan many parents think. When we thinkabout other things where we want people to be safe, like road safety, we don’t wait until kids are in the car getting their driver’s license to teach them about road safety. We start when they’re toddlers and we teach them to look both ways when they cross the road," she said. Unfortunately, approaching topics aboutsafe online use can be an awkward topic for both parents, guardians and children.DrHunt’s tip

for parents and guardiansistochange their approach.

“Instead of asking children directly about what they are doing online, instead you might ask ‘what do kids yourage seeonline',or, 'what are your friends talkingabout online’, that just removes some of thatpressureonchildren andyoung people who mightfeel embarrassed or confronted, particularly when they might be using social media when they shouldn’t be.

"If they can talk about their peers, that’s when you mightstart to get some informationgoingand you might hear alittle bit about what’s going on for your child as well”.

Becausethe social media banisstill so fresh, the effectiveness of it is unknown.

“We are not sureyet of whatthe impact is going to be. Ithink it has the potential to help alot of people, but Ithink there’s also alot of risk that comes with the social media ban," Dr Hunt said.

"We know that many childrenand young people have not lost access to their social media sites. What I’m potentially concerned about is if something was to happen for those young people online, would they feel safe to tell someone about

that because they might worry that they’re going to be in trouble because they were using Snapchat or Instagram”.

“The social media ban alone to me is not enough to protect children and young people online.

"We also need to be skilling up parents and carers about how to look out for things online and to supportthe children and young people. We need to be helping schools withtheir education around sex and healthy relationships and online safety, so Ithink it [social media ban] can be part of the solution, but it's certainly not the whole story to me, and we need to be investing just as much in all these other prevention efforts to help support young people online”.

Though education aroundconsent, sex and healthy relationships in schools is available, Dr Hunt thinks schools, parents and guardians should be doing more.

“Thelandscape has changed for the better in recent years," she said.

"That being said, there’s still along way to go. We’re probably doing sex, consent and healthy relationships alittle better in upper high school now, there’s certainly some great programs out

there. It's certainty very inconsistent though, so some schools might have areally great approach where othersmight not. But Ithink at least from my research, where we’re seeing things like peer sexual harassment starting really early in childhood, if that’s the case, then we needtobestarting our consent and respectfulrelationshipeducation even earlier than that”.

Through Dr Hunt’s research, it was found that one in 10 Australians have experienced peer sexual harassment during their childhood. Theresearch found that peer sexual harassment is a‘major public health issue’ that is severely downplayed,often being normalised with the attitudes of ‘boys will be boys’.

Starting the conversation around consent and respectful relationshipsfroma young age will translate into safe online use as children grow.

“A really effective sex education or respectful relationships education needs awhole school approach, which means also supporting parents and carers to be having these conversations as well and Ithink that’s something that largely is missing from our approach currently," Dr

said.

CFAreport out for public viewing

By KATRINABRANDON

THE highly anticipated CFA annual report for 2024/25 has finally been released.

Financialshave been amassive headliner recently for the organisation, with most highlighting the needfor betterequipment, aftermultiple fire trucks had failures during recent bushfires.

The report states, adeficitof$50.5 millionis made up of:

 Base funded activities ($17.4m);

 Initiative funded activities ($4.7m);

 Specific purpose funded activities ($19.3m);

 Prior year funded activities ($6.7m);

 Depreciation and amortisation ($85.5m);

 Other economic flows ($0.9m), and;

 Accounting standard related valuation adjustments ($1.3m).

Other expenses were:

 Contractors, professional services at $24,888 in 2025 and $8635 in 2024;

 Motor vehicle maintenance at $15,737 in 2025 and $13,880 in 2024;

 Building operating and maintenance at $15,733 in 2025 and $12,146 in 2024;

 Aviation fees at $13,224 in 2025 and $8431 in 2024;

 Computer equipment at $12,923 in 2025 and $9491 in 2024;

 Communications and alarms at $7242 in 2025 and $7894 in 2024;

 Goods and services at $7017 in 2025 and $6649 in 2024;

 Uniforms and equipment at $6642 in 2025 and $14,999 in 2024, and;

 External training at $5155 in 2025 and $4021 in 2024.

“The CFAreportshows onlyanincrease in funding to the CFA,” Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“The total funding has increased by $26 million, and the total asset base has increased by more than $100 million. This is also what the CFA board saidintheir statement, that funding has only ever increased for the CFA.”

But, according to the Coalition, State Liberal leader Jess Wilsonand Leader of the state Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services, Danny O’Brien, the report says differently.

“The report shows that Jacinta Allan has cut the CFA's funding by $55 million in real terms since 2020,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Under Labor,the number of CFA volunteers continuestodecline because they are not being appropriately supported by this tired, out-of-touch government. Instead of giving CFA volunteers the resources they deserve, Labor is more interested in hiring a$430,000 ayear spin doctor to explain away and cover-up their own mismanagement.”

Mr O’Brien also highlighted that numbers in brigadeshavedeclined, particularly in Gippsland, which has contributed to fatigue to

staff that are on theground.

He said the state government has allowed vacanciesand relief gaps to grow despite repeated warnings

“This has been amajor failure by the Allan Labor government from the start of fireservices reform,”

Mr O’Brien said.

“CFApersonnelhave long advised that their resourcing needs are not being met through these condement model, under which Fire Rescue Victoria provides paid staff to the CFA.

“These warning have been repeated by the Fire ServicesImplementation Monitor, Niall Blair, and thisyear he warns fatigueisworsening, wellbeing is declining and the community suffers from alack of leaders when emergencies occur.”

 THE Victoria Farmers Federation (VFF) also slammed the report.

VFFPresident,Brett Hoskingsaidthe numbers told adamning story that can no longerbeignored.

"The gap between funding and the demands on volunteers is continuingtowiden. It’s at apoint where we’reputting people in harm’s way," Mr Hosking said.

VFF analysis shows that despiteanominal uplift in the past 12 months, the CFA's real purchasing power has been gutted by nearly 14 per cent since 2020/21.In2024/25alone, the CFA recorded a$51.8 million deficit,the fourth in fiveyears, bringing the cumulative funding shortfall to more than $145 million.

Meanwhile,hesaidvolunteers respondedto 41,925 incidents last year, the busiest year since the

CFA ANNUAL REPORT2024/25

Whack: Victorian FarmersFederation President, BrettHosking has slammed the stategovernment over the CFAannualreport. Photograph supplied 



 81,940 total brigade turnouts to incidents in Victoria.

 55 fire investigations.

 438,875 total volunteer hours devoted to incident turnouts.

 4774 hectares of land treated to reduce fire risk.

 3423 personal protective clothing sets delivered to members.

 2624 mobile radios installed in vehicles.

 Eight stations under construction.

 147 emergency response vehicles delivered.

In 2024/25, there was 14 Total Fire Ban Days declared in comparison to 2023/24 with 11 days, 2022/23 and 2021/22 with four days, and nine days in 2020/21.The annual report can be accessed via: https://www.cfa.vic.gov. au/about-us/publications/annual-report

TESTIMONIAL

Fire ServicesReform. Activityisup36per cent over five years, while real funding has gone backwards.

“The maths simply doesn’t add up. You can’t do 36 per cent more work, while real funding is cut by 14 per cent," Mr Hosking said.

The only way that worksisbypushing volunteers to breaking point and putting them in harm’sway.

"We have already seen what happens when governments try to fix emergency services funding in avacuum. The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund cash grab was adebacle that wasted time, eroded trust, and didn’t deliver for the volunteers who actually protect our communities.

"This shouldn’tbea politicalissue.We’ve always said we’re prepared to work constructively withthe government on sustainable,

long-term funding for the CFA.

"Our volunteer firefightersdon’t ask for much. They give their time freely, they put their bodies on the line, and they ask only that they have the equipment, training and support they need to do the job. Right now, the funding is failing them."

Mr Hosking noted the timing of the Annual Report's release was particularly stark.

"We are in the middle of another devastating fire season. CFA volunteersare out thereright now, protecting lives and property across regional Victoria.

“Regional Victorians are watching this issue closely, and they won’t accept the CFA being systematically starved of resources," Mr Hoskingsaid.

Healthcare workers walk off the job

ELEVEN healthcare workers and members of Health Workers Union(HWU)from Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) took an hour out of their day to demand extrapay forhealthcareworkers last week.

They stood in solidarity with about 10,000 other healthcare workers across Victoria. Healthcare workers are pushing to get an increase of 12 per cent over two years (six per cent each year) which would bump them up just over the inflation rate, which currently sits at 3.4 per cent.

HWU lead organiser Jake McGuinness said,

“Healthcare workers don’t want to be on strike, but the government has left them little choice”. McGuinness’s message was echoed by LRH team leader Alica Hearn, who says that the job of caring for patients and keeping the hospital running is the most important thing for healthcare workers.

“We don’t want to be doing this; we just want a fair offer. We want to be met with an agreement so thatwecan stop doing this[protesting],do our jobs to full capacity, and go back to doing everything the way that we usually do," she said.

Pace &AssociatesLawyers hasutilised Jenny and the fantastic team at the LatrobeValleyExpresstoextendour reach acrossGippsland andbroaden our alreadystrongclientbase. Thetailoredadvertising packagesoffered both in the paperand digitaleditionshas notonly attractednew clients buthas allowedour office to promote our practice areas and continue to strengthen ourreputation within the community.

Whether youare advertising services or anew business searchingfor clients, Jenny andthe team will tailortoyourneedsand provideyou with the appropriateadvertisementpackages.

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Landscaping Mulch

Beautify your garden. Bulk quantity available, $30m3, $50 delivery. 0412 613 443 or 1800 468 733.

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.

• ExperiencedMaintenance Employee - Roads -PermanentFull Time

• CreativeIndustriesDevelopment Specialist - PermanentFullTime

• Senior Strategy and Advocacy Advisor- PermanentFullTime

Moe Self Storage

Responsibility PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD

Please check your ad on the firstday and bring any errors to theattentionofthe Classifieds Department immediately. TheLatrobe Valley Express makes everyefforttoavoid errors. We regretthat we cannot be responsible forany errors beyond the first day if you fail to bringittoour attention. No allowances can be made for errorsnot materially affectingthe effectiveness of the ad Position cannot will not be guaranteed. All claims foradjustment of credit must be madewithin seven days afterbilling date. We reservethe right to revise or restrict any ad we deem objectionable and to change the classificationwhen necessaryto conform to the policyo this newspaper In the event an ad is omitted from publication, we assume no liabilityfor such omission.

Door Installer

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Minimum 6lines$60 without aphotoor $74 with a colour photo

editionsintheLatrobe ValleyExpress

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT ROLE

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• Maintaining the general ledger

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• Preparing and closing month end

• Preparing all statutorylodgements (Income Tax, GST, PAYG,FBT State taxes etc.)

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• Job costing The ideal candidatewillbe:

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• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite products Business Premium (essential)

This is agreat opportunity to make acontributiontowards delivering local news to the community as the business navigates the challenging media environment into the future.

If you believe that you’rethe right candidate for this role, please email your cover letter and resume to Nick Ellen: nellen@lvexpress.com.au

Due to the expectedvolume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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. For further advice, contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission on 1300 302 502 or your state consumer affairs agency.

Looking for part time casual weekend work at an award winning vineyard?

Carrajung Estate seeking bar, restaurant and function staff for weekend work. Must have RSA, training on the

Email: hello@carrajung.com.au or phone 5194 2215.

GIPPSLAND STAFFING AGENCY

We alocal labour hire company located in Traralgon. We are currently looking for qualified hairdressers, Disability Support Workers, and Curtains and Blinds Installers. Apply at: gsalabourhire.com.au, call 0483 923 007 or scan the QR code

DELIVERERS WTD

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 Employment Permit

Children younger than 11 cannot or will not be accepted. Adult deliverers also welcome.

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Salvatora (Josie)

15/6/1933 -21/1/2026

Passed away peacefully at the West Gippsland Hosp ita l, War ragul surrounded by her loved ones.

Loving wife of Luciano (Chris) for 65 years. Cherished mother of Tony and Frances. Mother-in-law of Debbie. Adored Nonna of Daniel, Lilly, Noah, Amelia and Antonie.

The memory of you will remain in our hearts forever. You will be missed dearly....

CRANWELL

4782.

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(Carvel Kauri). 7.3m Built at Rosebud in 1936. 1985 twin Oetter Diesel 14HP. Copper sheathed bottom. Hull in firstclass condition. Moored at Nungurner. $6,000. Ph 0408 038 155

KAIK Ireneusz (Irek) Born 7January 1961. Passed away 16 January 2026. With deep sadness we share the sudden passing of our beloved Irek, aged 65. Loving husband to Giuliana. Cherished brother of Jolanta. Treasured son of Elizabeth and Josef Kaik (dec.). Much loved son-in-law to Nerina and Dino (dec.), brother-in-law to Frank, John, Andria, Daniel and Gina. The fun uncle to Anita, Chelsea, Luis, Christian, Nicholas and Tahlia. Friend to all. His kindness, humour and generous spirit touched everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

LAWLESS (Luscombe) Patricia (Pat)

26/2/1929 -19/1/2026

Formerly of "Prospice" Hazelwood, and Morwell. Daughter of Edward and Isabella Luscombe (dec.). Sister of Val (dec.) and Alf (dec.).

Loving wife of Jack (dec.).

Loved mother and mother-in-law of Glenda and Morris Mynard, Kay and Ian Ing

Anthony and Donna Lawless, and Julie Anne.

Proud Nana of 10 Grandchildren.

And Great Nana Pat of 22 Great-grandchildren.

Loved and Loving Mother of Glenda and Morris Mynard

Close to our hearts you will always stay, Loved and remembered everyday.

Richard Errol 31 May 1933 -19January 2026

31/5/1933 -19/1/2026

Peacefully

love lives on.

Nana, So sad to see you go, you're missed more than you will ever know.

Reunited with Pop after all these years is the only upside of our tears.

Iamsure you will have lots to tell of how the family is still continuing to swell, and what he has missed in the last 23 Summers as he welcomes you and any other newcomers.

Sylvia Francis Passed away peacefully at Heritage Manor, on Saturday 17 January 2026. Aged 77 years. Adevoted loving wife to David. Loving sister to Barry and Carole. Much loved mother and mother-in-law to Neil and Katrina, Linda and Greg, Debbie and Jamie, Fiona and Mick. Adored and cherished Nan to Jake, Amber, Hayley and Pat, Chloe, Riley, Milla, Larni and Elli. Loved andremembered forever. Always in our hearts. Rest in peace The Funeral for Sylvia was held on Tuesday 27 January.

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au BAR

KROTWAAR Rev. Fr. Bernard (Bernie). Priest of the Catholic Diocese of Sale. Bishop Greg Bennet and the Priests and Deacons of the Diocese are saddened by his death on 23 January 2026. Aged 68 years. Ordained as apriest on 24 August 1996, Fr. Bernie served in the Parishes of Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Sale as AssistantPriest, and Foster/ Yarram and Trafalgar as Parish Priest. May he rest in peace.

Look down on us Nana and Pop, because thinking of you is something we will never stop.

Love John, Megan, Tommy, Heath and Nellie.

Nana/ Great Nana Pat

You will be dearly missed. Tears in eyes will wipe away, But the memories we have made are here to stay.

RIP Back home in Hazelwood with Pop overlooking the farm.

Love always, Brian and Stacey, Yasmine, Paige and Rhys.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

CRANWELL Sylvia So very lucky to call you our Mum, Mother in-law and Nan. Our hearts are broken but so very grateful for every minute we got to share with you. You put up a very big fight to stay with us for as long as you

Honour your loved ones and share their story

When youlose someoneclose to you,itcan be hardtoput your thoughts and feelings into words

Nana, Your life was abeautiful example of kindness and we are so lucky to have been your grandchildren.

You will be dearly missed.

Love Scott and Hayley.

Dearly loved and loving mother and mother-in-law of Anthony (Tony) and Donna. Adored and loving nana 'at the farm' of Joel and Krystal, Glenn and Stacey, Michaela and Brad, Jacob and Kelsey. Loved and loving greatnana of Daisy and Lucy, Haven and Polly and Fletcher, Ivy and Jayde.

Awarm and caring mother and nana, you will always be remembered for your delicious cooking, yummy cakes and pavlova, your beautiful well-tended garden and your love and devotion for your family. A loving caring and beautiful lady -may you rest peacefully.

TOMPKIN Alistair James Frederick Born 3January 1945. Passed away 22 January 2026. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alistair. Dearly loved father of Andy, Charlotte, Penny and Haydn. Father-in-law of Paul and Murray. Proud grandfather of Mitchell, Taylor, Jessica, Joci and Chloe. Loving husband of the late Cheryl Tompkin (nee Taylor)

UNDERWOOD Eric Stephen Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens Traralgon 19 January, 2026. Aged 86 Years Dearly loved and loving husband of Nova for 64 Years. Much loved father and father-in-law of Tammy, Kim and Afrim, Jason and Jill, Troy and Jodie. Adored Pa to all his grand and great-grandchildren. Now at peace.

FISHER Arthur 11/2/1939 -13/1/2026

Loving brother and brother -in-law of Ivy (dec.) Ken (dec.) Caldwell. Much Loved uncle of Irene, Peter, Shirley, Heather and Arthur (dec) and families. Deepest Sympathy to Una and family. Love Shirley and family. Need Firewood? Advertise in the Classifieds!

HALL (nee Esler) Gladys Lurlene 30/1/1938 -21/1/2026

LCC-897 AlarmMonitoring and Response

LCC-898 Locking and Unlocking Public Toilets

LCC-899 Security Patrols

LCC-911 Burrage Reserve Soccer Pavilion Refurbishment

Tendersare invited fromsuitably qualified contractors for the above See www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/tenders for details

Submissions are to be lodged as detailed in the documentation. Council is not bound to accept the lowest or any tender

Passed away peacefully at Dalkeith Gardens Traralgon. Loved and loving Wife to Alister (dec.) for 65 years. Loving Mother and mother in-law to Max, Jeanette and Michael, Valerie and Derek and Ian. Adored Grandma to ten grandchildren and proud great-grandma (GG) to twelve great- grandchildren. AFARMGIRL WHO LOVED WORKING ON THE LAND, DEVOTED TO HER FAMILY, FRIENDS AND COMMUNITY. LOVED AND RESPECTED BY ALL.

Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can say so much All notices placed in print also go in our digital edition

Forfriendly advice on howtoplace your message contact

The Classified Department 5135 4455

Yours was truly alife well lived.

SMITH (nee Hetherington)

Margaret Beryl

19/2/1940 -14/1/2026

It is with great sadness that the Smith family announce the unexpected passing of Margaret.

Dearly loved wife of Tom.

Loved and loving mother of Meredith, Mark, Craig and Catherine.

Adored Nan/ Nanny of Kirsty, Sharni, Justin, Blake, Kaine, Jake, Ellie and Shara. Proud Great-Grandmother of Cohen. Loved Aunty Marg to many. Rest in peace.

URE (nee Hewlett) Ruth Victoria Born 25 February 1932. Passed away peacefully with family by her side on 24 January 2026 aged 93 at Salisbury House, Upper Beaconsfield. Loving wife of George (dec.).

Loving mother and mother-in-law of David and Jennet, Barbara and Michael, Judithand Owen, Murray and Kathryn and her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren

Funeral details to follow. Please refer to the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services website at: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

STAYCHES

Myles Franklin Guy 5/11/1945 -17/1/2026

Our much-loved Husband, Dad and Poppy earned his angel wings on 17 January and found peace after abattle with Dementia.

BARBERA Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Salvatora Barbera will be celebrated at St John's Catholic Church, 52 Waterloo Rd Trafalgar, on MONDAY (February 2) at 11am.

The Service will also be live streamed. To view Salvatora's Service please visit: nielsenfunerals.com.au

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of Mass for the Trafalgar Cemetery. Rosary will be recited prior to Mass at 10.30am.

In accordance with the families wishes, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Council of Victoria. Envelopes will be made available at the Church.

CARTMELL AService to celebrate the life of Mr Vic Cartmell, late of Warragul and formerly of Moe and Lysterfield, will be held at the Nielsen Funeral Chapel, Korumburra Road, Warragul NEXT

WEDNESDAY (February 4) at 11am.

The Service will also be live-streamed. To view Vic's Service please visit: nielsenfunerals.com.au

Following light refreshments, the cortege will leave for the Yarram Cemetery, arriving at approx. 3pm.

DABADIE

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Lesley (Patrick) will take place in the Rose Chapel at Gippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on THURSDAY (5 February 2026) commencing at 2pm. The ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit: harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

GOLDSBROUGH

The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Cherryle Anne Goldsbrough will take place in the Rose ChapelatGippsland Memorial Park Crematorium, Cemetery Dr, Traralgon on FRIDAY (30 January 2026) commencing at 2pm. The ceremony will be livestreamed. Please visit: harwoodfunerals.com.au for digital link.

HALL

The funeral of Gladys Hall will be held at Boolarra Uniting Church, 16 Tarwin Street Boolarra MONDAY (2 February 2026) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of the service the funeral will leave for the Boolarra Cemetery.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258

Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KAIK The Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Ireneusz (Irek) Kaik will be offered at St Michael's Catholic Church, 33-35 Kay Street Traralgon WEDNESDAY (28 January 2026) commencing at 1.30pm. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Funeral service will leave for the Traralgon Cemetery, Gippsland Memorial Park.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

KROTWAAR

Rev. Fr. Bernard (Bernie) Pontifical Concelebrated Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of Rev. Fr. Bernard (Bernie) Krotwaar will be offered at St John's Catholic Church, Waterloo Rd Trafalgar, on TUESDAY (3 February 2026) at 11am.

The Funeral will leave at the conclusion of the Mass for the Trafalgar Cemetery.

The Funeral Mass will also be live-streamed. To view, please visit: nielsenfunerals.com.au

Vigil Mass will be offered in the above Church on MONDAY EVENING (2 February) at 7pm.

LAWLESS Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs Patricia Christina Lawless will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Road Morwell on Friday (30 January 2026) commencing at 11am. The funeral will leave at the conclusion of mass for the Hazelwood Cemetery, Brodribb Road Hazelwood. Rosary will be recited in the above church on Friday January 30th at 10.30am prior to the mass. Pat's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON MORWELL 5134 4937 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

SMITH (née Hetherington)

Margaret Beryl

ACelebration of Life for Mrs Margaret Smith will be held at the Salvation Army, 2Long St Leongatha VIC 3953, THURSDAY, (29 January 2026) commencing at 1pm As was Margaret's wishes, please wear bright colours. Margaret's Service will be livestreamed. To view, please visit handleyfuner alservices.com.au

STAYCHES Myles

AMemorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Mr Myles Stayches will be held at the Latrobe Valley Funeral Services chapel, THURSDAY (29 January 2026) commencing at 1:30pm. In Lieu of flowers family would appreciate donations to Dementia Australia

Myles' Service will be livestreamed, to view please visit our website at: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

TOMPKIN The Funeral Service and Committal for Cremation of Mr Alistair Tompkin will be held at Latrobe Valley Funeral Services Chapel, 260 Princes Highway, Traralgon on FRIDAY (30 January) commencing at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Peter Mac Cancer Foundation would be appreciated. To make an online donation, please go to our website for link. The service for Alistair will also be livestreamed. To view please go to: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON

TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

UNDERWOOD

Amemorial service to celebrate the life of Eric Stephen Underwood will be held at the Heyfield Wetlands, 1A Macfarlane Street Heyfield, FRIDAY (30 January 2026) commencing at 1pm Eric's service will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, please visit: latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au and click on livestreaming.

MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au

In Memoriam •

DeVIRGILIO Jack It has been one year since you've left us, and oh how we miss you. The spontaneous visits, the funny stories and the excitement of trying anew whiskey with us for the first time. We will cherish the great memories forever. Such agreat lossto so many. Love you foreverMum, Charles and Diana.

THORBURN (nee Lyons) Judith 2/9/1953 -20/1/2025 It is one year since your passing. Hard to believe. You are in my thoughts every day. Miss your attempts to boss me around. Your loving sister Lynette and Stan. Cherished aunt of Nicole and Grant and Michelle. Loved great-aunt of Abby, Holly and Jacob.

JAMES David Wayne 26/1/1966 -4/8/2016 Happy birthday in heaven, son. Your loving Mum, Paul and your siblings, Joanne and Andrew.

ROWE Chrissie 27/1/1949 -27/6/2025 Today is filled with memories, with happiness and tears, of birthday celebrations we've shared throughout the years. And though I'll always miss you, the endless joy you brought, warms my heart with gratitude and fills my every thought. Where ever you are resting Ihope that you can see how precious and uplifting your memory is to me. Ifeel that you are with me, in everything Ido. So I'll celebrate your birthday, but spend it missing you. With love, Danielle and Rod

ROBINSON Allan (Robbo) Thank you to everybody who attended Allan's funeral. It was asad day but alovely day to say goodbye to him. Iwould especially like to thank the staff and Dalkeith Heights for their exceptional care of Allan.

When you lose someone close to you, it can be hardtoput your thoughts and feelings into words Apersonal message in the Latrobe Valley Express can sayso much Forfriendly advice on how to place your message contact The Classified Department 5135 4455

LATROBE VALLEY FUNERAL SERVICES

Familyowned andlocally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperiencetofamilies in Traralgon, Morwell, Churchill, Moe,Trafalgar, Korumburraand surrounding areas. THE CHOICE IS YOURS Practical, sensible and affordable. We offer both at-need and pre-paid funerals. All female funerals areavailable. Dignity and respect,always CREMATION PACKAGES FROM $3300

Latrobe Valley Express Distribution area L t b

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to homes and businesses including roadside mailbox delivery in many rural areas. Available for free from outlets in smaller towns.

Total audited circulation 32,600 copies Published Wednesday

•“Thereiscontinued strongdemand(and passion) forthe printedproduct in ruraland regional Australia.”

•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of theirnewspaper as an essentialservice fortheircommunity.”

Moeboys back on the honour board

BOWLS

MOE PAIRS

BY LIAM DURKIN

IT'S more than agame.

That was the especially the case if the reaction from Moe Bowling Club's Steve Pallot upon winning his home club's most prestigious tournament was any indication.

Pallot could not bear to watch the last bowl of the classic pairs final -the very bowl that would determine if his name went on the honour board or not.

In the end, he needed not to worry, as the draw went wide of its target, giving Pallot and his pair, former Moe local Lindsay Meredith the win, 4-1.

The victory marked the first time in six years a Moe bowler had won the club's classic pairs.

High calibre bowlers made their way to Moe for two days of competition, culminating in last Friday's final.

Played in idyllic and calm conditions, competitors fought it out to advance across sections.

Semi-finalscame down to the wire, while a decisive draw at theend of the thirdend from Meredith during the decider played ahugehand in the result.

He was able to curl abowl from left to right, landing rightalongside the jack when thegame was up for grabs.

"You need aharder game to play Linds," came a comment from the well-attended crowd.

Pallot too was perhaps playing the game of his life,with oneonlooker observingthat they'd never seen himappear so focussed.

With afinal to win, Pallot delivered when it mattered most, and executed what was described as a"winning bowl" to edge closer to victory against the Cranbourne pair of Chadd Tootell and Stephen Arms.

Some otherkey moments occurred during the third end, when acluster of bowls landed short, clearlyidentifying the matter of degrees players hadtoadjust.

Acry of "justa casualdraw"fromPallot to Meredith during second end also demonstrated the fine margins at stake.

Presentationsweremadeinthe clubrooms, with Moe Bowling Club President Michael 'Mooch' Muccillo leading formalities,thanking all involved, especially neighbouring Moe Racing Club for its support.

Moe Racing Club committee memberRob Sim presented placegetters with their prizes.

Trafalgar pair Ian Miles and Peter Rosenboom featuredonthe podium, as did fellow semifinalists Danny Van Zuylen (Newborough) and Joel Anderson (Boolarra).

An emotional Pallot held back tears during his acceptance speech, and told the Express it was a greathonour to win at home alongside hisgood friend Meredith.

"There wasn't too many easy games, we only squeezed through with one or two whichshows you the calibre of the field this event attracts," Pallot said.

"(The competition was) as hard as it gets, some really quality people here, really means alot.Rapt with the result."

Meredithsaidhewas relieved to land the crucial draw at the end of the third.

"We needed it, Iwas lucky enough to get it there and it stayed there," he said.

"Bowls is just line and length, Ihad my line and just went for it."

As for Pallot not beingabletowatchthe last delivery: "Whatever was going to happen was out of my control."

The locals have since returned to pennant for their clubs.

Moe will be aimingtohave all teams in Strzelecki North finals, while Meredith's home club Phillip Island is poised to feature in Strzelecki Southfinals as well.

Meredith reported Leongathaare among the teams to beat in the south.

Not much changes no matter what sport it is.

Turnout: MoeBowling Club welcomed another strong contingent forits classic pairs tournament. Photographs: JulieSim

Hamilton backwith VicCountry

Title defence: Traralgon’s Will Hamilton (seventh from left) wasonceagain named in the Under 18 Victoria Countryside ahead of the2026 National Championships.Hamilton waspivotal in Vic Country’sdrought-breaking gold medal victorylast year Photograph supplied

at the time, put up 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists in anine-point grand final win over New South Wales Metro.

Newborough with all midweek rinks up

BOWLS

STRZELECKI NORTH MIDWEEK PENNANT BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

MIDWEEKbowls was playedingood conditions recently,withthe lovely weather allowing excellent draw bowls and very little wind for achange.

In Division 1, Trafalgar won at Drouin with Ian Miles and his rink of Sue Robinson, Peter Rosenboom and Matt Ogilvie winning 28 to 10 against Robert Campbell.

For Drouin, Chris Deal won 22-17 and Dennis Throup winning 22-21, with Trafalgar winning 66-54.

Warragul hadagood win at home again Traralgon RSL with Gary Ingley winning 20-15 and Robert Renn 21-16.

Drouin (2) defeated Trafalgar (2) 72-53, with BrianThorpeand his rink of Wilma Rees, Russell Dawson and Neil Bullen winning 34-6, and David McIlfatrick 23-22.

For Trafalgar (2), Wayne Hurst won 25-15. Newborough(3) defeated Morwell 55-52, with Brian Milkins winning 26-16, and for Morwell, Steve Collins 20`-15 and Col Grant 16-14. Neerim District defeated Traralgon (2) 59-35, with Julie Adams winning 25-10, Karren Sheers 18-12 and Pat Fraser-Aurisch 16-13. IN Division 3, Drouin (3) defeated Churchill 65-52, with Rudy Kerkvliet winning 30-11, and for Churchill, TonyColwell25-21 and David Patience 16-14.

Longwarry defeated Yarragon 89-43, with Trevor Kitchin winning 22-14, Jason Lieshout 36-12, and Richard Ross 31-17.

Morwell (2) defeated Warragul(2) 60-59,with Rebecca Matheson winning 29-13.

For Warragul (2), David Gatewood won 20-14 and Jim Moyle 26-17.

Traralgon (3) defeated MorwellClub(2) 81-51, with Ron Baker winning 31-12 and Joyce Hales 32-12.

FRANKLY agiven at this point.

Traralgon's Will Hamilton will lead the Under 18 Victoria Country men's squad, as they look for arepeat at the National Championships in April.

The Australian Institute of Sport athlete (now called the Centre of Excellence) was adecisive factor in Vic Country breaking a35-year gold medal drought at last year's tournament, dominating against some kids that were two years older than him.

Hamilton was one of many Latrobe Valley players to feature at the Australian Country Junior Championship, including eight from Traralgon, highlighted by agold medal for the U18 Victoria Goldminers, with Hamilton and fellow Traralgon junior Fletcher Adams. Adams was also named as one of five emergencies for the U18 Vic Country squad ahead of the nationals.

Traralgon's Avaya Mittelmajer (U14 girls) and Morwell's Marley Alimpic (U18girls) also earned the top medal in their respective grades for the Goldminers.

Alimpic was named as one of four emergencies for the U18 Vic Country women's squad. Last year, the Morwell junior was team captain of the U16 Vic Country girls, finishing third at the national competition.

Withtwo FIBA gold medals and asilver medalunder his beltsince hislastouting at nationals, Hamilton will undoubtedly be one of the stars of the show when the best in the countryarrive at Moreton Bay, Queensland in afew month's time.

The Traralgon junior, just 16-years-of-age

Hamilton has packed alot in over the last 12 months,including representing Australia twice in the one calendar year at the FIBA U16 Asia Cup and FIBA Oceania Cup.

The former international venture resulted in asecond gold medal, following an outstanding first-time outing at the 2024 FIBAU15 Oceania Cup where he received MVP (Most Valuable Player) honours.

When it was announcedlatelastyear that Hamilton would be joiningthe CoE program, he puthimself on apath to potentially follow the likes of Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, fellow Traralgon export Jade Melbourne, and Mirboo North’s Belinda Snell

The U18 National Championships take place at Moreton Bay,Queensland fromApril12to April 19.

Margaret Ratclifffe drew 16-all against Ross Sizeland, with Warragul winning 57-47.

Newborough won all rinks at home against Moe.

SammyAtkinson won 25-14.Phil Mustoe and his rink of Fran Clark, Danny Van Zuylen and Jo-Anne Michaels won 25-13.

Sheryl Atkinson and her rink of Maureen Leighton, Alan Ryan and Scott Jones won 28-8, with Newborough winning 63-58.

Traralgon defeated Morwell Club65-54, with Kathy Smiles and her rink of Di Richards, Bernie Detering and Robert Wheeler winning 20-13.

Trevor James and his rink of Gary Bassett, Bill Munday and Shane Priestley won 31-18.

For Morwell Club, Tara Harle won 23-14.

DIVISION 2had Newborough(2) defeat Yinnar 87-42. Robbert Cook won 30-11, Trevor Kennedy 32-14 and Paul Gallagher 25-17.

Second Big Vteam in Gippsland

BASKETBALL BIG V BY BLAKE

GIPPSLAND United mayhavesome competition in due time, with last year's announcement that Warragul Basketball Association would be entering aBig Vmen's side.

The Warriors revealed last October that they would be getting astate league team off the ground for the first time since 2009, while also retaining its other teams.

The newest men's BigV program serves as afoundation for other opportunities, such as a women's or junior side, with the hope being that awomen's program will feature in 2027.

Acoaching group with north of 50 year's worth of experience was recently announced for the men's program, headed by former Dandenong Rangers star Ben Gaze.

To go along with the three-time Big VMVP (most valuable player),Gaze has assistancefromJames Portbury and Michael Bridgeman.

Portbury comes from Keysborough, playing in the

For Morwell Club (2), Beryl Noblett won 27-18.

IN Division 4, Longwarry (2) 16-89 defeated Moe (2) 0-41, with Sharon Twite and her rink of Kevin Dixon, Darrell Beaument and Glenn Pask winning 40-10.

Garfield 16-61 defeated Traralgon (4) 0-55. Yallourn North 14-66 defeated Morwell(3) 2-61, with Len Middling winning 24-17. Newborough (4) 14-61 defeated Traralgon RSL (2) 2-59, with Ron Boskma winning 29-14 and Alan Luck 24-12, despite Beau Williamson winning 33-8.

IN Division 5, Neerim District (2) 10-46 defeated Trafalgar (3) 0-27. Morwell (4) 8-38 defeated Drouin (4) 2-33, Traralgon RSL(3) 10-36 defeated Warragul (3) 0-34.

Churchill (2) 8-45 defeated Yinnar (2) 2-28.

Championship DivisionofBig Vlastseason,while Bridgeman is aformer Latrobe City Energy (previous incarnation of Gippsland United) champion in 2014 and has alsoservedasWarragulmen's CBL coach for the last three seasons.

Warragul will have to start from the bottom, competing in Division 2tobegin with, while United was recently promoted into the Championship Division for first time since, ironically, 2009. During their run to the Division 1premiership, United featured anumber of Warragul exports including young Riley Morehu, Tom Portbury, Caleb Fallon, and Jordan Gooiker.

Bowlers start early to beatthe heat

BOWLS STRZELECKI NORTH WEEKEND PENNANT

BY MICHAEL HOLROYD

AFTERplenty of talk during the week about an extremely hot Saturday, many clubs decided to start play early to dodge the predicted hot conditions. Playing in themorningprovided ideal conditions for Round 12 bowls, particularly on the grass greens, which did not heat up as much as the synthetic greens.

DIVISION 1

MORWELL provided the upset of the round defeating the fancied Newborough under the dome.

Abbas Mehran and his rink of Bill Tumney, John Osborneand John WoischukdefeatedGeorge Lambos and his rink of Paul Sherman, Danny Van Zuylen and Sheryl Atkinson 20-10. Kevin Pigdon and his rink of Jill White, Richard McMahon and Alex Muirhead defeated Kevin Lovett and his rink of Liam Jones, Alan Grubb and Jo-Anne Michaels.

Danny McKeown drew 17-17 withSammy Atkinson, and for Newborough,NealeHouston and his rinkofLisa Arnold, Deb Kennedy and WayneArnold defeated BrianKingsley 24-10 leaving Morwell winning 72-68. Longwarry won all rinks at home against Drouin. Ian Peterson and his rink of Natalie Cousin, Jason Lieshout and Trevor Kitchin defeated Chris Deal 21-17.

Dave Ashbyand his rinkofJodie Ashby, Graeme Aubrey and Craig Cousin defeated Dennis Throup 24-7.

Glenn Pask and his rink of Jan Aubrey, Dale Weller and Ken White defeated DougBoggie36-5. Ken Towtand his rink of Hank Metselaar, RichardRossand John McCarthydefeated Gareth Rich 20-13, leaving Longwarry winning 100-42. Trafalgar won well at home against Morwell Club with Nathan Cook, and his rink of Peter Rosenboom, Wil McIlwain and Tim Fraser defeatingNeilWhitelaw 20-9.

ATHLETICS

GIPPSLAND

Round 11 of Gippsland Athletics Club track and field season was heldTuesday20thJanuary 2026.

ROUND 11 RESULTS: RECORD

Open Women’s 200m -Zaria Dalton 26.12s (previous record26.84s,Sarah Lewis,SCA, 11/12/2018)

MastersWomen’sDiscus –Brandy Forgèt 29.73m (previous record26.19, Brandy Forgèt, GA,25/11/2025)

200M

Women: U/14 –Brooklyn Wyatt 30.50; Open –Zaria Dalton 26.12

Men: U/16 –LiamMcCandless 25.49; Masters –Stuart36.53, Wayne Seear 37.52 HIGH JUMP

Women: U/14 –Brooklynn Wyatt 1.15; Masters –Fiona SaltmarshNJ

Men: U/14 –Taj Makepeace 1.45; Open –Aaron Saltmarsh-Milne 1.35; Masters–Aaron Makepeace 1.40 DISCUS

Women: U/14 –Brooklyn Wyatt N/T;U16 –Zaria Dalton 23.57; U/20 –Darcy Knowles 15.21, Masters-Brandy Forget 29.73, Edwina Knowles 20.17, Fiona Saltmarsh 15.02

Men: U/16 –LiamMcCandless 17.91; Open –Cameron Hughes 27.11, Aaron SaltmarshMilne 20.00; Masters–Wayne Seear26.33, StuartDalton 25.63, RobKnowles 22.52, Ian Twite19.77

1500M

Men: Masters–Ian Twite7:15.15 1500MWalk

Women: U/14 -MorganKnowles 11:45.35

SHOTPUT

Women: U/14 –Brooklyn Wyatt 9.07; U16 –Zaria Dalton 5.66; U/20 –Darcy Knowles 5.88; Open –Fiona Saltmarsh6.37; Masters –Fiona Saltmarsh8.18, Edwina Knowles

7.33, Brandy Forgèt 6.95

Men: U/16 –LiamMcCandless 6.69; Open –Cameron Hughes 8.93; Masters– Wayne Seear 6.71

100M

Women: U/14 –Brooklyn Wyatt 14.15; Open -Zaria Dalton 12.88

Men: U/16 –LiamMcCandless 12.28; Masters –Aaron Makepeace 14.75, Wayne Seear 16.97

Round 12 is Tuesday 3rdFebruary, 6pm at the JoeCarmody Track,Newborough

Events: 800m,Hammer,Triple Jump, 2000m/2000m Walk, Shot Put, 100m

Matt Schreyer and his rink of Graham Hill, Ted Kuklinsky and Adam Proctordefeated Glenn Trembath 28-10.

Ian Miles and his rink of Luke McFarlane, Mick Fleming and David Cook defeated Tara Harle 29-15.

TommyLodge drew 23-23 with Brett Harle, leaving Trafalgar the winners 100-57.

Traralgon had agood win at Traralgon RSL.

Wayne Lynch and his rink of Trevor James, Nick Turnbull and Matt Ferrari defeated Brian Smith 33-14.

Michael Yacoub and his rink of Pat Trewin, Ron Sherlock and Michael Better defeated Beau Williamson 32-8.

James Scullin and his team of Jedd Ladgrove, Ian Kirkup and Wayne Barnes defeated Dave Hodson 24-17.

MattEccles and his teamofTom and Jason Irvine and Ian Hilsley defeated RossSizeland33-14, leaving Traralgon the victors 122-53.

DIVISION 2

BOOLARRA won all rinks at Neerim District with Chris Ward and his rink of Mark Whiley, John Cargill and Jorma Takanen defeating Neil Adams27-14.

Joel Anderson defeated PeterWilson 19-18,David Stevens won 25-23,StevenDavy 22-21, as Boolarra won overall 93-76.

Traralgon (2) won all rinks against Traralgon RSL (2) with Julian Wildenberg winning 22-16.

Austin Gapper and his rink of Bernie Detering, Ian Bloomfield and Kevin Enguell won 30-9.

Abe Roeder andhis rink of Clint Jones,AlHegarty and Bill Kirby won 31-13, and Garry Trewin won 26-15, as Traralgon (2) won 109-53.

Top team Moe only had one winning rink with Jayde Leech and his team of John Williams, Barry Hawkett and Michael Smogavec winning 31-9, and for Traralgon (3), Shane Priestley won 16-10, Brendon Smiles 22-16 and KathySmiles won 20-15, leaving Moe the winners 72-67. Garfield and Warragul decided not to play due to the predicted hot weather.

GOLF

CHURCHILL ANDMONASH

Captain vs President’s Day(Stableford) 17th December 2026

AGrade Winner: P. Smart36pts

BGrade Winner: A. Auld 37 pts

CGrade Winner: M. Hutchinson 36 pts

DGrade Winner: J. Balding 36 pts

D.T.L: 1. M. Brereton 36, 2. R. Vesty35, 3. M. Soppe 34, 4. J. Soppe 34, 5. SCaldwell

34, 6. C. Gosline 34, 7. R. Noordam 34, 8. R. Timbs34, 9. C. Sterrick33, Adam West 33 c/b

N.T.P: 3rdJ.Soppe (Propin), 12th P. Kearns 14th C. Wilson Birdies: 3rdI.Heppleston, 12th P. Kearns

Target Hole: T. Bennett

Winner: Captain’s Team Avg30.066 pts

RunnersUp: Presidents Team Avg28.6 pts

3Person Ambrose –20th December 2026

Winners: C. Gosling, S. Gosling,J.clegg,M Dear 58.875

N.T.P: 3rdM.Dear,5th S. Caldwell, 12th J. Clegg,14th C. Stevens

TRAFALGAR

Friday January 23rd, Open Men’s& Ladies

Stableford

AGrade Winner: MarkRobinson 40 pts

BGrade Winner: Greg Fusinato40pts

Women’s Winner: Anne Sutherland 39 pts

DTL's: RayWiseman 38,Andrew Tangusso 38, KarenMacGregor 37,Rob CusworthWarner 37,Peter Cooke37, BarryDwyer 37 HayleyBorg36, Tony Shearer 36 Birdies: 11th:AnthonyGould 13th:Rob Cusworth-Warner,Peter Fusinato, Greg Evison, PeterCooke, WarwickGriggs,Steve Klemke15th: Kyle Beveridge,ZavierO’Reilly

SaturdayJanuary 24th, 4Person Ambrose

Winner’s: Jedd Serong,Trent Ogden, James Ogden, LukeHughes 50.5

DTL’s: RayWilliamms,Peter Moss,Mark Hiriart, RoyWhatmough 51.75, Glenn McGrath, Mitchell Dyke,Denis Dyke, Ramon Dyke 53, PeterGriffin, MickPooxon, WarwickGriggs,Bruce Aplin 53.5

NTP’s: 2nd: PeterGrima 5th: Craig Scanlan

–Matilda McKinnnon 11th: MarkHiriart 13th:

Jedd Serong –Matilda McKinnon 15th: Ray Wiseman –Maria Brien Williams

Tuesday: 20/01/26 -Stableford

Players ;33, Women 4, Men 29

Winner : SteveLawrence (23)

Runner Up : RobCusworth/Warner (19) c/b

DTL's : BevKeily(19)Sue DeVries (19)

Nola Fordham (18) Chris Griffin(18)

GeoffGriffin (17) SteveKlemke(17)

NTP : RayWilliams (5th)

Lucky Card: Charlie Hooker

DIVISION 3

TRAFALGAR (2) won narrowly at Thorpdale with Frank Farrugia and his rink of Kathy Geisler, Terry Robertsonand BarryLeicester winning 22-17, Paul Dawson won 19-16 and Mal Clymo drew 20-20 with Ben Powell.

For Thorpdale, Aga Kozlowska won 16-15, as Trafalgar (2) won 76-69.

Moe (2) won by five shots at Yinnar, with Sandy Caines and his rink of Fred Martin, Les Stolarik and Garry Evans winning 36-14.

Ian Caines won 24-21.

ForYinnar, Gavin Osborne and his rink of Peter Branley,Maryanne Peters andBob Allen won 26-11 and LukaDjudurovic 19-15, leaving Moe (2) winning 85-80.

Newborough(2) defeated Morwell (2) with Paul Gallagher and his rink of Bob Goldie, Tony Knipping and Barry Daley winning 34-11, Trevor Kennedy won 22-12 and Alan Ryan 15-12.

For Morwell (2), Ian Wilson won 18-17, leaving Newborough (2) the victors 88-53.

Longwarry (2) claimed awin at Drouin (2), with Simon Counsel and his rink of Elio Megetto, David Wilson and Dale Hendrick winning 23-15.

Peter Lieshout won 19-18 and Gerard Mitchell 23-20.

For Drouin (2), Rudy Kerkvliet won 15-13, leaving Longwarry (2) winning 78-68.

DIVISION 4

WARRAGUL(2) 16-87 defeatedChurchill2-67, with Greg Mitchell and his team of Belinda Slate, Des Stephens and Bill Clappers winning 30-15.

PeterGallasch won 19-16, Jim Moyle 20-17, and for Churchill, GrameDrury won 19-18, leaving Warragul (2) winning 87-67.

Newborough (3) 14-93 defeated Yallourn North 4-63.

Albert Van Stekelenburgand his rink of AnnMaryRyan, Heather Mooney and Brian Milins won 29-9 and Gerry Van Duin won 28-10.

Traralgon(4) 17 -119 defeatedTraralgon RSL (2) 1-55, withBillBishop and his rinkofShirley Richardson, Robyn

SCOREBOARD

Thursday22/01/26 -Stableford

Players: 60, Women 18,Men 42

Ladies Winner : Anne Outhred (25)

Runner Up: Cheryl Deppeler (22)

DTL: Lorna Risol (19) Helen Keith (18) Lyn

Powell (17) Chris Payne (16)

SueKlemke(15)c/b

NTP : 13th June Tickell

Lucky Card: JanGriffin

Mens Winner : Allan Gray (27)

Runner Up : NormMether (24)

DTL: Chris Barfoot (23) Dave Rose (22)

Charlie Hooker (21) Ivan Grant (21) Nick Solohub (21)

Glenn Doolan (21) RodBrisbane (21)

NTP:13th GlennDoolan

Lucky Card: Neil Watson

WednesdayWomen's 21/1/26 Stableford 18 holes

Winner AGrade: KarenMacGregor (24) with 39 points

Runner-Up AGrade: BevKeily(23) with 37 points c/b

Winner BGrade: Chris Payne (41) 43 pts

Runner-Up BGrade: Anne Outhred (28) with 41 points

DTL: Aileen McNair with 40, Lorna Risol with 37,Lyn Powell and Aija Owen with 36 c/b

NTP: 5th JennyEvison 13th JennyEvison

Stableford9-Hole

Winner: Heather Savige (16) 21pts

Runner Up: Sue Balfour (24) 20pts

DTL: KarenSwingler with 18 pts

Gobblers: JanGriffin on the 6th and June

Tickell on the 11th

MORWELL

Women Wednesday21st January 2026

Stableford

Div 1: APollutro41

Div 2: Elau 41

DTL: LFrench 40 CPeter 39

NTP: 2nd Lvan Rooy 8th DVuillermin 11th

DVuillermin 15th CBoers MOE

Sunday, 18 January 2026 OPEN Sunday9

hole Stableford

Grade AWinners: Clegg,Jeff(15)16C/B

Sunday,18January 2026 OPEN Sunday

Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Cunningham, Steve (18) 36

Place Getters: Scholtes,Paul 34

Sunday, 18 January 2026 TopDog Winner: JayLangstaff

Wednesday,21January2026

Rogers and Gavin Malane winning 40-11. Ian Wills won 26-12 and May Cross 34-13. Yarragon 18-129 defeated Neerim District (2) 0-46, with Sam Mazza and his rink of Ross McDermott, John Westhorp and Rhett Galley winning 49-5.

Kevin McLaren and his rink of Glenda Beagley, Kaye McLaren and Jarrod Grigg won 35-10.

DIVISION 5

MORWELL (3)16-79 defeated Garfield (2) 0-31 with Trevor Curtis winning 29-10 and John Betteley 26-10.

Drouin (3) 14-63 defeated Trafalgar (3) 2-51with Robert Dickson winning 23-11.

Traralgon (5) 14-57 defeatedWarragul(3) 2-55with Leigh Doddwinning 25-19and Scott McDonald 18-12.

DIVISION 6

LONGWARRY (3) 14-61 defeated Morwell Club (2) 2-60.

Morwell (4) 14-67defeated Boolarra (2) 2-55, with Allen McLellan winning 23-15. Newborough (4)16-68 defeated Traralgon (6) 0-56.

DIVISION 7

YALLOURN North (2) 8-39 defeated Traralgon RSL (4) 2-38.

Churchill(2) 8-45 defeated Thorpdale(2) 2-27, with Dai Morris winning 32-10.

Morwell (5) forfeited to Drouin(4) due to the heat.  STATE Singles were played at Traralgon and Tarwin Lower on Sunday.

Sammy Atkinson (Newborough) defeated Pat Trewin (Traralgon) 27-24 after trailing 18-24 and gaining athree, two and four on successive ends to steal awin in the ladies.

In themen's division, Nick Turnbull (Traralgon) defeated Stuart Humphrey (Morwell) 25-20. At Tarwin Lower, in the men's, Wayne Arnold (Newborough)defeated Ian McLeod (Foster) 27-12

In the women's,LisaArnold (Newborough) defeated Teresa Davison (Wonthaggi) 25-17.

WOMEN'S SUMMER 9HOLE

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Borg, Kathy(11)20

Grade BWinners: Elliot, Christine (14) 21

Grade C:Winners: Auchterlonie,Janice (24) 19

Place Getters: Mead, Anne 19 C/B Tate,Sandy 19 C/B Middlemiss,Kaye19 C/B

Great Score: Sandy Tate (Birdie) @4

Christine Elliot (Birdie) @4

Nearest to Pin: 4th Christine Elliot Gobbler @8th -KathyBorg Thursday, 22 January 2026 OPEN Mixed Stableford

Grade AWinners: Jenkins,Andrew (11) 40

Grade BWinners: Dyt, Ricky (15) 40

Grade CWinners: Meyer, Dirk(16)39

Grade DWinners: Scammell, Larry(22) 38

Place Getters: Collings,Dale 39 Dooley, Brian 38 C/B Cropley, Mike 38 C/B Harber

John 38 C/B Borg, Kathy37 Kerr,Graham 37 C/B Backman, Phil 37 Reggardo,Reggie 36 C/B Bassman, Jeffrey36C/B Halkett, David 36 C/B Jenkins,Brian 36 C/B Garlick, Karl 36 C/B Babet, Alain 36 C/B Ellwood, Dane 36 C/B Downs,Craig 36 Jackson, Mark35C/B Soppe, Matthew35C/B

Nyko,Steve 35 C/B Johnson, Tony 35

Dear,Jim 34 C/B

Great Score: DirkMeyer(Birdie) @8

Kevin Clark(Birdie) @14

David Halkett(Birdie) @14

Jamie Lodge (Birdie) @8

John Harber (Birdie) @14

AnthonyGauci (Birdie) @8

Eric Beveridge (Birdie) @14

Greg Evison (Birdie) @14

Shane Bruce (Birdie) @14

Nearest to Pin: 4th Andrew Shearing 8th Jamie Lodge 14th John Harber

Saturday, 24 January 2026

WOMEN'S SATURDAYOPEN

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Elliot, Christine (27) 35

Place Getters: Savige,Karyn 34 C/B

Great Score: KarynSavige (Birdie) @14

Kaye Middlemiss (Birdie) @5)

AmyTaylor(Birdie) @11

Saturday, 24 January 2026 MENS

Stableford

Grade AWinners: Stansbury, Les (10) 36

C/B

Grade BWinners: White, Rodney(13)39

Grade CWinners: Scullin, Jack(43) 36

Place Getters: VanDer Meulen, Luke36

C/B Stirzaker,Jason 36 C/B Johnson, Tony 36 C/B Halkett, David 35 C/B Donaldson, Murray 35 C/B Downs,Craig 35 Wilkinson, Wally35C/B Williams,Shane 35 C/B Radovich, David 35 Wolski, Ted34

GreatScore: Murray Donaldson (Birdie) @14

Andrew Pickard (Birdie) @14

Philip Blunt (Birdie) @8

Nearest to Pin: 4th NickSkicko 8th Philip Blunt 14th Jack Duncan

MIRBOONORTH

Tuesday20Jan -Stableford

AGrade: MWodall(8) 37

BGrade: GShandley(13)37

CGrade: MMiller (23) 42

DTL: RThompson 40, DTaylor 38, D Woodall, WGervasi 37,T Bradshaw36 NTP: 4th CHogbin, 6th NBaker,13th M Payne,16th TWhitelaw. Birdies: 4th SWoodall, 6th JButler,13th T Bradshaw, 16th TWhitelaw.

Saturday24Jan -Stableford

AGrade: JWoodall (11) 41

BGrade: NWhichello (13) 40

CGrade: CamLe Page (30) 39

DTL: CGunn, JHughes 39, MPayne 38, J McFarlane 37,SEvison 36c/b NTP: 4th GRenwick, 6th (MN PubVoucher) MPayne,13th HLeeds,16th JWoodall. Birdies: 16th JWoodall.

PISTOLS

Mon 12/1/26Air pistol

CGrade: FBorgnine 503-77-580. D O'Rourke 501-96-597.V Baldwin 498-68-586.

DGrade: DSykes 442-105-547.J Konrad 431-137-568. LMorris 334-137-471 Wed14/1/26 Centrefire

DGrade: LMorris 286-209-495. MHoward 278-263-541.D O'Rourke 98-182-280. 25 mtpistol

CGrade: CBenelli 521-58-579. DGrade: FBorgnine 470-100-570. H Handley398. NChapman 225. Sat 17/1/26mornstandardpistol

CGrade: DFarnham 491-87-578. CBenelli 451-86-537

DGrade: LMorris 375-124-499. Sat Afternoon Centrefire

DGrade: Aurban 368. 25 mt pistol

CGrade: CBenelli 520-57-577

DGrade: LMorris 429-201-630

Picture-perfect start to 2026

HORSE RACING

By LIAM DURKIN

MOE Racing Club likely had aquieter bar trade than usual for arace meeting at the weekend.

This was agood thing though.

It was all about thekids last Sunday, as the racing club opened its gates to families.

Moe Racing Club's Kid Day Out meeting once again showed there is much more to aday at the races than drinking and gambling.

Drinking was certainly arequirement however -waterofcourse -astemperatures got close to 30 degrees.

The on course ice cream van was certainly a popular destination,with the line onlyreduced once it was time to pack up.

If brain freezes weren't yourgo, there wasthe option of cooling off at the water slide, or simply relaxing underneath the shade of an umbrella.

Families also brought their own tents and picnic rugs to pass the time between races every half hour.

Elsewhere, ball sports were played on the lawn, while parents took their kids to check out horses in the mounting yard.

Anumberoftennis balls were fetched off the track itself, kindly tossed back as impromptu games of crickettook place, clearly with no regard for the sixand out rule.

Up on the Hillside Pavilion, Fancy Disco kept the goodtimes going, belting out afew crowdfavourites. Kids were given showbags from Country Racing Victoria upon arrival, which included adrawstring bag, water bottle, skipping rope, horse socks and an inflatable horse stick.

With the meeting falling aday before Australia Day, visitors to the region took the chance to get their racing fix.

The Express spoke to travellers from as far north as Moama, and even international guests from The Netherlands.

Those whofrequent country racing locallywill attest to knowing just about every second person at any given meeting. Moe RacingClubofficials would have surely been pleased then it was able to showcase the club to an array of guests.

Eight races were held on atrack rated aGood 4, whichwas baked the previous day under a high-30s sun.

Trafalgar jockey JasonMaskiellcelebrated his return from suspension in the best way possible, riding $61.00 outsider Tassadar to victory in the Race 2Ace Earthmoving Maiden Plate over 2050 metres.

Thefour-year-oldput in an incredible run to win

on the inside by ahead for trainer Aaron Laing.

The win completed anice full circle moment for Maskiell, who previously rode for Laing'sfather Rob.

"Laing family has been very good to me for many, many years and it's nice to get awinner for him," Maskiell told Racing.com

Awin seemed some way off after Tassadar reared at the gates, but Maskiell said he settled from there.

"To his credit once he got there he really switched off throughout the run, he stuck on nicely."

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil

saluted in Race 7, taking Southern Crescent to an equally remarkable win in The 56 supported by Maccas Gippsland 1200m for Aaron Purcell.

Southern Crescent literally lifted its front leg to see it over the line millimetres before Prancing

Olszanski couldn't split them.

TheBen Will andJDHayes stable came third in theUncommon SolarMaiden Plate (1600m), won by Positivo for Saab Tabilk.

Will Hayes plays football for Warragul, and they will be one of the most closely followed teams this Gippsland League season under the coaching of Gary Ayres.

Some regular winners featuredinthe remaining races.

The Race 1Brandy Creek Estate Maiden Plate (2400m) was won by Brookers Turbo for Jody Thompson at Kilmore (coldest place on Earth).

AnthonyFreeman hadawinnerinthe Race 4 Morwell Bowling Club Maiden Plate (1100m)with Baked, while La Roux won for Phil Stokes in the

Race 5Langden

Mitch Freeman's five-year-old mare Yoomee Wonder wastoo strong in theRace 6Ladbrokes Hosted Pots Fillies and Mares BM62Handicap (1200m), winning by alength.

The meeting was rounded outbyFlagFlyer winningthe Race 8Butchers on George BM62 Handicap (1600m) for Greg Eurell.

With such positivity and great weather for the first race meeting of the calendar year, it is hoped this will set agreat tone for 2026 at Moe. Family spirit will be alive at the club's next meeting -the Gippsland Community Day on Sunday, February 22.

Junior breaks Yallourncourse record

GOLF BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

TEEING off for the second annual Gippsland Junior Golf Championship,the region saw some of the best young talent arrivelastweek for the now world recognised event.

Once again hosted by Morwell Golf Club and Yallourn Golf Club,yeartwo sawparticipation bolster greatly, up from 65 junior players to 103 touring the local golf courses.

While the inaugural tournamentlastyear counted towards the Geoff Ogilvy Trophy and the FutureChampions Trophy (coming from Victorian Junior Averages), the most recent edition garnered further prestige by introducing World Amateur Golf Ranking for entrants.

Increasing to 54 holes for championship players, that meant 27 holes needed to be completedateach course across the two days.

Chairman of the Gippsland Junior Golf Championship, Paul Buchanan credited that international status as the core reasonfor the player pool’s growth.

“We have attracted some of the top junior players in Australia here,” Buchanan told the Express “Some of them have come as far as Ballarat, the other sideofGeelong,way pastthe other sideof Sale -it’s pretty exciting.”

That was evident from the Boys’Stroke Champion, James MurtoofYarra Yarra Golf Club, who completed amonster hole-in-one on the Hole 11 -Par 3toleapfrog into pole position on the final dayand ultimately claim victory at Morwell.

The tournament also saw records broken, with the Girls’ Stroke Champion, Southern Golf Club’s

Jaehee Yun becoming the new ladies’ record holder on Yallourn’s course during day one. Not only were visiting players competing, but it also gave the chance for local talent to test their ability againstsomeofthe best across thestate and even the country.

Each of the Boys’ and Girls’ Nett championships were won by Gippslanders, with Yallourn Golf Club’sRebeccaBoers repeating fromlastyear’s heroics, while Lenny Batalha from Maffra Golf Club was also deemed the best in his division.

The Boers siblings of Rebecca, Ben and Kaitlyn

all competed across the two days, with the latter sister winning the longest driveinthe girls’ grade.

The 18-hole Stableford competition was won by AidenOaten of Beaconhills Golf Club, defeating Jonathan Yang of Kew Golf Club in asudden-death play-off, while Drouin Golf Club’s Cooper Amey finished aclose third.

What was showcased with these results is that young locals are rising in estimationand performance, putting Gippsland on the golfing map.

“We’ve brought the attention to Gippsland and there’s more kids now playing in Gippsland, so I look forward to the other clubs jumping on board and creating other events,” Buchanan said.

The tournamentwas run just as anytop-level junior tournamentwould be, with amassofvolunteers from both clubs providing range facilities, ball spotters, and rules officials every step of the way.

That starts from the top, as a subcommittee was formed two years ago made up of Yallournand Morwell members headed by Buchanan, agolf coach with strong connections in the local area and outer, to see this initiative forge ahead.

“It’s just beenfantastic …there’s no way it would have happened if we didn’t have that (support),” Buchanan said.

The main host switchesyear-on-year, with Morwell holdingthe final day of play as well as presentations.

While the Gippsland Junior Golf Championship has experienced phenomenal growth over just 12 months, plans arealready underwaytoexpandthe tournament to athree-day event with the return of aPeeWee competition among other potential mainstays.

Payton powers Wolves

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

ROUND 11 was completedinCricketLatrobe Valley AGrade at the weekend.

Teams will now get the whites out and move into two dayers.

THAT would have to be the greatest win in Willow Grove's history.

The Wolves defeated CATS by seven wickets at home, thanks to amightyhand of 132 from Luke Payton.

Willow Grove officials have banged on about how good this bloke is for two years.

After showingglimpseslastseason, thereisnow no denying he is one of the most destructive batsmen, not just in LatrobeValley, but in Gippsland. His innings at theweekend cameagainst an attack that had former Zimbabwean Test bowler Tinashe Panyangara. (From the MCG in aWorld Cup to the hard deck of Willow Grove, how much further apart could you get).

Opening up, Payton struck at 159, sending six balls over the fence, including one intoanearby house -quite afeat given there aren't many surrounding the Willow Grove oval.

Wolves captain Ben Edebohls played aperhaps forgotten innings of 55, striking at 80 as well, in awinning chase of 3/223.

Panyangara had earlier blasted four sixes for CATS, whileCal Stewart(37 off 24) and Jamie Cochrane (36) also contributed.

CATShad Aaron Fawcett playing, brother of Dane, who has joined the club this season.

The experiencewould have undoubtedly been strange for the NeerimSouth local,playingcricket against the club he plays football for.

Aaron scored33battinginfamiliar territory, although changing in the unfamiliar environment of the visitor's rooms.

Edebohls took 3/50, while youngster Logan Walsh (2/26) and Nathan Wheildon (2/32) chipped in.

The Wolves will surely feel vindicated, after losing reverse-outright to CATS in the two dayer.

Technicallyspeaking, Willow Grovehas actually defeated CATS 1.5 times this season.

CATS player Shane Mustoe suffered an unfortunate injury in thePremier Bmatch against Thorpdale, after top-edging abouncer into his head.

Mustoewasn't wearinga helmet, and had to retire hurt.

He was taken to hospital and is recovering from abroken eye socket.

JUST one or two wickets shy of making things really interesting.

Rovers chased Gormandale's total of 165, although half the side was in the shed when the game was won.

Batting firstatDuncanCameron, top-scorers for the Tigers were Campbell Peavey (50 not out) and Cal Polo (32).

Liam Little was the best of the Rovers bowlers with 4/28 off his 10.

EwanWilliams then did mostofthe scoring, making62, although his dismissal changed the complexity of the game.

Roversappeared to be cruising at 0/75,yet were precariously placed at 5/127 not long after.

Yohan Soyza gave little away, claiming 4/15 off 10 overs with four maidens.

LATROBE secured avital win.

The Sharks made sure of things, taking 46.2 overs to chase Traralgon West's total at Moe Racecourse.

Anumberofstartspunctuated the Eagles' innings. Josh Monacella scored 31, Bohdi Bright 30 and Sam Treasure 28.

Bright suffered the slight misfortune of going out to Rob Webber -his coach for the Gippsland Under 21s team.

Webber showed how its done, taking 3/28. Ed Hopper helped out with 2/25, and then made 45 opening the batting.

Import Rhys Noblegot 43 to his name, while Anthony Bloomfield saw the team to victory with 34 red.

Alfie Peck (3/45)and ConnorHughes (2/39) were the multiple wicket-takers for Traralgon West.

POOR Mirboo North would have been cooking in their black one day kit.

The Tigers suffered aloss in 35 degree heat at home, going down to Raiders by the best part of 100 runs.

Raiders put up 5/270 batting first, with the top five all doing their job.

Runs came to Harvey Rogers-Collen (58), George Chesire (57),Tom Robertson (45), Harri McColl (37) and Liam Maynard (36).

George Fairbairn made ahalf-century in reply, and veteran Chris Anders finished on 38 not out, as Mirboo North closed at 8/180 after the 50 over allotment.

Raiders threw the ball around, giving 10 blokes abowl.

Rogers-Collengrabbed 3/13 and KeenanHughes 2/23.

Centrals’ batting curse just won’t go away

CRICKET

CLV

BY LIAM DURKIN

CRICKETERS made the sensible decisiontostart earlyatthe weekend.

With temperatures forecast to reach close to the 38 degree cutoff, games commenced around 11am in order to try and beat the heat.

In the end, conditions weren’t stifling hot for the last one day round of the season.

The league also made the sensible decision not to play third grade matches over the Australia Day long weekend.

Interestingly, Bairnsdale Cricket Association did not play at all,likely due to the huge influx of people heading to Lakes Entrance (was it not an opportunity missed though to host acricket carnival?)

Round11ofCricket Latrobe Valley presented anotherinteresting casestudy as theseason moves closer to finals.

Teams are getting some key players back for the right time of year, and it is likely going to come down to the last couple of rounds to determine who makes up the final four in each division. Generallyspeaking,teamssitting mid-table

simply have to keep winning in order to qualify.

MOE scored arguably its most important win in the context of its Premier Aseason.

The Lions defeated Imperials, who have just started to wobble over the last couple of weeks.

Makingthe very un-Moelike decisiontobowl first at Burrage, the Lionsdismissed thevisitors for 131.

Brett Chapman and Scott Aitken were the only Imperials batsmen to really get going, scoring 32 and 31 respectively.

Spinner CallumGrant ledthe way for Moe,taking 4/16, supported by left arm quick Royce Colgrave with 2/41.

Moe was then methodical as ever chasing down the runs without too much risk.

Philip/Phoenix CC returned, withAndrew Philip making 45 red and Rob Phoenix 41 off 37 balls.

Dilshan Thilakarathne had somejoy withthe ball, snaring 2/32 for Imperials.

Another blast from the past appeared on aMoe team sheet, with Joel Jacovou having ahit in the twos.

HE really makes aworld of difference.

Nat Freitag helped Glengarry to awin over Churchill.

The gun left handerscored 64 notout in a150 chase at Andrews Park West.

Sam Marks hung around for 31 off 70 at the top of the order.

Jordan Higham was the pick of the Churchill bowlers with 3/21 off 10 overswith threemaidens.

Earlierinheday,the Cobras card was plagued by only two scoresofsignificance and aheap of single digit returns.

Higham top-scored with 43, while skipper Ryan Ayres made 36.

New ball bowlers Max Merton (3/27), Cam Graham (3/24)and FrankMarks (2/15)did the damage for the Magpies.

CENTRALS batting like its 1995.

That is the supposedly how longepicbatting collapses have been happening at the Lions.

The team from Apex Park took it to new levels lastSaturday, getting blastedout for just34against Ex Students.

The Sharksperhaps showed just how big the gap is between top and bottom, after closing at 6/256.

Perhaps the only saving grace for Centrals was that this game wasn’t played in the old days when teams could bowl twice in one dayers (how ridiculous was that).

Such apummeling appeared some way off after Ex Studentswerereduced to 3/22 at Terry Hunter Oval

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

NFarley 5-1-26-3, bHood

G Munasinghe 9-2-17-4, AAthulathmudali 8-0-32-1, TDunn 3-1-6-0, SMoran 10-0-40-1, TShippen 4-0-17-0

CHURCHILLV GLENGARRY at AndrewsPark West

cJHodson bM Merton 3

(0b 6lb 8w 0nb) 14

GLENGARRYBOWLING

SMarks 10-1-35-1, MMerton7-1-27-3, TDuncan 4-0-11-0, C Graham 10-3-24-3, FMarks 6-0-15-2, BMayberry3-0-17-0,NFreitag

CWilliams 4-0-18-1, MHarvey5-0-28-0, JHigham 10-4-21-3, S Warr 4.5-2-14-0, JKeighran 10-3-25-0, RAyres 7-0-20-0, RHarvey 3-0-16-0 EX STUDENTSV CENTRALS at TerryHunter Reserve EX STUDENTSBATTING

MDyke cL Speairs bC Whitehead 9

JZappulla cN Gamage bT Gamage 1

DTrease bC Whitehead 7

LStockdale c TShankland bJDonovan 17

RBattista not out 122

MStockdale cN Gamage bT Gamage 33

ZBastinlbw TGamage 0 JPryde not out 56

Sundries (4b 0lb 6w 1nb) 11

TOTAL (50 overs) 6/256

CENTRALS BOWLING

LSpeairs 5-0-26-0, CWhitehead 9-0-67-2, NGamage 3-0-15-0, B Williamson 10-0-44-0, JDonovan 10-2-37-1, TGamage 10-0-49-3, MRawson 3-0-14-0

CENTRALS BATTING

MRawson bLStockdale 1

JMurdoch cJZappulla bMHarris 4

LSpeairs bLStockdale 2

THouriganc

CRICKET

CLV BY LIAM DURKIN

THIS is trulyone of the most bizarre games imaginable.

Morwell survivedahugescare against Toongabbie in Round 11 of Cricket Latrobe Valley Premier A.

It took aTodd Dixonfour in the 45th over for the Tigers to win nine down. The ending wasinkeeping with what was something thathad to be seen to be believed Chasing 160 at Keegan Street,the home side was7/136, but managed to sneak the runs required, much to the reliefofall wearing yellow and black.

Incredibly, all nine Morwell dismissals were bowled (no word of alie).

Blair Clymo (43)and BlakeMills (39) provided the backbone of the innings, but could only watch on helplessly as Nathan Farley(3/26) tore through the middle order, backing up Gayashan Munasinghe, who took 4/17 across his spells.

Rams legend Rob Wheildon had earlier battedthrough the entire innings to finish 88 not out, in one of the great individual knocks Just to add another layer to such a strangegame -the nexthighest scoreafter him was extras on 17.

Wickets were shared in the Morwell camp.

Ross Whelpdale took 3/13 with his off breaks, and fellowspinners Blair Clymo 2/8 and Mark Cukier 2/34. The evergreen Brendan Brincattook 3/47. First the footy and netball club play in a game against Traralgon when the scores are exactly the same, and now this. The stuff historians dream about.

Yet again though, Rick Battista showed just how important he is, scoringanunbeaten122 off 137 rocks. He combined with skipper JamesPryde,who made arun-a-ball 56. Michael Stockdale also helped the total with 33. Centrals may well have been thinking 150 was on the cards thanks to the bowling of Tyron Gamage (3/49). CameronWhitehead tooktwo wickets,but went at more than seven an over. The Lions’batting resembled atelephone number, and they were shot out in 20.2 overs. Thevisitors were in early trouble at 2/15, and then further up the proverbial without apaddle when two more wickets fell for no runs added. Extras (11) was the only double figure score. Ex Students only needed to use three bowlers. Pryde (4/4), Lee Stockdale (4/11) and Mitch Harris (2/16) cleaned up.

Latrobe Valley girls crowned champions

CRICKET

GCL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

JUNIOR cricketers were afforded alatetreat before school holidayswrapped up,with the Sophie MolineuxCup once againoffering atwo-day extravaganza for girls cricket.

Yinnar Recreation Reserve welcomed all four of GippslandCricket'sleagues from Monday, January 19 to Tuesday, January 20 featuring the best female juniors across the region.

On their technicalhome ground, CricketLatrobe Valleyroad an unbeatenround robin to defeat Sale-Maffra Cricket Association in arematch of last year's final.

After winning their prior matches by an average of 50 runs, Cricket Latrobe Valley made up for the previous year's woes by dispatching Sale-Maffra on the Yinnar turf.

Despite CricketLatrobe Valley'ssuccessleading into the final, Sale-Maffra elected to bowl after winning the toss.

Skipper Gracie Sanders quickly got to work for Cricket Latrobe Valley, making 29 not out, with three boundaries and an additional six.

Anna Shinethen arrivedand immediatelypiled on runs in bulk

Totalling five balls that flew over the cones on the full, Shine made agame-high 42 not out.

Cricket Latrobe Valley provided little doubt that they'd be able to hold off their opponent, putting up an exceptional bowling effort to protect their 128-run target.

Aaliyah Hodson nailed two early wickets, while Lily Blackshaw and Lilly Freeman etched important dismissals late.

Shine was recognisedfor her efforts with the player of the match medal, while team captain Sanders was awardedCricket Latrobe Valley's Spirit of Cricket medal.

LatrobeValley cricketing legendWayne Mills presented coach Jay van der Stoep and the girls with the Sophie Molineux Cup and shield.

The Sophie Molineux Cupisnamed after the Bairnsdale resident and current leading Australian women's cricketer.

Tick: CricketLatrobe Valleysecuredthe SophieMolineux Cup over Sale-MaffraCricketAssociation last week Photograph: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

Saturday, January 24

One more year in him (at least)

CRICKET

BBL BY LIAM DURKIN

THE Benjamin Button of BBL.

Like awell-oiled machine, Peter Siddle is going again.

And whynot?The Morwelllocal is still bowlingat145 km/h

Siddle has re-signed with the Melbourne Stars for the next Big Bash League season (BBL16).

The former Latrobe cricketer joined Hilton Cartwright and Sam Harper in putting pen to paper as the Stars chase an elusive BBL title.

Cartwright and Harper have both agreed to two-year extensions, while Siddle will have at least one more season in green.

Siddle made the BBL Team of the Tournament, recognising the 41-year-old’s

Bit of fun: TheStars arestillthe only team not to win aBBL title,meaningthe internet is having afield day.

outstanding campaign with the ball.

Siddle played all 11 matches,taking 16 wickets at an average of 17.

The Stars were eliminated from this season's tournament in typically confusing fashion.

Playing reigning championHobart Hurricanes, the Stars lost a heavily rain affected knockout by three runs on DLS.

Chasing 85 in seven overs at Hobart, the Stars were forced to tactically sub Harper out in order to get big hitters Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell in.

Why the Stars didn't simply open with Maxwell and Stoinishowever caused no shortage of commentary.

Siddle took0/19fromtwo overs in the knockout match.

Perennialchampions Perth Scorchers added to their trophy cabinet, after defeating the Sydney Sixers in the final.

No slowingdown: Morwell’sPeter Siddle will playinthe BBL again next season. The 41-year-old wasinitiallygoingtoretiretwo yearsago,but has reinvented himselfasa twenty20 specialist. Photographs supplied

CRICKET LATROBEVALLEY -LOWER GRADE SCORES

Premier B(Round 15): Glengarry 2/246 (P Henry 131*, CDunn83) def Churchill 106 (R Johnson 33, JPorter 5/18,M Sharp 2/12), Moe 3/58 (J Hazelman 2/25) def Toongabbie 54 (H Edwards 4/4, Aiden Savige 4/9), Morwell 5/79 (J Pullen 27, HHewawasam 2/6) def Jeeralang-Boolarra 78 (B Mason 33, RGray5/11, LDay 3/12), Ex Students 5/125 (M Robertson51*, DPryde36, CPollard 2/19) def Centrals 124 (C Pollard 42, DRode 30, L Spiteri2/20, DChurchill 2/25), Thorpdale 2/143(K

cKHughes bHRogers-Collen 8 GFairbairn lbwP Mills. 52

SRogerslbw HRogers-Collen 0

DMathewsc TRobertson bHRogers-Collen 0

CAnders not out 38 TBasarke cLMaynardb

O’Connell 67*, ZO’Connell 48) def CATS 7/139(M Anthofer 51, RHare 27, MPowell 3/26, KO’Connell 2/28).

BGrade (Round 15): Mirboo Nth 7/214(G Vanderzalm65, GWalker 59,JCalafiore 54, J van der Stoep 3/13) def Willow Grove 8/148(L Francis 57, HBinstead 31, RHughes 3/8, Rob Colgrave2/26), Raiders 174 (J Berryman-Lambert 53, RSidhu 30,KArora 28, AJohnstone 4/32, D Loots 3/22) def Imperials 92 (Z Quinsey-Munro 4/17, JVarghese 2/10), Rovers 6/135 (S Boyes 38,

KScott 29,DCooke 2/27) def Traralgon West 57 (P Gibson 38, SCarney5/24, OGrant 2/3, KScott 2/9),Latrobe 6/95 (J Kendall 25, KHebbard 4/27, SGedera 3/9) def Gormandale 92 (M Zomer 46, G Swan 2/18, KArmstrong 2/23).

Premier Cand CGrade: Australia Day weekend bye.

Thursday, January 22

Women’s Championship (Round 12): Morwell 1/122 (R Ball 33*, BClymo 30*) def Traralgon West 4/70 (K Mercieca 2/8), Raiders 0/122(M Quinn 33*,

CRICKETLATROBEVALLEY

BOWLING ASilva 1-0-4-0, HMcColl 5-0-15-0, HRogers-Collen 8-3-13-3, K Hughes 10-3-23-2, PMills 8-0-43-1, THood 3-0-17-0, LMaynard1-08-0, GCheshire6-2-14-0, TRobertson 4-1-15-1, FMahoney 4-0-24-1

LATROBEVTRARALGONWEST at Joe Tabuteau Reserve, Racecourse #1

TRARALGON WEST BATTING

MGriffiths bR Webber 0

RWilkie c&b LDuncan. 23

CHughes cRChokununga bRNoble 6

JMonacella bI Terrick 31 APeck cADuncan bABloomfield 1

STreasurec&b EHopper

(2b 3lb 9w 8nb)

TOTAL (48.5 overs). 171

LATROBEBOWLING

RWebber 9.5-2-28-3,LDuncan 10-2-21-1, RNoble 3-1-10-1, S

Freshwater 6-0-31-1, JBloomfield

Sundries (3b 1lb 15w 0nb) 19 TOTAL (46.2 overs) 6/172

TRARALGON WEST BOWLING

JGiles 1-0-7-0, CHughes 10-0-39-2, RFalla 9.2-0-26-0, BFleming 10-2-20-1, APeck 10-1-45-3, JCooke 6-0-30-0

ROVERSVGORMANDALE at DuncanCameron GORMANDALE BATTING

CPolo cD Williams bLLittle 32

NScammell lbwMLeslie 3

CBettsworth cD Williams bLLittle 21

NSoyza cT Pearce bLLittle 12

YSoyza cSDuff bL Little 5

CPeaveynot out 50

DNortoncNFindlaybN Singh 14

BFulhamnot out 17

Sundries (0b 3lb 8w 0nb) 11

TOTAL (50 overs) 6/165

ROVERS BOWLING

SDuff 10-0-24-0, NSingh 10-0-52-1, MLeslie 10-1-32-1, LLittle 101-28-4, NFindlay10-3-26-0

ROVERS BATTING

EWilliams bY Soyza 62

TPearce bY Soyza 20

JHayterc NScammell bY Soyza 6

DKing 31*, THunt 30*) def Churchill 64 (D King 3/21, JWitney 2/3), Toongabbie 1/99 (A Robinson 32*) def Centrals 3/91 (C Rawson 30), Rovers 2/109 (F Morrison 30*, LBarnes 28)def WillowGrove 6/74 (S Minster2/13).

Women’s Premier (Round 12): Centrals 4/61 def Ex Students 5/60 (S Lovi 2/9), Churchill 5/67 (M Duncan 2/7) def Latrobe 53 (D van Vliet 3/15, AForbes 2/18), Imperials 4/71 def Raiders 3/70 (Z Quinsey-Munro 30*, ARalls 2/8), Willow Grove -bye

First ever Brazilian winner

TENNIS TRARALGON JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

BRAZIL'S on the board.

Luis Guto Miguel became the first Brazilian to be crowned boys' champion of the Traralgon Junior Internationalafter aconvincing defeat of Taiwan's Kuan-Shou Chen in the singles final.

The 16-year-old kickstarted his 2026 campaign in the best way possible in his second venture at Traralgon, which also includedwinning the doubles tournament alongside Slovenia's Ziga Sesko just a few hours after his singles victory.

Currently ranked as the fifth best junior in the world, Miguel earned threemajor titles in 2025 coming at Charleroi-Marcinelle, Repentigny and Merida,while also reaching the semis of the US Open Juniors last September.

It could be argued that Traralgon was acatalyst in his steep uptick last year, as in his first trip to the Latrobe Valley, he was ousted in the first round by the Czech Republic's Jan Kumstat.

This time, vastly different results transpired.

Sitting as the boys' Number 2seed, Miguel ran througheach match leading into the semi-final with relative ease, besidesaclose call in the third round against Puerto Rico's Yannik Alvarez, winning in atiebreaker.

To reach the final, Miguel caught American Keaton Hance,resultinginamatchup of second versusthird

While Hancewas in fine formleading into the match, Miguel proved too much in the opportune moments, seeing the Brazilian reach the final in just his second year at Traralgon.

In the opposite bracket, Miguel's opponent in Chen was on an equally impressive run, which began to raise eyebrows by dismissing Number 8 in the world, Germany's Jamie Mackenzie in the quarter finals.

Chen would then bring the fairy tale story of Botswana's Ntungamili Raguin to an end, lifting the Taiwanese junior into the final. Raguin, whoqualified for the knockoutsinthe first two days of the Junior International, provided

one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, sending the Number1seed,France's Yannick Theodor Alexandrescou home in the third round.

Alexandrescou, who is world Number 2, was defeated by the at the time world Number 93.

Locals arrived for the final anticipating acompetitive contest, however, Miguel appeared to be on another level by the time of the first serve.

Dominating from the get-go, the Brazilian won the first two gamesseamlessly with his utter power, before the third game saw the intensity lift from Chen.

After either was unable to break the deuce several times, Miguel overcame and moved out to a3-nil lead in the first set.

Chen was only able to collect one game to open proceedings, as Miguel continued to use the court well and had his opponent in all sorts of trouble.

While Chen persevered and never backed down right to the very end, he simply ran into araging bull destined to rampage through to awin.

Ashort period of rain delayed the inevitable, as after aroughly 10 minutes of stoppage, only two more serves were delivered until the result was stamped in straight sets.

In accepting his trophy, and with it, the famous Akubra, Miguel quipped when addressing the crowd; "I like the hat."

Both finalist wouldn't havelongtorest, as almost immediately they each headed into the

Team effort behind the scenes

TENNIS TRARALGON JUNIOR

INTERNATIONAL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

WHY take it away from Traralgon?

Locals cameout in full forcetocloseout the 33rd Traralgon Junior International, supporting the top world tennis tournament, which brings hundreds of the best talent across the globe to the region. Agrand andcompetitive competition took place, comingtoanend with twilight singlesand doubles finals last Wednesday (January 21), with further Australian Open Juniors qualifiersheld until Thursday (January 22).

Duringthe conclusive eveningofthe Junior International’s play,acrowd of more than 100 gathered in front of the show courts at the Traralgon Tennis Centre to see the four singles finalists go to battle for the famous Akubra.

Like any year and in any style of tournament, top seeds fell prominently throughout the course of the week,with upsets and surprise runs in bulk Muchhas been spoken about regarding the champions of yesteryears’ action, who have gone on to phenomenal professional careers –even associated with the word ‘greatness’. That applies to 20-time grand slam winner Roger

Federer, who surprised players and Traralgon officialsalike by forwarding aspecialmessage in the lead up to the latest Junior International.

An abundance of significant winners have come in the years sinceFederer’s 1998 Traralgon success, includingNick Kyrgios,AlexanderZverev,Jelana Dokicand IgaSwiatek among many, many more. Emerson Jones (2024 winner) was recently under the spotlight, makingher grandslamdebut at the Australian Open

The mostrecent Australian Traralgonchampion entered the main draw as awildcard before succumbing to Canadian world Number 17 Victoria Mboko (who won the doubles final at Traralgon in 2022) in the first round.

The latest singles winners, Brazil's Luis Guto Miguel and China's Xinran Sun,have little time to celebrate their success, with the Australian Open Juniors beginninginthe days following (Saturday, January 24).

As aworldrecognised event, Tennis Australia has been directly involved in the Traralgon Junior International for the last 24 years, being boots on the ground at the only regional leading tournament in the world.

“In terms of the overall set-up here in Traralgon, Ithink we’vegot everything we need here in terms

of the courts are up to standards, the facility here, as well as the staff …everyoneinthe canteen that keeps everyone fed everyday …everything just works seamlessly,” TennisAustralia’s Competitive Play Coordinator, Sean Spralja told the Express Spralja alsocomplementedthe “little touches” done by the Traralgon Tennis Association to make it such aspecial venue, as theflags of all competitors fly around the borders of the facility.

For anumberofmonths last year, ashadow of doubt had been castoverifTraralgon would retain the Junior International going forward.

It was then officially put to bed after Latrobe City Council announced it had reaffirmed its partnership with Tennis Australia to host the event until at least 2031.

Traralgon Tennis Association President Cameron Herbert issued great gratitude to all the players, volunteers and supporters post-singles finals, which has seen the event so strong for over threedecades.

“Thank youtoall the playersfor making it extra special, obviously without you it can’t happen,” he told the crowd

“It also can’t happen without the wonderful support of our community- we have the mostamazing volunteer culture here in the city of Latrobe, it’s amazing …Ihave never seen volunteering like

boys' doubles final and pitted off against each other for asecond time.

Unfortunately, Chen wouldn't be afforded any better luck, as he and Swiss player FlynnThomas fell in straight sets to Miguel and Sesko.

Miguel's Slovenian teammatehas had quitethe success in doubles competition in recent times, winning at Fort LauderdaleinDecember alongside the aforementioned Alvarez and before that with Miguel at Repentigny.

It was an equally dominant run for the pair at Traralgon,not dropping agame the whole tournament.

Potential: Motswana playerMtungamiliRaguin’s dream runcame to an end witha semi-final loss to Taiwan’s Kuan-Shou Chen.

we have here.”

Probablythe mostsignificantofall, Susie Grumley, who was given aloud ovation for all of her tireless work over the years.

TENNIS

ways Gippsland Water was involved in the community.

Quiet achiever wins girls’ singles Secret stuff, just add water

TENNIS

TRARALGON JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT

QUIETLY spoken Chinese junior Xinran Sun gracefully accepted the Traralgon Junior International's girls' singles trophy following a sensational tournament.

At just 15-years-old, Sun has claimed three junior majors in thelast 12 months,shooting herself onto the map with ahandful of impressive results recently,inclusive of Traralgon.

Throughout her ITF Women's World Tennis Tour, the young gun won back-to-back Sharm El Sheikh titles, as well as victories at Fort Lauderdale and Nonthaburi.

Sun's first time at Traralgon began with ahefty fight against Australian Reneee Alame, ultimately winning in straight sets, but was back-and-forth to open.

Her next two matchesended in way shorter times, only dropping one game combined before comingupagainst the tournament'sNumber 1 seed, Czech Republic's Alena Kovackova. Kovackova, who is also the Number 2junior in the world, was given ashock when she suddenly droppedthe first set to begin the quarter final matchup.

Each continued to throw punches during the second set, before Sun eliminated the top seed, crucially winning the final two games.

After surpassing Russia's RadaZolotarevainthe semis,Sun arrived into the final against seasoned junior, France's Ksenia Efremova.

Evenlymatched in terms of worldranking, Efremovatoughlywent through the earlierrounds, needing to winconsecutive sets against New

Zealand qualifier Aishi Das in the quarter final.

Just ayear olderthan Sun, not only did the French juniorhave four titles to her name in 2025, this was Afremova's third time at Traralgon.

Reaching the final for the second consecutive year, Sun's opponent was hoping to exit the Latrobe Valley for the last time with the trophy in hand.

Sun had entered agroovethroughout the tournament however, and immediately went on the attack, winning the opening set of the final, 6-1.

That level of play from Sun continued into the second set,and despite Afremovadisplaying some signs of redemption, Sun claimed the win in straight sets.

 AUSTRALIA had just one representative on the final day of the Traralgon Junior International.

Sydney's Renee Alame reached the girls' doubles final alongside India's Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi to faceRussian pair, Mariia Makarova and Rada Zolotareva.

Usually paired with older sister Rianna (winners of four junior doubles majors in the last two years together), Alame showcased incrediblycomfortably in her home country, regularly talking and encouraging her teammate Revathi.

Alameand Revathi went deepinthe semis againstTaiwan's Yu-Chen Lin and China's Yihan Qu, requiring a10-5 win in the decisive set to advance to the final.

On the opposite side of the bracket, the Russian pair appeared top dollar, eliminated girls' singles winner, Xinran Sun and fellow Chinese junior Yushan Shao in straight sets.

Russia's partnership proved too strong for Alame and Revathi, but the latter almost forced an allor-nothing third set, but lost the second set, 6-4.

Sunwent on atear during

the Number 2junior in the world during thequarterfinals at theTraralgon Junior International. Photographs: BlakeMetcalf-Holt

GIPPSLANDWater’s portable drinking fountains were ahit at the AGL Loy YangTraralgon International.

The fountainshelped players and spectators stay hydrated, while promoting the benefits of drinking tap water.

The company's acting managing director, Chris Wood said providing access to freedrinking water in public spaces was one of the many

“Our customers have told us they want us to be involved in the community and have a presence at local events,” he said.

“We work hard to be atrusted community partner and it's important we support local groups likethe Traralgon Tennis Association.

"By providing freeand easy accesstodrinking water, we’re helping the community make a

healthy choice at amajor local event."

Traralgon Tennis Association Manager Susie Grumley said the fountains were awelcome addition for the tournament.

“It’s important for players to stay hydrated, especially during the summer heat,” she said.

“People prefer to use their own drink bottles, rather than having to spendmoney again andagain.

“GippslandWater is an amazing support to our club, they do so all year-round, and we’re very grateful for that.”

Wood said the Drink Gippy Tap initiative also supports environmental sustainability.

“By choosing to reuse,you are choosingtoprotect our environment by reducing plastic waste,” he said.

“Less than 20 percent of plasticgets recycled in Australia, and it can remainin the environment forthousands of years.” Portable fountainsare available to book for not-for-profit community events.

For moreinformation visit: www.gippswater.com.au/ portabledrinkingfountains