POLICE spent the days between Christmas and New Year in hot pursuit, after a manhunt unfolded across the Latrobe Valley
A string of incidents saw a 34-year-old male evade officers for a number of days, following aggravated burglaries and carjacking’s
The chase began in Hazelwood South on Sunday, December 28, and ended when the man crashed into the front fence of a Trafalgar property on the last day of the year (pictured right)
Along the way, terrified locals had their cars stolen, while the trail of destruction saw debris flung from parked cars, road signs upended and a police officer injured
The manhunt became the most talked about event at local New Year's Eve parties, providing an unforgettable-for-all-the-wrong reasons end to 2025
It all started when the man, who has been identified as a Mr Darren Reid, approached a woman on Firmins Lane in Hazelwood South on Sunday, December 28, demanding the keys to her vehicle, which he then promptly stole This occurred at 11 10am on the Sunday morning, before the same vehicle was located at a Princes Highway service station in Traralgon East two days later (Tuesday, December 30)
Police made an attempt to intercept around 4 15am that morning, but the offender allegedly rammed a police car before making an escape in the stolen vehicle, which was later found dumped in Glengarry at 5am, on Castleknock Drive
From there, Reid broke into the nearby home of Melissa Frances and Ashley Spowart, using an axe to force entry by shattering a glass sliding door by their eight year-old daughter's bedroom (pictured left)
To our returning readers, Ihope we can again be your trusted news source, likewise to those who have justmoved to the area.
Whatever your story, Ihope you enjoy the stories contained in these pages.
Apre-emptive thank you to all who will be contributing letters, community, historical and general interest pieces throughout the year. These are and will always make-up the fabric of what a local paper is all about.
To borrow from anow-retired local editor, who
Time will tell: Will we have anew Premier this year? While Jacinta Allan (pictured talking in Mirboo North afterthe 2024 storm) is favoured to winthe stateelection, therecould be an appetitefor change following more than a decade of Labor rule
accurately said: “You can get national news on the telly or in the dailies. We concentrate on our little area.”
Every year in news is busy,but none more so than when astate election is due.
While Victorians won't go to the polls until late November, the race to Spring Street has well and truly already started.
In my view, astate election is the one that has the biggestimpact on local residents (even more so than council and even federal) as major decisions madebythe Premier's teamusually directly affect manyindustries criticaltoGippsland's prosperity.
As it was with last year’sfederalelection,I again wish to make it absolutely clearthere is adifference between editorial and paid advertising.
If candidates wish to heighten their campaigns further,they are permitted to do so outoftheir own pocket.
Any advertising containing editorial will be clearlymarkedassuch, and not provided by Express journalists.
Letters to the Editor will continueasnormal, howeverIwillbeusing my discretion to eliminate any Ifeel crossover as attempts to undermine or derail the campaigns of parties involved.
There was issues regarding lettersbeing sent in from fake names last year, which will again be carefully policed.
Iamnot oblivious either to the groundswell of opposition many Gippslanders currently have towards Labor, nor frustrations from people feeling as though the Liberalsare aweak opposition given the never-ending changes to leadership.
Elections are exhausting for parties and media alike, and the cycle means there is one just about every year. Last year it was federal, the year before it was council.
This year was also meant to be the year the Commonwealth Games came to town. There will undoubtedly be moments of private reflection when the Games begin in Glasgow this July.
Our editorial team this year remains largely the same, save for acouple of rearrangements.
Katrina Brandon,Blake Metcalf-Holt and Aidan Knight will again be familiar by-lines, while we welcome Peace Ijiyera as our new cadet.
Peace is aTrafalgar local going into her final year of university.
Seniorreporter Philip Hopkinshas officially retired, but as any true journalist will tell you, the
Numbersgame: Member forMorwell, Martin
Cameron will be aiming to retain his seat forthe Nationals File photograph
desire to tell stories never really leaves you, so Phil will still be contributing pieces from time to time.
Support fromour sister paper, the Sale-based Gippsland Times,willagain seeDavid Braithwaite leading the charge as editor, along with the experienced duo of Stefan Bradley and Erika Allen.
As editor, Ithank everyone for their continued support, and also thank those who have provided achallenge, whichisoften equally important in the process of continued improvement.
Whether an avid reader or someone who just flicks through, Ihope you enjoythe issues to come in 2026.
It is an exciting time for the Express, as we will soon be working out of anew refurbished office building.
The address willstaythe same, and we trustthe quality of our news delivery will as well.
LIAM DURKIN Latrobe ValleyExpress Editor
Morwell union office building unsafe
By AIDAN KNIGHT
THE Mining and Energy Union’s (MEU) Morwell office says escalating crimeand antisocialbehaviour in its industrial complex has created an increasingly unsafe workplace.
Staff are reporting drug use, vandalism and threatening incidents occurringinand around neighbouring vacant buildings.
Located on Lignite Court, the union occupies the sole active premises in afive-building complex.
MEU president Andy Smith said problems had been simmeringfor two years but had sharply intensified in the past six months, despite repeated police callouts and the union installing extensive security measures.
“We justdon’t know where to go withitnow. We’vehad to putalot of security measures in place. The policehave been here on numerous occasions,” Mr Smithtold the Express.Incorrespondence senttothe complex’s owners corporationearlier this year, the union described the surrounding buildings as abandoned, unsafe and ahealth risk to employees, visitors and contractors.
The letter warned that the condition of the vacant properties had deteriorated significantly and was attracting ongoingsquatting and drug-related activity.
The correspondence detailed an incidentinwhich acontractor working on site had aknife pulled on him, prompting police attendance.
Police searches of nearbyvacant buildings allegedly uncovered makeshift squats containing bedding, cooking equipment, drug paraphernalia, weapons and other materialdeemed unsafe for human habitation.
Despitetheir best efforts, the surrounding vacancies have made it harder to deterillicit activitythat
seems to be drawntothe area, and according to Mr Smith, the landlordwill not get involved to help resolve the unsafe environmentthriving on his property.The union said police advised staff not to enter surrounding buildings due to safety concerns.
The union also claims the vacantproperties remain unsecured. The surroundingvacancieshave made it difficult to deterillicitactivity, with the union argues that the ongoingcondition of the site places workers and visitors at unacceptable risk.
"We've tried to resolveitamicablywith the owner of the buildings around us, but it just hasn't gone anywhere," Mr Smith said.
In response to concerns raised through the owners corporation, the owner of the vacant buildings acknowledged theseverity of the situationand said they had also been affected by repeated break-ins and vandalism. In writtencorrespondence, the ownersaidsecurity systems had been damaged multiple times,fencing breached and cameras disabled, despite repeated repairs.
Mr Smith described the length to which the union has had to go in terms of security measures as an extent "you shouldn'thave to whenyou'retryingto runa business".Healsodetailedother examples of neglect from the landlord, such as mould growing in oneofthe buildings due to unmaintainedwater pipes. Smith says these are leaking 26,000 litres of wasted wateraday, highlighting the level of disrepairthese buildings are allowed to fallinto under the body corporate's watch.
Up to 16 workers are impacted by this challenging environment,not justMEU staff but that of the Forestry Union as well, and any union members and visitors attending the premises.
The MEU says the measures have yet to meaningfully improve safety conditions on site.
Fishingand gamemanagementtomerge
By STEFAN BRADLEY
THE state government will merge its fisheries and game management authorities to create a singleentity to oversee outdoor recreation in Victoria.
Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos announcedthe Victorian Fisheries Authority and Game Management Authority will come together to form Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV).
The government claims there will be no job losses and all staff members from the VFA and GMA will join ORV when it is established.
But the VFA earlier this year cut 35 jobs, reducing staff from 192 to 157, including 15 fisheries officer positions, and two stations closed in Melbourne.
ORV will initially focus on getting more Victorians out fishing, game hunting, boating, four-wheel driving and off grid camping, before expanding to support other activities. It willwork across government to create asinglepoint of information for bushusers throughadigitalhub. Incorporating feedback from Victorians, ORV will also establish aLand Access Panel to help more people usepublic land and waterways, and enjoy Victoria’s incredible offerings. This panelwill comprise of both stakeholders and government.
Sale Field and Game spokesman Gary Howard cautiously welcomed news of the merger.
“Hunting and fishing are one and the same. It’s
common sense to amalgamate the two …under thesameumbrella,” he said.
“Our concern is that we’ve not seen the detail. It’s very hard to makeacomment about it without seeing what the structure will be.”
Mr Howard noted the reduction in the VFA’s frontline enforcement team, but said enforcement with both teams under the one roofwould be good for both hunting and fishing.
“But the detail of how it would run remains to be seen,” he said.
“We gotta deal with regulations and changing rules.And as hunters we want to see how the land is managed.”
VRFish (Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body Ltd), abody that represents recreational fishing in the state, welcomed the formation of ORV.
VRFish chairman Rob Loats said the creation of ORV was set to provide greater support to Victorians who enjoyed getting outdoors.
“The establishment of Outdoor Recreation Victoria will make it easier for more Victorians to enjoy our great outdoors, provides asinglepoint of information for bush users and demonstrates the government’scommitmenttosupporting active outdoor recreation," he said.
“We look forward to workingwith the expanded Outdoor Recreation Victoria to continue making fishing better for Victorians and achieve better
access to public landfor all outdoor enthusiasts.”
TheSporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA Victoria) welcomed the amalgamation.
“While the VFA has long enjoyed aclear, legislated mandate to promote recreational fishing, the GMA has been expressly prohibited from promoting hunting. This constraint has limited the state’s ability to unlock the full social and economic benefits of regulated, ethical game hunting,” SSAA Victoria said in astatement.
“If Outdoor Recreation Victoria is to genuinely advance the interests of outdoor recreation, then hunting promotion must formpart of its functions. The potential benefits for regional Victoria, in particular,are extraordinary -but they can only be realised if the new authority is empowered to supportgrowth, education and participation.”
The government saiditwill consult with stakeholdersand introduce legislationinto Parliament to establish ORV from July 1, 2026.
“The excellent work of the VFA and GMA will be expanded to support even more outdoor enthusiasts through Outdoor Recreation Victoria -creating better experiences for Victorians,visitors,and businesses,” Minister Dimopoulos said
“We knowhow importantoutdoorrecreation is to Victorians, that’s why we support you and will continue to supportyou.
"Outdoor Recreation Victoria will unlock
opportunities for more Victorians to access the great outdoors -while ensuring all jobs are retained.” The creation of ORV was one of the recommendations of the review into the state's public service.
Shadow Outdoor Recreation Minister and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said the merger may have merit on paper, but claimed the government’s track record gave little confidence that it would be properly supported.
“Theremust be astrongfocus on training and education so compliance can be managed efficiently andeffectivelytoprotect the longterm sustainability of our fisheries and game resources,” she said.
“A single compliance authority has worked in other jurisdictions, including New Zealand, where fish and game operate together successfully. However, the key difference is that it has been properly supported and resourced by government.
“The proof is yet to be seen in Victoria. Only months ago, the Allan Labor government slashed the Victorian FisheriesAuthority’s budgetby44 percent. That decisionguttedfrontline fisheries officers and significantly weakened enforcement capability.
"It is exactly this kind of under-investment that now casts serious doubt over this merger.”
Trashed: Thescene at Lignite Court, Morwell.
Photographs supplied
Vandalism: TheMining and Energy Union’s Morwell office has been thetarget of attacks.
Horrendous: Reportsofdruguse and threatening behaviour have also surfaced
Running out of ideas: TheMining and Energy Union hasinstalled cameras at thepremises, seeminglytonoavail.
Drawing up post-coal creations
ENHANCED biodiversity, new energy generation, affordable housing,spacesfor recreation, food production and culture and arts spaces are among the community’s preferred uses for land around the LatrobeValley’s post-coalminesites, new research has found.
The Collaborative Planning for Post-Mine Land Use in the Latrobe Valley project has delivered its final reportafter two-and-a-half years of research, including consultation with more than 100 participants across the Latrobe Valley featuringyoung people,Traditional Owners and thebroader community.
The project is apartnership between Federation University Australia and Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, made possible through support from the CooperativeResearch Centre forTransformations in Mining Economies (CRC TiME). Mine operators and relevant government departments also provided support.
The community’s vision for the future uses of the landsurrounding the Latrobe Valley’s coal minesisalso set in the report.
Almost 10,000ha of land adjacent to major townswith transportation infrastructure and rich biodiversity areas could be redeveloped in 20 to 50 years-through acombination of private and public means. In principle, rehabilitation and redevelopment of unminedareas of these sites could occur sooner.
The long-termvisionhas been prepared to help inform current landowners, mineoperators, investors and government, to complement the mine closure planning processes and inform future development, acknowledging the many steps needed for it to be realised.
Researchers conducted an independent and comparableconsultation processeswitheach group of participants,cateringthe approachto theirneeds
Participants identified green spaces for naturebased recreationand healing Country, mixed density housing withcommunity gardens, growing hemp on current grazing land, and sustainable food production like vertical farming among their preferred land uses. An advanced manufacturing hub and renewable energy developments were also identified.
Accessing the sites as soon as possiblefor recreation activities was supported by all participants, withIndigenous participantshighlighting the need to regain access and connection to Country. The expansionofbiking tracksand theinclusion of space for ‘noisy’ activities like motocross or outdoor live music venues were all supported. Cultural heritage was considered essential by all cohorts, while ideas for remembering the
importance of theregion’slongindustrial past were also supported.
The moststronglysupportednew energy source by the study’s community and youth cohorts was ageothermal loop, building on the existing infrastructureofthe Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, to provide agas replacement for heating and low temperature manufacturing, while acknowledgingthis wasnot areplacement for all electricity supply.
The scope for the research project was formed by asteering committee of the mineoperators, relevant government departments, Traditional Owners and community organisations to ensure that the preferred land uses were feasible.
The broad range of project partners and steering committee members included: AGL, EnergyAustralia, Engie, the Mine Land Rehabilitation Authority, Loy Yang BPower Station, Latrobe CityCouncil, Gunaikurnai Landand Waters Aboriginal Corporation, the Victorian Department of Energy,Environment and Climate Action, the Latrobe Valley Authority, Regional DevelopmentVictoria, the Latrobe Health Assembly and the GippslandTrades and Labour Council.
Project researchers Associate ProfessorJess Reeves from Federation University and Dr Tira Foran from CSIRO were recently presented with the ‘New Way Forward’ award at the 2025 CRC TiME Annual Forum, for setting anew benchmark in post-mining futures research by involving youth, communityand Indigenous panels in their work.
The Cooperative Research Centre for TransformationsinMining Economies is supported by the federal government's Department of Industry, Science and Resources Cooperative Research Centre Program. As part of its remit, CRC TiMEworks withindustry,regional development,community, government and other partners across Australia.
This project is one in aportfolio of activities underway by CRC TiME to unlock post-mine transformations, including to understand postmine land,asset and infrastructure use.
Three trains for one journey home
By AIDAN KNIGHT
COMMUTERS counted themselveslucky for thefree weekendpublic transport across the Christmas period, as the Gippsland Line saw disruptions on the night of Sunday, December 28.
Multiple scheduled services were disrupted, with trains held, short-terminated at key stations such as Caulfield,ornot running between SouthernCrossand Westalldue to asignal failure near Richmond.
This saw Gippsland commuters seeking their usual single V/Line train journey back provided insteadwith two metro services and one V/Line.
"We arrived at Dandenongthe sametimeI would havegotten back home to Drouin," one commuter told the Express,after one reporter boarded the disrupted7.54pm service. Twelve services in total (counting both directions)were impacted as aresult. This went on for several hours into the evening.
Thosetravelling on Christmas Eve were also met with festive frustrations,astrains were replaced by coachesbetween Traralgonand Warragul after atrack fault near Yarragon, while another disruption later in the week saw services replaced between Moe and Warragul when atruck blockedthe tracks near Trafalgar on Monday, December 29.
PTV has been under mounting pressure this summer, with the opening of the MetroTunnel andits newly establishedstations, andalsothe 'Big Switch' slated for February 1-whenthe entire system and timetabling is overhauled across the state simultaneously.
Over New Year’s Eve, commuters had free travel across metropolitan trains, trams and buses, as well as freeV/Line services within Victoria for trips arriving in Melbourne after
6pm on December 31 and departing on January 1.
More than 750 additional metropolitan train services ran overnight,with major city stations remaining open to support crowdsestimated at more than 600,000 people in the CBD. The contrast has sharpened debate around regional service delivery.
However,PTV's failure to extend V/Line services saw manyGippslandersunableto attend MelbourneDocklands fireworks, with no services past the12.50am Traralgon coach (running off the usual Saturday timetable). The bloated experience has been described by social media as "trains were packed to the brim like a7am rush hour commuter service in theTokyo metro".
Another posted said "the problem with V/Line is they really don't have the scope to add more services just not enough trains to service everyone who needs it."
While V/Lineand Metro Trains Melbourne maintain that incidents such as vehicles fouling tracks are outside operational control, passengeradvocatesargue that the true test liesinhow quickly services recover and how clearly disruptions are communicated.
For Gippsland commuters, the late December disruptions, and lack of additional holiday services, have again highlighted the vulnerability of regional rail travel,where alternatives are limited anddelays can have significant knock-on effects.
As the new year begins, attention is now turning to whether promised investment in regional rail can deliver not just major event services,but consistent day-to-day reliability for passengers.
Call formorebus services -Page12
The Latrobe Valley Express,
Conversations on women’s health
By KATRINA BRANDON
GIPPSLAND Women’sHealth (GWH) has released its 2025 Healthy Women, Healthy Gippsland report.
The report highlights the continued devastation on individuals, families and communitieswrought by gendered and family violenceinGippslanddetailingthe costs,statisticsand lived experiences.
Hostingabout 100 people at theMorwell Innovation Centre, GWH shared its findings alongside state Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas.
GWH chief executive, Kate Grahamemceed the event, and welcomed focus group participant Siobhan Kinman, Ms Thomas, andGWH lead researcher Kate Johnston-Ataata to speak.
Going through the report, Ms Graham thanked
Making medicine more affordable
By AIDAN KNIGHT
MEDICINESwillbemore affordable for non-concession citizens across the nation going forward, as the new year ushered in an extensive reduction to prices under the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme.
TheScheme, or PBS as it's often referred to, saw the maximum price for included medicines to $25 for Australians without aconcession, from January 1, 2026.
This is not only the cheapest PBS-covered prescriptions have been since 2004, but is only the second time the price of medicine has dropped, rather than increased, in the country's history.
It is estimated that the new change will benefit more than 400,000 prescriptions weekly, andsavepatientsanaverage of $6.60 per script (accordingtothe Pharmacy Guild of Australia).
ProfessorTrent Twomey, National President of the Guild, spoke for the reform and it's ability to drastically better accessibility to medicine, especially those considered essential, and provide some relief to those facing cost-of-living pressures while requiring daily medicines.
“It makes medicine the most affordable it’s ever been," Professor Twomey said.
Research cited by the Guild shows more thanone in five Australians without a concession card have skipped filling a prescription in the past three years because of cost -rising to one-in-three people in regional areas.
Professor Twomeysaidcommunity pharmacists regularly see patients forced to choose between medicine and everyday essentials such as food, rent and utilities.
“Patients often decide to reduce doses or skip their medicine altogether,” he said.
“This reform will encourage proper medicine use, help prevent complications and reduce pressure on GPs and emergency departments.”
Without the government’s intervention, the cost of aPBS prescription for non-concession cardholders wouldhave reached $50, the Guild said. The price cut follows asustainedadvocacycampaign led by the Pharmacy Guild and supported by more than20healthand community organisations, includingpatientadvocacy, food relief and health professionalgroups
The decision was announced by Prime MinisterAnthony Albanese, who oftencited the Medicaresystem as Labor's greatest achievement to date, at the Australian Pharmacy Professional Conference in March 2025.
The NationalHealth Amendment (Cheaper Medicines)Billwas introduced to Parliament in July and received Royal Assent in September.
Communitypharmacies -numbering more than 6000 nationwide -are among Australia’s most accessible primary healthcare services, often operating extended hours compared with otherhealth providers.
Thereform is expected to make essential medicinesmore affordable for millions of Australians and strengthen access to primary healthcare, particularly in regional and rural communities.
the participants who helped bring it together, telling the group that hearing the stories“has been humbling”.
“Women have experienced hundreds of years of adversity, cycles of crisis and violence, and yet remain highly capable, resilient and courageous,” she said.
“They carrythe knowledge and stories of matriarchal lives that retract over millennia, and their culture and identity are fundamental to a Gippsland that is healthy and safe for all.
“This report will serve as afoundational tool to guideour work across the region, providing the evidence base to support Gippsland leaders in ensuring women, girls and gender diverse people are healthy, safe and able to equitably participate across their lifespan.”
The report highlightsthe consequences of the burden of caregiving and the occupation of gender segregation and gender discrimination despite higher educational attainment for women in Gippsland.
Ms Graham said that women across Gippsland continuetoface lower labourforce participation and lower earnings, and that the report provides a“clearroadmap” for stakeholders across all levels of government, health services and regional organisations to work collaboratively toward a more equitable, inclusive and healthy Gippsland.
In 2023, the GWH released its first report card, highlighting women’s mentalhealth,wellbeing, and safety, and was “pivotal” in driving conversationsand collaborations among organisations and partners across theregion.
LookingwithinGippsland,MsGrahamsaid that it was encouraging to see increased access to medicalabortioninlocal governmentareas where thestate government funded sexual reproductive health hubs established in Gippsland.
Despite the support, datapresented indicated that many women seeking abortion still need to travel outside of their local area to access services.
Thenew data presented showed that it has “catastrophic consequences” for Gippsland women in terms of someforms of cancer,including higher than state average and higher mortality rates compared to other Victorian women.
Steppingintocongratulate GWH on the report, Ms Thomashighlighteditsimportanceandthatformany years, women's healthhas often been overlooked when it comes to research, as women are considered “too unreliable to be medical research subjects".
“(It’s) absolutely critical that we work to understand how gender impacts both our diagnoses but also our experience of care,” she said.
“One of the shocking statistics and something we didn't understand is that adisproportionately highnumberofwomenwho have never smoked are being diagnosed with lung cancer. We don't know the answer to that question. The reason that we don’t know the answer is because while we have ahuge bodyofknowledge on healthcare,itlargely has been the male body.”
Looking at regional health bias, Ms Thomas helped set up theWomen’s Health Clinic, thinking it would meet the needs of women and girls, but she has found that mostly older women have been accessing it. She said that the experience often brings them the ability to talk about issues and topics that frequently feel forbidden or unsafe to discuss.
While seeinganincrease in older patients, Ms Thomassaidshe had heard astory aboutthe clinic where ayoung girl in regional Victoria was hiding under her doona, on the phone, saying she was pregnant. Being scared and not knowing what to do, she highlighted thatthe clinic is oneofthe ways that women, such as that young girl, can receive the service and support they need.
Looking for support, Ms Kinman, an electrician, shared her experience with doctors and how, like for most women, she was brushed off for how she was feeling.
“After living in Gippsland for about 12 years, it’s
quite sad to know that I’ve already experienced this,” she told the crowd.
“Oneofmyexperiences is Iwenttothe GP feeling tired, lethargic, irritable, and Iwas not sleeping verywell. Iwas quickly dismissed and toldIwasn't eatingvery well. ‘You need to changeyour diet. You need to exercisemore,’ -this GP just completely dismissed me.
“I exercised more and changed my lifestyle, but Ijust felt worse.”
After conversing with her partner, she asked for a blood test, only to be dismissedagain. After visiting another doctor (who happened to be female), she had ablood test that showed she was deficient in vitamin D.
Another example that Ms Kinman used was when she had to explain to the GP that she needed the contraceptive pill for other health reasons, not just because she was in asame sex relationship.
“Being in asamesex relationship, you don't need the pill because there's no chance of you getting pregnant. That's not what I'm using it for, not using it for contraception,” she said.
Looking at the focusgroupdetails, Dr JohnstonAtaata broke down the data.
Dr Johnston-Ataata told the group that, for a few weeks,they ran asurvey with aseries of eight participants: five from the general community and three withFirst Nations backgrounds, also including migrants, refugees, and women with disabilities.
During the project, 14 key findings wereidentified.
“They're grouped into four topic areas, women's health and access to healthcare was by far the largest piece of the funding,” Dr Johnston-Ataata explained.
“We have six findings from that four intended violence, and our first key finding was around something that will be aclosepricefor anyone, but just access is apersistent challenge for trying to access healthcare. It was in almost every focus group.”
Going into the details, Dr Johnston-Ataata provided further details on the research recorded, mentioning topics such as regionalbreakdowns in medicinal treatment, geographic and economic challenges.
To read the full report, go to: https://gwhealth. asn.au/hwhg2025/
Endometriosis clinicopens in Morwell
FOR alot of women, periods are often painful, leaving some days with alackofenergy to get up and do everyday things, makingthem feel lifeless. And for some, it is alinktoa painful condition called endometriosis.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing symptoms such as chronic abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, bloating, fatigue, infertility, and associated mental health challengesincluding anxiety anddepression.
An estimated 14 per cent of Australian females areaffected, with an average diagnostic delay of 6.5years.
Recently, Gippsland PHN welcomed an announcement made by the federal government of anew Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (EPPC) to be established in Morwell, significantly expanding access to specialist health services for women and gender diverse people across the region.
In response to the growing demand in the region, the federal government is investing $19.6 million over three years (2025/26 to 2027/28) to establish 11 newEPPCs, expanding the national network from 22 to 33 clinics. The clinic -funded by the federal government's Department of Health,Disabilityand Ageing -will be delivered by Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS).
Gippsland PHN facilitated the commissioning processonbehalf of the department through a
targeted Expression of Interest in July 2025, resultinginthe federal governmentselectionofa provider with expertise in aGP-led multidisciplinary model, geographic reach and ability to scale the general practice to meet demand.
“This funding is ahugestepforward for the health of women and gender diverse people not just in Gippsland, but across the country. It will help provide the right training, equipment,patient resources, and referral pathways so patients can get the care they need,” Ms Proposch said.
“Once this clinic opens, Gippsland womenand gender diverse people experiencing endometriosis, pelvicpain, or perimenopauseand menopause symptoms will be able to access coordinated, supportive care close to home. This service willcomplement the important work already undertaken by general practice across Gippsland in women’s health and pain management, by offering additional specialised supportlocally. It’s avital step towards making healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of our community.”
The new clinic will strengthen specialist health services for women and gender diverse people in Gippsland by providing:
Improved access to diagnostic, treatment, and referral services for endometriosis and pelvic pain;
Care and symptom management for perimenopause and menopause;
Increased access to allied health and support services;
Inclusive and culturally safe care for all patients, and;
Strengthened workforce expertise in women’s health.
The multidisciplinary modelincludes experienced GPs -includingthose with postgraduate obstetrics and gynaecology qualifications-alongside services spanning sexual health, transgender health, and support for culturally diverse communities.
Latrobe CommunityHealth Service Chief Executive, Paul Ostrowski, highlighted the importanceofthe new clinic for Gippsland communities.
“Latrobe Community Health Service welcomes the Australian government’s investment into better care for endometriosis and pelvic pain," he said.
"Havingadedicatedclinicrighthere in Gippsland means people willhaveaccess to the specialist support they need, closer to home.
"This clinic will make areal differencein improving healthoutcomes forwomen and gender diverse people and we’re excited to play our part in delivering it.”
Gippsland PHN will work with Latrobe CommunityHealth Service to progress service establishment.
On the ground: Ministerfor Health, Mary-Anne Thomas speakinginMorwell.
Photographs: Katrina Brandon
Turnout: TheGippsland Women’s Health forumprovided acritical eye to manyhealthcareissues affecting regionalwomen.
Statistics: GippslandWomen’s Health lead researcher Dr Kate Johnston-Ataata.
Widespread support forsmoke and vape-free areas in Gippsland
ACOMMUNITY survey led by the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU) has revealed overwhelmingsupport for expanding smoke and vape-free zones across theregion.
According to the Breathe Easy Gippsland Survey, 91 per cent of respondents back stronger local action to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette-related harm. GRPHU population health manager Andi Connell said it was clear that Gippslanders were ready for action to reduce smoking and vaping harms in the community.
“We led this survey to understand what Gippsland residents’ attitudes were around creating more smoke and vape-free zones across public spaces,” Ms Connell said.
“And the data overwhelmingly tells us that locals want to see more action to protect their health in spaces where they work, live and play.”
As aresult, the GRPHU has distributed more than200 'NoSmoking or Vaping'signs to sporting clubs in partnership with GippSport, and local councils for use in public recreational facilities.
It is exploring options to expand smoke and vapefreeareas in Gippsland, in asimilar approachtothe City of Melbourne’s Smoke-free Melbourne Policy.
Asignage audit also aims to strengthen visibility and compliance in smoke-free zones.
The survey wascoordinated by GRPHU in partnership with Gippsland's six local councils.
More than660 Gippslandresidents participated in the surveyatcommunityevents held across the region andvia an online platform.
Key results include:
91 per cent of respondents said smoke and vape-free zones are agood idea;
97 per cent support in Latrobe City, the highest in the region, and;
Strong youth and community support for protecting future generations from smoking and vaping harms.
Gippsland’s daily smokingand vaping rates remain above the state average, with Wellington recording the highest daily smoking rate at more than 16 per cent.
Pregnancy-related smoking rates in Latrobe Cityare at 22 per cent and among the highest in Victoria.
“We are now seeing more young people vaping,” Ms Connell said. “We know that teenagers who vapeare fivetimes
more likely to startsmokingtobacco products, and 12-year-olds who vape are 29 times more likely to start smoking, which is very concerning.”
Clear message: No smoking and no vaping signs arebecomingcommon across Gippsland Photograph supplied
Unnecessaryultrasounds reported
WOMEN seeking early non-surgical abortions are undergoing unnecessaryultrasounds, research from LatrobeCommunity Health Service (LCHS) has found.
“Ultrasounds are typically used in early medical abortion care to confirm the pregnancy’s gestational age and rule out ectopic pregnancy, before prescribingthe abortion medication MS2Step,” LCHS Sexual Health Nurse, Catherine Bateman, said.
However, an audit of 143 LCHS patient files found that using an ultrasound before prescribing thismedication did not result in higher safety or effectiveness for patients.
In all cases, the complication rates among those who had no ultrasound were the same or better than those who did.
Thesefindings align with current guidelines from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RANZCOG) and The Royal Women’s Hospital, which do not require or recommend confirming pregnancy via ultrasound except
when gestational age cannot be determined by clinicians or when there are higher risk factors for ectopic pregnancy.
“The research tellsusthat prescribing MS2Step without an ultrasound is both safe and effective, and yet women continue to be referred for these tests at what is alreadya medically challengingtime,” Ms Bateman said.
“There’senough evidence to say that a‘no touch abortion’ is worth investigating as a standard model of care for early medical abortions,” she added.
Ms Bateman said this would create more accessibleand timely abortion care, which is particularly important in regional areas;27out of the top 30 LGAs for medical abortion rates of women aged 12-54 were from rural areas.
“Women deserve abortion care that is safe, timely, easy to access, and without added burden of unnecessary medical tests,”Ms Bateman said.
“It’s time to rethink the current standard of care for early medical abortions.”
New EDhub for mental health
LATROBE RegionalHealth hasopened anew addition to its emergency department for people experiencing challengeswithmental health, alcohol or other drugs (MHAOD).
The six-bed Mitchell Unit, annexed to the ED, provides aquieter, lower-stimulation area where people can stay for up to 72-hours. It offers a reprieve from the brightlightsand oftenstressful environment in themainED.
Aperson presenting to the ED with mental illness or challenges with substance use will be assessed to determine if Mitchell Unit is the right place for their care.
In the unit,they willbeseenbyamulti-disciplinary team including lived experience workers, ED nursesand mental health doctors, and then linked-in with specialisedcommunityservices before discharge.
The unit wasdesignedinconjunction with mental health expertstocreateacalm, supportive environment for people in crisis or distress.
There is soft lighting and comfy furniture for a morepeacefulatmosphere thatpromotes safety and wellbeing.
Mitchell Unit Lived Experience Worker, Catherine Theodore brings herown understanding of navigating the system while caring for afamily member with mentalhealth challenges.
Shesaiditwas often confusing trying to find the correct information or right services when caring for alovedone experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.
“I have actuallygone through this myself.It means Ican listen to people and their family, carers or supportersasI know what they are talking about and where they are coming from,” Catherine said.
“I can give them hope at atimewhenthey feel there is no hope.
“Mental health is never aquickfix, so we are taking the time to ask the right questions, and develop abetter discharge plan and set up the patientwithproper supports so they can avoid being readmitted.”
Catherine’s role complements theclinicians in the unit and aims to ensure carers’ needs are beingmet, whether that be emotional or practical support.
Reducing tobacco and vaping harm is aregional priority outlined in the Gippsland Population Health Strategy.
Valley residentsbracing forheatwave
By KATRINA BRANDON
SCORCHING temperatures are set for this week, with today (Wednesday, January 7) expected to reach atop of 41 degrees.
Similartemperatures are to follow on Friday (January 9), also scraping 40 degrees, but unlike today, is predicted to have partial cloud coverage and the chance of ashower, according to theBureau of Meteorology (BoM).
Looking back to previous weather observations, similar temperatures were presented this time last year.
With dry and hot weather conditions, authorities are warning people to be "weather smart" and to ensure they keep hydrated, don't walk pets when the temperature breaches 25 degrees and above, ensure they have shade, and to keep an eye on travelconditions(public transport and car travel).
On days above 36 degrees,V/Line reiterated that the "steel tracks can expand in the heat, which is why trainsmay runatslowerspeeds,orare replaced by coaches" and that passengers should double-check the hotweather timetable for the
smoothest of travelplans. Local firecrews also warn that withascorcher on the way, people must ensurethey have afiresafety plan and to check theirdistrict's fire danger warning.
With temperature reaching 41, Victoria is under aHigh Total Fire Ban warning.
This warning states thatunlessyou have apermit issued by the Country Fire Authority (CFA), Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) or amunicipal fire prevention officer, you cannot light afire in the open air to burn off grass, stubble, weeds, scrubs or other vegetation.
Abarbecuemust have athree metre area around it to ensure it is clear of burning anything.
CFA suggests carrying fire suppressionequipment when working with green vegetation, and to avoid usingfarm machineryunless the machineis free from faults and mechanical defects.
Absolutescorcher: Temperatures areexpected to tip40degrees over the next fewdays.
Photograph: iStock
FFMVic urges locals to prepare for bushfires
By CHRIS HARDMAN
HAPPY new year, Victoria.
Ihopeyour 2026 is one full of hope, happiness andgood health.
Personally? Iamthrilled by asummer that has not yet delivered the harsh conditions we might have anticipated; that we have remained largely unscathed by the threat of bushfires; and that our people have had some chance for downtime as we reset for another busy year.
But Iamalsocautious aboutwhatmight lie ahead and want to urgecautionand continued vigilance in these ‘lazy, hazy, crazy’ days -these latter months of summer.
Howyou can prepare
BUSHFIRE management is ashared responsibility.
It is one we (FFMVic) share with other agencies (such as CFA), but it is also one we share with you.
There are some simple steps you can taketohelp reduce your risk from bushfire:
1. Visit the CFA website to help you get started on aBushfire Plan so you know what you will do in case of fire;
2. Download and get to know the VicEmergency app -then set up ‘watch zones’ and turn on notifications to be kept up to date wherever you are;
3. Get to know the AustralianFire Danger Ratings System -and work out what fire danger rating will trigger your Bushfire Plan;
4. Plan your travel -head to Explore Outdoors
Charlotte, Noah topbabynames
VICTORIAN parents have chosen twonew top baby names for 2025, with Charlotte and Noah the most common baby names registered in the last year.
State government Services Minister Danny Pearson announced the top 20 baby names for last year, with Charlotte returning to the top spot for baby girls for the first time since 2022, ahead of Amelia, Hazel, Mia and 2024-leader Isla.
For boys, Noah ends Oliver’s 11-year winning streak for the top spot, while Henry, Leo and Theodore rounded out the top five.
Both Charlotte and Noah have been popular formorethanadecade, with Charlotte placing within the top three names for baby girls since 2012, and Noah within the top-five for baby boys since 2015.
While Charlotte has placed first fivetimes in the past decade, this is the first year Noah has been the most popular name for baby boys in Victoria.
Further down the list, Lucy, Violet and Zoe moved up to score aspotinthe top 20 names, while Mila, Sophie and Chloe fell out, finishing at 21, 22 and 28.
For boys, Isaac and Max jumpedsignificantly in popularitytomove into the top 20, while
James and Xavier decreased in popularity, landing at 27 and 33 respectively.
There was 11 new names in the top 100 for girls, with Lainey placing the highest of the new entries at 69, while the boys' list saw eight new names in the top100, with Rory the highest, placing at 77.
More than 80,000 births were registered in Victoria in 2025, including more than 350 Charlottes and more than 500 Noahs.
Parents are encouraged to register their baby’s name within the first 60 days after birth, and can do so online with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
“Congratulations to our littlest Victorians who made the most popular name list for 2025, particularly the new Noahs and Charlottes across the state,” Minister Pearson said.
“Deciding on ababy’sname is an important and memorable step for parents, and not one that is always straightforward.
“We’re making it easierfor parentstoregister the names of their babies through the online Births, Deathsand Marriages platform, so they can focus on spending more timewith the newest member of their family.”
For the full list of popular baby names, visit: bdm.vic.gov.au/names
Topbaby names 2025
BOYS
1. Noah (507) -upfrom2nd in 2024 2. Oliver (459) -downfrom1st 3. Henry(394) -same 4. Leo (378) -same
5.Theodore(348) -downfrom=4th 6. Charlie (323) -upfrom7th 7. Luca (309) - down from 6th 8. Jack (302) -same 9. Levi (289) -upfrom10th
to help you stay safe when visiting state forests;
5. Never leave acampfire unattended -ifthey are cool to touch, they are safe to leave. And always putyour campfires out with water, not soil, and;
6. Understandour Essential Water Replacement policy. In abushfire, FFMVic and CFA may take water from private land to help us fight fires. You can request any essential waterbereplaced.Check out the Public Land Recovery page on the FFMVic website to see our policyand downloadthe form if youneed it.
Howweare prepared
OF course, Iwant you to know we are prepared too; that FFMVic works year-round to ensure we are well positioned to protect communities, assets and the environment from the threat of bushfire.
We have morethan 1800 personnel on the frontline, including year-round and seasonal firefighters, fire lookout observers and support officers, together with hundreds of emergency and incident management staff, firefighting equipment (including hundreds of ultralight and heavy tankers, andmore than 1000 additional plant and trucks, including dozers, tractors, graders, loaders, forklifts and excavators); as well as support from the state’saerial firefighting fleet, comprising a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and information-gathering aircraft.
Our program of bushfire risk reduction includes planned burns, mowing, mulching, slashing and spraying -‘fuel management’. Fuel management reduces the amount of vegetation (e.g. grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and small fallen branches) available to ‘fuel’ afire, thereby reducing the likely speed or intensity of abushfire. These qualities can help fire crewstorespond to and put out fires while they are still small -before they can impact on communities, assets, infrastructure and the environment.
But fuel management is not our whole program to reduce risk.Wework closely with our emergency sector partnerstoreducerisk in manyways.From preventingnew ignitions through fire bans and campfire controls, early detection of bushfires from
Twice in twodays
STATEHighway Patrol membersintercepted a28-year-old Willow Grove man on Saturday, December 27, after he was detected travelling at 118km/h in a100km/h zone.
Police allege the man was driving on asuspended licence. His partner was permittedto drive the vehicle from the scene.
The following day, the same driver was intercepted again by the same officers after being detected travelling at 95km/h in an 80km/h zone at Yallourn.
On this occasion, the vehicle was impounded.
Aggravated burglary
POLICE are investigating an aggravated burglary at aHyde Park Road property in Traralgon earlier this month.
It is alleged an unknown offender entered the residence about 6.35am while the occupants were asleep. Police believe the offender used keys to access alocked shed on the property, stealing a gold necklace valued at $1400 along with other personal items.
Police further allege the same offender returned to the address on Saturday, December 27, this time armed with amachete, and again usedthe stolen keys to access the shed. Aset of bolt cutters was allegedly stolen before the offender fled.
fire towers and aircraft, to aggressive first attack using aircraft and ground crews andemergency warning and information systems.
If you are curious about more of this work, the Office of BushfireRiskManagement published Victoria’sBushfire Management Snapshot
The snapshot reports on the broad range of activities our sector undertakes to help reduce bushfire risk. You can find it online at: vic.gov.au/ victorias-bushfire-management-snapshot Whatever this season holds,I wish you all the best for it and thank you for your continued support. Chris Hardman is Chief Fire Officer of Forest Fire Management Victoria.
Investigators have released an imageofaman they believe may be able to assist with enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Driver airlifted
EMERGENCY services were called to asinglevehicle crash on the Boolarra-Mirboo North Road on Monday, December 29. LeongathaPolice, with support from local CFA and Ambulance Victoria crews from Mirboo North, attended the scene after avehicle left the roadway while negotiating abend.
Police allege the male driver, aged in his 40s, was travelling at excessivespeed when the vehicle crossed onto the wrong side of the road, lost control and rolled before coming to rest on its wheels. The manwas airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital with suspected spinal injuries. Police have reminded motorists of the importance of adhering to posted speed limitsand driving to conditions, warning that excessive
Police Beat with Aidan Knight
Leader: Forest Fire ManagementChief Fire Officer,Chris Hardman.
Photograph: Marcia Riederer
They can’t stop the music
By AIDAN KNIGHT
AN Australian Hip Hop household name is trying to save avenue in Morwell.
Launceston's Greeley (born Andrew Greeley), previously the figurehead for the Tasmanian Hip Hop Collective, as well as the Australian battle-rap scene, relocated to Loch Sport anumberofyears ago, and is determined to foster an urban music scene here in Gippsland.
Last year,Greeley helpedorganiseafundraiser for alocal girl battling cancer, drawingthe support of community leaders like John Hubbard of Epic Solutions and raising thousandsfor aworthycause. However, the local music scene faces amore existentialthreat: the Jam Club in Morwell, a cornerstone venue for live hip-hop andcreative workshops, is on the brink of closure due to outdated marketing and financial woes.
"The venue has so much potential, but it needs to move with the times,” Greeley shared.
“It’s not just about music, it’s about giving young people aplace to belong and dream. With help from people like John Hubbard, who recently lent the club funds to keep the doors open, and interest from institutions like TAFE, there’s real hope we can breathe new life into the space.”
To raise money to allow the Swan Road venue to stay open, Greeley threw together afundraiser event, in the space of aweek, showcasingaplethora of local Gippsland urbanartists andaspiring rappers. Included in the line-up was Sale's DJ Kilo, akey figure in the initial wave of Australian hip hop acts through the group Art Of War, in the early 2000s. Greeley himself also performed, headlining the night. Local artists, many of whom had never performed to acrowd of that size, or at all, went by the named Lewie Junior, MissHood, Target, Vanek, Scoot, and Illmanic.
Greeley andthe owners of Jam Club also have a vision for it involving TAFE Gippsland, proposing it be put to use as amusic certificate location, housing workshops and student-run events.
Up forit: Local hip-hop artist Greeleyisfighting to keep Morwell’sJam Club open
Photograph: Aidan Knight
Save TheJam Club saw acrowd of 200 in attendance, successfully raising enough money to cover rent for thespace.Itwas an alcohol and drug-free event and featured food vans on the night. The venue can hold around 2000 punters. Greeley’s journey is as inspiring as it is unconventional.
Born in America, he honed his skills in Texas before becoming aprominent figure in Tasmania, using hiphop not only as amusical outlet but as a wayofhealing generational trauma and building community.
His experience spans organising legendary battle events, mentoringyoung rappersfromGippsland
Hysteria over fake fight
By AIDAN KNIGHT
ABIZARRE jest turned into acommunity event, after acomedic 'public notice' poster made waves on Facebook last year.
More than 500 people responded to aFacebook event titled ‘Darren VPaul: The Battle Of The Toothbrush’aftersightingsofthe same eventposter wereseen plastered on powerpolesaround Moe.
The public boxing match, allegedly to be held at MoeBotanical Gardens, wasscheduled for 3pm on Thursday,August 14, between the ex-husband (Paul) and new boyfriend(Darren) of awoman named Meg.
The poster alleged that Paul had left his toothbrush in Meg’s house after their recent breakup, and “this man has already moved into our family home and is using my toothbrush each night”.
Thepublic match was to determine which of the twowouldkeepthe toothbrush, with the support and witnessing of the community.
Locals online were enthralled andfascinatedby this strange poster, to the point where Sportsbet odds were being discussedinthe commentsection, only for it to be revealed that alocal joker was behind these posters-and many others, within the area.
Molly-Rose Wilson is aMoe resident who “regularly creates stupid posters like this to prank the locals and lift my own spirits”.
Her work can be found regularly on the noticeboard between the CoffeePod and Aussie Disposals in Moore Street.
Locals speculated that the Express hadseemingly published one of Wilson’s fake ads in our Classified section, which she circulated an image of on her socialmedia. After further speculation, ourpublication can confirm this image is adoctored one, and no such ad has run in the Express -thanks to our stringent classies officers.
The self-declared ‘poster menace’owned up to the Battle of the Toothbrush via the Facebook event page on August 1, which had been created by someone else after seeing copies of the poster around Morwell CBD.
“Thisone blewupway more thanI anticipated," she said in her post.
“Sorry to let you down, but maybe we can all hang out (at the event time) anyway?”
Steve Riley, the local who created the page, jumped at this.
While Ms Wilson received amixed response of laughter and frustration from those following the page, evenleading to ABC radiointerviews, which exposed that news of the event had reached Melbourne prior to Wilson revealing herself.
Mr Riley proposedtothe 500-odd people who responded to the event that while “Paul and Darren” were fictional characters, it would become acommunity event, which he would run with his
andbeyond, and overcoming his own challenges -includinga stint in jail that renewed his focus on making positive change.
Greeley is vocal about his time as aconvict, using it as astory of growth and personal development, which he uses to inform and work with misled youth to tryand combatsocietal crime,with a constant emphasis on community.
“When Iwas ateenager and all my mates were gettingintomore serious crime. Iwas like,'well,I got this gig coming up, I'm not going to jeopardise that'," he shared, on how important an outlet like music is to the prevention of youth crime, especially in rural areas.
"Gippsland is likethe Tasmania of Australiaina lot of ways, but there's alot of the same culture here amongyoung people aboutpursuing something like music. Tall poppy syndrome stops people from giving anything ago, but to develop astrong scenehere would be really beneficial for alot of the problems of the area,"hecontinued, citing similaritiesinattitudes among youngpeople in both states (regionally).
He is also proud to be an artistoperatingwithin the rap space who breaks the cycle of glorifying violence and substance abuse, themesthat he sees have no benefit being promoted via music.
“After serving time in Tassie, Idid heaps of trauma-informed work, and the issues happening across the board -Iget it, Ireally get it,” he explained, adding thathis outreach with young men is centred on “breaking the mould and being someone in Australian hip hop that's not just encouraging negative behaviour, butshowing positive ways forward.”
"I just want to keep encouraging young fellas in negative environmentstomakepositive decisions, show people it can be done," he said.
With the Jam Club’s future still uncertain, Greeley says he’ll keep fighting to give Gippsland’s young artists the space he never had growing up.
For him, saving the venue isn’t just about keeping astage alive, it’s about keeping apathway open.
background as ayouth boxing coach and DJ, and would even supply asausage sizzle himself.
“When Isaw how manypeople thoughtitwas real, Iknew Ihad to make it areal event," he declared online.
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’.
Howtoplay... Solution page 36 Fill thegridsothatevryrow and every 3x3square contains thedigits1to9 Sudoku
Gun laws nothing but blind checking
IFOUNDthe article 'Gun laws not the problem' by Katrina Brandoninteresting (Latrobe Valley Express,30/12/25).
Ihave never owned agun.The laws seem quite simple: if you are alaw-abiding citizen, your license is granted.
The fact that the perpetrators of the Bondi massacre were being watched by the NSW Police Commissioner and also ASIO, Ithink they need to go to Spec Savers. That kind of observation is not acceptable for our safety.
Albo is adamantthere will be no Royal or government commission. Could he be afraid of what may be revealed? Albo talks of safety, but Idonot feel safe in Victoria, and now in Australia. As for expert advice regarding aCommission -do we havetowaitfor another attack for the so-called expertstoadmittheygot it wrong?
Patricia Correa
Traralgon
Slownow,later fast. Firstnow,later last AND I, in turn, am inspiredbyJoseph Lis, ('Inspired by Liam Durkin's piece', LVE Opinion, 30/12), and Bob Dylan.
Icallit John and Bob's ode to Joseph "Come gather round people wherever you roam, And admit that the waters around you have grown, And accept that soon you'llbedrenched to the bone, If your time to you is worth savin', Then you'd better start swimmin' or you'll sink like astone, For the times they are a-changin'." (Dylan).
"Future readers, pause and wonder, Over the dust of 'Opinion' letters past, How so many voracious egos
Seemed easily sated by taking so many to task.
"All that you are now once was I", Says the prolific Joseph Lis,
As puzzled future generations are left to ponder, Surely he was taking the piss? It's said hindsight is wonderful, And time an exemplary teacher, But closed minds and clinging to the past Just reveals us as deluded creatures.
"The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast, The slow one now will later be fast, As the present now will later be past, The order is rapidly fadin', And the first one now will later be last, For the times they are a-changin'." (Dylan).
Bob Dylan stood tall, Way back in '64, But, my God, have we learned nothing at all?
John Duck Trafalgar
System failure
IAMwriting as atotally blind Traralgon resident and advocate for people with disabilities to sound the alarm on amassive security failurebySafe Transport Victoria.
Ihavereached them directly about this issue but my concerns havebeenmet withtotal indifference.
The Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) is a lifelinefor our most vulnerable citizens,yet Victoria is the only state in Australia still using an anonymous 'Smart Card' without photo identification. Every other corner of this country -New South Wales, Queensland, WesternAustralia,South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory -has moved to secure systems that include photo ID or digital verification. Why is Victoria the only statelagging behind?
The lack of aphoto on these cards isn't just a technicality; it’s an open invitation for fraud. Currently,there is nothing stopping afamily member or afriend from 'borrowing' acard. Even more concerning is that it leaves the door open for support workers to misuse aclient’s card. If a driver is new to the area or doesn't personally know the member, they have no way to verify that the
personsittinginthe taxi is the rightful owner of that subsidy.
Worse still, if acard is lost or stolen, it can be used by anyone who finds it until it is reported.Taxi drivers are not required to ask for any other form of identification, meaning the system reliesentirely on an 'honour system' that is clearly being abused.
When Iraised this with Safe Transport Victoria, the lackofurgency wasstaggering.They seem perfectly comfortable letting taxpayer dollars be drained by fraud while other states have already fixed the problem. It is time the state government stepped up, stopped the excuses, and brought Victorian taxi cards into the 21st century with mandatory photo ID. We deserve asystem that actually protects its members.
Phillip Chalker Traralgon
Cautious optimism
YOUR correspondent Adrian Cosgriff ('The end of traditional baseload electricity', LVE Opinion, 17/12/25) correctly lauds the upsurgeinrenewables Ihowever believe his optimistic forecast of 'soon' for the timed demise of coal-fired baseload generation is flawed and unrealistic.
The closure of current operating power stations may not happen, as had been advertised to occur on certain future dates. It may well require years, adrawn-out prolonged shutdown process.
Given that Victoria occasionally suffers extreme weather conditions, night time heating and cooling will be needed during such cold spells and during heat-wave episodes.
While solar panel installation in Victoria has been abundant, the slower intake of costly storage batteriesfor nighttimeenergy backup in domestic premises willbesorely felt.
Supplementingenergy sourceslike gas-fired peaking stations and capacitator-based energy banks now exist, but may still be in short supply and of limited load capacity across the state in the short term.
When the lights 'go out' frequently at night, this effect will heed apublic outcry. State government will then be pressured to negotiate with power station owners to extend the life of their generating plant until system reliability can be achieved.
Lawrie Waddington
Morwell
Have your say
THE LatrobeValley Express welcomes letters to theeditor.
Preference will be given to brief, concise letters which address local issues.
The editor Liam Durkin, reserves the right to edit letters for reasonsofspace and clarity, and may refuse to publish any letter without explanation.
The Express does not publishletters from anonymous contributors.
Lettersmust include aphonenumber,email address and the author's hometown for purposes of substantiatingauthenticity.
Readers are entitled to aright of reply to aletter directed at them.
While healthy debate is encouraged, the editor will stamp out any that cross the line to defamation.
The views expressed in letters to the editor are those of the writers, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Latrobe Valley Express management or staff.
Readers should be equally aware that facts presented in letters are selected to support aperson's point of view.
As such, statistics can quite often be fabricated depending on the poolofdatausedorpeople involved in surveys.
The letters section is designed to allow people to have their say, and not be hijacked for political agendas.
Letters regarding religion will not be published.
Email letters to news@lvexpress.com.au and include 'Letter to the Editor' in the subject line. Deadline for letters is Thursday 3pm.
The need formore bigbatteries and pumpedhydro
COMMENT
BY DANCAFFREY
ACCORDING to the Open Electricity website which reports on theAustralian EnergyMarket Operator (AEMO) data, renewablesprovided49.9 percent of the electricity in the National Electricity Market (NEM)for the month of October 2025. The NEM covers all states except WA and the NT. Fossil fuels supplied 49.1 per cent and big batteries supplied the remaining one per cent.
The proportion of renewables will increasehenceforth on ayearly basis as more electricity will be generatedfrom new windand solar developments. However, this proportion for renewables could be muchhigher even now,iftherewas enough storage in the form of big batteries and more pumped hydro or other means of storing energy.
According to the HepburnCommunity Wind Farm AGM report, in 2024/25, the output from their two wind turbines were curtailed for 23 per cent of the time, compared to just three per cent in 2022/23. Curtailment means that they have to shutoff supply to the NEM or else suffer financial penalty if they keep supplying.
This is because of the huge increase in rooftop
solarthat floods onto the grid each day for the sunniest eight months of the year.Ifunchecked, it would damage grid infrastructure. If this were the case across the NEM, then we are wasting around one-fifth of the potential electricity supply from renewables.
We need more big batteries and pumped hydro to prevent wasteful curtailment.
Curtailment is occurring in the pink section of the graph from about 6.30am to about 4.30pm, and this is where the spot price turns negative to forcegenerators to reduce supply. It is why you will see wind turbines not spinning in the middle of awindy day.
The federal government is forcing electricity retailers in NSW and QLD and possibly other states eventually, to provide electricity to consumers in themiddle three hours of the day for free.
This is one initiative that they are trying in order to reduce wastage by tempting consumers to use more power when solar is at its highest level and prices are negative.
The other initiative that the Feds are doing is subsidinghome batteries to storepowerfor the evening.This is proving to be avery popularaction.
The message here is that we should be encouraging
the installation of big batteries along our existing high voltage transmission lines to prevent this wastage of electricity. By doing so we get cheaper wholesale prices for electricity, because it reduces the need for building more generationcapacity and hopefully resultsincheaper retail pricesto consumers.
The other positive to note is that lithium prices are continuing to fall, as more supply hits the market and this has resulted in battery prices falling 21 per cent from 2021 levels to the present (International EnergyAgency, IEA) and are expected to keep falling over the next few years.
Just like with solar and wind farms, hosting a big battery can bring community benefit payments and even reduced electricity bills for neighbouring land-holders.
If one is inclined to reject aprospective big battery near them, thenthey are doing the whole neighbourhood and wider community adisservice.
Asubtle message to some farmers near Shady Creek, needless to say.
DanCaffrey is president of Latrobe Valley Sustainability Group.
Political spin will never replace spinning turbines
COMMENT BY
JOSEPH LIS
"BEHIND the veil of Oz, thereisnothingbut bluff,"Christopher Hitchens.
The English poetAlexander Pope (1688-1744)once wrote: "A little learning is adangerous thing," and after three-and-two-third years of listening to the energy-illiterateAustralian Energy Minister, the reality-proof Chris Bowen, Ihave to agree with Pope. To be fair, Irealise it is very difficult to fully grasp established engineering principles if one does not have an engineering background as Bowen obviously does not.
So,tosimplify averycomplex subject, and for peoplelikeBowen who like to pontificate their halfbaked half-truths about the so-called'transition' in public, it is necessary at this point to provide alittle background context.
In the late 19th-century, aheated competition, famously dubbed "the war of currents", arose between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla. Edison championed direct current electricity (DC), emphasising its safety and reliability for consumers, while Tesla, withthe support of George Westinghouse, advocated for alternating current electricity (AC) due to its ability to efficiently change voltage levels with transformers, making it ideal forlong-distance transmission.
AC eventually became the standard for power distribution in theearly20th-century due to the technicallimitationsthat restricted DC's practicality. The chief limitation of DC power was that power stations had to be located near consumers to support DC systems,thereforemakingthem impractical for widespreadapplication. In stark contrast,AC'sefficiency in transmitting electricity over long distances secured its dominance and shapedthe modern electrical grid that remains in place today where electricity flows through the grid at a"constant frequency" which in Australia is aprecise 50-hertz cycle established by spinning turbines.These are calledsynchronous generators. The big turbines inside them, spinning at 300 revolutions per minute, don'tjust produce power -they also 'stabilise' the system. They keep the rhythm steady and thus prevent the grid from crashing. Renewables (wind, solar, and batteries) cannot provide this stability as they are intrinsically 'non-synchronous' energy sources that are entirely weather-dependent.
In aseminal 2021 engineering paper by University of Queenslandresearchers Nicholas Maurer, Stephen Wilsonand Archie Chapman,they warned that the renewables-only-plus-batteries electricity system Australia is building is doomed to failure. They found that when power systems over-rely
on inverter-based(DC) electricity generation like wind and solar and batteries, the grid becomes dangerously vulnerable to sudden blackouts.
Reinforcing this finding, in December 2024the Australian Energy Market Operator(AEMO) issued apress release which said this:
"The stability of the country's grid is provided by the big heavy generators spinning at the same frequency as the grid, acting like apacemaker for the grid to make sure the heartbeat remained stable."
Adding kindling to the fire, in January 2025, AEMO said this: "In the event of hot days, all solar panels could be switched off by the operator in order to stabilise the grid."
These disturbing admissions of failure come at a time when the mask is slippingfor the entire energy transition and sound aflashing warning light for the electricity system we are building.
Towards the end of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz,the main character, Dorothy,endsupfeeling deeply disappointed when the man behind the curtain (the Wizard)isrevealed to be pot-bellied Francis Wupperman.
In other words, we are putting wishful thinking beforethe engineeringreality of power generation. It is clueless and dangerous and naive.
The public deserves facts, not ideological spin.
Joseph Lis is aMorwell resident
State election this year
BETTER lay out the ground rules from the start.
This year being astate election year,this paper willobviouslybeinundated with letters as November 28 draws closer.
As it was with last year’s federal election, Iagain wish to make it absolutelyclear there is adifference between editorial and paid advertising.
If candidates wish to heighten their campaigns further, they are permitted to do so out of their own pocket.
Any advertising containing editorial will be clearly marked as such, and not provided by Express journalists.
Letters to the Editor will continue as normal, howeverI will be using my discretion to eliminateany Ifeel crossover as attempts to undermine or derail the campaigns of parties involved.
There was issues regarding letters being sent in from fake names last year, which will again be carefully policed.
Iamnot oblivious either to the groundswell of opposition many Gippslanders currently have towards Labor, nor frustrations from peoplefeeling as though the Liberals are aweak opposition given the never-ending changes to leadership.
Every year in news is busy, but none more so than when astate election is due.
In my view, astate electionisthe one that has the biggest impactonlocalresidents (even more so than counciland even federal) as major decisions made by the Premier's teamusually directly affect many industries critical to Gippsland's prosperity.
Rational debate is critical in the election process. Let's remember the rational part. Liam DURKIN LVEEditor
ADF careers have much to offer
By AIDAN KNIGHT
THE Australian Defence Force’s Mobile ADF Careers Centre(MACC) rolled into Traralgon as part of atwo-week recruitment tour across Gippsland, offering localsa chance to explore military careers without travelling to Melbourne.
The bright yellow careers bus set up outside Traralgon RSL on Grey Street from 9am to 5pm, whereADF career specialistsspoke with walk-ins and onlinebookings about opportunities across the Navy, Army and Air Force.
Representatives said interest was steady throughout the day, with many people seeking information on trade roles, technical pathways and subsidised training programs.
Career specialists told the Express that the tour aims to break down barriers for regional recruits by bringinginformationsessionsdirectly into local communities.
Navy Lieutenant Jonty Paterson said the ADF has too many career possibilities to list, stating, “We want to break down barriers for regional communities by taking information directly to them. There are over300 different job positions withinthe Australian Defence Force, from chefs to engineers, doctors to administration."
Lt Paterson described how his own journey started after university,leading to arewarding Navy engineering career.
“I completed an engineering degree and, with no luck on the job market, applied to the ADF. The process took about seven months, but it opened doors to acareer that matches my skills and interests -includingleadership, technicalwork, and asense of purpose," he said.
The AustralianDefence Forceoffers several pathways for students to combine higher education with military service, providing both financial support and practical experience.
One prominent option is the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra, where students undertake undergraduate degrees through apartnership with UNSW.
While studying at ADFA, students are considered full members of the ADF, which means the Defence
At ease: Lieutenant Jonty Paterson graduated with an engineering degree from university, before embarking on an “accidental” engineering career in the navy, which he says will sustain his employment for the rest of his working life
Forcecovers tuition fees and provides asalary throughout the duration of their studies.
In addition to academic learning, students participate in militarytraining and leadership development, setting them up for rewarding careers upon graduation.
Alternatively, the ADF Defence Undergraduate Scheme allows studentstostudyatthe university of their choice while being sponsored by the ADF. This sponsorship not onlypaysfor university tuition but also provides students with awage while they complete their degree.
As sharedbyLTPaterson, thisopportunity isn’t
limited to justengineering or technicalfields, it also applies to many other roles, including health, trades, and administrative careers. Students accepted into thescheme benefitfromfinancial stability, practical placement opportunities, and a guaranteedjob upon completing their studies and military requirements. Whether through ADFA or university sponsorship, these programsare designed to removefinancial barriers to education, support students with asteady income, and ensure graduatesare prepared for diverseand meaningful careers within the Defence Force. Representatives reported asteady stream of
More buses under recommendation 13
By STEFAN BRADLEY
INFRASTRUCTURE Victoria (IV) has called on the state government to add more regional bus and coach services, including in Gippsland, for better access to jobs and services.
IV, an independent advisory body, released a 250-page report last November titled Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2025-2055,which included 45 recommendations and eight future options on many infrastructure sectors.
Recommendation 13 urges the state government to runmorecoach and bus services to better connect small towns to regional centres. They recommendstarting withroutesthat improve access to healthcare, education and jobs.
IV recommends more bus services in Bairnsdale, Warragul,Drouin, Shepparton, Wodonga, Mildura, Wangaratta and Horsham.
“If people use public transport more, they can save money and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. But our modelling confirms that many regional Victorians struggle to access services by public transport,” IV's report stated.
“Many transport services do not reachthe places people need, including TAFEs, universities, employment centres, hospitals and health facilities.”
The report said around 90 per cent of young people livinginrural andregional Victoria could not access TAFE or university by public transport, and when they could, often had to leave classearlyorexperience along waiton the way home.
There are many benefits to having better public transport for regional Victorians, especially for low-income households, older peopleand First Peoples who may have limited access to transport.
“Betterpublic transport canimprove access to education and help young people stay in regional areas. It can connect people to jobs and help fill labour shortages,” IV said.
“It can help older peoplestayindependent and mobile. It also improves road safety. When people choose public transport over driving, it reduces the total number of car crashes.”
Public TransportUsers Association(PTUA) regional spokesperson Paul Westcott told the Express the organisation “fully agrees”with sentiments expressed in Recommendation 13. PTUA advocates forpublic transport users in Victoria.
“We have long noted that bus servicesdesigned to connectregionalcentresare glaringlyinadequate. As Infrastructure Victoria notes, they run far too infrequently and some are notably indirect,” Mr Westcott said.
Yarram.
"The other problemisthat they are amixtureof services contracted as V/Line ones, and services contractedbythe (Department of Transport and Planning), which are ‘non-V/Line’.
“The designated V/Line bus (‘coach’)services tend to run between the more significant regional centres, whereas the ones contracted by the DTP are usually in the remoter parts of regional Victoria. Not only should they run more frequently and directly, it would be advantageous to have all regional inter-urbanbus service designated as V/Line ones,with all relevant buses sporting the V/Line livery.
“The advantage of that is that V/Lineisan established brand and having acommonV/Line
livery willhelp to makethe servicesmore ‘visible’.
The DTP-contracted services are run by buses justfeaturing the individual companies'livery andsoare ‘anonymous’.”
IV said the government should consult with communities, councils and bus operators in regional centres to confirm transport needs and then add services to meet them.
“It should coordinatelocalbus services with train timetables to connect people to more transport options and reduce waiting times,” IV said.
“Our analysis of possible service improvements shows that running daytime bus services every 30 minutes in larger cites (sic) will add up to 250 new services each day. Running buses every 60
interest throughout the day. Manyvisitorswere keentohear about apprenticeships,trade roles, engineering careers and technical pathways, as well as subsidisedtraining and sponsorshipprograms Specialistsalsoreassured visitors and their families about the thorough screening that recruits undergo, including interviews, medical and psychological assessments, and the emphasisonphysicalfitness and personal development.
“Joining the Australian Defence Force is a commitment, but it’s also achancetogrowprofessionally and personally, and to serve something bigger than yourself,” they added.
minutesinsmaller citiesand towns will add around 30 new services aday.”
More ticket readersadded to V/Line coach and bus services would make it easier for travellers to switch between connecting services.
The Express asked the state government if it intended to act on any of the ideas or recommendations in the report, in particularabout regional buses.
"Passengers are already enjoying more bus and trainservices, better reliability and upgraded stations thanks to the Gippsland Line Upgrade," agovernment spokesperson said.
"This year, we added more than 1100 extra bus services across 13 routes in Moe, Morwell, Traralgon, Drouin and Warragul,providing better transfers between the new services added as part of switching on the Gippsland Line Upgrade.
“We recognise the important role that buses play in our regional communities which is why we’re reviewing anumberofregional networks to understandlocal usage and inform future upgrades.”
The government saidthe 2025/26 State Budget invested in reviewing high priority regional networks to inform future bus network plans. Astaged approach will be taken to these reviews over the next few years, with the immediate focus on the Ballarat, Bendigo and the Geelong and Bellarine bus networks. Timing for other priority network reviews will be determined as reviews progress further.
Around 24,000 additional bus services have been addedsince 2014,including 500 additional weekly bus services in Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Torquay,320 additional weekly bus servicesinBallaratthis year and 1100 in and around Gippsland following the completion of the Gippsland Line Upgrade last year.
The budget funded morefrequent coach services for Leongatha and Yarram. Engagement on this expansion of services has just finished, with morethan 1200 responsesreceived, with thenew services to be introduced in 2026.
The budgetalso included funding for the continuation of the Anderson to Cowes Friday evening service, two Bass Coast and South Gippsland TAFEservices, and Wonthaggi to Leongatha (via Inverloch) intertown service.
IV estimated the entirety of Recommendation 13 to cost $100 million to $150 million over five years, fundedbygeneral government recommendations. More bus and coach services in regional Victoriawould cost about $25-45million each year to operate, whichincludesbuying and maintaining bus fleet and depot upgrades.
Photograph: Aidan Knight
Hemp,hemp, hooray
By KATRINA BRANDON
OPENING the door to anew industry, iHemp Victoriaheld the annualGlobalHempSummit (GHS) last month.
Over three days, hundreds of people travelled to Lardner Park to learn about the multiple opportunitieshemp can bring,including agriculture, construction, and skincare/textiles in Gippsland.
Day 1was apracticalsession with iHemp Victoria PresidentDarren Christie, who brought along soil microbiologist Norman Olsen and farmer Andrew Cavill.
Attendees had ample opportunity to walk throughrows of hemp, which sparked questions and conversations about how it could become a leading industry.
After walking through the field, they stopped for adiscussion and introduction to the topic and trials. They covered the failedtrials, the successful trials, their product roadmap, and plans.
Aconstructivediscussionwas held with providers and industry representatives, during which Mr Christie and Mr Olsen addressed concerns about hemp and provided background information on all aspects of the product.
During the session, the discussionhighlighted agronomy, soil intelligence, genetics, uniformity, harvesting innovations, fibre processing capacity,construction applications (hempcrete,block systems, cavity walls), fire and building standards, and skincare/textiles.
On the second day, the summit moved indoors, where speakers were ready to share their perspectives on the industry.
Speakers on the second and third days of the summit ranged from experts at the forefront of their fields to those just beginning their journeys, all discussing industriesthat could be impacted by hemp.
Leading the day, Mr Christie was joined by former Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan, now chair of Regional Development Victoria, and JamesVosper, president of the NSWIndustrial Hemp Association Inc.
Ms O’Callaghanexpressed her excitement about the potential industrial impacts on Gippsland.
Most speakersonDay 2focused on key topics, including the construction industry,hemp research, and the benefits of hemp-based materials.
Key construction benefitshighlighted during the day includedhemp providing insulation in homes, as well as fire, moisture, and pest-resistance.
Other key aspects of the day included Anthony Karalaris stepping in to discuss the historical elements of hemp acrosscountries, helping the idea resonate with conference attendees.
From the other side of the world, additional speakers presented examples from France and India, discussing potential internationalconnectionsand partnerships to ensure hemp is used as productively and beneficially as possible, andhow it could be done locally.
On the final day of the summit, the final notes on hemp coveredthe currentstate and future potential of the hemp industry in Gippsland and across Australia,highlighting collaborativeefforts, industry challenges, and opportunities in both agriculture and sustainable construction.
Educationonhemp was also highlighted, talking about getting local farmers involved from Orbost all the way to South Gippsland areas, whether
they are dairy, meat or crop farmers, to take the opportunity to hear how it could benefit farms, and take part in transforming the timber industry.
The Summit wasn’t just about hemp; it was about collaboration among people and clusters.
Gippslandprofessor Mirijana Prica and Dr Nicola Watts highlighted the importance of connections, creating ashared spacetospread knowledge and
invest in people, which, in the broader context, drives societal growth.
Others, such as Western Sydney University’s Maggie Davidson, broke down the science behind the products, with Dr Davidson highlighting potentialrisks andexamining the ramifications of hemp in construction, using silica as an example.
Knowledge: NSWIndustrial Hemp Association
Inc President James Vosper andAustralian Hemp Group Of Companies Chief Executive, Darren Christieatthe Global Hemp Summit, held at Lardner Park
Industrial: Hemp construction blockswereprovided to showcase one of the manyuses of hemp
Hemp carries with it
Global Hemp Summit. Photographs: Katrina Brandon
Trafalgar HighSchool presentations
THE school year ended at Trafalgar High School, with more than 200 students and 400 family members gathering in the school's sports centre to present arange of awards.
The awards celebratedall parts of school life, from leadership and sports, to community service andacademic excellence.
In each year level, students can be awarded Academic Excellence awards for receiving academicresultsabove 80 per centinaclasseach semester, and Endeavour awards awarded by teachers to students who have shown consistent effort and alevel of commitment to their learning over each semester.
The school also presents acommunity service award named after Dorothy Hoare OAM, apastmember of the schoolcouncilwho is also an established community leader. Dorothy is apastmemberofthe Trafalgar
LionessCluband avolunteer with the Trafalgar YouthResource Centre,and its mentoring program for young people in our community.
The 2025 Dorothy Hoare OAM Community Service Shield was awarded to Roryand Mackenzie Palmer.
In presenting the award, Trafalgar High School Principal BrettPedlow said, “There are many words to describe Rory and Mackenzie Palmer; driven, leaders,creative,passionate, reliable,kindand team players. From their first year at Trafalgar High School, both students have been art captainsand have planned, curated and implementedannually the art and music festivals at the end of the year, and in 2025,they were part of the team thatcreated the 2025 Helm, our school yearbook."
On the night,Mackenzie and Rory also received awards for 13 academic
Congratulations: Year 11 student Joshua Handasydewas the recipient of the MiningEnergyUnion’s VCESupportScholarship
awards at Year 9.Sponsored by Aussie Broadband,the Dux of Year 7was Skyla Embleton, and from theselect entry accelerated learning program Dux was jointly held by Hannah Kolody and Param Siddharth Hemanth. Year 8Dux is sponsored by Warragul Buslines,withPaisleyGerratythe recipient, andJosephHandasyde the select entryaccelerated learning program Dux.
Ruby Vickery took home the Year 9 Dux sponsored by Cental Agri Group, and Evelyn Murfett was the select entry accelerated learning program Dux at Year 9. TheRotary Club of Trafalgarsponsoredthe Dux of Year 10. Club presidentLen Makin presented the award to Alexander Wheatland. Reen Roy and Mala Potts jointly held the select entry accelerated learning program Dux.
GippsTAFE sponsored the Year 11 dux, won by Xavier Mether, and the Lions Club of Trafalgar sponsored the Dux of Year 12, received by Lucas Murphy for his ATAR of 97.30.
Seth Brown received the 2025 vocational Education Training award in the Vocational Major VCE stream for his pathway of studiesstarting with Certificate II in Active Volunteeringin Year 11,where he participated in conservation events at Old Gippstown and Golden Beach. This year, Seth began the Certificate II in Conservation and EcosystemsManagement,having placements with Traralgon Library, Growmaster Nursery and Gippsland Water. In theVCE steam, the 2025 vocational Education Training award went to Chloe Gringhuis, who has successfully completed her Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance including placements at Latrobe Valley Village and the WestGippsland Healthcare Group.Aswell as the RotaryClub of Trafalgar Music Scholarship, the school presented amusic scholarship to Tayla O’Neill, awarded Outstanding Contribution in Music to Bella Di Sisto and Xander Hornby. The Womenin musicaward went to CharlizeIkinand the Kunze Family Music Scholarship to Alyssa Perks.
The Mining and Energy Union members presented an award to a Joshua Handasyde of Year 11 as he embodies the values of dedication, hard work, and acommitment to makingthe world around him better. Joshua had thehighest results in Unit 3/4(Year 12) Art Making and Exhibiting for 2026 and seven Year 11 Endeavour Awards.
Tessa Mainus of Year 11 received the Max Gibson Memorial Senior History Award and SianRadic of Year 9the Junior Award.Max Gibsonwas the inaugural president of theTrafalgar and District Historical Society.
Right note: AshPugsley(Year 10)receives amusic scholarship from Len Makin, PresidentofRotaryClub of Trafalgar
Honour: Trafalgar High School Year 11 student Tessa Mainus,pictured with Glenys Rallsofthe Trafalgar District Historical Society. Tessa received the Max Gibson Memorial Senior History Award.
Tunes: Year 9student Emily Coster received amusic scholarship from Rotary Club of Trafalgar.She is pictured with Rotary president, Len Makin.
Great work: Year 7student Michael Zelleywith Trafalgar Lions Club’s David Koschade afterreceiving the2025Lions ClubofTrafalgar encouragement award.
Speech: Trafalgar High School Principal BrettPedlow addresses theauditorium at the school’sawardsnight. Photographs supplied
One and one and one is three
MORWELL Central Primary Schoolstudents were introduced to the lives andsongs of The Beatles last year.
Students had afabuloustimecelebratingthis learning with an end-of-the-year ‘Beatles Day’.
On the day, staff and students came dressed up as The Beatlesorassomeone mentioned in one of their songs and participated in aparade in the school’s gym.
This was followed by five different activities in multi-age groups.
Activities included making asun (Here Comes the Sun), creating an octopus (Octopus’ Garden) and learningtodraw asubmarine (Yellow Submarine)
The day ended with asingalong of thestudents’ favourite Beatles songs and watching the movie Yellow Submarine LatrobeValleymusician Hanz Zwart performed on the samestage as The Beatles during their only Australian tour in 1964.
Turn to Page 16 forhis story.
Clever: Levi dressed as an octopus (Octopus’ Garden) and Djungalah as aworker(HardDay’s Night).
activities:
Securing local water supply
TUESDAY6JANUARY
Ava Michaelides turns 11
Isabella Sanderson turns 11
Eliza Reid turns 9
WEDNESDAY7JANUARY
Kailee Reynolds turns 11
THURSDAY8JANUARY
Bryton Leech turns 5
FRIDAY9JANUARY
Maddison Taylor turns 11
Harlow Geisler turns 12
SATURDAY10JANUARY
Xavier Reid turns 11
WORKS and planning on key water infrastructure projects in regional Victoria are now underway thanks to $23.8 million in funding from the federal and Victorian government to safeguard town water supplies and boost regional water security.
Three projects in regional Victoria have receivedacombined$10.1 million through the Australian government’s National Water Grid Fund and $13.7 million from the Victorian government via Gippsland Water,Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and CentralHighlands Water, who are delivering the projects.
Gippsland Water’s $9.57 million Traralgon-Tyers Interconnect project involves constructing apipeline from the Tyers water supply system to Traralgon -a larger, more reliable and resilient system. The project will significantly increase water securityand quality for the towns of Glengarry,Toongabbie, Cowwarr,Willung and Rosedale, while making the region more resilient to climate change. The secure supply will also ensure the region has capacity to accommodate agrowing population.
This facilities will improvereliability and provide safer water supply to rural and urban areas which are vulnerable to blue-green algae blooms and blackwater events.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt welcomed the announcement,
“No matter where you live across Australiayou deserve access to clean drinking water, theseprojects willensure new high-quality drinkingwater supplies for our regional Victorian communities," he said.
“The AlbaneseLabor government is pleased to partner with the Allan Labor governmenttodeliverthese crucial projects to safeguard our water resources for the communities, industries and environments that rely on them.”
Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney added her praise.
“The Allan Labor government knows how vital it is (that) we continue to fund projects that enable us to build on the water security in our regional communities as wellassupportingour farmers,"she said.
“I’m pleasedtobeabletopartnerwith the Albanese Laborgovernment to deliver these projects that notonlyimprove water quality in our regions but prepare us for population growth and the challenges of living with adrying climate.”
Trio: Hudson as astrawberry(Strawberry Fields Forever), Avaasthe Queen who presented medalstoThe Beatlesand Irfanin his car (Drive my Car).
Lyrics: Morwell CentralPrimarySchool students dressed as charactersfromBeatles songs.PicturedisRaziel (WhenI’m 64), Heidi (Blackbird) and Ariana (StrawberryFields Forever).
Mop-tops: Education Supportstaff,Kade, Flynn, Ryan and Jai, adopting The Beatles look.
Titular
Alexis with the‘Makean Octopus’and ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ activities
We all live: Lochlan as the Yellow Submarine forBeatles dayatMorwellCentralPrimary School.
Delicious dress: Zeitadressedasacake (Birthday).
ONE ON ONE
Music memories from ElDamos andTheEsquires
By AIDAN KNIGHT
THE 1960ssaw aplethoraoflocal bands popping up around the Latrobe Valley, butnone were quitelikethe El Damos
Formed by Yallournlocal Hanz Zwart, a building apprentice with aknack forthe bass and drums,hehelped assemble the five-piece that wouldgoontotoplayat5000capacity venues
Theybecame the most successful pub band in Gippsland, and even had abrief encounter with The Beatles during the band’sfamous performance at Melbourne’s Festival Hall. Hanz, nowintohis early 80s, sat down with Express muso Aidan Knight to talk about an extraordinarycareer
AK: Howold were youwhen youbegan playing music?
Hanz: Iwould would have been 16 or 17.I was self-taught.
What led to me getting good at music was using it as an outlet during adifficult period aftermyfather died in an accident. I’dsay it savedme.
Istarted with adrumkit, beforemoving to the bass.Therewas ashortage of bass players at the time -theyweren’t really athing so youcouldn’t buya reasonably priced one anywhere. Iimprovised using atoy one, andat one point even aone-string bass
Therewas abit of music going around in my family, my brother playedtrumpet and abit of clarinet, so Iwas initiallyinterested mostlyin jazz.
The turning point came when rock androll became popular.I realised that people weren’t connecting with jazz, buttheyloved rock and roll. This motivated me to form the first band, the El Damos,initially practicing and performing in the garage.I wouldcreateflyers and distributethem in letterboxestoattract an audience in the 60s
Eventually, my second band, The Esquires, forwhich we’remostwell-known in the Valley, became the resident band in the Morwell Top Pubfor six yearsstraight. People had to book 12 months ahead at one stage
The El Damos were booked out everySaturday, Sunday, andmostFridays foranumber of years. That got me out of adeep hole
AK: What were the career highlights?
Hanz: We hada manager when we were young boys,and Inever learnt his firstname forsome reason, buthewas the father of our lead guitarist, called Mr Bickle
It neveroccurred to us howgoodhewas at the job at the time; it wasjustlikeyeah old mate’s
ge TheBeatles during their onlytour to Australia the next year Photographs: supplied (unlessspecified)
ad, buthehad strong connections, one being Nobody wasthereat9pm, when we started
da ,g ,g
apromoter called KenBrociak. He wasthe reason The Beatles came to Australia the first time,and thereweresomanybands around at the time
Mr Bickle arranged with Brociackfor us to play in asortofshowcase eventcalled Liverpool Sound, which had all the local bands that playeda similar sound to what The Beatles would come to be known for, likeGerryand the Pacemakers. We were the onlyband in the Latrobe Valleytobeasked, which felt big at the time because thereweresomanybands around.
Mr Bickle knewBrociak from England. The Beatles were also on the same billing on Liverpool Sound, butthis wasbeforethey blew up,and by the time theygot to Australia, theywerestarting to get big and were asking openerstoplayfor free
We hadseveral bandmemberstopay and came all the wayfromthe Valleysowesaid no way, andnever thought anything of it.
We ended up stillplaying at the venue(Festival Hall) on the Sundayafternoon,and one of our blokes put on aplastic Beatles wig and ranon stage and everyone startedscreaming and thought it wasone of them foraminute. Apartfromthatwewent on NewFaces,when that programwas on Channel 9in1964.
AK: What were the biggest/wildest venues you’ve played?
Hanz: Festival Hall wasupthere, butthe biggest wouldhavebeenthe Civic Hall in Bega. Alot of bands playedthere, Skyhooks and the sort. We didn’t realisehow big the venuewas until we gotthere, and it wasabit of aheadspin
yp , playing,and 10 wasclosing time at all the pubs backthen, so afterthat, everyone filled outthe room.
That wasabout the same time we made a recording in Hawthorn, and Olivia NewtonJohn turned up with her mum, watched us record, and said “you boys aregonna go a long way”.Wehad no idea who she wasthen, either,ayear afterThe Beatles debacle Not long afterthat, Ijoined The Esquires,and we lasted 52 yearswith the original members, as the premier weddingbandinthe Valley. We went overseas with that band, on the icebreaker ship RSVAuroraAustralis,and then later toured in Germany. We did shows at the US NATO bases,which were big fans of rock and roll, entertaining the troops
Then we were offeredacontract on the Greek Line (Australis cruise route), and to go around the worldonthis ship for12months,but one of the band members’ marriages fell apart, and we didn’t take it as aresult.
We were excited at the time because we were to be paid three miles
came up to me midset and asked if we took requests,Itold him we do anything we know that fits intoour repertoire.
He asked us to playThe Green, Green Grass of Home,byTom Jones. Ihatethat number Bloody 15 minutes later he approached me midsong and said “heymateyou haven’tdone that song”,soItold him he had to wait, buthe kept on pestering me
At about half-past nine we stopped foralight supper. I’m sitting with aplateofparty parties around the guysatthe table, minding my business.Nextminute-Ihaveapocketknife pressed intomyneck, and avoice says,“you didn’t listen to me,you didn’t do that number” He kept pushing the little knifeintomyartery and Ithought, I’vegot to control this Everyone around the tablehad frozen, because he wasaobviouslyanutcase,but the securityblokeatthe door across the room saw what wasgoing on and crawled slowlyacross the floor and grabbed this bloke’s legs and yanked them from under him. That wasn’t the onlytime securitysaved me
One night Iwas heading out afteragig,carrying my guitar case down to the car.Suddenly, a blokepointed agun at me and demanded my guitar and wallet. Istayedcalm and told him, “mate, if youwant it, it’sokay, we can talk about it”.Henever expected that, and it gave security just enough time to slip in and grabhim. But Inever pressed charges,because if youdid, you’dbea sitting ducknexttimeifhis mates turned up
AK: Howhas the music scene changed since youstarted?
Hanz: Back in the60s and 70s you’dget three or four hundred at acabaret night -now,a good crowds maybe50. And thereused to be dances everyweek, bands were likefamily, andthe communityfollowedyou everywhere. Those days aren’t coming back, butIfeellucky to have lived them.
AK: What areyou most proudoffromyour
k long, catching
ing
ph: night
Sound: The Esquires were one of the biggest bands Valley, frequentlyplaying at weddings and the TopPub Morwell.
MONDAY NIGHT BINGO
Ticket sales from 6:30pm
Eyes Down at 7:30pm Held at the Moe RacingClub, Moe 3chances to win the rolling jackpot
Last Game$750-$1500
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BINGO
Eyes Down at 7:30pm
Tickets sales from 6:30pm Held at Traralgon RSL, GreyStreet Traralgon
THURSDAY MORNING BINGO
Doors open10am
Eyes down 11am
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FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO
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No game under $100 Held at the Italian Australian Club, Princes Drive
SATURDAY NIGHT BINGO
Tickets sales from 6:30pm
Eyes Down at 7:30pm Held at Traralgon RSL, GreyStreet Traralgon
SUNDAY AFTERNOONBINGO
Doors open at 12:00pm
Ticket sales from 12:30pm
Eyes Down at 2:00pm Held at the Italian Australian Club, Morwell $2000 last game guaranteed
SUNDAY AFTERNOON BINGO
Doors open 1:00pm
Eyes down 2:00pm Held at Moe RSL, 63 -67Albert Street Moe
Morwell
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Bingo recommencingWednesday 14 January 2026
HOROSCOPES
by Joanne MadelineMoore
January5-January11, 2026
Restless, impatient Rams are you being too slapdash? With the Sun Mercury Venus and Mars visiting Capricorn (in your career zone) success is on your mind But it won’t be rushed And it certainly won’t arrive without a lot of hard work, dogged persistence and patience on your part So avoid approaching people projects and situations in a hasty and half-baked fashion Slow down, Aries! Do your homework and make sure you are thoroughly prepared
Stubborn Bulls prefer things to stay the same but (with Uranus still in your sign) theres no escaping change at the moment! A cherished goal or an ambitious aspiration may seem to be lost in the distance (like a long-forgotten dream) but it is still within reach Plough on with passion and purpose desire and determination Your motto for the week is from music icon (and birthday great) David Bowie: “Tomorrow belongs to those who can hear it coming ”
This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars shine a bright spotlight on lust and loot, so an intimate relationship could soar spectacularly or crash and burn The key to stability is trust When it comes to money the less you spend, the more will come your way But if you are rash with cash and careless with credit, then you’ll just waste time worrying about your financial future If you are disciplined and well-informed, then it will pay off further down the track
With the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars in your partnership zone theres no escaping relationships at the moment! If you re attached avoid being a clingy and co-dependent Crab Strive to nurture your spouse in positive, passionate and productive ways If you’re swimming in the dating pool give superficial suitors the flick Pluto is transiting through your intimacy-and-trust zone, so set your sights on someone who is emotionally mature and ready to commit
The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are visiting Capricorn (in your work and wellbeing zones), so roll your sleeves up, put your head down and complete an ambitious project with fiery flourish! If you want to survive and thrive in 2026, you need to keep one step ahead of the professional pack It’s also a good week to start a healthy new diet, reboot your exercise program and introduce meditation yoga or some other form of relaxation into your daily routine
Relationships are highlighted, as you link up with a partner (of the romantic or business variety) from home or far away You re in the mood to help a loved one through a rough patch or cheer up a work colleague who is down in the dumps Time for diplomatic Virgos to listen closely, communicate clearly and consult often If you’re holidaying with family members or partying with friends pace yourself Otherwise, you ll be exhausted by the end of the week!
The Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are in your domestic zone, so its time to hone your multi-tasking skills as you cook clean craft garden decorate renovate or entertain Many Librans will combine work and family in creative ways in 2026 Some will join the family firm, while others start a home-based business Be inspired by birthday Duchess, Kate Middleton: “I ve been working hard for the family business I think everyone can see I am pulling my weight”
Money is on your mind as five planets move through your financial zones Beware of dubious deals, shonky salespeople spontaneous spending sprees extravagant impulse buys and signing contracts for long-term services based on short-term whims Separating your wants from your needs is a must as smart Sagittarians get thrifty cut excess consumption and adjust to getting by on less Loving yourself – warts and all – is also a big lesson to learn in 2026
Money is on your mind as five planets move through your financial zones Beware of dubious deals, shonky salespeople spontaneous spending sprees extravagant impulse buys and signing contracts for long-term services based on short-term whims Separating your wants from your needs is a must as smart Sagittarians get thrifty cut excess consumption and adjust to getting by on less Loving yourself – warts and all – is also a big lesson to learn in 2026
This week the Sun, Mercury, Venus and Mars are all visiting your sign which provides a welcome morale boost and increases your Capricorn drive and boosts your charisma You re feeling positive and proactive as you initiate a personal project set long-term goals update your physical appearance and/or travel, study, listen and learn You could also receive some good news, or a lucky opportunity comes your way So make the most of Lady Luck and enjoy!
Its a good week to relax, meditate and contemplate Four planets (the Sun Mercury Venus and Mars) are visiting your intrigue and solitude zones, so mystery abounds and you may not fully understand the complex undercurrents that are at play Keep the conversation light and steer clear of controversial topics Your motto is from birthday great, music icon David Bowie: “I don’t know where I m going from here, but I promise it won t be boring ”
Visit from sister city
LATROBE City Council hosted aDelegation from its sister city Takasago, Japan last year.
The visit included Takasago Mayor, Tatsuyoshi Tokura, four official delegates and students.
Delegates were greetedwith awelcomereception at council headquarters, which included students meeting their homestay hosts. This was the first time delegates have returned since 2018.
This visit was an opportunity to showcase Latrobe City’s sporting talent, world-class venues, and educational institutions.
Council hosted eight students aged 12 to 17-yearsold. During their visit, students learned to play pickleballand lawn bowls, visited the Lowanna College SportAcademy and experiencedGippsTech sports science courses.
Students also visited Old Gippstown in Moe, the Latrobe RegionalAirport and the Latrobe Regional Gallery, where they viewed the Japanese wood block print collection.
Students also had thechance to meet with the Latrobe City Youth Council, which was awonderful opportunity to foster collaboration, build cultural understanding and inspire each other.
The TakasagoInternational Association asked students to develop apresentation for delivery to council and school representatives, which included JapaneseMartialArts,food cultureand pop culture
Latrobe City Council then-Mayor (now deputy), Dale Harriman, met with Takasago Mayor, Tatsuyoshi Tokura and other delegates to further enhance the important sister city relationship and share updates on the region,nurturingan important business connection.
“I’m grateful to our Takasago delegates for their visit, it was agreat learningexperience for all involved. Ihope to welcome delegates back again soon and extend my sincerest thanks to our guests for visiting Latrobe City.”
The sistercity relationship was solidifiedthrough amonumental tree planting.
Together with the TakasagoMayor,aPrunus Mt Fuji -Japanese flowering cherry tree was planted. Thetreewas planted on Breed Street, Traralgon.
The Latrobe-Takasago relationship was born out of thefriendship formed through economic projects in the 1980’s, and then formalised as asistercity partnership in 2000 and reaffirmed in 2023. The aim is to foster mutual understanding and cooperationacross key areasofeducation,culture, trade, tourism, and sport.
Its all about friendships, group dynamics and networking this week You’re keen to catch up with old mates, correspond with international contacts, or share special activities within your peer group Make it a priority to surround yourself with positive people who encourage your dreams But don’t be too hasty in your evaluation of a person situation or future aspiration There is more going on than meets the eye so take the time to look closer and dig deeper
COPYRIGHT Joanne Madel ne Moore 2025
Thisadvertisingspace
This week my stars are telling me that I’m going to purchase a fantastic bargain YOUBEAUTY!
To advertise your bargains, products or services in this column or forinformation, simply phone JennyMannon 5135 4412 today.
Photograph: Liam Durkin
Firm friends: Latrobe Citycouncillors SharonGibson and Dale Harriman plant anativeJapanese tree along Breed Street,Traralgon with representatives from council’ssister city,Takasago, Japan.
Leap: Latrobe CitycouncillorsDale Harriman and SharonGibson and visiting JapaneseMayor Tatsuyoshi Tokura. Photographs supplied
TheGuide
MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN ABC Family,Friday, 8.30pm
Lois Lane and Clark Kent entertain anew generation of fans in this anime-influenced, family-friendly take on the iconicDCComics superherothat’sworlds away from recent grim portrayals of the Man of Steel. The wholesome animationfollows Clark(voiceofJack Quaid, TheBoys)asheworks at TheDailyPlanetalongside star reporter Lois (Alice Lee, Zoey’sExtraordinaryPlaylist)and photographer Jimmy Olsen (Ishmel Sahid) and builds his reputation as Superman while exploring his mysterious origins. In this instalment,when Lois wantstointerview the hero, Clarkmustfigure out away to help her while keepinghis hidden identity –and major crush on her –asecret THE 83RD ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES
10, Monday, 7.30pm
Setting thestage forHollywoood s award season, thisglitteringaffair celebrates achievements in cinema, TV – and for the firsttime in 2026 –podcassting Comedian Nikki Glaser, who won praise forher sharp wit and hilarious Adam Sandler impressions in 2025,returns to host this year’s event.The black comedy OneBattle AfterAnotherleads the field with nine nominations, while Australian actor Jacob Elordi (pictured) has doubled his chances of winning with outstanding performances in both Frankensteinand TheNarrowRoadtothe DeepNorth.Other Aussies in contention includeRose Byrne, Nick Cave,Joel Edgerton and two-time winner Sarah Snook.
Wednesday, January 7
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
ABC TV Tuesday 8 30pm
Follow the 300000-year journey of Homosapiensas they outlast other human species and spread across the globe in this cinematic five-part docuseries.
Host Ella Al-Shamahi who is curiously both a paleoanthropologist and stand-up comedian, travels around the world to talk to experts and explore archaeological dig sites in her bid to simply explain our epic evolution The knowledgeable narrator is the perfect guide for a topic that could beas engaging as a caveman’s conversation Tuesday’s illuminating episode “Into the Unknown” follows our resilient ancestors as they leave Africa to explore the wider world It s the ultimate origin story
SEVEN (7,6)
PICK OF THE WEEK
NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Best Competition Competition. (Ml, R) 11.10 All CreaturesGreat And Small. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Miniseries: The Cry.(Mal, R) 1.55 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Simply Nigella. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: TheStreets. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow (R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30
8.00 Hard Quiz. (Return, PG) Presented by TomGleeson.
11.40 Chopsticks Or Fork? (R) 12.00 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 12.45 Long Lost Family.(PG,R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (PG, R) 5.30 7.30.(R)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Eco Show.(PGa, R) 10.00 Europe’s Waterways. (PGa, R) 10.50 Off The Beaten TrackWith Kate Humble. (PG, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Britain’s Most ExpensiveHouses.(Mas, R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The CookUp. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing Dakar Rally.Stage 3. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (PG, R) 8.30 TheJury: MurderTrial UK. (Return) The real-life trial of ayoung mother begins. 9.25 Crime. (MA15+) The case continuestoevade Lennox.
10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.00 Face To Face.(Premiere, Ma) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Premiere, Malv) 1.40 TheEco Show.(R) 2.35 Off TheBeaten Track WithKate Humble. (PG, R) 4.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.55 DestinationFlavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight
MUSTER DOGS:WHERE ARETHEY NOW ABC TV, Sunday, 7.30pm
They grow up so fast.Justa year after winning the Muster Dogsseason three title, champion kelpie Banjo has become a dad–toalitterof12, no less. But now,the time has come for someofBanjo and Chilli’spuppies to fly the nest, finding their foreverhomes with the next generation of graziers. Host Lisa Millar (pictured) heads to Tooborac, Victoria, where 12-year-old farmer Eric is settobegin his working dogjourney with pup Diesel and mentor Kim by his side.Meanwhile, in Ethel Creek, Western Australia, trainer Blythe and Banksi (Banjo’s sister) are showing16-year-old Cameron andyoung Bindi the ropes.
TEN (10, 5)
6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test.Australia vEngland. Day 4. Morning session. (Please note: alternative schedule may be shown due to changes to cricketcoverage). 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes.Fifth Test. Australia vEngland. Day 4. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: TeaBreak. 3.30 Cricket. TheAshes. FifthTest. Australia v England. Day 4. Evening session. 6.00 Today. 9.00 TodayExtraSummer (PG) 10.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day6 Group Stage. Poland vNetherlands. First quarter-final. 4.30 9News Afternoon [VIC]TippingPointAustralia.(PG,R) 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge 5.30[VIC]WINNews. 6.00 EntertainmentTonight. 6.30 Good Chef Bad Chef.(R) 7.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine Schofield.
10.30 Big BashLeague PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades. 11.00 Air Crash Investigations: DeadlyExchange (PGa, R) Explores the crash of Flight 5966 12.00 MOVIE: PartyFromHell. (2021, Mav,R)Aparty planner plots against her employer. Jackie Moore, April Martucci. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News
7.00 ACurrentAffair
7.30 Great Getaways (PG) The team visitsparadise in the Pacific
8.30 Paramedics (Mam, R) Paramedics findadriver who has had aseizure and crashed. Amother who is having astroke is treated
9.30 Beyond TheBuild. Jimmy and Tam settle into life on the Sunshine Coast.
10.30 American Crime Story. (Madlsv) 12.10 World’sGreatest Natural Icons. (R) 1.05 Hello SA.(PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop.(R) 3.00 Home Shopping 4.00 Skippy TheBushKangaroo (R) 4.30 ACurrent Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News 5.30 Today
(93, 82) 6am Kiki’s Delivery Service.(1989) 8.05 The MovieShow. 8.40 My Neighbour Totoro.(1988,
(1952,
6.50 My Neighbour Totoro.(1988,PG) 8.30 Pig (2021) 10.15 Traffic. (2000,MA15+adsv, R) 1am Shadow In TheCloud. (2020,MA15+av) 2.30 Alma &Oskar.(2022, MA15+lsv) 4.10 The Broken Land. (2021, Madv,Italian, Spanish) 5.50 Limelight. (1952, PGas)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.
6.30
HUMAN
Thursday,January 8
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Classic
Countdown Extras. (R) 11.10 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miss Austen. (R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: Streets. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Michael Rowland.
8.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Mitcham White And Fitzroy Funhouse. (Return, PG) TwoMelbourne couples transform their homes.
9.00 Amanda &AlansItalian Job. (Return, PG) Alan Carr and Amanda Holden transform an old house.
9.30 Goolagong. (Ma, R) Charts the story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley
10.20 Chopsticks Or Fork? (R)
10.30 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PGl, R)
11.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.15 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 Childrens 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 Secret Life Of The Wombat. 10.00 The Wonderful WorldOf Puppies. 10.40 Late Programs.
BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 BritainsMost Expensive Houses. (PG, R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Stage 4. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (Premiere) Looks at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
8.20 Robson Green: WorldsMost Amazing Walks. (Premiere) Robson Green walks the HadriansWall path.
9.15 In Flight. attendantsson is accused of murder
10.10 Great British Railway Journeys: (PGa, R)
10.45 Vienna Blood. (MA15+av)
11.40 Outlander (Msv,R)
2.05 The Eco Show.(R) 3.30 OffThe Beaten Track With Kate Humble. (PG, R) 4.05 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.40 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6am Limelight. (1952, PGas) 8.20 My Neighbour Totoro. (1988, PG) 10.00 Iris And The Men. (2023, French) 11.55 Bergman Island. (2021, Malnsv) 2pm Hajjan. (2023, PGav,Arabic) 4.20 Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PGal) 6.10 Spirited Away.(2001) 8.30 Priscilla. (2023, Madl) 10.40 May December (2023, MA15+as) 12.45am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 The Ashes: The Lunch Break. 1.10 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia v England. Day 5. Afternoon session. 3.10 The Ashes: Tea Break. 3.30 Cricket. The Ashes. Fifth Test. Australia vEngland. Day 5. Evening session.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 27. Melbourne Stars vSydney Sixers.
10.30 SevensCricket: The Spin. An expert panel examines all the big news and issues with adeep dive into the world of cricket.
11.15 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: Love Me For AReason. (Mal, R) Charts the rise of Boyzone. 12.15 Life. (Malsv,R)Crews searches for amissing Reese.
1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. 1pm Escape To The Country 2.00
7.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 7. Rosewall Arena, Sydney 11.30 Chicago Med. (Ma) Maggie and Sharonsfriendship is tested during contract negotiations for the nurses.
12.30 ARemarkable Place To Die. (MA15+lv,R)Adetective returns to her home town.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Jerrysgirlfriend gets in trouble. 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 TodayEarly News. Alook at the latest news, sport and weather
5.30 Today. The latest in news and current affairs.
9GEM (92,81)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 The Graham Norton Show (Mns) Kim Kardashian, Sarah Paulson, Bryan Cranston and Rachel Zegler join Graham Nortononthe couch. 8.40 MOVIE: Rocketman. (2019, Madls, R) Follows the life of Elton John, from his years as a prodigy to his musical partnership with Bernie
Home In WA 2.30 TheAge Of Elizabeth. 3.30 HarrysPractice. 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 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 1pm MOVIE: Second Fiddle. (1957) 2.30 MOVIE: Josephine And Men. (1955) 4.30 YorkshireAuction House. 5.30 7.30 ClarksonsFarm. 8.30 MOVIE: Hot Shots! (1991, M) 10.10 MOVIE: The Pink Panther Strikes Again. (1976, PG) 12.20am Late Programs.
7TWO (72, 62) 6am
Friday,January 9
6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of the day
7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. Itsbaby JimmysChristening day
8.15 Art Detectives. (Ma) The detectives look into the discovery of agold Viking hoardstolen from aprehistoric burial chamber 9.05 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presenter TomGleeson grills four self-declared experts in acomedic quiz show
9.35 ALife In TenPictures: Freddie Mercury (Mln, R) Alook at Freddie Mercuryslife. 10.25 Silent Witness. (Malv,R) 12.10 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv)
5.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.30 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6) TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 The Exhibitionists. (Mns, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow.(R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Muster Dogs: WhereAre They Now.(PG, R) 1.45 Goolagong. (Ma, R) 2.50 Would ILie To You? (R) 3.20 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: Streets. (R) 4.40 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6am Morning Programs. 11.05 Wild Beauty Of GermanysIslands. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 BritainsMost Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Highlights. Stage 5. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: Love Knots. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The Great House Revival: Post House. (Return) Alocal man and his
9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (PGaw,R)Narrator Alan Titchmarsh documents the lives of the residents of the Isle of Wight.
10.25 Great British Railway Journeys: BradfordToHebden Bridge. (PGa, R) 11.00 Sisi. (Masv,R) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ansv,R) 1.55 Silent Road. (Ma, R) 3.55 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(R) 4.25 My Unique B&B. (PG, 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 Johanna Griggs heads to the Hunter Valley 8.30 MOVIE: The Green Mile. (1999, MA15+av,R)Death rowguards themselves facing amoral dilemma when they discover one of their prisoners, aconvicted murderer, apparently possesses miraculous powers. TomHanks,Michael Clarke Duncan, David Morse.
7.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 8. Rosewall Arena, Sydney
11.30 Law &Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av,R)DNA from an SVU rape investigation connects to an unsolved murder
12.30 ARemarkable Place To Die. (Mlv,R)Abody is found in agold-mining tunnel.
1.30 TV Shop: Home
6am Mia And The White Lion. (2018, PGal) 6.40 Hajjan. (2023, PGav,Arabic)
Saturday, January 10
ABC (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer.(MA15+adhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Ma, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.00 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 3.50 Human. (PG, R) 5.00 Dr KarlsHow Things Work. (R) 5.55 Back Roads. (R)
6.25 HardQuiz. (PG, R) Presented by TomGleeson.
7.00 ABC News. Alook at the top stories of the day
7.30 Call The Midwife. (M) Trixie cares
8.30 Vera (Ma, R) Vera investigates the apparent suicide of awell-known TV personality who has recently fallen from grace. The victim had been attending areunion with friends, aritual they had repeated for morethan 40 years.
10.00 Goolagong. (Ma, R) Charts the story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley
10.55 The Jetty (Madl, R) Adetective suspects apredator is targeting young girls.
11.55 Rage Vault Guest Programmer (MA15+dhlnsv)
4.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 5.55pm 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 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 HardQuiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr 8.40 Shaun TansTales From Outer Suburbia. 9.25 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.10 Abbott Elementary 10.30 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 2.05pm Wild, Smart And Deadly 2.55 Living Black. 3.25 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 The Barber 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Beowulf. (2007, MA15+) 10.10 Australian Music Vault: Kate Ceberano. 11.30 Late Programs.
Phase III Odyssey.(Mal, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 FigureSkating ISU Grand Prix Final. Japan Part 2. Highlights. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Weekly Highlights.
6.00 Grand Tours Of Scotlands Rivers: Quietly Flows The Don. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Secrets Of BritainsHistoric Houses: The DollsHouse. (Return) Beatrix PottersDolls House undergoes renovations.
8.40 MOVIE: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011, MA15+v,R) During the Cold War, aveteranagent comes out of retirement to search for aRussian mole within MI6. Gary Oldman, Benedict Cumberbatch. 11.00 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle. (R)
12.05 Reframed: Marilyn Monroe. (Mans, R) 3.25 Bowled Over: Untold Australia. (Mal, R) 4.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Gold, The Lakes Race Day and VRC Standish Handicap Race Day 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australias Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Twilight. 9.00 MOVIE: White House Down. (2013, Mlv,R)During atourofthe White House with his young daughter, apoliceman springs into action to save his child and protect the US president from agroup of heavily armed mercenaries who have stormed the building. Channing Tatum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx. 11.45 AirCrash Investigations: Missed Opportunities. (PGa, R) Alookatthe crash of Flight 1851.
12.45 Dr HarrysAnimal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 ItsAcademic. (R) Hosted by Simon Reeve. 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 LetsEat With George. (R) 6.30 A Current Affair.(R) 7.00 WeekendToday 10.00 Our State On APlate. (PG) 10.30
4.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 8.30 On The Fly.(R) 9.00 4x4 Adventures. (R) 10.00 Airport 24/7. (PGad,
6.00 9News Saturday 7.00 Tennis. United Cup.
Rosewall Arena, Sydney
6.30 The DogHouse Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List ItAustralia. Acouple contemplate leaving their home of 11 years. He loves it, but she feels the place is outdated. 8.40 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Property experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie search forproperties in Melbourne and Canberra. 9.50 Ambulance UK. (Mad, R) It isabusy weekend night shift across Lancashireascrews attend topatients with mental health issues. 11.05 NCIS. (Mv,R)Apilotsbody is found with unusual wounds. 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am
7TWO (72, 62)
6am Morning
11.30 MOVIE: The Next Three Days. (2010, Mlv,R)Amarried coupleslives areturned upside down when the wife is sent to jail for murder.However, when the strain of being separated from herfamily becomes too much, her husband researches away to break her out. Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks, Lennie James.
2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) Religious program.
2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping.
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R) Acelebration of people and organisations.
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning
10 COMEDY (11, 52)
WorldWatch. 10.00 The Rap Game UK. Noon Mastermind Aust. 2.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals Cships. MensUnder-23. Road Race. 7.30 Impossible Engineering. 8.25 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2025. 10.00 The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon. 10.50 Snowpiercer 11.40 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 10.25 Priscilla. (2023, Madl) 12.30pm Other Peoples Children. (2022, Madlns, French, Hebrew) 2.25 The Movie Show 3.00 Paint. (2023) 4.50 Boychoir.(2014, PGav) 6.45 The Secret World Of Arrietty.(2010) 8.30 Anatomy Of AFall. (2023, MA15+a, French, English, German) 11.20 Late Programs.
Programs. 1.30pm Wildlife ER. 2.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Gold, The Lakes Race Day and VRC Standish Handicap Race Day 6.00 Bondi Vet. 7.00 Dog Patrol. 7.30 The YorkshireVet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country 11.30 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 11.30 MOVIE: Up The Front. (1972, PG) 1.25pm MOVIE: Mr Forbush And The Penguins. (1971, PG) 3.30 MOVIE: The Count Of Monte-Cristo. (1975, PG) 5.30 7.00 M*A*S*H. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom. (1984, M) 11.05 Late Programs.
9GO! (93, 82)
Programs. 1.30pm Cool Cars &Bikes. 2.00 Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC TopDoorslammer Replay 4.00 Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Uncharted. (2022, M) 9.50 MOVIE: Striking Distance. (1993, M) Midnight Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Soccer.English Premier League. Noon 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny 7.30 Tennis. 11.30 Ice Hockey.NHL. Chicago Blackhawks vWashington Capitals. 2.10am Love After Lockup. 3.40 MOVIE: IsaacsDream. (2023, M) 5.10 Booba. 5.30 BubblesHotel.
10 DRAMA (12, 53) 6am GCBC. 7.00 Bold. 9.30 Deal Or No Deal. 10.00 Ridiculousness. 10.30 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 3.00 Frasier 4.00 Friends. 6.30 Big Bang. 10.00 Frasier 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight Late Programs.
7MATE (73,64) 6am Shopping. 9.00 IFish. 9.30 Dog House. 10.30 JAG. 4.30pm Soccer.A-League Men. Round 12. Melbourne Victory vWesternSydney Wanderers. 7.00 Football Tonight. 7.35 Soccer A-League Men. Round 12. Macarthur FC vSydney FC. 10.00 NCIS. 12.50am NCIS: Origins. 1.45 Shopping.
Sunday,January 11
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 APAC Weekly 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Going Places. (R) 1.30 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals Championships. Womens Elite and Under-23 Road Race. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Weekly Highlights.
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Muster Dogs: Where AreTheyNow (PG)
8.20 Goolagong. (M) Evonne Goolagong Cawley is driven away from tennis.
9.15 The Jetty (MA15+l) Ember agrees to shareinformation with acrime podcaster
10.15 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 11.15 MOVIE: Sirens. (1994, MA15+an, R) Hugh Grant, Sam Neill, Tara Fitzgerald. 12.50 Rage Vault. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.25 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.00 The Art Of. (PG, R) 4.30 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales.(PG,R)
6.00 Grand Tours Of ScotlandsRivers. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Days That Shocked The World: Challenger. 8.25 Ken Burns The American Revolution. (Final, PG) Peace is restored. 10.40 Secrets Of Modern Archaeology (PGa, R) 11.45 Australian Fashion Past, Present, Future. (PGn, R) 1.15 Birdsville Or Bust: Untold Australia. (Ml, R) 2.20 24 Hours In A&E. (M) 3.15 The Eco Show (R) 4.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 APAC Weekly
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 5.10pm Tiddler 5.35 Super Monsters. 5.55 Octonauts. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.20 Bluey 6.30 Paddington. 6.40 Hey Duggee. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.20 Bluey 7.30 Shaun TansTales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 To Be Advised. 9.40 Fresh OffThe Boat. 10.20 Merlin. 11.05 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6.00 NBC Today 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Surf Patrol. (R) 12.30 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files. (PGal, R) 1.30 Big Bash League Pre-Game. 2.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 31. Sydney Sixers vHobart Hurricanes. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 32. Adelaide Strikers vPerth Scorchers.
10.30 Big Bash League PostMatch. Post-match coverage of the game between the Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Looks at the biggest crypto heist in history
12.00 MacGruber (MA15+lsv) The plan Queeth set into motion is still alive. 1.00 Dr HarrysAnimal Encounters. (PG, R) Presented by Dr Harry Cooper
2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
TEN (10, 5)
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Weekend Today 10.00 Journey To Europe. (R) 11.00 Fishing Aust. 11.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 12.00 Great Getaways. (PG, R) 1.00 David AttenboroughsDynasties II. (PGa, R) 2.00 Conquering Skin Cancer (PGmn) 4.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 RBT.(PGdl) 6am Morning Programs. 10.30 10 Minute Kitchen. (R) 11.00 Well Traveller (PG, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play.(R) 12.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 12.30 Surf Life Saving. Shaw And Partners Iron Series. Day 2. Specialist Round. 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 16. Illawarra Hawks vNew Zealand Breakers. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 5.00
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 Tennis. United Cup. Day 10. Final. From Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney 11.30 Wild Cards. (Mv,R)After an accountant set to testify against the mob is kidnapped, Ellis is asked to help get him back.
12.30 Tycoons Down Under: Hard Times. (PGa, R) Looks at some of Australiasbiggest tycoons.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Agroup of water skiers is sabotaged.
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) Great gardening tips and hints.
5.00 Today Early News. Alook at the latest news, sport and weather
5.30 Today The latest in news and current affairs.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock andAmelia Brace. 7.00 Selling Houses Australia. (R) Princess and Inca, who thought they wereontoawinner when all the homes on their street started to sell, have had no luck.
8.00 MOVIE: TopGun: Maverick. (2022, Mlv, R) An aviator trains adetachment of TopGun graduates for amission while confronting the ghosts of his past. TomCruise, Miles Teller,Jennifer Connelly 10.35 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.05 FBI. (Mv,R)Arogue terrorist 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WWE Rivals. 12.55 Jeopardy! 3.00 Mastermind Aust. 4.00 The Story Of. 5.00 WorldWatch 6.00 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road Nationals Championships. Elite Mens. Road Race. 10.00 MOVIE: Food, Inc. 2. (2023, M) 11.45 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.50pm Football. West Kimberley Football League. Womens. Grand Final. 4.05 Bob Marley &The Wailers: The Capitol 73. 5.20 Australian Music Vault: Kate Ceberano. 6.40 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.50 Wild, Smart And Deadly 7.40 Aerial Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Luther: Never TooMuch. (2024) 10.25 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Man Up. (2015, Mls) 12.40pm Song To Song. (2017, Malnsv) 3.00 The Movie Show 4.00 Discovering Film. 4.50 The EmperorsClub. (2002, PGlns) 6.50 Porco Rosso. (1992, PG) 8.30 My Sailor,MyLove. (2022, PG) 10.25 Ondine. (2009, Malv) 12.25am Late Programs.
9GEM (92,81)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Escape To The Country 1.00 Medical Emergency 1.30 Seans Kitchen. 2.30 HarrysPractice. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 5.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.00 Escape To The Country 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 My Favorite Martian. 10.30 Avengers. 11.30 MOVIE: For Better,For Worse. (1954) 1.15pm MOVIE: All Creatures Great And Small. (1975) 3.10 MOVIE: Silver Bears. (1978, PG) 5.30 Tennis. United Cup. Day 10. Final. 7.00 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: Ronin. (1998, M) 11.00 Late Programs.
7TWO (72, 62) 6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm 3.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. Finals. 6.00 Tennis. Brisbane International. Finals. 10.00 MOVIE: Air (2023, M) 12.10am Gotham. 1.10 Arrow 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.40 MOVIE: Barbie And Stacie To The Rescue. (2024) 4.50 Wild Manes. 5.10 BarneysWorld. 5.30 BubblesHotel.
Monday,January12
ABC (2)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News
Mornings. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 The Kimberley.(Final, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (PG, R) 2.55 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.(R)
6.30 HardQuiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. Presented by Michael Rowland.
8.00 To Be Advised.
9.00 Simon Schama: The Road To Auschwitz. (Premiere, MA15+a) Historian Simon Schama visits Auschwitz, travels to mass killing sites in Lithuania and to the Netherlands. 10.00 Dr KarlsHow Things Work: Chips. (R) Dr Karl Kruszelnicki looks at the science of chips.
10.35 ABC Late News.
10.50 Dr KarlsHow Things Work: Aussie Rules Football. (R)
11.20 Grand Designs: The Streets. (R)
12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R)
12.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To EatWith Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Childrens Programs. 5.40pm 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 The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 10.00 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 Wild, Smart And Deadly.(Final) 7.30 Who Do YouThink You Are? 8.30 Living Black Conversations. 9.05 Sammy By Sammy: My Tale Of The 60s. 10.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour 2.00 Britains Most Expensive Houses. (R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour.(PG, R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Stage 7. Highlights.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Wonders Of The Sun With Dara ÓBriain. (R) Dara Ó Briain learns about the Sun.
9.20 Jimmy CarrsI Literally Just Told You. (M) Jimmy Carr hosts acomedic game show where paying attention pays off.
10.20 Great British Railway Journeys: Tilbury To Barbican. (R) Presented by Michael Portillo.
10.55 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+sv)
11.45 Clean Sweep. (MA15+s, R)
1.45 Pagan Peak. (Mav,R)
3.30 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(PG, R) 4.00 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.35 Bamay.(R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: MatchMaker Mysteries: AFatal Romance.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 33. Sydney Thunder vMelbourne Renegades.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades.
1.40 Girlfriends Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) Abby is ordered by her doctor to rest.
3.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00
6.00 9News. 7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Travel Guides. (PGl, R) Ordinary Australians become travel critics.
9.00 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. (2008, Mv,R)Indiana Jones is reunited with awoman from his past when he searches for amysterious crystal skull. Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett.
11.25 Sight Unseen. (Mv) Acolleague of Mattsisfound dead.
12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.05 Hello SA. (PG)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 ACurrent Affair (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
6.00 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the daystop stories, investigative reports and stories that haventbeenheard.
6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Contestants compete in ahigh-stakes game wherethey must beat The Banker to win acashprize. 7.30 The 83rdAnnual Golden Globes. (PGals) Coverage of the 83rdGoldenGlobe Awards. Hosted by Nikki Glaser 10.30 10sLate News. Coverage of news, sport and weather 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 9.30 Small Business Secrets. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.05 Mastermind Aust. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.30 Freddie Flintoffs Field Of Dreams Tour 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.40 The UnXplained Mysteries. 10.30 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 20,000
Species Of Bees. (2023, Maln, Spanish, Basque, French) 12.20pm Moving. (1993, Ma, Japanese) 2.40 Boychoir.(2014, PGav) 4.30 Finding Altamira. (2016, PGa) 6.15 Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind. (1984, PGh) 8.30 Santosh. (2024, MA15+alv,Hindi) 10.50 Late Programs.
Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harrys Practice. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Late Programs. 6am Danger Man. 7.00 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop: Home
•“Audiencesoverwhelmingly view aprinted copy of their newspaper as an essentialservice fortheir community.”
Tuesday,January 13
ABC TV (2) SBS (3) SEVEN (7,6)
TEN (10, 5) NINE (9,8) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 TBA. 11.00 Penguin King. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would ILie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella At My Table. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.40 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 Dr KarlsHow Things Work: Pies.
8.30 Human: Into The Unknown. (PG) Looks at early Homo sapienss ancestors leaving Africa.
9.30 Grand Designs Transformations: Mitcham White And Fitzroy Funhouse. (PG, R) TwoMelbourne couples transform their homes.
10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 Australias Open. (Final, Ml, R) 11.45 Grand Designs: The Streets. (Ml, R) 12.30 Long Lost Family.(PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.25 Close To Me (Mals, R) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 ABite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30
7.30. (R)
6.00 DW English News. 6.30 Al Jazeera News. 7.00 BBC News At Six. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour 9.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 10.30 Tennis. Kooyong Classic. Day 1. 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally.Stage 8. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: MatchMaker Mysteries: AKiller Engagement. (2019, PGav) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Who Do YouThink YouAre? Patrick Brammall. (Ml, R) 8.35 Air India Crash: What Went Wrong? (Ma, R) Looks at the tragic events of Air India Flight 171.
9.30 Aerial Australia. (PGa, R) Looks at the hot, dry,extreme centreofAustralia.
10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.00 Exit. (MA15+adls) 11.55 Dopesick. (MA15+ad, R) 2.10 The Eco Show.(R) 3.15 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley.(R) 4.15 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Childrens Programs. 5.40pm 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 The Sheep. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. (Final) 8.30 Ice Age. 9.15 Planet Weird. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 34. Melbourne Stars vAdelaide Strikers.
10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game between the Melbourne Stars and Adelaide Strikers. 11.00 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal) Rosie starts dating Quintensboss. 12.00 MOVIE: ADangerous Defence. (2021, Mav,R)Alawyer investigates her fathersdeath. Anita Leeman Torres, Scott Christopher 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News.
7.00 ACurrent Affair
7.30 Taronga: WhosWho In The Zoo: Bongo Blood Draw (PG)
8.30 MOVIE: Cool Runnings. (1993, G, R) Jamaicans train to become bobsledders. John Candy,Doug E. Doug. 10.30 Volare: Valentino Guseli. 11.40 The Equalizer.(Mav) 12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 2.30 Destination WA.(PG, R) 3.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 ACurrent Affair.(R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted by Grant Denyer 7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 8.30 MOVIE: Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning. (2023, PGlv,R) Ethan Hunt and his IMF team must track down anew weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell,VingRhames. 11.40 10sLate News. 12.10 10 News+. (R) 12.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 6am WorldWatch. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon WorldWatch 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Fashionista. 2.30 Mastermind Aust. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Freddie FlintoffsField Of Dreams Tour 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Genius Game. 9.30 The UnXplained Mysteries Of The Universe. 10.20 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 10.10 Ondine. (2009, Malv) 12.10pm Let The River Flow (2023, Mal, Norwegian, Saami) 2.30 My Sailor,MyLove. (2022, PG) 4.25 The Crows Egg. (2014, PGa, Tamil) 6.10 Castle In The Sky.(1986) 8.30 Jules. (2023) 10.10 Princess Mononoke. (1997, PG, Japanese) 12.40am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Black As. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay 6.30 NITV News: Summer Yarns. 6.40 AfricasHidden Kingdoms. 7.30 Big BackyardQuiz. 8.30 ProBull Riding USA: Unleash The Beast. 9.30 Hunting Aotearoa. 10.00 Late Programs. NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 NBC Today Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To TheCountry
Hazelwoodharriersofthe net
By KATRINA BRANDON AND STEFAN BRADLEY
LET’S get connected!
Rural Fibre Co (RFC) broughtfaster speeds and celebrations to the Hazelwood North Community Hall last month.
Launching its first network location, with one of the most hyper-connected services, RFC was ecstatic to share this milestone.
Welcomedwith sausagescookedbythe local scout groupand adisplay of thetools used to install thenetwork,about 30 people attended the event, able to ask questions and to celebrate the occasion.
RFC was established in March 2025 to deliver avision to bring broadband fibre to underserved rural and regional areas of Gippsland.
Openingthe event,owner PhillipBritt, one of the founders and former managing director of Aussie Broadband, welcomed attendees and shared his vision for RFC.
“I had planned to retirefrom Aussie Broadband, and Ithought, I’m too young to retire,” he told the crowd.
"We think that HazelwoodNorth will have close to the fastest internet connectivity of any rural community in Australia, and will also be faster than many urban areas as well.
"It willmakeasignificant difference to the people livingand working in Hazelwood North -infact, we've already seen that with our test customers.
"As an example, there are people who can work from home for the first time ever -thanks to their RFC connection."
Mr Brittsaidthat while he was at Aussie Broadband, he urged NBN to deliver fibre broadband into more areas, but NBN chose to developFixed Wireless into areas like Hazelwood North, Glengarry and Rosedale.
Fixed Wireless uses 4G/5G technology to transmit data over radio signals from atransmission tower to an outdoor antenna installed at the customer’s premises.
This technology will slow down during the peak periods in theevenings,whereas fibre won’thave that problem.
Customers connected to thenew network are seeing speeds of up to 2500 Mbps, about 25 times faster than their previous averagespeed available through the NBN Fixed Wireless network, and about five times faster than the theoretical topspeed forbothfixed wireless and Space X’s Starlink.
Customers who sign up within the first six months receive afree fibre connection to their home. Connections are through retail partners, with Splice Internet- also owned by Mr Britt -the only partner currently signed on to the network.
RFC already has 55 customers connected to the network, with another 45 orders in the system.
Mr Britt thanked the attendees, with some being customers of the service, for “their patience” as they worked on the streets to install the fibre. Over the next four to five years, Mr Britt said that he also aims to install further fibre throughout the region.
With asmall team of 31 that’s mostly doing all the workrather thansubcontracting, RFC is constrained by its limited resources. While Mr Britt has already invested millions of dollars into the business,government funding would go a long way into potentially speeding up the rollout. ARFC spokesperson told the Express that Latrobe and Wellington areas will be the first on the rollout map.
“Ideally, Phil would liketodoall of Gippsland,” they said.
“In fact, we've got people from South Australia putting in expressions of interest. So there's an appetite for this right across the country, but we can only go so far at the moment.
“Our main focus areas at the moment are
Latrobe Valley and Wellington. From here (Hazelwood North), next on the list is Glengarry.”
Other towns on the ‘rollout’ map include Churchill, Cowwar,Glengarry, Hazelwood South, Longford, Morwell North, Rosedale, Toongabbie, Traralgon East, Traralgon North, Traralgon West, Tyers and Yinnar.
Work is expected to begin on the Traralgon West network early this year.
Alongside the privilege of faster internet access, RFC aims to employ locally and keep most work in-house to ensureGippslanders have ample opportunities in the industry. Mr Brittsaidit is making asignificant difference to costs and helping to develop new skill sets for the region.
"This is really abusiness by Gippslanders, for Gippslanders," he said.
"We want Gippsland to be at the forefront of connectivity rather than on the back burner. This is an investment in our region and our community."
Someaspects of the job include laying ducts, laying fibre, reinstatingworksites, software development, home installations and customer service.
Due to the nature of the work, the company provides training,allowingthose learning to drill to practice on asimulator and become familiar with the work.
“It's beenalearning experience for us,” the spokesperson said.
“We had picked up acoupleofexperienced staff -none of them really had experience with drills or other machinery, so they did amonth-and-a-half of training to get them up to speed. From there, the machinery suppliers were very helpful with the training.”
Asked about connecting fibre to farming properties, the spokesperson said if their fibre network goes past the road outside they’ll be able to connect them.But as they are focusing on denser populations, it’s unlikely that remote properties in Gippsland can be connected.
Farmerswho areabletoconnect to fibre can of course benefit from faster speeds and amore reliable connection to run their operations more efficiently or stream Stranger Things at home in 4K.
Further information can be found at: www. ruralfibre.co
NBN users on Fixed Wireless saw speed upgrades last year and increased the range of thatnetwork as part of a$750million upgrade. It also moved anumberofsatellite customers onto Fixed Wireless. Despite the service boost, it’s not as reliable as full fibre connections.
Therecertainlyisdemand for faster broadband in Gippsland. According to NBN, Gippsland has seen a9.5 per cent increase in average household downloads in the last year.
Gippslanders should enter their address at the NBN website to see whichtechnology is available and if they're eligible for free upgrades to afull fibre connection. Satellite users who haven't been moved to Fixed Wireless will soon be moved to Amazon LEO (previously named ProjectKuiper) sometime in the middle of next year, which uses similar technology to Starlink.
House prices up,but still affordable
By STEFAN BRADLEY
VICTORIAN housing is currently among the most affordable in the country,despite the state’s regional home prices reaching anew high last November.
Gippsland is following this trend, with new PropTrack data showing the region’shome prices were up by 0.4 per cent in November. On December 1, PropTrack releasedits Home Price IndexNovember 2025report, whichfound thatregionalVictorian home prices rose 0.5 per cent to anew peak in November, lifting them 5.6 per cent higher year-on-year.
Data provided to the Express shows that all dwellings in the Latrobe -Gippsland SA4 area (which covers the whole Gippsland region) have risen by 1.20 per cent over the past quarter, with amedian value of $529,000. For houses, the median value is $561,000,and $371,000 for units.
REA Group Senior EconomistEleanor Creagh told the Express that Gippsland prices are close to regional Victoria’s price uptick. "Home prices in Latrobe-Gippsland continue to risesteadily, with values lifting0.4 percent in November and up 3.6per centover the year. It’s not the rapidacceleration seeninsome regional hotspots but still consistent growth,” Ms Creagh said.
“Over the quarter,home prices increased by around $4000 and are now almost $17,000 higher than this time lastyear. This is very much in line with the broader trend across Regional Victoria.”
Despite these price increases, Victoria’s housing affordability improved over the 2025 financial yearand is now sittingabove its previousrecord low, accordingtoanother report released by PropTrack, which centred on housing affordability.
The report found thatamedian-income Victorian household could afford18per cent of homes sold in the 2025 financial year, up fromthe 13 percentshare recordedayear ago.
Victoria was the second-most affordable state in the 2025 financial year, behindonly WesternAustralia,ashousing affordability slightly improved over the year following 2024's record low.
This improvement was driven by slower home price growth in Victoriacompared to other statesand increasedborrowing capacitiesdue to lower mortgage rates and income growth.
"Victoria can simultaneously be the secondmost affordable state and have regional markets hitting new price highs because affordability is arelative concept,” Ms Creagh said.
“Despite recent growth, home prices across Victoriaremainlow relativetoincomes in comparison to other states. Even though home values in regional Victoria are reaching new pricepeaks,the overall level of prices remains comparatively accessible.
“Victoria’s affordability ranking doesn’t mean pricesaren’t rising, it reflects relative to household incomes and other states that buyers still have more purchasing power.”
But if you take away that comparison to other states, affordability remainsa challenge for Victorian households. PropTrack’s data suggests amedian-income household in Victoria that earnsabout $120,000 annually could afford just 18 per cent of all homes sold in the past year.
An average income household in Victoria saving 20 per cent of their income would need to save for 5.6 years for a20per cent deposit on amedian-priced home.
AVictorian householdearning an average income wouldneed to spend 32 per centof their income on mortgage repayments to afford amedian-pricedhome, down from 35.5per cent in late 2023.
Regional prices nationwide climbed 0.6 per cent in November and were up 9.3 per cent year-on-year.
“Regional growth has outpaced the capitals over the past year -9.3 per cent versus 8.5 per cent and five years -64per cent versus 47 per cent -supported by relative affordability and lifestyle appeal,” Ms Creagh said.
“National home prices rose 0.5 per cent in November and are now 8.7 per cent higher than ayear ago, the fastestannual growthsince mid2022. Momentum firmed throughout 2025, but stretched affordabilitymeans growth remains well below the 20-to-30 per cent annual gains seen in past booms.
“Lower interest rates, increasedborrowing capacities, and arecovery in sentiment have underpinned this year’s (2025's) reacceleration.” In the capital cities, unitgrowth is outperforming houses both quarterly and annuallyas buyers pivot toward more attainable options.
Speedy: Attendeesatthe Hazelwood North CommunityHall heard that the area could potentiallyhavethe fastest internet speed of anyrural localityinthe country
Knowhow: To preparefor action, employees have received training through simulations to install fibreinthe ground. Photographs: KatrinaBrandon
Purpose: Oneofthe founders andformer managing director of Aussie Broadband,Phillip Britt, is aiming to see betterinternet speedsin Gippsland.
High speed chase on last day of the year
From Page 1
MS Frances described the couple'srushtoher daughter's room after hearing herscream, only to be threatened by the axe-wieldingoffender. "He appeared willing to use the axe if needed," the horrified Glengarry mother said.
Mr Spowart spoke to the Express about the traumatic event, and how confronting it was to wake up to "a man in the house, holding an axe across his chest with two hands, screaming at us to get car keys."
In amoment of terror, Mr Spowart complied.
"He kept screaming at me not to be ahero and to just get the car key …atthatpoint, we had no ideaifhewas alone and no idea if there were other people. Couldn't really process it all, to be honest, it happened that fast."
The man made off with the keys and fled in the family's black Subaru Impreza, only to be tracked by officerstoMoe-Rawson Road in Moondarra, where the vehicle was abandoned and fled into nearby bushland.
Police Air Wingand Dog Squadsprovided assistanceatthis time to try and sniff outthe man repeatedly evading arrest, which went on for the rest of the day. Police advisedresidents that the Moe-Rawson Rd was closed in both direction while they conducted theirsearch,and to seek alternative routes.
The police “were therereally fast, were very good", Mr Spowart said. "They stayed and looked after everything through the process".
The aftermath has been difficult, but the family has found support after only moving in little more than amonth ago.
"It's been really overwhelming how many people have been contacting us, just saying anything at all they can do to help. We've been in this house for three weeks …but instantly, the community's beenamazing .offering completestrangersupport, which has been fantastic."
Thankfully,none of the family was physically harmed during the confrontation.
The Subaru was later found with spiked tires, crashed into atree.
The following day (Wednesday, December 31), the offender resurfaced in Churchill, driving a red Mitsubishi Outlander stolen from awoman in Tanjil South.
Undercover police pursued, chasing the offender through the streets of Morwell, as he successfully evaded spike strips deployed along VaryStreet and Vincent Rd.
From there, Reid mergedonto the Princes Highway heading towards Warragul, before
spike strips were deployed yet again on School Rd, Trafalgar where thedriver then barrelled through ablockade, ramming both aparkedpolice car and asingleofficer. The injured officer was transported to hospital with major lower-body injuries after receiving citizen assistance from alocal nurse.
The chasecontinueduntil thevehicle crashed into the front brick wall of aTrafalgar residence on the corner of Church St and Anzac Rd.
Reidhad been travellingatspeeds close to 180kmph while pursued, at times also on the wrong side of the road.
He fled the scene into abackyard close by, where he was placed in custody.
Officers apprehended Reid around 9.38am on December 31. He was taken to hospital for evaluationfor ashortperiod before being placed in remand and subsequently charged.
The Express spoke to Ted Dorling, the owner of the house whose front fence was flattened, on the day of the incident.
"We had alot of police in the next street," he reported.
Mr Dorling received acall informing him of the car damaging his property while at the localcommunity garden, where he'd been since 8am that morning.
When he first arrivedatthe scene, he was pleased to at least see his house was untouchedbythe impact.
"We'll get our daughter workingonitwith the insurance to get the fence fixed, but it's not likeit's going to affect the security of the place," he said.
Mr Dorlinghas livedatthe residencefor more than 20 years, and cares for his wife, who suffers from dementia. To have this happen on his front doorstep on the last day of the year posed yet another challenge to overcome.
Despite that, Mr Dorling remained optimistic.
"Nothingyou can do about it, being atruckie (before retirement), you see it all the time."
"I was in Traralgon (yesterday) when they were chasing him. Iwas pulled up at abooze bus (completing abreath test), and while Iwas there, they got acall that they found this guy, and he was on the run at the time, so they took off.
"They (police on the scene) tell me he's pinched six cars in aweek, so he's done pretty well."
Anzac Rd was reopened to the public by 2pm that day.
The car in Mr Dorling's yard belonged to 29-yearold Moe resident Amy Smith.
The mother-of-two simply described the situation as "pretty full-on".
The young family had been swimming at the Tanjil South property of Ms Smith'sparents around
5pm on Tuesday, December 30 when she suddenly saw her car drive out of the driveway.
None of the family ever sighted the man, and pieced together the situation on their own.
"We thought 'okay, it has to be this guy that they'vebeentrying to find through the bush',"
Ms Smith said.
"So he'd cut through the bush and onto my parents' property, and come across their house."
Ms Smith frantically called triple zero, and informed everyone they knew in the area to keep an eye out and follow the car.
"Everyone chipped in to try and help out," she said.
The keys had been in the ignition when stolen, and there was aquarter of atankoffuel in the vehicle.
Leaving keys in cars is common on farming properties,and given Ms Smith's parents' house is somefour kilometres off the main road,there appeared to be no apparent danger.
Police believe it was ablessing in disguisethe keyswere in theignition, as Reid wouldhave likely assaulted someone on the scene to have them handed over.
Afterpromptly posting on Facebook about the theft,MsSmithstarted receiving an influxofmessages from people in the community informing her red Mitsubishi had been sighted in Moe, driving on the wrong side of the road and on footpaths.
Shortlyafter taking the car,the offender was seenstealing food from Moe IGA,where he was filmed by CCTV.
This footage was the first Ms Smith had seen of the man. She was relieved to receive acall the next day (Wednesday,December 31)saying her car had been seized by police, and Reid arrested, and while her car may be undriveable, "I'm glad he didn't hurt more people."
Beforethe crash at Trafalgar, Ms Smithhad seen the car pass her near Morwell McDonald's when driving her husband to work in hiscar earlierthat morning, an experienceshe described as "shocking" "Hopefully he gets adecent punishment," Ms Smithsaidtothe Express.
The final day of the pursuit allegedly began after the offender was reported for apetrol drive-off at 8.20am, according to police.
Reid, who was of no fixed arrested, was quickly charged with arap sheet of 66 charges, before makinga court appearance the following Friday (December 2), via video link.
LatrobeValley Magistrates decided he is to be remanded in custody until April 7for acommittal mention.
Timeline
Sunday,December 28, 2025
n 11.10am: Hazelwood South Aggravatedcarjacking on Firmins Lane
Tuesday,December30, 2025
n About 4.15am: Traralgon East Stolen car located at aPrinces Highway service station; police attempt interception; offender allegedlyrams police car and escapes
n 5am: Glengarry
Vehicle founddumpedonCastleknock Drive, andoffender breaks intoa home on CastleknockDrusing an axe, threatening occupants and stealing their blackSubaruImpreza.
n 9am: Moondarra area
Subaruabandoned, police shut roads while conducting search.
n 5pm: Tanjil South
Offender steals redMitsubishi Outlander from residential property
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
n About 8.20am: Tyers/Morwell
Petrol drive-offinvolving the stolen
Mitsubishi reported in Tyers; police spot vehicleinMorwell and initiatetwo shortpursuits that arecalled offdue to dangerous driving n Around 9am:Trafalgar (Princes Highway)
Mitsubishi seen travelling west at excessivespeed on Princes Highway toward Trafalgar; policeproceed to intercept. Stop sticks deployedonSchool Road; Mitsubishi allegedlyramsmultiplepolice vehiclesand collides with apoliceofficer, who is injured and takentohospital.
n 9.38am: Trafalgar (Anzac Rd / Church St)
Mitsubishi crashes intoa residential fenceonthe cornerofAnzac Rd and Church Street; offender flees on foot and is arrested in anearbybackyard.
• Carjacking
Charges laid
VIOLENT AND SERIOUS OFFENCES
• Aggravated burglary with an offensive weapon
• Armed robbery
• Attempted aggravated burglary
• Reckless conduct endangering life
• Aggravated exposure of a police officer to risk by driving
PROPERTY AND THEFT OFFENCES
• Theft of motor vehicle (five counts)
• Burglary
DRIVING AND PURSUIT-RELATED OFFENCES
• Dangerous driving
• Dangerous driving while being pursued by police
• Driving in a manner dangerous
• Driving at a dangerous speed
LICENSING OFFENCES
• Unlicensed driving
Total charges: 66
Court date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Process: Tow trucks came in to remove one of the cars damaged along School Road, Trafalgar Photographs: Liam Durkin
Police were outstanding says car owner
By LIAM DURKIN
MOE resident Amy Smith, whose car was stolen during the frantic news year’s eve pursuit,has praised the efforts of local police.
Themother-of-two cuta remarkably calm figure when interviewed by the Express just hours after her car crashed into the front yard of aTrafalgar property.
Thankfully her children,above allelse,were saved any possible further harm.
“She realises they’re alrightsothat’s the main thing,” Ms Smith’sgrandmother, Margaret Parton said.
“The children areokay, (they) could’ve beenin the car, so that’s more important. You can replace acar, but two little children's …not good.”
Ms Smith, who works as aprimary school teacher, faced the added challenge of needing to keep her kids distracted duringthe ordeal, further highlighting her resilience.
Ms Parton lives not far from where the car crashed through aconcrete wall on the corner of Anzac Road and Church Street, Trafalgar. While she didn’t hear the crash, Ms Parton quickly figured the car would havebelonged to her granddaughter, after following developments on socialmedia and through the family phone chat.
Ms Parton said she was glad Amy didn’t see the car totalled.
“It was quite sad to see it, it was anice car, had many rides in it,” she said.
Ms Smith now faces the long road dealing with insurance, but has found communitygenerosity in spades from friends offering to lend her avehicle. Shewill however need new car seats for her young ones.
Clean-up coming: Trafalgar resident TedDorling next to thecar that ploughed through his front fence. The retired truckie said he sawsimilar incidents during his workinglife.
No go zone: Police blockedoff Anzac Road,Trafalgar on Wednesday, December 31 while acrime scene wasestablished.
Torridtime: Moe’s AmySmith hardlyslept the nighther car wasstolen, knowing the offender also had keystoher house
Oh dear: Trafalgar’s MargaretPartoninspects thedamage to hergranddaughterscar
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Business Guide
GIANT BOOK SALE
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PLANTS FOR SALE
Tall Bearded Iris, Bare Root Rhizomes, over 200 varieties. Visit website: irisendeavours.com
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JOJO
100% First time in town. Sexy, pretty, friendly, great service. 0421 367 038.
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RAFFLE WINNERS Port Albert Fishing Club 1st prize Les Gregg, Toongabbie, Corner Inlet fishing charter for four people, valued at $1000. 2nd prize Tom Diaz, Newborough, $400 gift voucher Lakes Beachfront Holiday Park, Lake Tyers. 3rd Prize Rina Pearson, Alberton, $150 gift voucher from Yarram Bargain Centre. Abig thank you to our sponsors and everyone who bought aticket.
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Specialising in all domestic work. REC.4188. Phone Peter 0438 177 153 or Carol 0438 998 849.
• ManagerMarketing and Engagement Temporary FullTime
• Early ChildhoodEducatorCertificate III andDiplomaQualified - Multiple Permanent PartTimeand Full Time positionsavailable
Permanent Full Time Central Gippsland Health (CGH) is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative and governance supporttothe Director of Quality &Learning in this full-time,ongoing role. The position requires abusiness or administration qualification (minimum CertificateIII), experience workinginhighly confidential environments, and strong organisational, communication and time-managementskills. Youwill support executive operations, coordinate committees, manage documentation and registers, and liaise with keyinternaland external stakeholders. To apply for the role or for further information, go to: https://www.cghs.com.au/recruitment or contact Manager Executive Services, Rebecca Gunning at rebecca.gunning@cghs.com.au.
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Motor Mart EXPRESS EXPRESS Personals
(14ft).
HORBOWICZ Danuta 1/1/1944 -30/12/2025 Passed away peacefully at LRH hospital Loved and loving wifeof Peter (dec.). Loving mother and mother-in-law of Grzegorz(C4) and Susan. Kocham ci Mamo
28/5/1940 -21/12/2025
Deaths • JOHNSTON/E Allan Oswald Brian (AJ). Passed away at L/V Hospital, Traralgon. Vic. Sunday 21st December 2025. 22 Sept 1955 -21Dec
WILSON Kevin Colin 20/8/1942 -26/12/2025
Loving husband to Cheryl. Caring father of Jacqueline and Brian, Stuart and Eli, Robert, and Kerri. Grandpa of Lochlin, Aleashia, Biannca, Troy, Oakley, Darcy, Riley, Chanelle, Jade, Oskar and Dylan and their partners. Old Grandpa of Arlo, Kohen, Darby, Archie, Myah, Evie, Zara, Alby, Sunday, Oliver, Ivy, Nyla, Winnie and Mabel. Forever in our hearts.
Tenders are invited from suitably 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
Reunited with Bub. Father to Lee, Kylie, Justin and Lisa Pop to Tara, Taylor, Rahni, Mitchell, Mikayla, Damon, Tahlia, Kaylea, Adam, James, Marley, Tyson, Stacy and Nathan. Great-pop to, Jedd, Beau, Oliver, Mahlee, Parker, Aleira, Isla, Harvey, Lennon, Josh Lucas, Jamison, Ivy, Bailie, Abigail, Tate, Blake. Past president and lifetime member of Latrobe Valley Aero Club and founding member of Churchill Soccer Club.
DZWONKOWSKI (nee Towell)
Moyra
25/1/1955 -28/11/2025
Passed away on aflight returning to Australia from an adventure overseas. Loving wife to Paul. Loved mother of Alexandra and Christian. Loved Grandmother to Bethany, Luca and Kurtis. Alife lived with love.
HALLAM George Passed away 29/12/2025 Son of James and Marie Hallam, loved brother of Pam and Peter (dec.). Loved uncle of Pricilla, Naomi, Liam and Adam.
HOLMAN Cherry 24/7/1933 -1/1/2026 Passed away at LRH, 1 January 2026 after ashort illness aged 92. Loved wife of Ron (dec.). Cherished and muchloved mum of Russell, Leanne and Greg. Loved Grandmother and Great-grandmother Avery special lady that helped so many through her volunteer work. Love you Nanna. Forever in our hearts. APrivate family service will be held as per Cherry's wishes.
RENNIE Robert Service No. 3788205
The President, Committee, Staff and Members of the Moe RSL Sub-Branch are deeply saddened by the passing of their esteemed Service Member and friend, Robert. We offer our sympathy to all his family. LEST WE FORGET.
ROBINSON Allan Francis 1941 -2026. Dearly loved husband of Beverley. Precious Father to Peter, Christine, Brett, Deanne, Garry. Poppy to his 10 Grandchildren and 11 Great-Grandchildren. This isn'tour final goodbye, just until we meet again.
SHIELDS Gwenda Elaine
Denis Anthony Christopher (Chris)
28/5/1940 -21/12/2025
Funeral was held at Gippsland Memorial Park At 11am on the 6/1/2025.
HORBOWICZ
The funeral service for Danuta Horbowicz will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Commercial Rd Morwell, on THURSDAY (8 January 2026) commencing at 11am. At the conclusion of this service the funeral will proceed to the Moe Cemetery
McLAREN AGraveside Service to celebrate the life of Robert Bruce McLaren will take place at the Korumburra Cemetery, WEDNESDAY (7 January 2026) commencing at 11am.
RINEHART
Gippsland Memorial Park,
MURRAY Lee 13/6/1953 -8/1/2023 My darling husband, Lee. It's been 3years since you left. My heart still aches at your loss. Aman of his word, endless generosity, strength and courage. With good humour and an insatiable hunger for travel and new experiences. Imiss your smile, laughter and having you by my side on this journey of life. Forever in my heart, Bev.
MOE-MORWELL-TRARALGON TRARALGON 5174 2258 Place your tribute on latrobevalleyfunerals.com.au Familyowned and locally based Funeral Directors We bring 35 yearsexperience to families in Traralgon,
Our beautiful Mum, Mother-in-law and Nanny, passed away suddenly at home on 16 December 2025, aged 78 years. Finally reunited with the love of her life and best-friend, Kenny. Our hearts are breaking, you meant so much to us. Life won't be the same without you. We will miss your smile, cheeky personality and phone calls. We will love and take care of Dotty. Love and miss you forever.
Jody, Darren, Maggie and Sam. Justin, Grace and Harry. Naomi, Travis, Jesse and Benji XXX GO THE BOMBERS!
STEPHENS
John Leonard
Passed away peacefully at Latrobe Regional Health, Traralgon on 1 January 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Aged 89 years
Dearly loved husband of Grace (dec.).
Much loved father and father-in-law of Helen and Darryl, Debra and David, Philip and Merrilyn, Michale and Steve, Liz, Rodney, Robert and Melissa. Adored grandadand great-grandad to many.
James Edward AMemorial Service to celebrate the life of James will take place in the Rose ChapelatGippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, Wednesday (14 January 2026) commencing at 11am. Privately Cremated.
ROBINSON Allan Francis The Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Allan will take place in the Rose ChapelatGippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Dr Traralgon, THURSDAY (15 January 2026) commencing at 11am.
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Concerns formicro-meatworks
By AIDANKNIGHT
VICTORIA'S butchery sector is witnessing arise in “micro-meatworks,” as small and medium-scale farmers look to slaughter and process their own livestock to cut costs, boost market access and shorten the paddock-to-plate chain.
The state governmentmoved to support the trend in August, announcing it would lift planning requirements for purpose-built on-farm slaughter facilities.
Farmers wanting to constructamicro abattoir will no longer needaplanning permit -a change designedtoremove amajor barrier to compliance and encourage producers to move away from makeshift or unsuitable buildings.
Supporters argue the model gives farmers greater control, keeps more profits local and strengthens regional “food sovereignty.”
Industry figures however say the practicalrealities make it farfrom simple.
RobertRadford,owner of Radford’s Meats Warragul-one of Victoria’smost decoratedbeef and lamb abattoirs -believesmicro-meatworks face significant hurdles.
“No one wants them on their back doorstep,” he said.
“They’regoing to have trouble getting meat inspectors. They’re going to have trouble with animal welfare because they’ve got to restrain the animal prior to slaughter, and carryout proper procedure with effluent and waste material, which also require EPA certification”.
Mr Radford said inspectors are unlikely to travel to farms to overseethe slaughter of only afew animals at atime, callingthe economic model “unfeasible without the owner-operator becoming ahands-on slaughterman, butcher and meat inspector."
He believes the only viable alternative for small producersisdirect-to-consumer onlinesales, where “farmers direct” meat packs are delivered to customers going through aregistered meatworks or butcher shop
“Ifsomeone gets food poisoning and they trace it back to oneofthese micro abattoirs, the whole industry will suffer,” Mr Radford said.
One of the most notable in the race for micro meatworks, prior to the recently introduced legislation, has beenJonai Farms &Meatsmiths,who specialise in heritagebreed pigs and shorthorn cattle in Eganstown, Victoria.
Whilenot exactly asmall operation, Jonai gained some notoriety in the meat industry by raising money to build avehicle-based abattoir at $150,000. This was driven by the vision to "feed local communities rather than banks and shareholders".
The “vehicle-based” designfor Jonai Farms’ microabattoir isn’t about being amobile butcher in the classic sense (driving from farm to farm). Instead, it’s aregulatory and practical workaround.
Mobile butchersare not an uncommon occurrence in regional areas, as pointed out to the Express by Latrobe City Jeeralang Ward Councillor, Joanne Campbell.
"WhatI'm worried about is the health inspectors being able to maintainproper compliance,"she said.
Cr Campbell grew up within the meat industry, similar to Mr Radford, through her family's business -Campbells Quality Meats Traralgon.
It’s generally easier to ensure compliance for mobile butchers than for farmers running their own micro-meatworks, because mobileunits are standardised, centrally regulated, and operate underexistinglicensing frameworks, whereas afarmer-run facilityrequires full abattoir-level compliance, infrastructure, and oversight.
Mobile slaughter units are typically licensed as asingleentity, with one set of approvals covering multiple farms. This means regulators only need to audit and certify the mobile operator, not every individual farm.
Farmers must meet thesame standardsascommercial abattoirs -including structural design, wastedisposal, waterquality, and HACCP food safety systems.
Cr Campbellmirrors Mr Radford'sview, and doesn't see aVictoria where inspectors and regulators happily trek to every individual farm that may theoretically becomeamicro meatworks, for what is (in the scheme of things), aminuscule amount of production(comparedtothe current abattoirs established).
Buildingand maintaining compliant infrastructure is expensive, often prohibitive for small–scale producers.
While Cr Campbell supports the concept of "keeping it local" that the micro concept provides atownship if run successfully, she sees that mobile butchers consolidate compliance into asingle, professional servicethat regulators can monitor efficiently.
In contrast, farmer-run micro meatworks decentralise responsibility, requiring every farm to meet complex abattoir standards individually -making oversight far more difficult and resource-intensive.
Whilesmall producers explore micro-meatworks, the opposite end of the industry is also shifting.
O’Connor’sBeef -amajor Victorian exporter supplying more than 30 countries including the US, Japan, the EU, Southeast Asia and the Middle East -has been put on the market.
The family business, started in East Gippsland in 1930 and now run by brothers Tim and Matt O’Connor, is expected to fetch between $300 to $400 million.
The Australian Financial Review published details on aprospective buyer in Chestnut, an
Indonesian-owned office with investments in Australianpork product and biscuitmanufacturers Chestnut's bid was not accepted, leaving O'Connor's with an uncertain foreseeable future.
As farmers weigh the appeal of hyper-local processing against steep regulatory demands, Victoria’s meat landscape is set for change at both the smallest andlargest scales.
VictorianFarmers Federation Livestock President, Scott Young said the organisation will
be monitoring the reforms closely, stressing that any shift toward micro-meatworks must uphold the same food safety, animal welfare and traceability standards expected of traditional abattoirs. Whether micro-meatworks can overcome the hurdles of inspection, infrastructure and safety -or remain aniche aspiration -willhelpdeterminehow power and production are sharedacross the state’s meat industry in the years ahead.
Magnificent meats combine
By AIDAN KNIGHT
NESTLED in the heart of West Gippsland, Radford's Meats stands as atestament to Australian family business resilience, amultigenerational enterprise that has weathered decades of industry transformation.
Founded nearly80years ago, the company has grown from asingle-man slaughterhouseto asophisticated meat processing operation that supplies across Victoria and beyond.
RobertRadford, who hasbeenatthe helm for nearly 50 years, represents the second generation of leadership.
His journey began with abutcher's apprenticeship,evolving to exporting to 28 different markets.
Today, Radford's is one of the most unique meat operations in the region -amulti-species plant processing both beef and lamb, ararity among the nine meat works within a100-kilometre radius.
What began as asmall butcher shop in Warragul in 1946 has grown intoone of Gippsland’s quiet manufacturing success stories.
Radford's remains family-owned and regionally based, but now operates as amajor player in Australia’s meat processingand value-added foodsector-proving thatacountrybusiness can compete on anational scale without losing its local roots.
"My permanent staff average 13 years service,"MrRadford says proudly."Some of them have been here over 30 years."
This stability is intentional.
"We can guarantee them five days aweek, where alot of other plants in the area are reducedtothree or four because of lack of stock, availabilityand price," he explains, of which he has around 140 people employed.
Domestically focused,Radford's supply "independent supermarkets, food service, wholesalersand independent butchers" with 95 percentoftheir business serving local markets.
"We supply Sydney and Melbourne markets, right through regional Victoria, from Bairnsdale to Healesville and Werribee."
Their achievements are substantial, winning multiple awards local, state and national. The biggest being the national Telstra Sustainability Award in 2009 -the firstfor any meat company in Australia.
Radford's also participates in exporting some of the best beef in the country, thanks to its Level 1license, allowingtrade to markets mainly in the Middle East.
While Mr Radford acknowledges that the exports are important,and for acountry with beef as highly regarded as Australia, is an integralpart of the economy, he says the company has always been locally focused, and the more regional the better.
"Exports are currently only aboutfiveper cent of our business," he said.
"We focus greatly on the domestic side of things,retailoutlets,local butchersacross the regions, independent supermarkets, food services and caterers -wedothe lot."
Mr Radford has always maintained this vision, as most other plants in the area shifted their focustoAmerican and Asian markets, opening it up for Radford’s to expand their reach across Gippsland and beyond to fill demand locally, something he doesn't take lightly, and is reflected in the quality of the product.
Radford's are also certified to prepare meats for arange of different religious affiliations, being Greek orthodox,traditional Chinese and Vietnamese communities, as well as Halal. In particular, being one of the biggest wholesale carcass suppliers in the Sydney and Melbourne Greek markets, and have aconsistentcustomer base, doing aroaring trade in lamb each Christmas and Easter.
Now expanding the business in adifferent direction, Mr Radford has acquired Cheffields Meat Wholesale, rebranding it into Gippsland Choice Cuts.
"We will supply nursing homes, hospitals, and restaurants, institutionsall across Gippslandas well as catering," he told the Express
Thebusiness aims to have amajor impact on localised bulk meat supply, which makesuse of the multiple owners' reputations and connectionsjoining forces, including Lisa Moreland (formerly Moreland Meats) and Colin Kearley (Country Style Meats,Garfield). This team brings an expert knowledge/service in different areasofthe same industry, allowing each of their own businesses to elevate to anew level with this newfound local venture -building further on what was previously established in Cheffieldsbythe founders,Andrewand Kristy Smith.
While Radford's own abattoirs provide highquality beef and lamb, the combined figures behind Gippsland Choice Cuts provideall of this, plus the finestinpork and chicken, seafood and goat. Radford's have been supplying Cheffields with meat for the service industry for 24 years, and haveastrong understanding of the impact it hasonlocalmeateconomy. Cheffields has long been awell-established supplier, and Gippsland Choice Cuts plans to not only continue that, but also elevatethe wholesale servicing in the local region, as the new name would suggest.
With this venture, Mr Radfore aims to “take advantage of that and value-add our products that we process here, take it down there, and take it to another level", whilekeeping the existing workforce of adozen or so employees at the Warragul base in Masterson Court. GippslandChoice Cuts is as committed as Radford's Meats is to maintaining locality, not just in business and client base, but also in its employment andbusiness continuity, "where the land defines the flavour".
Newera: Robert RadfordofRadford’sMeatsisexcited to add valuetohis existing business, with therecent acquisition and rebranding of Cheffields intoGippslandChoice Cuts.
Photograph: Aidan Knight
Knowhow: Latrobe CityCouncillor,Joanne Campbell grew up aroundthe meat industry, with herfamily’sbusiness Campbells Quality Meats, Traralgon. File photograph
Climate risks outlined Honouring Sir John Monash in Victorian Parliament
THErisk thatclimate change posesto Victoria’s builtenvironmentis"real and growing",according to areport tabled in state Parliament last year.
The Legislative Council (upper house) Environmentand Planning Committee found increased transparency and regular progress updatesonVictoria’s Climate Change AdaptationAction Plans would help build public confidence and engagement in Victoria’s climate resilience efforts.
However, the Nationals and Liberal members of the committee submitted a minority report, highlighting what they called the government's "failure to deliver practical, community-led climate adaptation across coastal Victoria".
The parliamentarycommitteeinquired into climate resilience in the state, and drew on the evidence from more than 280 written submissions, 130 witnesses, eight days of public hearings and extensive regional engagement.
“The impact of achangingclimate on Victoria’s built environment is clear,” committee chair, Labor MP Ryan Batchelor said.
“Hotter summers are leading to longer bushfireseasons,more intense rainfallis creating new flooding patterns, and coastal erosion continues apace. We are experiencingmorefrequent high-intensity wind and storm events.”
The report has recommended the secretary of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action be required to monitor andreport on all adaption actionplansand that thereshould be annual publication of the results of the assessment and monitoring of the plans.
The report found metropolitan Melbourne faced distinct climate change risksdue to its high population density and impervious surfaces, intensifying the heat island effect.
Many witnesses to the committee raised the urban heat island effect as being acritical issue for attention.
The committee also heard evidence tree canopies played an important role in mitigating urban heat islands, and the report recommended the state’s planning system provideclear guidance on tree canopy coverage and vegetation.
According to the majority report, rural and regional communities faced increasing vulnerability to more frequent and intense natural disasters,including bushfires, floods, and storms. Coastal erosion is also aparticular concern for many communities.
The reportexploresa range of issues, including the risk to Victoria’s built environment and infrastructure and the response required of the state’s planning system. It also explores opportunities for government, individuals, and communitiestoinvestigate in enhancing their resilience in the face of achangingclimate.
Coalition MPs on the committee, Melina Bath (Member for Eastern Victoria Region), Gaelle Broad and Wendy Lovell claimed while regional Victorians battled worsening coastal erosion, unaffordable housing and stretched emergency services,the government was "bogged down in needless roadblocks, offering nothing but delays, excuses and more tax".
Overlapping environmental regulations, they claimed,were stalling housing, inflating costs, and pushing home ownership further outofreach.
The minority report highlighted that communities were facing worsening erosion with no clear action or funding from the government; uncoordinated regulations and unfunded mandates were choking housing supply; farmers were being excluded from planning decisions and no recycling plan for renewable infrastructure; councils were forced to rebuild damaged infrastructure to outdated standards, and the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy was "a politicised tax grab".
Ms Bath said the government was all talk and no action.
“BassCoast, Gippsland and the Great Ocean Road urgent real solutions -protection from erosion, affordable housing, and infrastructurethat can withstand future disasters -not more reports out of step with the urgency required,” she said.
“Coastalcommunitiesare watching as erosion threatens their infrastructure and public safety -government reports remain incomplete and out of step with the urgency required. We needaction -not more studies."
The Nationals have called for acoordinated coastalerosionstrategy, planningreform to support housing affordability, transparent disaster recovery funding, protection of landholder rights in renewable energy projects, and fuel reduction targets aligned with theBushfireRoyal Commission.
FEDERAL Member for Monash, Mary Aldred honoured the service and legacy of General Sir John Monash at special service in the Victorian Parliament last year.
Hostedbythe Spirit of Australia Foundation, which seeks to highlight the service of remarkable Australians, the 20th Annual Commemorative Service for General Sir John Monash was held in the Legislative Assembly Chamber of the Victorian Parliament, and supported by the family of Sir John Monash,serving Australian Defence Force personal, Melbourne University cadets and members of Parliament.
“Representing the electorate named after John Monash, and as someone passionate about promoting civics education in ourschools, I’m committed to continuingtohonour the serviceand legacy of John Monash,” Ms Aldred said.
The service heardfromCommanderof the 4th Brigade of the AustralianArmy, Brigadier Michelle McCormack, who spoke about John Monash’s leadership qualities and strategic brilliance on the battlefield. The service was emceed by retired Major General Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld AC OBE -aworld leading trauma surgeon.
The serviceheard about John Monash’s service as the inaugural chair of the State ElectricityCommission, and his deep involvement in the Latrobe Valley energy sector.
Honour: FederalMember for Monash,MaryAldred with Michael Bennett, great grandson of Sir John Monash.
Photograph supplied
Last winter was record-breaking for paramedics
DATA has been released showing ambulance response times last winter.
Ambulance Victoria (AV) paramedics faced a record-breaking winter in 2025, with demand for critical emergency care surging as seasonal illness spread throughout the state.
AV Acting Executive Director Regional Operations, Michael Georgiou said between July and September,demand for‘lights andsirens’ ambulances across Victoriaincreased by 2.8 per cent compared with the previous quarter.
“Winter consistently brings thehighest emergency call volumes, and this (last) year was no exception," he said.
"This wasour busiestfirst quarter on recordwith 101,632 Code 1emergencies in just three months, and overall, it was our second busiest quarter ever.
“Thiswas another challengingwinter-the entire health system was extremely busy with seasonal illness. We are incredibly proud of our highly skilled paramedics and first responders for the exceptional care theyprovide their communities -all day, every day.
“Despite this record demand, we continue to lead the wayinpre-hospital patient care,includingthe
best cardiac arrest survival ratesinAustralia and third best anywhereinthe world.”
During the July to September quarter, AV crews responded to 64.1 per cent of Code 1cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes.
The state-wide average response time to Code 1emergencies was 15 minutes and 46 seconds.
In the Gippsland Region, crews responded to 6181Code1casesbetween July and September 2025 -which is 2.06 per cent morethan three months ago (6,056).
The biggest improvementsinthe Gippsland Region were in the major population centres of Sale andBairnsdale and the East Gippsland Local Government Area (LGA).
In the major population centre of Sale, paramedics attended 83.1 per centofCode 1patientswithin 15 minutes- up from 75.5 per cent three months ago-the biggest improvementinthe state. As a result, Code 1response times decreased by one minute and 19 seconds.
Gippsland RegionalDirector RossSalathielsaid the support of the community can also help save lives.
“Our paramedics are focused on reaching the
sickestpatientsfirst -but every day, about one in five callstoTripleZero(000) do not need an emergency ambulance response,” Mr Salathiel said.
“Getting the right carefastcan make all the difference and means more paramedics are on the road for people who need our urgent lifesaving care the most.
“Thereare many optionspeople can access when they need timely medical care and health advice, at any time of the night or day -but not an emergency ambulance or calling Triple Zero (000), including the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED), Urgent Care Clinics, Nurse-on-Call, GPs and pharmacists.”
Mr GeorgiousaidAVisworking closely with hospitals, emergency services and government partners to keep patients moving through the system as quickly as possible and get ambulances back on the road sooner.
In alife-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Mine rehab needs to be meaningful: LCC
AT acouncilmeetinglastyear, Latrobe City Council endorsed submissions to the Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plans (DMRPs) for the Hazelwood (ENGIE) and Yallourn W(Energy Australia) mines.
Declared Mine Rehabilitation Plans are alegislated requirement under the Mineral Resources Sustainable Development Amendment Regulations 2022 and are designed to outline the steps that a declared mine licence holder will take to rehabilitate land impacted by mining activities.
These plans are developed by mine operators and approved by the state government.
Then LatrobeCityMayor (now deputy), Dale Harriman said the rehabilitation of Latrobe City’s minesrepresents one of the most significant land transformations in Victoria’shistory, and will shape the region for generations to come.
“Council looks forward to ongoing collaboration with mine operators ENGIE and Energy Australia to ensure the rehabilitation of the mines they own is undertaken in amannerthat is responsible,safe, and environmentallysustainable -delivering long term benefitsfor the Latrobe Citycommunity,” he said.
“Councilremains committed to workingin
partnership with government, industry,and the community to ensure thatminerehabilitation efforts contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration, economic diversification,and the longterm resilience of the region.”
Across the two submissions, council made atotal of eightoverarching recommendationswhich draw on council’spreviously endorsed positions aligning with advocacy requirements. This includes:
Transfer land ownership to state and federal government;
Further investigate the cumulative impacts of water usage;
Apply alegacy project or initiative that will benefit the Latrobe City community;
Apply an interrelationship model between mine rehabilitation plans;
Support the government’s proposed recommendation for abulk water entitlement fee;
Consider council’s request to maintain a portion of land for the Inter-township Trail Network project;
Support the use of the Environmental Effects Statement, and;
Consider council’s request to maintain aportion of the mine licence land 3005 for aproposed Centre of Automotive Futures (CAAF).Council emphasised the need for strong coordination across all three Latrobe Valley mines: Hazelwood, Yallourn Wand Loy Yang A-toensure rehabilitation efforts are integrated, transparent, and deliver maximum benefit to the region.
Council is strongly advocating for the rehabilitation of Yallourn Wtobereferred to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.
WhileENGIE and Energy Australia havereleased their DMRPs for Hazelwood and Yallourn mines respectively, AGL’s plan for the Loy Yang Amine hasbeendeferredbythe state governmentuntil 2027.
Council says it is actively contributing to the Environmental Effects Statement process for Hazelwood mine and will continue to advocate for the use of this process at the Yallourn mine site.
SEC to deliver Delburn
JUST in timefor Christmas, the SEC announcedits acquisition of the Delburn Wind Farm last month.
The movesignals confidence in Gippsland’s continued role in energy generationand is hopefully the beginning of further investments to boost the region’s economic future.
Situated across Latrobe City and South Gippsland Shire Council, the wind farm willplay an essential roleinthe diversification of Victoria’s power supply alongside anticipated closure of coal-fired power stations.
Both Latrobe City and South Gippsland Shire Council welcome the news,which will result in energy solutions and secure long-term career opportunities for the localworkforceduring economic change.
SEC expects the project to bringsignificantlocal economic benefits, including more than 300 local jobs during constructionand over $22 million in neighbour and community benefit sharing programs over 35 years.
Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson was delighted by the announcement.
“This is incredibly exciting for Latrobe. We have powered the state for ahundred years and we’re ready to power it for ahundred morewith our highly skilled workforce,” she said.
"It is adelight to see the biggest investment the state government has madesince Loy Yang was built -they’re showing asignificant commitment to our region.
"This is asignalthatLatrobewillcontinueto have arole to playinthe diversification of the power supply for years to come."
Equally, South Gippsland Shire Council Mayor and One Gippsland Chair, Nathan Hersey is looking forward to the opportunities the project will bring.
“The Delburn Wind Project is expected to create around 300 local jobs and deliver significant longterm benefits for our communities," he said.
"This is welcome news forthe Latrobe Valley, SouthGippsland and surrounding regions, representinga strong investmentinGippsland that will supportlocal businesses,workersand the broader economy."
MINISTER for the State Electricity Commission, Lily D’Ambrosio announced the SEC will invest around $650 million to take over the Delburn Wind Farm.
“The SEC is poweringVictoriangovernment operations with 100 per cent renewable electricity -withall profits being invested backinto projects thatwill deliver more renewable energyand lower power bills for Victorians,” she boasted.
Construction will begin this year, and the wind farm is expected to in operation in 2028.
The 33-turbine wind farm, overlooking the former Hazelwood Mine site, will generate up to 205 megawatts of renewable energy to the electricity grid, enough to power more than 130,000 homes with renewable power.
This is the first wind farm project to reachfinancial close in Victoria in the last 12 months, and the firsttimethe SEC willgenerate power in Gippsland since it was sold off by the Jeff Kennett-led Liberal government some 30 years ago.
The Latrobe Valley has ahighly skilled local workforcewithdecades of energygeneration
expertise and an established transmission network ready to connect renewable energy to the grid.
The state government says the project will help keep wholesale energy prices low into the future, easing cost-of-living pressures for Victorians.
Theprojectwill add to the SEC’s growingportfolio, including 819 megawatts of solar and battery storage at the SEC RenewableEnergyParkin Horsham and the Melbourne Renewable Energy Hub nearMelton-pumping more renewable energy into the grid.
This announcement follows the opening of the SEC’snew Morwell Hub -aspace forthe community, students and educators to learn about the opportunities the energy transition will bring and find out more about this project.
This will also add to the generation and storage assets the SEC uses to supply 100 percent renewable electricity to power Victoria’s public schools, hospitals and trains.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh said the project would ensure Gippsland's energy history continues.
“This project will tap into the Latrobe Valley’s proud history as Victoria’s energy heartland and ensures the regioncontinues to play aleading role in our renewable energy future,” he said.
“The Latrobe Valley has been the engine room of Victoria’s power system for more than acentury, and we believethe regionwillplay acriticalrole as Victoria transitions away from fossil fuels towards asystem supplied by renewable generation, supported by storage," SEC Chief Executive Officer Chris Miller added.
"SEC has now committed more than agigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity -a quarter of our 2035 target of 4.5 GW”
FRIENDS of the Earth’s Yes2Renewables campaign also welcomed the SEC announcement.
“This milestone marks amajor step toward and will deliver cheaper, cleaner energy for Victoria
while ensuring that Latrobe Valley communities directlyshare in the benefits," Yes2Renewables Gippsland Organiser Wendy Farmer said.
“The SEC has aproud history in Victoria, once known for doing things differently -innovative, progressive, and committed to the public good.
"The privatisationofthe LatrobeValley power stations in the 1990sshifted energy from public ownership to private international control, leaving the Latrobe Valley with deep social and economic scars.
"Today’s announcement signals anew chapter: one of renewed public ownership, and renewal fairness."
Friends of the Earth say transitioning to renewable energy is essential, not only for reducing greenhouse gas emissions but to also offer a pathwaytobuild the region’s capacity to thrive into the future.
By creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and protecting the natural landscapes that define the region, this commitment reflects abroader vision where climate actionand community wellbeing go hand in hand.
“This is more than an investment in infrastructure -itisaninvestment in our community. It shows that the governmenthas listened to our call to bring back the SEC," Ms Farmer said.
"It represents fairness and afuture where energy serves peoplefirst. For acommunity that has borne the burden of privatisation, this projectoffersa chance to begin healing -restoring pride and opportunity while deliveringaffordable, sustainable power.
"We welcome this with pride, purpose, and a deepsense of responsibility.The SEC investment in Latrobe Valley’s clean energy future reflects what many in the community have long known: our regionholdsthe potentialtoleadAustralia’s energy transition,not just in infrastructure, but in values.”
Frequent letter writer to the Express on energy issues, Adrian Cosgriff also added his thoughts.
“For acentury, the Latrobe Valley has powered our nation. Now we’re laying the foundations for the next century -creating long-term benefits for our communityand for Australia’s future,” he said.
"This isn’t justabout turbinesand feasibility studies. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring that the energy powering our homes also empowers our communities. That the jobs created are local, secure, and future-facing.That the landscapes we love are respected, and the voices of residents -especially First Nations custodians -are heard and honoured." LOCAL Nationals MP however have warned local residents to not get their hopes up.
Member for Gippsland South, Danny O'Brien, questioned what purpose the $650 million investment by the SEC would serve.
"If this project stacks up commercially, then the privatesectorwillfunditand if it doesn't then why is Labor risking taxpayers' money on it?
"The Laborgovernment's SEC policy is amassive shamthat promised to reduce electricity prices for all Victorians but has abjectly failed," Mr O'Brien said.
"Rather than deliveringnew projects to drive pricesdown, the government is clearly shopping around taxpayers' cash to existingprojects looking for investors to try and score PR wins."
Mr O'Briensaidstate state government needs to explain to the local community around Yinnar, Boolarra and Delburn why it is backingthe project against their wishes.
"The local community has waged acampaign against this project, raising genuine concernsabout thefireriskofhostingturbinesinapineplantation, as well as noise and visual impact," he said.
"TheLaborgovernment has thumbedits nose at thiscommunitysoitcan be seentobemore green in the city."
Duo: SEC ChiefExecutiveOfficer Chris Miller and SEC Minister,LilyD’Ambrosio speaking at the opening of SEC’sMorwell Hub last October. File photograph
projectwill
enormous
forthe region.
Fitzroy’sfinal season, 30 yearson
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
THIS year marks 30 years since the Fitzroy Football Club ceased to exist in the AFL.
While the merger with the Brisbane Lions has given fans aclubtobarrack for, as well as five premierships, the story of theRoys' final daysstill cutsdeep.
Fitzroy has anumber of connections to the Latrobe Valley, most notably through champion Traralgon footballer Bernie Quinlan.
Quilan played 189 games and kicked 576 goals for the Lions, winning both the Brownlow and two Colemanmedals after crossing from Footscray.
According to local legend, he once kicked atorpedo from the Traralgon Recreation Reserve oval that sailed over the railway line and bounced into Victory Park -quite fitting for the man known as 'Superboot'.
Quinlan returned home last season for a Traralgon Football-NetballClubreunion, and also opened the Traralgon Bunnings in 2012.
Otherprominent Fitzroy playersfrom the Valleyincluded cultheroDarren 'Doc'Wheildon (Newborough), and Churchill's Paul Abbott, who finished his career with the Lions after winning flags at Hawthorn.
Quinlanalso coachedFitzroy in its second-last AFL season in 1995, the same year Footscray legend Doug Hawkins donned themaroon,blue and gold for one final hurrah.
Hawkins, who last year named Quinlan's ex-Bulldogs teammate KelvinTempleton as the greatest player he ever saw, said Quinlan should never have been sacked.
The man who pulled the trigger wasFitzroy president Dyson Hore-Lacy.
Hore-Lacy,aMelbourne barrister, perhaps epitomised the trueeffect of Fitzroy's finaldays According to numeroussources, he still can't bear to talk about it -quite telling given what he would have encountered during his career in the courtroom.
Much has been written about Fitzroy's demise, and while the club was always teetering on the brink due to finances, in this writer's view, there is little doubt the AFL killed off the club.
It's aview shared by Moe netball AGrade premiership coach, Peter Moody, who was recruited to Fitzroy in the days of under 19s footy.
He gets emotional when talking about Fitzroy, especially given his wholefamily followedthe team
"It cuts me and my family to the bone. Since they merged, there's not one member of our family that stillfollows the Lions," he said in a2020podcast with the author.
"My mum couldn't even go and watch them play thelasttimeinMelbourne, it was so hurtful for her. She was the whole reason our whole family barracked for Fitzroy, she was the one who instilled the love of footy in me and my brothers.
"It was (a) pretty traumatic time for Fitzroy around late 80s,early 90s. They (other clubs) were taking all our players, anyone who was any good just got ripped out of the team and sent somewhere else."
When asked about the AFL having blood on its hands for whathappened to Fitzroy, Moody responded with "absolutely".
"We believe the AFL let Fitzroy wither and die, let
GOLF
CHURCHILL ANDMONASH
Stableford-27th December 2025
AGrade Winner: J. Langstaff37pts
BGrade Winner: S. Caldwell 45 pts
CGrade Winner: K. Del Piccolo 43 pts
D.T.L: 1. Ash West 42, 2. A. Auld 38, 3. Adam West 38, 4. I. Heppleston 37,5.R.King37, 6. M. Brereton 36, 7. G. Barnes 36, 8. M. Hutchinson 36
N.T.P: 3rdJ.Cahill,5th D. Burridge,12th D. Burridge (Propin), 14th J. Langstaff
Birdies: 3rdS.Caldwell, 5th S. Caldwell, 12th MattSoppe,14thJ.Langstaff
Target Hole: A. Jenkins
Stableford– 30th December 2025
AGrade Winner: J. Soppe 39 pts
BGrade Winner: K. Del Piccolo 37 pts c/b
D.T.L: 1. R. Dent 37,M.Soppe 37,3.R Sands 37
N.T.P: 3rdR.Sands,5th C. Sterrick, 12th M. Dear,14th C. Carder
Superboot: Traralgon legendBernie Quinlan in actionfor Fitzroy.This year marks 30 years sincethe Roys last playedinthe AFL Photograph supplied
all the other clubs come in and just basically pick off all the decent players (so) that they were so bad in the end, they had no choice but to fold," he said.
"It's completely different today. Ithinkafter they saw how Fitzroy died and what it did to alot of the supporters, that it was in their best interest, at the very least,torelocate clubs rather than just let them fold.
"A lot of Brisbane Lionsfans will argue they didn't fold, they merged -it'snot the way Isee it.
Alot of Fitzroy fans, and good luck to them, they've watched them play and win premierships, but for me it was never going to be the same, it was just the Brisbane footy club with aLions logo on it."
Moodyswitched to St Kilda when the Lions went north.
Former Express editor and Fitzroysupporter Gregor Mactaggart also laments what happened. Despite adopting the Brisbane Lions as his club, he said the premierships of the early 2000s didn't feel like Fitzroy flags.
Above all, what happened to Fitzroy is largely a cautionary tale to other AFL clubsinthe cutthroat business world of professional sport.
As was accurately said in the brilliant William Westerman book Merger: The Fitzroy Lions and the Tragedy of 1996,the Roys, to their detriment, never went from being anything more than asuburban football club.
Their ultimate demise was therefore not entirely surprising, but no less wretched.
Someone with an intimate knowledge of Fitzroy was Leon Wiegard.
Wiegard was club president in 1986 when things were at its craziest –a season that saw the side onegame from aGrand Final, but also, seemingly dealing with anew merger partner every week.
Express reporter Liam Durkin tracked Wiegard downsomeyears ago, andput together the followinginterview.
LD: It’s still painful for the Fitzroy diehards. What is it like as an ex-president of the club? Do youmiss it? Is there aholeinyourheart?
Place Getters: Veenman, Laurie 40, Wilson, Ryan 36 C/B,Pickard,Andrew 36 C/B, Puddy,Jacob 36 C/B,Wilson, Graeme 36, Stansbury, Les 35, Middlemiss,Kaye34C/B
Wednesday, 31 December 2025 WOMEN'S 9HOLESTABLEFORD
Grade AWinners: Bates, Linda (11) 20
Grade BWinners: Savige,Karyn (14) 17
Grade CWinners: Puddy,Kimberley(25) 21
Place Getters: Tate,Sandy 17 C/B Griggs
Andrea 17 C/B
Nearest to Pin: 14th KarynSavige
LW: WhileI’m alife memberofBrisbane Lionsit’s certainly not the same as the passion for Fitzroy. After Fitzroy merged it’s notlike barracking for your son anymore, it’s like barracking for your cousinsson. Ihave come to the realisation that everyone did their best to stay in Melbourne, but in the end 'you can’t beat city hall’.
LD: Can you tell us alittlebit about your history with the club?
LW: AllfourWiegardboyssupported Collingwood until we were about five,six,seven and eight when our father, akeen Fitzroy man,originally from Bendigo, told us we had Form 4s to fill out, meaning we were tied to Fitzroy –all BS of course but we fell for it -three of us finished up playing for the under 19s (under 1944 premiership player Gracie Fields then Len Smith). Older brother Keith went on to play 30 odd senior games before being injured. Keith and Iboth became presidents of the club.
LD: Fitzroyalwaysseemed to be up against it even going back as far as the 1950s. Was there a contributing factor as to why the club struggled?
LW: Fitzroywas the dominant team in the early days of the league.Idon’t thinkthe club recovered as well as some others after World War 2but it did have some really good teams in the late 1950s and certainly in the 1980s.
LD: Despite all the off field drama things slowly started to turn around in the late 1970s and the team played finals regularly throughout the 1980s. Was there amainreason for the turnaround?
LW: We had the duel advantages of good recruitment with Bernie Quinlan, Higgins from Geelong, Len Thompson and Max Richardson from Collingwood, Robbie Walls from the Blues etc. And the wave of new players coming from all over the place:Garry Wilson, Ron Alexander, David McMahon,Laurie Serafini and the like.There was also the vital recruitment from Templestowe/ Doncaster area of Gary Pert, Paul Roos, Richard Osborne and Grant Laurie, possibly the best influx to the clubever.Getting Robbie Walls and then David Parkin to coach was amajor reason.
LD: 1983was probablythe yearwhenFitzroy had its best chance to play in aGrand Final and maybe even pinch the flag?
LW: We were the best team in the comp and there were some that would say that Bernie took an unpaid mark in the goal squarelateinthe last quarter of afinal that would have won it and progressed us further. (AlthoughIstill jokingly blame GlenJames, the umpire, who is agood friend of mine).
LD: There was of course that famous one point elimination final win in 1986 over Essendon. Can you tell us about that day?
LW: Iwas high in the stand at Waverly that wet Saturdaywith John Dawson, abankerand lifelong Fitzroy man who later joined the board. Leon Harris to Micky Conlan and we were in direct line as he kicked it from an angle. We were never going to win that one. It was one of the most exhilarating moments Ihaveeverhad in footy.
LD: Fitzroy did win apremiership underyour leadership, it happened to be areservegrade premiership in 1989 which featured Newborough's Doc Wheildon. To do that in front of 100,000people must have been ahighlight?
LW: When the boys went the heavy in the last quarter Ithought they’d all be reported -some were! Great win under Robert Shaw.
GOLF SCOREBOARD
Thursday, 01 January 2026
New Year's Day
Mixed
Open
grade AWinners: Johnson, Charles (7) 41
Grade BWinners: Radford, Craig (12) 44
Grade CWinners: Shearing,Andrew (17)
38
Grade DWinners: Beath, Ken(24) 43
Place Getters: Halkett, David 39 C/B Devent, Anton 39, Backman, Phil 38 C/B, Gauci, Anthony38C/B,Azzopardi, Nato
Great Score: PeterHobson (Eagle) @ 6, Andrew Pickard (Birdie) @4,Murray Donaldson (Birdie) @14, Linda Bates (Birdie) @14, Andrew Pickard (Birdie) @14, Stephen Bates (Birdie) @14
Nearest to Pin: 4th Anne Mead, 8th Simon Caygill, 14th Murray Donaldson
Saturday, 03 January 2026 Women's
SaturdayOpen Stableford
Grade AWinners: Lang,Marj (22) 41
Grade BWinners: Wallis,Elizabeth (32) 38
Place Getters: Middlemiss,Kaye38C/B
Saturday,03January 2026 MEN'S Monthly
Medal Stroke
Grade AWinners: Wright, David (8) 69 C/B
Grade BWinners: Rothwell, Craig (13) 68 C/B
Grade CWinners: Nyko, Steve(20) 68
Place Getters: Wilkinson, Wally68, Poole, Joel 69, Stirzaker,Jason 70 C/B,Stanlake,
LD: Whileall the on field stuff was playing out there was just as much action happening off the field as the VFL expanded to anational competition andanumber of Melbourne-basedclubs were putunder pressure to merge or risk going out of business. That must have been ahectic period?
LW:For that reason and as the AFL director at the timeImadesureIwas on every subcommittee. It took alot of my time away from the family but it was meant to make sure that we knew what was happening.
LD: My understanding is in 1986 you called on the players to vote on whether they wanted to relocate to Brisbaneand the playersunanimously said yes. Is that true?
LW: My memory is that they decided that whateverthe board decided that they wanted to stay together as ateam. It was terrific to see such regard for each other.
LD: So why did it fall through?
LW: Theoffer made just did not stack up. Look at the fortunethatthe likes of Paul Cronin, Christopher Skase, Ruben Pelliman lost, alot more, many times over than the AFL offered us at the time.
LD: Did alot of clubs get into financial trouble simply because their supporters didn’t grasp the concept of the importance of buying amembership?
LW: That was partofit-but the position the Commission took (looking for avictim) and certain sections of the media did not help.
LD: It must be one of the great ironies that Fitzroy was considered too powerful to be given draft concessions in the early 1990s?
LW: Maybeaddress that to the AFL who had new ‘children’ on the blockthat apparently needed assistance.
LD: The club's last game in Melbourneended up being something of apublic death. Did you have many emotions that day as the theme song was played and people streamed onto the MCG for one last time?
LW: Idorecall that and Iwas there. All the past players went onto the ground. Iwas askedbut felt it was aplayers thing. Very sad day.
LD: Then thefollowing week the club went to Perth to play their last ever game in what was something they were totally undeserving of. Did youmakethe trip over?
LW: No, Idid not think it appropriate.
LD: Wereyou onsidewhenthe Lions eventually went north to Brisbane?
LW: To be honest Ilooked around but kept coming back to the Lions. Ihave good friends at the other clubs and go to whatever games I’m invited to but it was and is always the Lions.
LD: Do the Brisbane Lions premierships of 2001-03 carry much meaning for you?
LW: My word, Isat near Kevin Murray on each occasion and was delighted at each win, twice as much when Isaw how much it meant to him.
LD: Fitzroyisn’t exactly entirelygone, as they still competeinthe VAFA and play at the Brunswick St Oval. It mustbegreat to seethe maroon and blueand FFC monogram still playing on afootball field in Melbourne?
LW: Ilive not too far away and should get down there more Iguess. Ihave spoken there acouple of times. They do agreat job with the juniors and keep the colours flying.
Gross Winner: Joel Poole 75 C/B,Andrew Pickard 75 Great Score: AnthonyGauci (Birdie) @ 14,Andrew Pickard (Birdie) @8,Graham Geisler (Birdie) @14, Dale Collings (Birdie) @14, Finn Agius-Walker (Birdie) @6,Alain Babet (Birdie) @8,Graeme Brien (Birdie) @14, Jeffrey Bassman (Birdie) @8 Nearest to Pin: 4th Joel Poole,8th Laurie Veenman, 14th Graham Geisler MysterySixes Winner: WallyWilkinson Play-offfor January Monthly Medal between Craig Rothwell, SteveNyko& Wally Wilkinson
TRAFALGAR
FridayJanuary 2nd, Open Men’s& Ladies Stableford
AGrade Winner: Carl Turner 38 pts
BGrade Winner: Tony Gray 37 pts C/B
CGrade Winner: Andrew Shearing 40 pts
DGrade Winner: JanJansen 43 pts
DTL's: Corrine Nancarrow 38, Eris Beveridge 37,Russell Dent 37,Phil Town 37,CliffMcBride 37,George Petkovic 37, Glenn Doolan 37,Peter Griffin36, Ray Wiseman 36, Tony Johnson 36, MarkHiriart 36, Denis Dyke 35, Graeme Orchard35, Jeff Hasthorpe 35, Russ Grant 35, Anthony Cunningham 34, Ricky Dyt34C/B Birdies: 5th: PeterMcKinnon, MarkHiriart, Eric Beveridge,CarlTurner,TonyBickley
13th:TonyGray, PeterBurghardt, Phil Town, William Braden, SteveHazelman 15th:Tony Bickley, WarwickGriggs,Ross Anderson SaturdayJanuary 3rd, Monthly Medal Stroke
Medal &A Grade Winner: Tony O’Reilly66 nettC/B
BGrade Winner: RexDaly66nett
CGrade Winner: Jeff Gray 68 nett
ScratchWinner: Bill Williams 71 gross
DTL’s:
Vixensvisit with specialguest
NETBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
TRAIN like aVixen.
Local netball lovers were givenanearlyChristmas present, with the Melbourne Vixens coming to town last month.
The Suncorp Super Netball champions visited schools and conductedameet-and-greetatMonash Reserve, Newborough.
Victoria’stypicallyunpredictableweather unfortunately saw conditions change in an instant, meaning ascheduled clinic was cancelled.
That did little to dampen spirits however, and kids revelled in the chance to snap aphoto, have a chat, and ask questions of their favourite players.
The visit was farfrom atokentick-the-box exercise either, with the Vixens bringing all their big guns to the Latrobe Valley,includingAustralian netball royalty Sharelle McMahon.
McMahon, now the Vixens' general manager of high performance and pathways, hoped fans got a boost out of being up close and personal to the stars.
“Theexcitement and joy that youcan see on allthe kids wasreally great to see.Latrobe council, being able to be supported to be
able to come into this area is fantastic,” she said.
“It is greatfor these youngnetballersasthey are coming through to be able to see their heroes, learnsome tips and tricks from them, on the same courts they play.”
On her impression of the netball facility on offer at Newborough (used by Moe District Netball Association), McMahon believed the multi-court complex had abig say in the overall quality of netball in the region.
“It’s gotavery long historyofstrength, the Gippsland and Latrobe area,” she said.
“We’ve had alot of great talent coming through our pathways in different ways, some who have gone all the way to the top.
“We contract 10 athletes, so if you look at that, it takes 10,000 Netball Vic members to create one Vixen, so everyone in all the areas, there is some great strength down here, do agreat job in being able to create those opportunities.”
Wonthaggi’s Zali Anderson is currently atraining partner with the Vixens, while former Moe player Montana Holmes enjoyed Suncorp stints withMelbourne Mavericks and Collingwood before the Magpies folded.
There is general consensus Moe’s AGrade netball team, whichhas won the last three Gippsland
League premierships, would be among the strongest country teams in the state.
Virtually every Moe player has playedatVictorian Netball League level (one grade below Suncorp), while Gippsland itself has aVNL team competing in the topChampionship level.
Moe netballer Rachael Blackshaw also works for Netball Victoria in the role of VNL competitions coordinator.
Blackshaw was back home for the Vixens visit, as was the Suncorp Super Netball trophy, won last season after agenuine fairytale finish by the girls in navy blue and jade.
The Vixens overcame an early season slump to sneakinto finals by agame, before going on to win allthree finals by less than two goals.
McMahon, who won two netball World Cups and two Commonwealth Games gold medals, rated the 2025 Vixens premiership as “up there” in the highlights of her career.
“Going over to Adelaide and winning (the semifinal), heading up to Sydney and coming back from 11 goals down (in the preliminary), and then that exhibition we had at Rod Laver Arena(for the grand final),itreally was an amazing atmosphere. It was so exciting to be apart of that,” she said.
There was further local connections to the Vixens
championship, with Moe netballer GeorgiaMoody among the crowd. She is best mates with Vixens wing attack Hannah Mundy.
The Vixens dropped four of their first six games last season, prompting coach SimoneMcKinnis to bring out the now famous line “maybe we just need to go to the pub”.
Whether parmas andbeersformed partofthe solution is unknown, however the Vixens won six of their next eight games.
Keeping thingsinperspective, McMahon said the throwaway wasn’t meant to be taken too seriously, muchlike mostofwhatisspokenand written about in sport.
“That element of being abit light-hearted and having abit of ajoke with your mates, which is what that was. To be able to have alaugh and have some fun while we’re on the journey of playing our sport(at) whatever level it is, is really important,” she said.
“You get alot of feedback from lots of different areas. They (the players) are very resilient -you have to be.”
That resilience could see Gippsland youngsters go from training like aVixen to one day, becoming aVixen.
Encounter: LocalyoungstersMarley, Abbey, Emmy, Maddison, Lillyand Maddie had the thrill of meeting Vixens captain Kate MoloneyatMonash Reserve
On the clock: Moe netballerRachaelBlackshaw (right) workscloselywiththe Vixens in herrole with NetballVictoria.
Did someone saypub: Melbourne Vixens premiership captain Kate Moloneychattingtolocals in Newborough.
Goat: Sharelle McMahon, generallyregarded as the greatest netballer Australia has ever produced, graced Monash Reserve with her presence
Prize: Latrobe City Deputy Mayor, Dale Harriman holds the SuncorpSuper Netball trophy, flanked by Netball Victoria EasternRegionManagerJudi Buhagiarand Melbourne Vixens playersZara Walters, Jo Weston, SharelleMcMahon, Kate Moloneyand EmilyMannix.
Holy grail: TheSuncorpSuper Netball trophywon by theVixens last season, on the MonashReserve court. Photographs: Liam Durkin
Great times: Morwellnine-year-oldsLily, Marleyand Aubree enjoyedthe chance to ‘Train Likea Vixen’.
Moe Little Aths record membership
Classic chess battles
CHESS
PRICE Samaseia was the leading player at LatrobeValley Chess Club during the Christmas week, finding the best lines in most games and acceptinga draw against Steve Ahern.
Other results were generally favourable for Peter Baker.
Ian Hamilton was punished for the oversights.
Ben Mayyozojoined the contestsand valued support provided by both Ahern and Cliff Thornton.
Samantha Juers won the firstgameand appreciated the advice offeredfromCliff Thornton.
Formore information on local chess, phone Ian Hamilton on 0400221 649 or Cliff Thornton (0413 330 458).
MOE Little Athletics Club is enjoying agreat season, that has seen membership reach record levels.
Season 2025/26 startedlast October. Arecord 147 athletes signed up and arrived with full enthusiasm running, jumping and throwing with all their might. Athletes have alreadyamassed more than 400 personal bests. On top of some inspirational mentoring, senior athletes Lachlan Rosato, Zoe Birks and Hana Schloetel have broken centre records. They are: Lachlan Rosato: 17 male shotput -10.56m;200m-24.53; high jump -1.70m; Zoe Birks: 17 female shot put -9.25m; Hana Schloetel: 17 female triple jump -9.62m
The club has also been spoilt, with guest coaching appearances from three-time National Heptathlon champion and Commonwealth Games competitor Taneille Crase,aswell as David Green, an Olympic level high jump coach whosestudents have included Leongatha Olympic Bronzemedallist, high-jumper Eleanor Patterson.
Dates set for soccer season 2026
SOCCER LVSL
FOOTBALL Victoria (FV) has confirmed the Latrobe Valley soccerseason will begin the weekend of April 12. FV has released its first regional league structures andcalendar of the new FV Regional Football Structure.
The Latrobe Valley senior men and women competitionswill start on the weekend of April 12, while the Latrobe Valley junior and MiniRoos competitions will kick-off on the first weekend in May, following grading rounds.
FV confirmed the Latrobe Valley league's structure of men's senior, reserves and third division, andawomen's competitions will be maintained Following the final round on August 23, the cup competitions will be playedoverfour weekends until September 20.
In the juniors, therewillbeboys/mixed under 17, 15 (two divisions) and 13 (three divisions), and girls' under 15 and 13 competitions. MiniRoos will have mixed under11, nine,seven, and six, andgirls' under 11, nine, seven and six sections.
Acatch-up round for all senior and junior grades has been scheduled for July 5. The juniors and under 11 MiniRoos also have catch-up rounds the weekends of April 26 and August 23.
The regional calendar and league structures
followed the announcement of the conclusion and findings of theFootball Victoria RegionalFootball Review, which has led to seven associations, includingthe Latrobe Valley
transitioning their
to strengthen support for
line administration and build amore connected football ecosystem across Victoria, the new model willsee theabove competitions nowoperate directly under the FV banner.
Soccer League,
clubs and players under FV.
Designed
clubs, stream-
Skill: Under 9hurdlersinaction at JoeCarmody Athletics Track, Newborough.
Brush with fame: MoeLittleAthletes withnational heptathlon champion, Taneille Crase
Leap: Bridget competes in high jumpatMoe Little Athletics
PeterCutler 18:52, DempseyPodmore19:03, Daniel Furmston 19:15, Miles Verschuur 20:24, Greg Semmler 20:44, Ian Cornthwaite21:05, Dave Mann 22:26, Adrian Sutcliffe 22:49, Matthew Deppeler 23:04, Nelson Archibald 23:07,Clinton Jolly23:14, Darrel Cross 24:29, PeterSanders 24:57,JackWarr 25:01, Trent Kooyman 25:02, Chris VanUnen 25:17, RonVerschuur 25:58, MollyIrvine 26:00, Seth Bomers26:24, David Barr 26:25, Karen Graham 26:35, Jim Cutler 27:25, Stephen Mcleod 27:39, Andrew Broberg27:42, Ben Wilkinson27:43, Nicholas Talerico 27:51, Liz Kenney27:53, Errol Poole 28:02, Shane Wilson 28:43, Belkey Podmore 29:57,MarkLansdown 30:16, Fiona Syme 30:40, ReeGraham 31:06, DesleyGray31:21, Marieka Reilly 31:53, ChesneyPodmore32:17, Toby Grzmil 32:18, Ash Crawford 32:35, Ivy Crawford 32:35, Sep Marino 33:05, David Hood 33:13, Melissa Jones 33:17, Catherine Leonard33:29, Angelo Gaudiano 33:58, Paul Smith 34:32, Phillip Mayer35:10, Mandy Ellis 35:36, JayMcGown 38:12, BaileyRollandin 39:22, ShayLorenz 43:59, Samantha McGown 44:43, Lynda Jones 46:06, BarryHiggins 46:52, Chelsea Fox 50:43, TimothyGraham 55:00, Michelle Colwell 55:53, KathyQuinn 55:53, NickHodson 58:40, Kylee Earl58:40, Nicky Semmler 1:01:00, Ann Bomers NTR, Rebecca Anderson NTR, Shane Gavin NTR, Anja Norwood NTR.
Harriers results Harriers busy before and during Christmas
NOVEMBER 20 -5KM
PeterCutler 17:17, Miles Verschuur 18:58, John Skordakis 19:00, Daniel Furmston 19:02,Ian Cornthwaite19:42, SavMavrofridis 20:21, David Barr 20:29, Andrew Greenhill20:30, Ash Crawford 20:40, Adrian Sutcliffe 21:05, MatthewDeppeler 21:16, Clinton Jolly21:32, Dave Mann 21:33, Peter Sanders22:24, Trent Kooyman 22:30, Darrel Cross 23:00, Chris VanUnen 23:11, Ryan McLeod 23:14, RonVerschuur 23:42, Daniel Wright 24:20, Chelsea Fox 24:42, GaryFox 24:44, Paul Ellis 24:53, Andrew Broberg25:00, Liz Kenney25:07,Belkey Podmore 25:39, Corey Milner 25:42, StephenMcleod 25:58, LucyMagaldi 26:27,Ben Wilkinson26:59, Marieka Reilly 27:20, Jim Cutler 27:23, Fiona Syme 27:44, Michelle Sawyer 27:54, MarkLansdown 27:59, Ree Graham 28:51, Leopold Notting 28:55, JyeKaestner 28:56, Owen Notting 28:57,RickieGlover28:57,Allen Timmer-arends 30:17, Paul Smith 31:39, Lauren Peter 31:53, Ashleigh Dugan32:00, MollyIrvine32:00, Catherine Leonard33:00, Shane Wilson 33:35, Rebecca Anderson 33:41, Tania Whitehead 34:18, Mandy Ellis 35:33, Lynda Jones 39:56, DesleyGray 47:31, Belinda Heafield 49:40, BarryHiggins 49:40, Darren Fielden 52:00, NickHodson 53:17, KyleeEarl 53:17, IanHeafield 55:00, Toby Grzmil NTR, Yani CornthwaiteNTR
NOVEMBER 13 -12KM
SavMavrofridis 49:01, Pete Cutler 49:39, Daniel Furmston 55:38, Ian Cornthwaite56:19, Ash Crawford 59:01, Andrew Greenhill59:19, SteveRenehan 59:48, Yani Cornthwaite1:01:21, Dave Mann 1:01:25, Adrian Sutcliffe 1:01:50, Nelson Archibald 1:02:57, Clinton Jolly1:03:17, Pete Sanders1:05:26,Matt Deppeler 1:06:40, Jason Odlum 1:08:12, Keith Gibson-Williamson 1:09:19, RonVerschuur 1:10:11, GeoffFrancis 1:12:21, GaryFox 1:13:25, Belkey Podmore1:16:45, Ben Wilkinson 1:18:28, Daniel Wright 1:20:52, Liz Kenney1:22:13, Tobiasz Grzmil 1:25:29, CourtneyEllis DNF
NOVEMBER 13 -6KM Rachel O’Brien 27:39, Chris VanUnen 31:32, Shane Gavin 31:51, Rickie Glover32:29, ScottSyme 32:40, MollyIrvine 33:19, Trent Kooyman 33:24, Paul Ellis 34:35, Nicholas Talerico 35:17, Desley Gray 35:45, Ian Twite36:50, Fiona Syme 37:33, LucyMagaldi 37:37,MariekaReilly39:00, Melissa Jones 39:12, MarkWilkinson 39:16, ReeGraham 39:24, Jack Waddell 40:01, Phill Mayer41:10, Tania Whitehead 45:07,Mandy Ellis 46:58, Bruce Sailsbury49:00, Anje Norwood 50:08, KathyQuinn 55:20, Ann Bomers 55:50, Bob Duljus 57:58, Belinda Heafield 58:38, SamMcGown 59:21, JayMcGown 59:23, Collette Hofmann 59:48, GayCornthwaite1:05:30,Ian Heafield 1:08:11, Darren Fielden 1:09:00, KyleeEarl 1:20:00, NickHodson 1:20:00, PeterGrixti 1:40:00. NOVEMBER 6- 6KM PeterCutler 22:21, Daniel Furmston 22:40, Ian Cornthwaite24:48, Andrew Greenhill 25:16, Miles Verschuur 25:16, Dave Mann 26:23, SavMavrofridis 26:31, Adrian Sutcliffe 26:42, David Barr 27:11, Trent Kooyman 28:30, Jack Warr 28:50, Chris VanUnen 29:08, KarenGraham 29:10, Stephen Renehan 29:29, Ryan McLeod 29:44, Darrel Cross 29:46, Seth Bomers30:42, Clinton Jolly30:43, RonVerschuur 30:54, Owen Notting 31:02, Nicholas Talerico 31:13, GaryFox 31:21, ScottSyme 31:48, Jason Odlum 31:50, Yani Cornthwaite32:09, Liz Kenney32:16, Ben Wilkinson 32:53, Stephen Mcleod 33:24, Paul Ellis 34:12, MarkLansdown 34:22, Jim Cutler 34:36, PeterSanders35:05, MariekaReilly35:18, Daniel Wright 35:50, KayPickard 36:01, DesleyGray36:40, Claire= Macumber 38:06, Fiona Syme 38:12, Molly Irvine 38:12, Becky Grimwade 38:26, Toby Grzmil 39:48, Phillip Mayer39:48, Emma Marino 41:46, Tania Whitehead 42:09, Catherine Leonard42:33, Ivy Crawford 47:16, Ash Crawford 47:16, Anja Norwood 49:01, Des Dalton 49:12, BarryHiggins 51:15, Lynda Jones 52:13, JayMcGown 53:00, KathyQuinn 53:02, Sep Marino 53:33, Bob Duljas 53:53, Samantha McGown 54:39, TimothyGraham 55:39, Robert Embleton 56:44, PeterGrixti 58:30, Belinda Heafield 59:40, Darren Fielden 1:00:00, Ian Heafield 1:09:39, Nicky Semmler 1:11:03, SarahMcKie 1:11:03, Angelo Gaudiano 1:15:24, KatKent 1:15:24, CourtneyEllis NTR, Rickie GloverNTR, Rebecca Anderson NTR, Ollie Ellis NTR, LukeMarino NTR, JyeKaestner NTR, Matilda Lappin NTR, Ruth Duljas NTR, Kristina Creighton NTR.
ATHLETICS
TRARALGON HARRIERS
BY BARRYHIGGINS AND GARYFOX
THE Traralgon Harriers held its annual Christmas lights run on Friday, December 19.
Starting from the Agnes Brereton netballcourts just on dusk, everyonewas welcome to joinin. The run was aleisurely jog around town, with family members and friends stopping to enjoy the many delightful Christmas decorations on the houses.
In the Christmasspirit, most wore the Harriers Xmas singlet or dressedupinacreativeChristmas costume.
Whatbegan as one member’s idea for apleasant Christmas themed activity has grown into afun and friendly annual Christmas event.
The Harriers had apackedNovember leading up to the festive season.
On Thursday, November 27, the night run was a hilly six kilometre course around the plantations on Cochrane’s Road Traralgon. Conditions were excellent for the field of 65 keen runners.
First runner home was Peter Cutler in an impressive time of 18:52, followed by Dempsey Podmore (19:03) and Daniel Furmston (19:15).
Firstofthe ladieshome wasMolly Irvine (26:00), followed closely by Karen Graham (26:35) and Liz Kenney (27:53).
Previous to that, several hardy Harrierscompeted in the GreatSouthernEndurance Run (GSER) at Mt Hotham.
Stephen Renehan completed the premier 100 mileeventin34hrs 59min, with pacer Jason Odlum bringing him home the last 30km. Stephen finished in an excellent 24th position outright.
Kathryn Preston completed the 50 mile event andwas the sixth lady home in atime of 13:56.
In the 50km event, Sav Mavrofridiscame fourth in 6:47, Jay McGowan was 33rd in 9:18 and Jack Warr finished 47th in 10:01.
In the 14km event, Bec Anderson came 12th in 1:49, while Sam McGowan and Megan Scott came 30th and31st in 2:43. Young Mattias Preston came ninth in the men's group in 1:34.
The Harriers’Thursday, November20, nightrun was a5km coursealong the Traralgon-Morwell
walking trail,starting at the TraralgonLutheran Church.
The courseisanundulating, tree-lined trail running parallel to Old Melbourne Road.
First runner home was Peter Cutler in an impressive 17:17, followed by Miles Verschuur (18:58) and John Skordakis (19:00).
First of the ladies home was Chelsea Fox in 24:42, followed closely by Liz Kenney (25:07) and Lucy Magaldi (26:27).
Two club members competed in the Athletics Victoria 5000MChampionships, with Dempsey Podmore achieving an outstanding fifth place in the Male U20 classification in asizzling time of 15:50.96, and Glenn Crawford coming home in 14th place in the mixed open classification with 19:39.10.
The Harriers’ Thursday, November 13 night run was the Carol and Barry Summersgill Cross CountryChampionships at Edward Hunter Reserve, Moe.
This is an annualeventnamedinhonour of Carol andBarry Summersgill, whoweregreat supporters of cross country running during their long involvement with the club.
The course wasa 6km wander through the lush native forest of the reserve.
For the 61 cross country runners competing, there was hills to climb, fern lined bridges to cross and logs to jump, with an overall ascent of 150m per 6km lap. The 12km event comprised two laps.
In the 12km event, the men’s winner of the Carol and Barry Summersgill Perpetual Trophy was SavMavrofridis in 49:01, followed closely by Peter Cutler (49:39) and Daniel Furmston (55:38).
The ladies trophy winner was Yani Cornthwaite in 1:01:21, followed by Liz Kenney (1:22:13).
Other categoryplace-getters included 50+ Men: Ian Cornthwaite, 50+ Women: Liz Kenney and U18 Men: Nelson Archibald.
In the 6km event –first home was new runner Rachel O’Brien in avery impressive 27:39, followed by Chris Van Unen (31:32), Shane Gavin (31:51) and Rickie Glover (32:29).
Category place-getters for the open ladies was: Rachel O’Brien, followed by Rickie Glover and Molly Irvine.
For the open men’s category, first was Chris Van Unen, followed by Shane Gavin and Scott Syme. 50+ Men: Ian Twite,50+ Women: Desley Gray and U18 Women: Lucy Magaldi.
Ahardy group of 25 Harriers spent afour day weekend in Brightparticipating in the annual Four Peaks Trail Running challenge.
The aim of the competition is to run from the Ovens Rivertothe summit of four of Bright’s most iconic mountainsinfour days, Mt Buffalo (1350m), Mt Feathertop (1922m), Mt Hotham (1861m) and Mystic Hill (784m). It’s atough challenge with the overall distance being 53km and the elevation gain is 4800m.
The event attractedsomeoutstanding trail runners, including internationally recognised Lucy Bartholomew, who was the ultimate winnerof the W18-39 category.
The club had some great performances, including in the under 18 agegroup,with Dempsey Podmore finishing first in each of the three runs he competed.
Belkey Podmore finished third for two and fourth in the other. Jack Marino finished fourth (u18m) in his ascent of Mt Buffalo.
In overall results, the club had seven top 10 finishers: Courtney Ellisthird (W18-39), Sav Mavrofridis fifth (M18-39), Kylie Murray second (W40-49), Clinton Jolly seventh (M50-59), Ron Verschuureighth(M50-59), Gary Fox fourth (M60-69) and Ian Twite first (M70+).
On Thursday, November 6, the Harriers night run was held at the Traralgon Railway Reserve. The 6km run consists of three laps of the reserve's native gardens. It is relatively flat, with atotal ascentof70metres. There was agreat turnout with atotal of 75 runners in lovely spring conditions.
Great running by Peter Cutlerhad him first home in an impressive time of 22:21, followed by Daniel Furmston (22:40) and IanCornthwaite (24:48).
Solid running from Karen Graham saw her first lady home in 29:10, followed by Yani Cornthwaite (32:09) and Liz Kenney (32:16).
Community: Traralgon Harriersand familymembersline up beforetouring the town on foot to enjoy theChristmas lights.
Wonder: Junior Harriersand familymembersstoptomarvelatsome of theChristmas decorations.
Marathon effort: Steven Renehenand Jason Odlum at the completion of 100mile Great Southern Endurance RunatMtHotham.
Open letter to the Prime Minister
SPORT
THE following is an open lettertoPrimeMinister, Anthony Albanese.
It has been countersigned by champion Gippsland footballerScott Pendlebury(from Sale), alongwith more than 60 of the nation's biggestsporting stars.
Australian Sports Leaders Call for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into Antisemitism and the Events Leading Up to the Bondi Massacre ON December 14, 2025, the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia’s history took place at the iconic Bondi Beach.
As Australians whohave had the honour of playing andcoaching our sport at thehighest level including representing our nationwith pride, integrityand dignity, we extend our deepest sympathytothe families wholost 15 loved ones in this atrocity -including 10-year-old Matilda, whose smile we will never forget.
Since this horrific attack,awide cross-section of Australian leaders -including those from law, national security, business and public servicehavejoined withthe victimsfamilies to publicly call for aCommonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism, radicalisationand the eventsthat ledtoDecember 14.
This attack did not occur in isolation. It followedmore than two years of escalating extremism,intimidation and unchecked radicalisation within Australia.
What unfolded at Bondi was an act of terrorism driven by violent extremist ideology, and its consequenceshave shaken the foundations of our national safetyand social cohesion.
As sports leaders, past and present,wehave witnessed first-hand the power of sport to unite Australians of every background, belief and community.
Across generations, we have stood for fairness,
Your chance to own baggy touched by Bradman
CRICKET
By LIAM DURKIN
ARAREbaggy green cap personally handed by Sir Donald Bradman to afellow Test cricketer has been fully authenticated and will go under the hammer.
Bidding opens at $1 and is set to closeon Australia Day, 2026.
The cap was given directly by Bradman to a fellow Test cricketer who shared the field with him late in his legendary career.
It has remained in the recipient’s family for more than75years, passeddown through three generations, never offered for public sale and never displayed outside the family.
Baggy green caps linked to Bradman’s playing days are extraordinarily scarce.
Players in aprevious era received anew cap at the beginning of each Test series,and in rare cases there was an additional cap issued.
Most known examples today are held by museums or tightly held private collections.
Artefactswith such aclear chain of ownership and personalconnection to Bradmanalmost never appear on the open market.
Experts are tipping strong interest that could see the cap reach or even exceed $1 million.
Lloyds Auctions Chief Operations Officer, Lee Hames said thecombination of rarity, and timing makes the baggy green stand out.
“This is agenuine piece of cricket history that Sir Donald Bradmanpersonally gifted,” Mr Hames said.
“It’s uninterrupted family ownership for 75 years and its direct link to ‘The Don’ make it one of the most importantBradman-related pieces to come to auction.
"Closing on Australia Day gives it special national resonance for collectors honouring our sporting heritage.”
SirDonald Bradmanretiredfrom Test cricket in 1948 with acareer batting average of 99.94 -arecord widely regarded as one of the greatest statistical achievements in world sport.
His legacy remains deeply embedded in Australia’s sporting and cultural identity, notably through stories fromthe bush, such as the golf ball, stump and tank wall.
The cap will be offered at public auction by Lloyds Auctions. Strong interest is expected from privatecollectors, museums, institutions and cricket enthusiasts in Australiaand internationally.
There are many local cricket tragics who will undoubtedly be interested in this item.
One Latrobe Valley local has an extensive collection of Bradman memorabilia that would rival any museum.
While Bradman himself doesn't have any great connection to the area, the manwho devised aplan to curb his influence, English
respect,equality and the principle that every Australian- no matter who they are -deserves safety,dignity and the freedom to live without fear.
Today, we cannot remain silent.
This is not who we are.
This is not the Australia we represented.
As sporting leaders, we understand that leadership matters, especially when values are tested.
We call on the Prime Minister and the Australian government to show decisive national leadership by confronting extremism and terrorism in all its forms, without fear or hesitation.
We must also put an end to the unprecedented harassment, intimidation and violence that has been directed at the Australian Jewish community since October 7, 2023.
This is anationalcrisis, and it demandsanational response.
This is bigger than politics. It is about the character of our country and the Australia we want future generations to inherit.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games approaching, the eyesofthe worldwill soon be upon Australia.
The safety of our citizens, the integrityofour public spaces, and the values we project as anation have never mattered more.
We callonthe Australiangovernment to immediately establishaCommonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the events leading up to the Bondi massacre as well as take other immediate action to protect the public.
ARoyal Commission is themost credible and unifying pathway to understanding what went wrong, ensuring accountability, restoring social harmony and taking Australiaforward with a meaningful, practical plan of action.
As Australians who havelong championed unity and national pride -onthe fieldand beyond it -we imploreour leaders to act with urgency and moral clarity
The safety of Australians, and thefuture cohesion of our nation, depends on it.
SIGNATORIES:
Photographs supplied
captain Douglas Jardine, toured Gippsland during the Bodyline series of 1932/33.
Bradman has remained arevered yet controversial figure since his death in 2001. His own son, John, changed his surname to 'Bradsen' to escape public scrutiny and pressure.
Bradman's freakish ability combined with a reserved personality led many to view him as an outsider to the rest of the Australian team.
His clashes with teammates were also well documented in cricket circles,especially those from the Catholic church.
During the time Bradman played in the 1930s, noticeable divisions existed in Australian society between Catholics of Irishdescentand Anglo-AustralianProtestants.
Australian batsman Jack Fingleton, who was Catholic, constantly butted heads with Bradman -aProtestant, as did champion leg spinner Bill O'Reilly.
It was said the pair laughed so hard when Bradman scored his famous last-inningsduck, that their pressbox colleague Ernest Swanton commented "I thought they were going to have astroke".
Bradman likely held the grudge, never speaking about his feud with Fingleton or O'Reilly until after their deaths.
On fieldatleast, O’Reilly and Bradman could tolerate each other, and while O’Reilly never concealed his personaldislike for Bradman, both men respected each other’s cricketing ability.
Until his death, O’Reilly spoke in aweof Bradman’s skill, saying that great Australian batsmanlike Greg Chappell and Allan Border weremerely “child’splay”incomparisonto The Don.
Conversely, Bradman, long after he had become Sir Donald Bradman and after O’Reilly died, rated him the greatest bowler he ever saw or faced.
For further information on the Bradman baggy and to register to bid, visit: lloydsauctions.com.au
ScottPendlebury, John Alexander OAM, Peter Antonie OAM, LukeBeveridge,Raelene Boyle AM, MBE, SteveBradburyOAM, Wayne Carey, Emma Carney,Michael Clarke AO,Alistair Clarkson, Denis Cotterell, DavidCrawshayOAM, RobdeCastella AO,MBE, Robert Dipierdomenico,Louise Dobson OAM, MickDoohan, Josh Eagle,John Eales AM, Chris Fagan, Mick Fanning AO,Jess Fox OAM, Dawn Fraser AC MBE, RichardFromberg, Drew Ginn OAM, Grant Hackett OAM, Shane Heal, GerardHealy,GregHealy, Andrew HoyOAM, Chris Judd,Phil Kearns AM, John KennedyJr, Michael Klim OAM, AnthonyKoutoufides,John Longmire, Ross Lyon, Russell MarkOAM, Susie MaroneyOAM, Leigh Matthews,Cam McEvoy OAM, Robbie McEwen AM, MikeMcKay OAM, AnthonyMinichiello,Michelle Mitchell OAM, Jenny Morris OAM, SamNewman, SallyPearson OAM, Nova PerisOAM, PatRafterAM, Clint Robinson OAM, RohanRobinson, DanniRoche OAM, Ken Roche AO,Steve Solomon, ReneeStubbs,Stacey Taurima, Andrew Thompson, IanThorpeAM, James Tomkins OAM, David Wansbrough OAM, Gai Waterhouse AO,Grant Wharrington, Greg ‘Diesel’ Williams
Pendleburywants a Royal Commission
SPORT
FOOTBALL
BY LIAM DURKIN
CHAMPION Gippsland footballer Scott Pendlebury has joined achorus of sporting stars calling for a Commonwealth Royal Commission following the deadly attack at Bondi last month.
The Collingwood games record holder and Sale resident has countersigned an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese demanding action.
More than 60 athletes past and present are heaping pressure on the Prime Minister, who is yet to announce aCommonwealth Royal Commission, despite extensive public backlash.
"We willhave aNew South Wales Royal Commission that willlook at the actions clearly of New South Wales authorities, including the police response, gun licencing issues that are the prerogative of the New South Wales government," the Prime Minister said at apress conference on January 30.
"But also, we've said very clearly that the Commonwealth government will cooperate with those processes and will provide whatever information is requested and is necessary during those processes.
"Of course, there are lessons to be learnedand we, of course, will fully support New South Wales in that process. But in the meantime as well, we want to make sure that there are no gaps in the federal system."
Pendlebury was one of the main athletes featured on the front page of last Sunday's (January 4) Herald Sun,with aphoto of him next to the headline 'THIS IS NOT OUR AUSTRALIA', with the word 'our' underlined in red.
Other AFL greats to sign the letter include Leigh Matthews, Chris Judd and Anthony Koutoufides.
Emotional scenes played out on Day 1ofthe SCG AshesTest, as emergency services and community responders were given aguard of honour by both teams.
The loudest cheer was saved for Ahmed al-Ahmed, the fruit shop owner who bravely disarmed one of the gunmen. Fightingbacktears and with his left arm in asling,hewas given astanding ovation by the 50,000-strong crowd.
Pentopaper: NorthMelbourne champion Wayne Carey,pictured at Morwell FootballNetball Club in 2023, is one of morethan 60 signatories File photographs
View: Hawthorn legend RobertDiPierdomenico, pictured filming partofhis showatPowerWorks, wants to see aRoyal Commission.
Demanding action: Gippsland football star and Collingwood legend, Scott Pendleburyhas joined some of the nation’s biggestsporting names in calling fora RoyalCommission into the Bondi attack File photograph
The real deal: Abaggy green presentedby Sir DonaldBradman is up forauction. Test players during Bradman’sera received a newcap beforeevery tour
Championofchampions crowned
BOWLS
By MICHAEL HOLROYD
STRZELECKIBowls Region held its Champion of Champions events over the weekendat Newborough Bowling Club.
In the Strzelecki North playing area, Steve Davy of Boolarra defeated Alan Campbell of Morwell Club in the final 25 to 19 after drawing four shots early in the match to go to a10-2 lead. Campbell fought back with afour to trail 16-22, and despite gaining an additional three shots on one end, wasunabletobridge the gap, leaving Davy the winner.
In the morning, Davy beat Ian Hilsley 25-24 after leading 17-6 before the experienced Hilsley, aformer Australian champion, fought back to lead 24-21. Davy got atwo and athree to advance to thefinal.
Campbell defeated Danny Van Zuylen (Newborough) 25-8.The ladies provided great excitement with close games the order of the day.
In the final, Jenny Harris (Yinnar) held a19-5 lead before losing 10 of the next11ends as Lyn Smith (Morwell Club) fought back to lead 24-21.
On the next end, Harris drewthree shots and had the opportunity to take the match as she dropped short with the bowlwhichwould havewon her the match.
The score was now 24-alland Smith managed to draw ashot to win the final end and the match after agreat comeback.
In the morninggames, Harriswent outtoanearly lead against Joelene Laukens (Boolarra), leading 16-9 before Laukens fought back to lead 24-22 yet lostthree tenseends, giving Harris the win 25-24.
In the other semi-final,Smith trailed Nat Cousin (Longwarry)11-7afterCousin gained two fours to sneak ahead. Smith then got her rhythm going to win 25-17.
Earlier in the week, Newborough Bowling Club hosted the prelude to the ClassicSingles event, whichattracted 48 bowlers including last year's winner, Tasmanian Josh Walker-Davis.
Local cricket resumes this weekend
CRICKET
CLV
BY LIAM DURKIN
THAT sport where you fail alot more than you succeed returns this weekend.
Local cricketers will wheel their kit bags(or washing baskets in the case of one legendary player) to park venues across the Latrobe Valley for the 2026 component of season 2025/26.
Six rounds still remain until finals, with teams fightingfor either places in March, or to avoid relegation.
Ex Students head the Premier Aladder, followed by surprise-packet Imperials.
Not many probably expected Imperials to be second on the ladder at Christmas followingpromotion last season, and the team from Catterick Crescent will be outtoprove there was no beginners luck in the first half of the season.
Finals are still some way off, yet Morwell is only two points adrift from the top two -which carries ahome final as added incentive.
Churchill (also promoted)and Moe are separated by only one point, and will likely be fighting each other therestofthe regular season to see who gets the last available spot.
Perennial powerhouse Glengarry is only four points behind the Lions, but may need to snag an outright to give its finals aspirations aboost.
The Magpies were without Nat Freitag in the first half of the season, which has arguably been reflected in results.
Unfortunately, Toongabbie and Centrals could already be headed for relegation, as they are both 10 points off Glengarry.
That being said, the Rams showed plenty of ticker to avoid the same fate last season, while the Lions made finals with pretty much the same team.
CATS and Rovers are the runaway leaders in AGrade,and one of them would have to be short odds of at least making the Grand Final.
Traralgon West has however made adecider from outside the top four in recent years (it's arguable Traf are still recovering from that to be honest), while Latrobe won asemi-final at 500-1 odds last season.
Raiders can be expected to knock down the finals door the closer the post-regularseason appears, and only need to make up ahandful of points as it stands.
Willow Grove, Gormandale and Mirboo North remainmathematicalpossibilities,and could play theroleofvillain forany number of teams.
The fortunes of most teams could change markedly over coming weeks, as players 'start trying' or make themselves available.
While it is anice notion to think players always give 100 per cent, the reality in local cricket is this is impossible, especiallybeforeChristmaswhen there are ahost of Friday and Saturday night distractions.
It is common for some players to simply go through the motions before the break to save themselves for the February push to finals, when games carry much more meaning.
Champion Gippsland bowler Chris 'Tassie' Johnson would often not play until after Christmas, and still finish seasons with 30 wickets.
ROUND 9FIXTURE (ONE DAYERS): Toongabbie vs Centrals (atRoger Reis Oval), Morwell vs Moe (Keegan St), Imperials vs Glengarry(CatterickCrescent), Ex Students vs Churchill (TerryHunter Oval). AGrade: Latrobe vs WillowGrove (at Moe Racecourse), CATS vs Raiders(TraralgonSouth), Rovers vs Traralgon West (Duncan Cameron), Gormandale vs Mirboo North (StoddartOval)
On alovely day, the greens ran welland WalkerDavisplayedVin McIlwain (Traralgon) in the final McIlwain had won in 2023 and was beaten last year by Walker-Davis.
Revenge wassweet thisyear as McIlwain gained four shots in an early end, following three missed drives from the Tasmanian and afinal shot which touched the jack only to roll on, giving McIlwain a well-deserved victory 10-5.
In the semi-finals, McIlwain defeated Rod Peterson (Glen Waverley) 10-5 and Walker-Davis defeated Matt Murphy (Clayton) 12-7.
The EnergyAustralia Classic Singles are underway at Newborough Bowling Club, with the final to be played tomorrow (Thursday, January 8).
Entrants include six-time winner Barrie Lester, and the past two winners in internationally ranked world champions, Gary Kelly (Northern Ireland) and Corey Wedlock (Australia).
Moe Bowling Club has its time-honoured classic pairs the week after the Newborough singles. Moe is celebrating 50 years of the event.
Siddle leading BBL wickets
DURKIN
"HE'S got abright future this kid." So quippedformer Australian quick Damien Fleming on BBL commentary about fellow Victorian and Morwell's own Peter Siddle. Fleming, knowntomanyasthe 'Bowlologist', madethe tongue-in-cheek remarkasSiddle, at the grand age of 41, was still hitting speeds above 140kph. Siddle continues to defy his age, and at time of print, wasthe current leading wicket-taker in the BBL.
His Melbourne Stars team had atesting weekend,losing bothmatches in the last over after getting into seemingly unlosable positions.
The Stars' reputation as BBL chokers returned, after enteringthe weekend as the onlyundefeatedteam in the competition. Ano-ball and subsequent free-hit off Siddle's bowlingproved costly against the Heat at the Gabba last Friday (January 2), though the formerLatrobe cricketercould hardly be blamedfor what happened in last Sunday's (January 4) Melbourne derby. Playing for the inaugural Melbourne Mace, Siddle took 2/39, including the key wicket of Jake Fraser-McGurk from the Renegades. Siddle's trademarkpassion was on full display, roaring in celebration in frontof more than 60,000 fans at the MCG.
The Stars had enjoyed agood Christmas, winning three games in five fays from December 23 to December 28.
Siddletook1/23againstthe Strikers in Adelaide, and followed up with 3/23against the Sixers and 1/22 against the Sydney Thunder in Canberra- amatch that was bizarrely aStars home game as it was expected the MCG Boxing Day Test would last longer than the two days it did.
TheStars play tomorrow (January 8) at theMCG,taking on the Sydney Sixers. Elsewhere, thecricket world breatheda sigh of relief, after news came through that Fleming's ex-teammate, Damien Martyn had woken up from acoma.
Regardedasone of the most elegant batsmenofall time, Martyn was arguably the sweetest timer of acricket ball worldcricket has ever seen.
YouTubing 'Damien Martyn cover drives' offers asoothing experience, watching 'Dr Timing' effortlesslypush the ball all the way along the carpet to the fence.
Maybe that's what MoisesHenriqueswas really watching.
