THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - PAGE 3

By Jacob de Kunder and

Liam Charles
REZONING of the Korumburra
Saleyards site has left everyone
involved overjoyed.
South Gippsland Shire Council
mayor Warren Raabe received approv-
al from the Planning Minister Matthew
Guy for Amendment C60 last week,
after lodging it with the minister in
June.
Both council and the Korumburra
community welcome this announce-
ment which will allow the developer
to progress his plans expediently, Cr
Raabe said.
The amendment applies to the en-
tire area of the former Korumburra Sa-
leyards site situated at the intersection
of the South Gippsland Highway and
Sanders Street, and rezones the land to
the Industrial 3 Zone.
That zoning provides for light in-
dustrial businesses to be developed on
the site, providing a natural extension
of the existing industrial precinct.
The minister has made no changes
to the amendment which was under-
taken in the interests of the community
by council.
The amendment also applies a
Design and Development Overlay
(Schedule 7 Korumburra Industrial
Area Highway Precinct) to a depth
of approximately 100 metres south of
the frontage with the South Gippsland
Highway, Cr Raabe said.
This overlay will ensure that the
standard of development in the Koru-
mburra Industrial Precinct is of high
quality and visually stimulating.
Saleyards progress at last
It recognises this area as situated at
the main gateway to Korumburra, and
that the design and layout of buildings
and signage should enhance the visual
quality and amenity of the gateway.
Joe Rossi from the Rossi Group
owns the site and is pleased the sale-
yards have nally been rezoned.
Now we can move on, he said.
Now weve got something to offer
to the interested parties.
In the past we didnt have any re-
zoning and we couldnt say Yes, its
going to be ready in three months, six
months, a year, two years. That was a
problem because people didnt want to
wait around so they moved on to other
areas.
Mr Rossi said the decision will lead
to substantial growth in Korumburra.
It took a while but it should be the
beginning of big things to come for
Korumburra, he said.
Weve also had 200 acres of farm
land rezoned for residential use and
were looking at doubling the popula-
tion of Korumburra by 2026.
Any investors who want to invest
in Korumburra, this is the moment now
before prices get out of hand.
Mr Rossi said the new develop-
ments would provide jobs for the less
mobile members of the community
such as single mothers and teenagers.
I am a family person with kids of
my own and know that these job op-
portunities will be great for the kids in
the future, he said.
Korumburra Business Association
president and industrial estate business
owner David Amor welcomed news of
the ministers decision.
I am absolutely ecstatic over the
ministers decision, he said.
Mr Amor has been vocal about the
neglected state of the site.
The days of Jurassic Park are now
over and Joe Rossi now has no excuses
to leave to land dilapidated, he said.
Korumburra is the gateway to
South Gippsland and when this eye-
sore is gone, tourists will ock to the
region.
Mr Rossi said preparation and clear-
ing of the land is now on the cards.
It goes hand in hand. If youre go-
ing to sell a property, youre going to
have to prepare it, he said.
Well apply for a permit for differ-
ent uses and well look at it then.
Mr Amor is excited about the future
development of the town.
With new development jobs will
become available, he said.
This is vital if we want to retain
the regions youth.
Both Mr Amor and Mr Rossi agreed
that councils hard work on the issue
could not go unnoticed.
I am extremely happy with the
South Gippsland Councils input in the
process, Mr Amor said.
Mr Rossi said: A big thank you
goes to the council for appointing peo-
ple such as Tim Tamlin as CEO and
Phil Stone who have been very instru-
mental in progressing with a number
of developments in Korumburra.
We need to give some credit to the
council because they get a lot of bad
publicity but when its good we should
recognise it.
The amendment will come into ef-
fect when notice of its approval is pub-
lished in the Victorian Government
Gazette. This is expected to take place
within the coming fortnight.
Just ecstatic: Korumburra Business Association president David Amor is overjoyed with the rezoning of the
Korumburra Saleyards site.
By Simone Short
POLICE are calling on
the public to help nd
a woman who robbed a
Leongatha store armed
with a syringe.
Detectives have released
photographs taken from
security footage in a bid to
nd the offender.
Wonthaggi Criminal
Investigation Unit has had
several witnesses come for-
ward and provide valuable
evidence to investigators.
The offender entered
Swanlee Craft in Bair Street
around 2.25pm on Thurs-
day, December 1 and threat-
ened the shop assistant with
a syringe she claimed to be
lled with blood, before de-
manding money.
Detective Senior Con-
stable Syd Hadley said it is
now evident the offender
ran from the scene in a
northerly direction along
Bair Street, past McCa-
rtins Hotel to the intersec-
tion with McCartin Street.
A short time later she was
seen to run to a waiting car
in McCartin Street and get
into the back seat, he said.
Information supplied to
police indicates the vehicle
Do you know this wom-
an?: police are seeking
information from the
public to help identify the
woman in this photo.
Police close
in on robber
was driven by a male person
with a second male seated in
the front passenger seat. The
vehicle then drove from that
location west on McCartin
Street towards Inverloch.
Police investigations
have identied numerous
suspects and have discount-
ed their involvement in the
offence.
Information can be treat-
ed as condential if the call-
er wishes and can be given
to detectives at Wonthaggi
CIU on 5672 2761 or Crime
Stoppers on 1800 333000.
Continued from page 1.
Mr Ryan said the com-
prehensive planning study
would look at route options
and planning provisions to
support the project.
This important study
will look at preferred options
for the alternative truck route
and subsequent intersection
upgrades and requirements,
he said.
The study will include
survey work, specialist in-
vestigations, the develop-
ment of concept designs,
community consultation and
cost estimates.
In addition, it will con-
sider the need for a Planning
Scheme Amendment to add
a Public Acquisition Overlay
to the South Gippsland Plan-
ning Scheme to protect the
preferred alignment.
Hughes and Long streets
are possible routes.
Leongatha Chamber of
Commerce president Darryl
McGannon welcomed the
announcement.
It is good news that
theyve allocated funding for
the study. Its the rst step in a
long process but it is only the
rst step, he said.
Weve certainly been
pushing for a long while and
we just need to keep pushing
on now.
South Gippsland Shire
Council mayor Cr Warren
Raabe said the news was
great.
Its just the study phase
and we dont want people to
get confused with the design
phase versus the construction
phase, he said.
We were condent that
money would come eventu-
ally, but it gets the ball rolling
and you cant build anything
until its fully designed.
It means we can now
look at freeing up more car
parking spots and just the
whole town planning side of
thing changes now that this
is occurring.
VicRoads regional direc-
tor Patricia Liew last week,
said VicRoads had con-
sidered the possible route
through Hughes and Long
streets in long term plan-
ning for the South Gippsland
Highway.
The need for a route was
identied in a trafc man-
agement study undertaken
by South Gippsland Shire
Council in 2008.
If funded, the planning
process would take up to two
years to complete as it would
include a planning scheme
amendment to reserve the
land for the route.
The comprehensive Vi-
cRoads planning study would
commence early in 2012.
Leongatha CBD closer to being truck-free
PAGE 4 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011
sampling local cuisine, such as yak
cheese.
Acute altitude sickness claims
many victims on the long slog to base
camp. The Donohues witnessed sev-
eral helicopters ferrying gravely ill
tourists back to the safety of Kath-
mandu.
In fact, most of the walk was
staged over 5000m above sea level.
In comparison, Australias high-
est mountain, Mount Kosciusz-
ko is 2228m tall, a relative min-
now compared to the peaks of the
Himalayas.
With Nepal in the virtual grip of
winter, the mercury regularly plum-
meted to minus 15 degrees at night.
As a result, one morning the squat
toilet was completely frozen when
the Donohues arose. According to
Anthea, it was a rather uncomfort-
able experience.
The Donohues were helped by
a team of Sherpa, whom Anthea de-
scribed as a warm and giving peo-
ple.
The Donohues successfully made
the climb to base camp, which stands
at a staggering 5357m above sea level.
Since the climbing season was draw-
ing to a close the site was relatively
empty, except for a group of disap-
pointed Spanish mountaineers, who
had failed to summit Chomolungma.
With no plans to venture any fur-
ther, the Donohues left base camp,
winding their way back through
mountain valleys, dotted with ancient
glaciers and rimmed with colourful
Buddhist prayer ags, to the village
of Lukla.
The sudden onset of a thick Hi-
malayan fog stranded the Donohues
in Lukla for three days. The airport
VICROADS have re-
sponded to truck safety
issues by conducting
roadworthy checks on
large vehicles in Leon-
gatha last Thursday.
The safety tests were held
as part of a three day opera-
tion that also included Yarra-
gon and Grantville.
Police from Melbournes
Heavy Vehicle Unit, Bass
Coast Highway Patrol as
well as Leongatha helped
VicRoads transport safety
service ofcers look over
the vehicles at the Leongatha
Recreation Reserve.
We need to bring the
roadworthy standard up to
make people aware of how
their trucks should be operat-
ing, Vicroads ofcer Peter
Gallus said.
A shaker was used to de-
tect faults in trucks brakes,
load weights and suspension.
Lawrie Hatching of Fleet-
check, who operated the ma-
chinery during the day, said
generally only around 10
per cent of trucks passed the
shakers test.
Twenty trucks were found
to be unroadworthy. Five
drivers were deemed to have
fatigue as a result of excess
driving. Mr Gallus reported
many minor indiscretions,
such as using mobile phones
while driving and not wear-
ing seatbelts.
VicRoads have also con-
ducted operations focused on
speed and fatigue.
Truck safety tested
Testing, testing: VicRoads transport safety ser-
vice ofcer Peter Gallus was prepared to test
plenty of trucks on Thursday.
in Lukla was recently ranked the
most dangerous airport in the world,
so the fog was a stroke of luck as the
Donohues did not have to y out from
there.
They were not alone though. More
than 3000 tourists were left to wait on
the roof of the world, sparking fears
of food and water shortages in Nepal-
ese government and media circles.
Lukla is only serviced by air or
by foot. There are no taxis or public
buses to speak of. In a bid to make
their ight back to Tullamarine, the
Donohues were forced to leave their
luggage in Lukla, trekking a further
two hours to a nearby settlement,
where a rescue helicopter whisked
them to another village.
Anthea described the heli-ight
as absolutely breathtaking. On an
airport that could only be described
as sub-par by Nepalese standards, the
Donohues boarded a 16-seat plane
for Kathmandu. Anthea made sure to
recite a few quiet Hail Marys on the
descent into the capital.
By the time they reached Kath-
mandu they had long missed their
ight back to Melbourne. They are
yet to be reunited with their luggage,
which will be arriving shortly.
With its civil war in the distant
past, Nepal is quickly emerging as a
tourist Mecca. The Donohues thor-
oughly recommend the trip to any
adventurous couples keen on celebrat-
ing their 25
th
wedding anniversary on
the roof of the world.
They have their sights set on a re-
turn trek to Nepals Annapurna in the
near future.
By Liam Charles
WHEN most couples book a
trip for their 25
th
wedding an-
niversary, Nepal is usually not
on the top of their lists.
However, Anthea and Keith
Donohue of Wonthaggi decided to by-
pass the Barossa Valley this year, for
a once in a life-time trip to the roof of
the world.
When the couple arrived in the
bustling Nepalese capital of Kath-
mandu, they were not greeted by sun-
shine, but rather bone chilling winds,
sweeping in from Siberia.
The capital, referred to as the
Land of the Gods, is sprinkled with
many picturesque monasteries and
World Heritage sites. Markets line
the streets, where the bargain-hunter
can nd cheap silk, wool and paper
products.
After spending two days in the for-
mer seat of the Nepalese monarchy,
the Donohues ew to the city of Lukla
to join their tour group.
According to Anthea, the small
group was a mixture of Australian
and British tourists. Their destina-
tion was none other than the Mount
Everest Base Camp.
The trek to Base Camp wound its
way through some of planet earths
most spectacular scenery, with views
to the mountain Sir Edmund Hillary
and Tenzing Norgay so famously con-
quered in 1953.
Along the route, the couple stayed
in small lodges, where they tried to
acclimatise to the altitude, as well as
Base camp: the Donohues celebrate
reaching Mount Everest Base Camp.
PAGE 32 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 27, 2011
By Liam Charles
LEONGATHA resident Stuart
Smith is no ordinary universi-
ty student.
Over the last year, whilst many of
his peers have been indulging in the
excesses of college life, he has been
clocking up thousands of kilometres
on his new carbon-bre road bike.
Rain, hail or shine, Smith spends
a staggering 20 hours on his bike
each week.
By Sunday his pedometer is in
near meltdown, reading in excess
of 600 kilometres. To put this in
perspective, this is the equivalent
of riding from Leongatha to Wagga
Wagga every week.
On December 3 and 4

of this
month, he competed in the Tour of
Bright, in the mens elite A Grade
category.
The gruelling two day event takes
cyclists up and down some of Aus-
tralias highest peaks, such as Mount
Hotham and Falls Creek.
According to Smith he had a bril-
liant rst day, nishing 12
th
on the
rst stage and 20
th
in the afternoon
time trial, moving into 10
th
overall.
His Jayco-VIS teammate, Alex
Morgan, also had a great rst day,
moving up to second in the general
classication. However, due to freez-
ing cold temperatures and gale-force
winds on the second day, Smith was
not so lucky on the trek up to Mount
Hotham.
In his words: I had a really, re-
ally bad day. I just ran out of legs.
It should be noted that in the ve
days prior to the race, Smith rode
over 700 kilometres in his gradual
build-up to the national champion-
ships in January.
The weather was so bad that
the climb up to the summit was can-
celled by racing ofcials, he said.
He placed inside the top 40 in the
Bright event, a signicant feat con-
sidering the depth of the eld. The
eventual winner, Adam Senple, re-
cently competed in the professional
racing season in Europe.
In recent months Smiths calen-
dar has been booked out.
On August 28 he competed in a
marathon 847 kilometre Tour of the
Murray River, from Yarrawonga to
Mildura.
Racing in the elite mens catego-
ry, Smith placed in the top 50.
His next major race was in the
Apple Isle. Starting at Mt Welling-
ton, he rode over 543 kilometres to
Devonport, nishing in the top 30.
The race passed through some of
Tasmanias picture-perfect villages,
such as Westbury.
However the weather was far
from picture-perfect.
In true Tassie fashion, to use
Smiths words, it was downright
atrocious.
And according to him, the even-
tual winner, Nathan Haas, was an
absolute freak.
Indeed the 22-year old Haas was
recently snapped up by Garmin-Cev-
ello to race in the upcoming Tour de
France. Smith also had a solid ride in
the Tour of Gippsland, achieving his
highest place for the racing season.
Leongathas prospect will spend
the next few weeks training for the
2012 Mars Cycling Australia Road
National Championships, which will
be held in Ballarat.
According to this humble Deakin
business student, 2012 will be a de-
velopment year.
In 2013, he hopes to have a crack
at the big-time, namely Europe.
With his steely determination,
we could well see him racing on our
television screens in the near future.
By Liam Charles
LEONGATHA resident Stuart
Smith is no ordinary universi-
y student
Morgan, also had a great rst day,
moving up to second in the general
classication. However, due to freez-
ing cold temperatures and gale-force
winds on the second day, Smith was
ton, he rode over 543 kilometres to
Devonport, nishing in the top 30.
The race passed through some of
Tasmanias picture-perfect villages,
such as Westbury.
Smith gears up
for nationals
Riding high: Stuart Smith is prepar-
ing for a big 2012 on the pedals.
The new Cadel? talented local cyclist Stuart Smith hopes
to ride with the pros in Europe in the coming years.
THE STAR, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - PAGE 3
Fun times: David Baker slotted a few pool balls at the International Day
of People with a Disability event in Leongatha on Friday. Read the story
and enjoy more photos on page 22.
By Liam Charles and
Isaac McCallum
MORE South
Gippslanders are
turning to charity for
help in the lead up to
Christmas, as unem-
ployment and rising
utility costs pressure
households.
The Leongatha corps of
the Salvation Army is bud-
geting for more than 200
hampers this Christmas a
45 per cent increase on the
same time last year.
More than 40 families
are now ling through the
armys doors every week
and volunteers at St Vin-
cent de Paul are also expe-
riencing a rise in demand.
These people will not be
indulging in prawns, scal-
lops and turkey on Christ-
mas Day, but rather tinned
fruit and vegetables.
St Vincent de Paul
Societys Leongatha con-
ference president Josie
Bleeser said Christmas can
bring unnecessary stress on
underprivileged families.
Christmas is supposed
to be a joyful time spent
with family, but a lot of
people see it is a burden,
she said.
Our clients are living
week to week, with noth-
ing in reserve. If any un-
expected bill comes in, it
makes it very difcult.
The society currently
has 97 families signed up
to receive hampers, with
many more expected.
There are hundreds of
people in need. Last year
we gave out 100 hampers
and that will increase this
year, Mrs Bleeser said.
Salvation Army wel-
fare co-ordinator at Le-
ongatha, Geoff Clarkson,
said one of the driving
forces behind the rush is
unemployment.
The team at Leongatha
jobs agency Employment
Innovations has noticed a
steady increase in jobseek-
ers over the last month, as
businesses prepare to wind
down over the Christmas
break.
An extra 30 people
each week have been vis-
iting their ofce in search
of a job. With the wait be-
tween unemployment and
welfare up to six weeks,
this can be a difcult pe-
Families face
festive hardship
riod for many.
Skyrocketing electric-
ity prices are also hurt-
ing families living on the
breadline. Senior fellow
at the Institute of Public
Affairs, Julie Novak, said
state and federal renewable
energy mandates, as well
as business uncertainty
over the carbon tax, are the
chief culprits behind the
gigantic spike in energy
prices.
To add to this, the re-
gion, namely Leongatha
and Wonthaggi, is in the
midst of a severe housing
shortage.
This has forced many
individuals in the lower
socio-economic bracket
to move to outlying towns
such as Mirboo North and
Toora, the armys captain
Martyn Scrimshaw said.
With less commercial
competition in these towns,
the poor are increasingly
nding it difcult to meet
their day-to-day needs.
The Salvation Army
has recently employed
a full-time case-worker,
Jodie Clarkson, to deal
with some of these issues.
Even Monash University
Gippsland students have
approached the Leongatha
corps in search of much
needed food hampers.
There is hope though.
Thanks to the Salvation
Army, lives are changing.
In one case, a regular client
hasnt needed assistance in
more than 18 months. A
case worker was assigned
to the man to teach him
how to cook on a budget.
A vegetable garden was
also constructed to reduce
his food bill.
The Leongatha corps
also operates a program
called the No Interest Loan
Scheme. This program al-
lows families and individ-
uals on low incomes to ob-
tain credit for much needed
appliances, such as refrig-
erators, washing machines
and hot water services.
These loans range from up
to $1500 for families and
$1000 for individuals.
Murray Goulburn
has also been a generous
contributor to the armys
Christmas activities, do-
nating 300 boxes to the
charity each year.
Those wishing to make
a donation to the Salva-
tion Army this Christmas
can do so online at www.
salvationarmy.org.au or in
person at the armys of-
ce in 52 Anderson Street,
Leongatha. Food gifts are
also highly appreciated.
Leongatha Primary
School is holding its junior
Christmas concert on De-
cember 13 at 11.30am and
7pm at Mesley Hall.
The entry fee is a food
donation to the Salvation
Army.
Mr Clarkson encour-
aged people needing help
to ask for it.
St Vincents Christmas
packs include tinned ham
and vegetables as well as
cakes, pudding, custard
and lollies.
Children in families that
receive hampers are given
gifts, sourced through Le-
ongatha chiropractor, Lor-
can Heneghan.
The hampers are
stacked with extras for
bigger families, supported
by community groups who
collect extra groceries.
We have a lot of assis-
tance from St Laurences
Primary School and Mary
MacKillop College, Mrs
Bleeser said.
And this year the Pro-
bus Club will be support-
ing us. Its really fantastic
to have these groups be-
hind us.
Mrs Bleeser also said
the importance of knowing
someone cares at Christ-
mas time can mean the
world to some people.
These people are very
appreciative of the work
we do, she said.
To donate, people can
drop in an envelope en-
titled St Vincent de Paul
Society Christmas Appeal
with any sized donation.
PAGE 22 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 6, 2011
THE Gippsland Local Gov-
ernment Network (GLGN) is
encouraging the State Gov-
ernment to provide funding
for public transport improve-
ments, a priority identi ed
within the Gippsland Re-
gional Plan as a key project
to enhance the viability of
Gippsland.
The GLGN has made the re-
quest in its 2012-13 State Budget
submission.
Cr Diane Blackwood, chair of
the GLGN, believes the submission
provides sound advice to the gov-
ernment, in terms of the needs of
the Gippsland region.
There is a need for more pub-
lic transport services and upgrades
to meet the needs of a growing and
ageing population and to capitalise
on economic opportunities, Cr
Blackwood said.
Patronage on the Gippsland
corridor has increased by a mas-
sive 124.7 percent in just over ve
years. Without a new train order
in next years budget, V/Line have
projected standing room only on all
inter-urban corridors within the next
three years. This could impact on
safety, reliability and comfort that
will lead to widespread customer
and community dissatisfaction.
The GLGN decided to make
public transport the sole focus this
year because quality intra-regional
and inter-regional public transport
links are critical to Gippslands
ability to operate as an effective
and connected region. Provid-
ing the infrastructure that creates
a connected regional transport net-
work will enable people to access
facilities, services, employment and
tourism opportunities.
GLGN members met with
Gippsland representative Members
of Parliament last Monday week
in Morwell to discuss their budget
submission.
The meeting was attended by
Narracan MP Gary Blackwood,
Morwell MP Russell Northe and
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull.
GLGN is an alliance of six
Gippsland councils who work co-
operatively on issues and projects
of mutual interest. The councils
consist of Bass Coast, Baw Baw,
East Gippsland, Latrobe City, South
Gippsland and Wellington Shire
Councils.
NATIONAL Asbestos Awareness
Week has coincided with the launch
of the Parliamentary Group on As-
bestos Related Disease (PGARD)
supported by Gippsland MPs Rus-
sell Broadbent and Darren Chester.
PGARD is an apolitical group which is
open to all senators and members, to enable
them to come together and raise awareness
of asbestos related disease.
Mr Broadbent is the co-chair of
PGARD with Mr Chester one of 10 found-
ing members.
Around 60 people attended the launch,
including PGARD founding members, key
stakeholders, law industry representatives,
affected families and community workers.
Also in attendance were Gippsland As-
bestos Related Disease Support (GARDS)
chief executive of cer Vicki Hamilton and
members Brian Clegg, Dorothy Roberts
and Marie Smith.
Guest speaker was Matt Peacock who is
the author of Killer Company: James Har-
die Exposed.
Mr Broadbent said the group would ad-
vocate on behalf of those affected by asbes-
tos related disease.
Australia has one of the highest rates
of asbestos related disease in the world,
with nearly 10,000 recorded cases of me-
sothelioma since records began in the
1980s, he said.
While most of this is suffered by men
who worked with asbestos up until the
1980s, the rate of diagnosis in women is in-
creasing, as we begin to experience a third
wave of sufferers from home renovations.
Too many lives have been affected by
asbestos related disease, and together we
must work together to address the asbestos-
related issues. PGARD aims to be a conduit
between the local community and the par-
liament on asbestos related issues.
Mr Chester commended GARDS on its
work, and said he looked forward to work-
ing with the organisation as part of his role
with the parliamentary group.
GARDS has done an incredible job in
advocating on behalf Gippsland families
who have been affected by asbestos related
disease, he said.
Credit must also go to Russell Broad-
bent who has helped set up PGARD to give
MPs and senators a chance to raise aware-
ness of asbestos related issues at a federal
level.
Im looking forward to working with
Russell to promote the work of groups such
as GARDS in raising awareness of asbestos
related issues.
MY year as mayor is drawing to a
close, and there is much to re ect upon.
Ive been fortunate to be involved in key
projects and worked alongside dedicated
councillors and so many members of the
community.
The challenges of planning issues
have been a constant focus for council.
I am proud of the adoption of the C93
Coastal Framework, which set the
foundations for clearer decision mak-
ing for our fast developing coastal areas.
This proved to be a vital document in
the successful campaign in September
to reverse the decision by Planning Min-
ister Mathew Guy to rezone farm land
in Ventnor.
I acknowledge the formation of a
swift campaign that involved many peo-
ple including the Phillip Island and the
mainland coastal communities.
The campaign to prevent cuts to
funding of Victorian libraries led by Cr
Barlow and other key community g-
ures is to be congratulated for preserv-
ing resources for our libraries.
In both cases, our new State Govern-
ment listened and our relationship with
the government has been strengthened
and productive.
Ive have been involved on eleven
council committees and one that stands
out for me is the Victorian Desalination
Project Community Liaison Group.
This group has been a positive chan-
nel for voicing community concerns, un-
der the focussed leadership of chair John
Ridley. There is still more to do however,
to achieve full reinstatement of the haul-
age roads after the construction project.
Some projects can take time to show the
rewards, and rely on the commitment
of residents and council to respectfully
work through processes.
The Coronet Boat ramp is a success
story in this regard, and after three years,
the boat ramp will be installed soon. I
want to thank Ken Smith and the Grant-
ville and District community members
for advocating for a 24 hour ambulance
station, to be built in early 2012.
I also consider councils continued
dialogue with farmers about rural issues
as valuable and essential in understand-
ing the speci c needs of this group.
Highlights of capital works projects
include councils commitment of $2
million for the Phillip Island Childrens
Hub and the opening of the much antici-
pated Wonthaggi Centennial Centre.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
as mayor. I want to thank everyone for
their support and commitment over this
year, and wish you all the best for a
merry Christmas and a prosperous new
year.
Cr Veronica Dowman, Mayor,
Bass Coast Shire Council.
by Liam Charles
PEOPLE from all walks of life came together
in Leongatha on Friday to mark International
Day of People with a Disability. The event was
staged outside South Gippsland Shire Coun-
cils of ces.
The occasion was marked by a barbeque, a free jump-
ing castle, games, live music, dancing and a beautiful
display of artwork by South Gippslands Amber Betts.
Ms Betts had two outstanding works on show, in-
cluding a painting of Sydney Harbour and Federation
Square.
According to the United Nations, the day is designed
to increase awareness of the bene ts of the integration
of people with disability in every aspect of political, so-
cial, economic and cultural life.
The band, which was undoubtedly the highlight of
the day, was the creation of Dennis Kadmon and Anne
Marie Becu. Its members, including star drummer, Em-
ily Ardley, practice with Mr Kadmon and Ms Becu every
Wednesday at the Uniting Church.
The day provided individuals such as Emily with a
platform to showcase the important contributions they
make to the South Gippsland community.
their families, since 1985.
The community of In-
verloch has been raising
money for Very Special
Kids and people such as
the Luos for more than
four years.
This year, with Annie
Roylance and her fellow
employees at Inverloch
Tatts and Foodworks lead-
ing the charge, Inverloch
Tatts was named the high-
est fundraiser in the state,
raising a staggering total
of $9,885.
Annies employer,
the Tatts Group, is a long
standing supporter of Very
Special Kids. Money was
raised through Very Spe-
cial Kids piggy banks,
head shaving, barbeques,
and even donut eating
competitions.
The kind folk of Tar-
win Lower also joined the
fundraising drive. This is
the second year Inverloch
Tatts has raised the high-
est total for Very Special
Kids, winning in 2010
with $7,200.
Considering the rela-
tive size of Inverloch
compared to other popu-
lation centres in Victoria,
this is an amazing effort.
Ms. Roylance would also
like to acknowledge the
generous work of Andrew
Cairns, who was a pivotal
gure in the large sums
raised in 2011.
Jenifer Curcio and
Carly Bourke, from Very
Special Kids, presented
Inverloch Tatts and Food-
works with an award for
their efforts last Thursday.
The Very Special Kids
giant pink pig also made
an appearance in Inver-
loch, in its fundraising
journey around the state.
Donations can be made at
Tattersalls outlets around
Victoria or online at www.
vsk.com.au.
Disability no hurdle to fun
Kids rst: Jenifer Curcio, Tracey Brusamarello, Annie Roylance, Carly
Bourke and Andrew Cairns celebrate raising the largest sum for Very Special
Kids at Victorian Tatts outlets.
Volunteers back special kids
Mayors message
Cr Veronica Dowman
By Liam Charles
AIKO Luo said her
young daughter Cath-
erine was always a
bright and bubbly
young girl, full of en-
ergy.
However, this changed
when Catherine started
experiencing severe and
debilitating headaches one
day.
A later CT scan re-
vealed a 5.5 centimetre
tumour was attacking her
brain.
Despite multiple op-
erations, the tumour took
hold, rendering Catherine
blind, and forcing her to
use a wheelchair.
This is where Very
Special Kids stepped in.
They provided the
Luos with the support
they needed. In addition to
providing counselling, the
charity provided Catherine
with specialist care at the
Very Special Kids Home,
Victorias only childrens
hospice. They also offered
the family bereavement
support when Catherine
passed away.
Without the assistance
of Very Special Kids, the
Luos would have been in
a dark place.
The organisation has
been providing services
for children with life-
threatening illnesses, and
Public transport must be priority MPs raise asbestos awareness
Capability not disability: Emily Ardley, Brodie James, Brendan Allen, Mitch-
ell Price, Mycalie James and Cozza (front) enjoy the festivities at the UN
Disability Day.
Jumping castle: Sharni and Jess Thomas enjoy the
free jumping castle at the UN Disability Day.
PAGE 46 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 6, 2011
MORE than 80 Learn
Local organisations
across Victoria have
received grants total-
ling $3.78 million.
The funding comes
from round two of the
State Governments Adult,
Community and Further
Education (ACFE) Board
Capacity and Innovation
Fund 2011. Round two
has provided $40,237 for
Learn Local organisation
Bass Coast Adult Education
Centre for the program
CALD which teaches work
skills to people of culturally
and linguistically diverse
backgrounds.
Bass MLA Ken Smith
recently visited the centre,
presenting a certi cate to the
manager Nola Holford, and
meeting with the students
who would bene t from
this new program, during
their English class.
After speaking with each
student Mr Smith gained
an insight into the CALD
program.
It is such a wonderful
program to be made
available in Wonthaggi,
offering the community
the ability to further their
English, and then follow
on with programs to gain
skills required to enter the
workforce, he said.
Skills we take for
granted such as basic retail
or business numeracy and
literacy, work ethic, how to
dress, interview skills, etc
are taught to these delightful
students to increase their
employability.
Enthusiasm training is
not required for this class
as each and every student
is brimming with eagerness
Making difference: Bass MLA Ken Smith meets English students
at Bass Coast Adult Education Centre, which received funding.
Funding boosts education
to learn. It was enlightening
entering a classroom of
students representing all
corners of the world who
have chosen Bass Coast to
live in, all with one thing in
common a huge smile.
After leaving the eager
class at BCAE, Ken Smith
visited Corinella and
District Community Centre,
which was successful in
their application for $20,000
for the Future Learners
program and then to Phillip
Island Community and
Learning Centre (PICAL).
That centre received
$25,000 to help them
better serve the needs
of the community in the
Bass region with their
innovative program called
B-STEP which will identify
the employment needs
of businesses on Phillip
Island, and meet these
needs by offering training
and resources speci cally
targeting the requirements.
PICAL will bring to the
island what the community
had to travel long distances
for, to meet the growing
and changing needs of
the increasing retail and
business community.
Mr Smith said: The
Future Learners program
being introduced by the
Corinella and District
Community Centre will
engage the community in
consultation processes to
obtain their requirements
and preferences, so study
delivery methods, styles and
programs can be provided
to meet the speci c needs of
the changing community.
Meeting the needs of the
community is vital in order
to remain viable. Grants
and government funding
such as the Capacity and
Innovation Fund provide the
ability to ensure courses and
programs being offered are
relevant and being offered
in the most appropriate
manner to meet the needs of
the community.
Each year the states 320
Learn Local organisations
provide education and
training to more than
100,000 people, offering
vocational, language,
literacy and numeracy and
work-skill courses.
In the 20 years that the
community-based adult
education sector has been
recognised in Victoria
by legislation, these
organisations have helped
countless thousands of
people to an education and
employment pathway.
Further funding under
this program will be
available in 2012 with
details being released in
January 2012.
by Liam Charles
CHRISTMAS was
well and truly in the air
in South Gippsland.
The Wonthaggi Busi-
ness Association staged
The First Day of Christmas
shopping event last Thurs-
day to mark the beginning
of the festive season.
The Inverloch Jazz
Band and the Wonthaggi
Secondary College in-
termediate concert band
provided shoppers with
Christmas beats through-
out the day.
Even Santa Claus
himself made the long
trip from the North Pole
to hand out treats to lo-
cal children. Pockets the
Clown entertained kids,
and even adults, with bal-
loon animals.
Many local businesses,
such as Wonthaggi Of-
cesmart, seized the op-
portunity to erect their
Christmas decorations and
unleash Christmas lines.
The event coincided with
the day the Bass Coast
Shire Christmas banners
were raised.
Christmas fun unleashed
Santa in town: Santa brought joy to the children of Wonthaggi.
WSC band: the Won-
thaggi Secondary Col-
lege intermediate con-
cert band got in to the
swing of Christmas
with a few tunes.
By Tessa Hayward
BUSHFIRES have brought di-
saster to many areas in South
Gippsland before.
To keep res from burning this sum-
mer, have your property and surrounds
cleaned up before the hot season.
Welshpool Fire Brigades captain Al-
lan Hendrie said if the bulk of the work
is done now, properties will be in much
better condition if a bush re strikes.
Do the work now, so that when it
is hot later on, there is not much to tidy
up, Mr Hendrie said.
The brigade will be slashing blocks
in Welshpool and Port Welshpool soon
and there will be a group exercise on
Sunday, December 4. The location is yet
to be determined.
We are getting our equipment up to
date, and the guys are doing skills cours-
es to be prepared, Mr Hendrie said.
Welshpool and Foster Fire Brigades
assisted Toora Fire Brigade for a house
re at 11am on November 11, 2011.
Other than that they have been rea-
sonably quiet.
We are always on the lookout for
new members. At the moment we have
around 20 active members, Mr Hendrie
said.
Welshpool CFA meets every Thurs-
day at 8pm. Anybody interested is more
than welcome to attend.
Be prepared for res
Get set: Welshpool Fire Brigades captain Allan Hendrie wants the com-
munity to start preparing for the bush re season so they are ready if re
threatens.
SERVICE providers
that have joined the
newly formed SPIN
Club were delighted at
the outcomes of their
second meeting in Le-
ongatha recently.
SPIN stands for Service
Providers Information Net-
work.
South Gippsland Shire
Council facilitator Barbara
Look said members were
kept busy networking with
others to see how they could
work together.
About 14 agencies were
represented, all armed with
information on their ser-
vices. They were pleased to
hear updates from the ve
guest speakers:
Anne Sharkey, senior
adviser education and com-
plaints, Victorian Equal Op-
portunity and Human Rights
Commission;
Chris Childs, Gippsland
regional co-ordinator for
Consumer Affairs Victoria;
Lynette Hume, eld of-
cer for the Australian Tax
Of ce, Sale;
Lisa Burridge, from
DHS Centrelink, spoke of
Spun out by networking value
the recent changes to DHS
since July (now an amal-
gamation of Centrelink,
Medicare); and
Chris Cahill, manager
of Social Inclusion Week
spoke of the celebrations
for the event.
Providers who took
part included: South
Gippsland Bass Coast
Best Start; Banksia Health
Care; Gippsland CASA;
Gippsland Community
Legal Service; Leon-
gatha Community House;
Yooralla First Base; An-
glicare Micro nance and
Step-up Loans; Milpara
Community House; Saver
Plus and Community Col-
lege Gippsland.
Everyone who took
part was very enthusiastic
about the value of the day
and the future of the net-
work, Ms Look said.
I am planning our next
meeting for February, so if
any other providers would
like to join us they can call
me on 5662 9319.
Extending connections: Cate Garratt, co-or-
dinator of Leongatha Community House, chats
with Megan Perks, team leader of Yooralla First
Base, and Belinda Smart, co-ordinator, Milpara
Community House, Korumburra.
Sharing ideas: Chris Cahill, manager of Social Inclusion Week with the
DHSs Greg Patterson and Barbara Look, community strengthening, South
Gippsland Shire Council.
THE STAR, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 - PAGE 61
crossword solutions
CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8302 - SOLUTIONS
Across - 1, Drillsergeant. 8, Me-lo-n. 9, Let-down. 10, Is-
Sues. 11, Inv-it-e. 12, Trunk. 14, Ached. 18, Ex-pe-C-t.
20, Tiptop. 23, Mal-a-ise. 24, Si-Eve. 25, The present day.
Down - 1, Do-ma-in. 2, Id-Les. 3, Lantern. 4, (c)Ella(r).
5, Get on. 6, A-con-it-e. 7, Tender. 13, Re-pulse. 15, C-
rims-on. 16, Per-miT (rev.). 17, Spe-Ed-y. 19, Crier. 21,
Tr-end. 22, (spelling)Bees(Bs).
QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8302 - SOLUTIONS
Across - 1, Round-the-clock. 8, Laden. 9, Deposit. 10,
Stroll. 11, Secure. 12, Slide. 14, Creep. 18, Runner. 20,
Sponge. 23, Cheetah. 24, Ounce. 25, Sit on the fence.
Down - 1, Relish. 2, Under. 3, Dangled. 4, Hide. 5, Copse.
6, Obscure. 7, Kitten. 13, Lenient. 15, Reproof. 16, Cro-
cus. 17, Recede. 19, Eaten. 21, Ninon. 22, Shah.
deaths
TELFER - A funeral service
for Mr Warren Telfer was
held on Friday, December
2, 2011.
CARTER - The Funeral
Service for the late Mr Leslie
Frederick Carter will be
held at St Peters Anglican
Church, Leongatha on
Tuesday December 6, 2011
commencing at 1.30pm.
The funeral will leave at the
conclusion of the service for
the Meeniyan Cemetery.
Flowers welcome, or
donations may be made
to Compassion Australia.
Envelopes will be available
at the service.
funerals
HALES - A Concelebrated
Requiem Mass for the
repose of the soul of the late
Mr Kevin Joseph Hales will
be offered at St Laurences
Catholic Church, Ogilvy
Street, Leongatha on
Wednesday December
7, 2011 following Rosary
which will be recited at
11am.
The funeral will leave at
the conclusion of Mass
for the Leongatha Lawn
Cemetery.
Garden owers welcome
or donations in lieu may
be made to Caritas Christi
Hospice. Envelopes will be
available at the service.
CLARK - Malcolm.
Koorooman House.
Passed away November
28, 2011.
Loving dad of Paul and
Wayne.
Father-in-law of Vicki, and
good friend of Pat and
family.
Grandpa to Stacey and
Nicole Clark.
HALES - Kevin Joseph.
Of Inverloch, formerly of
Lance Creek.
4.6.1928 - 30.11.2011.
At Wantirna Health.
Dearly loved and loving
husband of Alwyn for over
52 years.
Loved father of John,
Graham, Peter and Ian,
and father-in-law of Debbie,
April, Karen and Paula.
Loving pa of Emma and
Sara; Ethan and Sienna;
Ben, Daniel and David.
Loving son of Mary and
Joseph (both dec).
Rest in peace.
TELFER - Warren John.
At Brenda Burditt Manor,
Ashleigh House, Sale on
November 28, 2011 aged
83 years.
Son of Leslie and Alma
Telfer (Mont Albert) (both
dec), brother of Aubrey,
Heather, Shirley and Ian.
Much loved and loving
husband of Valmai (nee
Cook) for 57 years, father
and father-in-law of Rob
and Nicole, Paul and
Vanessa, grandpa to Olivia,
Brittany, Isaac, Hamish,
Campbell and Bailey.
A true gentleman and
lovely man.
Caring for our Community,
personal dignied service
to all areas
5662 2717
Pre-need Funeral Plans available
Ofce and Chapel: 24 Anderson Street, Leongatha
hfs1@vic.australis.com.au
MEMBER OF
AUSTRALIAN FUNERAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
Paul & Margaret Beck proprietors
deaths deaths
Email your stories
editorial@thestar.com.au
TWENTY-FOUR young people are now ready
to enter the work force.
Two groups of students from Korumburra Second-
ary College studying either Certi cate II in Hospitality
or Conservation and Land Management received their
quali cations on Wednesday at a special ceremony.
This is the rst time the program has run the hospital-
ity course and the second year for the conservation and
land management course.
The program is a partnership of Apprenticeship and
Traineeship Employment Partners (ATEP), FS Learning,
Coal Creek Community Park and Korumburra Second-
ary College.
Everyone involved with the program was extremely
proud of the graduates as well as acting principal at Ko-
rumburra Secondary College, Darren Parker.
I am impressed with the program and its great to see
the pride on the faces of these students, Mr Parker said.
Its so good that we can offer this program and pre-
pare the students for their life after school a bit earlier.
Trainee of the year awards were handed out in both
classes, with Zack Mayo getting the award for the con-
servation and land management course. Kimberly War-
dle and Jessica Leek could not be split for the award in
the hospitality course.
Another 24 applicants have already put their hands up
to be involved in the program next year.
Trainees benet from partnership
by Liam Charles
NOTABLE artists Bianca
Biesuz-Stefani and Irma Van
Der Steen launched a joint art
exhibition at Mushroom Crafts,
Leongatha on Friday.
The exhibition Light Fantastic
showcases a variety of acrylic, oil and
water colour paintings.
Both women draw much of their
inspiration from the local landscape,
with Wilsons Promontory and Walk-
erville Beach featuring in several
works.
The expo also has a European a-
vour, with vivid depictions of Venetian
waterways and Dutch windmills.
When Bianca was a young girl, she
explained to her father that she wanted
to be an artist. Exasperated, her father
replied: Dont be funny, youll starve
to death.
Bianca has proven her critics
wrong, with her agship paintings,
such as Towards Sandy Point, selling
for in excess of $500. Unlike Bianca,
Irma has only been painting for the last
nine years. For someone who has only
recently started wielding the brush, her
progress is remarkable.
The pair formed a lasting friendship
when they met at the Foster Commu-
nity House nine years ago, with Bi-
anca now serving as the president of
the Fish Creek Art Group and Irma her
treasurer.
Cr Mohya Davies, who attended the
event, described their relationship as
that of master and apprentice. Bianca
was indeed the driving force behind
Irmas artistic blossoming. The pair
regularly attend art and craft gatherings
together.
For anyone wishing to catch a
glimpse of the exhibition, it runs until
the end of December.
Art blends ideas
Temporary bank closure
BENDIGO Banks Leongatha Branch was
closed yesterday (Monday) morning due to
a technological fault.
The sign on the door directed customers to visit the
Korumburra Branch instead.
The Leongatha branch was open again by midday.
Councils spread
re message
SOUTH Gippsland
and Bass Coast shire
councils will join the
CFA in presenting a
Fire Ready meeting
in the Melbourne sub-
urb of Clayton tonight
(Tuesday).
Letters have been sent
to non resident ratepayers
who own properties in high
risk areas advising them of
the meeting details.
Councils manager
community safety Lew
Wilson said about 1900
non resident South Gipps-
land ratepayers live in
metropolitan Melbourne
within a reasonable com-
mute from the meeting
venue.
This meeting would
give those attending the
information and assistance
to complete their Bush re
Survival Plans and prepare
their properties for re
resilience.
Many will be at their
holiday homes during the
re season, and with four
of our coastal towns rated
as higher risk areas, we are
keen to ensure that every-
one is informed and re
ready, he said.
The CFA, in conjunc-
tion with council, will also
conduct a series of Fire
Ready information and
Personal Plan develop-
ment meetings during De-
cember and January (see
below). These meetings
form part of the Municipal
Emergency Management
Plan education initiatives
to raise awareness of the
need for everyone to have
a Bush re Survival Plan -
whether they are residents,
holiday makers or day
visitors.
Mirboo North, De-
cember 31, Baromi Park,
9am-2pm;
Walkerville, January
4, rotunda caravan park,
11am -2pm;
Koonwarra, January
7, CFA station, 9am-2pm;
Port Welshpool, Janu-
ary 7, foreshore, 9am-
3pm;
Venus Bay, January 8,
TBA;
Waratah Bay, January
10, caravan park,11am-
2pm; and
Sandy Point, January
14, TBA.
Details will be adver-
tised in the Council Noti-
ceboard ad in local papers
as the meetings approach.
The Clayton meeting
will be held at Clayton
Hall, 264 Clayton Road,
Clayton. Melways: 79 C2
Art exhibition: South Gippsland Shire Councils Cr Mohya Davies,
Margaret Tattersall, Bianca Biesuz-Stefani and Irma Van Der Steen cel-
ebrate the Light Fantastic art expo.
Top trainees: Kimberly Wardle, Zack Mayo and
Jessica Leek received trainee of the year awards.
In the kitchen: the Certi cate II Hospitality class.
Hands on: the Certi cate II Conservation and Land Management class.
THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - PAGE 5
By Jacob de Kunder
and Liam Charles
SHOPPERS and re-
tailers have called for
better parking in Ko-
rumburra and Wont-
haggi in a bid to boost
business.
Upgrades to the Koru-
mburra CBD over the last
10 years have resulted in
the loss of 13 car-parks in
Commercial Street.
Wonthaggi shoppers are
nding parks hard to nd
and are turning to shopping
at quieter times in the hope
of securing parking.
he tar recently re-
ported how parking short-
ages in Leongatha were
affecting businesses in the
premium festive trading
period.
Korumburra business
people are losing business
and say tourists are passing
through town.
Korumburra Business
Association president Da-
vid Amor said the loss of
car parks hasnt been prop-
erly compensated for.
This loss of car parks
makes it very hard for a
person going through the
main street to just pull in
and grab what they need,
he said.
Parking shortage grips towns
We have had the car-
park between Kellys (Bak-
ery) and the post ofce put
in a few years ago, but all
the locals know if you park
in there, chances are youre
going to end up with a dent
or scratch.
Other parking in Koru-
mburra is available but not
well signed.
There are massive car
parks behind the shops
(Little Commercial Street)
but unless youre a lo-
cal, you dont know about
them, Mr Amor said.
The other issue with
this parking is access. They
say that trucks and cars with
caravans can t through
there but you physically
cannot get around it unless
youre on completely the
wrong side of the road.
Heather Walker from
Heathers Cafe, Craft and
Wool in Commercial Street
said that parking in Koru-
mburra is odd.
You either get the cus-
tomers coming in saying
that no ones around and
there are parks everywhere,
or its the opposite and its
packed and no one can get
a park, she said.
Ms Walker also agreed
signage directing driv-
ers to the parking in Little
Commercial Street was
insufcient.
Theres a lot of park-
ing in behind the shops but
the visibility of signage to
direct people out the back
is not great, she said.
Its a lot easier for dis-
abled people to get in and
out of their cars in a car-
park like the one out the
back, but once youre in
your wheelchair or on your
crutches, its a long hike
around to the shops on the
bottom side.
Mr Amor said: We do
need to have some severe
changes made with the
parking in Korumburra and
work with the council to
get something that works
for everyone.
Were trying to make
Korumburra the halfway
point between Melbourne
and the Prom, so it has to
be tourist friendly to help
out the traders.
Wonthaggi is rapidly
expanding, but despite this
increase in population and
retail activity, nding a car-
park is next to impossible.
Local residents now go
to extreme lengths to nd
a car park. For example,
Ella Andrighetto shops late
in the day to beat the mad
rush for a park.
Dairy farmer Janine
Atherton also struggles
to nd an empty space
Monday to Friday. Janette
Swainston from Wonthaggi
Home Collections and Gifts
is extremely frustrated by
the one hour restrictions on
parking in the central busi-
ness district. According to
Ms Swainston, these la-
borious time limits restrict
the ability of shoppers to
browse in her shop.
Swathes of local trad-
ers are now calling for bold
solutions to Wonthaggis
parking nightmare. Janine
Flemming, the proprietor
of Wonthaggi Ofcesmart,
suggested that a multisto-
rey or underground car-
park may be the answer to
the parking crisis.
Whats going on?: shoppers Margaret Grifn and
Jill Yates express their frustration at the parking
situation in Wonthaggi.
By Simone Short
THE DELAYED comple-
tion of the Wonthaggi Desal-
ination Plant has extended
the presence of hundreds of
workers in the Bass Coast,
resulting in an economic bo-
nus for businesses.
Ninety-one per cent of business-
es surveyed as part of the Westpac
Bass Coast Economic Monitor are
positive about their performance in
the coming 12 months, despite a
small drop in the previous quarter.
The latest report recorded a 1.7
per cent decline in average growth
rate for business throughout the
September quarter, despite an ad-
dition of 462 workers to the desal
project.
Up to 600 workers were ex-
pected to nish work at the plant
by the end of December.
Bass Coast Shire Council CEO
Alan Bawden said the continuation
of construction would benet local
businesses.
Because the desalination proj-
ect is still continuing, the antici-
pated winding down wont occur
until much later, so well still see
the impact of the large construction
force, he said.
Originally it was supposed to
nish last month, so the work force
would have been demobilised be-
tween now and March (next year).
Now theres clearly indication
therell be many hundreds of con-
struction workers here for another
12 months. Weve already man-
aged a lot of the impacts of that,
and weve proved we can do that.
But beyond desal construc-
tion, the CEO believes there is still
strong underlying growth for
Bass Coast businesses related to
population growth.
We are the fastest growing
community in regional Victoria
and with that brings ongoing activ-
ity in housing, construction, sales
and other services, Mr Bawden
said.
Weve noticed in our own
construction sector that a lot of
our building companies have been
struggling to get staff and have lost
employees to desal.
As we see some of those em-
ployees return to the local commu-
nity, well see the local construs-
tion sector strengthened.
Mr Bawden said an easing of
the skills shortage will benet lo-
cal businesses.
The impact of tourism in the
current quarter would most like-
ly see a strong growth in sales
and employment, as well as im-
prove struggling accommodation
numbers.
The monitor reported the aver-
age mid-week occupancy rate for
accommodation being 28 per cent
compared to a rating of 58 per cent
for the same time last year, while
the weekend rate was 27 per cent
down on last year.
In the real estate sector, Mr
Bawden said the opening up of
land in Wonthaggi North and east
of the town for residential, com-
mercial and industrial purposes
would aid business performance
over the next few years.
All of the agreements are now
in place for that, so well start to
see action happen on some of those
sites earlier in the new year, he
said.
Wonthaggi Stockdale and Leg-
go Real Estate principal Pat Barry
said while they experienced a quiet
September quarter, business picked
up in November and the beginning
of December.
Only two per cent of rental
properties were vacant, despite an
eight per cent decrease in proper-
ties rented to desal workers.
Vacancy rate in a country town
of two per cent is very good, Mr
Barry said.
Its normally around four or
ve per cent, which weve had at
previous times, but it was often a
reection of homes not being up to
the standard required.
The average rental price mar-
ginally decreased, but Mr Barry
said the completion of the desal
plant would not see prices plum-
met in 2012.
We certainly feel that in the
new year at one stage, although
were not sure when it will be,
there will be a reshufing of prices
and properties in the market, but
there will be no massive drops, not
at all, he said.
There is a bit of confusion
as the two speed market is every-
where, including properties. Some
landlords kept rental properties at
conservative rates throughout the
desal, and they might even go up,
while a number of other proper-
ties from desal rentals will have to
meet the market.
Mr Barry said tenants will also
have a wider range of properties
to choose from in the near future,
with the majority of higher quality
family homes currently leased to
desal workers.
Desal delay benets business
PAGE 18 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011
LEONGATHAS Education Precinct
is weeks away from a new bus loop
and shelters.
The current bus loop on the east side of the
precinct will soon become two loops.
The project, currently under construction,
will cater for the primary school, secondary
college and TAFE.
Leongatha Secondary College vice princi-
pal Greg Ellt said that it would be much safer.
This should make it much easier for the
students and bus drivers, he said.
Given the fact the primary school had
shifted on site with their new buildings, there
was a need to get the buses off Ogilvy Street/
Nerrena Road because it was creating a bit of
a trafc hazard, and was not all that safe for
students.
It means all of the buses can be parked
and off the road.
The project was originally meant to be
done at the beginning of the year but instead
started in fourth term.
It was a project that was probably delayed
in its starting time, but is now ahead of sched-
ule, Mr Ellt said.
It will give us a chance to have a couple of
weeks of trial run, even though the number of
students will be less.
The project has been organised by the
Transport Management Group, with the State
Government funding the $1 million project.
We will co-ordinate the schools to have
different nishing times so that the primary
students can be on the buses before the sec-
ondary kids ll the shelters, Mr Ellt said.
It should be a massive improvement on
what we had before.
LEONGATHAS Education Precinct
is weeks away from a new bus loop
and shelters
and off the road.
The project was originally meant to be
done at the beginning of the year but instead
Kids to ll bus loop soon
p
New stop: construction of the Leongatha Education Precincts new bus loop is almost n-
ished. Leongatha Secondary vice principal Greg Ellt is happy with the progress and so are
Year 10 students Renee Eddy, Sam Wilson, Amy Eagan and Alkira Riley.
by Liam Charles
AMPLE rain is good news for South
Gippslands water storage levels.
After the recent soak, reservoirs at Lance Creek,
Ruby Creek, Coalition Creek, Deep Creek, Little Bass
and Battery Creek are all at 100 per cent capacity.
South Gippsland Water managing director Steve Ev-
ans said: This period is usually marked by a lull in sup-
plies, so the recent wet weather is certainly welcome.
Indeed, in December 2006, levels plummeted across
the shire. Ruby Creek reservoir stood at a mere 14 per-
cent, while the larger Lance Creek was only at 40 per-
cent of its capacity.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this wet
weather is the direct result of a La Nina event.
In a La Nina event, sea surface temperatures in the
western Pacic and Australia are warmer than usual.
The warm water gathered on Australias east coast
is a source of atmospheric convection and is associated
with higher precipitation. The strong easterlies also
direct moisture towards eastern Australia, resulting in
heavier than average rainfall.
Despite this gift from the heavens, permanent water
saving rules are still in place. These include bans on us-
ing non-tigger nozzles and hosing down paved areas.
Manual watering systems can only be used between
8pm and 10am, while automatic watering systems can
only be used between 10pm and 10am. Applications
also need to be led with local authorities in order to ll
pools over 2000 litres capacity.
Storages full
By Tessa Hayward
WINTER is meant to
be when all the rain
falls, not in November.
This was not the case in
November 2011.
Leongatha had 170.4mm
of rain over 16 days.This is
almost double last years
November total of 86.2mm
of rain over nine days.
The weather is still like
winter, only the temperature
is a little higher, Leongatha
rainfall recorder Kay Puru
said.
The cumulative total of
rainfall in Leongatha this
year is 1094.4mm.
It is also the most
monthly rain we have had
in a very long time, Kay
said.
The rainfall in Ruby was
even higher, with 176.5mm
of rain over 16 days. Last
year Ruby had 127mm of
rain over 17 days.
Several thunderstorms
throughout the month added
to the monthly total, Ruby
rainfall recorder Margery
Robson said.
The cumulative total
so far for Ruby this year is
1146.5mm.
Fish Creek rainfall re-
corder Neville Buckland
said November was the sec-
ond most days rain record-
ed this year, as 129.5mm
fell over 18 days bring-
ing the cumulative total to
1305mm.
The average for the
month of November is
70mm so it has been an
extremely wet November
compared to others.
Rainfall doubles tally
THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - PAGE 23
IMAGINE having a new generation V6
turbo-diesel engine underneath the top
of the range Nissan Navara ST-X 550.
The results are a major performance advan-
tage over its four-cylinder turbo-diesel rivals,
with no appreciable fuel consumption penalty.
The new high technology direct injection
3.0 litre engine produces a class leading 170
kW power and a hefty 550 Nm torque from a
low 1750 rpm.
On the road, this vehicle sails across bitu-
men and ies over gravel, and was quick to
stop when an echidna decided to cross the
road.
The new Nissan Navara
ST-X 550 has a long list of ad-
ditional equipment from tub lin-
ers, a hard tonneau cover complete
with remote central locking to privacy
glass and V6 badges.
The new V6 engine will rein-
force the Nissan Navara as one
of the best performers in its
category by a signi cant mar-
gin, raising the benchmark for
re nement and technology,
economy and emissions.
In addition, the engine
helps provide strong towing
performance, having a 3000
kilogram limit.
The Navara is one of the
cornerstones of the Nissan
range in Australia and a ma-
jor force in the dual cab 4x4
market.
It is a very smooth ride and
handles any inclination easily.
The power in the vehicle is
very noticeable and is perfect
for a tradie on work sites.
The new engine is the ultimate expression
of technological advancement, offering excep-
tional smoothness, impressive economy and
low emissions.
With so much capacity for effortless towing,
the Navara ST-X550 will become the default
choice for customers who think big when it
comes to outdoor activities.
class leading 170
Nm torque from a
e sails across bitu-
and was quick to
ded to cross the
vara
ad-
lin-
mplete
to privacy
l rein-
s one
its
mar-
for
gy,
e
g
0
e
n
-
4
nd
y.
is
fect
Leading power:
the potent engine
underneath is just
the start of the
great features of
the new Navara.
Australias most powerful tradie
Above: Sleek and
smooth: sitting
comfortably on the
road, the Nissan
Navara ST-X 550
boasts unique ad-
ditional features.
PAGE 24 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011
VICTORIA POLICE
recently launched
their Summer Stay
campaign.
The campaign, which
will run until January 8,
will target factors that
contribute to the road toll
such as drug and alcohol
use, Deputy Premier and
Minister for Police and
Emergency Services, Peter
Ryan said.
Aside from drugs, alco-
hol and speed, there is one
silent killer on our roads
that is often neglected:
poor tyres.
According to a report
commissioned by the
RACV, more than 500,000
used tyres were imported
into Australia in 2010.
The report revealed that
30 per cent of these tyres
were un-roadworthy. Ac-
cording to Andrew Stew-
art from Stewarts Tyres
Safety rst: Andrew Stewart from Stewarts Tyres in Leongatha notes the
importance of good quality tyres.
VICTORIA POLICE
recently launched
th i S St
hol and speed, there is one
silent killer on our roads
that is often neglected:
Are your tyres safe?
in Leongatha, worn out
tyres are hidden dangers.
Andrew said shabby
tyres make for longer stop-
ping distances and will
skid on wet surfaces.
Another study con-
ducted by manufacturer
Bridgestone reported that
poor quality tyres also lead
to higher fuel costs, by as
much as three to ve cents
per gallon.
Andrew will be offer-
ing his customers a free
tyre check over the Christ-
mas period, for anyone
concerned about the safety
of their tread before they
head off on their summer
holiday.
The team at Stewarts
Tyres can be contacted on
5662 3679 for all your tyre
needs.
MAKE travel fun and comfortable for your
children these Christmas holidays.
The RACV suggests taking plenty of rest stops when
driving for a long time, and keep an eye out for parks or
playgrounds so children can run and play safely.
Dont forget your children are there. Be sure to talk
and sing with them, or play a music or story CD or tape
to help the time pass more quickly.
Giving children toys to play with can help reduce the
monotony of travel.
Choose comfortable clothing for a child to travel in,
and make sure it is suitable for the temperature inside
the car.
To guarantee children stay safe, remove any loose
items that can be thrown around in a crash. Cargo barriers
in station wagons, hatchbacks and vans are vital.
When removing children from the car, be sure to
use the rear kerbside (left) door so that children are not
exiting into trafc and can accidently run into the path
of oncoming vehicles.
Make holiday travel
fun for kids
PAGE 26 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011
THE owner of South Gippsland Cars and
Offroad, Glenn Markley, has some amazing
deals this holiday season.
He is South Gippslands premier retailer of ARB
44 accessories.
ARB products, which are manufactured in Aus-
tralia, are built to withstand the ruthless conditions of
the great Australian outback, with its endless corru-
gated roads and extreme temperatures. An ARB prod-
uct may be the perfect gift for the four-wheel drive
enthusiast this Christmas.
Mr Markley is now offering customers who
buy one ARB air locker a free high output air
compressor.
People who buy two air lockers are entitled to re-
ceive a free air compressor, as well as a tyre ination
kit, speedy seal tyre repair kit, E-Z deator and ina-
tor with gauge.
Deals such these simply cannot be matched in
the region. In addition to this offer, consumers who
purchase any ARB fridge freezer will receive a free
ARB transit bag valued at $168. Old Man Emu nitro-
charger sports shock absorbers also come with a free
Leatherman super-tool valued at over $159.95.
Mr Markley also stocks a range of other lines,
including GMEs world-class radio communication
systems and Black Widow storage units, the industry
leader in four-wheel drive storage.
It should be noted that Black Widow products are
also 100 per cent Australian owned and made, so they
are built to last forever.
South Gippsland Cars and Offroad, which is cel-
ebrating its 10
th
anniversary this year, is located at 2
Tilson Court, Leongatha.
Mr Markley and his experienced team can be con-
tacted on 5662 5554.
Anniversary: Clint Bordonaro and Glen Markley are celebrating the 10
th
an-
niversary of South Gippsland Cars and Offroad this December.
THE owner of South Gippsland Cars and
Offroad, Glenn Markley, has some amazing
deals this holiday season.
Mega deals
for 4WD fans
GAS tters are being
warned to be aware of
the dangers of working
with Liquid Petroleum
Gas (LPG) and to follow
simple safety steps to
minimise the risk of seri-
ous injury to themselves
or others.
NSW Fair Trading is
conducting an information
campaign. Fair Trading Com-
missioner Rod Stowe said all
gastters need to be aware that
exposure to LPG is dangerous
and that they must conduct
a thorough risk assessment
every time they work with or
around the gas.
LPG is a highly volatile
substance and concentrations
as low as two percent will in-
ame the air, he said.
LPG is heavier than air
and will travel along oors
and settle in low spots.
At high concentrations,
LPG displaces air to cause
asphyxiation and the bu-
tane component of LPG has
the potential to cause toxic
effects.
The Gas Supply (Con-
sumer Safety) Regulation
2004 sets out the requirements
for working on gas installa-
tions, however the licensed
installer must also assess all
aspects of risk for the work to
be performed safely.
Ensure appropriate super-
vision and inform others on
site of the potential hazards,
Mr Stowe said.
For more information,
visit the Fair Trading website
at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.
au or call 13 32 20.
Safety rst
with LPG
PAGE 28 - THE STAR, Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Planning for a bushfre may
not be at the top of your agenda
during the busy Christmas
season. But if you are spending
time with family and friends, the
holidays are an ideal time to
discuss what you will need to
do if a bushfre threatens your
community.
Research shows that preparing
and planning for a bushfre are
important frst steps in ensuring
your family stays safe. Writing a
bushfre survival plan, discussing
it with your family and
practising your plan will help
you make informed decisions
about what to do and where to
go before, during and after a
bushfre emergency.
While preparing your bushfire
safety plan, make sure you
understand the Fire Danger
Rating system and what it
means to you. Fire Danger
Ratings predict how a bushfire
would behave in your area.
There are six ratings: low-
moderate, high, very high,
severe, extreme, and Code Red.
The higher the rating, the more
dangerous the conditions.
Fire Danger Ratings are issued
daily by the CFA and are
displayed on roadside signs
across Victoria. Tey are also
available on the CFA website
cfa.vic.gov.au and will be
broadcast on radio and TV
weather forecasts during the
summer fre season.
Importantly, Fire Danger
Ratings are triggers to act. If you
live in a high-risk fre area (near
bush, grassland or along the
coast), talk to your family about
the actions you will take to avoid
fre on a day of Severe, Extreme,
or Code Red Fire Danger
Rating. Your triggers to leave,
where you will go, and the route
to get there should also be
included in your plan.
If you live in a high-risk area,
leaving early on the night before
or early in the morning on the
day of an Extreme or Code Red
Fire Danger Rating is always the
safest option.
Leaving early is the safest option
if you are elderly, living with a
disability, or require assistance to
relocate to avoid a bushfre.
Consider your local options and
networks when preparing your
bushfre survival plan, and ask
your family, friends or neighbours
to help you leave early.
I also urge everyone to reach
out to those who are isolated in
your community. Tey may need
your help to prepare, plan and
survive.
To download a bushfre survival
plan and comprehensive
FireReady Kit, visit the CFA
website cfa.vic.gov.au or phone
the Victorian Bushfre Information
Line on 1800 240 667.
Craig Lapsley
Fire Services
Commissioner, Victoria
A message from Victorias Fire Services Commissioner,
Craig Lapsley
Are you ready
to act if a bush or
grass fire threatened
your neighbourhood?
By Tessa Hayward
MARY MacKillop Catholic
Regional College will be un-
dergoing some major changes
over summer and the begin-
ning of the 2012 school year.
The school now has 520 stu-
dents enrolled and major upgrades
to the driveway and toilet blocks are
planned.
The driveway has been a prob-
lem for the past four to ve years due
to potholes and age, but the problem
has been exacerbated since 17 buses
now pick up and drop kids off, prin-
cipal Michael Delaney said.
Since Leongatha Primary School
moved to their new location, the
number of buses coming to Mary
MacKillop has doubled.
The purpose of the driveway is
to separate the parents pick up/drop
off and the bus pick up/drop off, Mr
Delaney said.
The plan is to have more room
for the buses to pick up and drop
off students and re-locate the area
where students can be picked up and
dropped off by parents.
The new area for parents collec-
tion will be on the other driveway
behind the gym.
Internal walls at the toilet blocks
have rotted and new toilet facili-
ties will accommodate up to 720
students.
We have been really cautious
with money over the past four to ve
years, but these improvements are
going towards the next generation of
students as well as current students,
Mr Delaney said.
We were hoping for Catholic
Capital grants last year but we were
unsuccessful.
In 2012 there will be 108 Year 7
students and four Year 7 classrooms.
Five portables have been added
to the school to accommodate the
increase in student numbers and will
be refurbished before school starts in
2012.
The school is growing so we
must be doing something right; it is
a testament to the teachers, parents
and students, Mr Delaney said.
Signicant updates: Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College principal Michael Delaney is ex-
cited about works to take place at the school over summer.
Exciting times ahead
by Liam Charles
GRADE 6 students at Leongatha
Primary School are preparing to
make one of the greatest transi-
tions in their young lives.
In 2012 they will leave primary
school for the jungle of secondary
college.
The occasion will be marked by a
graduation ceremony on December 21
at 7pm.
Students will enjoy one last supper
together before they part ways in the
new year.
Three Grade 6 students sat down
with he tar on the eve of their gradu-
ation to recount memories and future
dreams. According to bubbly student
Ally Martin, the camps were the high-
light of her seven years at Leongatha
Primary School.
In her words, the Melbourne trip
was amazing.
Aspiring footballer Jack Dunn
said learning how to surf at Wilsons
Promontory was his most cherished
memory.
Talented young writer Chelsea
Hoffman had fond recollections of her
Grade 3 teacher, Ms Burns.
Jack wholeheartedly agreed: She
was by the far the best teacher I have
had, or probably ever will have.
Chelsea was looking forward to
meeting new friends next year, whilst
Ally and Jack were eager to start sub-
jects such as woodwork, metallurgy
and cooking.
Ally stated that she couldnt wait
to don her new uniform next year. In
the future she has her eyes set on a ca-
reer in hairdressing.
Kids look to
lifes next stage
Celebrations: Chelsea Hoffman, Jack Dunn and Ally Martin rejoice after
nishing their primary education.
THE 2012 South Gippsland Relay
for Life is off to a great start, with a
generous donation of $2060 from
Michaels IGA supermarkets.
The South Gippsland Relay for Life
committee would like to thank Michaels
IGA and all the caring shoppers who
donated their award points to the South
Gippsland Relay for Life on market days
in 2011.
Cancer Council Victoria is urging
South Gippsland residents to take to the
track on Saturday, April 21 at Dumbalk
and join what local organisers hope will
be the biggest fundraising event South
Gippsland has ever seen.
The South Gippsland Relay For Life is
an overnight event where teams of 10 or
more take turns to keep a baton moving
around the Dumbalk Recreation Reserve
for the duration of the event.
The South Gippsland Relay For Life
is a unique opportunity to bring the com-
munity together to celebrate cancer survi-
vors, remember loved ones lost and ght
back against cancer.
Funds raised at Relay For Life help the
Cancer Council provide support services
and resources for local cancer patients
and their families.
Funds also support critical cancer
research and community education pro-
grams designed to teach people how to
reduce their risk of developing cancer.
At Relay For Life, people bring their
tents and camp overnight as a community.
There will be free entertainment, games
the kids can play and even spot prizes,
Walter Aich, committee chairman, said.
So get your team organised and join
the fun.
For more information about South
Gippsland Relay For Life, visit www.re-
layforlife.org.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
Relay launched
with donation
Behind the event: South Gippsland Relay for Life committee members, front,
from left: Chris Oliver, Leanne Larkin and Karen Lawson. Back: Sue Heron,
Marg Cantwell, Walter Aich, Mary Trease and Robert Bruce.
Cr Warren Raabe
Mayors message
ITS NICE to be re-elected to the mayoral role and I appre-
ciate the vote of condence from my fellow councillors.
Im delighted to welcome Cr Mohya Davies as our new
deputy mayor. She has enormous passion for community
and is committed to serving South Gippsland well.
A letter from the Minister for Planning to say the
saleyard rezoning (C60) has nally been approved has
made my day.
I thank the Minister for expediting the approval of this
amendment, and look forward to further announcements
in the near future regarding our Rural Land Use Strategy
and the rezoning of land at the Prom Gate.
The Gippsland Local Government Network continues
to be a collaborative lobbying body for the six Gippsland
councils, and it recently presented its budget submissions
to our local politicians.
Much focus has been placed on gaining improvements
to the V/Line train service to Bairnsdale. This may seem
irrelevant for South Gippsland but its not. Strengthened
services from the city end will benet us in many ways,
particularly out to Dandenong and Pakenham, from
where a signicant number of our residents commute to
the city.
We already have intense development pressure from
the western end of the shire which will utilise these
services.
Councils community grants were presented to
successful applicants last Wednesday and it is such a
worthwhile program and partnership to maintain.
On Wednesday we will welcome, possibly 10 residents
as new Australians at our citizenship ceremony.
We all benet from the cultural diversity and skills
that they bring to our communities. What amazing
opportunities there are these days to celebrate our
differences, both on our own doorstep and further aeld.
We take it for granted now that within a 50km radius
we can eat at Thai, Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Italian
restaurants; and that our children are learning new
languages and cultures well beyond the meagre feast of
Latin, French and German offered to anyone over 50 in
their school days. Australia still is the lucky country!
Cr Warren Raabe,
Mayor.
PAGE 28 - THE STAR, Wednesday, January 4, 2012
by Liam Charles
THE future of a reading pro-
gram in schools is at risk due
to State Government cuts.
A total of $481 million will be
shed from the Education Department
alone.
The Department of Education
and Early Childhood Developments
northern region ofce has been forced
to slash $100 million from their an-
nual budget.
In light of these cuts any Read-
ing Recovery teacher who resigns or
whose contract expires in this region
will not be replaced.
This could very well be repeated
all across the state, including schools
in West and South Gippsland. Local
schools are now facing the arduous
decision over which programs to
maintain, and which to shed, in-line
with the new funding regime.
The Reading Recovery program
was rst developed in New Zealand
in the 1980s, as a means to assist chil-
dren with reading and writing skills.
The program is targeted at the
lowest achieving 20 per cent of stu-
dents in Year 1. On average, students
spend 30 minutes a day outside the
classroom with a specialist teacher
who has completed an intensive one
year training program.
According to a 2000 study by the
National Reading Panel, this inter-
vention is a crucial determinant in a
childs literary and academic success.
A 1991 study also revealed that
Reading Recovery graduates are
more likely to succeed in later life,
as opposed to those who progress to
the second grade with poor literary
skills.
A United Kingdom group, Every
Child a Chance, calculated that for
every pound spent on Reading Re-
covery there was a return on invest-
ment of 17 pounds, or AUD$26.45.
Wonthaggi North Primary School
Reading Recovery teacher Tracy Hut-
ton has been conducting the schools
Reading Recovery program for the
last six years.
Under her tutelage many students
at Wonthaggi North have progressed
to advanced levels of reading and
writing. In one case, two pupils from
non-English speaking backgrounds
were able to reach the status quo in
less than 12 weeks.
It should be noted that the program
is designed to last for 20 weeks.
The genius of this science-based
course is that it is tailored to meet the
individual needs of the student. Of-
ten students slip through the cracks
in crowded classrooms. In Ms Hut-
tons words, the program gives kids
a platform to succeed.
According to Ms Hutton, it not
only teaches pupils how to read and
write, but it helps children to under-
stand the depth and breadth of the
English language.
Unlike rote learning, it teaches
kids that words convey meaning.
In order for West and South
Gippsland students to reach for the
stars, there is no doubt that Reading
Recovery should be secured.
Literacy risk: Wonthaggi North Reading Recovery co-ordinator Tracey
Hutton assists bubbly Grade 1 student Charlie Bolding.
A BIG crowd celebrated Interna-
tional Day for People with a Dis-
ability at the Wonthaggi Guide
Park recently.
It was also a Christmas break-up
party/barbecue for South Gippsland
FOCAS and Wonthaggi WHO Group.
Moonya Community Services, Men-
tal Illness Fellowship, General Practice
Alliance and Warragul Advocacy Group
were also represented.
Hampers were distributed to lucky
door prize winners as well as three
beautifully decorated gingerbread
houses donated by Bass Coast Region-
al Health.
A fun time was enjoyed by all and it
was good to see so many organisations
getting together to celebrate a day for
people with a disability, their carers and
friends.
GIPPSLANDS three largest tertiary education
providers have united to increase the number of
education opportunities for local students.
The move will also help address the shortage of skilled
health and community service workers throughout the
region.
Bringing together Monash University, GippsTAFE
and Advance TAFE (previously known as East Gippsland
TAFE), the Gippsland Integrated Health and Community
Education Program will see the introduction of a new,
regionally focused Diploma of Health and Community
Care.
That course will provide graduates with the ability to
enhance their employment opportunities in the health and
community care sectors and build on their achievements
by transitioning to a bachelor-level degree at Monash
Universitys Gippsland campus.
With the rst intake scheduled for mid-2012, it is
expected that 150 students will have either enrolled in or
completed the new Diploma of Health and Community
Care by the end of 2013.
The program, which was jointly announced by Deputy
Premier Peter Ryan and the Minister for Higher Education
and Skills, Peter Hall, has been made possible through
funding of $1.5 million from the Victorian Governments
Regional Partnerships Facilitation Fund, with a further
$1 million of in-kind and nancial contributions from the
three participating institutions.
Professor Helen Bartlett, pro vice-chancellor of Monash
Universitys Gippsland campus, said the Gippsland
Integrated Health and Community Education Program
demonstrated how universities and TAFEs could work
together to address skills shortages and help overcome the
barriers to tertiary education in regional areas.
Due to the ageing of Gippslands population, demand
for health and community care will continue to increase,
and ensuring a capable workforce is developed to respond
to this remains a pressing challenge, Professor Bartlett
said.
Education providers need to make it easy for people
in Gippsland - regardless of where they may live to
access education and training opportunities at TAFE and
university.
The introduction of the Gippsland Integrated Health
and Community Education Program shows how education
providers can share their respective strengths to achieve
that objective and overcome regional barriers such as
distance, cost, aspiration and attainment.
Education boost: at the launch were, from left: Jim Vivian, GippsTAFE; Peter Heilbuth, Advance TAFE;
Barbara Fulton, Advance TAFE; Peter Hall MLC; Professor Helen Bartlett, Monash University Gippsland;
Deputy Premier Peter Ryan; and David Gittens, GippsTAFE.
PENSIONERS are being urged to
take advantage of a home safety
program aimed at preventing falls
in their homes.
The Archicentre - the building advi-
sory service of the Australian Institute of
Architects - is offering the program.
Bass Coast Shire Council community
strengthening manager Antoinette Mitch-
ell said the Archicentre Home Renovation
Service provides Victorian aged pension-
ers and the disabled or their carers, with
free home safety inspections.
The Home Renovation Service is
different to the services council offers to
older people, though is a service worth
using, Ms Mitchell said.
These inspections help peo-
ple identify and address any po-
tential safety hazards in their home
and reduce the chances of injury.
Unfortunately falls in the home for older
people can lead to a hospital visit and if
there are ongoing issues, then a loss of
independence.
Archicentre general manager David
Hallett is responsible for the program and
welcomed council raising awareness of
the Home Renovation Service.
A home inspection service assesses
the house by checking the requirements
for grab rails, ooring and slip issues,
paths and tripping, ramps, taps and hot
water issues, he said.
The service includes a safety inspec-
tion of the home by an Archicentre ac-
credited architect. There is also a report
of any repairs required and an estimated
costing which protects elderly users of
the service from exposure to over quoting
and potential nancial hardship.
The free home safety inspections for
aged pensioners and the disabled or their
carers, is funded by the Victorian Govern-
ment, through the Department of Human
Services. To access the service, telephone
the Archicentre on 1300 136 513.
To nd out more information about
Bass Coast Shire Councils home care
services for the aged and disabled visit or
call 1300 BCOAST (226 278).
Clarication
CR Mimmie Jackson did not seek the approv-
al of South Gippsland Shire Council to con-
tinue her relationship with a council ofcer.
Cr Jackson informed council of her relationship at
the December 21 council meeting.
The Star last week reported Cr Jackson sought
council consent to continue with the relationship.
Cr Jackson can rather ask for council consent if
she wishes to be excused from making a decision on
a matter before council, if she believes her relationship
poses a conict of interest.
Reading Recovery in danger
Disabilities celebrated
Day out: from left, Ray of South Gippsland FOCAS and Wonthaggi WHO
Group, and Bob of the Mental Illness Fellowship.
Education doors opened
Jim Vivian, general manager of Corporate Services
at GippsTAFE, said the new Diploma of Health and
Community Care would place an emphasis on using
technology to extend the footprint of Gippslands
tertiary education providers, and increase exibility and
convenience for students.
The new diploma will primarily be delivered through
face-to-face and e-learning at 10 sites across the whole of
Gippsland, including Bairnsdale, Sale, Orbost, Churchill,
Traralgon, Morwell, Yallourn, Warragul, Leongatha and
Wonthaggi, Mr Vivian said.
The approach allows us to take education opportunities
to students in their own towns, letting them live and study
locally with the support of friends and family rather
than requiring them to relocate or travel considerable
distances.
In addition to providing improved opportunities to
share infrastructure, the Gippsland Integrated Health and
Community Education Program will further strengthen
links between the vocational and higher education sectors,
and provide a dened pathway for students seeking to
study at university.
After successfully completing the Diploma of Health
and Community Care with Advance TAFE or GippsTAFE,
a student will be able to continue building their skills,
experience and qualications through having guaranteed
entry to an undergraduate degree at Monash Universitys
Gippsland campus, Mr Peter Heilbuth, CEO of Advance
TAFE, said.
This is an especially important component of
helping make university more accessible and achievable,
particularly for students who havent completed Year 12, or
mature-aged students who may be returning to education
after many years in the workforce.
Free home safety checks