IN THE big race, it didn’t start well for Jack Miller off the front row of the grid, slipping back to third, then fourth and finally fifth as the riders behind him surged forward over the first three laps. Marco Bezzecchi took up the lead and worked his tyres hard to clear out by almost two seconds through four laps in an effort to cut down on the impact of his penalty. But just as he resumed after taking his penalty, Jack Miller went down.. and out of the race. Also crashing out early was his French mate Johann Zarco. More to follow…

AUSSIE Senna Agius, 20 from Sydney, won his way to the front row of the grid in Moto2 and stepped away best to lead the World Championship race for the first time at home and held on through six laps in a thrilling contest with Manuel Gonzalez and David Alonso. But it was an early battle that was to set up a fantastic victory in his own home grand prix… the big Aussie crowd went wild! Agius had a couple of moments, heading up into the wind early but continued to hold the front spot while riders were swapping places behind him. By lap 8 of 23, Agius had moved out to a half-second gap and some clear air with the fastest lap of the race, getting that out to a full second as the riders behind him changed places while slowing each other in the wake of Agius. By mid-race distance Agius had it out to almost four seconds in front and it was his race to lose as the championship contenders Diogo Moreira, Manuel Gonzalez and David Alonso slowed each other down with close racing in a real title shootout. The weather was fine and cool but the action on the track was hot and exciting as Moreira and Gonzalez battled for second and ascendency in the overall title, working their tyres hard and playing into the Aussie’s hands up ahead, out by almost six seconds with six laps to go. After 20 laps of 23, Agius was still maintaining a six-second gap, continuing to roll out competitive times while in second, third and fourth there was a tremendous fight going on, at one stage, the bikes touched as they surged through the corners. With two laps to go, it was all Agius… could he continue to hold on? You bet he could with the chasing pack coming hard and ultimately closing it down to three seconds but it was Agius all the way as he grabbed an Australian flag and went on a raucous lap of the track as the perfect setup for the big race to follow, the MotoGP. David Alonso finished second and Diogo Moreira third. It was the first time an Aussie had finished on the top step of the Moto2 podium at Phillip Island. In the Moto3 race, Aussie Joel Kelso secured a podium finish when he claimed second in thrilling circumstances while his compatriot Jacob Roulstone made a great charge from further back on the grid before dropping the bike due to rider error. In Moto3 racing Aussie Jacob Roulstone (12) was making a charge, on the outside of Brian Uriarte, when he came down in the big race, in tricky wind conditions, at the Phillip Island GP Circuit on Sunday.

ON SUNDAY, November 2, at the Fred Gration Reserve, the Coronet Bay Community Association will kick off the 27th annual Fun Run and Walk.  Coronet Bay Community Association secretary, John Kutniewski, said the registration and volunteer coordination begins at 9am, and the event will start at 10.30am.  “The race will start at the Frank Grant Reserve and cover a three-kilometre and five-kilometre course. “This event has been on for nearly three decades in Coronet Bay, bringing in the township and others in the regional towns together for a fun family day event. The event had been coordinated by the late Ian Cole, who unfortunately passed away earlier this year,” said John.  The Fun Run and Walk was started by local identity Laurie Black in 1997, who coordinated it for 16 years. David Mildenhall then ran the event in 2012 and 2013, before Ian Cole became the event coordinator for the next decade, from 2014 to 2024.  “This event is purely held together by volunteers,” said John.  “And we are always looking for more support to assist with traffic control, water stations, and manual registrations – although we do encourage everyone to pre-register. “This year, the local Coronet Bay CFA volunteers will be in attendance, ensuring safety on the day and volunteering their time. Which again brings the community together, bringing a wider spirit and mutual awareness of the CFA’s commitment to the community.” Funding support comes from Bendigo Bank and the Bass Coast Council. John said that through this event from this year onwards, he hopes to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer – proudly supporting Dare to Hope.  Medallions will be awarded to the first three placings in each category. With the choice of six categories: • 3km - Female 14 & Under, Male 14 & Under, Female Open, Male Open • 5km - Female Open, Male Open Pre-register at trybooking.com/DFBQY or be on-site at 9am.  To make a direct donation and raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, visit daretohope.com.au

ANIMAL lovers and others are set to have a further say on the latest Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for South Gippsland Shire, its aim being to strike a balance between pet welfare and protection of the community and environment from nuisance dogs and cats. With the current DAMP expiring at the end of this year, council has prepared a draft DAMP for 2026-2029. Should councillors vote in support of a recommendation before them on Wednesday, a period of public feedback on the draft DAMP will open on Friday, October 17, running until Tuesday, November 4. Consultation informing the creation of the draft DAMP called for off-leash dog parks and improved beach access for dogs, while some focused on the need to address the issue of roaming cats and dogs. Dog aggression and dogs harassing or attacking livestock, and domestic animal impact on native wildlife were among key concerns raised. As well as guiding responsible pet ownership, the DAMP is intended to detail the training provided to council’s Authorised Officers and help implement measures to minimise nuisance caused by cats and dogs and identify dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs and ensure they are managed appropriately. Should councillors vote as suggested, community members can have their say from Friday by visiting yoursay.southgippsland.vic.gov.au  

LEONGATHA Knights FC’s popular summer Go Fives competitions are set to return in a few weeks, and registrations are filling up fast!  With over 260 players participating in seven competitions last year, the Knights are looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the pitch for small-sided soccer over the off-season.  Go Fives is a format that sees each team field one goalkeeper and four outfield players, all playing on a reduced-sized pitch with smaller goals. Teams can have up to three substitutions on the bench, with rolling substitutions allowed throughout the game.  This year, the Knights are offering competitions for U10S Mixed, U12 Mixed, U15 Mixed, Adult Mixed Social and Adult Mixed Competitive. Along with three female-only options, a U15 Girls Competition and a Women’s Competition. There will also be a “Come & Play” U12 Girls option that invites girls who are keen to have a kick to come along, no team required, just turn up and play! Go Fives 2025 will kick off on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23 and run for eight weeks. Team registrations are capped, so ensure you register your team ASAP. For more information regarding Go Fives, head to Leongatha Knights FC’s Facebook page or contact [email protected]

LEONGATHA’S Bair Street was packed on Saturday, October 11, as the town once again hosted Biketoberfest Leongatha 2025, a celebration for motorbike lovers and petrolheads alike that continues to grow every year. More than 2000 people turned out to enjoy the free, family-friendly event, which transformed Bair Street into a chrome and leather sea. Motorbikes of every shape and size lined the street, while live music, community stalls, and the scent of food from local cafés and food vans filled the air. One of the highlights was the trials riding demonstrations, where professional riders thrilled the crowd with their daring stunts, leaping over cars, balancing on obstacles, and manoeuvring their bikes in ways that seemed to defy physics. Committee member Cherie Pritchett said the event, which coincides with Motorcyclist Awareness Month, had reached new heights this year.  “This has been our best year ever,” she said.  “We’ve had 430 motorbikes come through, and we actually had to close Bair Street parking because we were at capacity. We’ve been close to that before, but this is the first time it’s ever happened.” Ms Pritchett said Biketoberfest was about more than just the bikes.  “The purpose of the event is to raise awareness for motorbike safety and to raise money for mental health,” she said.  “We work alongside Black Dog Ride, who do wonderful things for the community around mental health, and we try to raise money for them during the day.” Black Dog Ride is an Australia-wide initiative that promotes awareness of depression and suicide prevention, a cause that has resonated deeply within the riding community. According to Ms Pritchett, community support has been a major part of Biketoberfest’s success.  “The community support has been fantastic,” she said.  “Everyone has been on board, and the event just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” The idea for the festival first came about during the COVID lockdowns, when organisers were looking for a way to reignite community life in Leongatha.  “They had just completed the refurbishment of Bair Street, so we thought why not hold an event here,” Ms Pritchett said.  “Our aim was to fill up Bair Street with motorbikes, and we’d done that by 11am.”  Among the many visitors who made the trip to Leongatha was Ross Millar, who rode down from Park Orchards in Melbourne’s east on his 2021 Indian Roadmaster Jack Daniels Edition: one of only 107 ever made.  “It was social media that drew us here,” he said.  “We read about Biketoberfest and all the different types of bikes, from Harleys to sports bikes. The highlight for me has been looking at all the bikes and talking to some great people.” As engines roared and music played through the afternoon, Biketoberfest once again cemented itself on Leongatha’s community calendar.

JACK Miller did what he had to do and provided local fans with plenty of thrills on Saturday, putting himself on the front row of the grid for the start of the MotoGP Sprint for championship points, and going with in an ace of a podium finish. Behind him on the grid was French hero Johann Zarco who recovered from a fall during morning qualifying to dust himself and his bike off to be back in the running. “The conditions are the best I’ve seen here with no wind, everyone is so close, but if we can have a go, we will,” said Zarco who won his own home MotoGP at Le Mans in May this year. Miller got away safely enough in superb weather and race conditions but found himself in fourth after several riders made kamikaze dives for the lead at Miller Corner. Raúl Fernández on the Aprilia was the first to settle in the sprint and cleared out in the lead but on lap 6 Miller took over third and was delivering fast lap times at half race distance, with a cheer going up from the crowd as he passed Alex Márquez only to lose the place again on the next lap. It was thrilling racing up at the front with Pedro Acosta coming up to take third on a Márquez mistake. It left Miller chasing Acosta for a podium position as Marco Bezzecchi took over the lead on lap 10 of 13. On lap 11 Miller was still holding down 4th but there seemed no way through Acosta with both riders maintaining good speed and Acosta noted as a very tough rider to pass. The contest for third became a three-way go with Fabio Di Giannantonio chiming in but Miller held him off, despite a clear pace advantage, and made a last lunge on the final turn to overtake Acosta. He got his nose in front but was shut out once more in the run to the line to fail by just six one-hundredths of second but still earning the loud plaudits of the crowd, living to fight another day. The top 10 standings after the MotoGP Sprint Race at Phillip Island on Saturday, October 18, 2025, were as follows: * 1st (72) M. Bezzecchi 19'03.971 * 2nd (25) R. Fernandez +3.149 * 3rd (37) P. Acosta +5.310 * 4th (43) J. Miller +5.376 * 5th (49) F. Di Giannantonio +5.416 * 6th (73) A. Marquez +6.109 * 7th (20) F. Quartararo +8.706 * 8th (10) L. Marini +8.938 * 9th (44) P. Espargaro +9.252 * 10th (23) E. Bastianini +9.752 In action on Saturday, Italian Moto3 rider Nicola Carraro.

AFTER morning drizzle gave way to glorious sunshine, the Nerrena bowling attack started strongly against Kilcunda Bass before Peter Miller and Daniel Bettles worked patiently to build a partnership for the Sharks, but the Red Caps then got right on top. Having elected to bat, Kilcunda Bass skipper and opener Joel Huckett fell for a duck and number three Vijai Kumar Gopal managed just a single run. Just as the Sharks’ fortunes were turning around, the Red Caps struck again when Michael Croatto had Miller caught by Daniel Grigg for a patient 33 off 68 balls. Croatto then dismissed Bettles for 20 shortly after. Croatto conceded just 16 runs off his first eight overs, with Grigg and Raidyn Harrison the early wicket takers, each managing 1/14 from five overs. After 28 overs, Kilcunda Bass had tumbled to 7/82.

THE 114-year-old Wonthaggi Post Office, on the corner of Watt Street and McBride Avenue, will be returned to its former glory under a $1 million refurbishment set to begin in November this year. And the work will be done by a local company, TS Constructions, after the Bass Coast Shire Council awarded the contract at its council meeting last Wednesday, October 15. Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead welcomed the appointment of “a trusted local contractor for such an important heritage project”. “TS Constructions has demonstrated outstanding expertise in heritage restoration and a deep appreciation of what this building means to Wonthaggi,” she said. “This project will not only preserve a much-loved landmark but also celebrate the craftsmanship and stories embedded in its walls.” In announcing the awarding of the contract, the shire’s General Manager Innovation and Engagement, Patrick Dillon, said TS Constructions represented the “best value for money” among tenderers, noting that “they achieved the highest score for its comprehensive understanding of the project, particularly the importance of the building’s heritage” while demonstrating the capability and experience to deliver the project. Wonthaggi Councillor Brett Tessari also welcomed the shire’s commitment to restoring the “gorgeous” old post office. “This is a beautiful old building but unfortunately, in disrepair inside. This tender, approved today, will get this building brought up, not only to code, but to where it should be, and that is usable. You can't go upstairs at the moment because the stairs are ruined, the plaster is rotted out and it's in such a poor condition, the roof also leaks,” said Cr Tessari. “So, it's a shame to see a building like this in that condition and to be able to bring it back to its grand old day will warm the hearts of us. Wonthaggites that walk past it every day,” he said. Shire CEO Greg Box said after the meeting that the building would mainly have a community focus once restored, hosting consultation and other engagement events, while being available for other public purposes. Built in 1911, the Old Post Office is a proud reminder of Wonthaggi’s early development and community spirit. It once served as the town’s communications hub — a place where telegrams were sent across Australia, messages arrived by Morse code and the telegraph connected local lives to the wider world. “Wonthaggi’s Old Post Office holds a special place in our community’s collective memory,” said Cr Halstead. “This refurbishment will protect its heritage and character while restoring its structure and integrity for future generations to enjoy.” The refurbishment will include roof repairs, a new staircase, stormwater drainage upgrades, landscaping, paving, and internal works such as new flooring, ceiling, toilets, and upgraded building services. Works are scheduled to begin in November 2025, with completion expected by September 2026. As the building that once kept a young mining town connected to the world, the Old Post Office continues to stand as a symbol of endurance, connection, and pride in Wonthaggi’s rich history. Little more than 12 months earlier, on the morning of February 23, 1910, Wonthaggi had answered Victoria’s state of emergency call for coal when a train arrived here for the first time, on newly constructed rails, and by afternoon, sent back the first 108 tons of coal to Melbourne by freight train to confirm the development of Wonthaggi as the town we have today.

LEONGATHA Splash was busy on Sunday as the South Gippsland Bass Swim Club hosted GSI 3. The 130 swimmers from throughout Gippsland raced in a series of 50 and 100 metre races. There were also a handful of under-eights having their first racing experience, competing in the 25 metre length. The centre was full of extended families making the most of being able to come and watch their nieces and nephews or grandchildren compete. The event was the first home meet for the summer 25/26 season, with head coach Dylan announcing the  captains for the year ahead. The captains were chosen not just for being great swimmers, but as the role models they are for the younger swimmers.  The head captains for 25/26 are Lara Smyth, Asha Chalmers and Billy Fisher. The vice captains are Mostyn Lumsden and Hugh Munro.  The swimmers were well fuelled up for the meet, after having a day with nutritionist Ali Miles, a founder of the Fuel School who specialises in helping athletes with their dietary needs, including ensuring they have enough food and how to help improve performance with their food intake. 

AS SOCIETY changes the essence of Freemasonry remains the same, according to the Woolamai Daylight Masonic Lodge based in Wonthaggi. How old is your grandmother was once a question attributed to Freemasons seeking to identify another Freemason. The answer for Wonthaggi would have been 661, which is the official number of the Powlett Lodge at  17 Edgar Street in Wonthaggi or 277 for the Woolamai Daylight Lodge. “It was never a secret,” according to Freemason Ken Barnes. The exclusive use of a handshake or Freemason’s hand grip, however, remains a tightly guarded secret and is still used by Freemasons to identify each other worldwide. With historical origins going back to medieval stonemason guilds, Freemasonry has evolved to a worldwide fraternity active in every civilised society. Freemasonry boasts 7000 members statewide, including several hundred Gippsland members in 24 Freemasons Lodges extending from Koo Wee Rup to  Orbost. Among Gippsland’s first Masonic Lodges was the Walhalla Freemasons Lodge, number 69, dating back to 1876, and Sale Freemasons Lodge, number 51, established in 1924. According to Ken Barnes, Freemasonry is an invaluable fraternity of men, although there are also women’s  Freemason Lodges in Melbourne. “We look for men of mature age with good report and highest morals,” said Ken. “The selection process remains rigorous and new members are always welcome. “We accept men of any race, religion, colour or creed.” New members are recruited in one of two ways: either by personal introduction by another member or a friend who can vouch for the new member, or by an application online through Freemasons Victoria. “Four references are required in addition to a police check,” said Mr Barnes. Meetings are held once a month in a formal meeting space with wardens and junior wardens assembled around symbolic squares and compasses, the squares representing good and bad, and the compasses symbolising moral boundaries. Together, the symbols are said to be a reminder for Masons to lead a balanced life. Visitors from other Lodges are welcome at meetings. The work of a meeting can involve introducing a new member, or a lecture from a member of the Lodge or visiting speaker. Local Freemasons have always been active in charity work, including assisting with the recent purchase of a learner driver car for the Bass Coast L2P program. Powlett Lodge also raised $50,000 for Armitage House at Wonthaggi Hospital. Ken Barnes said Freemasons Victoria is one of the state’s largest fundraisers and raised over $130,000 for young people experiencing homelessness through ‘Sleep at the G’. “Freemasonry is a worldwide fraternity of men who believe in the principles of equality and charitable acts. It is one of the few remaining organisations that honour and respect religious, cultural and political diversity. “It offers good men an opportunity to contribute to their local communities, join a network of like-minded individuals, and improve themselves in the process.” Anyone interested in becoming a Freemason can ring the secretary of the Woolamai Daylight Lodge, Peter Thick on 0429 851 004 or go to freemasonsvic.net.au/joinfreemasonry.

AHEAD of a high-profile local case, alleging an act senseless and deliberate animal cruelty towards wombats at Venus Bay in February this year, the State Government has moved to “stamp out wildlife crime and improve animal welfare across Victoria”. On Saturday, October 18, Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos released the Government’s response to the ‘Wildlife Act Review’ backed by $2.9 million of investment to support wildlife carers, shelters and rescuers across Victoria. “To improve access to animal trauma care services in regional Victoria we’re investing $2 million to create a new wildlife hospital at the Kyabram Fauna Park, run by Zoos Victoria. “Regional and rural wildlife carers and shelters will also benefit from $350,000 in vet outreach and training to help build skills and capacity. A new $300,000 Wildlife Rehabilitator Rebate Scheme will also be set up to help carers cover the costs of treating sick and injured animals including food, medicine and equipment. “We’re also investing $100,000 to bolster the number of wildlife rescuers responding to emergencies like fires and floods, $100,000 to manage wombat mange, and $50,000 in one-off grants for shelters in southwest Victoria. This investment is on top of the annual $300,000 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants which are now open for applications. “We’re also protecting wildlife in urban areas, with a fruit netting swap pilot in five metro councils.” The program helps households replace illegal netting with wildlife-safe alternatives at no cost. It’s illegal to use or sell fruit tree netting with mesh larger than 5mm x 5mm, which can trap and injure animals like the grey-headed flying-fox. In response to the Wildlife Act Review, Victoria will ban crocodiles as pets and update the licensing system for wildlife that is dangerous or has complex needs such as venomous snakes and monitor lizards, so they can only be held under tailored licences. There will also be limits on large-scale wildlife breeding to stamp out cruel breeding practices. “We will increase the maximum penalties and introduce new offences for wildlife crimes, and a Fit and Proper Person Test for all licences. We will also extend the statute of limitations for investigating wildlife crime and filing charges for offences against the Act. “We're expanding the partnership with Crime Stoppers Victoria and the Conservation Regulator to report wildlife and forest crime, which will help us protect animals around the clock. We're also creating an easy-to-use online form for submitting forest and wildlife crime reports 24/7. “We’re also creating a new online tool that can be used to verify if other party in a purchase arrangement has a valid wildlife licence and create a public record of court outcomes for wildlife and forest crime – making it easier to prevent illegal trade and protect animal welfare. A 19-year-old Fish Creek man, charged with 20 offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, for alleged conduct leading to the deaths of up to 9 wombats in Venus Bay earlier this year, is due to face a Contest Mention hearing at Wonthaggi Court on Tuesday, December 9. The charges follow an extensive investigation by the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police into the deaths which occurred at Venus Bay on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The issue of cruelty to native animals was also discussed at last Wednesday’s meeting of the Bass Coast Shire Council when the Council introduced its new Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29, highlighting the need to protect wombats at San Remo and Hooded Plovers on the beaches. Local native animal welfare activist, Ron Day, said after the meeting that animal strike on the roads was a serious issue that also needed concreted action. All wildlife in Victoria is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.? The Conservation Regulator urges anyone with information about wildlife cruelty to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously. Wildlife animal strike on our roads also needs action according to Phillip Island native animal welfare activist Ron Day.

A THREE-table turnout again on Monday was just enough to be able to proceed.  Clive Hope and Neville Chapman led with 60 per cent, Sean Munley and Bruce Higgs 53 per cent, Julie and Ian MacPhee 50 per cent. Lois Dwyer and Alan Johnston led Tuesday’s play in Wonthaggi with 60.94, Deb Anglin and John French 53.65, Faye Rowlands and Doug McIntosh 51.56, Ann Rinder and Neville Chapman 51.39 and Bron Sund and Michael Dooley with 51.04 per cent. On Friday – happy birthday to the club – 40 people sat down to play bridge and share a delicious lunch in congenial company.  Jean Barbour and Greg  Nicholson led N/S with 57.87 per cent, Deb Anglim and John French 55.56, Anne Somerville and Kathy Dowd 55.09, Alan Johnston and Clive Hope 53.70, and Sean Munley and Bruce Higgs 51.62 per cent.  Catherine Burton and Robyn Synan topped E/W with 58.8, Maree Sands and Maureen Stiles 57.18, Penny Lanser and Doug McIntosh 53.94, Julie Perriam and Bronwyn Sund 53.24, and Fred Meiseloach and Ann Marie Tytler 49.54 per cent. The card tables were abandoned for a friendly nosh. Anyone wanting to learn the game and join the club would be welcome to ring the president Mary Brewis on 0427 338 598 or the secretary Kathy Dowd on 0438 859 561.  

IN A ceremony on Monday, October 6, Rotary District Governor Paul Behm presented a Paul Harris Fellow Award with Sapphire to Carron Bourke of the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his outstanding community service, celebrating his dedication to local volunteer projects and charitable initiatives. Rotary officials note that the Paul Harris Fellow recognition is one of the organisation’s highest honours, used to acknowledge individuals for significant contributions to making the world a better place.  “As Rotarians, we live by the motto ‘Service Above Self,’ and Carron truly embodies that spirit,” club president Gea Lovell said during the presentation.  She praised Carron’s years of service, adding that “his dedication to helping others has made a significant impact on our community.” Carron has been a member of Rotary for over 30 years, and club members say he has been a driving force behind numerous local projects – from fundraising for community facilities to supporting youth programs – always willing to roll up his sleeves for those in need.  The Paul Harris Fellow Award was established in honour of Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, and is traditionally accompanied by a pin and certificate. A sapphire inset on the pin signifies an additional level of distinction: in Carron’s case, it denotes that he has been recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow more than once. 

FOOTBALL AFL EXPORTS BY BLAKE METCALF-HOLT   OUT of favour Hawthorn utility, Morwell’s Changkuoth Jiath has moved to Melbourne on the final day of the AFL Trade Period. Jiath agreed to a three-year deal with the Demons, after using the offseason to look for a new club despite having two years remaining on his contract with the Hawks. Hawthorn have received Pick 42 in exchange for Jiath – a compensation draft selection which was obtained by Melbourne when losing Charlie Spargo to North Melbourne. Channel Seven’s Mitch Cleary reported in the days prior that “there is a mutual understanding with the Hawks that he (Jiath) explores the market.” The 26-year-old arrived at Hawthorn in 2017 as a category B rookie after seasons with Gippsland Power and Xavier College, Melbourne. While it was clear that Jiath had lost some confidence within the coaching staff at the Hawks, he still managed the most games in his career for a single season (20 games inclusive of finals). The two seasons beforehand Jiath had been plagued with injury setbacks. Having played 76 games in total for his AFL career, the Morwell export still has plenty to give with a rebuilding Melbourne side. The Demons still secured the signature of at least one Latrobe Valley player, having also pushed hard over the trade period to grab Moe’s Bailey Humphrey from Gold Coast. Jiath joins a trio of Latrobe Valley exports who have realised a change of scenery during the trade period, with Suns pair, Morwell’s Ben Ainsworth moving to Carlton and former Moe junior and Fish Creek’s Sam Flanders arriving at St Kilda.

TELSTRA will be upgrading its mobile base station that services Venus Bay to bring a better 4G/5G user experience between Monday, October 20 and Friday, October 24. The upgrades will improve the mobile site’s capacity, meaning faster downloads, smoother streaming and less congestion. Mobile services in the area will be temporarily affected while the upgrade works are underway. “We know how important mobile connectivity is for Australians, whether you’re in the city or the country,” Telstra regional general manager Jenny Gray said. “While disruption is required while the upgrade is underway, we’ll only be switching off the site when we need to and will have it back online and working better than ever as quickly as possible.” Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work. Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services. The site will need to be switched off during the following periods: • Monday, October 20 – Friday, October 24 (site offline) • Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, October 26 (site online) • Monday, October 27 – Wednesday, October 29 (intermittent outages each day) Telstra’s tips for improving connectivity while works are underway Telstra customers can continue to make calls and send texts during disruption to mobile services by switching on Wi-Fi Calling. This is a free setting on most popular mobile phones and allows your mobile to make and receive mobile calls while connected to Wi-Fi. Telstra also encourage business owners to talk to their provider about connecting their EFTPOS terminals to their NBN or Wi-Fi connection to prevent delays in processing transactions.

By MotoGP TALK about smashing the previous lap record! Marco Bezzecchi’s (Aprilia Racing) unbelievably rapid 1:26.492 sees the Italian comfortably lead the MotoGP pack heading into Saturday at the Liqui Moly Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, and it’s another Aprilia rider acting as the #72’s closest challenger. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) improved late on to make it an RS-GP 1-2 in Practice at Phillip Island, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team) rounding out the top three as fellow Ducati star Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), our latest winner, misses the Q2 cut. HOW PRACTICE UNFOLDED MotoGP Practice, much like FP1, started with Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) pull back into pit lane, shaking his head. Something wasn’t clicking with the Italian’s number one bike, so a swap to the second Ducati was again on the agenda. And once again, Pecco was immediately looking more at home as he promoted himself into P5 with 15 minutes of the session gone. Bezzecchi led from Pedro Acosta (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in the opening part of a dry but cold and windy Practice, before Di Giannantonio took over at the top with 37 minutes to go – the Italian setting a 1:27.483 to shuffle ahead of Bezzecchi. Acosta’s small crash at Turn 4 put a brief halt to his session with just under 40 minutes to go, the #37 was back on track just over 10 minutes later, as the big changes began to unfold heading into the closing 15 minutes. Home hero Jack Miller was a big mover on his Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP machine. The Australian fired his way up to P2, 0.023s behind Di Giannantonio, before Miller then went one better to top Practice with 14 minutes left on the clock. That didn’t last long though. Bezzecchi moved the goalposts with a 1:27.099, before the Italian then delivered a showstopper – a 1:26.580, a new all-time lap record by 0.666s. ‘Have that!’, said the #72. El Diablo - also known as Fabio Quartararo – made it a Monster Energy Yamaha 2-3 behind Bezzecchi, with teammate Alex Rins sitting ahead of fourth fastest Fernandez. The latest movements meant Bagnaia found himself outside the top 10, while the #63’s rival for a P2 overall finish, Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP), jumped up to P3 to split the factory Yamahas. With two minutes to go, Pecco still sat outside the top 10. But he was on a personal best lap three-quarters of the way round. A 1:27.132 was good enough to send Pecco into P7, before that was P8 as Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3), Maverick Viñales’ stand-in, made his way into the automatic Q2 places. Lighting up the timing screens again shortly after was Bezzecchi. Surely another all-time lap record wasn’t inbound? Well, yes, it was. Bez landed a 1:26.492 to extend his mega advantage at the top to over four tenths, before Fernandez made it an Aprilia 1-2 to get within three tenths of the pacesetter – a top lap from the Trackhouse rider. Attention then turned to Indonesian GP winner Aldeguer. Sat P11, could the rookie set a last-gasp personal best lap to knock Acosta out of the top 10? He came close, 0.005s off in fact, but it wasn’t enough. Our latest Grand Prix winner will need to come through Q1. YOUR AUSTRALIAN GP TOP 10 Can anyone catch Bezzecchi in qualifying will be the question heading into Saturday, as Aprilia enjoy a fantastic day at the office at Phillip Island. Fernandez sails into Q2 with a very strong P2, with Di Giannantonio a comfortable P3. The Italian is the fastest Ducati on Friday, while Quartararo is the quickest Yamaha in P4. Alex Marquez completed the top five, as Rins, Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol) and the impressive Espargaro enjoy top eight results in Practice. Bagnaia slipped to P9 by the chequered flag, but it’s job done in terms of getting straight into Q2, with Acosta just about holding onto P10. COMING UP: SATURDAY ON THE ISLAND Q1 should be an enticing affair with the likes of Aldeguer, Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), Miller, Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol), 2023 winner Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) and more all fighting for a top two spot before the pole position shootout begins.

Trackside for the Advertiser is IanR Photography, who captured all the action at this year's MotoGP

The 2025 MotoGP is underway. Trackside for the Advertiser is IanR Photography, who captured all the action from Friday's practice session. A photo gallery from Thursday's Homecoming Ride. We'll be posting updated photos throughout the weekend, and created a Moto GP photo gallery as well.

BOWLS STREZLECKI NORTH BY MICHAEL HOLROYD   STREZLECKI Bowls Region opened its season last Saturday with the Strzelecki North playing area conducting the McGilton and Barry Shields for the first time since COVID-19 intervened a few years ago. The McGilton Shield was held at Trafalgar with seven Division 1 clubs along with Moe making up the eight clubs competing with three teams of four players. Competition was fierce with Traralgon and Trafalgar each winning six of the nine matches. Going into the last round of matches after lunch Trafalgar was leading the competition having won five matches to Traralgon’s four with a handy lead on shots if a countback was needed. Moe and Traralgon each won one of their first two matches in this round, leaving the final match between Vin McIlwain and his Traralgon rink of Tom Irvine, Ian Hilsley and Matt Eccles playing Nathan Cook and his Trafalgar rink of Peter Rosenboom, Mick Fleming and Tim Fraser. After 10 ends, Cook had his nose in front leading by two shots, McIlwain drew two on the 11th end to level the match and gained a further two shots on the last end. That meant Traralgon gained a further two shots, giving them an overall two-shot victory when all match results were in. Traralgon were worthy winners over an unlucky Trafalgar, with Drouin finishing third and Newborough fourth on the ladder for the day. The Barry Shield was played at Warragul between the clubs not playing in the McGilton Shield with everyone playing each other once. The shield was won by Boolarra with their rink of Joel Anderson together with Colin Brick, Jorma Takanen and Terry Parker defeating the Warragul rink of David Gatewood together with Des Stephens, Pat Hammond and Terry Moyle by one shot. The score was 12-11, with each of these clubs winning their other games, it meant Boolarra were the winners of the Barry Shield with Thorpdale and Yinnar in third and fourth places. Whilst the day was rather windy with rain threatening, it was a good start to the season with Pennant seasons beginning yesterday (October 13) and weekend this Saturday (October 18).

IT WAS less about retreat and more about protection as the Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DEECA) and the Cape-to-Cape Resilience Project team continued to soften their language around the response to Inverloch’s erosion problems at an online seminar last Thursday night, October 16. One of the 30 questions put to the panel during a probing Q&A which followed the Inverloch Dune Reconstruction Works Information Session directly addressed the emotive issue of retreat, that is, moving houses and other assets out of the firing line. “We've got a question about retreat, and we're going to bring Caz (Cassandra Philippou) in to answer that one for the team. And what does that actually mean in this context for Inverloch? Cassandra Philippou (Project Manager DEECA, Cape to Cape Resilience Project): Thanks. Jules, look, I know that retreat has been something that has popped up fairly frequently the during the project and for the resilience plan as well. Retreat is really a process of managed land use transition. It doesn't happen instantly. It's something that takes place over a long period of time and is planned. “And the idea is that we need to change the way we use places and land so that we can put more appropriate uses in those places that are less vulnerable to some of those coastal hazards. “So, the managed transition in the adaptation pathway for the Surf Beach is really to be activated in the medium to long term. So, we're not talking tomorrow. We're not talking in five years’ time. It's really looking at having that transition really moving along by about 2070 or the 0.5 sea level rise scenario. “But of course, that is still subject to how the beach is managed all the way up until that period of time.” Ms Philippou went on to say the Cape-to-Cape Resilience Project team had received Commonwealth Disaster Ready funding to develop their Inverloch retreat work further but it didn’t mean anyone would see anything locally in the short term. “So, it's a long-term process. It certainly doesn't mean that you're going to be affected, or anyone will be affected in the very short term, but it is something that we need to look at how that land will be managed and used in the future.” Darrin McKenzie, Gippsland Regional Director Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DEECA) added his thoughts, also saying that while initial community consultation in early 2021 (based on 180 surveys, 38% from Inverloch residents) provided the basis for the strategy, he was open to the idea of re-assessing community desires and goals in the future. “What Caz has said is right, there’s work happening in government to try and understand what the implementation of a retreat policy would look like we and this comes back to comments I was making about community values, and it has to be a community driven plan. “When we put the first draft out for consultation, we got quite a bit of feedback from members of community saying it was too focused on retreat. That there was some ideological position in government that that's the pathway we wanted to go down. That's certainly not the case. “There's no position within government, that retreat is the pathway that we need to adopt here to move these assets out of the hazard zone and things like that. So, we have responded to that feedback, and once the final plan comes out, you'll see in there, the community will see that we've introduced an additional pathway that does provide a greater emphasis, or opportunities for protect type outcomes into the future. “So, we can look at some of those more protection type adaptation options into the future that would look to protect assets that sit behind the dunes. “That's not to say that the work we've been talking about today, in terms of the dune reconstruction and renourishment, is not a protection pathway for us. We are looking to protect the dunes and ultimately protect the assets that sit on that coastal zone. “It is a nature based, or a natural based protection pathway or action for us. So, we're looking to try and use that. The things we were talking about before, you know, some of those harder infrastructure things could put at risk the very values that we are trying to protect, which is the beach and continued access to the beach. “So, it is a protection pathway that we're proposing here. It's not hard infrastructure in terms of a sea wall or anything like that, I acknowledge, but I can assure you, there's no position within government that let's just retreat and move everyone out of the way.” It’s pretty important stuff for those with houses and facilities, like the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club, sitting behind the dunes while storm surges are driving king tides and big waves into the fragile shoreline. Bass Coast Shire Councillor Cr Meg Edwards, who watched the seminar with a house full of people last Thursday evening, said she felt community action had moved the needle from talk about retreat to protection which was heartening. “Honestly, I think that just basing your response on 180 submissions when 2500 people signed a petition, 700 attended a beach rally and 350 at a town hall meeting, calling for greater protection, does indicate a wider spread of opinion,” said Cr Edwards. “The word ‘protect’ came up a lot more and there was also the offer to go back and test community sentiment again. “What was also interesting is that the limits being placed on the amount of sand they’re prepared to move and dunes they’re prepared to reinstate is based more on the limits to the funding rather than what’s needed to do the job. “If it’s actually going to cost $10 million to complete the work, the government should look at the economic and social benefits and fund it upfront.” Cr Edwards said she was also concerned the sand dredging and dune reinstatement works would be carried out in the period between February and Easter, still a busy time on the beach at Inverloch. “It is what it is now, but I thought they should have stuck with the plan to do it now, between October and December and have it ready for the revegetation works to begin.” President of the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, Glenn Arnold, was also pleased to hear the commitments being made to protecting rather than retreating. “We’re pleased to hear that they’re going to go ahead and extend the sand-bag wall (east and west of its present position) and that they’re going to get that work done before Christmas,” said Mr Arnold. “And that the sand dredging and dune reinstatement work will commence in February, followed by the revegetation works.” Mr Arnold said he also raised the potential of using jute mesh, made out from natural products or Coir mesh made from coconut husk fibres, to protect the dunes and assist in the revegetation process as a possible solution. “At the end of the day, they haven’t deviated a great deal from their plan but it’s less about retreat and more about protection, and we welcome that, and they also appear open to discussing other strategies,” he said. The geotextile bag wall in front of the Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club is due to be extended east and west before Christmas, and the movement of 100,000 cubic metres of sand, from Anderson Inlet to the surf beach is set to start in February, after the busy summer holiday season with revegetation to follow. Then South Gippsland Conservation Society has had a strong hand in the type of plants that will be used in the revegetation works. Among those who presented at the online seminar were: · Darrin McKenzie, Gippsland Regional Director Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning. · Elise Lawry, Coastal Engineer at Water Technology Pty Ltd · Simon Woodland, Manager Sustainable Environment at Bass Coast Shire Council · Jeremy Neilson, Coastcare Facilitator at Department of Sustainability and Environment More to follow. Recent high tides and storms have presented further challenges for the Bass Coast Shire Council as they hold the line against beach erosion at Inverloch until planned ‘protection’ works can take place now, extending the sand-bag wall in front of the surf club, and in February next year.

CRICKET CLV By LIAM DURKIN   THIS is why you should never read too much into season previews. Players you are told either aren’t playing or who clubs haven’t heart from suddenly rock up, much as they did at the weekend. Cricket Latrobe Valley made a start for Round 2 after the opening weekend was washed out. Inclement weather still played havoc, with a couple of games decided on DLS and some lower grade matches abandoned. While early days, the number of players appearing as ‘Fill in’ on PlayHQ might be an early cause for concern. Clubs across Gippsland appear light on for numbers, and will be hoping they pick up in coming weeks. Three of four Division 5 games were forfeited in the neighbouring Warragul District Cricket Association at the weekend, while Hallora’s Third XI was virtually made up of players from Blackbridge Cricket Club. Blackbridge, based at Rythdale, offers winter cricket and monthly social matches for many local players. Gippsland Goannas Over 50s veterans also won their match at the weekend via forfeit.   Premier A NEWLY promoted Imperials got its Premier A campaign off to a promising start, defeating Centrals in a competitive match at Apex Park. Chasing 177, the visitors won with two wickets in the shed. A host of double digit scores helped Imperials, led by Ryan Morley at the top (27), Tylah Donoghue in the lower order (27) and Todd Mann in typically no-nonsense fashion, smashing an unbeaten 33 off 32 balls from number nine. For someone who says he hates batting, he has a pretty good record (having scored multiple A Grade tons). Centrals captain Tye Hourigan had earlier top-scored with 75, while Lachlan Speairs dug in for 48 off 123 rocks. Marc Fenech did as he has done for countless years, hooping the new ball around, and took three top order wickets for the Lions. MORWELL technically won on Duckworth Lewis Stern, although the match against Churchill would have been decided in regulation time anyway. Posting 5/175 at Andrews Park West, the Cobras were given a ‘revised’ total of just two runs and two overs less (48). It mattered little, after the Cobras were bundled out for 116. Only Jordan Higham with 32 made an impression, after Brendan Brincat (3/24) and Tim Ford (3/29) did the damage up top. Usual one day dasher Kris Fortuin showed his adaptability with the stick for Morwell, batting the entire innings to make an unbeaten 61. IF you’ve got Jordy Gilmore batting five, you’re going to take some beating. Ex Students easily defeated Toongabbie by more than 100 runs. The Sharks put up 9/258 on Roger Reis Oval, with Gilmore (71), Mitch Harris (61), Andrew Matthews (38 not out) and Matt Dyke (26) all contributing. Rams veteran Tom Shippen sent down 10 overs, returning figures of 3/40 (to think of the number of overs that man has bowled in his time). A few starts punctuated the Toongabbie response, but in the end, they were dismissed for 131. Gayashan Munasinghe made 33, yet his teammates had little answers for the collective effort so synonymous with Ex Students in the field. Harris (3/51), Adam Brady (2/13) and the star of last season’s Premier B final, Fletcher Graham (2/13) took seven wickets between them. IN Kaney we trust. On a day when the rest of the order struggled to hit off the square, Noah Kane delivered arguably the best innings of his career. The Moe wicket-keeper scored 91 off 100 balls batting at number six, taking the Lions to 231 against league heavyweights Glengarry on their home deck. Kane hit 10 fours and two sixes, partnering with Callum Grant (30) in a 112 run partnership for the fifth wicket. The Magpies were later bowled out for 205, with Kane again a thorn in their side, collecting four catches. Sam Marks (41), Jay Francis (36) and Brandon Mayberry (30) all made scores of note, yet dual wickets from Ritvik Mahajan (2/4), Grant (2/7), Ben McCarthy (2/28) and new Moe captain Matt Hibbs (2/40) gave the visitors impetus. While Glengarry was without Nat Freitag, there is absolutely no guarantee he would have made the 26-run difference the game was decided by. Anyone who has played cricket for long enough will have seen even the absolute best players go out cheaply.   A Grade THESE blokes have more runs and wickets than most of their teammates have had hot food dinners. Latrobe legend Anthony Bloomfield and his counterpart, Dale Banks of Mirboo North, wound back the clock at the weekend. Bloomfield struck 90 not out off just 51 balls against Gormandale at Stoddart Oval, in a team total of 4/246. The Tigers very nearly won however, given a target of 99 to get in 20.1 overs on DLS. Ultimately, Gormandale closed at 3/90 after putting up a grand chase. Connor Bettsworth’s 36 and Cal Polo’s 30 not out contributed significantly. Bloomfield’s son Jacob ensured his dad didn’t get all the glory, snagging 3/38 with the ball. The Sharks also found runs from Ed Hopper (46), Rhys Noble (36) and Ronnie Chokununga (48), who suited up despite most believing he wouldn’t play this season. (Bloomfield recently returned from national duty. Full story in next week’s paper). BANKS took 4/15, all unassisted, in the Tigers’ nine wicket win over Rovers. Mirboo North chased a meagre total of 101 inside 25 overs, thanks to Frankie Ingram (41 not out) and Jed Alexander (29). Compounding the issue for Rovers was the fact the home team actually got away to a solid start, after Liam Little and Tyler Pearce (34) put on 55 for the first wicket. That being said, the run rate barely hovered above 2.5, so the Tigers wouldn’t have felt much, if any, pressure. God Banksy would have a lot of wickets. LUKE Payton again stood out on the batting card for Willow Grove. His 68 (nine fours, one six) wasn’t enough against Raiders, who won by seven wickets at Yinnar Turf. Raiders chased 145 inside 30 overs, with new recruit Keenan Hughes smacking an unbeaten 58 off 43 balls (three sixes). Akila Silva also joined in the fun, making 31 not out off 38, after Rob Webber set things up with 27 against the new ball. DON’T think CATS will be in A Grade too much longer with this team. The boys from Traralgon South, with the inclusions of Josh Keyhoe (Moe), Dane Fawcett (Neerim) and Jamie Cochrane (not retired as it turns out), ran past Traralgon West at Jack Canavan. The Eagles were knocked over for 122, although Alfie Peck (38) and Matt Griffiths (36) offered some resistance. Having a Test match bowler in your line-up does help however, and Tinanshe Panyangara snared 4/2 from just 20 balls. Keyhoe (41) and skipper Nathan Harrap (a patient 29 not out) then guided CATS over the line.  

The Woodside Recreation Reserve is set to shine brighter thanks to a major LED lighting upgrade that will improve safety,...

Phillip Island was one of the areas targeted in a joint inspections operation by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and Australian Border Force last week. Other areas included Mornington Peninsula, Clayton, Dandenong and Frankson. Most businesses inspected were in the fast food, restaurants and cafés sector, with some businesses in the hair and beauty, manufacturing, recreation, and health sectors also under the spotlight. All businesses being inspected employ migrant workers. Fair Work Inspectors have been checking time and wage records, including pay slips, to ensure that migrant workers are being paid correctly. The FWO's Inspectors are also educating employees on recent changes to workplace laws, such as the right to disconnect, which took effect for small business employees on 26 August. The inspections have targeted employers of migrant workers with subclass 482 visas, a temporary visa for workers with skills in demand, and subclass 494 visas, a visa which enables regional employers to address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled migrants. In Australia, 'chef' is one of the top occupations for visa holder employees. As workers in fast food outlets, restaurants and cafés are often migrants or young people, who can be vulnerable to exploitation, the sector is a priority for the Fair Work Ombudsman. Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the inspections were part of a continuing national program of audits by the FWO and the Department of Home Affairs to check that employers of migrant workers are complying with the law. "Workplace breaches that involve migrant workers can be particularly serious as these workers can be vulnerable to exploitation. We find they can be unaware of their workplace rights or unwilling to speak up if something seems wrong," Ms Booth said. "It is crucial visa holders know that they have the same workplace rights as all other workers, and protections for their visas exist if they call out workplace exploitation. We urge workers with concerns about wages and entitlements to contact us. "Employers should access the free tools and resources on our website to ensure they're meeting their obligations, or contact the FWO directly for free advice." Intentional underpayment of employees can now be a criminal offence. More information can be found at Criminal prosecution (fairwork.gov.au). Border Force Australian Border Force (ABF) Sponsor Monitoring Unit officers visited many of the businesses, providing employers with information about migrant worker protections under the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act, which came into effect in July 2024 to combat the exploitation of temporary migrant workers. The Strengthening Reporting Protections Pilot and Workplace Justice Visa Pilot address migration-related barriers that can deter temporary migrants from reporting exploitation or seeking workplace justice. The Department of Home Affairs is administering both pilot programs. Acting ABF Commander Field Operations and Sponsor Monitoring, Melati Smith, said the joint activity reinforces that Australia will not tolerate exploitation and abuse of migrant workers or its visa programs. "Migrant workers play a key part in the economy. There is no place in Australia for employers who exploit them," Acting Commander Smith said. "Our message is clear to employers: do the right thing and abide by your obligations. Don't exploit vulnerable workers or abuse our visa regime - there is no excuse, and the consequences could be severe. "It has never been easier for employers to do the right thing," Acting Commander Smith said. "They can easily check the work rights of prospective employees by using Home Affairs' dedicated Visa Entitlement Verification Online system to ensure they do not inadvertently allow illegal work. "The new laws make it a criminal offence for employers to use a person's immigration status to exploit them in the workplace." Criminal penalties under the migration laws include up to two years' jail and/or a fine of up to $118,800. The FWO's investigations continue after the site visits. The inspections follow similar joint audits of food and other businesses by the FWO and the ABF around Australia recently. Employers and employees can visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 for free advice and assistance about their rights and obligations in the workplace. A free interpreter service is available on 13 14 50. Information can also be provided to the FWO anonymously, including in 16 languages other than English.