Worker cooperatives like Earthworker are offering green job alternatives in Victoria's Latrobe Valley, blending sustainability with economic democracy.

Deb Leonard - Community Independent - Delivering More for Monash. The communities of Bass Coast Shire, Baw Baw Shire, South Gippsland Shire and Latrobe Valley deserve more. Deb will deliver. Vote 1 D...

A new report has found direct connections between the climate crisis and rising cost-of-living pressures. Failure to lower emissions now will only aggravate the crisis, with each moment of inaction co...

By KATRINA BRANDON   A MERRY time was had at this year’s Merry Morwell celebration last Friday (December 12). Hundreds of people attended the event, settling into the Christmas spirit at Morwell Town Common (Wooden Playground). Local students sang carols, accompanied by Morwell Citizens Band. There was also a car show, SES demonstration, local market stalls, food trucks, and of course, a visit from Santa. Busy: Hundreds of people attended the Merry Morwell event last Friday. Photographs: Katrina Brandon The event started with heavy rainfall as a storm swept through the Latrobe Valley, making people duck for cover under tents. However, temperatures were still warm, meaning the rain brought a welcome relief and encouraged attendees to converse with each other and vendors. As the sun rose, the schools gathered at the music truck stage. There, they all took turns in flashy outfits and angelic tunes – whether it be a classic Christmas song or a fun parody. On the list: Morwell’s Esme (6) was joined by Santa on the Merry Morwell train ride. Santa mingled through the crowd, easily being the favourite part of the night for most visitors. Giving candy and high fives to all present, Santa could not be missed as he merged through the crowd, circling the grounds to make sure everyone got to say hello. Sticking around the event, Santa joined the festivities alongside attendees, whether it was riding the festival train or getting selfie-busy with festival-goers. As Santa set off to continue his Christmas duties, the festival continued to lift off, as the last schools took to the stage and people enjoyed the market, food, and other activities on offer. Festive: Latrobe Valley Choir’s Karen Whykes, Tineke Westwood and Desley Gray were all ears at the Merry Morwell festival.

机场Latrobe Valley 在 Morwell (澳大利亚)带有 TAF 和 METAR 的航空天气、地图、酒店和航空信息

हवाई अड्डाLatrobe Valley में Morwell (आस्ट्रेलिया)TAF और METAR के साथ विमानन मौसम, नक्शे, होटल और वैमानिक जानकारी

A man and woman have been found dead at a property in Hernes Oak, eastern Victoria. Police are not looking for anyone else as the investigation continues.

  VICTORIA Police conducted a highly visible operation across Latrobe Valley’s public transport network on Tuesday, April 28. Officers from Moe, Morwell and Traralgon uniform teamed up with V/Line authorised officers to prevent crime and further boost safety across the network. Police patrolled the Moe, Morwell and Traralgon railway stations, and travelled on trains to engage with commuters. Officers also patrolled nearby bus hubs, as well as Mid Valley Shopping Centre and Traralgon Centre Plaza. During the operation, police engaged with dozens of commuters, shoppers, and railway staff to listen to any concerns and ensure they felt safe. Pleasingly, police detected just two offences, with a 15-year-old boy and 14-year-old boy arrested for allegedly stealing from stores in Morwell and Traralgon. Both were released pending summons for theft offences. The operation, called Topham, has been running regularly since February 2026. Acting Sergeant Luke Jansen Van Rensburg, Moe Uniform said the results of the operation were self-evident. “The public feedback from the increased presence of police along the train line has been extremely positive,” he said. “With just two offences detected throughout Tuesday’s operation, it shows the highly visible presence is making a difference. “This operation sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on our public transport system. “We will continue to work closely with our public transport partners to ensure the network remains safe for all commuters.” In total, police have arrested seven people for a range of offences including assaults, thefts, drug possession and being wanted on warrant. Police have also engaged with hundreds of commuters and checked more than 150 vehicles at carparks to ensure they were secured and not broken into. Authorised officers have issued 24 tickets for behavioural offences, alcohol consumption and ticketing offences. Operation Topham will continue across the Latrobe Valley public transport network. It runs in addition to regular patrols, with PSOs staged at Traralgon railway station from around 5pm until the last train each night.  

By LIAM DURKIN   JACK of all trades, master of one. Armando Petrucci did a bit of everything during his time, yet one profession stood out during his career. The Morwell local was a master tailor, curating fine suits for many locals across the Latrobe Valley. Through his business The House of Petrucci, he built an empire that left a footprint in most towns throughout Gippsland. At their peak, Mr Petrucci’s stores were in Morwell, Traralgon, Philip Island and Melbourne. In his element: Armando Petrucci preparing a new suit. Photograph supplied He specialised in master tailor wear for ladies and gentleman. He also ran a travel agency at a time, as well as a video hire, giftware and toy shop. He still frequents his home country, Italy, where he is set to visit again soon. Hailing from near Venice, he was recognised by Italian dignitaries with the San Marco in Lamis Award for his dedication to not only his craft, but in welcoming San Marco residents and Italian emigrants. Mr Petrucci, part of the Masters Tailors Association of Victoria, jokes that he began tailoring at eight-years-of-age. Now 87, that’s a lot of suits. And he’s still making them. Mr Petrucci estimates he pieces together three to four new suits a year for himself. “It’s a very hard job, all by hand, no shortcuts, no machine,” he said. Over the years, Mr Petrucci became involved in many local organisations, most notably the Italian Australian Club. Clerk: Armando Petrucci outside one of his Melbourne stores. Photograph supplied He formed a strong partnership with his wife, Giovannina, and together they forged a dynamic duo. “She’s been gone for three years, but she’s always in my heart,” he said. When he was making suits, Mr Petrucci would supply uniforms for police and local sporting clubs. “You name it (we did it),” he said. When asked about today’s fashion, Mr Petrucci, in classic Italian fashion, was straight to the point. “No good – shocking!” he said. “Today, (it’s) all made by computers. There’s no tailors.” Mr Petrucci could certainly be one of the few of his kind left.

By PEACE IJIYERA   ALL the artsy and crafty people in the Latrobe Valley flocked to the 1st Morwell Scouts Hall for the inaugural Craft-De-Stash sale. The sale was held for crafters to sell any excess bits of fabric, wool, paper, and other craft supplies they had. On the day, about 20 stall holders sold materials from their stash, giving buyers the opportunity to live out their crafting dreams at a discounted price. Held from 10am to 1pm, the hall was packed with buyers with more than 100 people coming through. Scouts group leader, Matthew Ball says the Craft de Stash sale was a success. “I think its been awesome, its been great to see so many people come through. It’s the first time we’ve tried to run one of these, we’ve got a great person, Julie Hill who’s organised it all and its been great to see so many people come through. We sort of hope to make it more of an annual event so we can do it more frequently,” he said. Stall holders and good friends, Anna Miron and Sam Soutar have been into crafting “forever”. Through crafting, a “just for fun” hobby, they have created cards, teddy bears, cross stich and scrap books. Between the pair, they made upwards of $250. Stall holder and fellow Scout, Corbin Walters sold bracelets, headbands, stickers and ribbons to raise money so he can attend the World Scout Jamboree in Poland next year. He says that business on the day was “good”. The sale was also held to raise money for the 1st Morwell Scouts group. By selling morning tea and raffle tickets, the Scouts were able to raise more than $600. Organiser and chair of the Scouts support committee, Julie Hill, says the money raised at the craft sale and future events will aid in the upgrade of the halls facilities. Packed: Crowds rushed to get some great deals at the 1st Morwell Scouts Craft-De-Stash sale. Photograph supplied “At the moment we’re raising funds to do some work on the hall. To do new bathrooms, new entrance to make it more accessible … plus we’re raising funds to get enclosed trailer for camps,” she said. “We did the barbecue at the Moe Earth Market, and we’re doing the next one on Mother’s Day in May … we’re doing a hot cross bun fundraiser driver … we sell chocolates as well.” Ms Hill also spoke about the benefits of Scouts in teaching kids relevant life skills. “It’s a youth organisation. They meet at the hall each week and they do different activities, so team building, community orientation type stuff, they learn to tie knots, they go on camps and stuff so they learn a lot of outdoor skills and play games,” she added. “It’s sort of youth-led though so it really depends on what the kids want to do, the adults just help facilitate it.” Ms Hill was a Scout group leader and a youth member herself. Now her child, Evan Hill participates in Scouts and loves it. Evan has been in Scouts for five years and says the best part about it is “just about everything”. “I love the night to night stuff, but I also like the really big camps [called] jamborees,” they said. In the future Evan has plans of becoming a leader, like their mum. “I’m very much planning on being a leader, I’m already helping with Joey’s (five to eight-year-olds) so I’m hoping to continue that.” Scout Matthew Mclean has been part of Scouts since he was a Joey. His mum, Elizabeth Barkley says she has seen the benefits of her son being in Scouts. “Scouts is really inclusive, they take anyone, doesn’t matter if they’ve got a disability whatever, we accept everyone … it’s good skills,” she said. “[I’m] very proud. For a kid that couldn’t talk, [and] is now doing beautiful public speaking, it’s only through Scouts and stuff that have helped encourage skills, build up his skills … the best thing about Scouts, [is] it gives them independence but also builds up their confidence and their skill levels.” Chairperson for Ventures unit (15 to 18), Annalyse Coley, has been part of Scouts for seven years. She loves the community aspect of the group. “Everyone’s really close and feels like family no matter where you are in the world,” she said. “Like I could meet someone on a camp and the next camp that’s like four years away, I will see them again and we instantly click and it’s like we haven’t been separated.” Crafty: Sheryn Maher (Drouin), Michelle McConachie (Traralgon), eight-year-old Sophie Maher (Drouin) and Ashlee Jacka (Cloverlea) enjoying the 1st Morwell Scouts Craft-De-Stash sale. Photograph: Peace Ijiyera Ms Coley wants to see more girls join Scouts and change people’s perceptions on the group. “In our venture unit we have more girls than boys … considering how back in the day it was more boys, and girls had to fight to get into Scouts. It’s really good seeing how many girls are getting into it.” Throughout the day, the Scouts were put to work and helped out with the raffle draw and morning tea. Mr Ball said it was amazing to see the Scouts interact with the community. “Some of them have never sort of really got to experience these things since COVID, they sort of missed that window, and now they’re sort of coming in and starting to learn things and how to talk to people,” he said. “So it’s been really exciting to see a lot of the kids sort of grow and sort of learn how to communicate with each other.” Mr Ball’s message to the community is to not forget about the Scouts. “We are out here, we still run Scouts, Scouts is still about … come try it out, it’s free to try for the first three nights, if you don’t like it that’s okay, if you do, great.”

By PEACE IJIYERA   THE 2026 World Day of Prayer service was held last Friday (March 6) at the Traralgon and District Baptist Church. Each year, the day has a country of focus. This years focus was Nigeria. Under the theme ‘I will give you rest: come,’ taken from Matthew 11:28-30, about 30 people from different denominations including, Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, and Lutheran came to intercede on behalf of Nigeria. The World Day of Prayer is an international movement led by Christian women that has been operating in Australia since 1927 and in the Latrobe Valley for more than 40 years. Coincidentally, the World Day of Prayer fell during the week of International Women’s Day. Reverend Heather den Houting said that women who pray are among the “most powerful people in our community”, and described the group of praying women as a “radical movement”. During the service, a series of hymns were sang and stories from women in Nigeria were heard. The stories highlighted the struggles with systematic oppression, religious persecution and poverty that many face in Nigeria. In all these stories was the reoccurring theme of finding strength through faith and community. After each story was an intercessory prayer. Year 11 student leaders from Lavalla Catholic College performed a short play about a young girl in Nigeria who was facing educational difficulty. Through faith, friendship and hard work, the young girl was able to improve her studies and received an award at the end of the term. With a stone given to each attendee at the entrance, the congregation was invited to place their stone on a table at the altar, symbolising placing their burdens at the feet of Christ. Reverend Houting was invited as a guest speaker and addressed the congregation, highlighting the power that is in corporate prayer and gathering. “This is not something to be taken lightly and it’s not an archaic or strange situation, it is actually a powerful and extraordinary testimony to people who hold faith in the power of prayer,” she said “Hearing real stories is important, and my friends, praying together is important.” A morning tea was held after the service. Fitting the theme of Nigeria, jollof rice, a popular Nigerian dish was served. As a seasoned jollof rice consumer myself, it was a good attempt; a solid six out of 10. Next year will see the 100th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer which will be celebrated at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Traralgon.

By PEACE IJIYERA   ENGAGED after one date and married after five months, Moe locals, Ronald and Ruth Pollard are celebrating 65 years of marriage. Fittingly, their anniversary falls on the day this paper is published (February 11). Married since 1961, the couple have lived a “full life”, and the love still radiates from their eyes. The couple met after a friend turned matchmaker, recommended Ms Pollard to Mr Pollard. Mr Pollard was told that Ms Pollard was “a pretty good girl”. Determined to not miss his chance, he acted on it. Finding her brother’s “tiny” two door Renault, Mr Pollard knocked on the window and asked a life changing question: “Ruth, would you go out on a date with me?”, he said. To which Ms Pollard replied, “yes”. Their first date was at a Sunday school concert. Mr Pollard was 23 and Ms Pollard, 20 when they tied the knot. It was straight from the altar to the airport for the couple, as Mr Pollard was working on a project for a church in New Zealand. Ms Pollard jokes that she was left alone for two weeks to fend for herself “in a strange country”. The Pollards took ‘be fruitful and multiply’ very seriously, having 10 children – nine of them boys. Their daughter was adopted after the chances of having a girl appeared slim. “After we had five boys, we decided that there was little chance of having a girl naturally, the opportunity came to adopt a girl and so we jumped at it”, Mr Pollard said. As you can imagine, raising 10 children was no walk in the park. Though describing it as “hard work”, Ms Pollard says being a mother is her greatest reward. “To be a mother, to me, is one of the best things you can do,” she said. Luckily for the Pollard’s, their children were well behaved and didn’t give them much trouble. “They were all good kids, they were all hard workers,” Mrs Pollard said. “They still are,” added Mr Pollard. Great times: The happy couple as young newlyweds. Photographs: Peace Ijiyera So, what’s the secret to 65 years of marriage? Communication, respect, enjoying each other company, and having a sense of humour, the Pollard’s say. “We made a pact when we got married. We said that we would not go to bed at night without resolving any difference that we had … we have maintained that throughout our entire marriage,” Mr Pollard said. “You’ve got to have that communication … if the other person’s mad at you for something and they don’t tell you, it’s a little bit hard to sort anything out,” Ms Pollard added. “You’ve got to have a sense of humour otherwise it’s very hard to survive.” Mr Pollard, now 88 and Ms Pollard, 85, though she identifies as 65, have 37 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren who they are all very fond and proud of. They say that they love telling them stories of their lives and hope those stories can be be passed on. Even after 65 years of marriage, Mr Pollard still serves his wife and works every day to win her heart. Mr Pollard has planted more than 100 roses for his wife, who loves flowers. Every morning he gets up and picks out the very best. “He brings me two or three flowers and puts them in a vase. “We have a bargain going that he grows all the flowers and I arrange them,” Ms Pollard explained. Reflecting on 65 years of marriage, Mr Pollard says that “it doesn’t seem like that long”. Ms Pollard, truly having a sense of humour quipped, “I won’t swap you”.

SWIMMING FORTY swimmers from the Traralgon Swimming Club competed at the Victorian State Sprint Titles held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre. Eight swimmers won four gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals, with a further 13 top 10 finishes. The club also won a relay gold in the Mixed Para – Able bodied 4 x 50m freestyle (Lockie Bellion, Blake Warne, Isla Ryan and Milla Said). Traralgon finished sixth in the Club Points Score in Victoria, beating a number of well-credentialled city clubs. Traralgon Swimming Club Senior Head Coach, Brian Ford was proud of the club’s achievements. “With every race (featuring) a 50 metre sprint in all strokes it certainly was a fast meet with thebest sprinters in Victoria showing their form,” he said. “To come away with 21 medals and a top 10 finish was a terrific result for the club.” A Victorian Country record was also broken by 11-year-old Henry Arnup in the 50 metre butterfly in a time of 31.29, just beating the previous record of 31.38 held by another Traralgon swimmer, Alex Tsebelis, from 2012. Those to medal were:  Ash Nicholes (18 yo) – 1 gold (free), 2 silver (back, breast), Henry Arnup (11) – 1 gold (back), 1 bronze (fly), Jess Whiting (16) – 1 gold (fly), 1 bronze (free), Olivia Baillie (18) – 1 gold (back), Lockie Bellion (17) – 1 silver (back), 3 bronze (fly, breast, free), Tahlia Maccubbin (11) – 1 bronze (fly), Phoebe Balcombe (15) – 1 bronze (fly), Darcy Connell (17) – 1 bronze (back). Better than one: Henry Arnup had an outstanding time in the pool, winning two medals at the state championships. Photographs supplied Paint a clear picture: Tahlia Maccubbin medalled at the championships. Local flag: Phoebe Balcombe with her bronze medal from the championships. Effort: Darcy Connell claimed bronze at the sprint championships. Gun: Ash Nicholes continued his stellar work in the pool. Hardest stroke in the book: Jess Whiting took home gold in butterfly. Can win laying down: Olivia Baillie won gold in backstroke.

By AIDAN KNIGHT PANTHERS Menswear, a multi-generation brand within the Latrobe Valley, has announced the closure of its Moe store. The shop will close in March next year. David Panther and his wife, Susan came to the decision after careful consideration. “We’ve been in Moe for many years,” Mr Panther said. “But over the past 18 months we’ve seen many clothes stores – and other variety of retail – close in the area, which has impacted local shopping patterns.” Mr Panther tells of more customers choosing to shop at Traralgon, while never really losing business serviced by the More store. “We always ask customers for their postcode when shopping,” he explained on how this data was collected to inform the decision. The business was first established in 1955 by David’s father, Bill Panther. His desire was to run a business built on attentive customer service in men’s fine clothing and casual wear. Panthers became so strong in the retail sector that they were able to open five stores across the Latrobe Valley and South Gippsland. At its peak, branches were in Traralgon, Moe, Leongatha, Morwell and Wonthaggi (both now closed). Long-time manager of the Moe store, Carolyn Chester will be relocating to the Traralgon shop, ensuring familiar faces remain for customers making the transition. Mr Panther was very pleased to report that there had been no retrenchment in the process of condensing the business. “That is the last thing we’d want to do as a family business,” he said. The tight-knit team takes pride in their ability to offer attentive, knowledgeable service – with sales consultants skilled at helping customers put together outfits that look great, fit well, and provide value for money. Alongside dress apparel, Panthers continues to offer a tailoring and alteration service, as well as expert fitting for most sizes, ensuring every customer can find the perfect fit. Accessories, shoes, leather goods, and even special needs assistance round out the shopping experience. “We are deeply grateful for the support of the Moe community throughout the decades,” Mr Panther said. “We look forward to continuing to serve our customers at our other stores, and to welcoming some familiar faces in Traralgon.” Panthers were also one of the original advertisers to ever feature in the Express. David and Susan have plans to gradually move towards retirement, which also played a hand in the decision to close.  

  MARINUS Link (MLPL) has executed its final Stage 1 major works contract with TasVic Greenlink (TVGL) – a joint venture of DT Infrastructure and Samsung C&T Corporation. The $994 million contract covers the construction of converter stations in Heybridge and Hazelwood, the installation of equipment, and the land cable civil works, spanning 90 kilometres across Gippsland. Marinus Link is a planned undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector between north-west Tasmania and the Latrobe Valley. MLPL Chief Executive, Stephanie McGregor, said the contract execution marks the final step in securing the capability and technology needed to start construction. “We have secured both our cable and converter technology suppliers, our integrated delivery partner, and now our lead contractor for the substantial civils and construction campaign,” Ms McGregor said. “Recently, we ran our Meet the Contractors events where around 1000 local businesses attended to explore and compete for supply chain opportunities across Gippsland, Victoria and North West Tasmania. Partnering with capable local businesses will complete our workforce and ensure the successful delivery of this national infrastructure project.” The contract execution follows the September announcement of TVGL as the preferred bidder for the ‘Balance of Works’ package. DTI Chief Executive, John Anderson, acknowledged the significance of this moment and the certainty it provides for regional economies that will benefit from Marinus Link. “Today marks a significant moment for DTI, together with our partner Samsung C&T, we are committing to deliver a truly once-in-a-generation project for the regions of North West Tasmania and Gippsland,” Mr Anderson said. Samsung C&T Corporation Australia Managing Director, Scott Choi, echoed Mr Anderson’s sentiments and reinforced their decision to partner with DTI to deliver this landmark project. “Samsung C&T is excited to collaborate with DTI in supporting Australia’s transition to a clean energy future,” Mr Choi said. TVGL is scheduled to start preparatory works at the Waratah Bay and Heybridge shore crossings in early 2026, pending final environmental approvals. Ms McGregor emphasised the planned engagement with communities ahead of construction. “Our Marinus Link teams, alongside TVGL, will be out and about early next year to provide detailed information about construction activities and expected timelines,” Ms McGregor said. DT Infrastructure is part of the Gamuda Group of Companies. DT Infrastructure brings together ties between global infrastructure and property giant Gamuda and local expertise in defence, transport and renewables infrastructure projects across metropolitan and regional Australia. Samsung C&T Corporation is a global engineering and construction company with expertise in large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. Marinus Link will enable the flow of more electricity in both directions, bolstering energy security, and delivering tangible benefits to consumers in Tasmania, Victoria and the broader national electricity market. Marinus Link’s total 1500 megawatt capacity is equal to the power supply for 1.5 million Australian homes, and its fibre optic cables will increase telecommunications capacity by 150 times. Marinus Link Pty Ltd is jointly owned by the federal government, the state of Victoria and the state of Tasmania.

By AIDAN KNIGHT   LATROBE Valley students received their VCE results last Thursday (December 11) at 7am, joining a record-breaking graduating class across Victoria. A total of 65,586 students will finish the Victorian Certificate of Education in 2025 – an increase of 3500 on last year. Acting Education Minister, Lizzie Blandthorn congratulated the “commitment and dedication” shown by students statewide. Lowanna College Newborough saw its best scores come from biology, general mathematics and psychology, while Trafalgar High School had English and math (general and methods) topping their stats. This year’s cohort also includes more than 9700 students statewide who completed the Vocational Major, up from 8290 in 2024, reflecting the growing appetite for applied learning pathways. More than 15,300 students across Victoria earned at least one study score of 40 or above, while a record 664 students achieved a perfect study score of 50. Locally, St Paul’s Anglican Grammar reported an outstanding cohort, with a dux ATAR above 99. Around 15 per cent of the school’s students scored above 90, and 35 per cent scored above 80, with multiple perfect study scores across STEM, humanities, arts and VET subjects. Lowanna College’s dux achieved an ATAR above 95, with top marks in English, General Mathematics, Biology, Legal Studies and Psychology, while Gippsland Grammar celebrated a dux ATAR above 97 and a median ATAR of 72.7, higher than the state average. About 30 per cent of Gippsland Grammar’s students scored above 80, including several Year 11 students with perfect scores in subjects such as Biology and Applied Computing. Across these schools, graduates are moving onto university, TAFE, trade pathways and competitive interstate or international programs. Some of the highest-scoring students outside the Valley came from Mazenod College, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Oakleigh Grammar, Northside Christian College, and Casey Grammar. Across the state, the VCE completion rate remains steady at 97.3 per cent, with 3473 students awarded the VCE Baccalaureate for completing advanced maths and language sequences. Local principals say this year’s results reflect the resilience and adaptability of students who have completed their schooling in a rapidly changing post-COVID education environment. Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority Chief Executive, Andrew Smith said the organisation was proud to help celebrate the achievements of every student who received results on the day. Associate Professor Glen Hosking of Latrobe University warns students: “It’s important not to let disappointing VCE results define you. An ATAR is just a number – a reflection of performance on specific assessments, not a measure of your worth, identity or future success.” “If your result isn’t what you hoped for, remind yourself that your ATAR is not your identity. It is also important to practice self-care, seek support from those around you and try to limit comparisons with others – especially on social media.”

By LIAM DURKIN   LATROBE City Business Chamber hosted its People’s Choice Awards gala night last Friday. The most popular businesses, as chosen by voters, were formally announced at Traralgon’s Little Theatre. The event presented an ideal networking opportunity for Latrobe Valley businesses to discuss their successes and ideas for the future. Businesses and their partners enjoyed exceptional hospitality and entertainment in a cocktail-style evening. Presentations were held in the theatre while informal festivities continued next door, allowing for a casual yet respectful vibe. Nominees for each category were given a short video presentation, before the winners were announced with an Oscar-style envelope opening. “Always wanted to do this,” Member for Morwell Martin Cameron quipped on stage. Award winners were: * Most popular aged care disability support services: Yallambee Traralgon Village for the Aged; * Most popular baking and bakery: Missen Link Burgers; * Most popular butchers: 3J’s Butchers; * Most popular cafe and coffee shops: Food Co on Franklin; * Most popular in fitness and gyms: Area 365 Health & Fitness; * Most popular in hair and beauty: Hello Curl; * Most popular in health and wellbeing: Traralgon Relaxation and Recovery Centre; * Most popular media and photography: Gippsland FM; * Most popular in micro/homebased business: Meg Moo Macarons; * Most popular professional services: Lifeline Gippsland; * Most popular pubs and clubs: Morwell Bowling Club; * Most popular restaurant: Cafe Evviva; * Most popular in retail: Changing Seasons; * Most popular takeaway: Pax Hill Pizza; * Most popular trade: Virtue Homes; The Latrobe City Business Chamber aims to serve, connect, support and represent all Latrobe City businesses. Membership are available. To learn more, email marketing@lcbc.org.au

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT, KATRINA BRANDON, LIAM DURKIN and AIDAN KNIGHT   AUSTRALIANS paused at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month last week, uniting in solemn reflection to honour the men and women who served our nation in times of war, conflict and peacekeeping. Remembrance Day is a time to acknowledge the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those who have worn our uniform with pride. Services were held across the Latrobe Valley.   Traralgon MANY withstood the cold and wet conditions in Traralgon to pay respect to all those who’ve served and sacrificed their lives for our country. The service still went ahead outdoors at the Traralgon Cenotaph with around 50 people present, umbrellas and all, officiated by Lt Colonel Doug Caulfield OAM RFD (Retired). Etched into the war memorial is the 52 Traralgon locals whose lives were claimed during World War 1. Groups and individuals were presented with the opportunity to lay wreathes, following the Lord’s Prayer from Pastor Randall Green. Lest We Forget: Wreaths laid at the Traralgon cenotaph. Photograph: Blake Metcalf-Holt President of the Traralgon RSL Sub Branch, Daniel Fletcher laid the first wreath in front of the Traralgon war memorial before both local rotary clubs (Rotary Club of Traralgon and Rotary Club of Traralgon Central), Traralgon Lions Club, Catholic Women’s Association, and Traralgon Police followed suit. All primary and secondary schools in the area also marked their respects with a wreath. Latrobe City Mayor Dale Harriman and Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath were also present. Mr Fletcher recited the Ode of Remembrance, while Lt Col. Caulfield read out a personal poem from Traralgon local Dave O’Connell. Next year marks the centenary year of the Traralgon RSL, with plenty of events planned.   Morwell ALL rugged up due to heavy rain, around 100 people gathered inside the Morwell RSL Sub Branch on Remembrance Day. This was the first year that Remembrance Day was held inside due to the weather. A record low temperature hit for this year’s service, with temperatures getting as low as five degrees in the Latrobe Valley and up to 25mm of rain predicted throughout the day. Rain eased during the event, only to strike again after the services were completed. Within the warmth of the RSL, attendees bowed their heads in silence for those who had fallen for our country. Address: Morwell RSL Sub Branch President Don Fuller speaking on Remembrance Day. Photograph: Katrina Brandon Morwell RSL Sub Branch President Don Fuller led the event, accompanied by instrumentals from the Morwell Citizens Band, who later played the Australian National Anthem, Last Post and The Ode. “It was on this day 107 years ago, at about four o’clock in the morning in northern France, the allies and the Germans agreed to a ceasefire of hostilities at 11am on that day,” Mr Fuller told the crowd. Sacred Heart Primary School’s house captains Scarlet and Jenna recited Flander’s Fields. In attendance was Korean War veteran, Jack Darling (98), 101-year-old WW2 veteran Joyce Castello, two past presidents of the Morwell RSL Sub Branch, Bruce Jeffrey and Wayne Mutterson, Member for Morwell Martin Cameron, members of the local police force, schools and locals who wanted to pay their respects.   Moe MOE’s Remembrance Day service welcomed generations of ages who came to pay their respects. Moe RSL Sub Branch President Steve Mayes presided over formalities at the cenotaph, where a minute’s silence was observed and the Australian and New Zealand national anthems played in front of around 50 people. Moe RSL’s immediate past president Ian Caines had the honour of laying the first wreath. Schoolchildren also laid wreaths in tribute to the fallen, as did Moe Ward councillor Adele Pugsley. Fortunately, heavy rain that threatened to hamper proceedings did not fall until after formalities concluded. RSL personnel then made their way into the clubrooms. Inside, Mr Caines was joined by Moe RSL past president Rex Daly, Tom Hunt and Peter Shears. The four were all called up for National Service, boarding the same train in July 1966 to form part of the 12th Platoon of the Recruit Training Battalion at Puckapunyal. Much like the iconic Redgum song, (“the passing out parade at Puckapunyal”) they weren’t much older than 19. “Here we are, we all just turned 80,” Mr Daly said. The quartet say they share a “very strong bond”, despite life taking them to different places over the intervening year’s post-Vietnam.   Trafalgar LOCALS gathered at the Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL to mark Remembrance Day, joining Australians nationwide in honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the country’s armed forces. There was close to 60 people in attendance, of all ages and community groups. Though it was scheduled for outside at the cenotaph, the weather was in such a state that it was moved indoors for the betterment of retired servicemen susceptible to pneumonia, at the request of Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL President Jim Crowe. He began the address, speculating that the highly decorated walls of the RSL were “a little bit better inside than outside, but the significance of Remembrance Day hasn’t been lost by having it inside.” Mr Crowe spoke of the casualties and survivors from the former Narracan Shire serving far and wide in each conflict, and the notoriety of the Western Front, in which Trafalgar saw 186 of its own (across Belgium and France). More than 680 men from Trafalgar were listed for overseas service in World War 1, with 65 reported as killed in action or died of wounds during overseas service. Formal: The Trafalgar service was shifted indoors. Pictured is Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Secretary Paul Altamore, Vietnam veteran Bill Kilday, past Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL President Ray James OAM, serviceman David Graham and Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL President Jim Crowe. Photograph: Aidan Knight “There were few local families who did not have a member or acquaintance who was not a wartime casualty,” Mr Crowe said. A roll call of names followed, delivered by Trafalgar-Thorpdale RSL Secretary Paul Altimore. In a poignant gesture, no ranks were cited: “In death, they are all considered equal.” The service also featured remarks from Reverend Dr Dean Spalding, who reflected both on his own family’s military history and the shared grief and resilience of the community. Wreaths were laid by veterans representing each conflict, before CFA, Lions and Rotary clubs, Trafalgar High and Primary schools, 1st Trafalgar Scout Group and Baw Baw Shire East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwell did likewise. The ceremony closed with moving prayers for peace, gratitude for freedom, and a rendition of the Lord’s Prayer, inviting those present to recall and treasure the freedoms so dearly won.