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25.01.2022 Former policeman turns engineering apprentice At 50, former Portland policeman Sam Austin has found a new lease of life as an engineering apprentice. Mr Austin is one of a growing number of students finding work and apprenticeships after completing the South West TAFE Certificate II in Engineering Studies in Portland....Continue reading

24.01.2022 MEDIA RELEASE Staying at school while learning a trade has opened a career opportunity for a Timboon student while helping a Warrnambool engineering firm to address skills shortages. In a recent short film produced by South West LLEN, Timboon P-12 student Michael Simpson, 18, explains how his school-based apprenticeship as a fitter and turner at Niflex Engineering in Warrnambool has kept him inspired this year.... It’s hands-on work, not the same job every day, Michael said. My Dad was a boiler maker when he was younger and he was always teaching me stuff on the farm so I’ve had a passion to get into their sort of trade. I’ve always wanted to get out and do more hands-on work rather than be stuck in the classroom every day. The school and South West LLEN helped Michael to get in contact with the company and facilitated work experience in 2019. I enjoyed it heaps and they asked me to come back and do another week in the school holidays and then I was offered a school-based apprenticeship, Michael said. It continues to be a valuable learning experience. I learn from everyone in the workshop; everyone gives me a hand, Michael said. Damien Nicol from Niflex Engineering said the school-based system was a great way to find potential apprentices. We were chasing an apprentice and the school-based system works really well for us because we get a good look at the student over a 12-month period and it gives the student time to feel it out and see if it’s right for them, Mr Nicol said. Michael has been based at Niflex for two days a week during his school-based apprenticeship. There’s a definite shortage of skilled tradesmen in our industry, Mr Nicol said. We plan to continue moving students through the school-based system into apprenticeships. It’s a really good lead-in and a way for us to sustain tradesman in the future. The video can be found at https://vimeo.com/468781772/f726e85df7

24.01.2022 Being creative has always provided an outlet for Chrissy LoRicco but her latest endeavour has been the most cathartic of her life. The Colac South West TAFE visual arts (textiles) student’s 2.7-metre high Linton Wings was inspired by her brother Matthew Armstrong’s death while volunteering as a CFA firefighter during the Linton fires in 1998. Linton Wings is on display at the F Project gallery in Warrnambool as part of the South West TAFE Colac Diploma of Visual Arts’ Braided...Continue reading

24.01.2022 Leadership course gives Jon a new outlook on life From hearing a child’s reflection on hope that emerged from the East Gippsland fires to observing his employer’s determination to keep employees safe from COVID, Jon Webb has taken a different perspective on life. Jon, who works for Burra Foods in Korumburra, says a Gardiner Dairy Foundation-funded place in the Gippsland Community Leadership Program has changed his outlook....Continue reading

20.01.2022 GSSA ELECTS FIRST CHAIR The Grassland Society of Southern Australia (GSSA) has elected its first Chair with previous President Meg Bell taking on the new role. GSSA has adopted a new management structure, with a seven-member Board replacing the former Central Committee. As part of the change, the Society will now be led by a Chair rather than a President....Continue reading

20.01.2022 A new $199,000 project will help to establish 30 climate resilient exemplar farms in south-west Victoria, setting a platform for improvements on all farms in the region. Climate Resilient Farms will focus on increasing the carbon content, moisture levels and biology of agricultural soils as an effective way of building drought resistance. Coordinated by Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN), the new project will expand on the success of two existing programs in the regi...Continue reading

19.01.2022 South West Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) wants VET training to lose its poor second cousin status. A new discussion paper released by the LLEN shows the importance of VET training to the Great South Coast region and calls for a rethink in community attitudes towards the practical training system. Vocational Education & Training (VET) offers workplace-specific skills and knowledge in a wide array of occupation and highly skilled trades....Continue reading

19.01.2022 PDH ENCOURAGES PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS TO GET TESTED Portland District Health (PDH) is encouraging anyone with even the mildest symptoms to get tested after the discovery of coronavirus fragments in wastewater at Portland. PDH has opened its drive-through testing facility and it is available from 10am-4pm... PDH CEO Chris Giles said the health service had received advice that fragments of the coronavirus had been detected in untreated wastewater at Portland from samples taken on November 17. Ms Giles said the preliminary positive test result was unexpected and concerning but did not necessarily mean there were any active cases of COVID-19 in the community. It is unexpected given there are no residents in Portland known to have had a recent coronavirus illness or diagnosis, Ms Giles said. However, I would like to stress that this does not mean we have an active COVID -19 case in the community; there are a number of ways coronavirus fragments can be found in wastewater, including from visitors or travellers who have had COVID-19 and recovered and been cleared and are shedding old virus. Ms Giles added that it was best to be cautious as the presence of coronavirus fragments could mean Portland has or has recently had an active COVID-19 case. If this is the case, it is very important that we find them to quickly halt the spread of COVID-19. Portland District Health is opening its drive through testing clinic daily 10am to 4 pm, including this afternoon. We encourage everyone in the community or anyone who has visited Portland between November 15-17 with even a hint of or the mildest symptom to get tested, Ms Giles said. Prior to attending the Portland drive-through testing site, people are asked to call 5521 0387 and provide details to minimise waiting time. There are a lot of grasses and pollen around and I would like to urge everyone to consider getting tested if they have hay fever as this could mask COVID -19, Ms Giles added.

15.01.2022 Award-winning TAFE apprentice Shona McGuigan is now in contention for a national title. The South West TAFE student was recently named by the Victorian Training Awards as Apprentice of the Year. She has now been announced as one of six national finalists for the award. South West TAFE was also named Victoria’s Large Training Provider of the Year in the Victorian Training Awards and has been shortlisted for the national title.... Ms McGuigan, who completed her training through South West TAFE, is the first female plumbing apprentice at Cri-tech. The national awards will be announced on November 20.

14.01.2022 PDH ENCOURAGES SUPPORT FOR WISHING TREE Portland District Health’s annual wishing tree is being set up on November 23, giving the community a chance to make Christmas a bit brighter for local people in need. PDH community liaison office Carolyn Malseed said the wishing tree would play an even bigger role than usual this year as the region emerges from the COVID-19 crisis.... We know many people in the community are hurting because of the economic and emotional impact of the virus and our annual wishing tree gives everyone the chance to add some sparkle to their Christmas, Ms Malseed said. To ensure social distancing and COVID-19 protocols are followed, PDH has two drop-off places for gifts. Between 8am 4pm there will be a tub between the two automatic doors at the front entrance for easy and quick drop off. People can also place presents under the Christmas tree which will be located in the healing garden dining area near the hospital kiosk, beside the lift near the front entrance. We want to ensure a smooth traffic flow for all those entering through the front entrance, Ms Malseed said. All presents will go to local families through the Portland Branch of the Salvation Army. Donated presents can be wrapped, though that is not a necessity. Christmas tags are available on the tree if people would like to label their present.

13.01.2022 TERANG CO-OP CHAIRMAN LOOKS FORWARD TO GROWTH New Terang Co-Op chairman Geoff Barby has stepped into the role as a flurry of redevelopment and changes reach their culmination, but he won’t be resting on his laurels. The Co-op has completed significant changes this year with the rebranding of its hardware stores in Terang and Camperdown to Mitre 10 and its Rural Store to NRI, and an $850,000 redevelopment of the IGA Supermarket will be completed this month....Continue reading

12.01.2022 Portland District Health launches appeal for specialist beds Portland District Health is calling for community support to make staying in hospital more comfortable for patients and safer for staff. PDH has launched an appeal to raise $60,000 for 12 specialist beds across a range of departments.... The appeal is off to a good start with $27,000 already raised from the annual charity golf day and online auctions and donations from Portland Laser Cutting and the Portland Uniting Church Op Shop. Through this support, PDH has been able to purchase two regular beds and one physiotherapy bed. The ‘White Lioners’ 2021 Murray to Moyne team completed their ride in late March and continues to fundraise to purchase a second physio treatment bed. PDH CEO Chris Giles said the appeal was about making a patient’s stay in hospital as comfortable and safe as possible. When people have to stay in hospital, we want them to have the best equipment and the best hospital beds, Ms Giles said. Beds are the core piece of equipment that everyone needs when they go into hospital. Ms Giles said having modern and functional beds to suit every occasion and every person was an essential part of a successful health service. Not only is it good for patients to have the best in beds that suit different sizes and can be moved and adjusted as needed, it’s also safer for staff and easier for them to manage their workload, she said. The beds we need are easy to use, safe and reduce workload stress and we need to have a range of beds to suit everyone. Anyone wanting to make a donation can contact PDH. Those who donate funds to purchase a full bed at a cost of $5000 each will be recognised with a plaque for the lifetime of that bed. During this appeal time any donations not made for a specific area at PDH will be directed towards the bed appeal. Ms Giles said PDH hoped the community would get behind the health service and play a role in the care of patients at their local hospital. We all know someone or family members that require a stay at PDH and the rewards of knowing that you helped in some way is quite special, she said.

12.01.2022 KOROIT STUDENTS GIVE CFA VOLUNTEERS A LIFT Koroit volunteer firefighters will now have a place to relax and debrief thanks to the handiwork of local students. A table made by Koroit and District Primary School Hands On Learning students will on Thursday November 26 be presented to the Koroit Fire Brigade as a thank-you for their contribution to the region and beyond. Brigade captain and volunteer Leigh Mugavin said the donation was greatly appreciated. We’re stoked that the ...kids thought of us, Mr Mugavin said. We’re often sending crews away as part of the CFA volunteer surge capacity and we spent a lot of time at Budj Bim last summer. It will be great to have an area to enjoy a quick cuppa or cool drink and to debrief when we get back, he said. The table can also be used by the SES which now has a satellite station on the fire brigade site. Mr Mugavin said the Koroit brigade had about 35 members who attend local incidents and provide support into Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Hawkesdale and beyond. We go anywhere we’re needed; if we’re asked, we’ll go, he said. The Hands On Learning students decided at the start of the year to dedicate their 2020 project to the CFA volunteers. Koroit and District Primary School artisan teacher and Hands on Learning school support manager Leon Carey said the students wanted to do something special for their local fire brigade volunteers, especially after their efforts at the Budj Bim blaze. After the bushfires we identified that our local fire volunteers are always being called out over summer to attend fires, Mr Carey said. Normally when they get back, they’re hot and want to sit outside and have a drink and de-brief but they’ve had to sit on the grass. We came up with the idea of a table and the brigade thought it would be perfect, he said. Everyone has changed their focus to COVID but our fire brigades are still here for us. Mr Carey said that while the volunteers would benefit, the students have also learnt from the experience. It took longer than expected because of remote learning but it will be a great way to finish off the year and give something back to the community, he said. Hands On Learning is offered in 16 schools in south-west Victoria and Mr Carey said it led to many benefits for students. It’s a confidence-building program that gives students the chance to learn in a different way and have wins outside the normal classroom, he said. VFBV CEO Adam Barnett said the donation was a heart-warming gesture of support for CFA volunteers who are held in great regard in local communities. Volunteerism takes on many forms and all contributes to the fabric of our society, Mr Barnett said. Our CFA volunteers continue to show they have the agility, expertise, experience and courage to tackle the most daunting challenges and that they have the support of their communities. See more

12.01.2022 26 lots in Dairy’s Finest showcase sale Twenty-six of the Dairy’s Finest Jersey cows are being offered in Jersey Australia’s inaugural virtual showcase sale. The Dairy’s Finest showcase sale on May 24 will kick off JA’s four-day annual conference program at Warragul in Gippsland, Victoria....Continue reading

11.01.2022 Dairy discussion papers highlight economic drivers and profit opportunities Australian dairy farmers will get a clearer picture of their industry’s economic performance and a pathway to improve their profitability through a series of articles being released over coming weeks. The five articles compiled by Dr Jon Hauser of Xcheque and farm business consultant Neil Lane describe the economic performance of the Australian dairy industry and show what farmers can do to make more ...Continue reading

10.01.2022 Moderate hay demand tipped to pick up in 2021 Australian hay makers have avoided potential oversupply issues with production lower than previous years and extensive weather damage to crops, according to Feed Central’s latest National Hay Market Report. However, Feed Central managing director Tim Ford predicts demand will pick-up in autumn-winter 2021 as opportunities emerge. ...Continue reading

10.01.2022 No fresh cases on COVID-19 have been uncovered in Portland after local testing programs were expanded following the discovery of coronavirus fragments in wastewater. Forty one of 42 tests taken on Friday have returned negative results, with just one result not known at this time. All seven tests carried our last Thursday also returned negative results.... Nine tests were done on Saturday and a further seven on Sunday, these results are yet to be confirmed. Portland District Health is continuing to open its drive through testing clinic seven days per week between 10am to 4 pm. Prior to attending, people are asked to call 5521 0387 and provide details to minimise waiting time. PDH CEO Chris Giles said it was pleasing that all results so far were negative, but people with symptoms should continue to get tested and isolate while awaiting their results. We strongly encourage our community to be vigilant and get tested even with the mildest symptoms, Ms Giles said. Getting tested and isolating are the best ways we can ensure that any cases of the virus are contained. We also encourage everyone to continue following COVID-safe rules. Most common coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms are fever/chills, breathing difficulties (shortness of breath), cough, sore throat, fatigue or tiredness, runny nose and loss of sense of smell.

09.01.2022 SOUTH WEST CREDIT RECORDS SOLID PROFIT AND PUTS PEOPLE FIRST South West Credit recorded a solid operating profit and strengthened its financial base while maintaining its people before profits approach during 2019-20. The Warrnambool-based local bank’s annual report released today shows a net profit after tax of $160,224, a 23 per cent drop on the previous financial year. However, this decline wasn’t as significant as other Australian financial institutions.... Chair Jennifer Waterhouse said there had been many challenges both locally and globally with record low cash rates and COVID-19, but the business had successfully adapted to the changed economic environment. However, Ms Waterhouse warned the full impact on the Australian economy had yet to be felt and she predicted a challenging year ahead. South West Credit’s capital adequacy and liquidity remain strong and well above the prescribed regulatory requirements for financial institutions. The total asset base now stands at $169 million, including off-balance sheet loans, up from $165 million in 2019, and the net asset base remained steady at $11.5 million. During the year South West Credit received $132 million in retail deposits, a 1.4 per cent increase which CEO David Brown said demonstrated confidence in the local bank. South West Credit approved $30 million in loan applications and 946 new accounts were opened. Ms Waterhouse said that despite the challenging financial sector and low interest rate margins, South West Credit was well positioned to continue delivering modern banking services and to seek new initiatives and opportunities for members. Despite the current climate, South West Credit has continued to grow and invest in a strategic direction that will deliver a sustainable future, Ms Waterhouse said. Ms Waterhouse added that face-to-face teller transactions had fallen by 80 per cent as people moved to contactless banking channels. South West Credit continues to make a significant contribution to the community making nearly $30,000 in grants and donations during the financial year. There were also investments in new technology with the introduction of Open Banking, giving consumers more control of their data and enabling greater transparency and competition throughout the industry, and a number of changes such as Zoom and Skype meetings in response to COVID-19.

08.01.2022 GRASSLAND SOCIETY APPOINTS EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Grassland Society of Southern Australia has appointed a new Executive Officer, its first for many years. Paris Bell has taken on the role, bringing a background of farming, banking and agribusiness experience to the position.... Board Chair Meg Bell said the appointment reflected the strong standing of GSSA as the peak farmer organisation dedicated to transfer of information and technology related to grasslands in south-east Australia. This is a big step for the Society but the Board looks forward to many positive outcomes this appointment will bring over the coming years, Meg said. We remain a member-based organisation with a volunteer Board, but having a paid Executive Officer will help us to make sure that members receive good value for their membership. Paris will be able to support our branches in running local events and delivering projects, generating funding and forming new partnerships to deliver relevant activities and research. Paris Bell, from Millicent in South Australia, said she was determined to make a difference by driving growth and taking pressure off volunteers. It’s amazing that a group of volunteers has achieved so much hopefully I can step it up and expand that, she said. Paris grew up on a cotton and cropping property managed by her parents near Moree in northern New South Wales and has experience working on family properties, as a governess on a cattle station, a banana farm in northern QLD and on dairy farms while studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness from Marcus Oldham College. She has worked in retail, agribusiness and small business banking. Agriculture is where my heart is, she said. Paris lives with her husband Sam and son Harvey on a cropping and cattle property at Millicent and also operates a native flower business. I want to make sure members are active and involved and help local branches to organise events so farmers and agribusiness people can share their knowledge. I will be looking for funding for trials, research and information sessions and will be a contact point for anyone who wants to be involved in Grasslands or to enter new partnerships with the Society. Formed in 1959, the Society has branches in South Australia’s Limestone Coast, Western Victoria, Gippsland, Albury-Wodonga, Central Ranges, and Mid-Goulburn.

07.01.2022 HOSPITAL CARE HELPS EASE THE TENSION FOR HORSE-KICK VICTIM Young Logan Mayne is living up to the old maxim about getting back on the horse after being bucked off. Although only two and a half, Logan has grown up around horses and he’s quickly returned to the fold after being kicked in the head last Friday.... Logan has fully recovered, though still sporting two black eyes and a scratch on his head, and has ventured out into the paddock to say hello to the family’s four horses and walk his pony. His relieved mum Jess said it had been a stressful time but the care provided by Portland District Health (PDH) helped to ease the burden. Ms Mayne, who is a medical administrator at PDH, said the accident was horrifying at the time. We were out in the paddock brushing the horses like we always do and the horse just kicked out when Logan walked behind him, she said. We’re very careful and Logan is good around the horses but it was an accident that could have happened to anyone. Making quick calls to her mother Michelle and husband Damien as she rushed Logan to the hospital, Ms Mayne admits she was in tears worrying about her son. We got in the car and raced to the Urgent Care Centre, she said. They saw him straight away which was good. The nurses took his observations and then the doctor came to see us. The staff, especially Doctor Karan Kurup and nurse Tim Edgcumbe, not only tended to Logan but helped to calm his mum. They were fantastic, Ms Mayne said. Tim the nurse managed to keep me calm which was good because I was in quite a bit of shock. The care was excellent. Logan was kept for observation in the PDH Urgent Care Centre for about five hours for monitoring and a CT scan before being taken by ambulance to Warrnambool for observation overnight. Because it was a head injury, they wanted to make sure there was no damage and he was fine to come home the next day, Ms Mayne said. He’s got two little black eyes at the moment and a cut on his forehead but he’s fine now. His parents have explained the dangers of walking behind horses and hope Logan has learnt his lesson. He’s been over and said hello to the horses which is good, Ms Mayne said. Logan has a little pony that he likes to ride. He’s just at walking pace at the moment, which is fast enough for me.