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05/01/2025

Youth Camp introduces young people to dairy industry

More than 40 young people from across Victoria and South Australia will get a taste of the dairy industry at a camp at Noorat this week.
The Western District Youth Camp at the Noorat Showgrounds from January 6-8 has attracted a capacity 44 participants aged 8-16 from Gippsland, northern Victoria, south-east South Australia and the local community.
The camp, revived last year after a three-year hiatus, aims to introduce a new generation of young people to the world of dairy cattle.
Organising committee member Bryan Dickson said the 2024 camp was a resounding success and this year’s event was also fully subscribed.
Mr Dickson said there would be a strong focus on education and dairy career pathways along with animal husbandry and raising cattle.
There will also be opportunities for participants to learn about showing cattle, culminating in a handling competition on Wednesday.
Representatives from WestVic Dairy, DemoDAIRY Foundation and the Timboon Agriculture Project will talk about potential career opportunities and pathways in the dairy industry.

There will also be talks from people who have shown and judged cattle in competitions around Australia and USA.

The camp has received strong support from the industry, including major sponsors DemoDAIRY Foundation, Genetics Australia and Jefo.

Mr Dickson said support from sponsors was essential for the success of the event to support the future of the dairy industry. “The basic reason for running the camp is to get young people interested in dairying and agriculture in general,” he said. “A lot of kids who did agricultural programs at school became dairy farmers because of that exposure, and we want to inspire the next generation to do the same.

“Some kids who attended last year from Melbourne had never been on a farm before or had any involvement with cows and they got a lot out of it. Gone are the days when most people had a relative on a farm that they could visit.”

Most of the participants have some farming background but some are being introduced to agriculture for the first time.

Mr Dickson said the camp was fully booked with people on a waiting list. “It’s a good number and we wouldn’t be able to take any more, but it shows the level of interest in dairy and agriculture,” he said.

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17/12/2024

Fossil Secrets of the 12 Apostles Coast uncovered

Fossil Secrets of the 12 Apostles Coast have been uncovered in the first of a series of events focussing on the region’s biodiversity.

Not only did 90 people get to learn some of the secrets of hunting for and protecting fossils at an event on Saturday December 14, the presenter finished the day by uncovering a scientifically-valuable 11-million-year-old specimen.

Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN) hosted the event at the Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club where 90 people attended a fossil talk and showcase presented by vertebrate palaeontologist and science communicator Ben Francischelli.

The showcase included an extensive collection of fossils that Mr Francischelli and others have discovered along the Great Ocean Road and towards Melbourne, including an impressive collection of shark and megalodon teeth.

A further fossil excursion attended by a sell-out 40 people took place at Gibson Steps, where Mr Francischelli spoke about hunting for fossils in the field, including safety, regulations and guidelines, and respect for the natural environment.

His talk touched on fossils from the Cretaceous period from 107-110 million years ago to the mega-fauna of a couple of million years ago, pulling together a timeline dating back to the dinosaurs to today.

But the real surprise came at the end of the day when Mr Francischelli found a fossil embedded in a rock near the 12 Apostles; a little penguin clavicle bone called a coracoid from an 11-million-year-old specimen.

Fossils of animals with backbones, known as vertebrates, are comparatively rare in the region, but Mr Francischelli says that when they are found, they tend to be well preserved.

“They’re usually scientifically valuable as well, and that’s the case with this find,” he said. “It’s indicative of a penguin that probably stood about a metre tall, significantly bigger than the little penguins we have today.

“The area immediately around the 12 Apostles is scientifically important and when you do find fossils, they are usually important.”

Mr Francischelli said the event was a huge success, prompting a lot of interesting questions. He added that palaeontology wasn’t a particularly well-funded science but there was huge interest in the community with people wanting to understand more about what’s happening in the landscape, including palaeontology.

“There are a lot of people interested in the work I’m doing and how what I’m finding is changing what we know of the prehistoric landscape.”

Based in Bayside (Melbourne), Mr Francischelli is planning to spend more time in the western districts of Victoria to search for fossils. However, while he encourages more interest in the field, he advises people to be careful when searching.

“National parks are protected lands and people need specific permits to remove any fossils. Citizen science has contributed some of the most incredible discoveries over the past decade but it’s best to take a photo and send it to either myself (link to Ben’s website: https://www.benfrancischelli.com/) or to the State Museum.”

HDLN Landcare Coordinator Michelle Leech said the event was the first in a series the network planned to host in the coming year to focus on local biodiversity.

“We’re aiming to hold more events devoted to developing a love of our local natural environment and getting people outdoors,” Ms Leech said.

Details of the upcoming events will be confirmed in early 2025.

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11/12/2024

Jersey Australia elects new president during exciting time

Jersey Australia has a new president, with Geoff Akers taking on the role at one of the most exciting times in the breed’s history.

Mr Akers replaces Jersey Australia’s first female president Lisa Broad who has resigned from the board for personal reasons but remains committed to the future of the breed.

The Tallygaroopna dairy farmer who runs the Loxleigh Jersey stud with his wife Natalie and family, was also recently elected to Greater Shepparton Council and is a former Dairy Australia chairman among many other leadership and governance roles in the dairy industry.

Mr Akers joined the Jersey Australia board in 2021 and says he’s excited about the breed’s potential and the role Jersey Australia can play in promoting it.

“We will continue to move the Jersey cow forward and look for strategic opportunities that arise for the organisation and for any opportunities to work with others in the registered herd sector,” he said.

Jersey Australia will host the World Jersey Conference in April next year, which Mr Akers described as an exciting opportunity to show Australian Jerseys to the world. “We already have registrations coming in and look forward to this being a major event in advancing our local breed.

“The Australian Jersey cow stacks up very well compared to any other country, which is being shown in the positive stories we hear about the Australian cow from overseas.

“We’ve got a number of Australian Jersey bulls being used around the world and their daughters are making a very positive mark.”

Mr Akers also paid tribute to Mrs Broad. “Lisa has shown exceptional leadership over the past three and a half years,” he said. “She has brought many new strategic ideas to the organisation and put in place a number of governance principles to make sure the organisation is in a good place.

“Lisa was always on the lookout for new opportunities and recently oversaw the successful revamping of the classification system, which has been well received.”

Mr Akers has been elected until the 2025 annual general meeting. Tasmanian farmer Jane Sykes has been elected vice president.

Geoff and Natalie Akers have been farming at Tallygaroopna in northern Victoria since 1993 and currently milk about 770 Jerseys and 80 crossbreds. They were among the first Jersey Australia Master Breeder inductees in 2023.

08/12/2024

A first-of-its-kind mobile workforce development program for the aged care industry led by South West TAFE has won national recognition and could soon spread across the country.

The Aged Care Mobile Skills Lab that takes training on the road to rural areas won bronze
in the Industry Collaboration Award category at the 2024 Australian Training Awards on Friday night.

The Mobile Skills Lab is a workforce development collaboration between South West TAFE as the lead organisation and disability, aged care and home care providers Eventide Homes Stawell, Calvary Community Care, Edgarley Assisted Living Casterton, Mulleraterong in Hamilton as industry experts.

The lab is a purpose-built motorhome that creates a simulated aged care workplace environment, allowing training to be taken on the road to all types of residential aged care homes, disability and homecare organisations.

South West TAFE CEO Mark Fidge said the Industry Collaboration bronze award acknowledged the project’s innovation and TAFE’s relationship with industry and ability to listen to their training needs.

“The aged care sector is challenged to find and retain staff and a model that helps with that is a fantastic opportunity for the sector and for us to lead it not only in Victoria but potentially across Australia,” he said.

“It’s not something that has been done elsewhere and it could work not only in the aged care sector but to support the training needs of different industries.”

Mr Fidge said that when there is low unemployment and a tough economic climate, people need to earn and learn at the same time. “This model achieves that and addresses accessibility and equity issues in rural and remote regions.”

Mr Fidge paid tribute to everyone involved, led by Skills lab project coordinator and personal support teacher Robert Peoples.

“To be acknowledged as the third in Australia in this important category is a real credit to everyone involved in the project,” Mr Fidge said.

“Robert’s passion is second to none,” Mr Fidge said. “He is now attending national conferences to talk about the model and there are opportunities to share it across Australia.”

The Mobile Skills Lab is a 26-foot mobile home refurbished with funding from the Victorian Government. It has led to huge growth in trainee numbers for the collaboration partners over the past 12 months.

Mr Peoples said the lab simulates an aged care room and has a custom-built annex that can house 12 students to run a class. “We can do everything you would normally find on a campus but we go directly to our partners so people can learn and earn money at the same time,” he said.

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04/12/2024

GSHS launches campaign to detect lymphoedema

South Gippsland residents are being asked to help with the early detection of lymphoedema by supporting a new fund-raising appeal.
Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) has launched a campaign to raise $18,000 to bring the SOZO Digital Health Platform to the region.
The appeal is off to a great start with a $4000 donation from the GSHS Lyrebird Auxiliary and $1000 from the Leongatha and District Community Foundation.
SOZO is a non-invasive monitoring device that incorporates special technology to aid in the assessment of lymphoedema in less than 30 seconds. Lymphoedema is a progressive, lifelong disease that can often be debilitating.
GSHS physiotherapist and lymphoedema practitioner, Mandy Fletcher, said that early detection was critical in controlling the progression of this disease.
“This is one area where the SOZO Digital Health Platform can make a significant difference,” she said.
“We know that up to 25 per cent of women who have had breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing lymphoedema but the SOZO machine can significantly reduce that risk.”
The SOZO is an easy-to-use non-invasive machine. It can detect lymphoedema before noticeable swelling, allowing for early treatment and providing the best opportunity to prevent the condition progressing to chronic lymphoedema. The SOZO can also measure muscle and fat. Clinicians can use this critical information about the human body to measure and track the management of other chronic diseases and to help maximise patient health.
“The SOZO is the gold standard in lymphoedema detection and can make a big difference in the lives of people with lymphoedema and other chronic diseases. We hope local people realise the importance of this service and support the appeal.”
Lyrebird Auxiliary president Lyn Yeomans said the technology was needed in the local community
For the past 37 years the auxiliary has been raising funds to buy equipment needed at GSHS and saw this as an ideal opportunity to make a significant contribution.
“Our members know of people with lymphoedema and we are aware that the current equipment is old and cumbersome and it’s inconvenient if people have to travel to access a SOZO,” Ms Yeomans said.
“We were keen to contribute money to starting this campaign because we do believe it’s needed, not only for lymphoedema but for other ailments.”
Ms Yeomans encouraged the community to get behind the campaign. “It would be wonderful to raise more funds for this machine which, unfortunately, is needed more and more. We need to work together to address the needs of the community.”
The Leongatha and District Community Foundation has also donated $1000 to the appeal. Treasurer Cr Clare Williams said the Foundation believed it was a great initiative to support to encourage local services.
“So many services are being reduced in regional areas and if this is something that can be provided here it will be fantastic for the community,” Cr Williams said.
“A lot of people have to go to Warragul or Melbourne for services but not everyone can do that, so we need as many services as possible being provided locally.”
The fund-raising campaign will run till the end of February. People can visit https://www.mycause.com.au/page/356210/help-us-detect-lymphedema-early to donate to the appeal.

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04/12/2024

GSHS launches campaign to detect lymphoedema

South Gippsland residents are being asked to help with the early detection of lymphoedema by supporting a new fund-raising appeal.
Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) has launched a campaign to raise $18,000 to bring the SOZO Digital Health Platform to the region.
The appeal is off to a great start with a $4000 donation from the GSHS Lyrebird Auxiliary and $1000 from the Leongatha and District Community Foundation.
SOZO is a non-invasive monitoring device that incorporates special technology to aid in the assessment of lymphoedema in less than 30 seconds. Lymphoedema is a progressive, lifelong disease that can often be debilitating.
GSHS physiotherapist and lymphoedema practitioner, Mandy Fletcher, said that early detection was critical in controlling the progression of this disease.
“This is one area where the SOZO Digital Health Platform can make a significant difference,” she said.
“We know that up to 25 per cent of women who have had breast cancer treatment are at risk of developing lymphoedema but the SOZO machine can significantly reduce that risk.”
The SOZO is an easy-to-use non-invasive machine. It can detect lymphoedema before noticeable swelling, allowing for early treatment and providing the best opportunity to prevent the condition progressing to chronic lymphoedema. The SOZO can also measure muscle and fat. Clinicians can use this critical information about the human body to measure and track the management of other chronic diseases and to help maximise patient health.
“The SOZO is the gold standard in lymphoedema detection and can make a big difference in the lives of people with lymphoedema and other chronic diseases. We hope local people realise the importance of this service and support the appeal.”
Lyrebird Auxiliary president Lyn Yeomans said the technology was needed in the local community
For the past 37 years the auxiliary has been raising funds to buy equipment needed at GSHS and saw this as an ideal opportunity to make a significant contribution.
“Our members know of people with lymphoedema and we are aware that the current equipment is old and cumbersome and it’s inconvenient if people have to travel to access a SOZO,” Ms Yeomans said.
“We were keen to contribute money to starting this campaign because we do believe it’s needed, not only for lymphoedema but for other ailments.”
Ms Yeomans encouraged the community to get behind the campaign. “It would be wonderful to raise more funds for this machine which, unfortunately, is needed more and more. We need to work together to address the needs of the community.”
The Leongatha and District Community Foundation has also donated $1000 to the appeal. Treasurer Cr Clare Williams said the Foundation believed it was a great initiative to support to encourage local services.
“So many services are being reduced in regional areas and if this is something that can be provided here it will be fantastic for the community,” Cr Williams said.
“A lot of people have to go to Warragul or Melbourne for services but not everyone can do that, so we need as many services as possible being provided locally.”
The fund-raising campaign will run till the end of February. People can visit https://www.mycause.com.au/page/356210/help-us-detect-lymphedema-early to donate to the appeal.

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30/11/2024

WRAD Health CEO wins national award for volunteer role

WRAD Health CEO Mark Powell has won a national award for his voluntary work in supporting family and friends of people struggling with addiction.

Mr Powell was named the inaugural winner of the SMART Recovery family and friends facilitator award at a ceremony in Sydney on Friday night.

As a voluntary addition to his work as WRAD Health CEO, Mr Powell facilitates a WRAD Health family and friends meeting on the SMART Recovery platform.

He said the recognition shines a light on the importance of supporting loved ones who often feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help those struggling with addiction.

“Through our group, we provide a safe space for families and friends to share their experiences, gain practical tools, and navigate this challenging journey together,” Mr Powell said.

“This award is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and evidence-based guidance in empowering loved ones to take care of themselves while supporting others.”

“At WRAD health we're not just supporting individuals; we’re strengthening families and creating pathways for lasting recovery.”

The awards were introduced this year to celebrate 20 years of the SMART Recovery community.

SMART Recovery is an evidence-based recovery method grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), that supports people with substance dependencies or problem behaviours to lead a balanced life.

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29/11/2024

Grampians Community Health (GCH) has warned of tight times ahead as demand grows for services amid an increasingly restricted budget.
GCH has recorded a $60,665 surplus from expenditure of almost $40 million in 2023-24, substantially lower than last year’s $1 million surplus and below the budgeted $250,000.

While GCH is a not-for-profit organisation, CEO Greg Little said a surplus was important to provide surety for the organisation and to reinvest in services, resources, facilities and team capacity for the community.

GCH’s expenditure increased by nearly $4.5 million compared to the previous financial year, with more than $2.5 million of those extra costs coming in employee expenses.

Mr Little told this week’s annual general meeting that GCH found itself in challenging times but ensuring the health and wellbeing of the Grampians and Wimmera communities remained its highest priority.

Although Mr Little said the new health services plan didn’t grasp the pivotal role Community Health plays in preventative care, GCH continued to be a pillar of strength and advocacy with its services helping people stay healthy and connected, long before they might need acute care.

However, pressures from increased Workcover and staffing costs, a lack of clarity around funding indexation, funding callbacks, the Federal Government’s reforms to aged care and the complexity of the NDIS were impacting on GCH.

“GCH continues to navigate these evolving systems, ensuring that our clients, many of whom are some of the most vulnerable in the community, continue to receive the support they deserve,” he said. “It’s a delicate balance and we need assurances that our funding reflects the increasing costs of delivering our essential services.”

Mr Little added that governments needed to recognise the value of Community Health services. “Our voice, louder through our Alliance of Rural and Regional Community Health, is pushing hard to ensure we are recognised and valued in the Victorian health system,” Mr Little said.

GCH brings in $65 million a year to the local economy which creates about 360 jobs.

Mr Little said GCH continued to stand as a beacon of stability and support for people in need, highlighted by the response to the February bushfires that devastated the communities of the Grampians and Pyrenees.

Board chair Patricia Flood said GCH staff consistently demonstrated their unwavering commitment to clients and communities in 2023-24, particularly in the face of challenges such as the bushfires.

“GCH responded with exceptional courage and professionalism, opening our Stawell centre as an emergency relief hub and extending services to the impacted communities. We are committed to meeting the needs of our community particularly in times of crisis.”

Ms Flood said GCH remained energised by the opportunities to continue making a positive impact in the community.

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29/11/2024

Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) has continued to improve access to care for the South Gippsland community during 2023-24.
The GSHS 2023-24 annual report released last night (November 28) shows the health service reached 98.11 per cent of its national funding model targets, a 6 per cent improvement on 2022-23 activity, with 3886 people accessing acute and urgent care services.
The health service also surpassed its satisfaction targets, with 98 per cent of patients reporting positive experiences in hospital.
However, like most health services in Victoria, GSHS finished the year with a financial deficit due to unbudgeted costs of agency and locum staff.
In the 2023-24 annual report, Board Chair Athina Georgiou and Chief Executive Officer Louise Sparkes said that GSHS worked successfully during the year to increase care provided locally and introduced new services such as Hospital in the Home, cancer survivorship and workplace models for the post-pandemic era.
Ms Georgiou and Ms Sparkes said a new medical workforce model was introduced during the year to ensure a consistent medical staff presence in the urgent care centre and wards at Leongatha for the community.
Other highlights of the year included:
• Operational efficiency improvements were developed and implemented to reduce waiting times in GSHS allied health clinics
• A financial management plan was developed by GSHS and approved by the Department of Health and implemented
• A Community Advisory Committee was established
• Clinical governance systems were revised and improved
• A new leadership program commenced to increase capability of leaders and to build an enterprise leadership culture
• Retaining accreditation across a number of services.

Ms Georgiou and Ms Sparkes said GSHS did not receive a financial sustainability payment in 2023-24 but had adopted a new level of financial discipline and accountability while ensuring the community has access to the care and services it needs.
Despite GSHS coming very close to meeting activity targets, unbudgeted costs of agency and locum staff led to an operating deficit of $1.9 million on a budget of more than $50 million.
Director of Finance Jason O’Reilly said staffing gap challenges requiring the extensive use of agency staff was the main reason for the operating deficit.
GSHS experienced a 3.74 per cent increase in income from operating activities compared to an increase in expenditure of 9.4 per cent.
Mr O’Reilly said the balance sheet remained in a strong position with $25m of current assets.
“The organisation has made enormous strides in increasing activity levels and with the uplifted unit price of the National Weighted Activity Unit (NWAU), is hopeful of being able to achieve similar activity levels in 2024-25 while reducing the reliance on agency staff, in order to achieve a break-even result,” he said in the report.
Ms Georgiou and Ms Sparkes said GSHS eagerly awaited the outcome of the government’s decision regarding reform and was ready to respond to the final plan.
“Reform will remain an ongoing feature of health both across the sector and for GSHS for the next few years at least and we look forward to an improved system as a result, for our community in the years ahead.”

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22/11/2024

Weedbusters field day to promote clean farm biodiversity

A Weedbuster field day at Scotts Creek on December 4 will help farmers to keep their shelter belts free of pests.

Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN) is hosting the event at Jamie and Andrew Vogels’ farm from 11am-2pm.

Emcee Chris Hibburt said modern farmers recognised the need for biodiversity and retaining natural areas that remained closed to grazing. However, those areas run greater risk of attracting w**ds and pests.

“On farms today, it is important to understand the need for biodiversity and nature, but in most cases, those areas are more likely to attract w**ds and pests,” Mr Hibburt said.

“As much as biodiversity and shelter belts are important in providing a quality product for consumers, these areas come with the challenges of controlling w**ds. If those w**ds are not controlled, especially in the early stages, it reduces the ability to establish the plant species.”

Agronomist Jonathan Town will lead the field day, with a focus on understanding and effective control measures for ragwort and blackberries.

The event will feature a w**ds-themed morning tea and lunch and is at 570 Cobden-Port Campbell Rd, Scotts Creek.

HDLN held an earlier successful Weedbuster Field Day at Adam Roberts’ Tesbury farm on November 14.

HDLN landcare manager Michelle Leech said the events offer landholders of all types and sizes the opportunity to visit interesting properties to discuss best practice w**d management, with a particular focus on ragwort and blackberry.

This event is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships Against Pests grant program.

People can register for the Scotts Creek field day at https://bit.ly/w**dbuster2.

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19/11/2024

Support packages help people stay at home

Audrey Hall admits she can no longer chase cattle, but at 88 she’s still in her happy place at home on her Leongatha North farm.
Audrey has been able to continue living at home 10km north of Leongatha thanks to family support and Gippsland Southern Health Service (GSHS) home care support packages.
The Hall family has had a long association with GSHS, with her late husband Malcolm also receiving home care support for many years.
“It has been a long association and it was more extensive for my husband,” Audrey said.
Before his death two years ago, Malcolm had battled a long illness and Audrey was his full-time carer.
“Without the support of the hospital, I couldn’t have managed,” she said. “They were providing people to attend to his medical needs and we also had District Nursing and they provided meals from a number of sources and cleaning around the house.
“His medical condition was extensive and it was a 24-hour a day situation. It was also very helpful for me to have the support coming in.”
Thanks to this support, Malcolm was able to live at home until the final few months of his life.
Now Audrey is directly receiving support from the GSHS home care packages, including assistance with showering and dressing and cleaning.
This support is helping her to stay on the family beef farm. “I’m in my late 80s and live on the farm and still drive,” she said. “I can’t chase cattle like I used to but there’s not a lot I can’t do.”
She has now leased the land to her daughter and her family but continues to live on the farm.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “Many people have said are you going to see and come into the town but I always say no. I like the isolation but having said that I have people coming every few days so it’s a perfect life for me.”
Audrey keeps busy and fit by working in the garden. “That’s my happy place,” she said. “I’m very active and love being outside.”
Her son Russell spends part of the time with Audrey and helps to coordinate the hospital visiting care, and Audrey says she wouldn’t cope without it. “I really appreciate the service. Without the help from Gippsland Southern Health, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do.”
Audrey is one of 100 South Gippsland residents enjoying the benefits of living at home thanks to care packages provided by Gippsland Southern Health Service.
GSHS has been providing packages to the local area since 2017.
Home care package coordinator Jo Trewin said GSHS was currently providing services to 100 clients. These services include homecare, personal care, respite, shopping and transport to appointments across South Gippsland.
GSHS also uses a number of local contractors for services such as gardening, homecare, and minor home maintenance.
The GSHS home care package team consists of four case managers and one coordinator along with a community access team which coordinate services for both home care package and NDIS clients.