Focus and dedication the key for Nicholes’ swimming goals

By Greg Allen-Pretty 5 March 2023 Based on his current top form, hopes are high for Traralgon swimmer Ashley Nicholes to find more success at the Victorian Age Long Course Championships on the Labour Day long weekend. The 16 year old has been winning Gold, breaking records and smashing his own PBs all season. At the recent Gippsland Championships in Sale, Ash was crowned Male … Continue reading Focus and dedication the key for Nicholes’ swimming goals

Joh’s VRI vision led to hundreds of changed lives

By Greg Allen-Pretty We often don’t realise how much we achieved or the level of impact we have had on people’s lives until we walk away from something and look back. Joh Lyons has just finished six years at the helm of The VRI, a run-down disused hall in Traralgon that was fixed up and turned into a life-changer for many people. What was once … Continue reading Joh’s VRI vision led to hundreds of changed lives

A model of accuracy: Walhalla pair recreates the UK’s Woody Bay station

By Greg Allen-Pretty A hobby being pursued during the Covid-19 lockdown is gaining national and international attention by model railway enthusiasts. Proprietors of Walhalla’s Star Hotel and Greyhorse Cafe, Russell Wright and Michael Leaney, have been quite creative by building a very accurate re-creation of the Lynton & Barnstaple narrow gauge railway and the Woody Bay station. The project actually began when Russell bought two … Continue reading A model of accuracy: Walhalla pair recreates the UK’s Woody Bay station

3TR and the music of 1967

By Greg Allen-Pretty Gippsland has a colourful radio history, beginning with 3TR*, 3GI, then 3UL. Since the 1930s, the stations have changed greatly in sound and technology, which we briefly covered in the story Gippsland’s 90 years of radio. Four of the 1240 Music Men at 3TR in 1967 were George “Groover” Wayne, Sam Galea, Keith Wells and Laurie Miller (later Joe Miller), all of whom went on … Continue reading 3TR and the music of 1967

Duursma’s promising footy career built on Gippsland foundations

By Greg Allen-Pretty 9 April 2020 With only one AFL round played so far this season, a second year Port Adelaide player from Gippsland is keeping himself fit and match-ready for when a resumption of the season is announced. Meet the impressive Xavier Duursma who excelled at Gippsland Power and with Vic Country, and is now making his mark in the AFL. He’s smart, he’s … Continue reading Duursma’s promising footy career built on Gippsland foundations

Matthew Bentley: folk’n surf

A 16 year old boy took his 12-string guitar onto a hometown stage for a performance that led him to multiple recording sessions and two national tours over the following three years. MATTHEW BENTLEY’s musical growth has been as organic as the music he writes and performs. Everywhere the talented Victorian goes, from WA to QLD, his infectiously fun coastal music and his lovable personality … Continue reading Matthew Bentley: folk’n surf