Darren Chester MP

Maxwell (Max) Cassells was born in Granville, New South Wales, 100 years ago today.

In March 1942, Max joined the Australian Army and served with the 2/17th Battalion. During his service Max was shipped to the Suez Canal, disembarked but was not involved in any fighting there. He was medically discharged in June 1943.

Max’s father Robert Andrew Cassells served in the First World War with the 1st Field Company Engineers.

After the war, Max became a lifelong member of the Freemasons. He was also a champion lawn bowler for many years and held various committee positions.

Max credits his long life to self-care and doing things he loves.

Happy birthday Max and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

Even before the Great Gippsland Pub Challenge, birthdays and anniversaries were a good excuse for a family celebration at a local venue.

So it was back to an old family favourite, the Star Hotel in Sale for a recent milestone event for my mum! Everyone has busy lives so it’s not often we all get together but mum’s birthday was one of those occasions.

The Star has all your traditional pub favourites and some different dining options - both inside and outside - plus the children’s play area which my nieces and nephews took over.
Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere make The Star a popular choice for generations of Sale and district residents.

Remember, if you visit 11 venues in Gippsland this year, send the list to darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au and score your free ‘authentic Gippslander’ t-shirt.

My personal aim is to visit more than 50 pubs in my electorate this year and despite all the chicken parmigianas and steaks with pepper sauce, try to lose a couple of kilos... perhaps I should be jogging between the pubs?

#lovegippsland #greatgippslandpubchallenge

Vale Mr Lawrence (Laurie) William Woods AM DFC.

Such sad news to hear of Laurie’s passing in March this year.

Laurie passed away in March this year at 98 years old, and not only had an incredible story, but made a significant contribution to the ex-service community.

In June 1942, he enlisted into the Royal Australian Air Force at the age of 19. After training in Australia he was posted to the United Kingdom, where he served as a Bomb Aimer with No. 460 Squadron, RAAF, at RAF Binbrook in Lincolnshire.

When the Squadron conducted a raid on Wanne-Eickel in 1944, Laurie flew a damaged aircraft back to base after the pilot was wounded. For this action he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross.

Laurie also took part in a number of raids over France. On the eve of D-Day Laurie and his crew carried out two diversionary raids to draw the German fighter planes away from the beach head.

After an inspiring career, he was discharged in Australia with the rank of Flying Officer in September 1945.

In 2019, I had the privilege of joining Laurie at a Last Post Ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Laurie still had his Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) uniform, which he wore with pride as he laid a wreath during the ceremony.

Laurie also made a significant contribution to our ex-service community. He was active in the RAAF Association, the RSL and the 460 Squadron Association, serving as President for Queensland 460 Squadron Association since election in 1990.

In 2015, his significant service to veterans through the preservation of military aviation history was recognised, and Laurie was awarded with Australia Day honours.

Rest in peace Laurie, and thank you for your service. #TYFYS