GOLDMINES
IN DIAMOND CREEK Diamond Creek today has no visible signs that it was once a busy gold mining township with two major mines on the hill behind our new Op Shop, locally known as “Mine Hill”. Gold was discovered at Diamond Creek in the early 1860’s leading to a tunnel on the south side of “Mine Hill”, at the end of Dering Street, which was mined using a king-sized skip truck. By 1870 the tunnel mine was the “Union”
Hill. The foundations of the Union winder were left to be overgrown and guarded by red bellied black snakes. By 1915 the Diamond Creek Goldmine, on top of mine hill, had grown to a much bigger mine than the Union. Its big engine house contained five boilers, powering the winder, battery, generator, air compressors and a Matsue beam water pump. This pump ran constantly to keep the mine dry.
In the summer of 1915 the wood stacks for the boilers caught fire burning out the entire site and tumbling the head frame over to maroon the miners a thousand feet below. All shafts are fitted with ladders so the miners started their weary climb to the surface. Some of the miners who had worked at the neighbouring Union Mine took a shortcut and found their way to the old Union workings through connecting tunnels and walked out to the Union site. They then walked around to the Diamond Creek mine ruins to wait for their mates. No lives were lost and the mine shut down. In the early 1950’s the mine re-opened with an electrical winder and head frame. Oblong buckets were fitted to the cables and water was bailed out. One up, one down, the 1000 foot shaft and tunnels were flooded to about 350 feet. The mine was pumped dry for inspection but progress stopped. The water came back and the head frame and winder removed. Shareholders left with worthless certificates. by Kevin Patterson
The Old Union Mine in 1871 was commenced in 1862, men stand at the foot of the poppet head next to the wooden rung ladder. The rope cable was thickened with bumpy splices.
goldmine, a major operation with a shaft, steam powered winder and battery. The engine house was a rustic wooden building with shingle roof. The head frame was also made of wood with a bush ladder up one leg to reach the deck. At this time rope cables were used on the Victorian goldfields to haul up skips of ore, mullock and miners. Before wire cables were introduced there were many accidents due to worn and dodgy rope cables. The Union gold ran out in 1875. Exploration in 1904 revealed further good ore could be accessed with a new shaft further to the west using a winder with safer wire cables. Reaching eight levels the Union finally closed down in 1908. All machinery was removed. The boiler was trucked around to the “Diamond Creek Goldmine” on top of Mine
The Union Mine started with this tunnel on the south side of Mine Hill, and at this stage was only a tunnel with no shaft. Taken about 1880 note the side gauge track and large ore truck.
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Diamond Creek News
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The Diamond Creek News
Distribution: 3500+
P.O. Box 38 Diamond Creek Phone: 0419 337 933 Email: devpress@optusnet.com.au
DISCLAIMER The Diamond Creek News provides the opportunity for each of the elected Nillumbik Councillors in the Wards surrounding Diamond Creek to publish a report to their constituents, as well as reports from State and Federal Government Members. The views expressed in these reports are those of the authors and not those of the Committee of the Diamond Creek Progress Association. The Diamond Creek Progress Association reserves the right to edit any articles supplied for any reason they see fit.
Design & Layout Peter Clarkson Ph: 0419 337 933 Accounts & Distribution Belinda Clarkson Ph: 0439 755 411 Advertising Oliver Thompson Ph: 0423 531 370
Apollo Parkways Arthurs Creek, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham North, Greensborough Complex, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Panton Hill, Plenty, St Andrews, St Helena, Smiths Gully, Yarrambat, Wattle Glen. This issue Printed & Distributed on 15 March 2013 Deadline for next Edition 24 May 2013
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The Diamond Creek Progress Association The Diamond Creek Progress Association has been around since the 1930s. Its main objective is to ensure improvement of the township of Diamond Creek and the advancement of the interests of ratepayers and residents. The Association meets Bi-Monthly at 7.30pm on the second Thursday at the Diamond Creek Scout Hall, 45 Challenger Street, Diamond Creek. Membership is available on application to any resident or ratepayer within the township of Diamond Creek, and those not within the township at the discretion of the Committee. Membership enquiries are welcome. Please contact the Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933, or write to PO Box 38 DIAMOND CREEK VIC 3089.
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Diamond Creek News
Become a CFA Volunteer today and make a difference in more ways than one. Free call 1800 232 636 for more information on how to join or call into your local CFA Station Autumn 2013
DIAMOND CREEK MEMORIAL KINDERGARTEN Planning a big year for 2013 The Kinder year started back on January 30th and is now in full swing. The children have settled in quickly and are forming new friendships while building confidence and independence. As usual the kids are coming from Diamond Creek as well as some neighbouring suburbs, with quite a few families making the most of the full-days and extended hours offered. And despite the ongoing hot weather, the teachers have been flexible with each day’s planned structure, allowing the kids to make the most of the
cooler mornings in the Kinder’s adventure playground. Last week’s addition of a new woodwork bench has been a huge hit with the children – both boys and girls! The kids are handling the tools with an amazing amount of ease and making some fabulous creations to take home. We envisage an increase in the number of apprentice carpenters in Diamond Creek in the next 20 years or so! Thanks to Craig Godden Carpentry for the woodwork bench and also for the love and care he’s put into refurbishing all of the Kinder’s wooden toy furniture and wooden storage facilities. What a difference it’s made! The children are looking forward to inviting their fathers and grandfathers along to the “Mini-Kinder Night” later this month. And a family BBQ is being planned for March. We’re hoping to see a huge turnout for a night of food, friends and fun. This year is going to be a big year for Diamond Creek Memorial Kindergarten. The Kinder has now been operating for 48 years and it's director, May Hale, is
celebrating her 50th year of teaching kindergarten in Diamond Creek. The Kinder committee not only have big plans for improving the Kinder this year, but also for celebrating and honouring the many years of dedication May has put into Early Learning Education in the local area. A big celebration is being planned mid-year and the Kinder would like to invite all past and present students and parents to come along. We’ll be advertising details of this event soon. For more information please visit dcmemorialkinder.com.au in the next few months. We’re looking forward to seeing many familiar faces and also rekindling many old friendships from the past.
‘Flip Side Sunday’ 1st Sunday of the month
Open Wednesday 4.00pm to late Thursday – Sunday’s 4.00pm – late
A.D. Ryans Bar & Restaurant Cnr Hyde & Main Street, Diamond Creek
9438 4111
Fantastic counter lunches for $15.00 or less on Thurs, Fri & Sat
Bring down your old records LP’s or 45’s to be enjoyed on the ‘turntable’ Professional DJ with love & care for records will take you on a trip down memory lane.
Award winning Pot’s N Parmas Wed & Thurs nights
Brilliant local entertainment Friday & Saturday nights with lazy Sunday arvos. Bookings recommended No function to small or large to cater for.
www.adryans.com.au or follow us on Facebook
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Autumn 2013
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Vale Desmond Francis Vincent 15 January 1927 - 4 December2012 1017435 RAAF 43rd Catalina Squadron Unfortunately in this issue it is with deep regret that the Diamond Creek RSL advises that their Inaugural President ,Des Vincent, passed away on the 4th of December 2012 aged 85. Our sympathies went to his sons Grant & Mick and their families. Des was the driving force in obtaining the charter from RSL Victoria to bring the club into being and then nursed it through the first four years as President. Des’ commitment to the club and the RSL in general, lasted right through to the end but that was to be expected as his life was spent dedicated to the communities he lived in and his beloved Collingwood Football Club of which he was also a life member. Des’ council and friendship will be greatly missed.
Lest We Forget
R.S.L. DIAMOND CREEK - DOREEN SUB BRANCH NEWS In our article in the last issue I reported that our Inaugural President Mr Des Vincent had been elevated to Life Membership of the RSL.
Memorial at 10.30am preceded by the march from the Bowling Club and we would seek the continued support of the community for these services.
On January 20th the Club held a celebration of Des’s Life which was well attended by members past and present. The weather was brilliant the day very enjoyable and I’m sure Des would have been pleased and it was a lovely way in which to remember him.
On Saturday the 9th of February the club was involved in the Laurimar Town Fair where we had a stall selling our pickles, relishes, sauces and drinks. We also displayed plans for the proposed War Memorial (which created a great deal of interest from the local community) and also allowed us to speak to a number of local residents regarding membership. From both a fund raising and involvement in the community perspective the day was very successful.
ANZAC Day As the club did last year the last, we will again be holding two ANZAC Day Commemoration services and marches. The first at Doreen on Sunday, 21st April at 10.30am, this service will be conducted at the Laurimar Primary School. The other service will be our normal ANZAC Day Service at the Diamond Creek War
The project for the War Memorial at Laurimar is on-going and an application to the Veterans fund has been submitted for a grant for its development. If successful
the grant will be announced by the Government during ANZAC Week. Whilst this grant will not cover the total cost, it will supply a large proportion of the funds required and in the ensuing period we will be seeking further funding both from institutions and the local communities of Diamond Creek and Doreen. John Langford President: Diamond Creek - Doreen RSL
now online www.diamondcreeknews.com Page 6
Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
Summer 2012
Diamond Creek News
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ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ASSISTING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek is seeking new members to join them and help the community while enjoying lots of fun and fellowship. Are you interested in assisting your local community or helping to make the world a better place? Are you keen to make
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new friends and be involved in worthwhile projects? Well known locally for running the annual Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair, the club is involved in a large variety of projects. If there is a need in the community, they are pleased to assist. In the past couple of years the club has undertaken such community projects as assisting Diamond Creek Primary School provide shade sails for the students, building a ramp house for the Riding for the Disabled Program at Diamond Valley Special Development School and purchased defibrillators for local sporting and community organisations, to name a few. But their work is not limited to local projects. The club supports the international disaster aid project, Shelter Box, and assists orphans in Kenya to have an education at the Tenderfoot School. Working
Diamond Creek News
with youth is another important Rotary objective and over the past few years the club has supported a number of exchange students and sponsored students to attend the National Youth Science Forum and many other youth leadership activities. If you are interested in learning more about our Rotary Club, please join us for dinner one Tuesday evening. The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek meets every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm for 7.00pm at Ashton Manor, 49 – 55 Main Street, Diamond Creek. If you would like to learn more or join us for a meal please contact Phil Chambeyron on 0416 126 976 or by email gemcham@hotmail.com The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek are a friendly group of people who will make new you most welcome.
Autumn 2013
Danielle Green MP - State Member for Yan Yean Recent Epping Fire shows need for an Active Fire Plan The recent fires which badly affected nearby Donnybrook, Epping, Woodstock and Wollert highlights how vital it is that families have an active fire plan. Thankfully due to the amazing work of our emergency services, including CFA volunteers from our own local brigades, no houses were lost, despite early initial reports of one. It did however bust the myth that our urban suburbs on the edge of Melbourne are somehow exempt from grass or bush fires. The fires also highlighted communication problems with conflicting community information given out, the inadequacy of the road network and the majority of local households with no fire plan. I will work with CFA, Victoria Police, council and other agencies to ensure that these problems are addressed in future. In addition the Baillieu Government and VicRoads, must cease ignoring our community and upgrade our roads, as we now know it is not simply an issue of travel times; this lack of investment could cost lives. It is vital therefore that roads such as Yan Yean Road are upgraded. The fire season is not quite over yet and the community must remain vigilant. This includes ensuring you have a fire plan and follow ongoing weather conditions. On days of fire danger, take the opportunity to visit friends in the city or go to an air conditioned shopping centre or cinema. The safest way to avoid being caught up in a fire incident, is leaving early on days of severe bushfire danger. For more information about any of this please phone the CFA Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or Diamond Creek CFA on (03) 9438 1457. Alternatively go to www.cfa.vic.gov.au.
of the School Start Bonus. The State Government has also cut the schools capital budget by 60%, with only one new school planned anywhere in the State. Fortunately this new school is a Primary School in the south of Doreen. However this has only come about due to the impending overcrowding crisis at our local schools and the ongoing community outcry about the lack of schools for our fast growing suburbs. In addition the State Government is still refusing to fund the building of other new schools like the much needed high school for the suburbs of Doreen and Mernda. Without this new school, pressure will continue to be felt on nearby schools such as Diamond Valley College, St Helena SC and Greensborough College, not to mention the extra road chaos for students to get there. The State Government should take a leaf out of the Catholic Education Office who are planning to meet the challenge of local growth by building 5 new local schools including a high school in Doreen. The community can rest assured that I will continue to argue for increased funds to improve our local schools and support hard pressed families. If you want to find more information or to get a petition in support of either the fight for a high school for Doreen and Mernda or the vital upgrade for Greensborough
College, do not hesitate to contact me. You can also find out more information on the Facebook page ‘Doreen-And-Mernda-Secondary-SchoolAlliance’. Re-Opening of Austin Health’s Op Shop I was delighted to be at the opening of the Austin Diamond Creek Auxiliary’s new Op Shop. The new store is testament to the community campaigners and volunteers who fought to keep the Op Shop in Diamond Creek after the previous one was closed due to health and safety concerns. This Shop aside from raising funds for the amazing Austin Hospital, is a real hub for the community and provides great volunteering opportunities and a chat. I hope to see you there to snare a bargain! Danielle Green MP State Member for Yan Yean Electorate Office: Suite 3, 14 Yan Yean Road, Diamond Creek, 3089 PO Box 376, Diamond Creek, 3089 Ph: 03 9432-9782 Fax: 03 9432-9793 E: danielle.green@parliament.vic.gov.au www.daniellegreen.org.au www.facebook.com/daniellegreenmp twitter.com/DanielleGreenMP
Back To School Our teachers and students have now returned to school after a well-deserved break. However two years into the Baillieu Government, it is clear that we have a Government that is not supporting local families. In the last two years, Mr Baillieu has slashed $555 million from education and a further $290 million from TAFE. This includes cuts to VCAL, VET, the Education Maintenance Allowance, the Conveyance Allowance and the scrapping
now online Autumn 2013
Danielle with Austin Health Op-Shop volunteer, Joy Barton, who turned 80 on the day of the reopening and her husband Terry. Volunteering keeps you young like Joy. Happy Birthday Joy!
www.diamondcreeknews.com Diamond Creek News
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BUSY SUMMER FOR LOCAL CFA VOLUNTEERS We may be in autumn according to the calendar, but the hot, dry weather which has characterised the 2012/13 summer is continuing. This means continued work for busy local CFA volunteers, who have worked hard this summer both near and far from home. Diamond Creek CFA has sent volunteers in a range of roles to many of the major fires this summer, including the Heyfield (Portland) fire, the Aberfeldy-Donnelly Creek (Gippsland) fire, the Hotham Heights fire and the Craigieburn-Epping fire. As well as these fires, local volunteers also attended a number of medium sized fires in the local area, including two Kangaroo Ground fires (Nicholas Lane and Nillumbik Farm Drive) and another in Arthurs Creek (Eagles Nest Rd). We have also assisted within the local CFA district at medium sized fires in other areas, such as Sunbury. The local volunteers who worked at these fires did so in diverse roles. Most of those involved in these fires spent countless hours on firefighting tankers on both short-haul (one day) and long haul (three day) strike teams (a strike team consists of five tankers from the local area, led by a strike team leader in a car). We also supplied crew leaders, strike team leaders, sector commanders and other specialised operational members.
As well as these operational members who worked on the fireground, we also had members working in various Incident Control Centres (ICCs) throughout the summer, including Kangaroo Ground ICC, Gisborne ICC and the State Control Centre (SCC) in the city. Diamond Creek members working at ICCs had varying roles in incident/operations management, administration, logistics and safety management. We also had a member working in a post-fire debriefing and education role. This member was involved in working with fire-affected communities in both Gippsland and Epping/Wollert, providing local residents with up-to-date information on fire behaviour and planning for bushfire survival. Finally, the local Brigade also has two members involved in the extensive CFA peer support program. These members assisted many fellow CFA members (and their families) when they encountered critical incident stress or welfare issues associated with their CFA work. All this work was conducted on top of the Brigade’s usual requirement to respond to local incidents and support neighbouring Brigades at their incidents. Indeed, this was a busy summer for the Brigade with regard to these local incidents also, with one weekend in particular requiring attendance at ten separate incidents - only one of which was a false alarm.
The Brigade would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the local employers who have allowed their CFA volunteer employees time away from the workplace to protect their community. Without the support of these generous employers, it would be very difficult to efficiently protect the local community and your flexibility in this situation is gratefully acknowledged. We also acknowledge and thank the families of the Diamond Creek CFA volunteers who have allowed their loved ones to attend incidents, often for many hours or days at a time. Again, your support and understanding allows us all to live in a safer community. For those of you who have contemplated joining us in the Diamond Creek CFA, we have a number of diverse roles which you can become involved in – you don’t necessarily have to become a firefighter. We welcome all expressions of interest, so please come and see us any Sunday morning at the station.
Diamond Creek East Pre-School What a busy few months we have enjoyed at DCE Preschool. The children in one of our four year old groups was visited by a bee keeper, who came dressed in her protective gear. She described to the children how it kept her safe from stings. We were able to see and smell the “smoker” that is used to stun/slow down the bees for easy collection of honey. We could see the intricate and amazing ability of bees in constructing their hive. We then learned how important bees are for our environment. In addition to this silkworms have been developing over the past few weeks and now that they are easily visible have provided children with opportunities to ask questions as well as make their own observations. Outdoors we have delighted
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children discovering snails, millipedes, slaters and the odd centipede. Together we look at where they have been found- is it light or dark under the stump? Is the sand where you found all the snails? We encourage the children to make their own deductions from their observations. We recently celebrated Children's week with many fun activities. One of our four year old groups dressed in their finest Princess and Pirate costumes and prepared and baked delicious pizza. Our three year old group celebrated Children's week with a visit from the Drama Toolbox. We celebrated the Circus with costumes and music supplied by our presenter. We pranced and jumped like ponies around the ring. The pretend lions and tigers kept sneaking out of their cage because the ring master kept forgetting to lock their
Diamond Creek News
cage! We all cheered as the tight rope walkers balanced on the tight rope and laughed as the children dressed as clowns entertained us and those naughty elephants sprayed us with water. It was wonderful to watch as the children laughed and smiled as they waited to take the floor to perform. This dramatic play is a great opportunity for the children to use their imagination and express themselves.
Autumn 2013
“Working Shoulder to Shoulder, Contributing to our Community” 2013 has already been a busy time for us. Recently our members enjoyed the challenge of repairing a dinghy for Woodridge Preschool and giving a hand to the newly opened Austin Health Diamond Creek Auxiliary Opportunity Shop. We also helped out at a Cleanup Australia site in conjunction with Friends of Watery Gully and Diamond Valley Lions Club.
looking forward to showing off our shed, celebrating our achievements, and saying thank you to our many supporters. Our famous $5 Tuesday lunches continue to be a great hit, complete with printed menus. Maybe our motto should be “Eating shoulder to shoulder” You don’t need to be a “tradie” to join; we have members from many backgrounds.
Visitors are always welcome, give us a call and have a chat. We’re always looking for new members. Contact our Membership Secretary John Spano on 94383984 or via Email dcms3089@gmail.com. Our website is www.theshedonline.org.au/dcms Gary Burke – Secretary
Members enjoyed visiting the Habitat for Community Ringwood ReStore Centre. We learnt a lot about the great low cost housing that they build and had a delightful BBQ lunch with the Habitat folk. Interest in our activities remains high, and we continue to receive a steady flow of enquiries. Several new members have joined since Christmas. It is gratifying to see strong friendships developing between members that were previously strangers. Shed members have been very busy since moving into the shed. There have been many improvements. Lots of painting has been done in and around the building making it look a lot smarter. Our workshop and passive recreation area are now separate areas, thanks to a new internal wall. This has reduced the spread of dust and noise and created a pleasant area to socialise. Preparations are well underway for our Grand Opening on 22nd March. We are
Autumn 2013
Diamond Creek News
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2013 Diamond Creek
Rotary Town Fair
Keep this date free!
This year, the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair will be held on Saturday 21st September. The fair will have all the usual attractions and many more. The Grand Parade will again be featured and
there will be many activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. More details in a future edition of the Diamond Creek News. We look forward to seeing you at the fair!
Vanillaz Hair Studio
DISCO DATES FOR 2013 15th March 10th May 14th June 9th August
13th September 8th November 6th December
7pm - 10pm
Shop 1 18 Chute Street, Diamond Creek
$6 admission
9438 2244
We don’t just dance!
“At Vanillaz we love helping you look and feel your best!”
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
DIAMOND CREEK EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL School’s back for 2013! We’re happy to be back at Diamond Creek East Primary School and glad to see so many smiling faces ready to learn every day!
Program’. The students will be cooking three different dishes this term, and they (and their teachers!) are looking forward
It’s been a great start to the year so far. We would like to welcome three new teachers to our school– Miss Gabrielle Glide (Grade 3/4), Mrs Rachel Wilson (Grade 4/5) and Miss Brittney Pearce (Grade 5/6). We are sure that these new teachers will be wonderful additions to our terrific staff. Our 57 new preps have settled well and are getting used to the daily routines of school. Their unit in first term looks at starting school, getting to know each other and the importance of having rules at school and at home. Our Grade 1/2 students are looking term, and then Early Australian Settlement and the Gold Rush for the remainder of the term. They are also getting ready for an exciting camping experience at Lady Northcote Camp in Bacchus Marsh in March. Part of the camp includes a day trip to Sovereign Hill, which supports their Inquiry Unit. Another exciting event on our DCE calendar is our School Fair which will be held this year on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The Fair, which is organised and run by our terrific PTFC Committee, includes a Talent Quest, a variety of Rides, an Art Show, Food Stalls and Entertainment. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there! forward to Jets Gymnastics in the Bendigo Bank Stadium later this term. They will also be starting the year by learning about our local community, and the people who help us in Diamond Creek. Our Grade 3/4 students are very excited to be cooking this term, as part of our ‘Feeling Fabulous-Kids in the Kitchen
to sampling all of them! The Grade 3/4 students will also be starting Science Platoons in Week 5, and will be involved in a range of exciting weekly science experiments until the end of the term.
We’ve had a great start to the year and there is already lots happening at our school. If you are interested to see our school in action, please call our school office on 9438-1413 and organise a tour.
Our Grade 5/6 students have a busy term ahead, learning about Local, State and Federal Government in the first half of this
Kassie Papuga
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The Diamond Creek traders tra aders care about out env environment, vironment, not just in Diamond Diiamond Creek, but beyond. beyo ond. The Diamond Creek traders have h set up collection systems to recycle globes, Ă XRUHVFHQW WXEHV SULQWHU FDUWULGJHV Ă XRUHVFHQW WXEHV SULQWHU FDUW WULGJHV household batteries and car batteries. b The following can be recycled d at:
Globes and fluor fluorescent reescennt tubes Diamond Valley Valley a Mitre10 95 Main Hur Hurstbridge rstbridge Road
Pr Printer rinter i toner tone er cartridges cartrriidgges e
Cl lothing & nic nacks Clothing
NextComm Computers C
$XQW\ %¡V 2S 6KRS $ XQW\ %¡V 2S 6KRS
70 Main Hurstbridge Hurstbrridge Road (next to Blockbu Blockbuster) uster)
42 2 Chute Street
Pro-bit Comp Computers puters
50 0 Main Hurstbridge Road
6/60 M Main i H Hurstbridge Hurstttbridge tb id Road
Diamond Cre Creek eek Post Shop 16/72 Main Hurs Hurstbridge stbridge Road
Paint P aaint Household batteries ba tterries i Diamond Valley Valley y Mitre10 95 Main Hurstbridge Road
Car batteries batterries i Maverick Auto Electrical 14 Elizabeth Street
Paint can no longer lon nger be accepted by Mitre10. Please e drop unwanted paint to
Austin Health Austin 2 SSRUWXQLW\ 6KRS 2SSRUWXQLW\ 6KRS 42 42-44 2-44 Main Hurstbridge Road Please Pl ease note: dumping items outside outside the front fro ont of premises is illegal and may ma ay lead to prosecution. pr rosecution. It also makes our tow township wnship look loo ok untidy untidy.. Charity Ch harity bins are located at Diamond Diamo ond Creek Cr reek Shopping Centre car park and be ehind Shell Service Station. behind
Banyule W Waste aste Recovery Cen Centre ntre Corner Waterdale Waterda ale Road and %DQNVLD 6WUHHW %HOOĂ€HOG %DQNVLD 6WUHHW %HOOĂ€HOG website Refer to our we bsite below for opening times. Alternatively book boo ok a Nillumbik Hard W Waste aste Collection. T T:: 94 9433 433 31 3111 11
www.diamondcreekshopping.com.au www .diamondcre eekshopping.com.au Page 14
Nicely N icely Saved
Diamond Creek News
Winners W in nners of the th he 2011 2011 Practically Practica ac ally Green Festival F Festiva est al – Small to o Medium M Business Busin Bus ness Award Awa ward
Autumn 2013
SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL Better Buddies at Sacred Heart Primary Buddy systems contribute to the creation of safe, friendly and caring environments in which respect is a key value and children learn the skills associated with empathy and compassion through consciously constructed activities and by looking after and caring for other people. This helps to combat bullying and other forms of anti social behaviour such as harassment and teasing. During week 3 at Sacred Heart we held The Better Buddies Welcome which is the first key event of the year and takes place when junior buddies begin their first year of school. This event begins to establish the relationship between junior and senior
buddies, with a focus on supporting transition and making the junior buddy feel safe and cared for in the new school environment. The focus of the key event is to support the junior buddies with their transition to school to ensure they feel welcome and safe, and to build familiarity with their new school environment and have a person they can go to for help. Each fortnight our buddies meet to work together. These events are opportunities for all buddies, to have fun whilst further embedding the Buddy Values into the School’s culture. Through the structured activities and the key events, the Buddy Values then become a deeply integral part of the school, and even community
culture. Buddies, teachers and parents begin to live the Buddy Values in the classroom, the playground and at home, creating safe, caring and empathic relationships. Catholic Education Week 10th – 17th March, 2013 We welcome anyone who would like a tour of our school to contact the Office to arrange a mutually convenient time. Please phone 9438-1590 or visit our website www.shdiamondcreek.catholic.edu.au Easter Timetable Holy Thursday: 27th March 7.30pm Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek Good Friday: 28th March 1.30pm St. Thomas Greensborough North 3pm Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek Ecumenical Way of the Cross held at both churches at 11.00am Easter Vigil Saturday: 30th March 7.30pm St. Thomas Greensborough North North Easter Sunday: 31st March 8.30am Sacred Heart, Diamond Creek 10.30am St. Thomas Greensborough North
GOLD MINING EXHIBITION NILLUMBIK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC IS HOSTING A 2 DAY EXHIBITION Saturday 25thand Sunday 26th May 2013 10am to 4pm Gold Mining in Diamond Creek El Dorado Gold Dredge Diversion Tunnel Castlemaine Gold Fields
Caledonia Gold Fields Water-wheels, Alluvial Gold Walhalla Open Cut Gold Mining - WA
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION DEVONSHIRE TEAS & SAUSAGE SIZZLE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ELLIS COTTAGE 10 Nillumbik Square, Diamond Creek Contact: Gwen Myers, NHS Secretary - 9718 2263
Autumn 2013
Diamond Creek News
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COMPLETE OFFICE ASSISTANT SANDRA SHELL Certificate 4 in Accounting
Banyule View Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month. April Meeting Tuesday 2nd at 11 am Greensborough R.S.L. Meeting, lunch, Guest speaker Eric Panther will speak about some of his extensive range of Collectables. May meeting Tuesday 7th at 11 am Greensborough R.S.L. Market Day stall, meeting, lunch, followed by a practical session using the kit provided by Ambulance Victoria. In keeping with our ‘lets have fun’, our March meeting is a Birthday meeting and we will be wearing as much ‘bling’ as possible (this is optional) if you are too embarrassed to wear it to the meeting, bring it and put it on at the meeting. March outing Tuesday 19th Trip to Old Treasury Building where an exhibition of Historic Trams with their history displayed. April outing Tuesday 16th Trip to Armidale Heritage Arcade. May outing – Morning Melodies at Karralyka Centre, Ringwood. New members welcome. Enquiries: Margaret - 9439.9965
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0417 525 696 NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
Scouting Around Diamond Creek JAMBOREE 2013 On the 1st of January 2013, 21 scouts and 2 leaders from 1st Diamond Creek Scout Group, embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. After 28 hours on a bus, we arrived at Maryborough in Queensland. The heat was unbelievable, about 38 degrees and 85% humidity. We spent the first day setting up our campsite, our home away from home for the next 10 days. 12,000 Scouts from all over Australia and internationally, had travelled to Queensland for AJ2013. We enjoyed amazing activities such as ‘Splash It’ – a day of water activities
the other activities were ‘Smash It’, ‘Endure It’, ‘Climb It’ and ‘Clown It’. Every night we had amazing performers entertain us, Reece Mastin, Jessica Maubouy, Cosintino, Timomatic and Justice Crew. As well as local bands and comedians. It took a gruelling 30 hours to travel back to Melbourne to deliver 21 exhausted and extremely grubby Scouts back to their parents. a t Hervey Bay, ‘Challenge It’ – a series of obstacle courses and games in the mud and ‘Love It’ – a day at Australia Zoo. Some of
An amazing camp, never to be forgotten. Kristen Versteege-Brown Scout Leader - 1st Diamond Creek Scouts
Support your local Community Paper! The Diamond Creek News needs new advertisers. Contact Oliver Thompson on 0423 531 370 for more info
Autumn 2013
Diamond Creek News
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DIAMOND CREEK FIRE BRIGADE Local Brigade tastes success at the 2013 CFA State Urban Championships Over the Labour Day long weekend, Diamond Creek Fire Brigade sent an eight-person squad to the CFA State Championships for urban fire brigades in Warrnambool. The three days of competition saw many events being contested, including two marching competitions and a host of events designed to challenge firefighters’ running and equipment-handling skills. Diamond Creek Fire Brigade was once a force to be reckoned with at these championships, however over the past ten years, the Brigade has not competed at this level. As such, 2013 was the first time the Brigade had competed at a State level for quite some time and virtually all those competing had not previously competed at this level. As such, many months of training were required not only to master the basic competition manoeuvres, but to refine them for State level competition. It was, therefore, with immense pride (and a certain amount of surprise!) that the Brigade
won the second of the two marching competitions, the coveted torchlight procession. This is the same style of marching/competition seen during the Diamond Creek Town Fair torchlight procession, but on a much larger scale. This year, 67 Brigades from all around the State competed. To win this event after many years away from competition – not to mention while competing against the best Brigades in the State - is an incredible feat and one which shows the hard work and dedication of this tight-knit team. Congratulations to Robert Foote (Commander), Ross Kummer, Fiona Macken, Howard Jeffrey-Wright, Kathleen McInerney, Peter Clarkson and Chris Droge. In addition to winning the torchlight competition, much success (and experience) was had in other events. The Brigade came 7th in their division of the Discipline marching competition (military-style marching), while runners competed successfully in the one-
man marshalling event (Neville Goddard, Chris Droge); the two-man marshalling event (Neville Goddard/Chris Droge and Robert Foote/Kathleen McInerney) and the four-man marshalling event (Neville Goddard/Chris Droge/Robert Foote/Kathleen McInerney). Marshalling events see competitors placing hydrants in the ground and coupling/uncoupling hoses in a specific order – all in the fastest time possible. The Brigade now has its sights set on some local up-coming torchlight competitions (Sunbury and Plenty) as well as the local marshalling competition (the Foothills competition) which runs throughout the winter months. The competition squad would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Adrian Hem and Anthony Rogers for the advice and guidance they provided during the past several months of training.
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
Marching Squad members from left; Kathleen McInerny Howard Jeffery-Wright, Chris Droge, Commander Rob Foote, Ross Kummer, Fiona Macken and Peter Clarkson
Running Team members from left; Rob Foote, Kathleen McInerny, Chris Droge and Neville Goddard
Rob Foote and Kathleen McInerny competing in the Two Man Marshall event
Chris Droge competing in the One Man Marshall event
Commander Rob Foote leads the Diamond Creek team on their way to victory in the 2013 CFA State Urban Torchlight Parade.
Neville Goddard, deep in thought as he prepares himself for the Hydrant Race.
All competing brigades are in readiness for the Opening Ceremony.
Autumn 2013
Diamond Creek News
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DIAMOND VALLEY COLLEGE It has been a very good start to the year at Diamond Valley College as we welcomed 145 Year 7 students and more than 30 other new students to the school. World Challenge 2012 In December 2012 a team of 5 students – Madison Brown, Matt Gilmartin, Mitchell Lockett, Ash Bown-Grice, Rebecca MacFarlane – along with teacher Zoe Slatter participated in the World Challenge in Thailand and Laos. This included a challenging 6 day trek from Chang Mai experiencing white water rafting, bamboo rafting, elephant riding and sleeping in hammock bashes. Then after n a 2 day slow boat trip to a small village near Luang Prabang (Laos), they began the project phase of the challenge. This involved interacting with the locals by helping build a water pipe line and the opportunity to teach the children English and play lots of games with them. After the completion of the project, the team spent time in Vientiane,
the capital city of Laos, before the long 9 hour flight back home to Melbourne . Australian Schools Space Design Competition National Finals. Over January, Daniel Elward and Josh Richardson travelled to the University of Queensland with their Science Teacher, David Carnie, to compete in the Australian Schools Space Design Competition National Finals. Daniel and Josh teamed up with three other secondary schools to form a company of twenty six students which competed against two other companies from other secondary schools from around Australia. Their task was to design a space station in orbit around the moon to fully support 5000 permanent residents and up to 600 non-permanent or transient residents. Each of the teams had to give a 20 minute presentation to the judging panel made up of professional Engineers from the local Brisbane area. It is to their immense credit that Daniel’s and Josh’s team provided the best presentation thus winning the competition. Congratulations to Daniel, Josh and David. Year 7 Start Up Program On Wednesday 30th January our Year 7 students began their year with the Start Up program where students participated in a
range of activities to help them to become familiar with the school and to get to know their new classmates and teachers. The Start Up program also focuses on goal setting, organization and team building which is helping our Year 7 students make a happy and confident transition to secondary school. Year 12 Study Conference Also on Wednesday 30th January, our Year 12 students commenced their year with a Conference Day held at NMIT’s Conference Centre in Preston. This excellent venue provided a great setting for a day in which students participated in workshops led by Hannah Macdougall, who is a paralympian, from the VCE Help organization. The focus on such matters as study skills, organization and time management as well as providing information about the mentoring program has provided an effective foundation from which students can commence this very important year. Swimming Carnival On Wednesday 27th February the annual College Swimming Carnival was held at the Doncaster Aquarena Aquatic and Leisure Centre. Fortunately, we were able to enjoy a fine and warm day with the rain holding off until just as the last students were boarding the bus to return to school. It was a most successful carnival continuing our tradition of high levels of participation whether it be in the swimming events, the diving competitions, novelty events, the water slide or the beach volleyball competition. With so many students dressing up in house colours and fancy dress, the competition for the best costume was hotly contested with our Year 12 students setting a particularly high standard. Green House eventually accumulated the most points to take out the Swimming Carnival Shield.
Greg Williams Principal
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
Diamond Valley Mitre 10 - Timberking 95 Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek, 3089
Phone - 9438 2077
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Diamond Creek News
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LACHLAN STEPHEN DEVLIN Small Acreage Services Qualified Landscaper ABN: 48 289 125 566
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Phone: Lachlan 0408 172 891 E-mail: lachlandevlin@hotmail.com Page 22
Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
DIAMOND CREEK FOOTBALL CLUB Celebrating 125 years - 1888 - 2013 Players and coaches come and go but one football icon has remained the same.This year the Diamond Creek Football Club will celebrate its 125th year. In order to commemorate the occasion former committee members, coaches, players and supporters will be invited to join in the celebration at a gala event which is not to be missed on Friday, April 26th. 2013 at Ivanhoe Town Hall.
History Diamond Creek can boast a long, illustrious history which has seen us enjoy premiership success, in four distinct eras, in several different competitions. Formed in 1888 the club competed in the Whittlesea
District Football Association without winning any premierships. In 1906 the club was a founding member of the Bourke Evelyn Football League. The change of stamping ground obviously did the side good as it promptly claimed the inaugural BEFL flag followed by a second place finish in 1907 and another premiership in 1908. This was effectively the first of Diamond Creek's four eras of success. The second such era occurred during the 1920s. In 1922 Diamond Creek was one of seven foundation members of the Diamond Valley Football League. The club was a force in this new league from the outset, and went to take out the premierships in both 1924 and 1926. There then followed more than
half a century of predominantly mediocre showings which were finally brought to an end by the club's first, and to date only, back to back premiership triumphs in 1981 and 1982. The 1981 season had seen the DVFL split into two divisions, with both of the Demons' successes coming in the top flight. However, the last of the club's four eras of success involved a trio of second division flags, in 1992, 1998 and 2005.
Premierships Bourke Evelyn Football League 1906, 1908 Diamond Valley Football League 1924,1926,1981,1982,1992,1998,2005
If you have any information, photos or memorabilia that you would be willing to share or for any further information on the event please contact either, Glenn 'Mushy" Walle: 0438 024361, Caliem O'Connor: 0408 090 378 Brian Harvey: 0414 235 302 or Club Historian -Gary "Tarax" Marchant: 0413 458 516
Be a part of history in 2013 and help celebrate 125 years of the Diamond Creek Football Club
Autumn 2013
Diamond Creek News
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UNITING CHURCH IN DIAMOND CREEK AND HURSTBRIDGE EASTER AND FESTIVAL OF ARTS Saturday and Sunday 23/24 March is the time to enjoy another Festival of Arts at the Uniting Church in Diamond Creek. This year our theme is “Memories”. We are incorporating memorial celebrations, including the 50th anniversary of the Church Hall and displays of notable community events remembered from the past. Our members will display their handicrafts: quilts, ceramics, paintings, woodwork, photographs and memorabilia, with many a shared story. Refreshments, music and a friendly
atmosphere will welcome visitors. On Sunday afternoon at 2.30 pm, the Church Choir and Diamond Valley Singers will present the oratorio “The Crucifixion” by John Stainer. We invite you all to share this community event with us. EASTER SERVICES Palm Sunday 24 March 9.00am Hurstbridge 10.30am Diamond Creek
9.00am Hurstbridge 11.00am Marngrook Oval Diamond Creek (ecumenical service) Easter Day 31 March 9.00am Hurstbridge 10.30am Diamond Creek For further information about the Uniting Church in Diamond Creek and Hurstbridge, please contact Rev Loni Vaitohi on 9438 1107, or see our informative website www.diamondvalley.unitingchurch.org.au
Maundy Thursday 28 March 7.30pm Diamond Creek Good Friday 29 March
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
Welcome Firstly, welcome back to everyone. I hope you had a safe and restful holiday season! A special welcome to our new Prep friends, and to Lily, Plum, Austin and Yumi in the older classes. We also welcome new staff, Mr. Paul Grech (Year 4/5/6) and Mr. Tristan Pierce (Library). Our 11 new Preps have also made a very settled start to the year! We Grow Art Our fabulous ‘We grow Art’ mural is on display in the corridor. The painted disks were created by students and their families at last years Arts night so please come and have a look! Eliza Venosta
School Captains 2013 Congratulations to our School Captains of 2013 - Lily, Daniel, James and Oliver Upcoming Events Year 5/6 Leadership Day on March 20 at Panton Hill Celebrating Harmony Day on March 21, WGPS will hold a Big Breakfast morning with bacon, eggs, cereal and fruit, beginning at 8.15am. Funds raised go towards the Cancer Council
2013 Whole School Play Plans are underway for the whole school play. Work behind the scenes has already begun! Look out for more information to follow shortly! Follow us on Twitter @WATTLEGPS And/or visit our new website at www.wattlegps.vic.edu.au/
Wattle Glen Family Fun Day 2013 Sunday March 24, between 9.30am and 2.30pm at Wattle Glen PS, Sunnyside Crescent Wattle Glen. Rides, Car Boot Sale, second hand books and clothes stall, food court, raffles, animal farm and more! Contact the school if you would like to secure a car boot sale site! A little bit of Spain Comes to sunny Wattle Glen maria Pena will introduce Spanish to the curriculum program at WGPS from March 2013. The weekly sessions will allow students to learn about another culture. Each term will end with a Spanish themed day, including Carnivale. We look forward to this fantastic program!
If you would like a personalised tour of the school, please contact Gerard on 9438 1259. For more information, please visit us at - http://www.wattlegps.vic.edu.au/
SMALL SCHOOL ………. BIG OPPORTUNITIES!!
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
2013 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Congratulations to Nillumbik’s 2013 Australia Day Award winners. Nillumbik Citizens of the Year:: Laurence and Jean McQuade Throughout the month of March, activities and events will be held in Nillumbik to celebrate the summer harvest, including the Home Harvest Feast on 17 March 2013.
Nillumbik Young Citizen of the Year: Brett Davies
Find out more about Harvest Month onth at www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Nillumbik Senior Citizen of the Year: Mrs Noel Williams
The Home Harvest Feast is sponsored d by Real Food Catering and Village Food Connections and is supported by Nillumbik Shire Council, Banyule City Council, Local Food Connect, Bulleen Art and Garden, Nillumbik Community Health alth Service and Sustainable Gardening Australia. ustralia.
Nillumbik Community Group of the Year: Nillumbik U3A (University of the Third Age) Nillumbik Volunteer of the Year: Pam Lawson
CAN YOU HELP LOCAL PARENTS? We are seeking volunteers to mentor local parents of small children and babies who might be temporarily struggling with the adjustment to parenting.
INTERESTED IN JOINING COUNCIL’S GRANT ASSESSMENT PANEL? We are looking for six people to join Council’s grant assessment panel. The panel will provide objective and independent recommendations to Council about grant applications in the following areas:
For an expression of interest form, terms of reference and more information visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/communitygrants. Expressions of interest close Monday 4 March 2013. grants@nillumbik.vic.gov.au.
MEDICAL COMPANION TRANSPORT PILOT PROGRAM – MARCH TO MAY 2013
We are looking for volunteers who are open-minded, compassionate, have experience parenting children and have a good listening ear! We will provide training and community role. If you are interested please contact Pia Cerveri, Family and Children’s Services, on Pia.Cerveri@ nillumbik.vic.gov.au or 9433 3165,Mondays and Wednesdays.
E-WASTE Nillumbik residents are now able to bring their unwanted televisions and e-waste items to the Recycling and Recovery Centre. Some items such as televisions, printers, computer monitors and accessories are accepted free of charge. Other e-waste items are accepted for a fee; these include CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions that have been removed equipment, computer game consoles and accessories.
Need a travel companion for medical or healthcare appointments? Nillumbik Shire Council is running a Medical Companion Pilot Program.
Recycling and Recovery Centre
If you or someone you know doesn’t drive and needs to get to a healthcare appointment or health-related activity, phone Anna Maio on 9433 3371 or email Anna.Maio@nillumbik.vic.gov.au for further information.
For more information call 9433 3555 or visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au .
www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au Autumn 2013
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Does anyone care about the safety on the roads in my area? Yes they do! RoadSafe Metropolitan North Eastern Inc (or RoadSafe MNE) is a volunteer group that meets monthly to discuss local RoadSafe issues and implement potential solutions. Have you seen messages such as “Turn this (mobile phone) off....before you turn this (car) on� displayed on a banner trailer at the entrance to the Ring Road? Do you have a footy fixture which has a motorcycle safety awareness message on it?
of which several local roads were reviewed? Have your received information on how to stay safe as a pedestrian? These are all programs run by RoadSafe MNE in conjunction with other partners. RoadSafe MNE covers the Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Banyule municipalities and is a community road safety council. The group and its programs are funded through VicRoads after determining which areas/groups to focus on.
Have you had your child car seat checked for correct fitting at a local event?
RoadSafe MNE prides itself on the programs it has developed to assist in reducing serious injuries and fatalities on local roads; with a strong focus on the community the group encourage issues to be raised which are then addressed.
Did you fill in a motorcycle survey, as a result
If you are interested in road safety and would
Has your son or daughter attended a Fit2Drive session at school?
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Diamond Creek News
like to become a member or the group, or if you have feedback on a road safety concern in your area, please contact our group. RoadSafeMNE@gmail.com.au RoadSafe Metropolitan North Eastern PO Box 414, Diamond Creek, VIC 3089
Autumn 2013
Jets Gymnastics Diamond Creek has had a fabulous start to 2013 with enrolment numbers at an all time high and a real buzz around the club. In January the club was awarded the 2012 WAG Club of the Year, this is a wonderful achievement by the club and acknowledgement of the outstanding contribution the club has made in the gymnastics community over more than 21 years. Ross Bouskill Director of Jets Gymnastics said "We are all very proud of this achievement and it is wonderful recognition of the programs and people that make Jets one of the best gymnastics centres in Australia" The club is also very excited to welcome Liz Gardner to the role of Centre Manager at Jets Diamond Creek. Liz is a Dual Winter Olympian, ex champion gymnast at Jets, qualified school teacher and has resided in the area for most of her life. Liz brings a wealth of experience to the role of Centre
Autumn 2013
Manager and will no doubt be a wonderful role model for all the students and staff at the centre. Jets Diamond Creek is planning to commence a Cheerleading program for girls in the near future. Cheerleading is a wonderful sport combining dance, acrobatics and tumbling and is also a wonderful team building sport. Jets has also recently commenced tumbling classes for dance & calisthenics girls wishing to improve their acrobatic ability, or for those who just wish to learn basic tumbling. The Diamond Creek Centre is the ideal environment to learn these tumbling skills as it has 4 large trampolines, 1 x 14m long tumbling trampoline, 3 air floors, a huge olympic sized sprung floor, foam pits and loads of ancillary equipment. This makes skill learning safe and progressive. If you are interested in either the Cheerleading or Tumbling program contact the centre on 9438 8940.
Diamond Creek News
The centre recently conducted its first ever "Open Day" with 75 children of all ages experiencing gymnastics for the first time. All the participants had a chance to try all sorts of activities on Bars, Beam, Trampoline, Vault, Rings & Floor and all left with a huge smile and a Jets show bag. Gymnastics is just the most wonderful sport for children to be involved in developing great strength, flexibility and coordination which in turn leads to greater self confidence and this transfers to all sorts of sports. Vacancies still exist in many classes and Free Try outs are a great way to see if your child can benefit from gymnastics. Ross Bouskill | Director Community Bank Stadium, Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek Phone: 03 9438 8940 Email: diamondcreek@jetsgym.com.au
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SAVE THE CHILDREN DIAMOND CREEK BRANCH Hello to all our readers for the first time in 2013, trust that the start of the year has been good to you and will continue to be kind to you all. This is a very special year for us, 50th Anniversary celebrations coming up fast. APRIL is the month 18th is the DAY. TIME: 1.30p.m. PLACE: Diamond Creek Uniting Church Hall, Corner of Wensley Street and Main Road, Diamond Creek. Yes good friends, after attempting to celebrate one year too early we have learnt to count at last and 2013 is the year. An Anniversary Celebration Cake has been ordered for our Afternoon Tea Party, with our committee providing other delicious treats to make this an afternoon to remember and enjoy. The main ingredient is YOU and we need you to come and help us to celebrate in
true Diamond Creek style. Get those pens out and mark it on the calendar in RED. April will be a celebration month for our Branch, we were overwhelmed to discover that on Tuesday 23rd April, Save the Children Victorian Branches are being invited to Government House for morning tea in celebration of Volunteers Day. Our Diamond Creek Branch will be a focal point because we are celebrating our 50th Anniversary. Now for the business end of this article in early April we intend to be present at Warringal Shopping Centre, Heidelberg, for a week long stall as yet we have not received notification of the exact date. Keep looking for us down at Warringal which has been a great location for us in past years. We have a good stock of baby jackets and wool rugs and warm woolly hats just the thing for colder months coming up. A one day stall was held outside Coles, Diamond Creek store on January 25 and $600 was raised.
about Pam in our bi-monthly newsletter: ‘Pam has been a loyal supporter of Save the Children for over 40 years. The Diamond Creek Branch started 50 years ago around a kitchen table of Stella Graham a local Uniting Church member. Today Pam and committee run stalls at shopping centres and community events selling craft, home-made jams and knitted garments. Pam’s networking over the years has paid off as bags and boxes of the above donations are dropped off at her front door. We would like to thank Pam and the whole branch so much for half a century of hard work and dedication to the well-being of children all around the world.’ Goodbye for now and we will see you in person we hope on THURSDAY, APRIL 18th, at our celebratory afternoon tea for those 50 years of hard work and lots of fun and laughs as well. Jill Pittle
Save the Children Australia awarded our President Pam Markus ‘Member of the Month’ for February. Following is a précis written
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Diamond Creek News
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Shelter Box The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek is passionate about Shelter Box. So, what is a Shelter Box? It is a Project Partner of Rotary International and provides emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to families who have lost everything to disasters,
both natural and manmade. The cornerstone of their aid package is their disaster relief tent, large enough to accommodate en extended family and tough enough to withstand the harshest of conditions. Also contained in the box is, water purification and cooking equipment; a stove; blankets and groundsheets; a tool kit; solar light and children’s activity pack. Mosquito nets and fleece hat/scarf/glove sets are sent as required. Since its’ formation in 2000, Shelter Box has responded to over 200 disasters in 90+ countries, helping well over one million people. The majority of Shelter Boxes have been sent to overseas countries after a disaster and until this year, only once used in Australia which was after the Black Saturday fires in 2009. However, now in 2013, Shelter Boxes have been deployed to both Tasmania and Queensland. Shelter Box recently helped families who
had lost their homes in the bush fires that swept through SE Tasmania. Shelter Box Response Team members are on the ground in Bundaberg following the recent devastating floods that have caused millions of dollars worth of damage and left at least 7,000 people displaced. A Shelter Box costs just $1000 and has sufficient equipment to last a family of ten people for six months. The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek raises money for the purchases of boxes by promoting it to groups within the community and the Rotary district. If you would like to know more about Shelter Box, please contact Alan on 0414 861 558.
DIAMOND CREEK OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC 27 BLACKGULLY ROAD, DIAMOND CREEK
SPORTS INJURIES, MUSCULAR, SKELETAL PROBLEMS, NECK & SHOULDER, STRESS AND HEADACHE ETC. TAC & WORKCOVER For Appointment Phone 9438 1404 or 0412 403 293 Autumn 2013
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Ness Reserve Preschool Ness Reserve Preschool has had a wonderful start to the year. It’s always an exciting time, full of emotion for both children and parents! Our staggered starts have been valuable for the children as they become familiar with the kinder in smaller groups, and for the teachers who have been able to spend time getting to know each child. The children have already had many opportunities to explore the different inside and outside play and learning spaces, and have been introduced to the routines of a day
at kinder. The transition has been very smooth and all teachers have spoken of the lovely start they have had with their groups. The beautiful weather has allowed us to spend lots of time outside, exploring and playing. Many a delicious cake has been made in the sandpit, along side some serious digging and excavating. The trampoline has been set up for children to bounce and balance as they move their bodies. The water tubs have been full of little hands helping the animals swim, dive and splash, and the nature table has a collection of shells and rocks for the children to examine. Paint has been popular with many artworks already sent home to be proudly displayed on the fridge. Children have been creating with paint using brushes, their hands and even with golf balls! One of the three year old groups has even
created a roller painting of an ocean scene as the start of their investigation into sea creatures. Currently plans for our Easter Family Night are under way and the kinder is looking forward to being part of the councils kinder open day again on Saturday 25th May. Please feel free to come and visit us on this day between 10am-1pm or call to make another time. Our teachers are always happy to answer any questions and show you around our lovely kinder.
Hall’s Funeral Services 15 Station Street, Diamond Creek. An Australian owned and operated family Funeral business for three generations that understands the needs of people at a time of grief.
Pre-arranged and Prepaid Funerals
Telephone: 9438 5416 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week now online www.diamondcreeknews.com Page 32
Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
What’s Happening at the… Diamond Creek Bowling Club CLUB CHAMPIONS Some of our inter-club games are still being played, but our Ladies and Men’s Club Champion’s games were finalised before Christmas. Congratulations to the 1912 Club Champions Jean Robinson and Rick Beran. Both games were close and all who came to watch enjoyed every moment.
BOWLING UNDER LIGHTS On the 23rd March, we are holding our popular Chicken and Champaign Twilight Competition. This night gives the bowlers a great meal, glass of Champaign and the chance to bowl under lights. Nothing is nicer on a warm summer night to bowl under lights and if the weather is a bit cooler, we just rug
PENNANT The Pennant Season is drawing to a close and with only a few games to play; it looks as if we will have four Teams in Finals, two Saturday teams and two Tuesday. We wish these teams all the very best and many of our members will be there cheering them on. The weather has been kind to bowlers this year with most games able to be played, the rain has held off and the sun not too hot.
BARE FOOT BOWLS After a short break over Christmas, the competition is on again. So keen are our barefoot bowlers, some of them were at the club practising during the break. There is a lot of laughter coming from the green on Friday nights. A special thanks to Graham Guy for organising this event.
up a bit… still an enjoyable way to bowl. SPECIAL LUNCHEON Our Social Committee has organised a Sunday Lunch on the 17th February. Members and their friends will enjoy a two course meal, including pre-lunch Canapés and a drink voucher. No bowling, just eating… what a way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
FESTIVAL OF ARTS
We have been pleased to have welcomed some new bowlers to our club during the past year. It is great to watch them enjoying their bowling and making new friends. If you would like to bowl, our just visit our Club, you would be made most welcome. For any Information… please phone the club on 9438 1717. Our Clubrooms are at Recreation Reserve, Diamond Creek. Sandra Darling - Media.
MEMORABILIA, PAINTINGS, HANDCRAFTS, STORIES, PHOTOGRAPHY, DECORATIVE ARTS AND HARVEST PRODUCE Diamond Valley Singers presentation of The Crucifixion at 2.30 pm
Diamond Creek Uniting Church Corner Wensley Street and Main Road Diamond Creek
March 23 10am to 4pm March 24 Noon to 4pm rd
th
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RoadSafe
Metropolitan North Eastern Metropolitan North Eastern Community Road Safety Council conducted a child seat restraint checking on Friday 8 March, at the Eltham Library. It was a very successful day, with many mums, some dads and grandparents visiting the Library for their children’s immunisation, while some went to story
time and on the way out took advantage of our service. Our two restraint checkers worked hard all morning, with the following results: 31 cars checked
There were 4 international harnesses presented for checking, this is unusually high Majority had the shoulder straps too low About 80% had twists in the straps
Unlike many of the groups they deal with they noticed this group appeared to be better educated about the safety around the seats and instead of being there to just get their seats checked
their questions were very much focussed on the next stage, what will I do next or when this happens etc. so it showed a good thought process around the safety of travelling with children and the fact that they would be much more likely to apply the knowledge they had gained as opposed to just being able to
get a free seat check. Information around the law and our footy fixtures were also given out.
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Diamond Creek News
Autumn 2013
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MYPHOTO | MYCARD Personalising your Bendigo Bank Credit, Debit or EasyMoney card is simple.
The Personalise My Card service allows you to create your own personalised design for your current Bendigo Bank debit, credit or EasyMoney card. You can choose to upload your favourite photo or image, or choose an image from our online gallery that best suits your personality*. At only $10.00 per card, you can choose to personalise one or all of your Bendigo Bank cards. It’s fun. It’s easy. And it takes just minutes. You can then show your new-look card whenever and wherever you shop. Just visit www.bendigobank.com.au/myphotomycard
basicblack easymoney readyred bendigoblue justbusiness businessblue solidgold
* All images are subject to the Image Guidelines that can be found on the website. Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited. ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879. 41448-11 (177821_v1) (4/02/2013)
www.bendigobank.com.au/ myphotomycard
Hurstbridge, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Doreen & Mernda Community Bank® branches and Kinglake branch