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1ST DIAMOND CREEK SCOUT TROOP STRADBROKE CUP Easter 2012 Bay Park - Mt Martha
THE ELTHAM/HURSTBRIDGE RAILWAY Part 2: Steam Days 1912 – 1925
We achieved 1 High Silver Award and 1 Bronze Award.
By 1913 Melbourne busy suburban rail network had reached 150 miles of steam powered track. The city was now subject to increasing air pollution from the fleet of urban locos arriving and departing Flinders Street station. Their clouds of acidic coal smoke were also causing damage to the Sydney sandstone of St Paul's Cathedral.
100 Years of Service
Melbourne lift the train back on the tracks.
During its 100 years of operation which had started with steam trains the line has seen many operational changes. Prior to 1901 coaches connected with trains at the Heidelberg station terminus to take passengers into the wilds of Nillumbik as far as St Andrews.
In 1946 the brakes on a loaded timber jinker failed at the Diamond Creek level crossing and collided with the train killing the truck driver. Logs ripped open the side of one of the carriages. The crew and the only passenger escaped injury.
The authorities decided it was time for the new technology of the day, electric traction, to clean city air and upgrade the suburban rail network to cope with increasing passengers.
As the line expanded and terminated in sections the coach services followed until 1912 when the last link was completed. The
Another fatal truck accident occurred in Grimshaw Street, Greensborough, at the Para
Studies were made revealing a massive infrastructure was required before the first electric train could leave Flinders Street station. Planners and engineers rolled up their sleeves and started work.
240 Scouts from different regions competed for points on all aspects of scouting. Gale force storms flattened the campsite on the Friday night but scouts and leaders worked together to re-build the camp and continue the 5 day competition.
MASTERCHEF CAMP
An electrical workshop was set up at Jolimont rail yards where existing steam age swing door carriages were fitted with electric motors. Construction also commenced of the Tait carriages, specifically designed units for electric traction with safer sliding doors. The Taits would run for 70 years.
In May we held a Masterchef Camp. Scouts had to prepare a 2-3 course menu in which they had 3 hours to cook and serve their meal to a panel of judges. Meals included campfire stews, Mexican burritos, chicken
and sweet corn soup. The judges were impressed with the quality of the meals. An indulgent pancake cook-off was a highlight of the weekend.
TROOP COUNCIL Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders meet monthly to discuss various matters within the scout troop. In May they met at the Kangaroo Ground Observatory to discuss coming events, term plans and other areas of business. The dress code for this meeting was PJ’s and sleeping bags.
The Newport Power Station, the biggest in Australia at the time, was built to power the rail system with the first current coming on line in June 1918 to test the system and train crews. In May 1919 rail services started on the Essendon-Sandringham line. Electrification reached Eltham station in 1924 and the platform displayed a sign “Eltham – change here for Hurstbridge”. Passengers to the Hurstbridge section changed to a steam train which ran to the Hurstbridge terminus until 1926 when the link to Hurstbridge was electrified and locally celebrated with the issue of a commemorative badge.
Weekes family which had provided the coach services were out of business. As well as passenger trains, goods trains used the Hurstbridge line bringing the various supplies required in a rural area to be stored in station goods sheds for clients to collect. A goods shed still survives at Heidelberg station. Livestock trains also ran to stockyards at the Hurstbridge goods siding in the 1930's. Firewood was cut and loaded at Hurstbridge and trucked down the line to supply Melbourne's many wood yards.
Road intersection. The truck from Grimshaw Street over ran Para Road and crashed over the cutting onto the railway line.
Single Track Running For 100 years the Hurstbridge line has been using the staff system for single track operation and is now the only suburban line where it lingers on between Greensborough and Hurstbridge. It has been reported that the staff and its station infrastructure will soon be a major exhibit in the proposed rail museum on Eltham station.
Our line ran right down to Railway Pier, Port Melbourne carrying export orchard produce that was packed in the Diamond Creek Cool store and was loaded directly into ships cool rooms. Bagged bare root trees from the Alwood Nursery at Hurstbridge were also shipped to Railway Pier bound for New Zealand. Until guards were phased out, the daily newspapers were carried with the guard to Diamond Creek and Hurstbridge and left on the platform for the newsagent to collect.
Incidents on the Line
Commemorative badge for electrification of line to Hurstbridge
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During Easter 1934 a city bound train hit a local car at Wattle Glen level crossing without a fatality but the two carriage swing door train was derailed. The accident attracted a large crowd of Easter motorists (pictured) who watched the steam powered crane from
Diamond Creek News
The Diamond Creek staff
by KEVIN PATTERSON Nillumbik Historical Society
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The Diamond Creek News P.O. Box 38 Diamond Creek Phone: 0419 337 933 Email: peter@devilpress.com
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 Accounts Peter Clarkson Distribution Belinda Clarkson
Distribution: 3500+ 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 28/06/2012 Deadline for next Edition 1st August 2012
Ph: 0419 337 933
Email: peter@devilpress.com
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Advertising Rates for Diamond Creek News Advertising Rates ¼ page B/W $75 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $120 Full page B/W $230 Colour Full page $460 Artwork for Adverts ¼ page B/W $15 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $20 Full page B/W $30 Colour Full page P.O.A Alterations for Adverts ¼ page B/W $10 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $15 Full page B/W $20 Colour Full page P.O.A Colour Full page adverts are only available if room permits in that edition.
Diamond Creek Traders and Community Support Cancer Research During May a number of Diamond Creek traders participated in the Cancer Council’s annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Platters Café and Restaurant, AD Ryans, Ferguson Plarre and Piccolo Meccanico hosted a Biggest Morning Tea and nearly $3,000 was raised. The contributions were varied with some businesses donating all of their profits and others a percentage, and some also went to the effort of seeking donations from other Diamond Creek businesses to raffle and raise extra funds. In particular, AD Ryans would like to thank their staff for volunteering their time to participate, Breadwise for their scones and bread and AD Ryan’s coffee bean
supplier for their generous donations, which sales of these products on the day was 100% profit – and in return more funds for the Cancer Council. A percentage of the sales from Sandra Davies who organizes the Diamond Creek Indoor Market and massages from local Kate also contributed to the funds that they raised. Ferguson Plarre also went the extra mile and called for gifts and donations from local traders, so again 100% profits could go back to this wonderful cause. Thank you to the Diamond Creek community for coming along and supporting this event.
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.
Hall’s Funeral Services
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.
15 Station Street, Diamond Creek.
Membership enquiries are welcome. Please contact the Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933, or write to PO Box 38 DIAMOND CREEK VIC 3089.
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
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BLUE LAKE WARD REPORT Roadside Management Plan Nillumbik’s Roadside Management Plan will be voted on at the 26 June 2012 Council Meeting. The above photo, is one example of our roadsides. Roadsides are treated as habitat links for bird and animals and for years the long grass, weeds and shrubs create problems for driver visibility and pedestrian safety with some roadsides now so narrow it is difficult to pass another car. I find many roadsides are not possible to walk along and pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. I believe the draft Policy does not adequately address the bushfire threat to our shire. David Packham, Bushfire expert told the Royal Commission the roadsides became fire wicks on Black Saturday. Extracts from Nillumbik Ratepayers Association’s submission to Council (19 April 2012): “A Council that willingly accepts a 20% plus loss of habitat/biodiversity, and 41 human lives in just a few hours and does not change Council Policy can hardly be called a responsible Council” (Brian Murray). “In short what, was of concern for this enquiry was not hindsight: it was a lack of foresight based on a long history of firestorms in Australia, dating back to at least 1851.” (Maria Doogan, Coroner, “The Canberra
sell public land is a short term solution to a bigger problem. Is this shire financially sustainable? Our rates are already the highest in the State. Many residents complain to me that the Council focus is the environment. Council spend one million pa on Nillumbik’s green wedge. The many expensive studies and Plans, like the Biodiversity Plan and Green Wedge Management Plan, are expensive to prepare and support this claim. I agree with the former, twice Mayor of Banyule, where he states in a media article last month “…councillors must show leadership and restraint during tough financial times”. One can only applaud his leadership on this issue. I also note he states “Melbourne City Council has led the way by announcing no rate increase this year”. I endorse both of these actions and I believe this Council has to confine its expenditure, and must live within its means. I believe Nillumbik should be following Melbourne City Council’s lead.
Sale of Civic Drive land Public consultation a sham. •
Firestorm”, Volume 1).
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Ironbark Road vegetation hiding an 80 km zone sign. “Roadside firebreaks are an integral part of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan and any limitation of effective clearance needs to be carefully validated against the objectives set for community protection under this plan.” (“Bushfire Planning Issues in the Shire of Nillumbik” by Rod Incoll 2003).
I do not support the plan.
Nillumbik Shire Council Budget 2012/13 The proposed rate increase is 5.9%. Our debt is around $19 Million. The council proposal to
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Nillumbik Council received a petition, with 1014 signatures, objecting to any sale or development of the Council Civic Drive site. Nillumbik Council also received 119 submissions, with only 1 submission supporting Council’s proposal to sell the land. The majority of members of Council’s Civic Centre Reference Group, did not support Council’s proposal and did not support the sale of the land. The Friends of Apollo Parkways, the Nillumbik Ratepayers Association and the Apollo Parkways Primary School all rejected the Council’s plan to sell any part of the Civic Centre site. The Civic Drive site is not in a Major Activity Centre and most Councillors would not support a proposal like this, in Eltham or Diamond Creek Major Activity Centres. I understand, some people have been led to believe Council will spend money from the sale of this land, and invest back into the site. I have been informed in writing “There is no specific budget allocation for works at the Civic Drive site in the draft 2012/13 budget”. If it is not in this
Diamond Creek News
budget, it’s not going to happen in the near future. Put simply, this is just a land grab designed to maximise profits for council, to spend elsewhere in the Shire, or to reduce debt. In relation to the Council Plan the report stated “..strategies that are relevant to this report are…Strategy 4.1.12 Consult with our community to help us be informed and make better decisions”. Council has received an overwhelming rejection to this proposal once again, by the community of Nillumbik. The right decision would have been that Council not proceed, but instead 6 Councillors voted for the sale. This site is a much loved and used, community asset. I voted no to the sale of this land.
Have your say on the Draft Yarrambat Park Masterplan Council is seeking community comment on the Draft Yarrambat Park Masterplan, which will guide the future development of the Yarrambat Park Golf Course and parkland. Yarrambat Park incorporates an 18-hole golf course, driving range and a number of clubs including archery, fly fishing, model aircraft and a horse and pony club. The key development opportunities identified in the Draft Masterplan include the redeveloping the golf clubhouse, upgrading the golf course and coaching facilities, and potentially developing a small to medium scale conference, accommodation and hospitality facility. View the Draft Masterplan online at www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/yarrambatpark or in hardcopy at Yarrambat Park Golf Course. Submissions must be received in writing by 5pm, Friday 13 July 2012 and can be made via Council’s website, by email to yarrambat.park@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or by post to Darren Bennett, Manager Community and Leisure Facilities, Nillumbik Shire Council, PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088.
Cr. Belinda Clarkson
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NILLUMBIK UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE U3A NILLUMBIK IS EXPANDING! A new campus will open in Eltham. This will complement the existing and much-loved original campus in Hurstbridge. The new campus will be launched on Thursday 5th July, in time to begin classes on Monday 16th July.
Vanillaz Hair Studio
U3A stands for University of the Third Age and offers people from all walks of life an opportunity to continue learning and sharing knowledge and skills. The benefits of keeping the mind stimulated and active as we grow older is well known. In joining others with similar interests new friendships are possible. U3A welcomes members who have reached 55 years of age and are no longer working full time. All tutors and committee members are volunteers and the courses offered rely on the willingness of members to share their skills and knowledge. Membership is a very reasonable $40 per year and any courses can be chosen across the two campuses. There will be an information booth at the Eltham Village Shops on 28th, 29th and 30th June.
DISCO DATES FOR 2012 10th August 9th November
DIAMOND CREEK BRANCH Greetings to all, hopefully, as you are reading this report you are warm and cosy. Winter certainly arrived before its due date, therefore stalls outside did not happen. Not to be deterred we had a week April 30May 4 at Warringal Shopping Centre a raised a grand total $2,160. Our next date ‘undercover’ is June 25-29 at the Greensborough Shopping Centre. This could be called ‘A Winter Woolathon’ our tables will be well stocked with lovely knitted jackets for babies, bright colourful jumpers for toddlers, warm wooly hats and scarves suitable for 2 year olds to 70+. Must not forget to mention those cosy knitted or crocheted rugs, that are so handy from the lounge room to the footy ground. Famine in West Africa is of ongoing concern and our branch sent $7,500 to be directed to this emergency. In a region spanning 4,000kms and nine countries
from West to Central Africa more than 18 million people are at risk of severe acute malnutrition and some children are already dying. We also sent $5,500 to be directed to a new Mobile play bus which is now operating in and around the inner Melbourne suburbs. Save the Children now have 8 of these very popular Play Bus Schemes operating in Victoria. Born to Knit Campaign is Back…June 1September 20 2012. Supporters are asked to knit woolen blankets or squares. Through our programs in Australia and in countries like Laos and Cambodia, all knitted blankets will make their way into the arms of caring mothers. Before we sign off a reminder to mark the calendar MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2012 for our 50th Birthday Luncheon celebration at the Uniting Church Hall, Wensley Street Diamond Creek at 12.30p.m. Till then Take Care and Keep Warm. Jill Pittle
RACV/LEADER REDSPOT SURVEY We receive many complaints about Yan Yean Road, from Arthurs Creek Road to Diamond Creek Road, about the road surface, recent accidents, and congestion. Instead of conducting our own survey on Yan Yean Road, and doubling up, Metropolitan North Eastern Road Safe Council strongly encourages you to nominate the sections of Yan Yean Road that concern you, in the RACV REDSPOT
Survey. The survey forms can be found in the Leader newspapers, until 6 July 2012. Metropolitan North Eastern RoadSafe Council.
14th September 7th December Shop 1 18 Chute Street, Diamond Creek
7pm - 10pm
$6 admission
9438 2244
NO PASSOUTS
We don’t just dance!
“At Vanillaz we love helping you look and feel your best!”
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Danielle Green MP - State Member for Yan Yean
DIAMOND CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL HISTORY RECORDING
Horror State Budget For Diamond Valley Families The State Budget was bad new for local families, with a number of cuts that will directly affect household budgets. The School Start Bonus was abolished and the Education Maintenance Allowance halved. On top of that are swingeing cuts to TAFE and the school support program, which offers psychology, speech therapy and other support to children in our schools. Indeed the cuts to TAFE are likely to see regional TAFE campuses closed down, with some courses having their funding cut by up to 80%. This will be disastrous for vocational training and comes on top of the cuts to VCAL co-ordination last year.
The Diamond Creek community is set to pave our way in to the future. Diamond Creek Primary School is about to embark on recording some of the pupils and staff names in pavers that will lead from the front gate out to other buildings.
For the second budget in row there was exactly nothing for roads and public transport for the Yan Yean electorate. This a disgraceful as Yan Yean is the most populated and fastest growing electorate in the State.
Pavers can be stamped with family names, children’s names and even the dates you attended. There is a limit of 34 characters including spaces. The cost per paver is $50. We are opening this opportunity up to the community and extending the closing time until June the 29th. As we are hoping to have the project completed early next term the time line has been extended until this time so that community members wishing to get involved are aware of what is happening. Take advantage of this limited offer. Contact the school on 9438 1108.
Peace of mind A clean, safe and loving environment for your child A Personalised, Clean Centre Highly Qualified Staff Committed to the Care and Development of Children. Open from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm (Monday to Friday) Long Day Care – 6 weeks – 5 Years Kindergarten program provided by a qualified Kindergarten Teacher promoting a wonderful literacy and numeracy program Nutricious Meals, Cooked on the Premises
There is still no news of when Kangaroo Ground Primary School, Greensborough College and Montmorency Secondary College are due to get their much need upgrades. Luckily the Government has heeded the dire warnings about a pending primary school overcrowding crisis in Doreen, with funding for a new Primary School. However this does not address the urgent need for a High School. It is absolutely vital that the Government commits to funding this school, as it is unfair on surrounding communities to have to bear the brunt of this growth, given many of the surrounding schools are reaching capacity and the roads are becoming ever more congested. Please contact me for more information about any of these issues, including how you can fight these cuts.
Buses Slashed & a Go Slow on More Services & Stabling on Hurstbridge Line The government has ripped 561 bus services per week out of the Diamond Valley, with the cancellation of the 563 bus route and the re-routing of the 562 bus. Despite the popularity of many of these routes, the Liberal State Government has decided to rob Peter to pay Paul, since the opening of the Labor funded South Morang station. This will impact most heavily on commuters making onward journeys from Greensborough to Northland and Mill Park. On top of this, residents in bushfire affected communities such as Kinglake and Whittlesea can no longer make direct journey’s to Greensborough. We need improved services in our area, especially to Diamond Creek, not cuts. Disappointingly, work on new stabling for the Hurstbridge Line has only just begun. This $50 million project was funded by the previous Labor Government in 2010, but the Baillieu Government has dithered over its construction. Once it is completed it should increase reliability on the Hurstbridge Line, and allow extra train services. The Baillieu Government needs to get on with the job and build it! To obtain a petition regarding the cuts to bus services, please contact me.
Keen Readers Undertaking Premiers’ Reading Challenge Now in its 8th year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge is going from strength to strength, with lots of keen readers in our local schools! The Challenge was begun by former Premier Steve Bracks, who wanted to promote the importance and the joy of reading in our school kids. I have been to almost all schools in the Diamond Valley
In a highly worrying development, Liberal Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, has signalled that he is introducing new planning laws that will shut out the community from planning decisions, with a ‘Code Assess’ scheme. Under these laws you won’t be notified about development plans in your local area. There will be no consultation and you will have no right to appeal. This change will mean that as long as any proposed development fits a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mandatory planning code, they will get given the green light. Indeed the first you may know about any proposed development is your neighbour’s house being demolished and building work starting on higher density accommodation. This new law, risks changing Diamond Creek’s character, without input from locals. I will be joining with my Labor colleagues to oppose these changes in Parliament. For more information and to sign the petition please visit www.springst.com.au.
Diamond Valley Community Survey Thanks to everyone who responded to my community survey. I have had an amazing response from across the Diamond Valley and am still getting many responses in the mail and online. I am ploughing through your responses and will provide an overall report to the community and also a personal reply to each respondent. It is clear how much people enjoy living in the Diamond Valley and want to see it protected but do see a need for improvements to our public transport, roads and schools.
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.sutherlandchildcare.com Winter 2012
Planning Changes Threaten Our Neighbourhoods
State Member for Yan Yean
Multilingual and Bilingual staff members Our Centre has an Open Door Policy Privately Owned by a local family Enquiries welcome: Director, Deborah Phone: (03) 9435 5104 or Mobile: 0433 379 430 Diamond Creek News
For more information about the Reading Challenge, please contact me, your child’s school or visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc.
Danielle Green MP
(Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea)
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area and most recently enjoyed a fun afternoon at Wattle Glen Primary School to promote the challenge. It was great to see such a dedicated bunch of kids and their amazing teachers.
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Diamond Creek East Pre-School Well we have had a busy start to the kinder year. The children were excited with the prospect of being “little artists in the making” by doing lots of paintings in our easel corner. Our teachers have been experimenting with different colours and the children have also had a “hands on experience” with the paints by doing finger painting. As part of our extended social activity for Autumn the children enjoyed a gathering at Skaterz in Eltham for a lesson in roller skating/blading. It was great to see the little ones (and siblings) give skating a go. The children enjoyed our Easter festivities before they began the school holidays. They had lots of fun with the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny made tracks all around the garden which finally ended in the cubby house. To the children’s surprise the Easter Bunny had left a huge basket of Easter Eggs.
The 4C’s – Chicks with Cancer who Coffee and Chat now meet at different venues.
The Mother’s Day Morning Tea approached very quickly after settling back into Term 2. Our mum’s enjoyed a beautiful morning tea being waited on with cakes, biscuits and drinks served. After the mum’s were fed they were treated to a bit of pampering including massages and manicures with hand creams. Speaking from a personal perspective it appeared that all the mum’s thoroughly enjoyed their morning tea and were then presented with their Mother’s Day gifts – necklaces & bracelets that the children made from beads.
Day venue 2nd Tuesday of the month at St John’s Anglican Church Diamond Creek. (opposite AD Ryans on Main Street.) The group gather in the meeting room from 13pm. Please bring a small plate to share. A warm welcome is assured. Night venue – Degani’s Bakery Café Main Street Diamond Creek. Last Thursday of the month. From 7pm – about 9.30pm. We gather for tea in the private function room; new members welcome. If you would like to come and have a coffee with us feel free to join us a meal is not necessary. The 4C’s are indebted to our local community for their support through raising awareness and funds for new members. Recently Contours and Curves of Diamond Creek held candle sales and green teas hand wash sales with Sandra Davies from Dominant Home Care. We really appreciated your support in raising awareness particularly throughout May.
New additions to our Kinder include our Outdoor sandpit area having a beautiful face-lift with new sand and our new Veggie beds where the children planted veggies & herbs to watch them grow. Overall a very busy start to the year, with lots of activities for the children to enjoy and lots more to come.
We would also like to express thanks to Industrial Tattoo Co. in Diamond Creek who helped raise awareness and donate to Cancer Research the cost of the tattoos done on the 3rd of June. Thank you for raising awareness of the need to fundraise for research into how we can find a cure. 4C members gathered with their families to help raise funds for research as we know better than anyone how very important it is to find a cure. We are all driven to find a cure so as to find a cure and prevent cancer for our children and grandchildren. The 4C’s were really pleased to be able to give something back towards research and helping to find a cure. Some of our brave members faced the needle and had a tattoo done. Good on you girls and thanks to all of our friends and family members who fronted up on the day despite the difficulties with the railway closures.
Some facts that not everyone is aware of ………. 4C members are no longer able to receive free mammography or ultrasounds through Breast Screen Victoria. This is because once you have had breast cancer in Victoria you are no longer able to receive free screening. Pardon my cynicism and sarcasm but I think people who have had cancer require more diligent follow up and should be entitled to a free service. Cancer is a very costly business for the patient! If you had had breast cancer in Victoria all future screening and follow up is at the cost of the individual or you are required to wait at a public hospital clinic for perhaps a few hours therefore loosing time at work.
Fact No 1: If a 4C member lived in Western Australia they would be able to access Free Breast Screen services after having had breast cancer. Breast screen is a federally funded but state administered service. You can help….. Contact your local member and let them know how you feel about the unfairness of this screening for future cancer in women who are obviously at a higher risk than the usual population who receives free breast screening.
Fact No 2: If you are over 50 years of age you must pay for breast MRIs they are not covered by Medicare. You are out of pocket for the whole procedure. The present out of cost figures range from $490- $600. UNFAIR! This seems to be totally and utterly unfair and discriminatory. The message that the government is sending women is….. YOU NEED TO PAY FOR THE PRIVELEDGE OF HAVING HAD CANCER!!! You can help….. Contact your local member and let them know how you feel about the unfairness of this MRI screening. We believe that future MRI cancer screening in women who have already had cancer is essential. The cut off
age of 50 is ridiculous. Surely our MPs realise these women who have had cancer need specialised surveillance and it should be free not at enormous cost. If it is at a huge cost it will eventually impact on the public purse because women who have recurrences will be a burden on the public purse. Thank you to the Diamond Creek community who gather as a community and make a difference to the 4C’s; we thank you for your support and hope you feel able to contact members of Federal and State Members of Parliament to let them know what you think. A day is currently being planned by the Committee which will enable all 4C members to access the latest on relaxation, alternative therapies and much more. We are able to hold this day thanks to the generosity of our community who has helped raise funds for us. It is indeed a fortunate position to be in where top speakers can be booked because the community has fundraised so as there are funds to pay for top quality speakers. We are planning a wellness and wellbeing workshop for Sunday the 9th of September. If you are a practitioner and would like to join in celebrating wellness please feel free to contact Linda Hammond, our Community Health Nurse on 9430 9154. 4C’s can be contacted through Nillumbik Community Health Service on 9430 9154.
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DIAMOND CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL
Diamond Creek Primary School Walking School Bus. The Walking School Bus continues to grow and blossom. The walkers are so lucky as they have the experience of two of our past parents. Both Sue Schnaars and David Norden walk with the Walking School Bus despite the fact that their children have left Diamond Creek Primary School to attend secondary schools. It is such a good feeling to know that two of our Walking School Bus leaders who do not have any children in the Diamond Creek Primary School are still dedicated to seeing the program
Well anything but drab is the way you can describe the new facilities at Diamond Creek Primary School. There has been a great deal happening in the buildings program and the general improvement of our school.
continue. Both David and Sue are past parents of students and both of them are very committed to continuing to help out all the Walking School Bus routes and any special events. We have welcomed many new prep members and of course we have our exiting bunch of constant daily walkers. Keep up your enthusiasm guys we can keep on walking and making a difference to our environment by using less greenhouse gasses. As a community we would like to thank David Norden (pictured right) for
continuing to take on the lead role and daily administration task. Keep it up keen walkers. We look forward to seeing you continue to walk throughout winter.
The school is looking fabulous and all of the students are very appreciative of their new learning and playing areas. The cladding to the underside of the new building has completed the works and it looks sensational! From additional computers and interactive whiteboards, to the newly surfaced basketball court, right through to the state of the art automatic ventilation system that releases Co2 in the new building, all makes for a fabulously inviting school environment. We would like to sincerely thank the Diamond Creek Rotary Club for generously providing funds to us, enabling the large area between the new and existing building to be protected with our magnificent new shade sails. This sail cloth provides shelter from the sun and is also an attractive feature of the school. We are indebted to the Rotary Club as a school community, as we would not be able to provide this multi-functional shaded area without their much appreciated support.
Our grade 5/6 students have just returned from school camp in Warburton where they had many fun adventures and some children even found gold in the creek! The remainder of the school children have been busy producing some fine work in all areas of the curriculum. It is wonderful to see them happily engaged in their learning and achieving at such high levels as they enjoy their learning experiences. Recently the whole school participated in our very own Carnivale Spectacular. The senior students paraded in their masks and headdresses that they created as a combined project between their innovative Visual Arts and Italian Language programs. The junior school students made eye masks and joined in the fun of this sensational parade. One of the Northern Regional Languages Project Officers, Angela Minuzzo attended and was particularly impressed with the whole event. The children were very lucky to top the day off with a delicious lunch that was provided by our hard working Parents and Friend’s Committee.
Our School website is easily accessible and has lots of interesting information about recent and upcoming events. www.diamondcreekps.vic.edu.au Feel free to contact the school if you would like to learn about our pre-prep program that enables pre-school children to have a taste of what school is like. (Bookings are essential). And if you would like to visit our school to see our facilities first-hand and learn about our programs, please contact our Principal Helen Micallef on 9438 1108 to organise a personal tour.
The school’s gardening club, which is run by two wonderful parent volunteers and approximately thirty of our energetic students, has been working happily to beautify the grounds and also have some fun creating sculptures in the garden. These sculptures, which were developed in conjunction with the school’s exceptional Visual Arts program look terrific and provide some cheery winter colour to the garden beds.
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Scouting Around Diamond Creek
1ST DIAMOND CREEK JOEY SCOUTS
Our Joey Scouts have enjoyed our annual Sleepover, Campfire and City Visit this term, along with many other activities, with the main themes being Recycling and Environment.
In May, our Joey Scouts joined others from the surrounding districts for a visit to Polly Woodside as part of our Pirate themed sleepover. A couple of the Joey Scouts were wide eyed as we approached the ship, telling me that they thought we were going to see a chocolate bar! Our Mob participated in both the ANZAC Day ceremony ( and they were such good Joey Scouts, to be standing during the ceremony, proudly wearing their uniforms, which doesn't include a raincoat!), and also the "Come and Try Scouting Day" in early June. We met a couple of new friends and look forward to welcoming them into the mob shortly. We have invested Nathan and Dylan into the Eltham North Group, welcome to you and your families. We have a visit to Mudbash planned, the
SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL Student Wellbeing
Rover Section's motorsport event, held each Queens' birthday weekend, out of Yea. We are also celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee with a tea party and traditional British games, and we have been invited to join the Joey Scouts from Manningham District for their Colours night. End of term will swing around too quickly, I'm sure, when we hold our 17th annual Joey Scout/Cub Scout Rollerskating, held at Skaterz, in Eltham.
Our Student Wellbeing Team supports the spiritual, academic, social and emotional wellbeing of students through clear communication with parents and teachers.
Smart Policy, Junior School Council, Reading Recovery Class, Meetings, Program Seasons (loss and grief) Program, Circle Time, Social Emotional Learning, Whole School Assemblies, Grade 5/6 camps, Weekly School Awards, Individual
We have had to say a temporary goodbye to one of our leaders, Blinky, who is taking 12 months to explore the world. We look forward to being able to catch up with her thanks to the miracles of modern technology. The Mobs continue to meet at the Diamond Creek Scout Hall, each Tuesday during school terms, from 6pm -7pm, at 45 Challenger St, Diamond Creek. We also continue to offer our "3 for free" trial period, so please, if you have boys or girls (we'd love to see more girls) aged 6-8 years of age, no need to book, please come along and see what Scouting can offer you, Diamond Creek style.
The wellbeing of our students is fostered through School Wide Positive Behaviour Program, Better Buddy Program, School Student Leadership Team, Safety House Program, Young Leaders Program, Sun
needs and integration programs Earlier this year we had an entire day on leadership with the year 5/6 students followed by election of the leaders for Semester 1. Better Buddies continues
throughout the term and the 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. Each fortnight our year 5 and prep students work together to create a relationship and feeling of safety. At this time all year 6 students are involved in a leadership role working on various issues including environment, social justice and creating a year book. Our greatest success has certainly been our Buddy Bear Bus Stops around the yard. These are designed to enable students a place to go when they cannot find someone to play with and then the older students can help manage this situation. They have been very popular. ENROLMENTS for 2013 are now open for all year levels. For further information or to arrange a school tour please contact the office on 9438-1590 or visit our website www.shdiamondcreek.catholic.edu.au
Safety House Association Diamond Creek & Wattle Glen. For further information, please contact Joey Scout Leader, Natarsha Jacobs, on 0411719812 or email diamondcreekjoeys@gmail.com Yours in Scouting, Birrala - Natarsha Jacobs
Yes we are still running this valuable program that aims to keep every one in our community safe. The house holds that display a yellow Safety House Triangle on the letter box have been police checked to ensure that they are providing the safest possible house for young children or older citizens who may be feeling unsafe while out and about. Last month we held a special awareness day for the Preps and they each received a special show bag after completing some Safety House activities. Check the photo out with one of our fantastic Collins Street Safety House Holders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Householders for keeping us all safe.
We are undergoing a few changes and trying to maintain the Committee so that all of our local school have a representative. If
you are interested in joining the Committee please call Diamond Creek Primary School on 9438 1108.
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R.S.L. DIAMOND CREEK - DOREEN SUB BRANCH NEWS This year with the expansion of the clubs boundaries to include the Doreen area the club held ANZAC services at both Diamond Creek War Memorial and Laurimar Primary School. The ANZAC Day service at the War Memorial was very well attended particularly considering the weather. I have received
some very good feedback on the service, in particular the participation of a number of students from the schools especially Diamond Creek East Primary this year. It is my hope to continue and grow the participation of our schools in future years. Another lovely moment in the service was the young trumpeter from the Moreland City Band who played the Last Post and Rouse
INDIGENOUS PLANTS FOR SALE Now is the perfect time to get out into the garden and plant your local indigenous plants. Edendale Indigenous Nursery has a great range of quality plants at reasonable prices. Open 7 days a week from 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Day and it is hoped that the new War Memorial will be ready for next year’s service. We had an excellent response to the ANZAC Appeal and I can announce we raised a total $18,000.400. Once again we would like to thank the local communities of Diamond Creek and Doreen, for their support of this very worthwhile cause which allows us to maintain our welfare work for returned service personnel and their families The wet conditions did not stop hundreds of locals attending the 2012 ANZAC Day Service excellently despite the weather. The club would like to thank all those that braved the elements and attended the service. We would also like to thank all those who assisted the club to hold this service and provide refreshments afterwards. In particular the Scouts, who at the last minute provided a large amount of shelter for those attending, the Diamond Creek Traders, who continue to provide ongoing support and the Teachers and School Students. With this support and all the other people who assist I am sure the local service will only continue to grow and be an important event in the life of the community.
War Veteran Des Vincent with Granddaughter Bianca Vincent after laying a wreath at the 2012 ANZAC Day Service
The inaugural service at Doreen was held on Sunday the 22nd at the Laurimar Primary School proceeded by a march through the Laurimar Town Centre. The service was well attended and heavily supported by the Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar School Army Cadets and the Montmorency-Eltham RSL. The club plans for this service to be held every year on the Sunday prior to ANZAC
The Club would like to record their appreciation to all those who assisted on the day. We would also like to thank all those who so generously sponsored ANZAC day. On Sunday the 24th June the club is planning to hold a sausage sizzle at Mitre 10 Diamond Creek. If you are involved in DYI that Sunday and are going to Mitre 10, or if you would just like to drop by and have a sausage and a chat we would appreciate your support. Latter in the year we plan to hold a car boot sale in Diamond Creek and a sausage sizzle at Laurimar. The Diamond Creek-Doreen Sub Branch of the RSL is quite strong and has a very strong support group in The Friends of Diamond Creek RSL, but there is always room for new members, I would particularly like to see some new members from Doreen. We meet on the last Monday of the month at the Diamond Creek Bowling Club at 6.45pm. Should you be interested in becoming a Member, please contact our Membership Officer and Vice President Mr Rhys Thomas C/O PO Box 365 Diamond Creek 3089.
John Langford President: Diamond Creek - Doreen RSL
Support your local Community Paper! The Diamond Creek News needs new advertisers. Contact Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933 for more info
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Where:
Edendale Indigenous Nursery, 30 Gastons Road Eltham,
Contact:
9433 3703 or email nursery.edendale@nillumbik.vic.gov.au .
CHANGES TO HARD WASTE COLLECTION As of 1 July 2012, Council will change its hard waste collection to a booked collection. Residents are entitled to one pre-booked hard waste collection per financial year. For further hard waste collection information, please contact WM Waste Management Services on 9721 1915 or visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/hardwaste .
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS IN NILLUMBIK The Family Friendly Places and Spaces project promotes family friendliness across Nillumbik. How family friendly are our local supermarkets, banks, health services and sporting clubs? We want to hear from you! Take our online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/bmmgbfq or phone 9433 3117 for a copy.
ENROL NOW AT LIVING & LEARNING NILLUMBIK Enrolments for Semester 2 courses at Living & Learning Nillumbik open on 18 June 2012. Visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/livingandlearning for all the course details.
COMMUNITY ARTS OPPORTUNITY! Local artists are invited to design and create small-scale artworks in collaboration with disability groups and local schools for permanent installation in the Eltham Lower Park Playspace. The Playspace is an inclusive, all abilities playground, designed around the motif of the Eltham Copper Butterfly and the theme “Working Together”. Expressions of interest (including proposal for design, fabrication, installation, budget and timeline) close on Friday 29 June. Applicants must hold a Working with Children Check. For further information contact Michelle Zemancheff, Cultural Development Officer, on 9433 3126.
PRACTICALLY GREEN SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2012 Nominations are now open for the Practically Green Sustainability Awards in the following categories: • Sustainable Building
• Sustainable Home
• Sustainable Business
• Sustainable Community Organisation.
• Sustainable School or Children’s Centre The Awards promote and celebrate excellence in sustainability within the Nillumbik community. Nominations are open until 31 July. Entry forms are available from www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au and from the Civic Centre. The Awards will be presented to winners at this year’s Practically Green Festival at Edendale in October. For further information, contact Romney Bishop, Sustainability Officer, on 9433 3211. www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au 9433 3111
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Rotary Club of Diamond Creek's 20th Birthday The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek celebrated it's 20th Birthday with a party at Ashton Manor on Saturday 2nd June. More than 150 members, past members, families and friends attended the party, including Charter President John McCrohan, Charter member Bob Eycken and Past District Governor Ron Pearce, who cut the birthday cake with current President Alan Jones. Current District Governor David Anderson assisted President Alan Jones to award a
Paul Harris Fellow to Secretary Eileen Gatt, and Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire pins to Linda Gidlund and Ern Wardell, in recognition of their services to Rotary. District Governor David also presented the inaugural Changemaker Award to President Alan, I return, Alan presented David with a cheque for $10.000 to g towards David's Project to raise funds to provide equipment to Goroka Hospital in PNG for Maternal and Baby care. The club has also pledged our ongoing
support to the project. We were entertained by Amnda and te Jets. But the outstanding hit of the night was the Birthday Book - a history of the club, it's projects, people and presidents, which was very ably assembled by Kerry Jones and Greg Adams, who contributed many, many hours to bring it al togeher. Copies were given to all who attended as a special keepsake of the first 20 years of the Rotry Club of Diamond Creek.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was also sent a cheque of $62.50 (half of the money raised on the Funny Hair Day). Well done to everyone! Congratulations to Aley Johnson for all her work in organising this event.
Enrolments for 2013 NOW BEING ACCEPTED The school is now accepting enrolment forms for 2013. We have had an overwhelming response to the advertisement of a 3rd consecutive year of a straight prep class. Already, there have been over 15 school tours conducted. To assist in planning classroom and staffing set up, can I now please ask for forms to be returned as soon as possible? If you know of any other families interested in joining our school, please feel free to pass on the school contact details (9438 1259) so that we can conduct a personalised tour. A new school brochure will shortly be distributed to local Kinders. Extra copies will be available at the front office.
Education Week May 21st to 25th of May What a wonderful week we had a WGPS. It was great to see so many families come and visit our school throughout the week. Our staff is very proud of the students, programs and activities at this school and is grateful for the ongoing support of many families.
Fundraising Committee and the ‘Not Quite’ Winter Solstice Party The ‘Not Quite’ Winter Solstice Party was attended by 36 people. It was fantastic to see so many new families that have only recently joined the school supporting this event. From the great entertainment by the band Ruth and Sam, to the most amazing 5 star quality food platters organised by Carol Dixon and the fantastic prizes prepared by Michelle Uniacke, a great night was had by all. Thanks also to the families that donated items. A huge thank you to the hosts, Emma Wallace (now engaged!!!) and Stell Karagiannis – and of course the wonderful Joan Wallace you did an amazing job! Thank
you for allowing us to utilise such an amazing venue! Initial reports are that the function has raised over $1400 – what an achievement!!! What a wonderful group of fundraising people involved in this committee!
Special Visitors Ben Reid Collingwood Football Club Ben Reid made a guest appearance to our school and coordinated a fantastic footy clinic. Thanks Ben for being such a great sport!
Thank you to the hardworking team of Emma, Stell, Joan, Kim, Michelle, Carol, Rachel, Meg, all led by Vicki Hunter.
Ultranet Captains Our Year 5s attended St. Helena Secondary College to participate in an Ultranet Training Program. The Ultranet is a program still being implemented across Victorian Government schools. It is a program that will offer parents, students and teachers more opportunity to communicate and provide evidence of student progression. The Ultranet will allow networking of students between class, schools and regions. The Ultranet will also provide a space for students to upload their work, have it corrected by staff and allow for student, parent and teacher feedback to be recorded. Our Year 5s are now known as the school Ultranet Captains! They have developed skills and knowledge that can then assist other students (and staff) at our school! We look forward to sharing the knowledge! Thank you to Daniel, Dayne, James and Oliver for taking up this opportunity!
Worlds Greatest Shave & RCH Good Friday Appeal The Cash-A-Can cage has been emptied and our school received a cheque of $125.00 for collecting the cans. The Junior School Council decided that this money (and half of the money raised on the Funny Hair Day) would be sent to the Cancer Council of Victoria for their Greatest Shave fundraiser. WGPS students donated $173.70 to this wonderful cause.
Looking ahead Term 3 and 4 are jam-packed with events at WGPS! July 25th - 2012 Book Fair Begins August 2nd - Magic Flute Excursion August 7th - Family Planning Sessions begin August 20th - Book Week Activities begin August 27th - Literacy and Numeracy Week activities begin September 13th - District Athletics Carnival Day A very exiting time ahead!
Bright Start Program The Bright Start Program will run again in 2012! Every Monday at the school from 9 am to 11am for 3, 4 and 5 year olds – and its STILL FREE. Coordinated by Dani Szymanski – an experienced Prep teacher! Contact the school if you would like more info!
Twitter Wattle Glen PS has entered the world of Twitter!! Follow the latest news @wattlegps
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!! Page 12
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DIAMOND CREEK EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL
Eltham Glass
Pty Ltd
Mirrors Tabletops Shop Fronts Insurance Work Splashbacks
Winter is here, and the year is half over! Wow, time flies when you are having fun!
Laminated Safety Glass Shower Screen Repairs Broken Windows Repaired Leadlights made to Order Leadlight Supplies
7 Days a Week All Areas Same Day Service Trevor & Sue Constance
49 Chute Street Diamond Creek
Phone: 9438 1970 Mobile: 0419 354 858
Recently, one lucky grade 3/4 class and their teacher were very excited to spend some time with Collingwood Magpies’
Since our last Diamond Creek East Primary School report, a lot has happened! There are always exciting visitors, events and programs happening at our school – it’s one of the many reasons that makes our school a great place to be!
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
DIAMOND CREEK OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC 27 BLACKGULLY ROAD, DIAMOND CREEK
SPORTS INJURIES, MUSCULAR, SKELETAL PROBLEMS, NECK & SHOULDER, STRESS AND HEADACHE ETC. TAC & WORKCOVER
Our Prep students recently visited Bundoora Farm, as part of their “Farm Animals” unit. Our Discovery 2 students (Grades 1 and 2) recently visited Yarrabee Yesterday’s World School, and held “Grandparents and Special Friends Day” at the school, which related to their “Now and Then” unit. The Challenge students (Grades 3 and 4) are learning about renewable and non-renewable energy sources this term, and a recent excursion to CERES Environment Park allowed them to increase their knowledge about this interesting topic. Our Enrichment students visited the “Shrine of Rememberance” to pay their respects to those who fought and lost their lives in battle. These students are currently working on their Memory Box” project which involves researching a person who has been involved in a war. They will present their research at a special “Memory Box Night” before the end of
superstar, Scott Pendlebury! Scott is a close friend of one of the DCE teachers, and as an incentive for the class with the most students registered for the Premier’s Active Family Challenge, Scott offered to come and spend some time with the winning grade. Grade C3B and Mrs McCredden spent over an hour with Scott, discussing his football career and playing the Nintendo Wii on the
Our school concert is rapidly approaching and will be held over two nights in week 6 of Term 3. The theme of this year’s concert is “A Cruise Around the World”, with pairs of grades allocated to a particular country whose music and costumes will be used for each act. The performances are a culmination of several months of hard work by both students and their teachers, and is a wonderful showcase of the talent, enthusiasm and confidence of our DCE students.
Term 2. DCE students and teachers were recently treated to a visit by the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner, Sub Zero. All grades were lucky enough to spend some time with the great horse, who is now 23 years old! We all learned many interesting facts about Sub Zero, as well receiving an insight into the world of professional horse training and racing.
show that is broadcast live to the entire school via the interactive whiteboards every Wednesday during lunch eating time between 1:30pm and 1:45pm. The students are involved in the planning, writing, rehearsing, performing and producing of the program. The equipment that is used includes: three cameras (one is wireless for ‘out on the road’ reporting), a green screen and mixing desk (which controls the microphones, cameras and auxiliary equipment including prerecorded items). Some of the regular items include: the weather, birthdays of the week, sports reports, advertisements bought to you by our sponsors, reports on excursions and school activities, live interviews, musical performances and a segment called “How Well Do You Know DCE?”
interactive whiteboard! Even the nonCollingwood supporters had fun with Scott! What a great experience! A terrific and innovative program has been trialled and developed this year at our school called “DCE Live”, involving our Grade 6 students. It is a television
Diamond Creek East Primary School is certainly a fun and exciting place to be! We are now taking 2013 Prep enrolments, so please contact our school principal Mr Rob Rostolis at the DCE school office on 9438-1413 if you would like to arrange a school tour. Kassandra Papuga
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For Appointment Phone 9438 1404 or 0412 403 293
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DIAMOND VALLEY COLLEGE Year 9 1:1 Netbook Program The Year 9 1:1 Netbook Program is an important step in our provision of learning experiences and opportunities that will increasingly enable our students to actively engage in their learning. Our teachers are planning for the effective use of the netbook devices which will be one of the resources, but not the only resource, students now have ready access to. With the use of technology such as this, students will increasingly be supported and developed in their learning through collaboration and networking and the use of more individualized and/ or self paced programs. The goal is, of course, to result in better learning outcomes for our students.
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successful night. It was great to have past students – Dylan Grimes, James Horne, Lauren Gell and Michelle O’Brien – join us and speak to our students about their experiences since leaving DVC. It is so pleasing that students keep in contact with us and are willing to come back. The presentation from our keynote speaker, Tim Witford, was a most inspiring one. Well done to our College Captains for the extra effort they put in to preparing and hosting the night.
connections with the alpine environment and its relationship to our home community, extending students in both mind and body, developing the social skills and knowledge to successfully work and learn in team. A great time was had by all. Diamond Valley College students enjoyed a positive learning experience and were able to make new friends with students from Epping Secondary College.
Bogong Leadership Camp
Year 7 and 8 students and some Senior classes have been enjoying participating in three, one hour sessions at Jets Gymnastics, as part of the new Stadium. Jets Gymnastics, directed by Ross Bouskill, have built one of the very best centres in Australia and the students have enjoyed the sprung floor, trampolines, vault, foam pit, high rope and uneven bars. Special thanks to Sarah and Val who are coaching secondary students for the very first time.
A select group of 24 Year 9 and 10 students from Diamond Valley College together with a group of 24 students from Epping Secondary College participated in a one week camp in the Bogong High
Presentation Ball The 2012 Presentation Ball held on the 19th May was great success. Our Year 11 participants presented themselves as young adults who are genuinely ready to be contributing members of their community and wider society. In the statements they made about themselves and their hopes for the future we can see not only a wide range of interests and future pathways but also genuinely high aspirations. This is encouraging to see in young people of today. Furthermore, their hard work in preparing for the evening clearly paid off as they looked fantastic and carried off their dances extremely well. Of course, it was important to have so many family and friends supporting them and enjoying the nights’ formalities as well as the meal and entertainment. Congratulations to you all!
Year 12 Motivational Dinner On Wednesday 9th May, the annual Year 12 Motivational Dinner was highly
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Physical Education with Jets Gymnastics
Think Outside the Book
Plains. The students participated in a variety of outdoor activities to meet the needs of the school’s leadership aspirations for students at our school. Activities included developing confidence, independence and the ability to be adaptive in shaping the future, developing
Diamond Creek News
This year the theme for Library and Information week was THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOK. To celebrate this the library ran a talent competition. We were amazed at the singing ability of the two students who got up and performed orally for us. Congratulations to Jemma Hollway and Hannah Evans (both in Yr 7.7) who came first and second. Both girls sang like angels. Third in the competition was Aaron 'The Human Pretzel' Thuys who did his amazing contortionist act. Comedians Haydn Murphy-Atkinson and Murphy Meilak (both in 7.4) were joint fourth. Well done to everyone who competed and entertained us all so thoroughly. Thanks also to teachers Serene Tresidder and Lynsey Betts and Yr 12 student Kellie White for being such wonderful judges.
“WITCH HUNT VICTIM” A local newspaper used the above words in their first news article about a Court Case Hearing, brought against me by the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) (News Limited’s Diamond Valley Leader, Online 29 May 2012). The definition of a “witch-hunt” is "...an intense effort to discover and expose disloyalty, subversion, dishonesty, or the like, usually based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence" (Macquarie Dictionary). To explain the background to the Court Case; in November 2008 I swore an oath to serve my constituents. At the time I was thinking of the Diamond Creek Stadium and other items of local concern to my constituents. Then 3 months later Black Saturday occurred, when 41 of my constituents died, perhaps another 1000 were traumatised, and about a quarter of our municipality was burnt. After visiting the devastation with the present Minister of Planning Matthew Guy, it seemed reasonable to me that my oath to serve my constituents meant that I would have to concentrate on preventing a repeat of this disaster. I proposed between 20 and 30 Motions to Council, mainly on Extreme Bushfire self-help fuel reduction measures.
Almost none of them have been debated. None have been adopted by Council. Indeed, Councillors, or Council Officers, or the Local Government Inspectorate, have been part of about 17 apparently false allegations made against me, in addition to the one that led to the Court Case, all combining to damage me and my family. Coming back to the Court Case, the local newspaper termed a “witch hunt”. On 28/29 May 2012, the Heidelberg Magistrates Court heard evidence about me failing to declare a conflict of interest. The Court hearing was about a meeting of Council, 4 days before Christmas in 2010, following which a formal complaint was made that I had breached the Law. That set off a LGI prosecution, that spent your money to prosecute, and I was forced to spend borrowed money to defend. Put simply, my family’s home was at risk of being lost. On 22 March 2011, my lawyer wrote to the LGI and said: "You do not have material to support the allegations and you ought to give up". At any time in the last 14 months, I believe this case should have been abandoned by the relevant Government Agencies.
On 15 June 2012 the Heidelberg Magistrates Court found that I was right, and the Local Government Inspectorate, Victorian Government Solicitors Office and the Victorian Government Attorney General, as warned by my lawyers, were wrong. So if you are wondering why Extreme Bushfire fuel loads have increased in Nillumbik since Black Saturday, just remember; while Government Agencies are fiddling and wasting your money, on what the local newspaper termed a “witch hunt”, I believe they are not appropriately planning to make you safe from Extreme Bushfire. The old saying "Nero fiddled while Rome burned", comes to mind. The exact amount of your money wasted is still to be added up, but it appears to me in excess of $250,000 could have been spent in pursuit of this so called "witch hunt". Cr. Belinda Clarkson
Greg Williams Principal
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The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek ‘Life in the Green Wedge’ This years theme for the Diamond Creek Town Fair is ‘Life in the Green Wedge’. Start planning now for your school, community group, service club or as a neighbouring community to take part in the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair. Begin by taking part in the parade, have a stall, ask your friends and relatives to come out for a couple hours or the day.
Parade with Prizes The parade is offering prizes for the Best School, Best Primary School, Best
Community Organisation, Best Commercial/Social Entry and Best Overall Entry. If your organisation would like to enter the Parade for 2012 please contact Alan White, M: 0419 774 838 or 9438 4207 and email paradeevents@diamondcreektownfair.org.au Diamond Creek – ideas for the fair! Planning is underway so make sure you go to the website: www.diamondcreektownfair.org.au to add your ideas to the plan. How about decorating cupcakes, being part of a Guinness World Record event or joining the Scouts on the rope bridge? “Its your Diamond Creek Town Fair”. The committee is working very hard already on the next fair. Please put the Saturday, 8 September in your diary, and join us for a day of fun and enjoyment with hopefully a very fine, sunny day.
The Rotary Club aso facilitated a training session on the use of the defibrillator at the Netball clubrooms in the week of the presentation. As a result of the presentation, a second unit was purchased to be used by the Rotary Club.
Vale Past District Governor Brian Bowen The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek sadly announces the sudden passing of one of our members, PDG Brian Bowen. Brian (pictured below) suffered a heart attack at a recent club meeting and sadly passed away two days later. Or deepest sympahies are extended to Brian's wife Betty and their family. We will all miss Brian very much.
Please send your suggestions to Email: info@diamondcreektownfair.org.au and Facebook.
Defibrillator for Diamond Creek Force Netball Club Followng a request from Roger Pike of the DiamondCreek Force Netball Club, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek purchased a portable defibrillator which was recently presented Roger by President Alan Jones (pictured left).
Hurstbridge Saddlery 942 Main Rd, Hurstbridge, 3099 Phone: (03) 9718 1988 Caring for Horse & Rider Rug Repairs Beautiful Jodphurs & Breeches Extensive range of Veterinary products AND SO MUCH MORE
Australian made Horse wear & Dog wear A.C. Equine Herbs & Chia Seeds Summer & Spring Horse Rugs ‘Easyboots’ for your horse. HEAPS OF GIFT IDEAS FOR ANY OCCASION!
Now we are in winter, take your dog for a walk to Hurstbridge. Visit us at Hurstbridge Saddlery to have your dog measured for a new coat which will be made on site (within the week) or choose one already made in many styles and colours.
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QUEENSTOWN CEMETERY 1861-1981 60 Smiths Gully Road, Smiths Gully, 3760
The Wurundjeri Willam people of the Kulin Nation camped for over 30,000 years on what was called Smyth’s Creek in Caledonia Gully, with discovery of gold in 1854. The rush to the ‘Diggings,’ resulted in a tent city named ‘Market Square’ and establishment of Queenstown, (present day Smiths Gully and St.Andrews). The site of the Queenstown Cemetery on a stony hill, (free of miners encampments and claims for alluvial gold) became the burial place of the Caledonia Diggers. Death Certificates, from 1854, record the death and place of burial as ‘Market Square’ prior to the first archival record in 1861 and the official declaration of ‘Queenstown Cemetery Reserve’ in 1866. To date, over 400 burials are recorded. Among the earliest are Chinese miners. Many Chinese, other itinerants and paupers are buried in unmarked and unrecorded graves.
After the rush of the 1850s, remaining families mainly German and English, settled the district including Kinglake, they retained and were buried in the Cemetery. Descendants of these pioneers live throughout the community. Their family names are recorded on the Memorial Cairn and remaining headstones in Queenstown Cemetery and on Roads, Bridges, Reserves and in other Cemeteries throughout Nillumbik and adjoining Shires. In 1962 a bushfire burned through the Cemetery, destroying picket fencing, grave markers and the Cypress boundary planting of the early 1900’s. The box/stringybark woodland and forest in the 1.7ha reserve (and sapling cypress trees) are regrowth from this time. Heritage plants on graves and remnant indigenous vegetation of the reserve is protected and includes many significant species. 1861 Marked the year of the first recorded burial but we know there were
burials from the time of the gold rush. There is no original survey plan of the cemetery. 1866 The Cemetery was officially declared a Cemetery Reserve. 1948 Trusteeship was taken on by Eltham Shire. 1951 The Cemetery closed for burials. 1960-1964 Burials allowed in existing family plots. 1981 The last burial took place. 1999 Under Nillumbik Shire Council Trusteeship reverted to the community. An appointment of six local residents as Trustees, (all volunteers) was gazetted by the Department of Human Services. Launch of Friends & Relations of Queenstown Cemetery Inc.
Over the years the appointments as members of the Cemetery Trust have comprised six or seven local residents, approved by the Department of Human Services, for a period of up to 5 years. Resignations, replacements and re-appointments have taken place during this time. The ‘Friends & Rellies’ Committee are appointed at AGM’s. The Trustees manage the Cemetery with the support of the local community and the ‘Friends & Relations’ group, who aim to Maintain and preserve the vegetation. Maintain and where practical restore the grave structures and headstones. Research and Record the History of the Burials and Families buried in the Cemetery. Publish a series of Booklets from researched, documented and donated materials.
The Block Comes to Diamond Creek THE MIGHTY AUSSIE ROAD TRIP BRINGS THE BLOCK TO DIAMOND VALLEY MITRE 10 Mitre 10 celebrated its successful partnership with Channel Nine’s The Block 2012 with the Mighty Aussie Road Trip and by bringing the contestants to visit over 100 Mitre 10 stores across Australia, including 21 in Victoria, over just seven weeks. On Saturday 9th June at 10am The Block’s Dan & Dani came to Diamond Valley Mitre 10 where they were asked many questions about how they created their winning rooms, which products they used and how they did it. Frank Benton from Diamond Valley Mitre 10 said “The Mighty Aussie Road Trip will allow
ACKER PULLS THE BOOTS ON FOR HURSTBRIDGE
You are Invited To Support ‘The Friends & Relations of
Queenstown Cemetery’ Community Fundraiser 2012 IN RESTORING THE ATKINS FAMILY GRAVE The Atkins grave is a unique memorial structure in Queenstown Cemetery. It is a ‘Body Stone’ coffin-shaped and in perfect condition – except the original hand-engraved inscriptions on three faces of the memorial are illegible. From years without maintenance this granite structure is now encased with lichen that completely obliterates the engraved inscriptions and requires a Memorial Stone Mason to work On-Site at the Cemetery to carry out Hand-engraving restoration. Fortunately, we know what is under the lichen and have extensive records of Emily Margaret and Joseph ATKINS, Pioneers of Queenstown. – Emily Margaret was buried in 1901. Joseph not till 1924 - he reared his seven children on his own, after the death of his wife.
Page 16
A memorial to a son Herbert Joseph - killed at Lone Pine, Gallipoli is recorded on his parent’s grave. A younger son, Charles served with distinction at Gallipoli, where he sustained a head wound. After convalescence in England he served two years in France where he was gassed and haemoraged in the chest. On returning home in very poor health, Charlie took up farming and contracting. He inherited and lived in the home in Salter’s Rush Road, Smith’s Gully his father had built and reared his large family. These seven children attended the St. Andrews Primary School. A daughter, Adeline Isobel Anderson is buried in an unmarked and unidentified grave plot in the Cemetery. The Atkins story will be published in a Series of Booklets entitled ‘A Link to the Past’ to be launched at an Unveiling of the Restored
Diamond Creek News
Grave as a cemetery fund-raiser. .
A warm welcome id extended to all of the community to join us at Mitre 10, Diamond Creek for a Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be on Sunday July 15th 2012 between 8.30am till 3.00pm. We are promoting a Raffle with Generous Prizes & Selling Donated Jams, Chutneys and Cakes Promote the event to your family and friends to join us for a ‘snag. Mitre 10 will provide undercover seating to sit around and chat with Friend’s & Rellies of Queenstown Cemetery. Soft Drinks will be available on the Stall. You are welcome to bring a Thermos of your favoured hot drink. Contact Maryanne on 9710 1458 for more on the Sausage Sizzles or availability to assist or Elizabeth on 9718 1245 for information on Historic Queenstown Cemetery.
Winter 2012
the Block contestants an opportunity to meet the Diamond Creek community and offer our local DIY-ers and junior designers first-hand
knowledge from their experience on the Block”. Major suppliers Dulux, HPM, Absco and Bailey Hills also partnered with the show, and the large local crowd young and old were showered with prizes and giveaways.
Triple Premiership player, Brownlow Medallist and Media personality, Jason "Aker" Akermanis pulled on his boots and played for Hurstbridge in Rnd 8 against Diamond Creek and what a day it was. Hurstbridge didn't win the game but were competitive for much of the day - apart from a serious lapse in the second quarter which allowed Diamond Creek to create a scoreboard buffer that we couldn't pull back. Off field however, we were kicking goals everywhere with records being broken on the gate, in the canteen and across the bars. Ben Frilay oval looked picture perfect in the unseasonably warm sunshine and played host to a well behaved crowd the size of which has never been seen before at Hurstbridge. From the Boag's pavilion at the creek end to the clubrooms the crowd was packed from boundary fence to perimeter
Winter 2012
fence. The club wishes to express thanks to all those who attended as the crowd behaviour was exemplary and we certainly hope everyone had a fantastic day.
from Mason White McDougall who worked tirelessly auctioning off our Memorabilia items.
Jason from the moment he arrived at the ground until the moment he left was the consummate professional, making himself totally available to our football department before, during and after the game while at the same time somehow managing to still accommodate all of the fans and children who wanted their moment with "Aker". Our thanks also to Ray Shaw and Terry Daniher, the Boag's girls, Barry the Bull, the Junior Committee and the non committee people who were pressed into service and who all worked so hard for us to make the day a success. Your efforts were much appreciated as were those of Ian Mason
Diamond Creek News
Page 17
DC News Winter 2012:DC News
25/06/2012
9:46 AM
Page 14
QUEENSTOWN CEMETERY 1861-1981 60 Smiths Gully Road, Smiths Gully, 3760
The Wurundjeri Willam people of the Kulin Nation camped for over 30,000 years on what was called Smyth’s Creek in Caledonia Gully, with discovery of gold in 1854. The rush to the ‘Diggings,’ resulted in a tent city named ‘Market Square’ and establishment of Queenstown, (present day Smiths Gully and St.Andrews). The site of the Queenstown Cemetery on a stony hill, (free of miners encampments and claims for alluvial gold) became the burial place of the Caledonia Diggers. Death Certificates, from 1854, record the death and place of burial as ‘Market Square’ prior to the first archival record in 1861 and the official declaration of ‘Queenstown Cemetery Reserve’ in 1866. To date, over 400 burials are recorded. Among the earliest are Chinese miners. Many Chinese, other itinerants and paupers are buried in unmarked and unrecorded graves.
After the rush of the 1850s, remaining families mainly German and English, settled the district including Kinglake, they retained and were buried in the Cemetery. Descendants of these pioneers live throughout the community. Their family names are recorded on the Memorial Cairn and remaining headstones in Queenstown Cemetery and on Roads, Bridges, Reserves and in other Cemeteries throughout Nillumbik and adjoining Shires. In 1962 a bushfire burned through the Cemetery, destroying picket fencing, grave markers and the Cypress boundary planting of the early 1900’s. The box/stringybark woodland and forest in the 1.7ha reserve (and sapling cypress trees) are regrowth from this time. Heritage plants on graves and remnant indigenous vegetation of the reserve is protected and includes many significant species. 1861 Marked the year of the first recorded burial but we know there were
burials from the time of the gold rush. There is no original survey plan of the cemetery. 1866 The Cemetery was officially declared a Cemetery Reserve. 1948 Trusteeship was taken on by Eltham Shire. 1951 The Cemetery closed for burials. 1960-1964 Burials allowed in existing family plots. 1981 The last burial took place. 1999 Under Nillumbik Shire Council Trusteeship reverted to the community. An appointment of six local residents as Trustees, (all volunteers) was gazetted by the Department of Human Services. Launch of Friends & Relations of Queenstown Cemetery Inc.
Over the years the appointments as members of the Cemetery Trust have comprised six or seven local residents, approved by the Department of Human Services, for a period of up to 5 years. Resignations, replacements and re-appointments have taken place during this time. The ‘Friends & Rellies’ Committee are appointed at AGM’s. The Trustees manage the Cemetery with the support of the local community and the ‘Friends & Relations’ group, who aim to Maintain and preserve the vegetation. Maintain and where practical restore the grave structures and headstones. Research and Record the History of the Burials and Families buried in the Cemetery. Publish a series of Booklets from researched, documented and donated materials.
The Block Comes to Diamond Creek THE MIGHTY AUSSIE ROAD TRIP BRINGS THE BLOCK TO DIAMOND VALLEY MITRE 10 Mitre 10 celebrated its successful partnership with Channel Nine’s The Block 2012 with the Mighty Aussie Road Trip and by bringing the contestants to visit over 100 Mitre 10 stores across Australia, including 21 in Victoria, over just seven weeks. On Saturday 9th June at 10am The Block’s Dan & Dani came to Diamond Valley Mitre 10 where they were asked many questions about how they created their winning rooms, which products they used and how they did it. Frank Benton from Diamond Valley Mitre 10 said “The Mighty Aussie Road Trip will allow
ACKER PULLS THE BOOTS ON FOR HURSTBRIDGE
You are Invited To Support ‘The Friends & Relations of
Queenstown Cemetery’ Community Fundraiser 2012 IN RESTORING THE ATKINS FAMILY GRAVE The Atkins grave is a unique memorial structure in Queenstown Cemetery. It is a ‘Body Stone’ coffin-shaped and in perfect condition – except the original hand-engraved inscriptions on three faces of the memorial are illegible. From years without maintenance this granite structure is now encased with lichen that completely obliterates the engraved inscriptions and requires a Memorial Stone Mason to work On-Site at the Cemetery to carry out Hand-engraving restoration. Fortunately, we know what is under the lichen and have extensive records of Emily Margaret and Joseph ATKINS, Pioneers of Queenstown. – Emily Margaret was buried in 1901. Joseph not till 1924 - he reared his seven children on his own, after the death of his wife.
Page 16
A memorial to a son Herbert Joseph - killed at Lone Pine, Gallipoli is recorded on his parent’s grave. A younger son, Charles served with distinction at Gallipoli, where he sustained a head wound. After convalescence in England he served two years in France where he was gassed and haemoraged in the chest. On returning home in very poor health, Charlie took up farming and contracting. He inherited and lived in the home in Salter’s Rush Road, Smith’s Gully his father had built and reared his large family. These seven children attended the St. Andrews Primary School. A daughter, Adeline Isobel Anderson is buried in an unmarked and unidentified grave plot in the Cemetery. The Atkins story will be published in a Series of Booklets entitled ‘A Link to the Past’ to be launched at an Unveiling of the Restored
Diamond Creek News
Grave as a cemetery fund-raiser. .
A warm welcome id extended to all of the community to join us at Mitre 10, Diamond Creek for a Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be on Sunday July 15th 2012 between 8.30am till 3.00pm. We are promoting a Raffle with Generous Prizes & Selling Donated Jams, Chutneys and Cakes Promote the event to your family and friends to join us for a ‘snag. Mitre 10 will provide undercover seating to sit around and chat with Friend’s & Rellies of Queenstown Cemetery. Soft Drinks will be available on the Stall. You are welcome to bring a Thermos of your favoured hot drink. Contact Maryanne on 9710 1458 for more on the Sausage Sizzles or availability to assist or Elizabeth on 9718 1245 for information on Historic Queenstown Cemetery.
Winter 2012
the Block contestants an opportunity to meet the Diamond Creek community and offer our local DIY-ers and junior designers first-hand
knowledge from their experience on the Block”. Major suppliers Dulux, HPM, Absco and Bailey Hills also partnered with the show, and the large local crowd young and old were showered with prizes and giveaways.
Triple Premiership player, Brownlow Medallist and Media personality, Jason "Aker" Akermanis pulled on his boots and played for Hurstbridge in Rnd 8 against Diamond Creek and what a day it was. Hurstbridge didn't win the game but were competitive for much of the day - apart from a serious lapse in the second quarter which allowed Diamond Creek to create a scoreboard buffer that we couldn't pull back. Off field however, we were kicking goals everywhere with records being broken on the gate, in the canteen and across the bars. Ben Frilay oval looked picture perfect in the unseasonably warm sunshine and played host to a well behaved crowd the size of which has never been seen before at Hurstbridge. From the Boag's pavilion at the creek end to the clubrooms the crowd was packed from boundary fence to perimeter
Winter 2012
fence. The club wishes to express thanks to all those who attended as the crowd behaviour was exemplary and we certainly hope everyone had a fantastic day.
from Mason White McDougall who worked tirelessly auctioning off our Memorabilia items.
Jason from the moment he arrived at the ground until the moment he left was the consummate professional, making himself totally available to our football department before, during and after the game while at the same time somehow managing to still accommodate all of the fans and children who wanted their moment with "Aker". Our thanks also to Ray Shaw and Terry Daniher, the Boag's girls, Barry the Bull, the Junior Committee and the non committee people who were pressed into service and who all worked so hard for us to make the day a success. Your efforts were much appreciated as were those of Ian Mason
Diamond Creek News
Page 17
DC News Winter 2012:DC News
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9:46 AM
Page 13
The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek ‘Life in the Green Wedge’ This years theme for the Diamond Creek Town Fair is ‘Life in the Green Wedge’. Start planning now for your school, community group, service club or as a neighbouring community to take part in the Diamond Creek Rotary Town Fair. Begin by taking part in the parade, have a stall, ask your friends and relatives to come out for a couple hours or the day.
Parade with Prizes The parade is offering prizes for the Best School, Best Primary School, Best
Community Organisation, Best Commercial/Social Entry and Best Overall Entry. If your organisation would like to enter the Parade for 2012 please contact Alan White, M: 0419 774 838 or 9438 4207 and email paradeevents@diamondcreektownfair.org.au Diamond Creek – ideas for the fair! Planning is underway so make sure you go to the website: www.diamondcreektownfair.org.au to add your ideas to the plan. How about decorating cupcakes, being part of a Guinness World Record event or joining the Scouts on the rope bridge? “Its your Diamond Creek Town Fair”. The committee is working very hard already on the next fair. Please put the Saturday, 8 September in your diary, and join us for a day of fun and enjoyment with hopefully a very fine, sunny day.
The Rotary Club aso facilitated a training session on the use of the defibrillator at the Netball clubrooms in the week of the presentation. As a result of the presentation, a second unit was purchased to be used by the Rotary Club.
Vale Past District Governor Brian Bowen The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek sadly announces the sudden passing of one of our members, PDG Brian Bowen. Brian (pictured below) suffered a heart attack at a recent club meeting and sadly passed away two days later. Or deepest sympahies are extended to Brian's wife Betty and their family. We will all miss Brian very much.
Please send your suggestions to Email: info@diamondcreektownfair.org.au and Facebook.
Defibrillator for Diamond Creek Force Netball Club Followng a request from Roger Pike of the DiamondCreek Force Netball Club, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek purchased a portable defibrillator which was recently presented Roger by President Alan Jones (pictured left).
Hurstbridge Saddlery 942 Main Rd, Hurstbridge, 3099 Phone: (03) 9718 1988 Caring for Horse & Rider Rug Repairs Beautiful Jodphurs & Breeches Extensive range of Veterinary products AND SO MUCH MORE
Australian made Horse wear & Dog wear A.C. Equine Herbs & Chia Seeds Summer & Spring Horse Rugs ‘Easyboots’ for your horse. HEAPS OF GIFT IDEAS FOR ANY OCCASION!
Now we are in winter, take your dog for a walk to Hurstbridge. Visit us at Hurstbridge Saddlery to have your dog measured for a new coat which will be made on site (within the week) or choose one already made in many styles and colours.
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Diamond Creek News
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
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DIAMOND VALLEY COLLEGE Year 9 1:1 Netbook Program The Year 9 1:1 Netbook Program is an important step in our provision of learning experiences and opportunities that will increasingly enable our students to actively engage in their learning. Our teachers are planning for the effective use of the netbook devices which will be one of the resources, but not the only resource, students now have ready access to. With the use of technology such as this, students will increasingly be supported and developed in their learning through collaboration and networking and the use of more individualized and/ or self paced programs. The goal is, of course, to result in better learning outcomes for our students.
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successful night. It was great to have past students – Dylan Grimes, James Horne, Lauren Gell and Michelle O’Brien – join us and speak to our students about their experiences since leaving DVC. It is so pleasing that students keep in contact with us and are willing to come back. The presentation from our keynote speaker, Tim Witford, was a most inspiring one. Well done to our College Captains for the extra effort they put in to preparing and hosting the night.
connections with the alpine environment and its relationship to our home community, extending students in both mind and body, developing the social skills and knowledge to successfully work and learn in team. A great time was had by all. Diamond Valley College students enjoyed a positive learning experience and were able to make new friends with students from Epping Secondary College.
Bogong Leadership Camp
Year 7 and 8 students and some Senior classes have been enjoying participating in three, one hour sessions at Jets Gymnastics, as part of the new Stadium. Jets Gymnastics, directed by Ross Bouskill, have built one of the very best centres in Australia and the students have enjoyed the sprung floor, trampolines, vault, foam pit, high rope and uneven bars. Special thanks to Sarah and Val who are coaching secondary students for the very first time.
A select group of 24 Year 9 and 10 students from Diamond Valley College together with a group of 24 students from Epping Secondary College participated in a one week camp in the Bogong High
Presentation Ball The 2012 Presentation Ball held on the 19th May was great success. Our Year 11 participants presented themselves as young adults who are genuinely ready to be contributing members of their community and wider society. In the statements they made about themselves and their hopes for the future we can see not only a wide range of interests and future pathways but also genuinely high aspirations. This is encouraging to see in young people of today. Furthermore, their hard work in preparing for the evening clearly paid off as they looked fantastic and carried off their dances extremely well. Of course, it was important to have so many family and friends supporting them and enjoying the nights’ formalities as well as the meal and entertainment. Congratulations to you all!
Year 12 Motivational Dinner On Wednesday 9th May, the annual Year 12 Motivational Dinner was highly
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Physical Education with Jets Gymnastics
Think Outside the Book
Plains. The students participated in a variety of outdoor activities to meet the needs of the school’s leadership aspirations for students at our school. Activities included developing confidence, independence and the ability to be adaptive in shaping the future, developing
Diamond Creek News
This year the theme for Library and Information week was THINK OUTSIDE THE BOOK. To celebrate this the library ran a talent competition. We were amazed at the singing ability of the two students who got up and performed orally for us. Congratulations to Jemma Hollway and Hannah Evans (both in Yr 7.7) who came first and second. Both girls sang like angels. Third in the competition was Aaron 'The Human Pretzel' Thuys who did his amazing contortionist act. Comedians Haydn Murphy-Atkinson and Murphy Meilak (both in 7.4) were joint fourth. Well done to everyone who competed and entertained us all so thoroughly. Thanks also to teachers Serene Tresidder and Lynsey Betts and Yr 12 student Kellie White for being such wonderful judges.
“WITCH HUNT VICTIM” A local newspaper used the above words in their first news article about a Court Case Hearing, brought against me by the Local Government Inspectorate (LGI) (News Limited’s Diamond Valley Leader, Online 29 May 2012). The definition of a “witch-hunt” is "...an intense effort to discover and expose disloyalty, subversion, dishonesty, or the like, usually based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence" (Macquarie Dictionary). To explain the background to the Court Case; in November 2008 I swore an oath to serve my constituents. At the time I was thinking of the Diamond Creek Stadium and other items of local concern to my constituents. Then 3 months later Black Saturday occurred, when 41 of my constituents died, perhaps another 1000 were traumatised, and about a quarter of our municipality was burnt. After visiting the devastation with the present Minister of Planning Matthew Guy, it seemed reasonable to me that my oath to serve my constituents meant that I would have to concentrate on preventing a repeat of this disaster. I proposed between 20 and 30 Motions to Council, mainly on Extreme Bushfire self-help fuel reduction measures.
Almost none of them have been debated. None have been adopted by Council. Indeed, Councillors, or Council Officers, or the Local Government Inspectorate, have been part of about 17 apparently false allegations made against me, in addition to the one that led to the Court Case, all combining to damage me and my family. Coming back to the Court Case, the local newspaper termed a “witch hunt”. On 28/29 May 2012, the Heidelberg Magistrates Court heard evidence about me failing to declare a conflict of interest. The Court hearing was about a meeting of Council, 4 days before Christmas in 2010, following which a formal complaint was made that I had breached the Law. That set off a LGI prosecution, that spent your money to prosecute, and I was forced to spend borrowed money to defend. Put simply, my family’s home was at risk of being lost. On 22 March 2011, my lawyer wrote to the LGI and said: "You do not have material to support the allegations and you ought to give up". At any time in the last 14 months, I believe this case should have been abandoned by the relevant Government Agencies.
On 15 June 2012 the Heidelberg Magistrates Court found that I was right, and the Local Government Inspectorate, Victorian Government Solicitors Office and the Victorian Government Attorney General, as warned by my lawyers, were wrong. So if you are wondering why Extreme Bushfire fuel loads have increased in Nillumbik since Black Saturday, just remember; while Government Agencies are fiddling and wasting your money, on what the local newspaper termed a “witch hunt”, I believe they are not appropriately planning to make you safe from Extreme Bushfire. The old saying "Nero fiddled while Rome burned", comes to mind. The exact amount of your money wasted is still to be added up, but it appears to me in excess of $250,000 could have been spent in pursuit of this so called "witch hunt". Cr. Belinda Clarkson
Greg Williams Principal
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
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DIAMOND CREEK EAST PRIMARY SCHOOL
Eltham Glass
Pty Ltd
Mirrors Tabletops Shop Fronts Insurance Work Splashbacks
Winter is here, and the year is half over! Wow, time flies when you are having fun!
Laminated Safety Glass Shower Screen Repairs Broken Windows Repaired Leadlights made to Order Leadlight Supplies
7 Days a Week All Areas Same Day Service Trevor & Sue Constance
49 Chute Street Diamond Creek
Phone: 9438 1970 Mobile: 0419 354 858
Recently, one lucky grade 3/4 class and their teacher were very excited to spend some time with Collingwood Magpies’
Since our last Diamond Creek East Primary School report, a lot has happened! There are always exciting visitors, events and programs happening at our school – it’s one of the many reasons that makes our school a great place to be!
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
DIAMOND CREEK OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC 27 BLACKGULLY ROAD, DIAMOND CREEK
SPORTS INJURIES, MUSCULAR, SKELETAL PROBLEMS, NECK & SHOULDER, STRESS AND HEADACHE ETC. TAC & WORKCOVER
Our Prep students recently visited Bundoora Farm, as part of their “Farm Animals” unit. Our Discovery 2 students (Grades 1 and 2) recently visited Yarrabee Yesterday’s World School, and held “Grandparents and Special Friends Day” at the school, which related to their “Now and Then” unit. The Challenge students (Grades 3 and 4) are learning about renewable and non-renewable energy sources this term, and a recent excursion to CERES Environment Park allowed them to increase their knowledge about this interesting topic. Our Enrichment students visited the “Shrine of Rememberance” to pay their respects to those who fought and lost their lives in battle. These students are currently working on their Memory Box” project which involves researching a person who has been involved in a war. They will present their research at a special “Memory Box Night” before the end of
superstar, Scott Pendlebury! Scott is a close friend of one of the DCE teachers, and as an incentive for the class with the most students registered for the Premier’s Active Family Challenge, Scott offered to come and spend some time with the winning grade. Grade C3B and Mrs McCredden spent over an hour with Scott, discussing his football career and playing the Nintendo Wii on the
Our school concert is rapidly approaching and will be held over two nights in week 6 of Term 3. The theme of this year’s concert is “A Cruise Around the World”, with pairs of grades allocated to a particular country whose music and costumes will be used for each act. The performances are a culmination of several months of hard work by both students and their teachers, and is a wonderful showcase of the talent, enthusiasm and confidence of our DCE students.
Term 2. DCE students and teachers were recently treated to a visit by the 1992 Melbourne Cup winner, Sub Zero. All grades were lucky enough to spend some time with the great horse, who is now 23 years old! We all learned many interesting facts about Sub Zero, as well receiving an insight into the world of professional horse training and racing.
show that is broadcast live to the entire school via the interactive whiteboards every Wednesday during lunch eating time between 1:30pm and 1:45pm. The students are involved in the planning, writing, rehearsing, performing and producing of the program. The equipment that is used includes: three cameras (one is wireless for ‘out on the road’ reporting), a green screen and mixing desk (which controls the microphones, cameras and auxiliary equipment including prerecorded items). Some of the regular items include: the weather, birthdays of the week, sports reports, advertisements bought to you by our sponsors, reports on excursions and school activities, live interviews, musical performances and a segment called “How Well Do You Know DCE?”
interactive whiteboard! Even the nonCollingwood supporters had fun with Scott! What a great experience! A terrific and innovative program has been trialled and developed this year at our school called “DCE Live”, involving our Grade 6 students. It is a television
Diamond Creek East Primary School is certainly a fun and exciting place to be! We are now taking 2013 Prep enrolments, so please contact our school principal Mr Rob Rostolis at the DCE school office on 9438-1413 if you would like to arrange a school tour. Kassandra Papuga
Support your local Community Paper!
For Appointment Phone 9438 1404 or 0412 403 293
The Diamond Creek News needs new advertisers. Contact Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933 for more info
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Diamond Creek News
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
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Rotary Club of Diamond Creek's 20th Birthday The Rotary Club of Diamond Creek celebrated it's 20th Birthday with a party at Ashton Manor on Saturday 2nd June. More than 150 members, past members, families and friends attended the party, including Charter President John McCrohan, Charter member Bob Eycken and Past District Governor Ron Pearce, who cut the birthday cake with current President Alan Jones. Current District Governor David Anderson assisted President Alan Jones to award a
Paul Harris Fellow to Secretary Eileen Gatt, and Paul Harris Fellow Sapphire pins to Linda Gidlund and Ern Wardell, in recognition of their services to Rotary. District Governor David also presented the inaugural Changemaker Award to President Alan, I return, Alan presented David with a cheque for $10.000 to g towards David's Project to raise funds to provide equipment to Goroka Hospital in PNG for Maternal and Baby care. The club has also pledged our ongoing
support to the project. We were entertained by Amnda and te Jets. But the outstanding hit of the night was the Birthday Book - a history of the club, it's projects, people and presidents, which was very ably assembled by Kerry Jones and Greg Adams, who contributed many, many hours to bring it al togeher. Copies were given to all who attended as a special keepsake of the first 20 years of the Rotry Club of Diamond Creek.
The Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal was also sent a cheque of $62.50 (half of the money raised on the Funny Hair Day). Well done to everyone! Congratulations to Aley Johnson for all her work in organising this event.
Enrolments for 2013 NOW BEING ACCEPTED The school is now accepting enrolment forms for 2013. We have had an overwhelming response to the advertisement of a 3rd consecutive year of a straight prep class. Already, there have been over 15 school tours conducted. To assist in planning classroom and staffing set up, can I now please ask for forms to be returned as soon as possible? If you know of any other families interested in joining our school, please feel free to pass on the school contact details (9438 1259) so that we can conduct a personalised tour. A new school brochure will shortly be distributed to local Kinders. Extra copies will be available at the front office.
Education Week May 21st to 25th of May What a wonderful week we had a WGPS. It was great to see so many families come and visit our school throughout the week. Our staff is very proud of the students, programs and activities at this school and is grateful for the ongoing support of many families.
Fundraising Committee and the ‘Not Quite’ Winter Solstice Party The ‘Not Quite’ Winter Solstice Party was attended by 36 people. It was fantastic to see so many new families that have only recently joined the school supporting this event. From the great entertainment by the band Ruth and Sam, to the most amazing 5 star quality food platters organised by Carol Dixon and the fantastic prizes prepared by Michelle Uniacke, a great night was had by all. Thanks also to the families that donated items. A huge thank you to the hosts, Emma Wallace (now engaged!!!) and Stell Karagiannis – and of course the wonderful Joan Wallace you did an amazing job! Thank
you for allowing us to utilise such an amazing venue! Initial reports are that the function has raised over $1400 – what an achievement!!! What a wonderful group of fundraising people involved in this committee!
Special Visitors Ben Reid Collingwood Football Club Ben Reid made a guest appearance to our school and coordinated a fantastic footy clinic. Thanks Ben for being such a great sport!
Thank you to the hardworking team of Emma, Stell, Joan, Kim, Michelle, Carol, Rachel, Meg, all led by Vicki Hunter.
Ultranet Captains Our Year 5s attended St. Helena Secondary College to participate in an Ultranet Training Program. The Ultranet is a program still being implemented across Victorian Government schools. It is a program that will offer parents, students and teachers more opportunity to communicate and provide evidence of student progression. The Ultranet will allow networking of students between class, schools and regions. The Ultranet will also provide a space for students to upload their work, have it corrected by staff and allow for student, parent and teacher feedback to be recorded. Our Year 5s are now known as the school Ultranet Captains! They have developed skills and knowledge that can then assist other students (and staff) at our school! We look forward to sharing the knowledge! Thank you to Daniel, Dayne, James and Oliver for taking up this opportunity!
Worlds Greatest Shave & RCH Good Friday Appeal The Cash-A-Can cage has been emptied and our school received a cheque of $125.00 for collecting the cans. The Junior School Council decided that this money (and half of the money raised on the Funny Hair Day) would be sent to the Cancer Council of Victoria for their Greatest Shave fundraiser. WGPS students donated $173.70 to this wonderful cause.
Looking ahead Term 3 and 4 are jam-packed with events at WGPS! July 25th - 2012 Book Fair Begins August 2nd - Magic Flute Excursion August 7th - Family Planning Sessions begin August 20th - Book Week Activities begin August 27th - Literacy and Numeracy Week activities begin September 13th - District Athletics Carnival Day A very exiting time ahead!
Bright Start Program The Bright Start Program will run again in 2012! Every Monday at the school from 9 am to 11am for 3, 4 and 5 year olds – and its STILL FREE. Coordinated by Dani Szymanski – an experienced Prep teacher! Contact the school if you would like more info!
Twitter Wattle Glen PS has entered the world of Twitter!! Follow the latest news @wattlegps
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/
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R.S.L. DIAMOND CREEK - DOREEN SUB BRANCH NEWS This year with the expansion of the clubs boundaries to include the Doreen area the club held ANZAC services at both Diamond Creek War Memorial and Laurimar Primary School. The ANZAC Day service at the War Memorial was very well attended particularly considering the weather. I have received
some very good feedback on the service, in particular the participation of a number of students from the schools especially Diamond Creek East Primary this year. It is my hope to continue and grow the participation of our schools in future years. Another lovely moment in the service was the young trumpeter from the Moreland City Band who played the Last Post and Rouse
INDIGENOUS PLANTS FOR SALE Now is the perfect time to get out into the garden and plant your local indigenous plants. Edendale Indigenous Nursery has a great range of quality plants at reasonable prices. Open 7 days a week from 9.30am - 4.30pm.
Day and it is hoped that the new War Memorial will be ready for next year’s service. We had an excellent response to the ANZAC Appeal and I can announce we raised a total $18,000.400. Once again we would like to thank the local communities of Diamond Creek and Doreen, for their support of this very worthwhile cause which allows us to maintain our welfare work for returned service personnel and their families The wet conditions did not stop hundreds of locals attending the 2012 ANZAC Day Service excellently despite the weather. The club would like to thank all those that braved the elements and attended the service. We would also like to thank all those who assisted the club to hold this service and provide refreshments afterwards. In particular the Scouts, who at the last minute provided a large amount of shelter for those attending, the Diamond Creek Traders, who continue to provide ongoing support and the Teachers and School Students. With this support and all the other people who assist I am sure the local service will only continue to grow and be an important event in the life of the community.
War Veteran Des Vincent with Granddaughter Bianca Vincent after laying a wreath at the 2012 ANZAC Day Service
The inaugural service at Doreen was held on Sunday the 22nd at the Laurimar Primary School proceeded by a march through the Laurimar Town Centre. The service was well attended and heavily supported by the Primary School, Ivanhoe Grammar School Army Cadets and the Montmorency-Eltham RSL. The club plans for this service to be held every year on the Sunday prior to ANZAC
The Club would like to record their appreciation to all those who assisted on the day. We would also like to thank all those who so generously sponsored ANZAC day. On Sunday the 24th June the club is planning to hold a sausage sizzle at Mitre 10 Diamond Creek. If you are involved in DYI that Sunday and are going to Mitre 10, or if you would just like to drop by and have a sausage and a chat we would appreciate your support. Latter in the year we plan to hold a car boot sale in Diamond Creek and a sausage sizzle at Laurimar. The Diamond Creek-Doreen Sub Branch of the RSL is quite strong and has a very strong support group in The Friends of Diamond Creek RSL, but there is always room for new members, I would particularly like to see some new members from Doreen. We meet on the last Monday of the month at the Diamond Creek Bowling Club at 6.45pm. Should you be interested in becoming a Member, please contact our Membership Officer and Vice President Mr Rhys Thomas C/O PO Box 365 Diamond Creek 3089.
John Langford President: Diamond Creek - Doreen RSL
Support your local Community Paper! The Diamond Creek News needs new advertisers. Contact Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933 for more info
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Where:
Edendale Indigenous Nursery, 30 Gastons Road Eltham,
Contact:
9433 3703 or email nursery.edendale@nillumbik.vic.gov.au .
CHANGES TO HARD WASTE COLLECTION As of 1 July 2012, Council will change its hard waste collection to a booked collection. Residents are entitled to one pre-booked hard waste collection per financial year. For further hard waste collection information, please contact WM Waste Management Services on 9721 1915 or visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/hardwaste .
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS IN NILLUMBIK The Family Friendly Places and Spaces project promotes family friendliness across Nillumbik. How family friendly are our local supermarkets, banks, health services and sporting clubs? We want to hear from you! Take our online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/bmmgbfq or phone 9433 3117 for a copy.
ENROL NOW AT LIVING & LEARNING NILLUMBIK Enrolments for Semester 2 courses at Living & Learning Nillumbik open on 18 June 2012. Visit www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/livingandlearning for all the course details.
COMMUNITY ARTS OPPORTUNITY! Local artists are invited to design and create small-scale artworks in collaboration with disability groups and local schools for permanent installation in the Eltham Lower Park Playspace. The Playspace is an inclusive, all abilities playground, designed around the motif of the Eltham Copper Butterfly and the theme “Working Together”. Expressions of interest (including proposal for design, fabrication, installation, budget and timeline) close on Friday 29 June. Applicants must hold a Working with Children Check. For further information contact Michelle Zemancheff, Cultural Development Officer, on 9433 3126.
PRACTICALLY GREEN SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2012 Nominations are now open for the Practically Green Sustainability Awards in the following categories: • Sustainable Building
• Sustainable Home
• Sustainable Business
• Sustainable Community Organisation.
• Sustainable School or Children’s Centre The Awards promote and celebrate excellence in sustainability within the Nillumbik community. Nominations are open until 31 July. Entry forms are available from www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au and from the Civic Centre. The Awards will be presented to winners at this year’s Practically Green Festival at Edendale in October. For further information, contact Romney Bishop, Sustainability Officer, on 9433 3211. www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au 9433 3111
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Scouting Around Diamond Creek
1ST DIAMOND CREEK JOEY SCOUTS
Our Joey Scouts have enjoyed our annual Sleepover, Campfire and City Visit this term, along with many other activities, with the main themes being Recycling and Environment.
In May, our Joey Scouts joined others from the surrounding districts for a visit to Polly Woodside as part of our Pirate themed sleepover. A couple of the Joey Scouts were wide eyed as we approached the ship, telling me that they thought we were going to see a chocolate bar! Our Mob participated in both the ANZAC Day ceremony ( and they were such good Joey Scouts, to be standing during the ceremony, proudly wearing their uniforms, which doesn't include a raincoat!), and also the "Come and Try Scouting Day" in early June. We met a couple of new friends and look forward to welcoming them into the mob shortly. We have invested Nathan and Dylan into the Eltham North Group, welcome to you and your families. We have a visit to Mudbash planned, the
SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL Student Wellbeing
Rover Section's motorsport event, held each Queens' birthday weekend, out of Yea. We are also celebrating Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee with a tea party and traditional British games, and we have been invited to join the Joey Scouts from Manningham District for their Colours night. End of term will swing around too quickly, I'm sure, when we hold our 17th annual Joey Scout/Cub Scout Rollerskating, held at Skaterz, in Eltham.
Our Student Wellbeing Team supports the spiritual, academic, social and emotional wellbeing of students through clear communication with parents and teachers.
Smart Policy, Junior School Council, Reading Recovery Class, Meetings, Program Seasons (loss and grief) Program, Circle Time, Social Emotional Learning, Whole School Assemblies, Grade 5/6 camps, Weekly School Awards, Individual
We have had to say a temporary goodbye to one of our leaders, Blinky, who is taking 12 months to explore the world. We look forward to being able to catch up with her thanks to the miracles of modern technology. The Mobs continue to meet at the Diamond Creek Scout Hall, each Tuesday during school terms, from 6pm -7pm, at 45 Challenger St, Diamond Creek. We also continue to offer our "3 for free" trial period, so please, if you have boys or girls (we'd love to see more girls) aged 6-8 years of age, no need to book, please come along and see what Scouting can offer you, Diamond Creek style.
The wellbeing of our students is fostered through School Wide Positive Behaviour Program, Better Buddy Program, School Student Leadership Team, Safety House Program, Young Leaders Program, Sun
needs and integration programs Earlier this year we had an entire day on leadership with the year 5/6 students followed by election of the leaders for Semester 1. Better Buddies continues
throughout the term and the 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. Each fortnight our year 5 and prep students work together to create a relationship and feeling of safety. At this time all year 6 students are involved in a leadership role working on various issues including environment, social justice and creating a year book. Our greatest success has certainly been our Buddy Bear Bus Stops around the yard. These are designed to enable students a place to go when they cannot find someone to play with and then the older students can help manage this situation. They have been very popular. ENROLMENTS for 2013 are now open for all year levels. For further information or to arrange a school tour please contact the office on 9438-1590 or visit our website www.shdiamondcreek.catholic.edu.au
Safety House Association Diamond Creek & Wattle Glen. For further information, please contact Joey Scout Leader, Natarsha Jacobs, on 0411719812 or email diamondcreekjoeys@gmail.com Yours in Scouting, Birrala - Natarsha Jacobs
Yes we are still running this valuable program that aims to keep every one in our community safe. The house holds that display a yellow Safety House Triangle on the letter box have been police checked to ensure that they are providing the safest possible house for young children or older citizens who may be feeling unsafe while out and about. Last month we held a special awareness day for the Preps and they each received a special show bag after completing some Safety House activities. Check the photo out with one of our fantastic Collins Street Safety House Holders. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our Householders for keeping us all safe.
We are undergoing a few changes and trying to maintain the Committee so that all of our local school have a representative. If
you are interested in joining the Committee please call Diamond Creek Primary School on 9438 1108.
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DIAMOND CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL
Diamond Creek Primary School Walking School Bus. The Walking School Bus continues to grow and blossom. The walkers are so lucky as they have the experience of two of our past parents. Both Sue Schnaars and David Norden walk with the Walking School Bus despite the fact that their children have left Diamond Creek Primary School to attend secondary schools. It is such a good feeling to know that two of our Walking School Bus leaders who do not have any children in the Diamond Creek Primary School are still dedicated to seeing the program
Well anything but drab is the way you can describe the new facilities at Diamond Creek Primary School. There has been a great deal happening in the buildings program and the general improvement of our school.
continue. Both David and Sue are past parents of students and both of them are very committed to continuing to help out all the Walking School Bus routes and any special events. We have welcomed many new prep members and of course we have our exiting bunch of constant daily walkers. Keep up your enthusiasm guys we can keep on walking and making a difference to our environment by using less greenhouse gasses. As a community we would like to thank David Norden (pictured right) for
continuing to take on the lead role and daily administration task. Keep it up keen walkers. We look forward to seeing you continue to walk throughout winter.
The school is looking fabulous and all of the students are very appreciative of their new learning and playing areas. The cladding to the underside of the new building has completed the works and it looks sensational! From additional computers and interactive whiteboards, to the newly surfaced basketball court, right through to the state of the art automatic ventilation system that releases Co2 in the new building, all makes for a fabulously inviting school environment. We would like to sincerely thank the Diamond Creek Rotary Club for generously providing funds to us, enabling the large area between the new and existing building to be protected with our magnificent new shade sails. This sail cloth provides shelter from the sun and is also an attractive feature of the school. We are indebted to the Rotary Club as a school community, as we would not be able to provide this multi-functional shaded area without their much appreciated support.
Our grade 5/6 students have just returned from school camp in Warburton where they had many fun adventures and some children even found gold in the creek! The remainder of the school children have been busy producing some fine work in all areas of the curriculum. It is wonderful to see them happily engaged in their learning and achieving at such high levels as they enjoy their learning experiences. Recently the whole school participated in our very own Carnivale Spectacular. The senior students paraded in their masks and headdresses that they created as a combined project between their innovative Visual Arts and Italian Language programs. The junior school students made eye masks and joined in the fun of this sensational parade. One of the Northern Regional Languages Project Officers, Angela Minuzzo attended and was particularly impressed with the whole event. The children were very lucky to top the day off with a delicious lunch that was provided by our hard working Parents and Friend’s Committee.
Our School website is easily accessible and has lots of interesting information about recent and upcoming events. www.diamondcreekps.vic.edu.au Feel free to contact the school if you would like to learn about our pre-prep program that enables pre-school children to have a taste of what school is like. (Bookings are essential). And if you would like to visit our school to see our facilities first-hand and learn about our programs, please contact our Principal Helen Micallef on 9438 1108 to organise a personal tour.
The school’s gardening club, which is run by two wonderful parent volunteers and approximately thirty of our energetic students, has been working happily to beautify the grounds and also have some fun creating sculptures in the garden. These sculptures, which were developed in conjunction with the school’s exceptional Visual Arts program look terrific and provide some cheery winter colour to the garden beds.
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Diamond Creek East Pre-School Well we have had a busy start to the kinder year. The children were excited with the prospect of being “little artists in the making” by doing lots of paintings in our easel corner. Our teachers have been experimenting with different colours and the children have also had a “hands on experience” with the paints by doing finger painting. As part of our extended social activity for Autumn the children enjoyed a gathering at Skaterz in Eltham for a lesson in roller skating/blading. It was great to see the little ones (and siblings) give skating a go. The children enjoyed our Easter festivities before they began the school holidays. They had lots of fun with the annual Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny made tracks all around the garden which finally ended in the cubby house. To the children’s surprise the Easter Bunny had left a huge basket of Easter Eggs.
The 4C’s – Chicks with Cancer who Coffee and Chat now meet at different venues.
The Mother’s Day Morning Tea approached very quickly after settling back into Term 2. Our mum’s enjoyed a beautiful morning tea being waited on with cakes, biscuits and drinks served. After the mum’s were fed they were treated to a bit of pampering including massages and manicures with hand creams. Speaking from a personal perspective it appeared that all the mum’s thoroughly enjoyed their morning tea and were then presented with their Mother’s Day gifts – necklaces & bracelets that the children made from beads.
Day venue 2nd Tuesday of the month at St John’s Anglican Church Diamond Creek. (opposite AD Ryans on Main Street.) The group gather in the meeting room from 13pm. Please bring a small plate to share. A warm welcome is assured. Night venue – Degani’s Bakery Café Main Street Diamond Creek. Last Thursday of the month. From 7pm – about 9.30pm. We gather for tea in the private function room; new members welcome. If you would like to come and have a coffee with us feel free to join us a meal is not necessary. The 4C’s are indebted to our local community for their support through raising awareness and funds for new members. Recently Contours and Curves of Diamond Creek held candle sales and green teas hand wash sales with Sandra Davies from Dominant Home Care. We really appreciated your support in raising awareness particularly throughout May.
New additions to our Kinder include our Outdoor sandpit area having a beautiful face-lift with new sand and our new Veggie beds where the children planted veggies & herbs to watch them grow. Overall a very busy start to the year, with lots of activities for the children to enjoy and lots more to come.
We would also like to express thanks to Industrial Tattoo Co. in Diamond Creek who helped raise awareness and donate to Cancer Research the cost of the tattoos done on the 3rd of June. Thank you for raising awareness of the need to fundraise for research into how we can find a cure. 4C members gathered with their families to help raise funds for research as we know better than anyone how very important it is to find a cure. We are all driven to find a cure so as to find a cure and prevent cancer for our children and grandchildren. The 4C’s were really pleased to be able to give something back towards research and helping to find a cure. Some of our brave members faced the needle and had a tattoo done. Good on you girls and thanks to all of our friends and family members who fronted up on the day despite the difficulties with the railway closures.
Some facts that not everyone is aware of ………. 4C members are no longer able to receive free mammography or ultrasounds through Breast Screen Victoria. This is because once you have had breast cancer in Victoria you are no longer able to receive free screening. Pardon my cynicism and sarcasm but I think people who have had cancer require more diligent follow up and should be entitled to a free service. Cancer is a very costly business for the patient! If you had had breast cancer in Victoria all future screening and follow up is at the cost of the individual or you are required to wait at a public hospital clinic for perhaps a few hours therefore loosing time at work.
Fact No 1: If a 4C member lived in Western Australia they would be able to access Free Breast Screen services after having had breast cancer. Breast screen is a federally funded but state administered service. You can help….. Contact your local member and let them know how you feel about the unfairness of this screening for future cancer in women who are obviously at a higher risk than the usual population who receives free breast screening.
Fact No 2: If you are over 50 years of age you must pay for breast MRIs they are not covered by Medicare. You are out of pocket for the whole procedure. The present out of cost figures range from $490- $600. UNFAIR! This seems to be totally and utterly unfair and discriminatory. The message that the government is sending women is….. YOU NEED TO PAY FOR THE PRIVELEDGE OF HAVING HAD CANCER!!! You can help….. Contact your local member and let them know how you feel about the unfairness of this MRI screening. We believe that future MRI cancer screening in women who have already had cancer is essential. The cut off
age of 50 is ridiculous. Surely our MPs realise these women who have had cancer need specialised surveillance and it should be free not at enormous cost. If it is at a huge cost it will eventually impact on the public purse because women who have recurrences will be a burden on the public purse. Thank you to the Diamond Creek community who gather as a community and make a difference to the 4C’s; we thank you for your support and hope you feel able to contact members of Federal and State Members of Parliament to let them know what you think. A day is currently being planned by the Committee which will enable all 4C members to access the latest on relaxation, alternative therapies and much more. We are able to hold this day thanks to the generosity of our community who has helped raise funds for us. It is indeed a fortunate position to be in where top speakers can be booked because the community has fundraised so as there are funds to pay for top quality speakers. We are planning a wellness and wellbeing workshop for Sunday the 9th of September. If you are a practitioner and would like to join in celebrating wellness please feel free to contact Linda Hammond, our Community Health Nurse on 9430 9154. 4C’s can be contacted through Nillumbik Community Health Service on 9430 9154.
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Danielle Green MP - State Member for Yan Yean
DIAMOND CREEK PRIMARY SCHOOL HISTORY RECORDING
Horror State Budget For Diamond Valley Families The State Budget was bad new for local families, with a number of cuts that will directly affect household budgets. The School Start Bonus was abolished and the Education Maintenance Allowance halved. On top of that are swingeing cuts to TAFE and the school support program, which offers psychology, speech therapy and other support to children in our schools. Indeed the cuts to TAFE are likely to see regional TAFE campuses closed down, with some courses having their funding cut by up to 80%. This will be disastrous for vocational training and comes on top of the cuts to VCAL co-ordination last year.
The Diamond Creek community is set to pave our way in to the future. Diamond Creek Primary School is about to embark on recording some of the pupils and staff names in pavers that will lead from the front gate out to other buildings.
For the second budget in row there was exactly nothing for roads and public transport for the Yan Yean electorate. This a disgraceful as Yan Yean is the most populated and fastest growing electorate in the State.
Pavers can be stamped with family names, children’s names and even the dates you attended. There is a limit of 34 characters including spaces. The cost per paver is $50. We are opening this opportunity up to the community and extending the closing time until June the 29th. As we are hoping to have the project completed early next term the time line has been extended until this time so that community members wishing to get involved are aware of what is happening. Take advantage of this limited offer. Contact the school on 9438 1108.
Peace of mind A clean, safe and loving environment for your child A Personalised, Clean Centre Highly Qualified Staff Committed to the Care and Development of Children. Open from 7.00 am to 6.30 pm (Monday to Friday) Long Day Care – 6 weeks – 5 Years Kindergarten program provided by a qualified Kindergarten Teacher promoting a wonderful literacy and numeracy program Nutricious Meals, Cooked on the Premises
There is still no news of when Kangaroo Ground Primary School, Greensborough College and Montmorency Secondary College are due to get their much need upgrades. Luckily the Government has heeded the dire warnings about a pending primary school overcrowding crisis in Doreen, with funding for a new Primary School. However this does not address the urgent need for a High School. It is absolutely vital that the Government commits to funding this school, as it is unfair on surrounding communities to have to bear the brunt of this growth, given many of the surrounding schools are reaching capacity and the roads are becoming ever more congested. Please contact me for more information about any of these issues, including how you can fight these cuts.
Buses Slashed & a Go Slow on More Services & Stabling on Hurstbridge Line The government has ripped 561 bus services per week out of the Diamond Valley, with the cancellation of the 563 bus route and the re-routing of the 562 bus. Despite the popularity of many of these routes, the Liberal State Government has decided to rob Peter to pay Paul, since the opening of the Labor funded South Morang station. This will impact most heavily on commuters making onward journeys from Greensborough to Northland and Mill Park. On top of this, residents in bushfire affected communities such as Kinglake and Whittlesea can no longer make direct journey’s to Greensborough. We need improved services in our area, especially to Diamond Creek, not cuts. Disappointingly, work on new stabling for the Hurstbridge Line has only just begun. This $50 million project was funded by the previous Labor Government in 2010, but the Baillieu Government has dithered over its construction. Once it is completed it should increase reliability on the Hurstbridge Line, and allow extra train services. The Baillieu Government needs to get on with the job and build it! To obtain a petition regarding the cuts to bus services, please contact me.
Keen Readers Undertaking Premiers’ Reading Challenge Now in its 8th year, the Premiers’ Reading Challenge is going from strength to strength, with lots of keen readers in our local schools! The Challenge was begun by former Premier Steve Bracks, who wanted to promote the importance and the joy of reading in our school kids. I have been to almost all schools in the Diamond Valley
In a highly worrying development, Liberal Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, has signalled that he is introducing new planning laws that will shut out the community from planning decisions, with a ‘Code Assess’ scheme. Under these laws you won’t be notified about development plans in your local area. There will be no consultation and you will have no right to appeal. This change will mean that as long as any proposed development fits a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mandatory planning code, they will get given the green light. Indeed the first you may know about any proposed development is your neighbour’s house being demolished and building work starting on higher density accommodation. This new law, risks changing Diamond Creek’s character, without input from locals. I will be joining with my Labor colleagues to oppose these changes in Parliament. For more information and to sign the petition please visit www.springst.com.au.
Diamond Valley Community Survey Thanks to everyone who responded to my community survey. I have had an amazing response from across the Diamond Valley and am still getting many responses in the mail and online. I am ploughing through your responses and will provide an overall report to the community and also a personal reply to each respondent. It is clear how much people enjoy living in the Diamond Valley and want to see it protected but do see a need for improvements to our public transport, roads and schools.
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.sutherlandchildcare.com Winter 2012
Planning Changes Threaten Our Neighbourhoods
State Member for Yan Yean
Multilingual and Bilingual staff members Our Centre has an Open Door Policy Privately Owned by a local family Enquiries welcome: Director, Deborah Phone: (03) 9435 5104 or Mobile: 0433 379 430 Diamond Creek News
For more information about the Reading Challenge, please contact me, your child’s school or visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc.
Danielle Green MP
(Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Tea)
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area and most recently enjoyed a fun afternoon at Wattle Glen Primary School to promote the challenge. It was great to see such a dedicated bunch of kids and their amazing teachers.
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NILLUMBIK UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE U3A NILLUMBIK IS EXPANDING! A new campus will open in Eltham. This will complement the existing and much-loved original campus in Hurstbridge. The new campus will be launched on Thursday 5th July, in time to begin classes on Monday 16th July.
Vanillaz Hair Studio
U3A stands for University of the Third Age and offers people from all walks of life an opportunity to continue learning and sharing knowledge and skills. The benefits of keeping the mind stimulated and active as we grow older is well known. In joining others with similar interests new friendships are possible. U3A welcomes members who have reached 55 years of age and are no longer working full time. All tutors and committee members are volunteers and the courses offered rely on the willingness of members to share their skills and knowledge. Membership is a very reasonable $40 per year and any courses can be chosen across the two campuses. There will be an information booth at the Eltham Village Shops on 28th, 29th and 30th June.
DISCO DATES FOR 2012 10th August 9th November
DIAMOND CREEK BRANCH Greetings to all, hopefully, as you are reading this report you are warm and cosy. Winter certainly arrived before its due date, therefore stalls outside did not happen. Not to be deterred we had a week April 30May 4 at Warringal Shopping Centre a raised a grand total $2,160. Our next date ‘undercover’ is June 25-29 at the Greensborough Shopping Centre. This could be called ‘A Winter Woolathon’ our tables will be well stocked with lovely knitted jackets for babies, bright colourful jumpers for toddlers, warm wooly hats and scarves suitable for 2 year olds to 70+. Must not forget to mention those cosy knitted or crocheted rugs, that are so handy from the lounge room to the footy ground. Famine in West Africa is of ongoing concern and our branch sent $7,500 to be directed to this emergency. In a region spanning 4,000kms and nine countries
from West to Central Africa more than 18 million people are at risk of severe acute malnutrition and some children are already dying. We also sent $5,500 to be directed to a new Mobile play bus which is now operating in and around the inner Melbourne suburbs. Save the Children now have 8 of these very popular Play Bus Schemes operating in Victoria. Born to Knit Campaign is Back…June 1September 20 2012. Supporters are asked to knit woolen blankets or squares. Through our programs in Australia and in countries like Laos and Cambodia, all knitted blankets will make their way into the arms of caring mothers. Before we sign off a reminder to mark the calendar MONDAY SEPTEMBER 3rd 2012 for our 50th Birthday Luncheon celebration at the Uniting Church Hall, Wensley Street Diamond Creek at 12.30p.m. Till then Take Care and Keep Warm. Jill Pittle
RACV/LEADER REDSPOT SURVEY We receive many complaints about Yan Yean Road, from Arthurs Creek Road to Diamond Creek Road, about the road surface, recent accidents, and congestion. Instead of conducting our own survey on Yan Yean Road, and doubling up, Metropolitan North Eastern Road Safe Council strongly encourages you to nominate the sections of Yan Yean Road that concern you, in the RACV REDSPOT
Survey. The survey forms can be found in the Leader newspapers, until 6 July 2012. Metropolitan North Eastern RoadSafe Council.
14th September 7th December Shop 1 18 Chute Street, Diamond Creek
7pm - 10pm
$6 admission
9438 2244
NO PASSOUTS
We don’t just dance!
“At Vanillaz we love helping you look and feel your best!”
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The proposed rate increase is 5.9%. Our debt is around $19 Million. The council proposal to
Nillumbik Shire Council Budget 2012/13
I do not support the plan.
Shire of Nillumbik” by Rod Incoll 2003).
“Roadside firebreaks are an integral part of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan and any limitation of effective clearance needs to be carefully validated against the objectives set for community protection under this plan.” (“Bushfire Planning Issues in the
Ironbark Road vegetation hiding an 80 km zone sign.
Firestorm”, Volume 1).
“In short what, was of concern for this enquiry was not hindsight: it was a lack of foresight based on a long history of firestorms in Australia, dating back to at least 1851.” (Maria Doogan, Coroner, “The Canberra
Extracts from Nillumbik Ratepayers Association’s submission to Council (19 April 2012): “A Council that willingly accepts a 20% plus loss of habitat/biodiversity, and 41 human lives in just a few hours and does not change Council Policy can hardly be called a responsible Council” (Brian Murray).
Nillumbik’s Roadside Management Plan will be voted on at the 26 June 2012 Council Meeting. The above photo, is one example of our roadsides. Roadsides are treated as habitat links for bird and animals and for years the long grass, weeds and shrubs create problems for driver visibility and pedestrian safety with some roadsides now so narrow it is difficult to pass another car. I find many roadsides are not possible to walk along and pedestrians are forced to walk on the road. I believe the draft Policy does not adequately address the bushfire threat to our shire. David Packham, Bushfire expert told the Royal Commission the roadsides became fire wicks on Black Saturday.
Roadside Management Plan
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Diamond Creek News
Nillumbik Council received a petition, with 1014 signatures, objecting to any sale or development of the Council Civic Drive site. Nillumbik Council also received 119 submissions, with only 1 submission supporting Council’s proposal to sell the land. The majority of members of Council’s Civic Centre Reference Group, did not support Council’s proposal and did not support the sale of the land. The Friends of Apollo Parkways, the Nillumbik Ratepayers Association and the Apollo Parkways Primary School all rejected the Council’s plan to sell any part of the Civic Centre site. The Civic Drive site is not in a Major Activity Centre and most Councillors would not support a proposal like this, in Eltham or Diamond Creek Major Activity Centres. I understand, some people have been led to believe Council will spend money from the sale of this land, and invest back into the site. I have been informed in writing “There is no specific budget allocation for works at the Civic Drive site in the draft 2012/13 budget”. If it is not in this
Public consultation a sham.
Sale of Civic Drive land
I endorse both of these actions and I believe this Council has to confine its expenditure, and must live within its means. I believe Nillumbik should be following Melbourne City Council’s lead.
I also note he states “Melbourne City Council has led the way by announcing no rate increase this year”.
I agree with the former, twice Mayor of Banyule, where he states in a media article last month “…councillors must show leadership and restraint during tough financial times”. One can only applaud his leadership on this issue.
Many residents complain to me that the Council focus is the environment. Council spend one million pa on Nillumbik’s green wedge. The many expensive studies and Plans, like the Biodiversity Plan and Green Wedge Management Plan, are expensive to prepare and support this claim.
sell public land is a short term solution to a bigger problem. Is this shire financially sustainable? Our rates are already the highest in the State.
Cr. Belinda Clarkson
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View the Draft Masterplan online at www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/yarrambatpark or in hardcopy at Yarrambat Park Golf Course. Submissions must be received in writing by 5pm, Friday 13 July 2012 and can be made via Council’s website, by email to yarrambat.park@nillumbik.vic.gov.au or by post to Darren Bennett, Manager Community and Leisure Facilities, Nillumbik Shire Council, PO Box 476, Greensborough 3088.
The key development opportunities identified in the Draft Masterplan include the redeveloping the golf clubhouse, upgrading the golf course and coaching facilities, and potentially developing a small to medium scale conference, accommodation and hospitality facility.
Council is seeking community comment on the Draft Yarrambat Park Masterplan, which will guide the future development of the Yarrambat Park Golf Course and parkland. Yarrambat Park incorporates an 18-hole golf course, driving range and a number of clubs including archery, fly fishing, model aircraft and a horse and pony club.
Have your say on the Draft Yarrambat Park Masterplan
This site is a much loved and used, community asset. I voted no to the sale of this land.
In relation to the Council Plan the report stated “..strategies that are relevant to this report are…Strategy 4.1.12 Consult with our community to help us be informed and make better decisions”. Council has received an overwhelming rejection to this proposal once again, by the community of Nillumbik. The right decision would have been that Council not proceed, but instead 6 Councillors voted for the sale.
Put simply, this is just a land grab designed to maximise profits for council, to spend elsewhere in the Shire, or to reduce debt.
budget, it’s not going to happen in the near future.
BLUE LAKE WARD REPORT
DC News Winter 2012:DC News
25/06/2012
9:46 AM
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The Diamond Creek News P.O. Box 38 Diamond Creek Phone: 0419 337 933 Email: peter@devilpress.com
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 Accounts Peter Clarkson Distribution Belinda Clarkson
Distribution: 3500+ 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 28/06/2012 Deadline for next Edition 1st August 2012
Ph: 0419 337 933
Email: peter@devilpress.com
Ph: 0419 337 933
Email: peter@devilpress.com
Ph: 0439 755 411
Email: devpress@optusnet.com.au
Advertising Rates for Diamond Creek News Advertising Rates ¼ page B/W $75 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $120 Full page B/W $230 Colour Full page $460 Artwork for Adverts ¼ page B/W $15 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $20 Full page B/W $30 Colour Full page P.O.A Alterations for Adverts ¼ page B/W $10 (pre paid) ½ page B/W $15 Full page B/W $20 Colour Full page P.O.A Colour Full page adverts are only available if room permits in that edition.
Diamond Creek Traders and Community Support Cancer Research During May a number of Diamond Creek traders participated in the Cancer Council’s annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser. Platters Café and Restaurant, AD Ryans, Ferguson Plarre and Piccolo Meccanico hosted a Biggest Morning Tea and nearly $3,000 was raised. The contributions were varied with some businesses donating all of their profits and others a percentage, and some also went to the effort of seeking donations from other Diamond Creek businesses to raffle and raise extra funds. In particular, AD Ryans would like to thank their staff for volunteering their time to participate, Breadwise for their scones and bread and AD Ryan’s coffee bean
supplier for their generous donations, which sales of these products on the day was 100% profit – and in return more funds for the Cancer Council. A percentage of the sales from Sandra Davies who organizes the Diamond Creek Indoor Market and massages from local Kate also contributed to the funds that they raised. Ferguson Plarre also went the extra mile and called for gifts and donations from local traders, so again 100% profits could go back to this wonderful cause. Thank you to the Diamond Creek community for coming along and supporting this event.
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.
Hall’s Funeral Services
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.
15 Station Street, Diamond Creek.
Membership enquiries are welcome. Please contact the Peter Clarkson on 0419 337 933, or write to PO Box 38 DIAMOND CREEK VIC 3089.
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
Support Your Local Community Paper! Page 4
Diamond Creek News
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
Diamond Creek News
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DC News Winter 2012:DC News
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1ST DIAMOND CREEK SCOUT TROOP STRADBROKE CUP Easter 2012 Bay Park - Mt Martha
THE ELTHAM/HURSTBRIDGE RAILWAY Part 2: Steam Days 1912 – 1925
We achieved 1 High Silver Award and 1 Bronze Award.
By 1913 Melbourne busy suburban rail network had reached 150 miles of steam powered track. The city was now subject to increasing air pollution from the fleet of urban locos arriving and departing Flinders Street station. Their clouds of acidic coal smoke were also causing damage to the Sydney sandstone of St Paul's Cathedral.
100 Years of Service
Melbourne lift the train back on the tracks.
During its 100 years of operation which had started with steam trains the line has seen many operational changes. Prior to 1901 coaches connected with trains at the Heidelberg station terminus to take passengers into the wilds of Nillumbik as far as St Andrews.
In 1946 the brakes on a loaded timber jinker failed at the Diamond Creek level crossing and collided with the train killing the truck driver. Logs ripped open the side of one of the carriages. The crew and the only passenger escaped injury.
The authorities decided it was time for the new technology of the day, electric traction, to clean city air and upgrade the suburban rail network to cope with increasing passengers.
As the line expanded and terminated in sections the coach services followed until 1912 when the last link was completed. The
Another fatal truck accident occurred in Grimshaw Street, Greensborough, at the Para
Studies were made revealing a massive infrastructure was required before the first electric train could leave Flinders Street station. Planners and engineers rolled up their sleeves and started work.
240 Scouts from different regions competed for points on all aspects of scouting. Gale force storms flattened the campsite on the Friday night but scouts and leaders worked together to re-build the camp and continue the 5 day competition.
MASTERCHEF CAMP
An electrical workshop was set up at Jolimont rail yards where existing steam age swing door carriages were fitted with electric motors. Construction also commenced of the Tait carriages, specifically designed units for electric traction with safer sliding doors. The Taits would run for 70 years.
In May we held a Masterchef Camp. Scouts had to prepare a 2-3 course menu in which they had 3 hours to cook and serve their meal to a panel of judges. Meals included campfire stews, Mexican burritos, chicken
and sweet corn soup. The judges were impressed with the quality of the meals. An indulgent pancake cook-off was a highlight of the weekend.
TROOP COUNCIL Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders meet monthly to discuss various matters within the scout troop. In May they met at the Kangaroo Ground Observatory to discuss coming events, term plans and other areas of business. The dress code for this meeting was PJ’s and sleeping bags.
The Newport Power Station, the biggest in Australia at the time, was built to power the rail system with the first current coming on line in June 1918 to test the system and train crews. In May 1919 rail services started on the Essendon-Sandringham line. Electrification reached Eltham station in 1924 and the platform displayed a sign “Eltham – change here for Hurstbridge”. Passengers to the Hurstbridge section changed to a steam train which ran to the Hurstbridge terminus until 1926 when the link to Hurstbridge was electrified and locally celebrated with the issue of a commemorative badge.
Weekes family which had provided the coach services were out of business. As well as passenger trains, goods trains used the Hurstbridge line bringing the various supplies required in a rural area to be stored in station goods sheds for clients to collect. A goods shed still survives at Heidelberg station. Livestock trains also ran to stockyards at the Hurstbridge goods siding in the 1930's. Firewood was cut and loaded at Hurstbridge and trucked down the line to supply Melbourne's many wood yards.
Road intersection. The truck from Grimshaw Street over ran Para Road and crashed over the cutting onto the railway line.
Single Track Running For 100 years the Hurstbridge line has been using the staff system for single track operation and is now the only suburban line where it lingers on between Greensborough and Hurstbridge. It has been reported that the staff and its station infrastructure will soon be a major exhibit in the proposed rail museum on Eltham station.
Our line ran right down to Railway Pier, Port Melbourne carrying export orchard produce that was packed in the Diamond Creek Cool store and was loaded directly into ships cool rooms. Bagged bare root trees from the Alwood Nursery at Hurstbridge were also shipped to Railway Pier bound for New Zealand. Until guards were phased out, the daily newspapers were carried with the guard to Diamond Creek and Hurstbridge and left on the platform for the newsagent to collect.
Incidents on the Line
Commemorative badge for electrification of line to Hurstbridge
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Diamond Creek News
Winter 2012
Winter 2012
During Easter 1934 a city bound train hit a local car at Wattle Glen level crossing without a fatality but the two carriage swing door train was derailed. The accident attracted a large crowd of Easter motorists (pictured) who watched the steam powered crane from
Diamond Creek News
The Diamond Creek staff
by KEVIN PATTERSON Nillumbik Historical Society
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