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Page 2 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
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What The Papers Say Register by June 1
■ The Victorian Government has introduced Building Amendment (Swimming Pool and Spa) Regulations 2019, which took effect from last December. This introduces mandatory requirements for owners of private swimming pools or spas to register their pool or spa with their local council. In addition, pool and spa owners will now be required to have their safety barriers inspected by a registered building surveyor or building inspector every four years. - Warrandyte Diary
Highway works
■ Ongoing road works between Coldstream and Healesville on the Maroondah Highway will see the speed limit dropped to 80 kilometres per hour in a bid to increase safety on the road. Yarra Valley motorists are feeling the squeeze as the highway is narrowed to accommodate roadside equipment, requiring a temporary 40 kilometre per hour speed limit put in place in a two kilometre stretch. - Mountain Views Star Mail
Family rivalry
■ It’s all in the family for a Healesville man, who will race against his son in the 44th Historic Winton. Laurie Bennett will get behind the wheel of the 50-year-old Elfin 600B at the raceway near Benalla and will also be one of the 2000strong car exhibition from May 29 to 31. The vintage car enthusiast will compete against his son Nick Bennett, from Bright. “It’s fun racing with my son, although he’s not supposed to beat me,” Mr Bennett said. - Lilydale and Yarra Valley Leader
Ride horror
■ Metro is investigating after the doors on a Hurstbridge-bound service snapped shut behind a fiveyear-old child, leaving his father stranded on the platform to watch helplessly as the train left the station. The Hurstbridge father, who did not want to be named, said his son jumped onto the train at Diamond Creek station As he went to grab his son’s bicycle, the father said the train doors had already shut. “I kept pressing the button but the train just took off,” he said. - Diamond Valley Leader
Social distancing
■ Seymour Health is following the guidance of the Commonwealth Department of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria in response to the COVID19 pandemic. Seymour Health has put in place a pandemic plan which provides direction to assist with the implementation of measures to minimise disease transmission to help protect the community. Community members are encouraged to only attend appointments at Seymour Health when necessary, to assist with social distancing. - Seymour Telegraph
Valley vandalism
■ Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club was struck as part of a spate of vandalism on golf courses. On the same weekend Kilmore Golf Club suffered vehicle damage to its fourth and fifth greens, Hidden Valley’s course was also damaged with tyre tracks on its 10th green and fairway. Hidden Valley Golf and Country Club general manager Stephen Roberts said while the damage wasn’t as extensive as that to other clubs, it was still frustrating and disrupted golfers. - North Central Review
Tourism positions
■ An opportunity has become available for two community representatives to fill the vacant community positions currently available on the Strathbogie Shire Council - Tourism, Arts and CultureAdvisory Group (TACAG). - Granite News
● Marysville Primary School teachers and pupils welcomed Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish on Friday (Mar. 20). She spoke about leadership and government, and presented some certificates. Ms McMcLeish also visited Kinglake Primary School.
Footy, netball seasons delayed ■ The AFL Outer East season has been postponed until May 31. This affects football and netball teams including Division 2 which comprises Alexandra, Broadford, Kinglake, Powelltown, Thornton-Eildon, WarburtonMillgrove, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction and Yea. All AFL Outer East events have been suspended effective immediately All Club activity (practice matches, training, Auskick/Net Set Go, events/functions, school programs) are suspended effective immediately. These cannot resume until May 31. The AFL Outer East Office will be closed until April 14, with all staff working from home. Region General Manager Aaron Bailey will be available to assist clubs should they require it during this time “Our immediate priority is for the well being of all members of the AFL Outer East community.,” said an AFL Outer East spokesman. “Rest assured, we are committed to holding football and netball competitions in season 2020. “Given the unique nature of the situation, we will investigate all possibilities in providing this to our clubs and community. “Key in our thinking will be ; ■ Player, volunteer, umpire and staff welfare ■ Commission and club viability and sustainability ■ Commercial considerations ■ Financial impact for the Commission, its clubs and partners ■ Impact and ramifications for our competitions and fixtures “The current environment is an ever evolving one and we ask that all AFL Outer East participants, members and stakeholders stay calm and know that their health and safety is at the forefront of every decision. “We ask that AFL Outer East participants, members and stakeholders to hold questions until a FAQ document has been put together,” said the AFL Outer East spokesman. ★ The Northern Football Netball League has joined with other senior metropolitan leagues to postpone all community senior and junior football and winter-season netball competitions until the weekend of Saturday, May 2. The NFNL said this was a “collective decision” of the the NFNL, EDFL, EFNL, SFNL, VAFA and WRFL. “All Leagues agreed to suspend practice matches effective immediately and recommend that club training ceases until further notice,” said a spokesman for the group. “The Leagues will re-convene on Tuesday, April 14 to review and/or confirm this commencement date, subject to the status of the COVID-19 pandemic. “This decision has been reached with consideration to consistency, league and club sustainability and the health and welfare of all stakeholders,” explained the statement released by the group. ★ Yea Football-Netball Club executives Brad Watts (Vice-President), David Stares (Treasurer), Brian Phillips (Secretary) and Sam
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● Brad Watts, Vice-President of Yea Football-Netball Club Porter are inviting contact from members during this hiatus. “The much anticipated facility upgrade to the home and away football shower and toilet facilities is due to commence. The building works will take place during this delayed season start, and anticipated completion by the season resumption,” said a club statement,. “A general clean-up of the change room areas (lighting upgrade and painting etc) is planned, and undertaken by the Club, via volunteers at working bees.”
Thornton price ■ Thornton Primary School was sold for $353,000 at an auction held by Landmark Harcourts Alexandra on Friday (Mar. 20). Landmark Harcourts real estate manager Belinda Hocking appeared in a Nine News TV interview conducted by Tony Jones.
Confidential section
■ Part of tonight’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting to be held at the Yea Shire Hall will be held behind closed doors. The confidential section of the meeting will include discussions on matters including: ■ High Street, Yea – Road Safety Improvements ■ Gravel Roads Re-sheeting Program 20192020 ■ Visy Contract Matters ■ Aitken Cres sealing and associated works
■ We welcome David Oates of All About Termites and Pest Management to our columns. David’s company specialises in termite prevention and control, baiting and monitoring systems, visual termite inspections, pre-construction advice, and undertakes difficult and problem jobs. David can be contacted on 0438 671 280. ■ The front-page of our Yarra Valley Edition now includes advertisements from Eddie Bilgic from Abreeze Concrete (phone 0412 664 224), and John Stevens at Stevens Glass (phone 9726 6488). ■ Andrew Embling from Embling Rural is helping in the current circumstances with deliveries to customers in the alexandra district, and beyond. Phone 5772 3110 for more details. ■ Judi O’Neill at ‘The Molesworth’ is offering the option of take-away meals, from $20-$25. The menu includes a great selection including: • Atlantic Salmon Lasagna • Slow-cooked Lamb Shanks on mash • Beef or Vegetarian Nachos • Roast Chicken with Roast Vegetables • Satay with Peanut Sauce • Cheesy Garic Bread • Caesar Salad with Chicken • Smoked Salmon and Brie Salad • Flathead and Chips • Porterhouse Steak cooked as you like with salad and fries • Chicken Parma. Yum! Phone ahead on 5797 6364 to place your order. ■ Yea Football-Netball Club is often in our columns. The club’s new Digital Scoreboard will be available for the Season launch. This will be an important piece of new infra-structure. This is eagerly awaited by players and supporters, and will provide an avenue for valued Sponsors to advertise and be promoted. The ability to hold movie nights and other activities via this screen is also a possibility. Your business can be featured in this weekly column. It’s a free service for our advertisers. Call us at:
The Local Paper Phone 1800 231 311 or 5797 2656 Editor Ash Long: 0450 399 932 editor@LocalPaper.com.au
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Ticks & Crosses
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A big tick to the IGA Champions Whittlesea shopper who gave their toilet roll purchase (the last in the store for the day) to a local 82-year-old woman with cancer. Alexandra’s Corner Hotel was quick onto social media last week to dispel a false rumour that a Caronavirus sufferer had been at the popular venue. A ‘cross’ to the rumour spreaders. In fact, the hotel has made significant efforts to comply with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s directive about ‘social distancing’. The new maximum patron limits, all with appropriate separation, are: ■ main dining: approx. 50 people ■ bar: 25 people ■ Goldfields room: 11 people
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Also setting a good example is the Kinglake Pub. Only 25 people, in cluding staff, are allowed in Harry’s Bar. Only 16 people can dine at any one time. Some 52 people are allowed in the Bistro. Phone orders take precedence over walk-ins. Diners are asked to phone ahead. There is no table service, all orders are being placed at the counter. ’Social distancing’ will not be a prob lem at the Murrindindi Shire Coun cil meeting tonight (Wed.). The venue has been changed to the Yea Shire Hall. There should be enough room for the seven Councillors and staff. It is sad that Visitor Information Centres in Mitchell Shire have had to close. The closures took effect, until further notice, from last Friday (Mar. 20).
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Planning permit applicant S. Doherty is likely to be disap pointed when their hopes to use and develop Buxton land for the purpose of a dwelling and alteration of access, appear likely to be dashed by a negative recommendation by a Murrindindi Shire officer. The property is at 630 Buxton-Marysville Rd. Buxton.
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Queensland Fruit Fly has been detected this month in the Yarra Ranges. Residents in the surrounding area at Silvan are being notified and provided with information on how to prevent the pest spreading. QFF was detected in the Yarra Valley in February 2018 and again in January 2019. The QFF is active in fruiting season, though populations increase in spring when temperatures rise above 16 degrees. They can remain active in autumn and winter in warmer weather. Nillumbik Shire Council has closed its Customer Service counter at the Civic Drive offices in Greensborough. This is part of Council’s efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease.The Customer Service team can be contacted by phone: 9433 3111, 8.30am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
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Nillumbik Shire Council has tem porarily closed its five sport and leisure centres until Monday ,April
13: ■ Eltham Leisure Centre ■ Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre ■ Community Bank Stadium, Diamond Creek ■ Diamond Creek Community Centre ■ Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool Yarrambat Park Golf Course remains open.
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Cindy McLeish, MLA for Eildon, says there are many examples of schools running low on supplies of toilet paper, sanitiser and soap. It is sad news that the Cycle Dindi event - planned for Saturday, April 4 - has been cancelled due to Pandemic concerns. Readers’ contributions to the ‘Ticks & Crosses’ column are welcomed. Send your contribution to: editor@LocalMedia.com.au Contributions will be published at the sole discretion of the Editor.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Page 3
Local News
W’sea Council sacked ■ It was the fault of men that Whittlesea Council was sacked, outgoing Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova, 22, told a TV interviewer late last week. Ms Sterjova said certain men were unable to deal appropriately with young females. Ms Sterjova and her Council colleagues were sacked on Thursday (Mar. 19) after a vote in both houses of State Parliament. A former Mayor, Ricky Kirkham, beat being dismissed, by resigning in midFebruary. Lydia Wilson has been appointed as Interim Administrator for the council for the next 90 days. A panel of three permanent Administrators will be appointed as the Council until October 2024, when elections will be held. Ms Wilson is an experienced local government executive and company director with more than 25 years’ experience in the sector. She was CEO of the City of Manningham for six years until 2012, and also served as CEO of the Macedon Ranges Shire and City of Yarra councils.
■ The Department of Education has advised Middle Kinglake Primary School that the last day of Term 1 (Fri., Mar. 27) will be a pupil-free day. The school’s Easter Hat Parade will now be held tomorrow (Thurs., Mar. 26). The first day of Term 2 (Tues., Apr. 14) will also be a pupil free day.
Radio reports
● Sacked Whittlesea Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova “We’ve acted swiftly to sea needs.” Yan Yean MLA implement the recommenda- Danielle Green said: “During tions of the Monitor and their last 3-4 days in office, I through the appointment of was frankly sickened the counLydia Wilson residents and cillors in charge, failed to spend ratepayers will see good gov- this time working to protect the ernance in the City of lives and livelihoods of Whittlesea again, said Adem Whittlesea communities facing Somyurek, Minister for Local COVID-19. “Monday nights Council Government. “Lydia Wilson will work Budget Meeting was instead with the CEO to ensure that the cancelled because of their own Council is focused on govern- virus fears. “That is not leadership. ing in the best interests of the local community, good work Thankfully none of them are environment for council staff teachers, nurses or cleaners,” and the services that Whittle- Ms Green said.
Pandemic plan launched ■ As Murrindindi Shire Council has launched its Pandemic Plan, Mayor Cr Leigh Dunscombe has issued a statement: “The COVID-19 pandemic is unchartered territory for us all,” Cr Dunscombe said. “As the situation unfolds, we learn more about how to reduce our risk and to stay safe. “We continue to monitor closely the advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, which is the lead agency for disease control. “At the time of writing, there are no reported cases of Coronavirus in Murrindindi Shire. “But, due to the rapidlychanging nature of COVID-19, every day presents new challenges. “ At Council, as we learn more, we are implementing changes to our practices and to how we deliver our services. “We are taking steps to support the health and wellbeing of our staff, community members and visitors to the area. “There are some important things you can do to protect yourself and others at this time: ■ Get the facts from those in the know. The Department of Health and Human Services is the place to go for accurate information - see https:// w w w. d h h s . v i c . g o v. a u / coronavirus for more information. ■ Stay calm. We understand that uncertainty can bring with it stress. Good information is the best way to counter uncertainty. ■ Follow the health advice put out by the authorities, includ-
Local Briefs Pupil-free day
● Cr Leigh Dunscombe ing in relation to good hygiene practices, observing social distancing and isolating yourself if you are sick or suspect you might be unwell ■ Follow the government's advice if you are considering overseas travel. “We are all in this together. I know we are all thinking about family members who need extra support at this time. “We also need to think about your neighbours - do they have the essentials, or do they perhaps need help? “Australians have always prided themselves on being great in a crisis. We do not have a shortage of food, medicines or supplies in this country. “The panic buying we have seen in supermarkets across the country is the cause of the shortages we are seeing. “I would urge everyone to think of others in the community - including our most vulnerable community members
- when tempted to stockpile goods and medicines. “Council has activated its pandemic plan and we are working to focus our resources on those services which are critical to our community these include community safety, operations to ensure our roads, paths and tracks are safe and our customer services are resourced so we can remain in touch with our communities. “We have taken a number of steps to keep Murrindindi Shire communities and our staff safe. “This includes the decision to suspend the Mobile Library and Customer Service Van and to cancel Library programs at our Alexandra, Yea and Kinglake branches until further notice. “The idea here is to help us implement 'social distancing' to help slow the spread of the COVID-19. For non-essential activities such as library program, this is something we can implement quickly and effectively. “The State and Federal Governments have put in place a range of measures to combat COVID-19. These include a ban on all non-essential, organised gatherings of 500 or more people in open spaces and a ban on all nonessential, organised gatherings of 100 or more people in enclosed spaces. “As a result, we have postponed the Dindi Sustainable Living Expo, which was planned for Saturday April 18, until further notice,” Cr Dunscombe said. - Contributed
■ Murrindindi Shire CEO Craig Lloyd gives daily reports on UGFM Radio Murrindindi about the Caronavirus situation. His reports are heard in the breakfast program on: ■ 106.9FM Alexandra and Eildon ■ 88.9FM Yea and Highlands ■ 98.5FM Marysville and Lake Mountain ■ 98.9FM Flowerdale and surrounds ■ 94.5FM Kinglake Ranges Mr Llloyd is also presenting daily video updates on the Facebook page of Murrindindi Shire Council.
M’cycle rally off
■ The Alexandra and District Motorcycle Club Kenda Rally that was to be held on Sunday, May 3 has been cancelled. The event is normally held at Rubicon. and usually attracts around 500 motorbike riders to the district for the weekend. This is only the second time in its 30-year history that the Rally has been cancelled. It is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Club and supports Alexandra SES, Scouts and WICEN (volunteer emergency communications service organisation), that have helped to run the event each year.
Visiting hours
■ Alexandra District Hospital has changed it visiting hours to 100am-12 noon, and 6pm.There is a limit of one visitor at a time per patient. There are to be no visitors under the age of 16 years. Exemptions to these rules may apply in special circumstances such as Palliative Care. Visitors requesting exemptions will need to discuss their visit with the Nurse in Charge on 0418 589 131 prior to visiting.
No face-to-face
■ Mansfield Shire Council's Business Centre at 33 Highett St, Mansfield, is closed until further notice for face-to face service.
Collections halt
■ The Uncle Bobs Club and Freemasons Victoria will not be collecting outside 7-Eleven stores for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal this year because of health concerns connected with the Caronavirus pandemic.
Mitchell still open ■ As we went to press, Mitchell Shire Council notifies that its customer service area is “open with some extra precautions in place”. Events to be cancelled include the Multicultural Festival, Youth Week, School Holiday Program and Small Business Digital Marketing Workshops. Council-operated gym and group classes were cancelled from close of business last Friday (Mar. 20).
Scrap shack move ■ A recommendation is being put to tonight’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting to extend the trial period for the Scrap Shacks at both the Alexandra and Yea Resource Recovery Centres for a further 12 months. If the motion is successful, officers will be requested to move the location of the Yea scrap shack to a single bay of the new grant funded e-waste shed, once it is constructed in September-October. It is proposed to remove the fees for items in the scrap shack and make all items free of charge. Officers will be asked to promote the service more widely through social media and on site.
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Page 4 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Ash On Wednesday Contact Us Phone: 1800 231 311 Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 25 years) Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Web: w w w. L ocalMedia. c om.au LocalMedia. ocalMedia.c E-Mail: Editor@LocalMediacom.au
The Local Paper incorporating Murrindindi Citizen, The New Free Press and The Phoenix Vol. 5. No No.. 182 Wednesda y, Mar ch 25, 20 20 ednesday March 2020 Published W ednesda ys Wednesda ednesday t, Y ea, V ic 3 71 7 Addr es s: 74 High S Yea, Vic 37 ddres ess: St, Local Phone: 5797 2656 ocalP aper Web: w w w. L LocalP ocalPaper aper.. c om.au E-Mail: E dit or@L ocalP aper ditor@L or@LocalP ocalPaper aper.. c om.au Local P ost: PO Bo x 14, Y ea, V ic 3 71 7 Po Box Yea, Vic 37
Melbourne
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inc orpor ating Melbourne A dv ertiser incorpor orpora Adv dvertiser ertiser,, Melbourne Seniors News, Melbourne Trader and Victorian Rural News Vol. 5 2. No 2 52. No.. 177 1772 Wednesda y, Mar ch 25, 20 20 ednesday March 2020 Published W ednesda ys Wednesda ednesday Phone: 9439 9927 e rr..c om.au Web: w w w.MelbourneObserv .MelbourneObserve E-Mail: E dit or@MelbourneObserv er ditor@MelbourneObserv or@MelbourneObserver er.. com.au Post: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095
Our Team Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnis ts: L en Bak e rr,, Ma tt Bis settolumnists: Bake Matt BissettJohnson, Da v d Ellis, R ob F oenander Dav Rob Foenander oenander,, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, John Rozentals, Jim Sherlock, an, Cheryl T h rreadgold, eadgold, K e vin Ted Ry Ryan, Th Ke Trask, G a vin W ood Ga Wood Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Martin Curtis, Sherryn Danaher et er Danaher,, P Pet eter Gr een, L yn Hurs t, K a thryn K eeble Green, Lyn Hurst, Ka Keeble eeble,, Beth Klein, Ai Diem Le, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page Elizabeth Semmel Distribution (Observer): Sam Fiorini, All Day Distribution Logistics: John Parry (Whittlesea) Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fas ction Debt R ec overy astt A Action Rec eco ery,, 040 04022 142 866
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Changes to your Local Paper ■ A statewide shutdown of non-essential services was announced, taking place from 12 Noon Monday (Monday, March 23). This has immediate effect for the print and distribution of The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer newspapers. We will be continuing the weekly publication of our newspapers. We recognise that we have a civic responsibility – especially in these difficult, unprecedented times – to provide a responsible news service with integrity. However, the newspapers will only be available online at our websites: www.LocalPaper. com.au and www. MelbourneObserver. com.au, via the Issuu media platform, and also via Facebook and email. During the emergency shutdown, we will be unable to produce the weekly printed editions of our newspapers. We must run our business on strict commercial principles. It is impossible to fund the production of a major free newspaper, when there is little paid advertising because most of our clients have had to close their businesses. . Our advertising clients will continue to have their advertising published in our online editions. A number of our clients have pre-paid advertising packages. These will be paused, and then resumed when the emergency is clear. Good heralth!
Long Shots
Show axed
■ The Rotary Club of Alexandra has made the painful decision to cancel its EasterArt Show.
Editor Ash Long first started newspaper work in 1969. He began writing for local newspapers in 1973. Over those 47 years he has kept extensive diaries and local photo files.
From Our Files - 30 Years Ago Wednesday, March 28, 1990
Yea: Yes, Amen
Vale Garry
with Ash Long, Editor Previous winner, Victoria’s best local reporter
Now in his 51st year of local newspapers. “For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do” Phone: 1800 231 311 Personal Web: www.Long.com.au
● Vale Garry Lovell, Christmas Hills Fire Brigade member. Photo: Facebook
■ Christmas Hills CFA has been greatly saddened by the death of its former firefighter Garry Lovell. Garry, who was only in his mid-50s, died a couple of days ago after his long battle with early onset dementia.Thoughts are with Mandy.
At St Luke’s
■ The pandemic has caused changes at the St Luke’s Anglican Parish, Yea. “St Luke’s remains open every day for private prayer and our Sunday 10am service continues, albeit with restrictions on how it can be conducted,” said a Parish spokesman. “We deplore the closure of churches and their ministries at this time, and will do everything we can to continue. “Due to concerns re Coronavirus and to ensure we honour the wishes of some of our Op Shop volunteers to not work, our shop is staying open but with changed hours. ■ Tuesday and Wednesday 10am 2.pm ■ Thursday and Friday 10am - 4pm Closed other days.
Purcell family car: Yea, 1912
Online
● Archbishop Frank Little ■ As many as 500 people attended the Centenary Mass of the Sacred Heart Parish, Yea, in 1990. Archbishop Frank Little made his way to the altar accompanied by Frs Des Cameron, John Darcy, Ray Skehill, Jim Wall and Terry Pidoto. Official duties were carried out by Frank Berkery, Mark Mullaly, Dinny McCarthy, Noreen Foster, Margaret Mahon, Jennifer Oliver, Jessica Coonan, Fr Ross Gilham, Matt McCarthy and Amanda Hard. The Offeratory Procession included Sisters of St Joseph, Cath Morris, Kath McCracken, Tottie Slavin, Kath Coonan, Jean Mackrell, Eileen Donnison, Adrian Sier, John Mahon and Dave Mahon. Collectors included Gerard Hauser, Mick McCarthy, Jim Slavin, Dominic McCarthy, Sean Sier, Brendan Sier, John McCormack and Laurence Coonan. The Archbishop spoke of the word Yea. It meant “speaking with the absolute truth The Amen, The Yea, The Yes”.
Bailey’s victory ■ Fran Bailey claimed victory of the seat of McEwen in the 1990 Federal Election. “I feel very proud to have been elected and I want people to know that I am there to represent the interests of everyone.”
Peter’s Au Revoir ■ We reported that Labor’s Peter Cleeland intended to take two week’s leave on the Murray after his loss in the Election ... but we predicted he would again stand for the seat. Editor: Peter Cleeland returned as MHR for McEwen, 1993-96.
Life certificate
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■ Thirty years ago, we described Gary Pollard as an “amost veteran” of the Yea cricket competition. He was presented with a life membership certificate of the Yea District Cricket Association. Nigel Waterhouse made the presentation after the finish of the Yea-Homewood Grand Final. Trevor Aldous (captain) accepted the minor and major premiership honours for Homewood.
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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we live and work.
Editor’s Diary
Religious cult ■ The Hinch TV program phoned our newspaper to warn of an American religious cult settling in the area. ● Ian Scott has shared this photo (circa 1912) with the Yea and District Historical Pages operated by Alan Thorley. From left: Gordon Cleeland; George Purcell; Bill Purcell; Bess Purcell; Jean Purcell with father Frederick George Purcell outside the Yea Shire Hall.
Les was coach
■ Les Gates was named as Yea Seconds coach, by President John Peacock, with Kerry Tull to be netball coach.
Local People By The People, For The People
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2020
Local News Scums at Eildon
■ Goulburn-Murray Water advises of a ‘Caution’ for blue-green algae at Lake Eildon. “We are aware that blue-green algae scums are present in the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon. It is recommended that the public avoid any scums. “We will continue to undertake visual inspections and water quality monitoring in Lake Eildon,” the statement explained. - Goulburn Valley Water
Rules at Kinglake
■ Kinglake Fish N Chippery has removed its inside seating area until further notice because of the pandemic. The proprietors are also restricting the number of customers inside the shop at any one time. They have a board outside the shop with all the information needed. - Facebook
Next in Spring St
■ Local State Parliamentarians are not due to sit until Tuesday, May 5. After that day, they have a three-day sitting from May 19-21. - Hansard
Landcare question
■ Ryan Smith, MLA for Warrandyte, has raised a question about Andersons Creek Landcare in the Legislative Assembly: “My constituency question is to the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and I ask it today on behalf of Andersons Creek Landcare. “Andersons Creek Landcare are extremely concerned about this government’s inability to release the final Victorian deer management strategy - a strategy which was due over a year ago - and are further concerned by the serious flaws in the draft strategy raising serious environmental concerns. “There have been some very sensible and considered suggestions made by Andersons Creek Landcare by way of the strategy submission process, and I urge the minister to look at these and incorporate these commonsense points in the final iteration. “With the departmental website saying simply that the final strategy will be released in 2020, I ask: in what month of 2020 will we see the response to the urgent and growing problem of deer numbers being released?” - Hansard
Strathbogie petition
■ Steph Ryan, MLA for Euroa, last week presented a petition with 44 signatures to State Parliament about the need for a new fire station at Strathbogie. “The petition of the residents of Strathbogie and surrounds draws to the attention of the House the urgent need for funding to upgrade the Strathbogie Fire Station. “The petitioners request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria urge the Andrews Government to fund a new station to provide the space brigade members need to serve the community.” - Hansard
Darlingford move
■ Visitors have been restricted at the Darlingford Upper Goulburn Nursing Home at Eildon. The only visitors allowed during this stage of the Coronavirus pandemic are for those with end-stage palliative care.,
NO TOLLS: McLEISH
■ There should be no tolls on existing roads, Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish told State Parliament last Thursday (Mar. 19). Ms McLeish was debating the North East Link Bill, and referred to roads in the outer north-east. “I rise to speak on the North East Link Bill 2020, and I am interested to follow the member for Hawthorn, who was speaking on a road bill but says that he has never had a drivers licence,” Ms McLeish sauid. “I am not quite sure how easily he can understand the issues that face drivers on a daily basis when he is so far removed from that himself. “The bill that we have before us proposes to establish the North East Link State Tolling Corporation for the North East Link road, which will enable the future operation and maintenance of the North East Link road and of course the imposition and enforcement of tolls for the link. And obviously, as with most bills, there are related changes. “I think it is important that we do have large road projects in this state. It is important that we also have large rail projects. But a road project like this that could make a difference is something that is certainly worth investing in for the State Government. “We have road projects that are large and we have smaller ones. I have got smaller ones at the moment in my electorate along the Maroondah Highway between Coldstream and Healesville, and community consultation is important, real consultation. “The Minister for Roads must as a matter of priority schedule community consultation sessions with regard to proposed changes on the Maroondah Highway between Coldstream and Healesville, in particular the proposed reduction in speed limits from 100 to 80 kilometres per hour. “Whether you have larger road projects or smaller road projects, it is important that the right amount of consultation is done. “This is going to be a massive cost to the state, and that in itself will be interesting how the state government is going to be able to afford to fund this going forward given that we have got massive black holes already and we know that they are certainly well and truly over a billion dollars in the red. “And that was before the bushfires hit, before the coronavirus hit, so that was for the first six months of the financial year. So we have got a long way to go and for big projects like this, whilst important, the financing is going to be interesting. “They do not have a build partner at the moment, but you have to have a look at what is going on out there in the construction world. They are seeing what is going on with the West Gate Tunnel and the absolute stuff-up that has been. “It has come to a standstill at the moment, and they have not done the appropriate planning. The stories are continuing that John Holland wants to get out of that, and you have got to ask what the wider construction community is saying about that project and about the message that the State Government is sending to major construction companies that will be looking to participate in this either themselves or as part of a joint venture. I think that is something that is going to be quite interesting to follow. “Also, there are issues currently on the Eastern Freeway. We know that at the moment as you zoom down the Eastern Freeway you hit that T-intersection at Hoddle St. “This road without an east–west link will be funnelling more and more traffic to that junction and you will have incredible congestion
Local News Thornton deal
■ Murrindindi Council will consider tonight (Wed.) whether to acquire by agreement a piece of land at 1087 Goulburn Valley Hwy, Thornton to create a road reserve that formalises the existing location of Creighton’s Rd at the highway intersection. - Murrindindi Council Agenda
Open at Marysville
● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA points. We heard the member for Bulleen, who knows this project quite intimately because it goes smack through the middle of his electorate, mention that the Eastern Freeway was looking to be 10 lanes in either direction. “I am not sure how many of those lanes they are going to actually try to heritage protect or whether those 10 lanes in each direction are going to muck up some of the heritage istings. “Perhaps the minister at the table, the Minister for Planning, may make a contribution and talk about some of the heritage listings on the Eastern Freeway, which are quite ludicrous and ridiculous. “But what is going to happen is we will still have tunnels - the Melba and Mullum Mullum tunnels - that are not going to be 10 lanes in either direction, and we are going to have absolute bottlenecks there. To bring 10 lanes down to three is going to be Mr Angus: It is shambolic. Ms McLeish: It will be shambolic, because we know now when you are driving along a road and two lanes have to come into one because of roadworks the slowdown and the congestion that that causes. I cannot see how, simply, that will work.“ “The bill here sets up the tolling regime for the North East Link. It makes it clear that the state sets the tolls but does not obviously set out what those tolls are. It is pretty well a shell of a bill. The provisions in this bill are very similar to those of the CityLink, West Gate Tunnel and EastLink tolling regimes. “As you would expect, they are drawing on those. As I have said, the bill does not set the tolls, it merely allows for that to happen in the future, and I guess this is something that we are quite concerned about—the extent of the tolls in the future. Where will those tolls be? North East Link, yes is going to be tolled. “Everyone is agreeable knowing that that will be what happens. At the moment at the far end of the Eastern we have the tolls at the EastLink underpasses, the Mullum Mullum and Melba tunnels, but where else on the Eastern Freeway are these going to be? This is the question. “They are saying, you know, that there are not going to be any future tolls on the Eastern Freeway. Well, I hope that that is very much the case. You cannot trust them. Are we going to have tolls on the Greensborough bypass or a section of the ring-road? We are really not sure about that and that is of great concern,” Ms McLeish said.
■ Keppel Cafe Marysville was due to open last Saturday (Mar. 21). The operators say that are not ready for Friday and Saturday dinner yet, but are aiming to be ready before Easter, as a licensed venue. The take away shop will be operational all day. Phone: 0492 879 503 to order. - Marysville Community
Couple featured
■ Merv Williamson, 84, and his wife, Mary, 85, farmers of Whittlesea, have been featured in the Dairy News Australia publication. They are described as running “probably the last dairy business left in Whittlesea, a district north of Melbourne, which was once a peaceful village setting, and is becoming an outer residential suburb of Australia’s fast growing city”. “When Merv and Mary took over running the farm, nestled between picturesque Kinglake and the Whittlesea plains, the closest traffic light was in Preston, 20 km away. “Today their 100 ha Em-jay Stud is tucked away at the end of a 1.2 km driveway, in a saucer-like dip in the landscape and it could be anywhere in south-eastern Australia, but is surrounded by 10 ha lifestyle properties.” - Whittlesea Agricultural Society
Dinner postponed
■ The Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Plenty Campus 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Friday, May 22, has been postponed “In the interest of the health and wellbeing” of the school community. - Ivanhoe Grammar School
Bogus caller
■ Alexandra District Health has received a report that a community member received a phone call from someone claiming to be calling on behalf of Alexandra District Health. “An employee of Alexandra District Health will always give you their name and position within the Health Service. If in doubt, never give any of your details to the caller, request the name and position of the person you are speaking with and return their call by dialling the Health Service on 5772 0900.” - Alexandra District Health
Local News
■ The Local People section of The Local Paper wants to hear youy local news. Please emal your report to: editor@LocalPaper.com.au
Page 6 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Join The Team Thanks to these local contributors
■ The Local Paper is grateful to a network of volunteer contributors who regularly supply reports of local organisations. (You too can join the team. Simply email your organisation’s news, and event details. There is no charge. Send your report to editor@LocalPaper.com.au) Local contributors include: ■ Ann Argent, Central Bowls Division. ■ Stephen Baker, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre. ■ Julie Blyth, Y Water Discovery Centre. ■ Liz Bower, Nanna’s Makers Market. ■ Laura Caine, Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House. ■ Beth Caldow, Shepparton Festival. ■ Meagan Callander, Middle Kinglake Primary School. ■ Bonnie Cavanagh, Broadford Football Netball Club. ■ Viv Cavanagh, Yea Bowls Club. ■ Robert Chaffe, East Central District Rifle Association, and Rotary Club of Alexandra. ■ Gayle Cole, Kinglake Friends of the Forest. ■ Stuart Dale, Albert Edward Lodge, Alexandra Masonic Centre. ■ Paul Denham, Buxton CFA. ■ Holly Ditchfield, Eltham Jazz Festival. ■ Andrew Embling, Alexandra Truck Show. ■ Chrissy Eustace, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges. ■ Patrick Evans, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Hannah Graham, Green Wedge. ■ Sam Hicks, Fawcett Hall, Alexandra Indoor Pool. ■ Ryan Hurst, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Alison Huth, YAPPERS, and Yea Arts. ■ Bev Johns, Kinglake. ■ Ross Malcolm, sports photographs. ■ Rhyll McCormack, Mountain Cattlemen. ■ Kelly McLeish, Yea CFA. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show. ■ Eden Elizabeth Nicholls, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth. ■ Alan Pell, Yea Golf Club. ■ Pam Petersen, Alexandra Christmas Tree Festival. ■ Brian Phillips, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ David Purcell, Healesville Amateur Race Club. ■ Peter Rice, UGFM - Radio Murrindindi. ■ Clinton Robinson, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea. ■ Michaela Sargeant, Goulburn Valley Water. ■ Denis Smith, Yea St Pats Race Club. ■ Megan Smithwick, Whittlesea activities. ■ Ian Staff, Whittlesea Table Tennis, agricultural items. ■ Steels Creek Grapevine, newsletter. ■ Sarah Stevenson, Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club. ■ Ray Steyger, Alexandra Football Netball Club. ■ Jeffrey Swain, Yea-Kinglake RSL, Alexandra-Mansfield-Yea Legacy. ■ Cat Thomas, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. ■ Heidi Twining, Victoria Police. ■ Nikki Vanderwerf, Alexandra District Health. ■ Iris Vrzovski, Bollygum Community Market. ■ Ash Walsh, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Caroline Weeks, Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival. ■ Peter Weeks, Alexandra SES. ■ Glenda Woods, Rotary Club of Yea.
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Local People
Reasons to sack Whittlesea Council
■ State Parliamentarians Tim Smith (Kew) and Danielle Green (Yan Yean) spoke in the Legislative Assembly about the reasons to sack Whittlesea City Council. Mr Smith said: “: I rise to support the Local Government (Whittlesea City Council) Bill 2020, which is a bill to dismiss the Whittlesea City Council. “The opposition supports the government’s bill today and wishes to see this bill speedily passed through this chamber and the other place so that royal assent can be granted as quickly as possible to see that rogue and dysfunctional council dismissed forthwith. “It is a rogue and dysfunctional council, and there are too many rogue and dysfunctional councils around Victoria. “It feels somewhat like a bit of a habit now: we come to Parliament and sack another council. The minister and I have a similar view on this matter, which is that if councillors are going to engage in conduct that is totally unacceptable, totally beyond the expectations of local ratepayers and residents, then they ought to be dismissed by the state government. “I have, and indeed the opposition has, very firm expectations as to the role of local government, and the community is tiring of seeing councillors behaving in a way that is contradictory to community expectations. “The City of Whittlesea has been a notorious local government area for literally decades. For as long as I have been involved in politics, I can recall Labor Party factions fighting at the City of Whittlesea. “The monitor’s report into the City of Whittlesea is a good document. We were advised this morning in a briefing - and I thank the government for providing me with that briefing this morning - that Mr Blacher was to present an interim report in March 2020 after he was commissioned in December last year. “As it turned out, a final report was prepared by March for the council to be sacked today. I can only imagine that the reason for that was the monitor found that the council were so bad, were so far gone, that they ought to be dismissed. “I hope there are no other motivations, and I have been assured that there are not. If I could quote from the monitor’s report, on page 9, to begin with, the monitor wrote: I have come regretfully to the conclusion that there is no prospect that the mindsets and behaviours of the majority of Councillors can change. “The factional - and I repeat this for Labor members of Parliament - The factional and personal antagonisms that have long bedevilled good governance at Whittlesea Council, whilst not openly exhibited by all Councillors, are nonetheless deeply embedded and intractable. “I refer to page 14 of the monitor’s report: The principal protagonists appear both unwilling and incapable of finding common ground that could bring some greater measure of civility, respect and consideration to their Councillor relationships. “Some Councillors have expressed dread at the thought of attending Council meetings. Another described the prospect of continuing in office as akin to being “dragged into the mud with warring pigs”. “That is quite extreme language, and I am pleased that the monitor has quoted an unnamed councillor there, because it just shows you how dysfunctional the whole place had become. “The mayoralty was described at interview by one Councillor as the “golden ticket” with a salary in excess of $100,000 in addition to the prestige of the office. “There can be little doubt that the singleminded pursuit of the Mayoralty and the factional ascendancy that goes with it - ‘factional ascendancy’, I remind Labor members of Parliament - has damaged good governance in the City of Whittlesea for much of the last 15 years. “That is my recollection of the City of Whittlesea for my entire time, as I said earlier, in politics. The City of Whittlesea has been the battleground for Labor factional blood letting for the entire time I can recall in
● Danielle Green, Yan Yean MLA of my time in local government and indeed in politics, and it is to that point why it has taken so long for this Labor government to sack the City of Whittlesea. This should have happened years ago. “It is, I think, to the regret of a lot of people in Whittlesea that they will now not have elected councillors until 2024, the next round of council elections after October this year. “Had that council been sacked much earlier, there could have been an opportunity for governance reform both in the organisation and at the councillor level so that by October 2018 they could have been ready for council elections. “Because the government sat on its hands - I suspect for a number of internal and factional reasons - and did not do what it should have done years ago and sack this wreck of a council, we now are in a situation where the ratepayers of Whittlesea will have to wait until October 2024 to have a say as to who sits around the council table at Whittlesea. “I would like to quote from page 16 of the report, because this is very, very serious: “In all there are currently over 20 active investigations, the majority by the Local Government Inspectorate, relating to Whittlesea Council - 20! “One Councillor, who figured prominently in my interviews with staff for his bullying and aggressive behaviours, was scheduled to appear before a Councillor Conduct Panel following an application from the Chief Municipal Inspector … for a finding of serious misconduct against him. “However, he resigned … I have made two further referrals arising from my investigations: the first to the Chief Municipal Inspector … and the second to the Independent BroadBased Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC). “There is a referral to IBAC by the monitor on an issue which has not been disclosed, and nor will it - a serious matter, clearly. It is a very serious matter of alleged corrupt conduct by someone at the City of Whittlesea referred to IBAC. “Obviously we have seen the Casey debacle continuing at IBAC. Now Whittlesea is heading in that direction to be investigated by IBAC, and I just think that is a very concerning development. “It is new information that has come to light today through the monitor’s report. It is good to see that integrity bodies are taking a good hard look at local government, because the community are very concerned about what they have seen at Casey and all the stories that they have heard about dysfunctional councils like Whittlesea. “I am also concerned. I have received correspondence from the mayor. I was not aware
of this, but because the mayor—and I am quoting from Neos Kosmos here—took a vote for the mayoralty to help elevate her to the helm of Whittlesea council she got kicked out of the Labor Party. “I mean, this is the sort of behaviour of Labor councillors that saw Brimbank dismissed all those years ago for an extraordinary period of time because Labor councillors used local government as a factional battleground. “This mayor was booted out of the Labor Party for taking a vote for the mayoralty from a non-Labor member. There has been a number of disputes, and Labor’s dispute tribunal sat a number of times to deal with claims of alleged disloyalty. “It is this sort of caucusing by Labor councillors across Victoria, particularly across inner Melbourne, that certainly annoys and distresses many ratepayers, because councillors are acting not necessarily in the best interests of their local communities and the council but of the Australia Labor Party; but also, particularly under the Planning and Environment Act 1987, this most probably contradicts the Winky Pop decision and is most probably unlawful. “I think for Labor to be seriously considering endorsing candidates for the council elections this year, in October, and then for that level of caucus discipline to exist at a council I believe is unlawful, I believe is wrong. “Labor’s Minister for Local Government, Mr Somyurek, in the other place said exactly that during the debate on the Local Government Bill 2019, and I agree with him wholeheartedly. There is no place for overt partisan party politics in local councils. “Of course people come to local councils with a set of views and values. A lot are members of political parties; that is appropriate. But for that level of caucus discipline to exist on a local council, where someone gets booted out of a political party because they accepted a vote of someone not from the Labor Party to get the mayoralty I think is, frankly, wrong and bizarre. “But on that, I am very happy to support this bill. I do not expect any other speakers from the opposition, and I hope that it can be in the Legislative Council this afternoon with royal assent hopefully sometime tomorrow. I thank the house,” Mr Smith said. ★ Ms Green said: “ It is a very grave matter to sack a council, and it is deeply regrettable that we have seen this two out of three sitting weeks. That this should come in any way as a surprise to any councillors in the City of Whittlesea simply beggars belief. “That they would be so unaware that this could be a possibility given the litany of their abrogation of responsibility and failure to deliver for this disadvantaged and rapidly growing population just beggars belief. It has continued to go on. “The member for Kew, I was really pleased to hear him say that the opposition will be wholeheartedly supporting the removal of this council. “Although I do take issue; he referred to the monitor, Mr Blacher, who is a very well-regarded former senior public servant who has served both sides of politics without fear or favour and was appointed by the minister to be a monitor. “It seems from the monitor’s report tabled today that that was an opportunity. When the monitor was appointed, that was the warning. “The minister was saying, ‘Pull your heads in, actually start working in the interests of the community and pay some attention to governance—pay attention to the fact that you’ve caused enormous disruption to your staff’. “Six CEOs in five years! How anyone, let alone a councillor in the City of Whittlesea, would think this would survive the pub test beggars belief. “I did want to take up something from the member for Kew. He said he was supportive of this and he mentioned Mr Blacher and then said he hoped there were no other motivations. I think that that is an unfair aspersion on Mr Blacher’s integrity. Turn To Page 12
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Page 7
Local People
Local Briefs Five Ways petition
Kerry Fitzmaurice wins award
■ State Parliament has been told by Yan Yean MLA Danille Green that the International Women’s Day 2020 Selina Sutherland Award recipient is Kerry Fitzmaurice. “She is a local who lives in Plenty and is someone who has given me much advice over the years, but it is her career and her outstanding contributions to her profession as an orthoptist spanning 40 years and her remarkable community service that made her a fitting winner of this award,” said Ms Green. “Kerry as an educator has taught at all levels of the Victorian education system, from pri-
Police numbers
■ Euroa MLA Steph Ryan has raised concerns and the community’s concerns over a lack of police numbers in Mitchell shire. “Local police are under enormous strain there. Wallan, I think, should have gone to a 24-hour police station some time ago but is under immense strain, which is also putting pressure on the Kilmore police station and further up the line in the Mitchell police area,” Ms Ryan said.
● Jenny Mikakos
mary through to higher education. “Kerry has combined her educational background with orthoptic clinical training to develop training programs to assist people with vision impairment to maximise the use of their residual vision. “Holding joint position as a senior orthoptist at the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and lecturer at Lincoln Institute, Kerry began research into the underlying physiology of vision techniques and easy-to-follow learning strategies she developed. “The success of this early work led to the introduction of orthopticled vision rehabilitation at the RVIB and development work for all major agencies in low vision across Australia. “She has done so much as well in the Plenty community with scouts, with the historical society, and together with Neisha Forbes she was able to get Selina Sutherland posthumously added to the Victorian women’s honour roll. “Congratulations, Kerry, and thank you, Jenny Mikakos, for being our guest speaker for the night,” Ms Green said.
Molesworth Rec. Reserve closes
■ The Molesworth Recreation Reserve was closed by its Commitee of Management from 5pm last Friday (Mar. 20). “Due to the ongoing issues regarding the Coronavirus the decision has been made by the majority of the Molesworth Recreation Reserve Committee of Management that the park will be closed to annual site holders and casual campers as from 5pm Friday, March 20 until further notice,” said an online statement. “This decision has not been taken lightly, but we believe this to be the right decision in our current circumstances. “Some people may see this as overkill and we have plenty of space but we must all remember that we all share the same ablutions block and that the virus can stay on surfaces for an extended period of time. “The caretakers will remain in residence at the park for security reasons, annuals who require access to their vans to remove possessions and/or food stuffs are required to make prior arrangements with the Caretakers on 5797 6278, “This is a decision by the committee, as the caretakers have nothing to do with this decision any abuse directed towards them will not be tolerated,” said the statement made by the Reserve Committee of Management.
Yea Golf report
■ Wednesday (Mar. 18) saw 18 players contesting a 4 Stick Stableford Event with Club stalwart Greg Clements (16) winning with 37 points. Second on CB was Jeff Aurisch (16) from third Brian Simmons (10) with fourth Ray Partridge (26) all with 35 points. Greg was NTP on the 14th and Neil Ross won the Club Award for $10. ★ Saturday saw eight teams of three participate in the opening event for the winter season of golf. The 3 Person Ambrose was won by Chris Smith (25), Phil Armstrong (25) and Alan Pell (12) with 70 off the stick nett 59 2/3. Second were Greg Clements (15), Wayne Rowe (12) and Michael Sheather (40) with 71 off the stick nett 59 5/6. Third were Rick Wills (9), Rob O’Halloran (18) and Sam Wright (22) with 70 off the stick nett 61 5/6. NTP on the 14th was Terry Chaplin and the Club Award Winners were Carl Maffei, Neil Ross and Bill Dredge. - Alan Pell
Indigenous links
● Molesworth Recreation Reserve. Photo: VisitMelbourne.com
Alex. Truck Show postponed Local Briefs Vale Ernst Fries
■ A tribute to the late Ernst Fries has been paid by Cindy McLeish in the Legislative Assembly: “The Yarra Valley has lost one of its most acclaimed artists with the death of sculptor Ernst Fries on March 3. Ernst was a wonderful sculptor working in large-scale with stainless steel, granite, concrete and glass. His sculptures are widely displayed in the Yarra Valley - very prominently displayed. My favourite is his memorial piece for the Black Saturday bushfires, which stands in McKenzie Reserve, Yarra Glen. Ernst’s impressive sculpture collection from his years of creativity can be found at Art at Linden Gate, Yarra Glen, where he lived and worked. He was a beloved member of the community and contributed endlessly to the region and to the promotion of the arts. He remained a dedicated advocate always,” said Ms McLeish.
■ Steph Ryan, MLA for Euroa, has presented a petition with 2189 signatures to State Parliament about the Five Ways Intersection at Warrandyte. “The petition of residents in the Warrandyte electorate draws to the attention of the House that the government has neglected to maintain and upgrade the dangerous and congested intersection of Croydon Road, Brumbys Road, Ringwood-Warrandyte Road and Husseys Lane in Warrandyte South locally known as Five-Ways. “The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria ensure that the Andrews Government takes urgent steps to ensure the Department of Transport begin the process of improving this extremely dangerous intersection before a fatal accident occurs.”
● Andrew Embling of Alex. Truck Show
■ The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Road Showm usually held over the Queen’s birthday Weekend, has been postponed. “The Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show Committee has been monitoring and contemplating the growing body of knowledge on COVID-19,” said a statement. “The Committee will continue to act in a measured, proportionate, informed way, taking cues from the expert medical advice of Australian authorities. “The Committee could not be prouder of our industry as transport workers the country over work to maintain supply of goods for an anxious community. “At this point the 2020 Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show has been postponed. Not Cancelled. POSTPONED. Our region has felt the effects of drought, bushfire, and now a global pandemic in recent months. We’ll be reaching out to our magnificent sponsors, supporters and truck drivers on the other side, to help kick start the region and to celebrate the contributions of our trucking community throughout this unusual period.”
■ Cndy McLeish, MLA for Eildon, spoke in State Parliament of indigenous programs in local schools: “It was a first for me some 15 months ago when the students at Eildon Primary School performed a Torres Strait Islander dance for me, which surprisingly was not unlike the haka. It was another first on March 6when the students at Healesville Primary School sang a song in Woiwurrung language when I attended to present new Australian and Aboriginal flags and to participate in their leadership assembly. I “t was fabulous to see nearly all of the students proudly partake in the song, and it will not be long before the preps are on board too. Kudos to Wurundjeri educator Brooke Wandin, the teacher, who is also dedicated to keeping the language alive. “I would like to commend school captains Charli Litchfield and Archer Kirby for leading an engaging and entertaining assembly, and to congratulate all the captains who took part. “I was pleased to present the Aboriginal flag to the school’s appointed Indigenous representatives, Chloe MacPhersonDaykin and Lachie Hamill,” Ms McLeish said.
Memory of Pauline
■ Vicki Ward, MLA for Eltham, remembered the late Pauline Toner in connection with awards to local women. Nominations included Deanna Anestis from St Helena Secondary College, Libby Fisher from Montmorency Secondary College, Emily Brooks from Eltham High, Clare Steele from Eltham High, Sylvia Robin from Eltham College, and Anna Denishensky from Eltham College and Evangeline Hurrel from Catholic Ladies’ College.
Page 8 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
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Local People
‘Baseless media lines’: W’dyte MP
■ Bushfire preparedness in the Warrandyte electorate was raised in State Parliament last week by local MLA Ryan Smith. “In November last year along with my colleagues I received a briefing about the upcoming 2019–20 fire danger period from the emergency management commissioner and departmental staff,” Mr Smith said. “After raising concerns directly with the commissioner and requesting information about the level of preparedness in the Warrandyte electorate in particular, Mr Crisp said that he would have a response emailed through. “After numerous emails I was finally sent these two lines of barely relevant information, which said, and I quote: “‘We are also working closely with local government, partner agencies and private landowners to reduce bushfire risk in Warrandyte. “‘Much of the risk profile is situated on private land, and requires collective effort to address. In the Warrandyte area, 66 hectares of annual fuel break and roadside slashing is conducted annually and 10 planned burns have been undertaken in the last five years.’ “In response to these two lines I requested greater clarification to which I have yet to receive any response despite repeated requests over the course of the entire fire season. I am not getting any response through writing directly, so I will ask them here. “In what way are you working with local government, partner agencies and private landowners? Who are the party agencies and what is their role in reducing bushfire risk? What collective effort is required to mitigate the risk profile on public land and what oversight is there to ensure this is being done? Where and when, specifically, have the 10 planned burns over five years been done? And over what area where these planned burns done, both in hectares and as a percentage of the public land within the Warrandyte electorate? “All I am seeking is clarity on these statements that were made by the department themselves. For my community, who lives with the threat of fire every summer, it is simply not good enough to give them a couple of baseless media lines and be arrogant enough to say that that is enough,” Mr Smith said.
Safety priorities
■ Local road safety concerns in the Evelyn electorate were raised last week in the Legislative Assembly by Bridget Vallence MLA. “Roads and road safety, traffic congestion and public transport are top priorities for local residents and businesses in my electorate,” Ms Vallence said. “In last year’s state budget sadly the Andrews Labor Government did not allocate one cent to road projects in my electorate - no commitment and not one cent to duplicate the rail line between Mooroolbark and Lilydale as part of the Level Crossing Removal Project and not one cent on upgrading the road network in Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park and Lilydale to cope with growth. “The government is installing sky rail stations at Mooroolbark and Lilydale but has failed to engage the community and is not spending one cent to relieve traffic congestion or improve train reliability. “Boom gates will be replaced with traffic lights, with the government failing to show how traffic congestion will improve. “The Lilydale train line has failed punctuality targets now for 14 months in a row, and only duplicating the line will address that. “Also, at the new Kinley estate around 8000 new residents and around 6000 new cars on the road are expected in that area that is already very congested, and the government must not continue ignoring this. “With the state budget approaching it is now time for the government to take transport infrastructure in my community seriously and allocate sufficient funds to duplicate the rail track between Mooroolbark and Lilydale, build a new train station at Kinley, increase car parking at the Lilydale train station and fix the rail bridge and single lane traffic bottleneck at Mooroolbark and Hull roads.”
● From Page 6
Whittlesea Council sacked
● Ryan Smith, MLA for Warrandyte
Check neighbours
■ Ivanhoe MLA Anthony Carbines is encouraging people to check on their neighbours during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The Austin Health coronavirus hotline is available on 9496 6606, seven days a week from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Please call the hotline if you are unsure about your symptoms or need advice about when to visit the hospital,” Mr Carbines said. “The call operator will go through a checklist of criteria with you to determine the best course of action you need to take. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services also has a self-assessment tool available regarding COVID-19 at www.dhhs.vic. gov.au “The Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, is well known in my community as the respected past CEO at Austin Health for a decade. “He is providing sound leadership and advice, astoo is Dr Brett Sutton as chief health officer here in Victoria. To all our clinicians, health workers: as Parliamentary Secretary for Health I want to thank you for your dedication, your commitment to fellow Victorians - particularly at Austin Health, Mercy Health Heidelberg, Warringal Private Hospital, the Heidelberg Repat, Banyule Community Health Service and our ambos locally. “They are under great pressure, and they are doing great work in our community. I would ask all residents to check on your neighbours, the vulnerable, the aged and the isolated in our communities, to ensure their welfare is our priority and every support can be offered to them and their families. “My electorate office does remain open to support my constituents. There will be social distancing measures in place. Please call and email—drop in if you need to. That is encouraged. “We want to offer you every support. And also, a shout-out to our public housing tenants, many of whom are isolated in the community—and they have our full support,” Mr Carbines said.
No appeal collects
■ The SES and CFA units in the BuxtonMarysville ‘Triangle’ say they will be unable to participate in this year’s Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. “As a result of limitations placed on local CFA and SES community engagement activities, the traditional GFA collection by the Marysville SES and combined Triangle fire brigades has been cancelled,” said a statement released at the weekend. “Buxton members will not be doing the annual door-knock off the town. “This is a great disappointment for those of us who have been involved in this very special event for many years.”
Mr T Smith: On a point of order, Acting Speaker, I do not mean to take up the house’s time on this, but I was not referring to Mr Blacher at all in my remarks—it was a reference to the government. The Acting Speaker (Ms Ward): I ask the member for Yan Yean to continue, referring to Ms Green: Thank you for that clarification, member for Kew. I think that was a really important inference to not have stand on the public record. “Mr Blacher’s report, tabled in the Parliament today, references a report by the consultancy firm Beyond Excellence in November 2019: “… interviewed all Councillors and designated Council staff, described: “countless examples of a lack of professionalism by individual councillors. This covered a wide gamut of behaviours and actions, which were described as threatening and aggressive, stonewalling, shaming, insulting and manipulative, not attending or walking out of meetings, media leaks, crying and litigation to name a few. “These are seen to be deliberate and menacing through to staged performances and theatrics.” “That is quoting from the Beyond Excellence report. Then the monitor goes on: uch behaviours have been commonplace, readily observable and frequently reported in the media. “They have continued unabated during the time I have been Monitor. “A couple of paragraphs on: ‘A number of Councillors seemed either not to understand or chose to ignore that their responsibilities did not encompass operational management and decision-making or that abusive behaviours towards staff and each other were an unacceptable breach of the Councillor Code of Conduct and normal civil behaviour. “Staff reported numerous examples of how some Councillors pressured them, on some occasions abusing and swearing at them, if they did not get their way. “As the member for Kew mentioned, there are some 20 active investigations: ‘… the majority by the Local Government Inspectorate, relating to Whittlesea Council. One Councillor, who igured prominently in my interviews with staff for his bullying and aggressive behaviours, was scheduled to appear before a Councillor Conduct Panel following an application from the Chief Municipal Inspector for a finding of serious misconduct against him. “However, he resigned and the CMI withdrew the application the following day which dissolved the Panel. “I am not going to name that councillor, but that councillor actually chased me down the street threatening to hit me. If a councillor who had been a mayor did that to me, an elected public official, in front of children, what on earth was that councillor and others doing behind closed doors? “Yet they could not even amend that behaviour when they had a monitor. “One of the other references in the report talked about strategic planning done in late November 2018. “All the work that council officers had put in for a forward strategic plan about the direction of the City of Whittlesea, future directions, and the monitor says four councillors did not even attend—did not even attend—to adopt that. “And then once the balance of power changed again that strategy was ignored. There was no strategy there. This council has been led by a heartless, clueless crew of clowns who have also behaved in an aggressive and appalling way. “The officers at the City of Whittlesea
mostly live in the City of Whittlesea, and in my 17 years in Parliament I have found them to be incredibly professional. “They have never once leaked to me anything about any councillor, despite being pressed, and some of the poor behaviours over the years, until the recent change in balance of power and the appointment of a new inexperienced mayor, which then saw yet another CEO pushed out the door whilst on sick leave. “So the monitor’s report says that staff morale completely collapsed and the staff were unable to do their jobs. “They contacted me deeply distressed. They were suicidal. I mean, it is just unconscionable that these councillors continue not to take responsibility for their behaviours. “And what did we see yesterday? Aren’t they thinking, ‘Oh, maybe there might be an interim report, there is Parliament this week’? “They were supposed to have a meeting last night to adopt the budget. “This Parliament and the Parliament in Canberra and every Parliament in Australia is having to deal with an unprecedented disaster that is afflicting people worldwide at a time when every tier of government should be looking to their responsibilities and thinking how they can support their community through the COVID-19 pandemic. “This council, instead of pulling up their big girl pants and saying, ‘We’ve got to pass the budget, we’ve got to send a strong message to this community that we care about what’s happening, we care about their health status and whether or not they’re feeling safe in the middle of this pandemic’ - it was a meeting to adopt the budget - they did not pull up their big girl pants and take up the baton of leadership and actually work with the officers to deliver to the community; no, they got under the doona and said, ‘Let’s cancel the meeting. Oh, we’re afraid, we’re afraid!’. “But they have certainly got enough time to send off another letter to another lawyer, to send goons around to a monitor’s private house.I mean, it beggars belief. “It means that you have got no respect for any principles of government. “I want to thank the staff that have put up with this over a very long period of time and I want to thank the community that have put up with this. “The highest rate of heart disease in Victoria, one of the lowest rate bases per capita, and these clowns have been asleep on their watch. “‘We want a Mernda aquatic and recreation centre’. “I am the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport. I pleaded with them: ‘Put in some money for planning. The time for talk is over. You can do the detailed planning, then you can submit subsequent applications through our aquatic fund, through the major stadiums fund’. “But they did not do any of that, it was just talk. And then when I asked them about it they wanted to blame officers and said, ‘Someone’s arse needs to be kicked for that’, and I said, ‘No, there’s been quite enough of that’. “There has been absolutely enough of that. This council should go. I want to thank the councillors that did pay attention, the Labor councillors and Cr Joseph - I am sorry that they are being sacked - but I commend this bill to the house,” Ms Green said.
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Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21- April 20) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-1-9-6 Lotto Numbers: 6-15-17-25-33-42 A lover might not quite measure up to your expectations; best to look for a more suitable partner. At work there may be a bit of a hiccup. Stay calm and do not lose your temper. TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2-1-9-6 Lotto Numbers: 1-10-16-17-27-44 Some could sneak away with their partner or lover for a quiet weekend. Do not be surprised if this is going to change a few things around you. Domestic situations are looking quite good. Take care of your health. GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Brown Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 6-8-3-4 Lotto Numbers: 3-12-13-27-33-42 Do not quarrel with loved ones; you'll only get upset and won't achieve anything. Although making up could be quite enjoyable. Travel plans may not pan out the way you had imagined. CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3-6-9-1 Lotto Numbers: 10-11-17-26-34-45 Stay away from people who like to argue. You are in need of a nice peaceful and romantic session. It might be an idea to go away for either a dirty weekend or a romantic one. Energy wise you are quite up to it. Even finance wise it will be affordable.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Page 13
Local News
Emergency powers for CEO ■ Murrindindi Shire Council is set to expand its delegation to Craig Llloyd, its Chief Executive Officer, during the declared State of Emergency arising from the Caronavirus global pandemic. The powers would be delegated should it not be possible to form a quorum of councillors due to the pandemic. “Council is a legal entity comprised of its members (the seven Councillors),” says a report due to be presented to tonight’s meeting at Yea. “Its decision making power exists only as a group through resolution, not as individual Councillors. “Physical attendance at Council meetings is required under the Local Government Act 1989, therefore Councillors
● Craig Lloyd cannot participate in Council meetings by electronic or telephonic means. “The Victorian State Government declared a State of Emergency on March 15 in re-
lation to he COVID-19 pandemic. This State of Emergency and the increasing spread of COVID-19 has led Council to consider the possibility that a quorum may not be possible at Council meetings as a direct consequence of the pandemic.” In California, for example, a complete lockdown of communities has been imposed. Residents have been instructed to stay at home. “The inability to form a quorum and conduct the normal business of the Council would cause severe disruption to service delivery,” says the report. “Strong governance, public transparency and reporting processes that apply to Council meetings would be maintained.”
VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 6-9-6-8 Lotto Numbers: 7-8-19-27-35-43 Don't make promises to anybody, especially not to the little piece on the side you just met! A tendency to spend more than is coming in is indicated, so watch your step. LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7-5-4-2 Lotto Numbers: 23-28-45-33-10-6 Very good period for entertainment at home and for meeting people with the same ideas as yourself. It will soon be a very busy time in your career, so enjoy life while you can.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Gold Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 6-7-3-4 Lotto Numbers: 19-17-3-4-25-33 Love life improvements and support from people you can trust. You could be in two minds about something; decisions are about to be sought. Guard against useless spending, or bargains that are not what they seem. . CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-5-4-2 Lotto Numbers: 19-23-26-33-31-10 Great improvement in your personal image; people are taking notice of you. Someone you least expect could help you. Let important matters rest a while and you will know what to do with them. AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8-6-4-3 Lotto Numbers: 1-21-15-6-23-32 A small trip or plans for something more extensive coming up soon. Do not let people's criticisms put you down. As long as you do what is right you are on the winning side. PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Tan Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 6-7-4-5 Lotto Numbers: 6-15-24-34-37-40 Your personal magnetism could be at its highest at the moment. People are willing to agree with you all the way. Social life should be busy and happy and someone new could come into your life very soon. KERRY KULKENS PSYCHIC LINE 1800 727 727 CALL COST: $5.50 NC G.S.T. PER MIN. MOB/PAY EXTRA. VISIT KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP AT 1693 BURWOOD HWY BELGRAVE PH/FAX 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU
Items provided by Murrindindi Shire Council. The Local Paper makes no charge for this space.
Weilding clippers
Marysville sets agenda
LEO: (July 23- August 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4-7-9-2 Lotto Numbers: 7-15-19-36-42-44 Loved ones may be in need of your help and advice. Something rather important has come up and you are elected the problem solver. Your health needs looking after and so does the financial purse strings.
SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7-5-3-1 Lotto Numbers: 1-9-26-29-45-22 Some changes coming up, owing to information coming from overseas. You might have to talk things over with a loved one before doing anything more. Rest could be something you have not had enough of for some time.
Murrindindi Matters
● Anna Paix from Murrindindi Shire Council with Fr John Jessop. ■ More than 70 community members who live, “The space was alive with conversation work and play in Marysville came together this when it came time to vote for the projects and month to prioritise projects that will help shape lots of volunteers put their names down on actheir town's future, as part of a community led tion teams formed to advance the priority Community Planning Project. projects,” Cr McAulay said. Community members fsaid they found the “It is obvious to me that we have a lot of evening fun and productive, but also challeng- passionate people in the Marysville community, ing. The meeting was held the Marysville Com- all of whom are very excited to drive these munity Centre projects and bring them to life. There were 70 community-generated ideas “I urge those of you who want to get involved put forward and they had the task of selecting in an action team, to come forward and express the top eight ideas to advance for Marysville. your interest. You can visit our website or give The projects prioritised for inclusion in the us a call and we can put you in touch with an Marysville Community Plan for 2020 - 2022 action team that interests you. are: “The action teams were going to meet this ■ Garden beautification - the addition of flow- week or next, to get cracking on their projects. ers and edible plants in public spaces “However, given the rapidly-changing ■ Introduction of decorative lighting in COVID-19 situation, they have decided these Marysville main street - including using a solar meetings will not go ahead. solution to place lighting in trees “We believe it is the responsible thing to do ■ Work with the Marysville Youth Group to to support the health and wellbeing of the comhelp progress works on the Marysville Youth munity. Space to bring it to completion “We will be in touch with action team mem■ Improved access to gym facilities for a fitter bers about other ways we can support them to and healthier Marysville community get started on their projects during this time. ■ Creating a multi-day walk from Melbourne “The next step will be for the Marysville to Marysville - linking existing trails and paths Community Planning Coordination Group to within the Marysville region and highlighting finalise their draft Marysville Community Plan Taungurung places of significance which will reflect the eight priority projects with ■ Explore 'RV Friendly' accreditation for a committed action team. The Plan will then go Marysville through the Caravan and out to the broader community for feedback. Motorhome Club of Australia “A big thanks to all community members who ■ Swimming pool development - including have been part of this process so far,” Cr heating the pool and upgrading facilities and McAulay said. offering “It must feel really wonderful to contribute to ■ Advocating for more cycling trails in the your community in such a meaningful and Marysville region. impactful way. Murrindindi Council's Community Planning ■ For more information or to get involved in an Portfolio Councillor, Sandice McAulay, said action team for one or more of the priority people at the event were engaged and eager to projects, see www.murrindindi.com.au/ be involved. communityplanning or phone 5772 0333.
● Murrindindi Mayor Leigh Dunscombe with Robert Atkins. ■ Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Leigh Dunscombe this month took part in the 'World's Greatest Shave', by shaving the head of Middle Kinglake Primary School student Robert Atkins. Robert took park in the World's Greatest Shave event to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation, a charity that aims to cure and conquer every type of blood cancer. With an original goal to raise $100, Robe3rt quickly surpassed it and raised a total of $1,317.98. Mayor Dunscombe surprised Robert by presenting him with a personal donation and one from Council staff. The Mayor e said he was honoured to support Robert's 'World's Greatest Shave' cause. “Robert should be very proud of himself. He made an outstanding effort to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation and that contribution which will help regional families cover the cost of accommodation while receiving treatment. “The World's Greatest Shave is an important initiative because Australian men, women and children are diagnosed with blood cancer daily, and the numbers are increasing. “Blood cancer is one of the top four most frequently diagnosed cancers and is one of the leading causes of death by cancer in our country. “I know Robert is excited that he is able to make a difference to the lives of people affected by this type of cancer. “His passion for the cause is infectious and it gave everyone who attended the event, the warm and fuzzies. “The students and teachers at Middle Kinglake Primary School also deserve a huge shout out. “Together they managed to raise $90 as part of their 'crazy hair day'. They also coordinated an amazing event that brought the whole school together. “Robert is in for a chilly couple of months, while he waits for his hair to grow back. I would have offered for him to shave mine, but as most of you know I'm a bit lacking in that department.” Cr Dunscombe said. - Contributed ■ The RSPCA is intending to continue with its Million Paws Walk. There was to have been a public event on Sunday, May 17. Supporters are now encouraged to take a walk in their own neighbourhood.
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Page 10 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Local History ● From last week “Here is a view which would repay any amount of travel toil. It is hard to conceive a more magnificent panorama than that which now stretches away north and east before you. “Splendid pasturage, hills, luxuriant valleys, watered by the clear stream of the King Parrot River, mountain gorges rich in grass and undergrowth, mark it out as a country admir ably adapted to wool, and squatterdom therefore has wisely made it its own. “Far away can be seen the abrupt hills that skirt the Goulburn from its Alpine source to within seventy miles of the Murray. “Along the banks of the King Parrot we ride for about fifteen miles, crossing it twice on the road, and then reach a few huts, and a small wooden publichouse, kept in a respectable manner by a good-hearted Connaughtman, re joicing in a brogue that might coax St. Patrick to let the viper live peaceably on the banks of the Severn. “There we had dinner, and the fare was sumptuous. Fresh Murray cod, caught hard by, in the Goulburn, and fresh-water lobster cut up in the salad, are not dishes to turn up your nose at; added to which, mine host's wife dis played a proficiency in the pastry department that marked her out for something nobler than a bush life. Lucky dog, this landlord is. “He can get Murray cod any day he likes; he can catch these freshwater lobsters quite as large as heir English salt-water brethren, but a deal more delicate and better flavoured ; he can keep a tubful of river mussels in his back yard, to be boiled, stewed, or grilled, as his fancy dictates; or he can have turtle soup, which the beggar makes out of tortoises. “I always thought I had what may be called a strong stomach, but when it comes to tortoise meat and its green fat, I con fess I give in. It beats opossum eating hollow. I'd as soon tackle grilled locusts. “From this halting-place we advanced by a hilly road, with here and there a glimpse of the wild duck lagoons that skirt the Goulburn, to Yea, a thriving little township on the Muddy Creek. “All along the road the flocks of wood ducks and brown ducks, with here and there inviting specimens of the mountain duck and black swan, caused me to be sadly tempted to a breach of the Game Act. “How that temptation was resisted is worthy of a whole chapter. Fancy Mephistopheles nudging you in the ribs and whispering " Have a shot; no one can see or hear you ; see, there they are, not twenty yards off, and all their heads together ; you'll never get a chance like this again." “Well, I don't know, perhaps if a bird flew up I might try to shoot as close as possible to him, without killing him, and then if any accident did happen, why, it couldn't be helped. “And again, the Minister of Justice shoots snipe on every Saturday through the season, and if a quail or other forbidden game bird get up before his fatal fireiron, he would lower it at once, and let the morsel slip ! Of course he would. “Ask Pope, of Dandenong. But it is remarkable that after a day's snipe shooting no vulgar eyes are allowed to peer into the Bindon bag. “They might light upon webfooted snipe, with flat bills, or shortbilled snipe, that common folk call quail. “A mistake is what any one may make when a bird is flying!
● Goulburn River in flood, Alexandra, 1923. Photo: Rev. George Cox, 1871-1946. “Away with such reflections; I re- form you that, in accordance with which appears to be of the upper to the peculiar nature of the reef, spect the law, and love roast duck — your instructions, I proceeded last silurian period, and consists of very which appears to be badly defined, bang; that was an accident, and yon- week to make an inspection and argillaceous shales, many of them having very much the appearance der thing struggling in the water must rough survey of the Alexandra Gold- tough and exceedingly fine-grained of a leader, dipping irregularly along the strike, as one of the miners debe a strange bird; it might eat well field; and I beg to submit the accom- micaceous sandstones. with green peas—at all events, we panying plan, showing the positions “I learnt that the first discovery scribed to me like a wedge, so that will try. of the principal workings, together of payable gold at Alexandra was in one claim they may obtain stone, “Yea is a pleasant little pastoral with the following report :— made by Messrs. Alexander and in the next miss it; and in the and agricul tural village, prettily situ“The township of Alexandra com- M'Gregor and Alexander Don. next one further on, in the same line, ated, with a fine stream of delicious prises a number of weatherboard and “About the month of June, 1866, again obtain it, sometimes varying water winding round it, and the gold slab buildings, erected on or near the these persons called at Mr. in thickness from one foot six inches mines in the neighbourhood doing principal street. McKenzie's station seeking employ- down to one inch in the same shaft, pretty well as things go in mining “It contains three public-houses, ment, and on leaving that place they with numerous horizontal leaders now-a-days, there is an air of com- several boarding-houses and stores, picked up on the surface, a short dis- running out east and west from the fort in the village. an agency of the Union Bank, and a tance outside the station fencing, a main line ; and occasionally blocks of quartz, termed blows, were found “Every one here keeps a kanga- small police-station, and the situa- quartz specimen containing gold. roo dog or two, not so much for the tion is generally good for drainage “They then tested the ground, imbedded in the strata, having no chase of the marsupial or for catch- purposes. took up a claim, and registered it as apparent connexion with the main ing the wild pigs that swarm along “The British Hero quartz-crush- a prospecting claim on the Eglinton reef or any leader. “The only instance in which I the scrubby banks of the Goulburn. ing machine, the only one at present Reef, and were assisted with the “Some of these pigs are most for- on the gold-field has also been means of prosecuting their under- could learn that a well-defined reef midable-looking, especially the eld- erected here, it has twelve stamps taking by Mr. John Downey, con- had been struck at this place was at Connelly's claim on the Luckie line, erly gentlemen among them, whose driven by a ten-horse power engine, tract surveyor. there the shaft appeared to have tusks are often nine inches in length. and by the kindness of Mr. “A short time subsequent to this and been to a greater depth than “When hunted they have little Savelberg, the proprietor, I was en- discovery, Messrs. William any ofsunk the others in the same localscruple in charging full tilt at man, abled to obtain a copy of the results Carruthers, John Williams, and ity. horse, or dog. of the whole of the crushings that had Alexander Luckie, appear to have reef having the usual irregu“The stock horses, who are ac- been made up to the date of my visit. taken up ground about three-quar- lar “The appearance, had been followed customed to pig-hunting, take these “There is a population of about ters of a mile to the north-west, and to a depth of ninety feet, charges in the most cool and philo- 600 persons in the township at registered it as a prospecting claim vertically but from that point to one hundred sophic manner. present, but many of them are un- on the Luckie Reef, but this reef feet, the extreme depth of the shaft, “Mr. Wild-boar pokes his ugly settled. seems to be identical with the it had assumed a compact shape, snout through the scrub, takes a sur“About 200 are en gaged in work- Eglinton. and appeared to be about one foot vey of the Mazeppa, gives a grunt ing on the Eglinton, Luckie, Wel“The ground has been taken up thick, with an underlie dipping to tho by way of declaring war, and comes come, and Mysterious reefs, and a for a distance of one and three-quar- westward. on like Lord Byron's Assyrian. small patch of alluvial ground in the ter miles, in one continuous line, “From the regular direction of the “Mazeppa sees the approach, vicinity, and a few others are pros- hearing north 48° west from long line upon which quartz has been and at a particular juncture wheels pecting on a line close to the town- McKenzie's fence to the township traced, I think a true reef, will be round and kicks the assailant sprawl- ship, supposed to contain a reef reg- of Alexandra, including both the found at greater depths in most of ing on his broadside. istered as the Homeward Bound. claims in question, and auriferous the shafts; and it is probable that the “Up rises his astonished pigship “Much of the country in the im- quartz has been obtained in several present irregular appearance of the and again charges, but the same re- mediate vicinity of Alexandra is un- places. quartz is owing to the argillaceous sult as surely follows. dulating with comparatively low “Near the northern extremity of and broken character of the rock “When he has had enough of this grassy ranges, and broad gullies and the reef claims are being worked on shales near tho surface. amusement he retires, grunting dis- flats timbered with red gum, and con- what are termed separate lines of “The next discovery of gold that satisfaction, to his scrubby home. taining good loamy soil adapted for reef, about 200 and 400 feet west of attracted the greatest attention, and “There he lives on fern roots and culti vation ; indeed, if the gold work- the Luckie, known as the Welcome was the principal cause of the resuch crayfish or water creatures as ings prove to be of a permanently and the Mysterious Reefs. cent rush, was made by Mr. Alfred he can catch. He is a lean animal, remunerative character, I know of “From one claim on the Wel- Hunt, in the alluvial ground near the and is not much good unless caught few places in this colony where the come, forty-nine tons of quartz have head of tho U.T. Creek, about eight young and fattened for about four miners have better opportunities of been crushed, yielding 43oz. of gold; miles north of east from Alexandra. months in a well-regu lated stye. securing good land for homesteads and while I was there a lot of stone “He is supposed to have been “There is far more fun and real under the 42nd section of the Amend- was being crushed from the Myste- working there secretly for some ex citement in a good pig-hunt than ing Land Act. rious Reef, from which a good re- months, until he was accidentally discovered by a Mr. Joseph in ten canters after kangaroos, where “The appearance of the whole turn was expected. there is no danger what ever unless country around differs very materi“Although the yields of gold from Lipscomb, while hunting kangaroo, the chance of biting mother earth.” ally from the older gold fields, ex- the stone hitherto crushed have been who immediately took up and regis★ cept at the heads of the various very good, some of the claim-hold- tered a pro specting claim, and thus The Argus (Aug. 15, 1867) re- creeks. ers on the Luckie and Eglinton line Hunt lost the advan tage of holding ported: “The following official re“The hills have a smooth well- have sus pended operations, but I am an extended claim, which his disport has been furnished to the Minis- grassed surface, and reddish clay not prepared to say from what cause. covery would have entitled him to ter of Mines :— Office of Mines, soils predominate throughout; this I think, however, that it is found to had he been the first to make it Melbourne, Aug. 14. may be accounted for by the differ- be expensive and difficult to raise known and to effect a registration. ● Turn To Next Page “Sir,— I have the honour to in- ence in the geological formation, the stone in large quantities, owing
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Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Page 11
Local History ● From previous page “I learned that nine claims adjoining Hunt's have proved to be payable. “The workings are in the bed and shallow banks of the watercourse; the washdirt is about six inches deep, on a shale bottom, and consists of a reddish or blue clay, with a little sandstone shingle and broken quartz with angular edges; hut the creek at this place is a very narrow gutter, closely bordered on either side by steep hills, and from the limited extent of the alluvial deposits, the claims must necessarily be soon worked out. “About 150 men were working in the creek at points below these payable claims, and in some instances holes seven to nine feet deep had been sunk in tho gullies, which widen out considerably some distance down ; but the results appeared to be most unsatisfactory - some parties had obtained no gold, and others very small quantities ; by one of these, consisting of four men, who were supplied with proper appliances for sluicing, I was informed that they had been working for about five weeks, and the earnings of the whole party had only averaged one pennyweight per diem. “Immediately above the payable claims in the U.T. Creek, running over a small spur and along the side of the main range, is a quartz reef, bearing north fifty degrees west, known as the Eldorado; this has been pegged out in claims for a distance of at least 1,000 yards. “About thirty men were engaged in prospecting it at the time of my visit, and a small quantity of goodlooking stone, has been ob tained from Jas. Edwards' claim, No. 10 north, but the workings had not been sufficiently opened to show a welldefined reef at any place. “From this point I ascended to the summit of tho dividing range, at the head of the U T Creek, and followed it in a direction about north twenty degrees west for three miles, until I came to a prospecting claim on a reef named the Shakspeare; there were no persons working it at the time of my arrival, but the ground had been opened by a trench about fifteen feet long and seven feet deep, at the lower end. “Quartz could be seen, pre senting somewhat the appearance of a flat reef, but there had not been sufficient work done to enable me to form any satisfactory opinion upon the subject, but the surface indications seemed to show a line of reef bearing about north forty west. “Some six chains down the hill to the eastward from this place some persons were prospecting for another reef, and I was told that the next day they ob- tained some very good stone. “From the summit of the dividing range, at the head of thc UT Creek, a magnificent and most extensive view can be obtained of the country to the eastward, across the valley of the Devil's River, including Mount Buller, Mount Timbertop, and other snow-capped ranges, from seventy to ninety miles distant. “A quartz reef known as the United Kingdom Reef has been discovered on the summit of a steep spur, near the head of the Colonial or Spring Creek, about nine miles from Alexandra across the ranges, or twelve miles by the road. “A large number of claims have been marked off, and about forty persons are at present engaged in work ing thereon, or prospecting in the neigbourhood. “On three of the claims, the prospectors and No. 1 south shafts have been sunk to a depth of forty feet, and a well marked reef has been
● Mt McKenzie from Murchison Gap. 1900-1930. Photo: John Henry Harvey, 1855-1938. opened up, about two feet thick, with the spur of a range bordering the an eastern underlie, and bear ing Goulburn flats, another auriferous along the strike north thirty-eight de- quartz reef, named the Pig and Whistle, has been disco vered, and grees west. “From the prospecting claim a trial in a trial crushing of two tons from crushing on the 30th ult. of one ton of the prospectors claim, 3oz. 5dwt. of gold were obtained. stone, yielded 1oz. 10dwt. of gold. “ A lot of stone is now ready for “At this claim they have about thirty tons of stone now ready for crushing, which it is supposed will crushing, and at No. 1 south about yield about 2oz. to the ton. “The gold work ings I have now six or eight tons. “On the summit of a dividing described are all that were particurange, bearing south twenty-eight larly spoken of when I was at Alexdegrees east, about one mile from andra, but a few other auriferous the United Kingdom Reef, there is reefs have been prospected among another reef, named the Lady Dar- the ranges, and I find in the return furnished to me by the proprietor of ling. “This was discovered some two the quartz-crushing machine, that the years ago, and abandoned, but work following crushings have been has been recently resumed in the only made, in addition to those I have shaft there, and from a trial crushing named :- February, Josephine claim, of four tons of stone on the 13th June 1 1/2 ton, realising 9oz. 12dwt. of last, eight ounces of gold were ob- gold; February, Morning Star, 7 tons, realising 18oz. of gold ; June 10, Pertained. Reef, 5 tons, realising, “Another reef, named the severance 1oz. 13dwt. of gold ; June 16, Victoria Nuggety, has also been lately dis- Reef, 6 tons, realising 6oz. 8dwt. of covered in the ranges, about two gold ; July 27, Sunday Reef, 14 tons, miles south-west from the United realising 3oz. 12dwt. Kingdom Reef, but I had not time to “One peculiarity of the country see it. around in comparison “The Robinson Crusoe or with theAlexandra, older gold-fields, is the very Bellevue Reef is situated about one small quantity of quartz detritus to and a half miles north-west from the be found in the various creeks, and township. It runs very nearly along old drainage beds. the summit of a spur, and bears about “At the alluvial work ings of thc north forty-two degrees west along U T Creek, which extend a distance the strike. of one and a half miles downward “A large number of claims have from the prospecting claim, there is been marked off, but not one of them a remark able absence of quartz, was being worked at the time of my except at the paying claims in the visit. immediate vicinity of the Eldorado “The prospecting claim has been Reef. sunk to a depth of about forty feet, “Each of the small patches of aland the proprietors are said to have luvial gold workings at the U T come upon a well defined reef, with Creek, the Belle Vue, and near the good stone ; there were about two township, lies directly under some tons of quartz mullock on the sur- quartz reef, and the gold deposits are face; and I find that a trial crushing evidently the result of disintegration of three tons, on the 27th ultimo, only upon the quartz veins in the immediyielded 12dwt. of gold. ate vicinity. “In the gully, in two places imme“I saw samples from each place, diately under this reef, about forty and although they varied in the size men were engaged in working allu- of the pieces, still they were all vial claims, the sink ing about seven nuggety, and very little water-worn, or eight feet deep, in reddish clay, and presented the appearance of and the wash-dirt reddish clay inter- what is termed reef gold by the minmixed with small pieces of angular ers. quartz and sandstone ; and I learned “The quartz reefs of the that their earnings averaged from £1 Alexandra gold field appear to be to £1 10s. per week each man. few, and mostly far apart, and I am “About twelve miles west of of opinion that the alluvial deposits Alexandra, on the road to Yea, on of gold will generally be found only
in isolated patches, as there is no evidence of that extensive abrasion of quartz that has taken place in the great alluvial gold-fields of the colony, and which has apparently been the means of feeding all the auriferous leads of gold, whether deep or shallow. “Although the quartz reefs are few, yet a large proportion of those already dis covered appear to contain gold in payable quantities, and I think it probable that the place may become of importance as a quartz mining district, if provision be made for the erection of suitable crushing plant near the principal reefs. “The expense of conveying quartz any considerable distance from the reefs in the dividing ranges, would be ruinous to mining enterprise. “Tho principal hill ranges are from 500 to 700 feet in height above tho main gullies; these latter open out to wide flats some distance down from the sources of the creeks, but at the sources the drainage is carried off by deep gutters, hemmed in on either side by the precipitous slopes of the ranges, and at these places the country is difficult of access. “I should consider at tho present time that there are about one thousand miners in the Alexandra district, but many of them are merely coming and going, and I am of opinion that at least one-half of those attracted by the rush have never attempted to prospect the country in any way, but have just looked around and departed, so that I fear the place will not be so well examined for its auriferous treasures as could be wished for. “I heard great complaints of a mischievous application of the Beechworth Mining Board byelaws, in locking up the ground from the operations of the bona fide miner. “It appears that as soon as it is bruited abroad that gold has been discovered in any place, a number of sharp practitioners rush to peg out claims, and register them for suspension, doing nothing further, but wait in the expectation that the ground will become valuable through other discoveries in the same locality, so that they may either dispose of it to advantage or work it themselves with a certainty of obtaining gold. “I was informed that some of these persons hold as many as six or eight re gistered claims. The byelaws provide that certain work shall be performed to entitle a person to hold a claim under suspension, but having registered, no person can be dispos sessed of the ground, except through the tedious process of a summons before the warden for a breach of the bye-laws. “It is, therefore, easy to imagine the difficulty a newcomer would have to encounter in obtaining possession of a coveted piece of ground already marked off and registered. “Several persons told me when I advised them to prospect some of the new gullies that they were prevented doing so by these improper registrations, and that the means at their disposal would not admit of their waiting to dispossess the parties who professedly held the ground. “In conclusion, I would observe that the only officers at present acting in any capacity for the Government at Alexandra, are Mr. Vickery, mining surveyor and registrar, Mr. Peterkin, postmaster, and two police con stables. There appears to be a necessity for the appointment of an officer to issue minors' rights, and to act as warden's clerk ; and in recommending the subject to your favourable consideration, I would suggest that only some temporary
arrangement should be made for the present to meet these requirements. I have, &c, THOS.COUCHMAN, Chief Mining Surveyor. “A resident on this gold-field, who writes on the12th instant, gives it a better character than some of its late visitors have done, and replies to some of their late reports as follows "It appears to be tho fortune of nearly all new gold-fields to attract a number of excit able spirits whoso sanguine hopes are easily raised to a lofty height, and as easily dashed to the ground. “These men are incapable of forming an impartial judgment ; and all they hear on the one hand, or narrate on the other, is certain to be strongly tinged with the prejudice of the hour. “Such a man hears of a pint-pot full of nuggets being purchased by one of our local storekeepers, and, post haste, his imagination takes rein; but as he does not immediately find a second transaction of the kind, he at once, and without inquiry, writes it down as a fabrication. “Another, on equally reliable grounds, proclaims the reports of our quartz crushings to be 'a myth;' a third makes no reference to the yields, but attempts to crush the whole of our reefs in globo, by denouncing them as ‘flat leaders’ with mullocky tendencies.' “Another date's his letter July 31, stating that he arrived on the Monday previous, the 29th, and is about to return that day without having seen a speck of gold ; thus implying that one clear day, and that in bad weather, has sufficed him to arrive at a very adverse conclusion as to the merits of an extensive gold-field. “Of a large number who have thus paid flying visits to this place, very few have attempted to test the ground for themselves. “Some, again, have come up absolutely without means, and for such there is indeed a very poor prospect, for unless a man can support himself for a few weeks until he makes some acquaintances, and acquires some knowledge of the district, he had better not venture upon new ground, especially at such a place as this, where there is as yet but little labour employed, owing to the incipient state of nearly all the reefs. “For small capitalists, however, this place presents unusual attractions; reef after reef is being proved payable, and many interests, at present small, must increase in value. “At present there is but one crushing machine on the ground, and until lately it has not been kept constantly employed, but others will very soon be needed. “The following statement, arrived at from a careful examination of the proprietors' books, shows the total result of all the crushings rom the various reefs up to the 3rd of August - Quartz crushed, 1,117 tons ; yield of gold, 5,012oz., or an average of very nearly four and a half ounces per ton. Another crushing of 100 tons has just been completed from the "Mysterious" Reef, with a result of something over two ounces to the ton.' “We cannot expect that the above average will be long maintained: some of the yields have probably been exceptional, but enough has been proved to satisfy all but very obstinate persons that there is yet a fine future in store for Alexandra. “The diggings have, so far, made steady progress."
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Page 12 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Local History
100 years ago in Kinglake ■ Kinglake was a wholly rural district, 100 years ago. The pages of The Advertiser local newspaper recorded the events of local people. “The younger generation of Kinglakers look upon the old pioneer with admiration and praise for the stout hearts with which the hatters and batlers went forth into the green bush to do battle with :;the. mighty trees. “In the old days the Kinglake West hatter (nicknamrned "Jack. Umper") used to split palings, wheel them down on a barrow, and in return bring groceries back. “Some of the palings that he split are still, to be seen on the out buildings at the Kinglake West store. “After many years of hard toil the pioneers are gradually coming to their own for which they laboured. “The new road has been made, and has to be metalled within three years. “The old pioneers stirted with big fruits (apples and pears) but they found that the rough climate,the mountain mists, were against them. “They tried smaller fruits, gooseberries, &c. These suit the district: best. The later settlers are following suit. “Now tons and tons of small frutits are sent to Melbourne. There has been a record crop of gooseberries this season, and everything points to a good plum crop. “Plum trees bear slendidly in Kinglake. Raspberries are very plentiful. The apple crop is fairly good. “The beneficial rains of Christmas eve and morning will give the early potatoes a good start. “With the absence of those early frosts, which cause so much destruction to the crops of the settlers in this district, this season bids fair to be a record one.” ★ “Far away from the noise of tram cars and railway trains and the city dust are 'the Kinglake West water falls,” the newspaper noted on January 9, 1920. “Until just recently, however, very few people went to see them, as it was very rough walking to get to them. “But now Mr. Horace Carman's timber, fruit-case and. jam-box making mil is within a few.minu es of the falls, it is quite easy to get. to see them. “The first set of falls with four big
● Kinglake showday, 1930. Photo: Richard Courtney, 1904-1990. steps start close to the water wheel this beautiful spot so secluded and conveyed as promptly as possible to of the sawmill. Whittlesea to see Dr. Day. unknown. “Then, farther on, there are the “At the time of the accident Mr “From the bottom of the first big chief falls, with six steps, over the fall the water disappears into a sub- Currie was wearing gold rimmed last of these the water has a drop of terranean passage, and no more is spectacles. The spectacles were broabout 60 feet heard of it until the traveller nears a ken in two in the middle. It seems “The best time to see these falls little sort of cave, from which he can incredible to relate but the two glasses is in winter after a heavy rain. hear the noise of the water rushing themselves were not even broken or “As these falls are very near the out. scratched. source of the creek which feeds “Before coming to this first cave “An thony Currie is a well known them, consequently the flow of wa- there are overhanging boulders of figure in Kinglake, and every symrock covered wifh staghorn fern and pathy is ex tended to the injured man ter is smaller in the summer time. “The journey to the falls in the all manner of lowers and plants. from all the residents of Kinglake.” “In the winter bed of the creek holiday season is well repaid. ★ “For what is lacking in water is there are those lovely yellow everThe Kinglake West tennis courts made up in vegetation and massive lasting flowers growing. were opened a century ago, noted “At the mouth of the first place the February 13, 1920 edition of the stone work. “When the wind is in the right way the water comes to light from this local paper. “The Tennis Courts were opened the perfume of the musk trees blows underground waterway, there is a gum tree, the roots of which have on Saturday, February 7th, and some right into the mill itself. “The air is laden with scent from gradually forced the stones away very enjoyable games were played. “A social and dance followed the these trees, which are from six to 30 with the action of the water. “From this spot the water again opening of the courts in aid of the feet in height. “At the top of the deepest fall there disappears under the rocks and Tennis Club, and a very jolly evening is a winding pathway with steps cut comes out to a lovely fall of 9 steps was spent. “Mr Noonan and Mr Jack Castle out so that lovers of water falls and with between 40 and 50 feet depth rendered, solos. The concreting of massive rocks can get right to the between them. “Some lovers of waterfalls would the courts will be left until next seabottom. “Down by this winding pathway, consider these last falls the best of son when there are more funds availwhich is covered with fern and musk all in Kingake West, not so much for able. “In the meantime dances will be trees, one gets a. glinpse of the deep the falls themselves, but because if waterfall, and the first thought that the great and almost perpendicular held occasionally to assist the tennis strikes a lovterof nature is: "Why is height of the walls of stone, ranging funds.” ★ up to 300 feet in height. “A farewell social, and dance was “The remarkable thing is that it must have taken hundreds of years given on Saturday night; February for the little creek to have washed 14th, in: the large hall at Kinglake ■ To the city dweller the bush is a quiet, and sometimes interesting, sort away this enormous amount of stone. West,” said The Advertiser (Feb. 27, of place. It is all right just for a holiday, but not to live in always. “There is a lovely drive of eight 1920). But some have eyes and they see not ! The student of the bush can see “The guests of the evening were miles up the new road from something interesting to study all the year round. Mr and Mrs John Carman, who are Whittlesea via Scrubby Creek to Even in the depth of winter there are pretty wild flowers and lovely Kinglake West P.O., the store of leaving the district. Edwin Scott, heather in bloom. The bushman carrieshis happiness with him; wherever which a returned soldier named Esq., J.P., was chairman. he goes his subject of study is nature itself. “There were over 80 adults and Evans is the proprietor, where light He never tires of his theme, whereas the town dweller's amusements children-present, and one of the old refreshments can be obtained. are artificial, costly, unsatisfying. “Mason's Pines, from wbicb the fashioned evening's was spent. The city men are sometimes amused at the way in which bush people “Everyone was in a jolly mood, tram line crosses the road to go toact when they are in town. Occasionally the city man, in his wanderings and the evening was a great success. wards the falls, is about a mile disin the bush, is just as amusing to the bushman. “Anyone peeping into the large tant.” On the morning of Jan 13th, a city man, having heard that the railway capacious hall at the crowd of happy ★ was going to be made through Kinglake, came to look at some land near The Advertiser, on January 23, children would soon guess that the, the boundary of Kinglake. 1920, reported on a sawmill accident lady guest was a great worker The city man wished to inspect some of the land at the back of the amongst the children. at Kinglake. block. He was told that he must follow the fences or he would be bushed. “Mrs F. J. Pearce sang a fine song “A sad accident occurred at 11.15 He smiled at the idea, and said that he would never get lost, he would called Roses, and Mr G. Raff sang in on Saturday morining, January 17th, find his way out all right again No more was heard of him for about five at Hurstbridge Sawmilling Co.'s mill his best style three songs, which solid hours. He was truly bushed. were heartily applauded. (Fred. Brown's) at Kinglake. He climbed a tree. and coo-eed. This had as much effect as if he had “The title of the songs were: The “Anthony Currie was hit just been in the Saharra dessert. Eventually he came to a neighbouring sawSong that Reached My Heart, Carabove the left eye with a piece of mill. wood from the breaking down saws. dinal, Gold, and Blue, and Hush-a- The Advertiser,. January 23, 1920 “He was severely cut and was bye baby.
Lost in the bush
By request Mr Raff whistled a whistjing song called Bowery Boy. “After some good dancing was enjoyed, the Chairman then called upon Cr Campbell to speak. “Cr Alex. Campbell, on rising, said: I have very much pleasure to speak as far as the State School Committee and the Cricket Club Committee are concerned. “Mr Carman was always very attentive to his duties at every meeting. Mrs Carman, until last year,was on the State School Committee, and time after time good business was done. “I must say that Mrs Carman, with another lady, did really good work. I think it is far better when there are one or two. ladies on that Committee. “Of course, I am not disparaging the work of the gentlemen, but the assistance and the sensible alvice of the two ladies on the Committee went a long way to carry things through. “Since Mr Carman came to the district his interest has been great in the people of the district. “He was always sure to do his share of the Committee work, but he was always on the sports ground, and he gave his services willingly. There is none that I could speak about more sincerely. “Mr John Carman briefly and suitably responded.”
‘Rather an experience’ at Kinglake ■ Those who booked seats on the white Char-a-bancs for a day's trip to Kinglake on Sunday last had rather an experience. Everything went well till about eight mniles from the Kinglake Hotel, and then something broke and the passengers had to walk about two miles to the Pheasant Creek Post Office, where arrangements were made with Mr Syd. Browne to drive the ladies to the hotel, where dinner had been ordered for 1.30pm. The gentlemen got along the best way. they could; some walked, others got lifts in passing cars and traps.. They all arrived at the hotel about 3.30 for dinner. The driver (who is a returned soldier, and has half one of his feet off and two fingers and half a thumb missing on one hand and a thumb on the other) rang his company up to send another ear to take the passengers back, or bring new parts for his car. The relief car arrived at the hotel about 8 p.m and then went to.fix the broken car. The drivers said they would be back at 10 30, but when they got to the car the parts were too big and they had to file them down. They at last arrived back at the hotel to pick up the passengers at 2:30 a m, when the passengers were partaking of supper, or an early breakfast. They all left:for home at about 3 o'clock. Some of the .passengers, who work on the railways, would arrive home in time tostart work. - The Advertiser, February 20, 1920