The Phoenix
FREE
newspaper
Free Community Newspaper for the People of the Bushfire Affected Areas Incorporating the tradition of ‘The Evelyn Observer’ (Est. 1873), Kinglake Advertiser, Whittlesea Advertiser, Diamond Valley Advertiser, Yarra Ranges Advertiser and Yea Advertiser
thephoenix.com.au 20 PAGES
BIG DONATION TO YEA RED CROSS
● Paul Vallis, President of Matraville (NSW) RSL (pictured left) and Jim Stephen of Watsonia RSL were in Yea to present a $32,165.05 cheque to Margaret Mahon of Yea Red Cross. The money, raised by members of both clubs,will go towards food preparation facilities at the Yea Recreation Reserve which houses the Red Cross HQ plus sports club catering. More on P10
PHONE: 1-800 231 311. FAX: 1-800 231 312.
editor@thephoenix.com.au FREE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009
$2000 FREE ADS FOR EACH LOCAL BUSINESS
EVERY local business throughout the bushfire affected region will qualify for $2000 worth of free advertising in The Phoenix newspaper. The offer is available for the coming 12 months to all business owners in the municipalities of Murrindindi, Mitchell, Nillumbik, Yarra Ranges and Whittlesea. The arrangement provides for a free 40-word listing, worth $40 each week until March 31, 2010. There is no cost whatsoever. Each participating business will be promoted in each issue of The Phoenix, and at its website.
Dozens of local businesses have already taken up the offer, and their listings are featured in a business directory, which starts on Page 15 of this edition. A coupon is also published in this week’s edition for any local business that wishes to participate. The free advertising packages are being privately funded by the owners of The Phoenix, and its major supporters throughout metropolitan Melbourne,country Victoria, and interstate. The Phoenix is published by Local Media Pty Ltd of Eltham, which also publishes the Melbourne Observer and The Victorian newspapers.
Kinglake’s big footy day on Saturday PHOTO: 7 NEWS
● Kinglake Football Club player Daryl Robinson was featured on Seven News, and President Cameron Caine received national publicity for the local team when he appeared on The Footy Show, ahead of this Saturday’s match against Emerald. Cameron wore the commemorative jumper that has been made for the first match of the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League Division 2 season. It will be Kinglake’s big day of coming together. More details on Page 17
Editor Ash Long says: “At least 173 people were killed in the Black Saturday fires that hit this region. “About 2000 homes were destroyed, and an equal number of buildings were damaged. “Many businesses have been hit so hard as the local economy came to a halt over six weeks with communities such as Marysville, Kinglake and Strathewen closed for extended periods. “These totally-free advertising packages are designed to assist local businesses continue in very difficult times, to underscore local employment, and to promote people buying locally from locals.”
Mr Long invited all local businesses to take advantage of the free packages in The Phoenix. “There is no cost at all. There are no ‘catches’. We hope hundreds of local businesses join in.” If 250 businesses take part, the community service initiative will be worth $½-million, plus the significant add-on effect. “Not a dollar of tax- or public money will be used to fund this unprecedented promotion of local businesses.” Businesses can arrange their free package by mailing in the form in this edition, by phone, by fax, or by e-mail. A coupon is on Page 15. editor@thephoenix.com.au
ROYAL COMMISSION HEARINGS CONTINUE Consultation sessions for the Royal Commission being overseen by the Hon. Bernard Teague have been held at Flowerdale, Kinglake, Kinglake West, St Andrews and Yarra Glen. Two days of community consultations will continue next week at Marysville, with morning and afternoon sessions on both Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7. Two sessions will be held at Strathewen on Wednesday, April 8. Strathewen and Marysville suffered the worst number of ‘Black Saturday’ fatalities with 45 and 42 confirmed deaths respectively. Some 38 people were reported as killed at Kinglake, and 22 perished at St Andrews. Final figures are yet to be released by State Coroner, Judge Jennifer Coate. People were also killed at Kinglake West, Flowerdale, Humevale, Narbethong, Whittlesea, Toolangi, Strath Creek, Heathcote Junction, Mittons Bridge, Reedy Creek, Upper Plenty and Cambarville. People wishing to make submissions to the Royal Commission should contact 1-800 842 463. Submissions close on May 18. A website provides information at: www.royalcommission.vic. gov.au Mr Teague chairs the Commission. He is being assisted by Ron McLeod and Susan Pascoe. The Commission will deliver an interim report by August 17, and
YOUR FREE COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
● The Hon. Bernard Teague
a final report by July 31 next year. The purpose of the community consultation sessions is to hear from affected people about their experience of the bushfires and identify key issues for further research and investigation by the Royal Commission. The sessions are not formal hearings and information from them will not be used as evidence. Formal hearings, which will be open to the public, will commence next month (May). People wishing to appear before the Royal Commission need to make application by 4pm, Thursday next week (April 9): Leave to Appear, GPO Box 4358, Melbourne, Vic. 3001