Surf Coast Times Jan 18

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Surf Coast Times

Tuesday 18 January 2011

VOL 9. No 3

www.surfcoasttimes.com.au

FREE WEEKLY

French golf star Jean Van de Velde flew into the country yesterday morning and within hours he was at The Sands in Torquay, preparing for this week’s Surf Coast Knockout. The Surf Coast Times is proud to be associated with the exciting new tournament, which runs from Thursday until Sunday. See story page 143.

FRESH IDEA

New programme will help residents grow their own produce and at the same time help the environment

BY NATHAN HALE THE PUSH for Surf Coast Shire residents to become more self sufficient in growing their own produce takes a huge step tomorrow with the release of the Grow It! programme. A 12-month trial programme, Grow It! is an initiative from the Surf Coast Energy Group (SCEG) to get shire residents to eat healthier while looking after the environment at the same time. The attack on two of the nation’s biggest concerns – healthy eating and climate change – is an exciting new step for the region, according to programme co-ordinator, Pat Blampied. “What we are doing with the programme is

basically increasing food security for people in that they can grow their own vegetables, while at the same time we are reducing food transport,” he said. “Generally, it is about eating healthier with increased fresh food supply.” The programme works by people being able to purchase a range of raised garden beds in different sizes. Each bed Grow It! sells will come fully installed and ready-to-grow, and those who buy a bed will be supported by workshops with local horticulturalist, Kim Neubecker. “The workshops will take you through the basics of vegetable gardening,” Blampied said. “You will learn about the importance of site,

Surf Forecast

water, soil types and much more. You can bring your own soil along to determine what type it is and how to make it more productive. “And you will learn how to prevent or manage pests and diseases without using dangerous chemicals. “The focus of the programme is also on training and education. By purchasing the box you are ready to plant and grow vegetables, but as part of the purchase you also get to learn how to grow the vegetables.” The Grow It! programme is run by SCEG and funded by the Victorian Government. Anyone interested in more information or purchasing a garden bed, can visit www.growit. org.au or email info@growit.org.au

$1m pledge for floods GEELONG-BASED company, Cotton On, is leading the financial efforts to help those affected by the devastating floods in Queensland by pledging $1million. Cotton On Foundation, the charity arm of the Cotton On Group, has pledge to raise $1million for flood victims by giving all proceeds from the sale of Cotton On Foundation bottled water and charity bags sold at all Cotton On Group stores. All donations received in store and made online at www.cottononfoundation.org will be donated. Cotton On Foundation has guaranteed the contribution of $1million and will top up the funds raised to ensure the target is reached. Meanwhile, Torquay’s Point Bake Café is also doing its bit for the flood victims by holding a Cup Cake Drive. Throughout January the café – located just off Bell Street near the Torquay Hotel – will donate $1.50 from every cup cake sold, with the aim of selling 1,000 cakes over the next 13 days.

WED 1-2ft small W/NW 20° THU 1ft tiny N/NW 25° FRI 2ft inconsistent N/NE 27° SAT 2ft+ building SE 21°

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143

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