The Foothills Winter 2015 June-August

the foothills magazine

Embracing the Old and the New | page 4 Diversity in our Foothills culture | page 8 Family Gathering Day | page 26

EDITION 23 CULTURE AND DIVERSITY FOOTHILLS | 1

THE FOOTHILLS MAGAZINE GUEST EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Kylie Quirk – Community Services Trainer

Bernadette Dimitrov, David Jewell, Lisa Ford, Denis Cody, Coral Kennedy, Jacqui D Sylva Cr Karin Orpen, Sandi Wallace, Ingrid Ward, Terry Bacca, Marina Cook, Leanne FitzGerald, Ananda Braxton-Smith, Les Chessells, Janice Shaw, Janette Scott.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Marina Cook Leanne FitzGerald

PRINTER

DESIGN TEAM

Hornet Press

Graphic Designer Jessica Hardy

PUBLISHER

Graphic Designer Emily FitzGerald - emilyfitzgerald.com.au Photographer Bron Anderson - flutterbycreative.com Photographer Barbara Oehring - barbaraoehringphotography.com

Coonara Community House 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 03 9758 7081

Photographer Darren Clarke - dclarkephotography.com.au Proofreader Lisa Hearn Views and comments expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of any member of The Foothills magazine or Coonara Community House unless acknowledged as such. Products and services listed or advertised in the newspaper should not be considered as endorsments.

While every effort is made to ensure accuracy of editorial content, The Foothills magazine takes no responsibility for errors.

The Foothills is distributed in Tecoma, Upwey and Upper Ferntree Gully. Total distribution of 6,000.

If you would like to contribute please email your ideas to thefoothills@coonarahouse.org.au

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2 | FOOTHILLS

From Guest Editor

K ylie Quirk

Facepainting at Family Gathering Day Photograph: Barbara Oehring I’ve been asked to write a short piece that leads this edition of The Foothills focusing on the theme of culture and diversity.

So, I feel that I need to premise this with who I am. I am of English Irish descent, many generations ago, I was born and spent my early years in PNG but was raised mostly in the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne by Australian parents and grandparents. I have worked with many cultures during my time as a youth aid worker, but the most impact has been had by the Indigenous community. I have worked in and with the Indigenous community in Victoria for many years. This has included working for Ngwala Willumbong Aboriginal Co-operative in St. Kilda, managing an Indigenous Rehabilitation service (I was one of the members of a team that designed the program for this service), and partnering with Indigenous services to provide better access for young people in my roles in Case Management and managing a withdrawal unit for young people.

My husband is Indigenous and I am the mother of 3 Indigenous girls.

What is cultural competence? The ability to work with people from a range

of different backgrounds and cultures.

It sounds like an easy thing, but think about who you are and where you get your values and perspectives from.

Cultural competence is a set of skills that enable a person to not only understand a particular cultural group’s history and core values...

Statistics will tell us that the community is made up of people from a range of cultural backgrounds. What they can’t tell us is that within each of these cultural groups people will behave differently and may have different values. Cultural competence is a set of skills that enable a person to not only understand a particular cultural group’s history and core values, but also to be flexible

enough to work with the variations that all cultural groups have in their midst.

Cultural competence is a complex process that starts with the person being open to others’ experiences, thoughts and reasons for behavior. To challenge the thought processes that leave us assuming that people’s intentions for behavior are the same as ours. Open to hearing their own biases, cultural identity and exploring their socialization and bringing them into consciousness so that they can be challenged and acknowledged. For without this insight we are stuck with our own cultural practices, intentions and no real change.

It is an important process for services and individuals as it is about creating a situation where all members of the community can have input and equal access to services. Not just access where a service happens to be in their area and provide something that they need, but access in a way that finds them fully able to communicate their needs.

Kylie Quirk Coonara Community Services Trainer

FOOTHILLS | 3

Embracing the Old and the New Have you ever stopped to think about the cultural makeup of our local area?

Photograph: Bron Anderson 4 | FOOTHILLS

In researching this article, I turned to a summary of the 2011 Census and averaged out results for the townships of Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey and Tecoma. This isn’t scientific, because the population of Ferntree Gully is much larger than the other three combined, but it still gives us a fascinating glimpse of our community.

The proportion of males and females is almost equal. The average age is 38. Most of us own or are buying our homes. 47% of our population is married, a surprising 35% has never married and we have low rates of divorce and separation. Maybe that relatively high percentage of people who have never married is symptomatic of the fact that around a third of us do not follow a religion.

With a picture of our community emerging, the ethnicity of our residents is also interesting. Our local shops offer a huge array of cuisines including Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai, Italian, Nepalese, Japanese and International; does that reflect the mix of people living in our community or a sophisticated, multicultural palate?

Approximately 77% of residents in our local suburbs were born in Australia and the other top responses for country of birth were England, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, India, China and Scotland. Most of us speak English as our first language, but German, Dutch, Mandarin, Italian, Greek, Polish, Hungarian and Cantonese are spoken in some households.

The Census summary didn’t disclose a percentage of indigenous residents, so it is assumed as low. And unfortunately it didn’t delve into ancestry of the Australian-born population, but if not indigenous, these residents must be descendants of migrants.

Which means that in this generation, or in previous ones, we left our home countries to live here.

The natural leap from there is to consider what it takes for someone who wants to be part of our community, to emigrate from another country.

However, for those wanting to move here, it’s not always a smooth or speedy process.

When I’m not a writer, I’m a personal trainer and I met Sheeba Thomas through my fitness work. At the same time that I learned the theme for this edition of The Foothills was culture and diversity in our community, I discovered that Sheeba and her husband Thomas Cherian are local migration consultants who run a business called Transworld Migration. As Sheeba and Thomas moved here from India, she could talk to me about the migration process from a personal and professional viewpoint.

Life can be like that sometimes, with things slotting into place seamlessly.

However, for those wanting to move here, it’s not always a smooth or speedy process.

It can take from several months to several years for a visa application to be granted and four further years before residents are eligible to apply for citizenship.

“When we applied it was called skilled migration and that took us fourteen months,” Sheeba said. “Delays can occur when the applicant needs to supply more and more documents, until they (the Immigration Department) are satisfied that what you are providing is true. They have even asked for primary school certificates for some clients. We’ve still got cases from 2009 and 2010 for people not granted.”

Applicants can be of any nationality and Transworld Migration has assisted people from many countries, including India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Lebanon, UK and USA. After a client engages a company like Transworld Migration to manage their application, there is no connection between the Immigration Department and the client. After acting as intermediaries for lengthy periods, one of the greatest rewards of the job for Sheeba and Thomas is letting their clients know that their applications have been successful, and hearing how excited and thankful they are.

To settle to Australia, an applicant must meet the points test; a process of selecting professionals and skilled migrants with the skills and attributes needed here. The thresholds require applicants to be aged under 50 years and competent with the English language, hold a skilled assessment for an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List and provide evidence of recent skilled employment in a skilled occupation, or have recently completed the Australian Study requirement. Applicants may also receive points based on their partner’s skills or sponsorship by an eligible relative or state or territory government authority. While nationality is not a criterion of selection, certain occupations are sought as a priority at different times.

Conversely, if there is an oversupply, occupations can be removed from the list.

“They don’t want anyone to be a burden to the Commonwealth of Australia,” Sheeba explained. “They want everybody to be able to contribute something.”

This September will mark a decade since Sheeba and Thomas left their home, Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India, with their young daughter and son, and moved to nearby Wantirna South.

“We came here for better prospects, a better future for our children. It’s such a clean environment and everything is so advanced and safe.”

Neither Sheeba nor Thomas had family in Australia and they only had distant friends here. “We were quite alone.” So, one of the hardest aspects of their migration was missing their family back home. Distance and finances make it difficult to fly back for visits. At first, they weren’t working, so they couldn’t afford to travel. And later they had the resources, but not the time. ...continued on next page

FOOTHILLS | 5

...continued from previous page Sheeba admitted, “Finding a job that is suitable for your education” is another challenge for new migrants. “You have to step down. There, you might have been an executive, but here, you have to start small and work your way up. And starting small in your middle-age is not easy.”

“We consciously keep our culture – particularly our family values – and we consciously absorb the good that this culture has to offer as well,” Sheeba said. “We have made plenty of good friends, mainly through our church community. We don’t feel lonely, because we are connected.”

Thomas applied for several jobs when they first came out, but was unsuccessful and he soon decided to establish the migration consultancy business. Sheeba was a teacher in India and, after they arrived in Australia, she registered with a teaching agency, started with casual relief posts and eventually – after many applications – found full-time work.

Two years later, Thomas needed help with the migration business and Sheeba joined him after gaining her relevant qualifications, although she maintains her teaching registration and professional development should she wish to return to teaching in the future.

While finding work was initially difficult for Sheeba and Thomas, their children faced the biggest cultural challenges. “The education system in our country is different and here it is more computer-based. But they acclimatised well. Because we work from home, we didn’t have many challenges assimilating either.”

Sheeba is grateful that her family has been made to feel very welcome in our local community. “I find the people here are friendly, understanding, sympathetic and gentle.”

Sheeba is grateful that her family has been made to feel very welcome in our local community. “I find the people here are friendly, understanding, sympathetic and gentle.”

For assistance or information on immigration applications, you are welcome to contact Sheeba Thomas and Thomas Cherian of Transworld Migration on 8806 9212.

I wondered if embracing a new culture requires letting go of the old, or is the beauty of our cultural diversity such that we – individually and as a community – are better for the mix?

Sandi Wallace Crime Writer www.sandiwallace.com

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6 | FOOTHILLS

Life, Holidays & Happiness!

Culture & Diversity - Lifting our Vibrational Well-Being!

I love that the Foothills is inclusive of a diversity of people and cultures, making it a dynamic, wholesome and vibrant community to live in. Research tells us that a happy, healthy community that is less discriminatory and enjoys higher social cohesion is a ‘culturally diverse community’.

The encouragement and development of inter-cultural exchanges brings greater solidarity and awareness of the unity of humankind; we are one people on one planet. It leads to ‘vibrancy’ when one is energetically aligned with the diversity of one’s community. It enhances states of wellbeing, happiness and peace from the inside out.

FUELLING YOUR WELL-BEING! Research shows that overall well-being can be fuelled when one identifies oneself with a variety of groups. It offers to expand the concept of one’s identity and beliefs. It opens one’s heart more, leading to the ability to love more when one embraces differences. It supports multi-culturalism that contributes to resolving conflicts, because it creates conditions and qualities that promote differences and understanding of alternative views, while widening individual freedom.

EMBRACE DIVERSITY - IT’S EXPANSIVE AND REWARDING! There is no doubt that when we expose ourselves to a plethora of differences and cultural exchanges, we grow into more complete beings. We start to flourish and be more at peace within as we expand our experiences, our understandings, our empathy, our compassion and our open heartedness. We are blessed here in the Foothills with a culture that is a melting pot of celebrating differences and their welcoming place within our expanding community. It creates social capital (well-being) at its best for not only our community, but also us as individuals.

ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY ADDS TO WELL-BEING! It brings spiritual and recreational benefits and pleasure to the community it supports. It also serves to enhance green conservation, reduce our carbon footprint, provide cleaner air and protect the diverse wildlife, produce and biodiversity.

All are vital to well-being locally, as well as contributing to Australia’s larger biological health. When culture nurtures relationships, respect and understanding with the natural environment, a positive impact is created for its people

by harmonising energies towards a more harmonious environment.

GETTING INVOLVED LOCALLY Initiatives to contribute to the conservation of the local and wider environment through natural resources can have a wide impact. An example of this is the ‘Bee Keeping’ classes and club at Coonara Community House to support the environment not just locally, but with far reaching benefits for all Australians. Such values drive the development of society in supportive, positive ways. They contribute to well-being through social contact and by having a goal that is greater than oneself (contributing to safeguarding the natural environment and its diverse species).

Data shows that altruism promotes life satisfaction and wellbeing, while pursuing goals such as material wealth and career success reduces life satisfaction. So these community initiatives have profound effects on their people. Get involved. Community life helps us flourish on so many levels.

So come and join a community group, club, training or activity.

Volunteer or participate in various cultural/social activities such as sports, community markets and festivals. Each one of you have an important role in shaping our happy future, our well-being and vitality as a community through relational harmony; where people come together, relate, share and contribute to each other.

Studies have shown that the quality of life of the community is as important as economic aspects, if not more so.

Research has shown that an increase in material well-being over time does not increase the happiness of the people. In fact research has shown that material development has led to a diminished sense of community in some countries.

So now you know how to amplify the resonance of our individual, social and community’s well-being and happiness.

Do something out of your comfort zone like taking a chance to experience something different within your community that you haven’t been exposed to before. Remember risk = growth!

Wishing you more love, happiness & peace xx Bernadette Dimitrov aka Mrs Claus Peace and Happiness Ambassador TheSantaSchool.com & HowCaniBeHappy.co

FOOTHILLS | 7

Diversity in our Foothills Culture Culture is everywhere: it is around us, in us, manifested by us, and influencing us in a complex, interactive cycle, alternately enticing us to plod comfortable familiar well-worn paths, or to explore strange new territories.

At its brush-stroke broadest, Foothills culture must be what tourists see on their day trips up here - cottagey lifestyles among the trees and wildlife, the beautiful backdrop of the Dandenong Ranges featuring quaint relics from a gentler age, such as Puffing Billy smoking down the tracks, weekend markets run by hippies and privately-owned nurseries in a Bunnings age. We might appear to visitors to be people who value nature, who have moved purposefully away from the city’s rat race, who care enough to make Tecoma McDonalds a worldwide issue. This sense of a special culture, seeking a better life, entices others to make the tree change to live here too.

We did it ourselves 15 years ago, drawn by the fresh mountain air, abundant nature and affordable character housing. But after all this time, local culture has proven to be more complex, more subtle, more diverse and more elusive than I originally thought. My first inkling of this was my realisation of the tradies’ subculture - the no-nonsense folk who rise ‘at sparrow’s fart’ to be on the job at first light, who tool around in utes, who relax after a hard day’s work with a beer, a spa on the deck or a kick of the footy, who build or renovate their own houses and who are particularly handy at school working bees. This subculture is strong in the Foothills, providing the lifeblood of many of our local sport teams.

But I missed what I knew as multi-culture. Where were all the Greek, Indian and Vietnamese people (and their really great restaurants, as an inconvenient aside!)? I found myself gazing at a sea of blond heads at the local primary school, where my own fair children blended in like chameleons. ‘What about multicultural Australia?’, I wondered, a then-migrant from the inner city myself. But of course, modern Australia is about what is happening on the fringes and in the regions, as much as what is happening in the cities. I then learned that some of the kids at school have German, Dutch or Italian names, a European influence echoed by hills institutions such as Tesselaar’s Tulip Festival and the Cuckoo restaurant.

Over the years, we have variously befriended people here who hail from Iceland, France, Israel, Russia or China, not to mention 8 | FOOTHILLS

a deluge of escapees from post-GFC Britain and the many usual suspects from New Zealand (among which my own dear husband is counted). Of course, we also have a defined and proud Indigenous connection through Burrinja and Belgrave Survival Day. Thus our community teaches about multiculturalism, in its own subtle way.

Our rich artistic culture is more in-your-face, flaunting its many talents through exhibitions, performances, studios and workshops at Burrinja, the annual Open Studios weekend, the Dandenong Ranges Music Council, Upwey High School’s creative arts program, murals, live music and organic street art such as knitting bombs (dare I add the occasional talented graffiti too, such as the now painted-over gun-toting Tecoma penguin?).

Domestically, many amateur knitters, musicians, weavers, seamstresses, soap makers and daubers create in their own quiet way, while keeping up their day job to pay the bills.

It is said that creativity engages the spirit, in which case the Foothills has a spiritual culture. This is also reflected in our Christian churches and their communities, as well as by the seekers of alternatives such as Buddhism, yoga, natural healing and sustainable living. But goodness of spirit is also evident in our CFA, in helpers at the Angliss Hospital and in our school crossing guards, as well as in every Foothills resident who greets a stranger in the street simply because we share community.

Many Foothills folk have a place in more than one of these cultures, others move between cultures at different life stages, while others may experience a particular culture with varying intensity, depending on their circumstances and opportunities.

What may be considered true for most, however, is that Foothills cultures weave a richly diverse and intricate tapestry through which we can connect with the earth, our own spirit and each other.

Lisa Ford Contributor to The Foothills Magazine

It is said that creativity engages the spirit, in which case the Foothills has a spiritual culture.

Photograph: Darren Clarke FOOTHILLS | 9

Heart Disease The Unequal Opportunity

Denis assists heart patient, Betty, with her cardio exercise program.

Sitting behind my desk in the final days of my 45 years with the Education Department, I pondered how I was to meaningfully fill my days in retirement. With a family history of heart disease and having had open-heart surgery myself in 2009, I was keen to do my bit to help others impacted by this cardiac curse.

“We have enough volunteers!” were the words that resounded in my ears in response to my unsolicited offer, before I registered the complete sentence, “...for drivers!” My passion had been specifically in coronary rehabilitation in recognition of my own experience, rather than in one of the many other volunteer roles at the Angliss. The stumbling point being that no one

10 | FOOTHILLS

had volunteered to work in Cardio before. What followed were somewhat encouraging, yet guarded, conversations with the heart rehab team questioning the role I could perform in that specialist area. I could not help but feel that there was a little disquiet about an unqualified person potentially offering medical advice to susceptible people who had just gone through a life changing experience. I was determined not to make that mistake.

Now into my second year at the Angliss, every Tuesday brings with it new insights as each new group of patients arrive for their rehab program. It has been in this role, working with cardiac patients returning from heart surgery or the chronic heart

disease patients, that I have had first hand experience of just how cruel and indiscriminate heart disease can be. Patients that have been through the unit in the last year recovering from either open heart surgery, valve replacements or stents, have ranged in age from their 30’s to ninety plus; both male and female and from all walks of life. For most, their heart ‘event’ came as a complete shock – “I’ve never been sick a day in my life, and then this!” is not an uncommon response. There are, of course, obvious risk factors for some such as hereditary traits, lifestyle, smoking and obesity.

...seeing 30 year olds with young families...has made me realise how indiscriminate this disease is.

But just as mysteriously, there are those that have led a healthy and energetic life who have succumbed to this affliction of our sedentary, technology rich lifestyles. To some extent, I had expected to see people in the over 50’s profile, but seeing 30 year olds with young families, at a time when they would have expected to be in full health and enjoying all the fruits of family life and work, has made me realise how indiscriminate this disease is. A terrible side effect can be the emotional trauma on

loved ones, some of whom attend both in support and to learn from the educational sessions covering such topics as heart health, nutrition, medication and emotional health. Exit surveys overwhelmingly attest to the value of attending the sessions, for both patients and partners, with the ability to share their experience with each other and the encouragement from rehab staff highly valued.

Every day at the Angliss brings with it numerous instances that have provided me, as a volunteer, personal recognition and reward for my efforts. There are, however, those moments when I have questioned my willingness to ‘do my bit’ for cardiac health. Whilst most exercise activities are non-contact, such as lifting weights, cycling and walking, one day I was asked to assist a burly male patient with his ‘sparring’ activity. My otherwise undaunted enthusiasm dissolved like melted butter.

With pink boxing gloves attached to the end of forearms that looked like tree trunks, ‘Alan’ struck the padding I held to my chest with enough impact to elicit my cry of “Ease up Al, don’t forget that I’ve also had open heart surgery!” Needless to say I survived that onslaught and have become even more convinced that no one should ignore their ‘warning signs’ because heart disease, unequal and unfair, is truly an ‘opportunity’ that no one would want.

Denis Cody Volunteer at Angliss Community Rehab Centre, Ferntree Gully

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FOOTHILLS | 11

The Dark Side All cultures have what can be considered as a ‘dark side’.

History has shown us that a truly peaceful society very rarely exists, except as the occasional bright spot on the chart of time. Thus nearly all cultures have developed defensive skills, with many having been codified in the form of martial arts. In today’s world, modern ‘martial’ skills are out of the range of the average person and kept within military forces where the technology and weaponry can be financed and controlled. But many of the older martial arts continue today, in the form of a re-enactment society, a traditional martial art or a combat sport. All have adapted from within the culture in which they grew.

Most people are able to name a few Asian martial arts, but have you heard of ‘Bartitsu’, born in the rough streets of late Victorian, early Edwardian London?

It is the Art of Sherlock Holmes that gentlemen and suffragettes of the era used to protect themselves from the ruffians of the streets. Bartitsu is a combination of western boxing, French Savate, Japanese Jujitsu and cane fighting. Techniques can also include the umbrella, something that all London gentlemen and gentlewomen would carry. The art developed within the polite culture of the time and place, but is still a very effective form of martial art.

European history is littered with battles that bring to mind sword fights and massive mêlées. These are kept alive today by re-enactment societies such as “The Barony of KraéGlas” and “Swordcraft”. The modern combat sport derived from these sword skills of

12 | FOOTHILLS

yesteryear is fencing, now part of the Olympic Games. Modern fencers use three swords derived from past history.

First is the foil, originally a lightweight practice sword. Second is the Epeè derived from the rapier, and finally is the Sabre coming from the mounted soldier’s sword. Each style of fencing has its own rules in sporting competitions, but all require months of practice, both physical and mental. Rituals during a fencing bout such as the salute and the use of french terms, reflect the respect for oldeEuropean culture. Fencing is often called physical chess because of the mental decisions that have to be made whilst wielding a sword. Our local Hills fencing club is Whitehorse Chevaliers in Olinda (whitehorsechevaliers.com/locations/ olinda-venue/).

Swords have also been a major part of Japanese society, both in their construction and their use. The creation of a Japanese Katana is a lifelong study in itself. Iaido, translated as the “way of mental presence and immediate reaction”, is a non-combative personal study in the drawing and use of a sword through the use of kata or patterns of movements. Many of those who study Iaido also study the more combative sword art of Kendo. Kendo developed as a method for Japanese Samurai to hone their skills with a sword. These days Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sporting-like physical elements. Kendo improves focus, discipline and a determination that helps to achieve an unwavering mind.

Kendo can be studied in Tecoma (www.tecomakendo.com.au/ tecomakendo.html).

There are also many unarmed martial arts available for study today, coming from the world’s varied cultures. GrecoRoman wrestling, Sambo from Russia, Judo from Japan, Savate from France, Kung Fu from China and Tae Kwon Do from Korea. Although perhaps better known by the derivative Olympic sport, the original art of Tae Kwon Do can be studied at the Upwey Primary School, with an emphasis upon self defence and the development of the individual (rheetkdvic.com.au/ locations.htm).

Within each art there are often many differing styles and schools, each with their own emphasis on the many aspects of their art including their background culture. Some will emphasise combat within a certain set of rules to ensure safety of participants with a goal of participating in local, international or Olympic competition. Purists may consider competition as a watering down of the cultural study of a martial art, but others see competition as a means to improve some physical techniques. The line between sport and art is often blurred, but cultural background expressing honour, etiquette, modesty, perseverance and the theme of development of the individual on physical, mental and moral planes is typical of martial arts and to some extent their sport derivatives.

David Jewell Contributor to The Foothills

Coral’s Garden You could provide an area for several different activities. You may need a play area for children with a patch of lawn and some shady areas.

Culture and Diversity is our theme this edition. First I went to my dictionary, yes I admit 1964 edition: Culture n,

1 Tillage, rearing, production of.

2 Improvement or refinement of mind.

Next I went to my iPad 2014 version: Culture n,

1 civilisation

2 Improvement or refinement of mind.

7 raising plants and animals.

How things have changed in 50 years. Glad to report diversity remains unchanged .

Despite the lower ranking, gardening still gets a place in The Foothills. Gardening must be one of the most diverse pursuits we can follow. No matter what your lifestyle there is a form of gardening to suit. Gardens can be adapted to any climate, situation, space, time availability and physical capability. We just need to do a little planning . First list your priorities, lifestyle and interests. Your garden will need to provide pleasure, stimulation, relaxation and produce needs or you will soon get bored and give up.

When you have decided whether you want a decorative or productive garden you will need to assess the suitability of your soil, aspect and time available. If you are a keen cook with limited space, concentrate on herbs and salad greens. These can even

be grown in pots as close to the back door as possible. If you have to track out in the dark or rain you won't bother. Another solution if space is limited is the modern vertical garden to supply a wall of greenery. These wall gardens will also support a diversity of plants from herbs around the barbeque, pots of annual colour, or succulents for a hot, sun drenched wall.

If you want to sit in the shade with a good book, plant fragrance, and, if possible, a water feature for a soothing background sound.

If you have a sunny area with poor soil maybe succulents are the way to go. If you have a shady area and little spare time, ground cover like violets or campanulas could solve the problem. If your garden is a large one, you will be able to have several rooms with a great variety of plants. You could provide an area for several different activities. You may need a play area for children, with a patch of lawn and some shady areas. Maybe gardening will improve its position in the dictionary if the resurgence in growing your own keeps increasing. If you would like to grow your veggies, you will need a patch of good soil in an open position that receives sun most of the day, especially mornings, all year round, or you will be limited what you can produce successfully. Citrus will supply you with fruit most of the year. Or you could choose a couple of your favourite fruit trees. I like autumn fruits that aren't so readily available in the supermarkets. I grow fig, pomegranate, tamarillo and a cherry guava along with a lemon and lemonade in my 50 square metre vegetable patch, which provides me with most of my green vegetable needs. Your choice of garden is unlimited.

Coral Kennedy Gardening Guru

FOOTHILLS | 13

Where the heart is...

I returned with expectant, happy heart from across the seas and far away To embrace, to feel again, this land of my younger days.

A sadness though has slowly grown Because this land I had loved and known Does not have that old feel of “home”.

It is an alien land This land of my birth Still a part of me Yet now it stands apart from me.

This land of happy childhood days Where so much is familiar, so much now strange Although it is clear that I must carry the blame ...

It is not this land, but I who have changed.

This land From which I have been away too long I do not feel I still belong.

Even though here live or rest forever Loved ones, friends and my ancestors.

This land is not my own ... I wish her people well ...

I must return across the seas To that great southern land Of snowy mountain peaks, Rain forests and desert sands.

My heart has found a new home there...

Where kookaburras laugh, gum trees grow tall and I proudly stand to sing “Advance Australia Fair”!

(Adapted from the original “Far From Home” from InVerse ©Ingrid Ward)

By Ingrid Ward 14 | FOOTHILLS

YOUR TECOMA

tvag.org.au

Tecoma Primary School

It’s like Grandad’s axe that has had 6 handles and 5 heads but it’s still the same axe.

room, toilet and shower facilites, as well as a walk in foyer that acknowledges the school’s rich heritage.

Tecoma Primary School’s administration building has had so many renovations, add-ons and repairs but it’s still the same building.

Features of the old rooms, especially the room where the famous “floral carpet” exhibitions were held, have been preserved and its weatherboard exterior has been returned to its original heritage red and white colours.

It has survived wars, droughts, fire and rain since the 1920’s.

The school’s oldest building has been reinvigorated, given some tender loving care and now holds all the memories of its past, but also the hope for the future.

The school, thanks to the hard working facilities committee, has struck a wonderful balance between preserving the old and bringing in the new. The building got the tick of approval from a recent 1960-70 past students reunion which reunited people who had not seen each other for 40 years. Many stories, large and small were told, many reminiscing about the building, the school and the legacy it has left on their lives.

What started as a 2 room school building, holding 120 children and 4 teachers has developed into a modern educational facility hosting the schools administration team, staffroom, resource area, meeting room, uniform shop, parent resource

Today, the school has a growing enrolment, currently at 345 children in spacious playgrounds with wonderful facilities. Feel free to pop down, especially any past students or new families and see the building in the “heart of Tecoma”.

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Cultural competency professional development CLASSROOM BASED COMPONENT

OPTIONAL DESERT MOB TOUR

Monday 27th July 6.30pm - 9.00pm (six weeks)

Thursday 3rd September – Monday 7th September

Discussion-based workshops will develop your awareness of your own and other cultural realities in work practices. The focus of the workshops will be on exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and cultures. Participants will also address cultural safety in their workplace and professional relationships.

The optional trip to Alice Springs for the Desert Mob Festival will deepen your new knowledge and provide an opportunity for you to listen to, and speak with, Aboriginal people about their art, culture and community.

Desert Mob has evolved into one of Australia’s major arts events, and is a vehicle through which visitors can gain a unique insight into the lives and cultures of Aboriginal artists living in the vast and spectacular outback country of Central Australia.

Coonara staff will lead this four day trip to Alice Springs for the Annual Desert Mob Festival. Participants will need to arrange their own airfares and accommodation and pay for their own meals and entertainment.

The fee for this training is $120 per person.

The cost for this component of the training will be $500 and will cover entry to Symposium, Telegraph Station, visits and speakers and all travel.

To register for this professional development or for any enquiries please contact Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Rd Upper Ferntree Gully. Call (03) 9758 7081 or email leanne@coonarahouse.org.au.

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Coonara Community House Computers Learn Local computer course fees are made up of $45 tuition fee, $20 amenities fee and $5 materials fees.

They are subsidised by the State government. The maximum total annual tuition fee for pensioners and concession card holders is $50.

Androids for Beginners Got a new Android device? Karen reckons they are better than Ipads.

Come along and share her enthusiasm while you learn all about your new device.

Wednesdays 29/7 - 16/9 9.30am-12noon $70 (includes $50 tuition, $20 amenities) iPads for Beginners Bring your own Ipad or borrow ours and learn all the basics.

Mondays 27/7 - 14/9 9.30am-12noon $70 (includes $50 tuition, $20 amenities)

Computers Computers Next Step – working on your project Do you have a project that involves computer or Internet skills that you don’t have? Would you like to work on it with some expert help on hand?

Maybe planning and booking a holiday on line? Making a photobook, copying and touching up old photos, creating presentations for special occasions.

We have the expert and the tools. Bring your own device if you like or use ours.

Tuesdays - 28/7 - 15/9 9.30am-12.00noon $70 (includes $50 tuition, $20 amenities) Digital Literacy & Social Media Learn all about why and how you might use things like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, blogs and more Fridays 31/7 - 18/9 9.30am-12noon $70 (includes $50 tuition, $20 amenities) Skills for work

iPads Next Step Find out what other great things your Ipad can do such as using it as a media centre to stream music, watch regionblocked TV, Cloudprint and more.

Students must have basic Ipad skills.

Thursdays 30/7 - 17/9 9.30 - 12.00noon $70 (includes $50 tuition, $20 amenities)

Conflict resolution with Liliane Grace Conflict is a natural part of life but we’re not usually taught how to deal with it. Whether you are experiencing conflict within family, community or at work, this course offers simple, practical skills and approaches for transforming your experience from win/ lose or even lose/lose to win/win.’

Thursdays 7.00 – 9.15pm July 30th – September 17th (8 weeks) $50 Moving off the tools with Craig This course is designed for the guy who feels that he has reached the time of life to consider a change of direction in his work and explore options for work in new fields. Details to come in the term 3 course guide.

22 Willow Rd Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 www.coonarahouse.org.au (03) 9758 7081

In the garden

Into to horticulture – with Horticulturist Jessie Buckley Complete the whole course for $50 or choose individual workshops for $10 each.

July 27th - garden design including permaculture August 3rd - soil preparation and composting and worms August 10th - pruning (including espalier) August 17th - natural control of pests August 24th - propagation techniques August 31st - growing herbs and vegetables September 7th - watering and watering systems September 14th - plants for special conditions (shade, dry) Mondays 9.30am – 12.30pm

Keeping your chooks healthy and happy This workshop covers: 1. Basic First Aid 2. Growing and Using Herbs 3. Poisonous Plants 4. All about Eggs 5. Hatching and Rearing Chicks 6. Dealing with Roosters 7. Making your own Chook Food Wednesday August 19th 10.00am – 1.00pm $20

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Coonara Community House Taster workshops

Pete the permie

Pete the permie

These taster workshops will let you try something new. Includes all materials.

Have a go…. $10 each

We are offering these 3 fruit tree classes as part of our 10 different day classes in organic & BD fruit growing, all classes are $95 each for the day 10am - 4pm at Telopea Mountain. All fruit classes will run as we have a base number of students already for each day into 2016. Sorry no cheese or cider classes until term 4.

Winter vs Summer pruning Tips & tricks to reduce workload, reduce disease entry and create fruit or rejuvenate old trees. Focus on the advantages of pruning at the correct time to control disease, fruit & tree size, We also look at how to get the right tree first so reducing the workload for the next 50 years of fruiting.

Saturday 15th August

Mosaics Monday 1.00 – 3.30pm July 27th Macramé Monday 1.00 – 3.00pm August 10th

Making compost Monday 9.30am – 12.30pm August 3rd Online Blogging for pleasure or profit Monday 12.30 – 3.30pm August 10th

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Biodynamic field day Bd management of orchards Making and apply tree paste, why can we grow 1000 vars and spray nothing!

What practices can be used to reduce diseases.

Sunday 5th July

Growing subtropical fruit, citrus & berries in cool climates Learn how we can grow 13 avos, 8 macas, 8 sapotes, guavas, banana & many more in Olinda without a glass house & how to grow berries. It’s all about getting conditions right.

Saturday 29th August Back to basics These workshops are $5 each. Contact us for more information.

Making jam, mending and updating clothes, knitting, pain free gardening

22 Willow Rd Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 www.coonarahouse.org.au (03) 9758 7081

Community Activities

Community Activities

Coonara Community Choir For anyone who wants to sing for pleasure.

Mondays 7.30pm Every week $3 per session Gully gardeners A group of people interested in gardening meet at Coonara on the first Thursday of each month from 2.00pm – 3.30pm to plan and organise guest speakers and outings. If you are interested in participating please call Coonara.

Conversations over afternoon tea 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month 2.00 – 3.00pm Join us for afternoon and listen to a range of guest speakers talking about things such as local history, volunteering, medications, falls and balance, consumer rights, staying safe on the Internet and more. Free activity.

Full list of dates and topics in the term 3 Coonara course guide.

Parents and children

Beekeeping club The Coonara Beekeeping Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month 7.30pm – 9.15pm. Annual membership is $35 per person or $50 per family.

First meeting free so just come along.

Free hearing checks Bookings are essential Monday 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Community space at Knox Check out the community space at Knox City on level 1 near the fresh food market.

Pop up learning events, showcasing of community organisations and more. Go to Community space @ Knox facebook page for more information.

Grassroots market Saturday 10.00am - 3.00pm 19th September, Kings Park, UFTG

Kidzfun 3 year old activity groups Tuesday – Thursday mornings Taking expressions of interest for 2016 Occasional care Friday mornings Waiting list for 2015 Lab project Technology fun for 9 – 12 year olds with high functioning Autism.

Wednesdays 4.00pm – 6.00pm Each school term $20 per week (pay by term) (concessions available)

Nationally accredited training

Coonara Community House is a Registered Training Organisation approved to deliver training in the following Nationally Recognised Qualifications, in 2015.

Enrolment information available on our website www.coonarahouse.org.au or via email enquiries@coonarahouse.org. au or phone 97587081 and we’ll post a pack to you.

Cert III in Community work (CHC30112) Tuesdays & Thursdays 9.30am – 3.00pm 14th July – 26th November 2015 Advanced Diploma of Community Sector Management (CHC60312) Online one evening per week with one Friday and Saturday per term in face to face classes.

September 2015 – December 2016 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30113) Fridays 9.30am – 3.00pm July 2015 – February 2016 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113) Fridays 9.30am – 3.00pm July 2015 – July 2016 Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC50113) For those with an existing Certificate III Thursdays 6.30 – 9.00pm July 2015 – July 2016 Watch your letterbox for the Coonara course guide in mid June with lots more term 3 classes.

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Coonara Community House New programs Look for these new programs in the term 3 course guide due in your letterbox mid June.

Fit for work – a short course on setting goals and working on physical and mental fitness Personal presentation – workshops on grooming and creating great first impressions Career planning Resume polishing and use of social media for job seeking and networking Introduction to hospitality including safe food handling and barista skills Meditation Upcycling furniture for affordable interior decorating

22 Willow Rd Upper Ferntree Gully VIC 3156 www.coonarahouse.org.au (03) 9758 7081

About Coonara Community House Neighbourhood House, Community House or Adult Learning Centre, whatever the name, these places are the heart of the Knox community. More recently referred to as Learn Local organisations, we provide social, educational and recreational activities within a welcoming and supportive environment. There are five Learn Local organisations in Knox.

Coonara Community House offers a large number of qualifications in Community Services, Children’s Services, Leisure & Health and Disability up to Diploma level. Subsidised computer classes run each term. Coonara offers workshops on gardening, cooking and getting ‘back to basics’. Short courses provide pathways to employment and build learner confidence.

Other programs include a food garden, a community newspaper and many volunteering opportunities.

Please note that in the interests of asthma sufferers, Coonara is a perfume and after-shave free zone. Thank you for your co-operation.

How to enrol

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST Brigade Secretary

Upper Ferntree Gully Volunteer Fire Brigade is looking for the right person to fill the position of Brigade Secretary.

This person should have time and a knowledge of secretarial duties. It is a voluntary position and non-operational (no fire fighting) position.

We also have other non-operational positions including event management available. If you are interested and wish to know more please email Peter Smith. ps.mudguts@gmail.com

Enrolments in Coonara courses are confirmed by payment of course fees or the arrangement of a payment plan. Coonara accepts EFTPOS, credit cards, cheque, cash and direct payment into our bank account.

In person between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday at 22 Willow Rd Upper Ferntree Gully Over the phone using credit card 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday to Friday on 97587081 By posting a cheque to Coonara Community House P.O. Box 7041 Upper Ferntree Gully 3156. Please include a note with your contact details and the course you have chosen.

Refunds & concessions Courses require minimum numbers to proceed. If we cancel a class you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw from a class at least 48 hours prior to the commencement you will receive a refund less a $10 administration fee. Within 48 hours of the class commencement no refund can be given. Concession fees apply to some courses for those on pensions and health care cards. The refund policy for accredited training differs from the above and is advertised on the enrolment form and our website.

Coonara Community House, 22 Willow Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully Open 9am - 4pm Mon - Fri | Tel: 9758 7081 | Fax: 9758 5402 enquiries@coonarahouse.org.au | www.coonarahouse.org.au

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Woodwork in the Community Every Thursday you can hear the sound of hammering, sawing and laughter from a small workshop in Tecoma. It is a Yarra Ranges Council PAG (Planned Activity Group), staffed by a loyal band of volunteers who are devoted to sharing the joys of woodworking with those who need a little support. So far they have created a carom board, sjoelen game, hobby horses and a pin ball machine. They are currently making wooden tip truck toys for donation to charity.

The group based at Sherbrooke Cottage in Campell Street, Tecoma aims to support people to stay living in their homes while remaining as healthy and active as possible. Kevin, Don and Paul are regular volunteers who assist participants to design and create projects in the woodwork room.

Kevin has been a volunteer for 8 years

and says “It is mostly men who come to the woodwork area although everyone is welcome. It is wonderful that it exists and gives us all an opportunity to socialise and talk about wood projects.�

The Team Leader, Heather Barr from Aged & Disability Services says that it is great to see the men talking and bonding over a creative pursuit, which then in turn brings so much joy to others in the community.

The program is run for residents of the Yarra Ranges with HACC (Home & Community Care) funding. Participants must be assessed for eligibility.

Anyone interested in joining can call Yarra Ranges Council on 1300 368 333 for more information.

Janette Scott Contributor to The Foothills

Yarra Ranges residents participating in the workshop run in Tecoma.

ange R a r r s Ya

Counselling Counselling and Psychotherapy Chronic Pain & Illness Management Groups and Workshops Adults and Children

100 Main St Upwey 8288 1744 www.yarrarangescounselling.com.au info@yarrarangescounselling.com.au

Indigenous History After the volcanic era, Eucalypts flourished in the rich soil, along with ferns and tree ferns, wattle, shrubs and grasses...

A history of Upper Ferntree Gully 1 Memories by Coonara Community House In the beginning the land was without shape. Bundjil, the great spirit, took the form of an eagle. He cut strips of bark and carved figures of people into them. He then quickened them with his breath. With Mindeye the Rainbow Serpent, and other creation heroes, he sculpted the land and made it good country for human beings. Then Bunjil and the others settled the people all round South-Eastern Australia.

Diprotodon, the marsupial herbivore the size of a rhinoceros lumbers among beech and fern. Most of these megafauna are herbivores, so although they are huge they are not dangerous.

Although sometimes an unlucky hunter in a dark, cold corner of the forest would find himself confronted with the carnivore Thylacoleo, the marsupial lion; an ancestor of today’s possum but as big as a leopard and with ‘large, shearing teeth’.

The country we see today formed over 300 million years, through a succession of rising and sinking seas, roller-coasting heat and cold, and 700,000 years of volcanic activity and dormancy. This activity only stopped 7,500 years ago, but the Melbourne area has been populated for at least 40,000 years, mostly by the Kulin people and their ancestors. That’s about 1,600 generations.

Then the land was flooded. Barwool the Headman cut the Birrarung (Yarra River) to free the country from the flood. The waters flowed into the plain where they had hunted kangaroo, and created Narrm (Port Phillip Bay).

Over the volcanic era these people witnessed eruptions that hurtled molten rock and ash into the sky, blanketing Lilydale to Ferny Creek and sending rivers of sulphuric lava and rock flowing past Upper Ferntree Gully, toward Wantirna.

The country we know today, from the Dandenong Ranges to the Heads, has all formed in the past 5,000 years. After the volcanic era, Eucalypts flourished in the rich soil, along with ferns and tree ferns, wattle, shrubs and grasses. By 1830 the dominant forest flora included the mountain grey-gum, messmate and long-leaf box, with a thick undergrowth of tree-fern, wattle, bracken and heath.

40,000 years ago the climate was much like today. However, imagine that after 25,000 years of an iceage the coastline is now 300 km to the South, and Tasmania and New Guinea are part of the Australian continent. The cold has allowed ferns, bracken and other cold-adapted plants to colonise the plains, and some places are thick with peat and bog moss. Across plains of icy bogs the people hunt a species of ‘roo’ that stands three-and-a-half metres tall, and a donkey-high type of wombat.

When Europeans settled Victoria, one group of Kooris owned all the land around Port Phillip and up north to Euroa. Composed of individuals belonging to five tribes, or sub-language groups, this was the Kulin nation—pronounced ‘cullin’ and taken from the tribes’ shared word for ‘human being’. Two tribes of the Kulin made the Dandenongs part of their country: the Boonerwrung and the Woiwurrung. They came in summer to evade the heat, and to be ‘healed’ in the creeks and streams. The tribes built

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temporary shelters from bark and tree-limbs, and stayed as long as food was plentiful, which was generally about two months.

They hunted possum using every part for something: the meat eaten, the skins sewn together with bone needles to make cloaks. Even the sinew was used as cotton in the needles.

The Boonerwrung and the Woiwurrung entered the Dandenongs by several routes, one being along the creek-beds through Upper Gully. Pioneers encountered small family groups of the tribes as they passed through to their seasonal hunting grounds, up to the end of 1800. Up to 1870 the Dodd family of Olinda regularly saw these clans in the area. From 1862 officials began moving the Woiwurrung out to Healesville where an Aboriginal settlement had been established, called Coranderrk.

After settlement, European-Australians also found relief from summer’s heat, and a ‘healing’ in the Dandenongs. They came by horse-drawn wagon, then later by train, then by car to walk in the forest, picnic, fish and swim.

Coranderrk was closed in the early 1900s, but there is still a Koori presence near Healesville. Barak, the last of the Woiwurrung died at 85-years-old at Coranderrk in 1903.

Ananda Braxton Smith

BIBLIOGRAPHY AND ATTRIBUTIONS – PREHISTORY/KULIN The item regarding the environment and habits of the Kulin nation was informed by the following texts and conversations: • ‘Aboriginal Tribes’– an unattributed article in Ferntree Gully Library Information File • McGivern, Muriel. Aboriginal of the Dandenong Mountain.

Published by the author, Croydon, Australia, 1979 • Punshon, Marianne. ‘Wantirna – a history’. http://www. templetonps.vic.edu/pages/history.htm Accessed March 2006 • Tindale, Norman B. Map 2 SE Australia ‘Tribal Boundaries in Aboriginal Australia’. Australian National University Press, Canberra, 1974, Map held La Trobe Reading Room, Victorian State Library, Melbourne, Australia. • ‘Aboriginal Australia: Aboriginal People of Victoria’. Published for the Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander Commission by the Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra 1990. Reprint 1998 • Presland, Gary. Aboriginal Melbourne: The Lost Land of the Kulin People Harriland Press, Forest Hill 3131 Australia 2001 With special thanks to Judy Williams, Librarian at the Koori Heritage Trust at 295 King Street, Melbourne. TEL: 8622 2600

Contributor to The Foothills

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Be a part of the Upper Gully Plan Knox Council is continuing to develop the ‘Upper Gully Plan’, a blueprint for future improvements to the much-loved precinct.

A fifth Community Workshop was held in May, and further established the community’s aspirations and priorities for the area. This feedback has formed the basis of the Upper Gully Plan, ensuring that it truly reflects the community’s needs and expectations for the area. And some of the ideas so far are incredibly exciting.

Priorities include improving safety, access and traffic flow around Upper Ferntree Gully. The intersection of Burwood Highway, Rollings Road and Old Belgrave Road has been highlighted and Council will advocate to VicRoads to address residents’ safety concerns.

Reducing car and pedestrian conflict in the service lanes along the commercial strips of Burwood Highway is also a high priority, as well as supporting business growth and economic activity in the precinct.

The potential of creating a plaza to welcome residents arriving at Upper Ferntree Gully Station has been raised and Council will advocate to VicTrack and Metro Trains to explore possible improvements. Council will also investigate precinct gateway features and sculptural elements that will give Upper Ferntree Gully a strong sense of identity and place.

Council will also work with VicRoads and VicTrack to explore the possibility of installing a missing link on the Ringwood-Belgrave Rail Trail connecting over Burwood Highway. It would be a major boost for local cyclists and further promote tourism to the area.

And these are just a snapshot of some of the key initiatives. It’s exciting times ahead for Upper Ferntree Gully.

The Upper Gully Plan consists of two key components: The Upper Ferntree Gully Strategic Plan is a long term plan for the future of Upper Ferntree Gully, covering the housing, development and infrastructure that our community wants and needs.

Streetscape Design Project is a master plan for physical improvements that focuses on the shopping and commercial areas along Burwood Highway in Upper Ferntree Gully.

Draft plans were made available for public comment in May. We will be seeking further feedback from our residents and encourage you to be a part of the process as we plan a bright future for Upper Ferntree Gully.

Stay up to date with the latest developments on the Upper Gully Plan by registering for news and updates.

Email uftg@knox.vic.gov.au to sign up.

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Family Gathering Day On a Sunday 29th of March the Local Indigenous Network (LIN) met in Knox for a local gathering. The day brought together a number of families in the Knox region, Aunty Georgina Nicholson provided the Welcome to Country with Local Indigenous Network worker from Aboriginal Affairs Luke Isaacs hosting the event.

The Coonara Community House venue was highly recommended because of its space, well-equipped play equipment, well equipped kitchen, the tranquil nature of the area and the wood fire oven.

The kids enjoyed the boomerang painting and face /hand painting tables as well as having access to the play equipment from the ELC area.

An interactive reptile show gave young children and brave adults the opportunity to hold, touch and learn about; spiny leaf stick insects, frogs, turtles, bob-tail

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lizards, monitor (goanna) lizards, dragon lizards, pythons, and even pat a (juvenile) crocodile.

Local Knox Reconciliation group members entertained the kids with a Marngrook hand ball competition. The ball was rubber with a possum skin covering donated by MMIGP. Other special guests included Elder Uncle John Baxter who helped out with face and hand painting. Uncle John is a current board member of Reconciliation VIC and Koori Night market. He is also advocate for the Indigenous disabilities network.

Also at the event was Retired Monash University Professor, Elder Henry Atkinson (Knox resident). MMIGP Board members Elke Smirl and Tom Bell, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Service board member Lawrence Moser and Healesville Indigenous Services Association board member Robynne White.

Local caterer Colin Atkinson and crew cooked fish on bark over hot coals, which was a hit. Colin is a regular at the EACH Busher Tucker program in Knox.

The wood fire pizza oven was also put to great use. With over 50 pizzas made and devoured.

With perfect weather the order of the day, it allowed over 100 people a great opportunity to sit and relax in a friendly environment, to have a yarn, and catch up in general. The day also provided an opportunity for new and old families in the area to learn about local Indigenous services, activities and programs.

Les Chessells Manager Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place

Pictured above Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Georgina.

The kids enjoyed the Boomerang painting and face /hand painting tables as well as having access to the play equipment from the ELC area.

Photographs: Barbara Oehring An interactive reptile show that gave young children and brave adults the opportunity to hold, touch and learn about spiny leaf stick insects, frogs, turtles, bob-tail lizards, monitor (goanna) lizards, dragon lizards, pythons, and even pat a (juvenile) crocodile.

Other special guests included Elder Uncle John Baxter who helped out with face and hand painting.

Local Knox Reconciliation group members entertained the kids with a Marngrook hand ball competition. The ball was rubber with a possum skin covering donated by MMIGP. Perfect shot – right through the middle.

Pictured Robynne White and Elder, Professor Henry Atkinson.

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Ferntree Gully and Rowville Community Bank® Branches

Homemade Dips Hummus

Tzatziki

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cans chick peas

• 500g greek yoghurt

• 5 cloves garlic

• Garlic

• 6 tablespoons of lemon juice

• Salt

• 6 tablespoons of Tahini

• White vinegar

• Salt

• Cucumber

• Olive oil

• Fresh mint

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Fresh dill

• Water

• Olive oil

METHOD

METHOD

Food process all ingredients.

Line a sieve with doubled over muslin and pour yogurt in. Tie the top with string and hang from a wooden spoon over a deep bowl in your fridge for at least eight hours. I usually hang the yogurt overnight.

This will drain the yogurt of excess water to leave you with a very thick yogurt.

Place hummus on a platter and pile kofta on top. Drizzle with oil and herbs.

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Peel the cucumber and grate. Squeeze as much of the water out of your cucumber as you can, just using your hands or the back of a spoon.

Peel and chop either one or two cloves of garlic. Crush with a knife or in a mortar and pestle until it’s turned to paste.

Wash a handful of each of the herbs. I like to pick my mint leaves off the stem.

Finely chop the herbs.

Mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic paste and herbs together. Add a tablespoon of white vinegar, a good dash of olive oil and mix in well.

Taste and season, then place in a bowl and cover with Gladwrap. Refrigerate for at least six hours. To serve, sprinkle with olive oil and push an olive and mint leaf into the middle of the dish. Serve with crusty bread.

Eastern Community Legal Centre time of the incident;

• Contact ECLC on (03) 9762 6235 to make an appointment for free and confidential legal advice

• Loss of earnings; • Funeral costs; and • Other reasonable expenses to assist you in your recovery in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

(Expenses relating to loss or damage of property as a result of the crime are not included.)

‘Taking Good Legal Care of Yourself’ ‘Taking Good Legal Care of Yourself’ is a regular contribution by Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) to raise awareness of legal needs in the community, and encourage people to seek legal advice early. ECLC is a not-for-profit community service that provides free legal advice to Melbourne’s outer-eastern communities, including Tecoma, Upwey and Upper Ferntree Gully.

Financial Assistance for Victims of Crime

Urgent financial assistance may be available whilst your application is still being processed by VOCAT. This is generally for urgent medical, counselling or funeral expenses.

Eligibility for financial assistance depends on a number of factors, including: • When the crime was reported to police; • The assistance provided to police in their investigation; and • Whether financial assistance is available from another source such as WorkCover, the Transport Accident Commission and insurance schemes.

Application forms can are available on the VOCAT website www.vocat.vic.gov.au/ how-apply. There is no application fee.

If you have been a victim of a violent crime, either directly or indirectly, you may be able to receive some financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for: • Counselling and medical expenses; • Safety related expenses; • Loss or damage to clothing worn at the

How ECLC can help ECLC can provide free legal advice on your eligibility for financial assistance, the application process and the type of supporting documentation required in making an application to VOCAT. You can also visit www.vocat.vic.gov.au for more information.

Learn to Dance Club Latina at Kenlaurel Dance Studio

Salsa Waltz Street Latin

Rock N Roll Cha Cha Ballroom

Private and group lessons available Bridal dances specially choreographed 6 Janesleigh Rd, Upper Ferntree Gully Opposite National Park Entrance

9758 1376

• Call Vic Police on 000 while a crime is happening or if someone is in immediate danger • Contact your local police station via phone or in person to report nonemergency crime incidents • Call Eastern Victims Assistance and Counselling (EVAC) on 1300 884 284 for counselling support and assistance

MARK’S STORY Mark had a history of substance abuse and had successfully undergone rehabilitation. Mark was recently assaulted at a friend’s party. He suffered depression and anxiety, and a relapse in substance abuse. Mark recommenced a rehabilitation program. ECLC assisted Mark in making a successful application to VOCAT for rehabilitation expenses and medical expenses incurred as a result of the assault. Mark felt unsafe in public places for quite some time after the act of violence, so ECLC also assisted Mark to obtain counselling through VOCAT.

Jacqui D Sylva Contributor to The Foothills

Foothills Classifieds - Services Mobile Animal Husbandry Service John & Peggy Spink 9754 6993 0435 907 633 1000 x premium business cards Designed, printed, delivered from $200 design@emilyfitzgerald.com.au

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Upwey Billycart Race 30 | FOOTHILLS

Photographs by Darren Clarke

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Once My

Brothers

Once my brothers but

Were fooled more easily than I

We close our minds, as we leave

My brothers are no more

Without regret, regretful

And forcefully we shut the door

Re-drawn boundary lines of life

Pain and ever slow frustration

We may imagine, dream a dream

Won by losses of a war

That kills and feeds

A better life is still the plan

Fracture and a hateful tongue

Our ever hungry, thirsty separation

But caught in self is trapped the love

A bitter twisted heart

For it is by choice alone

Intended for our fellow man

Journeys joined by common life

That we are forced to hate

Once my brothers but

Forever torn apart

We choose the path, don’t look back

My brothers are no more

Love and truth re-defined

Fatefully seal our fate

Re-drawn boundary lines of life

By the honesty of lies

For beginnings once begun

Won by losses of a war.

Perhaps it was that you

Rich abandoned to the poor

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By Janice Shaw