Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen 14 November 2014

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VICTORIAN STATE ELECTION FEATURE INSIDE

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C N a r r a a n d i d a te s fo r can w th e ill i n cl u d i n g L a fa c e o ff o n s e a t o f S at and th bor's Ka te Ma u r d a y 2 9 , e Libe B l a c k r a l P a r ty r te n (l e ft) 's wood Thi (r i g h t G a r y c a m p s e d i ti o n o ). ai g n c f o v e r a W B B C fe a o n ke t y i ssu g e, b ackg r u res ound es an W BBC ers d mo r w e. at w a i l l al so h o s rrag u t a liv day e lcitizen.co e blog l e c ti o m n d ay al l .

Baw Baw's towns must grow up: Guy

Planning minister says high rise and higher density should be embraced

By William Kulich WARRAGUL and Drouin will have to embrace high rise and higher density developments to lessen the impact of growing populations on farm land, according to Victor­ ia's planning minister.

Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen whether vertical growth should be considered as a method of preventing urban sprawl in Baw Baw, Mr Guy said "absol­ utely."

"We must begin to build up, no doubt about it," he said.

"I think that the central areas of Warragul do need to go up, and it's going to be a bit of a bit of a change for people.

"It doesn't need to be 20 or 30 stories but we do need two, three, four stories."

Mr Guy said towns in Baw Baw

will also "get used to" higher­ density development.

"We do need a different housing mix," he said.

"There will be medium­density [development] which regional cities like Warragul, Traralgon and others will get used to.

A d v e r ti s e m e n t

Polls and opinion Page 10

Orchid season Page 11

Community events Pages 12­13

"We're seeing that in Bendigo, and we saw that reported [recently] – people are starting to move into an apartment lifestyle in Bendigo.

"That's what we're going to have to get used to, that the way we plan for the next 30 years will be diffe­ rent to Continued on Page 7 >

NARRACAN VOTES 2014 2 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

The issues: what,

CANDIDATES have been battling this election over a number of key issues facing the electorate.

Issues of growth and its effects on the environment, public transport and roads are key among the concerns of many in the electorate, and the possibility of coal seam gas mining is a constant concern for people living in regional areas.

Growth has also brought new pressures on Baw Baw's healthcare and education systems.

This guide looks at the positions of the candidates and parties on four key issues facing Narracan this election.

For more on each of the candidates, please see Page 4.

Coal seam gas COAL seam gas has received some coverage as the debate over the safety and environmental impact of the unconventional extraction methods required to access it continues.

The most commonly known extraction method is "fracking", which involves fracturing a coal seam using pressurised water and chemicals, releasing coal seam gas and water.

Exploration licenses have been granted to search for the gas, however no mining permits have been granted in Victoria and a moratorium against the practice of fracking is in place and will remain until at least mid­2015.

But what are the risks? A number

of scientists, farmers and other people around the world have expressed concerns about fracking seeing gas and chemicals enter and contaminate underground water systems, as well as causing earthq­ uakes alongside other effects.

The rights of farmers to operate on their land when coal seam gas extraction is underway is another key concern, and one which sparked the "Lock the Gate" movement.

A strong supporter of that mov­ ement is Greens candidate Malcolm McKelvie, who said coal seam gas extraction was a key issue for the electorate.

"The coal seam gas, onshore gas mining through Gippsland and western Victoria is a threat that more and more people are seeing it as a danger we ought not to take

The Greens' Malcolm McKelvie supports Lock the Gate

on," Dr McKelvie told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen earlier this year.

The Liberal/National coalition government introduced the present moratorium on fracking with a goal of forming a scientific understa­ nding of the safety of the practice.

"We will never, ever allow onshore gas if it jeopardises our underground water, if it jeopardises our environment, and if it jeopardises our food and agriculture production," leader Denis Napthine told reporters in November last year.

Labor candidate for Narracan Kate Marten told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in August she would probably not support fracking if elected.

"My husband is a miner, but not in coal seam gas, so do I like it? The fracking? Probably not, no," she said.

The Country Alliance "does not support fracking until there is indisputable and independent evidence that it is safe, especially for underground water reserves," and Rise Up Australia tends not to support fracking.

Education EDUCATION is one area which has seen a number of campaign announcements from the major parties.

Liberal candidate Gary Blackw­ ood began his campaign with a funding announcement of $7 million for the upgrade of buildings at Warragul Regional College. He also announced yesterday a $3

million upgrade for Neerim District Secondary College for similar upgrades and promised a further $3 million for Trafalgar High.

The last term has not all been smooth sailing for the sitting member though, which changes by his government to TAFE funding

million in their last year."

Labor has however promised to make Victoria "the education state," promising improvements to TAFE funding should it win this election.

Also on the cards under a Labor government is a $10 million fund to assist teachers and schools educate

Liberal MP Gary Blackwood talks to staff and students at Warragul Regional College

seeing the closure of GippsTAFE's (now Federation Training) Wattl­ eseed Training Restaurant in Warragul and changes to the courses offered.

"There’s been some winners and losers in that [funding change]," he told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in September.

"It hasn’t worked probably as successfully as we would’ve liked in all quarters, but having said that we are putting $1.2 billion into the TAFE sector where the previous Labor government allocated $800

students with special needs and the reintroduction of technical schools, including one in Gippsland. Asked to confirm where in Gippsland the school would be located, however, Labor candidate Kate Marten did not respond.

Labor has also announced a fund to help improve access to music education in schools and promised $510 million for government school rebuilding projects state­wide.

Greens candidate Malcolm McKelvie recently signed a pledge from lobby group "TAFE4All" to

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who and why advocate for improved funding in Victoria.

TAFE

Health THE CONSTRUCTION of a new hospital to replace the ageing Warragul Regional Hospital has been on the wish list of many local groups and people for a long time, and has been identified as a requi­ red step by both major parties.

A key question remains whether the new hospital should be built on the present hospital site, or on land secured for a new hospital to the west of Warragul near Lardners Track.

Liberal candidate Gary Blackw­ ood has said if he were re­elected, seeing a new hospital built would be one of his priorities.

"This coming election I’m pushing really really hard for a decision to be made on where the future of the West Gippsland Hospital will be – will it be re­ developed on the current site or will it be moved to a new site on the corner of Lardners Track and Warragul­Drouin Road?," he told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

A new hospital would also be on the cards if Labor's candidate, Kate Marten, were to be elected.

"I think there needs to be more funding into the hospital. I can’t guarantee it, but I can make sure it’s top of the agenda,” Ms Marten told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

“Even though I don’t live in the electorate, [Warragul is] my public

hospital from Pakenham, so if I had a baby that’s where I would go."

Ms Marten has also identified improvements to mental health services as being important across the state, as well as in Narracan.

"I’d like to see what services are currently available in the area and help boost them," she said.

"There’s a lot of ex­military in the Moe area especially… but I think it’s more that without decent health services you can’t have decent mental health services.

"Making sure the hospitals are getting adequate funding to cope, and education, is important.”

The coalition government has been engaged in a continuing indus­ trial dispute with paramedics looki­ ng for pay rises. The coalition recently matched Labor's offer to the paramedics.

Public transport LABOR'S first election announce­ ment in Narracan took aim at rail services across the Gippsland line.

Appearing alongside local candidate Kate Marten at the announcement, Labor's shadow Minister for Public Transport Jill Hennessy said the recent suspen­ sion of rail services east of Moe was indicative of poor maintenance schedules.

"Is it an election issue? I think it's a symbolic issue," she said.

"Track maintenance is obviously really important, but [so is] making sure we continue to get a pipeline of

really good quality rolling stock," Ms Hennessy said.

Labor has promised to purchase 20 new VLocity railcars to help improve capacity on Victoria's

Results of issues poll on Page 10

genuinely takes time," she said.

"We would like to see additional services once we have looked at the regional network development plan Shortly after the announcement

Labor candidate Kate Marten with shadow Public Transport Minister Jill Hennessy at Warragul station last week

growing regional lines, though later changed her terminology for the planned order to "around 20 new VLocities... across the network."

Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen whether any of the additional units would be used to expand or add new services to the Gippsland line in particular, Ms Hennessy said an exact date for additional regional services anyw­ here in the state could not be given.

"Improving public transport

the Liberal party promised 24 new VLocity railcars.

Ms Hennessy said the order for new trains would go in after the first budget of a Labor government, and new stock could be expected 18 to 24 months after that.

Ms Hennessy highlighted the removal of 14 level crossings on the Pakenham and Cranbourne line, planned by Labor, as key to improving Gippsland services.

"The Cranbourne/Pakenham line

is really important for having a good Gippsland line because we need to remove those level crossings in order to continue to put more services on the line.

A report into improved bus services in Warragul and Drouin commissioned by the Brumby government and finished in 2010 identified a clear plan to create a commuter bus network.

Asked if Labor would act to improve bus services in Narracan, Ms Hennessy said "We've committed that we will release our bus policy before the next election.

"The other issue is this regional network transport plan that this government has done, so they have this plan around regional buses that has not been released, that there hasn't been a great deal of consultation on, under the previous government there was consultation.

Labor has however announced a plan to introduce 2am city­to­ country bus services that will allow people in Gippsland and other regional areas to return home late.

Asked if local service improv­ ements could be introduced quickly given a review had already been undertaken, Ms Hennessy said she could not commit to that yet.

Liberal candidate Gary Blackw­ ood said he was already acting to improve bus services.

"Improved bus services are on my wish list as well. I’ve been calling for that for quite some time."

NARRACAN VOTES 2014 4 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

As they stand: candidate profiles

WONDERING who will be on the Narracan ballot paper come 29 November? WBBC is here to help with a set of short profiles on the candidates standing this election.

You can find extended profiles and campaign coverage on most of the candidates online, just head to warragulcitizen.com.

These profiles cover candidates who registered or announced their candidacy before this edition's print deadline. Independents have until the end of today to nominate, so this list may not include everyone who ends up on the ballot. You can find an up­to­date candidate list and profiles online.

The Baw Baw area's federal seat, McMillan, was fought for by a record 13 candidates at last year's election. Some of those candidates have put their names in the ring for this election.

This list is in alphabetical order by surname.

them as though they’re were the majority and they’re giving into them as though they’re the majority,” he said.

“The Muslim people don’t integrate into our lifestyle in Australia, they want to change it and they want to dramatically change it.”

When asked for proof that Muslims were not integrating Mr Baker initially declined to comment, but when pushed said Australia was “at war.”

Mr Baker's pitch proved unpopular with McMillan voters, polling much lower than the informal vote.

GARY BLACKWOOD Liberal Party

towns across Baw Baw, a grant for the Pakenham Racing Club to develop a stormwater harvesting system, a grant for the Drouin Tennis Club and other sporting facilities in the area, and the promise of a new CFA incident control centre in Warragul.

Mr Blackwood has previously said his motivation to work effectively in his position came from those doing it tough in the electorate.

"In particular the mums and dads with children with a disability," he said.

"They’re the [people who] really touch you as you work through the work we do."

manages western Victoria's gas metre data and assets.

KATE MARTEN Labor Party

YARRAGON GP Malcolm McKel­ vie has twice been selected as the Greens candidate for the federal seat of McMillan, now he's having a go at state politics.

Dr McKelvie was the only person to attempt preselection for the Greens in narracan and does not expect to win the seat. He does however hope his campaign will contribute posit­vely to the party's upper house goals.

"There were no other people putting up their hand for preselection for Narracan, that’s true, and it’s not a seat that’s considered winnable by The Greens," Dr McKelvie told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in July.

"The upper house seat candidacy was contested [by more than one person] and the inner­Melbourne seats that were winnable were certainly contested.

"I don’t mind being the underdog in these elections and my aim in this campaign is really to raise the Greens vote to help Andrea Millsom to get elected in the upper house.

"I’m really hopeful that we can make the seat of Narracan marginal, because I think in all of Gippsland, where we’ve got conservative politicians right through, Gippsland misses out and that’s because we don’t have marginal seats.

"This election I think we’ve got a really good chance of at least making Narracan marginal."

At the last state election Greens candidate Belinda Rogers achieved a small swing to her to gain 7.77 per cent of the primary vote. With no swings away from the party in Narracan since it started standing candidates for the seat in 2002, the pressure is on Dr McKelvie to achi­ eve another positive swing. At the last federal election there was a sw­ ing away from him of 2.09 per cent.

Dr McKelvie has been running a strong social media campaign for this election and has written occasional entries for his campain blog. On that blog he states: "the reason I am involved in politics is to create change. It disturbs me that

NORMAN BAKER Rise Up Australia

NORMAN Baker's is one of those faces you might recognise from last year.

The former Warragul Technical College teacher, pastor and flight instructor stood for the same party in the 2013 federal election.

During that campaign he was most notable for his views on religion and having no desire to actually become a politican.

“In my lifetime I never had any ambition to be a politician and I still don’t,” Mr Baker told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in August 2013.

“But our nation needs someone to stand up and... we’ve got to be willing to put our life on the line for this nation – young men are going over to Afghanistan, they’re putting their life on the line and those Afghanistans (sic) are over here, and some others too, trying to take over this nation and putting [in] sharia law.”

Asked why he considered a small number of people in a minority pushing for law change to be a significant threat, Mr Baker said “it’s an easy question to answer.”

“They (Muslims) are less than two per cent of the population of Australia at present and they’re acting as though they’re the majority and people are listening to

GARY Blackwood has represented Narracan for the past eight years, facing his first election in 2006.

At the 2010 election Mr Blackw­ ood increased his margin with a considerable swing to him, taking 56.7 per cent of the primary vote.

When he won he unseated Labor's Ian Maxfield, who had held Narracan since 1999 and remains the only Labor representative the district has elected since its creation in 1967.

Mr Blackwood said he felt comfortable in the electorate and was keen to have a third term.

"I’ve always been treated with respect and I feel very comfortable right through Narracan," he said.

"I enjoy the job because of the people out there in the community."

Before entering parliament Mr Blackwood was chief executive officer of the Victorian Forest Harvesting and Cartage Council, having previously operated a timber transport and harvesting business.

He was also a Baw Baw Shire councillor from 2003 until his election to the parliament of Victoria.

Mr Blackwood kicked off his campaign with a significant funding promise for Warragul Regional College (see Page 2) and has since announced funding for several other schools in the electorate, keeping in line with his plan to focus on health and education this election.

So far Mr Blackwood's campaign has seen promises of funding for improvements to "street appeal" in

KATE Marten was motivated to run for parliament by a passion for health and mental health services.

"I’ve got a vested interest in mental health and youth services," Ms Marten said.

"My husband’s a returned servic­ eman, so I’ve done a bit of work with mental health there, and my 16 year old had a friend commit suicide last year.

"I started trying to find what’s available for the kids to cope and [campaigning to] stop the pattern of suicide in the area."

Ms Marten lives outside the electorate, but only just: the recent redistribution (see Page 5) has seen the electorate grow out as far west as Nar Nar Goon and includes Bunyip, to which she has a strong family connection.

She has also indicated a move into the electorate would be in order should she win the seat.

Ms Marten has a hard job ahead of her. The redistribution has made the seat likely to become an even safer Liberal seat and Labor has made few funding promises specifically targeting Narracan.

In its 47 year history Narracan has only been won by Labor at two elections: by Ian Maxfield in 1999 and 2002.

To make the campaign even more difficult, a back injury last weekend prevented Ms Marten from campaigning for a number of days.

Outside of politics, Ms Marten works for Ausnet Services where she

MALCOLM McKELVIE The Greens

our society is pushed and pulled by forces that I believe are out of step with common sense, majority opin­ ion or protection of basic needs."

DAVE SNELLING Australian Country Alliance

Image unavailable in online version

Photo via Facebook

CAR SALESMAN Dave Snelling will be the second candidate ever face voters in Narracan for the Australian Country Alliance.

Snelling joined the party because he was "frustrated at the successive governments... failing to stand up for our rights and freedoms for this, and future generations."

During the campaign Mr Snelling has made comment on drugs issues, foreign ownership of land and education, saying "we need tech schools and TAFE... to maintain a skilled workforce."

His party's electoral success in the area is hard to gauge. In the 2010 state election Brian Dungey drew 4.29 per cent of the vote for the party in Narracan. However at last year's federal election, which featured a larger number of candidates, the party only achieved .0.87 per cent, beating a number of other minor parties including Norman Baker for Rise Up Australia, but still being out­polled by the informal vote.

Follow their campaigns on social media Norman Baker No social media

Gary Blackwood Twitter: @GaryBlackwoodMP FB: /GaryBlackwoodMP

Kate Marten Twitter: @Kateymarty

Malcolm McKelvie Twitter: @malmckelvie FB: /malcolm.mckelvie.greens

Dave Snelling FB: /SnellingforNarracan

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Formerly The Warragul Citizen.

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Crossing the line: the new Narracan THE ELECTORATE candidates are pitching to has changed since the 2010 election.

The Victorian Electoral Commis­ sion reviews the make­up of each electorate on an ongoing basis, attempting to maintain a consistent number of voters in all districts by adjusting boundaries.

A considerable change has been made to east and west boundaries of Narracan for this election. Just over 5,500 voters from Newborough and parts of Hernes Oak, Tanjil South, Yallourn and Yallourn North were moved out of the seat into the neighbouring seat of Morwell, while Narracan gained 5,720 voters from the Bass district to the west, including people in Bunyip, Cora Lynn, Garfield, Mary­ knoll, Nar Nar Goon, Nar Nar Goon North, Tynong and Tynong North.

The seat also picked up a chunk of the Bunyip State Park from the seat of Gembrook.

Modelling published by the VEC suggests the changes have made Narracan a stronger seat for the Liberals, with an estimated two­ party preferred vote of 66 per cent for the party under the new boundaries.

Narracan's two­party preferred result at the last election was 62.39 per cent Liberal, 37.61 per cent Labor.

Despite the redistribution being expected to work in his favour,

A map of the new boundaries Source: VEC

sitting Liberal MP Gary Blackwood told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen there would be challenges in reaching out to new parts of the electorate.

"You've just got to accept it, it doesn't really worry me," he said.

"The challenge for me now is to become known in the new areas.

"I was probably sad to lose

Newborough because I used to have some really good contacts in Newborough developed over the eight years, they're a great group of people down there, but the electoral commission makes these decisions for their own reasons."

He did however express concerns the electorate had not been set up with future growth in mind.

"It is really about making sure they keep the electorates pretty balanced in terms of number, I understand that, but the thing that [gets] me a bit is we're at 42,000 now and we've got a growing population. It's going to be quite a while before the next redistribution so potentially we could have a population in Narracan of 60,000 before the next redistribution.

The redistribution does however work for Labor candidate Kate Marten in one way: she lives in Pakenham, which is just on the fringe of the redefined electorate.

Census data for the redistributed electorate suggests the age groups of voters are relatively well spread out, with 35 per cent of the population is aged between 40 and 64 years.

Just over 84 per cent of Narracan electors were born in Australia, while 3.6 per cent were born in England and one per cent were born in New Zealand.

The largest religious grouping is "No Religion", with 26.9 per cent, with Catholics a close second at 23.2 per cent.

Just over 17 per cent of people in the new Narracan are technicians or trades workers, whereas "professio­ nals" make up 15.2 per cent of workers.

Three per cent of the population travels to work via public transport, the bulk by car.

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LOCAL NEWS 6 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

New freeway connector and bypasses discussed

A POSSIBLE new freeway connec­ tion, the planned Warragul ring road and the Drouin bypass have been discussed by Baw Baw planning officials at a Ratepayers & Citizens Association meeting.

The new connection, which plan­ ning officers stressed were not final­ ised and would not be implemented in the short­ or medium­term, could see Dollaburn Road to Warragul's north upgraded to connect with Lardners Track near the present freeway exit on Princes Way. The link would allow traffic to avoid the increasingly congested Princes Way route when accessing Brandy Creek Road and an upgra­ ded Lillico and Copeland's Road.

"At the moment we have iden­ tified it as the future connection to the freeway," Baw Baw director of Growth and Economic Develo­ pment Matthew Cripps said at Tuesday's meeting.

"This is just talking about future potential expansion into the netw­ ork."

Those plans are for development well into the future, but also discussed at the meeting were the changes to the construction, route and funding of the Warragul ring road through the new Waterford Rise estate and surrounding area.

Mr Cripps said the original plan for the bypass was dumped after a

topography survey found there would be significant costs involved in reshaping the land for the road.

A new route for the road has since been developed, which inclu­ des "green spines" on hill crests and a more sensible road grades.

Crole Drive, the major road which connects Waterford rise to Princes Way, will form part of the bypass, ultimately connecting to Sutton Street.

Another road will run parallel to Pharaoh's Road and connect to Dollaburn Road.

While the connections of these roads have not changed, the form they will take has seen major revisions.

Original plans were for a dual carriageway, but according to Mr Cripps, growth modelling suggests a standard two­lane road would cope with traffic demands into the future.

"The modelling that VicRoads has been undertaking has identified two lane is not necessary," he said.

Asked if it would be sensible for the council to set aside extra land for potential future expansion, Mr Cripps said "it's not warranted."

"We have to run our asset base based on need," he said.

"It's about spending the right amount of money at the right time."

"The challenge has been analy­ sing need rather than gold plating

the infrastructure."

Mr Cripps said the Baw Baw 2050 plan was considered during planning.

A potential method of expansion in the future, if needed, would be changes to the make­up of the roads.

The present design includes on­ street parking, a shared bike and pedestrian path on one side as well as dedicated pedestrian paths on both sides, nature strips on both sides and a line of trees between each of the two lanes.

"The cross section does have significant areas to expand into," Mr Cripps said.

"That's quite a significant road reserve with indented parking.

[Expansion into] that would be [at the cost of quality of life], and that's a question for the future."

Copeland's Road is also expected to have the same reserve design.

The bypass will be developed as construction of new estates conti­ nues, while funding for roads in new housing developments has changed.

Where council had previously been going to fund 60 per cent of road construction costs, developers will now pay all costs associated.

"New communities should be funding their own infrastructure, not the existing community," Mr

Cripps said.

Mr Cripps said where existing roads were upgraded the council would contribute, but when upgr­ ades were required due to new development, developers would have to pay.

The 11.5km ring road will be maintained by the council but will have capacity for freight transport and a speed limit of 60km/h.

Drouin bypass The planned 3.5km Drouin bypass will connect Princes Way to a new entrance point on Main South Road, travelling east and south of Chairo Christian School.

Mr Cripps said another connection from further west along Princes Way was also being consi­ dered.

"There is a resolution of council to consider an alternate connector road that will not bypass the township in the same way," he said.

The bypass, like the Warragul ring road, will be freight capable, maintained by the council and have a 60 km/h speed limit.

The reason given for the connection was an improvement to travel times from Melbourne, despite the bypass connecting to the freeway exit on the east side of town.

Trafalgar bypass unlikely to happen any time soon Asked if there were any plans to introduce a bypass of Trafalgar, Baw Baw director of Community Assets Phil Cantillon said there were no discussions underway.

"There are no discussions that we're aware of that are raising a Trafalgar bypass at the moment," he told the meeting.

He said a service road system similar to that in Yarragon, where local traffic can travel adjacent to the freeway without joining it, may be a solution for Trafalgar where the Freeway connects directly to local roads.

Baw Baw mayor Murray Cook, who served on the Narracan council at the time a survey asking residents if they wanted a bypass was conducted, was at the meeting and said one of two bypass routes proposed over 20 years ago was no longer an option due to housing development south of the freeway.

He said swampy land north of the town would make a northern bypass difficult.

The town voted no to a bypass.

"I do not think there will be a by­ pass in my lifetime," Mr Cook said.

Both the bypasses proposed over 20 years ago would have seen a diversion around both Yarragon and Trafalgar.

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Baw Baw must build up <from Page 1 the previous 30 years."

Mr Guy said vertical growth in booming regional towns was "the way of the future."

"We can't keep going out into farm land... so we do have to have a look at a greater density through some of our towns."

There are no height restrictions in the new state planning zones introduced by Mr Guy in this parliamentary term except in the neighbourhood zone.

"That does have a mandatory height," Mr Guy said.

"Councils can set mandatory heights, but in the central areas of Warragul there's unlikely to be height requirements.

"I think councils are pretty keen to see a bit of density and growth there."

Baw Baw director of Growth and Economic Development Matthew Cripps said multi­storey would be considered "where appropriate".

"The development of multi­ storey development in the order of four storeys is something which would be considered where appro­ priately positioned and designed," he told the Warragul&BawBawCitizen.

"There are already examples of multi­storey developments in Baw Baw with the most recent currently under construction in Mason Street,

Warragul."

"Focussing higher density develo­ pment in well serviced areas... has many benefits."

Mr Guy was interviewed after delivering a speech at the campaign launch of local Liberal MP Gary Blackwood last month. In that speech the minister lamented the loss of farm land at Narre Warren North to housing, drawing parallels with population growth in Warragul and Drouin.

Asked why the state government had made moves to encourage growth in strong farming areas like Baw Baw, Mr Guy said new town boundaries drawn up in the Warr­ agul and Drouin Precinct Structure Plans, combined with higher den­ sity development, would prevent much further urban encroachment into farming land.

"The question is 'where else do you want it to be?' Take your pick – everywhere has a reason as to why you shouldn't grow [there], that's why the government wants to define those boundaries," he said.

"You've got to say once and for all 'that's the boundary' and set it and keep it.

"The local council has designated it as a growth area and as a conseq­ uence... of doing structure planning we can actually define the boundary now.

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Get tweeting: @WarragulCitizen

'Going Digital' mistake not a 'stuff up': CEO

"If you actually define the boundary around the two towns now it means you... know where you're going to grow, and you can plan everyt­hing around that.

"Warragul and Drouin have been growing substantially for the best part of 10 or 12 years, so we do need to set those boundaries."

Mr Guy said it was "pretty clear" there needed to be "a greater focus on healthcare [and] on transport in the region, and a greater focus on jobs" in future planning decisions, raising the issue of a new hospital for Warragul.

"I think all of those points are going to be crucial to making sure that Warragul and Drouin are sustainable places to grow into the future," he said.

"They can't just grow. [A new hospital] is certainly on the govern­ ment's radar. We've put a lot of money into the hospital in Trara­ lgon and... there's next going to be a focus on Warragul. It's on the gover­ nment's radar and it's one we know we have to have a look at fairly soon."

Mr Guy would not say how soon but said the project would be "asse­ ssed against a whole range of factors over the next couple of years."

"It's on our immediate radar.

That doesn't mean we can fund it immediately," he said.

A MAIL­OUT from the Baw Baw Shire which was reportedly sent to some addresses multiple times, former residents and deceased people was not a "stuff up", accor­ ding to council CEO Helen Anstis.

In a letter to the Baw Baw Ratep­ ayers & Citizens Association, Ms Anstis said the "Going Digital" mail­ out, which asked residents for their digital contact details with the aim of improving council commun­ ication, may have had an "error in processing" but objected to the terminology used by the group's secretary.

"I strongly object to your claims of a 'stuff­up'," Ms Anstis said.

"It was an error in processing. It was not deliberate or intended, it was a mistake."

In the letter Ms Anstis stressed the mail­out had been part of a campaign to reduce council costs.

"Our organisation is attempting to reduce the costs of sending out rate notices and other information to ratepayers and residents. In order to do that we need to gather electronic details ­ hence the mail­ out."

"We deliberately tried to contact as many people as possible, not just ratepayers," Ms Anstis said.

"In our efforts to do so there were some instances in which letters were sent with incorrect saluta­

tions."

A number of residents have reported not receiving a letter at all.

Ms Anstis stressed no personal information had been compromised as a result of the error.

"No sensitive information was divulged," she said.

"Other than names and addresses in the envelope window ­ all of which were correct ­ the only other information was a first name."

"There was nothing to identify anyone and certainly nothing sensitive.

"While there were some addres­ ses that received multiple letters we expect that in the fullness of time this process will provide our ratepa­ yers and residents with a better ser­ vice and save [the] council money."

The botched mail­out saw a number of complaints made to the council on social media, including one from a resident who said they recieved a letter addressed to someone who had not lived at the property for 25 years.

Many complaints centred around the cost of the extra letters, but a council spokesperson said there will be savings in the future when mail­ ing around 25,000 rates notices.

"If we can email a rates notice not only is it more convenient for some people it also costs about $0.65 less than sending a hard copy."

THE PROPOSED replacement of old buildings at Warragul Regio­ nal College could see major chan­ ages to the way the school's library operates.

Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen if the replacement of old buildings which house the library would see a smaller library built as happened at Trafalgar High School in 2009/10, principal Rob Juratowitch said final plans were yet to be formulated but changes were to be expected.

"The function of libraries has ch­ anged considerably as we have mo­ ved to digital technology," he said.

"We're just not sure [on what will happen yet], that will be part of the planning process.

"Libraries' importance haven't diminished, they've actually become more important, but the nature of the space will probably be quite diff­ erent to what it is at the moment.

"Access to digital resources as well as hard copy books, journals, will still be paramount."

Warragul Regional has been pulled into the local election camp­ aign with Liberal MP Gary Blackw­ ood promising $7 million from a re­ elected coalition government for upgrades to the school.

WRC library shake­up

NEXT PRINT EDITION Friday 12 December 2014 Distribution across Baw Baw. Printing 5,000 copies.

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LOCAL NEWS 10 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

Cops call for 'One­stop­shop' Mawarra sorting Gippslanders to for community centre be safe on roads services to move

LATROBE Inspector of Police Mark Langhorn has called for motorists across Gippsland to take care on the roads this holiday season.

In an open letter, Mr Langhorn recalled past tragedies and the effect they have on communities.

"I recall with great sadness my Christmas of 2010. It was about half­past midnight on Christmas morning when I was called out to attend a car accident," he said.

"A family of three had been driving and, due to the driver being tired, she hit the curb and lost control of the car. The car overtur­ ned and collided with a fence.

"A 57 year old lady in the passenger seat died."

"I vividly recall the lady's adult children turning up to the crash site and watching as the undertakers took their mother away. I can’t begin to imagine the sadness they

A "ONE­stop­shop" for early years services has been proposed to Baw Baw Shire councillors.

In a presentation to the council on Wednesday, members of Baw Baw's Early Years Advisory Commi­ ttee identified emerging issues in planning and relationships in the region, suggesting "integrated hubs" could help improve services.

"The idea of schools as comm­ unity hubs has become an emerging trend across the world," one comm­ ittee member said.

"There have been some real benefits, including families being able to access services in a very non­ threatening environment.

"Putting a kindergarten in a school is just one strategy."

A school­based community hub would also integrate other services that support children and families.

"There are many things of great benefit," another committee

now feel every Christmas day."

"Now I am responsible for road safety across Latrobe, Baw Baw, Bass Coast and South Gippsland and I see the same tragedy too often. Between now and the end of the year it is highly likely that we will lose more members of our community to road accidents.

"A lot of you will think to yourself that 'it won’t happen to me.' Last year there were 21 people that died on the roads across our commu­ nities. This year we have had 15 people die on our local roads. If trends continue as they did last year, we will see six more people become victims of the road toll between now and the end of the year.

"The purpose of this letter is to make each person think before they go on the road and commit that they will drive safely and cautio­ usly."

COMMENT Polling

BAW Baw mayor Murray Cook was presented with an award by the Municipal Association of Victoria last month in recognition of his service as mayor.

Cr Cook received the Mayor Em­ eritus Award, which is presented to councillors who have served three or more terms as mayor, at the MAV Annual Conference dinner last week.

Cr Cook has been mayor of Baw Baw for the past two years, and was mayor of Narracan shire for a year in the early 1990′s.

WBBC asked online readers what they thought of Cr Cook's terms as mayor. This was the response:

TOTAL VOTES 106 TOTAL VOTERS 42

Andrea Miller

Via WBBC's Facebook page

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Posted at warragulcitizen.com

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Posted at warragulcitizen.com

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Maureen Versteden

Well done Mayor. The only issue we have found that is not being addressed in town is the graffiti.

It is on some of the shop walls in Smith St to name one area. It has become more widespread in the last year.

I read that we have a machine that removes this but is it available for use?

We were living in the Greater Geelong area before and they were very proactive and as a result it was a deterrent.

that the incumbent Council prioritised non­essential works over roads and drainage and, at the same time, had the gall to impose an outrageous 11 per cent rate rise.

I have not forgotten the public anger expressed at that rowdy Public Meeting on 28 May 2012.

Two and a half years up the track I am a great deal happier with my current representatives’ handling of works, rates and the shire’s administrative staff.

While nothing’s perfect and there’s always more to do, I commend Murray Cook as an excellent mayor: visible, articulate, across the issues and leading "from the front" as good leaders should.

Keep up the good work councillors. Thank you, Murray, you deserve your Award.

A popular conversation point last week was the fallstreak hole cloud formation which travelled over Gippsland.

The photo below is from Byron An Martha and was published at warragulcitizen.com last week:

GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?

We need to cut red tape for our farmers and open up the bush for more recreational activities.

Our country roads need... work.

Simon

Posted at warragulcitizen.com

William L Cole

I'm surprised you haven't got health care and hospitals listed.

What did he do? In fact, what did any of them do?

Tessa Emmerson

Posted at warragulcitizen.com

In mid­2012 I was complaining

Send a letter to: editor@warragulcitizen.com

A number of locals reported and photographed a fallstreak hole, also known as a skypunch among other names, which is a gap which appears in certain cloud types.

Fallstreak holes occur when the

Text: 0457 971 103 or

temperature of water in clouds is below zero but ice has not formed.

As ice crystals form, water around the crystals evaporates and leaves a large hole.

Adam Jamon

Posted at warragulcitizen.com

Simply amazing. Mother nature blows me away.

WBBC's first theory was "John­ ny" had fallen back into a life of crime and kicked another hole in the sky.

And finally, Murray Cook was not the only person to receive an award in the last month. Leading Senior Constables Danny Shaddock and Jenny Wiltshire of Warragul Police have been recognised for their bravery during a rescue from a tank in Cloverlea last year.

Helene Cunningham

Posted at warragulcitizen.com

We really do have a wonderful police force, we always call on them for help. Thank you Danny and Jenny and all.

Advertorial policy

Posted at warragulcitizen.com

The most important thing in our lives is our own and our chidren’s and grandchildren’s health and well being. This will be swiped away if coal seam gas is allowed in Victoria.

Google "fracking and health impacts and animals," or arsenic, or radioactivity or earthquakes or health reports, Tara Qld."

THE SORTING centre of Warra­ gul opportunity shop Mawarra will move from Mason Street to June Court early next year.

The new sorting centre will house staff sorting donations for sale at the existing Mawarra Opportunity Shop site opposite the Warragul Police Station.

A spokesperson for the volunt­ eer­run shop told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen the new site at 14 June Court, adjacent to Bunn­ings, will also be used for furniture sales and sales of some other goods.

"A minor refit is in the final stage," the spokesperson said.

"Goods are in the process of being moved to June Court and it is anticipated that the new sorting centre will have relocated and be fully operational at the opening of the shop/sorting centre in the new year, i.e [the second week of] Janu­ ary 2015.

Cooking up a storm

This month WBBC asks: have you been happy with the direction of the Baw Baw Shire Council over the past two years?

Head warragulcitizen.com and look for the 'Opinion' section to find the poll and vote.

LAST month WBBC asked readers what issues were important to them this election. Voters were able to select up to three key policy areas.

Here are the results:

member told councillors.

"The one­stop­shop idea is cost saving and can be efficient."

"But one of the things it does raise is that... just building a building does not make a successful community."

"The really important thing is the planning, relationship building and consultation.

"The planning is as important as the architect building the building."

The committee members also suggested sun smart principles should be built into all playgrounds, noting not all playgrounds included shaded areas.

Also noted was wheelchair accessibility. Committee members applauded the wheelchair swing at Burke Street Park, but said the public toilets at that park could not fit a wheelchair.

They also said playgrounds near roads and water required fencing.

or

THE Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen does not publish unm­ arked advertorial content.

While uncited positive news coverage of advertisers is common in the news industry, WBBC feels it is important to acknowledge when paid content is published so readers can make informed decisions.

Paid articles will be avoided. If needed to fund the paper they will be clearly marked as advertorial.

Positive stories on local busi­ nesses will be run when the editor sees fit, not when advertisers pay.

Tweet to: @WarragulCitizen

ENVIRONMENT

14 NOVEMBER 2014 THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN | 11

Victoria's orchids

Nature Note with 'Gouldiae'

IT IS orchid time. Our surroun­ ding bush and heath lands come alive at this time of year with many beautiful, and sometimes strange, terrestrial orchids.

There are an estimated 25,000 species of orchids worldwide, which is about 10 per cent of all plant species.

Approximately 70 per cent of these species are epiphytes (grow­ ing in trees), and they mainly occur in tropical or sub­tropical regions of the planet. The other 30 per cent are terrestrial species and they tend to be most common in temperate regions such as Europe, North Am­ erica, southern Africa, Argentina, and southern Australia.

In fact, with more than 1,000 species of terrestrial orchids, south­ ern Australia has the greatest diversity of terrestrial orchids in the world.

Victoria’s terrestrial orchid flora is remarkably rich, with more than 360 recognised species. While Victoria comprises only three per cent of Australia’s land area it is home to about 28 per cent of the country's orchid species.

This is largely due to our huge diversity of habitats. From Mallee scrubland to alpine herbfields, and coastal heathlands to tall eucalypt forests, Victoria packs a large num­ ber of orchid species into a small area.

Many species are however easily

overlooked due to their generally small stature, and as a result many Victorians are unaware of the amazing wealth of orchids in their own backyard.

Victoria is a special place for orchids, with approximately 110 species being endemic to the state.

They do not occur naturally any­ where else.

Unfortunately, many Victorian orchid species are also threatened with extinction. Seventy­five species are formally recognised as threatened in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988), while more than 250 species are considered to be of conservation concern.

Forty­seven Victorian orchid species are formally recognised as nationally threatened under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The threats to our orchid populations include fragmentation of habitat due to land clearing, over­ grazing, improper fire regimes, inv­ asive weed species and exotic gras­ ses, urbanization, drought and pro­ bably climate change.

We should be doing all we can to safeguard our unique orchid assets so that future generations get to wonder at their beauty, and strangeness, just as we have.

For more from the author visit gouldiaesblog.blogspot.com

Duck Orchid, Lang Lang

Wax­lip Orchid, Won Wron

Finger Orchid, Mt Cannibal

Spider Orchid, Morwell

Wallflower Orchid, Mt Cannibal

Bird Orchid, Nyora

Spotted Sun Orchid, Moe

WHAT'S ON IN BAW BAW 12 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

GIG GUIDE IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE DATE EMILY MURDICA 14 Nov @ The Courthouse, Warragul

JULIA HASTINGS, PIANO 16 Nov @ Wesley of Warragul Full:$20/ concession and students:$15/ primary:$5 Time: 14:30.

Tix: trybooking.com/104113 PERCH CREEK @ NEERIM SOUTH 16 Nov @ J.D. Algie Hall, Neerim South Perch Creek (formerly Perch Creek Family Jug Band) play harmony­ driven roots music with diverse instrumentation including guitar, double bass, keyboard, ukulele, washboard, trombone, saw, banjo and tap dancing.

Time: 19:00. Tix:$30.

Book: wgac.com.au EMILY MURDICA 21 Nov @ The Courthouse, Warragul SWEETLIP DUO 21 Nov @ Middels, Drouin Free. Starts 17:00 RICHARD HILLS IN CONCERT 23 Nov @ Wesley of Warragul Richard is one of few musicians to have bridged the divide between the world of the classical organ and that of the theatre organ. He was named 'Organist of the Year' in 2010 by the American Theatre Organ Society.

Full:$30/ concession:$27/ members:$25/ under 16: free Time: 14:15. Tix: at door (13:45).

GINA & DAVE 28 Nov @ Middels, Drouin Free. Starts 17:00 FRIDAY ROCK 'N' ROLL NIGHT 28 Nov @ Warragul Sporting & Social Club Features Steve Lawson performing hits from the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Free. Starts 20:00 EMILY MURDICA 29 Nov @ BANK Warragul MONKEY'S PIRATE 29 Nov @ BANK Warragul Tix $15 at door, $10 pre­sale.

Doors: 19:30 GREG DODD & THE HOODOO MEN 03 Dec @ BANK Warragul A four­piece electric blues combo with a Chicago­influenced sound.

Doors: 19:00 JIMMY BARNES 10 + 11 Dec @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul Sold out. Starts 20:00 DOMINIC JOSEPH AND RHYTHM SECTION ROWE 12 Dec @ BANK Warragul Doors: 19:00 LOBES OF JULIA 13 Dec @ The O&H, Warragul Playing contemporary covers.

Free.

SPITTING SWALLOWS 19 Dec @ BANK Warragul Tix $15 at door, $10 pre­sale.

Doors: 19:30 DEAN RAY (SUPPORTED BY BONNIE ANDERSON) 20 Dec @ West Gippsland Arts

Centre, Warragul Australian audiences became aware of Melbourne­based singer Dean Ray on 4 April during the auditions for X­Factor Australia.

Dean had the crowd cheering to his own rendition of "Bette Davis Eyes", with Redfoo tellinghim to "check your passport, because you’re out of this world man."

On 20 October Dean was announced the runner up of the 2014 X­Factor series.

Tix: $54.90. Book: wgac.com.au.

Starts 20:00

producers and buy a huge range of fresh and hand made food.

Parking at the Arts Centre or Mason Street car parks.

Celebrating one year in operation this month.

Times: 08:00 to 13:00 W: warragulfarmersmarket.com.au

NOMAS TEGRO 20 Dec @ The O&H, Warragul Acoustic folk­pop covers.

Free.

YARRAGON CRAFT & PRODUCE MARKET 22 Nov @ Yarragon Public Hall Community craft, plants, fresh nuts and dried fruits, jewellery and gemstones, whatever the weather.

Times: 09:00 to 14:00

HAVE A GIG COMING UP? Get it listed here. Email deets to editor@warragulcitizen.com.

The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen supports local live music.

MARKETS DROUIN CRAFT AND PRODUCE MARKET 15 Nov @ Civic Park, Drouin Fresh produce, clothing, jewellery, plants, preserves and much more.

Times: 08:00 to 12:30 Phone: 0419 428 564 WARRAGUL ARTS MARKET 15 Nov @ Civic Park, Warragul Browse and purchase fine art and craft from local artists, enjoy performers and buskers and join in an artist activity.

Times: 09:00 to 13:00 WARRAGUL FARMERS' MARKET 15 Nov @ Civic Park, Warragul A place for people to meet and support local farmers and

HILL END MARKET 16 Nov @ Old Hill End School Hand crafts, art, jewellery, produce, jams, preserves, plants ­ locally made and grown.

Times: 08:30 to 13:00

13 Dec @ Rokeby Reserve Times: 08:30 to 12:30

EVENTS EXPOS AND FESTIVALS TIM GALLAGHER: WE ALL LIVE NEAR POMPEII Until 21 Nov @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul "I note things around us and how they may unexpectedly touch our lives." ­ Tim Gallagher.

"One of the most thoughtful and provocative exhibitions we have enjoyed this year." ­ WGAC. Free

LARDNER PARK MARKET 23 Nov @ Lardner Park Convention Centre Arts, crafts, homewares and gourmet food market. Operated by Craft Markets Australia.

Parking $3. Times: 09:00 to 14:00

SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK EXHIBITION 25 Nov @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul Social Inclusion Week encourages communities to reconnect and be inclusive of all. This exhibition provides an opportunity for those community members to display their work.

Open 09:00 ­ 17:00 Mon ­ Fri.

JINDIVICK COUNTRY MARKET 06 Dec @ Jindivick Country Kitchen grounds Enjoy the country atmosphere of Jindivick’s Country Market.

Features a wide range of produce including teas, honey, hats, flowers, cakes, cookies and wine tasting.

Times: 08:00 to 13:00

ARTIST TALK: HELEN TIMBURY 26 Nov @ Warragul Library Helen Timbury is a prolific local artist, designer and printmaker.

She will share her artistic journey and inspiration with us and also provide a small demonstration of her creative process.

Free but bookings essential: wgrlc.vic.gov.au or call 5622 2848

LONGWARRY FIRE BRIGADE MARKET 02 Nov @ Bennett Street, Longwarry

SPECIAL MOMENTS IN TIME EXHIBITION Until 30 Nov @ The Station Gallery and Community Arts Hub, Yarragon Station An exhibition of oil paintings by Judy Mackintosh.

ROKEBY COMMUNITY MARKET

SNAPPED: GIGS, NEERIM BOWER Russell Morris BANK Warragul

Local blues players supporting Russell Morris BANK Warragul

Rad­Ur­Day Headspace event at West Gippsland Arts Centre

Emily Gannaway sings with Ashe Powell

Morwell psychadelic rock band Crimson Drones

Darcy Handley and Will Sheils perform

14 NOVEMBER 2014 THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN | 13 Find us on Facebook: /warragulcitizen

|

Get tweeting: @WarragulCitizen

bawbawartsalliance.org.au

artscentre@wgac.org.au

CRYSTAL WATERS 2 ­ 24 Dec @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul This exhibition by Natalie Jade features an abstract representation of one of the most inspiring and mysterious elements of nature and its beauty. It is based on the unique and universal lines and blending of colours found in crystals, rocks and water. Natalie aims to express this beauty by surpassing the everyday consciousness and allowing her spirit and the paint to create what they will.

Open 09:00 ­ 17:00 Mon ­ Fri.

OTHER EVENTS

WILD DOG WINERY NEW YEAR'S EVE 31 Dec @ Wild Dog Winery , Warragul Come and celebrate New Year's Eve with family and friends at the Wild Dog Winery. The night will be full of dance, music and fun with one of Australia's legendary rock 'n' rollers, Issi Dye and his band, who will play all the greatest hits of rock 'n' roll and country music.

Times: 19:00 to 00:30 1 Jan 2015 Tix: $60. Book: wilddogwinery.com THEATRE WGAC 2015 SEASON LAUNCH 1 Dec @ West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul Join us as we reveal our extraordinary line­up of shows for 2015.

Hosted by 531­3GG's John Blackman & Andrew Deak, the night will feature special guests, entertainment, interviews, prizes and more!

Free. Bookings essential.

Time: 18:30.

Book: 5624 2456 or email

KIMCHI DEMONSTRATION/ WORKSHOP 15 Nov @ Eastern Park Community Garden, Warragul Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean dish made of vegetables and a variety of seasonings, often described as spicy and sour.

Traditionally prepared kimchi is made by lacto­fermentation, and is often allowed to ferment underground in jars for months, giving it its distinctive, wonderful tangy flavour. This process dates back hundreds years and is the national dish of Korea.

Neil Webb from the Baw Baw Sustainability Network will demonstrate the technique of brewing up your own kimchi.We will be burying the kimchi at the garden and can all feast on its delights when the fermentation process has reached its yummy end.

Time: 10:00 ­ 13:00 Cost: $20. Book: treedin@iinet.net.au LET'S TALK ABOUT FOOD 28 Nov @ BLongwarry Public Hall Cooking demonstrations, free blood pressure checks, special guests and more.

Times: 17:00 to 20:00 Contact: Joy Russell on 5624 2411 POETRY BOG 11 Dec @ BANK Warragul Poetry Bog is an event held for the public, inviting poetry enthusiasts to recite their own or pre­existing poetry and literature.

You don't have to know anything about poetry, just come down and enjoy.

Free. Times: 19:00

AND COMMUNITY GARDEN Warragul Community Garden opening

Neerim Bower sculpture competition

"Bird 2" by Yvonne George

"The Eagle has Landed" by Graham Duell

Part of Graham Duell's "Adam and Eve"

"The Cockies Ute" by David Doyle

Janice Hunter's "Home Sweet Home"

ARTS & RECREATION 14 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

Under Baw Baw Skies with Wayne Dwyer

Getting a grip on galaxies

CONSIDERING we are not far from the big smoke, we are lucky to have such clear skies in Baw Baw. Now, with the warmer mon­ ths apon us, this is a great time to get outside on a clear night and look up!

One of the most fascinating but overlooked objects for the casual skywatcher are rarely spotted, yet are most massive objects in the uni­ verse: Galaxies.

Galaxies are huge clusters of stars, once called island universes, consisting of billions of individual stars clumped together in either small "dwarf" galaxies, huge "spirals" or massive, loosely struc­ tured glowing balls called "eliptical galaxies". When you look up at the band of stars called The Milky Way, you're looking at an arm of the spiral that makes up part of our own galaxy. The spaces between galaxies are unimaginably vast and, for the most part, empty.

Looking south, and a few hand spans over the horizon after the sun goes down, you will notice two fuzzy patches not far from the Southern Cross and pointers. These are small satellite galaxies, called the Magell­ enic Clouds. They are gravitaionally

The Andromeda galaxy. Image: NASA.

linked to The Milky Way and can be seen clearly without binoculars, ho­ wever using a pair will reveal more of their structure. They are made up of millions of individual stars. The smaller one is the location of the most evident exploding star to Earth in over 400 years, known as Supernova 1987A. At this time of year if you turn around and look directly north, close to the horizon on a dark, moonless night, you might be able to spot the great spiral galaxy, Andromeda. It appears larger than

the full moon, but much fainter.

This is the closest "true" galaxy to our own and the first to be identified as an external island universe ­ it was in fact first thought to be a nebula, or giant glowing ball of gas within The Milky Way. At 2.5 million light years away, Andromeda is the furthest object you can see with the naked eye and is about twice the size of the Milky Way. If you view it through binoc­ ulars, you may be able to see some of its shape and dark lanes of dust.

Finally, looking almost directly above your head using a pair of binoculars or a small telescope, you might spot a third galactic delight: the Triangulam or Pinwheel Galaxy.

Smaller and further away than Andromeda, it presents itself less edge on and is a more challenging target for the casual observer, but well worth the search.

You don't need a big telescope to start enjoying the night sky, just your eyes, maybe a pair of binoc­ ulars and perhaps a star map app on your smartphone. I recommed Cos­ mos Celestron Navigator or Google Sky for beginners. It will start you off on your journey through the stars!

Radio Ga Ga with Greg Pretty

Talking Drouin

THE history of a town or region can, and must, be preserved through written and spoken word as well as through still and moving pictures.

Times change and memories fade and it’s all too easy to lose knowl­ edge of who and what got our com­ munities to where they are today.

Over recent decades, Baw Baw Shire's community radio station 3BBR FM has been recording conversations with people who have long memories of the district.

These are not only broadcast as programs but are also archived and even handed to groups and organisations keen to ensure our local history is recorded as fully as possible.

One notable program that has been presented on and off since 2002 is "Gippsland Heritage".

Interviewees on the program have recalled branch rail lines, small town stores, war memories, local butter factories, early Gippsland radio ­ 3UL and 3TR – and even race callers.

Episodes that relate to Drouin will form part of a project being pla­ nned for next year called "Drouin Assets." Recognising that Drouin is

now growing and changing at an unprecedented rate, the Committee for Drouin has been working with the Drouin branch of the Warragul and District Historical Society to preserve memories of old Drouin.

You will hear more about that project next year, but it will take a two­pronged in its approach: the physical, like old homes and buildings, and the memories of human treasures recorded for posterity.

3BBR FM is involved in the "Drouin Assets" project as an audio partner. Lynn Wells and the team are polishing up some previously recorded and broadcast material, and recording new conversations.

Expect to hear Roy Cheeseman on "Growing Up in Drouin", Phil Edwards recalling "Edwards Engin­ eering" and Drouin South matriarch Mary Allen, who was 107 years old when Lynn recorded her.

There will also be more rec ent autobiographies including Gipp­ sland historian John Wells and local country/blues musician Steve Messer.

It's exciting to see the resources of a local "community" radio station being used in such a literal way.

<< Feeling, in this sea I had the propensity to drown My pictures, words of wisdom & advice Cut­outs and all things miscellaneous Now sitting in bags, in cupboards, in darkness

<< Cheers to Ian McGowan for the snap.

Releases and ramblings Jason Lives

posted on Facebook 19 October

LIQUID HORSE Digging in the Dirt

The Ceramix

posted on Facebook 29 October

THE HEDONISTIC PLEASURES After Dark

In the hope that I could move on And from the years those walls held I aspire to follow my dreams & hopes That they sat outside of myself A photo from after our second show yesterday at the Espy.

Thanks again to all who came to either show and to the bass player from Black Diamond for loaning Luke his bass.

Feed My Frankenstein posted on Facebook 24 October

Vicky has decided to leave us and we are now in search of a new drummer. If you have ways of coping with grief, large boxes of chocolates or drum skills we want to hear from you!

Email us at feedmy.band@gmail.com or message us and we can work out auditions and biscuit eating times.

Must love Zooey Deschanel, no dickbags.

WBBC's editor has been digging the latest release from Warragul­based cover band Liquid Horse.

The five­piece's first release since February, this cover of Peter Gabriel's Digging in the Dirt was worth the wait.

Liquid Horse meets occasionally to record covers.

The band practices only a handful of times before recording, and the quality of the performance is a testamanet to the talent of its members.

You can watch the band perform Digging in the Dirt and other songs on YouTube, just run a search. Recognise some of the members? Guitarist Angelo organises the Baw Baw Blues Club and lead singer Wayne is behind prog metal band Vulvagun.

A recent interview... with the mercurial Ceramix drummer, Dazza, revealed his true drumming hero and major influence: "Dazza, I've heard your major influence was John Bonham of Led Zeppelin."

"Rubbish!!" Replied a clearly irritated Dazza.

"It was Animal from the Muppets!"

The person of action I will be When I hold these ideas internally Imbued with the spirit of the boy who created them Of whom I will never let go of.

Crimson Drones posted on Facebook 26 October

Liberoceans

(William Sheils) posted on Facebook

A short poem I wrote My walls were once covered with posters From when I was a boy till now Perhaps seeking safety from a sea of nostalgia I took them down >>

For our first gig in Warragul, Rad­Ur­Day was pretty sick. A cute and relaxed show which we'd love to play at again.

Big thanks to Headspace and Freeza for organising a great show, and to the other acts that played that night. >>

Morwell band The Hedonistic Pleasures has released a cover of Tito & Tarantula's After Dark from the soundtrack of the horror film From Dusk Till Dawn.

The band released the recording on 31 October to celebrate Halloween. Other THP covers have included Iron Maiden's Number of the Beast, which was recorded to celebrate the band reaching 666 likes on Facebook.

You can hear the song on the band's SoundCloud page: soundcloud.com/thehedonis ticpleasures. Please be aware there is strong language in the recording.

Mercury White

posted on Facebook 7 November

VERY IMPORTANT REQUEST! We've gone up in the Triple J charts.

[We are] Number 34 on the indie charts and Number 68 on the overall charts.

triplejunearthed.com/artist/ mercury­white

Please follow the link below and download our song "Déjà vu C'est la vie".

Every download or play will get us higher in the charts and therefore will help get us played on Triple J.

And we'd really appreciate it if you could share this [link] with your friends and get them to download the song as well.

Cheers!

Tammy, Paul, Rhys, Kev and Kam.

Are you a local musician?

Just released a recording?

Let the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen know by emailing editor@warragulcitizen.com

14 NOVEMBER 2014 THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN | 15 Stay updated with email bulletins: warragulcitizen.com/email

Julia Hastings returns for local show

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Julia Hastings will be performing in Warragul on Sunday.

Photo by Nicholas Purcell.

CLASSICAL pianist Julia Hastings will be returning to Warragul for a performance on Sunday.

Born and educated in Warragul, Julia is now based in Melbourne at the Australian National Academy of Music where she holds a full scholarship and is participating in the Academy’s Professional Perfor­ mance Program.

The only institute of its kind in Australia and one of the few in the world, ANAM is known for its ene­ rgy and adventurous programming and is committed to pushing the boundaries of how classical music is presented and performed.

Julia started piano lessons at the age of six and studied locally with Jan MacLean and Brian Chapman.

When she was still in Year 10 at Chairo Christian School, she comm­ enced lessons at Melbourne Univer­ sity with pianist and writer, Anna Goldsworthy. After completing Year 12, Julia continued her training at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and graduated with a Bachelor of Music with First Class

Honours last year.

Since leaving school, Julia has been developing her career as a solo pianist as well as a chamber musician. She now has a very busy schedule as a recitalist and has performed in many venues in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

She has also played in master classes in Australia and overseas for many world famous pianists includ­ ing Paul Badura­Skoda, Joanna MacGregor, Jerome Lowenthal, Marc Silverman, Lisa Moore and Nicolas Hodges.

Last month Julia performed piano duos with Timothy Young at the Melbourne Recital Centre, piano duets with Stewart Kelly at the South Melbourne Town Hall, chamber music in Perth, as well as playing in two concerts with the Aurora Orchestra from England as part of the Melbourne Festival.

Details of her local performance can be found on Page 12.

WBBC declares much of this article is from a media release.

FIND WBBC'S ARCHIVES AND BREAKING NEWS ONLINE AT WARRAGULCITIZEN.COM

Warragul Bargain Centre PRESENT THIS VOUCHER AND RECEIVE 30% OFF SECOND HAND AND PRE­LOVED GOODS No Rainchecks. Cash or Card only. Offer closes 24 December 2014.

39 Princes Way, Warragul Open Wednesday to Friday 10am to 5.30pm Saturday 10am to 1.30pm 5623 6400

ARTS & REC Bonnie lineup at WGAC

16 | THE WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 14 NOVEMBER 2014

THE WEST Gippsland Arts Centre has announced a number of major artists will be visiting the venue in December and early next year.

The Arts Centre last week annou­ nced Melbourne­based singer and X­Factor Australia 2014 finalist Dean Ray will be coming to Warr­ agul with Bonnie Anderson, the first winner of Australia's Got Talent.

The pair will be performing on 20 December. For details check out the gig guide on Page 12.

Come 6 March next year, locals can catch award winning Melbo­ urne singer/songwriter Dan Sultan, who has just launched a new solo EP, Dirty Ground, in which the artist aptly takes on new ground.

Sultan will be performing in Warragul on the back of that release. The EP itself was recorded in one day and a number of songs

were co­written by the likes of Paul Kelly and Paul Dempsey.

A number of tribute bands will also hit the WGAC stage later in the year. GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show will reach the town on 1 May, and Simon & Garfunkel ­ The Concert will play on 21 June.

Planning for the Simon & Garfunkel tribute was inspired by the real group's reunion concert in New York's Central Park.

The Beatles Forever will see performers dressed as the fab four cover songs from The Beatles No 1 album. Audience members will be encouraged to sing along.

Announced some time ago was a performance by Leo Sayer & Band.

The veteran hit­maker will be in Warragul on 26 February as part of a series of shows across regional Victoria and New South Wales.

Looking for a good time?

Check out WBBC's

What's On

on pages 12 and 13 Includes a detailed gig guide