Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen 10 April 2015

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LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT REVIEWS AND PREVIEWS: PAGE 7

No picnic: small business braces for new public holidays

By Matthew Sims L mjsim94 SMALL businesses in the Baw Baw region say they will be forced to reduce staff and impose surch­ arges during the two new public holidays recently introduced by the state government.

Following election promises to do so, Victorian premier Daniel Andr­ ews has established Easter Sunday and Grand Final Eve as official days off.

But local shop owners are conc­ erned about the affordability of penalty rates they are required to pay their employees for working on public holidays.

The owner of BANK Coffee Hou­ se and Wine Bar in Warragul, Dec­ lan Flannery, said the parliament had "no common sense."

"The backbenchers obviously don’t own a small business," Mr Flannery told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

Mr Flannery said the business would have to place a large surcharge on both food and drinks or only serve drinks to make opening on the new holidays viable.

The Victorian Employers’ Cham­ ber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) has estimated the sum of additional wages or compensation

FIVE YEAR ANNUAL AVERAGE

YEAR TO DATE

AVERAGE ROAD DEATHS

42 35

REGIONAL

CITY

152 126

REGIONAL

CITY

Counting the toll DATA: TAC

Regional Vic still site of most road deaths

By Jack Lacy L jack_m_lacy

MORE than half of the people ki­ lled on Victoria's roads this year were injured in regional areas, despite only 30 per cent of the state's population living outside of Melbourne.

According to the state's Transp­ ort Accident Commission, there

Gates open ahead of close Page 3

have been 42 casualties on rural roads this year. The state­wide road toll currently stands at 77 deaths.

The average number of regional road casualties in Victoria by this time of year over the past five years stands at 43 to Melbourne's 33.

Transport Accident Commission CEO Janet Dore has said the long­ standing trend of regional areas

being over­represented in the toll continues.

“People in the country are three times more likely to die and 40 per cent more likely to be seriously injured on the roads than those in Metropolitan Melbourne,” she told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

Ms Dore said the factors which

Story continues on Page 4 ►

Comment: old dog, new roads Page 5

from the new holidays would add up to almost $650 million.

VECCI has recommended pen­ alty rates be altered so businesses could save money and employ people for more hours.

The business lobby group's executive, Mark Stone, said in a media release the holidays will "result in both lost productivity and higher wage costs for small business at a time when many are facing difficult trading conditions."

Wages calculated with the public holiday penalty rates could increase by up to 50 per cent for Easter Sunday and 150 per cent for the day before Grand Final Day. Local Labor MP Harriet Shing said the new public holidays were important to ensure workers were fairly compensated for missing family recreation time.

"We went to the election with some very clear commitments about striking a balance between work time and family time," Ms Shing told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

"The Easter Sunday public holid­ ay commitment that was just imp­ lemented last weekend was a really important part of that.

"Where [workers are] required to Story continues on Page 4 ►

Leisure Centre project to cost over $10 million BAW Baw Shire councillors have unanimously accepted a tender fr­ om Vermont­based building com­ pany Behmer & Wright Pty Ltd for the redevelopment of the Warr­ agul Leisure Centre.

The accepted tender for the pro­ ject, which will include the constr­ uction of a new 50m outdoor pool and upgrades to the existing indoor facility, came in at $10,970,125 excluding GST. The tender approval gives the builders immediate access to part of the site, and access to the rest of the construction area no later than the start of June.

Also authorised in the approval was negotiation between council officers and Behmer & Wright "to develop a fully costed and indepen­

Flying with dragons

Page 6

dently verified price for the addi­ tional enclosure of the 50m outdoor pool should council’s funding app­ lication under the National Stronger Regions Funding be successful."

Any proposed variation for the cost of the enclosure would have to be approved by the council.

The redevelopment saw the clos­ ure of aquatic facilities at the leisure centre at the start of the month.

Aquatic facilities are not expected to reopen until 1 July 2016, but oth­ er leisure centre activities are opera­ ting to altered opening hours.

While the council has maintained it has attempted to find alternative arrangements for pool users, some have taken to social media to vent Story continues on Page 4 ►

Finding diversity in Yarragon Page 7

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WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 10 APRIL 2015

Funding agreement Women in continues legacy of Gippsland Ride bright councillor Like a Girl

By Jack Lacy L jack_m_lacy ADVOCACY group Women in Gip­ psland will host the Ride Like a Girl event this Sunday.

Ride Like A Girl is an event held across Victoria with the aim of empowering women while achie­ ving cycling goals.

“The event is all about enco­ uraging women to become involved in cycling and the empowerment that comes from riding”, founding Women in Gippsland member Kelly Koochew told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

“We want all the women, all of the girls, daughters, grandmas, eve­ ryone getting on their bikes,” group committee member Sallie Jones added.

“Even if women can't ride but would love to be involved, we want them to attend.

“We want to see groups of women supporting, cheering other women on riding.

“They can be along the path from Warragul to Drouin.”

Formerly known as Gippsland Women in Business, Women in Gippsland was created by Kelly Koochew, Sallie Jones, Laura Car­ son and Erika McInerney and rela­ unched late last year.

The group has aims to educate, inspire and connect local women from different walks of life.

“We saw that there was a need within the community for a group of like­minded women wanting to make a difference”, Ms Koochew said.

As part of their platform, Women in Gippsland is supporting the Wh­ ite Ribbon Foundation and Make the Link, an initiative of Women Gippsland Health.

“When we made the announc­ ement that we were supporting White Ribbon, we had women come forward and say I'm a victim and haven't told anyone,” Sallie Jones said.

“These women said 'the fact that you girls are putting the issue out there and making this issue an ok thing to talk about makes all the difference.'”

Stay updated

“Gippsland, statistically, has [one of highest] rates of violence against women in Victoria,” Laura Carson said.

Last week the founding members of Women in Gippsland met former Governor General Quentin Bryce at the Women in Agriculture lunch­ eon.

Sallie Jones and Kelly Koochew said their interaction with the for­ mer Governor General was a mem­ orable one.

“She asked me a question, she said hello, what do you do with yourself? I was a bit flabbergasted,” Ms Jones said.

“I just looked at her and thought where do I start?”

“When we were taking the photo, [Quentin Bryce] knew exactly what was going on and was very happy to be associated with Women in Gipp­ sland,” Ms Koochew said.

“I think our group is definitely up her alley, she really connects with women from rural communities and spoke with real passion about regio­ nal, country Victoria.”

Throughout this year, Women in Gippsland will be supporting the White Ribbon Foundation by hos­ ting a series of events, the first of which will be Ride like a Girl.

Future events the Women in Gippsland group will host include a food security panel at the Gippsland Arts Centre, which will feature a host of panellists who will discuss access of local, sustainable food and supporting farmers.

Women in Gippsland is also organising a mentor program for businesses and an expo at the end of this year.

“During the expo at the end of this year, members of our group will elect which cause they are inter­ ested in us supporting [into the future],” Ms Carson said.

“We will also conclude our White Ribbon campaign and launch into what we are going to do next.”

“It's up to the community to determine what they want,” Ms Jones said.

Ride Like a Girl Gippsland will begin at 10am in Western Park in Warragul, and end at Drouin's Civic Park. ”

Stay updated with Baw Baw's latest breaking news from the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

BAW Baw councillors have autho­ rised shire CEO Helen Anstis to si­ gn off on a $547,000 loan from the Clean Energy Finance Corpor­ ation to help fund improvements to the council's public lighting.

The project, which involves the replacement of mercury vapour lights with a more energy efficient option, was included in the 2014/15 council budget at a cost of $1.226 million, with $489,000 coming from grant income and the rest funded by the council and the CEFC loan.

North ward councillor Peter Kos­ tos said the project, while approved by this council, was the result of work by councillors on the previous council.

"This is the culmination of a project that was recommended by past [Warragul ward] councillor Tony Wolfe," Cr Kostos said.

"At that time the funding of it was out of council's position, but as

a result of considering this for a period of time more grants have become available."

Warragul ward councillor Mika­ ela Power said the move would lessen the environmental cost of public lighting and save the council money too.

"This recommendation is in a sense a formality, but really it's a step that shows it's a significant amount of funds we're spending, some of it our own," Cr Power said. "[This will save] 990 tonne of greenhouse gas emissions per annum.

"The construction of the replace­ ments are lighter and easier to inst­ all and replace."

Council documents show the lighting change is expected to red­ uce the council's greenhouse gas emissions by 18 per cent, enabling it to meet its carbon reduction targets.

Cr Kostos said maintenance costs would be lower with the new lights.

Complaints trigger Christmas decorations review COUNCILLORS have approved a review of Baw Baw's Christmas decorations following complaints last year's bunting was insuff­ icient.

A motion passed at Wednesday's council meeting called on the coun­ cil's staff to continue to work with advisory groups in Drouin, Trafal­ gar, Longwarry, Neerim South, Yar­ ragon, Thorpdale, Walhalla and Willow Grove, on determining the form and placement of decorations.

Warragul was not included in the motion.

The Baw Baw Business Advisory Board considered the issue at a meeting early in February.

A report to councillors from staff stated the council had received co­ mplaints last year regarding "lim­ ited Christmas decorations and the­ ir placements across the shire."

Decorations were placed in Dr­ ouin, Warragul, Trafalgar, Neerim

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South, Yarragon and Longwarry and included banners and lighting.

The report noted health and saf­ ety requirements affected the plac­ ement and affordability of the decorations.

On moving the motion Mount Worth ward councillor Peter Kostos said policy changes by other bodies had affected placement.

"People look for these decora­ tions every year, they help promote the joy and meaning of christmas," Cr Kostos said.

"Part of that [lacking] stems from changes of policy outside of our co­ ntrol from AusNet, which owns a lot of the infrastructure that our dec­ orations have been on in the past.

"There may be a good solution to be able to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and enjoy the decora­ tions."

The motion was supported unan­ imously by councillors present.

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10 APRIL 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· LOCAL NEWS · 3

Mountain Rivers quits Baw Baw boards to go it alone on tourism THE WALHALLA & Mountain Ri­ vers Tourism Association has quit both the Baw Baw Business Advi­ sory Board (BAB) and the cou­ ncil's tourism subcommittee.

Organisation president Michael Leaney told councillors at their me­ eting on Wednesday the group was not satisfied with how the council's newly adopted Tourism Developm­ ent Plan represented the north­east of the LGA. "At our February meeting the members voted to withdraw from the BAB and the tourism subcom­ mittee because we did not believe it was in line with what [we needed]," Mr Leaney said.

"We're going to go in our own direction and do our own thing.

"We have written a formal letter to the shire on that behalf."

The group voted against the adoption of the policy when it was addressed by the BAB and Mr Lea­ ney expressed concern the views of Walhalla had not been listened to.

"We think the policy has a lot of bold motherhood statements, but

not a lot of detail," he said.

"It seems if we bring x, y is presented.

"We are called to put a lot of effort into making submissions but that effort is ignored, so we decided that it's just not worth it."

Council staff stated in a report all industry groups had been consulted and the recommendations had been informed by that process.

Councillors adopted the plan, which will be used to guide Baw Baw's tourism policy and identify "key action areas" in the sector, later in the meeting.

It will be reviewed by the BAB as required.

Mount Worth ward councillor Murray Cook, a council representat­ ive on the BAB, said the Walhalla & Mountain Rivers decision was disa­ ppointing and not the right appro­ ach to take to tourism planning and the sector needed to work together.

"I'm disappointed that Mountain Rivers is now picking up its board and going home," he said.

"Working together is the only

Eye to eye

Gates open before close

SEEING Eye Dogs Australia has extended its puppy caring program to Warragul.

The charity is reaching out to the community to find new puppy carers.

All costs will be covered by SEDA. Carers are required to care for the puppy from the age of eight weeks to 12 months.

Deets at seda.org.au or call 1800 037 773.

NEW gates which will see the lan­ eway connecting Smith Street to Club Lane in Warragul closed at night have been installed.

The gates were installed on Wednesday, but will not come into action for some time.

A spokesperson for the Baw Baw Shire Council told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen both the council and surrounding shop owners will

way forward [for tourism in Baw Baw]."

Walhalla has featured promi­ nently in the council's extensive Visit Baw Baw advertising camp­ aign, which was introduced last year ahead of the new plan.

The branding and plan aim to make Baw Baw be seen as a region "widely known as a vibrant and attractive all­year tourism destina­ tion."

Warragul ward councillor Joe Gauci said the consultation period meant the Visit Baw Baw branding strategy and the new plan could not be passed together last year.

"Last year they were able to come out with branding strategy," he said.

"The tourism strategy was some­ thing that took a little bit longer.

"It's a process that has been going on for years at the Baw Baw Shire Council.

"They (the BAB) formed a subco­ mmittee to look at this further. The committee had a lot of options.

"It worked on it, came up with something that would suit our area

have control of the gates.

"The laneway closure will be implemented every day between 19:00 and 07:00," the spokespe­ rson said.

"Council officers will open and close the gates at these times.

"The gates are not in action yet as they still require the locks to be created and installed.

"This will occur in due course.

as a whole, went back to the Busin­ ess Advisory Board which approved it."

Fellow Warragul ward councillor Mikaela Power said the plan also showed the council was listening.

"The aim of this is to guide the Baw Baw Shire Council's efforts [in tourism]," Cr Power said.

"That's what we're aiming to do.

It's not perfect.

"I think we as council need to make sure we're listening and hearing from the tourism sector in the shire."

Councillors unanimously suppor­ ted the adoption of the plan.

Tourism in Baw Baw created around 838 jobs in 2014 and contri­ buted approximately $129.5 million to the region's economy.

Council officers have identified visiting friends and family as the strongest market segment for Baw Baw. The full Tourism Development Plan can be found in the agenda for Wednesday's meeting. Download at bawbawshire.vic.gov.au.

"All surrounding shop owners and tenants will also have a key to the gates."

Baw Baw councillors resolved to introduce the gates at a meeting last year.

The closure plan was introduced in response to misuse of the lane late at night.

Right: the laneway on Wedne-

sday morning with gates installed.

4 · LOCAL NEWS ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 10 APRIL 2015

Small business against new public holidays ◄From Page 1 work during a period where people might otherwise be on holiday or celebrating with family that they're paid accordingly, and that's what penalty rates do."

Narracan Liberal MP Gary Bla­ ckwood said Labor had neglected how these holidays will affect small, country businesses.

"Regional Victoria will gain no real advantage from a Grand Final Eve public holiday," Mr Blackwood said.

Most store owners approached for this story were not aware of the introduction of a Grand Final Eve public holiday.

One proprietor said they would have to work during the public holiday by themselves to avoid the penalty rates and it was "just another excuse for a public holiday."

Others said they would have to considerably cut down on who would work.

Approximately 30 per cent of the

Australian population attended an AFL game last year.

Owner of the O&H Bar in Warragul, Daniel Bertacco said it was impossible to know if there would be enough business during Grand Final Eve to make the decision to remain open feasible.

Baw Baw Shire CEO Helen Anstis said the council had received a request from a local business for the issue to be raised in the next Business Advisory Board meeting.

"This is a state decision and cou­ ncil will comply with its obligations as an employer," Ms Anstis said.

Ms Shing said she hoped busin­ ess owners would see the new Gra­ nd Final Eve holiday as an oppor­ tunity.

"I'm looking forward to a number of regional initiatives being rolled out so that everyone can get into the spirit of the game that Victoria claims as its own," she said.

That should hopefully translate to better sales for businesses in the region while people come together to enjoy the festivities."

Regional roads greater risk for motorists ◄From Page 1

contributed to the imbalance incl­ uded trip distance and associated fatigue, speed and a tendency to engage in risky behaviour.

“The fact country drivers are over­represented in road trauma can largely be attributed to the fact that these drivers generally travel longer distances and at higher spe­ eds [than] city drivers.”

“TAC research also shows that country drivers are more likely to take risks on the roads, particularly in relation to drink driving, speed and distractions.”

Data collated by VicRoads and Victoria Police shows there have been five causalities in the Baw Baw Reg­ ion alone over the past 15 months.

Those accidents were the result of driver error — cars either running off a straight road (3) or a road on a curve (2).

Group manager of the South Coast Division of Ambulance Vict­

oria Eddie Wright regularly attends the scene of road accidents and offers support to loved ones.

“There is a ripple effect that occurs after a major crash, for the families and friends of those involv­ ed and the emergency service perso­ nnel who were at the scene,” he said.

“It's a sad reality that in the coun­ try our paramedics will come across someone they know.”

Despite Victoria's vast improve­ ments in road safety over the years, country drivers and driving remain of top concern.

“Addressing regional road tra­ uma is a major focus of the TAC,” Ms Dore said.

“The TAC is investing $1 billion over the next 10 years on works that include the sealing of shoulders (emergency stopping lanes), the ins­ tallation of roadside barriers and sa­ fety improvements at intersections.”

“The TAC is also providing funding to enable Victoria Police to

conduct targeted enforcement oper­ ations over and above normal policing duties in regional areas.

These aim to address specific road safety issues at locations and times identified as high risk.”

Ms Dore and Mr Wright have urged local drivers to take the nece­ ssary precautions when driving.

“It is important that regional Vic­ torians plan their social outings and if that plan involves drinking, they need to plan a safe way home,” Ms Dore said.

“Similarly, when undertaking lo­ nger trips, it is essential that they have had a good night’s sleep and they plan rest stops every two hours.”

“You may feel like you know a particular road like the back of your hand, but you still need to have full concentration and control of your vehicle”, Mr Wright said.

“That text can wait and pulling over for a break could save your life.”

Farewell of U3A NBN coming to Baw Baw members heralds new era

By Matthew Sims L mjsim94

By Matthew Sims L mjsim94 SIX members of the U3A Baw Baw committee are retiring from their positions following the 2015 Ann­ ual General Meeting.

U3A provides education for elderly people in the Baw Baw area.

New organisation president Mary Howlett announced the committee for 2015 last month.

Russell Browne, Gordon Dads­ well, Kerry Gray, Ron Halligan, Rod McLeod and Margaret Thiele were revealed to be leaving the comm­ ittee.

Ms Howlett said the legacy the departing members were leaving was one based on lasting relatio­ nships formed over many years.

Referring to an engraving made on the grave of architect Christ­ opher Wren at St Paul's Church in London, Ms Howlett said that "if you need a monument, look around you."

Ms Thiele has worked for the U3A Baw Baw as both secretary and membership secretary.

Mr Browne was the president of the committee for many years before becoming secretary.

"I am grateful that Graeme Fred­ erickson, Robert Gration, John Parker and Neville Edwards are continuing on to maintain their commitment," Ms Howlett said.

"I thank John, who has unde­ rtaken the leadership of U3A Baw Baw over the past two years and shaped it as a 21st Century organ­ isation.

"I will strive with our new committee to look for opportunities to improve our facilities but, above all, to help us all grow as a vibrant learning community in Gippsland."

Baw Baw Shire mayor and councillor Debbie Brown, Narracan MP Gary Blackwood, the president of the Drouin RSL, Rod McNabb, Craig Black and Katy Slater also attended the meeting.

Frustrations over Warragul pool closure ◄From Page 1 their frustrations over the closure.

"Very disapointing that no alternative arrangements have been made for my brother who visits the hydro pool with Scope twice a we­ ek," one commenter said in a post on the Baw Baw Shire Council's Fa­ cebook page.

"He is now going to have to go without therapy for 15 months."

The council responded with: "Our recreation team has made every effort to find alternate venues for each of the groups who use the pool, including Scope."

"Unfortunately Scope did not believe travelling or other programs would be suitable for their clients.

In light of that we are unable to

offer another option while the works are taking place."

The redevelopment will include: • a new warm water pool mea­ suring 9m x 12.5m, • a new leisure pool with beach entry and play features, incl­ uding a mega soaker bucket and animal themed water feat­ ures, • doubling the size of the hot water pool and the addition of a ramp, • the refurbishment of the exis­ ting 25m pool and addition of a ramp, • a new 50m outdoor pool, • upgrades to change facilities, • roof replacement for the pool hall and stadium, and • plant and concourse upgrades.

THE Baw Baw area is in line to receive the National Broadband Network (NBN) service by Sept­ ember next year.

The company responsible for the NBN rollout, NBN Co, has estim­ ated in its national roll­out sch­ edule around 20,000 properties in the region will be able to receive a new fixed line fast internet service.

Localities which will receive a fixed line service include Drouin, Darnum, Longwarry, Moe, Nilma, Trafalgar and Yarragon.

A further 3,000 properties will

have access to the NBN fixed wireless service.

A fixed wireless service involves a central transmission tower in view of a property providing internet wirelessly, rather than using a wired connection.

The theoretical maximum speed for a fixed wireless service will be 25 megabits per second, while the speed for a fixed line service could reach as high as 100 megabits per second.

Areas set to receive a fixed wireless service include Buln Buln, Heath Hill, Narracan, Hallora, Nyora, Thorpdale, Western and Southern Warragul and Rokeby,

among others.

Federal Communications Mini­ ster Malcolm Turnbull said that the introduction of the NBN, which was initiated by the former Labor gover­ nment, would create many oppor­ tunities for those in regional Vict­ oria.

“The arrival of the NBN will mean that those opportunities will be extended to all Australians, regardless of where they live,” Mr Turnbull said in a media release.

Around 306,000 homes and shops are already connected to the NBN fixed line service with a furt­ her 34,000 logging on via a fixed wireless service.

State brings smoking bans forward

By Matthew Sims L mjsim94 NEW laws banning people from smoking less than four metres from the entrance of schools and hospitals will be introduced next week.

From Monday 13 April anyone seen smoking outside a school or hospital could face a fine of up to $738.

The Victorian Labor government brought forward the introduction of the new laws to protect children starting their second term at school from second­hand smoke.

Until the change the laws were due to come into effect on 30 June.

The State Government estabi­ shed the laws last year in the Tobacco Amendment Act 2014 to cut down on tobacco­related deaths.

The laws will see anyone smo­ king outside the entrance of a

Stay updated

school, childcare centre, kinderg­ arten or preschool will be given an immediate $147 fine.

Fines will also be given to anyone smoking outside of hospitals, community health centres, parlia­ ment buildings, courts and police stations.

Victorian health minister Jill Hennessy said the rate of death from smoking­related illnesses was too high and healthy places like hospitals should remain smoke­ free.

"We want to ensure patients and their visitors aren't subjected to second hand smoke," Ms Hennessy said in a media release.

Approximately 4,000 Victorians die each year from smoking, while tobacco­related illness costs the health system $2.4 billion.

Minister for Families and Chil­ dren Jenny Mikalos said in a media release the effects of smoking on

Stay updated with Baw Baw's latest breaking news from the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

children and babies were more damaging than for adults.

The Baw Baw Shire Council introduced several smoke free areas across Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar and other localities in a trial which began in August 2011.

Areas covered by the Baw Baw by­law include playgrounds, kind­ ergartens, sporting facilities and outside libraries, skate parks and swimming pools.

The council's local laws depart­ ment is still reviewing the findings of this trial to decide if these areas should be kept smoke free Education minister James Merlino said that the bans would help to show children that smoking is not ordinary behaviour.

"The more they see smoking in public, the more they might think smoking is okay when we all know it's not," Mr Merlino said in a media release.

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10 APRIL 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· COMMENT · 5

Old dog, new roads: what has Baw Baw talking "I’m sorry but dogs do not interact better off the leash! No matter how well your dogs are trained does not mean when they see another dog, or animal for that fact, that they are going to listen to you. Also, having an off-leash area not fenced? Are they nuts? This is "I can’t believe Brooker Park has absolutely ludicrous!"

Most comments on the story been chosen for this trial. Yes it is a popular dog walking area, but it is were not supportive of the trial. A also hugely popular for joggers report by council staff said the and walkers without dogs, who community’s response to the trial already have to dodge dog drop- during the consultation period had pings on the tracks. Importantly, been mixed, with 48 per cent in as a wetlands it supports consi- support of off­leash areas and 37 per cent against. derable wildlife."

THE PASSING of Baw Baw's off­ leash areas trial by councillors last fortnight has a few WBBC readers wondering if the people who chose the parks were barking mad.

Former councillor Julie Grant made this comment on an article at warragulcitizen.com:

Danielle Green also said on the website she was concerned many of the areas would not be fenced:

Above: de Groot lives on.

C. Wilkinson was the only per­ son to leave a positive comment on the website:

Illustration by William PJ Kulich

"This has to be one ofthe longest and slowest areas of change. This has been on the agenda for years, so it is great to see the council making a decision. Please let us remember, this is not just about offleash areas, it is about all dogs being on-leash in all other public areas."

Another news story that got people talking over the past fortn­ ight was the opening of Warragul's third rail underpass.

WBBC has full coverage of and pictures from the opening on 30 March at warragulcitizen.com.

The underpass opening came just days after new traffic lights were installed at the Normanby Pla­ ce/Queen Street intersection were switched on, and the road markings on that intersection have a few motorists concerned.

Beth Carr commented: "Drove south, across Queen Street and down through the dip.

The roadway isn’t clear, coming from Normanby Place. Be careful."

WBBC noticed this too ­ a pain­ ted section of traffic island which is not visible from the north side of the intersection does not align properly with the road lane.

The opening was attended by local, state and federal politicians, with Labor's Harriet Shing cutting the ribbon on behalf of the state government.

But the ribbon cutting came after the first public vehicle drove the underpass.

Shortly before the official open­ ing, a motorbike with sidecar wea­ ved through traffic cones and drove the road.

The incident prompted a couple of people to mention Francis de Groot's usurping of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.

De Groot (1888 ­ 1969) was a

member of the conservative right­ wing New Guard of Australia, which was set up to honour and defend the king.

Frustrated by socialist New Sou­ th Wales premier Jack Lang's deci­ sion to open the bridge himself ­ rather than invite the king's representative in the state, governor Sir Philip Game, to do so ­ de Groot took matters into his own hands.

In uniform and on horseback to blend in with the state's Lancers, he infiltrated the opening ceremony and, just as Lang was about to open the bridge, rode up to the ribbon, drew his sword and cut the ribbon, declaring the bridge open "in the name of the decent and respectable people of New South Wales."

The ribbon was quickly re­tied and de Groot was charged with damaging a NSW government ribbon worth £2, behaving offens­

ively and using threatening words, but the image of him on horseback was an enduring legacy of that opening ceremony.

But back to local issues from this century. Another big story last edit­ ion was the narrow approval of a 36­unit medium density develop­ ment on Sutton Street, Warragul.

One of the objectors, Horst Bulla, made this comment at warragulc itizen.com:

Warragul & Baw Baw Citi-

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 businesses will be run when the editor sees fit, not when advertisers pay.

"Four responsible councillors... tried to achieve a favourable outcome for the town and the developer which would have included... a substantial reduction of units to maintain social harmony and avoid traffic hazards foreseen. Four councillors totally disregarded the will and concerns of the resident objectors (their voters) and sided for unknown reasons with an outside developer."

Advertorial policy

THE

zen

newspaper does not publish unmarked advertorial content.

While uncited positive news cov­ erage of advertisers is often found in newspapers, WBBC feels it is impo­ rtant to acknowledge when paid content is published so readers can

Be seen with WBBC The twice monthly, 5,200 run Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen is the perfect, low cost way to show Baw Baw what you have to offer.

We value your business, so we do not charge extra for colour advertising and provide basic ad design for free.

THE RATES Full colour, include GST Eighth page: $80 Quarter page: $138 Half page: $275 Full page: $550 Front page top: $230 Front page bottom: $110 Interested? Email admin@warragulcitizen.com.

6 · ENVIRONMENT · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 10 APRIL 2015 Nature Note with 'Gouldiae'

Flying with dragons

Above: Eastern Billabongfly, Jindivick

In today’s hectic rush for urbanisation it has become increasingly important to protect and preserve the habitats of a huge variety of flora and fauna.

Maintaining a natural balance in a given ecosystem is a priority. Removing or reducing any one of a myriad of elements can upset the healthy biodiversity of an ecological community in a significant manner.

Increasingly conservationists are becoming aware of the role of insects in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The order Odonata – the dragonflies and damselflies – is a large group of some of the most attractive insects.

Australia has something like 300 species of these colourful winged assassins.

A dragonfly’s life begins as an aquatic egg that lies attached to some plant tissue, or in some mud at the bottom of a pond or stream. Sometimes the eggs are laid just directly into the water. After hatching, the larvae remain aquatic for sometimes up to four years, going through several stages of development. This is when anglers know them as ‘mudeyes’ and they are often used as bait for freshwater fishing. Even at this stage, the larvae are predacious – they feed on other aquatic species like midge larvae and mayfly nymphs.

After emerging from their larval stage and drying their newly formed wings, the adult Dragonfly will begin its opportunistic predatory flights, taking minute insects on the wing with amazing flying skills. They can hover, or dash sideways and backwards in a flash.

Reproduction is a very precise and involved process.

The male spends lots of time seeking out a mate and

chasing off rival males from his territory. When conditions are right, he transfers a packet of sperm from his primary genitalia near the end of his abdomen to the secondary genitalia near the base of his abdomen. The male then grabs the female behind her head with his claspers at the end of his abdomen.

They do this in flight and can often be seen flying in tandem, male at the front, the female behind and attached to his abdomen.

He lands on a plant stem or twig and the female curls her abdomen forward and under the male and picks up the sperm pack from the male’s secondary genitalia. This is called the ‘wheel’ position. The pair will frequently remain in tandem while the female deposits her fertilized eggs into the water, mud or inside small incisions in soft plant stems made by special incisors on her abdomen tip.

Beautiful, complex, clever and important, dragonflies are worth conserving. Many of Australia’s dragonflies are unique and several are under threat.

Their habitat – ponds, lakes, fast and slow flowing streams, alpine bogs, wetlands and so on – are all valuable ecosystems that need protecting.

There are two sub­orders of Odonata, Dragonflies, which are larger, rest with wings open, eyes meet at the top of the head, and the Damselflies, which are smaller, usually rest with wings closed, and have eyes apart on the sides of the head.

Words and photos by 'Gouldiae'. For more, visit gouldiaesblog.blogspot.com

Above: Mountain Tigertail, Neerim East

Above: Wandering Ringtail, Drouin

Left: Wandering Percher, Labertouche North

Right: Tau Emerald, Drouin

Wine and cheese tasting hosted by

The Press Cellars and Stella’s Pantry Come and try a specially chosen selection of wines and cheeses which will be available for purchase on the night.

When: 7.30pm Thursday 16th April 2015 Cost: $20 ­pay at the door Location: Old Shire Hall, cnr Queen and Smith streets, Warragul RSVP:

by Mon 13th April Malcolm McKelvie by email mckel@dcsi.net.au or text / phone 0417364615

Above: Australian Emerald, Bunyip State Park

LOCAL SPORT ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 10 APRIL 2015

Colts kids help kick off footy season

By Matthew Sims L mjsim94 PLAYERS from the Under 10's boys team and the Youth Girls division of the Warragul Colts Junior Football Club represented their team at the launch of the 2015 AFL season last month.

Callum Linford and Tayla Lochki joined players from 500 other clubs from across the country in the event held on Wednesday 25 March at Etihad Stadium.

Current captain of the Western Bulldogs Football Club and past player for the Warragul Colts Bob Murphy also attended the day.

Warragul Colts president Tony Linford said it was “a great day and a fantastic opportunity for the kids”.

After the official launch of the season, the children were invited on to the ground to meet the captains of each team and have a “kick­to­ kick” with them.

The Warragul Colts' season will begin on Sunday 12 April with the lightning premiership.

The lightning premiership will take place at Downton Park in Yarragon.

It will run from 08:30 until 17:00 with each game taking 20 minutes instead of the usual 40 minutes.

The Warragul Colts will compete against 13 other teams in the Under 10, 12 and 14 divisions.

"The event showcases ALL the teams playing in the Warragul and District Junior Football League where a team plays two other teams to try and make it into the final," Mr Linford told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

"It’s a big day with lots of kids and families attending to see how their clubs are performing.

"I would liken the event to the NAB Cup held over a single day."

The Youth Girls team is welcoming members from the age of 12 to 18 to join in time for the beginning of the AFL's women's league in 2017.

For more information, visit the Warragul Colts website (goo.gl/d lTTbE), their Facebook page or

contact the Youth Girls coach, Dianna Alweyn on 0407 023 704.

Colts in China

Mr Linford also said his team was involved in plans to bring the Youth Girls program to China.

"The Colts have been approached by the Catani football club which has a sister club relationship with Chinese football clubs in the Macau region of China," he told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

"The Colts will be assisting in forming Youth Girls teams for the area which involves sending coaches over to help with mentoring and coaching AFL football to Chinese Youth Girls in middle schools, forming football teams and setting up committee’s to run these clubs.

"It will also focus on trade and showcasing what the regions of Cardinia and Baw Baw have to offer.

It is also envisaged that delegations of investors will attend the region for future business opportunities in particular for the dairy industry."

10 APRIL 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

GIG GUIDE IN ORDER OF PERFORMANCE DATE

MUSIC | New release

MUSIC

· ARTS & RECREATION · 7

MUSIC | Review

Everything In Its Right Upcoming releases Graham Hawes Mercury White and Peruw Live at BANK Warragul Place, Live @ The 21 March Workers Club

ART | On now

Diversity exhibition

Station Gallery, Yarragon

The Animators

BEN SMITH 10 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria DOM FINLEY 11 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria JON ENGLISH AND PETER CUPPLES 15 Apr @ Bank Warragul

Well-known Australian entertainer Jon English will be joined by former Stylus lead singer and songwriter Peter Cupples in Warragul.

Tix: $25 presale from Bank, $30 on door THE COMPLETE CARPENTERS 17 Apr @ West Gippsland Arts Centre

Close to You is a narrative concert tribute Karen and Richard Carpenter.

Time: 11:00. Tix: wgac.com.au

TOM BURLINSON: SIMPLY SINATRA 17 Apr @ West Gippsland Arts Centre

Tom Burlinson, in his musical production ‘SIMPLYSINATRA’, a swinging celebration ofthe music and career ofthe legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes.

Time: 20:00. Tix: wgac.com.au

STEVE McCULLOCH 17 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria GRAHAM HAWES 18 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria WARRAGUL THEATRE ORGAN SOCIETY 18 Apr @ Wesley of Warragul

Presenting Tough Times / Great Music. Featuring vocalist Kay Harrison with a tribute to Vera Lynn and theatre organist David Johnston OAM with popular music from the 1940s onwards.

Further info: Diane, 5623 3301 Doors: 13:30. Tix at door

THE CERAMIX 24 Apr @ Buln Buln Sporting Club LUKE MATTHEWS 24 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria GRAHAM HAWES 25 Apr @ Bank Warragul/Euphoria GOLD: THE ULTIMATE ABBA SHOW 01 May @ West Gippsland Arts Centre

GOLD: Featuring internationally recognised ABBA performers.

Time: 20:00. Tix: wgac.com.au

DAVID HOBSON AND RACHAEL BECK 03 May @ West Gippsland Arts Centre

Classical music, musical theatre and popular songs.

Time: 19:30. Tix: wgac.com.au

THE BAW BAW TRIO AND FRIENDS 31 May @ Wesley of Warragul

Featuring Brian Chapman on piano, Joan Evans on cello and Daniel Stefanski on violin.

Time: 14:30 Tix: trybooking.com/123800

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

The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen supports local live music.

Local band gets back to its ro­ ots with Radiohead cover.

Haven't had a chance to catch local band The Animators live yet?

Well, here's what you've missed.

Led by Drouin man David Cuthb­ ertson, The Animators has had success with commercial radio plays and gigs across the country. The band has a reputation for its excel­ lent studio albums and live acts.

The Animators recently played at The O&H and Tonicfest in Warra­ gul. At the latter the band ended its set with a cover of Radiohead's Eve­ rything In Its Right Place ­ a regular feature of its sets in its early years.

Using a loop pedal, Cuthbertson starts the song by punching his mic­ rophone to provide a beat which he then sings and plays keyboard over.

It's only in the last minute the ot­ her band members join in. Then things get crazy. This last minute of energetic, discordant excellence was recorded at the band's recent Wor­ kers Club gig in Melbourne, and can be heard on their SoundCloud page.

EVERYTHING IN ITS RIGHT PLACE, LIVE @ THE WORKERS CLUB Hear it online: soundcloud.com/th eanimatorsmelbourne

LOCAL acts foreshadow new releases.

Baw Baw­based band Mercury White has announced a whole new album of content on its Facebook page.

In a post on Monday, the band said: "Who out there would like to see a new album? We have one..... we just need some love from you guys as we haven't seen you all in so long! Taking a break from the gigging life for a little but hopefully will be back soon. MW." The announcement comes after the launch of EP Sophisticate late last year, which helped define the band's new sound.

A new album would be Mercury White's first since its self titled rele­ ase. It would also be the band's first release since its bassist apparently l­ eft the band without being replaced.

Drouin­based musician Cooper Dodge has also announced new material. In a post on his house music project Peruw's Facebook page (accompanied by the image at the top of this article) Dodge said he had "been spending a lot of time writing a lot of music that I cannot wait to share."

Neither act has announced rele­ ase dates for their new material, but you can keep updated by searching for both on Facebook.

Valley regular a skilled enter­ tainer.

Chances are if you regularly visit BANK Upstairs you have seen Gra­ ham Hawes play.

The Warragul venue often hosts the Latrobe Valley musician, and the reason he has become a regular feature is pretty obvious ­ his covers act is consistently good over several hours of performing.

Hawes is an accomplished music­ ian. He plays guitar and sings better than most other covers acts and aims to please when requests are made. At his 21 March gig, he wor­ ked with the audience to prepare for a cover of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah, featuring the audience member who made the request ­ former local Ge­ orge McKibbin ­ as a guest singer.

(Pictured above.)

While covers are his regular act, Hawes has a background in origin­ als which once saw him playing at festivals in the UK. If you are looking for a light, fun night out with friends, picking a Hawes gig should serve you well.

GRAHAM HAWES Next playing: Saturday 18 April BANK Upstairs, Smith Street, Warragul

THEATRE

THEATRE | Review

Better Is Peace, Hello Dolly, Kelly

Warragul Youth Theatre Review by Matthew Sims

Upcoming shows

War set Off The Leash Off The Leash Theatre, the Warr­ agul Municipal Band and the West Gippsland Chorale will explore the impacts of war in Better Is Peace: A Tribute to Anzac.

The shows will feature local stor­ ies to commemorate the approaching Anzac Centenary.

BETTER IS PEACE: A TRIBUTE TO ANZAC West Gippsland Arts Centre Friday 24 April 20:00 Sunday 26 April 14:00 Tix: wgac.com.au Warragul Theatre Company to doll up for new production

By Matthew Sims The Warragul Theatre Company is bringing Broadway to Warragul in a new production of the old classic Hello, Dolly! in their first production of 2015.

The well­known musical will run at the West Gippsland Arts Centre from 15 to 23 May. The play follows widow Dolly Levi's (Janine Howe) attempts to marry the wealthy Horace Vandergelder (John Black) with the intention of handing out his money to those who can use it more wisely.

Along the way, she becomes the town's matchmaker as the musical inevitably descends into a farce.

The show will open on Friday, May 15 at 19:30 and continue with matinees at 13:30 on Saturday and Sunday and another night show on Saturday.

The production will continue on Thursday and Friday night and will end with a matinee and evening showing on Saturday. >>

Stay updated

Robin Hood Tickets range from 30 dollars for children to 45 dollars for adults.

The cast features members of the community ranging from the ages of 8 to 80.

HELLO, DOLLY! West Gippsland Arts Centre Opening night: Friday 15 May 19:30 (opening night ticket prices lower) Other dates: 16 May, 17 May, 21 May, 22 May, 23 May Tix: wgac.com.au History and fiction clash in new Ned Kelly play

By Matthew Sims Australia's most infamous and beloved figure is set to collide with fiction in the Queensland Theatre Company's Kelly.

Three renowned Brisbane actors will perform the original play on Tuesday 26 May at the West Gipp­ sland Arts Centre.

The drama portrays the fictitious last conversation between brothers Ned and Dan Kelly, imagining if Dan did not die in the famous Glenrowan shootout.

During the final night before his hanging, Ned (Steven Rooke) is joined in his cell by his brother (Kevin Spink) disguised as a priest asking for one final deed.

The production was created by Queensland writer Matthew Ryan and focuses on the action within Kelly's cell.

KELLY West Gippsland Arts Centre Tuesday 26 May Tix: wgac.com.au Recommended for 15+

Stay updated with Baw Baw's latest breaking news from the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

A fun, fresh, musical revisit­ ing of an old story.

Performed as school holiday ent­ ertainment at the West Gippsland Arts Centre over the past week, the play followed the well­known story of the mythical hero with some twists and turns along the way.

The musical comedy was set in the London of old where the people are unjustly ruled by an evil, over­ taxing tyrant, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Joshua Harkness).

However, gallant rebel Robin Hood (Teigan Bliss), sought to uphold justice by taking back the money and repaying the poor, as well as winning the heart of his dear Maid Marion (Abbey Peterson).

Despite the story seeming tired, this production revived it for both children and adults alike.

While the story was set in older times, it was pulled into the present with references to iPhones, public relations and the omnipresence of modern media.

One of the highlights was the duo of the Sheriff and Prince John (Sebastian Crowle), as the Sheriff manipulates the prince where he pleases.

Robin being played by a woman was also a welcome change from the overbearing masculinity of the character.

Warragul Youth Theatre's Robin Hood was an extremely funny re­ telling of a story of good against evil with plenty of slapstick and musical numbers which kept all members of the family entertained. Keep an eye out for future WYT productions.

Stay updated with WARRAGUL YOUTH THEATRE on Facebook

Just search Facebook for "Warragul Citizen", follow @WarragulCitizen on Twitter and Instagram, add warragulcitizen

Great works, but diversity not immediately obvious.

If your first priority when seeing an art exhibition is great artwork, t­ hen this exhibition ­ and Yarragon's Station Gallery in general ­ will satisfy. If you are looking for works that fill the exhibition's brief, you might find Diversity lacks, artistic­ ally, what was promised.

Featuring five excellent local arti­ sts ­ Helen Fox, Heather Glover, Ly­ nne Hall, Gael Smith and Min Weg­ gelaar ­ the exhibition shows the talent of the exhibitors across a number of mediums, but predomin­ antly in oils and pastels.

A number of striking pieces by Heather Glover show an interesting jump from the more traditional wo­ rks, mixing oils with collage eleme­ nts to great effect. Glover's pair of paintings featuring well­dressed women use mixed media in a suita­ bly subtle and effective way.

Landscapes and animals ­ espec­ ially dogs and livestock ­ dominate in the exhibition as pastel and oil paintings. A mosaic bird by Helen Fox, a mosaic­framed painting of chickens also by Fox, and a mosaic table provide the most significant diversity in form in the exhibition.

Ms Fox told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen the diversity was in the backgrounds of the artists, not necessarily the works produced, and the theme was reached out of necessity.

"Simply, we were having an exhibition and we had to come up with a name, and Min came up with Diversity which, well, we are from quite diverse backgrounds," Ms Fox said.

"Although I'm on a farm now, I was involved with racehorses for years, and Heather was a social worker or some such thing before.

"We are quite diverse in our interests and in our ways of making money."

Ms Fox is herself diversifying artistically.

"Mosaics are relatively new for me, it's just a move away from pain­ ting that I'm enjoying," she said.

Foreign landscapes and towns from European countries make a nummer of appearances in the art­ works shown in Diversity, including works by Ms Fox from a trip to Greece.

The presence of foreign scenes is slightly unusual for the Yarragon gallery.

"I don't think it is that common," Ms Fox said.

"Mostly because I think local works sell better than stuff from overseas, I would think."

Other exceptions to the landsc­ apes­and­animals rule include a pastel painting of the Swan Nebula by exhibition organiser Min Wegge­ laar.

The exhibiting artists all belong to a Warragul arts group.

DIVERSITY The Station Gallery, Princes Way, Yarragon Until 27 April. Open Wednesday to Sunday HOSTING AN EVENT? Get it listed here. Email deets to editor@warragulcitizen.com for consideration.

on Snapchat, or subscribe for email updates at warragulcitizen.com/email

8 · ARTS & RECREATION ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 10 APRIL 2015

Arts Centre's regional appeal SHOWS put on at the West Gipps­ land Arts Centre are increasingly attracting crowds from outside of Baw Baw. Manager Rob Robson said the Arts Centre was continuing to draw visitors from across Gippsland wh­ ile reaching further into Melbourne.

"We do a regular survey of where our buyers are coming from beca­ use our ticket system collects that information," Mr Robson told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

"When I look at individual ticket buyers, and I'm not talking about numbers because quite clearly the number of local attendants is quite high, we're finding that over 50 per cent of individuals who purchase tickets to performances here come from outside the [Baw Baw] shire.

"Obviously that's through South Gippsland, our neighbours in LaTr­ obe and Wellington and right down to Bairnsdale, but increasingly what we're observing is we're extending our reach from Pakenham, Narre Warren, Berwick and further and further into Melbourne.

"Clearly the Monash Freeway and Eastlink have made it easier.

People say 'I reach the Monash and turn left instead of right, I drive the same amount of time, I often get to see the same show, I'll often pay less for the ticket, my parking is free compared to the city where it's going to cost me $30 or more, I'll get a meal before the show at the restaurant here, and it feels nice and friendly."

Mr Robson said limited public transport options were not a hindrance in attracting new custo­ mers.

"I don't think people going out in

an evening in the country ever think about going by public transport," he said.

Mr Robson said the recently­ formed Gippsland Theatre Network was helping grow audiences at ven­ ues across eastern Victoria.

"It's very much about getting people to travel across shire borders instead of working in those silos," he said.

"You will find in our brochures this year and our [Gippsland theatre] colleagues' brochures if a show is on at multiple venues. So if you miss it here I can see it elsew­ here.

"I think that's really important.

"We talk about 'what is a comm­ unity?' A community is not just a gr­ oup of people defined by geography, it's defined by a shared interest."

One measure of the success of the Arts Centre has been the number of people with a membership. Mr Rob­ son said that had grown signific­ antly over the past half decade.

"When I came here about five years ago we had about 300 memb­ ers of the Arts Centre, and the num­ ber now is in the region of 800.

"Members are largely locals. The­ y're not in it just for the cheap tic­ kets, they just want to belong.

"We have people come to memb­ ers' nights who never come to sho­ ws, they just want to support it.

"The members become fantastic ambassadors. The most likely pers­ on to come to a show who has never been before is someone a member knows, not someone we know.

"I don't think there's a show that goes by where we don't have som­ eone who walks in for the very first time."