Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen 26 June 2015

No stop in bus campaign Community meeting hears concerns: Page 5

Warragul & Baw Baw

Citizen

TWICE MONTHLY // FRIDAY 26 JUNE 2015

WARRAGULCITIZEN.COM

F /WARRAGULCITIZEN

Eating fresh

ABC Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis joined volunteers at the Warragul Community Garden last week for the Baw Baw Food Initiative launch. Full story on Page 7

Developments approved

Unemployment underestimated

Statistics hide real problem for youth. Page 3

Doctor in demand

Protesters outside the Warragul Commonwealth Bank branch last Friday. Photo: William PJ Kulich

The construction of a new multi足storey development on Mason Street, the development of a new restricted retail precinct on on Hazel Drive and the Sand Road interchange were all approved by council on Wednesday. Story on Page 6

Healthcare professionals shine despite gaps. Page 4

Long, cold night Freezing solstice greets early risers with icy landscape. Page 6

L @W

F R EE

PL EA S E

ARRAGULCITIZEN

TA K E O N

E

26 JUNE 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· LOCAL NEWS & FEATURES · 3

Unemployment figures hide big issue for youth GIPPSLAND'S youth unemploy­ By Jack Lacy jack_m_lacy ment rate is not representative of the real state of the employm­ ent market for young people, emplo­yment issues faced by those according to a local education youth, the LLENs have created a and employment expert. free employment and training While Gippsland's youth unemp­ services directory for youth living loyment rate is the lowest in the anywhere in Gippsland. state at 12.8 per cent, with Baw Baw Over 100 individual services are at 3.9 per cent, the statistics hide listed in the directory, including the youth underemployment rate. jobs and courses.

Youth underemployment is def­ Mr Murphy said the directory ined as young people – those aged would help young people make a between 14 and 29 – who are call to employment services, regar­ unable to find enough hours of dless of the time of day. work at a suitable time.

"Users are asked to answer "What is not measured two questions from short is the real level of under­ dropdown lists – what employment, especially o help do you need and d s e a level that you can't where do you need Figur lways live on," Baw Baw ot a reality it?" he said n Latrobe Local Learn­ "Within three t the the ing and Education reflec swipes of the screen n o Network chief exe­ you are making a call that isound cutive officer Mick gr to a related service."

Murphy told the WarrThe mobile­friendly agul & Baw Baw Citizen. website can be accessed "Unemployment figures via bawbawlatrobellen.c do not always reflect the reality om.au. that is on the ground."

Data collected by the federal "If a young person is 'working,' government’s employment depart­ regardless of how short term, how ment in April revealed youth casualised their job is, they are not unemployment was at its highest in [counted as] unemployed, even if Victoria's regional and outer they are only working a few hours a Metropolitan areas. week."

The department suggested that LLENs have the goal of as the rate of youth unemployment improving employment outcomes rises, people living in rural and for young people and addressing the outer Metropolitan areas were most skills needs of business and empl­ likely to lose their jobs and least oyers. According to analysis from likely to find alternative emplo­ the Baw Baw Latrobe LLEN, young yment. people in Baw Baw are likely to face According to Roy Morgan additional hardship, particularly Research, total employment for 15­ early school leavers and job seekers.

24 year olds has fallen by 5.2 per There are currently 7,655 people cnet since the Global Financial aged between 14 and 29 living in Crisis in 2007, which means full­ Baw Baw. time employment has dropped by a In an attempt to combat the staggering 17.9 per cent.

L

“

”

Mick Murphy. Photo: editor

Youth employment has also sky­ rocketed from 8.8 per cent in September 2008 to 13.6 per cent in April this year.

In Gippsland the LLENs come under the banners of Baw Baw Latrobe, Gippsland East and South Gippsland Bass Coast Representatives from each of the Gippsland LLENs recently met with Victorian training and skills minister Steve Herbert. During the meeting they discussed how funding from the state government could best suit the needs of disengaged youth.

"Every young person deserves the chance to reach their potential," Mr Herbert said.

"That is why we are supporting LLENs, to focus on programs that help at­risk youth to engage with education and employment. $32 million from the 2015/16 Victorian budget will be allocated to support the networks.

"The funding provided will enable LLENs to help our most vulnerable youth to stay at school, participate in training or find work, and is essential to help restore opportunities to young people across our state," Mr Herbert said.

Dog attack witnesses sought A MAN and his dog were alleg­ edly chased and attacked by an­ other dog while walking in War­ ragul's Chesterfield Park estate.

The Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking witnesses to the incident, which occurred at around 17:00 on 16 June.

A council statement explained the man was walking his beagle on a leash near the lake when a black

dog rushed toward them.

The black dog chased the beagle, which slipped its collar and ran away.

After attempting to attack the beagle, the black dog started attacking ducks near the lake.

Neither the beagle or the man were injured in the attack.

The victim told the council a young man and woman riding

scooters or bicycles were calling the black dog to return to them.

When approached by the victim, the pair refused to respond and rode away.

The council has asked that anyone who may have witnessed the attack contact the community compliance team by calling 5624 2411 or emailing bawbaw@bawb awshire.vic.gov.au.

New rates finalised COUNCILLORS have adopted Baw Baw's 2015/16 budget, rating strategy, council plan and long term financial strategy.

At their meeting on Wednesday night, councillors voted unanim­ ously to support the documents.

The approval locks in the 3.6 per cent increase to rates, which was put to the public last month.

The new budget includes $11 million in roads funding, $1.3 million for works on drains, almost $400,000 for footpath projects and $8.1 million for the Warragul Leisure Centre redevelopment.

Mount Worth ward councillor Murray Cook said the updated council plan set the agenda of the council for the next decade, and work done during the financial year means the council now knows almost everything it owns.

"This is a 10­year plan ­ a long­ term infrastructure plan that takes us up to 2025," Cr Cook said.

"It's important to point out I've had a long experience with local government and these plans are the best I've seen over that period of time.

"The asset plan, for just about the first time we know everything that's there; everything we own, everyth­ ing we look after."

Mayor Debbie Brown thanked the community for its feedback on the changes in a media release.

"It is the contribution of the community that demonstrates that this is truly a democratic process," Cr Brown said.

"The budget features a total operating expenditure of $64.4 million; a $35.2 million capital works program, including $5.7 million carried forward.

"We're now three years into our term and I think that it is clear to the community that we have focused on providing funding for our assets, particularly roads and drains, on continuing to improve the council’s financial position, and still keeping rate increases to an affordable level for our residents.

"The Council is conscious that future budgets will be framed within the constraints of rate capping. In this context it was vital that all the pieces were in place to have finances and assets ship­ shape."

WBBC on Youth directory social media launched Facebook search 'The Warragul Citizen'

BAW Baw Shire has launched a new youth directory to help young people find activities and services.

The directory can be found online via the council website, bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

Twitter, Instagram and Minds @WarragulCitizen Snapchat warragulcitizen

4 · LOCAL NEWS & FEATURES ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 26 JUNE 2015

OFFERING GREAT ADVERTISING DEALS NEXT PRINT EDITIONS Friday 10 July 2015 Friday 24 July 2015 Friday 14 August 2015 Friday 28 August 2015 ADVERTISING RATES Prices below for full colour and include GST. Discounts available when booking multiple editions.

Eighth page: $80 Quarter page: $138 Half page: $275 Full page: $550 Front page top: $230 Front page bottom: $110 Basic ad design is free!

Distribution across Baw Baw. Printing 5,300 copies.

Want WBBC to help promote your business to an audience of thousands? Email admin@warragulcitizen.com.

ABOUT

Formerly The Warragul Citizen Edition number: 26

Editor, designer, owner: William PJ Kulich editor@warragulcitizen.com PO Box 1111 Warragul, VIC, 3820 The editor takes responsibility for political comment in this paper.

Articles, graphics and photos without author credits are by the editor.

Please support those who support WBBC Know something you think WBBC should cover? Please email editor@warragulcitizen.com

Doctor in demand

Weather From the Bureau ofMeteorology TODAY Partly cloudy Min 6, max 15 SATURDAY Cloudy Min 6, max 14 SUNDAY Partly cloudy Min 6, max 13 MONDAY Possible shower Min 3, max 13 TUESDAY Partly cloudy Min 3, max 13 WEDNESDAY Partly cloudy Min 3, max 12

WBBC on social media Facebook: search 'The Warragul Citizen' Twitter, Instagram and Minds: @WarragulCitizen Snapchat: warragulcitizen

Senior Obstetrician and OBGYN Dr Warrick Pill. Photo: Jack Lacy

Doctor Warrick Pill, Senior By Jack Lacy jack_m_lacy Obstetrician and OBGYN at the West Gippsland Regional Hosp­ ital, has an extensive medical or abnormal pap smears [through referrals from] GPs." background.

Dr Pill is grateful for his busy His training includes a degree Physiotherapy from the University schedule and believes Warragul has of Sydney, a graduate degree in developed a good reputation for Medicine from the University of women's healthcare, causing the Melbourne, as well as countless wide patient catchment area.

"I think it speaks a lot for residency programs.

Warragul's reputation," he His experience has put said. him in great demand, "The hospital has a with women coming to s thingld very good reputation o Warragul from across d e W at wou in the Gippsland the state for consult­ ations with him. here thlly be sub­ area. I think people gs are drawn to here "In terms of norma ist thin l a gynaecology, I have i c e because of the reput­ e p bourn ation and quality of l had people come s e M n i care." from Lake's Entrance," The hospital's reputa­ he told the Warragul & tion as an excellent state Baw Baw Citizen. centre does however distract "I certainly see a lot of people from Pakenham, despite from a shortage of women's healthc­ Casey and Dandenong [hospitals are services in less populated areas being] relatively close. People come of Gippsland.

"Unfortunately, in some areas from as far east as Lakes Entrance, as far South as Leongatha to north like Neerim there is not an appropriate institution women can of Neerim."

"As for obstetrics, certainly attend," Dr Pill said.

"Warragul is a general hospital Pakenham to Tralagon and further north, Neerim down to Leongatha. but we do things here that would An hour's drive in every direction, normally be sub­specialist things in a metropolitan institution. people will come."

"We do see more complicated Dr Pill has practised medicine for eight years but only began working health issues than a general hospital would at West Gippsland Hospital at the metropolitan because they would be referred to beginning of this year. institutions like "The main medical conditions I sub­speciality see are bleeding disorders, disor­ Monash, the Mercy or the Women's.

"These health issues can ders of women's periods, pelvic pain

L

“

”

sometimes be cancers, advanced metropolitan hospitals. He said cancers. male medical students completing "Sometimes symptoms can be their residency at hospitals, outside present for a long time before of the country, experienced far women seek care. Women living in greater difficulty pursuing a career rural areas generally tolerate pain in women's health. and discomfort for longer than "In metro areas there are more perhaps Metropolitan people cultural barriers to medical student would." involvement, in particular, male But it is not all bad news. Dr Pill medical students in women's said that in regional hospitals the health," he said. healthcare environment was "Patients are less willing to have friendlier and considerably more a male professional involved in user friendly for medical students their care. than metropolitan hospitals.

"It's a barrier to recruiting males According to Dr Pill, medical into the area of women's health as practitioners in Gippsland are more their exposure is reduced. willing to impart knowledge and be Therefore, they have less of an collaborative in their practice with interest and are less inclined to aspiring students. pursue a career in the area of "The people in Warragul are women's health. very friendly and willing "It's a big problem." to share their experien­ To new patients seek­ ces and help, in terms ing Dr Pill's expertise he Wo of the training of the following rural amen in offers staff," he said. advice. r e t olerate as...

"There is far less "For any medical discompain and concern, the sooner opposition to having fo midwifery and med­ treatment is sorted the longerrt for ical students involved better. In particular, and there are not a lot maintain [your] pap of egos inhibiting pat­ smears are up to date – ient care. I think medical one every two years is the practitioners in metropolitan current recommendation. hospitals can be a lot more "Maintaining a healthy weight is protective of their privacy and also very important, through individuality, whereas people in exercise and appropriate eating. If outer areas are more open and you want to get pregnant, you're willing to share." more likely to and your pregnancy Dr Pill has also recently noticed a will be easier and safer [if you do]. concerning trend associated with "You are also less likely to the education of male doctors in develop gynaecological cancers."

“

”

Caught in the web Who said what and which local social media accounts you should follow

t

Gary Blackwood @GaryBlackwoodMP We need a duplication of line between Bunyip & Longwarry, Labor have ignored it #Gippsnews #Springst (Liberal MP for Narracan) 23 June 2015

t

Harriet Shing @ShingvWorld Proud to be Red for Women w/ colleagues to support Heart Foundation's research/education into women & heart disease!

(Labor MP for Eastern Victoria) 11 June 2015

COMMENT

t

Senator Ricky Muir @Ricky_Muir Youth unemployment strategy a positive step but 4 week waiting period a big concern #Budget2015 goo.gl/wQa4AO (Gippsland­based Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party Senator for Victoria) 23 June 2015

26 JUNE 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· LOCAL NEWS & FEATURES · 5

Issues identified at PTV forum

Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy at Gary Blackwood's campaign launch in Warragul last year

Liberals to let Pakenham­City commuters back on V/Line

One of the discussion tables at the PTV meeting earlier this week

A COMMUNITY workshop held in Warragul on Tuesday night heard the public transport needs of the Baw Baw Shire.

Around 40 people attended the Public Transport Victoria­run for­ um at Warragul Station, where they were divided into groups to list positives and negatives about public transport in the region.

Groups were given a sheet of butcher's paper and a stack of sticky notes to write issues down on. They were asked to then stick what they thought worked well on the left of the page and what did not on the right.

One group needed a separate sheet to fit all their complaints on.

Rail dominated discussion.

Issues identified included unclear information boards for Gippsland commuters at Flinders Street stat­ ion in Melbourne, late­arriving trains due to slow suburban services blocking tracks, bad on­train toilet facilities for disabled people and a lack of late night services.

Bus services were also identified as a key issue. One community member said bus services were "totally inadequate."

The workshop was organised at short notice as part of the state government's Regional Network Development Plan. The plan, which will be presented to the transport minister later this year for release next year, will identify issues facing public transport now and into the

By William PJ Kulich Keening_Product

L

future.

A PTV spokesperson asked workshop attendees to consider their needs into the next 5­20 years, as well as what they needed now.

"This is a plan that, at this stage, is going to have up to four stages, each about five years long," the PTV spokesperson said.

"It is about understanding needs."

The spokesperson said Baw Baw was expected to grow by over 70 per cent over the next 20 years, making future considerations important.

"Nobody wants the regions to become like Melbourne with their [road] congestion," the spokespe­ rson said.

"This is about sustainable gro­ wth, lifestyle preservation and fin­ ding alternatives to people using cars."

The spokesperson said 306 people in the Latrobe Valley used the bus network every day, while 18,204 used cars.

"We want to see those numbers even out a bit," the spokesperson said.

"It's not just about commuters and people who need to get to the hospital, this is about a system for everybody."

Baw Baw's bus services are seve­ rely limited, with no commuter bus service in Drouin and only a midday

town service in Warragul. Outer regions have very little service.

People who attended the meeting ­ which included the general public as well as Warragul Bus Lines chief Phil Radford, Baw Baw staff and councillors, one Cardinia Shire councillor, federal Labor candidate Chris Buckingham and a represe­ ntative for Narracan MP Gary Blackwood ­ seemed satisfied by the process.

One attendee told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen "it... allowed everyone to personally have their say via the written avenue as well as being able to tease out consensus about the big issues via the group discussions."

"Hopefully it leads to positive change."

Warragul man Jim Chapman has been campaigning for better bus services in Baw Baw for several years and recently joined with the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen to start a petition calling for the shelved 2010 plan to improve services to be adopted.

You can sign the petition online via goo.gl/8FrCep. Mr Chapman was feeling positive after attending Tuesday's meeting.

"I was relieved to find that the budget [for improvements] hasn't been spent yet," he said.

"We have to go through this process and hopefully soon we will get some funding for our bus services."

VICTORIAN Liberal leader Mat­ thew Guy has promised his party would undo recent changes to V/Line timetabling should it win government at the next state elec­ tion.

The most recent V/Line timetab­ les introduced restrictions to prev­ ent Pakenham­City commuters from catching Gippsland services.

Traralgon and Bairnsdale line services were frequently used by Metro customers, who paid signific­ antly less for their seats on the faster V/Line services due to unfair zone pricing rules.

The move was received well by commuters travelling east of Pake­ nham, but Guy told the Pakenham Gazette the restrictions were "short­ sighted."

"By stopping people at Paken­ ham from using V/Line services, the state government has ripped out 200 services that people should be able to use in Pakenham, which is one of the fastest growing areas in Australia," Mr Guy said.

"If I am elected premier I will make sure people will be able to board the train in Pakenham as they

have always been able to do."

Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen if his party's policy wrote off Gippsland commuters, Narracan MP Gary Blackwood said no.

"By no means does the opposit­ ion leader's statement 'write off' Gippsland commuters," Mr Blackw­ ood said.

"The Labor government are currently undertaking a review of all regional bus and rail services. The decision to essentially remove 200 weekly Pakenham based services without any community consultat­ ion or increase to Pakenham metro­ politan services is what concerns the opposition.

"Issues of frequency and reliab­ ility are what need to be addressed by the current government for regional commuters and this decision by the Labor government does not address those issues."

The Labor government has begun a campaign of level crossing removal and locomotive upgrades to address reliability and regularity issues.

Report by William PJ Kulich

Be seen with WBBC

The twice monthly, 5,300 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.

DISCOUNTS APPLY when multiple ads booked at once.

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 · LOCAL NEWS & FEATURES ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 26 JUNE 2015

Possum friend's logging fears

L

L

PLANS to expand native forest logging areas have concerned those attempting to protect the state's faunal emblem, the Leadbeater's possum.

The critically endangered pos­ sum is found in mountain ash, shining gum and alpine ash forests in sub­alpine areas of Mount Baw Baw, Lake Mountain and Mount Bullfight.

Steve Meacher of the Friends of Leadbeater's Possum group told the logging activities around Erica and Noojee were damaging potential possum habitats, and expansion would put the species under extra stress.

"VicForests advertised a propo­ sed amendment to the Timber Release Plan in local papers last week," he said.

"The TRP lasts for five years but can be amended at any time. In recent years this has been annually, around March­April.

"But the current proposal is the second this year, though the first was very small.

"Under new legislation put in place by the [former] Napthine government, the proposal only needs approval from the board of VicForests ­ the fox in charge of the hen house!

"The current proposal adds around 300 new logging coupes across eastern Victoria.

"It is important to understand that these new coupes are additional to those already on the approved TRP." VicForests has been quoted saying forests are surveyed before logging begins and a 12­hectare buffer zone was left around sightings.

"Wherever this habitat is located, it is protected regardless of whether the possum is present on the site or not," a spokesperson told The Saturday Paper.

"A sighting is not required for an area to be excluded. If an area meets the criteria as potential habitat then this is enough to ensure it is protected."

Beyond possum protection, Mr Meacher has concerns about other environmental effects of native forest logging.

"Our forests are also the most carbon­dense in the world, so it is important to protect their carbon storage potential and not release carbon by logging them," he said.

"Forests also have an effect on moderating local climate, so wit­ hout them it will become even warmer.

"Research has shown that wet forests like Mountain Ash burn with increased severity from seven to 40 years after being logged, so logging could even increase the hazard of bushfire to communities.

"Finally eco­tourists are more inclined to visit pristine old­growth forests than logged coupes.

"Protecting forests could theref­ ore support tourism and economic activity, supporting local comm­ unities."

The Leadbeater's possum was made the state's faunal emblem in 1971.

They are also known by the name of fairy possum and are thought to have evolved around 20 million years ago.

note that this area is right in the middle of the business/commercial area of Warragul," he said.

"With all due respect to the lady BAW Baw's councillors appro­ ved three major construction who lives there... there is a far better projects in the region at their use for the land.

"In a heritage overlay area, if meeting on Wednesday, but not all of them were supported buildings like these need to be demolished to produce a far better unanimously.

The six dwellings at 8­16 Mason outcome then it's allowable."

Fellow Mount Worth councillor Street, Warragul, will be demoli­ shed to make way for a major new Murray Cook said the new building retail and residential development followed the precedent set by the almost across the road from the Newmason development.

"Newmason is setting a new bar Newmason building, which is now for building within Warragul, if not nearing completion.

Covered by a heritage overlay but the whole shire," he said.

Warragul's Joe Gauci said the not heritage listed themselves, the residences were protected because, developments on Mason Street according to the council's heritage were a sign "Warragul and Drouin advisor, they were "good archite­ are growing up."

"Comments are made that we ctural examples in the 'Tudorb­ ethan' style which was popular in still have vacant shops in town," he the 1930s when they were said.

"But Newmason is 100 per cent constructed."

That was the angle one of the leased ­ people want new spaces. residents of the buildings played on That collects people, that brings people to the town. when objecting to the motion "Mason Street could end at the start of the up being our main street meeting. as we grow out that way "There are cracks Mason with future develop­ and creaks in the could Street emts." buildings, but that's being end up Cr Power said she to be expected," the our m found the motion "a submitter said. a street in real struggle because "These buildings I've known the buil­ have lacked care, but dings since I was a kid." are not at the demolis­ "I want Warragul and hing stage.

Drouin to grow up but I don't "The units can be saved want us to leave behind our past," and history and heritage can be she said. saved. There is charm.

"A town that forgets its past may "People walking past tell stories not have a future." of their memories of the buildings."

Councillors also approved the building of a restricted retail prec­ inct on Hazel Drive in Warragul's east.

The planning permit "for buildings and works associated with the development of a restricted retail precinct, business identific­ ation signage, and a reduction in the standard car parking requirements" was passed unanimously.

The site is 5.723 hectares in size and also abuts Queen Street on the way to Nilma.

An artist's impression of what the Councillors said the location of new building will look like the development would not damage The submitter also presented a Warragul's CBD, despite the dista­ joint letter signed by opponents of nce of the site from there.

"It is a different type of retail the demolition to councillors.

What will replace the buildings is precinct," Cr Cook explained at a modern, multi­storey mixed retail Wednesday's meeting.

"It is designed that you drive and residential building, featuring there and purchase a different kind eight dwellings.

Warragul ward councillor Mika­ of product than you do at the heart ela Power and Drouin ward's Tricia of Warragul."

And finally, the Sand Road Jones voted against the motion and overpass has been Warragul's Gerard Murphy was freeway unable to vote on the motion as he approved by councillors.

"Yippiee, about time," North owned properties adjacent to the ward councillor Deb Brown said. site.

The long­requested overpass will On moving the motion to allow demolition, Mount Worth ward's replace the present standard Peter Kostos said the move would intersection, which sees cars cros­ sing the freeway like it were a allow for progress.

"I think it's fairly pertinent to normal intersection.

By William PJ Kulich Keening_Product

By William PJ Kulich Keening_Product

Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen

Developments approved

Long, cold night BAW Baw froze through this year's winter solstice, with Monday morning temperatures falling to ­3.5°C in Warragul.

The sun rising on the shortest day did not thaw the frosty ground until well into the morning. The temperature recorded by the BoM’s Nilma North weather station was still only 4.5°C at 09:00.

The overnight low was reached at 04:48.

Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen

readers sent in many beautiful and

chilling pictures of the aftermath of the cold night, including Narelle Fisher. She took the above photo of a frozen spider's web in Yarragon.

Other photographs included frozen dog's water bowls, frosted cars and even a pony with a chilly layer of frost on its back.

If you snap an interesting weather picture, feel free to upload it to the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen's Facebook page ­ just search "The Warragul Citizen" on Facebook.

E R O M N E EV !

E N ONLI

Discover past articles, comments, breaking news, extended photo galleries and discussion on the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen's mobile­friendly website!

Simply head to warragulcitizen.com

Advertorial policy THE

zen

Warragul & Baw Baw Citi-

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

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.

“

”

WBBC on social media Facebook search 'The Warragul Citizen' Twitter, Instagram and Minds @WarragulCitizen Snapchat warragulcitizen

Signs, balloons and chalked messages outside one of the Mason Street buildings calling for them to be kept. The chalk reads "these homes are a big piece of Warragul's history"

26 JUNE 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· ENVIRONMENT · 7

Eating local, eating fresh Star attraction: Costa at the Warragul Community Garden. Clockwise from left: 1) easing stick insect suspicions 2) speaking on food health 3) juggling lemons for a fan. Photos: William PJ Kulich

A NEW project with the aim of By William PJ Kulich Keening_Product promoting fresh, healthy, local food in Baw Baw kicked off last week. food chain."

The Baw Baw Food Movement "Although we deal mainly with was launched on Monday of last large food producers, as our week with well known ABC Garde­ business evolves we have an ning Australia host Costa Georgi­ increasing involvement with smaller adis touring the region as part of a operators as well as with organic day­long community consultation. farmers such as Baw Baw Starting at Longwarry Organics.

Primary School, where "We have a role to play Costa talked to students in helping communities il about healthy eating, access high quality, ave so the launch team trav­ fresh produce from I f You ho i d, elled to the Growing their local growers o g on it my s Together Baw Baw with the best suited, i d o sto d would Warragul Commu­ best serviced agricul­ bear iple! nity Garden. tural equipment." tr There, Costa spoke A large number of of the importance of people packed the locally grown produce and Warragul Community floated the idea of a more Garden for Costa's visit. After regular farmers' market in Warragul. speaking to much of the crowd Next it was off to the Fairview individually, Costa delivered a Retirement Village where Costa speech in which he advocated for planted a dwarf mandarin tree, and more local food consumption, then on to Warragul Regional especially given the rich farming soil College to inspect the students' of West Gippsland. gardens.

"You have soil down here so After visiting a number of local good, if I stood in it my beard would primary producers and retailers, triple!" he said.

Costa joined a panel discussion at "Our food is a living thing and we Vin Rowe Farm machinery with need to turn [ourselves] around. We Vicki Jones of Mountain View need to eat less out of packaging.

Organic Dairy, Tamsin Carvan of "We still call packaged food Tamsin's Table, and Liz Clay and 'food,' and I don't think that's right."

Lynda Hoare of Baw Baw Organics.

Costa suggested a twice monthly The forum discussed local food farmers' market ­ twice as frequent efforts and ways Baw Baw can be as the Warragul Farmers' Market is best developed into a food bowl for at the moment ­ would allow people the region. to choose locally grown food that Nick Rowe of Vin Rowe Farm would last two weeks.

Machinery told event organisers his "We drive our food choices every business supported the movement time we open our mouths," he said. because "we are all a part of the "Support your local farmers."

L

“

Costa also touched on chemical exposure, taking aim at cosmetics as much as pre­packaged food.

"We eat not just with our mouths, but with our bodies," he said.

"You coming [to this community garden] is a massive vote for the future of food."

Costa told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen the support for the Baw Baw Food Movement was impres­ sive and a good sign of engagement.

"For me this is something of national significance," he said.

"The undercurrent is bubbling to

the surface, and something like the there's seniors, there's handicap Baw Baw Food Movement is and disabled kids being given saying 'hey, let's look at the same access and our food and ask the privilege as every other real questions and get person in the For m to the bottom of community. local, fresh, living "When a movement somete this is hing o produce.' drags everyone with it, f nat "To see all these you know it's not just signifiional people turn up today got ticker, but real cance at the community integrity." garden [is fantastic].

You can stay updated "I think what I love with the Baw Baw Food most is that everyone is Movement on Facebook ­ here. There's little toddlers, just search for the group's name.

“

”

”

Remember to sign the better buses petition Read why Baw Baw needs better bus services and sign the petition online at http://goo.gl/8FrCep

Be seen with WBBC

The twice monthly, 5,300 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.

DISCOUNTS APPLY when multiple ads booked at once.

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

8 · ARTS & RECREATION ·

What's on

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 26 JUNE 2015

Magic theatre Warragul Youth Theatre in association with Adlib Entertain­ ment presents ALADDIN. The most adventurous tale of them all, with sing­along songs, mystery, mirth and magic!

RICK PRICE ­ FROM TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN TO TENNESSEE SKY West Gippsland Arts Centre Tix: $50 ­ $55 Saturday 11 July 20:00 Book at wgac.com.au

ALADDIN ­ WARRAGUL YOUTH THEATRE West Gippsland Arts Centre Tix: $10, kids under two enter free Tuesday 7 July 2.00pm Wednesday 8 July 11.00am Wednesday 8 July 2.00pm Thursday 9 July 2.00pm Thursday 9 July 7.00pm Friday 10 July 11.00am Friday 10 July 2.00pm Book at wgac.com.au

Get reading with the Yarragon CFA The annual charity book fair will be held in Yarragon again next month.

Many good quality books are for sale at the event.

Paper back books all cost $1, hard covers $2.50, and a box of kids' books or cooking books costs $5.

Baw Baw Poetry Group For those interested in listening, reading, reciting or revelling in their own or someone else's poetry.

BAW BAW POETRY GROUP Red Fox Gallery Cafe 1 Main South Road, Drouin Thursday 9 July 19:00 The Price is right Rick Price, who has been based in America for many years while touring Europe and Asia, will ret­ urn home to Australia to present all his hits, as well as works from his latest album Tennessee Sky. Rick has achieved worldwide fame with "Not a Day Goes By’", "Heaven Knows", "River of Love" and "Walk away Renee".

YARRAGON BOOK FAIR Yarragon Public Hall Campbell Street, Yarragon Saturday 11 July 09:00 until Sunday 12 July, closing at 16:00 Talking ink An exhibition looking at the ink, pen and brush.

This exhibition has examples of these early writing styles and poses the questions: Is hand writing relevant today or is it now an art form?

Has graffiti evolved from the physical need of expressive writing?

Has the computer killed the physical joy of writing?

INK TALKS EXHIBITION West Gippsland Arts Centre Tuesday 14 July until 14 August

More to read online www.warragulcitizen.com