Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen 11 December 2015

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SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

Paper chain over half the length of Mason Street

Chained up: Benjamin and William with part of the 250 metre chain at the Warragul Library. Story: Page 7

Summers are getting hotter; deal with it CLIMATE // A STUDY of bushfire responses over the last century has concluded Victorians must change their behaviour, and even where they live, to survive increasingly hot summers.

University of Melbourne doctoral researcher Graham Dwyer recently published his findings from three years of research, concluding we have not taken enough of the right actions to deal with a warming climate and

finger pointing has been a distraction.

Mr Dwyer noted much of the response to major bushfire events was focussed around royal commissions.

"Unfortunately, the last bushfire royal commission -- after the 2009 Black Saturday fires -- resulted in finger pointing, blame, vilification and scapegoating," he said.

"We have already seen these characteristics at the start of this

year’s fire season, which only keeps us looking backwards when we need to look forward.

"We now know enough about bushfire behaviour and how our community and emergency services react that the money, time, energy and political attention devoted to Royal Commissions would be better spent planning for the future.

"This is a key finding from my three years of doctoral research."

Mr Dwyer's research included interviews with 63 Victorian emergency services experts and an analysis of public inquiry reports, recommendations and comments from politicians and experts since Victoria’s first bushfire commission in 1939.

"Victoria is arguably the world’s most bushfire-prone area. We accept Story continues on Page 8 Gippsland's fire risks: Page 3

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WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 11 DECEMBER 2015

Illegal asbestos dumping continues diseases often lead to death.

The lack of records makes it difficult to determine if the closure of the Trafalgar tip -- a site which accepted asbestos -- in November 2011 led to an increase in illegal dumping. In 2013, then-Asbestoswise CEO Josh Fergus told WBBC a council not keeping records was "very, very poor practice" and "really short sighted."

Municipal Association of Victoria president Bill McArthur, however, argued keeping records was a state government job and councils were not funded to deal with asbestos.

Several factors contribute to the number of illegal dumps, with the cost, time and effort of appropriately disposing of asbestos all being possible reasons why people choose to abandon the hazardous material in public places.

Since the closure of the Trafalgar Landfill in 2011, the distance of legal disposal sites from Baw Baw residents has become greater.

The council figures are by no means a comprehensive account of all asbestos dumping in Baw Baw. The distance is an issue not only because it might make legal disposal appear more difficult, but also because improperly secured loads of asbestos present a risk to more commu-

Illegal dumpings

2014/15 - 4

By William PJ Kulich Twitter: @Keening_Product

2013/14 - 2

BAW BAW // COUNCIL records of illegal asbestos dumping show unsafe disposal of the hazardous material on public land is an infrequent but continuing concern for the region.

As reported by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen in July 2013, the Baw Baw Shire did not keep records of asbestos dumping on public land before entering a new waste contract in October 2012.

In the recorded period of the 2012/ 13 financial year, six illegal asbestos dumps were cleaned up by contractors on behalf of the council at a cost to ratepayers of $4,050.

In 2013/14, two sites were attended at a cost of $620. $1,970 was spent in 2014/15 for the clean-up of four sites.

Illegal and unsafe dumping of asbestos is an issue in regional areas like Baw Baw. Distance to an appropriate disposal site and the cost of disposal can be prohibitive and there is an apparent confusion about who should be coordinating the response to the dangerous material.

Asbestos is a fine fibrous material which when inhaled can become embedded in lung tissue. The possible health side-effects of inhalation, which include asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural disease, occur up to 30 years after the substances enters the lung. These

2012/13 - 6

News

2·

Source: Baw Baw Shire Council.

nities when transported over larger distances. An investigation by The Age in 2005 suggested loose asbestos-contaminated material was unsafely transported across much of Baw Baw to the then-open Trafalgar Landfill, possibly contaminating towns on the way.

According to Mr Fergus, "you do see higher incidences [of illegal disposal] in regional areas." He suggested council-subsidised removal as a means of reducing the incidences of illegal disposal.

Houses constructed between 1945 and 1980 usually contained large amounts of asbestos, which was used as an insulator. Asbestos was banned as a building material in 1989, and was only completely ban-

ned from all new uses a decade ago.

Asbestos is still common, and statistics from the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council suggest a majority of public buildings and around one third of private dwellings built in the peak asbestos usage period contain asbestos in concrete, cement sheeting, pipes and insulation and elsewhere. Much of the older housing in regional Victoria was built in that period.

While most of that asbestos will likely be removed appropriately and safely when the time comes for those buildings to be renovated or demolished, there is a continuing risk an uninformed or lazy renovator or builder will choose the easy option when it comes time for disposal.

Such an incident occured in early 2014 when Telstra was forced to return to an asbestos-lined inspection pit on Scenic Road, Warragul, to remove asbestos-like material left behind after routine maintenance.

Material from the pit remained onsite after the clean-up and a second technician had to be sent to finish the job. The incident highlighted how common and easily disturbed asbestos is. Had a local with knowledge of what asbestos looks like not noticed it, the material may never have been safely removed.

Yarragon skate park consultation begins About WBBC Formerly The Warragul Citizen Edition number: 37 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.

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YARRAGON // THE PEOPLE of Yarragon will soon have the chance to put their case for or against a skate park in the town to the council.

At Wednesday's council meeting Baw Baw councillors accepted an officer report on potential sites for the skate park and authorised the commencement of a community consultation process.

Working with the recently formed Yarragon Community Skate Park Committee, council officers recently shortlisted three sites through a survey. The survey invited comment from stakeholders including the Yarragon District Community Association, Yarragon Primary School and Victoria Police.

Seven potential sites were identified by the committee: Dowton Park Recreation Reserve, Market Street Park, vacant land on the corner of Leongatha Road and Rollo Street, the former Yarragon Primary School site, land adjacent to the Yarragon cemetery, Waterloo Park, and Howard Park.

Stakeholders engaged in a walking tour of potential sites in October, after which they were asked to score each site according to several key factors: access to transport, security, proximity to amenities, imp-

act on existing facilities, distance from housing, incompatible land usage, and amenity. The results showed 70 per cent of groups supported the Princes Highway site, 63 per cent supported Howard Park, while 59 per cent preferred Market Street Park.

The skate association will hold a community information session at Howard Park on Wednesday 16 December at 16:00. The challenge now, according to group representative Janet Pakano, is getting everyone to agree which site is best.

"We were so pleased to move forward to site selection," she told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen yesterday.

"Finding a site that everyone can agree on might be a challenge. I'm not sure, but without a site it's hard to keep working so hard."

Ms Pakano and a group of five children addressed councillors at Wednesay's meeting.

"This week we will be putting our new brochure in every letterbox in Yarragon," one of the young submitters said.

"We have been selling chocolates and t-shirts (to raise funds)," another said.

"We have raised $1,063 and will soon have a website which will include a GoFundMe (crowdfunding) page. Skaters all over the world will see our page and hopefully put money in."

Ms Pakan said having a site confirmed would help in grant applications and responses to the plan to create the park was "overwhelmingly positive."

Car park latest part of leisure centre to close WARRAGUL // THE LIST of Warragul Leisure Centre areas to shut while extensive renovation works take place continues to grow; the car park will close next week.

From Monday 14 December until an unspecified date the car park will be closed on weekdays between 07:00 and 17:00.

The closure will allow cranes to move large roofing sheets across the roadway onto the pool hall.

Pedestrian access will be available under the direction of workers.

"We [expect] ongoing disruptions of this nature will occur at various stages over the next few months while the redevelopment works continue," a council spokesperson said.

"We apologise for the inconvenience caused to patrons."

Blowin' in the wind

Strong winds claimed a Princes Way, Drouin, street tree on Monday.

Local Belinda Rogers snapped this photo at around midday.

11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· NEWS · 3

Gippsland faces greater fire risks GIPPSLAND // RESEARCH by local government sustainability group ICLEI Oceania in conjunction with East Gippsland Shire Council suggests Gippsland will face a significant increase in fire risks in coming decades.

The international non-for-profit association has warned the temperature in Gippsland is set to skyrocket over following decades. The annual average temperature is predicted to rise by 1 to 1.4 degrees celcius by 2030, with the greatest increases expected in spring and summer.

The number of extreme fire days could increase by 25 per cent by 2020. By 2050, Gippsland's extreme fire days could be up to 70 per cent more frequent than now.

On current trends, by 2090 annual average temperatures could reach 1.9 to 4.8 degrees above the 1995 average temperature of 19.8 degrees.

Hartmut Fuenfgeld was a key researcher for ICLEI's report. He now works as a senior lecturer in Sustainability and Urban Planning at RMIT university, leading research projects investigating the impact of climate change and how locals can do their part to combat the issue.

“The purpose of the pilot project with the East Gippsland Shire was to help them plan for climate change impact and adapt appropriately,” Dr Fuenfgeld told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

“The pilot involved two separate projects, one a regional collaboration across all six councils in Gippsland to develop a regional approach tow-

By Jack Lacy Twitter: @jack_m_lacy ard climate change adaptation.

"We were approached by the East Gippsland Shire to conduct the project and there was strong interest in our research within the region.”

Dr Fuenfgeld said councils were "more exposed to the risks and impacts of climate change.”

"Local government is also the tier of government which is closest to the community and is the first port of call for members of the community, which was another driver for our project.

"Local government is most active and proactive on this issue. Some councils in Gippsland have a heightened sense of awareness about extreme weather events and their increasing duration.

"It's about developing regional priorities, strategies and responding to risk. We have the opportunity to not only coordinate an appropriate response, but to also share and learn, which is a unique approach that exists across Australia.”

Dr Fuenfgeld said Gippsland had a record of bad fires.

"The most intensive and frequent bushfires occur in Gippsland, in particular East Gippsland, because there are large areas of exposed bushland,” he said.

"The intensity of bushfires in Gippsland has increased due to the

drying trend.”

Closer to home, Baw Baw is facing its own climate challenges. The CSIRO predicts the future climate of West Gippsland will be significantly hotter and drier than it is today.

However, the outcome depends on greenhouse gas emissions. By 2070, the region can expect to be 1.4 degrees warmer with 6 per cent less rain if greenhouse gas emission growth is low, compared to a 2.6 degree increase if emission growth is high.

The Baw Baw Shire has planned to work with residents to minimise environmental impacts, build resilient communities and ease the transition to more sustainable practices.

While still Baw Baw mayor, Debbie Brown said "building resilience and preparedness for climate and environmental impacts forms part of one of the [council's] five strategic objectives.”

"As part of this objective, the council is helping the community respond to the challenges and complexities of climate change by facilitating and monitoring action on the Baw Baw Environmental and Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.”

"The shire aims to provide consistent leadership, create policies that factor in long-term risk and opportunity assessment, support the community to transition to sustainability, and form effective partnerships to ensure concerted action.

"The council is a member of the South East Councils Climate Change Alliance and participates in a number of climate change adaptation

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activities as part of it, including the Energy Saver Study and the Save it for the Game project."

SECCA's Energy Saver Study aims to assist 320 households in Victoria's south east reduce energy use and associated costs, while Save it for the Game seeks to improve the energy efficiency of sporting clubs.

Dr Fuenfgeld said Gippslanders need to focus on reducing green house gas emissions "Members of the community need to think about their greenhouse emission profile and specific impacts that affect the region or area they live," he said.

"Farmers are at the forefront of this change. They constantly adapt to changes in seasonal weather and more long term climate change."

"We also need to focus on simplifying the language around the subject of climate change. There needs to be a clear distinction between climate change adaptation and mitigation. Climate change mitigation is action taken to eliminate or reduce long-term risks and hazards of climate change, whereas adaptation is the ability of certain systems to adjust to climate change to moderate potential damage."

"We need to get better at communicating in simpler ways that relate and touch people on an emotional level.

According to ICLEI, unless action is taken the environmental future is grim for the rest of Victoria. The coastline can expect greater inundation and erosion from sea level rise and increased frequency and

intensity of storm events. The marine environment will be impacted by increased sea temperatures, changing sea currents and acidification of the ocean.

Shorter, drier winters will also significantly impact Victoria’s unique alpine region and the plant and animal species that live there, many of which are already endangered.

Despite the worrying predictions, Dr Fuenfgeld remains optimistic about Australia's environmental future "Australia has increasing awareness of sheer opportunities that lie in the green economy - ageing manufacturing industries transitioning into new areas, exploring business opportunities in a de-carbonised economy," he said.

"Our nation also has one of the best solar potentials in the world. For instance, the best site for solar electricity in the UK is worse than the worst site in Tasmania.

"However, our environmental policy is still weak compared to other countries. As other countries push ahead, we as a nation have to change and gain strong bipartisan support.

"There is unanimous agreement among scientists that we must keep the global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius. I believe we will be able to achieve this target as it lies in our coping range, but the longer we delay action, the more quickly we will have to transition the whole economy."

ICLEI's project with the East Gippsland Shire will reach completion next year.

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11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

Pauline Luchetta, Phil Cantillon and Baw Baw infrastructure engineer Haunu Suan with the revised plans on display at the Gippsland Business Centre last week.

down the road.

"The council has been fantastic to work with and any concerns we’ve had they’ve just deleted it out of the plans."

Ms Luchetta was also excited by the formation of a project community reference group for the wider Warragul beautification works.

"For the wider Warragul CBD there’s a project reference group of around 30 people which has been set up," Mr Cantillon explained.

"It involves emergency services, key stakeholders including the Warragul Business Group, Cycling Club, etcetera. The intent of that is to have a reference body the council can talk to throughout the development and delivery of the Warragul CBD project. That group [can] hopefully work through any issues or opportunities along the way and own the collective outcome.

"It’s something we did for the Warragul Leisure Centre redevelopment project which went really well.

We’ve had that in place for probably over 18 months now."

The wider Warragul project will look at improving streetscapes in the CBD. An information kiosk was opened on Palmerston Street yesterday and will reopen on Tuesday.

Queen Street works could restart, with revised plans, before Christmas.

Many objectors to the Queen Street plan said they had not been informed. Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen if the council would be changing its communication methods with affected businesses for future projects, Mr Cantillon said lessons had been learnt.

"One of the suggestions which came through which was a very good one was when you send a mailout to someone who’s running a business, make sure you send it out to the owner as well," he said.

"We thought that’s very effective because the owner might not be the occupier of the business. There’s little things like that which are coming though. Someone suggested that... if it had come to them at the same time there might have been a high level of support, potentially.

"We’re happy to take on board any of those ideas and make sure we craft them as part of our engagement strategy going forwards."

The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen also asked, given the tree planting plan was intended to improve the look of Queen Street as one of the major town entrances, if the onus was now on businesses to make sure their shop fronts look good for the sake of the street.

"That’s an individual consideration of the businesses, not necessarily as part of this project," Mr Cantillon said.

"The goal was to improve the streetscaping. We’ve got a number of links on Howard Street, Alfred Street, Queen Street on the west side [of Mason Street], which have carried forward the original intent of the project. In the collective they improve the streetscape outcome, they improve the look and feel and opportunities for the businesses to grow as a result of that."

You can view a map of the draft revised plan at warragulcitizen.com.

Additional changes may come.

2015 decorations cost ratepayers over $10.6k

Sewer connection complete

BAW BAW // CHRISTMAS decorations erected across Baw Baw have cost ratepayers over $10,600 this financial year alone.

Decorations were put up recently in the form of flags, lights and other decorations.

While some decorations were purchased in previous years, others are new this year. New "pole topper" decorations have been a notable addition in Trafalgar and have also appeared in Warragul.

Baw Baw community assets director Phil Cantillon said the council is planning to use all of its 2015/16 financial year decorations budget.

"The budget for the purchase and renewal of Christmas decorations in 2015/16 is $10,661," Mr Cantillon told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen.

"This year, $8,370 has been spent on new flags, lights and trialling some new pole topper decorations.

"The remaining budget will be spent on purchasing additional pole topper decorations."

A 'pole topper' decoration at a Warragul pedestrian crossing.

TRAFALGAR // WORKS started in August to connect the Trafalgar Recreation Reserve to the sewer main have been completed.

Baw Baw Shire spent $265,000 in capital works funding on the project, which has seen six facilities at the reserve connected to the sewer main. The main ran to an neighbouring property.

Five septic tanks which until now served the reserve have been decommissioned.

Works to repair ground disturbed during the sewer connection project willbeginsoon,accordingtothecouncil.

"Connecting the reserve to the sewer main is the most sustainable option when compared to replacing the septic tanks," Baw Baw mayor Joe Gauci said in a media release.

"It also removes the public health and safety risks associated with septic systems."

The works were completed in time for the Lions Club Swap meet, which attracted 2,000 people to the reserve.

GIPPSLAND // TWOnewearlymorning Melbourne - Traralgon bus services willcomeintooperationnextmonth.

The Saturday and Sunday morning services will leave Melbourne's Sourthern Cross station at 02:00. Only one of the services, the slower "stopper" service, will stop at Warragul and Drouin, while an express bus will travel nonstop from Melbourne to Yarragon and then stop at all stations to Traralgon.

The express service has been timetabled to reach Yarragon at 03:45, five minutes after the stopper reaches Drouin. The stopper will reach Warragul at 03:55.

The stopper service will come with boarding restrictions similar to those of V/Line rail services travelling through metropolitan areas. Passengers will be unable to disembark at Pakenham, which will be covered by the 24hour weekend Metro rail services, while nobody will be able to get on the bus at Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Bunyip, Longwarry, Yarragon, Trafalgar, Moe or Morwell.

Express service passengers will face no such restrictions.

The timetable release will come as a relief to some living in smaller towns.

Early last year a Labor party spokesperson told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen less major railway towns would not be serviced under its "Homesafe" policy as the highway would provide easy access to stations with services.

More services could be added if a review of the night services one year in finds there is demand, the spokesperson said.

Presently, the last public transport service to leave Melbourne on Friday and Saturday nights is the 23:30/23:35 train from Southern Cross. On other weeknights the 21:44 train is the last service from Melbourne.

The last weekday service to Melbourne is the 19:47 train from Traralgon, which runs an hour earlier on weekends.

Those looking for a late night in Melbourne ahead of a public holiday may be disappointed. While services will run on weekend mornings regardless of holidays, weekday and Sunday public holidays will not be covered.

Details of security measures on the night network are vague. Asked by the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen what measures would be in place on the late night regional services, a state government spokesperson provided a fact sheet which stated "there will be protective services officers at the busiest stations and extra transit police travelling on many night network services.

Services compared Southern Cross 02:00 02:00

Express

WARRAGUL // DRAFTS of the revised Queen Street Warragul beautification project have been released to the public with one major difference: the controversial plan to plant trees in the cycling/parking lanes has been felled.

"The immediate proposal going forward is not planting trees in the road, refreshing the line marking for the cyclists, keeping the existing lane widths, providing some very modest kerb extensions at two of the intersections, improving some low level plantings at North Road... and there’s an opportunity to put in some rain gardens along there," Baw Baw community assets director Phil Cantillon told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen on Tuesday last week.

Business and cycling groups raised concerns about safety and parking in response to the shared lane tree planting plan shortly after the first holes were dug. Works on the section of road between Normanby Street and North Road began in October but were quickly stopped after complaints from business owners. The small number of holes dug for trees were later filled in.

Some plantings will still occur in the shared lane, but they will consist of low-level shrubs and will not take up as much of the lane. The bike area will be marked in the standard green along the garden bed areas. East of North Road, where there are no businesses with frontage to Queen Street, the plans remain the same.

"There’s an opportunity to plant a number of trees from North Road through to Bloomfield Road, not in all areas but where we can," Mr Cantillon said.

"Options for consideration in the future are maybe widening the footpath on the north side east of the rail underpass, potentially in the future but not part of this project and subject to ongoing discussions with the community about what’s in the long-term infrastructure plan."

Mr Cantillon and council representatives have met with stakeholders several times since works were suspended. Warragul Business Group secretary Pauline Luchetta told the Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen the group's requests had been responded to in the revised plan.

"This is plan three," Ms Luchetta said.

"We’ve had a couple of meetings with the shire and those representatives. We’re keeping some beautification as well as keeping all the businesses open and have some safety for the vehicles and trucks going

Weekend night bus timetables released 'Stopper'

Trees cut from Queen Street plan

· NEWS · 5

Pakenham 03:00 (p) - -:- Nar Nar Goon 03:10 (d) - -:- Tynong 03:15 (d) - -:- Garfield 03:20 - -:- Bunyip 03:25 (d) - -:- Longwarry 03:30 (d) - -:- Drouin 03:40 - -:- Warragul 03:55 - -:- Yarragon 04:10 (d) 03:45 Trafalgar 04:20 (d) 03:55 Moe 04:35 (d) 04:10 Morwell 04:55 (d) 04:30 Traralgon 05:15 (d) 04:50 d = drop off only p = pick up only

PSOs will be situated at major stations across the network making sure passengers are reassured by seeing a uniformed presence."

"The deployment of extra police will provide assistance and reassurance, improve safety, and help ensure the public transport environment is safe and pleasant for passengers and other staff."

Public Transport Victoria has updated its mobile app to provide night network travellers with journey reminders, maps and disruption information.

Pakenham commuters to be allowed back on V/Line GIPPSLAND // PAKENHAM passengers will be allowed to board V/Line rail services again from the start of next year.

A timetable change in June saw Pakenham marked as a drop off only service for city-bound trains and pick up only for Gippsland-bound trains.

At the time, a Public Transport Victoria spokesperson said the changes would make the regional network's rules consistent.

"From Sunday 21 June 2015, customers using Sunbury and Pakenham stations will be required to board Metro services when travelling to and from the city," a PTV spokesperson said.

"This has long been the case for people using stations such as Sunshine, Broadmeadows and Dandenong."

Overcrowding on Gippsland line services frequently sees passengers standing between carriages and down aisles on many evening services.

Metro passengers taking seats for much of the journey have often been blamed for exacerbating the line's overcrowding problem.

A Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen investigation early this year found Pakenham line commuters also pay less for travel in zones 1 and 2 on V/Line trains than regional passengers do.

Last week public transport minister Jacinta Allan told the Pakenham Gazette the changes would be reversed from the start of next year with the exception of the 16:16 and 17:37 peak hour services.

"Today's announcement strikes the right balance," she said.

"It means Gippsland passengers can get the train home at the busiest times, while giving Pakenham passengers access to the services they want, when there is room."

The Pakenham passenger issue is divisive. When news of the original change was broken on 1 June at warragulcitizen.com, the article recieved hundreds of comments and remains WBBC's most viewed online story online for 2015.

A WBBC web poll asked locals if they supported the change. Of 1,093 voter, 73 per cent of respondents said they agreed or largely agreed with preventing Pakenham passengers boarding.

6 · NEWS ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 11 DECEMBER 2015

2015 in review

This year has been a big one for Baw Baw's towns. Major governance changes have taken place with the impacts yet to be seen, major projects have started and finished and community groups have celebrated successes. Here are just some of the stories from the year, ordered by when WBBC published them. You can find stories in full at warragulcitizen.com - just search for the topic. | | | |

Jan

16:West and Central Gippsland doctors express concerns about FederalcutstoMedicare, saying they "threaten the viability of local... clinics."

16:Unfare:Railticketcostsdownin city,upincountry:WBBC's front page story was the first to highlight how much more than Metro commuters V/Line customers pay for travel in same zones.

16:Warragul's oldestradiostation, 3GG,issoldtoCapitalRadio.

16:New Labor MP HarrietShing takes up her post in Warragul.

16:Rakeshcashesinon'white gold'rush: a story about the man who revived Longwarry's milk factory and sold it in December 2014.

22:Baw Baw announces Helen AnstiswillbereappointedasCEO. Councillors ultimately extend her term by five years.

27:Paula Summerfield announced as BawBawCitizenoftheYear. Alex Ionascu awarded BawBawYoung CitizenoftheYear.

| |

Feb

13:Baw Baw report showsamassive increaseintheregion'sbirthrate.

13:Warragul North parents renew their push to keep extra portables.

13:Drouin's FicifoliaFestival attracted a huge crowd despite bad weather. This year's theme: love.

13:McMillan MP Russell Broadbent tells WBBC refugee action groups should suggest a solution "afterthey’ve whingedabouthumanrights."

13:CSIRO report showsBawBaw facesharsherfireweather,morehot daysandlessrainfall.

13:Baw Baw refuses grant request from the WestGippslandMusicand DramaEisteddfod for its Parasteddfod.

13:Trafalgar tennis pavilion renamed after local legend MollyRyan.

18:Masssackings, directorate folded, outsourcing mooted in draft BawBawstructurereview: WBBC broke the news that at least 35 Baw Baw staff could be made redundant in a massive restructure.

27:Councillors unanimously approve trial of off-leashareasfordogs.

27:Plan to develop36unitsat SuttonStreetWarragul site narrowly passed by councillors.

27:Trafalgar'sMcGregorPark reopened after $400,000 redevelopment. | | Mar | | 05:3.1 magnitude earthquakehits southofTrafalgar.Nodamagereported.

13:Championchoppercuts

through: a story about the return of world record wood chopper Glen Gillam to the Warragul Show.

27:Baw Baw's childimmunisationratesbest in Gippsland, according to national report.

27:Rock-a-Jerryfundraiser held in Warragul.

27:New BawBawEquestrian Centreopened in Lardner.

27:Local acts impress Warragul South's Tonicfest.

30:WARRAGUL’S third rail crossing, anunderpassconnectingAlfred StreettoQueenStreetatNormanby Place, officially opened. | | Apr | | 10:LeisureCentreprojecttocost over$10million: councillors unanimously accept tender from Vermontbased company for the redevelopment of the Warragul Leisure Centre.

10:Countingthetoll:despite only 30 per cent of the state’s population living outside of Melbourne, regional road deaths dominate stats.

10:Small businesses warn of staff reductionsandsurcharges during Victoria's two new publicholidays.

10:MountainRivers quits Baw Baw boards to go it alone on tourism.

10:$547,000 loan from Clean EnergyFinanceCorporationallows BawBawtoreplacemercuryvapour lights.

14:Warnings over europeanwasps after an increase in sightings of the agressive insect in the region.

24:New cookingprogramfor peoplewithlearningdisabilities starts at Yooralla Drouin.

24:DemiseoftheDemocrats: WBBC talked to a former candidate for the then-deregistered party.

25:AnzacDayattracts crowds.

29:2.4 magnitude earthquake recorded near Yarragon South. | | May | 15:Councillors endorse 3.6percent raterise.

15:Trafalgar Baw Baw customer servicecentreclosure approved by councillors.

29:NoojeeLibrary closure approvedby councillors.

29:De facto parkland adjacent to BellbirdPark,Drouin, incorporated into the park proper after councillors

considered sale.

29:Protest outside the Warragul Commonwealth Bank branch over potential financing of coal projects in Queensland.

29:Labor chooses Chris Buckinghamas its candidate for McMillan after preselection battle.

29:Section 173 agreement on DrouinGoldClub land removed by councillors. | | Jun | 01:Pakenhamlinepassengers bootedfromGippsland'sV/Line trains: WBBC broke the story that a number of Pakenham pick up/drop off options had been removed from timetables to relieve the overcrowding on regional services.

12:Headspaceshake-upasfederal changesendGMLassistance: WBBC broke the story the Warragul branch of youth mental health service headspace was looking for a new lead agency and would lose its receptionist.

Staff also expressed concerns about the renaming of the local branch to headspace Morwell from headspace Central West Gippsland.

12:Jim Chapman renews campaign for better busservicetimetables.

12:Coalition calls for cops, but is that the answer? WBBC looked into whether state opposition calls for more police in Warragul were warranted.

12:Newmasondesign 'creating a precedent' for Warragul - architect 26:'MasonStreetcouldendup beingWarragul’smainstreet': Warragul councillor Joe Gauci after the approval of a new multi-storey development on land occupied by six heritage-listed townhouses.

26:CostavisitsBawBaw: ABC Gardening Australia star visits region for the Baw Baw Food Movement's launch.

26:Plans to expand nativeforest loggingareas concern those attempting to protect the state’s faunal emblem, the Leadbeater’s possum. | | Jul | 10:BroadbentdeniesMafiaties: McMillan MP Russell Broadbent says claims made by Fairfax and the ABC that he arranged meetings between Mafia figures and federal ministers are incorrect.

10:Refurbished DrouinMemorial Park reopened with ceremony acknowleding the history of the site.

10:Former St Kilda coach and North Melbourne premiership AFL player StanAlvesspeaks to a meeting of the Gippsland Football Coaches Association in Warragul.

13:StucktruckclosesPrincesWay Warragulforeighthours:WBBC's fifth biggest story online so far this year.

24:Warnings from industry leaders that changes to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation could make householdsolar more expensive.

24:Yarragon CFA raises around $22,000 from annual bookfair.

24:ThehealthissuesfacingBaw Baw:planning for an ageing population, accommodating Melbourne patronage and managing the region's

growing population key concerns for new Victorian Healthcare Association CEO Tom Symondson. | | Aug || 14:Kurnai elders expect a new plaque unveiled at the West Gippsland Hospital in Warragul will improve healthoutcomesforAboriginal people.

14: Councillors respond positively to calls for a skatepark to be built in Yarragon.

28:Council report promises new fees for replacement sharps containers and other budget changes accidentally omitted from Baw Baw’s 2015/16 budget will be pushed again for next financial year.

28:Crowds flock to watch the SnowTrainsteam special travel through Baw Baw.

| | |

16: Local artist pushes for streetart space.

19:Baw Bawraterises above 10year state average.

20:Clubs advised they will have to use alternate stadium facilities for around half of summer while the WarragulLeisureCentre roof is upgraded.

22:St Paul’s bombhoax not a muck up day prank, according to the school.

26:TrafalgarstationBaw Baw’s newest arts stop after refurbishment.

27:All safe after firedemolishes house, spreads to Warragul Child Care Centre.

Sep

11:Plan to develop 27dwellingson 1.436hectareDrouinblock rejected unanimously by councillors.

11:Drouin councillor Tricia Jones moves for a report on LEDpublic lightingtrials to be presented to councillors, saying no trials ever resulted in a report.

11:ArtsCentre buys bigger seats for Baw Baw’s bigger bums.

14:Turnbull, fully aware of microphones, announces he will challenge Abbott for top job.

19:DustiessmashCoraLynnto winEDFLreservespremiership: confident coach tells EDFL to watch out next year.

25:Leongatha teacher and tour guide DonnaLancaster chosen as the Australian Greens candidate for McMillan.

28:Families face kinderfunding shortfalls,according to Liberal MP Gary Blackwood.

28:Offleashareas effective if managed properly: WBBC investigated the worth of off leash areas for dogs. | | Oct | 12:Baw Baw calls snap meeting afer businesses and community groups express concerns about a plan to planttreesinthesharedparking/cyclinglanes on park of Queen Street.

16:Six local businesses come together to form CollectiveGood, a group which will raise funds for local projects through events.

16:Warragul station's unusedbus stopsdescribed as 'ridiculous' by campaigner Jim Chapman, who joined forces with Warragul Bus Lines chief Philip Radford to push for better services.

30: Baw Baw councillors vote to end membership of the Victorian LocalGovernmentAssociation.

30: Yarragon development sets parking precedent.

30:WarragulCommunityGarden celebrates firstbirthday with spring festival.

30:Olympians turn out for Geoff WattMemorialFunRun. 30:TrafalgarHoldenMuseum celebrates first birthday after very successful year. Big plans for expansion are now on the cards. | | Nov | 13:Councillors approve a significant redevelopment plan for the WestGippslandArtsCentre, but funding remains uncertain. The redevelopment will see the seating capacity of the centre’s theatre increased from the present 480 seats to 750, a new foyer to the south side of the auditorium and other new foyers to access the rear stalls and balcony, and the reorientation of the entrance to better connect with neighbouring Civic Park.

13:After months of consultation with the shire and community the Victorian Electoral Commission handed down its recommendedward structureforBawBaw, with the size of the proposed East ward frustrating some councillors.

18:Warragul ward coucillor Joe Gauci replaces Debbie Brown as Baw BawShiremayor.North ward's Peter Kostos becomes deputy, the position previously held by Gauci.

27:Familyviolence ‘extremely prevalent’ in Gippsland, Australian of the Year RosieBatty tells Warragul forum.

27:Work begins on an expansion to the DrouinMen'sShed. "We have several guys we believe we have saved from suicide because they now have a reason to live," secretary David Mudge told WBBC. 27:Labor candidate ChrisBuckinghamlaunches full campaign for McMillan well ahead of expected election date.

11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

NEWS · 7

Barb Phillippi and John Parker remembered at MND walk WARRAGUL // PROMINENT local motor neurone disease fighters Barb Phillippi and John Parker were remembered at the Warragul Walk to DFeetMNDlatelastmonth.

Hundreds turned out to the event which Ms Phillippi established and drove to raise funds to find a cure for motor neurone disease. MND describes a group of diseases which cause muscles involved with movement, speech, breathing and swallowing to fail.

"Barb passed away earlier this week, so this walk is really special to a lot of us who were involved," organiser Jane GriffithstoldtheWarragul&BawBawCitizen.

"It’s to raise money and awareness about the people... living in the community with it and the support services.

"Barb knew she couldn't be cured… but she wanted to try to get some money for research into the future."

"It's a poignant time today for her supporters and family, but fabulous to see so much support," acting MND Victoria CEO Julie McConnell told walkers gathered at Burke Street Park.

"It's around us all the time but it's not something we can stop the fight

Paper chain makes library links WARRAGUL // KIDS and parents came together at the Warragul Library last week to start assembling a paperchain250metreslong.

Children from the local Girl Guides, Warragul Specialist School, Warragul Community Kindergarten, a child care centre, and the general public assembled lengths of chain to be hung in the library for Christmas.

Twelve children and nine adults helped link the chain sections together on Friday.

A library spokesperson said the total chain length was around 250 metres. For comparison, Warragul's Mason Street is about 460 metres in length.

Putting the chain together was about more than the fun though. The spokesperson said putting the chain together was a "great way to get the community groups we work with together at one time."

You can see the chain at the Warragul Library, suspended from the roof in its entirety.

against. These occasions are fantastic to raise much-needed funds to ensure we can provide care for the approximately 400 people living in Victoria at the moment with MND." Mr Parker, also a well-known and loved volunteer, died yesterday after also fighting a brain tumour.

Event MC Paul Eacott also touched on the significance of this year’s event.

"It’s an opportunity for us as a group to try and remember this day,” he said.

A balloon release, requested by Ms Phillippi during planning, took place before the walk started. Hundreds of blue and white balloons were released from between the park’s trees.

While only around two in every 100,000 Australians are diagnosed with MND every year, organiser Sharyn Purcell said “most people know someone who has been affected by it.

"I think everyone who’s here either knows somebody or has connections somewhere, and Barb was well known,” she added.

More info on MND at mnd.asn.au.

More photos at warragulcitizen.com.

WBBConsocialmedia Twitter, Instagram and Minds @WarragulCitizen Facebook search 'The Warragul Citizen' Snapchat warragulcitizen

OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAIN IN RETAIL PORT PHILLIP SHOP

is inviting VCAL and VCE school leavers to apply for one of four summer scholarship positions in Warragul The scholarships give young adults the opportunity to train in retail, IT and stock control with a full award pay rate Positions in January and February are available and applications are welcome to young people across Baw Baw Send your application to portphillip@dcsi.net.au or PO Box 362 Warragul, Vic, 3820

Port Phillip has loyalty cards We reward local shoppers

1a Barkly Street, Warragul 5623 4369 www.portphillipshop.com.au

8 · NEWS ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 11 DECEMBER 2015

Drouin McDonald's COMMENT planning approval investigated Domesticviolenceresourceslacking RE: "Family violence 'extremely prevalent' in Gippsland," WBBC 27 November 2015.

There are very limited resources for victims with limited finances in the Gippsland region. Where can you go? Nowhere, so with my hands tied behind my back, I’m stuck with a hubby who has erratic behaviour at times, more so when he is drinking.

Since family violence has been brought out in the public domain my husband’s behaviour has slightly improved, but I’m still wary of him.

Apprehended Violence Orders do not work, they are just a piece of paper.

Living in a small rural town in Gippsland does not help the situation. I would definitely like to see more resources victims, females and males, can have have access to.

Name withheld ~ via warragulcitizen.com

The Drouin McDonald's building is quickly taking shape. Above is the progress as of last Friday.

DROUIN // BAW BAW Shire staff have reported back to councillors on why public notice of the application to build a McDonald's fast food restaurant in Drouin was unable to occur.

Construction of the new fast food venue came as a surprise to many in the community, some of whom objected to the business setting up in the town while others celebrated.

Councillors called for a report into the process to be made at a meeting last month. That report was accepted by councillors on Wednesday.

The report confirmed remediation works at the site had taken place and said both planning permits covering the site were exempt from public notice requirements.

A permit for "works associated with environmental site remediation" was granted by the council on 19 February and, according to the council, "a Remedial Action Plan was endorsed under [the permit] and no information was required to be submitted to council for further approval."

A permit for land development

"with a convenience restaurant and waiver of shower facilities" was approved on 21 July with a condition the site remediation works be completed before construction commenced.

"The application was exempt from the notice requirements and review rights of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and was therefore not able to be advertised," the council officer said.

"The application was listed in the Baw Baw Shire online planning application register, which provides a list of all current and recently determined planning permit applications.

Concerns raised by community members that the restaurant will see an increase in litter around the site, which borders the skate park and Civic Park, were also addressed in the report.

"Conditions on the planning permit and the endorsement of a Waste Management Plan the [plan-ning permit] will ensure that the potential for negative community im-pacts such as littering are reduced."

The council expects 16 jobs will be created during the construction

of the development, and McDonald's has claimed 100 full and part time positions will be created once the restaurant opens its doors.

Speaking on the report on Wednesday, Drouin ward councillor Terry Williamson noted how quickly the planning permit was approved.

"Most of us go through quite a drama with planning permits and [here] we see a big company get it in record time," he said.

"But when you analyse it, it ticked every box you could think of. It's a very big block, it satisfied parking requirements, it would've satisfied health requirements.

"Whether you think we did the wrong thing or not, I don't think we did because we would've lost [an appeal] anyway."

Councillors never had a say on the planning approval, as is the case for most developments with no formal objections.

"Once beautificaiton works are carried out I think it will add to Drouin's commercial district," Cr Williamson added.

"I wish every planning permit was [issued] that quick."

Dealing with bushfires Continued from Page 1 that fire has been part of our landscape for as long as records have been kept," he said.

"We would also accept the many studies which predict climate change mean more frequent, complex and devastating bushfires.

"Inevitably, we will see another Black Friday, Ash Wednesday and Black Saturday. These fire events can no longer be considered as once-in-ageneration events."

One of Mr Dwyer's most significant recommendations was that Victorians change the way they view the land and where they live, saying we have a "false sense of security" in believing bushfires can be prevented.

"Our historical sense of entitlement to own and develop land in fireprone areas, and all of our technology today, has made that view more prevalent even in the face of everincreasing bushfire risk," he said.

"If we paid attention to what we have already learned, and woke up to

the ecological reality of where we are living... we could make Victoria a much safer place during the bushfire season.

"Seventy-six years of learning has led to innovations. We have seen improvements in community bushfire education programs, advances in modelling fire behaviour, more sophisticated approaches to delivering bushfire warnings, an increased emphasis on planned burning to prepare for fire seasons, and greater integration across emergency management agencies.

"But each fire is unique and we run the risk of becoming complacent if we think previous public inquiries have delivered us to a position of safety.

"Unfortunately, bushfire-prone communities continue to ignore the findings of bushfire royal commissions.

"We can’t keep building out into high bushfire risk areas."

Mr Dwyer's report does not suggest anything not previously proposed as a way of dealing with the risks, rather his emphasis is on

learning from the studies and reports already available.

"The best form of protection is knowledge and acceptance of facts, even when those facts are challenging to how we usually think about land use, ownership and development," he said.

"The other key is the behaviour of those who are living and working in high-risk areas. People in these areas should have a fire plan ready long before the bushfire season. They should know what they're going to do on a day of high fire danger. They should make decisions which minimise their risk.

"The community can do so much to protect themselves and each other.

There has been much sensitivity about talking about communities and their role in the future -- more attention has been focused instead on emergency services and the past.

"The most dangerous thing is to not have the debate about who is accountable and responsible because, ultimately, we all are."

Financialmess RE: "Policy and promises at Labor launch," WBBC 27 November 2015.

"Labor values" of consistently spending well beyond their means, creating a financial mess that every Coalition government has to rectify.

If the Labor party had to run a household budget, they’d be on the streets. It's hard to believe they never, ever learn this lesson.

History repeats itself over and over again; Labor equals massive deficits and debt.

I will begin to listen to Labor when they can balance their books and actually pay for all the things they love to espouse as being better at.

"Raymond" ~ via warragulcitizen.com

Laborbettereconomicmanagers RE: "Policy and promises at Labor launch," WBBC 27 November 2015.

Raymond, internationally renowned Labor treasurer Wayne Swan stopped Australia from entering a recession with the rest of the world.

The cost of the vital stimulus package would've been less great relative to the country's savings had his predecessor, Liberal Peter Costello, not squandered the mining boom with tax breaks for the wealthy and minimal tax on those exploiting the mineral wealth of the Australian people.

Let's not forget that under Labor we were slowly heading back to surplus.

Liberal treasurer Joe Hockey doubled the deficit for no reason (he confused the Reserve Bank with a needlessly enormous support package for starters), eliminated the carbon tax revenue stream and refused to enact any economic reform other than cuts which hurt those least able to afford them.

Not only are the Liberals heartless, they are terrible economic managers.

Liberals cut revenue, sell assets (let's remember the recent MediBank sale – a government company which was making a profit for the Australian people), and it’s only thanks to the economic and societal reforms of the left that Australia has anything for the lazy Liberals to cut and sell.

I don't vote Labor and probably never will, but I can see the Liberal = good economics argument is complete bullshit.

"Economically sound" ~ via warragulcitizen.com Haveyourowncomment?

Send letters with your full name and town to admin@warragulcitizen.com or PO BOX 1111, Warragul, Vic, 3820.

Youcanalsotweetto@WarragulCitizen or message WBBC on Facebook.

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Choosing the right computer With so many computers on the market it's hard to know what really is good value these days. Different computers work well for different things, with prices ranging from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars. In a short article it is impossible to cover every computer and its uses, so let's have a look at just one: the "World's Smallest Computer," the $199 "PC On A Stick."

It's a great little computer on paper, featuring a quad core Intel processor, Wi­ Fi, Bluetooth, USB and HDMI, and a copy of Windows 10, but is it the right one for you? What should you look out for? Here's a breakdown. And yes, we are reversing the sales pitch and giving you the fine print straight up.

Free Windows 10:This is a special license which only works on that one device. Lose or upgrade your device and you loose your copy of Windows 10. It's a limitation to be aware of, but does not stop you from enjoying the Windows 10 operating system on the device, for the life of the device..

It can be powered though the USB port on your TV: This means the device is extremely low­powered, so if you try to plug in any USB devices which draw a lot of power, such as external hard drives or DVD ROMs, you could damage them or the device. So don't.

World's Smallest PC: Yes, it is the smallest… if you don't count the keyboard, mouse, TV/Monitor, and printer, which incidentally do not come with the computer.

2GB RAM and a quad core processor: Yes, it's a quad core, but it's a very small and slow one paired with just enough RAM to load the operating system and run a single application effectively. Don't get me wrong, it's impressive for the price, but it really struggles under standard multitasking loads.

Are we trying to put you off this tiny, budget computer? Far from it. When used for its intended purpose this PC is real gem. If you want an inexpensive, fast way to turn your old HDTV into a smart TV, this is perfect. It streams Netflix, Stan, and free catch­up TV with ease. You can watch YouTube on your bigscreen, play literally thousands of free Windows 10 games, check your emails, have an online chat, check Facebook, and even surf the internet, all on your huge 50 inch TV for what is, let's face it, pocket money. This is quite possibly the perfect gift for that impossible person who seems to have everything already.

The point I'm trying to make in this article is there is no such thing as "one size fits all" (pun intended) when it comes to computers. The good news is that we at Warragul Computer Repair have working display units for all the most popular, quality computers at our 2 Smith Street store. But remember this: it is vitally important you ask yourself what your expectations for your new computer are, and to relay that to the person selling you the computer.

Chances are, if you visit a reputable specialist computer store, the person assisting you would have asked you that already.

11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

·9

Food

Growers' summer recipes WBBC asked fruit and veg growers at the Yarragon and Longwarry markets what they like to cook with their fresh produce in summer MARIA ANTONIE, St. Fiacres Farm WBBC: What is one of your favourite summer vegetables?

Maria: For me it would be kohlrabi. It comes from the cabbage family, kohl in German means cabbage, so it’s very crispy, and has sort of a parsnipey taste. Not many people know how to use it. What I’ve made is a potato bake but with kohlrabi. I just sliced it, added a little bit of cream, a little bit of bacon and cheese and just put it in the oven. It was really really delicious.

WBBC: It looks pretty solid and not much like a cabbage on the inside.

Maria: Yes. The flesh is white. It performs like a potato and because it’s low GI as well it’s very good for people with diabetes and people who don’t want to have too much carbohydrates. It’s a gorgeous vegetable. When it starts growing it has a nice little red head and a lot of leaf which you can eat as well.

WBBC: What else do you like to cook with in summer?

Maria: I like playing with beetroot. I like vegetables which are red in colour, to be honest. So beetroots are gorgeous roasted or put in a salad grated raw and things like that..

WBBC: They're a great vegetable in many summer recipes, hey.

Maria: Oh, they’re gorgeous. And ruby chard is another favourite of mine, being red again.

WBBC: What is one of your favourite summer meals?

Maria: I love playing with eggplants, zucchinis, squash, things like that. Chargrilling them then drizzling some oil over them with some garlic, and chillies. I love chillies. Jalapeño chillies are awesome; just split in half and deseeded and then adding some cheese and bacon and grilling them, really delicious. With some nice beer they go down well.

More about

raw and tastes like a sweet cabbage heart. Both the body and leaves can be eaten.

Kohlrabi

The vegetable is a human creation, bred from the wild cabbage.

More about

Chard

There are several varieties of kohlrabi, including White Vienna, Purple Danube, Gigante and Grand Duke.

The purple variants have white flesh.

The vegetable can be cooked or eaten

Chard is known by many names, including silverbeet and perpetual spinach.

Young chard can be used in salads, while more mature leaves are often cooked. The vegetable is very nutritious.

Maria Antonie is a big fan of red vegetables and the largely unknown vegetable kohlrabi.

10 · FOOD ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 11 DECEMBER 2015

Terry Pilikidis enjoys fennel and wild rocket salads

with orange and balsamic vinegar in summer months

National award winner Christmas opening hours Wednesday 23rd open lunch Thursday 24th open lunch Friday 25th closed Saturday 26th closed Sunday 27th open lunch Monday 28th closed Tuesday 29th closed Wednesday 30th open lunch Thursday 31st open lunch & dinner Friday 1st closed Saturday 2nd open lunch & dinner Sunday 3rd open lunch LIGHT MENU BREAD Cassalinga, cob, evo, balsamic, fleur de sel and pink salt 10.9 CHARCUTERIE 18.9 (2p) Choice of 3, with toasted Hope Farm Cassalinga, pickled vegetables & Buratta 34.9 Wild Venison.

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Wagyu Bresaola.

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Wild Boar. * The works includes all meats, bread, condiments and Burrata (6 – 8p) 59.90 * Extra bread 4.0 FROMAGE Assiette of 5 cheeses 37.0 SET COURSE MENU 2 Course – 49.00 3 Course – 55.00 ENTRÉE House smoked local baby beetroots, orange segments, chevre, greens, burnt orange dressing. gf, v Slider. Braised pulled beef, brioche, savoy slaw, Changz chipotle BBQ sauce with Kewpie mayonnaise.

Local tempura cherve filled zucchini flowers (2), cauliflower puree, local baby purple broccoli, toasted almonds, capers, local asparagus. v Farmhouse twice cooked pork bellie, ham hock croquette, roasted baby carrot, parsnip puree, eggplant baragoule, jus.

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Cocktail Dinner, 3 piece band, $69 per head. Book: 5623 2211 MAIN Thai roasted red duck curry, steamed jasmine rice, local roasted truss cherry tomato, toasted coconut, lime, thai basil. gf Fresh herbs, parmesan and panko crumbed lamb cutlets (3), salsa verde, buttered beans, lemon.

Barramundi, local asparagus & broccolini, bacon, savoy cabbage, spring peas. gf House made gnocchi, buttered portabello mushrooms, toasted shitake mushrooms, whipped ricotta, toasted pine nuts, basil. v DESSERT Spiced apple cake, pecans, butterscotch, hand made vanilla ice cream.

Caramelised banana, banana parfait, popcorn ice cream, chocolate creams, toasted brioche, toasted oats, banana chips, walnut praline, coffee foam.

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Fresh fruit pies are an unsurprising favourite for Sherwood Park Orchard's Ross Cheesewright

Life

11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

Coming up at warragulcitizen.com this month Drouin Lights Up Annual town festival continues to grow

Emily Murdica

On getting into the local music scene

Facing fibre

The latest exhibition at the Yarragon Station Gallery7

Nature Note

Some feathered favourites .

· 11

Drawing a career

Luke Watson has built a big-name client base from his Warragul home studio. Photo: William PJ Kulich.

CITIZEN OF THE WEEK // WHEN children draw, few people think they are training for a future career as an artist. But years as "the drawing kid" in his class set Luke Watson up for a successful career as an illustrator.

The Warragul freelancer has picked up big name clients and a number of awards with his bright, vibrant style.

He has been nominated for a number of Stanley awards, taking home the "Artist on the Night" award in 2014, and also won the Michael Collins digital caricature award in 2009.

The Warragul & Baw Baw Citizen caught up with Luke at his home studio to talk about his career.

WBBC:You've been cartooning since you were young, I assume?

Luke:Yeah, as long as I can remember, I was always the drawing kid. Professionally, I have been drawing since 2006.

WBBC:Many good drawers never try to, or end up with, a career drawing. How did you manage?

Luke:I was lucky enough to be in a situation where I could just blindly go into it without really considering repercussions. I took a 'gap year' sort of thing, so I was just on the dole, mucking around, and realised I wanted to draw and be a cartoonist and so I just started. My wife has always been really supportive so she said 'yeah, we'll get some flyers out' and that sort of thing. I did a government-based course called NEIS, New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, which I'm not sure is still around, but it taught very basic

business planning, you build a business case and they give you the dole, essentially, but you actually get supported. I did that for a year and thought 'well if I can make as much as I make on the dole doing drawing, I'm in a good spot really.' And then I did, and it built up and I never really gave myself a chance to stop. Having someone with a proper job, my wife has been a teacher in the past, that helps as you slowly build up.

WBBC:You said the line a lot of arts people say: 'proper job.'

Luke:Well, that's how people refer to it I guess. That's a good point actually. I consider it my job, but I'm very lucky it doesn't feel like a burden at all. Being a teacher is one of the most proper jobs you can get, if you want to define it that way. You'll find a lot of cartoonists or creative people who have a significant other, the other person is something which is steadfast in the community and not going anywhere.

WBBC:There aren't many nonfreelance cartoonists, how did you make that break when finding clients?

Luke:You've got to give yourself time, and I was lucky enough to be in a position where I didn’t have any real bills to pay. You've just got to cast a wide net. Anything to do with drawing I tried. You pick up a good job, maybe once a year, and that person becomes a good client who you can continue with and other people see you have that client. It's very much word of mouth, even with the internet.

WBBC:Did drawing come naturally to you?

Luke:I'm mostly self-taught. I did industrial design at uni, which is the most drawing-est degree I could find which wasn't art. That was good.

WBBC:Why were you after a degree which wasn't art?

Luke:I also love maths and engineering, architecture. This was a happy medium between art and engineering. My first job out of uni was as a designer for a property developer.

WBBC:You've had some big clients.

Who have been some of the standouts?

Luke:I've had some pretty cool oneoffs. I've done some book covers for Bloomsbury Publishing in the UK, they publish Harry Potter. It's a good illustrative trophy to get, a book cover. I work with Microsoft Australia quite often. I help them demo new technology and show them how to draw stuff.

WBBC:You've also had the chance to draw some celebrities – the other week you got to meet Mark Mothersbaugh from Devo!

Luke:I do graphical recording, which is essentially captioning what people say on a day, and Mark was at the Screen Australia conference I was at. I just sit in on keynotes and draw stuff and take notes so they can take it away. They're very visual people, and people who couldn't sit in that session can try to catch up. Scod from Tripod was also there and at the end the guys from Tripod played [a locally produced show's] theme tune and Mark was riffing on the guitar doing massive solos just off the cuff, and I thought 'this is great!' I do that every now and

again, but primarily I work for big consulting companies like eXtensia and Deloitte; they're not really 'cool' ones but they're some of the biggest companies in the world. Businesses approach them if they need to change something within the business. If [they're trying] to explain to someone how they're going to change a whole system in a business, I draw a big picture explanation. I've been doing a lot of this sort of stuff and I've really enjoyed it, it's a good fit between drawing, design and trying to understand really complex systems.

I'm trying to convince all my colleagues this is where we should push, because [print media] is really struggling and we're the first people to go, but consultancies are demanding us to come and help explain stuff.

WBBC:You seem to have had a pretty smooth run to becoming a profession freelance cartoonist. What advice would you give to people trying to get into illustrating?

Luke:Youhavetosayyes.Ifsomeone asks you to do something, just say yes.

It's easier to learn how to do something than try to get clients around the things you already know. Last year I directed a film clip for a band just because I do some animat-ion stuff; I got carried away, it was so hard, I didn't know what I was doing, but it was good fun. I always say to people there are three important things: do what you say you're going to do, do it on time, and do it on budget. In any business, if you do that, you're going to be fine.

The popular artists of tomorrow are showing at the West Gippsland Arts Centre today. Top Arts, an exhibition of works by Warragul Regional College students, features 2015 VCE art, studio art, VCD, media, music and drama projects.

You can see Top Arts for free in the WGAC foyer and cafe areas until late Janurary.

12 路 LIFE 路 WEST GIPPSLAND ARTS CENTRE 路

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 路 11 DECEMBER 2015

11 DECEMBER 2015 · WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

· LIFE · 13

Naked food: how you can reduce household waste to one handful LOCAL LIVING // AUSTRALIANS are used to buying packaged produce. We buy bottled water, nuts come in the same wrapping as crisps, and even apples now come plastic wrapped.

So standard is our use of disposable packaging, when Tammy Logan started bringing her own containers to shops in West and South Gippsland she was often met with confused looks.

Ms Logan now runs the Gippsland Unwrapped website from her Nyora home and campaigns for others to reduce their reliance on packaging, be it wrapped around food or Christmas presents. She also publishes articles on recycling household objects. Her household of two adults and two kids produces only a handful of landfill waste in a week.

Tammy spoke to WBBC about Gippsland Unwrapped.

WBBC: One of your priorities has been to reduce the amount of packaging you take home from grocery shopping. How have shops responded to you turning up with your own containers and bags?

Tammy: Using bags has generally not been a problem. People are used to green shopping bags instead of plastic ones but not many people use reusable produce bags, bread bags or bags for anything else. People are loving the reusable produce bags and my homemade bread bags. Obviously to get my bread I now have to go to the bakery instead of a supermarket. When I first use the bread bags at a new place they are really stunned and I get told 'no one else has ever done this,' but then it's all positive and I get encouraging remarks and questions from the assistants. Sometimes I feel other customers watching me closely, I hope out of curiosity, and I know that it makes them think twice about their bags because when I am in the store they will hesitate when asked if they want a bag, remarking 'now I feel bad.'

Turning up with containers to the butcher and delis has been the most nerve-wracking of changes. The majority of places I have done this at have been really positive, but a couple have been a little negative. I think

Through simple purchasing changes Tammy Logan has substantially reduced household waste. Photo: supplied.

[that is because] it is such a new request for a lot of people and they feel uncomfortable with doing something different. I have found that many assistants have not been shown how to tare the weight of other containers on their scales. For each new person who serves me I need to explain why I've brought my container, otherwise they will still do things like weigh the goods in the plastic bag or fill the bag and put the bag in my container or use the bag as a glove and then throw it away. Now though I go to places which know what I am doing and are very positive about it, so no need for a big explanation every time I go shopping. Again, other customers watch me with interest and some have said what a great idea it is to use containers.

WBBC: You had an issue with a major supermarket refusing to use your containers a while ago - all sorted now?

Tammy: No. Woolworths will not do it. It is not against the law to use containers but they can refuse based on their own policies. It is a shame because the convenience of a supermarket is such a draw card for a lot of people, but I prefer the fact I shop a lot more in small local businesses instead now.

WBBC: How much have you decreased your landfill waste by?

Tammy: We weren't too bad by some people's standards. We never had a full red lid bin at the end of the week, maybe half to three quarters full. Now we only send a handful to

landfill each week. I also used to have a very full recycling bin every two weeks but now we have reduced that to about a bucket per week.

We are at the stage where the things being recycled are pretty difficult to do something about, like paper from school and kinder or packaged treats given to our kids by others.

Food and hygiene products are really the only things we ever buy. I try to be a very low consumer and am having to make a lot more of those things from scratch, but I can't do everything all the time so I buy my pasta in cardboard boxes and we get the occasional alcoholic drink in bottles, for example. Everybody who wants to have a go at this can only work with what's available to them.

In the city they have bulk stores which are just like a package free supermarket, but we don't have that here so I visit multiple stores and markets in several towns to cover as many of my needs as possible. I tie the trips in with other things I need to do.

WBBC: Do you spend much more time shopping than before you started this as a result?

Tammy: Initially I did spend more time shopping than before because I had to learn where to find things, but now I can get most things pretty quickly in one town by going to the butcher, baker and a grocer. It doesn't really take up more time. What does take up more time is baking and cooking. I was all about time saving options before so didn't spend much time doing this. Now I make muesli bars, biscuits, jam, kombucha, yoghurt, deodorant, all sorts of things. I love that I have learnt so much and we are becoming more self sufficient.

WBBC: So you have enjoyed the transition?

Tammy: I have. I feel much better within myself for doing less harm to the environment and showing my kids to stand up for what they believe in. It doesn't matter if you are a bit different, you should always be yourself. We also eat healthier so I feel physically better, and we have saved money.

WBBC: What advice would you give someone looking to reduce their waste like you have?

10 tips for a less wasteful Christmas Tammy's advice on how to sustainably navigate the festive season 1:Reduceyourgiftrecipientlist.

Nobody really likes filling their home with clutter they’ve received from excessive gift giving. This clutter will soon end up in landfill.

2:Makememoriesbygiving experiencesinsteadofthings.

Research has shown that, beyond basic necessities, experiences make us happier than stuff does.

3:Makeitorfinditsecondhand.

Homemade and quality secondhand gifts are acceptable and sustainable ways to show someone you care. You can also make or find secondhand decorations, including advent calendars.

4:GiveupChristmascards.Don’t give out Christmas cards to everyone you know and let others know you would rather not receive any. If you do receive cards, find ways to reuse them.

5:Refuse,reduce,reuseandrecycle wrappingpaper.Think about whether wrapping a present is really necessary. You could use gift bags that are easily reused over and over again. I have not bought wrapping paper for about 10 years because I keep the wrappings that we are given to reuse when we give a gift.

The children also like to use their artwork to wrap gifts that they give.

You can avoid plastic sticky tape by using string which can be reused or you could use cloth and learn the Japanese art of furoshiki.

6:Usereusabledecorations.Ensure you only use reusable decorations and, if you are starting out your collection, focus on obtaining beautiful items made sustainably from natural materials.

7:Bringyourown.Don’t forget to shop for food, gifts and other necessities using your own containers and bags to minimise the amount of disposable packaging.

8:Usereusableswhereverpossible.

During festivities use reusable plates, bowls, cups, cutlery and napkins. Washing up is easy in the dishwasher and washing machine.

At our house we have a collection of 'ugly' mugs and mismatched glasses, some reusable plastic cups, and so on which we bring out for parties. If something breaks, which rarely happens, we can replace it from the opportunity shop. I know people who have a family party pack full of reusables which gets passed around to relatives when they throw a party.

I think this is a great idea.

9:Prepareandstorefoodproperly.

Make sure you cater accurately and store leftovers appropriately so food is not wasted before it can be eaten or made into some other meal.

10:UsearealChristmastree.Real Christmas trees are a renewable resource as they are replanted each year, helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere. They can be composted after Christmas.

Find more at gippslandunwrapped.com Tammy: My advice is that practice makes permanent, not perfect.

Mistakes will happen but just continue to try a make better choices each time you purchase something. Definitely start with what you already have - don't throw away useful things in your haste to be plastic free or zero waste as that is also being wasteful. It also means that before you buy something you should think about whether you can make do from things you already have. Reducing waste doesn't only relate to

food, it also means thinking about your clothing, cleaning products, entertainment choices, gifts, et cetera. If it seems overwhelming, tackle one thing a fortnight and at the end of the year you will have made 26 significant changes.

The Gippsland Unwrapped website and Facebook page have local information for anyone looking to reduce their waste. Search Facebook for Gippsland Unwrapped or visit gippslandunwrapped.com.

Map of de­lights

Did you spot some cuddly animals in Warragul last month? They may have been spruiking the Great Forest National Park with Vajra Papp. The Wilderness Society is advocating for the creation of a new national park covering 355,000 hectares of native forests, including the area from Kinglake to Mount Baw Baw. If the national park proposal is accepted by the state government it will protect biodiversity, water, tourism, and the climate.

LOCAL LIVING // FOR many, December is peppered with warm nights spent looking for Christmas lights.

Thanks to the work of some keen locals, you can now find where many ofthelightsinyourtownareonline.

While the thrill of the directionless drives and walks may be part of the fun for some, those wanting a shortcut to the festive light displays need only pull out their mobile phone and look at a map.

The West Gippsland Christmas Lights map is a publicly editable Google custom map of where lights can be found. Members of the public have been encouraged to contribute to and use the map, which can be used with your mobile phone's GPS.

Most lights sites pegged to the map are in Warragul and Drouin, but entries have also been made for Trafalgar, Yarragon, Longwarry, Neerim South, Rokeby and Nilma.

If you are willing to travel, several lights displays in Pakenham are also marked.

Those wanting to see a preview of a lights display before heading out can check Facebook. The "Drouin Warragul Christmas Lights Locations Tour" page features photos and videos of many displays around the towns, and everyone is invited to contribute their own photos. You can also see some of last year's lights displays by looking at some of the page's older posts.

14 · LIFE · LOCAL HISTORY ·

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN · 11 DECEMBER 2015

Pillow fights, strange races and swarming bees: Baw Baw’s bizarre picnics

Seaview Picnic's married ladies' race in full flight. The exact date of this photo is unknown but is believed to be from the 1890's. Photo from Forests Old Pastures New. Used with permission

LOCAL HISTORY // SOCIALISING in Warragul and neighbouring towns in the late 19th century was, unsurprisingly, very different to today. But what townspeople did to amuse themselves seems, from a 21st century perspective, bizarre.

Fun, but bizarre.

Many of the strangest activities took place at a forgotten favourite – the town picnic. Many Baw Baw towns held annual picnics, where games and entertainment encouraged physical achievement.

At the Seaview Picnic, for instance, an apparently popular event

was the "married ladies’ race," which involved more or less what the name suggested. A photo from one of the races depicts women running in billowing long dresses and hats down a dirt road as other townspeople looked on.

But more popular than genderand marital status-based races was pillow fighting. Yes, pillow fighting.

(Keep it up kids, you're doing the region proud.)

The Lardner Picnic, which continued into the 1900's, featured pillow fights between young men as a popular spectator sport.

Entertainment at the Lardner Picnic also included races for children with bags of lollies as prizes, but in 1895 a rather different, unplanned race took place.

Lardner farmer Frank Boyes, who went on to become a lieutenant in World War I, recounted what happened in a typescript on the picnics for the Warragul Historical Society: Amid a hum of conversation and laughter, the midday repast was in full swing with picnic baskets and food on starched linen tablecloths spread on the grass under

some tall blackwood trees near the stream, and everybody sitting or kneeling in real picnic style enjoying the food when a hum of a different nature, a menacing one, intruded into the picture.It was an immense swarm of bees, flying low and travelling slowly. A wild scatter and scramble occurred as mothers grabbed their babies and younger children and accompanied by all hands, fled in all directions to get out of range.

While the Lardner Picnic was one of the most famous in the area, picnics were also held on the Prince of Wales’ birthday at Bloomfield and Warragul in the 1890's as well as in many other towns.

Carnivals also kept people entertained, with the Warragul Guardian newspaper reporting on 9 November 1900 that the Commonwealth Carnival had been "proceeding successfully" and was "sure to be a record success, even for Warragul."

Warragul's annual show is one of few annual carnival-like events to have survived the centuries.

Bad roads from the beginning ­ a look at Warragul’s early years LOCAL HISTORY // ASK anyone living in Baw Baw to describe its towns today and the words “growth” and “bad roads” will no doubt enter the conversation.

Town populations are increasing rapidly and many of Baw Baw’s councillors ran successful campaigns on road maintenance at the last election. But if history is any indicator of the ultimate success of the council’s current road maintenance blitz, works will likely never be finished.

In December 1897 the Warragul Guardian newspaper published an article titled "Early days of Warragul – recollections of a pioneer." The pioneer was James Biram, who built Warragul’s first building in 1876 and served as the town’s first postmaster, deputy electoral registrar and even registrar of births and deaths.

Biram retold the story of Warragul’s establishment and early expansion for the article, saying "the roads were nothing but quagmires."

Surprisingly, he said that before the railway was completed the cost of transporting goods from Melbourne to Brandy Creek, a major regional centre at the time, was less than the cost of transporting goods the short distance from Brandy Creek to Warragul due to the condition of the roads.

Biram also noted the early struggle between the people of Warragul and Drouin over which town should become the region's centre – a struggle won by Warragul through clever planning and negotiations.

Notably missing from the Guardian’s article was the fate of the town’s first building, which was

James Biram's shop was the first built in Warragul. Photos on this page from Forests Old Pastures New. Used with permission

either moved or demolished to make way for the railway before the first train to Warragul arrived on 1 March 1878.

Although Biram is known for establishing the town, the first expedition led by white colonists to successfully navigate the swamps and dense forest undergrowth around Warragul took place in 1841.

Explorers on that expedition included W.A. Brodribb, Alexander Kinghorne, and Charlie Tarra who had taken part in a previous, unsuccessful expedition.

You can read an abridged and modernised version the Guardian article below. You can find it in full at warragulcitizen.com.

The history of Warragul is a record of rapid progress. Twentyone years ago the site now occupied by the township was a dense forest. The honour of being Warragul's pioneer belongs to Mr James Biram, who talked to the Guardian for this story.

The first settlement of the

district dates from early in the 70's when publicity was given to land disputes. It became recognised that what was known as the Brandy Creek district had splendid land and settlers flocked in.

At this time Mr Biram was in business in Melbourne, but was so impressed with what he heard of the district he decided to move there. In March 1876 he took up a selection, erected a store on what is now the railway reserve, and commenced business as storekeeper and chemist. He was also the first postmaster, deputy electoral registrar, and registrar of births and deaths.

Before the railway came, all goods had to be carted to Brandy Creek before being transferred to Warragul. You can get an impression of the state of the road between those towns from the fact it cost only £4 per ton for carting the 60 miles from Melbourne to Brandy Creek, but cost £6 per ton for the remaining four miles.

When the railway reached Warragul it was uncertain whether Drouin or Warragul would be the major station on the line between Melbourne and Sale.

Warragul was chosen because permanent water was available.

A strong demand set in for building allotments but the government refused to sell any township blocks. Despite this, numerous buildings were erected "onspec." Almost the whole of Queen Street was taken up in this way. The first land sale was held in 1879.

One of Mr Biram’s first transactions after his arrival was an application for a rural store.

The land he looked to buy included much of what is now Queen Street. His application was granted on condition he pay £8 per acre and £5 survey fees. He considered the latter amount excessive and stopped. Had he bought the land he would have owned, for a small outlay, some of the town's most valuable land.

The new township faced great difficulties. The roads were quagmires and old residents tell amusing stories about the misadventures of those who had to travel over them.

For a long time it was uncertain whether Drouin or Warragul

would be chosen to host government offices. When word got to Warragul that the government was looking to establish a court between Melbourne and Sale, residents decided to construct an atheneum, which was offered the Government for use as a courthouse. The offer was accepted.

The most notable events in Warragul's first years were two disastrous fires. Buildings on Queen Street were destroyed and replaced with much larger structures.

Warragul has had its share of ups and downs, and although its boom period is past, there is every prospect the town and district will progress steadily and surely.

Queen Street viewed from Warragul Station in 1880. The street was devastated by fire, prompting the construction of the larger brick buildings we know today.

11 DECEMBER 2015 路 WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN

路 IN PICTURES 路 LIFE 路 15

16 路 LIFE 路 REAL ESTATE 路

WARRAGUL & BAW BAW CITIZEN 路 11 DECEMBER 2015