The CFA Fire Danger Period will end across Murrindindi Shire on Monday 7 March and Council has put in place an amnesty so people can get their properties cleaned up following the significant summer rains.

The amnesty period will commence 12 March and continue through to 28 March. After that time people will need a permit to burn in residential areas.

Mayor Peter Beales said while residents were encouraged to carry out controlled burning, it was important fires were no more than one metre diameter by one metre high.

“The wet summer has certainly provided ideal growing opportunities and the amnesty does give people the opportunity to burn off vegetation material such as tree limbs, cuttings and leaves,” Cr Beales said.  “However landholders will still need a permit if they want to burn windrows.  While we want people to keep their properties in a good condition and reduce fire risks into the future, it is important people do take care in burning off. We encourage people to work with their neighbours so that we do not get a series of calls regarding nuisance fires.  Nuisance fires can be caused by too much smoke or the illegal burning of materials such as tyres. If these fires are reported our Local laws officers will attend and penalty notices can be issued.”

For further information please contact your local Fire Brigade or Andrew Daly at Council’s Alexandra office on 5772 0333 or mobile 0408 576 712.

For those people who do not want to burn, Council is providing free green waste disposal at all Resource Recovery Centres from 2 April through to 1 May (conditions apply). For further information, please contact Council Offices during business hours on 03 5772 0333 or visit Council’s website at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au .

The Murrindindi Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the community to join the Murrindindi Environment Advisory Committee.

The role of the Committee is to advise Council on environmental matters, inform decision-making in relation to environmental management and sustainability, have input into policy development and to be a ‘sounding board’ for new ideas and initiatives.

Written expressions of interest are invited from individuals who can address one or more of the following criteria in their submission:

• experience in environmental management, within a community setting
• knowledge of environmental issues affecting the Murrindindi Shire
• ability to access networks and stakeholder groups within the community
• experience facilitating/ leading community-based committees
• formal qualifications in environmental management, or a related discipline (well regarded, but not essential)

Six community representatives are sought from across the Shire.  Interested individuals may be required to attend an interview with a council-appointed selection panel.

Further information on the role of the committee and the selection process can be obtained from the Terms of Reference below or contact council on 5772 0333.

Written expressions of interest should be addressed to Murrindindi Environment Advisory Committee, Murrindindi Shire Council, PO Box 138, Alexandra 3714 or by email msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au.  Submissions close at 5.00pm Friday 18 March 2011.

Our very first front cover in March 1981 featured a typed, cut and pasted report outlining the Kinglake Country Fair to be held 15 March at the Kinglake RSL Hall site, now where the Pony Club and Elimatta are located. One highlight of the Fair was to be a Potato Sack Race, a gruelling short run from the Hotel to the Fair carrying a sack of potatoes (it might have been better run the other way!). Also front page was a notice for the upcoming disco at the RSL Hall and live band ‘Rust’ at the old Kinglake Hall on the night of the fair.

{gallery}mmstart{/gallery}

The volunteer staff that produced our first 10-14 pages, black-and-white hand-stapled editions included Peter Brennan as editor, supported by the efforts of Judy Sharp, Karma Hastwell, Roma O’Callaghan, Deidre Hawkins, Isobel Easdown, Warwick Freeman, John Griffiths, Laurel Warhurst, Jenny Beales, June Reeves, Marg Hale, Roslyn Shannon, Julie Brennan, Robyn Collins, Grace Paleg, Les Booth, Steve Ginn, Ming Griffiths, Tony Collins, Paul Roguszhia, Dick Warhurst, Eileen Zann, Jeanette Sattler and Doris Best. No doubt there was a number of ‘significant others’ supporting this dynamic, co-operative publication, both in production and distribution.

That first issue included reports from the Yea Shire Council, the Kinglake Craft Guild, the Film Society and the Black and Coloured Sheep Breeders Association of Australia. There were submissions from the Kinglake Young Farmers Group, the Kinglake Rural Fire Brigade (and Ladies Auxiliary!), as well as reports from the SES, Senior Citizens, Lions Club and an update on the Kinglake District Community Centre in Kinglake Central. There were church notices, Nature Notes, classified ads and a full page of sport.  The Guides and Brownies sent in a report, as did the scouts. The C.W.A wrote in, as did the local Liberal Party Branch, and readers could be informed of Meals on Wheels and the Kinglake Progress Association.

Letters to editor in the early years included calls for a school crossing at Kinglake West Primary, funding concerns voiced by the Community Centre Association, and issues around Family or Occasional Day Care.

Issues or events making front-page news in the first years of Mountain Monthly included the changing of Shire boundaries, the Kinglake Country Fair, the Kinglake National Park, council, state and federal elections, local sports results, special emergency services announcements or reports, and local obituaries.

MM had a tradition of using hand-drawn images in its masthead from 1981 through to the 1990’s – our February 1993 edition saw a new magazine-style production format with a single colour on the cover featuring a Grace Paleg sketch of the Melbourne view from Frank Thomsons reserve. By now the magazine was 32 pages, and 1500 copies were distributed from Flowerdale and Whittlesea across to Toolangi, Castella, Glenburn and Yea.

Our first colour cover photograph was on the April 1993 edition, of the Stall Prize Winners at the 1993 Kinglake Country Fair -  Billylids Playgroup and the Kinglake Scouts.

The first full-page colour photograph style that we still use today was on our July 1994 edition, and the distinctive masthead font we currently use was introduced in July 2003. By now the magazine was between 40-50 pages, had glossy cover advertising, and was distributing 2300 copies across and area that now included Yarra Glen, St Andrews and Hurstbridge.

The Mountain Monthly filled an important role in informing the local community after both the 2006 and 2009 bushfires. The editorial covering the 2006 fires won the Community Newspapers of Victoria Best Editorial of the Year. After Black Saturday, the Mountain Monthly dedicated an entire advertisement-free issue to document the regions journey and has since been a vital source of information during the complex recovery process. The publication of ‘In Your own Words’ was a unique book by Mountain Monthly that gave the residents of the Kinglake Ranges a voice to share their individual stories of their Black Saturday experiences.

In March 2010, Mountain Monthly grew once more, adopting a new full colour format throughout the magazine on higher quality paper. Our community magazine is now running between 60-70 colour pages, distributing 4000 copies each month. The magazine has also grown over the last 30 years from being produced entirely by volunteers to becoming a registered not-for-profit community co-operative that employs nine part-time staff, governed by a five-member volunteer Board of Management.

Editor MM

It is with great pleasure that I can now announce that the Kinglake Ranges Foundation was registered on the 28th of January 2011, ACN 149 024 135. With the winding down of VBRRA, the KRCRC, the limited resources of our local shire council and the return to essentially a pre-fire establishment of many other agencies it was felt that a local philanthropic organisation focused on local issues was a befitting legacy.

The foundation has been incorporated with 8 local Directors in which there is a good balance of business experience and social endeavour. All have demonstrated an entrepreneurial mindset and experience in one field or another.

• Chair:                         Bill Gale
• Deputy:                     Philip Szepe
• Public Officer:             Colin French
• Secretary:                  Margaret Ryan
• Treasurer:                  Steve Szetey
• Other Directors:          Jemima Richards, Kate Riddell and Brad Quilliam

The services of 3 external experienced Directors of some profile in the areas of Philanthropy and the Arts are being sought to compliment the above.

I am pleased to announce that the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency, Professor David DeKretser has agreed to be Patron of the Foundation.

We have also sought to enlist the services of FRRR, The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to manage all Deductable Gift Recipient donations on behalf of the KRF because of their vast experience and wide powers as a Foundation in their own right. FRRR have been invaluable to this and other bushfire affected communities during the last two years.

It is intended that three funds will be established:

1. A specific purpose fund for the establishment and operation of the proposed Cultural and Community Facility.
2. A General Purpose Regional Fund to facilitate the funding of the Objectives and Purposes below.
3. A Corpus, that is, a body of funds which of itself remains untouched however the interest accrued over time also facilitates the Objectives and Purposes below in perpetuity.

Donations are now actively being sought to facilitate the Objects and Purposes

(taken directly from the Constitution) stated below:

5.1       Objects and Purposes

The object of the Company is to provide support, relief, care and assistance to individuals and communities in the Kinglake Ranges who suffered directly or indirectly as a result of the Victorian Bushfires, including by:

(a)     developing a permanent endowment to assist the recovery and growth of communities across the Kinglake Ranges;

(b)     assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs of Kinglake Ranges communities;

(c)     facilitating funding, delivery, construction and operation of local community infrastructure and facilities;

(d)     providing and facilitating programs and services addressing specific areas of need in Kinglake Ranges communities;

(e)     empowering members of Kinglake Ranges communities to participate in managing change in their communities;

(f)      serving as a resource catalyst for charitable activities in Kinglake Ranges communities;

(g)     facilitating the collection and distribution of resources and donations to be used for charitable activities in Kinglake Ranges communities;

(h)     creating new partnerships in the communities across the Kinglake Ranges;

(i)      providing local leadership in the provision of support, relief and assistance to Kinglake Ranges communities; and

(j)      doing all other things which are necessary or expedient to further the objects of the company.

5.2       Charitable purpose

The Company may only pursue charitable purposes, and must do so predominantly in Australia.

5.3       Application of income and property for objects only

The profits (if any), other income and property of the Company, however derived, must be applied solely toward the promotion of the objects of the Company as set out in clause 5.1.

5.4       No dividend, bonus, distribution or profit paid to Members

No part of the profits, income or property of the Company may be paid or transferred to a Member, either directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus, distribution or otherwise.

As stated earlier, the Foundation was formed in part to relieve the Murrindindi Shire Council of any burden associated with any ongoing costs associated with, for example, the proposed Cultural and Community Facility. In order to see that this facility becomes a reality we have asked for an operating lease where all outgoings become the responsibility of the Foundation. This remains a work in progress.

Stay tuned for further updates as they come to hand.

Bill Gale
Chair KRF

The following is in essence the text of a presentation given to Council at a Special Meeting on the 9th of February 2011 in support of the above facility. A few further comments have been added for clarity for those not present.

Importance

This is a most important project for the Kinglake Ranges in many respects.

Site

There is no need to comment on the positive attributes of the proposed site other than to say that with the views it provides to Melbourne it would be hard to beat.

Community Endorsement

It has been demonstrated on a number of occasions now that the community wants this facility. Indeed it has been promised on a number of occasions and in a number of forums. Remake Kinglake. Revisiting Remake Kinglake and the Workshop held in Kinglake West specifically on this topic where it received overwhelming support from all quarters. Indeed council conducted its own survey. Expectations are high. There have already been a number of promises broken by many in high places that have caused anxiety and concern and fuelled distrust within the community. Let this not be yet another.

A Home for the Arts, other Community Groups and Parks Vic

There is also no dispute that many community groups across the Kinglake Ranges and Parks Victoria need a home.  We have been working closely with those groups and Parks Vic to that end. This facility will provide that home. I understand that Murrindindi Shire have neither an Arts nor Cultural Policy. This facility and all that which transpires within, can be that which stimulates the Arts and Culture right across the Shire. We are happy to share. We are happy to be the catalyst, to facilitate that across the Shire. As a Shire we need to make a start somewhere.

Synergy, Utilisation and Reduced Operating Costs

Rather than having multiple facilities spread over separate sites across the Ranges there is great synergy and increased utilisation with a common multipurpose facility. This will also reduce the overall cost to community.

Economic Recovery

But perhaps the most important issue is that of economic recovery. For a variety of reasons there has been little that has been done for economic recovery across the Bushfire affected areas, and Kinglake in particular. Many of these reasons are out of our control and stem from charity legislation and tax law.

There is little disposable income across the Ranges and much of what there is, is spent off the mountain. We are increasingly reliant on the tourist dollar and need an attraction such as is proposed to enhance that which we already have, the natural environment.

There have been a few businesses that have received investment loans facilitated by VBRRA and the Shire however for the most part these are also dependent upon the tourist dollar. We desperately need an attraction to bring about visitation. It is a complex mix and all elements should be critically appraised.

Cost to Council

We can all appreciate the impending cost of the bushfire recovery on Council. We all now know that that cost is of the order of a 1% increase in rates across the Shire for each and every $70,000 increase in expenditure.

Equity

Across the Kinglake Ranges apart from the RAC Precinct the future of which has yet to be decided, there has been little in the way of new facilities that have been erected here that are a direct cost to council. Most have been replacement of old facilities, better yes, but replacing those that were lost in the fires. In terms of $s per head of population the Kinglake Ranges are well behind in comparison to other, often significantly smaller communities. This is in no way an argument to say that those communities do not need what they have received. I say need, I stress need not deserve.

Mitigation The Kinglake Ranges Foundation

The Kinglake Ranges Foundation is now a reality. It was incorporated on the 28th January 2011 (ACN 149 024 135). It was formed in part to relieve the Council of any burden associated with any ongoing cost of this facility. We are asking for an operating lease where all outgoings become the responsibility of the Foundation.

Directors

The foundation has been incorporated with 8 local Directors, in which there is a good balance of business experience and social endeavour. One has been awarded an AO for her achievements. All have demonstrated entrepreneurial experience. The business experience is significant with the owner of a business, the largest employer across the Ranges and two with corporate, multinational and international experience. We recognise that the business plan needs strengthening but believe that there are no insurmountable problems and accept that task and all that it implies. To that end we are also seeking to enlist 3 people off the mountain with significant experience in the operation of such facilities and the operation of a Foundation to join the Board as Directors.

I am also pleased to announce that the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency, Professor David DeKretser has agreed to be Patron of the Foundation.

I commend this project for endorsement.

It is proposed that further community consultation will take place in the coming months once more is known of the future of this important community project.

Bill Gale,

Chair KRCRC and Chair KRF

What’s Happening at the House?

KRNH 2011 Semester 1 program is out now.  Following is a selection of courses coming up.  Don’t forget our ongoing groups also.  Why not join the Gardening club or try your hand at Badminton, knitting or sewing?  For details about all our groups and courses please call, drop in or check out our website and facebook page.

We look forward to seeing you at the house,

Teesha, Di and Vicky

ENROL NOW!!

Italian Cooking   Tutors: Isabella and Rossi

• Come and learn to cook pasta, pastry, meats, seafood and desserts the Italian way.  Well known locals Isabella and Rossi will take you on a fun and delicious culinary journey.
• Session 1: Sun 13th of March 10-2pm
  Session 2: Sun 3rd of April 10-2pm
  Session 3: Sun 15th of May 10-2pm
• Venue:   KinglakeTemporary Village Kitchen
• Cost:          $30.00 for all 3 sessions (Rural Skills VBAF Funded Project)

Farm and Basic Fencing Skills Tutor: Michael Yarwood

• Michael has been an expert in the fencing field for many years. This workshop is for beginners to the more experienced fencer.
• During this workshop you will learn fencing ‘101’! Boundary and internal fencing, Farm fencing, new fencing, How to hang a gate and repairs. There will also be discussion on Safety Precautions, fencing rights and responsibilities.
• Dates: Saturday 12th of March or
• Saturday 14th of May
• 10am—4pm
• Venue: KRNH (Lunch Provided)
• Cost: $10.00 (Rural Skills VBAF Funded Project)

Botanical Art

• Introduction Presented by: Dianne Emery - Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens
• You can appreciate the wonderful plants of our local area by learning some of the finer points of observation, interpretation and documentation of flora.  Botanical Illustration is insightful and therapeutic. This course will teach plant observation, and drawing techniques using pencil, pen and an introduction to water colour paint.
• When:    Sundays 27th March &
• 3rd April 10am—4pm
• Venue:    KRNH (Lunch Provided)
• Cost:          $30.00 (Rural Skills VBAF Funded Project)

Getting started with facebook- Business

• Tutor: Penny Paxman
• Want to get ahead in business in 2011?  Kick start your marketing using Facebook to reach a wider network of potential  customers.  We start by setting up a
• profile and you’ll learn how to enlist ‘friends’, send information to your friends and their  networks, put your own photo on your page, and little tips for
• making it interesting.  Bring your email address and the password that allows you to collect your email from computers other than your own.
• When: Sat 14 May 10am-12am
• Where: KRNH
• Cost: $80

Building your business page on facebook

• Tutor: Penny Paxman
• For the next session, you need to have 25 friends on your personal Facebook page.  You are then allowed to have a business page which we will set up in class.  Bring photos, a blurb about your business and what you offer and some information which you want to use to attract customers.  Learn how to use notes, discussions, upload a video, and create a mini website on Facebook.
• When: Sat 21 May 10am-12am
• Where: KRNH
• Cost:$80 (Subsidised places are available)

YOUTH PROGRAMS (13-21yrs)

Silver jewellery Workshop for Young People

• Make your own beautiful pure silver jewellery with Michelle Stewart
• When: Sat March 19
• Time: 10am -4pm
• Where: Wominjeka Youth Group 3 Glenburn rd Kinglake
• Cost: FREE!! Subsidised by Wominjeka Youth Group and funded by VBAF (usual cost $150)

Italian Cooking for Young People

• Tutors: Isabella and Rossi
• Come and learn to cook pasta, pastry, meats, seafood and desserts the Italian way.  Well known locals Isabella and Rossi will take you on a fun and delicious culinary journey.
• When:  3 Sunday’s: May 8 and 22 and June 12
• Time: 10am -2pm
• Where: Kinglake Temporary Village Kitchen
• Cost: FREE! ( Subsidised by FRRR)

OVER 55’s PROGRAMS

Zen Gardens

• Tutor: Rev. Chi Kwang
• A six week course in understanding the elements of Feng Shui behind Zen garden design.  Design your own garden and build a small Zen garden at the Neighbourhood House
• When:   6 Sessions , Wednesday’s March 2- April 6
• Time:   1pm -3pm
• Venue:  KRNH & The Seon Centre
• Cost:    $20.00  (VBAF funded Project)

Domestic Violence

Family Violence is a serious social issue that affects everyone in the family. Children are affected whether the violence is directed at them personally or when they witness family violence towards other members of their family.

Conflict is a normal in our relationships, and is healthy if handled well. But sometimes conflict escalates and becomes destructive. Physical or emotional abuse in any form is never OK. We are solely responsible for our own actions.  No one can make us do or say anything – we always have a choice.

Domestic violence isn't always physical. Other forms of abuse can be as damaging as pushing, punching, kicking, throwing objects or threatening to physically hurt the other. Emotional abuse involves continual criticism or threatening to self-harm. Social abuse may involve isolating a person from family and friends, controlling what they are able to do or not allowing financial independence.  Stalking physically, by phone or electronically is not acceptable.

If you inflict these behaviours on others, or if you experience them as a victim or an observer, it is important that you seek some help and advice. Family violence, assaults, threats, and stalking are all against the law. If there is sufficient evidence of assault or other offences, the police will lay criminal charges.

Charges can be avoided if you seek support from family, friends or Government agencies before the situation escalates.

Police can provide information packs for men, women and children. These packs contain a variety of informational brochures and the contact details of agencies that may be able to assist you. The police would prefer to discuss this matter with you before a violent incident rather than after.

Next meeting

Our first meeting for this year is on Thursday 10th March, 7.30 at the Rebuilding Advisory Centre meeting room (Hurstbridge Rd. Kinglake). Meetings are attended by local police who provide an up-to-date report on incidents in the Kinglake Ranges and provide information relating to personal and community safety.

All residents from across the Kinglake Ranges are invited to attend.

Any enquiries about Neighbourhood Watch call John Stewart on 0419858504.

Firefoxes has had a flying start to 2011! 70 women from Flowerdale to St. Andrews, Eden Park to Kinglake giggled their way through "Motherhood the Musical". It was wonderful to see women from across the region come together for the night, to laugh, catch up and enjoy some 'me time'.

The Firefoxes Team has lots on the go at the moment. Many women expressed an interest in sharing their valuable knowledge of 2 years of recovery and rebuilding with those affected by the recent floods and cyclone in Queensland. Small groups have met our film maker to start documenting their ideas. We encourage anyone interested in being part of the short film or contributing ideas to email us at firefoxesaustralia@gmail.com

We have been busy planning 3 retreats for later in the year. We will be running two great family weekends away (June and October) at Phillip Island. These will be wonderful opportunities for people living in the broader Kinglake Ranges (including St. Andrews, Strathewen, Arthurs Creek, Toolangi, Flowerdale, Glenburn, Kinglake and everywhere in between) to enjoy the beach, penguins, adventure activities and opportunities for relaxation as a family unit.

Our Women's Leadership Retreat will occur in July and bring together women from across all fire effected regions who have stepped in to community leadership roles. It will be a weekend of learning, sharing and rejuvenation. We also have a Ski day at Mt. Buller and a second comedy event planned for Winter.

The next Firefoxes monthly gathering is on Friday March 25th, 7pm at the Kinglake Pub. This will be a fantastic chance to share a good and inexpensive (subsidised) meal with great women. Everyone welcome!

The inaugural Firefoxes horse riding day is booked for April 3 at Uncle Nev's in Upper Plenty. There will be a Family ride in the morning and a women's only ride in the afternoon. Places are strictly limited. Details will be released across the ranges via email and on community notice boards. Stay tuned!

If you would like to be added to our email list, contact us at firefoxesaustralia@gmail.com We are always looking for volunteers to help run the Firefoxes program. If you have some time on your hands- regularly, as a once off, an hour, a day, for admin, hosting, organising, cooking and anything else in between - whatever you are willing to give. Contact us for more details.

The Firefoxes Team

Tertiary and TAFE students who were directly affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires can now apply for financial assistance to attend educational facilities under the latest round of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) Scholarship Program.

The VBAF Scholarship Program will provide further grants of up to $15,000 per year to eligible students to help them continue to undertake their studies.

The scholarships support young people undertaking a course of tertiary or vocational education by assisting with educational and other costs.

The extension of the program is intended to allow students who missed out on the previous scholarship round to also receive the benefit. Scholarships will be provided for the duration of the course of study regardless of the length of the course, subject to satisfactory progress.

Students may be eligible if they:

• Are currently undertaking a tertiary or Tafe course in a Victorian school;
• Were directly affected financially by the 2009 Victorian bushfires, are enrolling in a course of tertiary or vocational education in 2011 and whose families are continuing to experience financial hardship as a result of the fires; and

• Have not already received a VBAF Scholarship.

Further information and criteria can be obtained at www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/scholarships

Small Schools are Great Schools and the sounds of laughter and happiness have brought our little school back to life after the long summer holidays - children settling in to old routines, getting used to being in a new grade, meeting teachers, greeting newcomers and marveling at their newly refurbished buildings.

2011 promises to be a year filled with great learning and many new and challenging experiences for both children and adults.

Preppies, Ruby, Matthew, Kane and Adam have had a flying start to the year. Having their 4yo kinder year here at the school has meant that these children are comfortable in their new learning environment and know the lay of the land, making their transition very smooth.

We welcome Catherine to Grade 2, Emerald to Grade 5 and Rhiannon to Grade 6 and we are sure they are going to love the school as much as we all do.

Congratulations to 2011 School Captains Shay and Erynn who have already started to fill this role so well.  Small schools avail kids of great opportunities and all of our older children are given leadership tasks at various times over the year.  Elections for SRC are coming up soon and will be hotly contested.

We welcome Barbara Alkemade to our staff.  The kids got to know Barb a little last year when she filled in for teachers on the odd day here and there.  She brings with her a wealth of experience, great ideas and amazing energy and we are all looking forward to working with her.  This year Barb will be in the Prep/1 class and will be doing lots of learning activities with Amy Campbell who is our highly valued Grade 2/3/4 teacher. The Prep-4 group of 21 children now share a very spacious and newly renovated classroom allowing the kids to benefit from two creative and enthusiastic teachers, and already there are many positive comments about the new set-up from both parents and children.

Brooke McDonald and our principal Ross Davis will share the teaching of the Grade 5/6 class.  Currently the senior class is operating out of the new multi-purpose learning centre while final renovations are being made to their regular classroom.  Already the Senior class is planning for camp in late March.

Our Principal and Teachers are supported by Anna, Paula, Tina, Alison and Annie who perform a variety of roles in the classrooms, office and in our new Propagating Unit which is up and will be running this term.

With lots of learning on the agenda and many new experiences to be had, Term 1 at Flowerdale Primary promises to be dynamic, challenging and exciting. If you haven’t experienced the newly renovated school and brand new Education and Early Learning Centre, please call in to Flowerdale Primary School where every day is open day.

Ross Davis

Kinglake Primary School has made a great start to the new year. Everyone has settled in really well, especially the new preps who love playing together outside and especially really love playing with their buddies from Grade 6. Last week the grade 6 students read a story to their prep buddies and had a great time. The preps loved listening to the story and then they enjoyed painting a picture together. The grade 6 students wrote special sentences under the pictures.  All of us are looking forward to our swimming program that starts very soon at Whittlesea Pool.

We would like to welcome back Mrs Mac to Grade 5/6 this year. We would also like to welcome and our new Prep/1 teacher, Ashleigh Withington. We are al looking forward to another great year at Kinglake Primary School.

All students are doing excellent work with the ‘Start Up’ Program, setting up class rules and goals for the year. We have been doing lots of tests too! (with still more to come!)

On Monday the 7th of February we had a service at our Bushfire Memorial Rotunda.  It brought back lots of memories and made us think of the loved ones who we lost.  Our balloons looked so beautiful in the sky as they flew away higher and higher.

Kids Club is up and running with lots of new kids arriving for an early start to the day. Kids Club runs in the morning and the afternoon. Chris, Di and Trish are very friendly and always welcome all of the students as well and have fun with them.

We have started our ‘KINGLAKE ACE’ program again this year and we are all working hard to demonstrate our school values of respect, responsibility, friendship, resilience, cooperation, organisation, achievement, and persistence. Good behaviour, good work and positive thinking is always encouraged.

By Adam and Tyler

Term 1 has begun smoothly and our students have settled in to the school routine in their new classes. Our Prep students are starting to find their way around the school and have already made great progress in becoming familiar with the school routines. They have met their Grade 6 ‘buddies’ and are participating in activities with them on a regular basis.

The beginning of our first full week at school was challenging for all of us. I would like to thank all of our students, staff, parents and friends for the sensitivity and care they showed towards each other and the kindness that was extended to those who needed it. We are very lucky to be part of such a supportive community.

Swimming starts next week at the Whittlesea Pool. This intensive program will run over three weeks. Classes will cater for beginners right up to competent swimmers. These lessons could be the start of ‘Olympic Gold’ for some of our students!!!

Our “Kinglake Ace” program will continue this year to promote and reinforce the positive values of our school. It is always impressive to observe the way in which the behaviour of our students demonstrates these values. We are all looking forward to making “Kinglake Ace” presentations at Gudjinna this year!

Finally I would like to thank our wonderful students for the enthusiasm and energy that have displayed returning to school. They are all working hard, striving to be the very best they can. I am excited about the year ahead and looking forward to sharing the journey with our school community!

2011 is going to be terrific!

Sue Egan

I would like to extend a very warm welcome back to school for everyone for 2011. I would like to particularly like to welcome our Year 7 students and all other students and their families who are new to Diamond Valley College this year.

It is exciting to see that our numbers are continuing to grow with an enrolment this year in excess of 750 students. In addition, we have a number of teachers who have jointed the staff this year. Welcome to Kris Berchtold (Health and Psychology), David Carnie (Maths and Science), Kristy Williams (Technology-Fibres), Cate Hambing (English), Selina Braine (Art, Info Tech), Claire Lee (Technology, Food, Health), Nola Pascoe (Maths, Science) and Caitlin Taylor (Instrumental Music-Brass). We also welcome Sandy cotela who is teaching LOTE while Rose Marasco is on leave for Term 1.

The year began on 1 February for the teachers with three days of professional development. The day began with a presentation for our Regional Network Leader, Mark Thompson, which focused on the school’s student achievement data, looking at where the school is performing very well and those areas where we are looking to continue to improve outcomes for students. Over the three days, teachers worked on some of DEECD’s initiatives in relation to student learning. I can assure you that they were busy and productive days.

On Friday 4 February, our Year 7 students began their year with our Start Up program. This program involves students participating in a range of enjoyable activities that focus on them becoming familiar with the school and getting to know their new classmates and teachers. The goal setting, organization and team building that are part of this program will set them up for a happy and confident transition to secondary school.

On Monday 7 February, our Year 12 students headed off for their three-day Study Camp at Anglesea. This camp has a strong focus on time management, goal setting, learning styles and preparation for the demands of their Year 12 studies. There was also some time for recreation during what was a highly successful experience for all.

Also on Monday 7 February, a whole school assembly was held to mark the second anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires. This assembly was led by our College Captains who spoke about hope and regeneration in looking to the future and also read from the student writing anthology, From Kinglake to Kabul. Our support for students and families touched by the wildfires will continue in 2011. Two Youth Workers, Ian Patching and Peter Sartori have returned for this year. The student wellbeing centre and reflection garden are being developed and should be ready by the end of Term 1. We recognize that those affected each have their own ways of dealing with what happened. We are aware that a wide range of support is needed and will endeavour to continue to provide that support to our community.

It is exciting that Allen and Unwin publishers have now published a version of the writing anthology edited by David Williams and Neil Grant. This is the first time a school in Victoria has had its students’ writing published in this way.

Over the holiday period work on the Community Bank Stadium continued. While this work was largely excavation and drainage works, the new extended car park was completed. The work is still on schedule for a completion around middle to late November this year.

Greg Williams

Well... we are in!

The 2011 school year began with great excitement and anticipation in our new school buildings. What a wonderful start to the year!  Thank you to everyone who helped to make sure that we would have such a smooth start to the year in our beautiful new school.  Welcome to our new and ‘old’ students and families.  We are looking forward to our Community School Barbecue on March 18th.  This is always a great night and will be a wonderful opportunity for families and staff to catch up, to ‘warm’ our new school and to have a good look around.

The grass is starting to grow while we enjoy the court areas, playground and sandpit. Our Art teacher Robyn and students are enjoying our fabulous new art room.  Catherine is busily working away setting up the new library and lessons commenced in the Music Room last week. Out of School Hours Care have a wonderful new  space as their base.  As we walk past in the mornings, the smell of toast wafts from the windows.  I’ll have to drop in for breakfast myself one morning!  The swimming program commences shortly and students are busy at work in our classrooms.  Term One is well underway! Some student writing follows...

Our new school

We have new playgrounds in the school.  My favourite one is the one with the monkey bars.  We have a new running track.  On Friday we went on the running track – it was fun! We have new books at the new school.  I read one on the weekend -it was interesting. We have a new classroom with a big electronic whiteboard.  Sometimes we get to play on it. When I go to school I feel excited!

By Mikaela (Gr 3)

Grade 5/6S Tasty Poems

Ice-cream

Melting cold,

Many flavours,

Round topped cones

So icy,

Silence,

Melting softness,

Brain freeze

I need more!

Like rain on a hot day...

By Zander

Fairy Floss

Pink,

Sticky sugar,

On a stick,

Melts in mouth

Smooth like clouds,

Silent,

Tingly and sugary

Lumps of floss,

Give me more,

It’s like Heaven!

By Layne

Cricket Camp

In January we attended an Australian Sports Cricket Camp at Trinity Grammar in Bulleen.  It was really fun.  We met Peter Siddle, Brad Hodge, Aaron Finch, Rodney Hogg and Darren Pattinson. We had to bat against a batting machine and we learnt to run between the wickets.  There were about 120 children from all over Victoria. Nick D received a scholarship to reattend and a signed cricket bat.  A big thanks to the ‘Number One Coach’ Hayden Joyce.  We’d also like to thank Gary Brown for sponsoring our attendance at the camp and making it possible for us to go.

By Nick S (Gr 6), Nick D (Gr 5), Ty D (Gr 3)

Further Information/ New Enrolments

Please come and meet us and find out about our school.  For further information or enrolment enquiries please contact Principal Janette Cook on 5786 1295. Check on our school website for photos and more news at www.mkps.vic.edu.au  Our new school address is 69 Extons Rd, Kinglake Central.

Karen Faulwetter

It has certainly been a great start to the year at Kinglake West Primary. It was great to see all of our families back and some really enthusiastic new families joining us for what will be an exciting new year. I would like to welcome Megan Fisher who will be teaching a grade 3/4 this year, Megan has already proven to be a dedicated teacher having spent many days at work in her classroom before school even started! In fact every teacher spent several days working in their classrooms and planning their work over the Christmas holidays, it seems that it was not only the children who started the school in an excited way.

Our new Prep class has settled in extremely well with the children seeming to really appreciate the new approach that we are using this year. Gaye Kimberley, the Prep teacher, is introducing the Kath Walker Developmental Curriculum to our school. Gaye helped to introduce this approach at her last school and has wanted to introduce it to us. In this approach the children spend the morning in discoveries involving lots of talk and hands on activities. The discoveries and the discussion then prompts further development and investigations throughout the rest of the day. We have had the Preps creating a jewellery shop and this has led to a meaningful introduction to money and creating signs. We also have a post office and post box for the children to post the letters that they are writing. It seems that it is a really good way to stimulate the children to learn.

The rest of the school is also buzzing with excitement with all of the teachers enjoying the challenge of taking on new grades with every teacher taking on a different grade level to one they have previously had. This big change has led to lots of discussions as teachers plan programs and activities for their new grades. We are also working on a different approach to literacy this year with all classes working on The Daily 5 and CAFE model. In this model the children work with the teacher on an individualised program focusing on their immediate needs and reading books that they select that are appropriate for them. Tis approach was trialled last year in 2 grades and the results were incredible, especially with the children doing over an hour of ‘real’ reading every day.

We were very lucky to receive a grant through the FRRR last year which is funding a music program this year. We have 2 musicians working with our grades working on composing songs to express themselves vocally and instrumentally. Kate is a professional drummer and I am sure that her drumming songs will be very popular with all of the children. Nina is a vocalist who will bring her composing skills to work with the children. Through the grant we have also been able to purchase drum kits, guitars, ukuleles, microphones and a PA system so our back portable will really start rocking when the small group and private lessons create our own new musicians.

The Christmas rain and an impressive watering system meant that our vegetable garden continued to grow really well over the break and it was great to see our Grade 1/2s enjoying a feast of potato wedges that they dug up out of the garden.

Our Memorial Garden was constructed over the holidays and though the plants are only new it has proven to be a very moving place to be. Our Feb 7 memorial service was held in the garden and the bubbling water feature and monolith rocks certainly created a powerful atmosphere as we remembered the loss and celebrated the hope that the anniversary brought. The garden has also proven popular during the normal school day with children taking the opportunity to spend some quiet time out there, some talking and some reading. I would like to thank the Salvation Army for making this garden possible.

Mark Portman

We are very happy to be back to our weekly playgroup rhythm and have welcomed two new families already.

Mary-Anne, our gorgeous playgroup leader, is most certainly the jewel in our crown.  Not only is she wonderful with our children, but she makes sure that we mothers are nurtured as well with 5 minute massages and her beautiful songs.

We have made lovely summer bunting to hang across our windows at home, whilst the children have played around us, both in the sandpit and inside especially in the home corner.

Our children’s ages range from 9 months to 4 and a half, and we have 3 pregnant mums!

We meet on a Monday morning from 10-12 midday, and always welcome new families (dads and grandparents too!)  You are welcome to come for a few sessions to see if it suits you.

Please ring Mary-Anne for a chat if interested on 9719 7314

The Stone House also runs a Rostered Playgroup / Kinder sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  To find out more, ring Mary-Anne.

Sue Maslin

Term 1 has begun and 2011 is off to a great start at Strathewen Primary.  We continue to settle into our new home, still unpacking the occasional box, however beginning the year with the big move behind us was a great feeling!  Our 7 preps have settled in very well and are enjoying a busy school day.  Involvement in our Thursday morning transition sessions throughout the year sees our incoming students more than ready to start full time and spend the day with their big friends.

Over the Christmas break, we managed to complete a few more grounds projects and finalise a timeline for the completion of others.  The tropical weather has seen our new gardens just take off, so we’ve had a bit of weeding to do.  Parents have been working with groups of students on setting up our vegetable gardens and we’re watching for our first crops to emerge.  The chicken coop, which was designed with the students as a replica of the old school house, is coming together and it looks like we’re nearing the end of our major earthwork.

Our whole school six week swimming program is under way.  We travel to Diamond Creek for weekly lessons.  Our completed sports court is getting plenty of use, providing a terrific active play space and students are really enjoying being able to make use of our new grounds.  The hillside slide is a huge success.  We have plans for the re-establishment of our orchard, the completion of our village-like ‘cubbyland’, the construction of our very special children’s garden area and our school/ community fitness track, the planting of some established trees, further installation of shade sail covers and plenty more!

This term we have begun work on our very exciting whole school theme of ‘Dinosaurs’. Students are already creating huge timber models, working on research projects and investigating the history of our planet.  Our terrific specialist programs are up and running, with Liz teaching Italian and Music.  All students are introduced to a wide range of instruments, with grade 3-6 all participating in our school ensemble, playing guitar, cello, violin, marimba and more.   This year Maree continues to teach whole school Art and Drama.  We have Michelle teaching Science and Lyn teaching Library skills and visiting us each week with the MARC van.  Our additional assistance program continues with Maree providing targeted intensive support in Reading and Maths as required for students throughout the school.  Film making and animation workshops with senior students have begun and we look towards creating a short film again this year.  With such terrific support from volunteering grandparents, parents and friends at our school, our programs are certainly enriched through the additional skills on offer!

This year we welcome Donna to her new role of Business Manager and Brett to his new role as our Chaplain.  They’re a great addition to our team.  In recent weeks we have sadly said goodbye to our much loved teacher assistant and great friend Valerie Tepper.  Val has been at SPS since 1994 and has decided the time was right to move on and investigate life beyond Strathewen.  We had a lovely school based send off and have our special night out planned in March.  We wish Val all the best in her future endeavours, we’ll certainly miss her here!

Pre-prep sessions operate at SPS each Thursday morning, with Maree Galvin now running the 9am-11am program each week.  Feel free to come along with pre-schoolers to be part of this great play based program or call in and see our terrific school in action.

Jane Hayward

WELCOME BACK TO 2011:

The school year of 2011has started quickly and we would like to welcome the 146 year 7 students that have started at Whittlesea. On Monday 7th February the school held an assembly in memory of those who were lost as a result of Black Saturday. The College captains, Brittany McCarthy and James Belvedere led the assembly and a minutes silence whilst the College House Captains presented the tributes on behalf of the students and staff.

STUDENT BUSH FIRE MEMORIAL ROTUNDA:

The idea of a Rotunda was the thought up by the leadership group of 2009. This is a student owned, planned and led project that started with donations of money from Inverell and Mildura High Schools. Members and families of the college community and members of the wider community are invited to join and participate in the project by purchasing a “Brick” for $100. People can buy one or more bricks, individually, as a family or on behalf of a business. All support will be acknowledged on the Rotunda and stand as a permanent record of the communities support.

The Rotunda will remain as a permanent tribute to those from the college community who perished in the Black Saturday fires.

For further information please contact Ian Findley (College Chaplain) 9719 1200

RETIREMENTS AT THE END OF 2010:

The end of 2010 saw the retirement of 4 very prominent teachers from Whittlesea Secondary College. With over 100 years teaching experience between them Ron Auchettl, Darryl Johnston, Steve Mentha and Richard Grant decided the time had come to put the chalk and marking pens away. These 4 gentlemen have been a great asset to the school and every student who has had the privileged of been taught by them has benefited from there teachings. Ron, Darryl, Steve and Richard will be greatly missed and we wish them every happiness in there retirement.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR QUEST:

On Tuesday 8th February, four Year 11 students from the college participated in the Lions Youth of the Year Quest at the Whittlesea Bowling Club. The students, Rhiannon Williams, Karina Patten, Matthew Patten and Brittany McCarthy each  presented excellent speeches and spoke on two surprise topics.  All four students spoke very impressively and winner Brittany McCarthy is now competing in the Zone final.

Lauren Quattrocchi, of the Lions club said “They were all just fantastic in both how they presented themselves in the private interviews on the Saturday afternoon and how they prepared for the speeches on the Tuesday evening”

Congratulations to Brittany and well done to all the other students who participated

SWIMMING TRIALS:

Friday 11th February, the college held their swimming trial at the Whittlesea swimming pool. Even though the skies were overcast, it didn’t dampen the spirit of the competitors. Congratulations to all the competitors who will be going onto the next round. The Sport and Recreation 2nd year students ran the Swimming Carnival as part of their assessment.

Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal

For many years the Kinglake Fire Brigade has travelled downtown on Good Friday to help with the Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Shaking tins at intersections and then taking the donations into Melbourne. Last year we stayed in Kinglake and rattled the tins with other volunteers and took the donations down. This year we will be staying in Kinglake and with the help of other volunteer organisations and businesses will be doing much more fundraising to make sure Kinglake makes a great contribution.

To ensure our town makes a good contribution, the brigade is meeting with other organisations and businesses who are interested in joining in the fundraising to organise events on Good Friday.  Keep watch in Mountain Monthly and around town for the events that will be planned as we get closer to the date. Any organisation, business or individuals that would like to be involved on the day can contact Steve Bell through the brigade on 5786 1400.

New Station

It has been quite awhile since the CFA and SES purchased the land for our new stations to go on and although it looks as though nothing is happening, I can assure everyone that things are progressing and we hope to see works to begin very soon. The tender for the building went out prior to Christmas and the builder will be announced very soon with works commencing not long after, hopefully for it to be finished in July.

New Members

The brigade is looking for new members. Everyone is welcome to join, not just those that wish to go out on fire trucks. The brigade has many different roles for people who wish to join. For those that wish to become firefighters, we will start a recruit course mid year for new members to be ready to turn out for the next fire season. If you would like to join please come down to the fire station and meet other members on Sunday morning from 9am or give the brigade a call on 5786 1400.

Brigade Elections

Kiinglake Fire Brigade will be holding elections at the Bi-Annual Meeting conducted in April. All positions in the brigade are for a two year term, at the meeting all positions of the brigade will be voted on by eligible members of the brigade to determine the office bearers for the next two years. The new officers then take over on 1 July 2011.

Craig Lawless
Captain
Kinglake Fire Brigade

On Sunday the 6th of February the Kinglake West Brigade members attended the official opening of the Garden of Reflection at the Kinglake West Mechanics Institute Reserve.  The KWMI Committee are to be congratulated on their dedication to this project.  Working with a group of Garden Design students from NMIT, they have created a tranquil place for locals and visitors to sit, reflect and enjoy some peaceful time whenever they feel the need.

On Monday the 7th of February, the second anniversary of Black Saturday, the brigade along with members of the Kinglake AFRT held a small service.  Chris Lloyd, a long-standing CFA volunteer and brigade member spoke and Lyn Gunter rang the memorial bell followed by a minutes silence in memory of all those that we lost on that tragic day.

The Kinglake West Brigade will be supporting the Dove family with their “Walk On” fun run on Sunday 6th March.  Some members will be participating in the fun run whilst others are opting to help run a sausage sizzle at the Middle Kinglake Primary School.    This is just one of the many occasions throughout the year that the Kinglake West brigade gets behind the community in offering their support.

Carolyn Fennell

On Sunday 20^th February 2011 nine members of the Kinglake unit of VICSES were honored for their bravery during the Black Saturday Bush Fires on Feb 7^th ’09 at the State Awards Ceremony held in The Centre Ivanhoe.

These members were Leanne Klammer, Andrew Derwent and Robyn Ross for making the decision to drive up through the fire on the Saturday evening to help try and rescue people and assist the CFA and the community, the vehicle they were in did suffer some damage due to the heat and flames. Desmond Deas and Michele Moore for using our only surviving SES vehicle to warn people of the impending threat and to try and rescue many of the trapped people in their vehicles after they had crashed fleeing the fire, while doing this the rear seat of their vehicle did in fact catch fire. Wayne Leech, Lance Crick and Shane Moir for going out onto the road and clearing burning trees and power poles so the other emergency services could get into Kinglake and Kinglake west, this was very dangerous work.  Lastly but by no means least, Ascher Derwent.  Ascher was the youngest Kinglake VICSES volunteer on the ground at the time and until Leanne, Andrew and Robyn turned up he was the only VICSES person in the Kinglake Township. Ascher was very brave, trying two or three times to rescue some dogs from a burning property; sadly he was unable to get them due to the heat and flames. Ascher was also very busy helping at the Kinglake CFA, where he was given the task of moving all the abandoned vehicles from outside the CFA shed to make room for the CFA tankers to spray water on the shed when they arrived. This was done during the heat of the fire storm and was essential as almost 120 people and countless animals were by this time taking refuge inside the shed.

While these awards were presented only for the brave and unselfish actions of these guys during the heat of the fires they did also carry out some amazing duties during the days that followed the fires and some even after knowing of the destruction of their own homes, loss of precious family pets and friends and neighbors . These guys all truly put their community before themselves and for that I think they deserve all the accolades that can be afforded them.

Other awards handed out during the ceremony were Long Service Awards. Leanne Klammer theKinglake unit Controller was awarded with the National Service Medal, for over 15 years of service to the nation as an VICSES volunteer. This was a proud day for all these volunteers but even prouder for all their families and close friends.

I think we are a very fortunate community to have so many and such dedicated local hero’s as we do with our local VICSES, CFA and CERT members. All of these groups are always looking for more members to become volunteers and help to assist the community, why not you?

Cases

Another busy month in February for the team with callouts to people experiencing abdominal pain, back pain, stroke, and a fall, all were transported to hospital via an Ambulance. Also with the unpredictable weather upon us remember to take it easy driving on the roads when wet and foggy, TURN YOUR LIGHTS ON!

AGM

We held our AGM on Wednesday the 9th Feb at the Kinglake West Tennis Club the majority of members were present as with the EMR Co-coordinator and his Assistant. The meeting concluded with the following elected positions being filled:

• President – Bart Wunderlich
• Team Leader – Cathy Considine
• Treasurer – Ian Dunell
• Secretary – Ray Hargrave
• Community Liaison/Equipment Officer – Vicky Dunell
• Training Officer – Louise Slater
• New Recruits Officer – Kellie Webb
• Roster Officer – Sue Maslin

New Recruits

We hopefully have a few prospective members wanting to join the team which is fantastic!! We need at least 4 people in order to hold a course ASAP. Please, if you know of someone who has a passion for helping people contact the number below and Cathy or Kelly will get back to you. Anyone living in the Kinglake Ranges and over the age of 18+ can apply you don’t need to have any medical experience. Come to one of our Wednesday training nights and make your mind up, you won’t regret it.

Remember in case of a Medical Emergency always call ‘000’

Cathy Considine
Cert Team Leader

The entire board of Victoria's largest rural water authority, Goulburn Murray Water, has resigned.

The Water Minister, Peter Walsh, wrote to the board earlier this week, demanding explanations about its financial management and recent senior staff departures.

The board had until today to respond, and all seven directors have now stood down, including the chairman Stephen Mills.

Mr Walsh says two interim directors will be appointed and they will work with the acting managing director, to oversee the organisation.

"It's very important that there's stability in the organisation for the good of both the staff and for the customers," he said. "We'll put two people in there who can help steady the ship and steer it until there is a new board there."

Source:  ABC

Kinglake Football Netball Club – VFL Comes to Kinglake

On Saturday 26 March the Kinglake Football Netball Club will host a VFL practice match between the Box Hill Hawks and Northern Bullants at the Kinglake Oval. The game will feature many AFL listed players from both Carlton and Hawthorn and will be a spectacular day of footy. The Lakers will play their final practice match in preparation for Season 2011 as a curtain raiser to the main event. Check out www.kinglakefc.vcfl.com.au for further details.

Training

Pre-season training continues on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6.15pm at the Memorial Oval (Corner Extons Rd and Main Rd, Kinglake Central).

We always welcome new players to join the Mighty Lakers so why not come up on training nights, join in and meet the players and coaches. Call Ian Carey (Football) on 0414 789 645 or Lauren McMahon (Netball) on 0438 363 446 for further information.

Practise Matches

• Sunday 6 March: “King of the Mountain” Cup v Panton Hill @ Kinglake
• 19th or 20th March: Kinglake v Heidelberg West (Date and venue TBA)
• Saturday 26 March: Kinglake v South Morang @ Kinglake
• 1st April: “Rick Wall” Trophy v Olinda (U/18s Friday night under lights @ Kinglake)

We urge all supporters to try to get along to the practise matches and support our players in their preparation for season 2011:

• 1st Game on Saturday 9th April v Thornton Eildon @ Kinglake.

Our first game will be followed by the first of five Major Functions for the year with a band at the clubrooms in the evening. Further information on the social calendar will follow in later editions.

JUNIORS

The Kinglake District has many young people in the junior age groups who are eager to play for the Mighty Lakers. During the early stages of 2011 the club is keen to work with the local schools in the area and provide an opportunity to harness this enthusiasm. The club has struggled in past years to find enough volunteers to support junior development with the region and will be aiming to focus on this in 2011. Anyone who is keen to support the Lakers push for a Junior Club in the coming years please contact Adam Wolfenden (0400 026 129) or Louise Slater (0458 991 180)

KFNC looks forward to hearing from anyone who can assist.

Sponsors

A huge thank you to all our sponsors for their ongoing and invaluable support. We welcome any interested people and businesses to come on board and support this great community asset. The Kinglake Football Netball Club realises the achievements it makes are only possible with our proud sponsors and members generous support. For further Sponsorship information please contact Michael Maloney on 0438 051 733.

Get Amongst It!

Andy

Firstly let me apologise to our readers for missing the deadline for the February issue of MM but time just got away from me and I submitted the report too late for the issue. Still - “hell is paved with good intentions”. This time I made sure of the time frame. We hope that you have all had a wonderful festive season just as my wife and I have after we have moved into our new home in Morris Court on December 11th, having rebuilt in a new area of Kinglake. Anyway on to the games -

Game Results 1st XI R.A. Finger Trophy

• Round 6 vs Healesville saw Healesville 6/ 179 defeat Kinglake 10/ 125. Keith Johnson was our best bowler with 2/ 32 while Andy Barber, Jason Gaffee and Kaine Smith all took 1 wicket each. Our batting was our downfall with only Brenton Styles (32), Darryl Johnson (24*), Andy Barber (20) and Jason Gaffee (12) making double figures.
• Round 7 was a bye
• Round 8 vs Silvan had Kinglake 5/ 273 from 40 overs defeat Silvan all out for 90. A magnificent 126 from 92 balls by Captain Brenton Styles set the tone with 27 from Benn Munn-Gibbs and a fine support roll from Kaine Smith of 73 n/o from 70 balls faced. Kaine’s last partner was Keith Johnson on 15 (n/o)The bowling honours were distributed evenly with Keith Johnson 2/13, Andy Barber 2/18, Sam Wright 2/22 and Dan Brown 1/8 all contributing to the win.
• Round 2 was a replay of a game washed out at the start of the season vs Yarra Junction was an exciting match with Kinglake triumphant with just 5 balls to spare. Kinglake 8/153 defeated Yarra Junction 10/149 giving victory to Kinglake by 2 wickets. Batting stars were James Morgan (69*) Andy Barber 21* and Brett Walker, Brenton Styles and Extras all scoring 14 runs each! Bowling credits went to Keith Johnson with 4/16 from 10 overs, Andy Barber 1/31, and Jason Gaffee 3/30 including the last batsman LBW from the first ball of the last over of the game.
• Round 9 vs Woori Yallock (10/ 150) was a loss by 26 runs recorded against Kinglake We batted first and only managed 9/ 124 (a.o) at the end of the day. The first three batsmen Ben Munn-Gibbs (38), Matthew Normington (17) and Jason Gaffee (32) all made starts but could not dominate the tight bowling from Woori Yallock. The balance of our lineup could only manage single figure contributions along with one duck and one absent player. Our bowlers tried hard with Keith Johnson 4/39 and Brenton Styles 3/13 having the best returns.
• Round 10 vs Gruyere District will be reduced to a 40 over game due to the rain on Feb 5th.

Game results 2nd XI E Grade (One Day Comp)

• Round 6b vs Powelltown saw Kinglake 7/ 162 dominate Powelltown 10/87 Batting for Kinglake were James Edwards (29), Daniel Brown (23) and Brad Quilliam (45*) helping the total along and when it came to our turn to bowl James Edwards 3/8, Ryan Anderson 2/9, Russell Wright 2/31, Dan Brown 1/13, James Gibbs 1/7, Shem Quilliam 1/8 all contributed to the win.
• Round 7a vs Hoddles Creek had Hoddles Creek 10/ 132 beaten by Kinglake 7/ 149 with a fine captain’s knock of 92 from Brett Walker aided by Russell Wright 14, Matt Normington 16* and David Marshall 12. Bowling kudos were distributed evenly with James Edwards 2/17 and Ryan Anderson 2/26 the most successful.
• Round 7b vs Yarra Junction Green was another success story for the 2nd XI with Kinglake 7/ 149 triumphant against Yarra Junction Green 10/119. Batting for Kinglake were David Marshall 31, Brad Quilliam 49*, and Extras 26. Bowling success was attained by Daniel Brown 4/32, Russell Wright 2/22 and Shem Quilliam 2/11
• Round 9a vs Wandin saw a tie. Kinglake 10/ 143 tied with Wandin 8/143 after John McKenry managed to bowl a maiden over for the last 6 balls of the game. Batsmen with the best figures for Kinglake were James Edwards 46, David Marshall 15, Aaron Westworth 22, Ryan Anderson 24 and Brett Walker 10. Bowling results were again shared between Ryan Anderson 3/48, John McKenry 2/31, Dan Brown 2/11 and Brad Quilliam 1/23.
• Round 9b vs Healesville/Toolangi at home saw Kinglake defeated by 7 wickets by a strong side from Healesville. Kinglake made 153 from their innings and Healesville 3/161 had a centurion in J. McGann 100(ret).Three of our bowlers in Brad, Dan and “little Jimmy” each took 1 wicket.

As a result of the consistent success of the 2nd XI they are currently on top of the E grade ladder, whilst the recent successful results for the 1st XI has advanced them to fourth spot for the R.A. Finger Trophy (B grade).

Sponsors

We welcome The Flying Tarts to our list of sponsors at this time along with the Bendigo Bank and the Keg Bloke. Without their continued support our club could not run as efficiently as it does.

New season commences

The 2011 season has now commenced for our four teams. Two Thursday Midweek Ladies, Wednesday Night Ladies and Thursday Night Mens. We wish all teams good luck for the season ahead. If there is anyone interested in joining a team, mens, ladies or junior, regardless of ability, please contact Craig at cseckold@parade.vic.edu.au to register your interest.

Club Open Day

Following the success of the 2010 Club Open Day, the doors will once again be open to the community for the Club Open Day on Sunday April 3 from 10:30am. Fun competitions for all ages, giveaways, prizedraws and a free BBQ. Keep the date free for a great social day.

Monday Night is Social Tennis Night

Monday night is social tennis night at the Kinglake West courts. bring your racquet, your 1980's tennis gear, and perhaps even a bottle of wine or meat for the BBQ to make an evening of it in a friendly and relaxed social environment. Commences at approx 7:00pm most Mondays, (weather dependant).

Membership Fees

2011 memberships are now due for all club members, old and new. Our club depends on this vital income stream to meet ongoing expenses.

Craig Seckold
President - Kinglake Ranges Tennis Club

The last month at KPC has been a quiet one without a rally held in January. It’s a usual thing for KPC not to have a rally in January, it gives families and the instructors some time to go out on holidays.

On the 20th of Febuary will be our first Rally of the year, hopefully the weather will hold up for us and it will be a good day for all.

We are all excited and looking forward to our March Rally this year which we will be at our yearly camp. We will be heading out to Wandin and having heaps of fun. There will be a big dinner and a bush dance which will be an opportunity to fundraise for the club.

If you are interested in competing there are plenty of opportunities to go out and compete whether you are part of the club or not. To compete at a pony club event the rider needs to have been to two rallies and graded on one horse. However, if you would like to compete in the open sections you don’t need to be a pony club member. To find out where the competitions are you can go to the Pony Club Victoria website at http://www.ponyclubvic.org.au/ and follow the links, the site will also tell you about the rules, the items you need etc.

In Victoria, Pony Club membership is open to people under 26 years of age, of any riding ability. We love welcoming new members and new families. There is a great friendly atmosphere to make new friends, meet more horsey people with the same interests, we help each other out, learning new skills and some of us are competing and just starting out competing. If you are interested in joining give us an email or a call. For numbers look up on the pony club website listed above for our club which will give you all the details you will need.

That’s all for now folks, TTFN

Ashleigh Valkenburg

Hello Everyone and welcome back to a new season of Auskick for 2011. The team is pumped and ready to go after the great season last year, so we wanted to let you all know the important dates for the beginning of the year.

Registration will be on Saturday morning 12th march at 10.00am at the Kinglake Football Ground, but can also be done via the website. We are still to be advised of the registration costs. Our first training day will be Saturday 19th March, last training day will be 13th August.

• March 19th Training begins
• March 26th
• April 2nd
• April 9th school holidays
• April 16th school holidays
• April 23rd school holidays
• April 30th
• May 7th
• May 14th
• May 21st
• May 28th
• June 4th
• June 11th Queen’s Bday
• June 18th
• June 25th
• July 2nd School Holidays
• July 9th School Holidays
• July 16th School Holidays
• July 23rd
• July 30th
• August 6th
• August 13th Final

NB Saturdays that fall either during before or after school/public holidays will not be training days.

So keep these dates in mind, dust off the footy boots, evict the spiders and make sure they still fit! Michael is threatening to go one better than the striped socks of last season- surely someone must have something to better those!

Hope to see lots of regulars and newcomers this season, plenty of room for helpers, so please come along and join in the fun, frivolity, learning and excellent BBQ!

Mary

The Kinglake Maternal & Child Health Centre will be relocating to the new Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre, located in Exton’s rd, Middle Kinglake. It is hoped that this will be done by 1 March 2011. The centre will operate as per usual on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week and the last Friday of the month.

Open sessions will no longer run on Tuesdays and will operate on an appointment basis only. It is hoped that this will reduce waiting times and confusion on hours. Please phone for an appointment on 5786 1337.

Childhood immunizations will carry on as per usual, please phone for an appointment and remember your blue/yellow book and Medicare card.

We are looking forward to the move into the new centre, but must sincerely thank the staff at the services centre for their support and care of both myself and the families over the last 2 years while of have been with them.

Keep well and safe

Jodie Savage

Maternal & child Health Nurse

SLEEPLESS IN KINGLAKE…

It’s official, there’s a sleeplessness epidemic here in Kinglake and surrounds! I’ve heard rumours of 3am Facebook chat rooms,  zombies walking the streets at all hours… sleep is a real an issue!

Sleep deprivation is a serious issue and long term problems can lead to difficulty concentrating, reduced reflexes, and grumpiness. All of which can broadly affect your quality of life, and may even reduce your life span!

Two years after Black Saturday, we are seeing en-masse, many issues that are usually seen in those who have experienced war or other extreme trauma, and sleep problems one of the most insidious.

Many factors can influence sleep such as caffeine, which should not be consumed after 3pm if you have trouble sleeping. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks and especially those full on energy drinks! It can take 4 hours or more to completely metabolise caffeine. Computer use is also deceiving for as we use our minds when we play games or surf the net, the electrical impulses are rapidly firing while our bodies remain relatively still. This can result in such an imbalance that we are like a wind up toy wound too tight, but with no physical outlet so as we lie down to sleep our minds literally buzz with seemingly uncontrollable thoughts that prevent a restful sleep. So turn off the computer at least 1 hr before bed and unwind with a good book (which uses the imagination and is a release for the mind) chat with family or some gentle Yoga like stretching to focus back on the body in readiness for sleep.

Try some sleepy tea’s which are readily available, many of which contain good relaxing herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower and similar herbs that really do assist in sleep. Other herbs that are beneficial include valerian or ziziphus, which is available in capsule form at most chemists and is very effective. Chinese Medicine sleep formulas contain usually 6 or more herbs that work synergistically to promote a restful sleep. There are a number of patterns involved with difficulty in sleeping, such as falling asleep easily but waking frequently, or waking around 3am and unable to fall back asleep, or just unable to fall asleep at all. These all require a slightly different approach and need to be assessed individually.

Breath observation is useful as well. Lie in bed, and just watch your breath. Don’t try to control it, just be the witness and watch as the breath goes in and out. Then gently, beginning at the fingers, go through the body parts, relaxing them one bit at a time until the whole body is fully relaxed and restful. Many people drift to sleep at this phase so don’t be surprised if you don’t get to you toes!! Relaxation CD’s can also be helpful.

Above all talk to a professional and don’t suffer in silence as insomnia can be treated.

Until next time

Stay well

Dr Angela Palmer. Chinese Medicine.

Federation Square was abuzz with excitement over the weekend of 5 and 6 February.  The KRVPAA initiative, Emergence – Art on the Move was officially launched on Friday 4 February in the Atrium, Federation Square.  Guests were invited to join over 60 emerging and professional artists from bushfire-affected communities throughout Victoria whose work dealt with the themes of the Black Saturday bushfires and the truth of the recovery process.  Works included visual art, sculptural work, video displays, photography jewellery and glass artworks. The exhibition ran in conjunction with the music and film components of ‘Emergence’ until Sunday 13 February.

On Saturday 5 February beginning at 10.30am an all-day musical event swung into high gear at Federation Square with a showcase production by the Salvation Army Youth & Music Project supported by the Sony Foundation.  This was followed by an evening concert with special guests Carter & Carter who delighted the huge audience with their upbeat music and lively repertoire.  Included in the festivities were bands, singers and talented youth from across the state who came to celebrate their journey of recovery in music and song, while at the same time, a presentation of photography, artworks, still and moving images flashed across the big screen.

On Sunday 6 February a ‘Volunteer Thank You’ honouring the work of Global Care, Salvation Army and Rotary was held at BMW Edge, Federation Square.  After an afternoon break to attend the VBRRA 2009 bushfire memorial service, an evening concert was held at BMW Edge. This featured the Kinglake Phoenix Choir, the Chocolate Lilies and the Triangle Steel Pan Band.  An outstanding performance by the youth project ‘reKindle’ brought the audience to their feet.  The ‘reKindle’ Project began a year and a day after Black Saturday when Year Seven and Eight students from the Little Yarra Steiner School in the Yarra Valley visited other fire-affected communities and then explored their personal responses to these stories through creative expression in the form of music, sculpture and poetry.  The result was a spectacular display of raw talent which thrilled the audience and demonstrated once again the power of art as a tool to aid the recovery process.

KRVPAA wishes to thank all those who volunteered their time and expertise to make this event possible.  In particular, Glenda Hare representing the Salvation Army Youth and Music Project who took on the enormous task of coordinating and directing the Sony Youth & Music Project and Right Angle Event Management who oversaw the 10 day event.  Also, the remaining members of the working group who worked tirelessly for many months to make this event possible:  KRVPAA representatives Michelle Bolmat, Artistic Director, Michelle Stewart, Visual Artists' Spokesperson, Brad Quilliam, Events Coordinator, Sarah Martin, Community Development Officer, Murrindindi Shire Council, Marilyn Gourley, Arts Recovery Project Officer, Regional Arts Victoria and Lloyd Godman, Environmental Artist.

We also thank our supporters and sponsors:  Regional Arts Victoria, Arts Victoria, the Arts Centre, Federation Square, the City of Melbourne, Murrindindi Shire Council, Greater City of Bendigo, the State Library, Global Care, Roda Graphics, Omni Graphics, Rotary, Salvation Army, the Sony Foundation Australia and Tyrell PR.

Michelle Bolmat KRVPAA

Visit www.emergence2011.com for more detailed information on this outstanding event.

Sunday March 20th the KRBN inconjunction with the Kinglake Ranges BEC will be hosting ‘A Healthy Approach to Life and Work’ brunch with Dr Sally Cockburn aka ‘Dr Feelgood’ at Kinglake West Hall. Sally who has worked in radio and television for over 20 years, is currently seen on Channel 7’s The Morning Show and can be heard each Sunday hosting her own talk-back program, ‘Talking Health’ on Melbourne’s 3AW Radio.  Please see add this edition of mm or to secure your place please call Robyn at the business centre on 5786 1485.  Bring your business card to distribute at this event and to enter the business card door prize.

The committee of management met for their first planning session for 2011 focussing on the way forward for the KRBN.  Working sub-groups were developed for tourism, agriculture and the health and wellbeing sectors to assist the committee with their many functions and we invite any interested members to become involved. We will continue with networking evenings, workshops, expos and buy local campaigns.  Committee meetings are held the 1st Monday of each month 10.00am at the Kinglake Ranges Business Centre.

Congratulations to Jacqui Morrow who was the lucky winner of the KRBN buy local campaign loyalty program, we hope you enjoy your weekend package and thank Carolyn from Abundance Health and Wellness, Murrindindi Shire Council and the Yea Peppercorn Hotel for their contributions. The voucher/referral system as organized by the Kinglake Ranges Business Network and sponsored by the Salvation Army continues to be well utilised by businesses and clients.  This system enables health professionals to refer clients to one another who they believe would benefit from a complementary treatment such as Acupuncture, massage etc. to local professionals.

We still have limited space available for advertising on the Kinglake Ranges trades board for $60.00 for members and $90.00 for non members for a twelve month period. If you are wishing to take up this advertising opportunity please contact Robyn at the Business Centre.

The Kinglake Ranges Business Centre continues to house a number of local businesses and is also home to the newly developed Kinglake Ranges Business Enterprise Centre.  A wide range of information is readily available to assist business within our community.  We currently have one office available for rent for only $75.00 per week., for further information contact Robyn on 5786 1976.

Updated information from the KRBN Committee can be found on our website www.krbn,com.au or become friends with us on facebook.

Brad Quilliam
Kinglake Ranges Business Network

Here we are March already and preparing for our third market of the year, following on from the previous 2 very busy markets with well over 1000 patrons attending at each.  January market welcomed new stallholder ‘More Soap Vicar’ who have a wonderful assortment of handmade soaps in the shape of muffins and cupcakes looking good enough to eat.  A definite must see at the March Market.

Assisting us on the gate for March are the Kinglake Scouts, a very busy group of our local youth. Please show them your support. A reminder for those community groups looking for a fundraising opportunity that all monies raised via the gold coin entry fee are for the community group that is assisting the market on the day.  To date we are pleased to announce that in excess of $15,000 has been raised. To find out more about this fundraising opportunity please contact Robyn on 5786 1976.

This months feature stall holder is Lyn Cunningham from Wild Crust Bakery in Glenburn.  Lyn and husband Phil, local wine maker of Philip Lobley Wines, have been residents of Glenburn for nearly 20 years, where they raised their two daughters.  Set amongst the grape vines on her scenic Glenburn property Lyn established Wild Crust Bakery in 2005 where she produces 100% sourdough loaves in her wood fired oven, a product totally unique to the area.

Following popular demand for her delicious bread Lyn is now offering sourdough bread making workshops.  For further details contact Lyn direct on 5797 8433.  Be sure to visit Wild Crust Bakery for the freshest sourdough bread at the next market.

For further information or stall holder enquiries please contact Fred Swainston on 0419 598 732 or check out our website  www.kinglakemarket.com.au or our facebook page for the latest market updates.

Next market  March 27th 2011

Robyn Tymms

BEC Kinglake Ranges

Please find below a calender of workshops currently on offer from the Kinglake Ranges Business Enterprise Centre.  For further information or to secure a booking to any of the following please contact:

Tony Phillips
Kinglake Ranges BEC
5786 1807 or
0468 971 428

Workshop and Seminar Series February - June 2011

I am very excited to announce that the Kinglake Ranges Childrens Centre opened on Tuesday 1st February.  It has been a great project to have been involved in and  now after more than 18 months of planning and development we have a state of the art Childrens centre right here in Kinglake Central.

Thanks largely to the generous donations from individuals, companies and corporations we have a fantastic centre with brand new facilities for the children of the Kinglake Ranges.

Already we have several professionals utilising our consulting rooms to offer their services to the families of the Kinglake ranges. We welcome Jodie Savage - Maternal Health Nurse and Fiona Brown – Speech Therapist to our new centre.  It’s exciting to see such a dynamic service that provides families with many services under the one roof.  Many more professionals will be joining us over the next few months to offer much needed professional services to families in the Ranges.

The centre operates from 7:00am to 6:00pm daily and offers a fully integrated childcare and kindergarten program.  Children are able to access both sessional kindergarten and long day care under the one roof.  We are also offering before and after care for all children attending sessional kindergarten to assist families who are unable to meet the times for the program as well as occasional care for those families that may only need the service for a short time.

The Kindergarten term has commenced for both the 3 year old and 4 year old groups.  We are pleased to announce that we have been approved to provide 15 hours of funded Kindergarten to all children eligible for 4 year old kindergarten.

The children love their new centre, we have been very fortunate to have had Mary Jevons design a wonderful outdoor space especially designed to engage children to explore their outdoor environment. We also have had many local artists contribute to the art design of the outdoor space.

We will be hosting a carnival day for our official opening of the centre on Sunday 20th of March. 11-2pm.

Everyone is welcome to come and tour the centre and there will be a jumping castle, games, fairy floss, face painting, roving entertainers and much much more.  Bring the children and have lots of fun.

This service is available for all families in the Kinglake Ranges. Even if you just want a break from the kids for a day or so to go shopping, get some work done around the house or just have some “you time”, occasional care services are available for you and your kids will have great fun in our fantastic new facilities.

Regards Natalie – Centre Director

Wominjeka  is now back in full swing and we have many new projects on the boil. We are pleased to introduce 2 new workers to the mountain Ian Patching and Ben Tasker and we are very excited to have them on board...Feel free to drop in and say hello. We are calling for volunteers interested in helping us run specific programmes for our kids. Volunteer training will be provided. Keep an eye out for our Volunteer recruitment day.

Our youth group has been busy over the holidays presenting the “Three for Free” summer movie festival. This event was embraced by our community and we had 400 + people attend over the 3 events. We would like to thank our kids who worked hard providing food and pre-movie entertainment- dancing, games, cricket match. You kids never cease to amaze us and a special thank you to the Kinglake SES whose support was invaluable, the Kinglake CERT team whose presence was fantastic. We attended the opening of the Kinglake West Memorial Garden serving the afternoon tea, again many thanks to our kids. On Saturday 12th February we had the pleasure of running in collaboration with Epping Bikes, a Scooter and Bike competition at Bollygum. Epping Bikes provided a pro team for demos and amazing prizes for the winners. The winning bike rider gave his $550 Mongoose bike prize to one of our local kids. It was an amazing day.

Wominjeka Youth Group will be launching a new programme shortly and we are excited. The ROCK-ed  (Resilience ,Optimism, Confidence for Kids). We will be coming to schools in the area to present the programme format. A resilience programme for parents will also be running.

In closing we would like to invite you to join us at 3 Glenburn Rd – for a chat , join a programme, volunteer or just drop in to see your friends.

Look forward to seeing you there

The team at Wominjeka.

Cub News

All the Cubs and Leaders would like to say goodbye and good Scouting to Tristan Virtue and Mia Slater. The two Cubs have recently completed their Link badge and have now advanced to the Scout section.

Scout News

The Scouts have been preparing for the annual District Raft Race. They built two rafts for the big day and have been practicing on the Stony Creek dam at Kinglake West. Thank you to Robyn and the Kings Road Body Corporate for allowing us access to the dam.

Coming up the Scouts have the Region Scout Camp on 12th-14th March at Mafeking Scout Camp and a fishing evening on the Yea River.

Venturer News

We would like to welcome Andrew Tinker to our Venturer Unit, I’m sure you’ll have a great time in Scouting. Coming up the Venturers are going hiking at the Cathedral Ranges and are preparing for our paintballing trip to SA in May.

Thinking of Joining?

If you are interested in joining as a Cub, Scout or Venturer, or you are an adult looking for a rewarding outlet as a leader or an assistant please contact:

Group Leader Ray Bartlam. Phone: 5786 1529 or by e-mail chriscobern68@hotmail.com

If would like to find out more about Scouting visit www.vicscouts.asn.au

Young people across the shire are involved in the planning and organising a major youth festival - Dindi Fest – to be staged in Yea.

Murrindindi Shire Council in partnership with Berry Street and Kildonan Uniting Care, are supporting young people in organising the festival.

Three working committees have been set up across the shire in Alexandra, Yea and Kinglake with each committee responsible for the various roles in the co-ordination and delivery of the event to be staged in Yea on Saturday 2 April.

Council’s Community and Customer Service spokesman Cr Cris Ruhr said participants were gaining a range of event management and leadership skills as well as building their confidence.

The committees have explored various carnival rides, food stalls, and skateboard services that will form the backbone of events on the day.

“They are also involved with the creation of the banner, flyers and signs, with the guidance from two artists from Melbourne,” Cr Ruhr said.

Dindi Fest is a free event for all and will be held at the Yea Railway Park commencing noon through to 8pm.

It will coincide with National Youth Week there will be great local bands, genres covered will be hip hop, techno and pop and bands such as Oh Mercy, Kuan Yin Society and Stonefield will be performing on the day.

Speaking on behalf of the Dindi Fest Rani Pentecost, Council’s Youth Participation and Development Officer said: “This great festival will be bringing fun rides and food stalls to cater for all age groups and on the day there will be a skate / scooter/ bike comp with great prizes to give away so bring your own scooter, skateboard and bike.”

So come along for a fun filled day with your family to enjoy the local talent, the great art workshops and fun rides.  A free bus service will be running from the townships of Marysville to Alexandra then to Yea, Seymour to Yea and Whittlesea via Kinglake, Kinglake West through to Yea.

For more information regarding the transport log onto www.youthmurrindindi.com.

If you would like to get involved with the Kinglake or Yea committee, or for further information regarding the event contact council on 5772 0713.

How exciting it is to see more local community groups making a presence at the Community Market every second Sunday of the month.  For the past couple of months Kinglake Landcare has set up a stall, giving people and opportunity to catch up on what we are up to, get some brochures and info on everything from nest boxes to courses, and to discuss some of the problems they may be having with land management and weeds.  We have also been selling indigenous plants from locally collected seed sources.  Being very conscious of the negative perception many people have of native flora these days we have focused on small and ‘pretty ‘ plants such as ground covers, wildflowers and other small plants that are good in the home garden.  These plants have a relatively low fire hazard risk than others but are still very useful at attracting birds, butterflies and other pollinators back into our local environment.

Habitat Conservation Management Course (HCMC)

Landcare announces the HCMC course with Greening Australia will now commence after Easter on Wednesday 4th May.  See promotional flyer for this on page??? of this month’s Mountain Monthly.  Thanks again to the generous support of GROCON and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority who have made this possible through the Recycling for Recovery program.

Clean Up Australia Day

Clean Up Australia Day will be held on Sunday 6th March at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve and surrounds.  Bring a hat and water bottle, gloves and BBQ lunch provided.  To register go to http://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/join/ and type ‘Kinglake’ in the location search.  For further info contact Chris Cobern on 5736 0104.

Weed Info Series

Following the great success of the Weed Identification tours held on 15th & 21st January a further tour is planned for Saturday the 16th April at the Kinglake RAC building.  If you missed the last sessions, try and come along.  This was well attended and had excellent presenters with extensive local botanical knowledge.  A perfect opportunity to pick up some hints and tips on any curious flora that may be growing on your block.

Coming up…

Sunday 6th March – clean Up Australia Day (see above)

Next Meeting, Monday 21st March at Kinglake Memorial Reserve, meeting in Scout Hall, upstairs of Footy Clubrooms – 7-30 PM (note that this is a week later than normal due to public holiday).

Tim Connell (President)
0408 599 485

The second anniversary of the February 2009 bushfires has passed, and the recovery program at Kinglake National Park continues with some exciting redevelopments on the horizon.

It has taken time to assess the options for redeveloping the park, which has involved extensive community consultation as part of the planning process for the Kinglake National Park Master Plan.

It may seem as though little is happening at Masons Falls and Jehosaphat Gully, but we can assure you that’s not the case.  Behind the scenes insurance assessments, geotechnical investigations, site surveys, tree risk works, repair works to water supplies, plans and designs have been completed for both iconic Kinglake areas.  A cultural heritage management plan is also currently being completed for the park.

The recent flooding has also had a severe impact on the landscape.  These issues have required extensive assessments and planning for redevelopment as some facilities cannot be replaced as they were.  As an example, a previously small gully on the Masons Falls Walk has been heavily eroded due to flooding events, and will now require a 10 metre bridge in place of the original 5 metre bridge to cross the gully.  The new bridge requires sizeable footings into the now exposed bedrock, and considering the remote location of this bridge, the rebuilding process will be difficult.

The next stage for Masons Falls and Jeosaphat Gully will be to commence rebuilding visitor facilities such as picnic tables, toilets, paths, shelters, BBQs, car parking areas and viewing platforms along with making the areas safe for visitors.  These works are due to be completed by the end of 2011.

Mount Sugarloaf, Wombelano Falls, Frank Thomson Reserve, The Gums Camping Area and Island Creek picnic area are all open to visitors.

Parks Victoria staff have also been working on a number of other projects including the Watsons Creek Biolink project, which has seen thousands of seedlings planted at the site, involving hundreds of volunteers.  The plants are flourishing after all the rain with a report of an 85% success rate which is a fantastic result for the project.  The second phase of planting will commence in coming months.

Pest plant and pest animal control programs have also been an important part of the fire recovery program.  Weed identification tours for local land holders were held last month with more being planed for April due to popular demand.

Although the rain has been a welcome sight and has helped the regeneration of flora and fauna it has caused delays in reconstruction works throughout the park.  The extensive road work program has been completed after months of delays due to wet weather conditions.

Local Parks Victoria staff will be attending the Kinglake Farmers Market on 27 March to provide up-to-date information on the park and the progression of the recovery works.  Please come along and drop in for a chat. Staff are keen to allay any community concern about the time taken to open key visitor sites and also to explain the huge amount of work that has gone on to date so that the community can better understand why the sites are not yet open.

Pictures of the regeneration of Kinglake National Parks can be viewed online at http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/kinglake_regeneration.cfm

Bookings for “Is that a weed” guided tour for Kinglake on 15 April 2011 can be made by contacting the Kinglake office on 13 1963.

Volunteer group fills the breach

While floods in Queensland and northern Victoria and cyclone Yasi in north Queensland are fresh in our minds, we should not lose sight of the fact that it was only two years ago that Australia’s worst bush fires – Black Saturday – unleashed its fury in much of Victoria.

In those fires of February 7, 2009, 173 lives were lost and more than 2000 homes were destroyed. And the shire of Murrindindi, only one hour from Melbourne, bore the brunt of most of those losses. Nearly half of Murrindindi was burnt including whole townships of Kinglake and Marysville.

And while tree stumps were still smouldering, the executive committee of a volunteer organisation more associated with planting trees, was meeting to discuss how it could help the many in need.

The organisation is the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network (UGLN) and its committee met at the home of UGLN President Terry Hubbard in fire-affected Strath Creek on Wednesday, 18 February, 2009, to work out how best to help the ravaged communities including Buxton, Marysville, Taggerty, Glenburn, Kinglake and Flowerdale.

Based in Yea, the UGLN is a collective of 14 landcare and land management groups, each of 30 to 70 members, and uses its expertise to assist those groups in their endeavours.  Most UGLN member groups are in the Murrindindi shire area, but also include two from the shire of Mansfield.

With limited government funding, the UGLN swung into action in March, 2009 and diverted its two paid coordinators to full scale fire recovery.

UGLN was already part of the affected community; it understood the problems and knew that bureaucracies could be very slow to respond due to ingrained processes requiring senior level approvals. UGLN knew action was required immediately and that affected people would benefit from knowing they would be helped by their community as well as their government.

Landcare was also experienced at coordinating volunteers and UGLN knew there would be many keen to help.

Since the fires, UGLN has been instrumental in removing 90 kilometres of burnt fencing and rebuilding 150 kilometres. It has also planted 17,000 trees and shrubs, distributed more than 15,000 plants to landholders, removed weeds from more than 68 hectares of ravaged land, and organised close to 150 nesting boxes for the various birds and small mammals that used to rely on hollow logs.

To achieve this, more than 2800 volunteers have been welcomed, equipped with protective clothing when necessary, instructed in safe and effective use of tools and looked after with food and refreshments.

Financially, UGLN has been supported by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority and through the Federal Government’s Caring for our Country program. More recently, UGLN has also been assisted by Grocon, which was appointed by the State Government shortly after the fires to help clean up the thousands of affected properties. Grocon set up a fund where monies from the collection of scrap metal was deposited and some of that funding has been made available to UGLN.

UGLN is not sitting back on its laurels. Twelve months ago, it appointed a full-time fire recovery coordinator and intends to continue with its morale-boosting works as long as funds continue.

With much work yet to be done, volunteers are still needed. If you can assist, please contact UGLN fire recovery coordinator Chris Cobern on 0413 855490.

1880s Tourists to Kinglake

Browsing through old copies of the ‘Evelyn Observer’ recently, I was surprised to find that, even as early as the 1880s, Kinglake was becoming a tourist destination for travellers from the southern lowlands who might be seeking some mountain scenery or something more of a challenge.

On 23 March 1883, an article about a visit to Kinglake stated as follows: “Visiting a friend’s house in Kinglake recently and talking about ‘rural sights and scenes’, my friend mentioned that about half a mile distant from his place there was a valley going under the name of “The Valley of Jehosophat”, and remarked that he had heard people who had visited say that it surpassed even the far-famed Fern-tree Gully for scenery and that perhaps the reason why the valley was comparatively unknown was that it was not accessible by conveyance.

“My friend proposed a visit so we set off, accompanied by two ladies, my friend with his lady companion acting as guide, and the other young lady and myself bringing up the rear.  After a short walk, we began to descend into the valley and stopped for a moment to gaze on the scene below us.  The towering mountain ash, umbrella-shaped ferns and mountain musk were showing to the best advantage and, raising our eyes and looking south-eastwards, we had a good view of Yarra Flats and Castella’s vineyards forming no mean picture.

“When near the bottom of the descent, I inadvertently trod on a piece of slippery rock and quickly measured my full length, thrown in less time than it takes me to write this, I can assure you; unfortunately, my lady companion was forced to follow my example.  We rose to find our friends having a hearty laugh at our expense so we, finding that no damage was done, joined in.

“When we reached the bottom and had taken a drink of the clear crystal water, we declared that it was worth our trouble to visit the Valley of Jehosophat and that it was worth anyone’s while to pay it a visit to gaze upon such beautiful scenery of fern trees, hazel and moss and to experience the contrast between the hot glaring sun and the sound of the waterfalls and the delicious cool shade at the base of the valley, the trees and the ferns forming a canopy, screening out the sun and making one think that he was in a different world altogether.

“After a short stay, we returned homeward, I, at least, thinking that, if Fern-tree Gully could show better scenery, it must be picturesque indeed.”

On 5 October 1883, a report in the newspaper described a trip of a different kind to Kinglake: “On Sunday last, Messrs. W.S. Hazelton and Alf Joy of Melbourne Bicycle Club took a run from Melbourne to Kinglake.  This, we believe, is the pioneer bicycle trip to the Mount.

“The following are the places called at and the time: Left Melbourne at 6.50am, arrived at Heidelberg 7.20; Left Heidelberg 8.20, arrived Research Gully 9.53; Left Research Gully 9.48, arrived Queenstown 11.15.  Thus doing the journey from Melbourne to Queenstown, a distance of 27 miles, in 3 hours 38 minutes riding time.

“At 12.10pm, they made a start for Kinglake, arriving there at 2.15pm and at Mr E.N. Staff’s residence at 2.20, stopping there for 30 minutes.  They then left Kinglake at 3.30 and arrived at Queenstown at 4.45.  After a short stay, they made a start for Melbourne.”

Food for thought from these accounts include the fact that “The Valley of Jehosophat” was named before 1883 (there have been some queries about that recently and about the reason for the choice of name) and the adventurous spirit of Messrs. Hazelton and Joy to tackle a cycling trip to the Mount on the bicycles of the day.  Perhaps we could suggest a re-enactment to the current Melbourne Bicycle Club?

Deidre Hawkins
Kinglake Historical Society

POSITION VACANT

KINGLAKE RANGES NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE COORDINATOR - 12 MONTH MATERNITY LEAVE TEMPORARY POSITION

Start Date: April 25, 2011

We are seeking a friendly, reliable and self-motivated individual who enjoys a challenging environment for the position of KRNH Coordinator. Duties include needs assessment, development of innovative programs and liaison with the local community, funding bodies and other agencies. A post secondary qualification is desirable but not essential.

Please contact KRNH on 57861301 or email krnh@kinglakeranges.com.au for a copy of the Position Description

Applications Close March 16, 2011

My Time groups are a peer support for parents and carers of children with a disability or chronic medical condition. Siblings are also welcome to attend. ‘My Time is unique because it is focused on the carer. It gives them time to look after their own needs, build confidence and form friendships.’ My Time provides opportunities for families to get together and explore their local communities. This enables families to learn to build connections outside of the group time, broadening their knowledge and enriching their lives.

My Time Kinglake is hosted by Lower Hume Parent Support Group and will run fortnightly during school terms on a Friday from Kinglake District Service Centre – Whittlesea / Kinglake Road, Kinglake catering for both parents and children at no charge to the parents. The program is run by a My Time facilitator. This program is supported by the Parenting Research Centre and Down Syndrome Victoria.

My Time Seymour is also hosted by Lower Hume Parent Support Group and runs fortnightly during school terms on a Wednesday from VRI Building, Cutting Edge Uniting Care, 2 Railway Place Seymour.

Wish to enquire? Call Debbie Britton, Lower Hume Parent Support Group Community Development Officer, Administrator and My Time Facilitator Seymour and Kinglake My Time Programs on (03)57921122.

Due to the overwhelming support of the Aussie Day Flood Relief Concert

In conjunction with Aus 57 and Kinglake Ranges Radio 94.5 fm

Kinglake Pub is proud to announce

A flood relief concert for our friends who were flood affected in Victoria

• When   13th March
• Where  On the grounds of the Kinglake Pub
• Time     2pm - 10pm

Feat Beccy Cole, Carter & Carter, White Goat, A & J, Doug Bruce & The Tailgaters

So come along on the long weekend in March and support this great cause.  Our aim to reach $100,000 for the Kinglake community flood relief fund

The Management and staff of the Kinglake Ranges Childrens Centre would like to invite all families in the region to celebrate the opening of our fantastic new Childrens centre with a little kids big day out!

March 20 11:00-2:00

Kinglake Childrens Centre – 69 Extons Rd, next to the new Middle Kinglake PS

Heaps of FREE kids activities

• Face Painting
• Jumping Castle
• Parachute Games
• Craft Making
• Magic Show
• BBQ and Food Stalls
• Live Bands
• Roving Entertainers
• Prizes and give aways for pre school kids
• LOADS AND LOADS OF FUN

Come and see our fantastic new centre and awesome outdoor play area.  Help us thank all the people and businesses that helped us build this great new centre.

If you are interested in childcare, occasional care or kindergarten for your child contact the centre to make a booking.   Telephone Selina or Natalie on 5786 1352

We hope to see you on March 20

I am writing to introduce myself as the Federal Member of Indi, and to give you details of my first listening tour in the Murrindindi Shire with Member for Seymour, Cindy McLeiash.  We will be travelling through the communities of Eildon, Alexandra, Taggerty, Buxton, Marysville, Yarck, Molesworth, Yea, Kinglake and Kinglake West and will be please to meet with you.  Please contact Amanda in my office on 03 5721 5377 to arrange a time.

In addition I will be having community listening posts at the following locations:

Wednesday 9th March
9.00am - 10am Eildon - in the main street quadrangle
12.30pm - 1.30pm Alexandra - outside Reddrops Foodworks Supermarket

Thursday 10th March
1.00pm - 2.00pm Yea - outside Visitor Information Centre, Marmalades Cafe & Produce

Friday 11th March
9.00am - 10.00am Kinglake - outside the Kinglake Ranges Rebuilding Advisory Centre
12.00pm - 1.00pm Kinglake West - outside Flying Tarts Bakery

There is no better way of listening to the individual needs and aspirations of the residents of the Shire, than by meeting with you in person.  Come along and let me know about the issues that concern you and how I can help.

Sophie Mirabella MP
Federal Member for Indi

Works have started to restore a number of walking paths that were damaged through major rain events across the shire in the last 12 months.

Mayor Peter Beales said the $2.2 million restoration works program would primarily focus on walking trails in Kinglake, Glenburn - Kinglake, and Flowerdale – Hazeldene.

“It is pleasing to be able to devote the time to repairing the walking trails. There has been significant rain and storm damage across the shire and our priority has been directed to roads and paths where provision of safe access to properties was required.  We can now get on with the job of path restoration and providing that link to promote exercise and to encourage people to take a different approach to getting from a to b in their cars,” Cr Beales said.

Funding for the restoration has come through the Natural Disaster Fund and Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

The schedule of works includes:

• Kinglake – Glenburn Road – Length 4.2 kms – Kinglake Central shops to George Street water tanks 2.4 m wide asphalt
• Timing: Works have commenced

• Kinglake – Heidelberg Road – Length 560 meters – Kinglake Central roundabout to Whitley Avenue. Restored back to 20mm pathway 2.1 meters wide.
• Timing: Works to commence 4 April.

• Kinglake West – Length 8.7 kms – Asphalt restoration 2.1 meters wide.
• Timing: Works to commence 21 March.

• Flowerdale –Hazeldene – Length 7.6 kms Silver Creek Road to Flowerdale Primary School Boundary (Kenny Road Exit). Asphalt restoration 2.1 meters wide.
• Timing: Works to commence 7 March.

Cr Beales said the works were subject to weather conditions. The initial phases of some of the works would include safety inspections and clearing.

As a result of the Australian Electoral Commission's decision gazetted 24 December 2010, the Shire of Murrindindi is to be rezoned into the federal electorate of Indi.

This means that at the next federal election you will be voting in the electorate of Indi not McEwen.

At present the Federal Member for Indo is:

• Sophie Mirabella MP (Shadow Minister for Innovation, Industry & Science)
• 117 Murphy Street, Wangaratta VIC 3677
• Ph:  03 5721 5377
• Fax:  03 5721 8196
• Toll Free:  1300 131 791
• Email:  sophiemirabella.mp@aph.gov.au
• WWW:  www.sophiemirabella.com.au

Editors Note:  The Australian Electoral Commission received 129 initial objections and after the draft plan was released a further 258 objections but chose to make the electoral change anyway.  For a full listing of the obejctions and the chance to read them, many of whcih are very good, CLICK HERE

Kinglake Ranges residents have long called for a strategic planning framework to inform the development of sustainable local communities.

The absence of strategic planning was identified as the main underpinning contributor to poor services, unsustainable land and water use, and township and economic stagnation at the Outer Suburban Interface Services and Development Hearings held in Kinglake in 2005, and again in 2008.

Strategic planning was one of the three top issues voted on by citizens at the Kinglake Ranges CBI Community Opportunities Workshops held in 2007.

Strategic planning was identified as an essential prerequisite for sustainable development at the Remake Kingake Day held in August 2009.

In 2010 Kinglake Ranges Community Recovery Committee advocacy for a strategic planning framework for our region to inform post-bushfire rebuilding and redevelopment secured a $500,000 grant from the state government.

Strategic Planning Consultants AECOM were successful in winning the tender to undertake this work.

AECOM have now delivered their Draft Plan and Design Framework for the future of the Kinglake Ranges, Flowerdale and Toolangi communities.

The Draft Plan was endorsed for public consultation by the Murrindindi Shire Council, and has now been released for public comment.

The draft plan proposes seven directions which follow from the communities' vision and values:

1. Maintain Tranquil Lifestyles
2. Foster a Viable Local Economy
3. Protect and Enhance the Environment
4. Create Attractive, Distinctive, Vibrant Towns
5. Support the Wellbeing of Local Communities
6. Support Community Resilience, Safety and Adaptability
7. Improve Community Connectivity

Hard copies of the Draft Plan can be arranged by calling the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.

The plan is available on-line at www.kftplan.com.au

Kinglake Ranges Community Recovery Committee has organised a Public information Night on the KFT Strategic Plan to be held on Wednesday 16 March from 7:00pm at the Kinglake West Hall (see accompanying ad).

Please come along and have your say on the proposed future directions.

Citizens have until Friday 8 April 2011 to make formal comment on the Draft Plan and Design framework that will guide future sustainable land use and development, infrastructure and services provision, economic development, community safety and the character and identity of local communities and our region.

Written comments can be submitted by emailing kft@dpc.vic.gov.au

Temporary village units available for purchase by people who lost their home in the 2009 bushfires

A limited number of units can be made available for purchase by people who lost their home in the 2009 bushfires and who have no other rebuilding options.

Over 200 households have lived at the temporary villages since they were established. There are already vacant units at all four of the temporary villages.

DHS has started to remove vacant units from the villages, and has plans to remove additional vacant units from Flowerdale, Whittlesea and Kinglake during February 2011. As current residents move into their new homes, there is a plan in place to systematically remove all vacant units from the four villages during 2011.

As the owner of the units, the DHS Director of Housing has a policy of returning them to the department's Movable Units program, where they can be used to house other families in need. A limited number of units can be made available for purchase by people who lost their home in the 2009 bushfires and who have no other rebuilding options.

If you are interested in purchasing one of these units, please contact David Batten, Acting Manager Bushfire Housing Services on 03 9096 9741 or email david.batten@dhs.vic.gov.au

Units sold in this way will be subject to individual valuation to determine a price. The costs of removal and re-establishment will be borne by the purchaser. All land preparation, and planning and building permits will also be the responsibility of the purchaser, as for any other building project.

The Rebuilding Advisory Service is available to assist purchasers to obtain permits and quotations for removal and re-establishment.

Units will not be available for private sale to households that were not bushfire affected.

Michelle Dunscombe

Murrindindi Shire Council’s first report on its implementation of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission recommendations shows significant action has been taken to comply with the 2010 findings.

Mayor Peter Beales said the report was timed appropriately given the recent recognition of the second anniversary of the 2009 bushfires.

“A number of the 67 recommendations will require legislative changes, however those that we have power over we can see that as an organisation we are making very good progress in modifying our practices,” Cr Beales said.

This has included:

• Working with the CFA and the Department of Sustainability and Environment in assessing the Murrindindi Shire Fire Risk, based upon the criteria set out in the Victorian Fire Risk Register;
• Completion of the review of the Municipal Fire Prevention Plan;
• Conduct of training for community care and Aged and Disability services staff in relation to bushfire safety;
• The use of Council’s Vulnerable Persons Register in other natural disasters such as prior to the recent floods;
• Promotion of the Red Cross Bushfire Leaving Early Plan;
• Increase in technology changes to the Municipal Emergency Co-ordination Centre (MECC) as a result of the multi-agency debrief in 2009;
• Revised Wildfire Management Overlay mapping being undertaken;
• Commencement of work with the Department of Planning and Community Development on the development of a bushfire policy; and
• Preparation of corporate support and finance tools for tracking expenditure relating to the implementation of the Royal Commission Recommendations.

“While I am pleased with our progress, as a Council we remain concerned at the on-going costs associated with implementing all the recommendations that have a direct impact on the shire.” Cr Beales said.  “Very preliminary estimates for this municipality indicate that the initial cost of implementing the recommendations is in the order of $1.195 million in the first year and more than $800,000 per annum in subsequent years.  We do not want to shift responsibility on implementing the recommendations because we want to ensure that our communities are fully engaged and consulted as initiatives and new policies are rolled out. But what we are saying is that we do need to have the financial support of the government to meet on-going operational costs.”

Cr Beales said Council would continue to lobby for State Government support to meet the commission’s recommendations.

“It is import we have a strong relationship with the State Government so that we can continue to build on the work we have so far successfully reviewed and implemented,” Cr Beales said.

The Tree of Remembrance was used during the second anniversary central service as a way of depicting the communities affected by the 2009 bushfires. The communities are represented by yellow ribbons that hang from the tree.

The tree is currently on display at the Marysville RAC and will remain there until Tuesday 8 March 2011. It will then be relocated to the Kinglake Ranges RAC for approximately 3 weeks. A long-term location is currently being sought for future preservation of the tree.

Yellow ribbons are provided at the RACs for those who would like to write a personal message and place it upon the Tree.

Kinglake Ranges RAC is located at 2970 Heidelberg-Kinglake Road, Kinglake.

The centre is open:

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and on Saturday 9am - 12.30pm.

Phone 5730 6101 during opening hours to contact the RAC.

The Marysville RAC is located on Murchison St, Marysville.

The centre is open:

Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and on Saturday 9am - 12.30pm.

Phone 5908 1701 during opening hours to contact the RAC.

Future long term uses of the Rebuilding Advisory Centres (RACs) will be the subject of extensive community consultation, the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBBRA) and Murrindindi Shire Council said today.

VBRRA CEO Pam White said the long-term use of the RACs in Marysville and Kinglake would be determined following discussion with the local communities.

“The RACs were made possible due to a number of donations and we need to ensure that their short to medium term use is consistent with the intentions of these generous donors,” Ms White said.  “It is clear that the rebuilding and recovery effort is still ongoing and therefore it is also important the RACs continue to offer a range of services to the community through this period.”

VBRRA and the Council are currently in negotiations regarding the Council’s role in the ongoing management and ownership of the RACs.

Mayor Peter Beales said the Council had made no decision about the future use of the centres.

“The RACs are a significant public space and it is important that Council takes the time to consult with the community and current tenants to work towards the best possible use for the buildings,” Cr Beales said.  “There have been approaches by community groups and government agencies with some good suggestions, but there will be broader consultation before a decision is made.”

CEO Margaret Abbey said Council was committed to ensuring that appropriate funding was available to keep the centres operational.

“Our challenge is finding the right mix for community use and those groups or agencies that can provide some kind of income to support the long-term maintenance and operational costs of the RACs,” Ms Abbey said.  “We are appreciative of the support of generous donors who have contributed to the building of the RACs and once they are handed over to Council, it will be our responsibility to maintain them in a condition that will be reflective of the community as well as those who have provided significant funding and materials for the buildings.  Council will in the future engage a property management advisor to support an expression of interest process to identify commercial, not for profit and community groups interested in ongoing use and development of the RACs.

Ms White said that VBRRA recognised the significance of the RACs for the local communities in the Kinglake Ranges and Marysville and Triangle.

“It is important that we undertake a program of transition that sees the optimal use of the buildings well into the future, while taking into consideration the needs and expectations of the community”

Last month I wrote about westerns, somewhat tongue in cheek. However, I was not far off the mark because Kinglake is a very horsy place, and what do real cowboys and cowgirls ride but horses?

These noble beasts suffer from various problems. If you need to find out what ails your horse, then clearly you should consult a vet. But if you also want to do some further research on your own, then the internet can link you to some very good resources. The following websites are excellent places to start if you have a horse or any kind of pet and are looking for credible information.

The Victorian Department of Primary Industry has a lot of useful information for beginners at

http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/animals-and-livestock/horses

BUBL Internet Resources – veterinary science is at http://bubl.ac.uk/link/v/veterinaryscience.htm Select H from the index and look at Horses.

Intute veterinary science – search by keyword or browse the resources under H for horses http://www.intute.ac.uk/veterinary/ In Animal Health Australia, go to disease information sheets and look for horses http://www.animalhealthaustralia.com.au/

Scirus is the best scientific search engine around. It provides listings of the best websites and journal articles on any scientific topic

http://www.scirus.com/ If you are doing serious research, think SCIRUS before Google.

Also consider joining the State Library to obtain access to their eResources such as their suite of databases. You will be able to search for advanced articles, on various things to do with horses or any other topic. Go to http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/explore/research-tools/access-eresources-home/ and look at all the information tools available to you. If you are a student or researcher of any kind, you cannot afford not to be a member of the State Library. The State Library also runs a reference query service ’ask a librarian’ at http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/services/ask-librarian . Remember, services like these are paid for by the tax-payer so saddle up and use them before they disappear because of neglect.

Finally, there is the horse in history and mythology. From Alexander the Great’s Bucephalus to the Trojan Horse, to Unicorns, Centaurs, and Pegasus the Winged Horse (now that would be a great way to get off the mountain). Try ‘mythological horses’ in a search engine like Google. The following site has a basic listing of famous horses in mythology, literature, film and television http://petcaretips.net/famous-horses-film-song.html Are you old enough to remember ‘National Velvet’ and the horse in that film? The name was ‘Pie’. It would be an interesting challenge to see how many horses someone could name in various categories, real or imaginary. Winner gets a carrot.

My favourite horse will always remain television’s ’Mr Ed’ the talking horse. He was so erudite, witty and wise. It is amazing what eating hay will do for your mental development.

George Eraclides