THE KOO WEE RUP - Koo Wee Rup Bypass

THE KOO WEE RUP
BLACKFISH
MARCH 2015
THE BLACKFISH HOLLYWOOD CONNECTION In the August 2014 edition of the Blackfish, the history story featured local sporting hero Percy Osborn and his part in the 1928 Tour de France. It was with some surprise that we received an email from Louise Keoghan, wife of the host of The Amazing Race, Phil Keoghan. They had read the article and were keen to get further information and photos about Percy Osborn for a documentary they were making about the Australia/New Zealand team in the 1928 Tour de France. There followed numerous emails with the article's author and a lengthy phone conversation with the Keoghans which all resulted in a series of archival photos of Percy and the 1928 team being sent across to be used in the documentary. The documentary is well on the way to completion and is due to be aired on US TV between the end of the next series of The Amazing Race and the start of this year's Tour de France. Once an Australian launch date is announced, we will let you know. Who would have thought that the Blackfish was being read in Hollywood! The Australia/NZ team for the 1928 Tour de France, clockwise from back left: Percy Osborn, Ern Bainbridge, Hubert Opperman and Harry Watson THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) The Township held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, 4 February. Township Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 March at 7:30 pm at the Community Centre. The question of the post and rail fence in Bayles Park was asked yet again. Cr. Young said that he had raised this item with the Shire engineers but he will once more follow this up with them and get some closure. The grass in Catani Avenue near to the power transformer has not yet been mown. It was suggested from the floor that the wrong block of land had been cut. Cr. Young said he would follow this up with the relevant Shire department. Mr Michael Llewelyn, New Towns Manager at APA Group, told the meeting that Australian Gas Limited (AGN) is Australia's leading gas distribution company and supplies approximately 1.2 million consumers with natural gas throughout Eastern Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory. AGN is pleased to announce the extension of their gas distribution network to supply the Koo‐Wee‐Rup community with natural gas. AGN has been working closely with the Koo‐Wee‐Rup community together with the Victorian State Government to bring natural gas to the township for the benefit of businesses, schools and homes. The financial support from the State Government and the enthusiasm and hard work of the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Township Committee, together with the keenness of the Community for natural gas, has made the project viable. The APA Group operates and maintains the AGN gas distribution assets and therefore will be managing the Koo‐Wee‐
Rup project as well as the ongoing operations of the infrastructure as soon as the network is installed and commissioned. Construction is due to commence in early March 2015 and it is expected to take around 12 months to complete. To assist the community with understanding the benefits and advantages of switching to natural gas, as well as to how the construction will affect the town during installation of the pipeline and associated infrastructure, APA Group will be holding a Public Meeting in the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Community Hall at 7:00 pm Thursday 19th February 2015. All are welcome. A project website www.naturalgasinkooweerup.com.au is under development as a convenient go‐to information source for the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Community. Continued on Page 5
Proudly supporting the Koo Wee Rup Blackfish The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish is supported by Cardinia Shire Council Items printed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the Editor. The Editor reserves the right to edit any items, where necessary. All work associated with the production of The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish is done on a voluntary basis. Printed by KWR Township Committee Edited by C Roff email: [email protected] PO Box 64, Koo Wee Rup 3981, Tel 5997 2333 THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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Page 2
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
RSL SUB BRANCH REPORT Hello to everybody. It is with great sadness that we lost one of our district's last WW2 soldiers in Lou Courtney. Lou helped defend our country in the times when Australia was under direct threat during World War 2. Lou served with the 39th battalion on the Kokoda Track. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice and committed service to our great country. Rest in Peace, Lou. Our sub branch is now focusing on the following events: 1. ANZACs of Westernport ‐ Harewood House, Sunday, March 22, 10 am ‐ 3pm This promises to be a fantastic event with an ANZAC Service, a display of WW1 memorabilia, access to the historic homestead, all of this preceded by a unique parade. Proceeds go to the KWR Hospital Auxiliary Committee. 2. Opening the Avenue of Honour along the old railway road off Rossiter Road. This will take place on April 12 at 10:30 am. As well as opening this Avenue of Honour, we will have various displays and activities to make this a great morning, we will have plaques commissioned for the 40 service men who lost their lives during World War 1. 3. ANZAC Day Dawn Service and March, April 25th, Service commencing at 6am. For now, Yours in Service, Ron Ingram, President, Koo Wee Rup RSL Sub Branch, 0409 959 821
Keep the flag!
Our flag bears the stars that blaze at
night
In our southern sky of blue,
And a little old flag in the corner
That's part of our heritage too.
It's for the English, the Scots and the
Irish
Who were sent to the ends of the
earth.
The rogues and schemers, the doers
and dreamers
Who gave modern Australia birth.
And you, who are shouting to
change it,
You don't seem to understand.
It's the flag of our law and our
language,
Not the flag of a faraway land.
(Though there are plenty of people
who'll tell you
How, when Europe was plunged into
night,
That little old flag in the corner
Was their symbol of freedom and
light.)
It doesn't mean we owe allegiance
To a forgotten imperial dream.
We've got the stars to show where
we're going,
And the old flag to show where
we've been.
Mark Time
from THE STAR, New South Wales
Submitted by Joyce Mills
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
BAYLES FAUNA PARK Working Bee Next Meeting Sunday, 8 March ‐ 9 am to 12 noon followed by a sausage sizzle Monday, 23 March at 7:30 pm at the Bayles Hall All welcome Page 4
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) (from Page 1) Questions from the floor Q. Although I understand that there is a rebate for switching from electric powered appliances to natural gas, what is the rebate for switching from LPG to Natural Gas? A. The rebate for switching electrical power appliances to five star Natural Gas is an improved energy efficiency rebate. There are no government rebates for moving from LPG to Natural Gas. Q. There are two price structures for the supply of Natural Gas; Town pricing and Country pricing. Which one will Koo‐
Wee‐Rup enjoy? A. Koo‐Wee‐Rup will be physically linked to and is an expansion of the Central System and therefore Town tariffs will apply. The difference in tariff is because the country link allows only one reseller while the town link allows users to shop around. Q. How will the Gas Company service both sides of a road? A. The Gas Company will bore under the road to service both sides. Q. Can you estimate a cost for a typical domestic installation? A. The present Natural Gas retailers have different application charges but the connection to your house should be free. After that, costs for any extension into a property will be an agreement between you and your plumber. Q. You say that the size of the main pipeline is 180mm diameter bore; will this size of pipeline cope with the future expansion of the population of Koo‐Wee‐Rup? A. Yes. Q. At the forthcoming public meeting will those people who express a firm and positive interest in I'm writing Easter Bunny, to let ye know the score,
getting a connection as soon as possible get priority for I know I left it late, I shoulda wrote before,
the timing of their installation7? But me hand is shakin', an' me eyes are glistenin',
A. Koo‐Wee‐Rup is a modest sized town and the Things are gettin' serious, so I really hope yer listenin'!
streets will be piped according to a pre‐determined plan. The Missus said to write, to let ye know for sure,
Q. Other than Boundary Drain Road are there any That I'm not allowed to eat chocolate any more ...
other streets in the Town that are not viable for gas I'm doin' it hard ... I gave it up 'cold turkey',
pipeline laying? But Easter's not the same, munchin' on beef jerky!
A. Sims Lane has similarly large road frontages to Boundary Drain Road and will be excluded. Natural Remember as a kid, I'd be up before the sparrows?
Gas will come to every street within the residential Havin' no knowledge how an artery narrows,
town plan area. Devourin' choccy eggs, in gold an' silver foils,
Michael summed up by comparing Koo‐Wee‐Rup to Happy
to get hives ... or break right out in boils!
Bairnsdale when that town was first supplied with natural Gas. He said that Bairnsdale was slow to start Well it's all your fault, Mister Easter Bunny Rabbit,
and the take‐up rate was just 10% for the first two Twas you who got me hooked on the choccy-eatin' habit,
years. Unlike Bairnsdale, Koo‐Wee‐Rup has a strong Me teeth have been replaced, they rotted to the core,
gas culture and a real desire for Natural Gas but again a Me sugar level's high, an' I can't take no more!
10% take‐up as a starter is acceptable but he expects more than this. I'm tryin' to be polite ... if ye catch me drift.
The president then introduced this evening’s second So get yer act together, an' give yer game a lift.
guest, Mr Colin Davies, Licensee of the Royal Hotel, I don't mean to threaten, or appear to be unkind ...
Koo‐Wee‐Rup. But fricassee an' casserole are words that spring to mind!
Colin thanked the members for their invitation to address the Township Committee this evening. Firstly So please Easter Bunny, switch the choccy this year,
he told the meeting a little bit of his personal history; For a bottle of scotch, or a slab of cold bear ...
two years as Licensee of the Royal Hotel, Koo‐Wee‐Rup Somethin' for the grown-ups, an' favourites such as I ...
and previously his thirty years around horses. He Some of whom would settle for a six-pack an' a pie!
continued by fervently outlining his plans for making Koo‐Wee‐Rup a premier Country and Western Music Cheerio for now, I've rhymed without compunction,
centre. This will attract many visitors from faraway I remain yours truly, the poet bloke, Mal Function!
places to Koo‐Wee‐Rup, he said. Mal Function ...the Poet Larrikin
(Continued next page) Dear Easter Bunny
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March 2015
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) (from previous page) At present Colin organises Country Music evenings at his Pub on the last Sunday of each month. These evenings have been very successful and attract lots of people from other areas. He told of how proud he was to have had a world renowned Country Music singer from Nashville performing at the Royal Hotel last Sunday to a full house. To supplement this upmarket entertainment he has installed a new bar with a country style décor, a better looking bistro, a new chef, and a new menu for the bistro. Colin went on to talk passionately about his vision for a future Country and Western Music Festival centred on his property on the Koo‐Wee‐Rup/Longwarry Road, some four kilometres north of the Town. At this time the Town by‐pass will be completed and therefore the festival can occupy the streets of the Town on the Saturday morning with family oriented activities and then expand out to his property where world quality Country and Western Music will be performed for great entertainment all over a weekend. It can become the major Country Music festival in Victoria he said, very similar to the now defunct Whittlesea festival. Koo‐Wee‐Rup will need something to keep the Town viable and to attract visitors off the new by‐pass and into the Town. As a Country and Western Music centre Koo‐Wee‐Rup could attract new shops selling for instance, country clothes, musical instruments, foods etc. Question from the floor Q. Will this Country and Western Music Festival be anything like the Tamworth festival? A. Yes, this is my vision for Koo‐Wee‐Rup. We will start in the park with music, buskers, entertainers, market stalls etc., and then on to the Arena for Country and Western Music. It could be this time next year when we announce, all over Victoria, the start of the inaugural Koo‐Wee‐Rup Country and Western Music Festival. There will be good rules enforced for behaviour with a limit on how many tickets to be sold and it will in no way be allowed to degenerate into a rave party in any way.The president thanked Colin for his enthusiastic presentation and said that such a festival will be great for the Town and, indeed, Koo‐Wee‐Rup needs something to sustain it as a place to visit especially since the decline of the Potato Festival and indeed, when the by‐pass is completed. This sentiment was echoed by Councillors Moore and Young and they added that the Shire Council feels comfortable with the proposal, especially after the convivial discussions that had taken place in recent negotiations. Cr. David Young presented the Shire Matters report this evening. The interactive walk at Emerald Lake has been opened to the public. One has to download an ‘App’ (application) to follow a tour around the lake. Cr Young offered his congratulations to the Township Committee for a hugely successful Australia Day celebration that actively involved the community. The official opening of the new Shire Council offices will be held on the 25th of February 2015 at 11:15 am, by the Governor of Victoria, His Excellency the Honourable Alex Chernov AC QC, who will unveil a plaque in the foyer of the building. Unfortunately, only the public areas will be open on the day due to security concerns. There have been several criticisms about the state of the roadway and curbs at the site but the area is not yet finished. The removal of the graffiti daubed around the Cochrane Park Community Hall has been passed on to the relevant Shire officer for action. Removal of this eyesore will be done as soon as possible. Cr Graeme Moore advised that the Shire Council had passed the town‐planning application for the building of a microbrewery and additional facilities, and that the construction will commence in six months’ time and will be completed in about twelve months. Ray Brown asked if the much‐discussed footpath from Moody Street through to Cochrane Park would now be included in the plan. The answer was yes, it certainly will be included and Cr Young said he would find out when this will be done. A resident asked if the suggested and much discussed opening of Townley Road with John Street is to go ahead. Cr Young said no; there are no plans to join the two together. As requested, the Shire Council is now cutting back overgrowth from trees and bushes that impinge on footpaths throughout the Town. Gus Moore, on behalf of the Koo‐Wee‐Rup RSL Sub‐branch, asked Cr. Young for details of the progress of the installation of bollards that will be installed along the new Avenue of Honour. These bollards will prevent vehicles parking dangerously near to the honoured remembrance plaques at the base of the trees. Cr. Young said he would have details of the project by the next Township Committee meeting in March 2015. The president, Ray Brown, expressed his thanks to the organisers of the Australia Day Celebrations and offered his sincere apologies for being absent on the day due to illness. He added that the coming year, 2015, will be a big one for Koo‐Wee‐Rup with the coming of reticulated Natural Gas, the microbrewery, the opening of the Town by‐pass, the Country and Western festival, the installing of a public artwork, the opening of the Avenue of Honour, and the service of commemoration of the centenary of the Gallipoli landing on ANZAC Day, April 25th 2015. (Continued next page) Page 6
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March 2015
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) (from previous page) Ray added that none of this could have happened without the persistence, lobbying and enthusiasm, and a never, never giving up attitude by the Township Committee and other residents. Congratulations to all. The Police report could not be given to the meeting directly due to the workload on the KWR police officers this evening. The report was emailed to the secretary who read the details to the Committee. ln the month of December 2014, the following incidents occurred in Koo‐Wee‐Rup and Lang Lang areas.  An assault in Bayles where an offender was charged.  A theft of birds from a residential address in Koo‐Wee‐Rup.  Damage occurred at the Cardinia Primary School.  Petrol was stolen from the B.P Service Station, Caldermead.  Theft of number plates from a vehicle parked in Sybella Ave, Koo‐Wee‐Rup.  A suspicious fire was set in McDonalds Track Lang Lang.  A theft occurred at the B.P Service Station Caldermeade, where stolen credit cards were used.  Another three thefts of petrol occurred at the B.P Service Station, Caldermeade.  A theft occurred outside a business premises in Lang Lang.  Gas bottles were stolen from the Shell Service Station, Lang Lang.  Seven Family Violence incidents were reported and four persons were charged and remanded in custody. ln the month of January 2015.  A theft of mobile phone from the B.P service station, Caldermeade.  Burglary/theft of a motorcycle from a private address, Caldermeade.  A theft at the B.P service station Caldermeade, where an offender was charged.  Three thefts of petrol at the B.P service Station Caldermeade.  A theft of a bicycle from outside a business address, Westernport Rd, Caldermeade.  A suspicious scrub fire in Roseberry St, Lang Lang. An offender was cautioned in relation to this.  Theft of a bathtub from a property in Yannathan.  Theft of machinery from Manks Rd, Koo‐Wee‐Rup.  A burglary on business premises in Rossiter Rd, Koo‐Wee‐Rup.  A theft of a trailer from a residential address in Station St, Koo‐Wee‐Rup.  Three Family Violence incidents were reported. Please note! Koo‐Wee‐Rup Police have in stock assorted sizes of one‐way fixing screws at the Police Station. People can come in and obtain these to fit to their number plates so that the plates cannot be stolen. The screws are free. George Fittock presented the Men’s Shed report this evening. George announced that the Eco House, next to the Men’s Shed building ‐ to be named Hewitt House after Dr. Alan Hewitt, family doctor to the district, 1925‐1964 ‐ will be officially opened on Saturday next, the 7th of February 2015. The Men’s Shed would continue hosting the Cooking Group this year and also the Youth Group, now known as the KWR Men’s Shed Youth Group. At their meetings the Youth Group play games, make things, cook supper etc. All of these activities are supervised. The community garden is going well and produce is still available for sale at the KRHS reception desk at nominal prices. George Fittock also presented the Maintenance Report this evening. George further iterated the urgent need for the Graffiti, daubed over the walls of the Community Hall, to be removed as soon as possible. It is a fact that quick removal of graffiti dissuades the perpetrators from a repeat performance. As noted in Cr. Young’s report, the Shire Council is now actively cutting back trees and bushes that overhang walkways and footpaths in the Town. It is not known if the Shire Council will bill the landowners or not. The president asked Lyn van de Hoef to tell the members about the progress of the public artwork that is to be installed in the Town. Lyn said that there had been a meeting with the artist, Viktor Kalinowski and the Shire Council where it was decided to erect the sculpture to the front of Cochrane Park, in between the Skate Park and Rossiter Road. This is subject to the results of soil tests. The artist wanted a place with a serene ambiance for his 3.3m tall corten‐steel sculpture. "Corten steel", is a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust‐like appearance if exposed to the weather for several years. The president, Ray Brown, announced that the Township Committee will run a competition to find a name for the sculpture and the Committee will put up $200 as a prize for the winner. Frank Crameri asked if there will be an explanatory plaque near to the sculpture to help the public understand the artist’s imagination and the artist’s end result. This request will be taken to the Public Art Selection Committee. Page 7
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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Page 8
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
KOO WEE RUP SECONDARY COLLEGE I take this opportunity to welcome everyone back for another fantastic year at the college. I hope everyone in the community is well and had a great break. The first few weeks of the school have been extremely calm and well organised. I would like to thank everyone for this but particularly Mrs McGinley, Mr Bottomley, the Office and the AP’s. It has been our experience now that by starting the year at the end of the previous year, the school begins work very smoothly and little time is wasted. As I reported last December we had excellent Year 12 results in all ways at the end of 2014, scoring higher results than many other schools. This trend has continued with our VCE students getting many first or second choices in their tertiary offers. We have 8 students score in the 90’s, Dux and runner up were on 95, 34 students scored a single study score above 40, one student a perfect 50 in Music. 9.7% scored one subject over 40 and the study score for the school was 30.7. We also enjoyed excellent results in VET and VCAL programs which have continued to grow over the years and are substantially funding by the school. This is our college’s belief that we provide education for “all”. Please make sure all students settle into a new routine of revision, reading and study as soon as possible. It is a good pattern to set a time where work is expected. This work can be reading, revising, research, looking for new ideas etc. Term One this year is very short, finishing March 27th. School will finish at 2.15 on that day. The website is a fantastic source of information. It has policies, times, notes, subject ideas, etc there. Please use it. As Compass is added to our student management system, updates about it will be posted there. There is a new computer software program being implemented at the school this year called Compass. This will enable parent to monitor progress, check attendance and make payments etc in a much better way. The new Year 8 building is well under way and will be completed early next term. The staff and students are very much looking forward to having it in use. We expect to start using it sometime during term 2 and it will also be the home of Mawson. Mrs Bredeson is doing some excellent planning for the trip to Italy. Forty five students have expressed initial interest in the trip. I welcome the new staff Haje Halabi, Tim Ward, Susannah Quick, Jarrod Main, Bryan Hooton, Chloe Smith, Jamie Wong, Sam Buckley, David Campbell and Amy Walton. Kym Bridgford, Principal
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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Monday to Friday
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Page 10
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PRIMARY SCHOOL, KOO WEE RUP Excitement has been abundant at St John's this term with one of the main highlights being Grade Five/Six Camp at Forest Lodge Farm. Sixty‐four students and nine staff dived straight into the fun of the adventure camp for the first five days of school. They participated in many rewarding and confidence‐building group activities, some of which proved to be a challenge for even the most daring. On Tuesday 17th February, we celebrated Shrove Tuesday and were very grateful to our parent volunteers who cooked pancakes for us before Lent began. The following day, Ash Wednesday, marked the beginning of Lent. We attended a Whole School Mass to receive a cross of ashes on our foreheads as a sign of repentance. We now prepare for Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday. It was great to see many families attend our Welcoming Picnic on Friday 20th February. The night was a great opportunity to socialise, meet new people and enjoy a picnic dinner together. The children participated in fun, novelty events such as the Three‐Legged Race, Sack Race and Egg and Spoon Relay. Thanks to everyone who came along! Our senior students recently went through the process of selecting School and House Leaders for 2015. A large number of students prepared and delivered fantastic speeches in front of parents, staff and students. The Social Justice Leaders were chosen last year after having to write a letter of application to the Principal. The student leaders for 2015 are: Student Leadership Positions School Captains Archie and Renee House Captains Red House – Alex and Reanna Blue House – Katie and James Yellow House – Matthew and Imogen Green House – Taya and Ethan SRC Representatives Hannah, Logan, Gracie, Saoirse, Dakota, Joel, Ashley, Tyler, Chantelle, Nick, Jade and Robert Social Justice Leaders Matthew, Makenzie, Alyanna and Lochlan If you are interested in enrolling your child/ren at St John's, guided tours are available with our Principal, Mr Justin Greenwood. Please contact us on (03) 5997 1653 to arrange an appointment. Kind regards, Krist y Telford (Deputy Principal) Page 11
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March 2015
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
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24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham, Phone: 5940 4728 Website: www.outlookvic.org.au The Outlook Community Centre has a wide range of short courses and ongoing Health and Wellbeing sessions to offer
you. Put your best foot forward and join us to help enrich your life in joining our Community. Drop in and visit our
impressive premises and pick up a complete Course Guide or take a look online at www.outlookvic.org .au We are
locates at 24 Toomuc Valley Road, Pakenham and can be contacted on 5940 4728 or emailing
[email protected]. Bookings are essential.
MICROSOFT PUBLISHER - ‘TIPS AND TRICKS’ NEW
So you have a basic understanding of Publisher, but want
to know some more. Learn tips and tricks to make it
easier for you to create professional and effective cards,
flyers and publications.
Fridays commencing 20 March for 2 sessions
9.30am - 12.30pm Cost: $10
INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOSHOP
Make the most of your photos. Transform an ordinary
photo into something special. Learn various techniques
for editing, correcting, retouching and repairing using
Photoshop Elements.
Tuesdays commencing 10 March for 3 sessions
9.30am - 12.00pm Cost: $65
PROVIDE FIRST AID (HLTAID003)
Learn basic First Aid skills to manage casualties at home,
sports and in the workplace. Complete workbook prior to
class. Includes CPR.
Friday 13 March for 1 session
9.30am - 4.30pm Cost: $180
PROVIDE CPR (HLTAID001)
CPR can be life-saving first aid. It increases chances of
survival if started soon after the heart has stopped
beating. Learn the skills to save a life.
Friday 13 March for 1 session
9.30am - 12.30pm Cost: $75
RECREATIONAL BOAT LICENCE
Get ready for your next holiday or long weekend away.
This course teaches you everything you need to know to
obtain your Boat and PWC Licence without pre-study.
Take an exam on the day and be issued with a Certificate
to present to Vic Roads to purchase your licence. Saturday morning: 21 March OR 18 April
8.30am - 12.30pm
Cost: $125
Thursday evening: 9 April
5.30pm - 9.30pm Cost: $125
BRAZILIAN ZUMBA DANCE
NEW
Come and get fit whilst having fun with this exotic dance
and new way to exercise. A bit of Brazil and a mix of
Zumba with a taste of spice. You will have so much fun
that you won’t even know you are working out.
Thursdays
7.30pm - 8.30pm Cost: $8 per session
EASY EXERCISE AND RELAXATION (CHAIR BASED)
Not able to cope with normal exercise, but like benefits
that exercise offers? Class modified for those with
restricted movement, physical injury or illness. Gain
advantage of gentle exercise, enhanced breathing
techniques and relaxation to assist healing body and
mind.
Wednesdays commencing 28 January for 9 sessions
2.00pm - 3.30pm Cost: $8.50 per session
HAVE YOU GOT
SOMETHING TO
SAY?
Have you got some news,
a photo, or an opinion you
want to share with your
community?
Why not say it in the
Blackfish?
Just drop me a line at
[email protected]
post to PO Box 64, KWR
or phone 5997 2333
Caroline Roff, Editor
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March 2015
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March 2015
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
KOO WEE RUP BOWLS CLUB NEWS Congratulations to Pauline Gray on reaching the final of the Peninsula Division of the Ladies Champion of Champions. Although beaten in the final by Linda Isted (Hastings) Pauline should be proud of her results winning 3 games to make the final. Round 14 of Saturday Pennant was played on 24th Jan. with Div. 1 at home to Frankston RSL and after a drawn game earlier in the season another close game was played before KWR was able to outplay RSL over the final 10 ends to win 95‐81. Also at home to Mt. Eliza Div. 4 moved into the top 4 with a narrow 64‐55 win. Div. 6 went to play top team City of Frankston and were well beaten 26‐52. Round 15 saw Div. 1 have a visit from City of Frankston who extracted some revenge from our previous meeting winning 72‐126. Div. 4 travelled to City of Frankston who were in 3rd place and scored a narrow win 69‐65 to remain in the race for the finals. Div. 6 after a promising start were completely outplayed losing 35‐59. Round 16 Div. 1 visit to Hastings showed us the difference between top team & us losing 74‐118. Hastings will be very hard to beat in the finals. Div. 4 were at home to Yamala Park and had a convincing 82‐58 to keep their finals hopes live. Div. 6 went to Seaford and lost narrowly 50‐45. The results from Round 17 were Div. 1 at home to Mount Eliza won 109‐75. Div. 4 at home to Blue Hills won 75‐64 to ensure that they will be in the finals. Div. 6 went to Karingal and losr 39‐43. The penultimate round of Tuesday Pennant had Div. 3 consolidate their position in the top 4 and ensure playing in the finals with a 94‐57 convincing win over Mornington at home. Div. 4 also at home tipped Frankston RSL from the top 4 with an impressive 80‐57 win. The final round had Div. 3 visit Seaford in a virtual “dead” rubber situation with Seaford winning 82‐50. Div. 4 went to Yamala Park and were well beaten 44‐88. Playing Blue Hills at Mt. Eliza in the 1st semi‐final of Div. 3 we won 81‐68 after being behind at lunch. We then progressed to the Preliminary final against Mornington Civic. In an exciting but agonising game we were beaten 64‐67 to finish the season in 3rd place. Well done to everyone who played during the season. Our postponed January Mixed Triples tournament was played on ½ and although small in entries a fun day was had. Winners for the day with 47 pts. were Kim McMahon, Max & Evelyn Calder [KWR]. The Runner up rink with 42 pts. was Linda Isted, Ron Pickersgill & Dave Bewley [Hastings]. Thanks to our sponsors for the day C & D Trophies Langwarrin and KWR Optical. We have also conducted our postponed Mixed Pairs January tournament with 14 teams playing. The Winners for the day with 3 games & 53 pts were George Crynes & Irene Stanbridge (KWR). The combination of Rex Alexander & Mary Masters finished Runners Up with 3 games & 46 pts. Third place went to Bill Files (KWR) & Judy Prowd (Lang Lang) with 2 wins, 1 draw & 45 pts. We would like to thank our sponsor for the day Stockdale & Leggo (KWR & Grantville). The next round of Friday Triples was won by Noel Speight, Margaret Scullin & Gerry Fuller [KWR] with 38 pts & 24 shots. Runner up rink was Bryan Walker [KWR], Tom Cleary [Garfield] & George Crynes [KWR] with 38 pts & 22 shots. Best Last game was won by John Williams, Brian Vanina & Neville Kitchen [Lang Lang] with 19 pts & 15 shots.
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
KOO WEE RUP FOOTBALL CLUB NEWS UPDATE With the 2015 football season only 8 weeks away, the Koo Wee Rup Football Club committee has been working hard over the off‐season to ensure that all is in place for the first game on the 11th April. Once again the club had to adjust to change within the Ellinbank & District Football League due to the decision of the Board Of Management to revert to a one‐division league having tried a two‐division structure for the past twelve months. This structure proved unpopular among many clubs hence the return to a 15 team one‐division for the 2015 season. As usual the pre season for any football club is a time of great activity and at Koo Wee Rup it has been all system go. OVAL RECONSTRUCTION Anyone who has dropped into the Recreation Reserve would be most impressed by the improvements made to the playing surface. The irrigation and drainage project, which commenced after the final siren of last season, has recreated the oval into a lush green arena that will bring it up to be one of the best ovals in the EDFL. The irrigation system is a state of the art system with automatic pop up sprinklers and a computerised program, which monitors the moisture of the surface. Add this to the spider web drainage system that ensures that any rainfall will instantly be drained away and recycled via the water harvesting system and returned to the reserve dam and the local flood protection drains. Many thanks should go out the Cardinia Shire and it’s contractors who were responsible for all works. Thanks should also go to Bass MP Ken Smith who retired at the last election and also newly elected member, Brian Paynter MP who also supported with the funding of the program. Without the support of Local, State and Federal governments, community sports facility would suffer greatly. Thank you too all involved. KOO WEE RUP FOOTBALL CLUB 2015 COACHING POSITION SENIORS MATT SHOREY RESERVES BRETT HOBSON U/18S DAN CROWLEY U/16S GAVIN BINDLEY JUNIOR FOOTBALL If the irrigation and drainage project was exciting, it was surpassed by the development of Junior Football at Koo Wee Rup. Due to the large numbers of junior footballers who have moved into the township and the district, the club has had to form a separate Junior Football Committee to help with the administration and further development of Junior Football. Led by Junior Chairman Geoff Foster and his very enthusiastic committee, this group of dedicated parents have hit the deck running and to date have set in place the structure for U/10s,U/12s, U/13s and U/14s teams who will play all their football in the South East Junior Football League with games played on Sunday’s and Friday Night’s when required. The SEJFL has been one of the best‐administered Junior Leagues for many years. At the Junior Registration Day recently the following numbers were most encouraging for Junior Football and ultimately Senior Football at Koo wee Rup; U/10s 18 players U/12s 17 players U/13s 16 players U/14s 17 players Should there be any Junior Footballers who were unable to attend Registration Day and are keen to play football, please ring Chairman Geoff Foster 0418 581 874 who will make you feel most welcome at the Junior Club. The aim of the Junior Committee is firstly to ensure that young players, both boys and girls are made welcome and secondly that parents become involved in a family oriented community based Junior Football Club. Page 19
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
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March 2015
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
WHAT WAS THAT SIREN? February 2015 You may have heard a loud siren this month, no, it wasn’t an air raid, it was the Koo Wee Rup Fire Brigade (CFA) back up siren to alert all of the volunteers to attend the station for a turn out call. It’s also used to let the local community know we are about to be out and about on a call. We have 4 appliances in our brigade; two trucks, one with more water on board that can pump water while driving along (great for running grass fires), the other with a larger pump that can’t pump water while driving along, good for car or structure fires when connected to a street hydrant. We also have a 4WD ute called an Ultra Light, this is great to get into those hard to reach places in the bush where a truck just won’t fit. Our fourth appliance is a support van, this carries extra crew, portable pump, extra hose and various other bits and pieces. The calls we attended since the last report were:  25/1/15 Car Fire – Seven Mile Road Nar Nar Goon  26/1/15 Grass Fire – Centre strip South Gippsland Hwy / Prestons Rd Koo Wee Rup  26/1/15 Hay stack Fire – Seven Mile Road Nar Nar Goon  7/2/15 Grass and Scrub Fire – Outside Harewood Estate South Gippsland Hwy Tooradin  10/2/15 Grass Fire – Near BP service Station South Gippsland Hwy Lang Lang  12/2/15 Automatic Fire Alarm – Woolworths ‐ Station Street Koo Wee Rup  18/2/15 Automatic Fire Alarm – Regional Health Care (Hospital) Rossiter Rd Koo Wee Rup  21/2/15 Car Accident person trapped – Cnr Manks Rd / Dalmore Rd Dalmore NEW SEASON, NEW OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Autumn is a new season and a great time of year to start making a difference. The MS Community Visitors Scheme (CVS) is seeking volunteers to visit people at home or in Aged Care Homes all around Gippsland who would benefit from regular visits and friendship. MS Community Visitors Scheme has been providing volunteer visitors for more than 20 years in more than 20 Aged Care Homes around the region, from Traralgon to Bunyip, from Neerim South to Korumburra and Cowes and all areas in between. “We match volunteers with older people who require regular visits and would just like to spend some social time with a new friend. Many older people do not have family who live nearby, and they can be very isolated. Having a special friend visiting regularly can really brighten their day and make a real difference. “said Esis Tawfik, Manager MS Community Visitors Scheme. “We have a dedicated staff member, Rosemary Joiner based in Gippsland who recruits, trains and supports our volunteers. Our program is open to any recipient who either lives in an aged care facility or lives in their own home and receives a home care package” said Ms. Tawfik “Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one visit per fortnight. The visits enrich the lives of the recipient and the volunteers. The difference a cuppa and chat can make to an older person’s life is incredible” said Ms. Tawfik One such wonderful volunteer is Barbara Millist who has been visiting residents in aged care homes for the past 12 years. Barbara says it’s a privilege to share special moments with the residents. “Sharing memories, whether happy or heart‐
breaking is just the best. It helps us appreciate the contribution made by the residents over their lifetime. I recommend the experience to all.” There are people waiting for a MS Community Visitor in the following areas: Warragul, Drouin, Trafalgar, Neerim South, Traralgon, Morwell, Newborough, Bunyip, Mirboo North, Leongatha, Korumburra, Wonthaggi, Inverloch, San Remo, Cowes and many more. If you would like to make a difference in the life of an older person by becoming a Community Visitor, you can contact MS Community Visitors Scheme either online at www.ms.org.au, email [email protected] or call on 03 9845 2729. Page 21
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
NATIVE TREES
A good selection of Native Trees can
be found at
Kooweerup Trees & Shrubs
John & Maria Boekel
10 Bethunes Road, KooWeeRup
Phone 5997 1839
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
 Industrial
 Split Systems
 Commercial  Pump Work
 Domestic
No job too small
John Beaumont Mob: 0418 398 136
AH: (03) 9702 1198 email: [email protected]
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
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March 2015
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
GROWING UP ON A DAIRY FARM IN THE 1940s AND 1950s By Heather Arnold, on behalf of the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Swamp Historical Society Small family Dairy farms used to be the predominant farm on the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Swamp until the 1970s or so. In the 1920s, for instance, it was estimated that there were close to 12,000 dairy cattle in the Parishes of Koo‐Wee‐Rup, Koo‐
Wee‐Rup East and Yallock (approximately Koo‐Wee‐Rup to Bunyip and south to Bayles, Caldermeade and Catani) at the same time the human population would have been maybe 4,500. My father, Frank Rouse, grew up on a small dairy farm on Murray Road at Cora Lynn and this is his story. Family farms relied on the (generally unpaid) labour of family members and Dad, his brother Jim and their two older sisters were expected to take part in the daily chores on the farm. The family milked cows and separated the cream which they sold to the Drouin factory to make butter; the rest was fed to the pigs, which when they were fat enough were sold at the Dandenong Market. This wasn’t especially profitable and around 1949 when Jim was 18 and Dad was 16, Jim got the family a milk contract. This meant they no longer had to separate the milk; it was sold as whole milk for the Melbourne market for a much higher price and thus the family income increased by 250 per cent. Jim had arranged the contract through Campbell Buchanan, of Cora Lynn, who was also the carrier. (Continued next page)
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THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
GROWING UP ON A DAIRY FARM IN THE 1940s AND 1950s (from previous page) By Heather Arnold, on behalf of the Koo‐Wee‐Rup Swamp Historical Society However, this meant that they had to build a new cow shed. The original cow shed had been built by Frank and Jim’s grandfather when he took up the block in 1903. It had six single bails, 25‐30 cows were milked daily by hand, before school and after school. Neighbours, including Joe Storey and Johnny King had milking machines. Maybe not everyone did but Dad feels fairly sure that they were the last dairy to become mechanised. The new cow shed was built by Frank and Jim and, because of the conditions of the milk contract, the shed needed concrete floors and walls. For the concrete they needed sand, so they had to take the horses and dray up to the end of Dessent Road to the Main Drain. There was no levee bank then so they walked the horses, attached to a scoop, down into the drain where they pulled the scoop along, filled it up with sand and pulled it up the bank where Dad and Jim shovelled it onto a flat section then later shovelled it all into the dray, which belonged to their neighbour the aforementioned Johnny King, take it home and shovel it out. They had purchased a second hand 2hp Rosebery petrol engine which powered the concrete mixer, thus the floor and lower wall (five feet high) were built (using formwork, not bricks) and the rest of the walls were timber, with a corrugated iron roof. The dairy, connected by a 6 ft wide breezeway also needed to be concreted. Once the shed was built, Joe (Jim and Frank’s dad) purchased a second hand Mitchell milking machine plant from a farm in Koo‐Wee‐Rup. It took 90 minutes to get to Koo‐Wee‐Rup with a wagon and three horses – then Frank and Jim had to take the plant apart, load them and then they had to put them back together and install the machines. The plant was powered by the Rosebery engine. After this, the family milked 45‐50 cows. The Rouse family had four horses, which Dad describes as ‘3 reasonable and one mongrel’ – the best two were called Ned and Rats. Dad had been used to working with horses as when he was 15 he worked a team of horses for Sandy Priest who lived near Bayles. He used to plant crops, scuffle spuds etc. Sandy was also a top cattle breeder and often topped the sales at Newmarket. Dad was actually paid for this work which was a bonus as they never got paid at home. Sandy Priest, who lived somewhere on the Bayles ‐ Longwarry Road had 100s of acres, his land backed up to the Railway Line, but he lived in a small shed. His bed was two spud bags stretched over poles, there was a stove in the shed and a windmill outside which filled a trough for water. When Dad was about 16 he grew some spuds on Sandy’s land and which he rented and then paid the rent in labour. Around the time of the construction of the cow shed, Jim and Frank also began growing potatoes together, at home. Initially, all the work was done by horses but it wasn’t long before they purchased a brand new grey Fergie tractor ‐ it was petrol, 16 hp and even though they were only aged 19 and 17, the Company financed them. Four years later, in 1955, they purchased 60 acres from Johnny King, in Sinclair (now Bennetts) Road at Cora Lynn. It was, we believe, about £6,000 but he allowed them to pay it back a certain amount per year – he had always been a good support to them. Jim and Frank milked cows for a year or two after that, then other family members took over and the Rouse dairy farming came to an end on June 22, 1960 when all the cattle and plant were sold at a clearing sale. The Koo‐Wee‐Rup Swamp Historical Society meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at Mallow house in Rossiter Road, corner of Henry Street. New members welcome. The Museum is open the second and fourth Sundays from 1.30pm until 4.30pm. Heather Arnold [email protected] 5629 4396.
Koo Wee Rup TPI & EDA
Bus trip to Ballarat Begonia Festival Wednesday, 11 March $45 per person Call Gus 0404 185 210 Page 27
THE KOO WEE RUP BLACKFISH
March 2015
KBA PRESIDENT'S REPORT To the community of, and visitors to, Koo Wee Rup, Well, welcome to the new year, albeit being February already. It has been a very busy start to 2015. This holiday season saw a huge rise in the amount of travellers stopping in Koo Wee Rup for a break on their way to their ultimate destination. It's very interesting hearing their stories, where they are from and where they are heading to. We are certainly very lucky to be to be able to welcome such a diverse range of people to our town and maybe provide them with some information, whether it be local, or pertaining to where they are heading. The business association held its 1st meeting for the year on Tuesday 17th February and a fabulous meeting it was, attended by 5 current business owners, 2 councillors, and 1 new business owner. We had lots to discuss including updates on the bypass, which apparently is progressing well, advertising for local business, website news, and much more. The new business that was presented was that of 'the collective', it sounds wonderful, we are sure it is going to be a huge success and of course an asset to the town. I also popped in to say hi to the owner of the other new business, 'Toyphoon Lulu', very interesting and I'm sure the local kids are going to love it. Rossiter Rd was always going Rossiter Road will soon have businesses in every building to bounce back, it's such a lovely part of our from the bakery to St George's Church town. A lot of the members have taken themselves back to the class room with the advent of our business workshop and mentoring program, with our first 'class' being held on Tuesday 3rd February at 5.30 and going for three hours. The aim of the program is to ensure that we have the necessary strategies to move our businesses into the future in a positive manner. Some of the areas that are covered include presentation, customer service, social media, plus lots more. In closing, we would like to wish you all a fabulous 2015, take care of each other and bye for now, Vicki Charlton, President, Koo Wee Rup Business Association. THE COLLECTIVE The St George's Church is once again opening its doors. This time to another new venture, 'The Collective'. To those of you familiar with St George's you already know what a beautiful landmark building it is, and with the opening of The Collective it will attract more attention. I've been lucky enough to have had the opportunity of a sneak preview and I can honestly recommend you stop in for a browse. With the vast range of wares available you will be hard pressed to not see something that interests you. To those people in the community who have a connection to the church you can be rest assured that the building maintains its beautiful atmosphere. Vicki Charlton Page 28