Issue No.

71—March 2011 PO Box 2008, Hazeldene 3658

Charcoal Footprint
February 6th 2011

“Hey, look what I made” was what Lain McDonald said to us when he
saw us looking at the awesome Peace Sign hanging around his neck.

And later, just for a moment, we were sure it was a kitten sitting across
the table from us. A girl kitten who was threading jewels and beautiful
beads on to a bracelet. How could that be? Had we fallen down a
rabbit hole? But no… a closer inspection revealed that it was Ruby Reed
who was tricking us with the coolest face paint you could imagine.

Stopping by the Flowerdale Sports Club tent to pick up a delicious bur-

ger and salad, we started to notice that the fairies, the cats, the pup-
pies, the fierce tigers and the mini-superheroes were actually kids who
had been visiting with Kristen and her magic paintbrush.

When our newest Junior Citizen of the Year, Skyler Hunter, showed us the
little patchwork embroidered purse she had made, we were quite
gobsmacked. When we opened her purse, there was a tiny wooden broach and a lovely neck-
lace. And of course, she told us that she had made them all. Skyler had been visiting with resident
woodworking artist, Tony Turner (Of Illuminated By Fire Tree fame), and Tracey Styles who had
bought thousands of colourful beads and trinkets for the kids to turn into jewellery, and Vicky Miller
who was surrounded by hundreds of little colourful patchwork pieces.

Inside this issue:

Flowerdale Primary 3

Junior Youth Group 4

Letter to Editor 5

Flowerdale CFA 7
Kinglake Scouts 10

MSC 22

Locatl Tradies 26

Flowerdale Community 28

Contact Numbers 32

CONTINUED PAGE 2………..

Distribution: 500 copies to Silver Creek Rd., Silver Parrot Rd., Creekside Drive., Riverside Cres., Service Road, Moore ‘s Rd., Spring Valley Rd. Upper King
Parrot Rd, and the Main Road as far as Minto Rd. Also the Hazeldene Store, Flowerdale Hotel, Strath Creek Store and Glenburn Roadhouse.
Articles, advertisements, etc. can be left at the store, posted to PO Box 2008, Hazeldene, or emailed to the Community House at fch@internode.on.net
 Page 2

As we peeked into the large tent, a pint sized monster oozing blue slimy glug from head to toe
greeted us with a massive smile. But monsters don’t smile,
we thought. And when we looked again, it wasn’t a mon-
ster at all. It was James Simpson taking finger painting to a
new dimension, with Sal Phillips and Jan Stutchbury, all inno-
cence and smiles when the more adventurous youngsters
decided to cover themselves from head to toe in the glori-
ous blue slime. Every parents best friend those two.!!!

We ambled past the Junior Youth Group stand to buy a

quick raffle ticket and devour a delicious sultana muffin
from Tanya, Rod and the kids. And we noticed Sharon
Collins moving hastily back and forth from one of the tents
to the Hall in a very odd way – arms outstretched in front of
her, with the sleeve of a white T-Shirt in each hand – a bit
like a running clothes line. As we near the Hall, the mystery is solved when we see Sharon hanging
colourful hand painted t-shirts on the makeshift line to dry – designs and patterns of every imagin-
able kind and all created by kids.

Must be time for some tea and scones, we thought, and ducked into the Hall only to discover that it
had been transformed into the most wonderful gallery of photography, painting, woodwork, leather
work, glass work all produced by artists from our very own Flowerdale Valley.

A visit to the new Hub Offices resulted in is taking away a tiny USB device which held more than 600
photos of Flowerdale and its people taken since February 7 th 2009. We had been given a preview
of the pictures in the form of a slide show earlier, in the afternoon and there were more than a few
glistening eyes when we saw our lives in the past two years light up on the screen.

Charcoal Footprint has been a labour of love for our local Protographic Artist, Samm Hall. Having
bought a lovely block of land some years back, Samm, her Partner Reece and kids Ryan and Tom
used the block as a weekend retreat. They were in Flowerdale two years ago when fire changed
the face, but not the spirit, of our Valley, and they played very active roles in helping our commu-
nity walk along the path of slow recovery. Apart from extensive hands-on practical help in the days,
weeks and months after the fires, Samm put her passion for photography into action. For these past
two years, she has been present at almost every major and minor event in Flowerdale and has
taken many thousands of pictures. Humble and sensitive in her approach, Samm always asks “do
you mind?” before taking any photos .

February 6th 2011, just shy of two years since the fires, was the day that the Flowerdale website was
launched by our Community Facilitators, John Burgess from the Flowerdale Recovery Committee
and Pete Williams from Deloittes Digital who has quietly walked beside us in our long journey, offer-
ing help without ever asking or expecting anything in return.

The generosity of the human spirit evokes something in Flowerdale people which causes them to
repay the giver a thousand fold. And that was what Sunday 6 th February at the Flowerdale Hall was
all about. A huge volunteer team from the community ensured that Charcoal Footprint was a day
not ever to be forgotten in
Flowerdale.

We wouldn’t live anywhere

else.

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Luna Park Excursion

The weather was grim when Rod and I awoke on Saturday

Morning. We were almost certain we organised the most
expensive Macca‘s run in history.
As we headed off the mountain with the 24 youth group
children in the bus and a
car it was like we were
travelling from one country
to another. The eather in
the city was absolutely
awesome.
What a day we had, from the tame carousel to the upside down
pharoh‘s curse, all the children and leaders found rides to amuse
themselves.
The day was split by a McDonald‘s lunch which is always a
challenge for the Macca‘s staff.
The children were amazing. I was so proud of their behaviour
toward each other and the public.
Flowerdale we have amazing children and I couldn‘t have asked
anymore from our kids.
Special thanks go to our volunteers, Michelle &
Vicki for their support on the day and we couldn‘t
have done it without you.
If you would like further information on any
activity or joining Youth Group please contact
the leaders Tanya and Rod Hallett 0408333953.

JUNIOR YOUTH GROUP NEEDS

YOUR HELP
 We are having an Easter Raffle. 3
hampers to be drawn on April 9th,
please see our families for your tickets.
 Volunteers needed for a monthly
sausage sizzle at the Flowerdale
Market.
 Volunteer drivers for bus with HR truck
licence and working with children
check. Also to drive children to camp
on 18th-20th March.
Please contact Tanya ASAP if you can
help with any of the above so we can
continue to provide as many activities as
we can for our children.

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011


Flowerdale Youth Groups
Needs Volunteers with
Working with Children’s
Check
Have you got a spare few hours to come & help with
Youth Groups.
We need as many parents as possible to assist, the
more we have means you won’t have to attend every
session.
Contact Community House on 57802664
Letters To the Editor
CONGRATULATIONS LILY AND VINCE
Their friends, family and neighbours wish our
most recent newly-weds, Lily Stutchbury and her
husband Vince, a long and happy marriage filled
with warmth, understanding, care and sunshine.
Flowerdale Flyer
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Come & Support Flowerdale Youth
Group
 We are holding monthly Sausage Sizzles at
the Flowerdale Market once a month as a
fundraiser to buy equipment, allow the youth
to continue activities and go on excursions.
All Welcome
UPDATE ON EXISTING BICYCLE/WALKING
PATH
I rang Murrindindi Shire Offices on Friday 18th of
February to see what was happening regarding
our existing bicycle/walking path from Silver
Creek Road to Moores Road.
A gentleman rang me back stating a contractor
had been appointed and the contract included
three paths, one Kinglake, one in Kinglake West
and ours. The Shire stated ―They are starting in
Kinglake, then Kinglake West, and finally
Flowerdale and hoping to have it completed by
June‖.
Regards
Pat
March 2011
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Flowerdale's 2011 Blackberry Bash

On the weekend of the 12th and 13th of February, Flowerdale banded together to make a large dent
into blackberry infestation in the area. Since the fires, the opportunistic weed has gained an
unwelcome foothold and residents have joined forces to ensure that the problem is nipped in the
bud. Around 40 residents participated in the Blackberry Bash. Funding for herbicide was supplied
by the DPI's Adopt-A-Stream program with locals providing the labour force and some spraying and
personal protective equipment. Also kindly lent for the event were spray units from both Strath
Creek and Reedy Creek Landcare Groups, the Shire of Murrindindi and a 1000 litre water tanker
from Flowerdale CFA. These made the task so much more efficient. The team managed to
disseminate some 10,000 litres of chemical and more could have been utilised. In addition to this,
individual landholders undertook significant
amounts of private spraying under their own
steam during this week. Being such a wet
season and bearing in mind the Macquarie
Perch larvae life cycle period, it was decided in
consultation with DSE to schedule the spray for
this weekend. To ensure minimal adverse
effect on our waterways guidelines were
detailed as each resident collected their
allocation of chemicals. The heavens were
favourable and it was a sunny weekend,
ensuring a more effective outcome.
Flowerdale has now shown its commitment to
the minimisation of noxious weeds in the
valley. The Flowerdale 'Environment Work
Engine' has recently been formed to promote
environmental enhancement and enrichment and will undertake other projects in the future.

Wood Splitter available Full Time in

Flowerdale
As part of the Tool Library in Flowerdale we now have a
permanent Wood Splitter available.
To book you need to contact
Henry 0427 808 435

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FLOWERDALE CFA
Green is the new black.

Those of us who slavishly follow fashion trends—or maybe flick through the
occasional Womens Weekly at the dentist‘s—know that black outfits make every
modern girl (and bloke) look and feel glamorous.

But Flowerdale has trended from black to glamorous green, thanks to all this rain. Green hills, new
green leaves on the trees, new green trees sprouting on every roadside. Green grass up to your
armpits, grass that grows six inches in a day. Grass that is becoming boring to mow.

Flowerdale‘s fire danger sign has barely moved off Green (Low to Moderate), which is good news for
fire fighters. However, we are still in the middle of fire season, and still need to be mindful of fire
danger. Just one hot, windy day will change the fire danger instantly. Please check the sign located
outside the Fire Station for today‘s fire danger.

Turnouts. Over summer, Flowerdale Brigade has attended several accidents and fires. On 9
February, the brigade attended a fire on Forest Road, which turned out to be a domestic burn-off that
should not have been lit. Because we are still in the fire season, fires cannot be lit without a written
Council permit. Call Council to arrange a written permit before burning off any material.

On 4 February, the brigade attended a report of a faulty smoke alarm. Why not check your smoke
alarm now? Have a look at the 5-step check in the box.

On 29 January, we attended a motorcycle accident on the Murchison Spur, along with Strath/Reedy
Creek, Yea and Glenburn brigades.

On 12 January, the brigade attended an accident where a vehicle spun around on the Yea–
Whittlesea Road and hit an embankment. Light rain had made the roads very slippery.

And on 25 December, Christmas Night, a power pole caught fire on the Yea–Whittlesea Road near
the Fire Station. The flames went out as quickly as they started, and the brigade made sure people
and property were safe, and the electricity company was on its way, before we closed the scene
down.

Training. Training has continued on the new fire tanker. Most firies also attended some training in
Yea on the new digital radios that the CFA will roll out over the next few years.

Next training and meeting at the Fire Station. Training is on the first and third Sundays, and the
brigade meeting is on the first Tuesday.
Training—Sunday 6 and 20 February, 9 am.
Meeting—Tuesday 1st March, 7.30 pm.

If we keep mowing the grass, it will mean a safer summer & autumn—even if we‘ve (almost) had
enough of lawnmowers.
Kate Hawkins, Flowerdale CFA

5-step-check for your smoke alarm. How easy is this?

1. Find your smoke alarm on the ceiling

2. Find a broomstick
3. Use the broom handle to press the safety button on the bottom of the alarm
4. Wait until the alarm beeps
5. If it doesn‘t beep, change the battery or get a new alarm.

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The Murrindindi Toy Library commences its

second year in February and the Committee
encourages you to come and join in the fun!
With over 950 toys, and unlimited borrowing
limits, they are sure you will find something the
kids will love to play with! Toys include puzzles,
games, DVD's and CD's, costumes, music, sci-
ence, home corner, transport, Duplo, baby, con-
struction and more! And with the membership
fees from any new membership taken out be-
tween now and the end of February 2011 being
donated to the Queensland and Victorian flood
victims, there has never been a better time to
join!

The Library is a non profit organisation run by

volunteers, and is a gift from residents of the
Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne to residents of
the fire affected Murrindindi Shire. Last year the
focus of the committee was on organising the
custom made trailers (funded by the Rotary Dis-
trict 9810 Bushfire Fund) and accumulating, bag-
ging and coding mountains of toys! This year
they are focusing on building the membership of
the Toy Library - not only so more residents en-
joy the benefits of this wonderful facility, but to
ensure that in the future, when the funding
ceases, that the library is financially viable. And
remember, the Toy Library is not just for families
with young children, it is a great resource for
grandparents, kindergartens and playgroups too!
And if you are looking for a gift with a difference,
gift vouchers are available!

Rainfall Many families last year also took advantage of

hiring one of the Toy Library "Party Packs",
which are trailers loaded with large toys suitable
for entertaining the littlies! Toys include climbing
February 2011 frame with slide, a roller coaster, See Saw, Oc-
(to 22nd February) 125mm topus Rocker/table, Little Tikes Ute, and a para-
Total for January 2011 162mm chute. Hiring costs $25 for members, $35 for
non members, and is suitable for events such as
Year to Date kids parties, community get togethers and play-
to 22nd February 2011 287mm groups.
to 28th February 2010 127mm
Total 2010 1204mm The Toy Library trailer visits once a month, and
will stop in Flowerdale on Wednesday March 9 th
Regards at 2.30pm and Saturday April 9th at 9.30am. The
Virginia trailer will be located outside the Flowerdale ELC
and Kinder. Membership is $20 per family per
WE ARE LOOKING FOR MORE year. For more details, including locations, time-
tables and membership forms, check out the
VOLUNTEERS TO DISTRIBUTE THE website at www.murrindinditoylibrary.org.au, or
FLOWERDALE FLYER. give them a call on 0400 969 500.

If you can help once a month to distribute

please contact
0418 589 072
Flowerdale Flyer March 2011
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1st Kinglake Scout Group

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

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
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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.

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Zumba, Salsa and Hip Hop come to Yea

Ditch the workout and join the party! Join the millions
of people who have decided that having fun and
working out are not mutually exclusive. Hayley
Milner and Fabio Isak have been funded through
Murrindindi Shire Council’s fire recovery program to
come to Yea to give free Hip Hop classes for kids
and Salsa and Zumba classes for everyone. These
classes have started and continuing on the last Friday
of every month, families are invited to come and
spend the evening having fun. They may even choose
to tie it in with a curry night at Marmalades –
because curry and zumba would be a very new
experience! The project has been supported by St
Lukes Yea and the evening is being held at St Lukes
Hall in Pelissier St Yea. Classes
start at 4.30pm and continue
on until 8.30pm.
Phone Michelle Moon for
details 5797 2525.

Photo: Fabio Isak from Dance

Connection in Melbourne

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

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Stockfeed

Pizza -Thursday Night

Fruit & Vegetables

Take-away Food

Post Office

Cappuccino

Firewood & Gas

5780 1202

Opening hours
Monday—Saturday
7am—7pm
Sunday
9am—6pm

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EARNER DRIVERS
L2P is an exciting new program which provides an
opportunity for young people aged between 16-21 to
achieve the 120 hours of driving practice, required
to obtain their probationary drivers
licence.

Criteria for young people

 Hold current Learners Permit.
 Between the ages of 16-21.
 Identified to be facing a significant bar-
rier which is prohibiting them from obtaining 120
hours of driving practice.

If you would like to know more or are interested in

participating, we look forward to hearing from you.

L2P Coordinator:
Jayne Farnan
Berry Street, Alexandra
Ph: 57723383
Mob: 0418667498

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Discount Nails/
Screws/Bolts

Location: Flowerdale

57 802 702

Closed Tuesdays for

Deliveries
All Fire Suburbs Welcome

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If you would like to

contribute articles, stories
and advertising of
businesses in the
Flowerdale Flyer, contact
Julie Bateman
jbateman@y7mail.com or phone
0418589072 or contact the
Flowerdale Community House,
fch@internode.on.net or
5780 2664

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

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MEDIA RELEASE
February 6, 2011

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.

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Advertisement/Public Notice/Media
Releases
Kinglake Microchipping and
Registration Day

Kinglake District Service Centre

Saturday 19 March 2011
10am - 2pm

* Free Sausage Sizzle *

The state government now requires all animals over the age of three months to be microchipped and
registered with council. Failing to register animals may result in costly penalties exceeding $500.

This event will provide an opportunity for all residents shire-wide to have their companion animal/s
microchipped for a discounted price and also provide an opportunity for residents to register their pet(s) for
the 2011-12 period.

Microchipping is the most effective way to permanently identify your pets if lost; or found wandering at large.

Pre-registration is encouraged by phoning the Kinglake District Service Centre on 5786 1522.

Please ensure that dogs are on a lead and that cats are secured in a cage.

Take the opportunity to have your pet microchipped at a discounted fee of $25 per animal.

For further information contact Council‘s Local Laws department on 5772 0333.

Expression of Interest
Murrindindi Environment Advisory Committee

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 council‘s
website www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au under Planning and Environment, by visiting any council office (Yea,
Alexandra or Kinglake) or by contacting 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.

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Advertisement/Public Notice/Media
Releases
Friday 25 February 2011
Community to be consulted on future of Rebuilding Centres
Future long term uses of the Rebuilding Advisory Centres (RACs) will be the subject of extensive community consulta-
tion, the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority (VBBRA) and Murrindindi Shire Council said to-
day.
VBRRA CEO Pam White said the long-term use of the RACs in Marysville and Kinglake would be determined follow-
ing 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 own-
ership 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 cen-
tres 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”
End.
Media enquiries: VBRRA Media on 0428 634 194

Visitor Information Centre accreditation supported

Maintaining a fully accredited Visitor Information Centre to support tourism services across the shire has been
endorsed by Murrindindi Shire Council.

Council received a request from the Alexandra Traders and Tourism Association for $11,000 in funding support
to retain a full time co-ordinator position at the Alexandra Visitor Information Centre until 30 June 2011.

Mayor Peter Beales said the position was critical to the tourism accreditation process that allowed businesses
and the shire as a whole to maximise the benefits of local, regional and state tourism campaigns.

―The loss of accreditation would result in the loss of promotional benefits including the right to use the iconic yel-
low ‗i‘ brand on road signage, publications and the Alexandra Visitor Information building,‖ Cr Beales said.

―It would have also resulted in the loss of the right to receive and display official Tourism Victoria (jigsaw) publi-
cations and loss of access to free listings in Tourism Victoria‘s official visitors guides, touring maps and internet
sites.‖

Cr Beales said that while the funding was a short-term solution, there were significant on-going negotiations with
a number of Murrindindi tourism bodies to ensure the long term viability of accredited information centres in the
shire.

―Our Tourism and Economic Development Unit continue to work closely with our tourism stakeholders to develop
strategies that will encourage visitors to our region and ensure that we can gain the best exposure when it
comes to promoting Murrindindi on a regional, state and national basis,‖ Cr Beales said.
Flowerdale Flyer March 2011
 Page 24

Advertisement/Public Notice/Media
Releases
Mayor’s Comment

After many months of work by a team of consultants working in the community, the Kinglake Ranges,
Flowerdale and Toolangi Draft Plan and Design Framework has been released for public comment. Every
person who made a submission and every landowner will receive a personal letter to advise them that the
document is available for comment for two months.

The Draft document should be read in conjunction with previous publications such as the Future Directions
Discussion Paper to fully understand the rationale behind the project. I recommend that any person with an
interest in the project make their relevant comments as soon as possible. The document is available in hard
copy at council offices, Kinglake Ranges Rebuilding Advisory Centre, Flowerdale Community Hall and
Toolangi Neighbourhood House and on line at www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au or www.kftplan.com.au

Council recently received from the Housing Industry Association a copy of its analysis of Planning Permit
Activity across the state from a report by the Department of Planning and Community Development. This
report for 2009 -2010 was for Councils that processed over 500 planning permits in the year. Murrindindi
Shire Council, with a completion rate of 90 per cent of all permits within the statutory time frame, rates the
best in the state, with the lowest council scoring 27 per cent. I would like to congratulate council‘s staff on this
outstanding result.

The new Middle Kinglake Primary School has welcomed students for the first time this year and the formal
opening is scheduled for 23 February. I wish the students, parents and staff all the best in the new buildings
and I am sure their great school spirit will follow them to the new building.

The official opening of the first completed section of the Goulburn River High Country Rail Trail will be
opened at the western side of the Brankeet Bridge in Bonnie Doon this Saturday 26 February at 11am.
Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be prizes for decorated bikes. Further information is available
on the rail trail at www.victorianrailtrails.com.au.
Councillor Comment
Cr Cris Ruhr, King Parrot Ward

Alexandra Swimming Pool was the place to be on Friday 18 February with the Freeza Pool Party entertaining Primary
and later Secondary School age kids enjoying amusements, a DJ and or course lots of swimming. This was a terrific
youth initiative and congratulations to all involved.

This is also a timely reminder that the Yea Community Bus, which was housed at the Yea Hospital is on the move and
will now take up a permanent home at the Yea Council Office. There will be no change to the booking procedure which
is through the Yea Council Office. The only change is the collection and return point will now be the Council Offices.

The Dindi Fest, the major Youth Festival in Murrindindi, is currently in the planning and organising stage with three
working committees having been set up across the shire in Alexandra, Yea and Kinglake. The Dindi Fest is a free event
for all and will be held at the Yea Railway Park on 2 April 2011 from noon until 8pm. The Dindi Fest will coincide with
National Youth Week. There will be great local bands, fun rides and food stalls and competitions galore at the skatepark
in Yea. A free bus service will be running from Marysville, Alexandra, Seymour, Whittlesea, Kinglake and Kinglake
West. For more info on Dindi Fest and the free transport check out www.youthmurrindindi.com

And lastly, the Kinglake Flowerdale and Toolangi Draft Plan and Design Framework has been released for public
comment. It is really important for the communities in these areas to read the draft plan so they can fully understand
what is being recommended for this region. The Draft Plan will guide the future land usage and development, service
provision, infrastructure and economic development, and most importantly the character and identity of these local
communities.

The Draft Plan can be viewed at the Kinglake Ranges Rebuilding Advisory Centre, Flowerdale Community Hall and
Toolangi Neighbourhood House until Friday 8 April. If you need a copy for yourself please call the Victorian Bushfire
Information Line on 1800 240 667 or download it from www.kftplan.com.au

This is the best opportunity for the community to have it say on where they want to be in the years to come and I can‘t
stress highly enough the importance of this plan.

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 25

Advertisement/Public Notice/Media

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 26

LOCAL
We TRADIES
Want
Only $5 a month

You Name
Expertise
Phone number
Is all that is needed

Must be prepaid
(leave at the Store)

Marked with Payment:

Flowerdale Flyer Tradies List & Contact
Address

And Watch the jobs flow in

New Contact:
0418589072 or email jbateman@y7mail.com
for further information

LOCAL TRADIES LIST

Cabinet Maker
Renzo Ukosich—New kitchens & renovations
5780 2278

EDDY’S TOWING & TRANSPORT
FREE CAR REMOVAL ALL AREAS
All non-ferrous metals
*We pay up to $100 a car* more for trucks *(conditions apply)*
Melb Metro daily (MSIC) Wharf acc.
24 hours service, 7 days Trade Towing
Metro/Country, Twin Car, Car Capacity
Caravan Relocation, Tractor, Bobcats
Equipment (up to 5 tons)
FULL TILT TRAY SERVICE
NOW MOVING 20 FOOT CONTAINERS
Phone Eddy 0407849252 or 0357978220
3877 Melba Hwy, Glenburn, 3717 Fax 57978520
www.eddystowing@harboursat.com.au
Gardening
Josh Sommers—all round gardener 0438 306 616
Landscaping
Alex Jones-Pavescape—Paving, Concreting, Bob-
cat Hire, Excavator, Post Holes 0409 338 130
Maintenance Handyman
Wayne Moerman—Commercial & Residential
0431 180 168 or 0415 187 979
Painting & Decorating
Adam Thomas—Painter/Decorator, Roof Painting &
Pressure Cleaning 0420 991 834
John Kyme—Painter & Decorator 0418 564 851
Home: 5780 2569

Plasterer
Peter Kiss—New Buildings, Renovations, Repairs–
No Job Too Big or Too Small 0413 741 396

Plumber
Tom Simpson—TLS Plumbing—Septics, Water
Tanks etc 0433 309 559

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 27

ADVERTISING RATES
1/16 Page $10.00 DEADLINE FOR
1/8 Page $20.00 FLOWERDALE FLYER
1/4 Page $30.00 EDITION APRIL 2011 IS
1/2 Page $45.00 TUESDAY 22ND MARCH 2011
Full Page $90.00
Classified Ads $1 per line
Personals Free
Mobile Library Visits:
Email the Flowerdale Hazeldene Bus Stop—1.30 to 4.30pm 1st & 3rd
Thursday of month.
Community House at
fch@internode.on.net or post If you have internet access at home you can
reserve books at the Yarra Plenty Regional
to: Library website (www.yprl.vic.gov.au) and collect
PO Box 2008, Hazeldene them from the Mobile Library.
3658

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 28

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 29

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 30

Flowerdale Community
Flowerdale House
Community INC INC
House
Open Open
Tuesday & Wednesday
Tuesday 10am—3pm
& Wednesday 10am—3pm
Phone: 5780 2664
Phone: 5780 2664
(For all bookings and enquires please phone the Flowerdale Community House)

What’s on at your Community House?

MONDAY
Yoga –Every Monday, Tutor: Libby Mitchell $10 (discounts apply, please ask at time of enrolment)
9.30-11.00am. Classes will have recommenced. Please register your interest by phoning
Community House.

Lighten Up—Weight Loss Group designed with you in mind all welcome. Incentives, menu ideas,
weigh in from 6pm. Classes will recommence shortly. Please register your interest by
phoning Community House.

Kim’s Fitness and Fun—Stay on for Fitness and Fun with Tutor: Kim from 7pm $5.

TUESDAY
All Day Morning Tea—Every Tuesday from 10-2.30pm. Come and connect with your community
enjoy a cuppa, cake and a chat, casual and relaxed atmosphere and everybody is welcome.

Chi Ball—Tutor: Gemma Wakefiled, $10 (discounts apply, please ask at time of enrolment) 10-
11.30am. Classes will recommence shortly. Please register your interest by phoning
Community House.

Massage/Chiropractic/Osteopathy/Acupunture—Each Tuesday, 1-4pm. Thanks to Hands on

Health Australia professionals, RMIT students and clinician Helen. Acupuncture on first Tuesday of
the month with Marta. Bookings must be made with Chris, Community House.

Quilting & Craft—Tuesday Evenings, Cost $4 7-9pm and the first Saturday of each month from
9.30am-3.30pm Cost $5.

WEDNESDAY
Playgroup—Wednesdays from 10-12.30, $2 per family. From newborn to preschool. Please bring
a piece of fruit to share.

Art Group—A self led group from 1-3pm, bring your supplies and project to this social group.
THURSDAY
Belly Dancing—Each fortnight, Tutor: Kristen, Cost $10. Come and have a good laugh with us and
NO you don’t need to show your belly! Classes will recommence shortly. Please register
your interest by phoning Community House.
FRIDAY
Hairdressing—Fridays , 1-5pm, with Lisa McKinna. For appointments please book through Community
House (see separate flyer for price list).

Clinical Hypnotherapy/Counselling/Naturopathy—Alan, Senior Practitioner provides a truly

holistic and caring approach to personal issues and health. Appointments can be made through
Community House.

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 31

Flowerdale Community House INC

Open Tuesday & Wednesday 10am—3pm
Phone: 5780 2664
(For all bookings and enquires please phone the Flowerdale Community House)

What’s on at your Community House?

FRIDAY cont....

Kids Music Group—Will be advised when recommencing.

Community Dinners—Next dinner will be Friday 4th March, Theme: Formal Night. Adults $5,
Children $3 and under 5 are free. Club bar opens at 6pm. Meals are from 6-8pm. We meet at the
Recreation Reserve to enjoy a meal together, all welcome. . Please Note: Community Dinners will
be once a month, first Friday of the Month.

SATURDAY
Japanese Cookery—Will resume again when Hiroko is feeling better, we wish all the best with her
recovery.

SUNDAY
Church—Church has changed, now “Green Valley Church”, 10am Flowerdale Hall every Sunday except
when Flowerdale Market is on.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?
Life Drawing—If you would be interested in joining
this class, please call the Community House to
SERVICES
register your interest. Classes will be at 7pm in the
evening (our tutor Lou will advise of date shortly).
Community Bus—To hire the community bus
Cost $10.
contact 0429801312 for prices & details.
Flowerdale Seniors Group—Come in and help
Op Shop—Call in and have a browse you may
develop the exciting Calendar of events for the year
pick up a bargain. Volunteers are always
of activities (anyone over 55 welcome to join).
needed so if you have a spare few hours please
Come in on Tuesday mornings to help with planning
call the Community House.
with Trish, Max, Judy and Jan.
Flowerdale Food Share—Thanks to the
Physical Activity Group—For over 55’s an exciting
ongoing partnership with Berry Street and the
range of classes are planned with Rickie Nuske
Victorian Food Bank. Phone or come and speak
including Thi Chi, Yoga, Pilates, walking strength
with Odette.
training, aerobics etc... Please come and get
involved, begins shortly and all sessions free of
Firewood—If you are in desperate need of
charge.
firewood, please call the Community House.
Ladies Chainsaw Classes—Due to popular
Annie on UGFM—Each Saturday Morning at
demand another series of workshops will commence
9.30am on 88.9/98.9UGFM. Annie gives the
next year. Enormous thanks to Peter Auty. Please
Flowerdale Report, “Good Morning Murrindindi”
call Community to register your interest.
and has a wide listening audience.
Mens Cooking Classes—All Ages. Please call
Community House to register your interest.

Hip Hop Dancing—Tutor Chevy. Please call

Community House to register your interest.

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011

 Page 32

COMMUNITY, AGENCY & EMERGENCY CONTACT FLOWERDALE COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY

NUMBERS
Ambulance 000 Captain: Glenn Woods
Bee Swarm Removal 0400 337 556 Station: 5780 2179
Berry Street
Beyond Blue
5772 3383
1300 224 636
Meets: 7.30pm 1st Tuesday of Month
Bushfire Building Advice Line 1300 360 320
Bushfire Case Management Service 1800 050 400 Emergency: 000
CFA Emergency 000
Consumer Affairs Victoira 1300 558 181
DHS Child Protection 1800 650 227 Training: 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month
(After Hours) 13 12 78 at 9am
DHS Hub (Leanne Pleash) 5780 2704
Dial Before you Dig 1100
Doctor—Yea 5736 0444
Direct Line—Drug & Alcohol Counselling 1800 888 236
Flowerdale Community House (Hall) 5780 2664
Flowerdale Hotel 5780 1230
Flowerdale Kindergarten 5780 2020 WOULD YOU LIKE TO HIRE THE
FLOWERDALE COMMUNITY
Flowerdale Primary School 5780 1264
Hazeldene Store 5780 1202
Green Valley Church—Flowerdale 0434 357 730 BUS??????
Griefline (12noon-Midnight) 9596 7799
Help for Wildlife 0417 380 687
Hospital—Yea 5736 0400 For details & costs phone
Housing for people with drug/alcohol issues 5784 5555
Insurance Ombudsman 1300 728 228 Annie Roberston
Kids Help Line
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House
1800 551 800
5786 1301
0429801312
Lands Titles 8636 2026
Lifeline 13 11 14
JP (Lyn Gunter) 5780 2382
(G Atkins) 5786 2038
(K Stewart) 5786 1557
Maternal & Child Health Emergency (AH) 1800 134 883
Mensline 1300 789 978
Mental Health Advice Line 1300 280 737
Mitchell Community Health Services 1300 773 352
Murrindindi Shire Council—
Alexandra 5772 0333
Yea 5797 2209
Kinglake 5786 1522
Home Based Child Care 5772 0362
Aged Care Services 5772 0360 Flowerdale
Local Law Emergencies * 0419 572 425 Community Service Hub
Engineering Emergencies * 0407 509 413
Local Law Enforcement 5772 0333 Opening Hours
*These numbers must only be used in the case of an
emergency. If matter is not urgent please contact MSC during
office hours. The Flowerdale Community Service Hub is
Nurse-On-Call 1300 606 024 now open on the following days:
Office of Housing (Seymour DHS) 1800 680 694
Open Family Youth Outreach Worker 0417 160 598
Police—Kinglake 5786 1333
Monday: 10am—4pm
—Yea 5797 2630 Tuesday: 10am—4pm
—Emergency 000 Wednesday 10am—4pm
Poisons Information 13 11 26
Thursday: CLOSED
Red Cross REDiPlan 8327 7700
Regional Information & Advocacy Council 1800 221 944 Friday: 10am—4pm
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277 Saturday: CLOSED
Rural Financial Counselling Service 5735 4342 Sunday: CLOSED
Rural Housing Network 5735 2000
SES 13 25 00
TRU Energy Power Failure 13 17 99 Please Note: The Services Hub are now
Vet—Yea 5797 2333 operating from the new offices at the
—Whittlesea 9716 2495 Flowerdale Community Hall
Victorian Aids & Equipment Program 5832 2200
Vision Australia 5831 3555
Yea Community House 5797 3070
Wildlife Victoria 1300 094 535

Flowerdale Flyer March 2011