Buchan Phoenix
Rising from the ashes… Communication for the community by the community.
February 2019 Issue 30 Reducing the impacts of wild dogs locally
A number of workshops are being held to give members of the community the opportunity to reduce the impact of wild dogs on private land. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is hosting 15 Wild Dog Management Zone (WDMZ) community workshops across Gippsland and north east Victoria commencing on 26 February. DELWP Manager for Statewide Invasive Species Program Peter Austin said: “The workshops are an opportunity for the community to have input into the way dogs are controlled locally. “Reducing the impact of wild dogs can be achieved by all land managers working together using a combination of trapping, baiting, shooting, exclusion fencing and good animal husbandry. “The sessions will focus on local Wild Dog Controllers and what activity they have caught on their trail-cameras, as well as sharing their knowledge about current management techniques for wild dog control. “The workshops will also involve discussions on what has worked well and what needs improving in our Wild Dog Management Zone Work Plans as new plans are developed for the coming year. “We are looking forward to meeting community members in the coming weeks,” Mr Austin said. Farmers who are interested can also come along to a workshop to find out more about joining an existing Community Wild Dog Control Group to link up with others in their area and increase the effectiveness of their own wild dog control.
For further information about workshops in the north east contact Tim Enshaw at the Wodonga Office on (02) 6043 7900 and in Gippsland contact Vaughn Kingston at the Bairnsdale office on (03) 5152 0400. Buchan, Gelantipy session Thursday 7 March Karoonda Park 3855 Gelantipy Rd Gelantipy 10.00am – 1:00pm BBQ lunch What's inside this issue
Canni Creek Races Wild Dogs Classifieds. Get yours today! Smart Farms Grants Memories of Clive Norfolk Beginners Computers Feeling Like Stretching Bruthen Blues Remembering Jean Douglas Retirement Celebration Save the Date. My Brilliant Divorce
The newsletter is delivered to every household in the District and is also available online at buchan.vic.au or via Facebook at Buchan Neighbourhood House. All editions will soon be available electronically at the State Library online site. If you are not receiving the newsletter please contact us and we will ensure that a copy is mailed to your address. Newsletters can be posted for an annual fee of $16.50 incl. GST per 12 editions to anyone outside the district or contact us with your email address and we can send an electronic version for free. Dates for submissions will be advertised in each edition and we welcome your contributions. Submissions closing date for March will be Monday 4th We welcome articles and other contributions from the general public, clubs and organisations and submissions can be sent to buchanbnh@bigpond.com or drop them into the Neighbourhood House. Advertisements are $55 for 12 editions.
The Buchan Neighbourhood House do not take responsibility for opinions expressed by contributors to the Buchan Phoenix. The Editors reserve the right to reject articles and advertisements and to edit submissions if necessary. All submissions should carry the author’s full name, address and phone number, or anonymously if preferred. Buchan Neighbourhood House is open Monday to Thursday from 9.00am until 4.30pm
The Buchan Phoenix would like to acknowledge the Gunaikurnai People, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather, and pay our respects to their Elders both past and present.
Callemondah CafĂŠ Home-Style Food Hot and Cold Drinks Giftware
Antiques & Collectables Wanted to buy (Cash Paid)
0412575232 Open holiday periods
Monthly Weekend Shoot Every 4th Sunday of the month Black powder in 1st Sunday Open 10am to 4pm Not a member?? – come and try shooting under supervision Range Address: Bruthen Buchan Rd, Buchan (18km from the Princes Hwy) For more information, please phone President: Julian- 0417370036 Secretary: Garry - 0427867868
Servicing East Gippsland and Surrounds Liquid Waste Needs Specialising in liquid waste disposal. Septic tank cleaning - triple interceptors waste water removal - grease traps. ph. 0439 400 480
Justice of Peace Arrangements can be made with Janice Coates Phone 51 559 301
For information contact Peter Washington 0418 337 955
SMART FARMS GRANTS. The second round of the Smart Farms Small Grants program is now open and will close at 11:30 pm AEDT on Friday, 11 January 2019. Smart Farms Small Grants (‘Small Grants’) is an open, competitive, grant opportunity to support one- to two-year projects to increase farming, forestry and fishing communities’ awareness, knowledge, skills and capacity to adopt sustainable natural resource management best practice. The Grant Opportunity Guidelines and application form can be found at: https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants/ national-landcare-program-smart-farms-small-grants-0 More information on Smart Farms is available online.: Visit the Community Grants Hub to apply. The Government has allocated $134 million under the Smart Farms Program to support the development and uptake of best practice, tools and technologies that help farmers, fishers, foresters and regional communities improve the protection, resilience and productive capacity of our soils, water and vegetation, in turn supporting successful primary industries and regional communities. The program will focus on protecting and improving the condition of soil, vegetation and biodiversity and support agricultural systems to adapt to change. The Smart Farms Program runs over six years from 2017-18. It is made up of the following three elements: Smart Farming Partnerships ($55 million) grants range between $250,000 and $4 million (GST exclusive). These larger projects support the formation of relevant and effective partnerships between experienced and skilled organisations and individuals. Smart Farming Partnerships will: develop, trial and implement new and innovative tools that support sustainable agriculture practice changes that in turn will deliver more productive and profitable agriculture, fishing, aquaculture and farm forestry industries protect Australia’s biodiversity protect and improve the condition of natural resources (in particular soils and vegetation), and assist Australia to meet its obligations under relevant international treaties. Smart Farms Small Grants ($55 million) range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $200,000 (GST exclusive). Smart Farms Small Grants will fund organisations and individuals to undertake projects that build the capacity of Australia’s farmers, fishers and foresters to adopt best practice natural resource management methods. This will deliver more sustainable, productive and profitable agriculture, fishing, aquaculture and forestry industries, protect and improve the condition of natural resources (in particular soils and vegetation), and assist in protecting Australia’s biodiversity. Organisations and individuals may apply for funding for projects that promote and deliver land manager adoption of best practice sustainable land management. Applicants may also apply for projects that strengthen the capacity of Landcare groups and others to improve land manager adoption of best practice. Projects may be delivered locally, regionally and multi-regionally. Projects will fall into one of four categories, based on their value and the outcomes they are focussed on achieving.
The event opens on a Friday night with the Friday Night Jam, and the music and festivities continues in venues and on the street until Sunday afternoon. FULL LINE-UP: The Kutcha Edwards Band The New Savages The Fret Drifters (USA) Bill Barber 19-Twenty Mick Kidd and Dave Blight Kings and Associates The Road Worn Healers The Dave Orr Band Anita George Louis King's Royal Blue Trio Aaron Pollock Rod Millers Blues Explosion Organic Joe Electric Blues Collective Rosie Haden and Greg Hoepner and The Electric Yeti
Over the past year we have had a number of enquiries about running another beginners computer course in Buchan. Well here it is! We have been assisting people here at the House with their enquiries including help with their computer or devices and in using the internet for sending emails and connecting up on a need to know basis. There is the ever increasing need today to be able to provide an email address or receive and send information. Government services such as My Gov. which includes Centrelink, Taxation and My health require you to have the digital skills to be able to complete forms and send information over the internet, there is no denying it‌ You WILL need basic digital literacy skills for basic citizenship and engagement with society. Then there are the benefits in gaining these skills. Access to information, communication with family and friends, online shopping, entertainment, ordering your shopping and just picking it up or easy access banking. Getting a good understanding and grounding and showing you what is available and how you can even get help online, including identifying the scams, security needs and protecting your identify are all essential skills you need to be in the digital world. We will be offering in this course the chance to learn from your lap top, computer, tablet or phone. That should cover all the bases. Fiona Ross will be our teacher and Tom Giles will be assisting with the use of phones and tablets. We may only be able to run this class once this year and if you find the time unsuitable or would like some more information please ring and we will try to accommodate to the needs of those who would like to attend. For more information, please ring us at the Neighbourhood House. Ph. 51 559 216
With deepest sympathy we send our condolences to Clive Norfolk's Family on his passing on Monday 28th January, 2019. Without Clive's commitment and hard work, our community would not have the beautiful Buchan South Avenue of Honour that he made happen for us all. Clive will be greatly missed in our community.
Memories of Clive Norfolk. Ev suggested that I write something about Clive based on my time spent in his house doing one of my part time jobs over the past 3 ½ years. With the blessing of Zillah and Victoria and Paul, (Clive’s children), here’s my personal perspective on a man I came to like very much. Clive was, for years, someone I would stop to chat to around Buchan. I recall congratulating him and Zillah on their marriage and apologizing for the card I hadn’t sent them, in the old Pub. I was addressing them from the bottle shop and chasing a bottle of wine, and they were looking very groomed and glamorous (and happy) and were out for dinner. Maybe just back from a honeymoon in France? During the time I spent at his house Clive and I discussed all sorts of stuff that he knew a lot more about than me. The places he’d lived and worked, the efficiency of the bureaucratic processes within The Civil Aviation Authority (of which he was a part) compared to the insane confusion that now seems to be universal, how crap it was to be seriously old and France and the French. He was tremendously excited by the ongoing Yellow Shirt “thing” and yes indeed, just in case you are wondering, the masses are rebelling. We were Facebook friends and Clive liked a huge number of my posts. Of which there are an even huger number. He voted Labor so we didn’t have a lot to say about politics except to nod wisely and agree and rubbish the other lots. I was hoping he’d help me hand out ‘How to Vote’ cards at the Federal Election. He had the manners and demeanour of a gentleman coupled with a sailor’s capacity to get along with almost anyone, (a theory I have stolen from Dick Baxter who believes it comes from being in a boat for a very long time with a lot of other people), but when frustrated could swear as well as I do. And was so totally English, as really am I. There’s ways in which the Poms are different to Australian’s, and Clive and I got each other on that level. And he loved living in Buchan and I’m very happy for him that he got to end his life there. Deborah Woodburn (with help from Maurice Harper with spelling a very difficult word.)
Nunnett - Timbarra River Fires 2019 so far‌ Buchan Neighbourhood House The Base Camp has moved into town with approx. 200 personnel preparing for back burns on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Night crews will also support the back burn watching the fire 24/7. The weather has been in our favour in so many ways with wind, rain and lower temperature so far providing some time for the emergency services to prepare and ensure that the Fires are contained. On Friday 25th January these fires began threatening the communities of Buchan and District. Quite some planning took place prior to the day with a community meeting on Wednesday 23 rd, to advise the community of the impending threat and to activate their fire plan. This means preparing to stay or leave. All the phone tree leaders were contacted and asked to watch the VicEmergency alerts and to be aware of the imminent possibility of fire. The temperature on this day was predicted to be 47C and was therefore also a heat health day. The recreation pavilion was opened by EGSC for community assembly and at 11.00 am became the Relief Centre. The Buchan Neighbourhood House arranged for registration volunteers to assist the Red Cross at the recreation pavilion from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm. The Buchan Neighbourhood House was also requested by DELWP to provide a mud map for the setup of the recreation reserve including the staging areas. We had presented this map on a previous occasion as a planning document from our previous experiences in the use of this area during fires as part of our fire simulation meeting in 2017. This document was never finalised for future use but at least we had a draft plan to work with. We were advised that the Salvation Army would also be attending to provide Emergency Shelter as required at the Buchan Hall. This facility was not utilised. Neighbourhood House Staff and Volunteers prepared for the activation of the phone trees. The Phone tree was activated with the assistance of Alan Cracknell (CFA) in the following order Timbarra, Gillingal and Murrindal. W Tree Phone Tree was also activated with the Neighbourhood House also responsible for contacting the residents in the Murrindal area. We then contacted all other Phone tree leaders in the district until the Mobiles went down. Phone tree leaders in some areas of Buchan, Buchan South, Bet Belong were not contacted as the urgency to attend other inquiries and the need to re contact Murrindal, Timbarra, Gillingal communities again became a priority. The landline at the Neighbourhood House was the only phone that could be used for staff and community at the refuge as well. People were starting to evacuate and come to Relief Centre and could then come to the Neighbourhood House for heat relief and for anyone wishing to bring their domestic animals. This was promoted on Facebook. Throughout the day at the Neighbourhood House we provided heat relief for community members and the firefighters who were providing protection of the township. We dealt with numerous other inquiries including calls from visitors looking for families camping and 4WDing in the region. We were able to find them and put them into contact with each other. Calls from family members asking on the whereabouts of some of the members of our community which had come into town which we were able to also assist with and connect them or advise on their whereabouts. We provided and arranged meals for 2 people and arranged for dogs to be feed and assisted them to their accommodation which was arranged by the Shire. We believe that there were some misunderstandings in relation to Red Cross registrations, providing accommodation (which was already heavily booked due to the Australia Day long weekend), general assistance, water and food. The Recreation Pavilion was also not able to be kept cool due throughout the day due to the extreme temperatures and this added to everyone’s stress on the day. We have contacted people that we know experienced some difficulties to try and get a better understanding and to improve information for the future and make the transition to leaving as part of your fire plan easier. Sunday 3rd February At around 2.30 pm the Vic emergency warning was issued again for the Timbarra Fires and staff and volunteers at the NH were assembled and phone trees were started at 3.00pm. We were advised by Buchan CFA Fire Captain to open the Recreation Centre as community members were assembling at the Fire Station. Community volunteers opened the Recreation Facility for community assembly and took registrations in the absence of any other services again the NH looked after some people and their dogs. Both the NH and the recreation facility were closed between 8 and 9pm. Outcomes to date. There is always room to learn and improve! We will be arranging, together with the Bush Nursing services to get Information for the community from the Red Cross regarding registrations and how they work. There is still an identified need for community run registrations and their value in assisting the Red Cross or in the absence of Red Cross or other agencies. We are requesting for anyone who is interested in volunteering that they contact the Neighbourhood House. We will seek clarification from the Shire on the provision of assistance at an Emergency Relief Centre, including access to water, food, Animal Welfare, Emergency Shelter/Accommodation and add this information to the LIMP booklet. We would also really like to be able to reassess how the recreation pavilion is used in the future with so much demand on the day from community and Emergency Services and how can we improve this facility to meet this demand in the future and be able to make much needed improvements. Much of this work is not only conducted by the agencies in the district but also by our voluntary community groups and committees working together to constantly improve our resilience and recovery. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of Roadside house numbers. Each property needs to clearly display their house numbers and to clearly indicate which private roads lead directly to houses in cases where landowners have roads leading to other farm building (i.e. sheds). This request has come from the CFA who have been visiting our communities over the past few weeks. Emergency services can be delayed if they cannot find the number they have been given to find your property. Thank you to the person who brought the cake to the Refuge. I can’t remember who it was with all the things that happened and amongst the emotions of the day but it was big and looked delicious and was most appreciated. Although we always do our best, the responsibility of assisting with the enacting the community LIMP plan when you think that people may be losing their homes weighs heavy at times. So many people and agencies providing their skills and time to try to assist everyone with their personal fire plans and to make it safe again for our communities is also humbling.
Modernising Victoria’s regional forest agreements
An important opportunity to influence the future management of our forests Over the next four years, DELWP will be partnering with Traditional Owners and engaging with Victorian communities and stakeholders to inform modernisation of Victoria’s RFAs and the forest management system they accredit. And we want to hear as many voices as possible. We will also be updating our assessments of forest values, including:
environmental values indigenous values social values economic values, and ecosystem service values. We will use the outcomes of our engagement and assessments processes to inform the modernisation of Victoria’s RFAs and to update Victoria’s forest planning and regulatory framework, to ensure they provide for sustainable forest management for the future.
To see the program overview, progress and next steps and everything you need to know about this modernisation process regarding the future of our forests, please visit the link future of forests site. To register your interest in being involved in this process contact future.rfa@delwp.vic.gov.au. For more information visit: https://www.forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au/forestmanagement/regional-forest-agreements or contact 136186
MEDIA RELEASE
We need you! Do you have an interest in water and wastewater services in East Gippsland? Could you provide invaluable feedback on these services and fairly represent broader customer views? East Gippsland Water is seeking new members to join its Customer Committee, established to strengthen the organisation’s connection and engagement with customers. The committee has a key role to play in ensuring customer views are carefully considered in relation to East Gippsland Water decisions on important water and wastewater issues, including future service priorities. These are volunteer positions. The committee usually meets every three months and reasonable travel costs will be covered. Members must be East Gippsland Water customers and will be appointed based on their ability to represent broad customer views. The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 8 March, 2019. For more information and an application form please visit the website egwater@vic.gov.au. Alternatively, contact East Gippsland Water on 1800 671 841, or email hr@egwater.vic.gov.au.
The district was very saddened to hear of the death of Jean Douglas, a respected and much loved resident and exceptional Bush Nurse. I wasn't living in the area most of the time Jean was here. I mostly saw her towards the end of Wyn Rayson's life when they both lived in and near Lakes Entrance. Wyn and Jean were great mates and spent a lot of time together. Wyn spoke very highly of Jean, which as anyone who had the privilege of Wyn's confidence will know, means heaps. I was very gratefull to Jean, who often drove them places, for bringing Wyn up to my brother Michael's memorial service. Wyn's presence was a huge comfort during a harrowing period. Jean lost her husband in sudden and tragic circumstances. She is survived by her children Sam and Kate. I know the thoughts of the district are with them and their families. Contributor: Deborah Woodburn
Health Direct Helpline Non-urgent assistance If your health concern is not urgent call the healthdirect helpline at any time on 1800 022 222 for free advice and reassurance. The healthdirect helpline is a 24-hour telephone health advice line that operates seven days a week. It is staffed by registered nurses who provide expert health advice. You can call for advice if you or a member of your family are feeling ill and are unsure what to do, or for health information on a particular condition.
Message from East Gippsland Water The bushfires are impacting on the treatment capacity of our Buchan Water Treatment Plant. As a result the Buchan standpipe has been taken out of service until further notice, to help conserve drinking water supplies. Alternative standpipes are available at: ¡ Golf Links Rd, Lakes Entrance Corner of Livingston St and Salisbury St, Orbost
This document is available at the Buchan Neighbourhood House. Please come in and see us if you would like some more information regarding any of these programs.
MASSAGE Tuesday 5th March From 10 am Late appointment by advanced Booking MASSAGE and NATURAL HEALTH CARE at the Buchan Neighbourhood House including: Relaxation, Aromatherapy, Sports Therapies, Remedial Massage Therapy, Pre and Post Natal and baby Massage. Available for adults and children of all ages.
$60 one hour session For further information and bookings contact the Buchan Neighbourhood House or Sharon Dent by email at silvaaust@gmail.com or call 0468387524
East Gippsland Shire Outreach Services Library Books can be reserved, collected or returned at the Neighbourhood House. Mobile Library Bus days are held fortnightly on a Tuesday
The next service for 2019 will be 26th February 12th March Buchan (near school) 9.15 am – 10.00 am W Tree (near Siba Retreat Centre) 10.45 am – 11.30 am (Neighbourhood House & kinder) 12.30 pm – 2.00 pm
2019 Library schedules, Council minutes or planning permits are also available upon request at the Neighbourhood House
East Gippsland Shire Grants Grant Round Opens and applications can be submitted from: Wednesday 9 January 2019 Grant Round Closes and application need to be submitted by: Wednesday 6 March 2019
A kindergarten teacher was delivering a station wagon full of kids home one day when a fire truck zoomed past.
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Sitting in the front seat of the fire truck was a Dalmatian dog. The children began discussing the dog’s duties. “They use him to keep crowds back, "said one youngster. “No,” said another, “he’s just for good luck.” A third child brought the argument to a close. “They use the dogs,” she said firmly, “to find the fire hydrants.”
Projects, events and any funded activity needs to start after: Friday 10 May 2019
Community Grants Community Projects – up to $5000 Community Projects Quick Response – up to $500 Arts and Heritage Grants Arts Grants – up to $5000 Major Arts Grants – up to $10,000 Heritage Grants – up to $5,000 Quick Response Arts Grants – up to $500 Regional and District Events Sponsorship (RADES) The Regional and District Events Sponsorship is for larger events that bring direct economic benefit to the region. The event would show a level of innovation and creativity to engage the community in new opportunities and experiences. Funding can be applied for up to three years to help build an event to become self-sustainable. Regional and District Events Sponsorship – up to $10,000