Goornong Guide December 2015

Volume 30, Issue 6 December 2016

Goornong Guide To those who wrote the early history of Goornong you deserve a big “well done” and I hope that what we have printed in the Guide will make This is my last issue as Editor of sure that this history is not lost. I the Guide. I has been an interesting know I have enjoyed reading about and in many ways a rewarding ex- the past and the people who made perience, but I am not sure whether this town the place that I chose to the “written” word is how today’s call home. I hope the future will be communities connect. If you have about people who were just as any ideas on how to improve the strong and resilient as our early Guide, please come to a meeting at settlers.

7.30pm, Thursday 17th December 2015, at the Soldiers Memorial Hall. I have enjoyed time spent at football and cricket matches, sheep I want to thank you all for your sup- shows and local events. There are port over the past two and half a few more of these coming up at years and especially to those who the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall so, regularly contributed articles, Matt please support them.

Comer and Sen Constable Darren Scherger, Kath Reid and Barry Traditionally we will not be publishWinzar. Thank you to Morrie ing a January issue so I would like Sharkey for your continuous ento wish you all a Merry Christmas couragement. and a Happy, safe and healthy New Year.

A very special thanks to Jacinta Cheers, Allan her wonderful team who always get the Guide printed on time.

Farewell

Christine

Around Goornong in the bush and garden

T

Frogs of our area

he 30 odd mm of rain we had around Goornong a few weeks ago really got the frogs going around my place. This prompted me to make this months article about the frogs you may encounter in the Goornong area.

Most frogs live in aquatic habitats for all or part of their life. Some will burrow into the soil or hide under logs, rocks or leaf litter during dry times. Some will live under crevices in the bark of trees. It is a remarkable thing that thousands of frogs can suddenly emerge seemingly from nowhere after a decent rain, filling the air with their calling. Most local species lay their eggs in still or slow moving water including seasonal wetlands and swamps or even roadside drains and dams. Frogs are responsive to rain events and also influenced by temperature meaning they are more likely to be heard calling at certain times of the year.

There are five species of frogs that I have observed around our area and another four or five that could potentially be found here.

The Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria peronii) is one member of the tree frog family that can be found here. Tree frogs have circular discs on their toes which allow them to climb. Peron’s tree frog has been calling recently, particularly on warm humid nights or when thunderstorms are about.

They are also known as the maniacal cackle frog because of the call they make. It is easy to identify as it is the only Victorian frog that has a cross shaped pupil in it’s eye. It also has numerous small bright green flecks on it’s skin. They may be found in trees and shrubs, or sometimes even sheltering in hanging baskets and pot plants. They also occasionally shelter in downpipes.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 2

The banjo frog or pobblebonk (Limnodynastes dumerilii) is also common here.

It is a large frog and is sometimes encountered when digging in the garden as it buries itself in moist soil. It is named for it’s call and creates quite a sound when large numbers are found calling together. It lays eggs in a foamy mass that may be familiar to some readers.

Another common local frog is the spotted marsh frog (Limnodynastes tasmaniensis) which has a distinctive rapid repetitive “kuk-kuk-kuk” call. I have heard it calling recently after the rain also. It occurs in almost any temporary or permanent water and breeds opportunistically after rain.

The Plains Froglet (Crinia parinsignifera) and the Common Froglet (Crinia signifera) are the small frogs you are likely to encounter in our area. They grow up to 20mm. They are both very similar in appearance and may have quite variable colours and markings on their skin. They are very difficult to tell apart from appearance, but their calls are quite distinctive and so they can be easily identified this way. The Plains Froglet has a call described as a harsh, drawn out, squelching note “eeeeeeeek”. The Common Froglet sounds more like “crick crick crick crick”. These are probably the two most common frogs in our area.

Frogs are most easily identified by listening to their calls, as it is often difficult to find and see the frog because they are usually well hidden. There are great resources available online for identifying frogs, with audio recordings of the calls readily available.

For example, try the Museum of Victoria website. The book “Frogs and Reptiles of the Bendigo District” by Darren Green and Dale Gibbons (Published by Bendigo Field Naturalists Club) was used as a reference for this article.

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emembrance Day saw at least 70 adults and 45 children attend the first Commemorative Service held at the Goornong Soldiers’ Memorial Hall.

It was so good to see the Soldiers Memorial Hall hold a remembrance service on November 11 and even better to see the support of those who attended. Congratulations to the Committee for the endeavours and enthusiasm to get the Hall “working” again…….Editor

The service was well received by all with Mr. Fred Wawrzik officiating and Mr. Ken Ingram delivering the “Ode of Remembrance” and laying the wreath on behalf of the Sub-Branch for all those that had paid the supreme sacrifice.

The pupils of the Goornong Primary School participated in the service with readings of their well written short compositions and

poems and singing the song “The ANZAC”. They also recited the traditional poem “Flanders Field”.

The Reverend Ross Craven of the Anglican Church delivered a prayer for the fallen and then led all in the “The Lord’s Prayer”.

A light morning tea turned into a sumptuous lunch with coffee and tea along with many platters of cakes, pastries and sandwiches.

Many thanks to the Goornong Hall Committee for the organisation of the day and we hope to see you all again at next year’s ANZAC Day Service.

Left: The Goornong Primary School did a fabulous job, with the students reciting some of their own works and singing some beautiful melodies, one of which (The ANZAC) put a tear in more than a few eyes.

Below: MC Mr Fred Wawrzik with some of the pupils who read out their own compositions.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 4

Fred Wawrzik from the Elmore RSL and Ken Ingram ex Australian Navy and Vietnam veteran with the Reverend Ross Craven. Ken laid a wreath on behalf of the Elmore RSL and Secretary of the Goornong Soldiers Memorial Hall, Pam Rogers also laid a wreath at the base of the flag-pole.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 5

ELECTRICIAN 1-STEP PTY LTD *Security *Television

*Electrical *Telephone Residential & Commercial David McCullagh, Electrician, Goornong (REC 20840)

Phone: 0410 019 801 Mobile: 0400 578 192

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 6

Merry Christmas to all our advertisers, their staff and families. Thank you for your wonderful support over the last year and we wish you every success for 2016. From the Editor and staff of the Goornong Guide

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 7

POLICE REPORT Crime Report.

On 18/10/2015, unknown offender/s have removed a set of number plates off a vehicle in Fitzgerald Road, Huntly. Enquiries are still on-going.

On 23/10/2015, 2 X offenders have attempted to gain entry into the Drovers Arms Hotel in the early hours of the morning by forcing the front door and attempting to gain entry via the side toilet window. No entry was gained and damage was minimal. Enquiries are still on-going.

On 01/11/2015, Goornong Police were called to a family violence incident at a private residence on the Midland Highway, Huntly. Whilst awaiting for additional units from Bendigo to attend, a 17 year old disqualified driver travelling along Midland Highway who was coming to incite further violence at the incident, upon sighting the Police vehicle on the side of the road, conducted a handbrake turn and drove back towards Huntly in an erratic manner. The vehicle was intercepted and the driver immediately jumped from his vehicle in an aggressive manner. His friends and brother attempted to calm him before they ended up wrestling on the ground. Both males were subdued with Capsicum Spray at the scene, and aftercare was provided. The disqualified driver has been charged on summons in relation to dangerous driving, disqualified driving and acting in a riotous manner. The male involved in the domestic dispute was arrested and remanded into custody in relation to Assaults and Criminal Damages and will appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court in December.

Traffic Report.

Operation “WIDENET” was run in the Huntly – Goornong – Heathcote area utilising the “BLUENET” vehicle from Bendigo. This vehicle is equipped with “Automatic Number Plate Recognition” cameras fitted to the vehicle, and was manned by a member of the Bendigo HWP and myself. This operation was conducted over two days in October. The results were disconcerting to say the least, but resulted in three drivers being detected driving while impaired by Cannabis and/or Amphetamine, three drivers being detect for disqualified or suspended driving, and 23 penalty notices being issued for unlicensed, unregistered or other related offences. This type of operation will continue into the new year.

High speeds continue to be an issue in our area, with drivers being detected at speeds of 154/100 km/h zone, 139/100 km/h zone, 131/100 km/h Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 8

zones and similar speeds. These drivers were detected and issued large fines and had their licences to drive suspended. This type of speeding is dangerous to everyone and will not be tolerated.

During October, five drivers were also detected driving while their licences were either disqualified or suspended, and have been summonsed to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court. Three of the offenders apprehended had false registration plates fitted to their vehicles, and one failed to pull over and evaded police. Further enquiries were conducted and this male was interviewed later that day and charged in relation to his offending.

Three unlicensed drivers have already been detected driving during November, one at high speed in heavy rain and in possession of a knife. These offenders have also been summonsed to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court later in December.

Enough of the negative….

Please stay vigilant while driving and take care.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Christmas break, and look forward to a crime free and fatality free 2016. (fingers crossed)

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

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Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 9

32 Allington Street Golden Square

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From this to

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The infamous “Ark” nears completion, let’s hope there is enough water to launch her and we wish safety and happy times to all who “sail” in her…...

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 10

Goornong Craft Market 9am-1pm Saturday December 12th In the park opposite the Goornong Memorial Hall Wonderful gift ideas for Christmas (made by local people) Wine, olives and locally grown produce Enquiries call Sue on 5432 2203 or email: goornong@tpg.com.au The Goornong Memorial Hall Management Committee Inc.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 11

At the time we went to press this was the only entry received for the Short Story, Poetry competition.

However it was a wonderful poem written by Chloe Triplett and of such a high standard that I have chosen it to be our winner for the 10 and under 16 years section.

Congratulations Chloe you have won $100. A cheque will be posted to your address (just in time for Christmas) ....Christine (Editor)

Are you interested in the Goornong Guide & the role it plays in your community? Do you have any suggestions on how to make the Guide more relevant in today’s digital environment?

The Guide is looking for an Editor and Committee If you are interested come along to a meeting at the Memorial Hall on Thursday 17th December 2015 @ 7.30 Or contact Christine 54322448 for further information Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 12

ADAM ELLERTON 0447 303 063 Mobile Seed Cleaning 112 Martins Road Goornong Vic 3557 adamellerton@hotmail.com

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 13

GOORNONG NIGHT OWLS

C.F.A

SANTA LOLLY RUN FRIDAY DECEMBER 11TH 2014 6.00pm START Only in the TOWN area.

B.B.Q. TEA at the C.F.A STATION at 7.oopm Everyone Welcome

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 14

Press Releases NO NEED TO BE ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe is inviting people who will be alone, feel left out or in need of company on Christmas Day to register for the Community Christmas Lunch at the All Seasons Hotel.

Cr Fyffe said he encouraged anyone, for whatever reason, who may find themselves alone on Christmas Day to register for the free lunch.

“Christmas Day can be very stressful for some people especially those who do not have any family or friends to share the day with but they can come together with other members of the community and enjoy a lovely traditional lunch courtesy of the All Seasons Hotel.

“The lunch will take place in The Conservatory at the All Seasons Hotel on Christmas Day from 12pm to 2pm but people do need to register their attendance before Friday December 11, 2015 by phoning the City of Greater Bendigo on 54346000,” said Cr Fyffe.

This year’s Community Christmas Lunch is again being sponsored by the All Seasons Hotel and the City of Greater Bendigo.

“The Christmas lunch is a very generous and giving gesture by the All Seasons at such an important time of the year.

“We are very fortunate in Bendigo to have businesses and organisations like the All Seasons who are willing and pleased to support the community at this time of the year. It’s just wonderful and a great reflection on our community.

“It’s going to be a great day, with good food and company and I encourage anyone who may be alone on the day to make sure they register as soon as possible,” said Cr Fyffe.

All Seasons Hotel Owner Jeanine Cook said the All Seasons is again looking forward to hosting the Community Christmas Lunch.

“This is the second year we have hosted this important community event that involves many in our community.

“We look forward to providing some great community hospitality on the day and we will make sure the meal includes the traditional trimmings that people look forward to at Christmas to give our guests a special day out said Jeanine Cook said.

Warning - don’t use homemade European wasp baits With the arrival of warmer weather and increased European wasp activity, Victorians are being urged not to create illegal homemade wasp baits

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A number of recipes outlining how to use veterinary chemicals to create illegal baits have recently been published online.

Statewide Chemicals Specialist Steven Field from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) said the use of illegal baits posed an unacceptable risk to other animals, the environment and people.

“Anyone providing advice to another person outlining how to create and use these illegal baits may be providing false and misleading information,” Mr Field said.

“It’s dangerous for people to be providing instructions on how to create and use these illegal baits.”

Mr Field said providing information that leads to someone committing an offence was considered to be ‘providing false and misleading information’ and was an offence under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992.’

“The maximum penalty for an individual for this offence is $7,500,” he said.

“We are urging people concerned about wasps not to put their health and that of their community at risk by making and using these baits.

“The instructions currently being circulated have not been assessed by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and therefore pose an unacceptable risk to the person creating the bait and the public.”

Mr Field encouraged people concerned about European wasps to use products registered for their control or to engage a licensed contractor.

A searchable database of registered products is available at the APVMA website at www.apvma.gov.au.

For more information on the rules regarding chemical use in Victoria contact the DEDJTR Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Aircraft arrive in Bendigo to boost firefighting efforts Two helicopters arrived in Bendigo this week for summer in preparation for an early and above average fire season forecast for this year.

The aircraft will be used by the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and CFA in the event of fires in Central Victoria.

DELWP Loddon Mallee Program Manager Preparedness and Response, Carsten Nannestad, said: “The helicopters will be deployed using the predetermined dispatch system that has been successfully used in Bendigo over the last three seasons.” ”On high fire danger days, as soon as the call goes out for DELWP or CFA to respond to a fire, the water-bombing helicopter will be deployed so we can hit the fire hard and fast in the initial stages and stop it spreading,” Mr Nannestad said.

“Aircraft is also particularly useful for blazes in inaccessible areas where it could take vehicles some time to reach a fire.”

handled by experienced crews.”

The firefighting aircraft will be based at the Bendigo airport and include: Helitack 335: Bell 214B water bombing helicopter. Carries 2,650 litres of water in its belly tank.

It can fill the tank in 40 seconds by dropping its three metre snorkel into a water source and hovering 2.5 metres above the water source.

Firebird 305: Airbus EC120 helicopter. Carries the Air Attack Supervisor who oversees and coordinates the aerial tactical operation of the fire. Acts as a liaison between the on-the-ground firefighting and aerial water bombing.

The aircraft based in Bendigo are part of Victoria’s fleet of 47 firefighting aircraft that will be positioned across the state this summer.

CFA Loddon Mallee Regional Agency Commander, Mark Gilmore, said: “The early arrival of the aircraft and subsequent fire bombing is a significant contributor to stopping bushfires, especially with an early and above average fire season forecast for this year.

“The overall opinion from fire crews is that the size and duration of fires in the District are significantly reduced as a result of pre-determined dispatch arrangements,” Mr Gilmore said.

“The flow-on effect of this is that potentially less property is lost or damaged by bushfires and having rapid response aircraft reduces the length of time firefighters were required on scene.”

“We have had lots of feedback from the community over the last couple of years that seeing and hearing the helicopter in the sky on a bad fire day gives them more confidence and reassurance the fire is being

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 16

Ashley Christian DELWP Air Attach Supervisor & Carsten Nannestad

GET SET FOR A BIG SUMMER IN THE PARKS

Bridge Naming Competition

One of Greater Bendigo’s most enduring and much loved events - the Bendigo Telstra Stores Summer in the Parks program will be back this Summer bigger and better than ever and featuring more than 50 free or low cost events over December, January and February.

City of Greater Bendigo Major Events Manager Terry Karamaloudis said programs for the 2015/2016 Bendigo Telstra Stores Summer in the Parks program are now available in hard copy from the Bendigo Visitor Centre or online at www.bendigosummerintheparks.com “The program has something for everyone, from the very young to the not so young to enjoy including Christmas celebrations, outdoor cinema, music events, garden and nature tours and health and fitness activities.

“Activities will kick off on December 4 with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rosalind Park and a range of other community carol events.

Nominate a name for this local bridge and you’ll be in the running to be a part of history.

The Huntly-Fosterville Road bridge (pictured above) is located 1.5km south-east of Huntly.

You have a chance to name this bridge through VicTrack’s Bridge Naming Competition.

New names for our historic rail bridges will help guide our emergency services in the event of a bush-fire, flood or other emergency.

“December will culminate with a special family New Year’s Eve Pool Party at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre and not one, but two fantastic fireworks displays at approximately 9.15pm and midnight to ring in the new-year.

“January will feature a terrific range of music and other events including Australia Day community celebrations throughout Greater Bendigo while February is all about outdoor cinema, the Chinese New Year Festival and a range of other terrific activities.

“Summer is the perfect time to pack a picnic, visit our beautiful parks and gardens and enjoy the fantastic entertainment and activities on offer.

For information about the bridge and how to enter, visit: www.victrack.com.au/ bridge Nominations are open to all and close on 31 December, 2015. A shortlist of names will then be put to a community vote.

“It’s a great way for friends and family to spend time together over the summer months,” Mr Karamaloudis said.

Telstra’s Nick Papaz said the Bendigo Telstra Stores are delighted to again sponsor the Summer in the Parks program.

“It’s a great community event and we are pleased to be involved and support the local community in this way,” he said.

For further information visit or pick up a program from the Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. The Centre is open 9am 5pm every day except Christmas Day.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 17

Cypress Decline The previous Editor of The Guide, Susan Pintos, has contacted us to say how she is loosing many of the pine tress and cypress on her property, and how heart-breaking it is to see these old trees dying. So she sent in some information about what is causing this problem. For more information go to http:// agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/plant-diseases/shrubs-and-trees/ cypress-decline

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large number of dead and dying cypress trees have been observed in rural Victoria in recent years.

DEPI investigations in south and west Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula and the Western District have found trees affected by various fungal pathogens, in particular cypress canker (Seiridium species), but also Botryosphaeria, Phomopsis and Pestalotiopsis species.

These fungi can all cause dieback symptoms, especially when environmental conditions have placed trees under stress. They are a mixture of primary pathogens (which can attack intact plants) and secondary pathogens (which usually attack plants at sites where another infection already exists).

Symptoms After the initial infection, the fungus kills the plant's vascular tissue, causing characteristic sunken, lens-shaped cankers and ringbarking. This interferes with the vascular system of the tree and eventually causes death above the wound. Generally, older trees are more susceptible but any tree is susceptible if in a stressed state (e.g. through drought, waterlogging or poor nutrient status).

Reddish cankers form at the infection site and resin often exudes from around the edges of the cankers or through cracks in the bark (Figure 1). Individual cankers can be elongated and there may be many along each infected branch.

DEPI believes that the last drought weakened the cypresses and left them vulnerable to infection. Disease development has also been favoured over the past 12-18 months by waterlogging and/or warm, humid conditions in some areas.

Cypress canker is the most significant of the pathogens currently affecting exotic conifers in Victoria. Unfortunately there is no proven cure for this disease.

Cypress canker attacks at least 25 conifer species of the Cupressaceous family in many parts of the world, including Australia, the United States and Europe.

It is not known to affect other plant families.

Previously this disease was thought to be caused by a single Seiridium species, but scientists now believe that three species (S.cardinale, S.cupressi and S.unicorne) can cause the same symptoms.

These fungi have been present in Victoria for more than 50 years.

How does cypress canker infection occur?

Cypress canker infects a plant through spores (conidia) which are carried on the wind, in water droplets or by insects. Spores that land on healthy foliage can germinate under warm, moist conditions and infection occurs through natural fissures in the bark or through scars caused by mechanical damage (e.g. pruning, animals or falling branches).

The pathogen then girdles twigs, branches and the main trunk, interfering with the sap-conducting system and causing the foliage to die. Death may occur progressively from branch to branch.

New local infections can also develop when spores are washed down the tree or splashed from tree to tree by rain or overhead irrigation. They can also be transferred from plant to plant on pruning tools, or through the transport of infected cuttings or plants.

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 18

Figure 2. Cypress branches and whole trees affected by cypress canker. The whole row is not necessarily infected at the same time.

The spore-producing structures of the fungus can be identified on the surface of the bark as small, circular, black dots on the canker surface.

Branches die rapidly, yellowing almost overnight as the foliage is starved of sap (Figure 2). If the infection is not managed, it can eventually lead to the death of the whole plant.

Hot, humid weather, drought and insects (e.g. bark beetles) can hasten the decline of trees infected with cypress canker, due to splitting bark and poor wound responses from the tree.

(Continued on page 19)

(Continued from page 18)

Management

Management of cypress canker is the responsibility of the land owner/manager.

In significantly affected trees, replacement with known tolerant cypress species or varieties (see above) may be the only long-term option.

Cypresses can also be replaced with unrelated plant species, such as Australian natives, including for use as shelterbelts.

In re-planted or existing cypresses, canker damage can be minimised by ensuring trees are well-sited and wellmanaged; for example:  Avoid planting susceptible species on disease-prone sites, such as those with high levels of nitrogen.  Keep trees healthy to improve their natural defences against an initial infection. If fertilisers are required, they should be evenly distributed around the drip line of the trees. Watering may be needed during dry spells.  Reduce the chances of branch or stem wounding e.g. by fencing off trees from livestock.  Prune infected branches a minimum of 10 centimetres below the canker to help prevent infection spreading to the main stems (but take care not to over-prune). Pruning should preferably be done in winter or following dry weather, when spores are less likely to infect pruning wounds. After pruning, wound dressings may help to prevent spore infection. All pruning tools should be sterilised before and after use with either alcohol or diluted bleach.

Chemical use

There are no fungicides registered for the control of cypress canker and limited science about off-label options.

Off-label use of fungicide protectants is only likely to be of value on trees without obvious signs of infection and should only be undertaken if the user understands the risks associated with off-label chemical use. See Offlabel use.

For enquiries about chemical use, contact your local DEPI Chemical Standards Officer – phone 136 186.

Movement of host plant material

Cypress canker is not a regulated disease in Victoria and there are no legal restrictions on the movement of host plant material. However, to minimise the risk of spreading the disease, infected material should not be moved from the property unless it is covered or in a sealed container.

Reporting

If you wish to report cypresses affected by disease, please forward the details to plant.protection@depi.vic.gov.au and attach photographs if possible.

Reports of disease on public land can be directed to the relevant authority.

If you wish to have a suspected case of cypress canker diagnosed, you can contact DEPI's Crop Health Services on (03) 9032 7515 or chs.reception@depi.vic.gov.au and arrange to submit a sample. A fee applies.

Remove and destroy severely diseased plants by deep burial or burning to help to reduce the risk of neighbouring trees becoming infected.

Time to take stock as hot and dry conditions bite Hot and dry conditions are increasing across the state, and with long-range weather predictions offering little in terms of relief, now is the time for farmers to take action to protect the welfare of their animals.

The Victorian Government is actively monitoring conditions and providing targeted support to farmers, for example the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) has been running an increased number of dry conditions workshops across the state.

“I know the Minister for Agriculture is keeping a close With soil moisture and on-farm water storages continuing watch on the drought and will be looking at targeted supto decline, some farmers are increasingly facing drought port within the sector but key decisions continue to be required at the on-farm level,” Dr Milne said. conditions particularly in north-western Victoria.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Charles Milne is urging all animal owners to plan ahead now before the availability of on-farm water and fodder deteriorates.

“Tough conditions call for tough decisions, many farms should consider reducing livestock numbers now even if this was not their intention,” Dr Milne said.

“Farmers have an obligation to protect the welfare of their animals and I know the vast majority will be doing the right thing.”

“Making these decisions is not easy especially when the outlook for your business is challenging.”

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 19

“There’s lots of advice and resources available to help farmers assess where their business is at, if they can afford feed and water and if they need to sell stock at a lower price than they hoped,” “Speak to your vet or a DEDJTR animal health officer to help determine your situation, more information is also available atwww.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186,” “If you are facing financial hardship, contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service and please don’t go it alone.”

GOORNONG COMMUNITY SWIMMING POOL NEWS THANK YOU: A massive thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to work at the Elmore Field days on behalf of the Goornong Pool. The committee is extremely grateful for all your hard work and the money we receive will be put to good use during the coming season.

Christmas Services

St Georges Anglican Church Railway Place Goornong

POOL OPENING DATE SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER: A working bee was held a few weekends ago to pressure wash both the pools, mow the lawns and clean the inside facilities of the pool. The pool is now undergoing some maintenance and will be well and truly ready for the opening date.

Thank you to the families who came along to help out.

SWIMMING LESSONS:

We will be holding our week of swimming lessons again in January 2016. They will run from Monday 18th to Friday 22nd January. The cost will be $50 per child. Claire James will be the instructor.

Claire ran the weekly swimming lessons during the first term of school this year so most of you will be familiar with her. Any child 3 years and older is welcome to attend. For more information or to make a booking please call Sharon Hipwell on 0409246539.

HIRE OF THE POOL: We would like to let the community know that the Goornong Swimming Pool can be hired for private use. This can include Family Gatherings, Birthday Parties, Sporting Groups etc. For further information please contact Sharon Hipwell 0409246539.

Ecumenical Carol Service: Sunday the 20th December at 7:00 pm.

Christmas Day Service:

8:00 am

ALL WELCOME For further details contact:

Goornong Memorial Hall Management Committee Inc. Meets in the Hall on

The first Thursday of the Month Our next meeting will be on Thursday December 3 at 7.30pm New members are always welcome Pam Rogers, Secretary.

Phone 5432 2268 Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 20

The Rev Ross Craven on 54326058 Or Mark Taig on 54322459

CHURCH SERVICES ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Soldiers Memorial Hall Pam Rogers, Secretary 5432 2268 or email pamrog@bigpond.com

WHEN: 2nd & 4th Sundays

Bagshot Hall. A great venue for meetings, parties, and family occasions. Very reasonable rates.

Phone Barry Clay 5448 8247/0428556006

SERVICE TIME: 8.00am Holy Communion

Mobile Library 5449 2790

CONTACTS - Rev Ross Craven: 44 Michie St Elmore 3558

Mondays 4:00pm–4:30pm

GOORNONG

PH: 03 5432 6058 or 0409847630 (Thursday off) Mark Taig: PH: 03 5432 2459 OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 18 JEFFREY STREET ELMORE ELMORE: *Please note new times* Sunday @ 10.30 am Tuesday 5.00pm.

Convent Chapel - Weekday Masses: Wed:9.30am Thurs; Fri. @ 9.30am. Saturday 6.pm

The mobile library stops outside Goornong Primary School, Come along and support our local library.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS Goornong Rural Fire Brigade 0431 695984 Goornong Cemetery Trust 54322236 Goornong Recreation Reserve 0477 662 550 Goornong Swimming Pool 5432 2220

ST MARTINS OF TOURS CATHOLIC CHURCH, MUSKERRY Sunday @ 8.30am All enquiries to be directed through the Priest of the Parish. Fr. Alex Lim(03) 5434 6018 Venues &Services Goornong Recreation Reserve Hall Sam Ellis 0477 662 550

The grants are open to a range of community organisations including sports clubs, local councils, not for profit organisations and other community groups to apply, and will fund new built shade, purchase of portable shade, planting of natural shade and repair of existing shade.

To view the application guidelines and apply, please visit http://health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants/

T

he Community Shade Grants Program will increase the availability of shade in public places where Victorians spend time outdoors, like parks, playgrounds, sports facilities and other community venues.

There are three grant bands available: • Band 1: up to $5,000 • Band 2: $5,000-$20,000 • Band 3: $20,000-$50,000 Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 21

Applications close 11.59 pm ADST on 13 December 2015 For more information about the Community Shade Grants Program, contact the Department of Health & Human Services Shade Grant Program on 1300 547 596 or email shade.grants@dhhs.vic.gov.au

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY BOOKKEEPING SOLUTIONS Phone; Annette Harris 0413 183 836

FLORIST The Petal Factory 5443 5519 BUILDING SERVICES GAS SUPPLIER Elmore Sand & Soil Supagas Phone before collection of any mate- 5432 2220 or 0417 399 796 rial Sandhurst Gas 0418 351 418 5447 0520 or 0417 559805 ELECTRICAL 1-Step Pty Ltd Residential & Commercial Electrician David 0410 019 801 or 0400 578 192 FARM SUPPLIES GE Silos 5432 2384

Seed Cleaning Adam—0447 303 063 Wool broker & Farm Services

Alister Carr Website - http://kareewool.com.au Mobile - 0419 382 273 FENCING CB Fencing Carol Bennett 0428 397 494 Barnadown Rural Fencing Shane 0419 646 442

Goornong Guide—December 2015, Page 22

HEALTH Fun Fitness Clair Ellis, Personal Trainer 0459 330 070 Dragon City Karate. Allan 5448 7197/0422 317273 HOUSE & GARDEN Dingo Mini-Digger Electronic Detection & Tracing Kel O’Brien 5432 2295 or 0418700554 Handy-Man Tim McCrohan 0458 762 605 Email: timmcrohan@live.com.au LOCAL PRODUCE Bridgeward Grove Olives and Olive Oils 5432 2291/0417 521409 Hay: IJ & JL Whatley 5432 2217/0417 500 266

MECHANICAL Farm & Diesel Mechanical Maintenance 5432 2583 or 0467 554 302 PLUMBING Kevin Hayes Plumbing 0417 114 603 POSTAL & LOGISTICS Postal Details Goornong Wes White 5432 2210 Goornong Police Station 5432 2207 Goornong General Store 5432 2203 Goornong CFA Enquiries; Tony Trotter Captain, Goornong Rural Fire Brigade Phone: 0407 018 948 Email: GRFB@ctemail.net.au PUBS & CLUBS Drovers Arms Hotel 5432 2210 WASTE Liquid Waste 5448 8478 Goornong Recycling & Transfer Station 0458 346 952