The Lang Lang Annual - Issue 3

THE LANG LANG

ANNUAL

LANG LANG CEMETERY

Find out more about the history of this local resting place, and the Trust volunteers who maintain it.

LETTER FROM A HAPPY CUSTOMER

A local community member penned a letter of thanks to our wonderful local businesses and organisations!

See the winning images and many other highly commended entries!

POBox4500,LangLangVIC3984|Email:langlangdbcg@gmailcom

ABN:12180889214|AssociationNo:A0035878

www.facebook.com/langlangbg

TheLLDBCGacknowledgestheTraditionalOwnersofthelandonwhichweliveandwork,theBunurongpeople, andwepayourrespectstotheirElderspast,presentandemerging.

Publishedin2024,AllrightsReserved Everyefforthasbeenmadetoensuretheinformationiscorrectattimeofpublication,howevertheLLDBCGisnot responsibleforsubsequentchangesto,oruseof,theinformationprovided,noraretheviewsexpressedinArticlesareflectionoftheLLDBCGCommittee

Committee:

President: PeterSmith(NewEraManagement)

Secretary&Treasurer: MelanieLeighton(SunscapeSolar)

Thank you

to all the Businesses and Community Groups who are members of the LLDBCG. Your commitment and contribution to our township is greatly appreciated!

VicePresident: RobinElijah(LangLangPostOffice)

Membership&MarketingOfficer: AllisonKruizinga (FlowerFixation)

CommunityLiasonOfficer: CynthiaGane(OpShop)

Members:

Aunty'sPlace

FlourishingFigures

FlowerFixation

FreetoMove-InezMusgrove

HowlerBrewingCompany

KB &JG Thomas

LangLang&DistrictSeniorCitizens

LangLang&DistrictHistoricalSociety

LangLangBakery

LangLangBowlingClub

LangLangCemeteryTrust

LangLangCommunityBank

LangLangCommunityFamilyMedicine

LangLangEngineering

LangLangFish,Chips&Pizza

LangLangOpportunityShop

LangLangPastoral,Agricultural&HorticulturalAssociation

LangLangPharmacy

LangLangPostOffice

LangLangRSL

LarmaxAgribarn

ModDesignStudio

ModHairStudio

NewEraManagement

PalaceHotel

PekarmanFamilyTrust

RotaryClubofKooWeeRup-LangLang

SunscapeSolar

TenderFreshButcher

WesternportChildCareCentre

Cover Photo by Joanne Saunders

Photo on this Page by Jaymee Donnelly Photo on next Page by Amy McLean

Table of Contents

3

President's Reflection

Peter Smith gives an update on the year that was 2024 and what issues the LLDBCG have been bringing to Cardinia Shire’s attention

6

Lang Lang Photography Competition

See the winning images from the competition, as well as many other notable entries!

9

The Man Behind the Cemetery find out about James Baker, an original towns person who oversaw the early days of the Lang Lang Cemetery

14

Lang Lang Bowling Club

Find out more about this hidden gem of Lang Lang, and what they offer including venue hire and monthly dinners!

Thank you!

A heartfelt letter from a local community member who recognises the great service of our local businesses and organisations

ALSO UPDATES FROM:

PAGE 11 CEMETERY TRUST

PAGE 12 COMMUNITY CENTRE

PAGE 27 BENDIGO BANK

PRESIDENT'S REFLECTION

Welcometothis,theThirdeditionoftheLangLangAnnual Itismypleasuretoprovidethefollowingsummaryandtoreflectonouroperations overthelast12months

Firstly,Icanreportthatourcurrentmembershipisat36,andweareinagoodpositionfinanciallyforwhatisinessenceasmallbandof volunteers TheveryimportantVisionStatementandAimoftheLangLangandDistrictBusinessGroupisasfollows;“Asuccessful&thriving communityleadstosuccessfullocalbusinesses” In2023,wehaveworkedhardtofurtherthisvisionandaimforthecommunity

Byfarthebiggestfocushasbeenconcentratingoureffortsonatleastretainingthelevelofservicesinourgrowingcommunity,butalsolobbying tohavemoreofasayinourfuturedirection Thisisreflectedinourmanyeffortsonbehalfofthecommunitytoexpresstheneedsofourtownto CardiniaShireCouncil,despiteourrequestsoftenfallingondeafears

Icannotstressenoughhowgreatthechallengehasbecomeforourareatoretainitspointofdifferenceasasafe,semi-ruralbutprogressive communitywithnaturalattractionsandamenity Thesearegiftsthatcanbetakenawaysoeasilyandifthisisallowedtohappenitwillcomeat thecostofoursmallbusinesses

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A MEMBER?

As a business or community group member you first and foremost offer your financial and moral support Your level of involvement at meetings and on projects is totally up to you! Current Membership is $110 per year To become a member, refer to the application form at the back of the magazine!

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Become aware of local issues facing our township.

Work together with other community minded people to reach goals!

Gain exposure and credibility!

Network with others and create opportunities for your business!

Give back to the town that supports you.

Withlessofasayinwhatisbeingplannedforthelocalcommunity, 2023becameafighttogetsupportformanyprojectsthatmakea differenceinonewayoranother,andourgroupfocusedonlobbying forcertainissuesincluding:

Trafficconcernsincludingschooldropoffareas,theturningcircle nexttotheskatepark,disabledparkingatthesupermarket,alack ofcarparkinginLangLangshoppingstrip,andtheneedfora schoolcrossingonMcDonald’sTrackgiventhedangersofthe significantincreaseinheavyvehiclesusingthisroad(potentially51 primaryschoolstudents,aswellasmanysecondarystudents,could crossthisroaddaily)

SubmissionstotheCardiniaShireregardingtheir4-yearBudget Plan,OpenSpaceStrategy,infrastructureneeds,andalsoin regardstothepotentialrailtraillinkfromKooWeeRuptoNyora

Effortstoobtainlocalpoliceservices Wemustacknowledgethe effortsofBrianCandywhochampionedthiscause,andalsohis pushforthepetitionformorepoliceresources,whichyoucansign atthefollowingwebsite:https://newparliamentvicgovau/getinvolved/petitions/one-person-police-stations/(Petitionopenuntil May16th,2024)

ThematteroftheVicTrackrailwaylandinLangLang,andtheneed forCounciltofundanddesignamasterplanforthisvaluablebut neglectedspace

Publicartandwhetherthecommunitywantahorsestatue,murals orotherfeatures,notingthatan$85,000grantisstillearmarkedfor thisproject Theproposedhorsestatuewouldacknowledgethat theLangLangRodeohasbeenrunningsince1944

Thereinstatementofambulance/CERTservicelevelslocally,and muchcorrespondancewithAmbulanceVictoria,includinga meetingwithlocalAreaManager,SimonJennett

Throughouttheyear,inbetweenlobbyinglocalandstategovernment, wealsofoundtimetoworkonthefollowingcontributionstothe community:

ThenewresidentsWelcomePackwhichwillbedeliveredin2024 (thankyoutotheLangLangBendigoBank,AustraliaPostLang LangandKooWeeRupandLangLangRotaryClubfortheir

LefttoRight: MPJordanCrugnale,RosemaryKruizinga,PeterSmith,Allison Kruizinga,,MattPayne,,CarolineRoff,RobinElijah

valuablesupportingettingthisupandrunning) Copieswillalsobe availableinlocalbusinesses

ThefirstLangLangPhotographyCompetition,whichsawmanygreat entries,ascanbeseeninthismagazine

Obtainingfundingforacommunitynoticeboardwithsupportofthe BendigoBanktotheamountof$3,000

ObtainingfundingforanddistributingChristmaslightsand decorationsatbusinesspremisesinLangLang,thankstoa$1000 grantfromCardiniaShire

RepresentationstotheMemberforBass,JordanCrugnaleMP,forher supportforoureffortsonbehalfofthelocalcommunityincludinga dialoguewithheronlocalissuesatHowlersinNovember

ThisthirdeditionoftheLangLangAnnualpublicationisaresultof dedicatedvolunteersonourCommittee Ihopethattheinformation containedwithinwillinspireandencourageyoutovolunteerwithany numberofcommunitygroupsinourtown Successfulsmalltownslike oursrelyonthegenerosityofvolunteerstomakethemwhattheyare

IalsowanttoextendmythankstothecurrentCommitteeMembersand Attendeeswhohavehelpedmakeourmeetingsthisyearasuccess,and inviteanyothermembersofthecommunitywhoareinterestedtojoinus in2024!

YoursSincerely,

PeterSmith

ImageofLangLangCenotaphonAnzacDay,byAllanSariman

Sam&MelanieLeightonfoundedSunscapeSolarinPakenham, 2008 MovingtoLangLangin2011,thecompanycontinuedtogrow rapidly,basedlargelyonwordofmouthrecommendations ExpandingtheiroperationstoGrantvillein2020,thecompany continuestogrow,andservemanyhappycustomersinthe Gippsland,BassCoastandMorningtonPeninsularegions

photography competion.

SECONDPRIZE

THIRDPRIZE

COMMENDABLE ENTRIES

Thankyoutoeveryonewhoenteredthecompetition,wehadover100entries,andthoughtheycan’tallbe printedhere,everyoneistobecommendedfortheirefforts Theseweresomeofthehighscoringimages

RosieColbert

JoanneSaunders

DavidAtkins

CourtneyMacgregor

AllanSariman

AshMcGrath

KiahBeasley

JoanneSaunders

DavidAtkins

GrantJohnson

JoanneSaunders

FionaGlover

The Lang Lang Annual

ToptoBottom,LefttoRight: AdamGourley,AmyMclean,DavidAtkins,LeviMaxwell,AdamGourley&KiahBeasley

The Lang Lang Annual

The Man Behind the Cemetery

The Lang Lang Cemetery of 15 acres, was gazetted by the Victorian Government in 1887 following a petition by Mr James Baker, on behalf of the people of Lang Lang

James Baker was born in Wiltshire in 1829 He and his wife Dorcas emigrated to Australia on the Earl Grey in May 1853 Their first son, Stephen Henry Baker was born on board just days before arriving in Melbourne Mr Baker worked at several farms around the Clyde and Cranbourne area for some time before buying 69 acres ( allotment 6) at Lang Lang in 1875 on the SouthWest corner of McDonalds Track and Westernport Road He again purchased a further 160 acres (allotment 13A) on Westernport Road in 1881 This allotment would become the township of Lang Lang as we know it today

Mr Baker was a hardworking and deeply religious man, and also a lay preacher who donated the land for the Presbyterian Church and sold, at a reduced cost, the land for the Lang Lang Primary School He also owned the first general store in the town and was a founding member of the Lang Lang Pastoral, Agricultural and Horticultural Society

Early records of the Cemetery Trust indicate that there may have been four burials in the cemetery prior to the Government Proclamation The first recorded burial was a young girl, just two years old named Louisa Mary Pickersgill, on November 6th, 1886 Less than two years later her younger brother was laid to rest with her in the same unmarked grave James Baker dug the grave and also officiated at the funeral Mr Baker continued digging the graves and officiating at the services when needed, right up to just two days before his death, on January 29th, 1907

The first members of the Cemetery Trust were:- T Poole, W Jones, P H V LeRoux, J Foster, W Norquay, P McGrath, and A McMillan These men were all prominent farmers, graziers or businessmen of the district and Mr Baker was appointed as the sexton of new cemetery

The legacy of these people continues today, over the many years, with each new committee of management making changes, and improvements to the area and amenities From a simple cemetery there has been added expanding lawn and memorial

sections and niche walls for the ashes of loved ones Regular community working bees keep the areas neat and tidy at all times, and the Cemetery is always very well presented

In June 2017 the Lang Lang and District Historical Society in conjunction with the Cemetery Trust unveiled a plaque mounted on a large rock to acknowledge the first grave and the plaque was unveiled by two Great Grandsons of James Baker

As of September 2023, there are almost 1,200 people interred in our cemetery The history of our town and district lies in this place, from the very first settlers Farmers, graziers, shop keepers, and their families Soldiers who went away and returned and the ones who never came home are remembered on the headstones of their families The children, the elderly, the socially or politically important and the commoner are all united here, and rest peacefully in the calmness and bird songs amid the flowering gums planted by the first caretakers

By Peter Hayden Lang Lang District Historical Society

SPACE TO R EMEMBER

LANGLANG

“Death ends a life, not a relationship.” MITCH

The Lang Lang Cemetery is run by local trust members who volunteer their time to manage and maintain the grounds and facilities

In recent years the trust members have implemented a number of improvements to the Cemetery grounds however this hasn’t come without the support of local businesses and organisations

One of the most significant changes that has been made is the introduction of a digital Cemetery map which is accompanied by details for every person interred in the Cemetery This makes it easier for people to find their loved ones, relatives and friends when visiting the Cemetery by being able to easily identify which section of the Cemetery they are located Further to this we have also installed display boards in the rotunda located at the top of the grounds which contains printed lists which will be updated yearly for visitors convenience

We installed a new welcome sign at the front gate this includes a map of the cemetery and a QR code which links to the website with the digital listing details (mapchroniclerip/LangLang) This sign was thanks to community grant funding from our local Bendigo Bank

Thanks to our local Community Op Shop we have also installed 4 brand new seats throughout the Cemetery Grounds for visitors to use and enjoy

The Cemetery currently has 1200 interments recorded to date The trust are extremely grateful for the support of the local community through not only funding but also those who volunteer their time by attending working bees to help maintain the grounds We are privileged to have so many people willing to donate their time and greatly appreciate the support

The Cemetery Trust always welcomes new members

You can keep up to date with upcoming working bees and AGMs via our Facebook page (https://wwwfacebookcom/langlangcemetery)

0408 307 325

7 Westernport Road

Lang Lang VIC 3984

Phone: (03) 5997 5704

Email: llcc@langlang net

Opening Hours

9 30 – 4pm Mon & Thurs

9 30 – 1:30pm Friday

Anewprogramwillbeavailabletoembracein2024.

The Lang Lang Community Centre is a bright, engaging, safe and secure environment with a wide range of services, classes and events

There is something for all age groups which ensures social inclusion within our community is enjoyed by all

The Centre encourages ideas which can be developed into great outcomes for our local community and visitors moving forward into the future

The Services Australia Access Point (MyGov) is available during business hours

Together with team work, public support and determination, we will deliver a great service for upcoming generations to enjoy

Our friendly staff will assist you in a professional, confidential and private manner We look forward to meeting you all very soon

Maternal&Child HealthServices nowavailable byappointment twodaysaweek.

Adminservices available, includingClick andCollect Printing.

LangLangBowlingClub

by Tony Abbott (Secretary)

Lang Lang Bowling Club is situated a couple of hundred meters off the main street of Lang Lang, in a quiet and quite private location surrounded by rustic country houses, with little traffic The Club itself is a very friendly country club with reasonable membership numbers and a very welcoming atmosphere It offers bar facilities and a well-equipped kitchen

Bowling is headed by three pennant teams which rate highly within the Strzelecki region In fact the number one weekend team has been premier for two of the past three years in its division Not a small feat with the quality of the bowlers in the Strzelecki area

Social bowls days are held quite often over the spring to autumn period, and the Club also hosts several celebrations and events for other clubs and organizations throughout the year Like all good clubs, the LLBC members are extremely welcoming to all Whether it is other members, opposition players or the occasional drop in looking to join our club or simply learn about bowls

Community events are a big part of the country lifestyle, and Lang Lang Bowling Club is no stranger to these Monthly dinner get-togethers are a highlight for many

All in all, Lang Lang Bowls Club is an oasis away from home for all our members We love it and look forward to being part of its continued history for many years to come And we hope we can welcome many more new members to share that future with Enquiries are best directed to secretarylanglangbc@gmailcom

NEED A VENUE?

AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS

DO YOU NEED A SPACE TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY?

OR ARE YOU A BUSINESS OR COMMUNITY GROUP IN NEED OF A VENUE FOR YOUR SOCIAL EVENTS?

Lang Lang Bowling Club Lang Lang Bowling Club

Bowls Bistro

Your community gathering place for the most enjoyable lawn bowls experience imaginable For the complete newcomer looking for a sporting activity that promises much in fun and enjoyment, with a competitive element -

Once a month we offer a 2-course Meal at a very good price! Open to non-members also!

Social Events

the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of Lang Lang Bowling Club is the place to be!

We also organise community bowls, as well as darts and quiz nights!

Available for Hire

Host your event here, with bar and food catering available!

CONTACT

Nellie St, Lang Lang 3984

secretarylanglangbc@gmail.com

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Whether you’re an existing customer or you’re new to Bendigo Bank, we’re here to help you get the most out of your home loan.

So don’t delay!

Enquire online at bendigobank.com.au/healthcheck or visit your nearest branch.

Community Bank

• Lang Lang 5997 5019

Supporting students on their higher education pathways!

Since 2012, Community Bank Lang Lang has been supporting local students with our Community Bank scholarship program, which aims to support students with their study related expenses such as accommodation costs, course costs, study-related materials/equipment, textbooks, tutoring and or education related travel

Earlier this year we awarded our 2023 Community Bank Lang Lang Scholarship to local students Matthew Wise and Abbey Miller

Matthew is studying a Double Degree in Zoology and Environmental Science at Monash University and Abbey a Diploma in Nursing at Gippsland Warragul TAFE

The Community Bank Scholarship program is just one of the ways our local Community Bank Branches of the Bendigo Bank commits to building stronger communities

If you would like to know more about our scholarship program and how to apply contact us at Community Bank Lang Lang on 5997 5019 or visit wwwbendigobankcomau/scholarships

We are lucky in our small town to have some excellent service provided by various retail and other organisations

The ones which come immediately to mind are Tian and the always caring and cheerful girls at the Lang Lang Pharmacy They make every one of their customers feel special, and are always very obliging We are also lucky to have our Medical Centre, with caring Doctors and obliging staff

Robin and the Post Office staff offer the same high level service and are very efficient in their service delivery Their recollection of names is outstanding

Great work at Lang Lang Senior Citizen’s by President Rosemary Kruizinga and team has seen membership increase dramatically in the last year, with lunches having to be capped at 60 each fortnight Thanks to Denyse, Wendy and Maria for their hard work in the kitchen

Raelene and Kristine at the Community Centre provide plenty of opportunities for residents to be included in a multitude of activities

Our Community Bendigo Bank provides us with a great banking service in Lang Lang, as does the Post Office Supporting your Community Bank means you are also supporting many local Sporting and Community Groups, and the Lang Lang Branch recently won Branch of the Year in Melbourne’s south-eastern region The Staff deserve congratulations!

Larmax, which recently changed hands, continue to increase their range of goods both in Hardware, Stock and Station supplies and the newly introduced Plant Nursery It is a very handy business which helps us avoid travel much further afield

There is also our wonderful bakery, which provides a fantastic range of baked goods, and a great space to meet others and socialise And next door we are lucky to have our local butchers, Jason and Emma, who provide us with great quality fresh meats

We are lucky enough to have both the Palace Hotel and Howler Brewery in town for eating out at night, both offering great meals Brutus and the team at the fish’n’chip and pizza shop meet our take away needs as well

Our local One At A Time Pet Rescue also do a fantastic job in Animal Rescue, and donations can be made to help continue their work Having your animals de-sexed helps break the cycle and eases the strain on the Rescue who are often inundated with cats and kittens

Lastly, I’d like to give a huge shout out to all the cheerful and hardworking Volunteers at our Op Shop They all do a great job sorting and displaying all manner of goods, at very cheap prices The proceeds from the Op Shop go to support various organisations in our Community If you have good serviceable donations, please try and take them into the shop during open hours to avoid rifling and litter when left at the door

There are of course many other shops providing services valued by our Community I have only mentioned the few I have dealings with

From A Very Happy Community Member

PhotosofLarmaxstaff,PostOfficeStaffandthe PharmacystaffpartakingintheCrazyHairand PyjamaDayshostedduring2023 byWesternportChildcareCentre

PhotobyLeviMaxwell,oftheLangLangGolfCourseatSunrise

The launch of the annual magazine was one of the Lang Lang District Business & Community Group's 2021 projects, and it was designed to help keep townspeople informed of the local groups, products and services that are available to them With the release of this our third edition, we aim to continue to bring awareness and exposure to those businesses and groups operating in our town, so that they can be easily found and supported by the townspeople.

The next edition of the magazine will be printed and distributed again in January 2025, delivered FREE to all letterboxes in the district thanks to the team at our local Australia Post.

If you are running a business in Lang Lang, we are offering very affordable advertising space for you in the magazine. We want to help local customers find you! If you would like to be included in next years Annual, please let us know so we can add you to our email list and keep you informed

You don't need to be a member of the group to advertise, but there is a 50% discount for members! Membership in the group is open to business owners or community group representatives. You can be an active or passive member, your level of contribution is totally up to you! If you would like to be a member, please email as at langlangdbcg@gmail com

GIFTSINSTORE! BANKING POSTBILLPAY

We have a wide range of gifts available to help you get your Christmas list sorted!

We are connected to over 80 banks and credit unions! You can use Post BillPay to keep on top of your bills and payments

The Staff at Lang Lang Post Office thank you for your continued support, and wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year 2024

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