By The People, For The People
EXTRA LOCAL NEWS SECTION
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
First Peoples On Taungurung Land
■ Murrindindi Shire Council hosted the launch of On Taungurung Land: Sharing History and Culture by Roy Henry Patterson and Dr Jennifer Jones, at Alexandra Library. Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay said she was proud to welcome guests with an acknowledgement to country - including a number of Uncle Roy's family. “This was a truly joyous occasion, attended by over 50 guests,” said Cr McAulay. “Sadly, Uncle Roy passed away in 2017. But, as his family and Dr Jones agreed, he would have been very proud to have stood with us for the launch of this important work. “Uncle Roy wanted to ensure his knowledge wasn't lost to us. And I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr Jones for this wonderful and informative book. I feel richer for having read it. “Co-author Dr Jennifer Jones met with Uncle Roy many times, gathering stories and making recordings. Together they visited places of importance in the surrounding area and forest and experienced firsthand the taste and effect of bush tucker. The book includes images and uses of local bush tucker and bush medicine. “I have a special connection to this wonderful book. My husband Ray and I were lucky enough to host many of the meetings between Dr Jennifer Jones and Uncle Roy at our store in Taggerty, where together they discussed Uncle Roy's knowledge, memories and stories - which form the basis of this book,” Cr McAulay said. “Ray jokingly suggested that the launch be at the store, given the part our store played in getting the book published. “This memoir is significant as it plays an important role in preserving and sharing the knowledge of locally-available bush tucker, bush medicine and local indigenous culture and history of the Taungurung people. “It is also a wonderful homage to a man who was so keen to share his culture and respect for this land. “Uncle Roy wanted to revive and strengthen Taungurung cultural ways and for this knowledge to instil wider respect for Taungurung clan values. “At Council, we think of this memoir as an important means by which we can pay our respect to traditional owners of the land on which we live and work. “Council was pleased to have been approached back in 2016 to support Dr Jones in making a grant application to the Victorian Government to assist with publication of this work. Council gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victoria Government and Public Record Office Victoria for making this project possible under its Local History Grants Program,” Cr McAulay said. “It was wonderful to share this day with Uncle Roy's family, a number of whom travelled some way to be here. As part of the celebration, his grand-daughter Ricky Patterson planted a tree in the indigenous garden that sits on the banks of UT Creek behind the library - a garden that Uncle Roy helped plant many years ago.” ■ Read an e-version for free at https:// press.anu.edu.au/ (search 'Taungurung')
ART SHOW SUCCESS Environment News European wasp identification
● The Rotary Club is pleased with the success of its Easter Art Show. Section 6, Emerging Artist, was won by Jill ■ Bumper crowds turned out over the Easter weekend to enjoy the display of works at Keen, ‘Hot Afternoon’. Most popular artwork, as judged by Art Show the Rotary Club of Alexandra’s 51st Anattendees, was Ann Capling, with her very nual Easter Art Show. Entries, sales and average sale price were topical work and engaging work, ‘The Covidian Era.’ all up on previous years. “The Rotary Club of Alexandra thanks the The Alexandra Art Excellence Award was won by Lorraine Lewitzka, with ‘Lunch Date’, community and Shire Council for supporting Section One, Oil or Acrylic, was won by this event in so many ways; through sponsorships, catalogue advertising, with manpower Craig Davy for ‘Autumn Light’. Section 2, Work on Paper, won by Max to set up and dismantle the show, donation of goods and services- entertainment, publicity, Wilkes for ‘Summer Landscape’. Section 3, Any medium priced up to $750, refreshments, raffle prizes and in many other ways. Thanks also to the organising commitwas won by Vida Pearson for ‘Mallee II’. Section 4, Woodwork, large platter, was tee who have put in many hours over preceding months to put the Show together. It really won by Ernie Hunt. Section 5, Photography, was won by Chris- has been a team effort by Rotary members and friends.” - Melinda Jackson tine Siciliano, ‘Poppy’
Book launch at Murrindindi
● At the On Taungurung Land book launch, (from right) co-author Dr Jennifer Jones; Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Sandice McAulay; Keith Patterson (Uncle Roy's son); Uncle Roy's grand-daughter Ricky Patterson (wearing glasses) and her three children. Jessica Patterson, Uncle Roy's daughter, also participated in the launch via video link from Sydney. Photo: Murrindindi Shire Council.
● Cr Karine Haslam ■ Murrindindi Shire Council wants to assist local people in telling the difference between a European wasp and a native wasp. “While many different species of wasps, bees and flies have black and yellow stripes, there are differences in both the appearance and behaviour of European wasps that will help you tell the difference,” said a Council representative. Council's Environment Portfolio Councillor Karine Haslam is urging community members to keep an eye out on their property for European wasps and take action to destroy nests. “European wasps are a declared pest in Australia. This is due to their aggressive nature and the fact that they like living around people, where there are ready food sources available. This isn't an ideal combination of characteristics for any flying insect, let alone a wasp,” Cr Haslam said. “There are some key behaviours you should keep an eye out for to help you identify European wasps. They are commonly attracted to human food and pet food (in particular fish and meat), garbage and the sugars found in some fruit and drinks. “You won't usually see other wasp or bee species attracted to these sorts of foods. European wasps also make numerous trips between a food source and their nest. “In terms of appearances, both European wasps and their nests are distinctively different to other native wasp species. “Paper wasps are commonly mistaken for European wasps, however European wasps have shorter and thicker bodies and have black antennae, whereas the Paper wasps have orange-brown antennae. “The back legs of Paper wasps hang down while they fly and they're often seen hovering over lawns, bushes and water sources. “European wasps don't tend to hang around in one place for too long, they fly very quickly and hold their legs close to their bodies,” Cr Haslam said. ■ Turn To Page 3, Local People
Page 20 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Join The Team Thanks to these local contributors
■ The Local Paper is grateful to a network of volunteer contributors who regularly supply reports of local organisations. (You too can join the team. Simply email your organisation’s news, and event details. There is no charge. Send your report to editor@LocalPaper.com.au) Local contributors include: ■ Ann Argent, Central Bowls Division. ■ Stephen Baker, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre. ■ Julie Blyth, Y Water Discovery Centre. ■ Liz Bower, Nanna’s Makers Market. ■ Laura Caine, Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House. ■ Beth Caldow, Shepparton Festival. ■ Meagan Callander, Middle Kinglake Primary School. ■ Bonnie Cavanagh, Broadford Football Netball Club. ■ Viv Cavanagh, Yea Bowls Club. ■ Gayle Cole, Kinglake Friends of the Forest. ■ Stuart Dale, Albert Edward Lodge, Alexandra Masonic Centre. ■ Paul Denham, Buxton CFA. ■ Holly Ditchfield, Eltham Jazz Festival. ■ Andrew Embling, Alexandra Truck Show. ■ Chrissy Eustace, Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges. ■ Patrick Evans, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Hannah Graham, Green Wedge. ■ Sam Hicks, Fawcett Hall, Alexandra Indoor Pool. ■ Ryan Hurst, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Alison Huth, YAPPERS, and Yea Arts. ■ Bev Johns, Kinglake. ■ Ross Malcolm, sports photographs. ■ Rhyll McCormack, Mountain Cattlemen. ■ Kelly McLeish, Yea CFA. ■ Shannon Mittrow, Alexandra SES. ■ Sara Murray, Alexandra Show. ■ Eden Elizabeth Nicholls, St Luke’s Anglican Church, Yea and Molesworth. ■ Alan Pell, Yea Golf Club. ■ Pam Petersen, Alexandra Christmas Tree Festival. ■ Brian Phillips, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ David Purcell, Healesville Amateur Race Club. ■ Peter Rice, UGFM - Radio Murrindindi. ■ Clinton Robinson, Kinglake Football Netball Club. ■ Sacred Heart Primary School, Yea. ■ Michaela Sargeant, Goulburn Valley Water. ■ Denis Smith, Yea St Pats Race Club. ■ Megan Smithwick, Whittlesea activities. ■ Ian Staff, Whittlesea Table Tennis, agricultural items. ■ Steels Creek Grapevine, newsletter. ■ Sarah Stevenson, Thornton Eildon District Football Netball Club. ■ Ray Steyger, Alexandra Football Netball Club. ■ Jeffrey Swain, Yea-Kinglake RSL, Alexandra-Mansfield-Yea Legacy. ■ Cat Thomas, Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. ■ Heidi Twining, Victoria Police. ■ Nikki Vanderwerf, Alexandra District Health. ■ Iris Vrzovski, Bollygum Community Market. ■ Ash Walsh, Yea Football Netball Club. ■ Caroline Weeks, Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival. ■ Peter Weeks, Alexandra SES. ■ Glenda Woods, Rotary Club of Yea.
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Local People
‘New Epping’ plans revealed
● Plans for ‘New Epping’ has been revealed by the City of Whittlesea. ■ A $2 billion major development in Epping Lydia Wilson, said New Epping would pro- ment’s $53 billion Big Housing Build kicked off this month with a promise to deliver vide significant economic and social benefits Project within two years, along with healthmore jobs, much-needed housing diversity and to the City of Whittlesea both in the short care. “Thank you to everyone involved in this an economic boost for the City of and long-term. “Not only will it create 5000 jobs during project for their bold vision for the site and to Whittlesea. New Epping is a partnership between the construction and a further 3000 once devel- the Victorian Government for investing so Victorian Government, City of Whittlesea, oped in a whole range of sectors, it provides significantly in social and affordable housing,” Ms Wilson said. Riverlee, Ramsay Health and Haven Home much needed housing diversity,” she said. “Council has long been advocating for “New Epping is a wonderful example of a Safe. Richard Wynne, Minister for Housing, much-needed social and affordable housing in successful multi-agency partnership. I have no joined project partners to turn the first sod of the City of Whittlesea and this project is a doubt it will become a thriving hub in our community and a long-lasting legacy we can leave the New Epping development, which is lo- significant step in the right direction.” New Epping will also deliver a 20-minute for our future generations.” cated on the former Epping Quarry at Cooneighbourhood enabling residents to live locally The commercial and residential development per St. This currently dormant land will be trans- with most of their daily needs within a 20- is expected to be complete within the next formed into 11 hectares of open space and 39 minute return walk from home, including pub- 10-15 years. For more information about the development hectares of development including social hous- lic transport options. Around 150 new social housing homes will visit www.newepping.com.au ing, healthcare, commercial and hospitality. - Contributed City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator, be built as part of the Victorian Govern-
Thornton bridge repair secured ■ It looks as though the damaged bridge just out of Thornton on the Goulburn Valley Highway is going to be repaired. Cindy McLeish, Eildob MLA, brought the state of the bridge to the attention of the Minister for Roads, because locals were frustrated that there had been no action for a long period of time. "Concerns were raised with me from Cr Karine Haslam and other locals that the side railing of the bridge has been severely damaged for over 12-months,” Cr McLeish said, “The bridge has emergency netting covering the railings and has become a safety issue for drivers." The bridge, located after the Christies Rd turn off, heading from Thornton to Alexandra, is set to be repaired by June 30 by the North Eastern Maintenance Alliance. "Many bridges in Thornton are in need of maintenance or even a spruce up,” Ms McLeish said. “Concrete railings are weathering, weeds litter the crossings, pedestrian access is limited, and most have lost their characteristic charm. "Serious road safety matters such as this cannot be overlooked," Ms McLeish said.
● Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish at the Thornton bridge.
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The Local Paper - Wednesday, April 14, 2021 - Page 21
Local People
Local Briefs No 2021 collection
64th anniversary for Cath, John
■ Yea did not have a Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal collection in 2021. Long-time organisers Cheryl and Bob O’Halloran retired in 2020, after several decades of volunteer duties.
CFA break-in
■ Warrandyte CFA was broken into over the Easter long weekend. Captain Adrian Mullens said theives broke a rear window to gain acess to the building. The station's vehicles have been ransacked with much of the brigade's specialists equipment stolen. The Brigade's 4WD Slip On, which was donated by Fireball, was taken, stripped and dumped in nearby bushland. - Warrandyte CFA ● Wedding day, 1957. ■ Cath and John Cantrill celebrated their 64th weddding anniversary (April 6) last week. They enjoyed a pleasant time at the Westfield Cinema South Morang watching The Dry movie. Both are going along well and say they are trying to dodge "the potholes in the road".
Annual awards
● Cath and John Cantrill pictured last week at Westfield Plenty Valley.
Volunteer grants for locals
■ The 2021 Volunteer Grants round is now underway in Indi with grants of between $1000-$5000 available to support volunteers with tools and resources they need on the ground, says Dr Helen Haines, local MHR. Groups can apply for funding to: ■ purchase eligible small equipment items for use by volunteers ■ contribute to fuel costs incurred by volunteers ■ contribute to transport costs for volunteers with disabilities who are unable to drive ■ assist with the cost of training courses for volunteers ■ undertake background screening checks for volunteers
Made In Marysville
■ MiRa (Marysville Information Regional Arts Space) has a new venture at the Centre. ‘Made In Marysville And Surrounds’ stocks goods including Black Range Silhouettes, Penni’s Jams, Cathedral Range Body Care, pottery, gift Cards, warm beanies,scarves and books. - Triangle News
● Dr Helen Haines, Indi MHR
■ conduct activities to promote awareness of, and increase participating in volunteering opportunities ■ adapting practices to support volunteers’ safety in the current pandemic environment. Dr Haines said applicants should read the grant guidelines before applying. This will help them to work out if their organisation and the proposed activities are eligible. The 2021 Volunteer Grants round begins with a call for Expressions of Interest. See https://www.helenhaines.org/resources/grants for more information, including a link to the EOI form. The EOI process closes on Monday (April 19). “Once EOIs have been received, I will then work with a community consultative committee to develop a list of prioritised applications,” Dr Haines said. “The highest priority ones will then be nominated to go through to the next round. Only the nominated organisations will receive an invitation to apply for the 2021 Volunteer Grants. “If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact my office on 5721 7077 or email helen.haines.mp@aph.gov.au,” Dr Haines said.
Dindi lookout for wasps
● Haydn Gregson (at right) mans the Bunnings Sausage Sizzle stand at Mernda, as an Ivanhoe Grammarians Lodge fundraiser at Easter.
■ From Page One, Local People ■ “European wasp nests have a distinctive 'papery' look and are usually found hidden underground, including within retaining walls, holes dug in the ground, in rockeries, in rubbish heaps or in an uncovered compost heap', Cr Haslam said. “Autumn is the most critical season for European wasps because it is when the next generation of queens and male wasps are produced. If we can treat nests now, we can stop these new wasps mating and flying off to build more nests. “If you locate a European wasp nest on your property, you can either get in touch with a professional pest control service or you can treat the nest yourself using chemicals from your local hardware store or supermarket. “To avoid receiving a nasty sting, make sure you treat the nest at night, when wasp activity is low and cover your torch with red cellophane as insects can't see red light. We also recommend wearing protective clothing and a bee veil,” Cr Haslam said. To report a nest on Council land can contact 5772 0333.
■ The Whittlesea Agricultural Society held its annual Awards Afternoon Tea to last Sunday (April 11) at the Whittlesea Agricultural Society Administration Building. - Rose Stark
Villains vs Bloods
■ Marysville Villains were scheduled to play the Healesville Bloods on Saturday (April 10) at Gallipoli Park.
Cathedral rescue
■ SES Marysville Unit were called on Good Friday to assist Ambulance Victoria with a Priority 1 rescue in the Cathedral Range State Park. A hiker was suffering a serious medical incident on the Razorback track, a challenging section some distance from the road. AV and SES members were at the shared headquarters when the call came in and were able to deploy immediately. Two SES and two AV members hiked in, carrying gear through several rock scrambles to reach the patient around an hour later. Immediate medical treatment was provided, and co-ordinates were provided to the incoming helicopter. With a specialist paramedic winched down to the scene,crews then worked to move the patient to an area where he could be winched to the helicopter and transported directly to hospital for urgent care. - Marysville SES
Capt Koala on duty
■ Eildon Fire Brigade members and Captain Koala visiting the five local caravan parks on Easter Sunday, handing out eggs and having photos. Captain Koala even had time to turn out to an out-of-control burn off before returning to continue to spread the Easter joy. - Eildon CFA
Beanie Festival
■ The Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival will be held this year at the Alexandra Shire Hall on July 24-25. As well as beanies, there will be textiles on display. Categories for entries are listed in a brochure being widely distributed. This year has an ‘Aliens and Outer Space’ theme. - Carolyn Weeks
Out of control
■ Buxton and Narbethong CFA brigades turned out to an out-of-control private burn at a Maroondah Hwy property, south of the Buxton township. The property owner had registered the burn with the Burn-Off Notification Line. The number of piles of tree waste and the area involved made it difficult to monitor them. One of the piles spread into dry vegetation. - Buxton CFA
Page 22 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, April 14, 2021
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Local People
Phottos by David Lambert
Wanderers take 2021 cricket honours
● Adam Tsapatsaris won the Ray Christensen Medal as the best player in Barclay Shield as voted by the umpires.
● Barclay Shield Team. Back row, from left:Back Riley O'Donnell, Luke O'Donnell, Jordan Drinkall, Tom Beers, Adam Tsapatsaris, Lachlan McLeod. Front: Ben Roughsedge, Matthew Simpson (Coach), Jake Lambert (Captain), Corey Lyall, Connor O'Leary, Jack Young.
● Under 14. Back row: Back - Jack Hartney, Luke Zahra, Thomas Tweedale, Xavier Mitchell, Riley Johns, Tom Hutchison, Tom Bell, Hamish Collins. Front row: Nick Driscoll, Haydn Kofoed, Andrew Cronwright (Coach), Rudy Ranganathan, Tom Alexander, Ben Knight
● North Eltham Wanderers C Vets. Peter Anderson and Mark Smith pictured with the shield.
● Jack Young proudly accepted his team of the season award in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.
● North Eltham Wanderers C Vets. At back, from left: Sajeeva Tennekoon, Andy Evans, David Callinan. Middle: Andrew Wallace, Chris Farmer, Matt Butcher, David Rawson (Capt.), Glen Harvey, James Dunell, Alan Lyall, Peter Anderson. Front: Mark Smith