NEWS
More time for tea By Casey Neill The Olinda Teahouse will extend its opening hours, despite opposition from neighbours. Yarra Ranges Councillors agreed to move the closing time from 7pm to 10pm seven days a week at their Tuesday 27 November meeting. They heard from David, who lives next door to the 86 Olinda-Monbulk Road restaurant. "We think that the planning report doesn't make clear how residential this area is," he said. He said the restaurant appeared to be the site's primary use, rather than ancillary to the nursery as its green wedge zoning required. David said letters of support for the application came from B and B operators 4 kilometres away who would not be impacted by the move. He said the tea house was already breaching the 7pm closing time and that light and noise travelled into his home, which is 50 metres away. David said the restaurant was "in high contrast to area's neighbourhood character" and inappropriate in the green wedge. Cr Mike Clarke asked if permit conditions
could be applied to ensure noise levels were supressed, but David said noise carried easily in the area because it was so quiet. "The venue can't control all their patrons when they come and go," he said. He said fencing wasn't possible because of planning rules. Olinda Tea House owner Tony told the meeting he'd bought the site a year ago, after it had been closed for four years. He said he provided an upmarket experience and attracted a wide variety of customers, and it had become one of the best restaurants in the Dandenong Ranges. "But to operate successfully, we need to provide lunch and dinner, not just one session," he said. "We are just asking for normal trading hours for a restaurant." Tony said the restaurant was providing a service that the region needed, referencing travellers who drove to the Dandenongs after work, checked into their accommodation and then sought dinner. He said hadn't realised that lights were shining into David's yard and when informed,
he shut them straight down. Tony said his windows were double-glazed and staff would tell customers to keep noise to a minimum when leaving. Cr Mike Clarke voted against the application. "I don't think we need to push this to the 10pm mark," he said. He suggested 9pm was more appropriate, because during summer it was still light. He raised concerns about wildlife on the roads at night. "We've got to be sensitive to the environment in which it's located," he said. Cr Noel Cliff said there was a permit in place and the business was entitled to operate. He said that in the wintertime there wouldn't be a soul to be seen up there at 10pm, but the closing time was "a bare minimum". "We need a bit of refreshment in the Dandenongs, because we are a tourist centre," he said. Cr Jim Child agreed. "This is a venue that will value-add to the Dandenongs, the tourism industry and also local business," he said.
It’s a Soupee van for the Soupee man Upwey has once again demonstrated what a caring and generous community it is by raising funds for one of its local heroes, Gavin Smith, better known as the Soupee man. For ten years Gavin has braved the elements bringing a smile and warm cup of soup to those who visit his marquee on a Friday afternoon in Upwey. Recently, the Upwey community launched a GoFundMe project to raise funds for his latest venture - providing blankets and other comforts for some doing it tough in Melbourne's streets. The aim was to use the funds to purchase a van to make the transport of items more efficient. Just over $14,000 was raised, and the money enabled Gavin to purchase a van from Ferntree Gully Hyundai, who also gave generous financial support to the great community project. Chairman of the Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group, John Waters said he was thrilled the bank could assist, so that he could bring his valuable service and connection to the community. "Gavin is a local treasure and he cares about people," he said. "The new van will help him to help many people who are in need, and our group was happy to contribute $5,000 to this project." Over the years, Soupees has also been assisted by Belgrave Rotary and Upwey Township Group. Upwey Township Group President, Andrew Fullagar said the van was a small token of the Community's appreciation for Gavin's work in Upwey "It's wonderful to see Gavin on the receiving end of kindness," Mr Fullagar said.
Bank pioneer steps down Dandenong Ranges Community Bank's inaugural chairman has resigned after 20 years of service. Peter Marke stepped down as director at Dandenong Ranges Community Finance Limited's November board meeting. He is credited with getting the second Community Bank company in Australia up and running. Chairman John Waters said Mr Marke's tenacity and drive was instrumental in the company's formation. He rallied local residents and formed a steering committee when the Commonwealth Bank closed its doors in Upwey in 1998. "Peter's significant contribution to our community of Upwey and the communities where we have established our other Community Bank branches in Belgrave and Cockatoo have been well documented," Mr Waters said. "Without his determination to get the company up and running and his dedication to its continuing success, we might not be in the great position that we are today. "Currently $4.8 million has been given back to an array of projects, some significant community infrastructure is now part of our achievements as well as the smaller contributions which make such a difference to people's lives. "We are grateful for Peter's service and wish him all the best for his future." The company celebrated its 20th birthday in October and the four remaining 'originals' - including Mr Marke - cut the birthday cake.
Our fireys in Queensland
The Upwey Community has fundraised over $14,000 for a new Soupees van.
Yarra Ranges CFA crews sent 12 volunteer firefighters to aid Queensland's firefighters. More than 100 bushfires are burning across the state, a situation Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland had never been in before. Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) executive officer Adam Barnett said Victoria was privileged to have an emergency service like the CFA "that ensures backup is available whenever and wherever it is needed while still maintaining local service levels". The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's (DELWP) also sent staff from its Yarra Ranges office. "We're sending eight arduous general firefighters who will be on to combat fires on the frontline, alongside three incident management staff who will provide technical support at the control centre," the department said. "Their skills and experience will provide welcome assistance to local crews who have been working in challenging conditions that are expected to worsen." Forest Fire Management Victoria and the New South Wales fire service are also sending assistance.
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6 MAIL | Tuesday, 4 December, 2018
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