Tatura Bulletin Nov Dec 2022

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BULLETIN TEAM

Photos courtesy Kaye Watson

RAFFLE CHRISTMAS GREETINGS CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT

MAKE SURE YOU BUY A TICKET

The Tatura Hospital and Parkvilla Ladies Auxiliary are having their usual Christmas Raffle again this year. The hamper this time has around two hundred dollars’ worth of goods and tickets will be sold in front of Mulcahy Nelson Livestock for $2 each or 3 for $5. Our committee will be selling the tickets on Thursday 8th December, Friday 9th, Saturday 10th, Friday 16th and Saturday 17th, with the winner being drawn on the 17th around noon. We do hope you will all purchase a ticket or two to support us in this fundraiser.

Janice Dreyer

OLIVE & VINE CAFE

‘Olive & Vine Café’

10am – 3pm each Wednesday and Thursday from Wednesday 23 November to the end of December.

Coffee and a light lunch will be available. Volunteers

Ph Beryl 0428 266 356

COMMUNITY HOUSE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Thursday 8 December 6pm FREE

Come along and join us in celebrating the festive season. BBQ and entertainment provided, BYO drinks and any food you wish to contribute.

The Tatura Area Community Bulletin Committee wish you all the best for the Christmas Season and thank you all for your support over the past 12 months. We will be taking a well-earned break and will be back for the next deadline on 11 January 2023

TATURA MENS SHED

The Tatura Men’s Shed is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am. Don’t forget the Tuesday lunches. Drop in for a chat and a cuppa on these days.

Wednesday 14 December Mactier Gardens

Starting at 6:00pm with the Lions famous Sausage Sizzle.

Carol books will be free, and we will be selling glow candles.

Schools Choirs, Singers, Pipe Band and Turaton will be our entertainment this year.

Bring along your chair or blanket and support this worthy cause with the collection going to Vision Australian

Book Reviews WITH KERRY…

Horse by Geraldine Brooks

Kentucky, 1850. An enslaved groom named Janet and a baby foal forge a bond of understanding that will carry the horse to record setting victories across the South. An itinerant young artist who makes his name from paintings of the horse takes up arms for the Union and reconnects with the stallion and his groom on a perilous night far from the glamour of the race track.

New York City, 1954. Martha Jackson, a gallery owner celebrated for taking risks

on edgy contemporary painters, becomes obsessed with an equestrian oil painting of mysterious providence.

Washington, DC, 2019. Jess, a Smithsonian scientist, and Theo an art historian, find themselves connected through their shared interest in the horse.

One of the best books I have read in a long time. Geraldine brooks weaves a sweeping story of spirit, obsession and injustice across American history.

Tatura Area Community Bulletin

HARSTON CWA SPECIAL PRESENTATION

TATURA EVACUATION CENTRE

Mrs.

ST JOHN AMBULANCE

A total of 90 St John Ambulance Victoria volunteers have just completed a mammoth three-and-a-half-week deployment of 24/7 flood relief across Victoria.

Between 15th October and 9th November, volunteers gave up 3,948 hours in a total of 332 shifts at Echuca, Shepparton, Tatura, Rochester, and Bendigo, as well as the Emergency Command Centre.

For each shift, two volunteer members were stationed to provide patient care for 12 hours at a time. Altogether, 57 volunteers served across the state at relief centres, while 33 members were deployed to our

Emergency Command Centre to facilitate communications, logistics and planning.

Across the centres, St John Ambulance volunteers treated 647 patients for a range of clinical and non-clinical needs – from attending to first aid incidents, including two cardiac-related issues, to providing psychological support.

Excerpt From Press Release 14 November 2022

On October 16th, 2022, the Tatura Football Netball Club was advised the Ballantyne Centre was to be taken over as an Emergency Response Centre during the significant rainfall and flooding event which was occurring in Shepparton and Mooroopna. Many families and individuals from Mooroopna were displaced when floodwaters began entering their homes or access became unsafe due to rising floodwaters. The Ballantyne Centre, Wilson Hall, the main oval, and Victory Hall all became a home away from home to many people over the next fortnight. Bedding was set up in all these facilities which reached a peak of approximately 300 people in the early stages. Animals were also abundant where the ground floor change rooms became a menagerie for many well-loved pets. Members of the TFNC took over the kitchen during the first week and catered for lunches and dinners for up to 300 people during the first week of the emergency. Many local volunteers assisted or put their names forward to assist if required. Volunteers were involved in catering, tent setup, assistance to people with medical issues, cleaning of facilities, offloading food supplies from helicopters, etc. COGS staff were highly appreciative of all these people and constantly expressed that they would not have been able to cope without the fantastic volunteers from Tatura. The second week saw the arrival of extra staff from COGS and the Salvation Army who began coordinating meals. As the number of people requiring assistance began to drop significantly, the local volunteers were no longer required.

Several of those who were forced to evacuate their homes and come to Tatura said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of the locals. The Tatura Lions Club provided breakfast several mornings, locals loaned tents, crates for pets and still others offered to do washing. It is fantastic to know that when people are in need of help, the community of Tatura and surrounding areas can be counted on.

TOOLAMBA METAL WORKS

Toolamba Metal Works at 2 15 Toolamba Rushworth Rd Toolamba is owned & operated by Toby McGurgan & Sharon Law and offers the following services.

General Welding & Repairs.

Trailer & Aluminium Boat Repairs

CNC Plasma Cutting.

Metal Signs Made To Order

Metal Garden Art Works.

Lathe & Turning Works.

Milling & Machining of Parts

Pump Shed Manifolds.

No Job Too Small with quality old fashioned service & advice.

We have a range of Metal Garden Art Works available for sale & specialise in Metal Signs

Custom Made To Order.

As we are not always working on site we suggest you give a call on 0427 717 377 or 0418 862 422 before making the trip to Toolamba.

For those looking for something different & unique for a Christmas gift drop in and check out our garden art range or have a personalised sign made to order.

The Goulburn Valley West Group President, Mrs. Mandy Perkins presented Mrs. Freda Clement with her 20 years Service badge and certificate.

Mrs. Lucy Harper having been a member for 70 years! received her Service certificate and badge, along with a potted Lavender plant. (Just a note here Seventy years is extraordinary)

Marilyn Pell.

Freda Clement, Mandy Perkins, Lucy Harper

GMW FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is extending payment deadlines and prioritising customer credit refunds to customers impacted by the floods.

“We understand the impacts that recent floods can have on our customers’ properties and businesses, and we would like to reassure them that support is available as part of our flood recovery program,” Flood Incident and Recovery General Manager Daniel Irwin said. For flood-affected customers who pay their fixed charges accounts in full, GMW has extended the payment due date by two months to February 16, 2023.

“We are also replacing any water entitlement records and statements free of charge, and can send to an alternative address if required,” Mr Irwin said. “Our hardship and flexible payment options continue to be in place, and we are prioritising customer credit refunds.”

To further help customers in their flood recovery, GMW has also developed a dedicated flood recovery webpage at www.gmwater. com.au/flood-recovery which provides a range of up-to-date information including support options.

“This page also includes quick links and details to other useful resources including the Agriculture Victoria website and the Victorian Flood Recovery Hotline which contain information on clean-up, financial and mental health support available,” Mr Irwin said. Customers who have been impacted by the floods are encouraged to call GMW on 1800 013 357 if they need to discuss their individual needs.

If customers have further questions about GMW’s flood recovery process and/or support available, they can also email GMWfloodrecovery@gmwater.com.au.

- Ivy Jensen

TATURA RSL

On Friday the 11th. November, the Remembrance Day Commemoration took place in the Private Robert Mactier V.C Memorial Gardens. This date is honored and significant as it commemorates the end of WW1 on the Western Front in France in 1918. President of Tatura RSL and veteran Mr. Robin Fairchild welcomed those present amounting to approximately 55 in number and invited the laying of wreaths. This was done by Mr. Robin Fairchild representing the Tatura RSL, Mr. Jason Kelly representing Hon.Wendy Lovell M.P, Samatha Spinks representing COGS, Disaster Relief personnel who have made Tatura their base during the floods, Tatura Fire Brigade, Masonic Lodge, both Primary Schools and others representing organizations and individuals. Short speeches and ‘Flanders Fields’ was recited. Following on was the bugler Sarah Clack with ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille.’ The British and Australian National Anthems followed shortly thereafter and the ceremony concluded. A special thank you to Sarah Clack the bugler, George Ferguson on the audio and the ground staff from COGS, for their presentation of Mactier Memorial Gardens precinct.

It is hopeful that 3 further plaques consistent with those already displayed along the Memorial Wall, will be installed by Xmas. Those plaques will include conflicts since the Vietnam War and the Peace Makers/Keepers since 1946.

On Sunday the 13th. November, the German Remembrance Day Commemoration took place. Due to inclement weather, the Memorial Service took place in the Senior Citizens building, to be followed later by the laying of wreaths by a select few at the German War Cemetery at Tatura. This event has taken place for many years with Tatura RSL assisting in those preparations. Mr. Desmond Callaghan

O.A.M State Senior Vice President of the RSL

and Mr. Dean Lee C.E.O. of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, were also present. The service was conducted by Mr. Michael Pearce, German Honorary Consul General who was an excellent presenter. Speeches presented included Mr.Anthony Brophy representing COGS and Ms. Renate Beilharz Leader, Spiritual Faith Group of the Temple Society, Australia. Many of the Internees in the Internment Camps were from the Temple Society Religious Sect. Mr. Seumas Spark, a Dunera Historian, spoke of the transfer of Internees from England to Australia via the ship, ‘Dunera’ and an Internees short life after that journey, now buried in the German War Cemetery at Tatura. Pastor Kim Kiessliing from the German Lutheran Trinity Church, Melbourne gave a reading and blessing of peace and the trumpeter, Attrayoo DriscollPlavins played. The Service was followed by a Luncheon at the Middle Hotel to which Tatura RSL members assisting were cordially invited. Many attendees of the service then attended the Tatura Historical Museum. Many of those people came from Melbourne in a bus for this annual event.

Books have been written regarding the seven Internment Camps in our local area and occupied by ‘Internees’ during WW11 and beyond. Many of those attending the German War Cemetery and Commemoration Service at Tatura are descendants of those ‘Internees.’ A book titled ‘Walls of Wire. Tatura, Rushworth, Murchison’ written by the late Joyce Hammond is referenced on the ‘eastern information board’ flower box at our Memorial Gardens precinct. A book well worth a read.

As this is the last edition of the Bulletin this year, the Tatura RSL wish everyone a Happy and safe Xmas.period.

Lest we forget. Mal. Watts. Tatura RSL member.

Waterwheel Tyre Team wish

RSL Rememberance Day

GREATER SHEPPARTON CULTURAL HERITAGE AWARDS

Greater Shepparton City Council in association with the Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee, is proud to present the Biennial Greater Shepparton Cultural Heritage Awards 2023. The awards program aims to recognise and honour those in our community who have made outstanding contributions to cultural heritage conservation, research, education, training or awarenessraising within the Municipality.

Cultural heritage includes both tangible cultural heritage (such as buildings, works of art and artifacts) and intangible cultural heritage (such as folklore, traditions, language and knowledge. There are 8 Award categories and for more information, brochures are available at all libraries and Greater Shepparton City Council offices. Nomination forms are available online or GSCC offices and close February 20, 2023.

ITALIAN OSSARIO REMEMBRANCE DAY 2022

Sunday 13th November

For the past 2 years, the annual ceremony at the Italian Ossario was cancelled due to COVID 19. This year flood waters inundated the Ossario building, the surrounding grounds, and the Murchison Cemetery itself, making a gathering at the site unsafe.

The event went ahead at the Murchison Community Centre instead and approximately 200 people attended. It was still possible to give due reverence to the occasion. Dignitaries, those in military uniforms and others representing local organisations proceeded down the main hall to stand at the front of the room while the Australian and Italian national anthems were sung, followed by the very moving trumpet rendition of ‘Il Silenzio’ (The Silence) that never fails to brings tears to the eyes. Speeches followed by Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Shane Sali, and Melbourne Italian Consul General, Hanna Pappalardo. A full Catholic Mass was held and a small choir sang accompanied by guitar, with the mandolin adding a distinct Italian sound. Altogether, the ceremony, although not at the site, managed very adequately to honour the memory of those who lie in the Ossario.

Not everyone knows the history and uniqueness of the Ossario. Situated in a peaceful setting in the south east corner of the Murchison Cemetery. The Italian word ‘ossario’ (old bones) is a place of final rest for human remains that have initially been buried elsewhere. The Ossario shelters the remains of Italians who passed away during their imprisonment in Australia during World War 2. They were military Prisoners of War (POW’s) brought to our shores and Italian civilians, thought to be a security risk, who were both resident in Australia and from allied territories overseas and detained in many camps across Australia.

Initially buried in cemeteries near to the camp where they had been held, the idea to gather them all in one place was proposed by Mr Luigi Gigliotti of Kyabram who raised funds for the building of the Ossario at Murchison, which had already become of place of pilgrimage. Remains were brought from Kerang, Sale and Tatura in Victoria; Albury, Bathurst, Bourke, Hay and Mudgee in New South Wales, and from Bridgetown, Corrigan, Harvey, Karrakatta, Katanning, Kondinin, Narembeen, Narrogin, Northam, Three Springs and Wyalkatchem in Western Australia. The Ossario was dedicated in September 1961.

Originally built as an open sanctuary, with a crypt below, flood damage required an above ground extension to be built to the rear of the sanctuary in 1974, that now houses the coffins. Built of Castlemaine stone and roofed with Roman tiles, the building is attractive and has a distinct Mediterranean appearance - a European oasis, a little piece of Italy, set in the Australian bush-land.

The names of the 130 Italians who rest here are recorded on two metal tablets in the sanctuary. Among them are 36 civilian internees, 73 privates, 2 sergeants, 1 sergeant-major, 3 corporals, 3 lieutenants, 2 majors, 3 corporal majors, 2 captains, 3 marshals and 2 seamen. One of the internees was a woman brought to Australia from Palestine, as well as an eightday-old baby boy born locally.

Some of the Italians buried at Murchison during the War died from wounds, some from natural causes, severe illness, and a few from drowning either in the Waranga Basin or the Goulburn River. One was killed in a road accident near Nagambie in April 1942; one being transferred from South Australia to Murchison jumped under the train at Seymour and was decapitated, and Carmelo Caraccioli was murdered by a compatriot in March 1946.

The ceremony, normally held at the Ossario on Remembrance Sunday, attracts visitors from all over Australia and overseas, many in colourful Italian uniforms. It is a very special occasion, a very moving experience and is open to the public to attend. Hopefully next year we will be able to gather at the Ossario site.

Kay Ball. President, Murchison & District Historical Society

Italian Ossario

The UCAF of the Tatura Uniting Church conducted a very successful fashion parade on 11 November, hosted by Kay’s Classic Fashions. The function was supported by the ladies of the district, with models from our church.

Bev

TATURA BETTER BEEF GROUP

Are you a beef farmer interested in upskilling your farm business management? The Tatura Better Beef Group is open to new members who are keen to learn more about a variety of topics to improve the profitability and management of their operations.

The Tatura Better Beef group was started in 2021 and meets 6 times per year to build skills and knowledge to make your beef business more productive, profitable and resilient to changing markets and climate. Current group members breed and trade cattle on farms ranging from 30 to over 600 ha.

The group is targeting local commercial producers seeking to improve their beef enterprise by making changes to areas in their business, including:

• grazing and pasture management practices

• livestock nutrition, health and welfare

• managing feed gaps

• preparing for drought, natural disasters and biosecurity risks

• financial and business management, including strategic planning and succession

• farm infrastructure

• understanding target markets and meeting market and consumer expectations

• having clear breeding goals and objectives and selecting the right genetics for the target market and production environment

• using existing or new technology in farming.

Annual fees are around $250 pa to participate in the group, with a mix of evening and day meetings on farm.

For more information or to register your interest in joining the group please contact Nick on 0438 321 528.

GERMAN WAR GRAVES CEMETERY

After the end of the Second World War, it was decided to bring the remains of all German citizens who had died in Australia as Internees or Prisoners of war to a common burial ground. A section of the northern part of the Tatura Cemetery was annexed to form the Tatura German War Graves Cemetery. This cemetery contains the remains of 250 Germans who died in Australia during the two world wars. Each Grave is marked by a bronze plaque bearing the deceased’s name and date of death. On the plaque an iron cross signifies the grave of a Prisoner of War and the Latin Cross that of a civilian internee. A monument at the eastern end records the names of 27 Germans buried elsewhere in Australia and also commemorates 129 Catholic and 45 protestant missionaries. The first four rows of graves, running north to south contain those who died during World War 2, and the rows running east to west are World War1 fatalities. The World War 2 section was officially inaugurated on Sunday, 16th November 1958 by the West German Ambassador. The impressive dignified and deeply moving ceremony was witnessed by about 1000 people. Local school children laid posies on each of the grave plaques. Each year on the Sunday after 11th November, the German Consulate and the Temple Society hold a Memorial Service at the Tatura War Graves Cemetery. This year on Sunday 13th November the service was held in the Senior Citizens Rooms as heavy rain was forecast. Led by Mr Michael Pearce, the German Honorary Consul General, there were speeches by Cr. Anthony Brophy, Seumas Spark, Renate Beilharz and Pastor Kim Kiessling. Music accompanists were a trumpet and guitar.

George Ferguson Tatura Museum

IT'S GOING TO BE HUGE

Things are building up for Hussln's Open Day 2023 already. This next one is going to be a really large car show, once again raising money for Beyond Blue. To be held in Tatura on Saturday, March 18, anyone (business or privately) even thinking to sponsor the event

or donate for the raffle should contact Hussln on 0437 897 938 or email: husslnautodetailing@gmail.com, and Cam will be happy to explain conditions on offer with absolutely no obligation.

- Janice Dreyer

OPENING HOURS

Ring the shop on 5824 3059 to enquire about our opening hours. Currently open weekdays only.

Wreath laying at the cemetery

Renate Beilharz grandaughter of Roland and Berti Frank

TATURA LIONS CLUB

Christmas Trees

Tatura Lions will be selling Christmas Trees again this year. Place your order as soon as possible to Malcolm 0429 683 775 or Glenda 0411 298 113.

Sizes are 1.5m -1.8m -2.1m.

Support Lions and have the smell of a fresh tree in your home to celebrate this year.

Christmas Cakes

Don’t forget to purchase your Lions Christmas Cake’s and Puddings this year. Give Charlie a call on 0410 676 995 or many of the local shops will be selling them.

INTERNATIONAL DAIRY WEEK 2023

The event is to be held between Saturday 14 January to Thursday 19 January 2023. Event coordinator Stacey Leppert is confident and excited that IDW 2023 will be bigger and better than last year when Covid affected the number of entries. The event will commence a day earlier on the Saturday and will include a Food Truck festival and entertainment on Saturday evening commencing at 5pm. This will be free entry and it is hoped that local people from Tatura and surrounding areas will bring families and friends to enjoy the party atmosphere and to get to know what Dairy Week is all about. The Tatura Football Netball Club will once again be responsible for catering and bar duties throughout the week. If any new volunteers wish to be involved in any of the various jobs required, please ring the TFNC IDW Coordinator, Daryl Eaton, on 0408335284.

CWA HARSTON

The last meeting of the CWA Harston branch was our Branch AGM, attended by the Goulburn Valley West CWA Group President Mrs. Mandy Perkins and the Group Secretary Mrs. Janette Mason. This was held at the Tatura Bowls Club rooms where we now meet each month. Most Harston members were in attendance, we have a few still not well enough to come along and our thoughts are with Mrs. Margaret Donaldson, Mrs. Irene Gale, Mrs. Margaret Hedges, Mrs. Mary McGrath and Mrs. Marie Wright. These ladies have been long time members and are dearly missed at our meetings.

Moving on, it was another successful AGM with all positions filled, I’m sure it appeared the same as last year. As our Branch President is Mrs. Glenys Eberle, Secretary is Mrs. Freda Clements, and the Treasurer is Mrs. Marilyn Pell. Most other members have their support positions within our Branch.

The highlight of the day for myself, as a past Group President was to see the Group President Mandy present the Country Women’s Association Service Certificates and Badges to three Members. Mrs. Margaret Hedges (unfortunately absent) for her Ten years of Service, Mrs. Freda Clement for her Twenty years Service, and Mrs. Lucy Harper for her Seventy years of Service to the CWA.

As Group President Mandy pointed out, Lucy has been a member of the CWA long before she was born. Having joined in October 1952, Lucy was a member of the CWA Murchison branch prior to moving to Tatura and transferring to Harston Branch. We presented Lucy with a lovely lavender plant, the service badges and certificate are just one way to recognise these milestones in CWA life.

A lovely morning tea followed with Scones, Jam and cream enjoyed by all, to end the AGM year on.

Then it was back to business with our regular meeting, with thoughts about ideas for future fundraising activities, and next year’s Branch competitions. The Harston Branch has its own Inaugural trophy, dedicated to the Late Mrs. Lucy Nicholls, this is for the most points at the end of the AGM year for the Best flower Bloom, it was presented to Mrs. Glenys Eberle for 2022.

The point winners at our November meeting being for ‘Something in a lady’s handbag’ was:

1st Freda Clement,

2nd Glenys Eberle,

3rd Fay Alexander

The best bloom:

1st Margaret Corrigan,

2nd Glenys Eberle,

The study of Tarot is a study of our journey through life. A Tarot reading can help you find answers to troubling questions, increase self-awareness and bring about personal insights otherwise left undiscovered. Tarot is a tool for empowerment –thus allowing you to be in control of your life!

3rd Freda Clement.

The 12th of December meeting is our Christmas Lunch, members are reminded to wear something Christmassy, and the Branch competition is a Christmas Brooch. Contact Glenys for details, please.

Yours in CWA Friendship, Mrs. Marilyn Pell.

Suzanna Sheed MP INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR SHEPPARTON DISTRICT Funded from Parliamentary Budget.

want

know, it tells you what you need to know.’

Christmas Cakes

SACRED HEART PRIMARY SCHOOL

I would like to congratulate our Year 6 graduating students on all your wonderful achievements during your time at Sacred Heart School.

Throughout your time at Sacred Heart, you have continued to live our Graduate Outcomes and have shown what amazing, optimistic and resilient people you are.

I am very proud of each of you and know your families and teachers are too. Thank you for all you have given our school. We have a wonderful school community and you have contributed so much to helping that grow.

Congratulations on your incredible achievements across all areas of school life. You have been true ambassadors for Sacred Heart and great role models to others. As you leave us and go onto different secondary colleges, I ask you to always remember our school expectations - to be Responsible, Respectful, Resilient and to Be Your Best!

Be kind to people you meet along the way, think big thoughts, be optimistic in whatever you are doing, pursue your dreams and make the most of each and every opportunity you are presented with. You are all learners and leaders, not just today but into our future. I hope you will always reflect on your time at Sacred Heart School with great pride and fond memories.

May God be with you as you continue through life’s exciting journey and may the Sacred Heart of Jesus guide you always.

From your very proud Principal, Pauline Hindson

Well, here we are after seven years of primary schooling, ready to take the next step in our journey, ready to take on Year Seven in 2023. Our graduating students have had an amazing range of learning experiences and we have seen them grow and develop as individuals and become beautiful young citizens in our global society. Our students have had amazing leadership experiences including running assemblies and sports events and activities; organising social justice activities; and being buddies to our current foundation students. We cannot dismiss COVID and the implications that it has had on our children. However, this has allowed them to become resilient, competent individuals, responsible for their own learning. Life throws us many challenges and our young students have been their best and have grown not only in physical stature but emotional and intellectual intelligence.

As we come to the end of our school year, we will farewell our Graduating Class of 2022 knowing that they leave us having been inspired by Christ, are safe and active citizens, discerning and adaptable lifelong learners, having a social conscience and respect for life, self, others, and the environment, and being optimistic, resilient and confident learners. It may be farewell, but not goodbye.

Auguri a tutti.

Dom, Emily, Cath, Reilly and Melissa

Year 6 Graduating Students

RODNEY CWA

On November 1st the Juniors had a wonderful scone night. The girls split up into groups of three and were given a CWA recipe. With the help of members, they made scones, had them for supper, and took some home.

At the October 13th Meeting, we celebrated in Pink, although our guest speaker’s talk was postponed. Competition winner for a pink item was Johanna Glover and flower winner was Lynne Lowe.

Our AGM was held on November 10th. Janette Mason’s detailed Secretarial Report reminded us that despite Covid conditions, we have been very active. Annual reports were received from each section.

The following Office Bearers were elected:

President – Mandy Perkins

Treasurer – Janette Mason

Vice Presidents – Pauline Parks

Minute Secretary – Gwen Ranson

Juniors – Lyn Trezise, Janice Barrette

Trading Table – Lyn Harrison

Welfare – Bev McMahon

Competition – Melvie Darby

Community Welfare – Lorraine Secomb

Publicity – Beatrice Greaves

Our December 8th meeting will be a Christmas luncheon in Mooroopna, then the next general meeting will be Thursday February 9th 2023, at the Tatura Bowls Club at 1:30 pm.

Beatrice Greaves, publicity

Dressed up in Pink

Scone

TATURA PRIMARY SCHOOL

This is a great opportunity to thank our school and wider community for their support this year. Our Parents and Friends continue to put smiles on our students’ faces when they organise events such as the raffles and Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. Local businesses always support us and we look forward to their continued support in 2023 when we really feel like ‘we are back to normal.’ We thank the Lions Club for their involvement in the school. Recently we supported their childhood cancer research fund by having a Coins for Kids morning. See the photo for the generous donations slithering like the scales of a snake through our courtyard. Our School Councillors meet regularly, and their input is valued. Parents and family are always here to ensure that their children turn up in full uniform, ready to learn and have fun with their friends at school. The teachers are looking forward to the summer break and, as we say farewell to some of them, we are thrilled to be welcoming several experienced teachers to TPS to keep the high standards and quality of learning as our priority.

Speaking of being back to normal, we have embraced many of the traditional Term 4 activities this year. We have LARP (leisure and recreational pursuits) for all our Grade 3

to 6 students- with fishing being a perpetual favourite. Our Foundation and Grade 1 students can’t wait to visit Kyabram Fauna Park- weather and mozzies permitting! The Grade 2 children are excited about visiting the Melbourne Museum and our band students enjoyed the privileged opportunity to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall recently. The band is also looking forward to performing at Carols, Moyola Gardens and our own end of year concert. Our Colour Explosion Run is fast approaching and we know the weather will be perfect (fingers are all crossed). Our swimming lessons will take place at the end of the year at our local pool and we are very excited about this change. Our senior students have worked with local artist, Rachel Doller, to design and paint the new toilet facilities at Lake Bartlett. This was a joint project with local schools and COGS. With the excitement of 2022 activities planned for our students leading up to the end of the year, we have also had many transition activities for our new 2023 Foundation students and welcome all new families to the Tatura Primary School community. Have a safe and festive holiday season.

Susanne Gill, Principal Tatura Primary School.

Coin Snake

GV TREE GROUP

The Yellow Burr Daisy (Calotis lappulacea) is a plant we haven’t grown before. It is a compact little bush that produces abundant yellow daisies for many months, mostly through spring and summer. The bush grows to a height of 20-50cm in a round clump. It is described as a perennial forb that can live for many years. A forb is a herb that is not a grass, usually found in grasslands. As the flower seed ripens, it becomes a burr that can be transferred by animals. It is not a particularly prickly burr, but it will stick to your clothes if you brush against it so don’t grow it in high traffic areas. As a forb it is palatable to animals, but it is not exactly a treat – probably about as popular as Brussel sprouts with kids. Also, if you have sheep for wool production, it can cause quality issues if grown en masse.

It grows with a strong deep taproot that allows it to survive in most climates, especially drier climates. This makes it an ideal plant for low water native gardens or rockeries.

Now is the time to take a few minutes and have a good look around the garden or farm and enjoy all the plants you have grown. We have some beautiful trees in flower at the moment at the nursery such as the bottle brushes, native frangipanis, eucalypts and drumsticks just to name a few. Good growing - Ash

60 YEARS OF ROTARY IN TATURA

The Rotary Club of Tatura is celebrating 60 years of service. The club was formed on 25/08/1962. Charter members were Fred Volk, Jim Trevaskis, Alan Taylforth, Bill Tacey, Bruce Simpson, Vic Steen, Jack Smith, Ben Perry, Don McFadden, Jack Montgomery, Des Lally, Arthur Knee, Bill Ibbott, Vic Gross, Col Gaylard, Wally Gale, Joe Ford, Tom Flanagan, Russ Fairbain, Trevor La Peyre, Bob Ewart & Don Chappell. Many old Taturians would remember those names.

The club has seen many changes over these years. In the early days membership was restricted to one person from each vocation. This rule prevented the club being dominated by any particular group. This gave a cross section of the community and worked very well. One doctor, one lawyer, one teacher, one Chemist and so on. The admission of Women into Rotary has been one of the biggest changes in recent times. Tatura is reported to have had the youngest person to join a Rotary club in the world and recently it had the first, 3 generations of a family in a Rotary club at the one time. The club has always punched above its weight.

The club has provided funds for many local facilities over the last 60 years in Tatura, including the Gatehouse Gardens, Stuart Mock place in Francis Street, named after the President of that year, toilet facilities in Cussen Park, Tatura Hospital, Netball Courts and many more. Our Rotary Club played a huge part in establishing and funding the wonderful aged care facility that we have in our town, Moyola Lodge. The most recent project is to facilitate the installation of an outdoor Gym fitness station for the public in Tatura. Funds raised have contributed to our town in many ways. The Rotary Club was integral in forming the local Historical Society many years ago, which is recognized as being one of the top historical Centre’s in Victoria. All this has been possible by the generous support of this community.

Many a local child has benefited from the Rotary Exchange program that has seen many young people have the opportunity of spending a year overseas to broaden their outlook on life. The program also allowed overseas students to experience a year living in Australia.

The Rotary club has helped many disadvantaged people in Tatura over this time and the club’s programs have reached out to all parts of the

world, assisting with projects in many overseas developing countries. The eradication of polio throughout the world has been another very significant program and was started in Australia. The program is on the cusp of fulfilling this wonderful achievement.

There have been a lot of notable local identities who have been members of this club over the last 60 years, all playing their part in making sure that the Tatura Rotary Club was a club of distinction in Victoria and played its part in the World Wide Rotary Family.

The Rotary Club of Tatura is planning to celebrate this milestone by holding a celebration dinner on the 25 February next year. The club would like to invite past members and old rotary exchange students to join in this celebration, to be held at the Ballantyne Centre.

For bookings and payment details please contact Tony Mason on 0407 094 642

Cost for a two course meal will be $50 a head, drinks at bar prices. Bookings essential.

with Lynette

I thought in this edition I would talk about interest rates, but changed my mind when I came across several people that did not know what a Mortgage Broker actually did.

A mortgage broker is a go-between who deals with banks or other lenders to arrange a home loan. Mortgage brokers must act in your best interests when suggesting a loan for you. Brokers are professionals that must have their own ASIC approved credit licence and either have a AFS licence, or work under an aggregator that does.

Mortgage Brokers should have at least attained the level of Diploma in Mortgage and Finance Management, MFAA/ FBAA membership and have to be mentored by an Industry expert that has at least 5 years experience in the industry, for two years.

Brokers have a panel of lenders, (60+ in my case) who could offer thousands of loans.

On January 1, Best Interests Duty (BID) will apply to brokers, not banks. This means, you will have a professional who is legally obligated to work and act in your best interests - and no one else's. When working with a mortgage broker, you have your own personal, non-bank affiliated home loan expert whose service is free to you.

An Experienced broker works with you to:

• Understand your needs and goals.

• Work out what you can afford to borrow.

• Find options to suit your situation.

• Explain how each loan works and what it costs (for example, interest rate, features and fees).

• Help you to set a savings plan to purchase a property in the future

• Provide budgeting advice

• Have access to Government schemes for First Home Owners with not just the Big 4 banks but many other smaller banks not available to you through normal channels

Generally, the better a broker is at anticipating their client’s individual needs and matching the right products to them from a large panel of lenders, the more repeat and referred business they’ll attract.

That means a good mortgage broker doesn’t simply try to maximise the amount of money a client can borrow and get the cheapest rate. They try to make sure the borrower protects themselves financially by taking into account future changes of circumstances and interest rate rises. They also bear in mind the bigger picture for that client, both in the short and the long-term. They get this by asking probing questions, listening carefully to the answers and applying their extensive knowledge.

New technology may be impacting the mortgage broking industry in a big way, but the best brokers are using it to their advantage. Brokers can now enhance their clients’ experiences and their daily tasks with tech that simplifies processes and procedures, such as automated communication channels such as bots, voicemail, SMS and email.

App and online based documentation processes removes the need to print shared documentation, enabling brokers and clients to work on documents for consumers, often one of the advantages of using a mortgage broker that stands out ahead of all others.

A broker allows a customer to access multiple products from multiple lenders without the hassle of shopping around. Mortgage broking isn’t simply about setting up the best deals. It’s also about building valuable relationships. Given the average home loan runs from 25 to 30 years, a broker’s relationship with their clients could run the same course. So, the best brokers don’t see a mortgage application as a one-off transaction; they approach it as the start of a lifelong business relationship.

Understanding what each client is likely to need at different stages in their life and then proactively helping them along their property journey adds value to what you do and can help set a broker apart from the competition.

- Lynette Melis, Finance Broker

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE TEAM AT

PROBUS

Our meeting on October 27 was quite unique as our guest speaker was unable to attend being stranded by flood waters. However, Secretary Wendy Wilson came up with a good suggestion which proved to be entertaining, ‘Your First Job’

One of the members to tell their story was John Gow. The son of a NSW dairy farmer he decided to work for Australia Post and remained with them for 30 years! On retiring he and his wife bought acreage and hobby farmed also learning to love playing bowls. Glenys Stockdale was the Member Behind the Badge. She told us of her young life when she studied drafting and design in Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Later, meeting Bill who was studying engineering, she made her own wedding dress which was pictured on the from page of the local paper. Glenys was also a founding member of Tatura CWA. Well done Glenys on an interesting story.

We travelled to Rushworth for our luncheon at the Criterion Hotel. During our time there Phyll Bramley arranged for some poetry reading and Bill Milner told a few really good jokes, making for a really nice outing.

If you would like further information regarding our Club please contact our President, Betty Smith, on 04087 329 686

Barb Halliwell

BETHLEHEM’S GLORY

One Holy Night, One Silent Night, The Son of God was born. Good News of great joy sang The Heavenly Choir,

That Jesus Christ has come, Now Christmas Day.

A star lit the heavens, Angels rejoiced, Shepherds beheld Him, all praised with one voice.

One Holy Night, One Silent Night, We celebrate His Worth, Great joy fills the Heavens and Earth all around,

At His amazing birth, Now Christmas Day.

With gifts so rare, they worshipped Him, The Wisemen from a-far, This Babe who was born, to be Saviour and Lord, Born in Bethlehem, Now Christmas Day.

Bethlehem’s Glory, Jesus the King, Come and adore Him, Noel we sing, Noel, Noel.

‘Bethlehem’s Glory’ - A Christmas Carol. Words & Music by Shirley Ferguson

Glenys Stockdale

John Gow

Find and circle all of the hidden words about Christmas. The left over letters reveal a secret message

CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH

Find and circle all of the hidden words about Christmas

over letters reveal a secret message

Recipes

SANTA

DANCER JOLLY SCROOGE

DASHER JOSEPH SEASIDE

DISPLAY JOY STAR

DONKEY KRIS KRINGLE THREE WISE MEN

ELVES LIGHTS TINSEL

EVE MANGER TINY TIM

FAMILY MARY TOYS

FATHER CHRISTMAS MERRY TRADITION

FEASTED MUSIC TREE FIR MYRRH TURKEY

FRANKINCENSE NATIVITY UNWRAP

GALA NICE YEAR

GIFTS NO SCHOOL YULETIDE

GINGERBREAD

Colour and Cutting Specialist

Salon Trading Hours:

Monday - Closed

Tuesday to Friday - 9am to 6pm; Fridays - Late Nights

Saturday - from 8.30am

Merry Christmas to all out clients

Phone Sam on 5824 2019 or 0408 571 525

159 Hogan St

85 Hogan Street, tatura Li

Best Wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and Healthy and Happy New Year, from Lisa & Annette La

SHORTBREAD

Ingredients:

125g castor sugar

315g butter

500g plain flour

Method:

Cream butter and sugar. Gradually add the flour. Cut into 5 equal portions and shape as required. Put onto greased cold tray. Bake half hour in moderate oven.

Shortbread can be presented as:

Fingers

Christmas shapes

Moulded rounds

Scored in Petticoat Fingers

Recipes

FLOURLESS PEANUT BUTTER AND CHOC CHIP COOKIES

These are so easy to make and a great favourite with many of my friends.

Ingredients:

1 cup Crunchy Peanut Butter

1 cup Brown Sugar

1 cup Milk Choc Chips (I use White)

1 Egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon Bicarbonate Soda

Method:

Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and combine.

Roll heaped teaspoonfuls of mixture into balls and place 3cm apart on trays. Press each one down lightly with palm of hand.

Bake at 200c for 8 minutes until golden. Cool on trays for 5 minutes before transferring.

- Janice Dreyer

Shortbread Mould

Peanut Butter Cookies

PHOBIAS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTMAS

I know many of you have wondered why people suffer from such a wide range of phobias and I can explain this by once again trotting out my famous tomato theory. Tomatoes are a very basic biological entity but for those of you who have grown them, there are far more ill-formed tomatoes on a bush than there are perfect ones. The human brain is also biological and is a million times more complex than the simple tomato, therefore the capacity for things to go wrong is infinitely greater. For many people, Christmas is not a time for rejoicing and celebrating, but rather a time to be endured as they batten down their hatches and prepare for the storm of ensuing phobias. The fear of Christmas itself is called Christougenniatikophobia and if you also have a phobia about long words then it would be almost impossible for you to tell people that you have this particular phobia which would no doubt lead to frustration and a whole raft of associated phobias. These then, are some of the phobias associated with Christmas. Selaphobia – from the Greek ‘selas’ meaning ‘light’. Selaphobes have a morbid fear of a flash of light. As Christmas is a time of colour and sparkle, this can spell trouble for selaphobes. Many shops and houses are decorated with flashing Christmas lights and many Christmas decorations are also covered with flashing lights of many colours. A person with selaphobia may have experienced migraines or seizures from flashing lights, or perhaps flashing lights may trigger traumatic memories from childhood. Selaphobes try not to drive at night and do not go to dance clubs.

Cyssanophobia - the fear of kissing beneath the mistletoe. Kissing under the mistletoe is an old Scandinavian custom. Even if sworn enemies met beneath a mistletoe plant, they would call a truce and cease hostilities until the next day. According to tradition, it’s bad luck to refuse a kiss beneath the mistletoe, but a person with cyssanophobia would prefer to take their chances. Apparently, as part of the ritual you are supposed to pluck a berry from the mistletoe after each kiss. When all of the berries are gone, then kissing time under that particular piece of mistletoe is over. Don’t eat the berries, however, as they are poisonous. Realistically, the fear is less likely to do with the mistletoe and more about being grabbed and kissed by a stranger or just someone you’d prefer not to lock lips with.

Syngenesophobia - the irrational fear of relatives, often including close family. Someone suffering from this condition can expect to experience a very high amount of anxiety from merely thinking of relatives, let alone actually seeing them. In fact, their anxiety may be so intense that they may even endure a full-blown panic attack. Although family can be avoided during the year by feigning work commitments or illness, once Christmas arrives, so do the relatives.

Meleagrisphobia - the irrational fear of turkeys and is usually caused at a young age. A big roasted turkey is the traditional Christmas meal for many people, but a person with meleagrisphobia may not be happy at the table. Although some meleagrisphobics are fine with the cooked variety, don’t ask them to go anywhere near a live turkey. These people are probably also aware that somewhere, a duck is watching them.

Phonophobia - a fear of loud noises. A traditional Christmas often includes Christmas crackers, decorated cardboard tubes that are filled with prizes and crack open with a sharp bang. Just watch the eyes squint and faces turn away as the Christmas crackers are pulled. Many people have an aversion to loud noises, but some people absolutely fear them. Don’t be surprised if you see a phonophobic make an excuse to leave the room during the cracker pull.

Ghabhphobia – the irrational fear of receiving a present. While most people enjoy receiving a present, there are some who don’t. For a person with social anxiety, it’s not the actual present that creates the fear, but rather the attention placed on them once they receive a gift. Everyone stares at them as they unwrap their gift, and this is followed by the need to smile, appear happy, and possibly answer questions. To a lesser extent, I think we’ve all experienced the need for that artificial smile when the present doesn’t meet our expectations.

Phagophobia – the irrational fear of eating or swallowing. As everyone gathers around the table for a hearty Christmas meal, the person with phagophobia starts feeling very nervous. Typically, the fear centres around choking or vomiting. Although they have to live with this fear throughout the year, at Christmas time they now worry about choking or vomiting in public and causing a scene. This phobia is different to cibophobia, which is a fear of food and is related to anorexia, bulimia, and other eating disorders. Ecclesiophobia – the irrational fear of church. The Christmas church service remains a strong tradition in many families. However, a person with ecclesiophobia won’t be attending. This is quite a complex phobia and could relate to either the church building or what the church represents. There may be many reasons for this, ranging from imagery such as Jesus on the cross, to the building size, smells, or an association of the church with funerals. It could also be related to a fear of deities and the control that some people believe they have over our lives. The fear of suffering through a tedious sermon is not part of this phobia as this fear is not irrational.

- John Kriesfeld

“I think it’s wonderful that all these women are on a fitness program,” I said as I glanced casually around the café.

“Why do you say that, Merle?” asked Agnes as she daintily picked up another cake from the plate.

“It’s just that everywhere I look lately, I see all these women in their activity wear.”

“Activity wear?” replied Agnes as she did that head tilt thing that she does.

“Oh, I think you mean active wear,” she said as she popped the cake into her mouth.

“I think it’s very commendable. Many of them have their children in tow and are clearly off to do the shopping, so they have either been to the gymnasium or are going to one later. Health and fitness are very important Agnes.”

“They call them gyms now, not gymnasiums. Now that you’ve mentioned it, Fred and I were talking about trying our hand at the old aerobics just the other day.”

“Aerobics?” I spluttered my tea about a bit as I looked at Agnes. “Good heavens Agnes, what era are you living in? That has not been around for donkeys’ years, nobody does that anymore. I mean we all did when we were young, but imagine us in our leotards today.” I laughed and jiggled at the same time as I imagined Agnes and myself in our little leotards and tight leggings with everything flattened and squashed into place back in the day. The thought of how that would even begin to look now, gave me great sadness but also much comic relief at the same time.

Agnes was looking whimsical as she reminisced about the time when we could move and run all over the place. Unfortunately, that ship has long since sailed for me, and Agnes too if she was being honest, but I think she still dreams of looking like Olivia Newton John wearing a sweatband and dancing aggressively about, waving her arms and lifting her knees up to her chin.

She snapped out of it as she finished eating her cake and said, “I think you’re being a bit generous with your compliments Merle. Very few of these women are actually going off to exercise class.”

I frowned. “What do you mean Agnes? Why are they all dressed as if they are going off to exercise classes if they are not? I mean, we would never have dreamt of wearing our workout outfits in public. Heavens, we would put proper clothes on over the top before we even considered going outside.”

“Then you clearly don’t understand the modern woman, Merle,” Agnes said as though she knew everything about everything all of a sudden. “That’s simply how a lot of women dress these days.”

“Dress?” I blurted out. “What do you mean dress? That’s the whole point, they are not dressed. You can’t go around like that in public with everything on show. Where is their self-image? Their sense of self respect? I can see every single lump and bump on those ladies and it seems to me that some of them should be staying well away from any sort of tight-fitting clothes.” Agnes seemed to be well up with the latest topics of the world as she confidently replied, “Well, this is the whole thing Merle, they do feel confident and they do have a very healthy self-image. That’s why they wear these outfits in public. Remember all those poor women who half-starved

by Ma Merle

themselves to death a few years back trying to look like the models on television and in the magazines? You can’t think that was a healthy way of living. So now, they just feel good about themselves and wear what they like.”

“And eat what they like I would say,” I replied in a triumphant tone while smiling a little.

Agnes wagged her finger at me. “Merle, that is very rude. You can’t say things like that.”

“Seems like I can’t say anything anymore,” I huffed. “Well, that’s my opinion and it’s my right to have it.”

“That is true,” agreed Agnes, “but it might be best if you kept it to yourself.” “So, if my opinion bothers people who have the opposite opinion, why don’t they keep theirs to themselves then?” I replied in annoyance. “Why should I be the one to be quiet?”

“You are getting into very muddy waters Merle. The world is changing and people can’t say negative things anymore in case they hurt someone’s feelings.”

“Well that the biggest load of frog poop I have ever heard,” I snorted. “What happened to honesty and toughening up and all that sort of thing. No, I absolutely disagree with you Agnes, absolutely.”

Agnes waved a conciliatory hand at me, “Then we shall have to agree to disagree on this one Merle.”

I scowled unhappily and Agnes looked thoughtful, as we sipped our tea in silence. A matter of minutes later, the little boy at the next table started screaming and yelling and running about. We both looked over our tea cups at the mother who rather vaguely, and not even addressing the child directly, waffled a few words out of her mouth like, “be quiet”, “come here Jimmy”. Needless to say, the child completely ignored her requests and kept running around.

Agnes and I both raised our eyebrows as we glanced furiously in the direction of the child and the mother and I wondered if we would agree on this matter and even possibly have the same opinion. The racket went on and on and when the child came close to our table, I fixed him with a piercing stare, pointed to where he should have been sitting instead of running around, and growled in a stern voice, “Go and sit down and be quiet!” He stood momentarily transfixed in shock as he stared at me and then went screaming off to his mother, grabbing hold of her arm and wiping snot all over the place as he wept and grumbled about the bad lady over there. The mother absently pointed to the chair and said, “Sit down then and wipe your nose, we are leaving soon.” He huffed and puffed for a moment and then after pulling out his chair, decided he would run around some more. The mother paid scant attention to him yet again as he ran about. He started to run towards our table but both Agnes and I glared at him. He screeched to a halt, thought for a moment and went back and sat down.

“And that’s how it’s done Agnes,” I said, nodding my head. Agnes looked at me and smiled. “I could not agree more.”

Why on earth would anyone think it is okay for their children to run around screaming when other people are trying to sit and relax in a café? Can someone please explain? Anyone?

December 10 – Human Rights Day. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was made by the United Nation in 1948. What are these rights? Well, there are too many to list as there are thirty articles and many of them have two or three sub-clauses but having read them all closely, I couldn’t find anything relating to the right to drive slowly in the right-hand lane or the right to ignore your children while they run wild in the supermarket.

December 11 – International Mountain Day. This is another United Nations sanctioned celebration that honours the fact that mountains cover 22% of the Earth’s land mass. As mountains are in short supply in Tatura, once again I suggest that we make the trek to Hill Top and celebrate by singing ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from the Sound of Music. Perhaps after a few drinks at the bar.

December 13 – Violin Day. The violin is an incredibly versatile musical instrument, allowing for music of great passion and incredible delicacy. Violin Day salutes violinists and encourages you to listen to music featuring violins. If you’re feeling particularly brave and enjoy annoying your family, friends and neighbours, why not try to learn to play? However, I would also like to point out the inherent discrimination in that there is no drum, bongos, guitar, piano or cello day.

December 14 – International Monkey Day

Although this is a day for monkeying about, it has a more serious undertone and also raises awareness of the theory of evolution, medical research and animal rights. For the romantics out there, the Italian phrase ‘mi manche’ (pronounced ‘me monkey’) means ‘I miss you.” Try that with the special person in your life and see how you go.

December 15 – World Underdog Day. While the favourite is called the top dog, the one expected to lose is called the underdog. There have been many underdogs that against all expectations, have gone on to win the competition or event, none more so than speed skater Stephen Bradbury. It is human nature to barrack for the underdog, the perennial loser,

which explains why Collingwood has such a high membership. So, on this day, give some thought to the losers, the runner’s up, the ones who didn’t quite make it, because without these unsung heroes, there can be no winners.

December 16 – Chocolate Covered Anything Day. I think the title of this day pretty much speaks for itself. If it tastes good without chocolate, then why not try it covered in chocolate? Be brave and experiment. The only thing you’ve got to lose will be the contents of your stomach.

December 20 – Games Day. Here is an officially sanctioned day to play your favourite games whether they’re computer games, board games, card games or video games. This is a chance to relax and unwind before the hustle and bustle of Christmas although if your games end like mine used to do when I was growing up with my brother, then it may also be a good idea to wear a helmet.

December 21 – International Look On The Bright Side Day. Everybody experiences pain, suffering and loss at some time in their lives. Some people move on by putting the past behind them and living happily in the present, while others continue to live in the past, reliving their suffering over and over as each day passes, being perpetual victims. It basically comes down to a choice that only you can make, and this day reminds you to look on the bright side of life.

December 22 – Forefather’s Day. Did you realise that every one of your many ancestors, from the beginning of time, lived to an age when they could have children? If just one of them had died in childhood from disease or been killed in a battle before they could marry, then you would not exist. The odds against that happening are astronomical so I think it’s worth celebrating. Reflect upon this next time you’re feeling a little unlucky.

December 25 – Christmas Day. There is no need for any explanation here.

December 26 – Boxing Day. There are several explanations behind the reason for this

day but all you need to remember is that it’s test cricket at the MCG.

December 29 – Tick Tock Day. The clock is ticking and there are only two days left until the end of the year. So, have you achieved everything you set out to do at the start of the year when you made those inspirational resolutions? That’s what I thought. Tick Tock Day reminds you to cram in some last-minute work to achieve your goals.

December 31 – Make Up Your Mind Day. No excuses, no procrastination, no ifs or buts, this day is your last chance to stop putting things off and get things done. How can you successfully launch yourself into a new year when you’re still carrying around baggage from this year? The best way to celebrate this is to make a firm decision to make firm decisions from now on.

January 1 – New Year’s Day. This is the perfect day to make those necessary changes in your life and then keep at it for at least one week. After that you can slowly revert to your old habits like everybody else and then tell yourself that at least you tried. However, the fact is, you didn’t.

January 2 – Run It Up the Flagpole and See If Anyone Salutes It Day. This day encourages people to be creative and implement their ideas. Run it by your friends and family to hear what they think. Do you want a style makeover? This is the day to do it. Want to start a new business? Go out and do your market research today. The longest journey starts with the first step.

January 9 – Word Nerd Day. Do you like long, complicated, fancy words? Then welcome to your day. Even if you’re not a word nerd, you can celebrate by learning a couple of fancy new words and then just casually tossing them into the conversation. Here’s a few to start you off – rambunctious: noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline, esoteric: understandable only by an enlightened inner circle, misanthrope: someone who dislikes people in general.

- John Kriesfeld

MELBOURNE CUP DAY LUNCHEON

Melbourne Cup Luncheon returned to Hill Top after a three- year hiatus, due to Covid-19. The Women’s Golf Committee organised the day, with Di Downie and Bowlers, arranging the bountiful raffles. The atmosphere rivalled the “Bird Cage” at Flemington, as the patrons arrived all decked out in their finest outfits, which included hats and creative fascinators. The outstanding group of approximately twenty people, were the University of the 3rd Age from Knox, who have supported this event for many years. They devise a colourful theme each year with gold and black chosen for this year. Each patron was photographed as they entered the dining room through a decorative arch of yellow roses supplied by Sue Turnbull from her extensive rose garden. Tables were set with the gold theme, horseshoes and yellow rose centre pieces. Gold racehorse cut outs were a feature on the windows around the dining room, giving a real racing atmosphere. The large screen made sure everyone had a good view of each race.

The one hundred plus guests were treated to a variety of appetising hors d’oeuvres followed by a delicious buffet style main course, finishing with sweets and coffee or tea. Rod Schubert was master of ceremonies, and kept everyone entertained with his jokes, plus he invited guests to tell their own jokes for a special Cherry Ripe prize for the best joke.

The highlight of the day was the awarding of the many prizes for the best dressed man and woman, best fascinator, and tie etc. Geoff Lipshut and Tammy O’Toole were awarded the best dressed for the day. Raffle winners went home very happily with their prizes as did the lucky door prize winner.

A successful day was enjoyed by everyone, with many promising to book for next year.

To all our valued clients and our wonderful community, the team at Sheridan Partners wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!

Tammy O’Toole, Geoff Lipshut

U3A Group from Knox with Dianne Downie

Nancy Brisbane and Elaine Cowley

Donald Trump has ruined the phrase “thoughts and prayers”. In his Tweets after gun massacres and other disasters the expression” our thoughts and prayers are with you” became a hollow platitude. Sending thoughts and prayers is appropriate when there is nothing else that can be done, but as president, he was in a position to offer so much more. Many felt that uttering this hollow but nice-sounding sentiment allowed him to bypass the “real” work of passing better laws?

Following on from the floods of recent times I’ve had many friends and family make contact to check on our wellbeing and express their care. Sometimes I can almost hear the wheels of their brains whirring as they try to find words other than “thoughts and prayers” to express their concern. It’s a shame really, because when nothing else can be done, there is comfort in knowing that we are in our friends and families’ thoughts and prayers. But just as “thoughts and prayers” were seen as a cop-out when more practical action was possible on gun control, we can apply the same logic with regards to the floods. What if sending ‘thoughts and prayers” allows all of us to avoid the harder work of helping to build levees, provide emergency shelter and practical aide? What if sending “thoughts and prayers” let our local, state and federal leaders avoid the responsibility to undertake better planning, provide material support and remediation? The argument is that when the stakes are so high, we cannot afford to retreat to private spirituality. Instead, we must act. But prayer is not inaction. Sometimes it’s the most powerful form of action we can engage in during a crisis—and that’s true whether we believe in God or not. Even for those of us who aren’t sure that God exists and that our prayer can change things, prayer can certainly change us.

Across the district the floods have destroyed and damaged roads, houses, crops and infrastructure. Murchison has experienced some flooding and the bridge is still not open to heavy vehicles at the time of writing. Colbinabbin had several houses and the General Store flooded. The Colbinabbin Uniting Church and the Cornella Catholic Church were surrounded by floodwaters. Both the Mooroopna and Rochester Uniting Churches have been flooded and there is extensive work ahead for them. Even when the flood waters didn’t reach places like Tatura, power blackouts inflicted considerable losses on farms and businesses, and distress and disruption for the whole community. At the Shiraz Republic, the greatest impact was a lost weekend’s trading at the cellar door and accommodation. We opened and had bands on both Saturday

and Sunday but, not unexpectedly, it was very quiet. The nicest part of the weekend was late Sunday afternoon when about 20 local farmers decided to drop in and enjoy a drink in the afternoon sunshine. All of them will have incurred considerable losses as much of the low-lying country still has crops standing in water. Over the next two hours there were many conversations and informal support. A couple said they expected to lose 1000 acres of crop. Others spoke of having spread $400,000 worth of urea, which is now wasted. But their resilience and attitude is inspiring. “I never had it to lose it”, said one. “It’s not mine until it’s in the shed.”

For some people troubles have a cumulative effect. “This happened, that happened, now it’s happening again and it’s all too much.” But sitting in the sun with my farming neighbours the feeling was, “There is nothing in this that we have not already endured and worse, and we survived.” For some people a crisis leaves them permanently weakened, for others they draw strength from their survival. Our self-talk matters. If we say to ourselves, “We’ll never get over this!” then we probably won’t. If we remain hopeful and tell ourselves, “This too will pass, and I will build back better.” Then maybe we will.

The quote I liked the best was from a farmer who said, “I never pray for rain, I pray to be strong. If I’m strong, then it doesn’t matter what happens.” Storms and floods feature frequently in the gospel stories. Jesus spoke of the need to have firm foundations (there’s even a catchy little song we learned in Sunday School to help us remember it.)

‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock.’ Matthew 7:24-25

After a tragedy like a flood, prayer is not an indulgent retreat from reality, but a responsible reaction to it. But I won’t pray for rain, and I won’t pray for it to stop raining, I’ll pray to be strong.

Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.

This is the gospel, and it’s good news.

Brian Spencer, Minister, Tatura Uniting Church

SPLINTERS

A new Splinter Contemporary Artists exhibition, titled Paperwork, will open on November 7 in their gallery in the Kyabram Town Hall and continue until Feb 5. The gallery is run solely by volunteers and the Splinter artists greatly value the wonderful job they all do. It is open every day (other than Sunday) from 10 am to 4pm.

Paperwork

Paper has to be one of civilization’s greatest inventions. Paper has become an essential in the daily lives of almost all people around the world. Paperwork helps us record our economy.

As a creative medium, paper is low cost, versatile and abundant. Its versatility is one reason for its popularity in art and craft. It can be used wet, as in Papier Mache, or dry, as with Paper Cutting, rolled for Quilling, folded to form Origami shapes, layered as in Decoupage and Collage or simply used in sheets on which we draw, marble, print or paint.

If you make your own paper, its tactile quality makes its manufacture and use a sensuous experience.

In this exhibition, Paperwork , Splinter Contemporary Artists are ‘paperworking’ their own magic.

A good magician's assistant is hard to find. They're highly sawed after.

My cousin, a magician, decided to incorporate the use of trapdoors in his shows. I think it's just a stage he's going through.

What do you call a magician who loses his magic? Ian.

CHRISTMAS RIDDLES

Q: What do you call a Christmas gift when it dies?

A: The ghost of Christmas present.

Q: Whey doesn’t Santa need to put his elves through training?

A: They’re elf taught.

Q: What do you call an old snowman?

A: Water.

Q: What’s covered in tinsel and goes ribbitribbit?

A: A mistle-toad.

Q: How many letters in the Christmas alphabet?

A: Only 25 because there is Noel.

Q: What is Santa’s nationality?

A: North Polish

Q: How does Darth Vader like his Christmas roast?

A: A little on the dark side.

Q: What’s the difference between Santa and a knight.

A: One drags a sleigh and the other slays a dragon.

Q: What did Adam tell his wife on the night before the first Christmas.

A: It’s Christmas, Eve.

Q: What do you call someone with a fear of Father Christmas?

A: Claustrophobic.

Q: What’s the best way to get a puppy for Christmas?

A: Ask for a little brother.

Q: What’s the best gift you can get for Christmas?

A: A broken drum – you can’t beat it.

Q: What do you call Santa when he falls off his sleigh?

A: An ambulance.

Q: Where do you find reindeer?

A: It depends where you leave them.

A STUDY OF CHARACTER

I am righteously indignant; you are annoyed; he is making a fuss about nothing – New Statesman Magazine

He was always hovering somewhere, waiting to be offended – Peter Ustinov

Some of us are like wheelbarrows, only useful when pushed, and very easily upset – Jack Herbert

Watching sex on telly with Mum and Dad, that’s embarrassing. I didn’t even know they knew how to use the camcorder – Jimmy Carr

The English instinctively admire any man who has no talent and is modest about it – James Agate

Perfection has one grave defect: it is apt to be dull – W. Somerset Maugham

Great events make me quiet and calm; it is only trifles that irritate my nerves – Queen Victoria The degree of one’s emotions varies inversely

with one’s knowledge of the facts, the less you know the hotter you get – Bertrand Russell I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar, and often convincing – Oscar Wilde

Bores can be divided into two classes; those who have their own particular subject, and those who don’t need a subject – A. A. Milne

I am one of those unfortunate people who inspires bores to the greatest flights of art –Edith Sitwell

I am not conceited. It is just that I have a fondness for the good things in life and I happen to be one of them – Kenneth Williams

A gentleman need not know Latin, but he should at least have forgotten it – Brander Matthews

If you are foolish enough to be contented, don’t show it, but grumble with the rest – Jerome K. Jerome

We would like to thank all of our customers for their support throughout the year and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!!

From the management and staff at Tatura Pharmacy

TATURA Pharmacy

151 Hogan Street, TATURA VIC 3616 Phone: 03 5824 1043

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year all of us at Lipshut Law.

Merry Christmas and a Happy from all of us at Lipshut Law.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Lipshut Law.

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

________________________

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

Thank you for your support throughout the year.

________________________

We will continue to be available for you over the break and geoff@lipshutlaw.com.au

________________________

will continue to be available for you over the break on 0417 134 929 geoff@lipshutlaw.com.au

Geoff, Robyn, Lucy, Carmel, Helen, Fiona and Geraldine

We will continue to be available for you over the break on 0417 134 929 and geoff@lipshutlaw.com.au

We will continue to be available for you over the break on 0417 134 929 and geoff@lipshutlaw.com.au

With thanks, Geoff, Robyn, Lucy, Carmel, Helen, Fiona

With thanks, Geoff, Robyn, Lucy, Carmel, Helen, Fiona and Geraldine

With thanks, Geoff, Robyn, Lucy, Carmel, Helen, Fiona and Geraldine

KAYE WATSON CALENDAR

Kaye has again produced a beautiful calendar celebrating the local area. Copies are available from Mes Amours and the Tatura Museum as well as Billabong Nursery in Shepparton. Cost is $25.00

CWA G.V. West

CHRISTMAS SUPERSTITIONS

Predicting Your Future Husband: Many old superstitions are based on helping an unmarried woman find her future husband. Women from some cultures pour melted lead into cold water, and the shape it takes determine the initials of the man she will marry. Similarly, some cultures believe if a woman peels an apple in a single ribbon and throws the peel above her head, the shape of the peel on the floor is her future husband. Throwing your shoe can help you find your husband, too. According to German tradition, a girl hoping to marry her sweetheart should throw her shoe into a pear tree twelve times during the twelve days of Christmas, and if the shoe ever stays in the tree, her wish will come true. Another tradition recommends that a woman should lay on the ground and toss her shoe over her head. The direction the shoe lands in is the direction her true love will come from. If you want to turn this predicting into a competition between a group of unmarried friends, a blindfolded goose can be placed in the middle of a circle of girls. The first girl the goose touches will be the first to get married.

Stirring the Christmas pudding is considered to be good luck and if you are looking to get married the following year, you should stir it at least three times.

Now here’s a sure-fire tip for success. If you find a kneeling donkey on Christmas Eve and make the sign of the cross on its back, it will bring you your heart’s desire.

Using Foods to Determine Luck: Apples are often seen as a good luck food to eat on Christmas, probably part of the reason foods like apple pie are popular around this time of the year. Eating an apple at midnight on Christmas Eve will also bring you good health all year round. However, you should probably factor in Daylight Savings otherwise it may not work.

It is said that bad luck will befall anyone who refuses a mince pie at Christmas dinner, and apparently the number of pies you eat determines how much luck you will have for the following year, which explains why my Tattslotto tickets don’t do very well because I don’t like mince pies. Also, you will get a month of luck during the next year for each home you eat a mince pie at during the holidays. According to English superstition, eating a plum pudding on Christmas day will lead to friendship in the following year. Of course, these traditions might just be a convenient excuse to eat sweet treats during Christmas. Taking all of the above into account, I think I know what your New Year’s Resolution is going to be.

Around the House: The first person to open the front door on Christmas Day and say, “Welcome Father Christmas,” is said to be very lucky for the following year. This might encourage you to get up early in order to be the first to open the door but apparently if you’re the first person out of bed on Christmas Day, it is your responsibility to take a broom and sweep away ‘trouble’ from the threshold of your home, so this luck does come at a price.

Whilst we would all love to receive a brand new pair of shoes from a loved one on Christmas Day, here’s a word of warning. You should never give shoes as a Christmas present as the recipient will simply walk out of your life. Hmm, if you still have kidults living at home, perhaps they might welcome a new pair of shoes. It’s just a thought.

- John Kriesfeld

CWA GV WEST GROUP

Our CWA Group finished up the year with the Craft Group holding their Christmas Craft Day and Lunch at the Tatura Community House on Wednesday, 16th November where members made Christmas craft items and enjoyed a lunch together, and a show and tell of craft made during the year.

Our Group President Mandy and Group Secretary Janette have been busy doing the rounds of the various branches in the Group presiding over their Annual General Meetings. The Branch Secretary reports are always interesting recording all the branch’s activities for the year, the days out, fund raising initiatives and their donations to the various local organisations, including the SES, hospitals, Hospice Care, flood relief and many more.

Our hearts go out to those in our community who have been adversely affected by the floods and hopefully they are all receiving the help they need to recover.

Tatura Community House celebrated their 40th Anniversary on 17th November with Open House and Supper. All organisations who use the House for their meetings or activities were invited to make up a poster depicting their organisation. Lyn Trezise on behalf of The Goulburn Valley West Group excelled herself again and made up a poster which not only showed photographs of our various events but small craft items dangling from the poster.

The next major CWA event at State level is the Christmas Fare at headquarters in Toorak on Saturday 3rd December, with many of our members cooking up a storm making Christmas puddings, cakes, shortbreads to be sold at the Fare, and some travelling down to help on the day.

A special recognition to Lucy Harper of Harston branch who this month celebrates 70 years of being a CWA member, an outstanding effort on her behalf.

For all enquiries regarding joining a local CWA branch please contact our Group President: Mandy Perkins on 0419 210 149 or Group Secretary Janette Mason on 0408 194 638 and you will be most welcome to come along to a meeting at any one of our six branches in the Goulburn Valley West Group.

All the members of our local CWA branches wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year and look we forward to a drier 2023!

Janice Barrette, Publicity -GV West Group

The children at the Cubby House have been very busy this month on the climbing equipment. Practicing body balance, problem solving, coordination, body awareness and building confidences. With the warmer days the children have been in the garden, planting new tomatoes plants, cutting the tresses back, weeding and making some nice little play arounds with the pot plants. We are looking foward in the month to start the Christmas

CUBBY NEWS

celebration, putting up the Christmas trees and making some wonderful handmade decorations for the trees at home and making some reindeer food in preparation for the big night.

The Cubby House still has the cookbook fundraiser going, these cookbooks make a great Christmas present for family and friends, pop in to pick up your copy. We also have a Christmas tree raffle, with lots of great prizes,

Tupperware, coffee vouchers, makeup, meal vouchers and many more.

We are now taking bookings for 2023 so get in soon as spots are filling fast. The Cubby Occasional Care is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9am2pm in the orange building on Kerferd Street. The Cubby is a Child Care Subsidy provider, making it an affordable choice for families. Ph 5824 1315.

Cormac Alfie

Maria

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

You may remember that James and Samantha Peabody have travelled back in time to have a chat to William Shakespeare and have now been accosted by three thugs in a stinking alley, demanding that our intrepid time travellers pay them a toll.

The thug stepped forward warily and once she judged that he was close enough, Samantha sprayed him in the eyes with a quick burst of pepper spray. As he staggered back, pawing at his eyes and howling in pain, Samantha quickly stepped forward and hammered her elbow into the side of his head. The thug dropped to the ground with a wet thud as his head splattered into the stinking mess from the chamber pot.

“Who’s next?” demanded Samantha as she beckoned to the two remaining thugs. They looked at each other for a moment, then charged forward. Samantha waited on balanced feet and then when she judged the distance was just right, sent a forceful kick to the groin of the nearest man. As he slowly collapsed to the ground in agony, she pivoted and launched a round-house kick to his head, and he also collapsed to the ground. The remaining thug, slithered to a halt, glanced hastily at his two unconscious comrades lying in the mud, then turned and sprinted away down the alley.

“Good decision!” yelled Samantha at the departing thug. She turned to James. “That didn’t take much effort. I was hoping for a better workout than that.”

“Oh! Well done!” exclaimed James. “When we get back, you’ll have to teach me how to do that.”

Samantha smiled gently. “I don’t think so dear. You do the thinking and I’ll do the acting, that’s what makes us such a good team.” She twirled her arms for a moment to relax them and then bent down and began to search through the pockets of the unconscious men. “Okay then,” she muttered, “let’s see what we have here.”

“What are doing?” asked James in surprise. “You can’t be thinking of robbing these men?” Samantha turned and frowned at him. “What do you take me for? Of course I’m not robbing them. However, I taught these men a valuable lesson, and lessons such as this don’t come cheaply so I’m just collecting my payment.” She tossed James a small pouch containing a few coins and began searching the second man. “With a bit of luck, we should have enough to pay for tickets to the Globe theatre.”

The second man also had a few coins in his pocket and after collecting these, Samantha and James pushed their way past the small crowd of curious onlookers and hurried up the alley towards the main road.

“So much for fitting in inconspicuously to the local environment,” muttered James as he consulted his map once more. “The theatre is at the end of this street. With a bit of luck, we may be able to see a performance before we go.”

As they got closer, they heard loud whistling and cheering coming from the theatre and an

(Episode 3)

by John Kriesfeld

occasional roar of approval from the crowd within. “Are you sure it’s not a football stadium?” asked Samantha.

James shook his head. “It certainly sounds like it but football hasn’t been invented yet.”

There were two burly men standing outside the main entrance to the building. They watched with disinterest as Samantha and James approached. One of the men finally stepped forward to block their way. “The next play’s not until this evening,” he said. “This one doth almost over, come back then.”

Samantha held out a handful of coins. “Is this enough money for us to come in and see the end of this play?”

The man looked down at the coins and then pursed his lips before quickly snatching the coins from Samantha’s outstretched hand. “I guess so, but thou must stand at the back.” “Thanks,” replied Samantha sweetly as she stepped quickly past him. “Come on James. We don’t want to miss the entire play.”

They hurried into the theatre and stood momentarily at the back of audience as they tried to gauge their surroundings. Several men in colourful costumes were haranguing each other on the stage and the audience roared their approval at the exchange of words. Several of the women called out advice to the men which provoked loud laughter from the other members of the audience. The actors simply ignored them and carried on with their dialogue.

“I think this play is called ‘ A Comedy of Errors’,” shouted James as he struggled to make himself heard above the din of the audience. “It’s all about family loyalties, persistence, identity and coincidence.”

There was another bout of raucous laughter from the audience and Samantha shouted, “I want to get nearer to the front. I can’t really hear what the actors are saying.”

James shook his head and said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” However, Samantha was already pushing her way down one of the aisles. Even though there were bench seats in the theatre, the majority of the audience were standing up as they yelled colourful advice to the actors and they paid scant attention to Samantha and James as they pushed and jostled their way to a position halfway down the theatre. They stayed there for the remainder of the play and once it ended amid loud applause and further raucous comments from the audience, they stepped to one side and allowed the crowd to flow past them and out of the theatre.

“This wasn’t the picture I had in mind at all when I suggested coming here,” said Samantha as she collapsed onto one of the benches.

“Audience participation takes on a whole new meaning,” agreed James. He looked down at his feet and picked up a bedraggled cabbage.

“I don’t think this was brought along for a halftime snack.”

“So, they really did throw things at the actors if they didn’t like the play,” replied Samantha.

“We really have come a long way.”

Several men appeared on the stage and began moving props into position in preparation for the first scene of the play that was to be performed that evening. A tall man with a wispy beard was issuing orders and pointing to where he wanted the props placed.

James nudged Samantha with his elbow and whispered, “I think that’s William Shakespeare over there.”

“Oh, goody,” replied Samantha as she jumped to her feet. “Let’s go and meet him.”

Has Samantha exposed the world to the Butterfly Effect by knocking out the two thugs? Will Shakespeare agree to talk to them or has the whole trip been a waste of time? Would throwing cabbages at bad actors make our plays more interesting and boost audience numbers? All will be revealed in the next episode.

SINGING WITH BOTH HANDS

by Robyn Black

he punctuates the wash of schoolyard sound with the firm, rapid strokes of confident hands traces his story permanent as voice precise as dance on each precious minute a ballet of shadows bounces softly off red-brick walls in place of Baghdad echoes but out playing soccer he blends seamless, adept where all are fluent in one, swift language. - No Straight Lines

CHRISTMAS JOKES

I asked my wife what she wanted for Christmas, and she said nothing would make her happier than a diamond necklace, so I gave her nothing.

The three phases of man: he believes in Santa Claus, he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus.

I bought my son a refrigerator for Christmas. I can’t wait to see his face light up when he opens it.

SUDOKU No. 77 Solution

COMMUNITY HOUSE

Wow this year has gone by fast, it feels like only yesterday that we were welcoming in 2022.

The Tatura Community House 40th year Reunion was held on Thursday the 17th of November. We had a great turnout with over 70 people attending. Jen Pagon, President of the Committee welcomed everyone followed by Cr Greg James’ Welcome To Country. Guests then enjoyed food and drinks and took a wander through the community house and marvelled at the various displays: Creative posters of our activities and user groups, a timeline over the last 40 years, lists of current and previous staff and committee members and lots more. Jenny Stammers, Secretary of our Committee, took over the role for MC for the night and gave a brief description of who is involved in running our community house, then Tom and Nadine as co-managers gave a quick overview of what makes Tatura Community so special: Our wonderful community, its organisations, and individuals. They invited everyone to join our activities and maybe try out volunteering. Tarja, our childcare coordinator, took us on a quick historical journey of the Cubby and how it has progressed over the years from being open a few hours per week to 4 days per week. Our photographer Jacob Dedman took photos of current and previous managers, committee members, staff, childcare staff and tutors. The formal part of the evening was concluded by the cutting of the cake.

Tatura Uniting Church

“Olive & Vine”

115 Hogan Street, Tatura

Minister: Brian Spencer 0400 274 482 Service 9.30am every Sunday.

4 Dec Rev B Spencer, Communion

zoom Rushworth

11 Dec Joan McRae Tatura

18 Dec Gereldine Leonard,

Zoom from Murchison

Bramley and Rosa Hobby did the honours and we enjoyed sweets and fruit platters. The raffle prizes went to Iris Oakes and Trevor Downie – congratulations! The evening was a huge success, and we’d love to thank:

• Our 40th year anniversary committee Mignon Campbell, Di Downie, Trish Niglia, Bev Roberts – you’ve spent hours preparing for this special event and it turned out wonderful. Well done!

• Our committee members, Jenny Stammers for MCing, the staff and volunteers of the community house – we appreciate your hard work and dedication.

• Jacob Dedman for being our talented house photographer and Cheryl Dedman for being the best raffle seller ever.

• Everyone who contributed to this event by making a display, making food, setting up the house, tidying up, working together to create a successful evening. THANK YOU!

• A special thanks to Cr Greg James who did the Welcome To Country on short notice. Our displays will be up until the end of the year. Come on in and have a look around –there is lots to discover.

WHAT’S ON

When: Thursday 8th December 6pm Cost: FREE!

PCC Exercises all new on Mondays – Come and join exercise classes on Monday morning, facilitated by Primary Care Connect. At 9:30am, we have Individual Program Training which is suitable for any age and fitness level with programs specifically tailored to you. We continue with Circuit Training, starting at 10:30am. It is suitable for any age and improves strength, general fitness, movement & mobility.

Youth Games Club – Take a break from video games and have some fun with non-digital games like Uno, Spot It!, Trivial Pursuit, Yahtzee and whichever games you like to bring along! Kids and teens ages 8 to 18 are welcome for some after school fun. Mondays during school term from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Come along and give it a try!

Origami – A great way to unwind and practise mindfulness in this ancient paper-folding art. Come along Fridays from 4:00 to 5:00pm at the library.

Phyll

Tatura Community House 2022 Christmas Party - Come along and join us in celebrating the festive season. BBQ and entertainment provided, BYO drinks and any food you wish to contribute.

Justice of the Peace – Do you need some documents witnessed? We have a JP on site to certify and sign your documents. The JP will be available every Monday 10:00am-12:00pm. Please check out our website www.tatcom.vic. edu.au for our complete term program.

Sacred Heart Church Tatura

Minister: Rev Fr John Paul Pasala

Worship Services:

Weekends

Saturday 6pm (1st & 3rd of the month)

Sunday 10.30am

All Saints Tatura

Anglican Church

Minister: Rev. Simba Musvamhiri Family Worship Service

Weekdays

Wednesday 9.15am

Friday 9.15am

Reconciliation:

24 Dec 7.30pm Christmas Carol Service

Rev B Spencer

Zoom from Murchison

25 Dec 9.30am Christmas Day Service

Rev B Spencer, Tatura

1 Jan Rev B Spencer, Communion

Zoom from Rushworth

8 Jan Rev B Spencer

Zoom from Murchison

15 Jan Gereldine Leonard

Zoom from Colbinabbin

22 Jan Heather Woodman (TBC)

Communion

Tatura

29 Jan Rev B Spencer

Rushworth Cluster Service

See Waranga Uniting Churches Web site for Zoom links

Including Little Saints Children’s Program Sundays at 9.30am Contact 0497 597 127 www.allsaintstatura.org.au

Tatura Presbyterian Church

Minister: Kalpan Vasa Worship Services

Tatura 10:30 am

Rushworth 9:00 am. Weekly Bible study and Fellowship Groups Contact 0477 241 042

Generations Church Tatura

Senior Pastor: Ps Jeremy Burr 10am Service 03 58243240

295 Dhurringile Rd www.generations.org.au

1st Saturday of the month at 11.30am

Contact:

Ph. 5824 1049

Email: Tatura@cdos.org.au

www.sacredheartparishtatura.com.au

Christmas Mass Timetable Advent Reconciliation

Wednesday 14 December 5.30pm

Followed by a Parish BBQ

Christmas Eve

Saturday 24 December

Carols 5.30pm Mass 6.00pm

Christmas Morning

Sunday 25 December Mass 9.30am

Matters - Tatura

X-RAY AND PATHOLOGY SERVICES

Standard X-rays are available at Tatura Hospital on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 2pm. Bookings are essential. Austin Pathology attends on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8am to noon. No booking required.

RETURN OF VOLUNTEERS

After a two-and-a-half-year hiatus, we are finally allowed to welcome volunteers back into the facility. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Julie at the hospital. Volunteers are an integral part of our residents’ lifestyle program, assisting with games, activities, crafts, cooking and outings. It is great to be able to have them back on board!

NEW FURNITURE SEASONS

Early in the year, we were fortunate enough to receive some funding from the Tatura Bowls Club which enabled us to purchase some lovely new outdoor furniture for our residents and their visitors to enjoy. We are very grateful for the fundraising efforts and support of local groups.

COMMUNITY REFERENCE COMMITTEE

The Community Reference Committee has been working hard throughout the year and would love to see some new faces on the committee. If you have ever thought about joining a community group, this is a great opportunity to get involved and give something back to the local community and hospital facility. Contact the hospital for more information if you’re interesed in being invovled.

INTERPRETER SERVICES

If you require an interpreter when visiting the hospital, ask a GV Health staff member.

a full list of all Goulburn Valley Health Services, visit www.gvhealth.org.au

December 2022

During the year we have placed emphasis on our ‘Garden to Plate’ project, which involved planting a variety of vegetables and herbs and using our harvest to create fresh, homegrown

meals for our residents. This project was nominated for an award – unfortunately we didn’t win, but we were finalists. A great effort and result for all involved!

On behalf of Goulburn Valley Health and everyone at our Tatura Campus, we wish you a happy and safe festive season. While this year has not been without difficulties, GV Health and the community have come together to overcome them. We are grateful for the support from the community, local businesses and service providers. Have a great festive season and we look forward to continue providing excellent care and services to everyone in 2023.

The Tatura Hospital Ladies Auxiliary works tirelessly to raise funds for our facility. They are conducting their annual Christmas Hamper raffle with ticket sales available in Tatura on December 8, 9, 10, 16 and 17. Volunteers willing to assist with ticket sales down the street would be much appreciated. The raffle will be drawn on December 17.

VICTORIAN PUBLIC HEALTHCARE AWARDS

Kids Page

Decorate the Christmas Tree.

Carols were first sung in Europe thousands of years ago

These songs were not Christmas Carols. Rather they were pagan songs, sung at the Winter Solstice celebrations in December.

People danced round stone circles

The word ‘carol’ originally meant to dance or a song of joy

Later carols were written and sung all year round, but now only the tradition of singing them at Christmas has survived.

Christmas Carol Jokes

Q: Which Christmas Carollers are more noticeable on Christmas?

A: The ones that have presence. (presents)

Q: What kind of songs do the Elf Carollers sing?

A: Wrap?

Q: What Christmas Carol do the animals sing in Africa?

A: Jungle Bells

Q: What makes Pirates such good Christmas Carollers?

A: They’re used to hitting the high C’s. (seas)

Q: What Christmas song do dogs like?

A: Bark, The Herald Angels Sing. (Hark).