lle
Betty O MAY 2022
FREE
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and waters around us, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and future. We respect their cultural heritage, knowledge here in Forrest where the waters flow over Gadubanud and Gulidjan Country This of the Forrest Post is devoted to content from the children at Forrest Primary School, in whose enthusiasm we seek hope for the future. They share their creativity and inspiring words revealing aspects of their school life that we are normally not exposed to. Thanks to the children and the staff for taking up the challenge to create this issue and we look forward to such an endeavour again.
Sovereign Hill Gold
Thank you letter
Betty Olle Hello Ma’am, Thank you so much for an awesome, memorable and fun experience! I really felt as though I had travelled back into 1854! I really enjoyed it, although maybe don’t actually seem like you’re going to hit us with the cane because a lot of people thought you were…your acting was so good! I will never forget the enjoyable experience that I had at St Alipius, thank you for making it seem so real! Tina Sgro Last week we went on school camp at Sovereign Hill. First we went to the blacksmith, also we had to wait until 2 o’clock because that’s when we could go in our rooms. There was a triple bunk and I got the top. Then we went on a mine tour. It was so much fun. We went to the lolly shop and watched the lollies get made. On the first night we went and watched a show, and on the second night we had the sound and light show. I had fun! Chelsea Davidson Last week we went on an hour and a half road trip to Sovereign Hill. On the first day we went on a walk around the 1800’s in the town that they make look really old. One of the coolest things that we got to do on the first day was we got to go down into the mines and ride down on a mine train that took us into utter darkness for 90 seconds. We got 20 metres underground. When we came up we went gold panning and I found about seven specks of gold which was about 10 cents worth of money. That night we got to go and see a performance about Black Beard and Captain Really Brave. The next day the grade 4-6’s got dressed up in old fashioned clothes. Then that night we got to see this AWESOME light show. Before the light show we go to either play footy, put on a talent show, hang in the cabins or go on a night walk. I went on the night walk and we saw baby swans and a possum.
Jasmine Crabbe Last week we went on school camp. My favourite part was the pantomime. John Seebeck Last week we went on school camp to Sovereign Hill. My favourite part was going to the lolly shop. I went gold panning but didn’t find any gold. I also saw the blacksmith make a garden stake.
Thank you Letter
Zoe Wilson
Dear Ma’am, My time at St. Alipius was amazing. It felt like I was a time traveller going all the way back to the 1850’s. I found it so interesting that people would get married at 14, nowadays that’d be crazy. You nailed the ‘strict olden-time teacher’ role. It was so awkward and scary when I became the duster-girl, and I’m sure others were quite intimidated at times, too. All in all, I really enjoyed the school.
BOAT REGATTA & LIONS CLUB BBQ AT FORREST PRIMARY SCHOOL 24th MAY
2 THE FORREST POST - MAY 2022
Council News Update Family Day Care Information Night
Are you looking for a career that’s fun and rewarding? Where you can make a difference to children’s lives? A career where you get to be your own boss, and make an amazing contribution to our community? Family Day Care may be the opportunity for you. Come along to our information night: When: Wednesday 4 may from 6pm Where: COPACC Civic Hall (95-97 Gellibrand Street, Colac). RSVP: via email to familydaycare@colacotway.vic.gov.au Meet other Family Day Care Educators to learn about their experiences and why they love what they do along with information on how Council can support you to start up your own small business.
Traffic Management Trial – Old Coach Road, Skenes Creek Colac Otway Shire Council is currently trialling sensor operated self-closing gates, which have been installed above and below a section of Old Coach Road, Skenes Creek. The sensor-operated gates will be trialled for a 12-month period. Gates are automated and Old Coach Road remains accessible at all times. Road users are advised to take care and observe traffic control measures in place.
Waste Collection Services Not sure which bin goes out this week? Download Council’s Good Sort App for a handy reminder on bin night with a guide to what bins will be collected along with waste calendar notifications and service changes or delays. Not sure what waste goes in which bin? The App provides a handy list of waste materials and what’s accepted in your household waste and recycling bins. Download the Good Sort App from your App store (or visit Council’s website for links), add your address and receive notifications to remind you what bin goes out when. A friendly reminder to residents that kerbside bins need to be returned to your property after every collection, as per our General Local Laws (waste management section), thank you.
Queen’s Birthday Sunday Market
Where: Forrest Public Hall, 14 Grant St When: Sunday, 12 June 2022, 10 am–3 pm The Forrest Lovely and Local Market will take the place of the famous SoupFest just for this year, with a variety of hot food, local produce, art and crafts on offer. It will be smaller than the SoupFest, and back at the old venue in Forrest at the Public Hall, catering for runners in the RunForrest event and their supporters as well as locals and visitors making the most of the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. Funds raised will go towards maintenance of the Forrest Public Hall and other community groups. Stallholders: please contact mary.dracup@gmail.com for an application form. Volunteers: if you can spare just an hour or two on the day or the afternoon before, please let us know by email (mary. dracup@gmail.com or phone: 0488 522 448).
The Forrest Post is auspiced by the Forrest Men’s Shed. Every effort is made to remain current, accurate and non-partisan. Feedback, submissions and advertising are encouraged. Submissions may be edited. You can request an electronic version by email, find us on Facebook or online at issuu.com/theforrestpost for back issues Contact: theforrestpost@gmail.com Contributors Susan Langridge, Marita Kennedy, Noor Petersen, Forrest Primary School staff and students, Betty Olle, Mary Dracup. Design: Nasser Kotb Print: Forrest Primary School. All contributions to be received the 22nd of the month.
Paris
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Narrative Writing by Ellen Standish “Here we are!” Mum announces waving her hand at a beautiful hotel. “Woah” I say “When you said hotel I pictured some crammed little apartment, not this amazing place!” “Only the best for our baby girl!” Dad jokes stepping up to the counter, “Hello, we have a booking for a premium room” the clerk replies in rapid fire French, Dad glances back at Mum and I, “Uhm, is there anyone who speaks English here?” Dad asks pointing to his mouth, the clerk holds a finger up, says something in French and bustles out of the room. He returns a few moments later with a woman “Hello, I am sorry for the misunderstanding, your room is number 573 on the fifth level” she explains in a heavily accented voice “Right, thank you very much” dad says and we make our way to the elevator. “Hey mum! I’m going to go for a walk, see what I can find, I might grab some lunch too!” I call grabbing my hat, mum comes out of the room with a hesitant expression on her face, “I don’t know Chloe” she says “It’s a new place, and besides I would like to have lunch as a family!” “Well, we are here for a week, we could always have dinner or something?” I say giving her my best puppy dog eyes “Come on Beth, she’s fifteen! lets give the girl some freedom eh?” dad says walking into the room “Oh fine! But you must be back by four” she declares, I shoot dad a grateful glance and hurry out the door before mum can change her mind. I stroll around the streets, looking through almost every window, I spy a bank and decide to take some money out of my account so I can actually buy something. I walk around to the side of the bank looking for an atm when I hear two heavily accented voices down an alley next to the bank. I take a few steps forward so that I am leaning against the corner “…We’ll come through here” a man says in low voice “At about one o’clock tomorrow night, smash this window here, that’ll set the alarms off and distract the guards then we’ll come round the side and go through the vents” he continues “And then, we’ll grab the loot and get out of here” a ladies voice finishes for him “Removing anyone in our way” she laughs madly. I gasp and take a step back stumbling on a rock, the voices stop abruptly “Did you hear that?” the man says and the sound of footsteps approach, I run. The woman yells and starts to run after me, but something stops her, I glance back to see the two criminals staring right at me. I get back to the hotel, puffing as I slow to a walk, I take the lift and think about what I just witnessed Was it a robbery? What did the woman mean when she said remove…? Should I tell the police? I hop out of the lift and duck into room number 573. “Well you’re late!” was the first thing mum said, Should I tell her? “Uhhh sorry I got distracted by the shops” I lie heading for my room “I’m quite tired, I think I might go to bed early” I explain “What about dinner?” Mum asks “Nah, I had a big lunch” I lie again. What should I do? I think I’ll tell the police… Are they going to track me down! all of this was going through my head as I tried to sleep It’s ok, you can go to the police tomorrow and tell them all that you heard I say to myself. I yawn “Morning Mum!” “Hi Honey” she says handing me a cup of tea “I think I might go for another walk today, have a closer look at the shops and bring some money” I say facing the cupboard “Alright but, this time you must be home by two o’clock!” she says bustling out of the room as Dad walks in “I’m going to go for a late morning swim if anyone wants to come?” he says slinging his towel over his shoulder. I walk along the footpath, constantly glancing over my shoulder, “you have arrived” google maps tells me, I look up and see the police station in front of me, I take a few steps forward and hear a familiar low voice, I glance around and see a couple walking towards me, they stop in front of me and the man gives me a gap toothed smile “Hello again” he says and pulls out a knife. I run. My legs burning and my lungs bursting, but I keep going “You heard too much!” the woman yells “Now we have to remove you!” she screams wildly.
4 THE FORREST POST - MAY 2022
Forrest & District Neighbourhood House - May 2022
The F&DNH will be open to the general public Opening hours may vary at this time so please phone or email first if you need to book a time for printing etc. Density requirements, vax status and mask wearing must all be adhered to when visiting the F&DNH..
REGULAR ACTIVITIES AT THE F&DNH PENDING COVID RESTRICTIONS.
FOOD SHARE PANTRY: Pantry is topped up each Wednesday and Friday evenings from ALDI collection. Available to all WEEDING GROUP: 2nd Wednesday of the month 10am-12pm. Contact for more info. SINGING FOR FUN: Wednesdays 11am-12pm STUDIO FORREST ART GROUP: Wednesdays 1-5pm. Contact for more info. BOOK CLUB: 1st Wednsday of the month @ 7.30pm CRAFT CIRCLE: Thursdays 2-4pm. BYO craft projects and a snack.
Gold coin. COMMUNITY LUNCH: Take away. Order the day before, pick up at 12.30 on Thursday. $5. PLAYGROUP: Friday mornings 9.30am-11. Gold coin DANCING: check the Mind Your Groove (MYG) Facebook Group for info FORREST COMMUNITY GYM: Contact coordinator for membership information and to sign up.
THIS MONTH
Youth Fit (boxing): Starting Wednesday 11th May for 4 weeks @ Forrest Community Gym. $10 pp Junior- ages 5-9. 4pm-4.45pm Senior- ages 10-16. 5pm-6pm Spots are limited. Contact coordinator to secure spots Neighbourhood House Week family games fun! (Including Cancer Council fundraiser) Saturday 14th May 3-5pm. Bring along something to yummy to share and come play some new and old games. Suitable for all ages and abilities. Cost -$5 pp or $10 per family, all proceeds going to the Cancer council. Please RSVP 0493105502.
WE HAVE: Free WiFi • Printing services • Room hire • Community spaces • Reading room • Food share • Forrest & District Historical Society display and library • Recycle drop point (during open hours only) for soft plastics, bread tags, Clothes swap and small household batteries.• Top up’ boxes (fruit, veg and bread) will be available for collection each Tuesday with arrangement through the coordinator. Please get in touch to receive a box
LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER, SHARE THE CARE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND STAY SAFE. Don’t forget to ‘like’ our Facebook page for up to date info and events! facebook.com/forrest.neighbourhoodhouse
OPERATING: Tues, Wed, Thurs 8.30am-3.30pm, Thurs AT THE HALL for lunch, FRI 8.30am-12pm. Please contact the coordinator Renee if you have any queries, program requests or would like to run a program T: 5236 6597 0493105502 E: forrest.nh@gmail.com A: Community Hub - 47 Grant Street, Forrest 3236
Community information session We are holding a community information session in Forrest and you’re invited to drop in and speak with us. We will provide information on local Barwon Water activities, including the East Barwon willow removal project and the West Barwon Reservoir.
Where: Forrest Pubic Hall, 14 Grant Street, Forrest.
The session will also be an opportunity to provide updates on our water treatment plant upgrade, the wastewater investigation, and a range of other initiatives we are supporting within the Forrest community.
For more information visit www.yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au
Come along to meet the team, learn more about local Barwon Water activities.
When: Tuesday 24 May 2022, 4 pm to 7pm. Drop by any time during the session.
To ensure the health and safety of our staff and community, if you feel unwell, or have flu-like symptoms, please rest and recover at home. If you are unable to attend please contact Barwon Water on 1300 656 007 or projects@barwonwater.vic.gov.au to receive further information.
We hope to see you soon! 1300 656 007 | info@barwonwater.vic.gov.au www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au |
Replacing the holly
The holly site on Hennigan Crescent has been mulched and is ready for replanting. This is an invitation to anyone who would like to help with this long-term project. Wear sturdy shoes, bring gloves and a watering can if you have. Meet at the Hennigan Crescent walking track. It will be a great way to get to know your neighbours and the names of some indigenous plants. When: Wednesday 11th of May, 10.00 – 12.00pm. For more enquiries or to let us know you are coming contact forrestnh@gmail.com, 0419 310 5502 mary.dracup@gmail.com, 0488 522 448
Teddy's Big Day Out
Australian History by Budding Historians
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The 3-6 students learnt about early explorers, colonisation, Federation and the Gold Rush before developing an inquiry question about Australian history to research further and create a display to educate their classmates and families. Here are some examples of their completed work.
Teddy Bear’s picnic Today at school we had a teddy bears’ picnic because everyone has been enjoying bringing in their favourite soft toys! First, we played duck, duck, teddy with the kindy kids. Everyone had a go! Next, we had a teddy bears’ treasure hunt. We had to find the little coloured teddy bears around the oval and on the playground. Then, we had muffins and slices for morning tea. Finally, we had a teddy bears’ relay where we had to put the teddies between our legs and race with them. The students were asked about how they felt about the morning activities: Aurora- I enjoyed the treasure hunt because there were a lot of teddies near my cubby. Dori: I liked the teddy race because we put the teddies in between our legs and it was really fun. Aletheia: I liked the relay because the teddies jiggled between your legs. Noah- I liked playing the games. Sion: I liked the muffins because they were yum! Willa: I liked the teddy bear treasure hunt because it was fun and a bit hard, but I kept trying. Shira: I liked the teddy bear race because it was funny- your legs felt weird. Stella: I liked the treasure hunt because at the start I found 4 teddies straight away. Loch- I liked playing duck, duck, teddy because it was really fun. River- I liked sharing all the food we made. Abigail- I really liked the teddy relay race because when it was my turn I think I came third. Marlon- I enjoyed eating the slice!
6 THE FORREST POST - MAY 2022
Persuaded by this Persuasive Writing? Dogs are Better than Cats
Oscar Howland Dogs are absolutely better than cats. Dogs do more. Cats do nothing! All dogs are native. Cats are not native. You know I am right! Dogs are better for the environment, they don’t eat native animals. Cats murder animals. You can teach a dog not to eat native animals. Dogs are more loveable than a cat.
Dogs are Better than Cats
In my opinion dogs are far better than cats, they are the most affectionate, most playful, calmest and happiest pets ever! Firstly, dogs are extremely affectionate creatures. They can pick up on your emotions and try to make you feel good. If you were upset or angry, surely, you’d want a dog to snuggle up to and be comforted by! Scientists have proven that 9\10 dog owners have lived happier and healthier lives since they got a dog! In addition, dogs are a great source of exercise and help keep you fit and healthy! Dogs need to be walked daily, which would mean you get a walk too! 8\10 dog owners say they have gotten more exercise with a dog than without. You could take your dog on a nice long walk on the weekends, that would be nice for both of you! Having a dog is a great motivation to go on a walk! My third and final reason is that having a dog around is good security! Having a dog could put off people trying to rob your house. 9\10 people say they feel safer at night when they have a dog sitting nearby. I hope I have persuaded you that owning a dog would be far better than owning a cat!
Every Town Should Have a Swimming Pool
Lachie Crabbe I am certain that all towns should have a swimming pool. Firstly, it is easy access to swimming lessons for swimming lessons and on a hot day you can go there. From a survey of people driving past, 4 out of 5 people said yes to building a pool. Secondly, it helps people get local jobs such as lifeguard, shop keeper, cleaner, cashier and maintenance. It is also a great area to do other community things. That’s the reasons, in my opinion that all towns should have a swimming pool.
Indoor Pools are Better
Annalee Seebeck I like outdoor swimming pools because they are sunny. I like indoor swimming pools because they have better changing rooms and you can swim when it is cold.
Foxes are Better
Ellen Standish
Fox Bartlett Being a fox would be better than a chicken. Firstly, foxes can run fast and are excellent hunters. Secondly, chickens are forced to be pets and don’t get a choice where they live. Foxes live a long and good life. That’s why foxes are best!
Not Every Town Should Have a Swimming Pool
Zoe Wilson I personally believe that town pools are unnecessary. Firstly, they could get very crowded. It would be just plain uncomfortable. Secondly, it would be expensive. Not only for the swimmer, as most public pools cost money to visit, but also for the owner. It would cost the town heaps for the land, construction, and to hire lifeguards and instructors. Lastly, the danger risks. Without supervision people, especially young chlidren, could drown. Plus, the lack of hygiene and cleanliness could make you sick. Do you want that? It is dangerous, unhygenic and risky. Obviously, not every not town should have a swimming pool!
Schools Should Teach Mechanical Stuff Jock Roberts Firstly, schools should definitely allow mechanical work. Mechanical work is essential as it makes children socialise and gives them important life skils, and helps them know mechanical stuff if their car breaks down. 90% of people have at least once in their life had their car break down. This means schools should absolutely teach mechanical skills! Don’t you agree?.
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PLEASE GIVE US A RING BEFORE COMING TO GET PRESCRIPTIONS
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR FOR MAY
The Irish Hour Pub Group Inc. Rumour has it!!
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FREE WIFI AT THE SHED email fdms3236@gmail.com to request a username & password AT: Forrest Men’s Shed – 6 Blundy St, Forrest BUILDING PURPOSE
BUILDING INTEGRITY
BUILDING COMMUNITY
MATHEW SILVEY PLUMBING
• New homes & renovations • Hot & cold water services • Spouting & downpipes • Stormwater
• Motorised drain cleaning • 1.5t excavator hire • Solar hot water installation • Roofing
Mobile: 0417 342 531 Licence No. 47995
Sit among the trees and spoil yourself a little • Artisan chocolate made onsite from natural ingredients • Amazing hot chocolate with a touch of theatre • Decadent desserts • Beautiful locally roasted coffee
73 Grant Street, Forrest www.platypichocolate.com.au
ADVERTISE WITH US... Reach local customers and visitors and support your local volunteer run news sheet. Proceeds go to the Forrest Primary School or Neighbourhood House for printing costs.
CONTACT US: theforrestpost@gmail.com for rates or more information
8 THE FORREST POST - MAY 2022
Past to Present
The next 12 months will see almost half a million dollars of investment in capital works at Forrest Primary School and Early Years Centre. This will include an Early Years Centre refurbishment, complete staff and student bathroom renovation and increased shade coverage via shade sails. The department of education is also conducting a facilities evaluation next month to identify further essential works for the school. We are extemely excited about these upcoming projects and can’t wait for our students, staff and families to be able to enjoy our new facilities.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education occurs every Friday afternoon. Our recent learning in this area has been around bees and how we can assist them survive and thrive in our local environment. The 3-6 students have researched what materials bees are attracted to and if any are harmful. Each student has designed and planned their very own bee hotel and we are currently building them using recycled materials; timber offcuts, tins, wire, straw, and bamboo. Many skills including measuring, cutting and nailing are improving along the journey. This project will continue in Term 2.
Visit Forrest online at www.forrestvictoria.com