Page 8 The Moorabool News – 18 January, 2022
News
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Enjoying a conversation - (L-R) Matthew Lee (DELWP), Jennifer Bromley (DELWP), Catherine King MP, Wes Giofches and Sandra Jarrett. Photo – Jane Gardner
An interesting conversation
By Jane Gardner It is not quite Hyde Park’s Conversation Corner in London where you can stand on a soap box and have ‘your say’, but it is a serene and relaxed environment to have a quiet conversation. At Gordon Public Park, the new Conversation Corner was officially opened by Federal MP Hon Catherine King last December. Funded through the Government’s Stronger Communities Program, the Conversation Corner consists of three beautifullyconstructed Iron Bark timber park benches, installed by the Public Park Committee in the top corner of the garden, overlooking the tennis courts. And needless to say, there were plenty of good conversations taking place at the launch. First Nations local, Barry Gilson opened the proceedings with an Aboriginal Smoking Ceremony and a brief history of the cultural significance of the area, while Ms King reminded the assembled guests of “the importance and value of a well-connected community, especially during the isolating challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.” The Gordon Ukestra performed a few openair songs, while the Public Park Committee provided refreshements. Contributors to the facility and upgrade of the park have included Ballan & District Community Bank (BBQ and sheltered area to be built at the facility); Moorabool North
Windfarm (a reverse cycle air conditioner for the park building). Representatives from both organisations attended as did DELWP, who oversees the Committee of Management along with Moorabool’s West Ward Councillor Ally Munari and community members. Roger Lowery, Director of the Community Bank Ballan said the bank is “proud to provide some of the funding, almost $40,000, towards the amazing community space which is being developed at the Gordon Public Park.” “There is more to come, but the work done already is such an improvement. The latest additions, including the Conversation Corner and newly-planted garden beds, are great outdoor spaces and compliment the improved indoor facilities,” he said. Mr Lowery congratulated the hard working committee for making this happen. “When we come together as a community, it’s amazing what can be achieved, and it makes me so proud to be a part of our town.” A spokesperson for the Gordon Public Park Committee of Management added that they, “look forward to welcoming everyone to the park to see the difference that investment has made over the past few years.” Members of the public are invited to stop by and try out the new Conversation Corner for themselves. Who knows, you might find yourself striking up a conversation with a new friend.
Be an eagle eye A community protest group has called for information on wedge-tailed eagle sightings, with fears the local population could be affected by overhead powerlines. Darren Edwards is the head of Darley Power Fight, which stands opposed to plans to put the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) overhead. Last December, Mr Edwards asked for people in the area to provide information on local wedge-tailed eagle sightings, with the species particularly sensitive to human interference. “I am collating data on all Wedge-tailed Eagle and nest sightings along the proposed WVTNP corridor through Long Forest, Merrimu, Coimadai, Darley, Pentland Hills and Myrniong,” Mr Edwards said. “I am focusing on these areas specifically as research has shown there to be a high concentration of Wedge-tailed Eagles through this region. These amazing raptors are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, yet many are killed every year by overhead powerlines.” A form has been created at www.darleypowerfight.com.au/wedge-tailed-eagle-and-nestsightings/, with all data being submitted to the BirdLife database.