PAGE 18 - “THE STAR”, Tuesday, November 10, 2015
National awards for Dumbalk CFA DUMBALK Fire Brigade celebrated its members at a presentation dinner recently.
Deserving recipient: from left, Rob Auchterlonie receiving his national medal from CFA assistant chief officer Trevor Owen.
CFA assistant chief officer Trevor Owen presented national medals to two members who have upheld the values and work ethic of the CFA over the years. Long serving members were also recognised for their commitment to the brigade. Rob Auchterlonie was rewarded for his work as a local critical incident stress peer and state councillor for Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria. “Rob is a person who shows genuine concern about members’ welfare and looks for ways to assist and improve outcomes for (CFA) volunteers across the district and the state,” Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria president Nev Jones said.
“Rob is an asset to the volunteers he represents, being dedicated and passionate and a truly deserving recipient of the national medal.” Tommy Marshman also received a national medal for his years of service. Mr Marshman has served the brigade for almost 50 years while also providing aid as an air observer over the years. Air observer coordinator Julian Seri said Mr Marshman was key to relaying information to ground crews during Black Saturday and the Churchill fire. “His role as air observer is very critical, as what Tom sees through his eyes is the information that is used to create strategies and tactics in fire suppression,” Mr Seri said. Alec Campbell was also recognised for his 60 years
of service at the Dumbalk Brigade, formerly Mardan Brigade when he joined. Peter Campbell received
a service award for 45 years with the CFA, alongside Doug Bovill for 30 years and Rob Fisher for five.
Commitment recognised: from left, Peter Campbell was recognised for his 45 years of service at Dumbalk Fire Brigade with CFA assistant chief officer Trevor Owen.
Care for others this Christmas EVERY year the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal brightens Christmas time for families in need across Australia. Observer awarded: from left, Tommy Marshman of Dumbalk Fire Brigade received the national medal from CFA assistant chief officer Trevor Owen.
The forty eighth in a series of columns marking 50 years of Leongatha Lyric Theatre in 2015
2013: The Wizard of Oz and Love Letters THE information workshop and auditions for The Wizard of Oz were held in February, 2013. There was a good number of participants in the introductory workshops and the auditions held over four days from February 16 resulted in a full cast being chosen. The February newsletter contained the advice the play planned for the year, Murdered to Death, had been postponed for performance in October, and an invitation was issued to people interested in joining the subcommittee to plan the events celebrating Lyric Theatre's 50th anniversary in 2015. The Wizard of Oz opened on July 5 for a 12 performance season in Mesley Hall. Leongatha was enchanted by the popular show and audiences were transported to the magical Land of Oz with sparkling performances, imaginative sets, dramatic lighting effects, stunning colourful costumes and a talented cast. The season of The Wizard of Oz coincided with the death of Mary Eagger on July 6 after a long illness. Mary played a vitally important part in the life and development of Lyric Theatre since its foundation. She was a foundation member, served on the committee as president, vice president, secretary and committee member for 20 years, was a life member, and was involved in many productions either on stage, or as a choreographer, set designer or director. Mary directed 17 productions and choreographed eight productions. She was a judge for Gippsland Associated Theatres (GAT) for nine years and inducted into the GAT Hall of Fame in 2005 for service to amateur theatre. Her funeral was held on July 12 and the wake was held in the foyer of Mesley Hall, where photos, memorabilia and costumes from some of the productions with which she was involved with were on display. The July newsletter announced David Smith had finally given up on his attempts to cast Murdered to Death, which meant there was no other production planned for the remainder of the year. David Tattersall was invited to the July meeting to be part of a discussion about the suggestion of a
Magical land: audiences were transported to the Land of Oz while watching Lyric's amazing performance of The Wizard of Oz. book to celebrate Lyric's 50th anniversary. After discussion, the committee decided David should be commissioned to complete a full rewrite of the Lyric history covering the 50 years from 1965 to the end 2014. In September, Mike Street was invited to the committee meeting to discuss Love Letters, a play he volunteered to direct for performance in November. The committee accepted his proposal and decided auditions should be held on October 13. At the same meeting, Bernadette Grainger offered to direct a Hannie Rayson play for performance in April or May 2015. Love Letters had a six night season with two matinees, which opened on November 15 at the new performing arts centre at the Leongatha Primary School. At the November meeting, member Don Perrett announced Lyric Theatre was officially debt free, having paid the last loan of the year. Adam Kennedy, who played his debut role in Lyric Theatre as Mr Tumnus in Narnia, was awarded the Geoff Perrett Rising Star Award by Chris and Don Perrett. Two members received life memberships for their dedication to Lyric - Peg McAlpine and Jan Stewart. At the committee meeting the following month, Lisa Pellin outlined her plans for Young Frankenstein, which was planned for performances from August 29 to September 14, 2014, and Bernadette Grainger outlined her plans for Life After George by Hannie Rayson. LYR3310172
Local families in need can turn to UnitingCare to help put food on the table, buy gifts for their children, receive temporary accommodation and to help meet the rising cost of living. Small change can make a big difference through the UnitingCare and Target Christmas Appeal. This year the appeal will continue to collect gifts under the tree. The appeal hopes to raise $1 million to provide emergency relief across the country. Last year the appeal helped to support more than 42,000 families. This year Christmas will be tough for many Australians with one in six children living in poverty. Organisers hope to help more Australians than ever before. Local UnitingCare coordinator Wendy McEachern said the organisation hopes the appeal will continue to provide support for families in need during the festive season. “This year has been really tough in our community. We have seen people finding it hard to make ends meet and thankfully through this appeal we can help give them some relief,” she said. “Fortunately we have so many generous locals and we are relying on them to dig deep, show compassion and support our appeal at Target Leongatha. We’re committed to making sure all gifts go to local families.” The appeal launched across the country on Tuesday, November 3 and will run until Christmas Eve. Shoppers are encouraged to drop off unwrapped gifts at the layby counter in any Target store or purchase a $1 bauble gift tag at the checkout. Target will donate $1 from the sale of every bauble to the Uniting-
Care Christmas Appeal. Target managing director Stuart Machin said, “We are confident that through the generosity of Australians our goal can be reached to help the local families that are doing it tough this Christmas. “We encourage everyone to help brighten someone’s Christmas this year by donating generously at your local Target store.” UnitingCare staff and volunteers collect the gifts, receive donations and ensure they are both distributed to those most in need in time for Christmas morning. This year UnitingCare will partner with the Salvation Army to distribute food hampers and gifts at the Long Street Leongatha Corps. Order before the end of the month by calling Salvation Army on 5662 6410 or UnitingCare on 5662 5150.
The gift of giving: from left, Leongatha Target manager Joanne Denbrok, UnitingCare local coordinator Wendy McEachern and Salvation Army officer Gerry Robinson are busy placing gifts under the tree at Leongatha Target.
Mayor’s message Cr Bob Newton I WOULD like thank my fellow councillors for giving me the great honour of being mayor for the 2015-16 term. I can say I will give it my best shot. I had no intention of running until one week ago. I didn’t think I’d have the numbers, but it’s the confidence and support of my colleagues and the community that made me consider the role. As a councillor you often go about your business in serving the community and I’ve always tried to remain quite humble in doing so. In considering the role of mayor, it made me look at what I have actually achieved over the last 23 years in local government and I know I have the wealth of experience there to support and work hard for the communities of South Gippsland. I am passionate about the region as a whole and will lead this team of councillors along the same lines. Congratulations to former mayor Cr Jeanette Harding. It has been a difficult year for her health wise and she still managed to lead with integrity and dedication. I had the great privilege to present a life membership certificate to Ken Caithness recently. This was my first experience in being involved with this prestigious award. Ken was a former councillor with the Shire of Woorayl. The award was for his service to the Koonwarra Mechanics Institute Hall. These awards don’t come easy and it is a way of honouring
our volunteers in the community. At its last meeting, council resolved to promote the People’s Climate March that is being held on November 27. It’s expected to be the biggest climate march the world has ever seen and the event in Melbourne is one of many worldwide. By coming together we are demonstrating we want a just transition to 100 per cent clean energy and an end to fossil fuels.For more information visit the People’s Climate March website at www.peoplesclimate.org. au/melbourne, or the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/events. From Saturday, October 31 until Thursday, December 31, 2015, residents are able to dispose of green waste free of charge at any of council’s waste transfer stations. The free green waste period is provided annually as a way of encouraging residents to reduce fire risks around their property prior to the peak fire danger period. I would like to remind farmers wanting to burn-off to phone 1800 668511 before lighting a fire to make sure they take all the necessary steps to do the right thing and remain safe. Again, I look forward to working with my fellow councillors. Our collaboration, co-operation and commitment in working together will help us achieve positive outcomes for our community. I want to harness the expertise within our great team and really move this council forward.