Memories outlive garden strangled by red tape Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au BALNARRING’S Wattle Court residents are mourning the loss of much-loved neighbour Helen, one of the earliest recipients of a COVID-inspired community food garden that provided meals for elderly neighbours in the street. Founded by Greg Merlo and his wife Anna, the community food garden was forced to close last year by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council red tape, but the passing of his friend and neighbour has reminded Mr Merlo of the importance of friendship and community. Before the garden had to be removed from public land at the end of Wattle Court, Greg and Anna Merlo twice a week cooked up pasta for up to 10 of their mainly elderly neighbours from the Wattle Court garden’s harvest. “It was something that drew the community together,” Mr Merlo said, who before his retirement was principal of Westpark Primary School, Hastings. At the time the garden came to an end, the shire’s community safety and compliance manager Shannon Maynard acknowledged the Merlos grew the fruit and vegetables with the “best intentions” but that “concerns … had been raised by several nearby residents” and the location was seen as being inappropriate. Mr Merlo has written the following tribute to Helen – whose last name he never knew – to remind people that looking after neighbours and community is what matters most: “Helen, a kind caring person who lived alone, she was in her late 80s, and was from a wonderful large family who always called in. She was loved by her neighbours. Helen loved figs, so I planted a fig tree on her verge. During COVID 2020 Helen received at least one cooked meal a week from our garden produce. She was also provided with veggies as
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wastewater We want to know your thoughts about our plan to safely manage wastewater on the Mornington Peninsula. Looking after our wastewater systems means contaminants don’t end up in our parks, gardens and waterways. Our reviewed and updated Wastewater Management Policy aims to reduce environmental and health impacts caused by wastewater systems.
Combined harvesters: Wattle Court, Balnarring gardeners John McKenzie, Meg Merton, Mary Cain and Greg Merlo, who has written a tribute to their former neighbour Helen. Picture: Yanni needed. Helen enjoyed figs from her tree for five years. She was always delighted and appreciative of meals and fresh veggies. It was our pleasure to receive Helen’s thanks. Helen passed away last week. Wattle Court is sad. We will miss Helen’s kindness and care for community. She was chief organiser for our court Christmas barbecue. My first thought was our garden is not important. We have lost a loved neighbour. We won’t have Helen back. But no, garden is important. Our community can take some comfort in the thought our garden provided Helen with some “sunshine” in these difficult COVID times. But this garden wasn’t about tomatoes, broccoli, cucumbers or zucchini. It was a place that brought people together. Our garden created community. It’s time our shire encouraged, promoted and devised ways for gardens like ours to flourish. It’s called making community.”
You can provide your feedback on the Draft Policy until 28 March 2022.
How to have your say To see the Draft Policy and comment, visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/wastewaterpolicyreview
WHAT’S NEW...
The Mornington Great Outdoor and 4x4 Expo The Great Outdoor Expo’s Exhibition Manager, Richard Hiscock, has some great advice for all caravan and camping enthusiasts. Mr Hiscock says “if you are considering taking time to explore Australia’s great outdoors, then buying your own caravan, Motorhome or camper trailer is a great option”. However, when you look at the size and the extent of the options available, it’s easy to get a bit confused and overwhelmed. By asking yourself these questions, you will be guided to choosing something that’s right for you. What do you intend to do with it? Don’t just think about the first trip, plan forward a couple of years; will your caravan/camper/motorhome be mainly used for weekend escapes? Is it for family holidays with the kids? Is it for the fulfilment of a lifelong dream – the trip around Australia that may take months or even years to complete? The purpose will determine whether it be a caravan, motorhome or camper trailer and the size and configuration that is required. How are you going to tow the caravan or camper trailer? You need to check the tow capacity of your current vehicle as this will set a maximum weight for your dream caravan or camper trailer. Just because you have a tow bar does not mean you can tow anything you like – please check what the tow bar is rated for.
The Great Outdoor and 4x4 Expo is running over March 10 – 13 at Mornington Racecourse. Image: supplied
New or used? New caravans, motorhomes and campers offer all the benefits, safety features and comforts of recent design advancements, including independent rear suspension and durable, light weight construction material. Buying new also gives you the choice to “custom build” the layout of your caravan to suit your needs. If you choose to buy a used caravan, motorhome or camper trailer always buy from a licensed dealer. This is the only way to guarantee clear title on what you are buying.
The bottom line New buyers are sometimes astonished by what they consider to be the high price of today’s caravans and camper trailers, but they have always kept in step with inflation. When you look carefully at the improvements in design, technology and the excellent modern materials and accessories used in today’s models, you will see that most of them represent real value for money. Overall, what you get is what you pay for, but the caravan industry today is competitive enough
for a little shopping around to be worthwhile. Caravan, motorhomes and camping expo’s, where manufacturers and dealers are all together in one place can offer impressive discounts and “show specials”. By visiting The Mornington Great Outdoor and 4x4 Expo, hopefully this will help you to decide on what type of caravan, motorhome, or camper trailer you need, and help you make an informed decision.
We look forward to seeing you all at The Mornington Great Outdoor and 4x4 Expo at Mornington Racecourse – Racecourse Rd Mornington. Open: Thursday 10th of March 11am – 5pm, Friday 11th of March - 10.00am – 5.00pm, Saturday 12th of March 10.00am -5.00pm, and Sunday 13th of March 10.00am – 4.00pm.
Western Port News
2 March 2022
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