Signpost Magazine

Thoughts…
August Diary
Archdeacon Reverend Gail Pinchbeck
Tuesday 2
Powerhouse | Term 3 starts | Every
Tuesday | 3.45pm-6pm St Marks
Church
E
ighteen months ago two cats, Cole
and Porter, came to live with me
when their owners relocated to the UK.
When I was a child there was always a
cat in the household but for many years
I had been pet-less. It has been quite
a delight to have two little creatures
waiting at the window for me to come
home and they are managing to train
me to their ways.
Over the past two years, I have
conducted special services to which
people have brought their pets. These
pets have included dogs (mostly), cats,
ponies, guinea pigs and a goat. People
have shared how important their pet
was for them in times of trial, grief and
loss and I have been touched by the
significant part that these animals have
played in people’s lives.
It has been a reminder to me of
God’s care for all parts of his creation
and how he can use any aspect of that
creation to express his love for us.
Monday 15
All Stars |Term 3 starts | Every Monday
| 6pm-8pm St Marks Church
Tuesday 30
EVC meeting | Emerald Library
|7.30pm
September Diary
Saturday 3
Native Plant Sale | 9.00am-4pm |
Berwick Botanical Gardens | see
page 18
Saturday 10
The Huge Pre-loved Toy & Kids
Clothing Sale | St Marks Church |
see page 13
From the Editor
Dianna McMahon
A
t different times I have wondered why
Jesus didn’t just write His own book
and simply set us all straight. John 8 gives
evidence that He could write and Luke 4
tells us Jesus read aloud in the synagogue.
So literacy wasn’t the problem.
John and Luke, fortunately for us, did
write Jesus’ biography, including their
own experiences.
For example Luke
writes: having sat down after reading,
Jesus states the piece of scripture He
read was about Himself; everyone there
knew it had been written almost 700 years
before he was born. Some people were
so furious with His claim, they wanted to
push Him off a cliff right there and then.
In chapter 23, as a last ditch effort to stop
Jesus’ teachings spreading and gaining
followers, the authorities and government
of the day conspired together to kill him.
We know it did not stop His message of
love and forgiveness from spreading.
Acts is the sequel to Luke. Luke
continues recording the reactions of cities
of people as they hear for the first time
who Jesus is and what He did.
In Thessalonica, the followers were
accused of treason and run out of
town.
In Athens, philosophers called
them ‘babblers’ with ‘strange ideas’.
But the people of Berea were ‘more
open minded’, ‘they listened eagerly’
and ‘searched the Scriptures day after
day to see if the disciples were teaching
the truth’. Rather than being cynical,
they maintained a healthy, intelligent
objectivity while searching for answers.
If you are looking for a good read this
month, Luke is up there.
Signpost Community Magazine Inc.
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1-3 Church Street, Emerald VIC 3782
P: 5968 2855
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E: editor@signpostmagazine.org.au
www.signpostmagazine.org.au
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Front Cover:
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Photograph by Graeme McMahon
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Disclaimer:
Views and comments expressed in this magazine are
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to ensure accuracy of editorial content, Signpost Inc.
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takes no responsibility for errors.
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Cockatoo, Beaconsfield Upper, Gembrook and Mon- Signpost Inc. reserves the right to abreviate articles
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Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
3
Emerald CFA - Seventy-fifth Anniversary
By Graeme Legge
E
merald Fire Brigade, formed in
1941, now celebrates the special
anniversary of its seventy-fifth
year. Apart from churches, schools
and some sporting clubs there are
few other local organisations with
such a proud history of service both
to the local community and beyond.
It continues to be true, that whenever
the siren is heard, someone is in need of
help while other residents are promptly
responding to give that assistance.
At first, the Brigade gained some
handtools (beaters and knapsacks),
stored them in the butcher’s garage,
and transferred them to the first
available private truck that turned up.
The crew then leaped onto the back
of the truck. The first fire truck issued to
the Brigade was an ex-army truck that
was adapted to fire-fighting use with a
square tank of water put on it, a hand
pump to draw it out and a couple of
rubber hoses through which to direct
the stream of water.
And then the Brigade constructed
its own brick fire station building and
the fire truck was housed within it. That
building now has a ‘shop front’ instead
of its original two roller doors. Over
the years, fire trucks became taller
and larger so another building was
constructed to accommodate them.
4
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
The original fire station building, was
one of very few brigade-constructed
and owned buildings in Victoria; it is
now well-used by Emerald’s University
of the Third Age (U3A) in Emerald’s
main street.
The advent of a reticulated water
supply to Emerald led to major changes
to the community’s fire protection.
There was now a water supply that
was almost inexhaustible; there came
increased pumping capacity – more
water available, water being able to
be squirted higher than ever and over
a greater distance. Some residents
may well remember the short-wheel
base Land Rover pumper which could
pump some 350 gallons per minute.
Also, along came sets of breathing
apparatus which enabled safe(r) entry
into smoke-filled areas.
The Brigade progressively
made its way through advances
in protective clothing – albeit
often at a cost subsidised by
the Brigade and the balance
paid by members. Thus came
about the yellow overalls,
helmets, thick heat resistant
jackets, improved helmets, and
overalls. Nowadays, such items
are issued by CFA itself.
Communications
have
improved remarkably with smaller
yet more powerful radios and mobile
phones. Some residents may well
remember all the homes in Kings Road
and Heroes Avenue being ‘doorknocked’ by Lieutenant Owen Coles
explaining the advantage of a siren
mounted on the water tower, should
there be community approval. That
siren would be heard in the southern
portion of Emerald. With one hundred
per cent approval, the siren was carried
in a rucksack up the vertical ladder
through the water tank itself at the top
of the water tower and installed one
hundred feet above ground level.
The ranks have embraced ladies and
junior members. Training continues at a
high level and the Brigade continues to
welcome new members even through
this time of celebration.
Rustic Readers
By Jackie Pinkster
R
ustic Readers is just one of the
imaginative names on the list of
book clubs at Emerald library.
‘Maccy Mayhem’ and ‘Emerald
Gems’ are two of the others. “Emerald
has, apart from Narre Warren library,
the most book clubs in the CaseyCardinia region,” says Sandra Cleave,
Team leader.
Have you ever experienced the
loneliness of having read a great book
and having it occupy all your thinking
but having nobody to talk to about
it? Or read a book that is so bad that
you marvel at how the thing ever got
published in the first place but have
no one to rant to about it? Then a
book club might be for you.
A book club can also stretch you
by forcing you to read a type of book
that you would normally pass over.
This is a good thing to do in a group
rather than alone. "It is one way to
make reading more social," Sandra
comments.
According to Sandra, and the
library's statistics, the patrons at
Emerald Library are “unique to those
in the suburbs.” The general isolation
of the area could possibly be a reason
why people tend to enjoy “cosying
down with a good book,” rather than
driving around at night to attend
events. In other words, there’s nothing
else to do up here at night, especially
in winter, but the library staff would be
too polite to say that.
Sandra
further
explains
that
Emerald and surrounding towns are
compact communities with lots of
families and retirees. “Patrons are
avid readers and DVD borrowers,
interested in fiction, current affairs and
alternative views (such as gardening
and education).” Also, few of us
have good Internet speed or pay TV. ‘Emerald has, apart from
Narre Warren library, the
most book clubs in the
Casey-Cardinia region.
Sandra explains with a smile that, “the
library fills up quickly when there is a
power failure in the area.” A book club consists of 10 people
and costs $100 for the year. Each
group is given a huge list of books at
the start of the year to choose 10 titles
from. Books are borrowed every six
weeks. Some of the books on the list
are ‘Burial Rites,’ by Hannah Kent, ‘A
Thousand Splendid Suns,’ by Khaled
Hosseini, and ‘Father Bob,’ by Sue
Williams.
Each book club then meets up to
discuss the book. The Library provides
book notes, author notes and
discussion questions for each group,
if desired. “Some groups are very
formal with all members reading each
book and holding regular meetings
with discussion notes being followed,”
Sandra says. “Other clubs are more
fluid and flexible with members arriving
at meetings with a bottle of wine,
saying 'sorry, I haven’t read the book,
here’s a bottle of wine instead'.”
If you wish to join a book club, but
don’t have a group of people, then
there are book clubs for the general
public that meet at Emerald Library.
You can just ask at the library to join
one. If that sounds too formal for
you then you might wish to attend
the Library's Book Chat sessions that
involve library staff’s reviews and other
library members sharing good book
titles.
Those of us in book clubs are truly
hip because social media says book
clubs are the go at the moment. So,
join a book club and be like one of
the clubs at Emerald this winter: ‘Keep
calm and read on.’
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
5
A great gift idea
H
I
ave you got yourself a copy of
Nick Anchen’s beautiful new
book ‘The Dandenong Ranges?’
recently met with local author Nick
Anchen at his book signing event.
While chatting a lady approached
and asked him to sign a copy of
his book that she was giving to her
daughter who had just purchased and
was moving into her new home in the
hills.
Available at Belgrave Book Barn,
Nick’s new 140 page, hardback book
is full of magnificent photos, historical
maps and pictures, snippets of history
and information about our townships.
Over the past 10 years Nick has written
many books and some are about the
hills. In 2007 he released a book called
‘Puffing Billy- Spirit of the Dandenongs,’
which became a best seller. He was then
commissioned to do the 50thAnniversary
book for the Cuckoo restaurant. After
that he went on to publish more books
about the Dandenongs which included
the Kyeema airliner disaster and a series
of railway books.
Growing up in Croydon, with a view
of the Dandenongs in the distance,
Nick now resides in Ferntree Gully. One
of his favourite aspects of publishing
is designing books using the InDesign
Alex Maisey (photographer) Nick Anchen (author)
6
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
program, “beginning with a blank
canvas and merging text with photos in
an artistic and attractive way, bringing
the subject to life.” This is Nick’s goal
with all his books, “to bring an interesting
subject to life, by showcasing the best
available images, and writing about
the most intriguing facets of an area or
subject.” He also loves “meeting and
interviewing interesting people and
going out into the field to research and
photograph subjects.”
“If you write about a subject that you
love, and if you do it right, that passion
for the subject will really show though.
It’s hard work but often great fun.”
Best Books
Y
ears 5/6 students from various local schools were
asked to tell us their favourite book that they had read
recently. Here is a list of the top 10 that were being
read, in order of popularity. All these titles can be found at
Belgrave Book Barn.
Harry Potter J.K. Rowling
Conspiracy 365 G. Lord
Tom Gates L. Pichen
Wimpy Kid J. Kinney
Storey Tree house series Griffiths & Denton
Percy Jackson series R. Riordan
Dork Diaries R.R. Russell
Alice Miranda series J. Harvey
Warrior Cats series E. Hunter
The BFG Roald Dahl
By Sandra Cleave | Emerald Library
E
very time you cuddle babies,
talk to them, sing or read to
them, they are learning about
language, and language is a building
block to reading.
By reading to your baby they have
the opportunity to hear stories with
rhyming words. Their developing brains
tune into the rhythm and rhyme of
your voice, and the sound of your
language.
When you read, your baby
also hears words that are not used
in everyday language like: Humpty
Dumpty or Hairy Maclary from
Donaldson Dairy, or Peek a Boo!
When reading a story to your baby,
make it fun, include animal sounds
and funny faces.
•Point to the words some times so they
begin to learn that those squiggly
things on the page are words, and
that words move from the left hand
A001665
Reading to Babies
and Toddlers?
Stoney Creek Road, Upper Beaconsfield
5944 3591
side of the page to thePh:right.
•Point to the pictures and talk about
what’s happening.
•Read books with lots of repetition,
www.bups.vic.edu.au
and read them over and
over again.
Your baby will be anticipating the
next page with excitement.
Most of all when you read to your
baby have fun!
My favourite books to read to
babies are:
At Beaconsfield Upper Primary School, our
emphasis is on:
•
•
•
•
Strong foundations in Numeracy and Literacy
Student Engagement
Emotional and Social Well Being
Community and Environment
Student wellbeing is integral to the learning process
at BUPS. Our wellbeing program is a holistic one,
so we support and encourage students so they
can develop physically, emotionally, socially and
intellectually.
The You Can Do It program is a platform for
introducing and learning the school values. Our
values guide the decisions and behaviours of all
members of our school community.
The You Can Do It program at BUPS – the 5
Foundations:
• Getting Along
• Organisation
• Persistence
• Confidence
• Resilience
•Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin
Jnr with Eric Carle
•I Went Walking by Sue Williams with
Julie Vivas.
•Hello Baby by Mem Fox and Steve
Jenkins
All have lots of repetition, great
colour, good rhythm, and lots of
animal noises to make. Winners all
round, and available for loan at
Emerald Library.
School tours every TUESDAY at 9.30 am.
All welcome!
Contact Us: ph: 5944 3591
e: beaconsfield.upper.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
7
Cockatoo Country Market’s
Wonderful Work
By Tanya Burmeister
C
ockatoo
Country
Market
proudly awarded its first round
of Community Grants on July
2nd at its monthly market.
Nearly $2500 grants were handed
out to local community groups
which included: The Cockatoo Hills
Men’s Shed, Ash Wednesday Bushfire
Education Centre, Cockatoo Nils
Program, Cockatoo Tennis Club and
Hillscene Live. All these groups have
important projects that are underway
or planned to assist the Cockatoo
Community.
Cockatoo Country Market is now in
its second year, maintaining its original
vision to support local community
groups to thrive and succeed; allowing
them free access to the market to
showcase their wonderful work, and
financially supplement them with our
CCM Community Grants.
The next round of CCM Community
Grants will be of a similar amount and
we are seeking applications now, to be
awarded at Cockatoo Country Market
Day on August 6th 2016.
The market is going from strength to
strength, maintaining its unique criteria
of supporting local business, community
groups, farmer’s fresh produce and
local artisans wherever possible. It
has recently introduced Vintage
and collectables to its repertoire.
Dedicated, loyal, local producers such
as Australian Green Growers have
informed the market staff they now
have a following at our market. It’s
fantastic the way the community has
embraced the market and it has now
become a social event every month in
the town of Cockatoo.
Local Community Groups that
have a direct impact on the town of
Cockatoo are welcome to apply for
a CCM Community Grant by emailing
cockatoocountrymarket@outlook.com
The market is on the first Saturday of
every month, from 8.30am to 1pm.
Next market is August 6th 2016.
Photographs courtesy of R.South
New Senior Sergeant for Emerald Police Station
A
cting Senior Sergeant Greg Addis has been asked to head up a specialist unit
based in Dandenong, and has left Emerald after serving here a little over two
years. This has happened quite quickly and he started his new role Monday July 11th. He writes
“I would like to thank each of you for your engagement and assistance over my
time here at Emerald, it has been a busy time but one of the best experiences in my
career. “
We would like to wish Senior Sergeant Addis the very best in his new role.
by Senior
Paul Bianco
A big welcome to Photo
Acting
Sergeant Ian Pregnell, who has taken the position in
Emerald, for the immediate future.
8
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN
For fast and efficient help with...
Registered Tax Agents
329 Main Road, Emerald
Ph: 5968 6062 Fax: 5968 6247
Email: Office@alexneil.com.au
5-7 Kilvington Drive Emerald
A000809
Alexander Neil & Associates
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
A001709
All new winter stock,
Jumpers, Coats, Hats,
Gloves, Beanies, Onesies
and much more
Company Returns Business Returns
Individual Returns
GST/BAS Statements
THE EMERALD VILLAGE COMMITTEE
T
“The rain and snow come down from the
heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer and bread for
the hungry.
It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will
prosper everywhere I send it.
You will live in joy and peace.
The mountains and hills will burst into song,
and the trees of the field will clap their
hands!
…they will be an everlasting sign of His
power and love.”
Isaiah 55:10-13 NLT
Dick Bartley |Chair EVC
he Emerald Village Committee for 2016/17 is as
follows
Dick Bartley (Chair), Howard Winter (Secretary),
Graham Dunstan (Treasurer), Michelle Jackson, Jeffrey
Slater, Mike Allery, Dale Allen, Dennis Alexander Hale,
Tina McInerney, Bruce Ratcliff, Pat Buonchristini and
Ron Harmon.
Thank-you to all members of the Emerald
Community who represent many of our groups in
town including U3A, RSL, Worrell Reserve, Rotary, ECH,
Tennis, Clematis Men’s Shed and CFA.
We are keen to hear from community groups
and are seeking their view on various issues and
developments that affect Emerald.
At the start of each meeting we invite a member
of a local group to give us a small presentation. If your
group would like to be involved please email me:
dickbartley08@gmail.com
The Emerald Village Committee meets on the
last Tuesday of each month in the Emerald Library at
7:30pm.
Barn raised pork
Chemical free chicken
Community BBQ available for weekly bookings
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
9
Nobelius station, Emerald
Nobelius
Railway Station
Edited by Andrew Rayment from an article in the Puffing Billy Preservation Society’s quarterly publication
P
roposals for provision of stations
between Emerald and Wright
go back as far as 1905. Emerald
station was provided and opened at
the time the line from Upper Ferntree
Gully to Gembrook was opened on 18
December, 1900.
Stations provided at the time of
opening were Monbulk (Belgrave),
Menzies Creek, Emerald, Devon
(Cockatoo) and Gembrook. A station
was opened at Wright on 24 October,
1904.
During 1905, moves began for
sub-division of land near the area
now known as Emerald Lake and on
14 October, 1905, a land sale was
advertised of “Hill View” estate, one
mile from Emerald railway station.
Among those who purchased land
at this sale was a Mr. Albert Jackson
of North Fitzroy who purchased eight
blocks. Mr. Jackson wrote to the
Victorian Railways in November, 1905,
asking if a stopping place “in a similar
manner, as at Wright’s stopping place
could be provided”. Mr. Jackson stated
he was prepared to build, in addition
to his own residence, two or three other
houses to let to visitors to the district,
which “as you are well aware, is a
renowned health resort”.
A Victorian Railways (V.R.) Engineer
reported in December, 1905, that there
did not appear to be any engineering
difficulties in providing a platform
10
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
“Narrow Gauge”.
about 60 feet long, which together
with footpaths, wicket gates in the
boundary fence, and notice boards,
would cost about £35. The proposed
site, approximately 34¼ miles from
Melbourne is very close to the present
day Lakeside station. The request was
declined and over the next 10 years,
further requests were made and
subsequently denied on the basis of
expected traffic loadings.
Further land sales and sub-divisions
began to take place in the Emerald
district and in March, 1924, Mr. H. A.
Treganowan wrote to the V.R. on
behalf of the Nobelius Syndicate for
a stopping place to be provided
between Emerald and Wright.
The proposed location at 33 miles,
42 chains was found to be on a 1 in 40
grade, with a steep drop on one side
and a bank on the other. (This would
place the site near the curve just above
Emerald Lake.) The inspecting officers
suggested a site some 16 chains nearer
to Emerald where the grade eased to
1 in 42 and a level crossing could be
provided without difficulty.
While the syndicate agreed there
was no existing development that
would warrant provision of station
facilities at the time of their request,
it was recommended that plans be
drawn up for a station in order that
surveyors could complete sub-division
plans and obtain levels for roads, etc.
On this basis, sub-division proceeded
and as the Nobelius syndicate agreed
that they would give to the V.R. any
additional land required for a station
free of charge, plans for a station for
passenger and goods traffic were
drawn up for the location at 33 miles 16
chains 40 links.
These plans included provision for
two loop roads with standing room for
15 trucks in the loading road. From this
it was possible to ascertain how much
additional land would be required to
provide all the facilities should they be
needed in the future, for rail business
which might eventuate from expansion
of settlement as a result of sub-division.
If goods facilities were required, a
public level crossing would have been
necessary to provide access to the
proposed goods yard. Road surveys
took this into account.
As a result of further representations
and following the sub-division of the
land, the V.R. agreed to provide a
stopping place at the location selected
and by June, 1925, agreement had
been reached between the V.R.
and the Nobelius syndicate that the
company could, at their expense,
erect a platform and station buildings
to V.R. plans and specifications.
Construction work under railway
supervision proceeded during the latter
part of 1925 and in 1926. The station
was declared open as from 7/3/1927,
although toilet facilities were not completed until a short
time later. The station was named Nobelius at the request
and suggestion of the syndicate.
In 1941 it was reported that the station facilities at
Nobelius consisted of a general waiting room, a ladies'
waiting room, an open shelter and ladies' and gents' toilets.
As these facilities were considered excessive and as the
buildings were in very poor condition, they were removed
early in 1942 just leaving the galvanised iron “Mallee” type
shed, the same as can be seen at Nobelius today.
Development of the area surrounding Nobelius station
did not advance sufficiently far to warrant provision of the
siding facilities.
The original plans that were prepared for the area
provided for sub-division of the land on both sides of the
railway boundary. In fact sub-division only took place on the
south side while the land on the north side remained intact
and now forms part of the Emerald Lake Park.
Catch ‘Em All!
By Ashlyn McMahon
P
okémon Go is a free game which can be downloaded
from the App Store. The aim is to capture wild Pokémon
that roam the streets with a total of 133 Pokémon
to catch. Playing Pokémon Go is an excellent way to get
yourself or the kids out of the house and out into nature.
The game provides great incentives such as earning
eggs (which hatch new Pokémon) the further you walk. The
game will tell you when a Pokémon is nearby, indicated
with the number of footprints at the bottom of the page.
Your phone will vibrate when a Pokémon is within catching
range. By throwing Pokemon balls at the Pokémon, you can
catch your very own for your collection!
You can battle with other Pokémon trainers at Gyms,
which are located at important places in your town. This
maybe your local church, supermarket, footy field or library!
In addition to gyms, Pokéstops are located more regularly,
but are still mostly found in town areas. Pokémon stops are
places where you can attract wild Pokémon by placing
incense at that spot. This incense attracts Pokémon that
anyone can catch and lasts for half-an-hour. At Pokestops,
you can also pick up much needed items such as Pokémon
balls for catching and capturing Pokemons, potions, eggs
and much more. Collection of these items can be done if
you are in range (usually 5-10meters) of the Pokestop.
Come down to St. Marks in Emerald to battle at the gym
or restock your supplies and attract some wild Pokémon at
the Pokestop located at the front of the church.
And remember; stay aware of your surroundings!
For the History Books
Station Avenue, Emerald
Signpost has heard a whisper about our ‘secret gardener’
who has created and maintains the garden around Nobelius
Station. Do any readers know who it is? We would love to
know his/her story.
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
11
I
Brynne
Emerald Secondary School
don’t know how many of you
know of or are fans of the Kiwi
folk-comedy duo ‘Flight of
the Conchords’, but they did a
sitcom a while back and one of
the episodes depicted one of the
pair buying a mug for himself, as
they previously only had one mug
to share between the two of them in
their flat. Anyway, the teensy amount of
money spent on the mug (something like
a dollar or two dollars) causes the pair’s
entire budget to fly out of the window and
they end up not being able to pay their
monthly bills or their rent and, naturally,
chaos and hilarity ensues. And as a final
comedic blow to the gut, the mug ends up shattering by the
end of the episode, or something to that effect.
What I am attempting to say in my typical roundabout
fashion is that the prospect of adulthood feels like this. Just
one tiny, insignificant action (like buying a mug) can set off a
catastrophic change of events and spit me out into scary, or
at the very least, unfortunate circumstances. And of course
this is an exaggeration. But if all you’ve known for your entire
life is abject support and love from your parents, regardless
of your own youthful silliness, it’s massively daunting to be
thrust into responsibility and everything that comes with it. I,
for one, hate parties and having to socialise at them. I am
an extreme introvert, and I know that this is a part of my
personality I can’t readily alter. But I also know that to be
successful you need to overcome your fears and insecurities
– where would any of us be, after all, if our parents hadn’t
worked up the courage to talk to each other, or ask the
other on a date, or blundered through any of the other little
awkwardnesses (not a word, I know, but stay with me) that
plagued them?
And though this is only one miniscule instance of the
choppiness of the sea of adulthood that all pimply teens
must navigate, it’s a vital one. Adulthood is hideous, but it’s
also wonderful, and I for one will attempt to focus on the
latter as much as I possibly can.
Or, at the very least, I’ll try not to make any ill-fated
enamelware purchases if I can help it.
Adrienne
The Knox School
My final few months of school
will soon be over. The reality has
not hit quite yet. However I am
sure it will by September. It is
truly an amazing time in one’s
life! The completion of one’s
first academic era. School has
moulded me into the person
I am today and has presented me with
opportunity, learning experiences and
friends.
My days in a classroom are numbered
and I definitely feel as though I must make
the most of it now. It is rather nostalgic and
sentimental. However I do truly believe that I
have spent some of my most rewarding and pivotal years
in my school. From learning calculus, being exposed
to Wagnerian music in class, Shakespeare and other
fantastic things. I feel ever so grateful and I can only hope
I can spread my fascination and share it with my peers.
Indeed, it has been a challenge so far, and there is
more to come. Despite this, I feel optimistic and quite
ready to tackle the challenge of the next few months.
With Unit 3 out of the way I wish all my fellow Unit 4
students the best of luck. I have hope that if we bury our
noses into our books and attach our pens to our hands,
we can all do the best we can. After all, that is all that
VCE can ask of us, simply to do the best we can.
And as I do in all of these articles I will end with an
interesting quote that has been making me think the past
few weeks.
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss
events; small minds discuss people” - Eleanor Roosevelt
www. antennatom .com
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12
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
Age Old Prejudice
T
By Maria Millers
here are some things about yourself that you are just
too ashamed to admit. Like the time I stole a red lipstick
from a department store when I was 15 – it still bothers
me; the choice of colour was terrible! I jest, but the actual
act of stealing still plays on my mind: why did I do it? And
there were others. I ignored (nice word for bullying but same
effect) a girl at school because she wasn’t deemed ‘cool’
by my peers. I went out of my way to avoid and exclude her
and this actually haunts me to this day. Again, why did I do
it? Maybe because I was just young and easily influenced
and could not make my own judgment calls. I blame it all on
a younger, immature mind…..
But I am older now and yet there are still things that continue to
shame and disappoint me about myself. Some I have not been
aware of and recently one of them just hit me from out of the
blue. I did not even know how bad it was. It is difficult to confess,
and not something I like to publicly admit, but I am prejudiced. I
am ageist. This is a little ironic given I am 47, so no spring chicken,
but there it is: I am intolerant towards the aged. I am insanely
impatient and I like things going at a fast pace. I don’t like to be
held up at a shopping aisle, on an escalator, or in a bank. I need
to be places yesterday and the aged seem to have so much
more time and this gets in my way.
I now know this is prejudice. I group them all into one slow
basket: prejudiced attitude at its core. I know this and I am
ashamed of it. Again more justification, but how could I be
anything but? How can any of us? We have been taught these
attitudes since we could walk and talk. “Look at that slow old
coot crossing the road.” “She’s just old and bitter”. “Move over
ya old man.” Catch cry of many frustrated drivers. We have
been shown and taught that age is not such a great thing by our
social environment and the media, and most of us, if not all, have
been acting accordingly. Why do we treat the aged like this?
Why do we turn on our own kind? We will be there soon enough.
A colleague said to me the other day that no one wants to
admit they’re old or getting old because that means they are
getting closer to death and nobody wants to be closer to death.
True, who wants to acknowledge this? It’s too confronting. But
the problem with our western society is that there is no time
for death. No acceptance or space to honour and value the
difficult flipside to life: to live we must die. We are focused on living
and living only. Yet we all die, both young and old. Death is not
ageist.
We have to learn to value each other for what we bring to
the table at every stage of our lives. Since beginning work on
The Change Agenda Forum on Ageism: At Work, In Life, it has
educated me to think about how I view older people and how
younger people now view me. I am slowly trying to unwrap my
prejudice and make some atonement for past sins. But it is not just
making up for bad behaviour; it is about shifting and altering the
mindset. It is about a systemic shift across society.
Our community needs to embrace all those who walk
amongst us for a richer and more engaged society. I need to
slow down when someone who walks beside me cannot keep
up – for are we not going in the same direction? Because before
long, I will need someone to slow down for me so I can get
there, too.
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
13
Alpha Centauri
H
ow well do you know the
neighbours? Let’s go outside
and find them – it’s easier than
you think. In short, it’s the star Alpha
Centauri, the brighter of the two
‘pointers’ to the Southern Cross. This
month it’s high in the southern sky at
around 6pm.
Third brightest star in the night sky
(omit planets) may be kudos enough,
but it’s most famous as the nearest star
to our solar system. As such, it’s widely
used in science fiction. The original
‘Lost in Space’ TV serial, for example,
had the Robinsons in the Jupiter 2
spacecraft, heading for this star. It’s
4.3 light years away. Think back to how
you were spending your Easter holidays
in April 2012, because that’s when the
light you are seeing tonight from this
star began its journey to your retina.
Here’s an experiment you can do.
Step outside and compare the two
‘pointers’ to the Southern Cross. You
will agree they are of similar brightness
though clearly Alpha Centauri (farthest
from the Cross) is a little brighter than
Beta Centauri (closest to the Cross). But
you may like to change your mind after
all the facts are in. We already know
the distance to Alpha, so let’s factor in
the distance to Beta which is 350 light
14
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
By Perry Vlahos | Mount Burnett Observatory
years. Now, once again, which star is
brightest?
Despite appearing as a single star
to the naked eye, unlike the sun, our
nearest neighbour is not an only child,
but has two siblings and is a triple
star system. The two main stars in this
system are similar to the sun in size and
brightness – one a little larger, the other
a little smaller, and have been given
the designations Alpha Centauri A and
B to distinguish one from the other .They
orbit a common centre of gravity,
completing one revolution every
80 years, with an average distance
between them of 3.6 billion kilometres
– roughly the distance from the sun to
Uranus. A good telescope should show
these two stars as separate entities that
are almost touching each other.
The third star, Alpha Centauri C, is
very different. It’s a red dwarf and quite
a distance from the others. It’s also
closest of the three, being one tenth
of a light year nearer. Furthermore, it’s
much dimmer with only about 1/170 as
much light as A. You can’t see it with
the naked eye or binoculars. It takes
a large telescope and a very good
‘celestial navigator’ to find it. Because
of its proximity to us, it’s also called
Proxima Centauri. Some astronomers
think that Proxima is not gravitationally
associated with the other two and may
just be a passing star. The jury is still out.
Recent theoretical work has lead
astronomers to believe that Alpha
Centauri B may harbour earthlike planets. So far, nearly all of the
extra solar planets that have been
discovered have been non-terrestrial
gas giants, Jupiter size or larger.
The presence of Alpha Centauri A,
however, would preclude large gas
giants forming in the ‘solar system’ of
Alpha Centauri B. Astronomers think
that a dedicated telescope in the
southern hemisphere could find these
planets, if they exist, within five years.
The view of someone on such a planet
would be remarkable; two suns, a
bright primary and a fainter one that
is still many times brighter than the full
Moon. Should you have an opportunity
to look through a telescope at Alpha
Centauri A and B, don’t say ‘No’ for it
is a spectacular sight. Whilst looking,
imagine being on a planet orbiting
B and gazing back toward our single
sun. It would appear half way in size,
brightness and colour between Alpha
Centauri A and B.
(Copyright 2016 Perry Vlahos)
perryv@optusnet.com.au
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Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
A001654
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Watches & Clocks
15
A Day in the Garden
I
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Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
By Day Gowland | Days in the Garden
t’s August already, and that means that spring is just
around the corner. This month it’s time to prepare the
garden for its beautiful display in the not too distant
future! It is tempting to think that the winter is finally over,
and to get stuck into jobs such as laying lawn, planting
summer crops and spraying weeds. Try to defer these
projects for a few more weeks though, as most plants in
the garden are still quite dormant at this stage. However,
there are plenty of activities that can be undertaken to
help prepare yourself, and your garden, for the arrival of
spring.
Pulling out weeds is a great one. This can, of course,
be done all year round, but by pulling out as much as
possible now it will reduce the amount that needs to
be done in the springtime, freeing up time to do more
enjoyable things. With every weed that you pull out,
try your best to take it out by the roots to minimize the
chance of the weed growing back. It is often tempting
simply to spray weeds at this time of year but, because
they are not actively growing, very little of the weed killing
agent is absorbed, rendering it ineffective. If weedspray
must be used, it is better applied in the spring.
Controlling moss in lawns, however, is most effectively
achieved in winter because the moss is actively growing.
There are many lawns in this area that I have seen
suffering from patches of moss in them. The application
of iron sulphate to affected areas will help control these
patches, and in the spring time, will also help to bring a
deep green colour to your lawn. Read the instructions
carefully as this can be very strong stuff!
Getting your tools in the best condition possible now
will save you time in the springtime too. Make sure all
the blades are sharpened. Take the lawn mower and
whipper-snipper in for a service now to avoid costly
breakdowns when they are most needed in the spring.
It’s also a good time to apply fertilizer. Doing so now
will allow the fertilizer a few weeks to absorb into the soil,
and your plants will be thankful for the extra nutrition when
they finally waken. Lastly, don’t forget to apply mulch
to all your garden beds. With all the lovely rainfall the
Hills have received over the winter, putting mulch on the
beds now will lock in the moisture for the warmer months
ahead.
Time to Contemplate
Rat Bait
By Dr Ilana Hoffman
Emerald Veterinary Clinic
Do you own a
$10,000 dog?
P
rotecting your dog, and your wallet from the
neighbourhood.
There are some surprising hidden costs of allowing
your dog to wander or escape – that could cost thousands
of dollars; much more than an inconvenient trip to the
pound.
Dog owners are taking the containment of their dog
a lot more seriously. Pound fees are expensive, but dog
owners are also responsible for their dog’s adventures (or
misadventures) if they are wandering the street.
There is also the risk of Dangerous Dog declaration.
Should the dog become involved in attacking livestock or
being threatening towards people in any way they could
be declared a ‘Dangerous Dog’.
•Here’s a few of my tips on minimising your risk.
•Attach an engraved dog tag to your dog’s collar
•Have your dog micro-chipped
•Check your dog is registered (yes, now)
•Ensure your fences are able to stop your dog escaping.
If your dog does escapes once – take immediate and
serous action to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Remember, whatever method you use for containing
your dog could save you – or cost you.
W
inter is here and indoors is the place to be, snug
with our pets and family and… well… some less
welcome guests may make an appearance too.
Rats seek the warmth and are enticed by the abundance
of food on our properties during winter, resulting in many
people using rat bait.
Baits work by preventing blood from clotting, as they
deplete the body’s supply of vitamin K. It can take anything
from 1-5 days to begin to see the signs of intoxication.
All signs are associated with bleeding and may include
pale gums, lethargy, bruising, blood in the urine or faeces,
nose bleeds, continued bleeding from small wounds. Signs
such as vomiting, coughing, laboured or rapid breathing
and or seizures may result from bleeding into body cavities.
So what should you do if you suspect your pet has rat bait
toxicity? If you see your pet eating bait or showing signs that
make you suspicious it is important to bring them straight to
your vet. It is very helpful if you can bring the box of the bait
or know the product name. This will help your vet provide
the most accurate treatment.
What if your cat ate a rat that could have eaten bait?
Luckily most of the time your pet will be just fine, but it does
depend on the type of bait and how much of the rodent
was eaten. So it is still important that you bring them straight
to the vet for a check-up.
If your pet is diagnosed with rat bait toxicity, treatment
will depend on timing of ingestion and severity of signs. Rat
bait toxicity left too late can be life threatening and may
require intensive treatment such as blood transfusions and
hospitalisation. Luckily if toxicity is detected early often the
treatment is as simple as giving vitamin K tablets!
For more information about a Radio Pet Barrier contact: Colin Seal at The Dog Line 1300 THE DOG
– 1300 843 364.
Tuesday
1.00 - 3.00pm
AVONSLEIGH VETERINARY CLINIC
24 Hour Animal Care
Grooming Services with J. Ray
441 Belgrave-Gembrook Road Avonsleigh Vic 3782
For appointments call 5968
3957 (24 hours)
Dr J. A. Hamilton and Associates
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
A000689
Justice of the Peace
Emerald Library every
17
Native Plant Sale
Berwick Branch of the Australian Plants Society,
is holding its
18th annual Australian Native Plant Sale
Saturday September 3rd, 9.00am-4.00pm.
This event will be held in
Wilson Botanic Park, 668 Princes Highway,
Berwick (Melways 111 B7).
There will be a wide variety of native plant stalls,
as well as bush foods, bee hotels, food stalls, a
specialist book stall, native flower display and a
raffle. Come along, check out the range of beautiful
Australian plants and make them a part of your
garden. For further information visit our website www.
Rare and Endangered Plant Species
of the Dandenong Ranges
Powelltown
Correa
(Correa reflexa variety lobata)
apswilsonparkberwick.org.au
EMERALD HIRE &
HEATING CENTRE
Powelltown Correa extends from Powelltown
through to the Dandenongs and south towards the
Mornington Peninsula. It is a form of the common
Correa (Correa reflexa) but differentiated by a lobed
calyx. Powelltown Correa grows to 1.5-2 m high and
similar spread. It flowers from July to October.
Only the Powelltown Correa form is naturally
present in the Emerald area where it is widespread
and locally common. It has a natural distribution of
less than 500,000 hectares.
BUSINESS
FOR SALE
Contact Craig
Photograph Jeff Latter
P: 5968
18
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
5580
This is an example from Hogan Park in Emerald. It
will be one of the rare and indigenous species soon
to be planted in the garden near the Scout Centre in
Emerald.
SEASONS EATINGS!
By Jan Cheshire
I
am vainly trying to use up all the apples we had from the
garden this year.
I know they just don’t store for very long. I’ve made
tarts, pies, crumbles, cakes and even apple cider vinegar.
Yesterday I made apple juice!!
This recipe, borrowed from a good friend of mine, is a
real winner. Not only is it very simple to make, it freezes well
and tastes just scrumptious. So if like us, your apple harvest
was particularly good this year, have a go! If not a tin of
apples from the supermarket will do the trick.
Women’s Work
Easy Apple Slice
INGREDIENTS:
BASE:
• 1 packet of vanilla cake mix (I buy the cheapest
one at Aldi)
• 1 cup of desiccated coconut
• 125 grams of softened butter
FILLING:
• 425 grams of tinned pie apple – I use peeled &
sliced stewed apples and I drain them
• 200 mls of sour cream
• Cinnamon to your liking
METHOD:
• Mix together the cake mix, coconut and butter
• Press into a greased and lined slice tray
• Bake in a moderate oven at 180 degrees for 20
minutes
• Remove from the oven and cool slightly
• Spread with the apple slices
• Pour the sour cream over the top
• Sprinkle with cinnamon to your liking
• Bake for a further 10 minutes
• Cut into squares when cold.
Happy Cooking!
By Beryl Bartacek | Emerald Museum
T
he next cooking show on television could feature the
meals prepared in the 19th century, up here in the hills,
by a woman living in a slab hut.
What meals did they cook? If her man cleared a sizeable
patch of the thick forest on their block each year, he would
be entitled to own it, the dream of many. Meanwhile he
had to be fed. Supplies were limited: flour, sugar, tea, and
some dried fruit had to be brought up by bullock wagon.
It may have been supplemented by fish and eels caught in
the local creeks. Once a garden was cleared there were
vegetables, which may have been exchanged for other
necessities if there was surplus. Neighbours were rarely
seen. A long walk between homes carrying a toddler took
time out of a busy day, so there could be little exchange of
advice in the earliest days.
How would a film crew depict the kitchen lit only
by a candle or firelight on a rainy day? How would the
housewife be dressed? The museum holds many photos of
family groups, some taken at weddings, but none shows
a woman at work. One depicts a woman feeding hens
in a neat dress and bonnet, not what one would wear
every day digging or cooking over a fire. Clothes of any
sort were precious, washing day was once a week and
needed organising. Water had to be carried and heated,
hard soap finely chopped. Men’s working gear was heavy
to scrub and wring. Fashion had to be followed. Skirts were
long over several petticoats - that needed starching and
ironing-but when living in isolation and on hot days? We
can never know, only admire.
We can only wonder that some women pressed on,
supporting their men and raising large families, keeping
hens and a cow, urging the government to provide a
school-teacher and setting up church gatherings. Their
daughters, if not kept at home to help, first did domestic
work at guest-houses or left for the city. Others felt the
hopelessness, going back to town or persuading their men
to give up their leases and work for wages. In only a couple
of generations life changed, becoming much easier for
some women: the success of their families and growth of
our town depended on them.
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
19
Tennis – Sport or Big Business?
O
ne of the highlights in my life
every year is the Australian
Open in January, born of a
long-standing love of and association
with tennis. I am content to watch it
on television from the comfort of my
living room, selectively choosing which
players I want to see. Often, some of
the earlier matches are surprisingly
interesting.
It is fair to say that I am choosey.
Frankly, those who slog it out from the
baseline until one either faults or is able
to hit a skilful angled winner, do not
make for the stirring stuff which tennis
can be. Margaret Court was quoted
in the press during January as saying
words to the effect that “women’s
tennis today is boring”. So I don’t
feel too bad about thinking much
the same. The 2016 Australian Open
Women’s Final was an exception with
the young German woman, Angelique
Kerber beating Serena Williams. I first
noticed Kerber a year or so ago and
was impressed with her game. With
due modesty, I think I was just about the
only person in Australia who thought
she could beat Serena which she did
with a stunning performance on court.
The level of financial return to
players in sport today, whether in the
form of participation money, prizes
or remuneration paid by clubs, not
to mention payment for sponsoring
By Brenda Webb
equipment, watches etc. is disquieting,
verging on obscene. One of the biggest
shocks to me this year was the blatant
advertising of the “authorised” betting
organisation linked to the Australian
Open. Concurrently, rumours surfaced
about matches being rigged. The
bottom line, as in so many aspects of
our world today, is money. The winner
of this year’s Men’s Singles received a
cheque for an amount in the order of
$3.5million!
Players won’t be drawn into line for
screaming as they hit every ball or for
poor sportsmanship on court because,
put quite simply, the organisers need
those players in order to bring in the
massive funds generated by big
sporting events.
It seems that it is fair to say that
sport in today’s world is, in fact, big
business. If so, it should follow that all
who participate behave as would be
expected in business, i.e. adopting
a professional approach across the
board, setting a good example in
behaviour, being a team player.
We live in a period of time when
celebrities are viewed as role models
by a younger generation. This is a huge
responsibility for a man or a woman
in the top echelon of their field to
take on. Whilst many of the greatest
sportsmen and women in Australia and
throughout the world are excellent role
Angelique Kerber
20
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
models, even a few who behave badly
let down the sport they represent, their
country as well as the public which
pays large sums to watch them.
I have a recollection from long
ago that footballers in VFL, as it was
then, had Monday to Friday jobs and
practised and played for their teams
without remuneration. How did those
tennis players who preceded the
professional era survive financially
and manage to compete around the
world? In the grey mists of my memory,
I seem to recall that Sedgman, for
instance, was employed by one of
the sporting goods companies, e.g.
maybe Slazenger or Spalding. In this
case, I imagine he would have been
granted time off to play and quite likely
provided with racquets etc.
I suspect that playing sport for the
love of the game becomes diminished
when players need to front up for many
weeks of the year to tournaments
around the world and spend hours
keeping themselves fit. However, in
return for hefty rewards, they have a
responsibility to not only perform to high
standards but to exhibit acceptable
professional behaviour. It goes with the
job.
This article was written immediately after
2016 Australian Open and prior to the publicity
about Maria Sharapova's drug use.
Hunt’s Store and Post Office
By Chris Britton | Emerald Museum
G
Watson homestead Butterfield Park
Kennedy home Macclesfield
eorge Hunt, who came to the Emerald diggings in 1858, married
Lucretia Watson whose father was also a prospector.
They settled in Macclesfield in 1869 and built a home and outbuildings including a curing room. In 1872 George and Lucretia opened
the first store on this fifty acre selection at the corner of Macclesfield and
Tschampions Roads. Lucretia grew and sold vegetables and baked bread
for the miners. Importantly for the miners, the Hunts were official gold
buyers in the area, and gold would be traded in exchange for provisions.
Legend has it that Lucretia would take the gold to the Mint in Melbourne in
a bag tied around her waist. First riding horseback to Narre Warren Railway
Station, and then continuing by train to the city. This apparently was an
‘open secret’.
The Hunts were very enterprising and the Macclesfield Post Office
opened from their store in 1891, remaining in the Hunt family for over fifty
years. George Hunt carried the mail once a week between Gembrook and
Macclesfield. The Post Office finally closed in 1974. The original buildings,
including the bakery complex, collapsed in the early 1980s.
George and Lucretia had 12 children and there are many descendants
still living in the area today.
Joyce Meldrum recollects from her book ‘The Way It Was’ (A Social and
Family History of Macclesfield and District 1907 – 1999) as a child growing
up in the area during the 1930s, she remembered visiting the Macclesfield
store and post office:
“I can remember Mr. George Hunt’s son, Jack, bringing the mail from
Emerald in a horse and buggy by midday and then returning with the
outgoing mail soon afterwards. I can vividly recall going up steep stone
steps which led up to the wooden door, beside which was a single, rather
small window and underneath was a wooden bench on which to rest if
one had walked up the steep Macclesfield hill and on which to sit and
appreciate the magnificent views of the Warburton Ranges.
Inside it was usually quite dark with a rough wooden counter behind
which was a row of pigeonholes into which the mail was sorted for the few
local families and one for the few casuals. A large German shepherd dog
kept guard and a rather dingy and musty-smelling residence was glimpsed
through a door opening off the back of the post office”.
B. Simcox, undated letter to Mrs. Geo. Gay, Monbulk, written about 1931.
Helen Coulson; History of the Dandenongs Chapter 14
Joyce V. Meldrum ‘The Way It Was’
Sluicing Prospect Bend Macclesfield
Hunts Macclesfield Post Office 1892 & dwelling built 1871
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
21
Eastward on the Plenty Highway N.T.
T
he Plenty Highway meets with the
Stuart Highway about 64 kilometers
north of Alice Springs and strikes
eastward toward the Queensland
border through some magnificent
remote country and one of the richest
gem fields in the land.
Bitumen
road
stretches
130
kilometres from Alice Springs to the
settlement of Gemtree and is suitable
for all vehicles. Located on the Plenty
Highway amid the gem fields, Gemtree,
22
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
By Ash Jamieson
as the name suggests depends on the
comings and goings of those looking
to make a strike large or small in zircon,
garnet or one of the other gems found
nearby and caters well to the traveller.
The countryside consists of wide
open, lightly wooded plains broken up
with rocky ridges and seasonal water
courses which expose the gem rich
under-layer. Not to say there are gems
laying all about on the surface but
scraping away the surface 200 - 300mm
of
sand
and
gravel
exposes
the rocky pits and
crevices
where
there are indeed
gems to be found
zircons
and
garnets primarily.
Even for those
who just want to
poke about in the
dust for a couple
of hours in past
diggings there is
a real chance of
finding something glittery (if not worth
much).
There are some impressive land forms
to see along the highway including the
rugged Harts Range, Quartz Hill and
random rocky projections that seem
to just launch up out of the plains.
Photographic opportunities abound
from the close-up features of bushland
out to the wide scope of open space
and boundless sky in the most amazing
array of lighting conditions as the day
progresses from dawn's softness through
the harshness of blazing sunlight, then
softening as the sun transits into the
lower western sky.
Followed by the greatest night sky
you'll ever see!
“BUSINESS AS USUAL”
By Ian Ash | AInstIB | President Emerald Business Group
A
Know Your Numbers
few years back I invited one of my oldest clients to
present at a regional forum for excellent businesses.
The title of his presentation was “Overcoming Tough
Times” and I clearly recall his statement that “you’ve got to
know your numbers” as one of the reasons for his success,
but what does this mean?
The CEO was referring to really understanding the
financial levers that he had direct control over in order to
manage the business which covered the following areas:
Sales
• What is a reasonable and realistic sales target?
• How frequently should this be measured and
reviewed?
• How can you track performance relative to where it
needs to be?
• What can be done to improve sales?
• How can you encourage customers to buy more?
• How can you price things correctly?
Cost of Goods Sold
• What options do I have in supply of raw materials?
• To what extent should I use contract labour staff?
Overhead Expenses
• What can be done to manage staff costs?
• How can I reduce my utility bills?
• Are there other options for rental charges?
• How can I reduce travel expenses?
• Can I amortise any expenses?
The answers to the above questions will vary from business
to business, but by working with a budget and putting in
place a simple business model, you can immediately see
the financial impact of the decisions you make. In my
client’s own case, he immediately saved $50,000 simply by
taking the time to look!
David W Bull
Funeral Director
. . .the little things make a difference
Australian
owned
family
business
since 1979
PAKENHAM CHAPEL
190 Princes Highway, Pakenham
Ph 5941 4888
CRANBOURNE CHAPEL
6 Brunt Street, Cranbourne
Ph 5996 6822
BERWICK CHAPEL
Ph 9707 5755
A000838
Looking across the plains to Harts Range, white Quartz Hill standing out from the rest
Email: admin@davidwbull.com.au
www.davidwbull.com.au
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
23
A Walk Through
Pepi's Land
By Nick Gale
Johns Hill Landcare Group
and Pepi’s Land weed, plant,
get grants, weed, plant . . .
Pepi’s Land is developing as a recreation and
environment conservation area where community
groups meet and share the large open spaces left by
the former potato farm.
Planting in 2008 on boundary of Pepi’s Land and Hogan Park
Johns Hill Landcare Group has been working in
Pepi's land since 2008 with revegetation projects
around the waterways at the periphery of the land.
It is important to protect the intermittent streams - as
tributaries to Cardinia Reservoir and as habitat for
native animals.
In collaboration with many others, Cardinia Shire
Council, Melbourne Water, Hogan Park Committee
of Management, Emerald Primary School and Peter
McCallum Hospital, the members and friends of Johns
Hill Landcare Group have assisted with cleaning up
rubbish, weeding, planning and revegetation. Most
recently, a grant from the Victorian Department of
Health and Human Services, will contribute to the
planting of a number of blackwoods to shade the
walking path at strategic intervals.
Vegetation in 2014
Johns Hill Landcare Group
24
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
www.johnshill.org
W
ho uses a nail gun at 7am!? I was lying on my
bed daydreaming, because the builders on the
construction site next door had rendered sleep
impossible. The past threw its lasso over my imagination and
pulled me back to that night. I didn’t realise what had caused
it until a few minutes later; the song on the construction site’s
radio had changed to David Bowie’s Heroes and for once
I wasn’t murderous it was on max volume. It was the same
song that had played on the way to the walk, and not even
the nail gun’s interruptions could steal the smile from my
face.
I sat in the passenger seat as the car engine gurgled and
chugged its way forward. The neon blue of Julian’s radio
(one of the more expensive parts of his car) shone in the
afternoon. We started slowing down and rounding bends
more often. Nature was forcing us to take our time and give
her the attention she deserved. Where the road had once
carved its way forward it now twirled, making way for what
was there first. As we neared Emerald, man’s dominance
was further subdued. The trees hunched over the road like
skeleton fingers, ready to reach down and grab our car as it
passed under them. It was a town near the end of the train
line where people you walked past greeted you genuinely.
We pulled into a vacant park at the Scout Hall. ‘Heroes’
halted mid verse as Jules flicked the switch and I struggled
to wind the window up. “At least this car saves you from
going to the gym.” Jules laughed and we began our walk.
We turned away from the streetlights down a course that
ran parallel to the railway. Puffing Billy passed us at one
point, its steam billowing upwards to join the clouds. It all
suited, the old train, the walking path and nature brimming
over its borders beside us. Then we came out to the valley
and realised how small we were. A huge expanse stretched
out and we could see the city lights winking from the
horizon. We made our way down the footpath, the railway
to our left and park to our right. The conversation we shared
was punctured by intervals of taking in the surroundings. A
hobbyist stood in the open park flying a model aircraft and
below him, at the bottom of the valley was the beginning
of a brook. We sat down at a park bench and Jules pulled
out a lighter he’d found. The bruising sky furthered into night
as the flame wrestled with the wind. We were alone in the
park now, feeling small but content. We told stories from our
childhood and laughed and smiled. A moment shared like
this is a moment remembered. We made our way back to
the car amid promises to return, sealing a memory that now
makes my nail gun alarm bearable.
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
25
Mental Health Awareness
Let’s call it Anxiety
By Hita Mistry | Clinical & Forensic Psychologist
Emerald Psychology Practice
I
t comes when you least expect it. It comes when you least
want it. You don’t like it and you don’t want it but you
can’t get rid of it…they call it anxiety.
You might wonder where it came from and how it’s
managed to get such a strong grip? You try and think about
a time when it wasn’t part of your life because, for as long
as you can remember, it’s always been there…it might have
started out manageable, not interfering too much with life
but over the years it might have taken over…dictating
where you can go or can’t go, who you can speak to or
not, what you can wear and the list goes on. You might feel
totally out of control when it gets a hold and feel hopeless
about the prospect of ever living life without it. The good
news is, this is a very treatable condition. The bad news
is, it’s your creation…it’s a combination of your thoughts,
bodily sensations, feelings and behaviour. The interaction
of these escalates and perpetuates the condition. Over
time and through avoidance, the message that keeps
getting reinforced is that people, places and situations are
frightening and make you feel uncomfortable so avoidance
is a way to deal with it. The more you avoid, the bigger the
problem grows and soon it can start to feel like you can’t do
much at all. We call it anxiety. You don’t have to live with
this and you certainly don’t have to accept it.
Psychologists are professionals that can help you
understand and overcome this condition. There is now
incontrovertible evidence that shows this condition is
treatable so empower yourself to do something different.
Graeme Legge with family David, Jenny and Craig
C
FA celebrating the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary was an
opportune time for Life Member, Graeme Legge, to
have been presented with his sixty-five year Service
Award. Congratulations Graeme.
26
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
SES NEEDS OUR HELP TO
RAISE $118,000
W
By Dale Frankland
e’ve had some wild weather over the last few
weeks with winds of over 100kmph causing
mayhem all over the district. Crews have been
kept very busy clearing driveways, roads and trees off
properties.
One unfortunate couple in Belgrave, expecting their
first child in six weeks, were rudely awakened by a tree
crashing through their house, making it uninhabitable. Our
members helped get important items out of the house and
got their vehicles moved. We also arranged temporary
accommodation for the couple until their insurance was
sorted out. Luckily no one was hurt.
Several cars were crushed under falling trees which is
another reminder to park cars away from trees in strong
winds.
A huge gum tree closed Belgrave-Gembrook Road at
Menzies Creek and stopped the bus from getting through.
On the bus was a young girl on her way home not realising
Daddy, one of our members, was on the scene removing
the tree!
Fingers crossed as I write this that we haven’t seen any
snow in the hills yet this winter. This may be a sad thing
for the young and young at heart but for the emergency
services it is certainly a blessing.
We continued our bonding with other local emergency
services with a joint training exercise with Macclesfield
CFA. They showed the SES what they can do with their
large animal rescue techniques, whilst we went through
how they can help us at a road accident.
Five members attended Selby CFA and showcased our
main rescue truck and again spoke about how we can
work together at an incident.
Fundraising is back in the spotlight with Emerald SES
needing to raise $100,000 to fund a replacement storm
rescue truck. Our current vehicle is 16 years old and has
passed its safe working life. It was bought by the unit
through the assistance of community raised funds.
The total cost of the new vehicle is $218,000 and
Emerald SES are currently seeking a $100,000 grant from
the Victorian Government. This still leaves us with $118,000
to raise.
There have been many enhancements in the design
and manufacture of rescue vehicles as well as trucks in
general over the last 15 years. This new truck will bring us
up to date in safety and features.
Please visit
https://everydayhero.com.au/event/emeraldsesrescuetruck
On Election Day, our members manned the barbecue at
Bunnings in Pakenham and raised a whopping $1300 towards
the truck. Vibe Gym are holding their now annual Tour de
France fundraiser at the end of the month.
Emerald SES are always on the lookout for new recruits
whether you want to be operational or not. If you could see
yourself in orange or just want to keep up to date with what’s
happening with your local SES like and look at us on Facebook
or visit the website www.ses.vic.gov.au and stay safe.
Matt Megarry
Building
Local Builder
Matt Hames-Megarry
Window Coatings for
Summer & Winter
(DBU 21866)
0433 066 922
DECKS
CARPORTS
Insulations Coatings
Solar Control
PERGOLAS
One way Privacy
EXTENSIONS
Decorative Frost
RENOVATIONS BATHROOMS
Children Protection
GENERAL CARPENTRY
Contact Leo at 0422 370 892
 glamatint@gmail.com
30 years experience
home | office | shop
A001391
mhames@y7mail.com
w w w. g l a m a t i n t . c o m . a u
ADVERTISE HERE
For Local Work - Buy and
Sell - Positions Vacant Public Notices
FIREWOODFREE
- VERY DRY SPLIT WOOD
DELIVERY
***
email: woodysbuilders@outlook.com
A001623
0409 404 611
A001631
5968
3165
Ryan’s
Stump
Removal
Stuart Wood HANDYMAN
0408 560 176
Home Repairs
'No Job Too Small'
***
Local Gum $100m3 or Red Gum $170m3
A001546
Gas Ducted Heating
Small Garden Jobs
Split Systems
Lic 43330
Evaporative Cooling
Ducted Refridgeration
Add On Air Conditioning
No Interest Ever Payment Plan
Jason: 0417 310 049
Gavin: 0417 586 620
2-8 Main Road, Monbulk
• Rural Fencing
• Specializing in horse
properties
Servicing Cardinia, Yarra Ranges
and Knox Councils
• Farm maintenance
treeprofessional.com.au
A001658
Full Public Liability/Professional Indemnity Insurance
Please call Cam
0412749381
facebook.com/completefarm
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
A001712
• Lime & fertilizer
spreading
Call Patrick 0431 749 136
27
A001580
PATO’S
Carpentry
Service
Wayne Paternoster
Qualified Carpenter/Builder
General Carpentry . Home
. Commercial . Investment
or Rental Properties
Maintenance . Fencing .
Animal Enclosures . Decking
. Verandahs . Pergolas
Book YOUR
Advertising
NOW
Call Jackie
Pinkster
5968 9710
mob: 0408 050 938
hm:
5968 2855
waynepato@gmail.com
Mob:
0400 647 111
Licence No. 15348
Serving Emerald District for over 40 Years
I.R. & G Woodhouse,
5 Sherriff Road, Emerald, Vic, 3782
Ph. (03) 5968
3334 Fx. (03) 5968 6821
Mobile 0408 335 077
Buddy’s Mini Bus Service
No need for a designated driver, let Buddy’s drive
you and your friends to an event or destination of
your choice. We are flexible and will work with you
to organise your next group outing.
Ph: 0488 411 488
28
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
buddysbus@bigpond.com
Domestic & Commercial
Installation & Maintenance
Sewerage Connections - Septic Tanks
Storm Water Drains - Drain Blockages
Hot Water Service Repairs & Renewals,
Spouting, Roofing Repairs & Installation,
Gas Fitting
A001386
PLUMBING CONTRACTOR
• Concert Groups
• Personalised Tours
• Restaurant Pick-Up
and Return
• Convention Shuttles
A001575
• Airport & Ship Shuttles
• Weddings
• Sporting Events
• Race Days
• Theatre Trips
BATHROOM
RENOVATIONS
SPECIALIST
Plumbing and Tiling
0401 888 194
A001714
Trevor Heath
CHIMNEY & FLUE CLEANING
EMERALD TRACTOR SERVICES
General Property Maintenance
Flue Cleaning $100
Chimney Cleaning $120
Chimney Dampers from $340 fitted
Local Tradesman Tecoma
Phone Peter
0418 339690 A/H 9752 6543
“Friendly, Local, Reliable Service”
4 Wheel Drive, Front End Loader, Compact Tractor.
Paddocks /Grass Slashing, Rotary Hoeing, Landscaping.
Post Hole Digging for Fence Posts, Retaining Walls and Mature Tree Planting,
Driveways Graded and Recovered, Gravel / Soil and Mulch spread.
Maintenance to Fences and Gates, General Property Cleanups, Rubbish removed.
Christian Studham
0431 151 787
or Email :
chimneys@ozemail.com.au
www. antennatom .com
TV points TV tuning
Home Theatre
Email: emeraldtractor@gmail.com
Premium Quality Cricket
Bats made from Australian
Grown English Willow
0412 236 592
Licensed Telco Technician FAULTS ADSL DATA VOIP
M: 0411
208 201
A001635
Personalised . Hand Made
Teenage to Adult Sizing
Quality . Local Product
35 Emerald Lake Road, Emerald
andrew@yarravalleybatcompany.com.au
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
29
400 Belgrave Gembrook Rd
Emerald VIC 3782
gembrook
VETERINARY CLINIC
EMERGENCY
DIAL 000
Dr Tom Cook
Phone:
5968 1888
Mobile:
0422 805 299
POLICE
FIRE
AMBULANCE
A000970
Dr Kathy Cook
87 Main Street, Gembrook
Deadline For September is
August 12
editor@signpostmagazine.org.au
5968 2855
30
Signpost - Volume 144 August 2016
Contributors
Ian Ash, Beryl Bartacek,
Dick
Bartley,
Adrienne
Bray, Chris Britton, Tanya
Burmeister, Jan Cheshire,
Sandra
Cleave,
Day
Gowland, Ilana Hoffman,
Brynne Hyman, Graeme
Legge, Ashlyn McMahon,
Maria
Millers,
Andrew
Rayment, Gail Pinchbeck,
Jackie
Pinkster,
Perry
Vlahos, Brenda Webb, Nick
Gale, Ash Jamieson, Dale
Frankland, Hita Mistry
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
9429 1833
ANGLISS HOSPITAL
9764 6111
ECHO YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES Inc
5968 4460
GAMBLING HELPLINE
1800 060 757
LIFELINE COUNSELLING SERVICE
13 11 14
POISONS INFORMATION CENTRE
13 11 26
SES FLOOD STORM EMERGENCY
13 25 00
SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS LINE
9594 2289
SOUTH EAST DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICE
8792 2330
ST. MARK'S CHURCH
5968 4046
SUICIDE HELPLINE
1300 651 251
VICTIMS OF CRIME
1800 819 817
VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE INFO LINE
1800 240 667
WOMEN'S DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS
1800 015 188
BELL
bell
REAL ESTATE
at bell we listen
Looking for Year 7 in 2018?
Come to our Year 7 Open Morning,
Wednesday 10 August, 9.00am
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