Issue #53
Transcription
Issue #53
Proudly published by APRIL / MAY 2014 Issue 53 The Smell of Success in a small town called Yackandandah ABN: 58 129 541 706 Visit our Town’s Tourist Information website, call in at the Old Post Office, and make sure you take your visitors there. There are some great people there to help you uniqueyackandandah.com.au YACKITY YAK Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down Yackity Yak is a free bimonthly publication aimed at providing news, entertainment and information to the people of Yackandandah. A new section in Yackity Yak - just a quick run down of what’s going on good and bad. Yackity Yak is published by YCDCo (Yackity Yak) Pty Ltd. and 1200 copies of Yackity Yak are printed with each release with a minimum of 900 copies distributed free of charge to homes in the Yackandandah and surrounding area via Australia Post. CONTACT DETAILS: Editor / Advertising / Printing / Accounts Ali Pockley Yackity Yak C/- Yackandandah Post Office, High Street, Yackandandah VIC 3749 Ph: 0448 803 411 E-mail: yackity_yak@yackandandah.com Web: www.uniqueyackandandah.com.au To Kevin Poyner for having faith in his vision to provide Yackandandah and local artists and craftspeople with a new home and another income stream to Yack following the Shire’s flawed decision to remove 1/3 of previously Yackbased staff to Beechworth. See page 8. To the Yack Historical Society and Museum for the opening of their great new storage area. Considering everything that this group has had thrown at it since the fire in December 2006 which destroyed much of the original High Street building, they have done a magnificent job in getting back on their feet. Their storage now will provide additional space for many years to come - eat your heart out, the Burke Museum! See page 21. The Yack Folk Festival for providing us with another great weekend of music and delights. The Festival Choir continues to grow and is attracting everincreasing numbers of singers to its ranks - from age 3 - 90 years! See page 5. YACKITY YAK - 2014 DEADLINES: To the Shire and Matt Charles-Jones for providing a Solar Energy Forum to look at the possibilities of Yack becoming the first solar town of Indigo. To YCDCo for helping this look remotely like a possibility. See page 13. Forthcoming deadlines for submission of advertisements and articles for the Yackity Yak are 5pm on the following days: Ron Boulton became the Champion of Champions for the Ovens and Murray Region on Saturday, 8th March. See the article on page 26. Issue 54 - June/July - Monday, 12th May, 2014 Issue 55 - August/September - Monday, 14th July, 2014 Issue 56 - October/November - Monday 8th September, 2014 Issue 57 - December/January - Monday, 10th November, 2014 Linda Fish who was one of a very small select group of artists chosen to exhibit sculpture and take workshops at the Lorne Sculpture Biennale during March. See page 16. Please note that all advertising must be paid in full prior to that issue deadline. We can make no exceptions. To the Yack Shack AKA the Men’s Shed, for attending the Yack Folk Festival’s community parade on the Friday of the Folk Festival Weekend & providing lollies to the children in the crowds watching. All new advertisements or alterations to current advertisements must be submitted one business week (5 days) before the deadline. THUMBS DOWN As per media law requirements, no advertisements can be printed without a current, completed and signed booking slip. Please contact the Editor for the booking slip. Would you like to advertise in Yackity Yak? We are always keen to attract advertisers for this great community paper. It has a circulation of 1,200 and is delivered free of charge every two months. It’s also available at the following outlets: * YCDCo * Visitor Info Centre *Doctors’ Surgeries *Indigo Shire Council *YCEN *Yack PO *Yack Newsagency It’s a great way to get your message across to the Yack community and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Speak with Ali if you would like to advertise & we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Tel. 0448 803 411 or email: yackity_yak@yackandandah.com 2 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 To Yack Health for running the workshop on Grief and Suicide after Yack was rocked by the death of a much loved member of our community. To everyone connected with the Yack Community Garden - there were a number of false starts and some “nay sayers”, but the proof of the pudding etc..... Well done all of you - it looks just fantastic and the opening was a blast. See page 7. Yackity Yak wishes to advise that the views and or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of Yackity Yak editorial or production staff, and no endorsement or service is implied by the listing of advertisers or contributors. Although every effort is taken in reproducing and printing advertisements correctly, we take no responsibility for errors. ARE YOU A YACK BASED BUSINESS, OR DO YOU SERVE THE YACK AREA? THUMBS UP To the people that use and abuse our lovely recreation spots - see the letter on page 22. If you won’t look after these places, then please don’t bother to visit them. To the weather that broke just hours before the Yack Folk Festival and certainly threw the Editor into conniptions when she saw several plumes of smoke from the Brewers Road end of the Leneva/Indigo Valley area, and then the area was buzzing with helicopters and planes waterbombing the fire which was fired by ferocious winds for about an hour. Yack also had lightning strikes that kept several of the local brigades busy from about 1.30 pm on Friday, 21st March. We did all love the rain tho’ really! The Yack Shack AKA the Men’s Shed for not saving enough lollies for the children taking part in the Yack Folk Festival’s community parade and reducing them to tears - planning, boys, planning! 0407 424 501 Magical Ceremonies for that special day Weddings Renewal of Vows Baby Naming Angela Bishop Civil Marriage Celebrant Ph: 0416 171 488 Email: abishop2@optusnet.com.au Website: magical ceremonies.com.au 330 Ben Valley Lane, Yackandandah, VIC 3749 dkclark@bigpond.com 330 Ben Valley Lane, Yackandandah, VIC 3749 dkclark@bigpond.com A Ramble with the Editor Every edition I sit down to do my editorial & enjoy sifting out what to write about, but never have I had just SO much to celebrate! What this township and its community have achieved since the last edition of Yackity Yak completely blows me away. There is masses to celebrate in this edition, and whilst people have not wanted retrospectives, there is just masses to report on, and rmore than one reason to celebrate and raise a glass or two to. Yack has certainly kept the Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, incredibly busy over the last few weeks commencing with the opening of the Yack Museum’s newly improved storage faciltiies was a great affair, and It is no mean feat for a small organisation to raise funds for this type of infrastructure - it is in itself not very “sexy”, and so the Historical Society and all connected it with it have done a phenomenal job in raising the money to get this long overdue project completed - well done to everyone. Yack Museum now has more storage space for its artifacts than the Burke Museum in Beechworth, so you can see what a great job has been carried out by the dedicated volunteers who work so hard for recording Yack’s history. The formal opening of the Community Garden was another great event for Yack. Another completely different group of people have worked incredibly hard on a project that had a rather rocky start in seeking a venue, but once this was overcome with great help from the Shire and various staff from the Council, this great collaboration was off and flying. Special mention has to go to Lee-Anne Benson, Project Coordinator, and Judy Davis, Manager of YCEN, who have both put in huge amounts of work on this project to see this garden flourish and have a wonderful community opening in March. Then moving straight onto the Solar Forum, again with assistance from the Shire, which will kickstart Yack into seriously investigating the possiblities of the township investing in green energy and helping to reduce the reliance that the town has in brown coal generated electricity. It was standing room only at the Forum which only goes to show what interest and concern there is about our electricty source. Watch this space for progress. The 17th Yackandandah Folk Festival has just finished as I type this, and another great event it was too. It seems to just get bigger and better. Tickets were in great demand, and the wet start to the Friday only served to raise people’s spirits as a some much needed rain fell over Yack and the local area. Very inspiring to see so many people having fun, and by all accounts, the Sal Kimber gig on Saturday night was a great dancing event! Kevin Poyner, whose Yack Station project was formally launched by Cathy McGowan on the Saturday of the Festival, has to be congratulated in choosing to invest in Yackandandah as a new home for his and Geoff’s architectural practice and for the vision in providing artists and craftspeople with a new venue in Yack. We all know what the financial situation globally has been over the past few years, and it’s wonderful to see what has been built at the Yack Station. I urge you all to go and see what’s happening up there. Well - I will now draw breath... well done, Yack - what a place! ALI POCKLEY, Editor The Way of the Cross Good Friday Yackandandah The Combined Christian Churches of Yackandandah invite you to accompany them in this celebration on Good Friday, 18th April. We will assemble outside the Lutheran Church in Wellsford Street at 10.30 am. The group will process down and up the High Street and conclude with Morning Tea at the Uniting Church in Hammond Street. CHORAL SINGERS are invited to participate in a people’s presentation of Stainer’s “Crucifixion” on 12 April at St Matthew’s Church, Albury and 13 April, 2014 at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Wangaratta. For an information sheet and to register your interest, email John Scott at bellenden2@bigpond.com.au or phone 0412 828 923. Connecting Rural Business Women Conference Sunday 4th & Monday 5th May, 2014 in Beechworth Over 20 workshops to choose from. Registration includes all meals and workshops. Be part of our environment of warmth, celebration, collaboration and encouragement Visit our website for all the details and to register : connectingruralbusinesswomen.com.au WAW Expand Yack’s Banking Services Smaller regional towns have often seen a decline in banking services with devastating effects on local businesses. However, in Yackandandah and Corryong WAW Credit Union has gone against this trend by expanding their banking services. This month a new WAW service centre opened in Yackandandah replacing the much smaller one that had operated from the Indigo Shire Offices whilst in Corryong, WAW will now be opening on Saturday mornings. WAW Deputy CEO Mr Michael Mack was pleased too with the improved banking arrangements in both towns. ‘We have always been committed to providing banking services where they are needed. Much as in Chiltern where we opened a new service centre in 1993 after the last of the major banks closed their doors, we endeavour to support smaller towns by providing full banking services.’ ‘We have totally renovated an old real estate building at 17 High St to create the new Yackandandah service centre. It means we can employ an additional staff member, install a new radiate and provide a full time loans officer. It is a significant investment by WAW in Yackandandah and we expect it will encourage people to conduct more business in the town.” ‘In Corryong we have responded to our customer requests for Saturday trading. At this stage we are trialling the increased hours for 3 months but fully expect that it will become a permanent arrangement. Again it means that we are investing more resources in a regional town,’ said Mr Mack. WAW has been part of the community since 1956 and is a customer owned financial institution. April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 3 The untimely death of Tristan Short has shaken the Yack township, and Yackity Yak has received many emails and calls regarding this. A session on Grief and Suicide was put on recently by our thoughtful Yackandandah Health which will help support people coming to terms with Tristan’s death. DEATHS The funeral service for Mr. Tristan Douglas Short was held at the Yackandandah Sports Park on Wednesday, 26th February 2014 at 2.00 pm. At the conclusion of the service, the cortege left for the Yackandandah Cemetery. The Colours of the Rainbow People grow up and move away, Time passes by without delay. Love is lost or taken away, Innocence is stolen away. People contacting us were keen to ensure that the subject of suicide is not swept under the table and ignored, but brought into the public domain for discussion and support, so that we can try and ensure that people who are in need of help are heard and supported in our community. Karen Young sent in the poem “The Colours of the Rainbow” as she felt she needed to express her sorrow and feelings and it is printed in full - thank you Karen. The statistics for suicide are not good, however there are many organisations such as Lifeline (Tel: 13 11 14), Beyond Blue (Tel: 1300 224 636), Kids Help Line (1800 551 800 ) who are always there at the end of a telephone, and a much needed Headspace Centre is planned for Albury-Wodonga. We understand that people will be very raw from their recent loss of Tristan and now is not quite the time to put together an article on how Yack can help support people who may be requiring support, but we will certainly look at this later on in the year. There are no words to adequately express the loss of a loved person, particularly in these circumstances, but Yackity Yak and everyone connected with the paper send their deepest condolences to Tristan’s family. Hearts mend or are torn apart And with the loneliness you sit in the dark. You feel alone and there is no way out, You try to be heard to be only shut out. Ali Pockley, Editor You need a friend or a helping hand, But all you find is no one around. Silence is lurking around, in the dark With an aching body, you’re a lost spark. Surrounded by evil and horrible thoughts, “Could someone please save me from these horrible taunts” The evil is close, but I’ll try not to obey To only find solace in my own dismay. Then finally you think you’re finally through. You think it’s all over…You’re done…dusted, I’ve had enough that’s true. Just when you think there is no hope to be found A little ray in sunshine starts to be found. Things start to get better, you feel kinder and new And the thought of suicide could never come true. Then blue turns to yellow then orange and green The colours of the rainbow become brighter and clearer then you have ever seen. Sometimes in life the moments become blue, But if you hang on and keep in there, the colours change too. Karen Young Ya c k L i o n s C l u b Lions’ Club Sunday Market Dates for 2014 Garages & Sheds Patios & Carports hallidaysolicitors@bigpond.com Commercial Industrial Foxy Ladies Beauty Salon For all your waxing, nails & body treatments. Call Robyn for an appointment on 4 0407 865 788 19 High St Yackandandah Yackity Yak April / May 2014 02 6024 3333 Your locally licensed, authorised and ShedSafe Accredited Ranbuild Sheds and Centenary Patios dealer Mitch Huon & Terri Manderson Proud sponsors of Yackandandah Folk Festival and members of Yack Lions 20th April 18th May 15th June 20th July 17th August 21st September 19th October 16th November 21st December 1 7 t h Ya c k a n d a n d a h F o l k F e s t i v a l The Arts Yackandandah Community Choir continue to wow their audiences with a great program including a choral suite composed by Kavisha Mazzella, a performer at this year’s Festival The Good Neighbour is here to help you holiday with peace of mind d an ar adi e h n Di epp g Ca arlie h n S C-i Ch M ger t.... sin our A’C An o wo ther r t A b h of great vol ig tha ente year r ’ ma untee nk yo tainm s k e u of c e th r wo to a ent. i har ours s Fes rker ll the sw e in tiv d a me wo h mb rki cludi l pos o ers ng c ng t sibl e, . om he mi tte e t ga ed rke e a ud es Slu on l a c e Th day M s to b d & in harl h Art ur C o u S n tinue w car own d wit ercol t! t n n a r w a r e o o u c d &o cr ng w vem e e g hu kers ng th eati e pa r s bu tivati n - c on th u gic p R a c the ma Since starting Furry Friends Home Care, Leanne de Hennin has been providing valuable home and pet care services for local residents in Yackandandah and surrounding areas, and is excited to introduce a new name for her business – The Good Neighbour. “We are passionate about providing convenience and peace of mind with personalised services that clients can trust and rely on. We care for your pets in their own environment where they are most comfortable, and look after your home so that it’s like you never even left,” says Leanne. Leanne is experienced in caring “Coming home from a holiday, the last thing you need to worry about is an empty fridge or what to make for dinner. So, we also ensure you come home to fresh milk, bread and eggs, and of course we can also pick up anything else you might need.” The Good Neighbour - Leanne de Hennin with one of her customers! for beloved pets of all shapes and sizes, but also ensures homes and gardens are well maintained when clients are away on holidays or are unable to look after them - just like a good neighbour would do. It is due to the popular demand for the expanding range of home and garden services that Furry Friends Home Care has become The Good Neighbour, in order to better reflect all the home and pet care services on offer. The Good Neighbour enquiries and bookings can be made online at thegoodneighbour.com.au or by contacting Leanne on 0411 496 062. Holidays can be very busy times for The Good Neighbour so if you are planning on a holiday, it is a good idea to book in as early as possible. Furry Friends Home Care service now has a new name & a fresh, new look... The Good Neighbour provides exceptional, personalised care for your treasured home, pets & garden when you are out of town or unable to look after them yourself. School holidays & Easter are just around the corner, so book now to avoid disappointment! T: W: Leanne de Hennin - 0411 496 062 thegoodneighbour.com.au Don’t forget to ‘Like’ us on Facebook! April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 5 Process Orientated Psychotherapy & Holistic Counselling or Process Work Ya c k a n d a n d a h C FA The local district has been fortunate in not having any serious wild-fires this Summer, due in some respects, to a lack of thunderstorms and consequent lightning strikes. These have been a major cause of fire alerts in past Summers. However, Brigade members have been generous in volunteering their time at fires in other districts such as Wunghnu and Wallan. The tanker also saw service at these fires. Its return to the station necessitated an extensive working bee by members to restore it to a clean and serviceable condition. The Brigade expresses its appreciation to those who gave their time on strike teams at the recent fires. Thanks also to those who help behind the scenes at the station. Their assistance is invaluable. Restrictions- Fire restrictions are still in force at the time of writing, despite the cooler weather and some showers. During the fire danger period you cannot burn off outside without a permit from CFA and the Shire. This includes bonfires. Brochures on this topic are readily available at the Fire Station. How can you tell when fire restrictions are no longer in force? A sign is suspended at the front of the Fire Station through the fire danger period. It will not be out after the fire danger period is over, so look for it as you drive past the Station. If in doubt, the Shire can advise the status of restrictions. The Brigade can often experience a busy period after restrictions are removed, when people get a bit careless with burning accumulated rubbish. Whenever you burn off, be sure to have checked that it is legal to do so. Ensure you have adequate equipment and personnel on hand.Fires do frequently escape despite the ‘she’ll be right’ attitude of those who lit the match. BE PREPARED, TO BE SAFE!! Training - With the change of seasons, the Brigade is reviewing how it reacts to fires in buildings. The Brigade training recently included a walk along High Street to assess the risks posed by the heritage streetscape. This was to assess some of the strategies and plans in place to combat structure fires. More details about Winter risks will be articulated in the next edition of Yackity Yak. Good Friday - the Good Friday appeal will proceed again at Easter with the fire units canvassing the town for donations. If one doesn’t pass by your place, your donation can be given to any brigade member or left with a local business. Keep these numbers on hand, and discuss fire safety with everyone in your household. To report a fire Burn-off Notification Bushfire Information Line CFA Web Site 000 1800 668 511 1800 240 667 www.cfa.vic.gov.au A big name for a simple and deeply respectful process! Developed by physicist and Jungian analyst Arnold Mindell in the 1970’s, this modality develops awareness by following and opening what is happening; what your experience is right now. Through discovering how and what you are identifying with and how you are experiencing this, you can gain a deeper understanding of aspects of yourself and your life that you know less about. My role is to assist you in this process of discovery, hence the name - Process Work. The model is holistic; holistic comes from the Greek word, 'holos’, meaning 'whole' or 'complete'. The interconnectedness of the body, mind and spirit can be reflected in the quality of wellness and happiness you have in your life. Given we are all learning as we journey through our lives, holistic counselling aims to support you to find understanding, peace and wellbeing. Each session varies depending on what works best or you and what unfolds. If you would like to find out more or to make a booking please contact: Paula Mobach Phone: 0447 271 331. Email - paula.mobach@ gmail.com Congratulations and Thanks to our Firies Simon Cavini along with other members of the Yack CFA, was awarded the National Emergency Medal at a ceremony at the Cube in Wodonga on Friday 14th March. These medals were awarded to local CFA volunteers who gave extensive service in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. We can be very proud of everyone that gave freely of their skills and time to help others in the fires that devastated parts of Victoria. Thanks to a very proud mum, Gena Cavini for providing us with the details and the photograph of her son, Simon, and thanks again to our firies Digital Antenna Installations/Service, DIGITAL ANTENNAS Specialising in difficult reception areas, who were out and about on Folk Festival FULLY INSTALLED Satellite and VAST installations, Friday when lightning strikes at Allans FROM $280 Five year warranty on all work. Flat and in the Indigo Valley saw massive FREE QUOTES resources thrown at several fires. Quick action and a torrential fall of rain helped keep these fires under control or completey extinguished. It makes us realise how difficult life would be without our volunteer firies. Thanks guys and girls... 6 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Ants are so much like human beings as to be an embarrasment. They farm fungi, raise aphids as livestock, launch armies into war, use chemicalsprays to alarm and confuse enemies, capture slaves, engage in child labour, exchange information ceaselessly. They do everything but watch television. Lewis Thomas (1913-1993), American doctor, poet and science writer OWLYOUNEEDISYOU Oriental Psychology Counselling Mariagrazia Bellio 0438 99 46 36 FREE QUOTES Yackandandah Corryong, Walwa, Khancoban and areas and surrounding surrounding areas 0422 374 930 Phil Packer Website pdiantennas.com.au email: ppacker@pdinstallations.com.au A journey of a thousands miles begins with the first step – Lao Tzu - YACKANDANDAH COMMUNITY EDUCATION NETWORK INC (YCEN) ABN: 42 829 681 329 PO Box 702 Yackandandah 3749 Tel: 02 6027 1743 Email: ycen@yackandandah.com Web Site: ycen.org.au Opening hours Tues, Wed 9am to 5pm, Thurs 9am to 4pm (Occasionally changes to these times are necessary) Yackandandah sows seeds to garden success Yackandandah’s Community Garden project was developed with the support of the Helen McPherson Smith Trust, Sustainable Gardening Australia and the Yackandandah Community Education Network Inc (YCEN), and has taken almost 12 months to take shape. The garden was officially opened by Dr Phillip Moors AO, Trustee of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust and Bruce Plain, President of Sustainable Gardening Australia. Thanks must also go to the local Into Our Hands Community Foundation, represented at the opening by Ali Pockley, whose recently received grant for “Cooking Up a Community”, funded a BBQ, pizza oven and preserving table which will enable the community garden to have food preserving workshops and be able to impart knowledge of preserving to its members. The garden team enjoyed downing its gardening tools and celebrating its progress. The opening was a good opportunity for members of the community to learn more about the benefits of being involved with the community garden which is for everyone, whether they have a green thumb or not. It is planned that this will be a hub for fun, educational workshops in gardening, food preparation and other associated skills, as well as a great place to meet like-minded people, share gardening knowledge, and access a library of Permaculture literature. It’s an amazing transformation - from an under-utilised grassed area, to a terraced, easily accessible garden of raised beds teeming with vegetables, with water tanks, a shade structure, and some terrific gabion (rock wall) features. The Community Garden has only been possible thanks to the funding from the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust, Sustainable Gardening Australia, the coordination of Lee-Anne Benson, the knowledge and experience of Les Keeble and the hard work of a wide range of community members, who have gathered each week to carry rocks, shape garden beds, shovel horse manure and compost, and plant and water - rain, hail or 40-plus degree heat. any of the following activities? Cheese Making, Knife Sharpening, Responsible Serving of Alcohol, First Aid, Food Handling. If you do, please join others we have registered and register your interest by emailing ycen@yackandandah. com or ringing 6027 1743 or coming in to the Community Centre any Tues, Wed or Thursday. We need to have minimum numbers before we can run the activity. If you have any ideas for activities you would like to see available, please let us know. Community Guinness World Record Yackandandah Community Op Shop Celebrations. The Yack Op continues to thrive and involve a selection of volunteers from Yack and the surrounding area. ²² Yoga with Julie Klose, We are continually getting supplies Wednesday’s 9.45 am – and of excellent quality goods to sell and 6pm- 7pm, Court House, $10 we would like to thank everyone per session. that donates items and, of course, ²² Zumba with Jenn Clarke, our volunteers without whom this Thursdays 10-11am, Public Hall, just would not happen! $10 per session. Our first ²² Designing a Business Facebook anniversary Page - due to the success of this has been and two day course, other sessions gone now, will be arranged in the near and here is future. a photo of ²² Fabric Art (create your own some of the patchwork material designs wonderful and silk scarf), starting in Term volunteers 2, three four hour workshops, who make $40 member $50 non-member. the Shop Bookings are being taken now. such a great success. ²² Community Garden; If you are Current Activities at YCEN interested in being involved just let us know, we will be posting notices on the Community Notice Board and at the Garden of future events and activities. like to pass on their sincere thanks for the input of everyone into the Op Shop. The YCEN Committee of Management would also Our certificate for the record breaking ‘Longest Line of Bunting’ has been received and this will be displayed in the Community Centre Foyer once it has been framed. Again, another great community project which saw a range of people, community groups and businesses in the area coming together to see this project through to a triumphant conclusion. Left to right, top row to bottom row: Chris Szirom, Pauline Cook, Margaret Jansen, Libby Schmidt, Rose O’Keefe Expressions of Interest. Would you like to take part in There will be another project to fill the void, Yackity Yak understands! You might just need to have a little bit of patience whilst this is assessed and then the secret will be divulged. Congratulations again to all involved with this project. Educational Tutor, Counsellor & Consultant (NSW & Victoria) • All subject areas and grades • Children and adults individually • Public speaking Round Bale Hay & Silage, Cut, Rake & Bale Jann Stewart Krone Variable Chamber with Knives & Inoculant Applicator Hay Cartage and Stacking Available (7m Tipping Tray) Tractor Hire with Operator Slashing We do regular visits to Yackandandah for house calls and farm visits. Call us to discuss how we can help keep your animals healthy. Ph.D, M.Ed, M.Sp.Ed, B.Ed, DipT, Th.C (Hons) Tel: 0416 634 844 j.stewart@outlook.com.au Weed Spraying, Hand & Boom Liquid Fertiliser Application (organic) Fencing Contact Jonathan McAlister 0409811943 ABN 43 398 789 084 April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 7 THE OPENING OF KEV’S SHED Ya c k O l d Ti m e D a n c e G ro u p 2014 has seen the YOTDG get off to a good start. Our first public dance for the year was on the 8th February with a band from Sale in Gippsland, namely Bak 2 Bak and this dance was very well attended. we dance through till 11.00pm. On these evenings people attending bring a plate of supper along to share and, of course, everybody has a good time. We’re always looking for new people to come along and they’re Our class nights on a Tuesday have made very welcome. Our surplus seen good number turning up. On funds go to worthy causes to which Tuesday 04 March, fifty six people we’ve attended and donated this is very many tens of encouraging thousands of to the dollars over Committee. the years. There are So, if there’s a lot of anybody out people out there who there, I’m would like to sure, who get involved, would like please come to participate A great evening at the YOTDG as they trip the light along and, in this very fantastic to Bak 2 Bak from Gippsland as I’ve said, social and you’ll be enjoyable made very pastime and welcome. Dancing also makes you the good thing about it is the great entertainment value for so little cost. fit and keeps you that way. We only charge $5.00 for Tuesday nights when we finish at 10.00pm with a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits and on our social evening which is the last Tuesday of each month Come along, we look forward to seeing you. I can be contacted on 6027 1266 Stan Sutherland President What a great project this has been - a combination of serious planning, vision and a brilliant use of recycled materials has finally see Kevin Poyner’s new project up and running. Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan formally opened the building on Saturday, 22nd March before a crowd of some 100 people, and said” this project is a mixture of vision, courage and economics”. Cathy Kevin Poyner, architect and spoke about her family’s long connection motivating force behind the with the area, and how her mother opened Yack Station project the family’s eyes to the arts. Her mother was very good friends with Shirley & John Dermer, and showed how important it was to have arts of works used in everyday living. The Dermer pottery was brought out and used, and was honoured and loved. Cathy also spoke about the Yack Folk Festival and how it has been set up as a festival for the people of Yackandandah, bringing performing and all other arts to the township. She spoke about the importance of what the arts bring to the community and not just in the way of tourism and the local economy. Nuturing what was started by the Dermers is very important and Kevin’s project is another milestone for the arts in Yackandandah. Projects of this size and magnitude do not occur very often in small regional townships, and we will remain grateful to Kevin for planning and building this in our community. It will serve as an inspiration to us all, and will provide some much needed infrastructure for our artists and craftspeople that work locally. Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan AO formally opens the Yack Station Ya c k ’s C o m m u n i t y G a r d e n Whilst YCEN Manager, Judy Davis, has done a great report on the opening of the Community Garden, Yackity Yak could not let this event go without further comment. It has been such an inspiration to see this project reach fruition in so many senses of the word. It had a bit of a tricksy start when two possible sites for the garden were investigated and then for various reasons, came to nought. The Shire, however, have stepped up to the mark and provided a great place which was completely under-utilised, and Planning staff and Jenny Penna, have been marvellous support for YCEN and the Project Coordinator, Lee-Anne Benson. The grant-givers of the project, the Helen McPherson Smith Trust and Sustainable Gardening Australia, made the whole project so Scores of people much easier turned up on the to run, and 15th March for Elaine the official launch, Shallue, and it was evident Project over the couple of Manager for weeks before this SGA was a just how much delight to work was bework with ing put in by the from start to garden volunteers. finish. It is Lee-Anne cracks Early morning preparations for the Community a mean whip but marvellous Garden launch for Yack to be draws no blood, one of only and so people 5 gardens in were more than Victoria that received funding from these pleased to turn a hand to just about everything in the garden. It was also great to see sources, three of which are in the Indi the Beechworth Correctional Centre mob at electorate. WEED CONTROL SPECIALISTS * 25 years experience * Specialising in: Boom Spraying Hand Spraying Pasture Seeding and Fertilising Slashing and mowing—great for fire breaks blog page: yackandandahmuseum.wordpress.com • • • • 8 YackandandaH StorieS eventS & activitieS publicationS reSearcH Service Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Well done to Lee-Anne and Judy and all the Community Garden supporters. Names that spring to mind are Les Keeble, Tim Evans, Neil Padbury, Bev Hoffman, Meagan Vincent and there are many more, but just not enough space. Thank you all ....... Gray’s Farm Friends Yackandandah & District Historical Society Inc. 21 High St Yackandandah 3749 museum@yackandandah.com Open 11am - 4pm in victorian school holidays Wednesday - Sunday during school terms entry by donation the Opening. The work that they were able to put into the Yack Community Garden should not be over-looked. They clearly enjoyed the work that they carried out, and the pride in seeing the launch was more than evident in their faces. It is a double bonus for both the Community Garden and also the men that helped, who are getting close to release back into their own communities, and this type of project helps enormously with easing them into society again. Anthony Gray 0438 598 068 or 02 6027 0606 Call us to improve your land today! For all your home construction requirements New work Extensions & renovations Decks & pergolas Period restoration HIA & Indigo Shire award winning builder “For Classical Quality, see Classical Constructions” Phone 0427 271 647 or 6027 1647 YACKANDANDAH & ALL AREAS Licence No. 415 ABN 19 006 878 824 Builders Reg No. DB-U 22205 Osbornes Flat Primary School It seems like only a couple of weeks ago that we said good-bye to 2013, and here we are heading into March and, thank goodness, some slightly cooler weather. The start of the school year was very, very hot and really tested the stamina of students and staff alike in getting through the day. It’s amazing how much resilience the young ones seem to have to the heat. We did go through a record number of 10-litre water bottles in one week during this period….nine, which is a great sign that the children are well and truly keeping hydrated. competition. This week the Years 4-6 students and three teachers head off to The Great Aussie Holiday Park located near the Wymah Ferry crossing on Lake Hume at Bowna. The weather will be perfect for the great outdoors and water activities that the Park has to offer. In the classroom this term the whole-school integrated studies topic is “The Amazing Race” with a focus on various countries of the world. The Junior Unit (Prep-Year 3) are “visiting” Our 15 new Preps a country from have settled into each continent school life really well and doing many and were very happy activities about to have Wednesdays that country (fact off during February finding, learning to help them adjust to One seriously intrepid student on a new alphabet, full-time schooling. the climbing wall at the 456 Camp making musical All but 4 of the instruments). The Preps are siblings of Year 4-6 students existing students, so what a great are looking at different countries family affair for our school. These from a travel agents perspective, Preps plus a new family have seen learning things about a country our enrolments for 2014 at an allthat they can “sell” to prospective time high of 83!! We maintain our tourists. We think these will be 5 classrooms and continue with our fun and interesting ways for all specialist subjects: Italian, Music our students to gain a greater and Science. We also welcome new understanding of the big, wide staff member, Mrs Tameeka Godde, world that we live in. who is teaching our 4/5 Class. This year our school has introduced We have already had plenty of a program called “Bounce Back” things happening in these first few which is a preventative, wholeweeks of Term 1. school, social and emotional learning program that has been Our Years 3 to 6 students swam at developed to support teachers in the schools swimming sports in the their efforts to promote positive second week of February with 12 whole-school mental health and of these students going on to the wellbeing in students. In particular, district swimming carnival, and to enable students to act resiliently three of these going on to zone when faced with challenges and adversity. The program focuses on classroom strategies and activities that teach positive social and emotional skills. We have decided on “Bounce Back” as it closely aligns with our current school values and the positive social skills that are explicitly taught in the program will support learning in students who struggle in this area whilst reinforcing those skills in students who already have good coping mechanisms. “Bounce Back” revolves around 8 core values which are very closely related to our School’s values: Honesty, Fairness (including Social Justice), Responsibility, Support (being kind, showing care and compassion), Cooperation, Acceptance of differences (accepting, respecting, living with and finding the positive side of differences in others), Respect (for the rights and feelings of others; self-respect), Friendliness and inclusion (being friendly and socially responsible, including others in games, activities and conversations). Our sports focus this term is athletics across the school and the students are having a great time in practicing high, long and triple jump, sprinting, shot put and hurdles. It is great to see even those who are not strong at sport having a real go at each of the events and doing their best. As this issue goes to publication we look forward to the upcoming Yackandandah Folk Festival and our wonderfully successful Baked Potato stall in High Street on Friday night as well as our participation in the street parade. As always, the amazing contribution by our parents and extended family members is so important, not only to the success of our fundraising activities, but to the overall strength of the school community. For further details on enrolments etc., please call Osbornes Flat Primary School on 02 6027 1415. Osbornes Flat Hall PILATES CLASSES: Classes are held in the Hall on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 pm. Cost is $15 per class (casual) or $100 for 10 sessions. Pilates has many benefits – it’s a great way to get fit and keep that important “core” strong! Call Janene on 0423 289 215 if you have any enquiries. HIRE ME! Planning a special event or party? We are a great venue and a popular choice for that special event - family reunions, “milestone” birthdays, engagements and weddings. Our beautiful old hall can seat 80-100 people, offers a fully functional kitchen, stage area and heating & cooling. The large picturesque grassed area outside works well set up for day time or informal events and can take a marqee should you need one. Our general hire charge is $150, and we also have a small meeting room available to community groups. Come and take a look around – you may be pleasantly surprised ! Please contact either Lisa on 6027 1808 or Andrea on 6027 1991with any enquiry. CENTRAL MEDICAL GROUP LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY - CARING FOR THE COMMUNITY Opening Hours Mon & Tue Wed Thurs Fri 9am - 5pm 9am - 3pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 12pm 21 Isaacs Ave, Yackandandah Telephone Facsimile (02) 6027 1404 (02) 6027 1926 Pension Card Holders (i.e. blue card) are bulk billed SIDOTI ELECTRICAL SERVICE Y A C K A N D A N D A H Vic REC 15340 - NSW REC 108615C MICHAEL SIDOTI Electrical Contractor PO Box 201 Yackandandah, Victoria 3749 Telephone: 02 6027 1950 Mobile: 0410 543 377 April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 9 A SHAGGY RABBIT STORY! A rabbit walks into a pub and says to the barman, says, 'Are you sure I will like it?' "Can I have a pint of beer, and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, please?” The masses' bated breath is earshatteringly silent... The barman, with a roguish smile says, The barman is amazed, but gives the rabbit a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. 'Do you think that I would let down one of my best friends. I know you'll love it.' The rabbit drinks the beer and eats the toastie. He then leaves. 'Ok,' says the rabbit, 'I'll have a pint of beer and a Cheese and Onion toastie.' The pub erupts with glee as the rabbit quaffs the beer and guzzles the toastie. He then waves to the crowd and leaves.... The following night the rabbit returns and again asks for a pint of beer, and a Ham and Cheese toastie. The barman, now intrigued by the rabbit and the extra drinkers in the pub (because word gets round), gives the rabbit the pint and the toastie. The rabbit consumes them and leaves. The next night, the pub is packed. In walks the rabbit and says, 'A pint of beer and a Ham and Cheese toastie, please barman.' The crowd is hushed as the barman gives the rabbit his pint and toastie, and then burst into applause as the rabbit wolfs them down The next night there is standing room only in the pub. Coaches have been laid on for the crowds of patrons attending. The barman is making more money in one week than he did all last year In walks the rabbit and says, “A pint of beer and a Ham and Cheese toastie, please barman,” The barman says, 'I'm sorry rabbit, old mate, me old mucker, but we are right out of them Ham and Cheese toasties...' The rabbit looks aghast. The crowd has quietened to almost a whisper, when the barman clears histhroat nervously and says, 'We do have a very nice Cheese and Onion toastie.' NEVER TO RETURN!!!!!! One year later, in the now impoverished public house, the barman (who has only served 4 drinks tonight, 3 of which were his), calls time. When he is cleaning down the now empty bar, he sees a small white form, floating above the bar. The barman says, 'Hello, who are you?' To which he is answered, 'I am the ghost of the rabbit that used to frequent your public house.' YACK MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS These are on the following days/ times for the next two months (subject to change). The mobile library can be found opposite the Community Garden & next to the Courthouse in William Street. Sat 29 March - 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon Thurs 3 April - 2 - 5 pm Sat 12 April - 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon Thurs 17 April - 2 - 5 pm Sat 26 April - 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon Thurs 1 May - 2- 5 pm Sat 10 May - 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon Thurs 15 May - 2 - 5 pm Sat 24 May - 9.30 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday 29 May - 2 - 5 pm The mobile library is run by the Riverina Regional Library out of Wagga. 02 6926 9771. Long Tom hill - only 10 minutes from downtown Yack! The rabbit says, 'Yes I know..' The barman said, 'I remember, on your last night we didn't have any Ham and Cheese Toasties. You had a Cheese and Onion one instead.' suitable to standard four wheel drives and usually includes a damper and billy tea. We plan to use medium grade tracks but that can change if it rains or we become ‘geographically challenged’! The rabbit said, 'Yes, you promised me that I would love it. The barman said, 'You never came back, what happened?' 'I DIED', said the rabbit. 'NO!' said the barman. 'What from?' MUSCLE MATTERS MYOTHERAPY “Relief for your aching muscles” Deep Soft Tissue Massage specialising in the assessment, treatment and management of muscular conditions –i.e. headaches, tension, back aches, RSI, tight muscles & more. Treatments are tailored to your specific needs and likes, and may be corrective, preventative or rehabilitative. Contact Karlie Hodgkin for appointment 0488 224 481 / 02 6027 0617 77 Meehan Lane, Osbornes Flat VIC 3691 Website: musclemattersmyotherapy.com.au April / May 2014 On the third Sunday of the month at midday, we do a local 4WD tour. Past trips have included various mine sites, the Eldorado, Mount Pilot and many other local attractions. This is a relaxed event, You must return your books to the mobile library and not any of the other libraries. Cont’d on page 14 The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Aldo Emerson Yackandandah Post and Gifts 15 High Street 02 6027 1201 Support your local storePost, BillPay, Load and Go Visa for home And overseas travel, Foreign Currency | Check out our great range of books! Yackity Yak On the first Sunday of the month at 12.30 pm, we have a Radio Controlled Model Afternoon. It is held rain, hail or shine as we have a large hall that is perfect for indoor challenges! Electric & nitro powered models are welcome. There are usually cars, planes, wings, helicopters & multicopters. The barman says, 'I remember you. You made me famous. You would come in every night and have a pint of beer and a Ham and CheeseToastie. Masses came to see you and this place was famous.' The rabbit looks him in the eye and 10 B a c k C re e k Christian Yo u t h C e n t re I Wonder Why Pirates Wear Earrings Max the Mealworm Centenary of Anzacs Animals in Combat Tree Shaker -Nelson Mandela So You Want to be Prime Minister….. Jodie Picoult & Samantha Van Leer-(daughter) Between the Lines Don’t Behave Like you Live in a Cave Little Mate’s-Easter Egg Express | New designs in Ashdene and Linen Press tableware, bags and stationery Talking Swaggie Koalas and Kangaroos join our Yackandandah Bears ”Good onya mate, how yer goin?” Reminder- the Basic Postage Rate is now 70c for a small letter Both events start at 95 Schmidt Lane, Yackandandah - the Back Creek Christian Youth Centre, and the Yackandandah Community Church meets at 10 am. Contact Myles Ryan on 0459 752 997 with any questions all welcome to all events run! THE LIFE STYLE COMMITMENT 1 s t Ya c k S c o u t G ro u p Joeys - 1st Yackandandah Scout Group are really excited to announce that Joeys will begin in Term 2. They will be meeting on Thursdays at 4.30 and will run for an hour. Our first Joey night will be 24th April. desperately need a new leader. If you are interested in becoming a leader, please contact Allan Grogan, Group Leader as above. Monster Raffle - You may have already seen our Scouts and Cubs at the market or in the street selling raffle tickets for raise funds for The format for a typical Joey night Cuboree and Jamboree. Thank consists of parade, games, art and you for your support if you have craft activity and a story or song. already purchased a ticket or two Each week we will focus on a new theme with Scouting values threaded or three…You will be seeing a lot more of the kids as they have through the program. The first few weeks will begin with ANZAC Day a massive 150 books to sell, they have already had great success activities, Mothers’ Day activities, and sold 40 books so please bare a nature walk and learning about the Joey motto, which is HOP (Help with us. Thanks must also go to the Yackandandah Lions Club for the Other People). stall at the February market, we Rain, hail or shine we will be had a great time. getting together and making new Soap Drive - Keep your eye out friends and having lots of fun. We for our soap drive!! Cinderella’s hope to see as many 6 and 7 year Soaps is very kindly allowing us old boys and girls there on our first to fundraise selling her soaps, so night, Thursday 24th April. For thank you Cinderella. more information please contact Allan Grogan, Group Leader, 0400 The 1st Yackandandah Scout 821 076 or email allangrogan2341@ Group would like to thank the gmail.com. community for their continued Cubs - The Cubs are going very well at the moment but to continue their success and growth they support. I recognise that the peaceful development and perhaps the survival of the human family are threatened by: The injustice of extremes of poverty and wealth, the excessive growth of population, the widespread pollution of natural resources, the profligate consumption of these resources by a substantial minority. I therefore propose to: ±± Live more simply that all of us may simply live, understanding that my greed may already be denying another’s need. ±± Give more freely that all of us may be free to give. ±± Accept that those poorer than I can teach me a lifestyle which offers a practical alternative to the values and assumptions of a competitive, alienated and narrowly materialistic society. ±± I pledge my active support to such political and social action and to such economic policies as tend to consume, develop and redistribute the earth’s resources for the benefit of the whole human family. I intend to: ±± Make my decisions on what to buy, how much to spend and what to do without as one who wants fair shares for all. ±± Resist the pressures of advertising to buy what in fact I do not need or want. ±± Where possible, challenge wasteful packaging, built-in obsolescence and bad workmanship. ±± Encourage the repair, renovation, re-use and recycling of materials as may be appropriate. ±± I shall decide what percentage of my net disposable income to give away for the benefit of those in need, especially in the developing countries. Yours in Scouting. Amanda Trenery I intend to: The Lifestyle Commitment The next article on this page came out of the International Youth Festival of Hope for Mankind held in the UK in 1977. The International Youth Festival of Hope for Mankind was a ten day event sponsored by the Ockenden Venture (now Ockenden International), an international refugee organization, for 10,000 resident youth, plus daily visitors on an 85 acre site in Haslemere, Surrey. The festival encompassed a conference designed to discuss the problems facing the world to seek solutions in the traditional and alternative areas of thought. Interesting to see that nearly 40 years on from this, that current issues are much the same now as then. How little progress it seems that we have really made in the intervening years. Thanks to the Whitfords for this. Ed. ±± Be generous without ostentation and hospitable without extravagance. ±± Neither to eat nor drink to excess, nor to consume what in my judgement depends for its production on the exploitation of the poor. ±± To make time in my life for reflection; for the deepening of my understanding of the world in which I live and of the people in it; for recreation and sharing of simple pleasures with others, and for sufficient sleep for good health and temper. In my proper concern for the whole human family, not to neglect those near and dear to me or any others towards whom I have particular obligations. As opportunity arises, I undertake to commend this commitment to others. h a d n a d n Yacka Townshiphill Motel Myrtleford Road c527 Country at its Best Phone 02 6027 1467 www.yackandandahaccommodation.com.au Professional Investment Services ABN 11 074 608 558 AFS Licence 234951 Mike Tobin Authorised Representative no 245261 Life Insurance Risk Adviser 99 Back Creek Road, Yackandandah 3749 ABN: 68 991 201 872 Income Protection Business Expenses Total & Permanent Disablement Death Cover Trauma Insurance 113 Meehan Lane Yackandandah biz@yackinsure.com 02 6027 0903 0407 423 299 April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 11 World Day of Prayer Reg’s Rain Report 2014 mm Days Rain Jan Feb March to 8th 17.2 30.3 2.6 3 5 1 TOTAL 50.6 9 To 8/3/13 To 8/3/12 43.8 8 433.8 21 This event was hosted at St Matthew’s Catholic Church in Yackandandah on Friday March 7th and organised by the Committee from the Combined Christian Churches of Yackandandah. It was pleasing to see representatives from the Anglican, Uniting, Lutheran, Catholic and Back Creek Community churches in attendance, along with other residents of the area. I haven’t been run off my legs measuring the rain this year, but it’s not the end of the world - we have had years like this before. For example: Since 1887 to the end of March: 1910 - 37.5 mm. 1920 - 35.2 mm. 1923 - 15.1 mm. 1930 - 24.1 mm. 1940 - 22.3 mm. 1965 - 14.0 mm. 1979 - 19.4 mm. 1986 - 26.0 mm. 2003 - 23.0 mm From left to right: Ann & Lindsay Jarvis, Anne Corr, Evelyn Leitch & Margaret Jansen The theme for this year was Egypt. We were very fortunate to have Ann Jarvis from Kergunyah as our guest speaker during the evening. Ann spoke about the trip that both she and her husband, Lindsay, did to Egypt a few years ago. It was extremely informative. She supported her talk with traditional outfits that are worn on formal occasions. Ya c k K i n d e r g a r t e n Yackandandah Kindergarten TRAFFIC SAFETY AROUND YACKANDANDAH KINDERGARTEN The evening concluded with a delicious supper and lots of chatting about Egypt as everyone examined the various items that Ann and Lindsay brought along. It was noted that Ron Furze looked extremely smart in a formal Egyptian wedding garment! Anne Corr visitors and drivers who may not be familiar with the traffic conditions. Please drive carefully, and allow plenty of space for unexpected braking. A recent collision and several near misses serve as a reminder of how easily a serious accident could happen, and how devastating the consequences would be. We ask that all Yackandandah drivers familiarise themselves We are also running an awareness with the Kindergarten driveway turn-off in Isaacs Ave, campaign within the Kinder and take extra care when driving nearby. community, and work hard to The busiest times are around drop-off and pick-up. educate our children about road These are 8:30 am and 4 pm Monday, Tuesday and safety. Let's work together to make Thursday, and 9 am and 1 pm on Wednesday. Please be sure that our roads are safe for aware of these times, and expect traffic turning into and everyone. out of the driveway, and pedestrians on the edge of the Rhiannon Edwards road. On behalf of Yackandandah Remember that although Isaacs Ave is a 60 km/hour speed zone, many trucks use the road as well as tourists, Kindergarten SANDY CREEK TREES YACKANDANDAH YOUR ONE STOP SHOP * On-site garden advice and design * Qualified horticulturalists * 1000’s Plants to choose from - Home Garden or Farm * Planting service * Garden makeovers and cleanups * Slashing & rotary hoeing with 4wd tractor * Domestic water deliveries CALL THE EXPERTS For fast and friendly service info@sandycreektrees.com.au 12 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Phone (02) 6027 1497 Fax (02) 6027 1137 www.sandycreektrees.com.au Community fitness group benefits from YCDCo funding. See page 26 for full story. Harnessing the power of the sun to run a town Imagine if you lived in a town with locally owned, cheap and reliable renewable solar power – what would that mean for you, personally? For a start, it would mean you would pay less in power bills. But it would also mean you were part of a growing world-wide community movement that is tapping into the limitless energy of the sun to help protect the environment. So with that level of awareness and commitment, residents could partner with businesses, or a whole town, and could technically be independent of the electricity grid within five years.” speakers who are driving this process in various communities across Australia. One speaker, Nicky Ison, founding director of Community Power Agency, said that community-owned and run renewable energy projects are helping communities across the world respond to the challenges of climate change and regional economic development. “From wind to solar, bioenergy to hydro power, there are thousands of community renewable projects providing income, employment and energy for their regions,” Nicky said. Nicky has worked with and visited over 35 community projects in Australia and Europe. Matthew Standing room only at the Solar Forum held Charles-Jones at the Senior Citz is Indigo Shire Council’s There are more than 40 communities Solar Projects officer and he says in Australia investigating the idea using the energy of the sun for our of community power projects, power makes perfect sense. Matthew says. “This is becoming “On any level it is logical to use more feasible, for instance, with the the power of the sun to power global average cost of solar panels our homes and businesses and falling by up to 75% in the past 8 industry,” he says. “Especially in years,” Matthew says. Indigo Shire where according to A community energy forum in Clean Energy Council data, we Yackandandah held in March have the highest density of rooftop discussed opportunities for locallysolar panel installations – 22.8% owned power and heard from - of any municipality in Victoria. Another speaker, Martin May, a financial expert with experience in capital-raising for community power projects, said that solar power is being embraced by people looking to build regional businesses based on locally owned and operated solar generation. The community energy forum was held at the Yack Senior Citizens Centre on Sunday, 16 March when people from across the Shire, and also from further afield such as Benalla, Wangaratta, Albury & Wodonga. It was standing room only as a packed room listened to the speakers. There was commitment for three members of the public to meet and discuss the next stage with Matthew, and this will then be reported back to all those who were present. If you were unable to get to the forum and would like to be updated Organiser, Matthew Charles-Jones, “This is more common in the oversaw the setting up of YCEN’s recent solar PV panels bush than in the city. By working together, people can create opportunity, energy security and on progress, or be involved in some recycle their capital back into their way, please contact Matthew at community. We saw this at Hepburn matthew.charlesjones@indigoshire. Wind & the result is a stronger more vic.gov.au. cohesive community,” Martin said PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS My Lord, be praised for all your creatures Especially Brother Sun, who give us The day that through you illuminates us. Beautiful is he, and radiant with splendour Your gravest witness, O Omnipotent One. My Lord, be praised for Brother Wind Clear skies and cloudy in all weather So life-giving, be praised. My Lord, be praised for Sister Moon And every star made so bright, precious Beautiful in this your heaven. My Lord, be praised for Brother Fire He who lights up the night My Lord, be praised for Sister Water So necessary, so humble, precious and chaste. So carefree, robust and fierce. My Lord, be praised for our sister, Mother Earth Who nourishes and watches over us With fruits abundant as her variety of flowers. My Lord, be praised through our Sister Bodily Death From whom no living man escapes. SPIDERS, RODENTS, BEES, EUROPEAN WASPS, TERMITES, MILLIPEDES, EARWIGS, ETC AND BAITING SYSTEMS April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 13 To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts - such is the duty of the artist. Robert Schumann Margaret McCall Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks. Simonides A phone call from Lyn Ingram put Yackity Yak in touch with artist, Margaret McCall, who moved to Yackandandah just over a year ago. ARTIST AND MAKER PROFILE Margaret is no stranger to Yackandandah – she spent her childhood in Wodonga, and her father, Mick McCall, may well be known to the older residents of Yack. Mick, for many years, was connected with the newspaper industry via the Lockhart Express, the Rutherglen Star and had a regular column in what was then the Border Morning Mail. “Cabbages and Kings” was the 14 and landscapes of the local surrounds. A great collaboration between Margaret and E.E. (Curly) Heckendorf was the lovely “Lockhart Sketchbook” which was produced in the 1980s. Margaret would produce one of her lovely pen and ink drawings and Curly One of Margaret’s pen and ink drawings for the would produce the real estate section of the Border Mail text. This was printed as a very impressive booklet which name of one of his columns and was widely sold in the Shire. Yack and residents were regularly Meanwhile, Margaret won art mentioned in it. Sadly, Mick was competition after competition and killed in 1978 in a terrible local began to build up quite a name train accident. for herself. Margaret is entirely self-taught, Margaret also had a great off-farm and started at a very early age income sketching houses for real by covering her school books in estate companies later on when drawings of horses, a life-long living in Woomargama where she love of hers that continues to this had a berry farm which took up day and which features in many most of her available time. She of her lovely paintings. Margaret was married to trotter racehorse trainer, Jeff Castle, and they spent many years in Lockhart where Margaret would help exercise trotters early in the morning, and then disappear off to the bush for the rest of her day with her painting equipment. Jeff built Margaret a studio and gallery – “The Stable Gallery” – which is still in existence as a gallery today with the original sign in place. Whilst in Lockhart, Margaret’s artwork really hit the straps and she was commissioned by many of the local squattocracy and townspeople to document their life in the Shire. Many pedigree Hereford cattle were to be immortalised with oil paint on canvas, and Margaret painted many of the prize livestock, racehorses, working heavy horses Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Cook books and children’s books have been another source of Margaret’s illustrations, and she has also written and illustrated her own children’s book about a trotter. From Woomargama, Margaret moved to Pambula and the coast which went on to influence her painting with many seascapes and seabird pictures. Her 2.5 acre property was largely turned over to berry production drawing on her previous farming experience. Margaret’s house and studio is full of paintings – both finished and under way. She is delighted to have a great studio which is full of light, leads straight into the garden and she is still working from her original palette and easel that she started her painting career with in the 1980s. Margaret’s favourite medium is oils, followed closely by pastels and charcoal. When asked about her exhibition prospects, Margaret said that she has an exhibition “on the cards”, but still needs to complete a few more paintings. Margaret takes commissions; she is happy to discuss subjects and particularly enjoys creating pictures of farms and sheds, of which there is an endless supply in the local area. Margaret McCall can be contacted on 0400 317 851. A commission in the very early stages of painting Eventually, Margaret wished to look at a more peaceful pace of life and somewhat reluctant sold her coastal property, and moved via Cobargo, back to this part of the country. Margaret took a little while to find the right property in Yack, and consequently spent several months “camping” locally in her camper van. She has now settled very happily on the outskirts of the township where she Work in progress in Margaret’s light and airy studio has worked hard on the house, and completely re-vamped the garden particularly enjoyed working on turning it into a haven of flowers site with these illustrations, and and native shrubs. Margaret said it is a great loss to the Border that she has always known about Mail generally, that this form of advertising of real estate is largely Yack and loves it for being a quiet and peaceful town set in glorious a thing of the past. bush countryside. ARTIST AND MAKER PROFILE By popular request, we will be putting in regular profiles of our fantastic artists and craftspeople from around Yack and district. We are blessed with a fantastic amount of talented people who have chosen to make Yackandandah and District their place to live and base themselves. It will be no surprise that these people often have a very high profile and are well known around the traps. We will look at all manner of artisans and are happy to spread the net wide. If you would like to suggest a person, then please contact us and let us know a bit about the artist or craftsperson, why you are choosing them and their contact details, and we will follow up with an article. The Shaggy Rabbit Story cont’d from page 10 After a short pause, the rabbit said... ‘Mixin-me-toasties!’ Nice one, Craig of AllCar Auto Electricals! Keep ‘em coming. Ed. THE ARTS IN YACK ANDANDAH Yackandandah Theatre Company is bringing some great work to Yack in their upcoming performances on May 30 and 31. Evening performances are at 7.30 pm and there is a Saturday matinee at 2pm. There are two plays, the first showcasing the junior drama group, and the second, an ensemble piece with a mix of younger and adult players. Play 1: "Scaredy Cat" The local Scouting group are going camping and newest recruit, Danny, is convinced that the bushland surrounding them is home to a mysterious black panther. Despite the ridicule of his peers, he is determined to catch the elusive panther and prove everyone wrong, once and for all. When one of his fellow campers goes missing in the middle of the night, however, it quickly becomes a case of the hunters becoming the hunted... An original play written by Brendan Hogan for Yackandandah Theatre Company's Junior Drama Troupe, and starring 13 very talented little local actors. The play contains mild horror themes and is suitable for children aged 9 years and over. Play 2: "Out of the Box" ATTENTION CITIZENS OF YACKANDANDAH - URGENT MESSAGE & EXCLUSIVE OFFER! Ever had trouble deciding what to watch on the telly? Are you spoilt for choice, yet also endlessly wasting the precious time you have left on this earth surfing the TV guide? Did you know that the average Australian adult spends a total of seven years* channel surfing over the course of their pathetic, meaningless and soulless life? Have a think about it - how much time have YOU already wasted loafing on the couch whilst being exposed to alarming rates of radiation poisoning and clinging to that remote as if it's a bodily extension of your right hand? Well - the Yackandandah Theatre Company have a solution to this national health crisis, and are excited to announce this once in a life time exclusive offer; but only for a limited time!!! Stop wasting those precious minutes, hours, days in a sedentary brain freeze. Tear yourself away from the box, put down that remote control, and use those dilapidated, degenerating muscles to get yourself into the Yackandandah Town Hall on 30th/31st May to enjoy some live theatre; written, directed and performed by the talented folk of your own home town, Yackandandah. We promise that after this life changing experience, you'll never press a button on that television remote control again.** * Fact based on no evidence whatsoever ** Or at least until you do, YTC will not be held responsible for any person or persons who choose to continue wasting their lifetime surfing the television guide after voluntary subjection to this once in a lifetime, exclusive life changing offer... LOCAL ARTISTS SHORTLISTED IN YACK SHIRE OFFICE PROJECT Indigo Shire Council has received twelve submissions to a call for Expressions of Interest in relation to its sculpture project for the new Yackandandah Council office project. Acting CEO Alan Clark said the project was not just about a piece of artwork but about enhancing the civic space for community use, and the standard of submissions was excellent. “We have had 12 great submissions, including small scale models, from a wide area including Melbourne, regionally and locally,” Mr Clark said. “This is significantly higher than the number of submissions often received from professional companies for Council infrastructure projects or consultant services. The selection panel has now shortlisted three of the artists to include in an application for grant funding of up to $100,000. A requirement of the grant funding is that an artist or artists and their concepts be included in the application.” The Council has its own funds for the project, but extra funding is being sought to enhance the project. The three shortlisted artists are Richard Walker from Smoko in the Alpine Shire, Ali Rowe from Yackandandah and Benjamin Gilbert from Yackandandah. The quality and variety of the shortlisted submissions is inspiring. Medium includes rock, historical salvaged materials, the edges Come & join us for this exciting art exhibition…you will undoubtedly get a sense that these artists are stepping off the edge. Opening 6pm Thursday 17th April runs until Sun.4th May 2014 10am– 4:30pm Wed– Monday s p i r i t u s a r t g a l l e r y; 2 high st. YACKANDANDAH; 02 6027 1797 concrete, bronze, and timber,” Mr Clark said. “The grant application goes to Arts Victoria and we won’t know the result until May. Once we know the outcome, the three artists will develop their concepts to a more detailed level for broad community input during July and early August. “In August, the selection panel will then choose one of the three artists to fully develop their design for construction towards the end of the year, as the office project nears completion.” John Dermer KIRBYS FLAT POTTERY Unique durable porcelain oven & tableware as well as exhibition pieces for that special gift. OPEN EACH WEEKEND, MOST SCHOOL HOLidays AND BY APPOINTMENT. FROM 10.30 am - 5.00 pm Tel: 02 6027 1416 johndermer.com.au 225 KIRBYS FLAT ROAD YACKANDANDAH The selection panel comprises two Yackandandah residents – Cheryl Webster (owner of Spiritus gallery, member of Arts Yackandandah and Chamber of Commerce,) and Karen Gardiner (CEO Murray Arts), Cr James Trenery, Linda Peacock (Council’s Burke Museum collections officer), Robert Uebergang (Council’s office project manager) and Susan Reid (Council’s Arts and Culture Officer). February April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 15 THE ARTS IN YACK ANDANDAH flickside 7.15pm start at the Yackandandah Courthouse Saturday 26 April 2014 The Reluctant Fundamentalist –thriller,U.S.A., rated M, 2012, 130 mins. A young Pakistani man is chasing corporate success on Wall Street. He finds himself embroiled in a conflict between his American dream, a hostage crisis, and the enduring call of his family’s homeland. Saturday 24 May 2014 Caramel- comedy/drama, Lebanon, rated M, 2007, 92 mins, English subtitles. Six women in Beirut seek love, marriage, and companionship and find duty, friendship, and possibility. Four work at a salon: Nisrine, engaged to Bassam, with a secret she shares with her co-workers; Jamale, a divorced mother of teens, a part-time model, fearing the encroachment of time; Rima, always in pants, attracted to Siham, a client who smiles back; Layale, in love with a married man. There’s also Rose, a middle-aged seamstress, who cares for Lili, old and facing dementia. Rose has a suitor; Layale has an admirer on the police force. Is caramel a sweet or an instrument of pain? Saturday 16 August 2014 Searching for Sugarman- documentary/ biography/ music, South Africa, rated M 2012, 86 mins. Searching for Sugar Man is a documentary film which follows the efforts of two Cape Town fans in the late 1990s, Stephen ‘Sugar’ Segerman and Craig Bartholomew Strydom, who set out to find out whether the rumoured death of American musician Rodriguez was true, and, if not, to discover what had become of him. Rodriguez’ music, which never took off in the United States, became wildly popular in South Africa, but little was known about him there. Saturday 13 September 2014 In the House- mystery/thriller, France, rated MA, 2013, 102 mins, English subtitles. A sixteen-year-old boy insinuates himself into the house of a fellow student from his literature class and writes about it in essays for his French teacher. Faced with this gifted and unusual pupil, the teacher rediscovers his enthusiasm for his work, but the boy’s intrusion will unleash a series of uncontrollable events. Saturday 18 October 2014 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty-adventure/comedy/drama, U.S.A., 2013, 114 mins. A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined. flickside screens at the Yackandandah Courthouse (opposite the pool). If you wish you can bring your favourite folding chair and/or cushion/bean bag. New members can join on the night, or join online at arts.yackandandah.com. $20 single/$30 family. STOP PRESS Co-Opera will be coming to Yackandandah on Wednesday, 28th May to stage their final season’s performance of Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly”. Get this date in your diary now. Limited tickets will be available for Co-Opera’s only performance of this glorious opera in the local region. Co-Opera’s production fuses the joy, beauty and sorrow of Puccini’s masterpiece with the elegance and sophistication of Japanese Kabuki Theatre, making innovative use of masks, puppets & exotic costumes 16 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 INDIGO ROCKS FReeZA Indigo Shire's FReeZA Committee Indigo Rocks FReeZA are working on some exciting and action-packed events for 2014, and invites you to join them in making them happen. Indigo Shire's Manager for Community Planning, David Koren, said today the committee already has plans under way for the North East Skate Park Series, Battle of the Bands, The Shed at the Yackandandah Folk Festival, the "Push Over" bus trip, dance parties, photography and art opportunities, a monthly Open Mic evening, and film making and animation. "Community Development Officer Annette Walton and the young people of Indigo Shire have been involved in the delivery of a large variety of fantastic events, programs and activities over the past 12 months, and are busy making 2014 even more exciting," he said. Mr Koren called for people aged 12-25 and passionate about music and youth culture to join the committee and help create opportunities for musicians, artists and other creative young people. "By joining the FReeZA committee you will receive training in event management and have a hands-on role in all aspects of planning and managing events that meet the needs of young people where you live," he said. "It's a great opportunity for Indigo youth to build self-confidence, create and develop professional relationships, and provide opportunities to explore education and employment pathways in the music industry." FReeZA is a youth development program providing young people with the opportunity to attend affordable and accessible music and cultural events. FReeZA attracts more than 140,000 young people each year to events that take place in safe, fully supervised, drug, alcohol and smoke-free venues across the Victoria. If you would like to join the FReeZA crew contact Annette Walton, Community Development Officer Youth Services, on 02 6028 1133 or 0418 163 699. Linda Fish - exhibiting sculptor at Lorne Sculpture Biennale 2014 Our well-known ex-president and one of the founding members of Arts Yackandandah, Linda Fish, was recently chosen to exhibit for the second time at the Lorne Sculpture Biennale which ran in 2014 between the 8th and 30th March. Linda was exhibiting under the Small Sculpture – Collector Project. The Sculpture Biennale is an especially chosen series of forty one outdoor sculptures on the Sculpture Trail and forty three indoor small sculptures. Linda was also busy at the Sculpture Biennale taking a series of adults’ and children’s workshops. This is not an easy exhibition to be chosen for. The Curator, Julie Collins looks for artists whose practice occupies or utilises the 3D, achieves high levels of artistic integrity, quality and above all innovation. It is important that the artists respond or react to the Lorne environment. She selected artists who work within the contemporary sculptural realm and who present projects which include a mix of object based, abstraction, representational, installation, site specific, ephemeral, time based media, sound, light, kinetic, happenings and performance, and above all, projects which are reflective of our time and place within our cultural history. Showcasing our most innovative Australian sculptors alongside selected international artists, Lorne Sculpture Biennale 2014 is the most diverse survey of Australian contemporary sculpture, reflective of contemporary ideas and concepts that the important artists of our time are conveying. Congratulations Linda – I’m sure you had a great time down there! resonance & dissonance recent works by Paul Miller Spiritus Gallery 2 High St Yackandandah. Exhibition runs March 15 till April 6, 2014. Hours: Wednesday Monday 10am - 4.30pm THE ARTS IN YACK ANDANDAH POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY Arts Yackandandah Calendar of Events 2014 the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. in the small meeting room Arts Yackandandah has many exciting events in 2014 with theatre, musical, visual art and film events. at YCEN, High Street, Yack Check our website for more details: arts.yackandandah.com Sundays 6th April & 4th May, ‘14 Date What’s On Where and Tickets Friday 4 April 2014 Word Paintings 8pm Spoken images of landscape Grace’s Place, 13 High St Yackandandah Bring your favourites to share - poems of all styles and eras welcome. You don’t need to be a poet - just come to enjoy and explore the magic of poetry and words. Tickets available from Spiritus Gallery, or reserve 6027 0626 POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY $12-includes coffee and cake Yackandandah Courthouse Saturday 26 April 2014 Flickside Film Society 7.15pm The Reluctant Fundamentalist Friday 2 May 2014 Lipstick Dreams FREE to Arts Yackandandah members Yackandandah Public Hall Saturday 24 May 2014 Albury Wodonga Theatre Company Flickside Film Society Yackandandah Courthouse 7.15pm Caramel Friday 30 May 7.30pm Yackandandah Theatre Company Young Players Theatre production Saturday 31 May, 2pm and 7.30pm Friday 25 July 2014 For further details, please contact Kev Warburton on 6027 0626 35th Easter Sale and Exhibition JOHN DERMER FREE to Arts Yackandandah members Yackandandah Public Hall Liz McBarron one woman show Yackandandah Public Hall Saturday 16 August Flickside Film Society Yackandandah Courthouse KIRBYS FLAT POTTERY 7.15pm Searching for Sugarman 225 KIRBYS FLAT ROAD, YACKANDANDAH Saturday 13 September 2014 Flickside Film Society FREE to Arts Yackandandah members Yackandandah Courthouse 7.15pm In the House Saturday 18 October 2014 Flickside Film Society FREE to Arts Yackandandah members Yackandandah Courthouse 7.15pm The Secret Life of Walter Mitty PASTA, RICE, SOUP AND SERVING BOWLS, COOKWARE ETC. ALL HAND THROWN IN THE STUDIO (NO MOULDS USED). FUNCTIONAL POTS THAT ARE CONSIDERED, EXTREMELY DURABLE AND INEXPENSIVE. 23 - 25 October 2014 Yackandandah Theatre Company Production 1-9 November Fresh & Unframed art exhibition Yackandandah Courthouse SHOWCASING NEW TABLEWARE. FREE to Arts Yackandandah members Yackandandah Public Hall UNIQUE LOCAL GIFTS THAT ARE NOT CHINESE IMPORTS! (Slightly imperfect seconds will also be available) Saturday 19 April, Sunday 20 April, Monday 21 April (9am - 5pm) and continuing throughout the NSW School holidays (10:30am - 5 pm) johndermer.com.au CUT ME OUT AND PUT ME ON YOUR FRIDGE! DON’T MISS OUT ..... CINEMA CINEMA CINEMA CINEMA The Hobbit - Friday March 28 Saving Mr Banks - Friday April 4 The Railway Man - Friday May 9 Special Ladies Night - Philomena - Thurs April 10 ******** Contact: Grahame Hutchings Mobile: 0427 271 017 - yackcinema.com.au The Cinema operates on Friday evenings, usually once a fortnight and commences at 7 pm. at the Public Hall opposite the Primary School. There is seating for about 150. Mainly late release family movies are shown. 02 6027 1416 john.dermer@bigpond.com FILM BUFFS - THIS IS FOR YOU! The Beechworth Film Society and Flickside (Arts Yackandandah) are collaborating to offer their respective members a special offer ”try before you buy”, to one screening of the other group’s films. So, if you are a member of the Beechworth Film Society or Flickside (Arts Yackandandah), you can see one film as a guest. Then, if you think you’d like to see more, you can join. Just take your Beechworth Film Society or Arts Yackandandah email membership confirmation as your ticket for a great film night out. For more information: Beechworth Film Society: Michael Bink: mbink@bigpond.net.au Flickside, Arts Yackandandah: arts.yackandandah.com flickside April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 17 Cathy McGowan has told Parliament about the level of disappointment people of Indi have expressed over the withdrawal of Regional Development Australia RDA Fund funding commitments, and called on the Government to reinstate RDA funding across the country for vital infrastructure programs. “I have spoken to a number of key stake holders responsible for the rollout of RDA projects in my electorate, and they have expressed bewilderment that the RDA funding system has been abolished,” Ms McGowan said. “It enabled growth, created jobs and provided certainty for desperately needed community projects.” Ms McGowan said she has been informed how the RDA system was efficient, easy-to-use, and CATHY McGowan is encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in Indi to consider applying for a comprehensive educational program in the country’s capital. National Indigenous Youth Parliament 2014 is a week-long leadership program for young Indigenous Australians aged 1625, to be held in Canberra from May 28 to June 3, 2014. “The goal of the program is to promote youth-led advocacy and to teach the democratic processes in Parliament,” Ms McGowan said. “This is a great opportunity for any young Aboriginal person in Indi, who is passionate about issues that affect them, their peers funded projects that would otherwise have not been prioritised for funding. Yack Station on track to enhance Yackandandah’s creative community “These projects represent significant community and volunteer input as well as an investment of time and money on behalf of the councils in Indi,” she said. “It worked, it was efficient, it was trusted, it had legitimacy, it created effective networks, it delivered high value, great outcomes and, most importantly of all, no red tape,” she said. Ms McGowan officially opened the Yack Station on Saturday, March 22, which is an exciting project driven by Kevin Poyner, who has been the visionary and inspiration behind the initiative. Yack Station will include an artists’ workshop and gallery and eventual market-style area for viewing artists at work. Projects due to receive under Round 5A and B, which were in excess of $7.3million, and will now not be funded include: • The Wodonga City Heart Redevelopment ($5.86million) • The Wodonga Tennis Court redevelopment ($340,000) • Rutherglen Main Street ($280,000) • Wangaratta Saleyards and their community, to apply to participate in the NIYP.” NIYP will provide training in how government works, public speaking, and dealing with the media. Ms McGowan said part of the Closing the Gap aim included helping improve Aboriginal electoral articipation. “Aboriginal youth in particular are less likely to enrol, less likely to vote and more likely to vote informally than other Australians,” Ms McGowan said. The program also includes a twoday simulated parliament, where participants will debate bills and issues of importance to their communities. “Yackandandah has a wonderful creative community and there is potential for the Yack Station to help attract even more creative minds to the area,” Ms McGowan said. “Yack Station has successfully grown from an idea to create a work and gallery space for up to 15 artists and craft persons. It will become a must-see destination for artists and tourists, and culture and history buffs, and visitors will have the unique experience of watching art being made, as well as being able to purchase works.” The building is on the site of the old Yackandandah Railway turntable, and there are plans to have a railway museum as an integral part of Yack Station. OUR MEMBER FOR INDI - what’s happening in our electorate The 17th Yackandandah Folk Festival was held over three days, starting on Friday, March 21, and provided a diverse range of entertainment, including music, singing and dancing, literature and poetry, theatre and film, visual arts and food for people from right across Victoria and beyond. The Festival this year, was held entirely within the township and heavily involved local businesses and community groups. Cathy McGowan was well in evidence over the weekend. She has volunteered at every festival, and on Friday acted as an MC at the Public Hall. She also sang with the Yack Community Choir as she has at every festival they have performed at. Ms McGowan said the music and arts culture was alive and well in Indi, thanks to events like the Yackandandah Folk Festival. “There’s always a great atmosphere at this festival which has a strong sense of community,” Ms McGowan said. “There is plenty of community involvement, delicious food, and is inclusive for all local groups, and the festival also helps promote the values that are important to the people of Yackandandah.” Ms McGowan said the festival organisers’ commitment to become more sustainable through improved environmental practices showed how a fun community event could be held without negatively impacting the environment. All-Car Auto Electrical Ph: (03)5728 1585 Mobile: 0409 120 392 Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning on-site service 5 1/2 Days per Week Over 32 years of experience working on cars, trucks, earthmoving and farm machinery Transfers to and from Albury Airport & Rail Now available at Dennis & Pauline Cook Fax: (02) 60271075 18 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 3 Turntable Lane, Yackandandah ph: 6027 0508 Local, friendly service from a Yack resident covering Indigo Shire and surrounds Vehicle Electronic Systems and EFI Specialist using the latest scan tool technology covering a wide range of cars 88.0 INDIGO FM PROGRAM GUIDE Indigo FM G’day listeners. The Yackandandah Radio Station will have had a huge Folk Festival event by the time you read this. We have been putting our Folk Festival Special three hour show on for the last 2 weeks (thanks to Scott). Mondays 12:00 - 2:00 pm We have been interviewing bands in the studio, as they play live (and loud!) and we will be putting these 30 minute shows on at all three stations in due course. Tuesdays We are asking the community to try and find us some more announcers, so if you know anyone who would like to give it a go…contact Paul on 0438 271 339 …. We can make it happen… it would be great to have a gardening show, (with talkback), a country and western show, a youth show or whatever takes your fancy. Just give Paul a ring to discuss. There are plenty of slots for new shows - in the evening, daytime or early morning. Training is easy and free, and your shows can be also be sent to Beechworth and Rutherglen. Plus we are putting together some very special Radio Plays in conjunction with the Beechworth Theatre Company, that will be going to air soon……something not to miss out on. Some shows from our other stations are now being aired, as we are trying to get more “live” entertainment going, and we are also refreshing and updating our main playlist. Come along and join in. 11:00 - 12:00 pm 7:00 - 9:00 pm Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:00 pm Ya c k C WA The next CWA event will be a trip to an organic garden in Stanley on Sunday, 13th April at 3.00 pm. and then we will be back to our regular third Thursday in the month meeting with a talk from Trisha Glass on Autism on Thursday May 15th at 7.30 pm at YCEN. 9:00 - 11:00 am Saturdays All women of any age will 8:00 - 10 am 12:15 - 1:15 pm Sundays Please phone President, Gabi Pulla on 6027 0771 or Secretary, LeeAnne Benson on 0412 106 085 for information. 2:00 - 4:00 pm THE BEECHWORTH THEATRE COMPANY and are running a series of workshops on Radio Plays with well known radio presenter, Joseph Thomsen • Learn how to broadcast brilliant and engaging plays. • Find out what is required from both an acting and technical point of view. • Get some tips on how to get the most out of your equipment. • Learn the best way to sort out your sound effects. Readings & Conversations Gail / Rhonda Small Town Sounds Chris / Lauren School News Keeley & Bobby AM with Phil Phil * Everyone be warmly welcomed by this flourishing group. If you would like to go on the garden visit, then phone Gabi or Lee-Anne about car pooling. Presenter Spencer Thursdays Tune to 88.0Mhz FM, your Town’s Local Radio Station. Paul Titterington Program Musical Mash Deserves Music Musical Mash Scott Spencer * Lipstick Blues Ruth * Program on a fortnightly schedule. For requests during live programs, text the Station on 0478 228 064 Indigo FM transmits 24 / 7, during times when live programs are not put to air the Station plays a diverse and eclectic mix of Music from all eras. We also broadcast shows from our other Indigo Shire Towns (Rutherglen & Beechworth) that play with our playlist and repeat Great Victorian Bike Ride and some Community $$$$s Did you know that this is coming to North East Victoria in November of this year? Did you know that Yack is Day 2’s destination? Did you know that in 2013, over 5,200 people COMPLETED the ride which ended in Geelong, so you can imagine the numbers that started and may not have finished! The RACV Great Victorian Bike Ride runs from Saturday, 29 November to Sunday, 7 December for 9 days and 500km from Albury via Bright and the High Country to Lilydale. WHEN? There is an exciting opportunity for Yack organisations to do some coordinated fundraising over the period that the Bike Ride visits Yack, and also beforehand. To be effective as a community it would be helpful to have a plan, so that we do not duplicate or miss fund raising opportunities. To book or for further details, please contact Ali on 0448 803 411 or email us on: We already have a list of groups interested in a community meeting to talk about the opportunities that this bike ride will present for fundraising. If you would like to be involved in these discussions and have some feedback from people that have been involved in the bike ride as participants from previous years, a meeting will be held at These are free workshops. Places will be limited, and the opportunity to audition for parts in two brand new radio plays to be performed on Indigo FM later this year, will be offered to interested participants. Wednesdays 2nd & 9th April, 2014 between 7 and 9 pm WHERE? Yackandandah’s Public Hall, High Street, Yack beechworththeatrecompany@gmail.com.au BOOK NOW DON’T RISK DISAPPOINTMENT! Osbornes Flat Primary School on Thursday, 24th April at 7.00 pm. Please let Yackity Yak know if you can attend: yackity_yak@yackandandah.com or phone/text Ali on 0448 803 411 April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 19 Ya c k G a r d e n C l u b Just to whet your appetite and encourage you to come along and visit the open gardens, here is some advance news about our passionate gardeners and their gardens. First up is Ian and Olive Moyle on Moyle Road, they started with a Olive and Ian Moyle in their beautiful garden bare block in 1972 and now have 3 acres of beautiful garden. They have developed their garden over the years by choosing plants that they liked, that would survive the local climate and conditions and they sourced their plants and trees from local nurseries. Ian and Olive have opened their garden previously and often host coach tours. A pride for them in their garden is a white magnolia which flowered this year for the first time. They enjoy walking around their garden, seeing the growth in existing plants and trees, and then seeing the new growth that pops up by self seeding. The tips they share are to draw a plan of the watering system and have wide paths to cater for all visitors. The garden is a labour of love, Ian and Olive have spent a lot of time in their garden and when I visited, they were selecting bulbs, even though Ian said 'no more'. When you visit, be sure to look out for the 'bottle' tree. Secondly, is Chris Gequillana's garden on Racecourse Road, a work in progress. Chris has revived her garden, upon returning to the home, after a period of time away. Chris's mother and grandparents are an inspiration for her garden, they had a market garden in Sussex. Chris loves to propagate, especially rhododendrons, she loves to see the growth in her garden, and she works hard to ensure the garden doesn't get overgrown. Chris has a large vegetable garden, with tomatoes, sweet potato, artichoke, Autumn is one of the most important times on the garden care calendar, with lots of tasks to do to help keep the garden flourishing and healthy. Early to mid-autumn is the perfect time for planting and fertilising. The warm soil temperature and warm days are ideal for plants to establish a sound root system and put on some quick growth. As the summer veggie crops finish, pull the spent plants out and add to the compost. Harvest any remaining produce and collect some seed for next season. Replenish the hungry soil by digging in some compost, animal manure, ‘blood and bone’ and potash. Practice crop rotation by Yackity Yak April / May 2014 20 After the hot and dry summer many lawns are looking worn and tired. Green up the lawn and improve aeration by pushing a garden fork into the top few inches of soil and wiggle back and forth to allow rain, nutrients and air to penetrate more deeply and at the same time relieve any compaction. Repair any bare patches and level any unevenness by top dressing with soil and sprinkling with lawn seed. Early autumn is also ideal for laying turf grass or sowing lawn seed. Fertilise with a lawn fertiliser which is high in phosphates and potash. The best time to fertilise is during rain so keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared for when it does rain. Autumn is traditionally bulb planting season with March and April the best time to plant spring flowering bulbs. Planting later may result in fewer flowers with shorter Thirdly, there is Janice Hinderaker and Glen Mildren, at 'the Diggings' on Bells Flat Road. The garden was established in the 70's by previous owners, they had travelled overseas frequently and bought back seeds, which now forms a well established tree canopy to allow other plants and shrubs to be protected from the extremes. Janice and Glen feel rewarded every day by their garden, every corner is a favourite spot and they are looking forward to sharing their garden with many visitors. When you visit, be sure to look out for the tree from the Vatican. mushrooms, peppers, egg plants and strawberries, ready for the cook. Watering is a regular task, every second day, they have to water, by Autumn in the Garden with Debbi Gibson never planting successive sowings in the same spot. This reduces the chances of soil borne pest and disease problems. Then plant out with hearty winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, peas, beetroot, swede, turnip, carrot, parsnip, spinach, silverbeet, onions, lettuce, and radish. hand, for 2.5 hrs. When you visit, be sure to look out for their Coral tree. stems. Garden centres and nurseries have spring flowering bulbs in stock now, or order from an online mail order nursery. Along with the traditional favourites, there are many new varieties available. Plant the bulbs as soon as you get them, while they are fresh, except tulips. Tulip bulbs need to be put in the crisper of the fridge for six weeks before planting; this is like a false winter and forces flowering. Put them in on April Fool’s Day and plant them out on Mother’s Day. By mid-autumn, temperatures have cooled and plant growth slows down. The autumn leaves begin their gradual change in colour and start to fall. With an abundance of autumn leaves, now is the perfect Thank you to our passionate and dedicated gardeners for sharing their gardens. Cheryl Frawley News Editor smaller sizes before adding to the compost. The secret to successful compost is to use small pieces and build up many layers, a bit like making lasagne. It’s best to have a mixture of greens and browns in thin even layers, watering each layer as it is added. Keep the compost moist and turn it over every few days to allow plenty of air into the mix to break it down. Finally, take some photos of your garden as it changes with the season, it’s a great way to keep a record of what’s happening in your garden. Enjoy your garden! Debbi Debbi writes a weekly column for the Wangaratta Chronicle each Wednesday and can be heard on Saturday mornings between 8 & 9 a.m. with her talk back radio program, “In your Garden” on 1566 3NE. time to start or add to the compost heap. Run the lawn mower over the autumn leaves to cut them into If you have any specific topics you would liked covered in editions to come, please contact the Editor at yackity_yak@yackandandah.com and let us know what gardening issues you might be having! Ya c k H i s t o r i c a l S o c i e t y & M u s e u m Conservation Building to Protect our History for Future Generations On Saturday afternoon, 1st March 2014 the Yackandandah Historical Society officially opened their Conservation Building Extension to great acclaim. The importance of the Historical Society holding its collection remotely to the Museum was realised in December 2006 when a fire gutted the historic bank building, destroying all its contents. Fortunately though, only a fraction of the collection was on display, with the remainder being kept safe in the Conservation Building, constructed in 1995-6. In 2009, with the fire still fresh in their minds, along with the need to accommodate a growing collection of historic records and artefacts, the Society’s Members began planning to increase its storage capacity. People may not realise that the Society not only collects 150 year old items, but also stores and conserves items with local provenance and significance, such as newspaper articles and digital records and photos of events that happened just last year or last week. In late 2011, final plans were drawn up and by the middle of 2012 a contract was let to local builder, Yves Quaglio to perform the works. The scope was to provide as much usable space on the available land, whilst maintaining its external appearance. Museum Curator and collection custodian, Susan Reynolds OAM, in opening the facility alongside Cathy McGowan AO MP, the Member for Indi, announced that “this is another project for which the organisation can be justly proud.” and a major donor to the building, while Haddon Storey’s Arts Victoria funded the original build with $25,000. The final facility cost in the order of $50,000. organisations, are represented in the registers, minute books, documents, photographs, objects and digitised records held, fully catalogued, boxed, stored and reports that in 2010-11, the Victorian arts and culture sector added direct value to the economy of $11.4 billion and employed the equivalent of 111,000 full time “This extension, similarly, has been on our long-term plans for some years. This time, we had no outside funding, but we had a generous membership and good investments. We also had an excellent overseer in Brett McClellan, who worked with Yves Quaglio in building it, and with Dan Carberry in shelving and maintenance.” Susan took the opportunity to lobby the Indigo Shire Council when stating that the “conservation building stands on land leased from the Shire. Negotiations are currently underway to incorporate this leased land into the existing title, owned by the Historical Society since 1969, on which the rest of this complex stands.” Susan stressed the importance of “having this separate storage and work area as it assists in securing the Museum’s official Accreditation, which was first achieved in 2001”, going on to proudly add that Yackandandah was “one of the first museums, large or small, who gained accreditation in Victoria. “This building holds our stored collection, which is about 98% of our entire collection – which is pretty good museum practice. Rotation and changing of displays, is one of the essentials in collection care. “We currently hold about 9,000 of these items on our database program, many of those with several sub-parts. The Cemetery Trust, the Primary School, the Cathy McGowan MP & Susan Reynolds officially open the Conservation Building Extension located. Each item in many cases, is then indexed in detail as to people, organisation, place and event contained. “This collection is where we get most of the information to use for our clients, for our displays, for our publications and for our own research, and is the heart of our organisation.” In performing the official opening, Cathy McGowan said that she was “proud to be involved in a project that has been made possible as a result of the foresight and motivation of Historical Society volunteers.” She reinforced the importance of volunteering when announcing that the “$50,000 building works were fully funded by Historical Society volunteers, who over many years have donated their time in keeping the Society and Museum sustainable. Cathy described the extension as “constructed from double skin brick walls, insulated within the cavity, plus insulation within the She recalls “the ceiling. There are no windows original part of and the floor is a concrete slab the conservation on ground. This provides the building being most stable environment to built in 1995-6. store and conserve material as That time, we had the temperature fluctuations are Haddon Storey, minimised. The storage rooms Yackandandah Historical Society Vice President Linton Lithlean, then Minister for therefore do not require any Cathy McGowan & Susan Reynolds the Arts in Victoria, air conditioning, only a fan to to visit as we began maintain air movement.” Shire of Yackandandah, Fire the build in 1995, and Doris Storey, In highlighting the importance of Brigade, Red Cross, Bush Nursing (no relation) and Tony Plowman, Regional Museums, Cathy touched Hospital, MUIOOF (Manchester MLA, to jointly open the building on the economic significance of the Unity Independent Order of in 1996. Doris was a long-time arts and culture in Victoria. “The Oddfellows), sports groups and member of the Historical Society many other current or defunct local Australian Bureau of Statistics workers.” Following the extension works, the facility now has the capacity to store and care for Yackandandah’s history for the next 20 years. For anyone interested in becoming a Member or Volunteer with the Yackandandah & District Historical Society, they are always looking for people with fresh ideas and enthusiasm to join their progressive organisation and reap the rewards that come from contributing to our fantastic community. Solar Generation The Yackandandah Museum is currently generating 7.50 kWh/ day which is substantially covering usage of 9.5 kWh/day. This equates to approximately 5.0 kWh/day for a 1 kW system. For 2013 the average generation is 5.91 kWh/day, or 3.94 kWh/day for a 1 kW system. With rising electricity prices more householders are considering Solar Energy, which reduces bills and helps our environment. The Museum has 5 years of comprehensive solar generation records, so if you are considering a Photovoltaic solar system for your business or residence in our region, please contact us for specific data which will assist in your calculations and decisions. It is particularly useful for calculating your proposed payback period. Yackandandah & District Historical Society 21 High Street, Yackandandah 3749 Ph: 02 6027 0627 email: museum@yackandandah.com website: yackandandahmuseum.word press.com Yackity Yak April / May 2014 21 Letters to the Editor To the Editor and All Users of the Allans Flat Waterhole… We are fortunate to have such a beautiful feature in the local landscape as the Allans Flat waterhole. It is a wonderful place to seek respite in our hot summers. What a shame, then, to see people take liberties with this shared space in a number of ways. Signage clearly indicates that dogs are not permitted at the waterhole. They foul the water and leave “presents” in and around the water. Not so nice when your toddler picks up a floating “egg” in the water while swimming! Perhaps dog owners could be reminded to check the signs. and are not for general domestic waste. What are people thinking when they dump their rubbish in and AROUND these bins?! Finally, considerable effort is put into planting and maintaining trees and providing picnic tables to improve the amenity of the area. How heartbreaking is it to see axe marks in tree trunks, pushed over trees and damaged tables. The public is encouraged to report vandalism and the dumping of rubbish if witnessed. A bit of consideration will help to ensure that this fabulous location is one that we can all enjoy without smells and the fear of what lurks in the water. Secondly, the bins are paid for by the Recreation Reserve committee With regards, Dear Madam, Throughout the country lots of small businesses and churches are closing - we don’t want that here. LIVE LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, PLAY LOCAL, PRAY LOCAL - GIVE BACK TO YACK Yackandandah is our “Castle”. Our very presence here shows that we appreciate the serenity. Even castles need supplies both physical and spiritual: services, food and clothes, medical, mail and a petrol station. Hi Ali Hi Ali Foster Carers - I have sent through our small advert again – hoping that you might be able to fit it into the next edition. We have had a busy month here assessing 7 new carer households; we also did an information exchange from a lady who lives in Beechworth who saw our publicity in your newsletter. So thank you! I am a volunteer member who has co-ordinated the Yack area March door-knock over the last few years on behalf of the Red Cross. Thank you again for your support and interest. Kind regards, Jeanine Aughey | Specialist Carer Recruitment Assessment and Training Officer | Foster Care | Upper Murray Family Care Thanks Ali for utilising your network to assist the community in this matter (circulating Yack Health’s flyer for a Grief & Suicide session). 2014 is the 100th year of Australian Red Cross - Collections are still being conducted this month so on their behalf, we are hoping that Yackandandah and District will continue to give as generously as they have in the past. I have been involving as many children in collections as possible, including the Yack Scouts group – and would love to give the kids a well earned pat on the back. Red Cross Australia will provide them with a commemorative badge for participating in their 100th year. Kind regards Clara Smith More than just a newspaper. Cheers Concerned Local Kevin Poyner Support your local organisations in all ways possible - buying something, meeting together, praying together, serving together, advocating a fair go from large corporations and government enterprises. Please support our Advertisers as they support YOUR newspaper Always a good cause to give to. Ed. Classified Ads Let them know they’ve “gotta be joking!” Denise Gould Yackandandah Post Office WANTED TO BUY Oh so true - we can’t point it out too often or bang on about it too much. Use it or lose it - the answer is in our hands. Ed. ALL HANDS TO THE WHEEL Coins, large lots or small. Cash paid. Please call Ray on 03 5721 7341 or 0401 177 370. FOR SALE Ahoaonaodnapaoappa,amndhawnwbhbfoyonow! fyoapannnonnyohom,whynoapaonhaonypnyohomonh manow,yo’apaonodaabaofdby&aodhwoofhwnh. aadyohpwhanobaonf,ondnamaappaa.opaa, DonnaGny,anooodayon02 6023 8900. Hereford Cows & Baldy calves (Angus sire). In excellent condition. Very quiet milky mums. Ideal smallholders’ cattle. Sold rejoined to Limousin bull. Phone Jack for more details on 0407 480 175 Wilti-Poll Ram, 4 yo. Throws well shedding, meaty lambs. Excellent conformation. $200. Phone Jack on 0407 480 175 ******* 0467667226 DonnaGny 0408524433 Suite 2 / 647 Dean Street, Albury NSW 2640 22 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 an 0419269687 T 02 6023 8900 o 0435901926 www.stanleyandmartin.com.au We are happy to put in classifieds free of charge. Please forward your advert or phone it through a week before publication. yackity_yak@yackandandah.com or phone 0448 803 411 Think Twice Before You Think of Planting Olives “Think twice if you are thinking of planting olives in your garden or on your property for ornamental purposes. And if you already do have olives growing make sure you harvest all the fruit before the birds get to them.” That’s the message those involved in the Indigo Feral Olive Control Program would like to get out to the wider community. The groups’ goals are to remove the olives before they do became a major environmental weed and inform the community of the potential threat to the district’s remnant vegetation along roadsides, on private properties and in state and national parks. complement theirs.” But for the program to be successful, the source of olive infestations also needs to be tackled. “There is a real concern that garden plantings and farm driveway plantings of olives are possibly a ticking time-bomb unless those There are olive infestations in many parts of south east Australia including major infestations in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia and the Mt Annan Botanic Gardens in the Blue Mountains, NSW. A declared weed in NSW and South Australia, olives are not yet officially a weed in Victoria. The Indigo Feral Olive Control Program is an ambitious joint project by the Rutherglen and Chiltern Landcare groups in Victoria’s North-East which has seen more than 400km of roadsides in the Indigo Shire mapped and cleared of feral olive trees. Those involved are also hoping that raising people’s awareness of the environmental threat that olives can pose will encourage landholders to remove unwanted and feral olives on their properties and adjacent roadsides. The initiative isn’t targeting commercial olive growers. Whilst olives are an important part of the agricultural and tourist industry in north-east Victoria, they have a “dark” side. A hardy plant, well-suited to our climate, mature olive trees produce large quantities of fruit with seeds easily dispersed by birds. As a result feral olives have become a serious environmental weed and pose a real threat to remnant native vegetation. A long-lived species (100 years or more), olives produce a dense canopy that effectively shades out native plants and suppresses natural regeneration. A South Australian study found native Eucalypt woodlands infested with olives have a 50% reduction in plant diversity and an 80% reduction in native plant canopy cover. characteristics e.g. Western Rosewood (Alectryon oleifolium subs.canescens) “Properly managed olives are OK because you are removing the fruit and the seed source,” says Project Manager, Rick James, from Riparian Management Services. “If you are a conscientious professional olive grower you should be aware they can become a weed and remove the fruit. It would be good practice for growers to monitor their immediate area and remove any seedlings that do pop up on nearby roadsides or reserves.” Jenny Davidson of Rutherglen, Jane Roots of Chiltern Landcare and Rick James, Project Manager The three year program, which began in May 2012, received $96,000 funding from the Victorian Sate Government’s Communities for Nature program. As well Indigo Shire is actively supporting the project and has contributed $10,000 for removing other woody weeds on selected roadsides. olives are well-managed and regularly pruned,” says Jenny Davidson, President of the Rutherglen Landcare Group and convenor of the program’s steering committee. “Ensuring we don’t allow our olives to become an environmental weed is very much a community “From Indigo Shire’s perspective responsibility. We need to be very this project is viewed as a really pro- aware of what we are planting in our active program rather than a reactive gardens and on our properties.” one,” says Jenny Pena, the Shire’s Instead of planting fruiting olives, Natural Resources Management the suggestion is to plant a nonOfficer. “The landcare groups are fruiting variety such as the Swan trying to tackle an issue before it Hill Olive, or a native species gets too big. It complements our with similar foliage and growth own weed program and we can *Members of the project are happy to talk to other landcare groups and agencies and share their experiences about what they have learnt from undertaking the project. They are developing a fact sheet “Olives: friend or foe?” which will shortly be available on Indigo Shire’s website. Margrit Beemster Great in a martini and delicious to eat - but a menace in the bush and on roadsides. If you have ever been to the Barossa Valley where there are wall-towall verges full of them, then it’s absolutely worth thinking twice before you plant them... Ed. April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 23 Ya c k S u s t a i n a b i l i t y The township of Yackandandah has many exciting initiatives bubbling along at the moment, some of which are captured here. We had a big two weeks on sustainability in Yack!! 1. Yackandandah Folk Festival (21st-23rd March) - The Folk Festival has been on a bit of a green journey, and a new benchmark has been achieved recently We have installed 3 kW of solar panels in conjunction with the Yack cooperatively owned petrol station. This 3 kW array (as part of a total array of 12 kW) will generate sufficient power annually to offset the power used during the festival. More to see at: yackfolkfestival.com/about/environment/ 2. Yackandandah Community Garden - The Community Garden had its official launch on the 15th March. It is looking spectacular. The opening coincided with the monthly food swap. More details at: ecoportal.net.au/event/officialopening-yackandandah-community-garden 3. On the 16th of March, Indigo Council hosted speakers and guests for a Community Energy Forum. This event considered some the Community Power activity in Australia and globally and aim to catalyse local community energy. More details: ecoportal.net.au/event/ indigo-community-energy-forum The Food Swap which takes place on the third Saturday of the month will be held from now on at the Community Garden - a great place to be having these social gatherings particularly when it has a food bias. Matthew Charles-Jones For The Love of Reading It was smiles all round at Yackandandah story time last week when two children were presented with book vouchers for their efforts in the Summer Reading Club. “This year the theme of Summer Reading Club was ‘investigation’. At the Indigo Shire Libraries children enjoyed a weekly whodunit Indigo Council conducts the Summer Reading club at all library branches and this was the first style story time; guessed how many miniature items were hidden in a jar of rice; dressed up in time for Yackandandah. disguise; invented Indigo Libraries secret agent name acting co-ordinator, tags; played Wendy Kerr, memory games said the Summer with essential Reading Club was spy equipment; developed by the and pinned the State Library of magnifying glass Queensland, in on the detective. partnership with Children kept public libraries lists of the books across Australia. they read over the “It provides holidays, and for children, young Library Officers, Yvette Hawkins & Katrina Mahoni with Ivy every five books people and their Edwards who collected a voucher on behalf of her sister read they entered Nina, and Violet MacCalman with her voucher in the Prefamilies with the draw for a book School Category fun, creative voucher.” and engaging One Primary and one Pre-School entry were summer holiday activities,” she said. “The program encourages reading and celebrates the selected from each Indigo Shire Library branch. Tidy Towns are proud towns Indigo Shire's Cr Don Chambers would like all towns and communities in Indigo Shire to enter the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria Tidy Towns awards. "These awards celebrate the great work our communities do to protect and enhance their environment," Cr Chambers said. "In the 45 years since their inception, the awards have grown from being an anti-litter campaign to encompass projects as varied as preserving heritage, saving water and energy, community action and leadership. "The long-term behavioural change across communities brought about by these awards allows us to build better communities year by year, and encourages us to tread lightly on our landscape." The food swap in its new location at the Community Garden importance of developing all the senses through reading, writing, art, craft and computer skills. "What this tells me is that we have wonderfully proactive and proud communities in our Shire RED GUM FIREWOOD Dry, split and ready to burn 3 cubic metres - $390 6 cubic metres - $720 Other amounts can be quoted for. Please phone: 02 6027 3559 or 0407 684 124 with many community-driven initiatives that could be included in this year's awards," Cr Chambers said. Cr Chambers said Indigo Shire Council is a member of Keep Australia Beautiful and entry in the awards is free. However, applications need to be driven by the community, and Cr Chambers praised the work of two hardworking advocates who are available to help with the application process. "Iris Mannik in Beechworth has been a longtime supporter of these awards and works tirelessly each year to compile entries for Beechworth. And in Rutherglen, Frances Walsh is also available to offer help and advice. Just give Iris a call on 03 5728 2774 or Frances on 0417 364 441." Iris said that taking part in the awards had many benefits, not least of which were the rewards of community participation. Frances highlighted the awards' positive effect on residents taking pride in the appearance of their town and its environs. Anyone can enter the awards, individuals, community groups such as Landcare, service clubs, and committees or "friends of" groups. In addition to the Awards, the Keep Australia Beautiful Gift Fund is offering six $1000 prizes for community groups seeking to start new projects. Visit: sustainability.vic.gov.au/kabv. Applications close at 11pm on 5 May 2014. Who’s doing what around the traps? Has your family been busy? What have YOU been up to? Please let us know - don’t be shy... 24 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Tackling Elm Leaf Beetle The past year has been a particularly bad one for the numbers of Elm leaf beetle attacking Elm trees in Indigo Shire. Indigo Shire’s Tree Maintenance Officer, Jim Harrison said residents had expressed some concern about the damage the beetle was doing to Elm trees. “The Elm Leaf Beetle is still very active although it is late in the season for it,” Mr Harrison said. “Council treated about 1000 Elm trees throughout the Shire in September 2013 by means of ground injection, which is the treatment recommended to us as the most effective by Council Arboriculture Victoria.” “However, the conditions in Victoria since the spring, with low rainfall and a mild start to summer followed by extreme temperatures, have put all of our trees under great stress, especially trees native to the Northern Hemisphere such as the Elm. “However, there are many more “Confidor” is the chemical that the Shire’s contractors use to inject into the ground to control the Elm Leaf Beetle. “Confidor” whose common name is Imidacloprid, is a neonicotinoid which is under suspicion of contributing to Honey Bee Colony Collapse Disorder - the decline of honey bee colonies in Europe and North America observed since 2006. Imidacloprids which are highly toxic to bees, were banned in France in 1999. Actual damage to bee populations is a function of toxicity and exposure of the compound in combination with the mode of application. A systemic pesticide, which is incorporated into the soil or coated on seeds, may kill soil-dwelling insects, such as grubs or mole crickets as well as other insects, including bees, that are exposed to the leaves, fruits, pollen, and nectar of the treated plants. It is also not working that well any longer looking at the state of the trees, so perhaps it is time to look at a new way of treating the trees. Ed. Domestic Hard Waste and Furniture Disposal This is a free service for Indigo Shire ratepayers. Residents must deliver their waste to the sites listed below, no kerbside pickup will be provided. Items are to be sorted and separated at the site, as instructed by staff. Supervisors will reject unacceptable items. Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 March, 2014 Beechworth, 1pm-5pm, Beechworth Transfer Station, Diffey Road Chiltern, 8am-noon, former Transfer Station, ChilternRutherglen Road Kiewa-Tangambalanga, 9am-1pm, corner Forge Court and Kiewa-Bonegilla Road, opposite Kiewa Fire Station. Elms on private land than under Council control. This is a major concern for us. The Elm leaf beetle moves from the untreated trees to Council’s treated trees and begin to feed before dying. But it is the huge volume of beetles due to the unusual weather conditions that is the problem. “We will not be able to eradicate the beetle completely, but we are doing all that we can to improve and manage the overall health of the trees to ensure that they are able to respond well to our measures. “One of the most significant things that could be done is for owners of private elm trees, which are not on Council property, to contact an accredited operator to treat those trees, seriously limiting the movement of the beetle to other trees.” Drawing City Folk To Indigo Shire Indigo Shire will again attend the Regional Victoria Living Expo in Melbourne in April — this time showcasing our first class country talent. provides to invite more talented families to make Indigo their home." Cr Gaffney said Adrian Osborne, of Splatoons Cartoon Shop, Beechworth, would be a major drawcard. "The talent in Indigo ranks among the Shire's Triple Golden Guitar finest assets," the mayor, winner, Pete Denahy of Cr Bernard Gaffney, said. Yack will also perform, "People come here from Keep your hair on, and Beechworth writerall walks of life and enjoy photographer Brenda Pete! It’s only an the fruits of some of the Pomponio will tell why expo... most creative people in she chose Indigo as her the country — and we special place.” welcome the opportunity this Expo New Award for Heritage Advocacy A new award in the annual Indigo Shire Heritage Awards this year will acknowledge a resident who has been a strong advocate for heritage in the Shire. Nominations for the awards, which again will be held in conjunction with the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), are now open. Indigo Shire Deputy Mayor and Heritage Awards committee member, Cr Peter Croucher, said the new award was to acknowledge outstanding contributions by an individual towards Heritage Advocacy in the Shire. The awards recognise people and groups who have made contributions to cultural heritage in a range of areas including public and private places, buildings, landscapes, streetscapes, gardens and objects. The award categories are: • Creative re-use of a Heritage place Rutherglen, 1pm-5pm, Transfer Station, Cornishtown Road • New work/development within a Heritage area Yackandandah, 9am-1pm, Indigo Shire Depot, Railway Avenue, (behind YCDCo Service Station) • Restoration of a Heritage place Items accepted: carpet, mattresses, scrap metal, sump oil (at • Sustainability and/or rreening of a Heritage place Beechworth and Rutherglen only), whitegoods, household and garden furniture, car bodies (at Beechworth and Rutherglen only), televisions, computer equipment. Items not accepted: domestic waste and recyclables (at Yackandandah, Chiltern and Tangambalanga), car bodies (at Yackandandah, Chiltern and Tangambalanga), industrial waste, building waste, rubble, batteries, cleaning solvents, household chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, paint, unidentified chemicals, green waste, garden waste, asbestos, tyres. This service is for large items that cannot be disposed of through domestic kerbside collection. White goods, scrap metal, car bodies, computer equipment, televisions and sump oil can be disposed of free of charge throughout the year at the Rutherglen and Beechworth Transfer Stations, during normal opening hours. • Specialist trade skills • Open Heritage • Junior Heritage • •Individual Heritage advocacy (new category) • •The Indigo Shire Heritage Advisory Committee Heritage Gold Award. Nominations close on Friday 11 April and the awards presentation will take place at The Star Theatre in Chiltern on 16 May. “This year the guest speaker will be one of Chiltern’s own – Christine Hay. Christine grew up in Chiltern and spent many idyllic hours in the Chiltern bush and around the mines and mullock heaps of the gold rush era. She will talk about Women and Children on the Indigo and Chiltern Goldfields,” Cr Croucher said. “Christine is studying for a Master’s Degree in history and is a sessional teacher of Conservation and Land Management at Wodonga TAFE.” Nomination forms availalbe from Council’s website indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ heritageawards or copies are available at Council offices and libraries. No Heritage Award to the Council for recommending a speculative housing development in a pristine part of Hammond Street. Ed. April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 25 YCDCo Contribution Benefits Fitness The ‘Looking Good’ group is one of the latest receipients in community funding from YCDCo following their recent submission for new items of fitness equipment. ‘Looking Good’ group invited Matthew Charles-Jones from the YCDCo Board to come down to one of their Monday morning sessions to give the equipment a whirl. Whilst there, Matthew saw some of the new equipment in action with over 20 ladies in attendance. Whilst the group already has at their disposal a range of equipment, the newest editions to the The group group’s arsenal meets every is a new rowing Monday machine and morning at 9am 16 resistance at the Nelson bands. The McIntosh acquisition Pavilion. Any of the rowing new ladies machine will Matthew and Tarn Charles-Jones with provide an members of the Looking Good group at a looking to enhance their additional low recent fitness session fitness are impact cardio more than welcome. $5 per session option for the group, further aiding (which covers, hall hire, insurances their bid for improved physical and equipment- instructor is a fitness. The bands will allow them to continue working on strength and volunteer). Contact Kath on 02 6027 1435 or Suzanne on 0411 234 muscle tone. 277. To christen the new machine, the Thanks to our fantastic Volunteer Life Guards Ya c k a n d a n d a h B o w l i n g C l u b The Yackandandah Bowling Club is proud to announce that Ron Boulton became the Champion of Champions for the Ovens and Murray Region on Saturday, 8th March. The Championship Final was played at Rutherglen between Ron and Jack Lillis of Myrtleford. The competition between the two was a tight game of excellent draw bowls by both players. Jack was off to a good start scoring 5 in the first few ends then Ron came back scoring 4 and 2. They were 10 The Champion with that winning bowl! all on end 11. The lead see-sawed throughout the game. 12 all on end 14. Jack went to the lead on end 15 and went out to 16 to 13 by the 17th end. On end 22, they were together at 18 all. Ron scored 6 over the next 4 ends to take him to 24. It took him another 3 ends for that one crucial shot to take him to 25 - the final score being 25 to 21. Both players had won their respective heats at their own clubs before playing off against the Club Champions for the other Clubs in the Ovens & Murray Region. Quite a few members of the Yackandandah Bowling Club supported Ron on the day including Ron’s wife Helen. Another season of invigorating (and considering this summer's heat - sometimes rather warm) morning swimming in Yackandandah has drawn to a close! A consistent bunch of some 25 swimmers have been clocking up the early morning kilometres through summer; lots of swimming laps, chatting, BBQ's and pancakes and watching over the next generation of young swimmers. On the Honour Board at the Yackandandah Club, the last Champion of Champions was Helen Kelly in 2005 and the last male The Winner takes all! Ron champion was Chris Kennedy back in 1998 Boulton & Jack Lillis shake on it. of the Ovens and Murray East Region. All this has been made possible through Volunteer Life Guards, Cath the generous offer of expertise, time and Bishop & Richard Whitford, without whom there would be enthusiasm from Cath Bishop and Richard Whitford - and not to mention our BBQ and no early morning swimming sessions. pancake chef, Jill Whitford! Your volunteer time is greatly appreciated! Thanks must also be extended to Indigo Shire Council for supporting this important community resource. Until next summer… Congratulations to Ron on his win against Jack. Most of the publicity has been for Jack who has made headlines because of his age (83 years and clearly still going strong on the bowls field). Both Ron and Jack knocked out some of the Association’s best and elite players on the way to the final. Good on you, Ron - Yack’s proud of you.... Ed. Ron will now compete in the Champion of Champions week in Bendigo during April. So it is great to have a small club like Yackandandahcoming through with a Regional Champion. The Club congratulates Ron. Glaucoma Australia is an organisation which endeavours to educate people on the need for early diagnosis so that invisible damage to the eyes does not occur. Raised pressure, once diagnosed, can often be controlled simply by daily use of eye drops. WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK March 10-16 was World Glaucoma Week. This will have passed by the time you read this, but gradual loss of vision will still be occurring in many, completely unaware of the changes happening in Early morning swimmers couldn’t convince the Editor to get in... their eyes. Perhaps next season! Glaucoma is called 'the sneak thief of sight', as it is painless and very gradual so that sufferers may not be aware of the gradual rise in pressure within their eyes which leads to damage of the optic nerve and irreversible loss of vision. 26 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 Early detection is simple and painless and can be carried out by an optometrist. So if you are not needing to visit an optometrist for spectacles, you should still do so to have your eye pressure checked if over the age of 40 or have a family history of glaucoma. To mark Glaucoma Week, Glaucoma Australia encouraged B.I.G. (Beat Invisible Glaucoma) breakfasts. We will have held a breakfast at the Yack Swimming Pool on 12th March by the time you read this. Intrepid early morning cook, Jill Whitford, cooks up a storm on World Glaucoma Day for the early morning swimmers (and the Editor!). Further information can be obtained from glaucoma.org.au or talk to Jill Whitford on 6027 1723. Ya c k a n d a n d a h Te n n i s C l u b We have just completed the 2013/2014 KTDTA competition. Yack had three teams competing – Section 4 with one team and Section 3 had 2 teams. Section 4 made it to the semi finals but lost to Mt Beauty. Mt Beauty ended up winning the flag. This is a good social competition for all ages. MARGARET COURT TENNIS ACADEMY Please contact Anna Hession on 6027 0558/0438 196 937 or email marcanna@hotkey.net.au. Please Junior Coaching available on Wednesday nights. For details, please contact Margaret Court Tennis Academy via email or phone for enquiries: cameronmeagher@hotmail. com or 0422 137 891. Section 3 had 1 team making it to the Grand Final and winning the flag . SATURDAY MORNING JUNIOR TENNIS COMPETITION It has been a great competition and the younger members have really improved their tennis. Thanks to all the players and parents for supporting the competition. It has been a hard summer with so many hot Saturdays. THURSDAY NIGHT COMPETITION Junior K T & DTA competition will commence in Term 4. This is for all juniors of any ability; please contact Therese on 0439 440 451 for details. The winning Section 3 team. From L to R: Aengus Williams, Adam Bullivant, Jock Shannon, Joe Labram & Corey Jackson (Ray Leonard absent) register as soon as possible. MIXED Starting Spring 2014. You may enter as an individual and be put in a team or enter a mixed team. TUESDAY COMPETITION NIGHT Mixed competition. Please contact Duane Washington on 0418 578 860 for further details. COURT ACCESS Club Membership is required to obtain the code to gain entry on to the courts. Please contact Geoff Simmons on 6027 1742 for all membership enquiries. A key is now located at the Yack Newsagency. A refundable deposit of $10 is required, plus court hire of $5. Beechworth Secondary College Fundraiser Beechworth Fun Run /Walk will be held on Easter Saturday, 19th April,2014 Visit the following website and click on the 'Registration' tab to enter: beechworthfunrun.com.au Our 10 km course provides a challenging run through the picturesque gorge area and lakeside while the 3 km course gives the opportunity for children, families and the less fit to walk and run around our beautiful town. As we are part of the Golden Horseshoe Festival, there is a wonderful festive feel to this event. As part of the North East Runners Series, we attract a strong field each year. Our generous sponsors provide us with both cash prizes and spot prizes to the winners in each category. Online entries close Wednesday, 16th April, 2014. Categories: 10 km run or walk - $22.00 (9.00 am start) 3 km run or walk - $8 (9.10 am start) Families 3 km (only) - $25 (2 Adults & 2 children) Prams & dogs (on leads) welcome. Looking for a Ve n u e ? ? The Yack Sports Park is a great venue for weddings, 21st parties, engagements parties, reunions, trivia nights, club presentations, debs, balls, music events, funerals, meetings and sporting events. With its beautiful views, heating and cooling, it makes the perfect place for just about anything. So, the very next time you are looking for a venue to hire, consider booking the Yackandandah Sports Park. More information can be found on our website: sportspark.yackandandah.com or email: sportspark@yackandandah. com. Contact Amanda on 0447 128 868 to arrange a time to convenient time to inspect this great venue in fantastic surroundings, and very reasonable prices! April / May 2014 Yackity Yak 27 YCDCo Community Youth Awards - 2013 On the 26th of January this year Chairman of YCDCo, Phillip Newman awarded the inaugural community Yackandandah Youth Awards. These awards seek to provide recognition of the many ways young people contribute positively to our From left to right: Kene Keats, Phillip Newman and Anna Ross community. The winner of the ‘senior’ award was Ms. Anna Ross, for her contribution to Arts, Music and Youth Leadership. The junior award went to Ms. Kene Keats for her efforts at the YCEN Opportunity Shop and community radio. Congratulations to both Anna and Kene! YCDCo looks forward to repeating the awards at the end of 2014 and more importantly, hearing of all the great contributions being offered by the younger members of our community. YCDCo Board MISSING – PLEASE RETURN US Foodworks Yack reported the headscratching loss of several of their smaller shopping trolleys that are invaluable to the older members of our community. A number have gone missing over the past months, and unfortunately there are no plans to replace them due to the very high cost of purchase. A member of staff said “we are at a loss to know why they should be targeted. Do people use them to wheel their washing out to their Hills Hoists? We just can’t think why so many of them should have been stolen”. One thing is for sure, they need to be returned. Can whoever “borrowed” these trolleys PLEASE replace them. Do it at night if you worry about being spotted... Just let our older residents have access to these lighter trolleys once again. YCDCo and Folk Festival Go Solar In February this year, YCDCo launched a new project,‘yEnergy’. This launch featured the installation of 12kW of solar panels on the roof of the yFarm shed. As an Australian first, the Folk Festival Committee, in partnership with YCDCo, has funded 3kW of this installation and this will indirectly power the annual festival. YCDCo Chair, Phillip Newman, said yEnergy lowers YCDCo’s operating costs and keeps capital in our community as well as helping to decrease the company’s environmental footprint. “A core function of YCDCo is to promote the economic and social wellbeing of the Yackandandah area and this solar installation ticks all the boxes,” Phillip said. “Over the past 10 years, YCDCo profits have sponsored more than $110,000 worth of local community activities.” Chairman of the Folk Festival Committee, Chris Smith said this 3kW purchase would produce more than enough renewable energy throughout the year to offset the power used during the three days of the festival on March 21 to 23. “The permanent installation is believed to be an Australian first for folk festivals. We are taking responsibility for our impact on the environment, and continuing to host a great weekend of entertainment. These panels will indirectly neutralise the carbon emissions associated with the festival,” Chris said. Phillip and Chris both agree the joint venture again demonstrates the co-operation and foresight of Yackandandah townsfolk in the adoption of creative approaches to energy and community resilience. Phillip said that the yEnergy initiative could be offered to other community groups wanting to redirect their energy expenses and reduce impacts on the environment. Maybe one day it will be powering Yackandandah’s electric vehicle fleet! “It is hoped yEnergy will open the way for partnerships with other local groups seeking fresh ways of addressing emissions and keeping capital local,” he said. YCDCo Board and Yackandandah Festival Committee YCDCo - Non-Daylight Saving Trading Hours: YACKANDANDAH COMMUMITY DEVELOPMENT CO Mon-Friday: 7 am to 6 pm Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm Sunday: 8.30 am to 5 pm NOW STOCKING Make your FULL RANGE OF FISKARS BLOCK SPLITTERS winter wood harvest easier with a Fiskars splitting axe - you know it makes sense! VERY COMPETITIVE PRICES ON ALL ANIMAL FEEDS! We have dropped the price on all varieties of chaff. Remember, if we don’t have what you want, we are happy to try and get it for you. Spring into yfuel and yf arm for all your gardening, farming & ha rdware need s Bulk Chain and Bar Oil Bring in your own container - only $4.50 per litre. Your Local Community Owned & Operated *FUEL *HARDWARE *PRODUCE & FARM SUPPLIES Remember to like us on Facebook facebook.com/yfarmyfuel Phone: 02 6027 1901 Website: yfuelyfarm.com 28 Yackity Yak April / May 2014 STAFFING AT YCDCo Congratulations to Alice Newman and Felix McDermott on their appointments for our new Gap Year Traineeship position. I’m sure most people have already noticed their bubbly and vibrant personalities, and it should be a great year with Alice and Felix on board. We wish Ben, Ryan and Riley all the best for the next phase of their lives at University, and thank them very much for their efforts at YCDCo.