Flowerdale Community

Recovery Update
November/December 2009

Community Meetings
Will now only be held once a month next meeting is on 11th December & 29th January
PLEASE NOTE: THIS WILL BE THE LAST COMMUNITY UPDATE FOR THE YEAR WILL
RECOMMENCE LATE JANUARY/EARLY FEBRUARY

Updates & New Information

Flowerdale Hub Hours til Christmas

A reminder that the Hub is now only open
one Saturday a month, 10 am - 2 pm. The
next Saturday that the Hub is open is 5th
December.
Hub closure between Christmas and New
Year - all Hubs will be closed for the week
between Christmas and New Year, therefore
people are encouraged to submit all grants
prior to Christmas Eve as many of the grants
cease on December 31st.
The policy about Code Red days isn't quite
ready for publishing, however as Hubs are
about recovery rather than response or relief,
it appears that Hubs will be closed on Code
Red days, and if there is a localised threat,
Hubs will liaise with local authorities and/or
assess potential threats to staff to make a
decision about closing. For example, on
Friday afternoon Centrelink staff left during
the windstorm to ensure they could avoid the
potential of trees coming down or excessive
debris on the roads and return safely to their
staging area in Bundoora.
Primary Age Programs Teenage
Programs
Alexandra
Whittlesea
Yea
Kinglake West
Wandong
Yea
While the locations for the free programs and
activities have been chosen to meet the
needs of the bushfire affected communities,
YMCA Victoria recognises that many families
have been displaced due to the fires and are
unable to access the free programs and
activities. Therefore families who have
relocated to an area where a free program or
service is not being offered can apply for a
reimbursement of fees for primary and
secondary students who attend programs
offered by registered vacation care providers
in the summer school holidays. More
information on reimbursement can be found
at
www.victoria.ymca.org.au/holidayprograms
or by calling 9403 5090.

YMCA holiday programs Stay informed with Business Victoria

YMCA Victoria in partnership with the
Bushfire Appeal Fund are once again excited
to offer a series of free school holiday
programs for bushfire affected communities
over the summer holiday period. Programs
will run in the locations listed below and more
information on the programs can be found at
www.victoria.ymca.org.au/holidayprograms
or by calling 9403 5090. Bookings open on
Monday 23 November and close on Friday 11
December; we strongly advise bushfire
affected families to BOOK EARLY as we
expect some locations to book out!
Register with Business Victoria to stay up to
date with business news, regulation and
government assistance. Register to:
 Stay informed with regular updates,
tailored to your specific business needs
and interests
 Save time using pre-filled online forms and
transactions
 Access and save a range of business tools
& resources including step by step guides,
seminars, industy directories & useful web
page links

Page 1 of 43
Visit www.business.vic.gov.au/signup or call
132215
The Bushfire Appeal Fund Advisory Panel,
chaired by Pat McNamara is visiting
Whittlesea. All local residents are invited to
an informal light lunch with the panel where
you will have a chance to talk to panel
members about the fund and other bushfire
related issues.
When: Tuesday 1st December
When: 1.00 – 1.45pm
Where: Whittlesea Community Activity
Centre, 56 – 61 Laurel St, Whittlesea
Please RSVP to Fiona on (03) 9096 1649 or
email fiona.mcgrath@dhs.vic.gov.au.
Bushfire ReBuilding Blocks
Bushfire ReBuilding Blocks is a not for profit
association established to generate and
provide tangible support to people specifically
rebuilding premises on their existing land
following the Black Saturday fires.
They can help in a range of projects from
clearing trees, brick laying, carpentry,
painting, shed fit outs, gardening and more.
If you would like to know more about how
Bushfire ReBuilding Blocks can give you a
hand, call 0415 815 585.
Bushfire ReBuilding Blocks are also looking
for people who can help through offering
trade discounts and services, gardeners,
people to make and serve lunch to
volunteers, collecting and delivering building
material, accommodation for interstate and
overseas volunteers, the donation of new or
used building materials etc.
If you are able to help, call 0415 815 585 or
email donate@bushfirerebuildingblocks.org or
check the website
www.bushfirerebuildingblocks.org
Back to work tool kits
Back to work tool kits and promotional
postcards are being distributed to Community
Services Hubs over the coming days.
The kits contain information about state,
federal and non-government services
available to assist Bushfire affected
employees and employers to get back to
work.
They also contain information on a range of
issues including employment rights, benefits
and entitlements, financial counselling,
training entitlements and re-employment.
For more information about the service call
1800 842 463.
Victorian Bushfire Information Line
The Victorian Bushfire Information Line
(VBIL) provides timely bushfire information
and advice to the Victorian community in the
lead up to the fire season and during
significant incidents.
VBIL is currently reviewing a number of areas
of the service as a result of the Royal
Commission's Interim Report. These include:
* refurbishment in the Wendoree office
to accommodate 14 more desks for call
takers
* recruitment of an additional 60-70 call
takers, a new team leader and new
operations manager over the coming months
* technology and processes are being
reviewed to speed up the time it takes to get
information ready for call takers
* the overlow arrangement with
Centrelink is also being reviewed to improve
the switch over speed.
Managed by the CFA and the Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE), the
VBIL is a vital source of preparation,
response and recovery information for the
community.
Members of the community can call the
information line on 1800 240 667 or email
vbil.info@dse.vic.gov.au.
For the deaf, hard of hearing or individuals
who have a speech impediment and have a
teletext machine are encouraged to call TTY
(teletext) 1800 122 969. For further
information see the National Relay Service
website
http://www.relayservice.com.au/topics/2065.
html
Gutter guarding
Northern Leaf Guard is offering bushfire-
affected families and individuals living in fire
prone areas a 25% discount to assist with the
supply and fit of gutter guard protection. The
aluminium mesh is fire retardant and has a
CSIRO 0 rating and assists in keeping gutters
clear from debris and embers.
For more information, or to obtain a quote
please call Steven Kish on 0400508466.
Page 2 of 43
Donations Management System update –
Laminex offer
Laminex is offering a free kitchen design
service to people affected by the bushfires.
This is suitable for people who are rebuilding
their homes and includes an initial
consultation with a Laminex consultant.
During the design process Laminex will
provide a computer rendered design of their
new kitchen including a floor plan with
dimensions, computer rendered elevations,
colour, product and texture selections. People
are under no obligation to use Laminex
products and can take the design to any
cabinet maker.
This offer can be accessed until February
2010 by contacting your VBRRA Donations
Coordinator. Once people have registered
their need for the donation, they have until
September 2010 to contact Laminex
regarding this offer. The offer is valued at
100 points.
Community Grants Fund
The Victorian Bushfire Community Grants
Fund has been established by Australia's
Open Garden Scheme to support Victorian
communities affected by the Victorian
bushfires.
A total of $80,000 is available for the
establishment, re-establishment or
refurbishment of community gardens, parks
and other public places with grants of up to
$20,000 available.
Application forms and further information are
available at www.opengarden.org.au.
Applications close on 30 April 2010.
If you would like to share your ideas for a
public garden or be involved please contact
Council’s Bushfire Recovery Team on (03)
9217 2532.
Tourism Victoria offer
The accommodation offer coordinated by
Tourism Victoria expires on 20 December
2009. This expiry date is printed on the
accommodation vouchers clients may have
accessed from VBRRA’s donations
coordinators. If you are aware your clients
have accessed these vouchers and have not
used them, please remind them they expire
in four weeks. Any unused vouchers cannot
be returned to Donations Coordinators.
There are still several Melbourne city based
hotels offering accommodation to bushfire
affected people. These include:
- Causeway 353: www.causeway.com.au
- Hotel Windsor:
www.thehotelwindsor.com.au
- Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens:
www.radisson.com/melbourneau
- Crown Promenade:
www.crownpromenade.com.au
To book accommodation, please follow the
usual process by visiting the Tourism Victoria
website -
www.tourism.vic.gov.au/bushfireoffer/accom
modation. All bookings are subject to
availability.
Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme
As part of its response package to the
Regional Telecommunications Review, the
Rudd Government provided $11.4 million to
extend and enhance the Satellite Phone
Subsidy Scheme. The funding is available
over four years to 30 June 2013.
The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme
improves the affordability of mobile
communications for people living and working
in areas without handheld terrestrial mobile
coverage, by providing subsidies for the
purchase of satellite phone handsets. The
subsidy varies depending on where you live
and the cost of the phone you buy:
1. Live or work outside of mobile
Coverage
- 85 per cent of the retail price of the phone,
to a maximum of $1000
2. Live in mobile coverage, but work
or travel outside coverage
- 50 per cent of the retail price of the phone,
to a maximum of $700
To be eligible for the second subsidy level
you must spend a minimum of 180 days
outside of terrestrial mobile coverage over
the next two years.
Eligibility
Individuals, small businesses, educational
institutions, Indigenous corporations,
community groups, health and emergency
service organisations can access subsidies.
Replacement handsets
Applicants who live in areas without
terrestrial mobile coverage are eligible for
additional subsidies to replace handsets
purchased under the Scheme three or more
years earlier.
Further details
Guidelines and application forms are available
at www.dbcde.gov.au/satphone.
Page 3 of 43
 Changes to Telstra services
As Telstra completes construction of three permanent Next G™ mobile base stations in
Strathewen, Arthurs Creek and Kinglake West in the Nillumbik and Murrindindi shires, they will be
turning off some of the temporary coverage cells they deployed immediately after Black
Saturday. These temporary coverage cells provided temporary network coverage in areas where
existing coverage was patchy and not reliable. We now have permanent Next G™ mobile
coverage – namely in Strathewen and Kinglake West, with Arthurs Creek to come online at the
end of November 2009. Some residents will notice that their older GSM phones won’t get the
same coverage as they experienced with the temporary mobile cells. Telstra’s permanent mobile
coverage investment is in the Next G™ network only – not the old GSM network. Telstra
recommends customers move across to the Next G™ network to take advantage of the new
coverage and their shop at Westfield Shopping Centre in McDonald’s Road in Plenty Valley (03
9437 8650 or mrobins@tlifeplentyvalley.com.au) is ready to help customers move across to the
new network. This move could be as easy as porting their old number onto a new phone and SIM
card at no charge, or could involve a charge depending on the contract and phone customer’s
want. Telstra are advising customers to visit the store and speak to Michael, Sebastian and the
team about their individual circumstances.

Telstra’s important tips ahead of the summer

As Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges residents prepare their homes and families for the
bushfire season, it’s also critical they audit their communications devices and services. Telstra
has also prepared some important tips to help ready residents for the upcoming bushfire season.
The tips have been developed in response to customer enquiries about ways to optimise their
telephone services during natural disasters, such as the Victorian bushfires or Queensland floods.

Telstra’s 10 Tips:

1. Think about a Blue Tick mobile phone – different mobile phones have different capabilities.
Telstra’s Blue Tick accreditation program identifies mobile handsets that have enhanced
coverage for country areas. People can check here:
http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/index.html
2. Upgrade your 2G SIM – it’s important that customers upgrade their 2G SIM card when
purchasing a Next G™ mobile handset to receive the benefits of Telstra’s extensive 3G
network coverage. Customer can keep their number and it’s a free service unless a new plan
or handset is required.
3. Have a spare mobile battery – it’s advisable to have a spare, fully charged battery on stand-
by.
4. Carry additional mobile phone chargers – an in-car and a separate AC mains charger are
essential in case of evacuation.
5. Consider a standard fixed phone - power failures will affect cordless PSTN phones and VoIP
(Voice over Internet Protocol) services that require 240V power to operate. Customers using
VoIP should check with their service providers.
6. Keep essential numbers close by – have a list of essential contact numbers close at hand,
including local Police, Fire, SES and Telstra’s fault line - 132203.
7. Use Triple Zero (000) appropriately – only call Triple Zero in life threatening emergencies. If
your situation is not time critical but requires the attention of an emergency services
organisation, you can obtain alternate numbers for these organisations by calling Telstra Call
Connect – 12456.
8. Keep calls to a minimum – although Telstra monitors the network closely in times of
emergency to avoid congestion, it’s advisable to keep calls to a minimum during natural
disasters to allow people to call emergency service organisations.
9. Gauge the benefits of a satellite phone – if living or travelling in isolated areas, consider
purchasing a satellite phone for continuous phone coverage.
10. Consider a Yagi antennae – having one of these antennas maximises mobile phone reception
from your home or vehicle.

Page 4 of 43
 Flowerdale Recovery Committee
 The FRC final meeting for the year is Sunday
20th December afternoon meeting starting @
1pm. Recess from 22nd December – 17th
January. FRC will reconvene 18th.
 Vic Roads re speed limit changes. When all
road works & trees beside the road are
finished, the speed limits will be addressed.
 As we are aware the Statewide Recovery
Plan has delivered a number of projects for
the Flowerdale Community. We now are
negotiating 2nd round funding which we
hope will provide more assets to the
community.
If you wish to partake on any of these
projects for any contribute or any issues
arising please contact Julie Bateman,
Communications, FRC via email or PO Box
2060, Hazeldene 3658.
email: jbateman@y7mail.com
 The FRC totally supports and endorses
community events. However organizers
need to approach the FRC so that we can
guide them through the legal requirements
to conduct a successful event including
Event Management Plans, Permits etc.
 If you want updated information and stories
please see Flowerdale Blogspot:
http://www.helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com
FRC goes to Government House
The
Flowerdale
Recovery
Committee
attended a They covered how this blog has been a key tool for
reception at
Government
House that
was held both
to recognise
the work of
the Recovery Committees but also to give the
communities a chance to meet and get to know each
other.
The FRC was picked up by a bus at 10.00am and did the
milk run to Glenburn, Toolangi, Kinglake and Kinglake
West.
The Governor opened proceedings thanking the
Committee Members for their work and then John
Brumby, Bill Shorten and Christine Nixon said a few
words. The theme of all the speeches was that the
government wanted to ensure communities had input
into the recovery and the process should be community
led. I think it is fair to say it was a bit slow to start but
the process has been very community focused.
Christine Nixon's speech really showed how much she
had got across to all the communities and it was obvious
with the number of people she knew from across the 78
affected
communities
that she has
been out at
the coalface.
We spoke to
many of the
other
communities
and it was a
very valuable
exercise
The biggest surprise of the day was to see all of the FRC
dressed up especially Peter Auty in a suit.
We also got to have a great chat with Bill Shorten who
has been a real supporter of Flowerdale and the whole
recovery process. Bill suggested that Burgo and Peter
Auty could feature in a "Men of the Bushfire" calendar
but thankfully the rest of the FRC put a stop to those
thoughts.
A big thank you to the Governor and the VBRRA staff
who organised the event.
Flowerdale wins international award for
use of Technology
On 28th October, the Flowerdale Community was
awarded a Groundswell award by Forrester Research for
"Best use of Social Media for Social Impact"
The Groundswell awards focus on how organisations or
Communities are using things like blogs, wikis, YouTube,
Flickr, Scribd, Twitter etc to make a difference.
dissemination of news and information, raising funds
and goods from donors and philanthropists, the use of
the wiki in coordinating the building of the village and
the www.builditback.org website.
Flowerdale was represented by a Deloitte colleague of
mine in Chicago, Valli Perera. Valli said firstly he was
honoured to represent Flowerdale and that the award to
Flowerdale received the most applause on the night.
A lot of people have contributed to the award through
the contribution of photos, stories, videos and pulling
the information together to be published. A special
mention should also go to Julie Bateman of the FRC who
has worked tirelessly on the communications front.
To see the background to the award see it at the
Groundswell awards site.
Page 5 of 43
 MINUTES OF MEETINGS
Please note the following minutes are now passed by the FRC.

MINUTES OF MEETING
@
BURGO’S SHED
Monday 28TH September

PRESENT:
Pete Auty, Judy Baker, John Burgess, Annie Robertson, Ric Stubbings

APOLOGIES:
Julie Bateman

1. VBRRA REPORT:
Judy Reported: In attendance were Christine Nixon, Ben Hubbard, Betsy Harrington , Frank Maas, Kerry
O’Neil, Mary Fall (Communications), Moya White, Jane Arwis (Economic Team), Kim Fawcus, Pam Williams
(Director of Temporary Housing DHS), Kerry O
Flowerdale CRC was very happy that VBRRA had addressed all our concerns which we had brought to the
meeting, as a result of the progress of our Status Report. FRC felt that we were being listened to. We
were asked for our expectations as far as the meeting was concerned. Statewide plan is due mid October.
John requested that we be informed as soon as possible if any of our projects are not goers.
2. JOHN REPORTED that Community House Grant is now being liaised with a Victorian representative. His
name is David Henderson. Meeting scheduled with David this Tuesday with Frank Maas, David
Henderson, Burgo, and representatives from Flowerdale Community House. Community House work
engine is in full swing.
3. Darrell Treloar contacted us to ask whether we would present our Recovery Plan at the next Section 86
Committee meeting. John & Pete unavailable for this meeting but will attend the following meeting.
4. Planning for Next Monday night.
5. Feedback from VBRRA as to what will not be funded: To date Renewable Energy and some
Communications. VBRRA have pledged to help facilitate projects with interested parties, will help access
existing government programs and will lobby on our behalf.
MEETING ENDED 9.45PM
MENU

Delicious home made pork and vegetable rolls

Fish cakes
Sweet pastisis
Cooks Lot 2008 Sav Blanc

MINUTES OF MEETING
@
BURGO’S SHED
MONDAY 5TH October 2009

PRESENT:
FRC: Pete Auty, Judy Baker, Julie Bateman, John Burgess, Annie Robertson
VBRRA: Betsy Harrington, Kim Fawcus DHS: Leanne Pleash MSC: Liam Mc Carthy

APOLOGIES:
Ric Stubbings FRC, Darrell Treoar MSC,

1. MEET AND GREET

2. IPO:
JOHN REPORTED: Issues to date. Confusion around the rental of IPO @ Hub – Betsy has addressed.
3. HOOF OVER HILLS:
ANNIE REPORTED: overview of HOH and latest grant.
4. ARTS SHED:
PETE REPORTED: Quotes being sought.
MENS SHED: not erected yet. Mens day being organised.
Page 6 of 43
 CULTURE: Memorial – discussions underway to incorporate the opening of a memorial with a community
celebration. Work will be done with people in the community seeking input for a memorial. Work in
progress.
5. FIRE SAFETY:
JUDY REPORTED: Work in progress. Most work is done. Still need to look at maps and areas of concern
and what we would like done to address these. Timeline 2-3 weeks for draft to be completed.
6. ENVIRONMENT:
PETE REPORTED: Current issues with environment is tied up with sustainability etc. Looking at funding
for weed control. ChemCert holders will help on the day. Inaugural Flowerdale Blackberry Bash on 6th
December, starting at the Moores Road Reserve. Draft letter describing proposal for BB to be included in
Community Update. Aim to get DPI Goulburn Management Catchment Authority, MSC, Parks Victoria and
locals to have a comprehensive weed eradication program, with great consideration given to native plant
preservation.
7. ECONOMY:
JOHN REPORTED: Work in progress.
8. TRANSPORT:
JULIE REPORTED: Surveys sent to each rate payer. $120000 available across the whole shire for a bus.
9. FORMAL COMMUNICATIONS:
JOHN REPORTED: Where should formal communications be directed? For example Status Reports sent to
Betsy. Should we send them to the MSC? Meeting agreed that MSC should be a recipient of the Status
Report and that they should understand that it is an “in house” document for management.
ACTION: Betsy to arrange a conference call with herself, John, Darrell (MSC) to talk about Status Report
and how the Shire will respond etc.
10. BETSY’S RESPONSE TO STATUS REPORT:
Community House – Jarrara land. Letter to be sent to Rob Croxford re acquiring the land. Governance
structure is work in progress.
JOHN: reported that the meeting of last Wednesday (Frank Maas, Kim, John, Pete Auty, Odette) was very
successful and the project is moving forward.
What we won’t get – seek alternative funding on Rec Reserve, some aspects of transport. Everything
else possible or likely. Meeting this week will fully answer this question.
Papers for Ministerial Briefing: work in progress.
Communications: First draft written report due on 14th October will be presented by Bronte.
Water sewer & waste: work in progress.
Renewable Energy: VBRRA will pass on people of expertise within VBRRA.
Men’s Shed: work in progress.
Global Care: successful meeting with Global Care committing to maintaining harmony and working on
Community Projects. Leanne has brokered a Community Project involving Global Care. Pete asked is
there a timeline for Global Care’s time in Flowerdale? There were suggestions that they would be here for
up to 2 years.
ACTION POINT: Suggestion that Global Care participate in the community garden around the Arts
Precinct. Kim reported that there may be OH&S issues, but these will be addressed.
Darley Meetings: Discussions around the next few meetings and who will attend.
11. COMMUNITY HOUSE: ACTION:
Waiting for land to be acquired. Work engines have submitted their differing plans for various sections of
the Community House. Tour of purpose built CHs – Wallan & Mooroopna – work engines will visit these
two houses. Possible next Tuesday.
12. AOB:
FRC: Community House write to Darrell & Rob Croxford inviting them to attend our work engine meetings.
FRC/VBBRA: Engage with Global Care to participate in community garden around arts precinct.
VBRRA (Betsy): To arrange conference call with MSC, John & herself about weekly status reports for
communication.
13. General Business:
13.1 Peter & Liam have discussed the Men’s Day Project and the Lions Club Project and work
continues to progress.
13.2 Judy: In receipt of letter from Fran Bailey re Flowerdale/Hazeldene postcodes. Judy read the
letter to the meeting. Fran has contacted Australia Post and a response has been provided.
Betsy also commented that this is also being addressed on other levels. ACTION: Judy to write
a letter to Lyn Gunter asking for a response by a set date.

Page 7 of 43
 13.3 Leanne: Public Meeting re trees at front of hub – notice of date will be given. Meeting to get
arborist report and to progress the project.
Hall Committee has taken on land ownership issue, with Lyn Gunter taking an active part in
resolving this.
Apology for Friday night. New acting Hub Captain will be Mary Rutledge, while Leanne takes
leave.
13.4 Betsy sang: A beautiful song re: Flowerdale’s future. Betsy happy to forward us the words.
MENU

Antipasto
Fresh Salmon, whiting, flathead and sweet freshly caught by John DeMaria
Salads
Judy’s amazing Lemon Merangue Pie (sensational)
Hoof Over Hills Merlot

MINUTES OF MEETING
@
BURGO’S SHED
MONDAY 26TH October 2009

PRESENT: Peter Auty, Judy Baker, Julie Bateman, John Burgess, Annie Robertson, Ric Stubbings

APOLOGIES: Nil

1. Statewide Recovery Plan was received on October 16th with a visit to Flowerdale Primary School by the
PM Kevin Rudd, the Premier John Brumby, Bill Shorten, and chair of Red Cross Pat McNamara.
FRC Action: Reconciliation Document (tabled) was emailed to VBRRA this morning.
2. Status Report: (Tabled) Latest edition was sent last week. Transport on Red. Economy on Yellow.
Everything else is on Green. FRC is looking forward to becoming more informed about the Urban Land
Use Plan.
3. Received letter from Darrell Treloar 16th October (tabled and read) re funding for CRCs for the
next 18 months. Letter outlined the extent of funding and the process for acquiring funds is being
worked upon by the MSC.
(FRC suggests that the first item of expenditure should be on a good notice board to be located at the
Hazeldene Store.)
4. Received letter from Darrell Treloar 1st October, on behalf of the MBRRC, re: Terms of
Reference. CRCs have a month respond, the month ending 31st October. FRC are very pleased with this
“turn around” as we did push for negotiation in the meeting here attended by Darrell Treloar.
5. Community House Project: is well under way. JB has met with Rob Croxford. Work Engine is in full
swing.
6. Received a letter from Leanne Pleash. Letter reported on a meeting she had with Global Care re
issues at Village with. Some of the issues which exist have been rectified.
7. Moores Road Project. Schools camp participation has been postponed.
8. John has meeting on Wednesday with Kinglake Ranges as a guest speaker.
9. Pete & John attended a meeting with Mahoney Kiely around what our Community wants to do re:
07.02.2010. Discussions started and funding issues being investigated.
10. Ric: Sally Abbott-Smith contacted re $20 000 stimulus package grant for the Cheviot Ward.
11. Ric: re Funding. Need to report to Dept of Justice re distributions of funds from Flowerdale Relief Fund.
FRC agreed that we write back explaining that the Fund is controlled by the Community and that we want
to wait until the end of the funding process before deciding how to disperse monies.
12. Julie:
a. Seeking addresses of FRC members for Kim Fawcus.
b. re CFA Fundraiser organised by Russell Pitt. An amount of $4400 is needed to fund this evening.
Grants for this project have not been forthcoming to date. The question now is: “who should fund
this evening”? FRC wants to support this event, but feel that we need more lead in time to make the
event work. Julie to negotiate with Russell.
c. Julie is doing is doing a Community Newsletter Interim Update.
d. Meeting with Joan Archbold this Thursday.
e. Fire Safety Meeting Flyer has been sent out to all ratepayers.
f. Halloween disco is cancelled.
Page 8 of 43
13. Judy: Two Community Safety Meetings have taken place. Drafts have been put together and amended.
Before final Draft is made a tour of the Flowerdale Valley is being organised so that places of concern etc
are taken into account. Ric will then do the mapping for the plan. Timeline: approximately another
month or longer, as the CFA wants to look into all aspects of Community Safety for Flowerdale. CFA is
aware that the Plan needs to be simple, effective and presented in lay-mans terms.
FRC suggestion that the Plan be taken to Flowerdale street by street to get it out to people and the
document be tabled as a continuous and permanent “work in progress”.
14. Re Creek: Judy has rung Ross Roycroft, Pat Cowman, Julie Bateman, (Ray Butterworth still to be
contacted) re meeting about the creek.
15. Circus Oz performance at Flowerdale Rec Reserve on Saturday 7th November. 100 tickets to FPS. 50
tickets to Flowerdale Kinder, 50 tickets to FRC (of which 25 will be used and 25 will be handed to the Hub
for community allocation) and 150 to the Hub. Hub Tickets available 57802704.
Meeting Ended: 9.31pm
MENU
Marinated Chicken Skewers (cooked on the BBQ) with salads in Pita Roll-ups (thanks Burgo & Anna)
Chrismont King Valley Shiraz 2005 (thanks Ric)

SECTION 86 MINUTES OF MEETING

The Section 86 Minutes of September meeting are now available online on Shire Website (with all
attachments):
http://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=966&h=0

SHIRE COUNCIL ORDINARY MINUTES OF MEETING

Shire Council minutes from September are now available online
http://www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Page/Page.asp?Page_Id=271&h=1

Media Release
Phone: (03) 5772 0333 Fax: (03) 5772 2291
Date: 24 November 2009

Contact Person: Therese Morris

File Ref: 04/02/11

For Release: Immediate
Message:
Murrindindi’s Mayor Resigns
Murrindindi Shire Council's Mayor, Cr Lyn Gunter, has today announced her resignation as a councillor of the
Murrindindi Shire Council.
Lyn’s resignation will be effective as at 9 December 2009.

Murrindindi Shire Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Rob Croxford, thanked Cr Gunter for the contribution
she has made to the council and Murrindindi Shire.

“Everyone at council wants to thank Lyn for her passion and enthusiasm throughout the many years of service
she has given to the Murrindindi Shire and its residents.

“Despite being affected by the Black Saturday bushfires, Lyn has worked tirelessly throughout this incredibly
difficult period. I know it has been personally exhausting for her and on many occasions it has been a thankless
task.

“We all wish Lyn, her husband Brenton and their family well in their future endeavours.”

The annual statutory meeting of council will be held on 9 December 2009 with Lyn holding office as Mayor until
that date. At that time a fresh election is held for the position of Mayor.

A by-election will be required to be held in the King Parrot Ward, and timelines will be announced soon for the
by-election.

Page 9 of 43

Dance &
Silent Auction
Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond
our control the Dance/Silent Auction
fundraiser for the Flowerdale Community
scheduled for 5th December will no longer
be proceeding.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused
to organisers and all who were involved in
this event.
COMMUNICATIONS IN FLOWERDALE – Your
Input is needed
The Communications work engine is continuing to
work on a wide range of Communications issues
with a strong focus on safety. Fiona Henson is
leading the charge on this area.
The work engine is looking for individuals to let
them know what communications problems you
experience. This includes things like mobile phone,
radio, TV and internet access.
VBRRA has commissioned a report by a
Communications expert which should come
through soon but we would like some more
granular information direct from residents to
provide input into the solution.
You can either leave comments on the blog or email
fhenson@netspace.net.au at petfwill@gmail.com
we would like to know where you are located and
any specific issues you face.
FREE BOOKS KILMORE LIBRARY
FREE books are available to replace those that
were lost in the bushfires in February.
If you have a blue DHS card, take it along to the
Kilmore Library, and you will be able to choose
replacement books from a range of new and used
donated books.
Books are available from Monday 23 November.
The Library opens at 9am and the books will be
available until they have all been taken.
For more information, please contact the library
on 5782 1322.
Johnny Meets the Blue Dog - Peter
Auty's latest poem
A big problem facing people in the Bushfire Affected
regions has been dealing with the upcoming fire
season. People are edgy and concerned particularly
with the recent spate of hot and dry weather. Peter
Auty Flowerdale's local poet and CFA Volunteer
experienced an anxiety attack driving to work a
couple of weeks ago and has turned it into a poem.
To view poem please go to website:
http://www.helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com/
Please share the poem around as we hope it helps
surface the issues that many people in the Bushfire
Affected areas are facing.
This is the third poem of the series, the other two
No More a poem written shortly after the fires and
read out and the national memorial service, and
Johnny and the Weasels written about the
frustrations of the recovery process.
Roses Off from Heritage Roses
Australia
Heritage Roses Australia (HRA) hasoffered to
source cuttings of heirloomor historic roses for
people who lostroses in the bushfires.
The cuttings will be provided free ofcharge, and can
be posted viaconventional mail from the start
ofwinter 2010.
Case managers or clients cancontact HRA on the
numbers belowto provide a list of roses that they
lost and want replaced.
HRA will then locate them and post them off at the
beginning of next winter.
The HRA members that are coordinating donations
are:
Shirley Yates: alanshirley@optusnet.com.au or
0423 364 698
Jill Collins: normandcollins@bigpond.com or 9775 4549
Portsea Holiday Camps 2010
The Portsea Camp is for children
aged between 9 and 12 years, with
preference given to children whose
parents have health care cards.
Anyone interested should contact
the camp on 03 5984 2333 for
information about costs, transport
and applying.
Page 10 of 43
 FLOWERDALE BLACKBERRY BASH
UPDATE
Junior Landcare will be holding a
blackberry bash day 6th December to help
eradicate some of our blackberry issues in
our area.
Peter Auty is still planning for the inaugural
blackberry bash on 6th December. He has received
very few calls to volunteer, either for team leaders
or team members. Please let Peter 0422867949 or
Julie Bateman 0418589072 or
jbateman@y7mail.com know if you are interested in
helping.
 Team leader will be needed for:
 Silver Creek/Silver Parrot Roads
 Service Road
 Creekside Drive
 Riverside Crescent
 Goats Road
 Broome Road/Hazeldene Store
 Long Gully Road
 Collins Road
 Moores Road
 Spring Valley Road
 Old Spring Valley Road
Peter is meeting with Christine (UGCMA) & Peter
(DPI Broadford) to discuss their involvement with
the weed management control project.
Parents are encouraged to bring children along
(especially for the get together after at Moores Road
Reserve), but under 18‟s will not be allowed to use
or handle chemicals.
MUSHROOMS
A friend of Peter Auty‟s who set up the very
successful mushroom project at CERES in
Brunswick (now a successful business), has offered
to come out to Flowerdale to deliver workshops
about how to grow SHIITAKE Mushrooms on native
Australian logs.
Due to the time of year this will probably be
schedule for Autumn 2010.
As more information is available the community will
be informed of dates, times etc for those who are
interested in partaking in this workshop.
BBC World Service covers Flowerdale Fire
Preparations
The BBC World Service has done a report on the
preparations for the upcoming fire season in Flowerdale
featuring Ric Stubbings, Steve Phelan and Joanna
Stubbings. It is definitely worth listening to as it covers
fire preparation and what the FRC is doing around safety
plans. It also has a great summary of the communication
issues that we need to solve. It is also good that we are
still getting international interest and that we have such
good speakers representing Flowerdale.
See Flowerdale blog for link to BBC Report:
http://www.helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com
King Parrot Creek Post Fire Weed Control
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management
Authority (GB CMA) has received Federal funding
through Caring For Our Country to support post fire
weed control along waterways in the catchment.
The GB CMA plans to use this funding to make the
most of the opportunity to control re-emerging
weeds on waterways burnt in the February fires.
Christine Glassford, Upper Goulburn Waterways
Team Leader said, “The GB CMA will employ
approved contractors to spray or stem inject priority
weeds along all major waterways burnt in February
2009 while infestations are manageable. The
species targeted will mainly be woody weeds,
including but not limited to, blackberry, gorse,
broome and willow.”
The King Parrot Creek will be the first waterway
targeted in the program. Work is expected to begin
in the last week of November. Landholders
adjoining the King Parrot Creek have been sent
notification of the proposed weed control and are
asked to contact GB CMA staff in the Yea office on
5736 0100 to discuss any issues with access or
works proposed.
Other avenues for support to undertake woody
weed control are available through DPI for freehold
land and through the Strath Creek Landcare Group
for minor waterways and/or areas unburnt. To
register your interest for support with weed control
on private land, call DPI on 5784 0600 or Strath
Creek Landcare, contact Peter Auty on 0422 867
949.
Landholders along burnt waterways may also be
eligible for funding assistance of $8 per metre for
waterway grant fencing. Interested landholders are
encouraged to contact the GB CMA to obtain
waterway grant assistance or further information.
Normal grants still apply for landholders along
unburnt waterways.
GB CMA assistance with weed control and the
increased subsidy support for fencing is expected to
be available for two years, pending 2010/11 Fire
Recovery funding.
Page 11 of 43
 Flowerdale Primary School

Merry Christmas to all the Flowerdale Flyer readers and to our friends in and around Flowerdale. We invite you
to join us for our Annual Christmas Concert and Barbeque Dinner at the Flowerdale Hall on Wednesday 9th
December 2009. There will be some great performances by every child in the school, presentation of Student
Awards and of course a delicious barbeque.

Congratulations to:
Our students on a fantastic performance at Circus Oz. Their demonstrations on acrobatic and gymnastic skills,
dances and hula-hoops, diablos and spinning saucers were brilliant.
 Mr D on winning the Permission to
Shine Award in the category of Leadership.
Our community celebrated his award in great
Flowerdale spirit with an afternoon tea catered
for by the wonderful PFA and attended by our
school & kinder community and friends.
 Our wonderful teachers for their care
and concern for our children and their families
during such a tragic and difficult year. In all
the chaos and confusion, they have kept our kids focused, and working
while being sensitive to their needs and their situations. Amy, Christine,
Brooke and Ross – you are real gems and we are so lucky to have you at
Flowerdale Primary School.
 Our Grade 6 students – Mel, Caleb, Shaun and Zac – who have
completed their Primary schooling and are now ready to embark on their
High School adventure. We wish them all the luck and happiness in the world.

HOOF OVER HILLS

We are delighted to announce that a profit just over $40000 was made in this
very special year. Our school community
our local community and our non-
Flowerdale volunteers are the lifeblood of
Hoof Over Hills, and we thank them from
the bottom of our hearts for the huge
support they give. It is a pleasure to
announce that $15000 will be distributed
directly to our community groups –
Flowerdale CFA $5000, Flowerdale
Sports Club $5000 (both of whom have been huge supporters and workers
for Hoof Over Hills since 2003), Flowerdale Hall Committee $1000, Flowerdale Kindergarten $1000 and
Flowerdale Community House $3000 to be distributed equally between its different sub groups.

2010
Our focus on quality education will continue in 2010 with small classes a
feature of the school. Next year there will be three classes again: Prep/1
with Christine, Grades 2-4 with Amy and Grades 5/6 with Mr D.

Visit the Flowerdale Blog at “flowerdalesurvivor spirit.blogspot.com for

some great photos and stories about what has happened during the year
at Flowerdale Primary School.

Page 12 of 43
 ATTENTION
FLOWERDALE FLOWERDALE
COMMUNITY GROUPS HALL
Invites you to

Do you have training sessions, meetings or any

other activity regularly? CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Are you having an event that needs to be Sunday 20th December
advertised? Commencing 6.00pm
Do you need more members?
Visit from Santa
Do you want to report your achievements,
events or special articles including pictures? Sausage sizzle
Tea, coffee & cold
Let us know to advertise and report in drinks
community update & on the Flowerdale Blog available
www.helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com for
wider exposure by contacting: (Hoping to have late market stalls)
jbateman@y7mail.com or 0418589072

“LIGHTEN UP”
IS BACK

In conjunction with the Sports Club, Flowerdale Primary

Recreation Reserve & Community House
there will be community
dinners on
1st & 3rd
Friday of
the month
at the Recreation Reserve.
Club Bar: 5pm & closes 10pm
Meals: 6-8pm
Adults: $5 Children: $3
Children under 5: Free
Come and meet your friends
& mini-bus (at least, for the moment)
enjoy a night out with the community
 Material Aid
VBRRA have now opened Material Aid at 5
Oldfield Road, Pheasant Creek (the old choc
factory). Everyone who has a blue DHS form
can now access all material aid from this centre. Opening
hours are Tues-Fri 9am-5pm. Phone 0435656811 (Kat or
Dave) for further information.
School
6-6.30pm Monday
Need to lose those extra Kilos?
Come & Join our friendly group for a weigh-
in & exchange ideas/recipes etc
Registration $15
$4 per week
Enquires: Alison (57801223)
 Hub Shuttle service
Flowerdale Community Services
Hub has use of the Salvation Army
and an 8-person people-mover
(when available). There is no hire
charge for either, however there is a user
agreement that needs to be signed, which
includes refuelling the vehicle and prompt return.
Anybody wishing to borrow either should contact
the Hub on 5780 2704.
Page 13 of 43
Flowerdale Playgroup’s

A day Trip to Puffin Billy

Wednesday December 9th
9. 15 – 5pm
Meet at the Flowerdale Hall @ 9.00
Cost $5 per family
BYO: drinks & a picnic lunch to share
open to all preschool 0 – 6 years
bookings – Louise reed 0425 814 302

THANKYOU TO THE
FLOWERDALE RESIDENT WHO
CUT GRASS BEHIND THE SILVER
CREEK ROAD BUS STOP.
NOW OUR CHILDREN CAN WALK
SAFELY ACROSS NATURE STRIP
WITHOUT HAVING TO WALK
AROUND ROAD WAY WHICH IS
DANGEROUS WITH TRAFFIC.
FROM ALL THE CONCERNED
PARENTS WHO HAVE CHILDREN
AT THIS BUS STOP

Page 14 of 43
 Austral Bricks Offer
Austral Bricks has made available up to 2
million bricks and pavers to help rebuild
homes destroyed by the February
bushfires.
Anyone rebuilding their own home (as an
owner builder) can apply to receive the
first 2000 bricks and 10m2 of pavers free
of charge, and the balance of their bricks
and pavers at a substantially discounted
price.
A further 250,000 bricks (35 house lots)
and 100,000 pavers will be made
available at no charge on a case-by-case
basis for community projects and cases of
particular hardship.
Applications must be received by 31
December 2009. Anyone affected by the
bushfires may contact Austral on 13 27
42.
For information or an online application
form, go to www.australbrick.com.au/vic
or see Leanne Pleash DHS Hub

Page 15 of 43
 PLEASE NOTE: THE COMMUNITY DINNER SCHEDULED FOR 4TH
DECEMBER AT THE REC RESERVE WILL BE HELD AT THE FLOWERDALE
PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CONJUNCTION WITH MOVIE NIGHT
INCLUDING: outdoor cinema, afternoon family fun activities, Food & Drink
WHEN: Friday 4 December, 4pm onwards
WHERE: The Flowerdale Primary School Oval

The Yea FReeZA youth committee has masterminded a community event for
the whole family. Come along and enjoy fun activities including; jumping
castle, face painting, art classes, sports and much more.

Bring your bean bags, chairs or blankets

to enjoy the feature movie.

MOVIE AT DUSK: DIAMOND DOG CAPER

Starring French Stewart (3rd Rock From the Sun, Home Alone IV), Kevin Farley
(Waterboy), Kelly Perine (One On One), Luke Benward (How To Eat Fried Worms)
and Brittany Curran (Suite Life of Zack & Cody), "Diamond Dog Caper" is slap-stick
fun for the whole family.

For FREE bus transport from Yea contact

Murrindindi Shire Council's Youth Coordinator on 1800 633 792

This event is supported by the Victorian Government

and beyondblue: the national depression initiative

Page 16 of 43
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 Community Support Training Project
Responding to the Victorian bushfires

SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE FOR

TACKLING TOUGH TIMES:
FOR KINGLAKE RANGES COMMUNITY MEMBERS
 Increase your understanding about how people might be reacting
following the Victorian bushfires
 Tips and tools for you to better help yourself and others
 Find out where people might get professional support services
The session will be run by an expert beyondblue Facilitator, with plenty of time to raise
questions and discuss local issues.

When: Tuesday 8 December Wednesday 9 December

Time: 10am – 1pm 6pm – 9pm
Where: Kinglake Ranges Health Centre
19 Whittlesea – Kinglake road, Kinglake

Light Lunch (Tuesday ) / Light Dinner (Wednesday) will be provided

To register:
Contact Laura Colliver on 03 57348 408 or 0439 371 380 Or by email
laurac@mitchellchs.org.au
Please advise of any specific dietary or accessibility requirements when registering.

Specific topics to be discussed:

 What are some typical responses to a traumatic event like the Victorian bushfires
 What are some ideas and tips for helping yourself, your family and friends
 What are the common mental health issues following a traumatic event like the
Victorian Bushfires
 How can mental health professionals help.
This Project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and endorsed by the:

Page 19 of 43
 A collection of kindly donated horse gear from around Australia.
Limited sizes and stock available.
This stock is separate from our saddlery store.

Bushfire victims Welcome

New and Second hand gear
125 Northern Highway
Kilmore, Vic.
Call Lisa, 9am-1pm: Monday/Wednesday
0437 093 825
New
Limited Size rugs: cotton/fly/large canvas: mini-Full First aid/bandages Bits
Jodhpurs
Bridles: western/leather/vinyl: Pony-Full Martingales
Halters: leather/vinyl/rope Dog accessories
and more…

Used
Rugs Bridles Saddles/blankets Halters Reins Martingales
Leads Bell boots Riding boots Jodhpurs
Call and arrange a time to come.
Have new white card available upon request.
Page 20 of 43
 Gardening After the Fires
Planning Program
Are you a person who values their garden? Did you lose your garden or was your garden damaged in the Black Saturday
Bushfires? Are you trying to plan the rebuilding of your garden?

The Royal Horticultural Society (Local Garden Clubs) and Mitchell Shire Council, supported by Rotary, Landcare and the
Department of Primary Industries are proposing a support program for those residents looking for assistance in planning
their new gardens or the recovery of their existing gardens from the impacts of the fires.

Interested landholders would be provided with a completed design and layout for their garden prepared by a
horticulturalist. The horticulturalist would work with the landholder to find out the crucial elements they are looking for
in their garden and incorporate the topography, soil type, aspect and other considerations into the plan. This would give
you access to the ideas and knowledge of a horticulturist and a plan of attack for the exciting work of re-establishing your
garden.

There is also the possibility of some assistance in the way of plants, tools and even potentially, some labour for a day! Of
course, the amount of resources available will depend on the level of response to the project and funding available.

If this program would be of interest to you, please register by completing the form below. Tear off the form and return it
to us via the Reply Paid envelope provided.

So if you want to know where to put the clothes line, what trees to plant that won’t block your view, the best plants for a
water conservative garden, how to incorporate a vegie garden and mini orchard or where to put the chook shed, this may
just be the program for you!

If you have any further questions or queries about the program, please contact Annemaree Docking, Mitchell Shire
Council Bushfire Relief Volunteer Project Worker on 0419318497.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am interested in the Gardening After the Fires Planning Program. Please send me further information.

Name:_________________________________________________________________________

Postal Address:__________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Property Address: ________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

Phone:_________________________________Mob:____________________________________

Email:_________________________________________________________________________

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Dear Faith Group leader/Service Provider
Anglicare Victoria has once again been allocated a
grant of $20,000.00 to encourage and support
female students to complete their education. This is
the 3rd year in which this opportunity will be offered.
Female students whose study has been impacted
by fires and drought within the Diocese of
Wangaratta will be given preference. The Diocesan
boundaries include 14 shires – 12 in Hume Region
(NE Vic) and 2 in NSW (Albury & Hume).
Guidelines for applicants, the application process
and form are attached to this letter. Further
information is available by phoning 03 57 219088.
The closing date for applications is 11 December
2009
Please forward this information to anyone who fits
the criteria and could benefit from this opportunity.
Suzanne Don Leonard
Community Development Manager
Anglicare Victoria (Hume Region)
03 57 219088
5 November 2009
FUNDING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG
FEMALE STUDENTS
Anglicare Victoria invites applications for one-off
funding to help meet the education expenses of
girls and young women in Hume Region who wish to
continue their study and have been impacted by
the drought and/or fires.
This funding assistance has been made possible
through the generosity of the Invergowrie
Foundation, whose charter is to promote and
advance the education of girls and women in
Victoria.
The purpose of this Anglicare Victoria Funding
Program is to support girls and young women in the
region who are struggling to meet their education
expenses and the cost of school-based excursions of
an educational or sporting nature.
Young female students (or their
parents/guardians/School Principal) with an
identified and proven need can apply for assistance
with the cost of their education expenses, including:
 fees, text books, tutoring expenses, shoes,
uniforms, stationery and materials;
 travel expenses associated with accessing
regional centres from remote or rural
locations;
 Off-site learning opportunities and activities,
and school-organised excursions.
The grants are available to assist with the education
of girls and young women between the ages of 6 –
19, are full time students, who intend to continue
their study after 2009 and who have been impacted
by the drought and/or fires.
An application form is provided with this letter. The
Student may apply if 18 years of age or over.
Students under the age of 18 will need to be
supported by an agency/school or parent/guardian
when they make their application. Evidence of the
need for the grant must be attached to the
application (e.g. school book list, letter from college
identifying cost of study, etc). Applications can be
made through any of the following Anglicare
programs in Hume Region:
 Dan Ridley, (Rural Community Resource Worker)
or Julie Wentworth (Financial counsellor) on
0357219088,
 Anglicare Emergency Relief program in
Wangaratta 03 57219890, Mt Beauty 0458 550450
& Albury 02 60213022, Bright 0458 750739,
Myrtleford 0458 750742
 Anglicare parish/school partnership programs in
Benalla, Eldorado and Yarrawonga.
 Clergy of the Anglican Parishes in the Diocese of
Wangaratta who are partners with Anglicare Vic
 Corryong Contact Centre at Browsers Bookshop
 Liz Heta the Albury City Aboriginal Liaison Officer (for
indigenous students)
 The Manager Stakeholder Relations – Dept of
Education & Early Childhood Development
The maximum grant will be $1000. Applications for
smaller amounts are preferred to enable more
families and students to benefit from this assistance.
If a grant is approved it may not be for the full
amount requested. Approved funding will be paid
on supply of an invoice or receipt.
The funding program is now open and applications
will be received until 11 December 2009. Successful
applicants will be notified by early February. Please
note this is a once-off opportunity being made
available through Anglicare Victoria in Hume
Region. We thank the Invergowrie Foundation for
their support.
Further information regarding this grant is available
from:
Suzanne Don Leonard (Community Development
Manager)
Anglicare Victoria (Hume Region)
03 57219088
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SEE LEANNE PLEASH AT FLOWERDALE HUB FOR APPLICATION FORMS OR
VISIT YMCA FOR ALL INFORMATION.
OTHER LOCATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

Page 30 of 43
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 Murrindindi
Shire Council
- Preparing
for the fire
season
As part of it‟s fire prevention
strategies, Murrindindi Shire
Council has been playing its part in
helping everyone prepare and plan
for the coming 2009/2010 bushfire
season.
Council and the Municipal Fire
Prevention Committee (MFPC)
have identified strategies targeted
at reducing the risks to individual
land owners, in particular have co-
ordinated a mail out to all absentee
land owners this season to alert
them of the need to prepare for this
fire season.
Presently Council Officers are
carrying out annual property
inspections across the shire to
identify fire hazards. Where work is
needed to reduce the risk of fire,
notices are issued to land owners
with stringent timelines for any
required work to be carried out.
Failure to comply with a „fire notice‟
will see Council completing the
works at the land owner‟s expense.
Residents with concerns over
neighbouring properties are
encouraged to contact council, to
ensure any potential hazards are
inspected as quickly as possible.
This year a “Zero Tolerance” policy
has been implemented which
means that any breach during the
fire danger period will result in large
monetary penalties being incurred.
Breaches, such as burning off
without appropriate permits, will
see the Victoria Police being
informed to commence
prosecution.
New fire prevention strategies are
also being developed by the CFA
and other agencies. Under
consideration are Town Protection
Plans (TPP) and Neighbourhood
Safer Places (NSP).
A pilot scheme for Town Protection
Plans has been recently launched.
As part of the pilot scheme, 17
towns in Victoria‟s North East,
including Eildon, have been
identified as having high fire risk.
As part of the Town Protection Plan
scheme, an area may be chosen
and designated as a
„neighbourhood safer place‟ or
NSP. These areas will have to
meet stringent criteria.
Details have yet to be fully
completed on these new strategies
but will be made public as soon as
they are available.
More comprehensive information
on preparing for the bushfire
season can be found at
www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au,
www.cfa.vic.gov.au,
www.dse.vic.gov.au or by phoning
the Victorian Bushfire Information
Line on 1800 240 667.
Further Information:- Andy Daly -
Municipal Fire Prevention Officer,
Office: 57720331 Mobile: 0408
576712.

“Two shared paths in Kinglake and Flowerdale will

Media Release provide a vital link between temporary villages and the
main service centres of these townships.
Ben Hardman MP – Member for
Seymour “Another path will also be built in Wandong, completing
5 November 2009 a missing link in the existing path network.”

FUNDS TO EXTEND LOCAL
PATHS
THE Shires of Murrindindi and Mitchell are among ten
Victorian councils to share in a $2 million fund to
improve access to walking, cycling and public transport
through the Brumby Labor Government’s TravelSmart
and Local Area Access Program.
Member for Seymour Ben Hardman MP said these
projects would be welcome news to local communities
in Kinglake, Flowerdale and Wandong.
“Following the devastating bushfires in these areas
earlier this year, it is vital that the community continue
to be able to connect with family and friends, local
facilities and activity centres,” Mr Hardman said.

Roads and Ports Minister Tim Pallas in Kinglake today
announced that a number of council projects across the
state had received funding including new transport links
in bushfire affected regions.
“I am very pleased to be able to announce funding for
these innovative and practical projects and am also very
pleased that this round of LAAP grants includes funding
for projects in Victoria’s bushfire affected communities,”
Mr Pallas said.
“These new paths will help connect people to the
temporary villages as well as provide a safe and
sustainable transport option.”
Mr Pallas said a number of the grants included
innovative and practical projects to improve the
liveability of local communities.
“Providing walking and cycling infrastructure and
planning tools are vital in helping people reduce their
dependence on cars,” he said.

Page 33 of 43
“The overall benefits are numerous, including less traffic
congestion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and a
more physically fit community.”
Mr Pallas said that this year’s focus was on projects that
improved access and safety for pedestrians and cyclists
to help encourage people to choose more sustainable
transport.
This includes:
 provision for cyclists in activity centres;
 off-road cyclist safety measures;
 lighting of shared paths;
 spaces that support walking through pedestrian
priority, and
 bushfire recovery.
To date the grants package have delivered over $14.5
million funding to nearly 100 local projects across the
state.
“Most local trips range between two and five kilometres
which is an easy distance to walk or cycle,” Mr Pallas
said.
TravelSmart and Local Area Access Program grants are
designed to assist local governments in implementing
projects that encourage residents to think twice before
using their car.
The push to get more people out of their cars and using
other transport options is an important part of the
Brumby Labor Government’s $38 billion Victorian
Transport Plan.
For more information on TravelSmart and Local Area
Access Program visit www.transport.vic.gov.au
Media release
From the Premier of Victoria
Thursday, 12 November, 2009
VICTORIAN
BUSHFIRE APPEAL FUND PROVIDES
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES
AND YOUNG PEOPLE AFFECTE BY
THE FIRES
A new $14 million Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund
package will provide support to people who lost
immediate family in the 2009 Victorian fires and
suffering financial hardship with a new scholarship
scheme to encourage students affected to pursue
their studies.
Appeal Fund chair Pat McNamara and Premier
John Brumby today announced $10.9 million for a
Compassionate Financial Support scheme to assist
those who lost immediate family in the fires and $3
million to provide higher education scholarships to
young people affected by the fires.
Under the Compassionate Financial Support
package immediate family members of the 173
people who tragically died in the Black Saturday and
Gippsland fires and are in financial hardship as a
result, may be eligible to receive an immediate grant
of $25,000. Some individuals who are suffering
extreme financial hardship may then be eligible for a
further needs-based payment of up to $50,000.
Mr McNamara said the support for the immediate
family of the bereaved recognised that some
families lost their primary breadwinner or had
reduced capacity to earn an income because of
trauma suffered post the Black Saturday fires.
“You can never compensate someone for losing a
husband, a wife, a child or a parent,” Mr McNamara
said.
“This new scheme recognises that many people
who lost loved ones in the bushfires are not only
suffering emotional distress, but have in some
cases been faced with large debts and little capacity
to address that situation.
“It is about trying to alleviate some of the anxiety
associated with the financial hardship some of these
people face and helps to assist in the long-term
recovery process.”
Under the new $3 million Scholarship Program,
scholarships of $15,000 per year will be provided for
66 students from towns and communities directly
impacted by the fires who are financially constrained
to undertake tertiary or vocational education from
2010 and beyond.
The scholarships will assist those students whose
current financial capacity to undertake tertiary study
is limited and who have the academic performance
and ability to complete their chosen course of study.
Further scholarships for students currently in years
10 and 11 will be considered by the Appeal Fund in
coming months.
Mr Brumby congratulated the Bushfire Appeal Fund
for its decision and said the scholarships would
encourage more students in bushfire-affected areas
to undertake tertiary education by assisting them
with costs such as text books, transport, living and
other expenses.
“Victorians, Australians and people from across the
world have donated so generously to the Victorian
Page 34 of 43
Bushfire Appeal Fund and this
latest decision strikes the right
balance between targeting
support to where it is needed
most and reflecting the
generosity in which the funds
were donated,” Mr Brumby said.
“These scholarships will provide
more young people with a great
opportunity to consider taking
their studies further and
alleviate the financial burden
that may have been impacting
on their decisions about their
plans for 2010. “
Immediate family members,
such as spouses and parents,
who received the initial $10,000
payment as part of the $1.7
million Compassion and
Bereavement package earlier
this year to assist with urgent
and immediate costs may be
eligible for the Compassionate
Financial Support.
In cases where the family lost
more than one family member,
a single payment will be made
but the Fund will consider
special circumstances for
additional support on a case-by-
case basis.
Children and young adults who
lost one or both parents in the
bushfires are already being
supported through the Bereaved
Children payment.
“There will be many people who
will not be eligible, but are no
doubt suffering because of their
loss,” Mr McNamara said.
“However, the Panel felt it was
important and appropriate to
assist those most directly
impacted by the loss. We feel
this is the best way to reflect the
intent of the donors who gave
an unprecedented $386 million
to the Fund.”
To Victorian Bushfire Appeal
Fund has raised $387 million
and $357 million has been
allocated. A further $30 million
is yet to be allocated with the
Fund‟s focus now on initiatives
that support communities to
rebuild.
Page 35 of 43
Page 36 of 43
Page 37 of 43
General Store Hours Weekly
Monday-Saturday 7am-7.30pm (food until 7pm) Tennis
Sunday 9am-7pm (food until 7pm)
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 9am -5pm
Coaching at
Please Note: Redirections are FREE for bushfire affected Flowerdale
properties. You can collect and lodge the forms at any Australia Post Office.
Coaching: Is now provided at the
Flowerdale courts by coach Colin
Grace (0412 757 842) on Mondays
between 2-9 pm. One-hourly
Flowerdale Community House INC sessions with 4 to 6 players per
Forming Friendships ABN 30 127 305 127 group cost $10 per person per
session. Please contact Colin if you
Bushfire Personal Support & Counselling: for bushfire affected
are interested.
people in Flowerdale/Strath Creek areas is still being offered with Kate Lewer
& Zoe Edmonds. For appointment please phone Mitchell Community Health
Mixed Doubles Evening
Services, 1300 773 352 or email: serviceaccess@mitchellchs.org.au.
Competition: A very sociable
Patchwork Group The patchwork group is now meeting at the Flowerdale hall family event. All matches are
on Tuesdays from 7-9pm. Cost $4.00. Also first Saturday of the month. played on our courts in Flowerdale
Anyone with an interest in patchwork or any other craft is most welcome to on Tuesday, Wednesday and
join the group. Thursday evenings from 6.15pm.
All interested individuals are
Yoga Tuesdays in the old library at Kinglake West next to the Hall encouraged to enroll before 12th
commencing 7.30pm. Tutor Wayne McGivney. Cost $5. August to join the next round
commencing late August.
Massage Massages will now be held at the Flowerdale Hall,
Tuesdays in conjunction with Hands on Health Australia. Ladies Doubles Competition:
Free of charge with Health Care Card or gold coin donation. Played on Monday from 10am. The
Please book through Community House, Odette Hunter 57802664. Club currently has two teams
playing in the local Broadford
Chiropractic Clinic (is now permanently every Tuesday) will be held
District competition.
now held at Flowerdale Hall, Tuesdays 1-4pm in conjunction with
Hands on Health Australia. RMIT & Students will be providing service
Junior Competition: Commencing
with trained chiropractors. Free of charge with Health Care Card or
on Saturday mornings in term 4.
gold coin donation. Please book through Community House, Odette Hunter
57802664.
For enrolments and/or further
Drop in Centre is being offered every Tuesday. Come & have a cuppa information: Please contact
& a chat. Being sponsored by Chaplaincy Australia. Jeannette on 5780 1520.

Beginners Computer Course – This course is offered as an Keeping up to date with

individual needs workshop (lots of questions and BYO laptop if
Community Events, Meetings
prefer) will run one evening a week. . $4 per session with Tutor –
Ron.
& other activities
If you would like to receive
Art Group – A self led group at the Flowerdale Hall from 1-3pm on information please advise by the
following:
Wednesday’s, bring your supplies and project to this social group $4.
Via Email: email your details to
Japanese Cookery - Our very popular Japanese Cookery will resume soon with jbateman@y7mail.com
Via Post: send your name &
much loved Tutor Hiroko.
address to Flowerdale Community
Lighten-Up will resume after a short break on Monday nights at the Hall with Recovery,
PO Box 2060, Hazeldene 3658
Tutor – Alison.
Via Mobile: 0418589072 (leave
For more details contact: Odette Hunter, Co-ordinator 57802664 or
your details)
0429012129 OR on the Web:
http://helpflowerdalenow.blogspot.com
/

Page 38 of 43
 UPCOMING EVENTS (so please mark in your diaries)

DECEMBER 2009
1st December Drop in Centre, Community House, 11th December Centrelink Job Expo, Whittlesea
Flowerdale Hall 10am-4pm Showgrounds, 10am-3pm
1st December HOHA, Massage & Chiropractor Service, 12th December Flowerdale Jnr Youth Group, Flowerdale
Flowerdale Hall 1pm-4pm Hall 5-7pm
1st December Quilting & Craft Group, Flowerdale Hall, 13th December Photography By Samm, Hazeldene
7pm-9pm $4 General Store, Flowerdale 10am-12pm
2nd December Flowerdale Playgroup Xmas Decoration 14th December Lighten up, Flowerdale Primary School,
Day, Flowerdale Hall, 11am-1pm 6pm – 6.30pm
4th December Community Dinner & Film Night, th
14 December Critical Girls, Flowerdale Hall, 4.30-
Flowerdale Primary School, 4pm 6.30pm
onwards 15th December Drop in Centre, Community House,
5th December Quilting & Craft Group, Flowerdale Hall Flowerdale Hall 10am-4pm
10-3.30pm $5 15th December HOHA, Massage & Chiropractor Service,
5th December Family Movie Night, Kinglake Primary Flowerdale Hall 1pm-4pm
th
School, McMahons Road, Kinglake 15 December Quilting & Craft Group, Flowerdale Hall,
6.30pm onwards 7pm-9pm $4
6th December Flowerdale Blackberry Bash, Jnr 18th December Community Dinner, Recreation Reserve,
Landcare Springvalley Road, 5pm onwards
6th December Photography By Samm, Hazeldene 19th December Santa, Whittlesea Showgrounds 4-7pm
General Store, Flowerdale 10am-12pm 20th December Flowerdale Community Market,
7th December Lighten up, Flowerdale Primary School, Flowerdale Hall
6pm – 6.30pm 20th December Carols by Candlelight, Flowerdale Hall,
7th December Critical Girls, Flowerdale Hall, 4.30- 6pm onwards
6.30pm 21st December Prep-8 Holiday Program, YMCA (various
8th December Drop in Centre, Community House, areas) through til 29th January
st
Flowerdale Hall 10am-4pm 21 December Lighten up, Flowerdale Primary School,
8th December HOHA, Massage & Chiropractor Service, 6pm – 6.30pm
Flowerdale Hall 1pm-4pm 21st December Critical Girls, Flowerdale Hall, 4.30-
8th December Flowerdale Playgroup Xmas Decoration 6.30pm
Day, Flowerdale Hall, 10.30am 24th December Christmas Eve
8th December Quilting & Craft Group, Flowerdale Hall, 25th December Christmas Day
7pm-9pm $4 31st December New Years Eve, Jazz Music, Pioneer
8th December Tackling Tough Times, Kinglake Ranges Reserve, Strath Creek 7pm onwards
th
Health Centre, 10am-1pm 5 January Teenager Summer Holiday Program,
9th December Flowerdale Playgroup, Puffin Billy 9am YMCA through to 28th January
9th December Tackling Tough Times, Kinglake Ranges
Health Centre, 6-9pm

Page 39 of 43
 Other contacts & information
Feeding Wildlife
If you are interested in feeding local wildlife on your property please contact Adrianna Simmons on 0423 242 037 and
Wildlife Victoria will supply food. Registered Wildlife Shelters please contact Adrianna as well.

INFORMATION
ATO 1300 304 915 Bushfire Line
Drinking Water DHS Booklet
Recovery Updates VBRRA – Edition 7 13th July 2009
Murrindindi Shire Bulletin - Wednesday 2 September 2009 Edition 67
Flowerdale Community Newsletter - 25th August 2009
Concession 1800 658 521 Victorian Government
Free Public Transport Offer Closed October 2009
Consumer Information 1300 558 181 Consumer Affairs Victoria
Do Not Call Register 1300 792 958 Australian Government
Tenancy 03 9416 2577 Tenants Union
1300 558 181 Consumer Affairs Victoria
Legal 1800 113 432 Bushfire Legal Help Line
Bankruptcy 1300 364 785 Insolvency & Trustee Service Australia
Insurance 1300 728 228 Insurance Ombudsman
Safer Communities 03 9247 Vic Police Information Booklets – residential & business –
Unit 5311 padlocks available at hub
Accounting 1300 737 373 CPA Australia
Scams ACCC www.scamwatch.gov.au
Car Deals VACC / RACV booklet
Caravan Parks 1300 558 181 Consumer Affairs Victoria booklet
Amnesty until 31 December Victoria Police’s Licensing Services
Firearms 1300 651 645
Division
Building Advice 1300 360 320 Building Commission
Temporary Houses & Sheds
Intergrated Planning
Now opened at the hub
Office
Mobile Building
Mon 9am-noon. Tues & Fri 10am-4pm & Sat 10am – 4pm
Advisory Service
Dial Before You Dig 11 00 Re: Underground cables
Wildlife 1300 094 535 Wildlife Victoria
13 11 11 RACV Wildlife
MATERIAL AID CENTRES
Clayton Warehouse 0413 888 775 Jason
Pheasant Creek 0435 656 811 David Shaw
Pathways, Salvation Army
– Seymour 03 5735 2055
St Vincent de Paul Society
– Whittlesea 0407 545 663 Mary Wood
CentreCare Kinglake 03 5786 1016 Sue McGovern
Lions Club Ringwood 0419 609 208 David Jones
Bushfire Support Center
03 9718 2759
Hurstbridge
Yarra Glen Material Aid 0403 698 393 Terry
Salvation Army
Whittlesea 03 9716 2387 Libby Matkin
GOODS AVAILABLE
Department of Health & Aging – via case managers – Sarah Creane –
Living Aid 03 9665 8601
wheelchairs, frames etc
035793 6400
Accommodation or 0429 857 Office of Housing; DHS Seymour. Kim
001
Loan Cars 03 9096 1093 GM Holden
Mobile Phones Optus – ended 19.05.09
Computers 1800 112 205 Work Ventures from $250

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 Those who requested computers earlier this year now available at the
hub
8:30am – 10:30 Sat & 4:00pm – 5:00pm Sun (or through the
Tool Library
hub during opening hours)
Toilets 1800 240 667 VBRRA Toilet grant through Grocon Registration
03 9761 7849 Dunnys 'R' Us
1300 367 848 Ensuites on Tow – portable bathrooms
0427 313 776
Seed – Pastures / 0400 032 PGG Wrightson Seeds / Wales CRT
663
Firewood Currently sourcing
Henry 0427
Firewood Stockpile
808 435 or Ric Stored on Private Property phone for access. - chainsaw required
Replacement
03 57801494
Building Supplies 03 5784 2500 SSS Building Builders Supplies 83-85 High Street Broadford
Bunnings – bulk purchasing for tradies & owner builders working on
03 8831 9242
rebuild Kellie Mather or Daniel Nigro
Austral Bricks & Pavers Offer – discount to retail & Special Bushfire
Bricks & Pavers 13 27 42
Assistance Offers
Land Titles 03 8636 2026 Free copies of land titles – Landata
Garbage/Recycling Bins 03 5772 0333 Replacements through Murrindindi Shire Council
Shipping containers 03 9315 4099 Royal Wolf - sell shipping containers John Hutchings
Evergreen Shipping Agency – sells Roland Fonseca or
03 8628 8891
r.fonseca@evergreen-shipping.com.au
MMM haulage – sells containers starting from $300 + GST Lee Miller
0418 550 625
lmi41698@bigpond.net.au
0429 310
Tradecorp 924 20” & 40” - Shipping Containers $1650 Inc GST Contact John
Lou Arthur 03 8371 2606 Transport to Kinglake Ranges $350 Contact Darren Hanes
Architects 03 8620 3866 Home Design +1 Consultation vic@raia.com.au
1300 134 513 Free Architecture Design Archicentre – ends 31.12.09
03 8620 3866 The Architects Bushfire Home Service
Victorian Bushfires Surveying Taskforce – Reinstatement of Property
Surveying 03 9326 9700
Boundaries
Free Assessment – Flowerdale 9th September – all appointments
Bushfire Attack Level 1300 360 320
currently filled
Rebuilding book collections http://bacwiki.wikidot.com/build-your-
Books
book-collection
Musical Instruments 0424 071 914 Resound – donated musical instruments
Mornington Peninsular Shire 4 person 6 houses avaliable Theresa
Holidays 03 5950 1680
Johnson
03 9251 5246 Take a break camps - 2009 – 2010 Family & Couple Holidays
03 9655 5536 The Portsea Camp Early Jan 2010. 9-12 year olds for up to 7days
Restoring Photos 0419 727 777 MAPS www.mapgroup.org.au noel Butcher
Family Portraits 0412 798 257 Samm taking photos
Photo Packs Available through Moya – donations coordinator – limited number left
Trees S.E.S cutting up of fallen trees – Ended 03.07.09
Cleaning Tanks /
MSC ended 30/05/09
Replacement Water
0357 865 247
Massage / 0428 550 Kinglake District Health & Wellbeing from $30
384
Free Flowerdale Hall – Tuesdays
Fencing 1300 882 833 VFF – ended 01/07/09
0418 530 471 Blazeaid
Landcare
Assistance available with planting Rice Straw around creek
Rice Straw
beds – contact hub for details
Loss Assessors 0417 821 636 Aberdeen Consulting Kilmore
Good Shephard Buying Service – call with make & model; find lowest
Price Comparison 03 9417 4666
price – whitegoods & furniture
Scholarships 03 9279 2494 VTA Tafe Bushfire Aid Scholarship / Support – Yioula O'Connor

Page 41 of 43
 0408 881 ACPET Bushfire Education & Training Fund Opportunities for
917 individuals affected by the fires
03 5229 Geelong Music Camp – Sponsorship through St Pauls Geelong
5698 – Registration closes 31.10.09
0409 332
Horses For those who have lost a horse in the fires – contact Misty
532
Roses Roses offer from Heritage Roses Australia – contact Hub
0412 786
Garden Pots Replacements at wholesale prices
667
03 8787
Plantmark Trade Price Discounts to Plantmark Thomastown wholesalers
4150
Whitegoods & 03 5792 Retravision Seymour - Discounts available to bushfire
Electrical Goods 3242 affected clients
Portable Mills Lucas Mills – free loan – application forms available at hub
Discounts on Various 0412 314
John Dowdle
Goods & Services 817
Homework Assistance for Kinglake West Hall Wednesdays & Kinglake Library Mondays; 4pm –
03 8401 0110
Children 6pm - Kildonan Youth Services
Up to $2000 Free advertising for local businesses The Phoenix
Businesses
newspaper - www.thephoenix.com.au
Building Industry & Vocational Skills, Cooking, Arts & Crafts etc.
Courses / Classes 03 5786 1301
Kinglake Neighborhood House.
SERVICES
Personal Support &
ATAP's – via Case Managers
Counselling
1300 773 352 Mitchell Community Health
03 5735 4600 Family Care – Men, Parenting, Disability, Carers, Family
1300 854 944 ChildFirst
1300 309 519 Coroners Office – traumatic Deaths
1300 22 46 36 Beyond Blue
1300 789 978 Mensline
13 11 14 Lifeline
1300 364 277 Relationships Australia
1800 551 800 Kids Help Line
03 8327 7700 Red Cross Emergency REDiPlan
Financial Counselling 03 5735 4342 Rural Financial Counselling Service
03 9879 4476 Small Business Mentoring Service
Health 1300 606 024 Nurse-On-Call
0357 360 400 Yea – District Hospital
1800 888 236 Direct Line – Drug & alcohol Counselling
FINANCIAL
Vouchers Salvation Army – 38 Laurel Street Whittlesea
1300 305 330 St Vincent De Paul Whittlesea & Kinglake
No – Interest Loans 03 5735 4600 Family Care
Financial Counselling 1300 773 352 Mitchell Community Health
Advice 1300 300 630 ASIC www.fido.gov.au
Centrelink www.centrelink.gov.au
VFF Fund VFF – ended 22/05/09
Telstra Bills 13 22 00
Small Businesses Victoria 13 22 15 Free appointment at Kinglake Office
GRANTS
RSPCA Livestock / Animal Feed
Animal Shelter
Bushfire Related Vet Costs
DPI Caring for your country – Landcare Fencing, Erosion & Weed Control
Bushfire Appeal Fund Compassion and Bereavement Payment
Home Dislocation Payment
Household Repairs Payment – ended
Payment Winter Needs Payment – automated
Severe Injury Transition to Home
Home Under Construction Payment
Tenant Contents Payment

Page 42 of 43
 Rebuilding and Recovery Grants Damaged Homes Payment
Rebuilding and Recovery Grants Destroyed Homes Payment
Exceptional Hardship Payment – ended
Tools of Trade Payment
Safe Removal of Hazardous Trees
Transitional Support Payment
Psychological Support
Rural Finance Rural Assistance Grant
Rural Properties Recovery Payment - changed criteria
Primary Producers Repair & Restoration Grant
Goulburn Broken Catchment
Waterways Vegetation Grant
Management Authority
DHS – Income Tested Temporary Living Expenses – ends 31st Dec 2009
Re-establishment Contents– ends 31st Dec 2009
Re-establishment Structures– ends 31st Dec 2009
Australia's Open
$20,000 Community Garden Grants www.opengarden.org.au
Garden Scheme
Project Hope Horse
1300 881 606 close 5pm Friday 9 October 2009.
Welfare Victoria Inc.
DONATIONS COORDINATOR
Moya White 0400 333 406 1000 points scheme
Vouchers, flights, Accommodation
Tupperware Started packs – contact Moya White

Page 43 of 43