Axe Creek – Eppalock Newsletter

Incorporating news from the Eppalock Primary School, Axe Creek Fire Brigade & the Axe Creek Landcare Group.

Welcome to the Summer Issue Edition 61. Summer 2018

This issue is number 61. Each issue is put together with by local • Welcome
volunteers within the community to spread the word of • Community Notice Board
community activities and events.
• CFA News
We hope you enjoy this issue and continue your involvement in • Eppalock PS Update
the community—in any small way.
• Axe Creek Playgroup
As always if you have anything to share with the community,
please email us at axecreeknews@gmail.com • Landcare’s Latest

• Church News
Until next time, have a safe and happy Festive Season and we
look forward to bringing you more news in 2019. • CWA News
Sam Spence • Community News

Advertise your Business AND help the Community Thank you to this issues
Contributors

If you would like some great local exposure for a reasonable price, then
advertise in the next issue of the Axe Creek – Eppalock Newsletter.
John Wells - Axe Creek Fire
Brigade
Full Page $100

Half Page $50

Marie Mannes - Eppalock
PS
Quarter Page $25 Fees charged help cover printing costs.
Adrian Martins, Cathy
Advertising deadline for future issues: Watson, & Gillian Wells -
Autumn 2019 Mar 4th
Axe Creek Landcare
Winter 2019 June 1st Steve Weickhardt - Angli-
Spring 2019 September 1st can Parish
Summer 2020 December 1st
Bev Sutherland— CWA
Contact us via axecreeknews@gmail.com News

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 1
 Community Notice Board
Emergency Contact Numbers
Fire, Police & Ambulance 000
(life threatening or time critical emergencies only)

Vic Emergency Hotline 1800 226 226

Information about all emergencies, including bushfires, storms and floods

Burn Off Notifications 1800 668 511

Poisons Information 13 11 26
Wildlife Rescue Service 0419 356 433

Useful Websites
CFA www.cfa.vic.gov.au
Local Churches
DSE www.dse.vic.gov.au
Vic Roads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Strathfieldsaye Community Church

School Terms 920 Wellington St, Strathfieldsaye

2019 Combined Service - Sunday Mornings – 9.30am

St Joseph’s Catholic Church

Term 1 Cnr Axe Creek & Strathfieldsaye/Eppalock Rds.
Sunday Mornings – 9am
29 Jan – 5 Apr

Term 2 All Welcome

23 Apr – 28 Jun

Term 3
Axe Creek CFA
15 Jul – 20 Sept

Term 4 Captain Neil Irving-Dusting

7 Oct – 20 Dec 5439 6388

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 2
 CFA News From Axe Creek Brigade
WELL DONE, AXE CREEK!
This spring Axe Creek Brigade was not called out to attend any burn-offs in our area, whereas in some
previous years we've had numerous calls to burn-offs out of control, and to fires lit during the Fire Dan-
ger Period. Some people may have been caught out by the early start to the Fire Danger Period—
some properties still have piles of vegetation to be burnt, but these will have to wait until restrictions are
lifted in autumn). But we'd like to think that local residents have been particularly careful with their
preparations for summer. Congratulations, Axe Creek, and keep it up in future years!
IS IT ALL STILL TO COME?
Up to the time of writing we’ve had no local fires
this summer. But let’s remember the recent disas-
trous fires in Queensland during an unprecedent-
ed heatwave, and also the major fires on the
NSW central coast—not to mention the Californi-
an fires.
We may be spared large fires again, but each
summer some communities in Victoria are affect-
ed. You never know when it might be our turn.
At the risk of repeating the obvious, I’ll remind
you that our rainfall for the year has been well
below average (by about 200 mm). Although
recent rainfall has given some short term relief Photo: Blair Dellemijn
(for those who got it—the rain was very patchy)
the soil moisture is still low, and the vegetation stressed. Any fire will have the potential to spread rapid-
ly and burn intensely.
Be prepared!
LEAVE EARLY, OR NOT AT ALL
Only 1 in 10 Victorians living in areas at high risk of bushfire say they would leave early on days of high
fire danger, a CFA survey has revealed.
That’s the lowest proportion in the past seven years of the CFA’s Bushfire Community Survey, undertak-
en annually since 2009-10.
A third of respondents said they would leave as soon as they knew a fire was threatening their town or
suburb, while a quarter said they would do as much as possible to protect their property but leave if
they felt threatened by the fire.
Another 10 per cent said they would wait to see what the fire was like before deciding whether to stay
or leave.
Deputy Chief Officer Stephanie Rotarangi said those who waited too long to leave, or were not ade-
quately prepared to defend their property, could be risking their lives and those of firefighters.
“Leaving early is the safest option to protect yourself and your family and it means leaving the area
before a fire starts – not when you can see flames or smell smoke. Leaving early means avoiding pan-
ic, being trapped, making the wrong choices and risking serious injury or death,” she said.
“Victoria’s environment and climate means we live in one of the most fire prone regions in the world,
therefore the only way that you can guarantee your safety during a bushfire is not being in it.
“Waiting to leave means a drive that normally takes a few minutes could take hours, or you may not
be able to get out at all.”
Dr Rotarangi warned Victorians not to be complacent despite recent rainfall across much of Victoria.
“This season still has the potential to be in line with Victoria’s driest fire seasons. It’s not a question of if
there will be bushfires this season, it’s a question of when and where,” she said.
“You may feel that we say the same thing every year, and to an extent we do. That’s because in a
place like Victoria, we need to continually be prepared for the worst. When grass or scrub fire strikes, it
will travel at a tremendous speed and be difficult to control, so preparation is the key.

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Dr Rotarangi said that on hot, dry and windy days fires can start and spread quickly. She urged Victorians
to learn what the Fire Danger Ratings mean and use them as triggers to take action to keep themselves
and loved ones safe.
“Talk to your household, family or neighbours about your bushfire survival plan and check Fire Danger Rat-
ings daily so you know when to leave. The CFA website has more information and will help you use the Fire
Danger Rating to know when conditions are dangerous enough to put your bushfire survival plan in to ac-
tion.
“It's your responsibility to make the best possible decision for your family based on the current Fire Danger
Ratings and official warnings for your area.
“It’s extremely important that people spend some time getting to understand the Fire Danger Ratings and
how to use them to keep themselves safe.”

The Fire Danger Rating tells you how dangerous a fire would be if one started. The higher the rating the
more dangerous the conditions.
• If the Fire Danger Rating is Code Red or Extreme, you could be risking your life if you wait and see.
• A Fire Danger Rating of ‘Code Red’ is the highest level of rating in Victoria.
• It clearly identifies to the community, emergency management agencies, municipalities, and other
key service providers the potential for the worst possible bushfire conditions.
• If a fire starts on a Code Red day:
 It could be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving;
 Fire services will find it difficult to put out;
 There’s a high likelihood that people in the path of a fire will be killed or seriously injured;
 Many homes are likely to be destroyed – even the best prepared homes won’t be safe.
There are many risks in leaving your home when it is threatened by fire. There will almost certainly be
smoke, which will reduce visibility, and could make it difficult to breathe. There is likely to be more traffic on
the roads (remember those images of traffic jams as people tried to escape from the Californian fires?),
including fire trucks that need access to the fire. The roads may be blocked by fallen trees or power lines.
Don’t risk it! Leave early, but if you have not done so the safest option is likely to stay put and defend your
property as best you can. Certainly if the advice from the emergency services is “it’s too late to leave”,
don’t go.

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 WATCH THAT SUMMER BBQ CLOSELY
Summer is a great time for barbeques, but there are hazards to be taken into account. Don’t invite the
fire brigade to your party by starting a bigger fire than you intended!
Gas barbeques
Check the gas cylinder and connections before you start—
especially if you haven't used the barbeque for a while.
A cylinder must not be refilled if it hasn’t been tested for more
than 10 years or if the cylinder has been damaged. Testing
must be done by a licensed gasfitter. You can exchange LP
gas cylinders at a reputable supplier.
Check the hose to make sure it has not deteriorated. Spray the
hose and regulator connections with soapy water: bubbles
will form if gas is escaping. If you have any doubts about the
connections, turn off the gas and replace the connection or
contact a licensed gasfitter. You should leak-test the con-
nection to the gas cylinder every time you connect it.
Use your barbecue in a clear space. Never use it indoors or in a
confined area, and ensure there is adequate clearance
from walls, fences, and other property.
Make sure the area within 3 metres of the barbeque is clear of flammable material.
Don’t use the barbecue in windy conditions as the burners may blow out, risking a gas leak.
A responsible adult must be present whenever the barbeque is alight.
Remove excess fat from the barbecue after each use to prevent fires.
If a fire occurs, don’t try to extinguish the flames if it is not safe to do so. Call Triple Zero and turn off the
gas at the meter or cylinder, but only if you can do so safely.
On days of Total Fire Ban you must have a hose connected to a water supply or a container with at
least 10 L of water for immediate use.
Solid fuel barbeques (i.e. wood, heat beads etc.)
During the fire danger period several conditions ap-
ply:
The fire must be in a properly constructed fireplace or
in a trench at least 30 cm deep.
The area within 3 m from the fire must be clear of
flammable material.
The size of the fuel must be the minimum necessary for
the purpose, and the area of the fire no larger than 1 square meter.
The wind must no more than 10 km/h.
A person with the capacity and means to extinguish the fire must be present at all times.
The fire must be completely extinguished before the person leaves.
Solid fuel barbeques are not permitted on days of Total Fire Ban.

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TRAIL BIKES AND MOWERS CAUSE FIRES...
First let’s look at trail bikes...
As the school year winds up there is more time for riding trail bikes around paddocks and in the forest.
But this is just the time of year when there is plenty of dry fuel that can be ignited by contact with hot
engines and exhausts.
Unfortunately in years gone by our district has seen several fires started by trail bike riders. This year the
fuel has dried out earlier than usual, so the danger is even greater.
Please avoid riding in long grass or other vegetation. A bare paddock is ideal, but mown grass or clear
dirt trails will minimise the risk of fire.
...and next, mowers
A couple of reports from last summer illustrate the fact that mowing grass in summer risks starting a fire.
Sparking from blades striking stones is a common cause, but as the first story shows even hot engines or
exhausts can be the culprits. Check frequently for the build up of grass around the engine and near
the exhaust.
A grass fire at Arthurs Creek on Sat-
urday 23 December was started by
a ride-on mower.
The property owner had correctly
prepared his property by slashing his
paddocks prior to the start of the
fire season. He was using his ride-on
mower to run an errand on his prop-
erty - he wasn't even mowing.
When he stopped to collect some
items, the grass around the mower
caught alight, probably from the
exhaust pipe.
The result was a grass fire that burnt
5 acres before it was brought under
control. It could have travelled a lot
further if the paddocks hadn't been
slashed.
Property owners need to be aware of the dangers of ride-on mowers in paddocks. The exhausts are
often low to the ground and the petrol engines can run hot.

The next report is from closer to home:

A lawn mower sparked a grass fire on Saturday afternoon 28 January in Heathcote destroying one
house, three sheds and eight cars.
Firefighters were called around 3.20pm to a grass fire in Yemm Lane in Heathcote.
CFA District 2 Operations Officer Trent McKinnon said the grass fire had spread quickly into a neigh-
bouring house.
“At the height of the fire we had 20 trucks helping to contain the fire,” he said.
“It was caused by a mower in a paddock and it took off very quickly. It impacted on a number of
assets including one house, three sheds and a number of old cars in the paddock too.”
The fire was brought under control just before 7pm and firefighters remained at the scene for some
time to black out, ensuring the scene was safe.
If you need to mow during summer avoid windy conditions, and mow early in the day when the grass is
not as dry as it gets in the afternoon. You must have at least 9 litres of water on hand while mowing dur-
ing the Fire Danger Period.
Remember that if your mower starts a fire YOU are responsible for the damage.

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PREPAREDNESS TIP: USE A WET MOP FOR SMALL FIRES
Every big fire starts as a small fire. The best way to stop it getting big is to put it out when it’s small. A
good way to attack small fires in grass is to wet the edges with a wet mop. It may sound a bit makeshift,
but it can be remarkably effective. Some people place drums (or rubbish bins) filled with water, each
with a mop and bucket, strategically around the house, for quick access to spot fires, or even to damp-
en embers caught in the eaves.
Of course a hose may do a better job, but if the mains water supply is weak (as it may well be if there’s
a large fire nearby), or if the pump fails, it’s just as well to have a back-up plan.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

In this issue we have a short report from over a century ago of a case of suspected arson:
Leader (Melbourne), Saturday 20 January 1906
SEVERAL OUTBREAKS NEAR BENDIGO.
BENDIGO, Sunday.
On Tuesday evening last fires broke out almost simultaneously in a paddock belonging to Cr. M. Con-
don, the late M. Frawley and Messrs. C. H. Read, J. Mangan, McMahon and Sons, and other residents
of Strathfieldsaye, near the Axe Creek. Members of the Strathfieldsaye farmers' bush fire brigade and
others, under the direction of Mounted Constable Teague, with the aid of beaters, water carts, &c., set
to work to extinguish the flames, but owing to the dry state of the grass and stubble the fire spread rap-
idly, and it was only after a couple of hours' strenuous work that the fire fighters succeeded in their task.
Many acres of grass were destroyed, but fortunately the homesteads and stacks were not damaged.
Since the outbreaks Detective Sergeant Wilson and Constable Teague have been prosecuting inquiries
with a view to discovering the cause of the fires, and they have obtained sufficient evidence to justify
them in issuing a summons on Wm. Fitzgibbon, a farmer, who resides in the locality, charging him with
wilfully igniting inflammable material. The case will come on for hearing in the police court on 22nd inst.
Accused is well known in the district, and his motive for acting in the manner alleged cannot even be
surmised.

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 Eppalock Primary School

We have almost come to the end of another school year and it is a good time to look back and reflect
on some of the activities we have done. This year we have continued to be involved in a range of in-
teresting and exciting activities with a real emphasis on getting involved in the community and devel-
oping well rounded students who will become active participants in the community.

We have had a lot of different highlights during the year.

Walk to school day

This day was a great morning for a whole school ‘walk to school’ event. We
all assembled at the corner of Patons Road and Mannes Lane and slowly
made our way to school walking carefully along the side of the road. It was
great to have quite a few parents join us for the walk and even had one of
our parents drive slowly behind us to ensure we were nice and safe. This was
a great community event and something we hope to build upon in 2019.

Sponge the teacher day

On a very cold day this year we held a special fundraiser which raised
money for ‘Live for Lilly’. One of our grade 4 students initiated the idea
and approached staff to see if they would be willing to be ‘sponged’
by the students for a gold coin donation. For some reason the students
thought this would be great fun and lined up for miles to have a
chance to sponge someone. Some of our very supportive parents
came along to cheer for every ‘direct hit’. Well done to our students
for organising the day and for our school community for getting behind
it.

School Captains
2018 saw the introduction of our School Captains to give our
students more leadership and voice across the school. Tilly and
Paige were voted in by the student group and started the year
very nervous about what the role involved, however continue to
grow in confidence each day. In the first half of the year our
Captains would meet for a muffin and a chat about how the
school was going and would offer some suggestions of what we
could be doing better. During one of these chats, the girls
suggested some lunch time Art sessions which would give
students something a little different to do. This idea has been
implemented in term 4 with success and with a lot of support
from the student group.

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OUR VISIT TO ECOLINC …

Ecolinc provides sustainable environmental program for students of all ages using the resources of the
Bacchus Marsh area and the technology within the Centre.

Prep to Grade 2 students participated in a program called “A Plant’s World” where they learnt all about
plant parts, survival, propagation, identification and seasonability.

Grade 3 and 4 students participated in a program called “digging up the Diprotodon” where they
learnt about megafauna and gained an understanding of how to predict how they became extinct.
They also examined fossil evidence, explored the habitats of Australian megafauna, and learnt how
rocks can tell the story of changes in the earth’s surface over time.
Grade 5 and 6 students attended a program called “saving energy” where they examined ways of re-
ducing energy consumption through building design, explored solar house systems and investigated
future transport options.
These programs complimented the learning our students had already completed at school.

We split up into three groups. My group was doing plants. First, we were learning about fruit and vege-
tables. We learnt that fruit have seeds and vegetables don’t. Secondly, we did a scavenger hunt for
certain plants. Thirdly, we got to have a look at the lizards. We were going to have a go on the iPads
but we didn’t get to.
By Katie
On Wednesday the 22 November, we went to Ecolinc. The bus trip took two hours but we watched
nd

‘Madagascar 2’ so it didn’t feel that long. When we got there we had something to eat and got into
our groups.
P/1/2s were doing plants in their group, 3/4s were digging up the Diprotodon and 5/6s were looking at
renewable energy. We did digging up the Diprotodon but first we had to do rocks so we got an iPad for
each of us. We watched a video on our rocks, then came back in, and made a poster of the rocks.
After that, we had lunch and a bit of a break. When we got back inside we had a bit on a talk of what
to do, got our belts and tools on, and went outside to dig it up. After we did that we went back in and
looked at footprint. When we were finished we got on the bus and went back to school. We were
meant to be back at school by 4.00 pm but we were about five minutes late.
By Henry

Our school went to Ecolinc for a whole school excursion. In my group we learnt about fossils, footprints
and rocks.
We got into partners and went outside to our rocks and watched a video to see how long our rock has
been on earth. My rocks was a limestone.
We made footprints out of clay and saw models of them too!
We dug up a giant kangaroo fossil and we wore special things for fossil digging and it was the best ac-
tivity there was.
By Charli
Our visit to Ecolinc was super fun. In the group I was in we learnt about plants and we went outside to
go on a scavenger hunt for plants. We found apricots, apples and cabbages. It took over an hour and
a half to get there by bus.
By Eddie

Please see next page for some images from the day.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 9
 2019

Tuesday 29th January Staff return (no students)

Wednesday 30th January Staff attending Curriculum PD (no students)

Thursday 31st January Students commence 2019 school year

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 ENERGY BREAKTHROUGH 2018
E.B.T. RECAP … by Tilly

Day 1 – Thursday
We left school at 1.00 pm and went to Maryborough. It took one hour to get there. When we arrived, it
started raining so we sat under a tree for three hours and waited for our presentation.
First, we had scrutineering. We did really well. They asked us heaps of questions and we answered them
all. After scrutineering, we went home because it was raining really hard.

Day 2 – Friday
We left really early in the morning and we met the others at the Eaglehawk North pit and got ready for
our first event – Endurance.
Endurance is an event where two people have to do half a lap and then you have to swap over with
another team. Then we had the obstacle course. Reuben, Macey, Meg and Will did it. They did so well.
They didn’t hit any objects. Straight after that, we had our speech presentation. Everybody did out-
standing. We had an awesome day and we couldn’t wait until the next day.

Day 3 – Saturday
We also got up really early. When we got there, we saw the H.P.V.s (human powered vehicles). They
were going so fast.
Our first event was sprints at 10.00 am. You have to run down with our partner, swap, turn around and
race back. We came last because the seatbelt buckle wouldn’t work. We still had a great time though.
After that, we watched a little bit more of the H.P.V.s, and then we went home.

We had an awesome time at Energy Breakthrough and we can’t wait to do it again.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 11
STEM
STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has been a huge success in 2018 at Ep-
palock PS. Lydia Fehring has done an amazing job implementing the STEM curriculum as a specialist
teacher and has involved the students in many interesting and varied activities. Early in term 1 students
were learning about body systems and actually had the chance to handle and explore a real heart. In
term 2 the highlight was the chance to do some coding with Ozobots. Ozobots are small programma-
ble spherical robots which follow a simple colour system to perform tasks. Our students mastered these
skills quickly and did a great job sharing their learning at a ‘Learning Expo’ at the end of the term. In-
volvement in Engineering in the second half of the year has also been amazing, allowing the students
to design and problem solve solutions to tasks. We would like to acknowledge the support of CASS by
providing a grant to allow us to purchase equipment for some of our activities.
In 2018 Eppalock PS also received some
significant funding to be put towards our
grounds and maintenance of existing play
spaces, which will enable work to be done in
providing an interesting place for community
members and families to visit. In 2019 you will
begin to see some new play areas being
developed at the back of the school with our
existing areas also being opened up.
We at Eppalock PS would like to thank the
local community for their continued support
of the school and look forward to working
with you all in some capacity in 2019.

When Mondays 9:30am—11:00am

Fridays 9:00—10:30am
Where Eppalock PS – Old School Building.149 Patons Road Axe Creek
(just a few minutes from Strathfieldsaye)
Come along and join other families for a cuppa and chat whilst your pre-school children enjoy lots of fun
activities. Fresh fruit is provided.

Morning Tea & activities provided.

Gold Coin Donation per child.

For further information please

phone (03) 5439 6366
email: eppalock.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
http://www.eppalockps.vic.edu.au
All Welcome

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axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 13
 Axe Creek Landcare
The Axe Creek Landcare Committee meets at Eppalock Primary School
in the Community Room on the THIRD Monday of each month

at 8.00 pm during daylight saving months

or at 7.30 pm when we are on EST.

Meetings and activities of interest to the general public are advertised on the notice board in the
Strathfieldsaye Shopping Centre.

If you would like to be on the email list, please contact the President or Secretary.

Members of the community are always welcome to attend any meeting!

President: Jan Mellor 5439 3144 0490 445 359

Secretary: Gillian Wells 5439 6240 gill@wellsoz.net

BIODIVERSITY BOUNCEBACK IN THE AXE CREEK CATCHMENT

For the past six months members of the

Axe Creek Landcare group have been
working with a group of landholders in
the Myrtle Creek Road area to restore
habitat connectivity for woodland
birds by revegetating wildlife corridors
between remnant vegetation on pri-
vate land and the Pilchers Bridge Flora
and Fauna Reserve.

A total of 1800 tubestock were plant-

ed in August followed by 9kms of direct
seeding.

Titled Biodiversity Bounceback the pro-

ject focussed on the establishment of
local indigenous shrubs and mid-
canopy species to the area including Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha), Totem Poles (Melalueca
decussata), Bushy Needlewood (Hakea decurrens) and Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa). Many of
these species are missing from freehold land due to past clearing practices for agriculture but they
are vital habitat features for smaller woodland bird species and ecosystem function. Without them
smaller birds such as superb fairy wren, striated pardalotte, white-browed babbler and brown thornbill
are excluded, being unable to forage, nest and seek shelter from predators.

Compounding this problem is the prevalence of noisy miner, a native medium sized honeyeater,
which tends to dominate isolated or fragmented patches of eucalyptus vegetation less than 10ha in
area. Noisy miners form colonial family groups and work together to vigorously protect ‘their patch’ of
nectar producing eucalyptus from all other smaller birds, even if those birds aren’t in direct competi-
tion for the same resource! By introducing understory shrubs into the landscape and within some of the
remnants, in time smaller birds will find some respite from the relentless barrage of noisy miner dive-
bombing and some balance will be restored back into the landscape.

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 14
In addition to the revegeta-
tion activities that have oc-
curred, 100 nest boxes have
also been installed as part of
the project. The main objec-
tive here is to supplement nat-
ural occurring hollows which
exist across each of the prop-
erties to further support brush-
tailed phascogale. This small
arboreal carnivorous marsupi-
al has been recorded in the
area and requires hollows in
which to nest and raise young.
Several other nest box types
have also been erected in-
cluding some for larger mam-
mals such as ring tail possum
and other bird species such as
kookaburra, boobook owl, owlet nightjar and grey-shrike thrush.

The work achieved to date has been enthusiastically supported by many landholders in the area as well
as staff and students from the Eppalock Primary School.

The young people kicked off the first planting activity back in early August.

At the woodland bird field day in October more than 50 people packed into the Emu Creek hall. Spe-
cial guest and former local ecologist Chris Tzaros described his passion for Australian birds and for habi-
tat restoration activities. He provided information and inspiration to continue the efforts to protect and
enhance our unique biodiversity values.

Biodiversity Bounceback is funded with the support of the Victorian Government. For further information
contact the Axe Creek Landcare group on 5439 6240 or visit our facebook group page https://
www.facebook.com/Axe-Creek-Landcare-Group-819962078183673/

axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 15
 LANDCARE VISIT TO CRANBOURNE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS
The party of 17 visitors who made the trip to Cranbourne were delighted and impressed with what they
saw.

The Gardens were no mere collection of interesting

and beautiful plants, though they were that. The
whole place was a work of art with beautiful and
symbolic man-made structures and water features
cleverly designed to reinforce the stories of the park.

We could not walk in the Red Sand Garden but it pro-

vided a spectacular view while we had lunch

We wandered and looked and consulted with the

extremely well-informed and enthusiastic volunteer
guides. There was far, far more to be enjoyed and
learned than was possible in one visit.

Parts of length of this water feature are cleaned regu-

larly so that it is not too slippery to be safe for visitors
to paddle. Children especially enjoy that on a warm
day like the one when we visited.

If you are thinking about a visit to Cranbourne Royal

Botanic Gardens we would enthusiastically recom-
mend that you make definite plans to do so.

No snakes for us though…

Poo Pile!
Need manure for your garden? Bags available from out the front of 125 Axe Creek Rd at $2.00 each or
phone
54393144 for a trailer load at $10-$15.00 per load.

All proceeds to Riding for the Disabled Association.

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axecreeknews@gmail.com Issue 61 17
 Church News
Church News: Men’s Breakfast

On the first Saturday of the month, our Church runs an open group for men to get together for break-
fast, have a chat and a joke, without pressure. We get together at 7.30am and contribute a gold coin
each to cover costs, then all excess proceeds are donated to ‘ACCESS Our Shed’ in Eaglehawk to as-
sist their work in the community.

We often have a presentation during the morning from a wide variety speakers, including travellers (like
the Arctic Circle), hobbies and sports, unusual occupations (including a coffin-maker!), amazing life
stories and people who have held notable positions. Some speak from a Christian background, some
do not, and it isn’t ‘church-y’. There is time for questions before everyone helps out to clean up and we
are finished by 9am.

We would like to invite any blokes to come along and meet some other everyday, ordinary blokes and
chat. We know it’s not something that blokes naturally do, and we also know that more and more of us
are feeling alone, even isolated, and we don’t have to. So come along on Saturday February 2, at
7.30am. Bring a gold coin and yourself. Just being there is most of the battle, and we would love to
meet you. You might even enjoy yourself and meet a few new mates.

Your local Rev,

Steve

Christmas Services at Strathfieldsaye

Monday 24th December

(Christmas Eve)
7.30pm Family friendly Holy Communion.

Tuesday 25th December

(Christmas Day)
9am Christmas Celebration.

The Strathfieldsaye Community Church has a hall available for

hire for small to medium size groups with heating, kitchen facilities
and toilets all under the same roof, and plenty of parking.

Contact details are on the sign on the front of our Church at 920
Wellington Street, Strathfieldsaye.
Please note that no alcohol is permitted.

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 CWA Bendigo Northern Group
We are looking for more local women to join for fun, friendship and community service.
We are looking for more local women to join for fun, friendship and community service.

Group Treasurer Gwenda presents a cheque to our new Branch Campbells Forest. Welcome to the
Group!
In the midst of the Victorian Seniors Week Festival celebrations Bendigo Northern Group held an Elder
Abuse Awareness Day at the Bendigo Retirement Village when ‘Get social’ was the theme of this
year’s Seniors Festival.
Bendigo Family Violence Liaison Officer, Sergeant Margaret Singe, Salvation Army Bendigo Corps fi-
nancial counsellor Jackie Wagland and Diane Parker from Amicus gave their insights into the issue as
part of a panel discussion. Sports clubs and community groups also attended the event.
Group President Marilyn Tangey opened the Day saying social isolation was one of the most recog-
nised risk factors for elder abuse.
An adult child has been the perpetrator in 92 per cent of cases involving Seniors Rights Victoria.
Elder abuse is recognised as a form of family violence.
A quote from the day from Sergeant Margaret Singe was "The World Health Organisation defines elder
abuse as a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship
where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person. It includes fi-
nancial, emotional, psychological, physical, social and sexual abuse and neglect".
Meeting information: ring Marilyn on 0404 334 855 or CWAbendigonortherngroup on Facebook for up-
dates.
For Craft Day information: ring Sue on 0414 877 888.

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 Community News

email us at axecreeknews@gmail.com

Community Gamelan group

Mugi Rahayu is your local gamelan (Javanese music and dance) group. We are from
Eppalock and we practice weekly and perform at various cultural events and fund-
raisers around the district. No experience required and it’s free.
New members Welcome
Practice every Saturday 2:00 pm at 101 Carneys Rd, Eppalock.
Contact Nita or Aaron phone: 54392678
email: aaronita94@gmail.com

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