BULLETIN

ISSUE 4 JUNE 23 2020 State cracks down on Planning protection New multi-sport courts community transmission for at Andrews Park, Eltham Advertising and editorial deadline for July’s Warrandyte Diary closes Friday, June 26. July WD Bulletin deadline Friday, July 17 Quarry revegetation project decimated By JILL DIXON Whilst weeding has now resumed, on a the roadside dangerous. ANDERSONS CREEK Landcare volunteers smaller scale, the quarry area was not what the “More respect is needed for this fragile were saddened and angered this weekend group were concentrating on, so the damage environment,” she said. when they routinely surveyed their work plots. went unnoticed for some time. The Committee is concerned that both drivers To their dismay, the 14-year long re-planting Fritz Uhl, Public Officer and team leader since and walkers sometimes avert their eyes to project at Gold Memorial Road’s historic 1880s 2007 expressed the hurt and frustration. things they see as suspicious, being too busy quarry, part of the Sailor’s Reef goldmine, had “Years of work gone down the drain. to get involved. been wrecked by what appears to be a group “We care for the environment and then it gets The Police, Council and Parks can of people using it as a regular party hide-away. destroyed by vandals,” he said. do nothing unless people inform one of these It has now returned to the derelict state of There is a “no dumping” sign at the quarry authorities and collect any evidence they can. trodden earth and litter, even worse than it entrance plus a sign with pictures showing Illegally dumped green waste and hard was in 2004, before the more-than-a-decade of the proud progress made by Andersons Creek rubbish can sit for weeks without being nurturing indigenous grasses, shrubs and trees. Landcare in rejuvenating the area. reported. It had been restored to become a protected However, the Andersons Creek Landcare “We earnestly support these authorities’ microcosm of native bushland, largely isolated Committee believe the entire community needs requests that people immediately call Council from the road, a safety zone for native animals to take greater ownership in the protection of (9840 9333) for roadside issues or Parks Vic but still accessible to interested public. our community’s natural assets of parks and (8427 2002) for inside the park, when you spot The vandals have torn down trees to form a roadside native bushland. something and the Police if you view apparent privacy wall across the innermost half of the Robyn Gillespie President said: illegal behaviour,” said Ms Gillespie. quarry, while bushes and grasses have been “This wider area we know of as the Green Wedge is hugely important to the health of both Anderson’s Creek Landcare are always pulled out or trampled. looking for more volunteers. An old mattress, seats, hedge clippers and a humans and nature and we all have a role to play in holding it together. If you would like to help Landcare restore the great deal of cans, bottles, paper and cartons quarry (no experience needed) and continue are strewn over what is now a mud-earth floor “Gold Memorial Road, for example, is a narrow road with fragile sides but is now used the ongoing work in development along Gold in the interior area. Memorial Road, call Fritz on 0439 443 703 or It is likely the destruction occurred around regularly as a way to avoid travelling through Warrandyte’s main centre and it carries heavy Robyn on 0417 377 649. the end of April/beginning of May as Landcare Learn more about Andersons Creek Landcare weeding activity was suspended at that time. traffic. “Vehicles move far too fast and make walking at facebook.com/andersonscreeklandcare

Senseless vandalism as historic Warrandyte quarry turned into “party-hideaway” Photo courtesy Anderson’s Creek Landcare

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 [email protected] EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES: Sandi Miller & James Poyner, 9844 0555 JUNE WARRANDYTE DAIRY AVAILABLE NOW [email protected] PUBLISHER: Warrandyte Diary Pty Ltd WARRANDYTE (ACN 006 886 826 ABN 74 422 669 097) as trustee for the Warrandyte Arts & Education Trust for the community by the community POSTAL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 209, Warrandyte 3113 ADVERTISING & ACCOUNTS: Briony Bottarelli, 9844 0555 No 541, JUNE 2020 DIARY OFFICE: Community Centre, 168-178 Yarra Street, Warrandyte GOLDFIELDS Since 1970 | Priceless GENERAL ENQUIRIES: [email protected] PLAZA Editorial & Advertising: 9844 0555 | Email: [email protected] EMAIL SPORT: [email protected] WEBSITE: www.warrandytediary.com.au ON-DEMAND PRINTING: 168-178 Yarra Street, Warrandyte To request a printed copy, email [email protected]

ABOUT THE BULLETIN The Warrandyte Diary Bulletin is produced to accompany its main publication, the Warrandyte Diary. The Warrandyte Diary Bulletin exists to engage and inform our readers on the issues which cannot wait until the end of the month. The Warrandyte Diary Bulletin is written with the same passion, community spirit and sense of place as you would expect in the Warrandyte Diary. The Warrandyte Diary was established in 1970 as a small local newsletter.

Although it has developed over the years, it has retained its strong paulcara_photography community character, being produced mostly by volunteers with only one INSIDE aim: to serve its community. Financed solely through advertising, it guards Municipal election shake up — Page 5 its not-for-profit, non-commercial status and its independent voice. TheDiary Lions Park — Page 7 We endure the darkness Remembering WWII carries a strong editorial bias towards the people, environment and character — Page 12 of the place it serves. The Warrandyte Diary and the Warrandyte Diary because it shows us the stars Our River of Mists “May you live in interesting times.” Well, we are certainly doing that. But as dark as the world is around us, we can — Pages 14–15 Bulletin reach the communities of Warrandyte, North Warrandyte, South celebrate our blessings, and this month we are doing just that. We celebrate our natural wonders, while we ride What’s happening — Pages 16–17 Warrandyte, Park Orchards, Wonga Park, Warranwood, North Ringwood, the rollercoaster of emotions brought on by living in these interesting times. Photo: PAUL CARAGLANIS Kangaroo Ground and Research. Peter Gardiner BARRISTER & SOLICITOR PERSONALISED TAXATION & ACCOUNTING SERVICES P/L CERTIFIED PRACTISING ACCOUNTANTS Local legal practitioner since 1989 We specialise in Office 1, 2 Colin Avenue Warrandyte A SPECIAL PLACE P.O. Box 143, Warrandyte VIC 3113 IT’Shelping TAX businesses TIME [email protected] Office: 9844 2409 Refer to our new website for more 9844 1111 Brian: 0412 011 946 information: ptasaccountants.com.au Warrandyte (approximate population 8,000) is situated on the Yarra River, Speak to us now - we welcome • • • Hien: 0448 012 728 business and personal tax enquiries “You never really learn much from hearing E: [email protected] Super advice will be provided by Personalised some 27km from . For countless ages a well-stocked hunting Taxation and Accounting Services as an yourself speak.” — George Clooney W: www.ptasaccountants.com.au authorised representative of SMSF Advisers ground of the people, in 1851 Warrandyte became the site of Network Pty. Ltd. AFSL No.: 430062 the first official gold discovery in Victoria. It soon established its character as a small, self-sustaining community set in a beautiful river valley. Around 1,900 the miners, orchardists and tradespeople were joined by a number of young painters who were founding the Australian nationalist arts tradition. 42K Media Now a commuter suburb of Melbourne, the natural beauty, community spirit and sense of independence of Warrandyte has been largely retained. This Community Media Solutions newspaper is the voice and true expression of that spirit. Contact James & Sandi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 0458 218 380 or 0429 121 969 The Warrandyte Diary Bulletin acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the No project too big or too small. lands where Warrandyte now stands, the Wurundjeri people of the , and pays respect to their Elders — past, present and emerging — Great rates for Warrandytians. and acknowledges the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people continue to play within our community. [email protected] ADVERTISING The Warrandyte Diary and the Warrandyte Diary Bulletin are made by the community, for the community. They weaves a thread through the rich tapestry of individuals, community groups, sports clubs, associations and businesses that make Warrandyte and the surrounding towns the special place that it is. Advertising supports the publication by covering printing and production costs and associated expenses. Rates listed below are for the Warrandyte Diary Bulletin only, for advertising in the main publication contact [email protected] or see our website. Full Page: 184 x 260mm $366 inc GST DISCLAIMER Half Page: 184 x 130mm $238 inc GST Readers are advised that the Warrandyte Quarter Page: Diary and the Warrandyte Diary Bulletin 92 x 130mm vertical or accepts no responsibility for financial, 184 x 65mm horizontal health or other claims published in $132 inc GST advertising in this newspaper. Business Card Sized: Responsibility for election and referendum 80 x 60mm $40 inc GST comment in this issue is accepted by Preferred positions loading: James Poyner. Prices on application

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 2 [email protected] Crackdown on community transmission By JAMES POYNER Entertainment venues such as cinemas, which is having a huge financial impact on the NEW RESTRICTIONS came into force on theatres and galleries and museums are now wedding industry. Monday, June 22, following an announcement also allowed to operate but with a maximum Ms Lowe recently contacted Member for by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on of 20 people per indoor space, as per the Croydon David Hodgett about the distress the Saturday. 4m2 rule. Wedding industry is facing about a lack of a The announcement comes following a rising For sport and recreation: physical road-map for the wedding industry to reach trend in the daily new case count in Victoria. recreation facilities such as gyms, yoga a state of Covid-Normal. The number of new cases, as reported each studios, golf courses, tennis clubs and play Working together day, has been consistently in double digits centres can open but there are restrictions on the number of participants per space. The COVID-19 situation is constantly since June 15. evolving and it is imperative that we work While often these numbers have been Community sport and recreation can take place as long as the participant numbers and together, as a community, and support each inflated due to international travellers in other as best we can, to make sure we all get 4m2 rule is adhered to, and as long as it takes hotel quarantine, at the press conference through 2020 with our health and our local place in a sporting facility. on Saturday, June 20, the State Premier businesses. For community sport and recreation that indicated contact tracing investigations for There have been a number of comments on takes place outside of a sporting facility (such cases relating to community transmission social media regarding those who attended as bush walking and mountain biking on revealed a trend in which family groups were the Black Lives Matter protests. local trails), groups are limited to 10 people disregarding physical distancing advice when Although there have been a small number who do not normally reside together and it is meeting with each other in their own homes. of cases, across Victoria, which have involved prohibited for a group to organise to have two “Today, our case numbers have hit the individuals who also attended the Black Lives (or more) parties of 10 to meet for a common highest they’ve been in more than two Matter protests, Premier Andrews and health months. purpose. officials have been quite clear that this reversal “I know that’s not what people want to hear Community sport in indoor and outdoor on easing is related to family groups ignoring — but sadly, that is our reality. space is also still on the agenda, although physical distancing and hygiene rules in the “The experts tell us that, largely, the numbers there are restrictions on numbers in place home and not to do with the mass protests are being driven by families — families having and the activity must also comply with local earlier this month. big get-togethers and not following the advice government and association codes and He made it explicitly clear when he told the around distancing and hygiene. practices. media half the numbers are being transmitted “In fact, around half of our cases since the Restricted Activity Directions No.10 and Stay during family get-togethers where attendees end of April have come from transmission Safe Directions No.2 are available to download are not following the advice around distancing inside someone’s home,” The Premier said. from the DHSS website, the Directions in these and hygiene. This news comes a week after the Premier, documents are enforceable by law and if one is “You can see how this could happen — announced the planned easing of restrictions unclear about what can and cannot be done, people feeling relaxed at home, letting their — which included allowing some venues to and in what numbers, these Directions are a guard down, letting old habits creep back. increase their customer numbers to 50, as per good place to start. “But we are still in a pandemic – and people’s the four-square-metre (4m2) rule was still on This is also good news for Warrandyte lives are still at risk,” said Mr Andrews. track to happen on June 22. Basketball Association (WBA) which has The new restrictions reflect the level of On the advice of the Department of Health been busy preparing for a return to training, vigilance which is needed, businesses like and Human Services, Premier Andrews the WBA issued the following statement in pubs, cafes, galleries and sports clubs have announced on June 20 that the changing relation to the news that a return to some sort strict physical distancing and cleaning of restrictions would be modified with the of training is getting closer. regiments in place which contribute to the increase in the number of customers now “Warrandyte Basketball is excited about the fight against COVID-19 and reduce the risk slated for July 12. return of basketball. of infection from shared services like tables So, what exactly can and cannot be done as We are working with Basketball Victoria, and chairs. of June 22? YMCA and local government to ensure As individuals, the best thing we can do is While the directions are quite clear, often the health and safety of our basketball maintain physical distancing — 1.5 metres they are hard to interpret relating to specific community is prioritised whilst getting whenever possible and always wash your activities. players back on the court. hands and face after coming into contact with For a better understanding of a more To help us implement return to basketball a shared surface. nuanced “what can I do?” questions, visit the health and safety protocols we are actively The roadmap to COVID-Normal means Department of Health and Human Services recruiting Biosafety Officers. finding a path to something resembling Coronavirus page – accessible online and via We are waiting for confirmed dates for the life before COVID-19 but we may never be the Government Coronavirus app. return of competition from EDJBA and COVID-Free which means the intimacy and These pages contain a detailed FAQ which Basketball Victoria.” close proximity we used to practice openly should answer most questions. may, very well, be a thing of the past. But, when distilled to its most simple The news is less positive for larger It is also worth noting that the presence of and broad advice, this is what is currently Warrandyte Businesses such as Bramleigh an international airport, reported as currently permitted: Estate and Grand Hotel Warrandyte. receiving 1,000 arrivals per day means the For households: Apart from the people who At the end of May, the Grand Hotel posted in potential source of infection is constantly normally live in your household, you are only social media that it was waiting for the allowed refreshing. allowed to have a maximum of five additional number of people on premises to increase to In a press conference with the Premier of guests at one time. above 50 before any plans for reopening were Queensland on Monday, June 22, Premier A person’s household includes any indoor to be announced. Annastacia Palaszczuk commented there is or outdoor space within the boundaries of Following the June 14 announcement by National concern about Victoria. their property. Premier Andrews, the Diary requested an Within Melbourne, there are a number of If you wish to meet up with friends/family in update on the situation, but Manager Peter municipalities which have been flagged as public, for example at the local oval or along Appleby said he was awaiting direction from hotspots. the Warrandyte riverfront, the group size is a the business owners. These hotspots will have increased maximum of 10 people. The Grand Hotel Warrandyte has been Coronavirus testing and the State Government For businesses: Pubs, cafes, restaurants, closed since mid-May, the delay in the is advising against travelling to and from these and other venues which were already open increase to 50 until July 12 will likely see the municipalities if possible. pre-June 21 can continue to operate, but pub closed until at least then. Compared to the rest of the world, their maximum number of customers is still Bramleigh Estate owner, Mary-Anne Lowe is coping extremely well with keeping the capped at 20, as per the 4m2 rule, and sit- has also been awaiting some much-needed rate of infection low and to keep it low, we all down customers are required to have their good news from the government. need to be vigilant, stay 1.5 metres apart and name and contact details recorded for contact At the moment, weddings are still limited to regularly practice recommended cleaning and tracing purposes. 20 guests, plus the couple, plus the celebrant, hygiene regiments.

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 3 [email protected] New planning protection for Yarra River By SANDI MILLER river. which is highly visible. THE YARRA is an iconic part of what makes our “The Yarra River has an important place in The DDO sets mandatory building heights, part of the world special, and it is now receiving the hearts of Victorians and that’s why it’s development setbacks and overshadowing the protection it deserves. important these controls remain in place rules, tailored to meet local landscape The Victorian Government has now permanently to safeguard its future.” requirements to ensure future development introduced permanent planning controls to There are now mandated height limits for does not encroach on the landscape and guard against inappropriate development new developments and minimum setbacks environmental values and amenity of the and to protect the river’s banks and improve to protect the river’s natural landscape, Yarra River. water quality. environment and character. Minister for Energy, Environment and The permanent controls will be applied along The Government will finalise the controls Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio said our a 240 kilometre stretch of the river between in partnership with the relevant councils iconic Yarra river is a vital part of Melbourne’s Richmond and Warrandyte, setting tougher — Banyule, Boroondara, Manningham, natural environment. rules to prevent overshadowing. Nillumbik, Stonnington and Yarra — as well “These controls will mean its natural This follows interim measures introduced as Melbourne Water. landscape gets the care and protection it three years ago to streamline planning controls Two new planning controls have been deserves.” and replace a patchwork of controls that applied to areas within the middle Yarra River The planning controls strongly align with differed between councils. corridor within the Banyule, Manningham and the draft Yarra Strategic Plan which aims to New and amended requirements include: Nillumbik planning schemes. bring agencies together to give effect to the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) has community’s long-term vision for the Yarra and • vegetation removal been applied to the wider landscape setting of support its collaborative management. • restrictions on overshadowing of the Yarra the Yarra River corridor. The plan recognises the Yarra’s management River, its banks and adjacent public open Within this area a continuous corridor of in one area has a flow-on effect to other space vegetation and canopy trees are the dominant parts of the river and is critical for ensuring • height limitations for all new buildings features of views of the corridor to and from government’s protection of the natural beauty • setbacks for all development from the Yarra public open space and the Yarra River itself. of the entire river corridor. River’s edge The SLO manages the siting and design Community consultation and • fencing, swimming pools, tennis courts of buildings, removal of vegetation and recommendations from an independent and other works — within close proximity earthworks within the broader Yarra River expert panel will be used to inform the final to the Yarra River. corridor setting. Yarra Strategic Plan which is due to be released Design and Development Overlay (DDO) has Minister for Planning Richard Wynne said the later in the year. been applied to specific areas of private land new measures will ensure future developments For more information, visit: immediately adjacent to the Yarra, an area planning.vic.gov.au/yarra-river-controls do not compromise the beauty of our iconic

Map highlighting new planning overlays

Image courtesy Department Environment, Land, Water and Planning Grants to support local creative recovery WARRANDYTE ARTISTS have been awarded However, she said the sector has been hit hard development of a new body of painting $25,000 in grants to help the sector to by event cancellations and venue closures, and work for an upcoming solo exhibition. rebound, recover and explore new business even as restrictions slowly begin to ease, these • Ganga Giri’s grant will support the opportunities as part of the first wave of the workers and businesses will continue to be completion of a music album. Victorian Government’s Sustaining Creative impacted for some time. • Liv Jansz’s grant will support her to mix and Workers initiative. “The Sustaining Creative Workers grants will master her debut album under the Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region, help them adapt to these new circumstances, moniker Punko Sonja Terpstra welcomed the news that local develop new sources of income or new ways to • Natnael Ayalew Yimer’s grant will support creative workers and businesses would share in reach audiences, and keep working, building the Ethio-pop and reggae artist Nhatty Man state-wide grants totalling $2.4 million through and future-proofing their business or career,” to write and record his third studio album. the first tranche of the program. she said. • Zya Kane’s $5,000 grant will support Sustaining Creative Workers provides The creative industries employ 280,000 the artist to undertake research and skills quick response grants to support the work of people in Victoria and have been among the development for the creation of sensory professional creatives across all fields – from hardest hit sectors, with venue closures, screen theatre works. filmmakers, game developers and fashion industry shutdowns and event cancellations Sustaining Creative Workers is part the designers to writers, visual artists, musicians, leaving thousands of creative practitioners and Victorian Government’s overall $51.1 million performers and many others. associated trades out of work and leading to response to protect creative jobs and ensure Ms Terpstra told the Diary, creativity has millions in lost revenue. the state’s renowned creative sector survives always played a strong role in our community. Among the 400 recipients across the state, the crisis. “Over the past few months, while we have local artists across a range of disciplines The grants program was delivered in stayed home, the creative sector has played a received a $5,000 grant, including: partnership with Regional Arts Victoria and vital role in entertaining us, inspiring us and Arts Access Victoria. keeping us connected.” • Dord Burrough’s grant will enable the

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 4 [email protected] Feedback call for Housing Strategy NILLUMBIK SHIRE Council has released a Draft Housing Strategy which will help shape how Council responds to housing needs across the Shire for the next 15 years. Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan said the draft strategy aims to ensure the housing needs of the Shire can be met now and into the future. The draft notes: “Nillumbik is predicted to be the lowest growth municipality in metropolitan Melbourne, both in terms of the proportion of growth and absolute numbers, with 0.4 per cent annual population growth (6,140 additional people between 2016 and 2036). This compares to a city-wide average annual growth rate of 1.6 per cent. The Nillumbik community is ageing. By 2036 Nillumbik will have a significant proportion of one and two person households, comprising mainly empty nesters and retirees. In particular Nillumbik will have significantly more people aged over 70 than is the case today.” Nillumbik Mayor Karen Egan said this strategy aims to ensure Nillumbik’s housing needs are met now and in the future. “This strategy outlines a range of housing for all of our residents, including our ageing The Draft Housing Strategy is seeking June, only two dates remain at this stage. population and those with special needs. feedback from residents and those with a and are currently scheduled for the following “But, importantly, it also seeks to protect vested interest in the Shire between now and dates: the Shire’s valued rural and neighbourhood June 29. 7pm, Tuesday, June 23. characteristics and unique green wedge for A copy of the draft document along with 1pm, Wednesday, June 24. future generations. additional information is available via Council’s Council may add additional sessions if “Significant consolidation of housing is interest from the public deems it necessary, only proposed in the Eltham and Diamond participate website. Council is also holding a series of online but there are no additional sessions scheduled Creek Major Activity Centres, where Council at this point. is expected, by State Government policy, to Q&A sessions, where registered participants consolidate housing due to the easy, walkable can discuss their questions/concerns with Those wishing to participate in the access in these centres to shops, public council officers. sessions, or supply feedback to the Draft transport and services. These sessions are limited to 10 participants Housing Strategy should visit: “I encourage the community to provide per session (excluding council officers). participate.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/draft- feedback on this critical strategy,” Cr Egan said. Of the eight sessions originally scheduled for housing-strategy Travel without leaving your armchair I am finding ways to revisit my favourite places through food. Last night we dined on a tagine of chicken with preserved lemons and olives, a recipe By CAROLYN ALLEN from the Moroccan cooking school I attended in Marrakech. AS YOU SWING past Webb Street to pick up Tonight, it is Malabar fish curry which I your take away coffee from the fabulous Coco Moon you may well ask “Where is the crew learnt to cook in Kerala, India. from Warrandyte Travel and Cruise?” The smells wafting through the house take Our doors may be physically closed but rest me back and are wonderfully comforting. assured we are still working away, remotely, I am also using this time to do some to postpone and rearrange your travel armchair travel. reservations. Travel documentaries including foodie With travel plans for 2020 stopped in their tours and iconic rail journeys are wonderful tracks, it is imperative that bookings held are rescheduled and client funds protected. ways to immerse oneself in a different culture One thing is for certain, we all need or experience. something to look forward to on the other It is great research to learn about new side of the COVID-19 Pandemic. destinations and experiences you may have It may not happen for a while, but once it not thought of. is safe to do so, and without obstruction, the So just because we cannot physically world will be there in all its wonder for us to travel right now, does not mean we cannot explore and enjoy, but when is the question travel using our senses, smell, taste, and by on every travel agent’s minds. The rest will come in time! Sadly, travel plans are the big uncertainty Right now, it is down time in the travel watching and reading. for the remainder of the year although industry, a chance to catch up and do what Which leaves plenty of time to add to those it is encouraging to see some State everyone else is doing — stay home. bucket list trips you have been thinking borders opening soon — which may bring But it is not all bad, I finally have a change about. opportunities to holiday closer to home. to put together beautiful photo books of some We are hopeful by September there will of my favourite trips. If you would like some travel inspirations be limited International travel permitted to I am always thrilled to see my client’s photo please email Carolyn at certain countries only. journeys, now it is my turn to catch up. [email protected]

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 5 [email protected] Fresh fields for Eltham Tennis Club By JAMES POYNER asset for Eltham Tennis Cub, whose 400 wheelchair tennis for the first time in our THREE NEW multi-purpose courts will be members, included 80 Junior members often club’s long history. constructed at the Eltham Tennis Club facility mean the club has to hire courts from nearby “It will also add to the attractiveness of our in Andrew Park, Eltham. Warrandyte and East Doncaster tennis clubs club for new and existing members, especially The all-ability courts will create sporting so all their Junior teams can participate in for juniors who love hard courts,” said Wayne. opportunities for disabled and able-bodied Saturday competition. Adam Jones, said he was presently unaware athletes and will be suitable for sports such as “Access to quality local facilities like this will of the project works but welcomed the tennis and futsal. encourage more of our young people to take opportunity to add a venue in Eltham, where Nillumbik Mayor, Councillor Karen Egan up sports such as tennis and futsal and help his club can play. told the Diary about how the project is being the club increase its membership,” she said. “We always like to hear about new funded and of their potential future use with Edendale Ward Councillor, John Dumaresq opportunities like this for futsal to expand in completion expected to occur later this year. said the club was a great part of the Nillumbik the Eltham area. “The $1.4 million project, funded by the community. “We currently run some outdoor futsal Growing Suburbs Fund (managed by the “I am pleased that Nillumbik Shire has competitions on this type of pitch over summer Department of Environment, Land, Water received a substantial grant towards an and it’s certainly one of the most enjoyable and Planning), to construct three new courts upgrade to the club’s facilities. formats for the players. at the Eltham Tennis Club is anticipated to be “On behalf of the community I would like to “Evolution Futsal would like to discuss the completed late 2020/early 2021. thank the State Government and Eltham MP use of the courts when they are completed. “The courts will be built next to the club Vicki Ward for their continued support of sport “I believe we could run a very enjoyable in Andrew Park and will be managed by the in the Shire,” he said. competition/program there,” said Adam. Eltham Tennis Club as part of the rest of the The Diary also spoke with Eltham Tennis Club With court construction taking place adjacent centre. coach Wayne Askwith and Evolution Futsal to the current courts, there should be minimal “The existing courts will remain open as Manager Adam Jones about the opportunities disruption to an already disrupted tennis normal during this time. these new courts will offer. season for Eltham Tennis Club. “Two of the three courts will be surfaced “We’ve never had hard courts before, so that Councillor Egan also told the Diary Nillumbik with cushioned plexi-pave and will be fully adds to the variety of tennis surface available Council is currently contacting groups who accessible for wheelchair tennis and futsal,” for members and court hirers to choose from might be able to make use of the new courts, she said. and get experience with. once they are finished. The additional courts will also be a valuable “Importantly it will allow us to offer Scotty takes snow honour AFTER another stellar snow season for the The Warrandyte local led a successful Wizard of Warrandyte, Scotty James capped off X-Games title defence and was victorious at the his campaign with yet another career accolade, Copper Mountain Half-Pipe, with three World winning Snow Australia’s Athlete of the Year for Cup Gold Medals rounding out a superb season a record fourth time. on the snowboard for the 25 year-old. This accolade makes James the first person James adds the award to a cabinet already in Snow Australia history to obtain a quartet containing the Australian Institute of Sports of AOTY awards, and he claimed the award as Male Athlete of the Year he collected in a joint-winner with world #1 aerial skier Laura December, as he continues to solidify his spot Peel, who he also shared the award with in such as one of Australia’s greatest winter sportsmen. a manner back in 2015. More to come in the July Diary. Photo: Sally-Anne Wilson Reducing pollution from wood heaters significant – but many of the air pollution • If you are concerned about the impacts of problems associated with wood heating can wood heater smoke on air quality, consider be prevented or minimised by operating your using other forms of energy for heating that heater correctly. produce less smoke, such as energy Tips on reducing smoke pollution: efficient gas or electric heaters. • Only purchase a wood heater that is Tips on buying firewood: IT’S COLD OUTSIDE and for many Victorians certified to the Australian Standards AS/ • If buying wood to use immediately, NZS 4012:2014 and AS/NZS 4013:2014 that means a trip to the woodyard and firing up always buy dry, seasoned, good burning the wood burning heater. • Ensure your heater is installed by a Environment Protection Authority Victoria licensed person in accordance with the and untreated wood, preferably hard wood. (EPA) has some simple steps to minimise how Building Act 1993. • Refer to your heater manufacturer’s smoke can impact on your health. • Before winter have your flue professionally operation manual to identify the correct It’s important for people to understand how checked and cleaned. fuel to purchase. their heater operates and to use appropriate • Refer to the manufacturer’s operation • Because unseasoned wood has a high fuel. This will be specified in the heater’s manual for instructions specific to your moisture content it is hard to ignite, slow operating manual and by using the correct fuel wood heater model. to burn and produces more smoke and less your heater will run more efficiently. • Burn only dry, seasoned, good burning and heat; it can cause your heater flue to clog It’s a good idea to have your flue professionally untreated wood. up more quickly. checked and cleaned before winter begins to • Get a hot fire going quickly with plenty of • You can save money by purchasing ensure it’s clean and free from obstructions. paper and small kindling. unseasoned firewood in early spring and This will help prevent flue fires, unnecessary • Keep the air controls set high enough to storing it in a well-ventilated shed or other smoke, and ensure the heater operates correctly. keep the fire burning brightly. covered area until winter. Never burn household rubbish, driftwood, • Never overload your wood heater with too Freshly cut wood should be stored for at least treated wood or painted wood. much wood. 8 to 12 months prior to use. It is best to stack It is sure to pollute the air and it can produce • Never leave your heater to smoulder wood in a crisscross pattern to allow air flow. toxic gases. overnight. This starves the fire of oxygen, To read more about how smoke can affect your Whilst the impact of a single wood heater may producing more smoke and air pollution. health, go to epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/ be small– the cumulative impact on air quality, • Go outside and check the chimney environmental-information/air-quality/wood- particularly through autumn and winter, is occasionally for smoke emissions. smoke-air-quality/wood-smoke-pollution • Consider the wellbeing of your neighbours.

©Warrandyte Diary 2020 6 [email protected] ©Warrandyte Diary 2020 7 [email protected]