THE BLACKFISH JULY 2013 AVENUE OF HONOUR TAKES SHAPE People have been asking about the roadworks between the railway line and the Community Centre. This is the access road for our new Avenue of Honour. Stage 1 of the project includes the road which will provide parking and a turntable at the rear of the hall for caravans and buses to turn around. In September 2013 tree planting is expected to commence. With a starting height of 10ft, the trees will have time to grow significantly by the 100 year commemoration of ANZAC Day in 2015. Further works to be completed by 2015 include names on plaques of all locals who gave their lives for our country.

THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) The Township held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, 5 June. Township Meetings are open to anyone who would like to attend. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 3 July at 7:30 pm at the Community Centre. Fiona Pratt, Principal of the Koo-Wee-Rup Primary School spoke of a proposed Project Action Team to refurbish an historic building at the school. The building is the original Koo Wee Rup State School building built in 1884, later relocated to become the Island Road School (formally Dalmore East School) in 1919 and it was also used for teaching migrants English and as a hall for the Scouts to meet. The building was moved to its present site in 1984. Fiona said that this is a significant building in Koo-Wee-Rup and was a traditional meeting place that everyone could use. She needs help and support to refurbish the inside of the building to become a self-contained unit for after school hours’ use with toilet facilities and beverage making facilities. Fiona needs volunteers to form an action team to achieve this. This team would also liaise with the Shire Council for help and follow through with the present application to the Bendigo Bank for a community grant. There is no internal heritage overlay or controls on the interior. Anyone interested should contact Fiona at the school on 5997 1272. The team would then formulate rules, regulations, and basic suggestions for a re-fit as a community building. It will meet as soon as enough volunteers come forward. Fiona explained that there are no Education Department regulations but there are department protocols to observe for self- funding projects. The operation could also be ongoing, funded by a user pays system. The action team will consider all these options. Richard Roach, speaking in his daytime role as manager of the Koo-Wee-Rup branch of the Bendigo Bank, said the building retains its heritage character on the outside and he thinks that this will be a worthwhile project. Cr David Young suggested the involvement of the Shire. Continued on Page 5

Items printed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or beliefs of the Editor. The Editor reserves the right to edit any items, where necessary. All work associated with the production of The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish is done on a voluntary basis. Edited by C Roff email: [email protected] PO Box 64, Koo Wee Rup 3981, Tel 5997 2333 Printed by KWR Township Committee The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

Page 2 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 CHLOE’S GREATEST SHAVE My name is Chloe Harrison. On the 30th of May 2013 I shaved my head to raise money for cancer research. I have wanted to shave my head for a friend of mine, Brooke, for a couple of years. Brooke sadly lost her battle with brain tumours in January. I wanted to shave my head for Brooke and for the other people who have been touched by cancer in some way. Brooke laughed off the fact I would go through what I did, but I stayed true to my word and shaved my head after my deb this year. With the help and support of my family and friends I raised $4,000 for cancer research. On the 30th of May at lunchtime, I shaved off my blonde hair in the Koo Wee Rup Secondary College hall. Many students and teachers came to watch me do the shave and it was a good laugh. I thank everyone so much who helped me achieve my goal. And I hope Brooke is proud of what I have done for her and everyone who has been touched by cancer. CARDINIA SHIRE’S GOOD FOOD REVOLUTION Classes have begun at the Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, but it is not too late to join in; with a second round of classes starting on Monday 5 August. Residents can now book to take part in a 5-week cooking course in the Mobile Kitchen, located next to Pakenham Library. Each session goes for 90 minutes. All residents will have the chance to participate, with classes being held seven days a week at a range of times. The course costs only $50, or $25 for concession card holders. Classes are limited to 12 places to allow participants to get the most from the experience. The program will be delivered by The Good Foundation, as part of Cardinia Shire Council’s Healthy Together initiative. Not-for-profit organisation The Good Foundation has partnered with renowned chef Jamie Oliver and The Good Guys to deliver Jamie’s Ministry of Food throughout . The program is based on Oliver’s belief that knowing how to cook healthy food using fresh ingredients is one of the best things you can do for your health, happiness and finances. The course covers the basics in cooking and good nutrition and is suitable for people from all backgrounds and of all skill levels. Participants will pick up Jamie’s hints, tips and shortcuts while learning exciting new ways to use fresh ingredients. Participants will learn to cook with fresh ingredients via a hands-on- experience led by Jamie’s Ministry of Food’s Food Trainers, who will be assisted by volunteers from various Cardinia Shire organisations. The combined result ensures that classes run smoothly and participants gain valuable information from the program. To book your place in the Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen, and for all class dates and times, visit www.jamiesministryoffood.com To find out more about Healthy Together Cardinia Shire, contact Council’s Health Promotion team on 1300 787 624 or [email protected] Page 3 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) (continued from Page 1) Leading Senior Constable Brendan Dickson told the meeting about thefts in Denhams Road and Ruby Court in the new Tesoro estate. In one case a complete set of roof trusses had been stolen. Expensive breed dogs have been stolen from their home. A house in Prestons Road was broken into. A girl, whose car had broken down, had items stolen from the trailer it was towing. There was an attempted burglary at the hairdressers in Lang Lang. At one property, about one tonne of batteries waiting to be recycled was stolen. There was a serious assault on a person at the BP Service Station carried out by a passing drug addict who also damaged a car; this person was apprehended. LSC Dickson told the meeting that family violence in the area was getting worse with the increasing population. It takes up a lot of police time because of the need to follow the letter of the law very closely in these matters. He also alerted the attendees about the need to observe the stop sign at the end of Rossiter Road at the junction with the . The police are using high definition video there and if you do not stop, you will be caught. The police are stopping 35 cars a day for this offence. There will be a blitz throughout the area over the Queen’s birthday holiday. Police will target drivers who are speeding, using mobile phones whilst driving, driver distraction, seatbelts, fatigue, drugs and alcohol – the main contributing factors to fatalities during key holiday periods... The Koo-Wee-Rup/ Pakenham Road will be especially in the sights of the highway patrol officers. Mr Rob Pearson, Team Leader Project Delivery, attending with Mr Charlie Broadhurst, Project Director, of VicRoads explained that they were here tonight to update the community on the progress of the Koo-Wee-Rup Bypass project. There is not much visual evidence, but there have been some major milestones reached. On 12 July last year the project was out for exhibition with an advisory committee hearing in September 2012 to reserve land for the bypass plus the land needed for the ultimate project, the dual road to Pakenham. An amendment to the planning scheme happened in late February 2013 and notices were issued to land owners to acquire the necessary land. At the end of June 2013, notices of acquisition of land were sent out. In May 2013, three companies, AbiGroup Contractors Pty Ltd, John Holland Pty Ltd, and McConnell Dowell Constructions Pty Ltd, were been short-listed by VicRoads to tender for the construction of the Koo-Wee-Rup Bypass. Tenders close today, 5 June 2013, and should be at VicRoads headquarters in Kew tomorrow morning. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in August 2013 with details discussed and actioned well in time for a summer 2013 start, possibly November. This will allow land acquisitions and other start up details to proceed normally. The completion of the Bypass is planned for the end of 2015. The predator control program aims to reduce fox numbers in the area through a controlled baiting program on private property. Clearly marked bait stations will indicate where baits are buried and warning notices on all appropriate entry points will be displayed. VicRoads is also protecting and re-establishing habitat for the Southern brown Bandicoot. Predator control and rehabilitation programs have been developed which include fox control, replanting of habitat within the road reserve and drains using native vegetation and establishment of safe travel corridors for the bandicoots and other native animals. Advice on protection of pets from these baitings can be obtained from VicRoads vermin control office on 0418 538 421. In answering a question from John van Dord, Rob said that the detail design of the new road junctions was not completely finalised and negotiations for a final design will be discussed with the winning contractor. Rob added that he did not think trucks would turn off the Bypass and go through Koo-Wee-Rup; the road number, 422, will be signed all the way to the South Gippsland Highway and in the new design Koo-Wee-Rup will be a turn off from the main route. An optional roundabout that could be built at the Manks Road intersection will depend on the money available. Cr David Young asked if there could be a roundabout constructed at the Ballarto Road junction. This is beyond the scope of the upgrade of the Koo-Wee-Rup Bypass but could be looked at in the future plan for the Koo-Wee- Rup/Pakenham Road upgrade. Cr Young talked about a complex planning issue that the Shire Council had been debating. An applicant had applied for permission to build a private indoor riding arena at 54 Bladens Road. The Council had approved the application but with 17 conditions imposed. The size of the building at 58m x 28m caused some concern. The Railway House is in the process of removal to HAVE YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY? Bayles. Cr Young is not sure when the move will be Have you got some news, a photo, or an opinion you completed but the contractor is, at present, preparing want to share with your community? the house for removal. Why not say it in the Blackfish? Lou Bucello asked if the land for sale behind the Just drop me a line at [email protected] Rossiter Road toilets could be used by the Township post to PO Box 64, KWR or phone 5997 2333 Committee. Cr Young replied that there was no money Caroline Roff, Editor available for this. (Continued next page) Page 4 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES (Edited Extracts) (from previous page) The president, welcoming the many scouts here tonight, asked Mr Ian Woff, scout leader, 1st Kooweerup Scout Group, to address the meeting. Ian thanked the president for inviting him to speak to the Committee this evening. He felt that it was a great experience for the young Scouts to see how the community committee works. He wondered if there is an opportunity for the Scouts to be involved in replacing/rebuilding the local organisations’ display boards on the Bayles side of the entrance to Koo-Wee-Rup. Perhaps in conjunction with the Men’s Shed group? The boards should at least be checked; for instance, the Girl Guides organisation is promoted yet the Girl Guides have not been active in the area for more than 10 years while the Scouts are not represented but are active in town. Cr Young commented that any replacement signs had to conform to Work, Health and Safety rulings for traffic flows and other road safety conditions. The president, Gavin Brock, said he will confer with George Fittock from the Men’s Shed and Charles Taveira, Manager Operations, Cardinia Shire Council, on how they can involve the local Scout Group in this project. Gavin Brock said he was very pleased with the ‘Shire Volunteers’ recent reception and dinner hosted by the Shire Council. There was good representation from Koo-Wee-Rup. The progress of work being done on the ‘Avenue of Honour’ is going really well. Gus Moore has organised the trees for the project and the work has almost reached Stage 2. Gavin said he is meeting Ms. Natasha Kukanja, Community Strengthening Officer at Cardinia Shire Council, next week. They will discuss the long list of issues of work to be done around the town and who will be doing this work for the different jobs. George Fittock reported on the Men’s Shed activities. He told the meeting that over the last three months 248 persons had been in ‘The Shed’ partaking in the many activities. The extension to the Men’s Shed will be started within the next two months. The mini market garden is going well and the Saturday morning get-together at the Community garden sees Mums, Dads and kids really getting to know each other. Usually there are about 23 people attending. George Fittock presented the maintenance report this evening. The main item was the state of the footpath outside of the old Albie’s garage in Station Street. Concrete that has lifted has formed a trip hazard and is considered dangerous. This item will be followed up with the Shire Council maintenance department by Cr Young. Other minor works around the Town have been completed or are in the process of fixing. Lou Bucello told the meeting of the problem of trucks parking outside the Subway café. Traffic wishing to exit Salmon Street into Station Street has their vision obscured by these parked trucks. This is especially a problem on a Sunday morning after the service at St. John the Baptist Church. The secretary was asked to write to the Shire Council and refer the problem to them via a merit request. Frank Worcester reported on the dangerous state of the walkway between Grange Court and Icke Road. Cr Young said he would also take this problem to the Shire Council maintenance department. Ray Brown tabled a letter he had received from Ms. Cathy Bain, Leisure and Lifestyle Co-ordinator, Koo-Wee-Rup Regional Health Service. With it is a letter from Mr. Michael Ventura, a resident of Killara Hostel. Via Cathy, Michael bemoans the fact that there is no wheelchair access to the public toilets near the swimming pool and that there are no accessible and safe public toilets in Cochrane Park. He asks that we look into his concern as a priority. He attaches photographs of the existing dirty and poorly designed toilets at the swimming pool. The secretary was asked to write to the Gary McQuillan, Shire Council CEO, and reiterate strongly these same complaints; the same problems that we have already discussed with him. The secretary was asked to write to the Mayor of Cardinia Shire, Councillor Brett Owen and invite him to the July 2013 meeting of the Koo-Wee-Rup Township Committee. Joyce Light reported on the lack of illumination outside of the Community Centre. Joyce said that last Friday someone had had a fall outside of the hall because of poor lighting. Gavin Brock said he would follow this up during next week’s meeting with Natasha Kukanja, Community Strengthening Officer. Frank Crameri reminded the meeting that the Committee had not heard anything about the promised gas reticulation program for the town from the State Government for some months. The Secretary was asked to write to the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, The Hon. Peter Ryan, MP, and ask for an update and emphasising our continued interest on the progress and finalisation of the project. Lynette Lia, a resident of Koo-Wee-Rup, told of the stress and heartbreak that she endures trying to get her seventeen-year-old son to a special school in Cranbourne. Although there is a school bus, now that he is 17 he wants to be able to travel there on his own and there is no direct bus service from Koo-Wee-Rup. She wondered whether there could be a bus service to Cranbourne now that the population of the area is increasing. There followed a discussion on the subject and from this the secretary was asked to write to the Hon. Terry Mulder MP, Minister for Roads and Minister for Public Transport. The secretary will ask him for a review of public transport facilities in the area with the knowledge of a continuing large increase in the number of new residents coming into the district. Page 5 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

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Page 6 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 BANDICOOT TRACKING AROUND KOO WEE RUP For those who frequently travel down Boundary Drain Road or Railway Road in Koo Wee Rup, you may have seen a strange person (usually with helpers) coming and going at odd hours, driving up and down with an antenna on the car or walking along the roadside with an antenna in hand. Please let me introduce myself! My name is Sarah Maclagan and I am a PhD student at Deakin University. My 3-4 year research project is looking at how Southern Brown Bandicoots use linear corridors of vegetation along roads, drains and railway lines. Although often weedy and overgrown, this vegetation is often the only habitat remaining and can be very important habitat for native species such as the bandicoot. Koo Wee Rup is one of the bandicoots’ strongholds, with the highest densities of bandicoots that I have recorded anywhere else in the region! Because they seem so abundant here, many of the locals I speak to are very surprised to learn that the bandicoot is actually Photo: Andrej Hohmann endangered. Early naturalists described the species as being one of the most common native mammals in south-eastern Australia. Now due to all the usual factors such as habitat loss and introduced predators, they only occur in isolated pockets. With the rapid urban expansion around Greater , the long-term future of the species in this region is shaky at best. I hope that my research will help us understand the bandicoots’ requirements so that we have the best chance of keeping them in the landscape as urbanisation continues. Since January 2012 I have been monitoring a range of sites around Koo Wee Rup and the town of Bunyip further north. This has involved periodically trapping bandicoots, giving them a microchip for future identification, taking a range of health samples and measurements from them, then attaching a tiny radio transmitter to their tail so that I can follow their movements and whereabouts (the colourful tags you might have seen tied to bushes along the roadside are places where I have tracked the bandicoots). I’m also using motion- detecting wildlife cameras to keep an eye on what is happening at each site. (Continued Page 9)

Page 7 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

Page 8 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 BANDICOOT TRACKING AROUND KOO WEE RUP (from Page 7) My fieldwork will continue until late 2013 but already some interesting results are emerging. Whereas previously we weren’t sure whether the bandicoots move freely around or had fixed home ranges, I’m finding that individuals do seem to be relatively fixed in where they live. Some individuals have been in the same locations for at least 12 months now. I’ve also found that males move a lot further than females – up to 1.3km versus only about 200-400m for females. One of the surprising results is the places bandicoots choose to nest. Often they build their basketball-sized ball of woven grass and leaves on the ground as close as 1m from the edge of the road! Other times it is underneath a blackberry thicket or under a tuft of agapanthus. The bandicoots do not seem at all fussy about weeds – in fact, they actually seem to like blackberry, kikuyu grass and agapanthus, meaning that any weed control needs to be done very carefully to avoid damaging the bandicoots’ habitat. Another surprising finding for me has been how much the bandicoots seem to use artificial food sources, such as food left out for cats, dogs, rabbits, sheep, chickens, pigs, and probably many other domestic animals. They seem to have an uncanny knack for working out where food sources are and they are not shy about taking advantage of these! Many landholders I’ve spoken to have told me stories about the bandicoot that lives under their house and eats with their cats. We have no idea yet whether these artificial food sources are good for the bandicoots’ health (compared to their natural diet of grubs, worms, fungi and insects) – but I am hoping that the health samples I’ve been collecting will shed some light on this. While most people agree that foxes are clearly detrimental to bandicoots, I often get asked about cat. As many people see cats completely ignoring bandicoots – even sharing food with them – this suggests that cats may not be so bad for bandicoots after all. However, the problem appears not to be with adult bandicoots, which seem either too big or otherwise of little interest to cats, but rather with the baby bandicoots. In January this year I captured footage on one of my wildlife cameras that showed a domestic cat killing a baby bandicoot. I have also heard numerous other stories of cats bringing in dead baby bandicoots. When baby bandicoots leave their mother, they are about 100g which is roughly the size of a rat. This is the ideal prey size for cats, and inexperienced baby bandicoots Baby bandicoot, almost ready to leave its mother and vulnerable to appear to be easy targets. It is therefore very predation by cats important that cats – even well-fed ones – be kept indoors or in a cat run at all times (not just at night, as bandicoots are active during the day) to minimise the impact on baby bandicoots. The breeding season is about to commence, with juveniles emerging from about September all the way through to late January or February. Of the six baby bandicoots I caught in November last year, only one was still around when I came back in January. With more and more houses going up and more cats around, the problem is set to continue, and without recruitment of new generations of bandicoots we could see the local population go extinct within a very short timeframe. A Regional Recove ry Group has been set up to help conserve the Southern Brown Bandicoot. You can help us by reporting any bandicoot sightings on our website: www.bandicootrecovery.org.au. The website also contains information on how you can help the bandicoot, or even purchase your own bandicoot-shaped biscuit cutter to help us raise funds. If you would like to contact me directly, my email address is [email protected]. Page 9 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

Page 10 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 COUNCIL LAUNCHES NEW ONLINE MAPPING SERVICE Cardinia Shire Council has launched a new online mapping service that gives residents access to a wealth of information about their community – without having to leave home. ‘Community compass’ is a free, interactive service that provides information on a range of services, facilities and planning controls, and can be accessed via Council’s website www.cardinia.vic.gov.au. Users can search for a particular location or address and find out where the nearest school or kindergarten is, what other facilities such as childcare centres, off-leash dog parks and recreation reserves might be close by, and how to get there. Mayor Cr Brett Owen said the new online mapping service was one of several initiatives designed to improve customer service and enhance residents’ experience of living in Cardinia Shire. “Council previously had an online mapping service but the new Community compass is a Branding Time significant boost to the information available and (The trials and tribulations of mixed farming) the user experience,” Cr Owen said. “In The Council nobs concluded, announcing clear an’ calm, developing the new online mapping service, we “All livestock must be Branded, on each an’ every farm” … looked closely at the most common questions An’ word soon got around, via gossip on the vine, asked of that Council’s customer service team That failure to comply, would result in a hefty ol’ fine. receive from our residents, ratepayers and visitors to Cardinia Shire. At the next Council meeting, stood a Mister Magee, “Simply by typing their address into the search A local mixed farmer with a dodgy left knee … engine, residents can find out all sorts of details He humbly requested an extension of time, about their property, including when their home Stating he was slower now … no longer in his prime. was built, what planning regulations may apply to “I branded both me Horses”, he told the gathered throng, the area, garbage collection dates, even the “Then I done the Cattle next, workin’ all day long, contact details of their ward councillors. I branded all me Turkeys, an’ each an’ every Pig, “The mapping service can be accessed 24–7 and An’ snuck up on the Pony, while harnessed in the gig!” will save residents from having to call Council to find the answers to many of the questions they “I branded all me Sheep … burnt right through the fleece, may have about what’s available in their area." Then every flamin’ Chook, an’ all the angry Geese, Cr Owen said Council would continue to expand I branded every Goat … then from me tinny boat the information available via the online mapping I branded each young duckling … tho’ some no longer float!” service. “I branded the Budgie, me Dog, an’ the Cat, “I encourage everybody to visit Council’s The Fish in the dam … yeah, I handled all of that … website and check out Community compass. Chances are, you’ll find what you’re looking for, But I need some extra time … please grant it if you will … and if not, make sure you let Council know so we I’m havin’ trouble gettin’ me Bees to stand real still!” can further improve this service for our Mal Function … the Poet Larrikin community.”

Page 11 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

Page 12 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

Page 13 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 FREE ARTS EVENTS This month, council have announced three exciting, FREE arts and cultural events for artists, community groups and the general public. Bookings essential as numbers are limited for all events.

Page 14 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 RSL SUB BRANCH REPORT Hello! To everybody, hope you are enjoying these nice frosty mornings. It is very pleasing to announce that we have received a Bendigo Bank Community Grant to purchase a display cabinet for our RSL District Museum. This will enable us to start displaying some of our district’s military history. We are very grateful to Bendigo Bank for their generosity to the community. Our Avenue of Honour continues to take shape with much of the ground work on the road and kerb and channelling completed. We have selected the species of tree after much debate and hope to have these trees planted by September 2013 so that they are well established for our 2015 commemorative ANZAC Day re-enactments. For now, Yours in service, Ron Ingram, President, Koo Wee Rup RSL, 03 5997 1456

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On behalf of all the PCO’s I would personally like to thank everyone for their efforts and time in working to continually provide better options for our wonderful students. There are only a few weeks left and for the Year 10 students I wish them all the best in their work experience. This is a great opportunity to learn about the outside world of work and then return with a renewed focus and a clearer pathway for them. A lot of work has been done this year to improve the Pathways area of the school and I must thank Peter Bottomley for taking the leadership role of this on. Parents and students will commence their planning for 2014 this month. This is a time for both parties to sit down and begin talking about “Life After School”. It is a good time for both parties to talk and work together on options and exciting possibilities. At the same time Universities start running Open Days and so forth. Employers start running advertisements for next year. Please look around, attend some open days together and read widely. When making subject selections make ones which do not narrow your options so that there are still possibilities for the future. Our Pathways department is only too willing to sit and chat. Please make appointments to come in and use the service. Questions about subject selection can be directed to Mr Gwynne but payments for cost involved courses will be required to guarantee your position. Camps are returning to the school agenda. Mr Fleming has run many meetings about them. The notification may be short in some cases as the pervious industrial action has kept our hands tied. I anticipate the normal program will resume as soon as possible. The school has received some extra funding from the federal Government for Literacy and Numeracy. Mrs Nicolson has been employing extra staff to work mainly in Year 8 classes to assist students. This year we have been running an average class size of 21.7 and now there will be even more staff in classrooms in the lower end of the school to assist students even more. This is until the end of the year. The Deputy Opposition Leader, Shadow Education Minister James Merlino visited the school recently to hear about our needs followed by a special assembly with the Education Minister Martin Dixon to announce the provision of funds for the school’s building program. The school is certainly receiving some government attention these days. A group of us have worked out a construction schedule that will minimise disruption. We will all have to walk more which will provide some healthy exercise but the final result will be amazing In facilities, we have moved the Gazebo alongside the new Turf area. Thank you to Mr Scott and Mr Bottomley for organising this. The new area looks great. We are planning some improvement in colour to the Hall with some painting. The new Bandicoot fence is now on the oval providing a venue for native animals as well as our farm. The heating in the main building seems to be working well this year. The heating in the portables is still problematic but is gradually improving. Soon the rain will test the usual swamp drains but the bus company has improved its drainage and so has the shire, so it should be better. In the area of Pastoral Care we have introduced a new system of extended Home Groups so that staff can talk more with students about issues which concern them. We are going paperless more and more. The Newsletter now will only be available on the website, which is common in many schools. Of course there are still copies available from the office. The Daily Bulletin is now available on the TV screens and teachers read it from their ipads. The Federal Government system of providing netbooks to students has come to an end. Mr Gwynne and Mr Beasley are planning a system for the future and this will be announced shortly. Ipads will be required for next Year 7s and current Year 7s will take theirs into Year 8. The rest is yet to be announced. Please enjoy the coming break and be safe. Kim Bridgford, Principal Page 17 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013

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Page 18 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PRIMARY SCHOOL There have been a number of exciting events that have been happening at St John’s throughout second term. All classes recently had the opportunity to be involved in the Responsible Pet Ownership program. Donald, the presenter on the day, did a fantastic job explaining to the students about the responsibilities of owning and looking after pets. His companion Luka was a big hit with the students. Three of our students Alex, Imogen and Matthew competed in the Regional Cross Country event in Frankston. It is a fantastic achievement to reach this level of competition. Matthew has now qualified for the State Cross Country later this month. We wish Matthew all the best for the day. On Sunday the 23rd of June 13 students made their First Eucharist at St John’s Church. We would like to thank Father Mark, Deacon Tony and Maree Wright for celebrating and helping prepare the students. On Monday the 24th of June we celebrated the Feast Day of St John the Baptist. During the day our school community Bree, Jackson, Donald, Luka and Tash held a prayer service, shared a BBQ lunch and completed a number of multi-age games and activities. A highlight of the day was the student vs teacher netball match. Thanks to all the staff, parents and students who helped organise the activities and lunch. Over the last few weeks of term two our Prep/1 classes have been fortunate enough to have chickens incubating in their classrooms. The students have been excitedly watching the chickens hatch and naming each one. Thanks to Colleen Wagner of Henny Penny Hatching for making this possible.

Luke, Zak & Macy with Flap & Rosie Rosie enjoying the heat lamp We have had a great first semester at St John’s. We would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday and look forward to the beginning of another great term starting for the students on Wednesday 17th July. Enrolments are now being taken for the 2014 school year and guided tours are available with our Principal, Mr Simon Dell’Oro, at all times. Please contact the school office on 5997 1653 to make an appointment. Justin Greenwood, Deputy Principal BAYLES FAUNA PARK Working Bee Next Meeting Sunday, 7 July, 9 am to 12 noon Monday, 22 July at 7:30 pm followed by a sausage sizzle at the Bayles Hall All welcome

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Page 21 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 KWR NEWSAGENT 44-48 Station St. KooWeeRup Tel.59971456

Cnr Station Street and Moody Street (6 Moody Street), Koo Wee Rup 3981 Phone: 5997 1198 For all your Truck Spare Parts needs . Fleetguard Filters . Castrol Oil . Hi-Tec Oils . Coolant . Brake Parts . Lights All Stationery Requisites . Electrical Wire . Globes . Hoses & Clamps . Mudflaps Post Office & Tattersall’s Agencies . Brass Fittings . Mudguards . Gates Belts . Wheel Seals . Wheel Bearings . Mirrors Newspapers and Magazines . Premium Blue . CB Aerials . Cat Oil & Filters . Batteries Computer Accessories . Airbags . Exhaust Bits . Gas Struts Agents for Office Smart and much more We are open from 9 to 5 weekdays

Page 22 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 BAYLES REGIONAL PRIMARY SCHOOL Cross Country News As mentioned in the last edition of the Blackfish our school won the District Cross Country Shield for 2013 which was very exciting given that it was the first time in our school’s history that we have won this event. Our ten place getters participated in the Zone competition and one student Ben Coleman from Grade 6 made it through to the Regional Competition. Whilst he did not place in the top runners, he certainly tried his best and made us all proud! Congratulations Ben! Healthy Achievement Program Recently we were very fortunate to have Jacqui Cooper – Olympic aerial skier and five time world champion- come to speak to all the students. This was made possible through the Healthy Achievement Program that our school is participating in (coordinated through the ). Not only did Jacqui speak to us about her amazingly successful skiing career, but she also inspired everyone to “live their dreams”, persist through adversity, never give up and to ensure we are living healthy lifestyles including healthy eating and exercise. Jacqui kept all 103 students from Prep to grade Six captivated and engaged for a full hour. Jacqui is pictured right with our school captains Merinda Huntingford, Alysha Alie and Alisha Fielder. Family Maths Night As part of our Numeracy program, over the past few weeks the children have been making and creating their own challenging Maths games to enjoy with their friends and families. The games involved numerous Problem Solving, Maths Facts and Chance and Data challenges. On Wednesday evening, families were invited to join in the fun by playing the games with the students in their classrooms and the children were able to demonstrate their skills in Numeracy. This event was really well attended and lots of fun for all the Mums and Dads as well!! Pictured below are Elijah and Tamara Cowen with mum Rachel and Natasha Evans with her Mum (and current school council president) Carolyn.

Bendigo Bank Grants During the week I was delighted to receive the news that we have been successful in our application for two separate grants from the Bendigo Bank. We have been provided with $3,000 to implement our annual leadership day for all Grade 5 students currently enrolled in the SWAMP schools ie: Bayles, KooWeeRup, Lang Lang and Cardinia. The second grant we received was for the purchase and installation of a garden shed to be located along the fence next to our vegetable garden at the front of the school. The Bendigo Bank have provided our school with substantial support over many years and I would like to thank them sincerely for their wonderful community spirit. Warm wishes, Fran Van Lambaart, Principal, Bayles Regional Primary School

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Page 24 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 KOO WEE RUP BOWLS CLUB NEWS The results of Friday Triples played on 31/5 were: Best Last Game Winners Sam Granieri, Julian Dyer & Fred Bekker (Pakenham) with 18 pts & 11 shots up. Runners Up were John Van Vugt, Gunter Baumbach & Mike Knight (Cardinia Waters) with 36 pts & 20 shots up. The Winners were Lyn Jenkins, Ken Walton & Wendy Pownall (KWR) with 40 pts. Despite some adverse weather for a couple of days we were able to conduct the next day of Friday Triples on 14/6. Winners were Wendy Titcombe (Cardinia Waters) team with 37 pts. The Runner Up were the team led by John Van Vugt (Cardinia Waters) with 36 pts. and the best Last Game winners Gary Salomons (Cardinia Waters) with 19 points. Big day for Cardinia Waters players. The Club has gained more new members with Margaret Scullin transferring from Cranbourne BC and Wendy Wheat a new bowler who has decided to take up the game. Welcome Margaret & Wendy we hope you enjoy yourselves at KWR. The Peninsula/Casey Division have conducted their AGM and have a number of new Office bearers for the next 12 months. Bill Johnson, Desma Hill, Rex Alexander, Judith Thorpe and John Curtain did not seek re-election. The Division will now be led by Sandra Lapham, Peter Bowman and Pam Dind. After a few cancellations (weather & funeral) the Tuesday Weekly Triples are back. The Club is in the process of incorporating a web site for any person who may wish to keep in touch with activities in the Club. We hope to have it available shortly.

KOOWEERUP BOWLS CLUB are holding their popular HOY afternoons every 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month during the Winter. Admission cost is $2.00 Venue is the Bowls Club Start time 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Bring some friends. A fun afternoon is guaranteed.

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NATIVE TREES A good selection of Native Trees can be found at Kooweerup Trees & Shrubs John & Maria Boekel 10 Bethunes Road, KooWeeRup Phone 5997 1839 Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays

harmony lane at “used to be new” St George’s Church Hall, Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, 0413 384 480 Incenses, Oils, Soaps, Crystals and more

Page 26 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 COAL SEAM GAS - WHAT’S AT RISK?? Gillian Laland loves where she lives; she wants to keep the green paddocks and fertile farms. This is all at risk from Coal Seam Gas mining. A community meeting was held at Kooweerup Secondary College in May where Gillian along with Nick Croggon, a lawyer from Environment Defenders office and Hannah Alquier from Poowong conducted the meeting and showed a new film ”Gippsland is precious”. This was an opportunity for all to learn more about the impact of this Industry on our community.

KWR SENIOR CITIZENS Greg Scamporlino, Graham Cooper, Gillian Laland (meeting organizer) (at front), Tara Cooper, Hannah Alquier (Poowong Lock the Gate), Nick Croggon CLUB (Environment Defenders Office) Icke Road Coal Seam gas exploration licences have been granted to mining companies and can happen anywhere in identified areas. However you can “Lock the Gate” by putting a “Lock the gate” sign on your front gate Weekly Activities it acts as a deterrent to them coming onto your land. For more information please contact Gillian Laland 03 5997 7447 for more Every Monday information. Indoor Bowls - 1pm For more information check out the website http://lockthegategippsland.com/ Every Tuesday Bingo - 7.30pm 1st & 3rd Tuesday Knitting Club - 10am 2nd & 4th Weds Dancing - 1pm 4th Thursday Dutch Cards Club - 10am Every Friday Lunch - Midday Bookings Essential - 5997 1973 Hoy - 1.15pm Fun for Everyone Annual General Meeting July 15th 1pm

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Page 29 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 CORA LYNN – THE EARLY DAYS By Heather Arnold, on behalf of the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Historical Society Cora Lynn is nine miles from the start of the Main Drain at Bay. Some of the towns along the drain were settled as part of the Public Works Department Village Settlement scheme. This scheme was devised by Engineer Carlo Catani in 1893 and was part of a work creation scheme that allowed unemployed married men to be given a 20 acre block of land on condition that they work two weeks on maintaining the block and the next two weeks on paid work clearing the drains. The first settlements were at Five Mile (later Koo-Wee-Rup North) and around the fourteen mile point (at Iona) and two miles further west, so thus taking in the thirteen mile point and what became known as Vervale. I believe that Cora Lynn was not part of this Village Settlement Scheme and certainly the original block sizes along the drain near Cora Lynn were not twenty acres but, according to the Parish Plan, sixty acres to the west of Cora Lynn and from 40 acres to 80 acres to the east. They were taken up from around the mid 1890s. The first evidence I can find for the age of the Cora Lynn township was 1904 as the township plan shows some blocks having been purchased in that year. Other land sales took place later and I found an advertisement for sales of township blocks in The Argus of October 5, 1909. The Cora Lynn State School opened in January 1907 and was originally called Koo-Wee- Rup Central. The Cora Lynn store was opened by George Petrie Murdoch Junior in 1907, and a post office opened on July 1, 1907 and this prompted the Cora Lynn Progress Association to request a name change for the area, and thus Cora Lynn was adopted. This began a period of growth for the town. The community soon held social activities, such as dances, in the shelter shed at the school. This was obviously inadequate and in April 1910 a meeting was held for the purpose of establishing a Mechanics’ Institute and Library at Cora Lynn. At the same time euchre parties and dances were held to raise money to clear the recreation reserve - in July 1910 over 100 people attended such a function. In either December 1910 or January 1911 the Cora Lynn Cheese factory opened. A branch of the London Bank (later taken over by the E.S & A bank) opened in a small building next to the General Store around this time (perhaps in response to the establishment of the Cheese Factory?) (Continued next page) Page 30 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 CORA LYNN – THE EARLY DAYS (from previous page) By Heather Arnold, on behalf of the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Historical Society However, all this progress had a down side as the South Bourke and Mornington Journal reported in August 1910 – the Cora Lynn Progress Association has complained of the excessive speed at which motor cars and bicycles are being driven through the shire on the narrow roads and several persons had experienced very narrow escapes from accidents. By 1910, the School numbers had increased so much that students had to be taught in the shelter shed. Cora Lynn led the way in February 1911 when the parents of the school had the distinction of appointing the first School Committee in the State. This Committee replaced the old Boards of Advice. The Minister for Education praised the Cora Lynn School Committee for the superior report that they had submitted according to an Argus report on February 10, 1911.

Cora Lynn in flood – maybe 1911 The Cora Lynn hall, called Keast Hall was named after William Keast (1866-1927). Keast was the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the area from 1900 to 1917. This hall was to be opened on June 13, 1911 but the official opening was delayed due to the fact that three feet of water was running through the hall, one of the many floods to hit Cora Lynn. I am unsure when the official opening then took place, but there is a report of the Berwick Shire Council meeting held in early November 1911 which gave approval from the Board of Health for the opening of the Mechanics’ Institute at Cora Lynn, so it is possible that the opening was delayed a few months due to repairs after the flood. The original building would have been fairly basic as a concert was held in June 1917 to raise money to line the hall. The community had held various functions over the years for the hall including a skating night in July 1914. Other town activities included sports gatherings held on the newly cleared recreation reserve and in January 1915 a Cora Lynn branch of the Victorian Potato Growers Association was formed. On April 15, 1916 the first Cora Lynn Horticultural show was held. It was opened by Mr Keast, who was introduced by the Show President, Mr W.J Johnston, and the event was held in his ‘own’ hall. Mr Keast said the show was a natural display of the fertility of the district and the industry of the tillers of the soil. The report in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of April 27, 1916 said the display of goods was highly creditable and it went on to say that the ladies, without whom a exhibition would be a failure, pleased the eye by their gorgeous display of fancy work and literally caused the mouth to water by the appearance of preserves, confectionary and the many tempting objects they alone know how to produce. The Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp Historical Society meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at Mallow house in Rossiter Road, corner of Henry Street. New members welcome. The Museum is open the second and fourth Sundays from 1.30pm until 4.30pm. Heather Arnold [email protected] 5629 4396.

Page 31 The Koo Wee Rup Blackfish July 2013 KOO WEE RUP SECONDARY COLLEGE BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE On 14 June the Minister of Education Martin Dixon and local member Ken Smith announced $6.75m had been made available to fund Stage 1 of the college’s building project. All plans are ready, tender documents have been done and a Project Manager selected. It is anticipated construction will commence between September and October with an end date of November 2014. Stage 1 comprises a new canteen; three classroom hubs consisting of 8 state of the art classroom, staff rooms, presentation centre, toilets, kitchens, wet area and a small Da Vinci Room (library in each one). There will be landscaping outside the café, a cafeteria and some new landscaping at the front of the school. The Deputy Leader for the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Education James Merlino, State Member for Monbulk also attended the school this month. Both the Minister and Shadow Minister spoke to the college about their needs for Stage Two Funding, another $8.5 million. There is an exciting possibility for the community if the Government and Shire worked together on creating a sports and culture centre at the school based around the current Hooper Hall. The ideal complex would have two stadiums, a Dance Room, Gymnasium and Theatre. The school has already built extensive parking in the area. A similar community facility exists in many schools such as Parkdale and Berwick. Local councillors have been invited to come and see the Hall and its potential in stage two. Below are the plans for both Stages 1 and 2.

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