DARGO BUSH BULLETIN Friday 13th March 2020

This Community Published by the Dargo & District Community Group Inc. Newsletter is known as Dargo Neighbourhood House supported by the ACN: A0027624A ABN: 91925537278 Ph: 5140 1333 Wellington Shire Email:[email protected] Council

Tuesday 10th March, 2020. It was one of those perfect Autumn days and Dargo played host to a delegation of councillors and representatives from the Wellington Shire. Throughout the day they visited businesses and community groups alike, where discussions were held on a wide range of topics. Councillors enjoyed a light lunch at the Neighbourhood House while taking the opportunity to speak with some of our committee members as well as other community members, before boarding their mini bus and continuing up the road to the public hall where they met with the hall committee and more members of our community. Sticking to a schedule is difficult at the best of times, and Tuesday was no different! Too many questions and things to talk about and not enough time, so we hope they had a safe journey back down the hill!

On behalf of the community of Dargo, we thank the Wellington Shire for taking the time to venture ‘up the hill’ to our little, but vibrant town and meet with both business owners and community groups. We hope to hear back from council in the near future with their feedback on the topics discussed with everyone. Thanks also to our volunteers who give their time and efforts and are always there to help out when called upon. K. Kane NH Co-Ordinator The Dargo Neighbourhood House COM and Staff would like to give a BIG welcome to the many new members and subscribers to this newsletter over the past few months. The more the merrier! Thanks also to all of our loyal members and subscribers. The feedback you provide us with is greatly appreciated and we thank you for being part of our fantastic community. K. Kane NH Co-Ordinator

NEXT NEW DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES/SUBMISSIONS to the BULLETIN Bush Bulletin — 12 noon MONDAY. FRIDAY 27th Mar 2020 Next deadline - Monday 23rd March at 12 noon

UPCOMING EVENTS in DARGO March and April 2020 MARCH MARCH 15th Bobby-Jayne Collins Tue 17th……...Exercise Group at the N/H House 10.30am 17th Matilda Greenwood Tue 17th……...Art & Craft at the N/H House 11am - 3pm 18th Gary Abrehart Wed 18th……..Cuppa, Cake & Chat @ the N/H House 1 - 2pm 19th Con Theodore Thur 19th……..Community Lunch & Memory Seminar @ the 23rd Jamie Granville Bush Nurse Centre 12.30pm 29th Melissa Cooke Tue 24th………Exercise Group at the N/H House 10.30am Tue 24th………Art & Craft at the N/H House 11am - 3pm Tue 24th………RFDS Wellbeing at the Bush Nurse Centre DARGO MASS - Sunday 29th March is Sun 29th………MASS at St. Josephs Catholic Church Dargo Mass at St Josephs Catholic Tue 31st………Exercise Group at the N/H House 10.30am Church. Why not come along & support the Tue 31st………Art & Craft at the N/H House 11am - 3pm fire ravaged area for either lunch at the hotel or maybe a picnic by the river after APRIL Mass. If you leave early you could stop off at a café along the way for a coffee or Thur 2nd……… Rural Minds Workshop at the N/H House - See maybe breakfast. W.Schoenmaekers-Maffra flyer (in this newsletter) for more details. Tue 7th……….. Exercise Group at the N/H House 10.30am Tue 7th……….. Art & Craft at the N/H House 11am - 3pm New Challenge

Did you find the Zebra last time? It was hiding on page 9 (River Inn page). FUNDRAISING WHEEL ROSTERS See if you can find the Fox this time? Feb, March and April 2020

ONLY TWO PEOPLE INTERESTED DARGO HOTEL - HAPPY WHEEL

SO FAR! Fri 13th Mar - Museum Winter is coming! Fri 20th Mar - Bush Nursing Centre Are you interested in having your Fri 27th Mar - TV Group chimney/flue cleaned? Fri 3rd Apr - Hall Committee Fri 10th Apr - CFA If so, let the Neighbourhood House Fri 17th Apr - Cricket Club know ASAP and we will organise a Fri 24th Apr - Catholic Church date when we have 4-6 households interested! DARGO RIVER INN - CRAZY WHEEL Be smart and get it done before the cold weather hits us! Sun 22nd Mar - TV Group Sun 29th Mar - Cemetery Trust More details once we have numbers. Sun 26th Apr - Hall Committee STEPHENS - Kenneth Robert (Ken) Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Peter MacCallum on Feb 25, 2020. Aged 80 years. Dearly loved husband of Bev. Adored Dad and father-in law of Greg & Christine, Jeff & Mandy, Phillip & Katherine (dec), Julie & Rick. Loving Pop of Montana, Barclay, Mitchell, Calarnee, Elissa, Kaylee & Archie. Founder & partner of Farnham & Stephens for 50 years. Reunited with his parents & loved dog Gopha. To the world he was but one, but to us he was the world.

Loved husband of Bev for 55 wonderful years. Peacefully sleeping where no shadow fall. The Dargo Community offers it’s Sincere Sympathy to Bev & Family. PLEASE NOTE: New deadline for submissions to the Bush Bulletin Newsletter is now every fortnight on Monday (prior to next Bulletin date) at 12 noon You still have two weeks to get your submission to us. By moving the deadline date forward, we will be able to get your newsletter to you sooner. Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. NEW Cuppa, Cake & Chat Once a month at the Neighbourhood House Come in for a Cuppa and Cake. No need to bring anything! Next date is Wednesday 18th March between 1pm - 2pm ALL WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENT We are saddened to announce the retirement of G Nome.

G Nome’s contribution to our fortnightly community newsletter will surely be missed and we thank him from the bottom of our gardens for his invaluable advice, tips and information over the past 5 years.

Although G’s segment will no longer be appearing in the Bush Bulletin, I am sure that he can be contacted if you have a gardening question or problem. Let us know your question, and we will endeavour to seek out G Nome (probably finding him pulling weeds from a garden bed somewhere in Dargo) and ask him if he could comment or advise on a particular query you may have. Thank you G Nome for your contribution for the Dargo Bush Bulletin, we will miss you.

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE DARGO NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE HAS IT’S OWN FACEBOOK PAGE? PLEASE LIKE AND SHARE

DISCLAIMER The Dargo Neighbourhood House does not take responsibility for opinions expressed by contributors to the Dargo Bush Bulletin. The Editors reserve the right to reject articles and advertisements and to edit submissions if necessary. All submissions should carry the author’s full name, address and phone number, or anonymously if preferred. Dargo Neighbourhood House is (usually) open Monday 1pm-5pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 10.00am until 5.00pm. Days and times can change as needed. CONTACT- Please drop your articles or queries to the Neighbourhood House, 137 Lind Ave., Dargo or post to Dargo Neighbourhood House, c/o PO Dargo Vic 3862, or email [email protected] Thank you, Ph: 51401333 (leave a message if office is unattended)

Next Bulletin - Friday 27th March, 2020

Patron: The Honourable Linda Dessau. AM Governor of Dargo Dargo Rural Fire Brigade c/- Post Office Brigade Dargo Vic 3862

DARGO RURAL FIRE BRIGADE UPDATE

This is an extract from information provided by the CFA

For 98 days, firefighters have been working hard to manage more than 3500 fires that have burned across Victoria since 21 November 2019.

Those firefighters included more than 1,200 Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) staff, thousands of CFA staff and volunteers, more than 450 contractors and 408 international fire fighters from the US, Canada and NZ together with support from defence forces from , Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Those firefighters suffered the loss of colleagues and spent considerable time away from families to help protect the state. While Victoria remains in the Fire Danger Period, work is being carried out to achieve recovery and preparedness.

Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said this was a great result for firefighters and all emergency management personnel who played a part in managing the fires and keeping communities safe.

Despite recent milder conditions, parts of Victoria are still very dry. In the event of warm and windy conditions, Victorians are still at risk of bushfire and fast-running scrub and grass fires. Fire restrictions remain in place across all municipalities. We need to stay alert and keep informed.

A spokesperson for the Bureau of Meteorology said that in terms of the weather conditions before and during the fires, spring and early summer rainfall was very much below average across much of Victoria.

Parts of East recorded its lowest rainfall on record for this period, contributing to extremely dry forest fuels. Lightning strikes from several thunderstorm events in December initiated numerous fires, many in difficult and remote terrain about the northeast and eastern parts of the Dividing Range.

Fortunately, the weather became humid and rainfall totals between 50-100mm fell across the fire grounds during February.

The outlook for March favours wetter than average conditions across Victoria (apart from central and eastern parts of Gippsland which have no significant likelihood of either wetter or drier conditions), and maximum temperatures will tend towards average across most of the state.

Training at the Fire Station every Sunday morning at 10.00 a.m. In an emergency, phone 000 cfa.vic.go Protecting lives and property ID QUIZ !

The Dargo Neighbourhood House in conjunction with, and sponsored by: Bill Campbell–Builder , The Dargo River Inn, Pam & Herman Bila, John Kane, John Tidey & Lee Viktorin, Dargo Iris Farm (H & S Sherritt) & Rita McMahon

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS

WHO/WHAT AM I? WE HAVE A WINNER! Margie Knott has correctly identified the three people in this photo, and they are………… Julianna Traill (nee Bulley) with her grandchildren Jack (John) Scott and Julie McNeill (nee Scott). Julianna was the wife of Alexander Groat Traill and they lived at Waterford. After her husband passed away, Julianna moved to her daughter’s house on Dalmore Road, Dargo where she stayed until her passing. The children’s mother and father’s names were Robert Scott and Julia Scott (nee Traill). The house where this photo was taken still stands today - on Dalmore Road, Dargo. (Julianna was Margie’s great grandmother). Thank you Craig Traill for providing this wonderful old photo for the quiz….it certainly had everyone stumped for a while! NEW QUIZ

WHAT IS THIS?

1st Clue - Not the type that follows a moral!

Another clue and more of the picture in the next Bulletin!

Conditions of Entry:- NOTE NEW DEADLINE All answers must reach the Neighbourhood House by Monday 12noon prior to the next Bulletin being published, - when incorrect answers will be discarded, and correct answers will go into a draw. YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER OF THE BULLETIN to enter. Only 1 guess per person, per Bulletin, per fortnight. A prize of $10 will be given to the winner of each quiz. If no correct entries are received, the prize will jackpot each fortnight until there is a winner drawn.

DARGO TIP TIMES

WEDNESDAYS 1pm to 4pm SATURDAYS 1pm to 5pm SUNDAYS 10am to 3pm PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10am to 3pm DARGO BUSH NURSING CENTRE INC.

ACN A0013153N Ph/Fax: 03 51 401 246 72 LIND AVENUE, DARGO ABN 47-993-819-412 e: [email protected] VICTORIA 3862 m: 0498 514 012

Do you worry about your memory performance in everyday life? Would you like your memory to perform more reliably? Ms. Mariana Antoniou, a Registered Psychologist (with a background in Clinical Neuropsychology) is coming to town to share her knowledge on memory. Come along and learn about memory, what can affect your memory in everyday life & how to ensure your memory is performing at its best. Anyone in the community is encouraged to attend.

When: Thursday 19th of March, 2020 at 12:30pm Where: Dargo Bush Nursing Centre 72 Lind Ave, Dargo VIC 3862 Cost: Gold coin donation requested on entry.

Please email [email protected] if interested in attending.

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 5pm 9am - 3pm Who’s OPEN ALL Working DAY When? 17th March 18th 19th 20th 21st Kim Kim Kim / Sarah Sarah Sarah March - COMMUNITY April LUNCH 2020 24th 25th 26th 27th 28th Dates & Kim Kim Kim / Sarah Sarah Sarah times RFDS can Wellbeing change as 31st 1st April 2nd 3rd 4th needed Kim Kim Sarah Kim Sarah

CHANGE TO OPENING HOURS

The Bush Nursing Centre will now be open ALL DAY ON THURSDAYS. We understand that the changing hours on a Thursday have been somewhat confusing for the community so from THURSDAY 5th MARCH we will be open all day from 9am - 5pm This will be for a trial period only until the end of June. A decision will be made upon the data collected as to whether this will be a permanent change. Hours will now be 9am -5pm on all other usual days. Saturdays will remain 9am-3pm

EASTER OPENING TIMES GOOD FRIDAY - 10th April - CLOSED EASTER SATURDAY 11th April - OPEN 9am - 3pm EASTER SUNDAY - 12th April - CLOSED EASTER MONDAY 13th April - CLOSED

Podiatry Visit Dates for 2020...

1.30 pm @ BNC: Thursday April 30th Thursday June 25th Thursday August 20th Thursday October 15th Thursday December 17th

$10 per visit

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness.

Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus

 Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds.

 Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.

 Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

 Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.

 Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.

 Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.

 Don't wear a face mask if you are well.

 Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.

 Get the flu shot (available April).

Shaking hands is optional!

The next Community Lunch will be held on Thursday 19th March here at the BNC @ 1230. The guest speaker Mariana Antoniou will present a “Memory Seminar” which should be very interesting.

FREE HEARING CHECKS with Hearing Australia will be re-visiting Dargo in October. Ring the BNC to book in.

Patrick Tainsh from CGHS has recommenced our Exercise Program in Dargo! If you are interested in having a consultation with Patrick or just joining up in the exercise group please let us know!

Please note our new letterbox out the front of the BNC. This is for you to use if you would like to submit feedback (both positive and negative) for us to review. It is great because your feedback can be anonymous if you wish it to be!

We REALLY VALUE all feedback - it’s how we can continue to improve our service to Dargo

We have booked in the date for our Winter Christmas Lunch! It will be held on Thursday 23rd July 2020 We have an exciting speaker organised and are planning a HUGE change this year! Please lock this date into your calendar's and stay tuned!

Flying Doctor Wellbeing with Peter Quin - FREE COUNSELLING! If you feel the need to speak to someone in a confidential environment please ring the BNC on 51 401 246 to make an appointment.

Well done to those of you who have already signed up PLEASE LIKE AND SHARE OUR for My Aged Care! DARGO BUSH NURSING It only takes 15 minutes! CENTRE INC FACEBOOK PAGE! New Opening Hours

The beginning of a new decade brings changes for us here at the Dargo River Inn. The business is pivoting, and we are moving away from the ‘pub’ concept. Shifting our focus towards providing an all-in-one venue that can provide an outstanding individualised service for our regular 4x4 and Motorbike Groups, Tour Companies and those seeking a destination location for their various events.

So – what this means is that we will no longer be opening every weekend.

Our cabins & camping area are still available all year round..

On the weekends that our bar & restaurant will be open, we will aim to give our loyal customers as much notice as possible via our Facebook page and/or the Bush Bulletin.

On the Sunday Nights that we will be open, the Crazy Wheel & Happy Hour will be in full swing!

These are the days (at this stage) that we WILL be open until the end of April; Thu 19/3 - Sun 22/3, Fri 27/3, Sun 29/3 & Mon 30/3, Thu 9/4 - Mon 13/4.

CRAZY WHEEL DATES:

Sun 22/3 – TV Group. Sun 29/3 - Cemetery Trust, Sun 26/4 - Hall Comm.

Christian & Marissa Barrett | Ph.5140 1330 | www.dargoriverinn.com.au

Bill Campbell

BUILDER

Your Locally Licensed

Quality Builder

For all your Building and

Carpentry Needs.

New Homes, Renovations, Extensions, Pergolas & Decks

Contact Bill on

(03) 5140 1340 Or Mobile 0425 715 771

FREE Dargo Landcare have heaps of small trees and tree guards available to anyone who wants them. $30 Daily Hire ALSO - They have Kurrajong and River To Dargo Residents only Lomatia seedlings (not to be taken out of the town) Bookings taken through Lesley Websdale Phone: 5140 1234 Dargo Neighbourhood House BBQ

Above - River Lomatia. A shrubby tree that grows 2-5 m tall. Ideal for Above - Kurrajong stabilizing river banks. Can be tree. Drought found along the Upper Dargo tolerant, grows up River. to 15m tall. Related to the Boab (Bottle) tree. There are a few Contact Trish or Paul growing between the N/Hood House on 5140 1255 and the CFA or 0475 302 747 buildings in Dargo. Going ahead !!

Platypus Spotting Roadshow We now have over 20 Are you keen to learn more about the Platypus in people interested! our rivers - how, when and where to spot them? Well if you have a genuine interest in learning However….the more ...the more, here is a fantastic opportunity! merrier, so there is still

Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus time to register your name Conservancy will come to Dargo and deliver an with landcare. evening talk, followed by an early morning platypus spotting training session. Both the Dargo and Wonnangatta Rivers will be the training areas. Saturday 12th September Once you have been trained, you will become part of a citizen-science project to map and track is the date (when Platypus are platypus all over the country. most active)

Get your kids and grandkids involved. Once they We will be informing have been trained, imagine them heading back to everyone via email. school after visiting family in Dargo, with lots of exciting tales to tell about their platypus spotting adventures. Robyn sutherland Secretary-dargo landcare group

Our rivers have largely escaped the destruction caused by recent bushfires - this time! So it is more important than ever to monitor our platypus.

The sessions are free, but names have to be registered - so please - register only if your interest is genuine.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER OF LANDCARE TO PARTICIPATE.

Please register your interest with either Robyn Sutherland, Secretary Dargo Landcare Group - email address [email protected] or Trish Borondy, President Dargo Landcare Group on 51401255. Alternatively, you can let Karen Kane at the Dargo Neighbourhood House know if you wish to register, and she will pass your details on to Landcare.

Saturday 28 March 2020

9.00am Working Bee at Riley’s Creek We will be cutting and cleaning up a fallen tree as well as general maintenance, so please bring your chainsaw gear, whipper- snippers, rakes and trailers

11.00am Morning tea at Landcare Shed followed by General Landcare Meeting

The 2020 Landcare Chemical Subsidy is now open.

A 50% subsidy is offered to our current members, with preference given to active members of the group.

Any chemical for your stock or property can be purchased at Elders Bairnsdale at 50% off, up to $200 (For example, this represents half a drum of free Grazon)

Contact Trish Borondy on 5140 1255 so Elders can be notified and your name be put on their list.

Money from the wheels and Monster Raffle goes towards this fund!

Platypus Workshop Keep the date! Saturday 12 September We have over 20 registrants for a workshop with the Platypus Conservancy!

The workshop will start with a presentation at 2.00pm - approx. 90 minutes including talk and questions, plus opportunity for any kids (and interested adults!) to have a close up with Patrick, our preserved platypus - followed by a walk to a convenient spot on the river for a 'walk-and -talk' about platypus habitat and practical platypus spotting/monitoring, with 4.30 approx finish.

Sue Neale’s ‘MUM’s QUICHE’

INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS:

Small Large 3 Eggs 4 Eggs 1 1/2 Cups Milk 2 Cups Milk 3/4 Cup each of Onion, Grated Cheese, 1 Cup each of Onion, Grated Cheese, Tomato, Tomato, Shredded Silver Beet or Spinach, and Shredded Silver Beet or Spinach, and any cold any cold meat. meat. 1/2 Cup Flour 1/2 Cup Flour (maybe a little more) Salt & Pepper 1 Dessertspoon Butter (melted) Salt & Pepper

METHOD (for both)

Mix well, altogether. Pour into greased pie plate. Bake at 180° C for 1 hour, or until set and golden brown

Some time ago, we collected some of your favourite recipes, so we will be sharing them on a regular basis. If you have a particular favourite home recipe, and would like to share with our readers, please forward to the Neighbourhood House.

Got a tyre that needs fixing? Well just drop it off on your way to If you, or someone you do the weekly shop, and pick it up on the way home….any time. know would like to Christian Sims of Simsy’s Tyres in Lindenow offers a drop off and advertise in this after hours service. Call in and check out their deals. community newsletter, please contact the Dargo Neighbourhood House on Ph: 5140 1333 or send an Email to: [email protected] for more information

The Dargo Bush Bulletin would like to acknowledge the Gunai / Kurnai People, the traditional custodians of the land on which we gather, and pay our respects to their Elders both past and present. Local wild dog management Reducing the impact of wild dogs on private land is of paramount importance, which is why the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is holding a number of workshops for community members to find out how to control wild dogs locally.

DELWP is also partnering with Gallagher Australia Pty Ltd, a rural fencing company, to run 14 Wild Dog Management Zone (WDMZ) community workshops and 6 drop-in sessions across Gippsland and north east Victoria commencing on Monday, 10 March.

Gallagher will be providing information and advice on suitable fencing options for the management of wild dogs and other invasive pest animals in fire affected areas of .

DELWP Manager for State-wide Invasive Species Program Peter Austin said: “We know there will have been significant impact on ground-baiting, trapping and fencing in some areas due to the recent bushfires.

“The workshops and drop-in sessions are an opportunity for the community to inform us of any problems that are occurring and also have input into the way wild dogs are controlled locally. There will also be a focus on wild dog activity and management during the past year and what is being planned for 2020/21.

“Reducing the impact of wild dogs can be achieved by all land managers working together using a combination of trapping, baiting, shooting, exclusion fencing and good animal husbandry.

“We are looking forward to meeting community members in the coming weeks,” Mr Austin said.

Local landowners who are interested can also come to find out more about joining an existing Community Wild Dog Control Group that links up with others in their area and increase the effectiveness of their own wild dog control.

The wild dog workshops include a formal presentation and although the drop-in sessions will not have a formal presentation, it is a chance for people to chat one-on-one with members of the local wild dog team.

For further information about the workshops in the north east contact John Turnbull at the Wodonga Office on 0438 345 326 and in Gippsland Vaughn Kingston at the Bairnsdale office on 0427 554 219.

WDMZ Community Workshop and Drop-in Schedule 2020

Dargo Tuesday, DELWP Dargo Depot, 10am to 12pm 31 March 13 Lind Avenue, Dargo (Drop-in session)

The “G Nome Gardeners Calendar” Monthly jobs that will improve garden results! (Part 1)

JANUARY * Plant Brussel Sprouts seedlings before the end of January. * Camellias, Rhodos, Azaleas set buds now - so mulch and keep moist. * Divide, repot or plant Cacti & Succulents and place in full sun. * Pot plants dry out quickly in hot windy conditions - be vigilant. * Mulch reduces evaporation, keeps soil cool and so worms, active.

FEBRUARY * Direct sun destroys Tomato fruit - cover with hessian or shade cloth. * Spray Dipel on Brassicas to control White Cabbage Moth. * Use Dipel also for ‘Codling Moth’ on fruit trees - spray fortnightly. * 50/50 mix potting soil/wash sand for cuttings - Azalea, Daphne & many more. * Prepare beds for Autumn sowing - dig in old manure & compost.

MARCH * Eat fruit fresh OR preserve, cook, freeze or make jams & sauces. * Time to sow Onion, Carrot, Swede, Turnip, Beetroot & Radish. * Sow Sweet Peas on St. Pats Day - support with a trellis. Need to add Lime now. * How big will trees be at maturity - think carefully before you plant. * Sow seeds - Cornflower, Canterbury Bells, Stock, Poppy and many more APRIL * Sprinkle Epsom Salts on newly sown seed to assist germination. * Asparagus feeds the parent plant as it dies so - DO NOT CUT IT OFF. * Check nurseries for Autumn coloured plants to get what you want. * Pumpkins make a hollow sound when ready - store in cool, dry area. * Soak Garlic Cloves in Bicarb Soda & water overnight & sow late April. MAY * Chemical spray also kills Bees, Ladybirds & Hoverflies - think about it? * Peg Strawberry runners into fresh pots to create new plants. * Sow Daffodils, Freesias, Muscari & Snowdrops now for a Spring display. * Snails hibernate in Winter - Slugs don’t - keep bait & beer traps refreshed. * Cow manure & compost dug in for sowing Broad Beans, they need alkaline soil. JUNE * Shift hanging baskets/pots of ‘frost sensitive’ plants to protected spot. * Hard prune fruit trees - reduce height to improve overall management. * Do not use Lime on Tomato, Strawberry, Camellia & Rhodos - they are acid lovers. * Sharpen/clean garden tools and prune Roses, Apples during Winter. * Unless specifically formulated, use NO fertilizer on native plants. The “G Nome Gardeners Calendar” Monthly jobs that will improve garden results! (Part 2)

JULY * Build a compost bin in the chook run, they will scratch through & fertilize it. * Liquid fertilizers are the best for Winter - nutrients are more effective. * Dig in - old manure, leaves, Lucerne hay, wood ash & blood & bone to soil. * Correa (native Fuchsia) attracts birds & bees, and adds Winter colour. * Spray ‘Burgundy Mix’ to control ‘Curly Leaf’ in stone fruit (first spray).

AUGUST * Spray 2nd dose - 10-14 days later and before leaves burst open. * Sow Broad Beans now - an excellent Nitrogen fixing plant after harvest * Plant out deciduous plants (Roses, Fruit Trees), while still dormant. * Prepare beds now - at least 2 weeks prior to Spring planting. * Refresh snail bait - kill them as they come out of hibernation SEPTEMBER * Most plants prefer soil pH 6.5-7.5. Buy a kit, test and learn your soil. * Scrunch newspaper into old pots to collect Earwigs, burn contents or feed to the chooks. * Encourage kids to help in your garden - away from electronic devices. * Never add Couch, Kikuyu, Oxalis, running or bulbous weeds to compost bins. * Rhubarb & Asparagus benefit from liberal feeds of rotted cow manure. OCTOBER * Check seedlings carefully before you buy - it may be old, root bound stock. * Feed Blood & Bone to Strawberries/Blueberries & add a layer of pine needles * Transplant Tomato seedlings - hessian covers will protect against late frosts. * Epsom Salts & Sulphate of Potash added to Tomatoes, & water in well. * A strong mix dishwashing detergent and water will kill Harlequin Bugs. NOVEMBER * Spray ‘Dipel’ for Cherry & Pear slugs & stay alert for 2nd infestations. * Chemical sprays kill beneficial insects - Bees, Ladybird, Hoverflies. * Plant Cucurbits, Sweetcorn, Tomatoes, Beans & Spuds after ‘Melbourne Cup’. * Sow Brussel Sprout seeds now - ready to transplant by the end of January. * Lift & divide Tall Bearded Iris every 3 years for better quality blooms. DECEMBER * Reduce fruit on Apple trees by ‘thinning’ (Destroy any diseased or damaged fruit). * Celery like lots of water, add lime at planting. Use by pick outer stalks * Dipel-chemical free-spray Brassicas weekly to control ‘white cabbage moth’. * Ants, Slaters & Slugs infest pots in dry weather - drown them in a bucket. * A deep watering once a week is the efficient way to water your garden. Finally, G Nome’s most important tip - FEED THE SOIL…...NOT THE PLANT!! Targeted planned burning program starting soon in Gippsland

This summer’s devastating bushfires have had a significant impact across East Gippsland and it’s important Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) continues to look forward to progressing further works to protect our communities and the environment across the region.

With current cooler conditions and suitable moisture levels FFMVic firefighters will start the autumn planned burning program in targeted locations across Gippsland in coming weeks.

FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Beth Roberts said although the region is on the tail end of an enormous fire season in the east, FFMVic’s community protection works must continue all year round, when it’s safe to do so.

“Bushfires starting in our landscape are inevitable, but we are implementing a variety of works to lessen the intensity and spread when they do, such as planned burning, building and maintaining strategic fire breaks, clearing, mowing and slashing,” Dr Roberts said.

“We know the proven benefits of clearing fuel loads under controlled conditions, with previous planned burn sites slowing fire spread at a number of locations in East Gippsland this summer.

“We’ll be utilising the hundreds of skilled firefighters on deck this season to conduct the burns which are carried out under the current cooler, damper conditions to lessen the impact on the environment, when it’s safe to do so.

“In the west and central parts of the region our firefighters will be focusing on asset protection burns around towns including Mirboo North, Neerim, Erica, Yarram, Won Wron, Loch Sport, Heyfield, Coongulla, Briagolong, Glenaladale and Dargo.

“Smoke from planned burns may cause concern for some people, so thank you for bearing with us while this important work is carried out,” Dr Roberts said.

The planned burn program is undertaken across public and private land with FFMVic working in partnership with CFA, local government and landholders, as well as the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions such as humidity, temperature and wind speed.

To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you go to www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.

Funny Stuff

Dorsie Jokes

There’s been a problem at the local supermarket. Apparently they’ve noticed Coco Pops have gone missing in large quantities. People said they are looking for a cereal offender. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A couple invited their aged parson for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having. “Goat,” the little boy replied. “Goat?” replied the startled man of the cloth. “Are you sure about that?” “Yep,” said the boy. “I heard Pa say to Ma, ‘Might as well have the old goat for dinner today as any other day.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When I was young I wanted to be a doctor so I took the entrance exam for the medicine degree. One of the questions asked was to rearrange the letters PNEIS into the name of an important human body part that is most useful when erect. Those who answered “spine” are doctors today. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A man phoned the hospital, saying his wife was in labour. “Tell me, is this her first baby?” the intern asked. “No, this is her husband,” the man said. SUDOKU PUZZLE - Solution next Bulletin SOLUTION TO PREVIOUS SUDOKU 8 6 3 7 4 2 6 9 8 1 5 2 7 9 3 8 5 1 4 7 3 6 9 2 9 2 1 6 6 2 9 8 1 5 3 4 7 4 9 6 5 4 3 7 5 9 2 1 8 6 1 9 3 1 8 5 7 3 6 4 2 9 8 3 1 4 9 6 2 1 4 8 5 7 3 2 9 1 2 9 6 3 8 4 7 5 1 8 1 9 5 1 8 6 2 7 9 3 4 4 7 3 7 4 3 9 5 1 2 6 8