Sandy Point News
Winter 2019 Price $1.00 Volume 19, Issue 2 A solar energy site and a community garden? Ideas for use of the old transfer station site
In our Community Plan 2017 one of the main projects that was listed involved the use of the old transfer station site at 159 Sandy Point Road. It was noted at the time that Sandy Point Community Group had become aware of a Council proposal to sell the site. SPCG have requested Council to retain this site for use by the Sandy Point Community. We have yet to obtain confirmation from Council of the availibility of this site but, despite this, residents have been developing some interesting ideas for community use of the area. Ideas put forward so far have included a community garden, a solar energy precinct, a helipad and a skate park. The latter is probably not viable as the land is too far from the township for use unsupervised by young people. It is also thought that a helipad could be more usefully built elsewhere in Sandy Point. Discussions with Council about use of the land are continuing. However, the SPCG is keen to see both a community garden and a solar energy site installed there and investigations are currently under way as to the best possible way to achieve this. Community Garden Sandy Point Community Energy Another idea that has been circulating for quite a while in Sandy Project Point is that we should build a community garden on the old A sub-committee of the SPCG is currently inves- transfer station site. There are quite a few people interested in tigating all the options for a community energy this idea and some of them already work at community gardens system with members of the committee recently at- in Foster and Fish Creek, so they have a lot of knowledge to help tending workshops organised by the “Energy Inno- us make this a reality. An expert gardener who was involved in vation Cooperative” (www.eico-op.org.au). the set of up several community gardens has also offered to help They have also met with a representative from us get started. South Gippsland Shire Council to discuss the More information about this on page 7. matter. We will be holding a community meeting about the Sandy Point Community Energy Project soon when If you’d like to get involved in either of these projects please we have gathered some further information. email us at [email protected]. Read more about this exciting project on Page 4. Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Community Group: President’s Report
By Anne Kinne, President, SPCG Dick Martin 1922 - 2019 We are commencing our quiet winter period where many I am going through residents take the opportunity to travel and seek warmer the motions of writing climates. However, the SPCG committee continue to this Newsletter with a strive to make progress on their current projects with heavy heart knowing some packing their laptops, desperately trying to finalise that Sandy Point has lost projects or putting “caretakers” in place before they head long-time resident Dick off towards the sun. Martin, who was an iconic treasure of Sandy While we continue to advocate on our current issues/ Point, the father of our projects of mobile phone service, the second stage of the SPCG Treasurer Rick landscaping project in the reserve near the toilet block and and a personal long-time options for the disused transfer station, we do seem to be family friend. making some headway but it is a slow process. The uncertainty surrounding the South Gippsland Shire There will be many well Council is bewildering to most of us and we feel that is deserved accolades and making an impact to their commitment and support. Let’s tributes given to Dick in hope it is all resolved soon. relation to his lifetime achievements. He gained Dick Martin: a portrait by Sandy Several committee members (Di, Doug and Wendy) the admiration of many Point artist Sally Gibson attended a South Central Cluster meeting recently. Our through his spritely de- Cluster involves representatives from the communities at meanour and sharp wit, which he maintained throughout Sandy Point, Waratah, Walkerville, Fish Creek, Foster and his 97 years. However I would like to share my personal Yanakie and is attended by representatives from Council memories of the long family association shared with the and the Community Strengthening Department. Martin family. We were advised by Sophie Dixon, SGSC Community Our family first met Dick and the Martin family when we Strengthening Officer, that the road sealing works would bought our block of land at Sandy Point in the late 50’s not now be going ahead this financial year but later in the and commenced building our house in Ennisvale Ave. My year when the weather warms up. Sophie also informed us Dad (Thomas P Taylor) and Dick became firm friends and that the big slide will be installed on Tuesday 11th June. our families have shared a lifelong friendship. Every 2nd Fingers crossed. Friday we drove from our house in Yallourn to spend the Sophie also mentioned that two small cell repeaters were to weekend at Sandy Point and we always visited the Martins, be installed in Sandy Point. Di questioned why, after many often before we had unpacked the car! Dad and Mum months of trying to investigate this idea with Telstra, we chatted with Dick and Peg whilst us kids played and ran wild haven’t been informed and she asked the proposed location outside. In those early days there were not too many people of these repeaters. Sophie didn’t have any further details at Sandy Point, but with more people starting to build, an and suggested we call Ken Fraser at Council! Hopefully we active social network developed. Dad and Dick subsequent- will have more to report on this ongoing issue soon. ly formed the committees that were instrumental in the growth of the community eg Foreshore Committee, Play- Further information on other ongoing community ground Development and of course the Tennis Court Com- projects: mittee. • Community Energy Project: see page 4 There were many working bees and building projects and • Community Garden Project: see page 7 Dick was always involved and lent a hand where needed. In fact whenever anyone wanted to know anything eg building, • Landscaping Project, Stage 2: see page 13 council regulations (Yes they had them then too!) or where Please make a note in your calendar that our AGM this to buy or borrow tools etc. it was “go ask Dick”. He knew year will be at 10.30am on Sat 28th September. everything! For further information on SPCG and meeting minutes see I can recall when the original Tennis Club Hall was being www.sandypoint.vic.au and for further updates see our moved from Yallourn to Sandy Point, all of the volunteers Facebook page! came to our house for lunch and Mum asked me to check
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Continued from page 2 on the soup. I thought it was a bit bland so I loaded it with pepper (what does a 12-year-old know!) and asked Dick to taste it – he nearly choked and gasped, saying “it’s a bit hot” – think I overdid the pepper, so we had to try and water it down. He didn’t tell Mum but over the next 50 years he never let me forget about it! Over the years Dick and Peg were there to help celebrate the Taylor family weddings and provided support at our funerals and on visiting Sandy Point, meeting up with Dick was always a priority. In more recent times, I have enjoyed Dick’s company (when I could find him home!) and I often called in for a chat, a laugh and cup of tea and the odd glass of red. It wasn’t ever out of a sense of duty that I visited Dick…it was because he was great company, a wealth of information and never let himself get old, either physically or mentally. He prided himself on maintaining his independence and keeping active (which was a concern of his family at times!) his secret he repeatedly told me was that he shopped, prepared and cooked himself a meal every night with 5 vegies – none of those pre prepared easy meals! Dick Martin was a true gentleman, who lived life to the fullest and will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go to Rick, Rodney, Rosemary, Tassie and Joanne and their families. Dick was interviewed for an article about his life which was printed in our newsletter back in 2014. We are reprinting it for you to read on Dick Martin was still dancing the page 17 of this issue. night away in his 90s. Anne Kinne President, SPCG
3 Sandy Point News Sandy Point Community Energy Project You may have seen recent reports in the media relating So what can we achieve here in Sandy Point? While it is really to communities investing directly in the establishment early days, our preliminary concept involves a long term vision of energy generating projects. These projects vary con- for a low cost, reliable and sustainable energy supply to service siderably in scale, technology, objectives and cost. The our residents, community services and businesses. This will, common theme however is generally the return of fi- we expect, include a combination of: nancial benefits to the local Community and involved • private rooftop solar stakeholders and also importantly an improved envi- • public building rooftop solar (Community Centre, Men’s ronmental outcome. Shed, CFA shed) Our Community Group has decided to investigate the • a potential new solar farm feasibility of such a project here in Sandy Point. • community battery storage There are several potential models/schemes that we • micro grid management software could copy and encouragingly more and more resources • future energy sources as appropriate (wind, wave, tidal) available to help in their planning and implementation. We are encouraged to know that there are several well devel- Importantly, the State Government has established a oped funding models that we can adapt to suit our needs and program to develop “A Renewable Energy RoadMap” that there are grants and commercial partnerships that we can to guide their investment in projects that will contribute pursue. We have already had a very encouraging visit from the towards their commitment to a renewable energy target Energy Innovation Co-Op. They outlined their experiences to of 50% by 2030. (www.energy.vic.gov.au/renewable- date and described several projects in Victoria with which they energy/victorias-renewable-energy-targets) have a relationship and are very similar in scale to our needs SPCG committee members attended workshops here in Sandy Point. recently organised by the “Energy Innovation We are anticipating that we will be running workshops of our Cooperative” (www.eico-op.org.au). These workshops own in the not too distant future so watch this space. In the are being held throughout Victoria and will be an meantime, we would love to gauge the interest in our vision input to the State Government’s RoadMap. The for SP from our permanent residents, holiday home owners information presented to us leads us to believe that and also regular visitors. A great way to help us do this is to we certainly could develop a beneficial Community complete the Energy Coop online survey at: Energy project right here in Sandy Point. Examples www.surveymonkey.com/r/RenewableEnergyRoadmap1 described in the workshops and identified in our own Please be sure to use the Sandy Point postcode 3959 as the research range from the large scale 4mw Hepburn location base for your response and please pass the link on to Wind project (www.hepburnwind.com.au) through others, family or friends with an interest in SP. This survey the medium township-scale Yackandandah Mini Grid data will then give us the information we need confirming project (www.totallyrenewableyack.org.au/2017/03/the- your level of support for grant applications we may pursue. yackandandah-mini-grid-future) to the small, household Finally, if there are people within our community who can scale Mooroolbark Project (www.ausnetservices.com. offer expertise or are interested in participating please get in au/Community/Mooroolbark-Mini-Grid-Project). touch: [email protected]
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Sandy Point Community Centre & TP Taylor Reserve Committee of Management: President’s Report Just a friendly reminder about the AGM which will be held on Saturday 31st August at 10am. If you are interested in becoming part of the team, please don’t hesitate, as it is very rewarding to be part of the friendly, vibrant group that manage the Centre. Please contact me if you’d like to join us. If you feel that you don’t have the time to be on a committee but have some expertise or special interest in areas that would be beneficial to the Community, then again please get in touch with me. Sandy Point Community Centre Committee of Management is a “Section 86” Special Committee of South Gippsland Shire Council (SGSC). Section 86 refers to a section of the Victo- rian Local Government Act 1989 which allows for Councils to Award winning local artist and children’s book author, Roland Harvey, opened the Art Show. delegate some of its functions, duties or powers under this act to a special committee. The role of the Sandy Point Community Thank you to all those who attended, all the hard Centre & T.P Taylor Reserve Committee of Management is to working volunteers, the brilliant artists and our loyal focus on managing both of these assets on behalf of Council and and fantastic sponsors. For more about the Art Show the community. and its winners see page 13 and on page 19 a list of The 2019 Art Show was fantastic, what talented artists are out sponsors and winners of prizes. there, the standard of entries was of the highest standard. Di Cooper President: 0418 336 690 [email protected]
5 Sandy Point News Are our koalas heading for ‘functional extinction’? A recent, thought-provoking article in The Conversation (10th May) highlighted the perilous situation of koalas across Australia. The article, “A report claims koalas are ‘functionally extinct’ – but what does that mean?” (https://theconversation.com) talks about the concept of ‘functional extinction’. The article says that for millions of years koalas have been a key part of the health of our eucalyptus forests by eating upper leaves, and on the forest floor, their droppings contribute to important nutrient recycling. Their known fossil records date back approximately 30 million years so they may have once been a food source for megafauna carnivores. We don’t want to see our koalas go the way It reports that the Australian Koala Foundation has announced they of so many other populations that are under believe “there are no more than 80,000 koalas in Australia”, making pressure. That’s why we’re working with re- the species “functionally extinct”. It’s hard to say exactly how many searchers to better understand the popula- koalas are still remaining in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, tion and how to help make sure its viable into South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, but they are highly the future, working with our awesome local vulnerable to threats including deforestation, disease and the effects of wildlife carers to protect and rescue the ones climate change. Once a koala population falls below a critical point it we’ve got, revegetating corridors to make sure can no longer produce the next generation, leading to extinction. Some koalas have food and safe, accessible habitat, areas have experienced catastrophic declines due to reduced genetic and monitoring the population. Speaking of variation, habitat loss, severe drought and climate change effects. In which… Victoria and South Australia, koala populations vary widely from abundant to low or locally extinct. Although not currently listed as vul- Get involved in the 2019 nerable here (as they are in other states), these koalas are also experienc- Community Koala Count! ing a range of serious threats, including low genetic diversity. The Sandy Point community turned out for ‘Functionally extinct’ can describe a few situations. The one that our the last community koala count in Sep- Sandy Point koala population is most at risk of heading toward is where tember 2017, when we counted 31 koalas – a small population that, although still breeding, is suffering from in- although we think the population is likely to breeding that can threaten its future viability. be much higher. Together with Federation Uni, we completed a genetic study on the Get involved in the second count, planned Sandy Point koala population last year, collecting genetic samples (poo!) for Saturday 5th October (put it in your from 11 individuals. The study found that the Sandy Point koalas: diary!). We’ll again need lots of wonder- ful volunteers to help walk areas of Sandy • Are likely to be a remnant population of the larger South Gippsland Point in teams searching for and recording koala population, which is a population with important conserva- koalas and evidence of koalas. It’s a great tion significance. day out for everyone, including kids and • But, because the Sandy Point koala population has been isolated for families. a long time, it suffers from a low level of genetic diversity. It’ll kick off at around 9am for registra- • The low level of genetic diversity in the Sandy Point koala popula- tion and briefing, then 10-12 for the koala tion is likely driven by its isolation and consequent lack of recent count, followed by a barbeque lunch and koala migration / gene flow into the area some interesting speakers (until around • Inbreeding may or may not currently play a role in the population’s 2pm or so). low diversity and warrants further investigation. Email [email protected] now • Continuing to improve and extend koala habitat to support the to register your interest in helping. local koala population will be important for the future preserva- ... and help us with tion of this koala population. The low level of genetic diversity spring plantings! makes this population susceptible to future events like disease and changes in climate and the environment which could affect food There’ll be more opportunities to help with sources. tree planting this spring (August / Septem- ber) Join our mailing list by emailing sandy- • Potential strategies to increase the population’s genetic diversity and [email protected] and we’ll keep adaptability requires further investigation and assessment of risk. you informed of this. To read more, see the Koala population and genetics section on the koala page of our website https://www.sandypoint.vic.au/koalas.html. Written by Caitlin Pilkington 6 Sandy Point News Community Garden Project
Another idea that has been circulating for quite a while in Sandy Point is that we should build a community garden on the old transfer station site. There are quite a few people interested in this idea and some of them already work at the community gardens in Foster and Fish Creek, so they have a lot of knowledge to help us make this a reality if Council will let us use the site. An expert gardener who was involved in the set of up several community gardens has also offered to help us get started. It has been suggested we use wicking beds for the plants. These are raised beds made from wood or metal. They are contained systems with soil on top of a reservoir filled with gravel. This allows the water to wick up to the layer of soil, providing optimum moisture for plants and avoiding evaporation from surface irrigation. Wicking beds are perfect for small spaces, installation on hard surfaces, and they require less frequent watering than conventional irrigated beds. A wicking garden bed is really like a self-watering pot with a large water reservoir underneath the soil so these beds can last up to 4+ weeks between watering. This is a very water efficient process and allows you to spend more time enjoying your garden and less time watering. Raised garden beds are also great as you can stand and garden in comfort. If you are interested in finding out more about this, Sophie fromGardening Australia did an item on the show in 2018 on wicking garden beds (https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/building-a-wicking- bed/9435452) Di Cornwell
7 Sandy Point News So what’s killing our wildlife? Some of our wildlife have been injured and even killed by dog attacks and also by cars driving too fast around the township, but the main focus of concern over recent years has been mange. Koalas, wombats, possums, rabbits, foxes and even humans (scabies) can contract mange. However, we believe Work to start soon wombats are a primary source of infection for our koalas. It is anticipated that work will finally begin in a couple of weeks’ time. The building contract and building permit are currently Mange is an infestation of the mange mite which being finalised and the Foreshore shed has been emptied and is burrows under the skin of an animal depositing now ready for dismantling and moving to its new home. its eggs and causing intense discomfort. If left un- treated it will lead to a slow and agonising death for In the meantime the next stage of the planning is underway, ob- the animal. taining the necessary planning approvals from Council for the internal fitout. Below is an initial concept drawing of the floor plan Koalas for the proposed internal fitout. If you see a koala acting strangely, wandering As always, if you are interested in becoming a Shedder please don’t around in daylight hours, or looking mangy, please wait for the Shed to appear: join up and come along to one of our let the contact listed below know. They will arrange activities. Follow the links on the Community Group website at for the animal to be picked up by a wildlife carer https://www.sandypoint.vic.au/page58.html to contact us or simply and treatment to be started immediately. email [email protected] for more information. Wildlife Victoria – 03 8400 7300 Phil Cornwell Sue Moore, Wildlife Carer, Tarwin Lower – 0429 016 695 Wombats Free living wombats do not cope well in captivity as they stress and with an already suppressed immune system they usually die within days, so bringing them into care is not a realistic option. As wombats are nocturnal and live underground treatment is difficult but not impossible. There is now a simple way of treating wombats and involves on site treatment using cydectin, which is spread directly on the wombat’s back or via a burrow flap. For more information about how to identify and treat mange in wombats please see www.mangemanagement.org.au or ring 0431 600 125.
8 Sandy Point News Missing: a koala named Olive You may remember our article in the last newsletter about a koala named Olive. Jan Hallas had received a call about a sick looking koala that had been in the same tree for about 10 days, which is most unusual for a koala. Olive, as she was soon called, was obvi- ously badly dehydrated and very thin, so Jan took her to Sue Moore’s wildlife rescue place in Tarwin Lower for treatment. Sue checked her out, fed and rehydrated her and kept her for the weekend. As all seemed well with her, Jan collected Olive on the Monday and released her at a quiet place near her home where she knew there were plenty of food trees for her (and she could keep an eye on her). Olive stayed there for quite a while but then moved on. Jan found her a while later and thought she was still looking undernourished so she took her to Sue’s shelter again for a review of her health. The thought was that she was probably not ill, just old and not able to digest her food as well as she used to. As Olive didn’t seem dis- tressed, they decided they wouldn’t take her to a vet, who would probably suggest euthanasia. They decided instead to take her back to Sandy Point, keep an eye on her and let nature take its course. The trouble is she is now missing! She has obviously moved on to another tree somewhere else in Sandy Point. Jan would like to monitor Olive’s health, so if you see a small, dark brown female koala on your property please let Jan know. She would love to find out how Olive is faring. You can ring Jan on 5684 1045. WATER TANK CLEANING How clean and safe is your drinking water? Is dirt or sediment from your tank contaminating your drinking water with harmful bacteria? The Watertank Cleaning Company - CALL TODAY FOR Can clean your tank for youwithout emptying out all of your precious water! CLEAN, CLEAR, We can clean your tank, when it’s FULL with minimal loss of water. SAFE WATER! We can assist with crack repairs, installation of steel lids and free advice We guarantee to remove the sediment from your tank and leave you with cleaner, healthier better tasting water
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9 Sandy Point News Marine Rescue Service Update
We are now back in action after operations were The new storage facility is slowly getting closer with a suspended, following the tragic loss a few weeks ago building permit application currently underway, so there of 2 volunteer rescue personnel at Port Campbell. should be some progress on this front in the next few weeks. Following that incident, Life Saving Victoria (LSV) There’s still no definite word on a larger vessel: probably still suspended all on water operations, including training, at least 6 months away. of the units under their control. They have now been Training will continue during the winter for those who do not provided with all our operational documentation and migrate to a warmer climate. have accepted that we have clearly demonstrated that we have taken measures to reduce risk to as low as is We are always on the lookout for new members, if you think reasonably practical. this may be for you, feel free to contact Ray Henderson on 0490 513 523 or email [email protected] Also, LSV will be providing units with PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) for all crew members when on the water and new communication protocols have been introduced. We are currently obtaining quotes for new uniforms and waterproof clothing after receiving a grant to purchase same and we recently received the news that the Sandy Point Community Group and Music Club would provide funding for a commercial rescue dummy for use in search and rescue training. Many thanks to these two groups.
10 Sandy Point News A great and entertaining concert to round out the season
Grim Fawkner’s first strum set the scene for a commanding stage All in all a fun and entertaining night to round performance. His fancy guitar work playing one handed whilst out the concert series while the SPMC takes a tapping the guitar with the other was impressive. So was his master- break over winter. ful fretwork, his ability to make fast chord changes combined with a booming voice that took command of the room, which was a joy to see and hear. Then there was the return of Claire Anne Taylor belting out heart felt folk numbers with her gutsy and syrupy voice accompanied by the double bass and drums to match her acoustic and electric guitar. Claire could easily throw away the guitar and sing without music such is her extraordinary voice. For the encore, Grim returned to the stage with Claire and her band to belt out a few more numbers, finishing with “Hit The Road Jack” which no-one knew all the words to so they hilariously made them up until someone in the audience whispered the words into Grim’s ear.
Above: Claire Anne Taylor and Grim Fawkner play together at the end of the concert. Top right: Grim Fawkner Bottom right: Claire Anne Taylor
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It’s war on waste! You know those old couches and chairs that you some- times see on the nature strips in Sandy Point? Have you also seen some up in the dunes on the way to the beach? We know that most people put their unwanted furni- ture out on the nature strip in good faith, thinking that someone else might want it, but the sad truth is they often end up in the dunes where they may be vandalised and finally left to rot in the rain. It leads to a great deal of work and cost for the Foreshore Committee, which, as part of its duties, is required to remove any rubbish found on the foreshore. With normal rubbish this can usually be put in a bin, but a couch is another matter. That requires a trip to the tip, which costs the Foreshore Committee time and money, something they have very little of. And removing heavy furniture from the dunes is hard, unpleasant work too, as members of the Foreshore Com- mittee and the Men’s Shed, who helped clear up the dunes a few weeks ago, will attest. Putting things like couches, chairs or other household goods out on the nature strip is also against the Shire Council’s by-laws. Therefore, people who do so are actually breaking the law and could leave themselves open Council’s Hard Waste to prosecution or at least a fine. Collection Service So, before you leave things out on the nature strip, stop and think – not only are you breaking the law, but you Did you know that Council has a hard waste could also be causing a great deal of work for the Fore- collection service? You have to book ahead for this shore Committee, who are all volunteers. and the pick up occurs once a year during October. If you do see hard rubbish left on the nature strip you can This year all bookings for Hard Waste report this to the Customer Service Team at Council on Collection close 14 September 2018. 5662 9200 or take a photo and post it on Snap, Send, Solve Council provides an optional hard waste collection (https://www.snapsendsolve.com) service for residential properties throughout South Based on a recent Snippets article by Sally Gibson. Gippsland: • The service is conducted annually. Each residen- tial property can book one collection per year. • Bookings are accepted during July and August each year. Collections are undertaken in October. • The cost is $98 or $34 if you have a pension concession card. • Hard waste will only be collected from prop- erties that have booked and paid for a service prior to the collection period. • Waste must be placed for collection within the property boundary. Additional information and to make a booking go to http://www.southgippsland.vic.gov.au/hardwaste or ring 5662 9200.
12 Sandy Point News What a Great Art Show
Sandy Point’s 17th Art Show was a huge success. All the art submitted was of a high standard and we were inundated with Junior entries. In all three Primary and one Secondary school entered a total of two hundred and ninety-seven works. Which is definitely a record number for our Art Show. But no Art Show can exist without its Sponsors and we were most fortunate that every one of our potential sponsors said “Yes” and with that windfall in sponsorship money we were able to increase several of the prizes, as all the prizes are funded from sponsorship monies. Once again, our main and long standing Sponsor - the ever generous Toora and Foster Community Bank spon- sored Best in Show for $500.00. Also, the South Gippsland Shire Council have agreed to sponsor the Art Show for $500 for the next three years, so we were able spread this money over several categories. Our other sponsors are listed on page 19. We definitely thank all our Sponsors and hope they will continue to be so generous in future years. There is always one artist who is more successful in an art show than others, and for us it was Harris Smith. She not only won Best in Show and 1st for Oils with her painting “Moonrise Over the Inlet” shown below, she also sold one of her other paintings. The raffle was drawn at the close of the Art Show and we had some very happy winners. Heidi won the 1st Prize of a collection of Alison Lester’s books and she was Top: Harris Smith, who won Best in rapt, as she had just welcomed her granddaughter into the world and was going Show with her painting “Moonrise to keep them for her to enjoy. Heidi is often in Sandy Point as she has a holiday Over the Inlet”. house here. Second Prize of a $100 voucher for Jacki Deering’s Hairdressing, at Meeniyan, was won by Stacey from Fish Creek. John from Stoney Creek won third prize which was a massage from Elizabeth Collins Massage Therapy who works out of the Sandy Point Community Centre. Lastly, our own David Iser won the voucher from Gibsons Café in Fish Creek. Written by Sally Gibson
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Sandy Point in the 1960s
Apart from the roads, which haven’t changed since the Playground Estate was first developed in the mid to late 1950s, there’s not a lot that you would recognise about the township of Sandy Point from this photo, which was taken in 1962. The other two photos below are from a similar era (1960s) and show the township from the ocean side. They show the general store in different positions and the one on the left shows the newly erected TP Taylor Hall. Also in those days the caravan park was not fully operational and people camped along the foreshore and on vacant blocks.
Thanks to Ray Henderson for these wonderful photos. In the next issue we will be featuring an article about how the inlet has changed over the last century and will include more of Ray’s old photos.
14 Sandy Point News Landscaping Project: Stage 2 In recent discussions with Council we talked about A preliminary examination by Council indicates that there is suffi- a further stage to the landscaping works already cient space in the road reserve to accommodate: completed around the toilet block area. Known as • the existing parallel parking on the Caravan Park side Stage 2 of the project, it is highlighted in blue on the plan below. • angle parking on the beach side We approached Council to get their approval/help • the two traffic lanes and with the provision of a pathway in front of the angle • a footpath in front of the angle parked cars parking area just west of the main beach track. Council have advised us that they are waiting for the road resurfac- Currently cars parking in this area park hard up ing work in SP to be done (which we are told will not be until later to the fenceline, forcing people, including families in the year) before considering a design for the path and install- with small kids, to walk along the roadway behind ing barriers/bollards to define it. There may be a bit of "trimming" the cars, which is not an ideal situation particularly work required to uncover the existing fenceline but we have when the roads are busy. offered to help with this, to keep costs down.
15 Sandy Point News Artistic themes and signage for Sandy Point What a surprise when I walked into the latest session for finding an artistic theme for Sandy Point to find every chair taken and more having to be put out. This was such a change from the first session which had a very poor turnout. Unfortunately, Mary Sullivan, from Council’s Community Strengthening Department, was unable to attend, so Di Cooper started the session with a quick background of the project and then it was time for a lively discussion with everyone contribut- ing. We eventually had over twenty interested people who were a mix of residents and holiday homeowners. Everyone was asked to write their ideas on the sheets of paper pinned up on the felt board, which asked not only for ideas for the theme but also what skills anyone had that could be utilised during the process. The ideas were many and varied. Naturally, they included the wildlife, beach scenes, surfing and boating. Projects included putting a fresh coat of paint on the existing surfboards, decorat- ing the tank and various interpretive signs around the township. Other ideas were to erect a large Welcome to Sandy Point sign at the corner of Telopea Drive and Sandy Point Rd and, in the carpark beside the Centre, to install a vertical garden to hide the metal fence. This would probably involve negotiations with the neighbours on the other side, but nevertheless it was a novel idea for hiding that fence. Another novel idea was to have portraits done of people who have played a big part in developing Sandy Point. People such as the Pilkingtons, who were very early pioneers in the district, Ned Neale the notorious cattle rustler, who stationed his mother up at the lookout to give him prior warning while he mustered the cattle he had taken and were down on the beach, the Hendersons, who were also early farmers in the district, and even Dick Martin who sold many blocks in the “Playground Estate” when Sandy Point was first divided up to become a township. These could be used on interpretive signs placed on a walking trail around the township. Another idea was to paint these portraits on panels around the CFA tank. The panels were suggested as the tank itself is rusting out at the bottom and it would be a shame to have all the hard work put into the portraits lost when the tank is eventually Top: The CFA tank at replaced. the Community Centre
Another suggestion was to have a professional interviewer sit Upper middle: An down and record the stories from the older generation before example of a painted they are lost. These stories could then be put on interpretive water tank signs around the town that would also bear an image of whatever theme is eventually decided on. Everyone agreed that this would Lower middle: A be a lengthy process and would need a plan for looking for grants township welcome sign to fund it. Bottom: An example of If you have any ideas, why not put pen to paper, marking it for an interpretive sign the attention of Di Cooper and leave it at the General Store. We would love to hear from the younger generation, so why not give some thought on what you would like to see around your town. From Your Snippet Collector – Sally Gibson 16 Sandy Point News
Meet a local identity: Dick Martin’s story
The article below was originally printed in the Winter 2014 copy of this newsletter
When Dick and Peg Martin and family visited Peg’s family at Shallow Inlet in Fish Creek as a mechanic, Spare Parts September of 1958 little did they know that they would also themselves become Manager and later as a machinery residents of Sandy Point in the not too distant future. salesman. On the weekends he worked at “Blue Meadows” for John Bowron. During this visit, a chance meeting between Dick and an old friend Vic Ryan (affectionately known as” The Master”) was to be the trigger for a move from The road to Fish Creek was not bitu- suburban Springvale, where Dick, Peg and family were then living. Dick had minised in those days and there were been working as a waterside worker for the past 8 years. many interesting trips for the kids on the bus, as Dick’s son Rick well re- Vic operated the local school buses and had for some years been driving the bus members. There were the extremes from Sandy Point to Fish Creek. It just so happened that Vic had been granted of nearly choking on dust during the a new contract (commencing February 1959) to operate a bus on an additional summer months to sliding all over the route which he intended to drive. This created a vacancy for the driver of the road during winter. There was one Sandy Point bus. Vic suggested to Dick that as he was a regular visitor to the time when road works just outside of area he might like to consider moving back and assume that position. Dick Fish Creek on Gales Hill created the readily accepted and so his long association with the Sandy Point region was equivalent of a skating rink with the taken to a new level. bus facing all directions as it went As an interesting aside, did you know that a small school operated in Sandy down the hill. Dick however always Point between 1919 and 1927 in the area now known as Ash Avenue. managed to have the bus facing in Dick and Peg were no strangers to the area. Dick’s family had many years the right direction at the bottom of before lived in Fish Creek. His father Wally was a farm worker and rabbit the hill! Much to the kids’ delight trapper who over the ensuing years after a stint in Fish Creek was to move his there were also many occasions when family to various locations around South Gippsland and beyond. Wally and his they were late for school as a result wife Laura ultimately moved to Melbourne. of numerous trees falling on the road overnight. Dick did his schooling at Fish Creek and is in fact one of the oldest surviv- Continued on page 18 ing ex pupils. Dick, on leaving school, worked at Grimshaw’s Garage in Fish For nearly 30 years, Sandy Point Creek as an apprentice motor mechanic. This business was located in premises children were driven to and from school between the Pub and the School. The building was razed to the ground many each day by Dick Martin. years ago as a result of a fire. Dick was also a very handy footballer for Fish Creek before opting to move to Melbourne to work. Peg’s parents were long time residents of Sandy Point as were three of her brothers. The Henderson family, all fishermen oper- ating in Shallow Inlet, moved to Sandy Point in the early thirties. Peg lived at Shallow Inlet before moving to Melbourne to live with her older sister Mabel and commencing work as a sewing ma- chinist in a clothing factory. Dick and Peg who met “back home” were married at Fish Creek on 6 February 1942 and set up house in Punt Road, Prahran near the Alfred Hospital. Later after spending a number of years in Port Melbourne they purchased a block in Springvale on which Dick built the new family home (in addition to another for his parents next door!). After selling their house in Springvale the Martins moved to Sandy Point in early 1959, residing initially at Shallow Inlet in a house adjacent to those of her parents and several brothers, but then later moving to a residence on John Bowron’s property “Blue Meadows”. Dick worked seven days a week, which was to become the norm for many years. In addition to initially driving the antiquated 1948 Model Bedford school bus (they got better!) each morning and afternoon, Dick also worked between bus runs at CSB Motors in 17 Sandy Point News Continued from page 17 The Sandy Point township or “Playground Estate” as it was called in those days was developed in the mid to late fifties by three Melbourne Property Developers - Lachlan McInnes (“Mac”), Barry Bahen and Kevin Cotter. Adverts for it featured a bikini-clad girl with the slogan “The Playground of the South”. Blocks were initially sold for £125, or £10 deposit and £4 a month. Both Mac and Barry were well known identities over the ensuing years. Sadly both were to pass away at relatively young ages. The original Bahen holiday house near Ned Neales is still enjoyed by Barry’s family to this day. The McInnes family sold their holiday house several years ago. Dick Martin enjoying a beer with his Dick purchased a block of land in Sunshine Rise in 1959 for ₤150 ($300) and son Rick. Rick continues the family subsequently moved an old house from Fish Creek to that location for the involvement with the Sandy Point family to live in. This seems like a bargain now when blocks are selling for community as Treasurer of the SPCG. approx $240,000. did two extensive trips caravanning The Martins moved from Blue Meadows to Sunshine Rise in 1961 and later trips around Australia. extended the house. The Martins had 5 children, Rick, Dick continued to drive the bus (the route having been extended to include Rodney, Rosemary, Darryl and Foster) and sell farm machinery, however in 1975 an additional job offer Joanne, many of whom still live emerged. nearby or visit regularly. Sadly, Peg passed away in 2004 at the age of 83. Mac and Barry of Playground Estates fame offered Dick the job of managing This was the catalyst for Dick to join the Sandy Point Caravan Park. Dick accepted the offer and a very cordial Probus -an activity that resulted in working association that was to last many years was born. many enjoyable trips and companion- The Caravan Park was seasonal so this fitted in well with the long school break ship. He also played ten pin bowling when the school bus didn’t operate. There was also a resident caretaker who at Morwell once a month and carpet attended to the cleaning and maintenance. bowls at Sandy Point weekly. Trips on the Community bus were also a fa- This was right up Dick’s alley as he loved people contact and was always up for vourite pastime. a chat! There will be campers who have A few years later Dick assumed the additional role as the local representative for stayed at the Caravan Park over the Playground Estates in respect of real estate sales. Dick conducted inspections years and many property owners in with clients after which any resulting sale and associated documentation was Sandy Point who will have dealt with handled by the Company’s Head Office in Melbourne. Dick in the past and will remember Dick retired at age 65 and continued to lead an enjoyable life at Sandy Point. He him well. and Peg would often spend part of the winter months in Queensland and in fact Rick Martin TV DATA PHONE Digital Antennas, Repairs, TV Wall Mounts, Phone & Computer Outlets, Home Theatre, Hidden Wiring & Speaker Systems, Networks, Offices, Equipment Installations, Satellite Dish and Receivers, Mobile Broadband Antennas LICENCED INSTALLER B18850VIC Domestic, Commercial & Industrial Steve Mooney 0427 257 222
18 Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Art Show 2019 – Sponsors & Winners
Sponsor Category Winner Title Toora & Foster Bendigo Bank Best in Show Harris Smith Moonrise over the Inlet South Gippsland Shire Council R/U Snr Peoples Choice Teresa Murphy Shallow Inlet Breeze Watertank Cleaning Company Peoples Choice: Snr Svea Chang The Silence Prom Coast Travel 1st Oils Harris Smith Moonrise over the Inlet Julie Lundgen- R/U Oils Coulter The Landscape Waratah Ice Cream Company Jnr Section-1st Photography Jarrah Cicero Recycled Rubbish R/U Photography Grace Wilson Grace the Echinda 1st Sculpture Rye Cicero ReCycled Rubbish 1st Drawing Archer Henning The Night Sky R/U Drawing E. Berryman Tidal View Farms Primary School: People's Dylan Cowell - Choice F.P.S Collage Secondary College: People's Choice Leisel Burrow Portrait Paragreen Real Estate 1st Photography Keith Haycroft Misty Morning in Gippsland R/U Photography Colleen Munro Untitled SEJ Real Estate 1st Acrylics Leigh Fraser The Snowy River R/U Acrylics Cheryl Erskin Late Night Blues YEP Gallery 1st Mixed Media Mandy Gunn Aqua Profiles R/U Mixed Media Teresa Murphy Shallow Inlet Views Between the Lines-Ways of Gene Laity - Builder 1st Sculpture Mandy Gunn Seeing Sally Gibson Portraits 1st Drawing Bruce Appleford Looking Over Foster Rob Davies Carpet Cleaning 2nd Drawing Lyn Firestone Butter Wouldn't Melt Steve Coad - Plumber 1st Watercolour Elizabeth Dunlop Forest Floor Pilks Electrics 2nd Watercolour Anna Walter Rain is coming Julie Lundgen- Natural Landscape Williams,Tracy & Assoc Winner Natural Earth Pigment Coulter Afternoon Barnes Fencing Winner Natural Earth Pigment Teresa Murphy The Old Banksia Bush Prom Coast Property Foster Primary School Maintenance & Mowing Tarwin Valley Primary School Prom Coast Electrics Fish Creek Primary School Johnoelec Foster Secondary College South Gippsland Shire Council Foster Secondary College The Mirror, Brent Sinclair, Sandy Point General Store Raffle: 1st Prize: Alison Lester – a collection of books. Heidi 2nd Prize: Jacki Deering’s Hairdressing - $100 voucher Stacey 3rd Prize: Elizabeth Collins Massage Therapy - massage John 4th Prize: Gibson’s Cafe David
19 Sandy Point News
Sandy Point Community Groups Each of these community groups work very hard within their own areas – but all welcome new participation, all need ongoing support, all aim to grow and thrive – and all provide an important asset to the Sandy Point community. If you would like to join any of the groups listed below, please visit www.sandypoint.vic.au for contact details.
Sandy Point Community Group This group provides strong advocacy in support of improved facilities, infrastructure and recreational facilities and runs community and social events.
T.P.Taylor Reserve Committee of Management This committee is responsible for the management of the Community Centre and the surrounding reserve and the tennis courts. TP Taylor Reserve C of M is a Special Committee under the governance of South Gippsland Shire Council.
Sandy Point Foreshore Committee of Management This committee is appointed by the State Minister and works in collaboration with DELWP (Department of Environ- ment, Land, Water & Planning) to manage the foreshore.
Waratah Bay Surf Life Saving Club Waratah Beach Surf Life Saving Club (WBSLSC) has a significant club house on the foreshore, opposite the shopping centre. It provides a patrolled beach service.
South Coast Boardriders Club This club is for surfers of any age and skill level. The club holds events and activities along the south coast, especially at Sandy Point and on Waratah Bay.
Sandy Point Music Club The Sandy Point Music Club organises regular events at the Community Centre. The plan is to encompass different styles of music to cater for different ages and groups with the main focus on having social and fun evenings.
Sandy Point Community Men’s Shed Sandy Point Community Men’s Shed is now established and is an accredited member of the Australian Men’s Shed Asso- ciation (AMSA). Applications for membership are now being taken.
Sandy Point Marine Rescue Group The Marine Rescue Group provides an emergency response service for rescue and recovery of marine vessels and their occupants in Shallow Inlet and Waratah Bay.
Sandy Point Koala Action Group and WHiSPA The WHiSPA project (Wildlife and Habitat in Sandy Point Action) is about protecting our native wildlife and improv- ing their natural habitat in and around Sandy Point. One of the key projects run so far is the Koala Action Group. It is a community priority to protect and manage the local koala population to ensure that it remains healthy and sustainable into the future. The Koala Action Group, has been successful in securing $50,000 funding from the State Biodiversity On-Ground Action Grant for a Koala Action Project.
This newsletter is produced quarterly by the Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG) on behalf of the local community. You may use content from it as long as you provide appropriate and proper reference to SPCG as its source. The newsletter can be purchased in hard copy from the Sandy Point General Store and is distributed by email to all members of SPCG free of charge. If you’ve received this newsletter by email it is because you subscribed to receive it when you joined the SPCG. You can unsubscribe or update your details by emailing [email protected] or by writing to: The Editor, Sandy Point Newsletter, c/- Post Office, Sandy Point, Vic. 3959. To join the SPCG and receive this newsletter by email, use the form attached or go to www.sandypoint.vic.au. 20 Membership Application and Renewal Form
for the Sandy Point Community Group (SPCG) website: www.sandypoint.vic.au email: [email protected]
Membership renewal Could you please complete the form below and return it to us so we can confirm your details on our membership list.
New members Please complete all the details in the form below and return to us.
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Membership is $10 per person or $20 per family living at the same address. Please add $10 onto your payment if you have indicated above that you would like the Newsletter mailed to you.
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• Direct deposit into SPCG Inc. Bendigo Bank account BSB 633 000 Account 1440 68590 o Please identify your deposit by using your Initial and Surname. o Save your completed application form and email to [email protected] • Cheque made out to SPCG Inc. and mailed with a printed copy of this form to: o Sandy Point Community Group, Sandy Point, Vic 3959