LIVING TODAY IN MOOROOLBARK/YARRA RANGES No. 22 DECEMBER 2007

NEW local stadium...page 7

LOCAL TRADERS receive business awards...page 6

IRENE O’LOUGHLIN Short listed for the third time in the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards

11,500 Free Copies Distributed Throughout Mooroolbark & District 2 LIVINGTODAY 3 LIVINGTODAY

Dad would come running out to see took my appendix out whilst I worked there. the Fields. At the time the congregation was where the kids were. I can remember that as They treated me like a private patient. It cost building their first church building. Mrs Ellis HOW ‘SQUIZZY’ TAYLOR plain as anything, and I think the boys got a me nothing. asked Wally if he’d help build an annexe on whack for doing it. Dad was pretty good with Kit met her husband of 62 years, Wally, the front. 'Yes Nana, I’ll come down and help his backhander… you dodged those! He was at a dance in the Atheneum Hall, Lilydale. I you. I’m not doing anything today, I’ll take helped the English settle Mooroolbark a very caring father. I don’t know how he had can remember I had a black velvet dress you down.' After that, mother used to walk the time with 12 kids. trimmed with green. It was the black velvet down and take him a billy of tea when he was or those of us who remember, She described her allocated jobs at dress that attracted him. He picked up the working there, so he’d have afternoon tea. Squizzy Taylor was a colourful, home, such as doing the dishes and making girl in it! And he took her down to a sit down He was sitting outside the church FMelbourne criminal active in the beds before going to school. supper in the one day and someone was working on the the early 1900s. In an article on historic We all had to hop in and Atheneum hall and other church across the road, St. Margarets. interments at Brighton cemetery, the author help. And we had a cow that my then he asked me And he said ‘Nana, what’s that church over comments: brother Joe used to milk. The boys if he could walk me there?’ ‘Oh, that’s a Presbyterian one.’ And he Taylor’s criminal career can be divided used to cut the long green grass home… that was dropped his hammer and he said ‘I’m working into that of minor thefts and crime and lay that in the shade so they’d the start of it. on the wrong darn church, you know, Nana!’ (1906-08), blackmailing and mastermind have an arm full of feed to put in Before And he told me, ‘I thought she was going (1910-16) and cunning underworld figure the bale when being married, Kit to burst into tears.’ (1917-27). Convicted eighteen times mainly they’d milk the remembers going to She said, ‘Wally, Wally, you’re not going for minor offences, his efficient and lucrative cow at night. The house Wally Macdonald built the pictures, going to to leave us are you?’ ‘No’, he said, ‘I’m not business in jury rigging was used with great Mum sent for his family in Mooroolbark, after the dances, going for going to leave you. I’ll finish the job here, but effect and the longest he spent in jail was me up, ‘you can returning from working in Nauru walks. That’s how I’m really Presbyterian, you know!’ He really two years’ imprisonment for pick pocketing go and help Joe we spent our years upset her with that, but he never went and a watch at Burrumbeet racecourse near with the cows before marriage. worked on the other church. Ballarat in January 1908… 1 tonight.’ because Wally, worked as an Engineer Many remember Kit working at the Kit Macdonald, formerly Kit Ellis there were nearly on the Silvan Dam, before leaving Amcal chemist in Brice Avenue Mooroolbark recalls her parents discussing a newspaper always poddies as Mooroolbark East Primary School – to work as an engineer in the until she was in her seventies. Today, well well. And he said built on land formerly owned by Kit’s phosphate fields of Nauru. After into her nineties, her sharpness of mind and clipping, not many years after their arrival father, Joe Ellis from England in 1914. According to Kit, to me, ‘C’mon they married, Kit joined him in the touches of humour that shine through the clipping advertised Mooroolbark land have a go at Nauru; happy years, where their her stories paint the picture of a woman who being sold by ‘Squizzy’ Taylor. Her parents milking, because first child Mary was born. Douglas remains good company. discussed the matter: ‘May, do you think I when you learn to milk, I’m not going to milk and Lee were to follow. She says that she’s content and when should take my revolver with me?’ ‘No, Joe, the cow.’ And I thought, ‘aha, you’ve played Kit recalls the community in Nauru being I asked about that she replied: 'You’ve just you’ll end up in jail if you take your revolver, right into my hands fella!’ So I mucked particularly rich because everybody was lonely got to live your life. It’s no use going around leave it here with me. I’ll look after it for you!’ around with the bale. I didn’t get any milk. away from their families, so people bonded with a long face, grizzling And after travelling to Mooroolbark, And all of a sudden he said ‘Get out of there, very well. When they returned to Australia, the all the time, is it? You’ll get her father said of ‘Squizzy’; "He’s a thorough anyone can milk faster than you.’ local church became their community. nowhere Nobody wants to be gentleman. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to So down I go to mum and say ‘I’m not After their return, the family lived for a bothered with you. I’m just him, and I’ve bought a block of land". going to go and help Joe with the milking.' time with Kit’s mother in Mooroolbark before happy with people and I like May and Joe Ellis, and five children Told her what he’d said. And she said ‘Well, Wally built their house in Bathhurst Street. people. That’s it!' arrived in after sailing from you’re not to go up there. Let him milk the Sturdily constructed, it’s still lived in today. cow, you can stay down here and help me.’ Kit’s mother was very active in the Randall Bourchier England in early 1914. Kitty was born on Dad said that if there was a good mark on of her siblings would occasionally sneak off Well, that suited me fine. Mooroolbark Anglican church; St. Francis in Christmas Day, 1913. My mum used to tell the gate, mum could expect more visitors for a swim until the silence around the house Kit says that the 3½ mile walk, 3-4 people that I spoiled her last Christmas dinner for cups of tea. would alert her mum’s suspicions and they’d of us together to Montrose for school was in England. Kit remembers the original property as be caught red-handed. After a stick around good fun but that she hated school where she The family first settled in Glenferrie having two quarry holes; exploratory diggings the legs the children would be sent back to encountered some crabby teachers. where Joe tried to continue as a fruiterer prior to the establishment of the Cave Hill the house, not for a shower but for a strip I remember them saying one day ‘Oh, and greengrocer which had been his former Quarry, or Mitchell’s lime quarry, which was wash from a bucket, what Kit calls: a lick today’s the shortest day of the year.’ And I business in England. Unable to succeed in famously portrayed by Australian painter, and a promise. thought ‘Oh good, we’ll get out of school early his new surrounds, he started to travel to Arthur Streeton in 1935. The second quarry hole was cool in today.’ And I’m waiting for playtime to come outlying areas working at various jobs and summer and a favourite place for family and it didn’t come. And I thought: ‘This is a returning home at weekends. (Streeton’s) choice of picnics. Her father built a log cabin in that bit of a farce.’ And I didn’t realise until I got After Joe built a tin shed on the 5 acre subject was close to the hearts place, too, which was used conveniently to older that it was the seasonal time variation. property in Taylor Road, the family moved of the people of Lilydale, the quarantine a younger brother who contracted And I’m waiting for dinner time, it’s a hell of to Mooroolbark, where the Ellis’ had seven scarlet fever at the age of 5-6. a long time. And as for going home, it was more children, a total of 4 boys and 8 girls. quarry providing a livelihood for Kit’s recollections of childhood are a real drag of a day. Longest day of my life, I (In later years, by buying adjoining properties, many people and contributing often humourous. I was left with the distinct think. I’ve never forgotten that. her father eventually owned about 20 acres. greatly to the prosperity of the impression that hers was an active, happy When 14, Kit left school and was sent Kit remembers that Mooroolbark East Primary township.2 childhood where she was not too afraid to to work for local families needing domestic School was built on some of his land. Ellis push the occasional boundary! help. She fondly remembers the Matron of Court was named after the family.) Joe Ellis worked at the quarry slogging Dad had a wind-up gramophone. He the Winfield Private Hospital offering her 30 Unlike one of her sisters, Kit loved the stone, using hammer, pick and shovel. used to stand by the window listening to shillings a week; very good money in those seeing the stars through the gap between At the same time, he had the family home music and watching what we kids were up to. days. It was there that Kit learned to cook. walls and roof of the shed and describes how built on the Taylor Road property. Kit We had an old 4-wheel trolley. We And for 4 years she worked there happily, until the ti-tree grew right to the back door and remembers him as a great provider. They used to go up past the corner of the house. the depression meant that few people could that wallabies and kangaroos were a common never went hungry. He was a kind man with We’d all pile onto this trolley, as many as the remainsafford hospitalisation.of one of the sheds her father built. sight. Swagmen would call in. whom she could share things with absolute could get on it. The Matron was helpful and kind. They ‘Make us a cup of tea missus.’ Mum’d confidence. With the children hanging on to the make a billy of tea and then the swagmen The larger of the two quarry holes at trolley it would hurtle downhill, gathering the Taylor Road property, was filled with would go up the yard, look for the axe and momentum. As it neared the quarry hole, Mooroolbark! Have you visited your new community website? mooroolbark.org.au cut a load of wood. They were very kind like water and out of bounds to the children. the children would clutch low-lying pine an initiative of MAP Mooroolbark that. And they’d leave a mark on the gate. But, children being children, Kit and some branches, moments before the trolley, now Let us know how we can help your organisation to publicise 2 http://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/museum/Streeton.htm minus children would crash into the quarry 1 http://www.brightoncemetery.com/ (Streeton was a great friend of Dame Nellie Melba, whose father, itself more effectively on this site. HistoricInterments/150Names/taylorj.htm David Mitchell, owned Cave Hill Quarry.) hole.

ISSUE 22 December 2007 ISSUE 22 December 2007 4 LIVINGTODAY 5 LIVINGTODAY

A load of wild bullocks: International Service Project 2007 How the west was spun ommunity Service plays an important role in the student Clearning experience in all year levels at Billanook College. the title for this year’s Revue by fairdinkum A feature of the show was the tribute to our struggling farmers Through a variety of service projects, the students are encouraged to ...was entertainment, the SPJE Parish Revue Group. Held entitled "Waiting for the Big One" after which audience, cast and develop empathy and compassion for, and a good understanding of, at the Mahon Theatre at Aquinas College on Saturday 27th October, crew were given the opportunity to contribute to the Salvation the needs of different groups within the society around us. In addition, the group performed matinee and evening shows. The audience of Army Drought Appeal during the intermission. A total of $370 was through a worldwide network of schools, known as “” fellow parishioners, friends and family from donated. Billanook also fosters a strong international service-arm which reaches around Melbourne was treated to 2 ½ hours At the conclusion of the shows, out to help those in desperate needs in other parts of the world. The of song and dance and hilarity. Fr Andrew Jekot, who to the delight of the name “Round Square” originated from the site in which the schools’ The cast, ranging in age from 7 years audience had made several appearances network was founded, in 1967. It was a circular building situated in to 60-odd, had rehearsed for many months in the show himself, thanked and the administrative square at School in Scotland. to bring to the stage a mixture of music congratulated all involved. Flowers were Every student at Billanook is a member of Round Square and numbers and skits, many original pieces, presented to Director, Denise Rash and her contributes in some way towards the international service projects that beginning with a version of Paint Your chief assistant, Ann O’ Connor. take place each year. Throughout the year a number of fundraisers Wagon and finishing with the whole cast The group would like to thank all who are conducted to support these projects. Senior students apply for Sarah Miller and new friend and band performing Rawhide. The western supported the production, especially their opportunities to participate in visits to project areas. As this edition theme incorporated both American Wild sponsors: First Impressions, Mooroolbark of Living Today goes to print a number of senior students, and Round West, with skits like The Gunfight at the Community Bendigo Bank, Ray White Real Square coordinator, Megan Fortington, are planning a November visit to KO Corral, and the Aussie outback with the Estate, Lilydale, David Hodgett MP, Cr Terry the Orphanage for Poor Children just outside Mae Hong Son, in Northern Cattledog’s Revenge and The Dog Sat on the Avery, and the Old Colonial Cookie Co. Thailand. The orphanage provides a home and basic education for Tuckerbox and a popular rendition of Chad Morgan’s The Wedding. Rosemary Cullinan about 30 children who are aged between 4 and 12 years and who have no immediate family to care for them. Prior to the arrival of our students, funds are forwarded to ensure that a supply of building materials is available so that the student The Lilydale Billy Cart Grand Prix visitors can work alongside the local people in constructing improved he Lilydale Billy Cart Grand Prix on gone into the preparations. together to achieve success. Each team facilities for the orphanage. Whilst at the orphanage, in addition to Tthe 26th of August proved to be an The mentoring group was established recruited a number of other students to fill construction work, the students will also be involved in helping in the Riannon Carman works on the exciting and successful day for the students earlier this year with the aim of providing their team of billy cart pushers and set about classrooms, teaching English and building relationships and caring for school’s retaining wall involved in the Mooroolbark East Primary leadership opportunities for a select group training them up. They met together, had various needs of the children. School’s mentoring program. After weeks of students within the school. They were initial sessions to develop the skills needed As Megan points out, service projects such as this provide not spent in the construction and decoration of students selected for their leadership and then set about practicing and practicing only critical needs for the local people but also offer a life-changing Billanook aims to maintain an on-going community connection their Billy carts, and hours spent in practice, potential. The group was lead by ex- and practicing…. experience for the visiting students. In addition to learning about the between the school and the project areas in which it works. The both teams tasted success. The Year three teacher, Neil Preston, who set out to provide Congratulations must go to a group culture, history and customs of the local people, the trip provides photographs here are from the last visit to the orphanage in 2006. and four students were placed third in their opportunities for these students to develop of Year Six students, Mitchell, Ben and the students with unique opportunities to develop leadership skills, We wish this year’s travel group a safe and most enjoyable and event with the Year Five and Six students and build skills in this area. Jessica, who took on the responsibilities of to face new personal challenges and to develop their own social productive experience. finishing first. It has also provided opportunity for finding information, registration our teams It was a hugely exciting day all round students to develop skills in the area of team and ensuring that everyone knew what they consciousness. An added benefit for the students is the growth they gain Megan Fortington in understanding of global perspectives. with the results being a reflection of the hard work as events such as the billy cart grand needed to do. work and certainly the enthusiasm that had prix are dependent on the students working The students have also had the chance to be involved in other wood work activities opportunities arise In doing so she hopes to inspire others to experience and recently paid a visit to the Sandown race the pleasure of growing more Australian plants track where they were able to meet some Recently her property was featured on the ABC TV program “real” race car drivers and spend some time “Gardening Australia” and in the Gardening Australia magazine. This was followed by an “open day” under the auspices of the Australian Open examining “real” racing cars. The students Garden Scheme. On that day, over 500 people attended her property and had a fantastic day and were very excited an amount of $4,000 was raised for charity. about the experience. Cheryl is also associated with the Australian Plant Society – Foothills The next event planned is for the group Group. Her native bushland garden was developed from a former horse- to provide a barbeque lunch for the younger grazing property that she and her husband purchased 23 years ago. Over a number of years it has been landscaped to include a variety of named areas students in the school. This will again including Everlasting Walk, Correa Corner, Board Walk and Cottage Garden require the students to be well organized and and has a series of ponds which attract many wild birds, frogs and even will enable them to take on responsibilities. wood-ducks to the area. Thanks must go to Neil who has Over the years Cheryl has developed a passion for propagating and given up LOTS of his time to ensure all runs has grown about 80% of the plants herself, from cuttings and growing seedlings. Having recently retired from a career in nursing, Cheryl has smoothly and to the Lions Club who have now turned her hobby into a small business called “Wild About Natives”. provided the funds to make it all possible. Along with her associate, Graeme, she offers a service in landscape design, The growth in confidence of some of these specializing in Australian native plants. Her company can provide design students and their ability and willingness to heryl Southall has created her own beautiful bush sanctuary on plans and plant lists, and can also attend to the garden and features take on responsibility has been wonderful to Can acre of land in the heart of Mooroolbark (on the fringe of the construction for you if you wish. Edna Walling estate). She developed her secluded property primarily for Anyone interested in seeking professional guidance or in just visiting see. her own enjoyment but enjoys sharing this unique setting with others as her garden to gain some ideas and inspiration is invited to contact Cheryl on 0427 283 945. Sandra Mariniella

General Printing Technical Documentation Desktop Publishing &TM Design PUBLICATION PERSPECTIVES Back row: Keegan, Katelyn, Tom and Ben. ult System Quality

System Quality Quality Endorsed Front Row: Jaie, Jess, Mitchell, Matt and Nathan Quality and reliable service Company ISO 9001:2000 Call us on 9561 1800 Cert QEC5761

ISSUE 22 December 2007 ISSUE 22 December 2007 6 LIVINGTODAY 7 LIVINGTODAY

TENNIS. In addition it provides a mezzanine In turn, the community will also benefit Oxley stadium level, multi-purpose / meeting room which is greatly by having broad access each evening capable of seating up to 300 people. This very from Monday to Saturday. xley Stadium, a new, local school & functional space will also provide an ideal venue The significance of the value of this community sports centre, will be up Tandoori Plaza INC for classes in AEROBICS, GYMNASTICS and additional community use opportunity was and running for the start of the 2008 O BALLROOM DANCING. graphically borne out by two surprising facts school year and the local community basketball When Oxley College first envisioned that have emerged: season. Go Fresh building a sports stadium for their students they 1. Kilsyth Stadium is home to the This very attractive, “state of the art” fully anticipated that they would begin with a largest Basketball Association in Australia with facility has five full size basketball courts and has been just one year since Dominic one-court facility to which they would add extra over 1,000 teams (more than 9000 players) It will offer facilities for BASKETBALL, , Cuzzupi and his family opened the doors Leader Business courts as time went on. However, in 2004 a participating during the season. , VOLLEYBALL and TABLE- of their new business GOFRESH FRUIT unique opportunity arose. A local development 2. The Mooroolbark post code area has AND VEGIES at 5/71 Brice Avenue, Achievement project led to a significant more active junior basketball players than any Mooroolbark. Awards 2007 amount of landfill and a other post code in Australia. Dominic reckons the daily 3am starts substantial factory building Certainly, this additional local facility has and the long days are well worth it as he Coffee For Me becoming available. Oxley the strong potential to fill a real need and to be greatly enjoys working together with his ongratulations to Peter and Anastasia College saw the potential of significant benefit to community life in our Con winning the Leader Business to use the available “fill” neighbourhood. Achievement Award 2007 (Café and to reclaim an area of their The full cost of building and staffing and Dolly, the proprietors of Restaurant Category – Yarra Ranges.) property and the factory to this magnificent stadium will be met by Oxley HP Tandoori Plaza, have greatly This is a great achievement after just provide the “shell” for the College and Life Ministry Centre. LMC Pastor, enjoyed participating in and contributing to three years in this very competitive field. proposed stadium. Graham Nelson, explains that provision for community life in Mooroolbark throughout After opening the doors of their Oxley students will community use of the stadium is an expression their eighteen years of running their very business on June of Life Ministry popular Indian restaurant in the area. 30th 2004, Peter and The result is... a great win for both Centre and They enjoy a real sense of personal Anastasia soon built the school and the local community. Oxley College’s satisfaction in the fact that a large up a regular clientele commitment to retain full use of these serving and supporting the wider community, percentage of their business comes from of people who enjoy outstanding facilities as well as providing for its own needs. the regular patronage of local people. Also the intimate setting, during the day and will “Living Today” thanks LMC and Oxley that they have received three awards over the warm friendly New “State of the Art” Facility recent years for the best Indian Restaurant Dominic, Teresa, Tina, Justin and Nicholas significantly benefit from all College, on behalf of our local residents, for in the Eastern suburbs. it offers and the extended their generosity and commitment to serving sports program that is the broader community. They first opened their business family, building relationships with his many at the site now occupied by the Moo Bar planned around it. customers in our local community and and operated there until seven years ago seeing his business grow. when they took up the option to purchase Following his very early years of living Behind the scenes at their current premises-the old Post Office with his parents on the family vegetable building in Manchester Road. They transferred their business to the new site farm in Seville East, Dominic moved into Emergency Services soon after. the Mooroolbark area where he has spent Although Mooroolbark could be classified October gave the local community some good response by shire officers, HP, who has been in Australia for the rest of his life. All of his working as only in marginal danger of a bushfire insights into who does what during and after a emergency services and other 25 years has gained a degree in hotel experience has been within the fruit and emergency, it’s most important for all Shire of bushfire. community organisations management and is a graduate of Oberoi. vegetable industry. Yarra Ranges residents to be bushfire aware. “YES @ work” was part of the shire’s support services.” Dolly is a fully-fledged accountant. In starting GOFRESH he has focused Our local emergency services, the CFA, 12 month Bushfire Preparedness Community Cr Cliff said despite Together they make up a formidable on giving his customers the best deal the Police and the SES perform magnificently Development project, in partnership with the serious theme of the day, management team who are justifiably possible by providing a wide range of during bushfires, saving lives, property and the Emergency Management Branch of the “YES @ work” involved a proud of their on-going success with the products with a close eye to quality and a livestock. But the community probably doesn’t Department of Human Services. range of fun activities to show business. fair price. With his local background he is atmosphere and ‘family feel” that their know much about what these services actually Yarra Ranges councillor and local CFA the community what really In addition to regular a la carte meals also very conscious of the advantage of and restaurant offers. Many find it a great do. volunteer, Noel Cliff said the day helped the happens during and after a bushfire, along with they offer a wide range of very popular the need to support local growers. He does venue to meet friends and connect with Recently the shire gave Yarra Ranges community understand what really goes on a display of new CFA equipment. takeaway dishes. They also provide a this wherever he can. others in the community. residents an opportunity to see what goes behind the scenes during and after a bushfire. “Not only did visitors learn more about function service, catering for weddings, Following the market visits each Six year-old Antoine is very proud on behind the scenes when the services are “Many people wouldn’t realise that the what’s involved in bushfire response, they engagements, birthdays, etc. for up to 100 day, Dominic spends a good deal of of this award for the business that he fighting bushfires to save homes and keep shire, Police and the Department of also enjoyed a range of interactive activities, a people. Their facilities include a dance time attending to deliveries to various had a hand in naming. As a three year- the community safe. Among the questions Human Services play a crucial role in ensuring sausage sizzle and everyone was in the running floor and can accommodate bands, D.J’s restaurants, cafes, reception rooms , old coffee connoisseur, Antoine would they answered were “who does what during a people’s safety during and after a bushfire,” Cr to win some great door prizes.” and juke box backing for special nights. child care centres, etc. He also does a often request a baby chino by asking bushfire and after it’s over?” and “what can I do Cliff said. Residents attending “YES @ work” went Throughout the year, a considerable number of free deliveries to “Coffee for me?” to make my home safer? “It’s not just about CFA members putting away with a much greater understanding of, and number of band nights private homes, finding that many elderly Services that Peter and Anastasia The shire’s “YES @ work: Local out fires or Victoria Police putting up traffic appreciation for, the great work of Yarra Ranges’ offering Jazz, Rock & customers and busy families find it a big offer include a variety of home made Government and Your management points, there are hundreds of emergency services. Roll etc.are conducted. advantage to have this service available to biscuits, jams and chutneys, and a range Emergency Services @ Work” people involved in a range of other essential For more information, contact Kym Neville Having them. of hand made soaps and jewelry and community events in Yarra services and activities,” he said. on 1300 368 333. by David Ashton commenced with a Customers can ring in orders on organic teas and coffee Junction on Sunday 14 October “Services and activities including setting purely Indian menu, Tel. 9726 7186 or fax them on the same Along with the restaurant, Peter and Upwey on Sunday 28 up emergency relief centres, operation points and they have, over the number. and Anastasia also provide a functions the Municipal Emergency Coordination Centre all years and by popular catering service specializing in gourmet Yarra Ranges Councillor and form part of an integrated approach to bushfire We wish the Cuzzupi family every on- local CFA Volunteer - Noel Cliff request added a variety going success with their business venture. finger foods. of western and Asian Coffee For Me is situated at dishes to the fare they 11a Brice Ave. TM offer. CONGRATULATIONS ALSO TO... Why not give Mooroolbark Community Bank Branch Bendigo Bank Blooms on Brice who won the Specialty Shops category and Tandoori Plaza a employee, Louisa,who received the apprentice award. Well done! try? You won’t be who won the Real Estate category and are now Supporting The Local Community. disappointed. Professionals listed in the Leader “Hall of Fame” after winning for several years in a row. A great effort! ISSUE 22 December 2007 ISSUE 22 December 2007

Brigitte. Please substitute the word Professional (above) with the star and word from their logo I couldn’t do it. Doug 8 LIVINGTODAY 99 LIVING LIVINGTODAYTODAY Mooroolbark’s Annual Community Carols Hookey Park Friday 7th of December

5 Local Schools participating, guest vocalists together with the Croydon Brass Band! Come and enjoy a twilight picnic and Carols by Candlelight in Hookey Park, Mooroolbark Majors (Cnr. Station & Charles Sts. Parking rear of the Terrace Shopping Centre 6.30pm Food & drinks will be available for purchase at family friendly prices COMBINED 7.30pm Enjoy listening to the Croydon Brass Band CHURCHES CAROLS &Minors SERVICE "Mom, when can I get my ears pierced?" my 12-year-old son Sharp programme start 8.00pm th asked. "Mom, I want a tattoo," my 17-year-old daughter declared. Sunday 16 December Family night is a real learning experience in our household. BYO chairs and blankets. Mooroolbark Lions will have the following items Our traditional “Combined Churches One of my children chooses the restaurant we will dine in (I rarely for sale. Battery operated candle & program- $1. Carols Service” will be conducted at create edible and/or tasty food), and my other one chooses our Lions Christmas Fruit Cakes 1kg & 1.5 kg sizes Life Ministry Centre, Old Melbourne Road entertainment for the evening—they trade choices each weekend. Chirnside Park, on What I learn during our meal continually amazes me, yet validates Sunday 16th December, commencing my sense that children want parents to care about what the children at 7.00 p.m. care about in their developing world. Curfews, slouchy oversized denims, MySpace, gang affiliation, All welcome low-rise-midriff-baring clothing, mobile/cellular phones, afros, skater gear… A lot to digest for a parent attempting to remain somewhat knowledgeable of the social habits that are important to her children. I have come to believe that King Solomon’s words are eternal: that is meaningful and choice-driven as an employee. When I know Free Family "There is nothing new under the sun, all what my superordinates in the workplace expect, I am better able that has been, will be again…" to make positive and useful contributions toward the shared goals of the organization. Most people have experienced the frustration of an Our parents suffered the same angst about the interests and ever-changing, ill-defined set of expectations for the employee—it is Film Night futures of their adolescents that we do as we struggle to manage disheartening and debilitating to human productivity and creativity. Mooroolbark Community Centre our parental responsibility with love and morality. It is comforting for In the same way, children need reliable, definable, and structured on the eve of Australia me to realize that the stages of emerging adolescent independence guidelines for behavior in their development. Some parents have Day Friday January 25th are fairly predictable, and as parents we can look for two common difficulty maintaining rigid cause-and-effect consequences for their signposts on the path of a child’s pursuit of personal identity: 1) The children because they want their children to either 1) like them, or 2) child is consumed by what the child wants to do and finds his or her not suffer. RATATOUILLE desires fully justifiable, and 2) The parent is disturbed by what the child wants to do, believing it to be a reflection of the parent’s skills as Some parents have difficulty maintaining rigid Weather permitting, this will a responsible custodian. cause-and-effect consequences for their children be a “movie under the stars” because they want their children to either 1; like evening. Outdoor movie time - By Rose Huff them, or 2; not suffer. 8:50pm Neither of those sentiments is a responsible position for a parent B.Y.O. Blankets or Chairs Remembering that my feelings are normal, but misguided, If the weather is unsuitable helps me get over myself and what I perceive others may think of my to take. "...The three 'I's: Is it Illegal? Is it Immoral? Children test us to know they are safe. Think of it this way: When then the movie will be shown parenting decisions. Then I am better able to concentrate on morally indoors. responsible parenting. For me, it has come down to this: Is it Immoderate?" you get on a roller coaster, what is the first thing you do? You fasten the safety harness, then vigorously jiggle it to ensure that it has you reliably Majors and Minors. First, Illegal: My child’s desire for a piercing is not against fastened! Children "jiggle" our guidelines and rules to ensure that they When my child approaches me with a request for a "personal federal or state law; however, it may be against school rules for males will be secure for the roller coaster ride that is adolescence. It is easy Sausage sizzle in the park alteration," I first evaluate it under the scope of major (implications) to have a visible piercing, thereby rendering it "illegal" in his context. to succumb to their whinings, complainings, and "I hate you’s," but the Everyone is invited to come along at 7:30pm for a tasty and minor (implications) of experimentation using the three 'I's: Is it Next, would his proposed piercing be Immoral—violating life or liberty bottom line is, as a parent, you are their authoritative sentry. dinner before the movie. Illegal? Is it Immoral? Is it Immoderate? for another human being by trespassing right or wrong behaviors? On the other hand, if my child’s request is not illegal, immoral, or ** Sausage in bread for $1:00 Finally, is the request Immoderate—lacking in balance of energy spent immoderate, then I grow as an individual attempting to understand an **Drinks and snacks available toward the behavior, financial expense to maintain the behavior, or ever-changing world. The meanings of specific haircuts, denim styles/ **Free tea and coffee rehabilitative expense to keep the behavior in check? lengths, piercings, etc. and what they symbolized in my adolescence **Free ice-creams to follow Once I pass my child’s proposition through the three "I"s, it have changed, and so should my awareness. I don’t have to agree with is time to see how it passes through my filters of importance. This it or like it, but I need to be informed in order to make meaningful and Contact Mooroolbark Community Centre process allows me both to check my own biases and preferences, as rational decisions for my children’s best interests in their ever-evolving for bookings: 9726 5488 well as to provide my children clear, meaningful, and morally sound world. • guidelines for their conduct while clarifying for them my expectations. Dr. Rose Huff lives and works as an educational psychologist in Presented as a service to our community by Mooroolbark Christian It is a lot like a job description or promotion criteria- we need to Southern California.  Fellowship in association with Mooroolbark Community Centre know what our employer expects so that we can perform at a level  http://www.christianodyssey.com/children/majors.htm. June/Jul;y 2006

ISSUE 22 December 2007 ISSUE 22 December 2007 10 LIVINGTODAY 11 LIVINGTODAY

on the hospital balconies rather than with other women within the Congratulations Irene! hospital. Melanie was going through Others point to the richness Ckk`Pdejco ooroolbark artist, Irene O’Loughlin has been short listed for the third of family and community life. She a time of serious stress. Amidst time in the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards conducted by Arts Victoria. recalls the men of the community family and financial problems, she M In 2006, Irene’s pencil drawing of an Aboriginal elder was working on surrounding farms highly commended – and this year, her work is one among 47 art works shearing, wheat bagging or still had to find the energy to go to selected from over 360 entries. Short listed works are on display at the Koorie breaking in wild brumbies. Heritage Trust in King Street, Melbourne. work and take care of her children and 1 One of eleven children she Irene was born amongst the Nunga people at the Point Pearce Mission recalls her mother: "My mum was household chores. It all seemed just located in Yorke Peninsula, . Originally established by the ahead of her time. She made a too much. Moravian church, the Mission was taken over in 1915 by the South Australian meal out of nothing when we had government and operated as a pastoral station. By 1972, the government had nothing and it wouldn’t have been er friends noticed the change. Once talkative, funny and relinquished its management of the settlement, in favour of local residents. easy with eleven kids… she’d Hcreative, she grew withdrawn and discouraged. Normally Prominent AFL footballers came from the area – Narungga country. send us down to the killing house. cheerful, she became impatient and began grumbling at the people and Think Wangeneen, Varcoe, Goodes and O’Loughlin for starters! Irene would like They used to throw out the offal. to write a book in the future about some of these marvellous players and their She’d make lovely soup out of the circumstances in her life. She wanted to change, but how? families. One day Melanie heard on the radio that each night writing down sheep’s head and offal. By John McLean Irene received her primary school education at Point Pearce, before We used to go fishing – three good things that happened that day, and being thankful for them, continuing with secondary school whilst living in hostel accommodation in that was part of our staple diet. elanie was going“True through life a satisfactionshe was convinced. involves Something fillingas simple as takingour could make a difference. At this point she was desperate enough to Adelaide. Apart from the occasional ridiculing she received from some teachers, And we used to go out to a little the time to think about good things that had hap- give it a try. time ofminds serious stress.with Amidst constructive, healthy emotions and she enjoyed school but left when 15, to work in the Point Pearce Co-op store island called Rocky Island - when pened in her life each day instead of letting her mind before moving to Melbourne in 1962. After a week, she was amazed. After a month, she was familyattitudes.” and nancial problems, the tide was out you’d walk across, replay negative and frustrating things had changed Of her childhood, Irene has rich memories. Some are sad, involving convinced. Something as simple as taking the time to think about good and you’d get all the shag eggs – she still had toInstead nd the of energypushing heron focus.for the And ever pausing elusive to give “more”, thanks forinstead those thingsof difficulties within the community – or the discrimination the aboriginal women things that had happened each day instead of letting her mind replay reoriented her thinking and priorities in positive ways. but we never took the whole lot, Mto go to work and takerushing care of off her to children the next project, instead of waiting to be grateful until faced at the nearby hospital where they and their babies were accommodated we never stripped it. It happened once a year. It was like an annual festival. negative and frustrating things had changed her focus. And pausing “It changed my life,” Melanie said. things finally turn out as we wish, we could choose to pause right now. The government stopped it, so now we can’t have those, but I still crave for to give thanks for those things reoriented her thinking. “It changedand household my chores. And it all increasingly According to Dr. Martin Seligman, Professor of 1 Irene O’Loughlin is a Nunga, whose tribe is the Narungga people of Just take a moment to think about what you have to be grateful Yorke Peninsula in South Australia. Victorian aborignals are known as Koories; South shag eggs. They were not as strong in flavour as a duck egg. They were a life,” Melanie said. Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, consid- Australians as Nungas. seemed just too muchfor. of aNeed burden. a hint? Consider something you can express gratitude for in lovely blue and speckled with brown and the yolks were very orange and when According to Dr. Martin Seligman, Professor of Psychology at the erable research confirms the simple truth: gratitude is three areas: 1) your familyone and of the friends, most, if 2) not your the most, work significant or school attitude, life, and we boiled them, instead of the whites being white, they were transparent – a Her friends noticed the change in her demeanor. pale blue – like soft jelly. University of Pennsylvania, considerable research confirms the simple 3) your local community. directly You might connected also to want happiness to try and a lifegratitude satisfaction. journal, truth: gratitude is one of the most, if not the most significantOnce attitude, talkative, funny and creative, she grew with- We never went to school bare-footed like a lot of kids. Mummy used to drawn and discouraged. Normallylike Melanie, cheerful, in shewhich you listIronically, three goodour fast-paced, things each busy livesday often to give leave thanks directly connected to happiness and life satisfaction. us with little time to contemplate the good things go down to the local dump… and we’d collect old sandshoes and bring them became impatient and beganfor. grumbling at the people home and she’d cut the canvas off and boil the shoes up and then she’d stitch Ironically, our fast-paced, busy lives often leave us withand circumstanceslittle in her life. This is a great placewe to can start. be grateful But for.it is e just next a task, the next chore, or the next deadline, always seems to demand our new canvas on and that was our shoes! time to contemplate the good things we can be grateful for. TheShe wantednext to change—butbeginning. how? She As needed we continue, a our whole life becomes There were Government Issue blankets and when they’d wear out and task, the next chore, or the next deadline, always seems tofirst demand step, a starting place. immediate attention. Owing to a culture that defines an expression of thanks. happinessAnd that’s as “more,” a really there good is little wonder that we become thin she’d cut them down and make skirts and trousers for us. She our immediate attention. In such a frenzied quest for the “perfect”One day job, Melanie heard on the radio that taking was very industrious. She was one of the few to get a new kero fridge and she the time each night to writething. down three good things see an upswing in mental health issues and depres- house, car, television, stereo, even wife and family, we will always find sion in our affluent used to make pink and green iceblocks and sell for threepence a cone. She Adapted by Terry Villiers from the article by John McLean, made money that way. disappointment. as featured in the latest edition of Christian Odyssey Western societies. In Gratitude is the antidote to the anxiety and frustration of life in magazine. A copy of the full article can be accessed at such a frenzied quest It was hard work with a copper out in the yard for the washing. We True life satisfaction involves filling our minds with went to the sand dunes and trucked spring water to the Mission, as we had no the “give me more” culture. True life satisfaction involves filling our www.christianodyssey.com Or if you prefer, you can requestfor the “perfect” job, constructive, healthya printed emotions copy from and the editor. attitudes. (P.O. Box 228, Mooroolbark running water." minds with constructive, healthy emotions and attitudes.“ house, car, television, 3138 or phone 9726 8898) stereo—even wife and Irene didn’t stand still after moving to Melbourne. Working in a ” family—we will al- hairdressing salon, she completed her VCE in her early forties, and subsequently enrolled at Monash University through the Monash Orientation Scheme for that happened to her that day, and being thankful ways find disappointment, because we will soon crave more or better. Aborigines, where she completed an Arts degree in Australian history and a Law for those things, could make a positive difference.ur local If family of churches is pleased to welcome degree. only it were that easy, she thought. But at this point Gratitude is the antidote to the anxiety and frus- Father Andrewtration ofLang life in and the “give his mefamily more” into culture. the True life Before retiring as a result of burnout and resultant poor health, Irene she was desperate enough to give it a try. At least it worked for the Aboriginal Legal Service – work, which she found difficult, to Mooroolbark Mooroolbarksatisfaction community. involves filling Andrew our minds was with recently construc- couldn’t hurt, she reasoned. O stressful, and frequently upsetting. Being a member of the indigenous appointed as thetive, vicar healthy of St.emotions Francis’ and attitudes. in the Fields,e Bible, Anglican of Welcome After a week, she was amazed. After a month, community meant that it was virtually impossible for her to maintain a buffer Church in Mooroolbark. between her work and leisure. 20 Christian Odyssey | October/November 2 007 Illustration: iStockphoto.com Prior to this appointment Andrew served for three Later, she worked for a short time as the Native Title Solicitor for the years as Rector in Horsham, Victoria. In his earlier years Mirimbiak Nations Aboriginal Corporation, followed by a time of employment Andrew held a number of industrial positions in the fields with the Monash Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies. In 1999 Irene of chemistry and computing before becoming more focused moved to Mooroolbark – and loves the fabulous neighbours and the friendliness she experiences in the shopping precinct. on ministry. Since retiring, painting has become a full-time preoccupation, having Soon after they were married in 1984, both Andrew been taught to paint by her mother and aunt, whilst learning her cultural stories and his wife Louise, became involved in youth work and in from an early age. Along the way, though, Irene has been influenced by favourite various mission activities and each completed a Christian painters such as: Van Gogh, Emily Kngwarreye and John Olsen. Workers Certificate. In 1987 they traveled to Kumasi in In 2005, she had her first exhibition. Held at the Walker Street Gallery Ghana (West Africa) where they attended the Christian in Dandenong, it was very successful, with most of the displayed works being sold. She has also completed some commissioned works – with logos for Service College. In 1989 they both graduated with Eastern Health and the Mullum Mullum indigenous community among them. diplomas in Theology and Biblical Studies. Irene finds time, too, to contribute to the community. From time to Back in , Andrew was ordained a priest in time, she donates a painting to help groups fundraise. Examples are the 2000 1995. His first subsequent appointment was in Cressy. Paraolympics, and local boy Zack – helping to fund his expensive medical Esther , Andrew, Rupert, Ossie, and Louise Throughout their ministry together Andrew and Louise procedures. She regularly helps out in a supportive role at Toor-rong – a have served in a number of areas and responsibilities community food bank in the Healesville area set up by one of the Taungurung elders, Aunty Glenys Merry. Her continued commitment to helping others no within the Anglican Church and have been deeply involved doubt stems from a deeply held personal value about community: in a wide range of broader community activities. They look "Community – it’s working together and helping one another out. forward to continuing their community work in our local Treating people how you’d like to be treated. Community is being there for neighbourhood. someone in need." We warmly welcome the whole family and wish them Thankyou very much, Irene, for your inspiring story – for your warmth of every happiness and fulfillment in the years that lie ahead. welcome – and for the encouraging example of achievement and friendly care extended to so many over so many years!

ISSUE 22 December 2007 ISSUE 22 December 2007 12 LIVINGTODAY LIVING TODAY A great club man at MFC in Mooroolbark enis ‘Butch’ Robinson epitomises the ‘great’ voluntary service, Butch quickly states, “Once I Production Dlocal sports club man. A committed player, commit to something, I make sure I do it! That’s a long time club volunteer, a worker and a family my way of thinking”. He’s even hard on himself, LIVINGTODAY in Mooroolbark man – all the ingredients of a Great Club Man. expressing disapproval for missing one year when is produced by a group of As a 15 year old kid, Butch started playing he had to undergo an operation. local volunteers football with Diamond Creek. He recalls that back Butch Robinson has been involved as a in those days, you had to be 15 before you could player in Local Aussie Rules Football for over 600 play footy. He went on to play with King Lake for games, 204 of them with the Mooroolbark Football Editor a number of years, including a year as Captain/ Club, and many more as the Reserves Boundary Doug Lewis Coach. Umpire. It was the end of the 2007 Home and It was 1976 that bought Butch to the Away season, Mooroolbark’s last game at home, Mooroolbark Football Club. Having married the that saw Butch retire from running the boundary Publication year before, Denis and his wife were looking for a line. He said the legs were telling him “It’s time to Published quarterly as a service to home and were visiting an Uncle in Croydon for give it up”. our community by a BBQ. They Butch says Mooroolbark Christian Fellowship liked the area the Club has been and proceeded good to him. He to purchase a has made some Contact house in Mount terrific friendships Phone 03 9726 8898 Dandenong and is proud of the Mail PO Box 228 Mooroolbark VIC 3138 Road. It was people he has met then that around the club. He Email [email protected] Butch saw an reminds everyone advertisement that he will continue Distribution in the local to support the club, paper “Players but is looking forward 11 500 copies distributed throughout Wanted for the to relaxing Saturday Mooroolbark and the Mooroolbark mornings and will surrounding district Football Club”. take the time to see This was the his three Grandsons start of a very play football - one Contributing Writers for successful, long 14, one 12 and one This Issue term partnership between the Robinson Family and 8 in AusKick. Terry Villiers, Randall Bourchier, the Mooroolbark Football Club. And finally, after knowing Butch for many Butch went on to play 204 games for the years, I asked where the nickname ‘Butch’ came David Hodgett, David Ashton club with his wife and three daughters coming from, to which he replied, “My Dad starting calling Terry Spottiswood, to every game to cheer him on. Butch says they me Butch because I use to smash up all of my Megan Fortington, Sandra Marinella, had no choice, but admits his wife was his most toys, so he called me a butcher and the name Rosemary Culinan adamant supporter. Butch stuck”. It stretches the memory, but Butch says he We congratulate and thank Denis ‘Butch’ hung up the playing boots around 1990/1991. Robinson on being a tremendous clubman and Cover Photograph It was then however that he volunteered to run serving the Mooroolbark Football club for all of the boundary line for the reserves and went on those years. AlleyCat Creations to perform the task of Reserve Grade Boundary Umpire for the next 17 years. Asked about this by David Hodgett Graphic Design Brigitte Donnini

Printing One year ON Publication Perspectives Terry Spottiswood reflects skills that will aid their transition to secondary school. Mulgrave, Victoria on her first year as The school has been successful in many grant principal at Rolling Hills applications including the Community Water Grant, Primary School a Chaplaincy Grant and the Investing in Our Schools Like to Contribute? This time last year I grant which will be used to source a multi-purpose If you have a good news story about was writing my first newsletter facility to house our OSH Care and other specialty people who you believe are an as Principal for Rolling Hills programs. We have introduced a range of engaging example to the community, please Primary School. I was very programs including Instrumental Music, Circus Skills, excited, incredibly nervous a staff aerobics program and even ventured to the contact the editor through our church and somewhat overawed. My predecessor was the Teacher Games for the first time. office number or by email (as above) founding principal of the school and was much loved We have achieved many amazing things in my by the community. These were big shoes to fill. first twelve months. Our students have participated Rolling Hills is a vibrant school, embracing in a number of programs both at the school and in change at an exponential rate. The opportunity to the wider community. We offer a range of exciting employ new staff has enhanced our school profile, extension programs introduced for students from with the addition of staff who bring additional Prep – 6. We have introduced fortnightly Friday MISSION STATEMENT passion, energy and new skills to the solid foundation assemblies, led by our House Captains, where that is Rolling Hills. This complements the great students celebrate their many achievements. social rapport which was a significant factor of the I am encouraged by the wonderful home- To contribute towards and to help to team in the past and continues to thrive even at the school partnership that exists at the school. It is truly foster a Growing Community Spirit busiest times in the school calendar. one of my greatest pleasures to greet parents and within our neighbourhood. Staff and students continue to develop children in the mornings and welcome them to the their Information and Communications Technology new day. Our parents are informed, active and know skills (ICT) through the introduction of innovating what they want for their students. Our Parents and We seek to achieve this by: technologies such as interactive whiteboards. The Friends Association and School Council support so school maintains a strong focus on Sustainability, many of our programs and we could not achieve the ensuring our students are aware of their responsibility success we have without their valued input. • Highlighting the many positives for using resources wisely now and into the future. One year on and I can assure you that I within our community Student leadership has been a significant have as much enthusiasm and passion for our focus of our new direction. This year saw the future directions as ever. The job is challenging, introduction of inaugural School Captains and a but thoroughly enjoyable. I have the honour and • Encouraging partnership in House system. Four houses were established, named privilege of working with wonderful teachers, parents community initiatives in honour of Australian sports people: Bradman, and students. Every day brings new and exciting Thorpe, Rafter and Freeman. Our house captains moments that make me realise what a wonderful and vice-captains have ably led our students through position I am privileged tohold and how much I am • Contributing to the process the course of the year and have developed leadership enjoying my learning journey. of identifying and addressing ISSUE 22 December 2007 community needs and concerns