THE croaker

Correspondence to: the Editors via email: [email protected] Volume 7 No. 4 August 2014 Editors Deb Campbell & Jane Gorman

Telstra is coming to the Marsh: Meeting Wednesday August 20th at 5.00pm—7.00pm ADSL & 4G For Deans Marsh: Deans Marsh and district is embarking on a quest to work with Telstra to help us upgrade all our communica- tions systems so that they do actually communicate. We have already collected a list of 50 interested com- munity members to show we are serious. Now we need to assemble and ask questions and put our case. When I first moved to the Marsh from Lorne, I was told by Customer Service in rather triumphal tones ‘Deans Marsh doesn’t have ADSL and it never will’. But it appears this is not necessarily the case. Our neighbours in Lorne and campaigned for ADSL and succeeded: now it is our turn. Deans Marsh is right in the middle of one of ’s most fire-prone areas. We have increasing numbers of visitors travelling through whose phones and sat navs do not work here. We also have residents whose mo- biles do not work in their own homes, let alone anywhere outside. We also have expensive and inadequate internet. We are hoping to work with Telstra to make real changes; the first step is a demonstration of support from us all. Anyone who is around 5kms from the Deans Marsh exchange should be able to get ADSL, and a 4G tower would help everyone, including visitors and travellers. The meeting with Telstra staff from both the mobile and infrastructure divisions will be held at the Deans Marsh Hall. Put that date in your diaries and please show up to fight for proper communication in the Deans Marsh district. Deb Campbell

Walk the Barwon It took three days for the first leg to be walked along the from its eastern branch headwaters at the top of the Otways near Thompson Track, to Birregurra. As the crow flies, it’s about 32 kilometres, but the actual distance was 43 kilometres (from calculations made by Sue Harris). Twenty walkers (appendix 1) trav- elled on 22 private properties (appendix 2), whose owners had kindly granted permission following represen- tations by Loraine Cosgriff, who once farmed in this valley, and still knows many of them. On the way, the travellers saw a number of features that distinguish the Barwon:  The forested headwaters (mostly in national park);  Lake Elizabeth;  West Barwon Reservoir (’s main water source);  Acid sulfate effects in Boundary Creek;  Some restoration projects in the flood plain and main channel;  A new fencing system; and Plenty of restoration opportunities. Organizer Jennifer Morrow, and her trusty lieutenant Richard Gilbert are understandably delighted that, after three years of planning and negotiating, the first leg has been achieved, with accolades from all concerned. And they’re reinvigorated in their ambition to complete the whole journey, all the way to the mouth at Barwon Heads. They and a team of helpers believe that such a walk will enhance the process of reconnecting people with each other and their natural environment, the condition of which is so often reflected in the rivers. It’ll take a few years. his is an excerpt of Peter’s account. His complete article is available at http://deansmarsh.org.au/walk-the-barwon/

The Cottage - New Activities for Term 3 Pop into the general store for a free coffee and chat Mondays 9.30 - 10.30; Kids Music & Movement Fridays 9 - 10am Photography Basics Friday 8/8 1-3pm; Shellac Etching 23/8 10- 1pm; Random Weave Basket 13/9 10-12.30pm; First Aid & Food Handling Courses – TBA

The Croaker is a not for profit, bi-monthly voluntary publication and is for general information purposes only. The views expressed here are not necessarily those of the Editors or the Croaker Committee. Alternative points of view to those expressed in opinion arti- cles are encouraged and welcomed. Please contact us via email at [email protected] . Refugees: The Real Story At Martians on June 13 an interested and attentive audience heard Jenny Mackenzie talk about her work on Manus Island. The audience expressed a keen desire to know what they could do to support refugees. The Lorne Op Shop recently provided gift vouchers for seven families through Diversitat Colac, and RAR organised the Festival of Hope which featured Julian Burnside. On Q and A recently both Richard di Natale and Darryn Lyons, the Mayor of Geelong spoke passionately about the issue: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/ qanda/txt/s4012281.htm . For those wanting to help, contact Diversitat in Geelong and Colac see http:// www.diversitat.org.au/who-s-diversitat, or Rural Australians for Refugees in Apollo Bay http://www.apollobay.vic.au/apollo- bay-community-groups/apollo-bay-community-groups/213- apollo-bay-rural-australians-for-refugees] Deb Campbell

Wordsmiths in Winter On Sunday 29th June, on a cold wintery evening, 8 poets gathered at Martians. They were Andrew Beale, Harry Reed, Linnet Hunter, Keith Maxwell, Christine Smith, Brian Poynton, Ray Moore and Eugene. Their styles varied from powerful moving notes of life experiences to light-hearted interpreta- tions of local identities to some memorable bush poetry. An audience of about thirty sat down to a wonderful array of tapas and local wines while we embraced the works of these 6 Star Energy Ratings and Bushfire Assess- talented wordsmiths. Thanks go to Richard Gilbert for organ- ments ising the event. We hope there is another evening just like it New homes, relocations & extensions very soon. Judy Goddard contact Bruce St Clair Effective Thermal Solutions Tiger Trail Update 0435 892 799 or 52363231 A Tiger Trial Open House held on June 17 to showed plans www.effectivethermalsolutions.com.au for a bike and walking trail on the old railway line. Opposi- tion by landowners and the private ownership of the former railway corridor means further development of the rail trail in Deans Marsh is unlikely. However, the steering commit- tee is committed to considering Deans Marsh within a group of four townships; including , Birre- gurra & Forrest. Our towns share a common goal of at- tracting people to the area; offering healthy, safe and envi- ronmentally friendly recreational activities. We are part of a great destination for walkers, cyclists, and mountain bike users and opportunities for local businesses and tourism exist. The next phase, to produce the Issues & Opportuni- ties Report, will be based on findings and issues raised from the Open House meetings. Under consideration is to link Birregurra and Forrest with a series of road verges and paths. Recent reporting in the issue can be found at http:// Mark Borwick Plumbing& www.colacherald.com.au/2014/07/new-pathway-proposed-take- Roofing Services cyclists-road/Colac and see also www.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ My_Community/ Recreation_and_Leisure/Tracks_Trails/ *Roofing *Domestic and Rural Plumbing *Sewerage / iger_Rail_Trail_Feasibility_StudyJane Gorman Septic work * Water tanks * Insulation After hours and weekends, Servicing Deans Marsh More sad news... and surrounding areas We were sad to learn that Margaret Stewart and Cliff Castles passed away last week. Our thoughts are with the Call Mark : 0427621233 Stewart family: Janet, Hugh, Andrew and Elspeth and to the Castles family: Beryl, Noel, Pam and their families.

Volume 7 No. 4 August 2014 Gas free Deans Marsh Pennyroyal So many towns in our region are getting active on the gas mining issue that a Western Alliance of all of us has been created to coordinate and share campaigns in the run up to the state election in November. The Gas Free Deans Marsh meeting on July 28 was told about: the new networkl ; a Musical Fundraiser scheduled for October 4 in the Deans Marsh Hall; GFDM signs being ordered to place at the entrances to town; and, the new GFDM website: http://gasfieldfreedeansmarsh.com If anyone would like to volunteer their fences to host signs, please contact Liz Bashford at [email protected] Senator Richard di Natale gave Deans Marsh a mention in the Senate in June as he criticised both the state govern- ment and opposition for failing to support a permanent ban on coal seam and unconventional gas mining in Victoria. [see http://richard-di-natale.greensmps.org.au/nocsgvictoria] Meanwhile the state government is running community con- sultations to see what we all think. Liz Bashford

Emerging from the mud at the Oval is a culmination of three projects First, the playground been upgraded to include a new ac- cessible basket swing, a 4 piece fitness play area (chin up/ horizontal bars, dip/parallel bars, step ups and sit up bench), 2 timber play sculptures (frog and turtle), a timber shade ar- bour over the sand pit and site landscaping. Sculpted by Veronica Phillips with her chainsaw, the large timber trunks have evolved into creations of beautiful sculptures. The Playground Working Group worked with Council on the design of the playground extension. This group included Veronica Phillips, Leah Wendt, Kylie Permezel, Donna Nolan, Ruth Gazzard, Tahli Dobbin, Lucy Quarterman, Jane Whitehead and Fran Permezel. Thanks to you all and the Council. This has been a great partnership with the best possible outcome for the local community. The skate park received funds from state government and the Surf Coast Shire Youth Development Team provided two professional street artists to create a mural. Themed “flight”. The artists were assisted by 3 young people (including Leo & Patrick Coleman) There is also a photography component to the mural. Finally, there are also Drainage works to the BMX track/ Skate Park Area being completed this month. Thanks from us all to those involved in the planning, funding and con- struction.

Tip Closure Confirmed Although there were definitely some murmurings of dis- content in the Marsh about the tip closure, and several people contacted the Council to complain, the decision was passed by the full Council on July 22, & will take effect October 31, 2014. The last tip session will be October 30.

What’s On Thursday 7th August at 9.30am Deans Marsh Primary School Contact the school 5236 3264 Wednedsay 20th August at 5.00pm Telstra Meeting Before the OMM rehearsal Friday 29th August Film Night “ Ten Canoes” by Rolf de Heer Blakes Estate BYP Chair & Wine & gold coin. T: 5236 3462 August 30th & 31st afternoon Lorne Performing Arts Festival OMM Performances: Louise Brown 5288 7060

Deans Marsh Primary School News A Trial Bus Service The Royal Flying Doctor Service came to our school The Geelong Region Alliance (G21) has identified with their aero-medical simulator. See the full article the need for public transport delivery to townships and a photograph of some of our very enthusiastic that have no form of daily public transport – such school children at www.surfcoasttimes.com.au/ as Deans Marsh, Bambra, Forrest, , news/2014/07/24/flying-doctors-drive-into-deans- Funds were allocated to commence trials of regular marsh/ Funds from the Bendigo Bank were used to bus services. There could be an opportunity for buy 2 climbing walls & a “spider web” - a steel cabled the area to take part in a trial daily bus service to piece of climbing equipment. Great additions to our Colac with a possible link to Winchelsea -Deans playground. New prep parents and interested commu- Marsh - Birregurra. Petitions from communities nity members are welcome to our information session showing active support will, the Alliance says, be in August. Please RSVP as we provide morning tea. given serious consideration. At present the sum- See What’s On for details or, go our website at mer service between Colac and Lorne is not well [email protected] patronised as the schedule is inflexible, not well advertised, and the use of a 60 seater bus not ap- The Martians – baseball stars…..who knew? propriate. Although there has been a positive re- sponse from community members in Deans Marsh The Croaker has discovered an exciting truth about the & Birregurra communities, those in Lorne do not Marsh: Bryan Cuthbertson of the Colac Braves Base- seem keen. While economics will decide things – ball Club has been in touch to tell us that Deans Marsh no doubt – those who would use such a service was home to many baseball stars in the 1970s and 80s, should make their voices heard. Juliet Beatty including our own Andrew Stewart. Bryan says ‘The Colac Baseball League, formed in 1964 is conducting a 50 year reunion dinner and is looking for anybody in- Check out the new playground & BBQ at the volved in baseball in any form during this time. The Deans Marsh area is particularly important as it entered Bambra Hall & Tennis Courts, thanks SCSC. its own team in the competition in the early 70s made up of local schoolteachers and farmers. The home ground was the cricket club, and it was someone's job to herd the sheep off. The team went into recess for a short period but in the 80s came back, eventually win- ning premierships and also entered a junior side. From the first day they were always known as the “The Mar- tians Baseball Club”. The Dinner at COPACC is on Saturday October 11. Contact Bryan for tickets on 0429 321 916. Thanks Bryan for getting in touch. We hope to bring you further details of the Martians base- ball triumphs in later editions.

Red Cross Farewells Nellie Melba White Deans Marsh lost a very valued and much loved mem- ber of its community when Nellie Melba White passed away on 29 May. Nellie was a member of the Red Cross in Deans Marsh for over 60 years and this was recognized by her receiving both long service and out- standing service awards. Over this time she held many of the office bearer positions. This year alone she knit- ted 34 trauma teddies, 6 rugs, 8 scarves and 4 beanies. The members of Red Cross will sorely miss her cheer- ful presence, both as a friend and as a loyal member of the Red Cross and the community.

Volume 7 No. 4 August 2014