Proudly published by

ABN 58 129 541 706 December 2019/January 2020 Issue 87

YACKANDANDAH FIREFIGHTERS HELP OUT IN THE DEVASTATING NORTHERN BUSHFIRES Yack firefighters are never backward in coming forward, and November has seen a number of our great CFA volunteers take to the tankers and head up to NSW. We all wish them a safe time up there, and look forward to the time when these fires are extinguished and the local communities in NSW and Queensland can sleep easily in their beds again. It doesn’t seem all that long ago when Yack was filled with tankers from all over Australia when we were fighting bush fires, particularly in 2003 and 2015. The streets of Yack were lined with tankers and utes, with exhausted firefighters sleeping on the pavements. Even now, the whiff of burning in the air can lift the hair on the back of the neck, and raise adrenalin in the system.

There will doubtless be other fires before the winter, but let us hope that Yack and district manages to avoid the tragedies that NSW and Queensland have so tragically found themselves in. The Yackandandah tanker at the Greta fire, north west of Newcastle in NSW, pictured with the Erikson Aircrane, See the CFA article on page 5. “Georgia Peach,” Helitack 739, in the air above it. Photograph by Chris Wingard

YCDCo announce All Change at the a 2019 dividend Yack Newsagency to shareholders at We are all very sad to say goodbye to the their AGM Laceys who have had the Newsagency since The Board of YCDCo announced a $10/share dividend to shareholders at the 2000. In that time, James and Cassandra have AGM which was held at the CFA Rooms in Yackandandah on Wednesday, 20th very much become part of our extraordinary November. Yack community. “It has been another good year for YCDCo” said Chair Ian Fitzpatrick, “with Cassandra has had a long involvement with the community company making an overall profit of $115,595 for the 2018/19 the Folk Festival over the years, organising the financial year, and giving back to the community the sum of $28,228 for various merchandise and general running of the event. community projects. James, as we all know, has been a driving force “I wish to thank Myron Bullivant for his commitment and assistance over the behind the Yack Tracks, the Beechworth-Yack years. Myron is retiring from the Board as from the AGM. The Board works Rail Trail, the setting up of YCDCo and with very hard on behalf of YCDCo, and my thanks goes to them all.” the Yack Chamber of Commerce. Board members currently are: Ian Fitzpatrick - Chair; Ali Pockley - Company We will all miss your smiling faces and wish Secretary, Phil Newman, Michael Bell, Max Horwath, Andrew Greig and Barry you and “The Kids” all the very best into the Maginness. future. See page 22 for “7 things you should know about YCDCo” Visit our Town’s Tourist Information website, call in at the Old Post Office,

and make sure you take your visitors there.

There are some great people there to help you exploreyackandandah.com.au YACKITY YAK

Yackity Yak is a free bi-monthly publication aimed at ARE YOU A YACK BASED BUSINESS, OR DO YOU providing news, entertainment and information to the SERVE THE YACK AREA? people of Yackandandah. Would you like to advertise in Yackity Yak? Yackity Yak is published by YCDCo (Yackity Yak) Pty Ltd. and 1,600 copies of Yackity Yak are printed with each We are always keen to attract advertisers for this great paper. It has a release with a minimum of 900 copies distributed free of charge to homes in the Yackandandah and surrounding circulation of 1,600 copies & is delivered free of charge every 2 months. area via Australia Post. It’s also available at the following outlets: CONTACT DETAILS: Editor / Advertising / Printing / Accounts * YCDCo * Visitor Info Centre Ali Pockley *Doctors’ Surgeries *Indigo Shire Council Yackity Yak C/- Yackandandah Post Office, *Yack Community Centre *Yack PO *Yack Newsagency High Street, Yackandandah VIC 3749 It’s a great way to get your message across to the Yack community and Ph: 0448 803 411 doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. E-mail: [email protected] Web: ycdco.com.au/yackity-yak Speak with Ali if you would like to advertise & we will do our best to accommodate your wishes. Tel. 0448 803 411 or email: [email protected] Yackity Yak wishes to advise that the views and or remarks expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of Yackity Yak editorial or production staff, and no endorsement or service is implied by the listing of advertisers or contributors. Although every effort is taken in reproducing and printing advertisements correctly, we take no A RAMBLE WITH THE responsibility for errors. EDITOR 2020 DEADLINES: Forthcoming deadline for submission of advertisements and articles for Yackity Yak are 5pm on the following days: Well, another bumper edition of Yackity Yak - lots going on so there will doubtless EDITION DATE DEADLINE COPY/ADVERTS CIRCULATION DATE be lots of catching up to do before and after Christmas. Make sure you help the 88 Feb/March Friday, 17th January, 2020 Wednesday, 29th January CARE Sanctuary at Yack Health with their 89 April/May Friday, 20th March, 2020 Monday, 30th March inaugural planting on 5th December - see the invitation on the page opposite. 90 June/July Friday, 15th May, 2020 Friday, 29th May In the meantime, it’s all change at the Yack Newsagency. Warren and Denise 91 August/September Friday ,17th July, 2020 Tuesday, 28th July Gould from Ausmentoes are now the new owners of the Newsagency. 92 October/November Friday, 18th September, 2020 Tuesday, 29th September Congratulations to everyone connected with the Newsagency and remember to 93 December/January Friday 13th November, 2020 Wednesday, 25th November use it... With the coming of summer and dry conditions, we are all feeling somewhat vulnerable these days. NSW and Queensland have coped a mighty blow with unprecedented bushfires, and it seems that South Australia is now also in the firing line as Yackity Yak is put to bed for this CALL 03 5728 3295 issue. It behoves us all to make our properties as safe as we can and to 29B Camp Street, have a fire plan ready and loaded on the fridge door. Beechworth VIC 3747 We have a brand new Arts Festival happening in December (see page 18) with buckets of great events for you to enjoy. This is building on the High Country Christmas Craft Fair that has been running for a number of years, courtesy of the Yack Community Centre, so make sure you get along and support this brilliant little Festival that is taking its first steps this year. Selling Insects in chaos? Has anyone else noted the dearth of insect life about? At this time of the year when the leptospermums/tea trees are in flower, we or Buying normally have butterflies, natives bees and wasps galore. Not this year. And no moths around at night either. We remember the night time drives when there were veritable snowstorms of moths about. What on earth is happening to our earth?? See page 19 for some explanations. We’ve got Ali you covered.    Jamie Horne  Principal & Sales  0438 280 867     www.indigorealestate.com.au   Beechworth • Chiltern • Eldorado • Myrtleford • Stanley  Tarrawingee • Wooragee • Yackandandah  Your local, trusted and independent real estate agency. 

2 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 Supported Living Apartments Available at Yackandandah Health At Yackandandah Health we are creating a are unavailable (through vibrant, intentional intergenerational care illness, holidays or respite community. Our current offerings include aged leave). We already have care, childcare, a medical practice and assisted house specialists and living units with plans to build affordable visiting student nurses independent living accommodation in the and will continue to offer future. temporary accommodation on that basis. A CARE sanctuary is currently under development Short term stays at (Community garden, Animals, Yackandandah Health Relationships and Education). start from $350 per The CARE Sanctuary will week, allowing carers connect our older residents to take a break and to The lounge in our furnished apartment to others in the community rest assured that caring through the garden and staff are on hand in the offer a quality lifestyle, social connections and peace of mind. Just animals they help care comfortable and safe surrounds of our Yackandandah Health community. for. The Sanctuary gives Maybe a short caring stay to relax and recharge, or a well-deservedVillage, you will break have youdirect access to residents meaningful outdoor need or your loved one deserves. Your loved one will enjoyYackandandah’s their respite cafes stay and in boutique activities and restores a sense a fully furnished apartment, centrally located within our communityshops. with easy of purpose in their lives, access to amenities and services. Domestic cleaning andWith laundry a modern, are comfortable included, layout, the contributing to their physical delicious meals provided daily at extra cost all in a comfortable,apartments fully feature furnished a living room, user- and mental wellbeing. The apartment. friendly bathroom and kitchenette. Each apartment opens to a private courtyard CARE sanctuary will also be garden and has a car parking space. used by children in our Little You can be sure your loved one is receiving only the Yacks Childcare Centre, the best care and support tailored to their individual Kindergarten and local schools. All activities through the sanctuary provide needs. With experienced staff who feel more like opportunities for intergenerational programs. The resident animals and garden family, your loved one will feel safe, secure and will facilitate these positive intergenerational interactions with the assistance of comfortable during their experienced CARE Sanctuary staff. stay. Our care staff are on-site 24/7, we have a Our supported living friendly team who love apartments are located near a chat and medication

the CARE Sanctuary offering support is available, if views over the community required. garden and surrounding landscape. One apartment is We also have 3 apartments available for supported available for short term stays accommodation for long term stays based on a for NDIS clients who may Founder option – an agreement like Retirement need to access temporary Village Apartment loan/license arrangements. We are accepting enquiries or registration of interest The outside of the accommodation or older new apartments at on the remaining apartments now. Please contact people who have an ACAS – for Yackandandah Health The kitchen/dining area of our furnished apartment occasions when regular carers Lisa Greenwood at 6028 0100 for more details.

SPIDERS, RODENTS, BEES, EUROPEAN WASPS, TERMITES, MILLIPEDES, EARWIGS, ETC AND BAITING SYSTEMS

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 3 Yackandandah Positive Birth Movement

A monthly gathering welcoming anyone wishing to surround themselves with positive birth talk. This is a safe space to absorb positive birth stories, share experiences and unpack feelings about reproduction, conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. The intention is to come together in a nurturing environment to lift each other up and leave feeling heard, whatever your journey. Each month will have a theme to ignite curiosity and consideration, challenge perceptions and inspire confidence.

Coming along could be a great positive step in taking responsibility for your birth, both in mind and body. It is FREE to attend. The next gathering will be Wednesday 12th February 2020, and the second Wednesday of every month thereafter. Please bring a plate to share (if able). Meetings being held Monthly in Yack every Third Tuesday of the month. Contact Louise on Contact Louise on 0425 707 346 for location details and up to date information on group 0425 707 346 for location details. meetings. For more information about this initiative you can visit www.positivebirthmovement.org or facebook.com/yackandandahpositivebirthmovement/

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Dear Editor, stock, I saw many stumps of giant trees We also blame climate change on the all petrified; they would have been Great Barrier Reef dying, but it’s the As tourists taking a 4 day break I read with interest Yackity Yak well over 2 metres across. And this was pressure of the human race who is in Beechworth, we happened on concerning the School Strike for Climate desert country with just sandhills and building right up to the beach sands your paper and have decided your Change. I am not writing this for making short scrub and hot as hell, with little with their high-rise buildings etc that is readership have a life to be envied! a nuisance of myself, glue myself to the or no water. We asked about them to killing the Reef. There is only a narrow road, hold up traffic and those just trying a couple of Aborigines we had with us strip of good green agricultural country Your advertisers and contributors to get to work or go about their usual and they said back thousands of years right around Australia, and due to show a community that is pulling business, I am just sticking to the facts ago, the Birdsville area was very forested immigration completely out of control, together, unlike so many parts of of life, as they are. First off, I must point and had running streams etc. Gradually everything is feeling the pressure of metro Melbourne! as Mark Twain once stated, and I quote the climate changing all the time ended it all. This is the truth, and we must “It is far easier to fool the people than to it all to what it is today – desert. And it face the facts of it all. If Australia Just want to thank you for our brief try and show them that they have been is still changing with time. Also when I does not stop this mad immigration, enjoyment in this part of the world! fooled”. was scrubber running in the wild rugged it will get far worse in the future. One Carnarvon Ranges in Central Queensland time in Australia if a box fell out of an Carol Griffiths Back in the early fifties, I being a cattle I also saw giant petrified stumps, and aeroplane we would have to send out drover, went out Birdsville way to pick very big tree roots sticking out of gullies black trackers to find it. Today with the * * * * * up a mob of bullocks to take to Quilpie that were petrified as well. The whole pressure of immigration, it’s just a case in far western Queensland’s rail head. of the Carnarvon Range was created by of finding all the bodies that it fell on. When I got there we found a shortage mighty rivers cutting their way through of a couple of hundred the sandstone which caused all the cliffs When we can digest all the truth, it head that had strayed onto and gorges that exist there today. But will be far better for us to plan ahead other properties. So we due to the occurrence of climate change without our children listening to a lot of went onto other properties that has been going on for millions of school teachers that spout dribble and west of Birdsville and west years, things are changing all the time, stir up trouble, with nothing substantial of the Warburton River and will continue to do so for millions of to back it up. We should be looking into to pick up our wandering years more. the teachings at schools. stock. Whilst mustering and searching for our lost Of course so called scientists will say anything just to keep themselves in a job, and are warned and manipulated to what to say when asked

Let’s all wake up. Of course there is climate change – there has been for millions of years. We had Attenborough telling us about the big jets that fly millions of trips a day Licensed and insured builders spewing out disaster into the atmosphere, but nothing is done about it, because we Garages & Sheds need to them to travel in. The motor car spewing out Patios & Carports disaster into the atmosphere, but yet again silence, because we want them. Not forgetting Factories the human pressure putting our once great country in Farm Sheds peril of becoming a third world country as we slowly sink down into the mire of Kit Homes stupidity. And the leaders of the future believing all sorts of c*#p fed to them.

02 6024 3333 As the author Xavier Herbert Terri Manderson once said, “Poor fellow my country”. Working with you, Bill Whitham, Tallangatta supporting our local community

4 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 YACKANDANDAH CFA A HELPING HAND update on the coming season and to welcome new residents. Members from the Yackandandah Fire Brigade were among the many CFA volunteers who went to help The Brigade’s annual Open Day their fellow firefighters in NSW in response to a on Sunday, October 20, saw more call for assistance arising from the devastating fires than 60 adults, nearly 60 children in NSW and Queensland. The first crew (driving (and nine dogs) come along to the up Yackandandah Tanker 1) to be deployed on fire station to learn more about protecting their properties, the importance of having a Bushfire Survival Plan, and for the children, practice their ‘hose-squirting’ skills and clamber aboard the fire trucks. “One thing that came out of discussions at the information booth Open Day - Captain Yves Quaglio shows a younger member of our was that many people are unaware community how to operate a fire hose of the Vic Emergency app,” says the Brigade’s Community Education and Information • Have the Vic Emergency App on your phone, Officer, Dennis Arne. listen to the ABC so you know what’s happening fire wise in your locality, and A Burn Table Demonstration on Sunday 10 November where 38 people attended one of three • Let your neighbours know you are going away sessions held during the day at the Yackandandah and turn all electrical appliances off at the The first of the crews to be deployed to northern NSW, power point. pictured at the Singleton Military Base. From L to R: Lt Sports Park. The sessions were run by Maureen Thomas Williamson, Lt Chris Wingard, Crew leader April Piera, Community Fireguard coordinator for the Campfires - Make sure you never leave a campfire Padbury and Josh Kardol CFA’s North East Region, unattended, that with the assistance the wind is less than of April Padbury. The Monday, 11 November, comprised of crew leader 10km/h, the fire is in a demonstration, a live April Padbury and her team - Lt Chris Wingard, from properly constructed fire simulator, showed Stanley Brigade Lt Thomas Williamson, and from fireplace or trench at the effects of fuel, slope Beechworth Urban Brigade, Josh Kardol. The crew, least 30cm deep; the and preparation on fire part of Strike Team 2324, was initially deployed to area within a distance behaviour. Lots of questions the Hunter Region for asset protection before being of 3 metres around were asked as members of sent on to Kempsey and Macksville in northern NSW and above the fire is the community got a better for a similar role. As of Thursday, 14 November, our clear of flammable understanding of likely fire tanker had travelled 1,300kms! material; the fire is behaviour in the local area. not bigger than one The crew reported that everywhere they went square metre; and the people of NSW clapped, tooted their horns, This Summer that it is completely flashed their lights, gave them the thumbs up and extinguished when you thanked them for their efforts. Second crew to man As well as ensuring you are Maureen Piera and April Padbury explain Yackandandah’s setting, and the burn table shortly after it was lit by a leave. On days of Total our tanker were Mark McDonald from Allans Flat prepared for bushfire this lightning strike (aka a match) north of Yackandandah Fire Ban all campfires Brigade, and Lt Jeff Vogt, Lt James Marshall and Zac summer, if you are planning are banned. Ray from Wooragee Brigade. Captain Mick Hillas on going away remember to: from Allans Flat Brigade was also there as strike If you are staying at team leader. • Check the fire danger ratings for the areas you home, and planning to do any welding or grinding, remember on hot, dry days use extreme caution. On At the time of writing this article, many of the are driving through; days of Total Fire Ban welding and grinding in the fires up north were still not under control so we open air is banned. expect further deployments. The fires, and their impact on both the natural environment and local It’s also the time of year when your outside gas communities, have had big media coverage… and barbecues gets a good workout. So it is important are a reminder of just how important it is for the to check your gas cylinder for damage; make sure Yackandandah community to be prepared for your hose hasn’t deteriorated (by spraying the hose bushfire as best it can. and regular connections with soapy water, if soap bubbles appear, you’ll know that gas is escaping Community Engagement which means you either correct the connections or At the local level there have been a number of replace the hose); and keep the barbecue plate and community engagement activities over the last area clean. Also keep plenty of space between the couple of months. These included: barbecue and anything flammable; be aware that if the wind blows the flame out burnt gas can build Haring Lane CFG coordinator Chantelle McConchie up to dangerous levels; and that using a barbecue The Haring Lane Community Fireguard groups had with the CFA’s Maureen Piera its annual get-together on 18 October to get an indoors is illegal. To report a fire: 000 Burn-off Notification 1800 668511 Vic Emergency Hot Line 1800 226 226 CFA Website: cfa.vic.gov.au

Your Cemetery When: Saturday 7th protective gear if bringing Please feel free to bring December your own equipment. family members and to Needs You!!! tend your family graves or Time: It starts at 8am, for a We require people of denominational area. couple of hours or whatever ability to: hand-weed grave Annual Working you can spare. tops, whipper snip, mow, For more information, contact Bee: prune trees, clean grave Anna on 0438 196 937. Bring: Please wear headstones Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 5 Yackandandah Cemetery Trust YACKANDANDAH COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH AGM: our Annual general Meeting was held on Wednesday 7th August 2019. A reminder that Christmas Lunch will be on again this year at the Butson Park We would like to welcome 2 new members to the Trust: Heather Hillas from Clubrooms. This is a lunch for everybody – singles, couples and families. Anyone Bruarong and David Lerch from Yack. Positions filled were as follows: Anna within the community is warmly invited to come and join us. If you’ve not been Hession (Chair), John Paull (Vice Chair), Ian Jenkins (Treasurer), Thelma before, ask those who have – you won’t be dis- Buchanan (Secretary), and General Committee of Louise Humphrey, Hank appointed. Miechelsen, Kevin Williams and Larissa Kernaghan. Please pass this information to anyone you Working bee: an early reminder that our annual working bee is the first think may wish to come. Saturday in December, which is the 7th of December. It starts at 8am and we are most appreciative of those who attend to help tend the grave areas, Date: Wednesday 25th December, 2019 especially those who can tend their family areas. Please wear protective gear if bringing your own equipment. Morning tea will be provided. There Time: 1.30am for a sit down hot lunch at are many small jobs such as washing headstones that don’t involve Noon machinery. Venue: Butson Park Football Function Room Funerals on High Fire Danger Days: In 2012, the peak cemetery body in consultation with CFA developed guidelines for conducting small events in Cost: Gold Coin Donation high fire risk locations. The CFA recommends that events such as funerals held in high fire risk areas be cancelled or postponed on days declared Note: Alcohol Free Event Extreme, Severe or Code Red. Please discuss this with your funeral director, our local CFA or myself, should you wish to know what It does help for catering purposes if I can have RSVPs by Monday 9th December. the contingency plan would be if a funeral had to be cancelled or Please message or email only between 27 November and 6 December inclusive, postponed. Apologies to the Cemetery Trust or phone after 7th December. Either call or message me on mobile0418 242 105, Anna Hession, Chair - this should have been in the last or email [email protected] Please note that we will cater for “walk-ins” edition of Yackity Yak. Ed. on the day so don’t worry if you’ve not sent an RSVP. We don’t turn anyone away! RAISING AWARENESS I’m asking for support for this year from any businesses or individuals that would like to make a donation. We have lucky prize draws that provide “a little Amnesty aims to shine a light on the darkness of human rights abuses and something under the tree” for some of those attending on the day and make foster communities that are tolerant and inclusive. a lovely surprise. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. If you’d like to donate please contact me, or I’ll be door-knocking closer to Christmas to pick The Yackandandah Amnesty Group has been active since the last issue. They up donations. presented two books to the Yackandandah Primary School Library at the school assembly on 15 November, I’m Australian Too by much loved children’s author Anyone who would like to help in any way is more than welcome to contact me Mem Fox, illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh, and Young Dark Emu by the indigenous as well on 0418 242 105. writer Bruce Pascoe. I’m Australian Too focuses on the many places people have Carmel Kelley come from to make Australia their home and celebrates the diversity of our multicultural nation. Young Dark Emu, a children’s version of the popular Dark Emu, explains There is no better, there is no more open door by which you can enter into the that indigenous Australians were not only study of natural philosophy, than by considering the physical phenomena of a hunter gatherers but also people who made candle - Michael Faraday, English Chemist & natural philosopher (1791-1867) agricultural use of their land and waterways. When your candle burns low, you’ve got to believe that the last light shows It is full of ingenious ways Aborigines worked you something besides the progress of darkness - Tennessee Williams, Helen McCalman from Yack’s and sustained the land for thousands and American playwright (1911-83) Amnesty International Group thousands of years. The books were presented presents the books to Taya, Yack to Yackandandah Primary School captain, Taya. Primary School’s Captain.

In our local efforts to raise awareness, monthly stalls have been set up outside the Foodworks supermarket where community members can learn about Amnesty and particular individuals that Amnesty supports. We appreciate the interest and support of our community at these stalls.

The final stall for the year will be outside the library on Saturday 7 December from 12.30 to 2.30pm. A letter writing table will be set up to support Write for Rights, a large-scale group/public letter writing campaign in support of 10 young people whose rights are being infringed.

AIIM Choices is registered with the NDIS for Plan Management

NDIS Plan Managers Your Local and Independent Manager

AIIM Choices will not only relieve your stress, but we’ll show you how to get the most out of your plan package and help you achieve your plan goals.

AIIM Choices is always here to help. Simply call 02 6056 6900

6 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 Cathy McGowan receives Parliamentary integrity award Sign up to the Yackandandah in Canberra Former Federal Independent Member for Indi, Cathy McGowan AO has Community Energy Hub Plan received an Integrity Award for her contribution as a backbencher during two terms as an independent Member in the Australian Parliament. Ms McGowan www.indigopower.com.au received the Alan Missen award from the Accountability Round Table (ART) Ltd at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday morning for her “commitments to reforms” which were seen as “essential for open, accountable and transparent government”. “We recognise her commitment to those in her electorate, and her embrace of significant issues crucial to Australia’s Cathy McGowan AO with her award, Parliamentary democracy, in particular her with parliamentary colleague and Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie work on the National Integrity Commission (left) and Member for Indi, Dr Helen and parliamentary standards bills,” ART Haines (right) chair, Fiona McLeod said.

The Hon Kenneth Hayne AC, former justice of the High Court and Royal Commissioner to the Banking Royal Commission, spoke to the awards, offering his congratulations and the need for honesty and courage in political office,

noting “that reasoned debate about issues of policy are now rare and that trust The Community Energy Hub Plan is how your buy your electricity in all sorts of institutions, governmental and private, had been damaged or through Indigo Power. Sign up to the Plan to join the Yack destroyed.” Community Energy Hub. Yackandandah Community Energy Hub Together we can create a 100% renewable As of late October, members of Totally Renewable Yackandandah have been road testing Indigo energy future for Yackandandah. Power’s electricity retail offer in preparation for the launch of the Yackandandah Community Energy Hub in late November.

The Hub will be one of the first of its kind in Australia, with a community gathered together as a group of energy producers and consumers, a geographical grouping of Retail energy provided by Indigo Power Services. Indigo Power Services is a trading people trading and sharing their energy – name of Energy Locals Pty Ltd ABN 23606408879, a licensed energy retailer they will be able to track their renewable energy performance, and cooperate for better outcomes. This is new at the community scale. You will be able to buy your energy from Indigo Power and know that a proportion comes from local sources. Software currently being developed will show hub members how much of their energy is supplied by their neighbours via the micro-grid, and how much is locally Russell & Julie Klose consider the benefits of generated renewable energy or is from the the Yack Community Energy Hub over an early main grid. morning cuppa

TRY and Indigo Power are also in the final stages of planning for the first community owned solar and battery project in Australia, to be located in Yackandandah. This project includes the 136 kWh community-scale or ‘big’ battery that was the goal of fundraising earlier in the year. It will supply members of the Yackandandah Hub with renewable energy during the evening, from power generated locally during the day.

Residents who live in and around Yackandandah will be able to join the Yackandandah Community Energy Hub from 28 November by signing up on the Indigo Power website (indigopower.com.au). Our town is the first of the community energy hubs that will be set up across the region from March 2020. To celebrate this exciting endeavour, TRY and Indigo Power will be launching the Hub on Thursday, November 28 at the Public Hall at 6.30 pm. Ben McGowan (TRY/Indigo Power) & Juliette Milbank (TRY)

Professional Reliable & Cost Effective Services All aspects of Electrical Domestic, Commercial, Industrial and Rural Installations & Maintenance •฀New฀&฀Luxury฀Homes •฀Switchboard฀&฀main฀upgrades฀฀฀฀ •฀Extensions฀&฀Renovations •฀Fault฀finding •฀TV/Phone •฀24/7฀Emergency฀response •฀Lighting฀&฀Design •฀Hot฀water฀repairs •฀Safety฀switches •฀Ceiling฀Fans •฀Pumps/motors •฀Appliance฀installation฀and฀repairs •฀Smoke฀alarms฀ •฀Pre฀purchase฀Electrical฀Inspections •฀Power฀points •฀Solar฀panel฀cleaning Call 0499 551 422 www.lockettelectrical.com.au email: [email protected] NSW 266937C VIC REC 23548 Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 7 YACKANDANDAH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Barrowthon 2019 - we made it! 30 parents ! It took weeks of planning, coordination, and commitment. As well On the weekend of 19 & 20 October, a team of very committed kids and parents as a concerted effort to seek sponsorship from Yackandandah Primary School participated in the Beechworth to Mt from school families, friends, and the Buffalo Barrowthon. broader community.

What is the Barrowthon, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a fundraise-a-thon, and Yack Primary is seeking funds to kick- each team seeks start a new outdoor play space for our sponsorship by pushing burgeoning school. Kids are already a wheelbarrow from involved in helping to define what they Beechworth to Mt want in their new space. Buffalo over 2 days. We’d like to thank the very generous support of our Barrowthon Team by Yackandandah Primary several local groups and businesses, including Yackandandah Lions Club, Hume School entered a team Bank and the Yackandandah Pharmacy, as well as many generous families and of over 50 kids & over individuals. We raised over $5,300!!! Well done, Team Yack !

What a Barrowthon! What a Weekend! The dangerous Sunday shuffle Early starts. Team members discovering obscure locations as they tried to find of vehicles and their starting point along the 2 day relay route. occupants as teams made their way up Lots of fruit / jelly snakes / muesli bars / bit more fruit / chips / sausages / hot Buffalo at a blistering chips / tomato sauce / a beer or two / egg & bacon rolls / and more jelly snakes! pace.

Horns tooting and kids yelling out of car windows to urge on our Yack Primary Raucous cheers and School team. applause as each team crossed the Yak (the school mascot) being line! ferried along by a whole bunch of enthusiastic kids (& adults). Yak getting lost at the Porepunkah Pub! The exhaustion A barrow in dire when it’s finally need of urgent all over. repairs after limping in to It Porepunkah. Rock was Could this be a lesson to our local physio, ensemble “Rubber great! Rebecca, on how to use a wheelbarrow?? Band”. Hair flying, hips shaking as class 3/4 girls boogied.

“Bale Up! We are the Barrowthon Bushrangers! And we want your gold!!”

A fabulous bunch of our Yackandandah Primary School Foundies did indeed bale up all sorts of strangers (and locals) along Yackandandah’s High Street on the morning of Sunday, 13 October.

The kids grew with confidence as they politely accosted those sometimes scary adults, and asked them for support to raise money for our new school play space.

And the grand total for one hour’s enthusiastic work - $464 !!!

So, to those wonderful FA & FK kids who took part, the parents who supported them, and Kelly Graham who egged them on, well done! An absolutely fantastic effort!

Counting the Loot!

8 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 Heart Health - Yackandandah Health Medical Centre would like to inform you about the heart health checks that are being offered by Nurse Practitioner Vanessa Page in WHAT IS A HEART HEALTH CHECK?

Your doctor can assess how likely you are to have a heart attack or stroke in the next five years. Your doctor will do what is called aHeart Health conjunction with the GPs. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Australians Check. It is all about looking at the “big picture” for your heart health not just one factor alone.

Your doctor can help you to improve your overall heart health now and for the future.

along with dementia for women. A simple bulk billed heart health check may help to 1. TALK: 2. LEARN: 3. PLAN: You may discuss: Your doctor will check your: Your doctor will help you to make changes to: reduce the risk of developing heart disease. Appointments are available via HotDoc HDL LDL

What you eatYour lifestyle & Your family Your overall Blood pressure Cholesterol Balance your Your physical Your wellbeing exercise health history health (including diet activity & with Vanessa and the GPs or give YHMC a call on 02 6028 0130. kidney disease & lifestyle diabetes)

Seven in ten adult Australians have at least WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A one risk factor for heart, stroke or blood vessel Community Awareness Campaign - We are also participating in a community disease. You may not be aware that you have HEART HEALTH CHECK? risk factors as often there are no symptoms. Have a Once your doctor has your results, ask them awareness campaign about the common problems caused by Alcohol and the most Heart Health for your level of risk. HIGH RISK If your level of risk is over 15% you have effective approaches to look at reducing Alcohol consumption and related harms. The Check Today at least a 1 in 7 chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years if left unmanaged. project involves a brief discussion and an update of our patient’s social history into our WHY IS A HEART HEALTH CHECK IMPORTANT? MODERATE RISK If your level of risk is between 10-15% you have at least a 1 in 10 chance of having a clinical database as well as an opportunity to discuss any of your concerns. You may be asked to participate if you Every 12 minutes an Australian heart attack or stroke in the next five years if dies from heart, stroke or left unmanaged. blood vessel disease. Most heart attacks and strokes are preventable. have an appointment booked at the Medical Centre or feel free to book an appointment with Lynette Johnson. LOW RISK If your level of risk is under 10% you have a less than 1 in 10 chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years if left unmanaged.

Midwife Care Program (MWC) - Tess and Louise started offering this program to women and their families on 6th If you are 45 years or older (35 Look for Heart Foundation Depending on your level of risk, your doctor may prescribe medication to years or older for Aboriginal information on blood lower your cholesterol, or blood pressure, or both. and Torres Strait Islander pressure and cholesterol peoples), and have not had for more details on these December 2018. To date, we have helped many women through their pregnancies and some to welcome their first- a heart attack or stroke, it is risk factors or call the free You will also need to have your level of risk monitored. recommended that you have a Heart Foundation Helpline Discuss with your doctor how often this needs to be done. born babies. In February we attended the Albury/Wodonga Pregnancy, Babies and Beyond Expo to network with heart health check. 13 11 12. other services offering choice to women in the region and make women aware of what we had to offer. We have WHAT CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR HEART HEALTH? See your doctor to have a heart health check. Having a healthy lifestyle is important no matter what. You can make positive changes by improving also sent the brochure to outlying GPs and we continue to access MCHN and mother’s groups as other ways to your diet, being active, quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake to improve your heart health.

Healthy eating for your heart includes: Maintain a healthy weight: Physical activity: promote our service. We now have a presence in Yackity Yack, so keep a watch here for regular updates. Plenty of vegetables, fruits and wholegrains It is important to maintain a healthy body weight because it Physical activity also helps manage heart can help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and lower health risk factors. Do at least 30-45 mins Variety of healthy protein sources including fish and your risk of having a heart problem. If you carry extra weight of moderate (e.g. brisk walking) or 15-30 seafood, lean meat and poultry, legumes, nuts and around your middle (being apple-shaped) you are more at risk mins of vigorous (e.g. running) physical seeds than if you are just overweight. activity on 5 or more days of the week.

Reduced fat dairy such as unflavoured milk, yoghurt & The Heart Foundation recommends you aim for a waist Smoking and alcohol: cheese measurement of less than: ack W Smoking is a risk factor for heart disease. For help to stop Louise, with support from Y Health and Albury odonga Health (AWH) has established an OUTREACH 94cm for males Healthy fat choices with nuts, seeds, avocados, olives 80cm for females smoking call Quitline for help (13QUIT, or https://www.quit. and their oils for cooking org.au/)

Herbs and spices to flavour foods, instead of adding If you need to lose weight, speak with your doctor about how Drink no more than two standard drinks on any day and no Domiciliary service to offer women continuity of midwifery care by attending to women in their home after baby is salt to do it in a healthy way. more than four on any one occasion. For heart health information, please contact us 13 11 12 or visit heartfoundation.org.au born. Louise is now seeing up to 4 women in a month in their home locally which provides a good connection into © 2018 National Heart Foundation of Australia ABN 98 008 419 761 POS-060-0418 the postnatal period within our community. Louise also offers breastfeeding and postnatal support through the clinic as it provides another resource for women to access these services as they choose.

Yack Health held a staff social function at the Medical Centre in October to share the work going on in the clinic, and we have also been having regular MWC ‘working party’ meetings to build the future of the MWC in liaison with key players from AWH and rural maternity services.

Louise attended a GP Education evening for Antenatal Care providers in and OSBORNES FLAT HALL around Albury/Wodonga which provided valuable information to ensure that all services are working in collaboration with the women first and foremost but also with each other and the birth hospital so that we can continue to provide Hire Me – a great country venue with charm and atmosphere! comprehensive pregnancy care. We offer a fully functional kitchen, heating and cooling and a large area outside that works well set up for weddings and bigger gatherings. With a reasonable full day/night hire charge of $150, the hall is a great size YACK LIONS CLUB (can seat up to 80 comfortably), is close to town and is a popular venue

for parties, family events, weddings etc. We also have a small meeting The Yack Lions Club’s famous weekend markets will be held from 9 am - 1 pm on the following Sundays in 2019 and 2020. room available to community groups. 15th December, 2019 For all enquiries please contact either Andrea on 6027 1991 or Lisa on 19th January 16th February 0439 855 297 15th March 19th April 17th May 21st June 19th July 16th August 20th September 18th October 15th November 20th December

The Lions Club happily donate a free site to a Yack community group at each market. So if you’re a community group wanting to do a fundraiser - this is a great way to do it. Web page: yackandandah.vic.lions.org.au

We’re here for you seven days a week 7:30am - 6pm

• Plumbing Maintenance • Renovation Work • Gas Fitting • Wood Heaters • Sewers & Septic Tanks • Roofing/Metal Fascia & Gutter • Water Tank Cleaning & Repairs • High Pressure Drain Jetting Machine • Mini-Excavator • Scaffold Hire

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 9 And he had to watch as his big- SANDY THE WAR HORSE - MEMORIAL COMMITTEE Some were sold in starving France boned beasts were chewed up by the to butchers. Most of the remaining war machine: drowned in mud, blown up by artillery, tangled in barbed wire. horses were transferred to the British and Indian armies. Around 250 light Ten million fighting men died in World War I. What is less remembered – and horsemen couldn’t bear to leave their steeds in Palestine or Egypt and took here’s a thought for Remembrance Day, only a week after we go mad for the them out in the desert and shot them without permission. Sandy was the only Melbourne Cup – is that at least eight million horses died, too. horse allowed to be brought back to Australia.

His name was Sandy. A bay, he stood 16 hands (163cm) at the withers. He had This story is a very significant part of Tallangatta’s history and deserves to be the great good fortune to have been chosen for told to future generations and the wider his gentle nature by Major General Sir William Australian community. Bridges, Commander of the 1st Australian Division, as his favourite charger. There is a A committee has been formed to raise funding symmetry here. Bridges, who was fatally shot at for a statue to commemorate this great horse. Gallipoli, was the only one of 60,000 Australians In the past 6 months the committee with the who died on overseas battlefields in the First help of their community have raised $10,000. World War to be returned home. His grave is on They need to keep fundraising so if you or the slope of a hill above Duntroon, the Canberra your organisation has a fundraising idea, military academy he founded. Instead of ending please come along to one of their meetings to his days in Europe, Sandy was repatriated help them achieve their goal. - the big bay living out his days after the war at Maribyrnong in Melbourne’s west, around They have had many letters of support but if Major General Sir William Throsby Bridges holding the bridle of his you, or your organisation has not yet sent a the place named Remount Hill, where many favourite charger, Sandy. Credit:Australian War Memorial thousands of horses bound for war including letter of support they would be very grateful Sandy, had earlier begun their long one-way if you could do so. You can email them to: journey. Sandy was buried there, his grave unmarked, in 1923. [email protected]

The story of Sandy is a part of Tallangatta’s history. This horse came from the People and organisations can donate to the Sandy Statue by direct deposit by Old Town given by Mr Francis (Bonner) O’Donnell who owned the brickworks, contacting Ross Smith (President) on 0418 690 328 or Tony Lock (Treasurer) on and along with 169,000 other Australian horses, went to the First World War. 0417 562 344. The committee now has their project plan finalised thanks to And all Australia’s other military horses? Around 30,000 died in battle. Several Therese Davis and her crew, and will be able to move forward to obtain grants. thousand who lived to 12 years of age or suffered ill health were destroyed. Bruarong Community Centre Bruarong Community Centre bookings

Rebuilt after the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009, the modern Bruarong The Community Centre is available for hire Community Centre is set on over 2 acres and is situated 11 km south of and consists of: Yackandandah. • 50 sq. m internal communal area Community dinners occur quarterly and invitations are mailed to local community residents. These dinners provide an opportunity to share wholesome home cooked • large fully appointed kitchen meals and a create a sense of community connectiveness. • large timber deck area In September 2019, the Bruarong Community Centre Committee adopted its strategic plan with the intention of guiding the management and operation of the • split system heating and cooling Community Dinners have done wonders Bruarong Community Centre in the coming five years. in bringing the rural Bruarong community • male/ female and wheelchair together to enjoy each others company in accessible toilets. Amanda Walker, Treasurer the revamped Community Centre The facility includes partially landscaped grounds and gardens. YACKATOON WANT TO GROW YOUR RETIREMENT HIRE FEES: VILLAGE 3 Butson Street, Local Community Groups (Bruarong area as BUSINESS Yackandandah per parish plan): $5 per hour, and must clean up. and enjoy more success? Offers independent living in a comfortable, Non local, Not for Profit Non-Community refurbished, affordable Groups: and unfurnished one $10 per hour hire fee, plus Cleaning Bond $100. bedroomed unit. Private events: Pets allowed $150 plus $50 for a set up day and $50 for each (conditions apply). additional day. Plus $500 bond and $100 cleaning bond. Set amongst beautiful

lawns and gardens For bookings, please contact Jocelyn McAlister with security lighting, on 0407 071 338.

maintained pathways & Buzzing All Hobby internal road. Beekeeping Enthusiasts The village is managed by a resident manager. Get started today… Inspections invited.

For further details, please Monthly Meetings now on! CALL 0431 118 663 contact: Where: Yack Men’s Shed, 24 Isaacs Ave When: First Thursday of the Month What Time: 7.30pm Alex Campbell, Manager Need More Info? Phone Debbie on 02 6027 1720 0417 244 495 Or check our Facebook page ‘YackaBees’ For meeting updates

10 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 ‘Love Yack’? We love it and we know you love it. from ardent town planners.’ (Ideal Town judge) Too But what makes Yackandandah special? And how SPECIAL YACK much development with an increase in population do we plan for growth and changes to the township would take away its charm and sense of community. to retain what’s special? (Indigo Informer, June-July Excepting (the Dederang Road approach), there are 2019, p. 3) none of the usual warnings of a town’s proximity quaint historic village with lots of charm, peace produced by fringe development; this is one of and tranquillity, set within wonderful natural These words assume growth and changes. Mainly, (Yackandandah’s) unique assets ... which makes it beauty. Tree lined streets and rustic beauty provide for most of its time Yackandandah simply evolved, different (from) all other towns and (is) a quality a delightful example of that complete harmony admittedly with booms and which should be given high protection recessions, but recent accelerated priority. growth has changed its character and given rise to reflection. Sources: So, the following amalgam of thoughts relates to both questions. Wesleyan Church (visit), August Written over the past century and a 1871; Government ministerial visit to half by, or on behalf of, a broad range Yackandandah, March 1891; Sun News- of residents, visitors and consultants, Pictorial, 29/10/1931 (including visit and condensed, their views provide of Ideal Town judges); Internationally and propose answers. renowned artist and official Australian WW1 war artist, Harold Septimus What makes Yackandandah Power, quoted in The Border Morning ‘special’? Mail, 25/3/1975; Loder & Bayly 1976 report commissioned by the Shire Community is significant. ‘Yack of Yackandandah; The Herald Sun, has some amazing citizens who February 1992; The Border Mail, continue to work for the benefit 23/8/2000; Advertiser, 17/3/2004; of the community, Australia and Historic Towns & Marketing Strategy, the planet.’ (It) ‘is a very small Yackandandah, Victorian State town’ (and has) ‘charm and sense Government and Indigo Tourism Board of community. Everyone knows everyone and the that should always exist between architecture and (draft report of Sophie Bartho & Associates Pty town ... is a very safe place to live as a consequence’. nature. Yackandandah remains in touch with its Ltd on Yackandandah, 17/1/2005; Out & About, These are recent comments. roots: well-preserved, charming, retaining much of Spring 2006; The Border Mail, 9/1/2012; Yackity its history. Its early Australian architecture, born of Yak, June-July 2012; Yackity Yak, October-November However, 150 or so years of words and opinions another era, a golden era, and of Queen Victoria’s 2019; The Ovens and Murray Advertiser, 7/11/2019 attest to Yackandandah’s aesthetic and reign, gives the visitor an instant impression almost heritage qualities having made it differently unique in Australia. This town is in a class of its Colin Barnard ‘special’: own.

Yackandandah is the most beautiful place in the How do we retain this world. Its scenery is about the finest in the district, ‘special’? HOGGY’S FARM SERVICE one of the North East’s most delightful, picturesque Slashing – Clean up that long grass for summer spots. Approaching the village from any side ‘The natural beauties of the Harvesting – Small Square or Round Bales presents a magnificent view of diverse surrounding place are so exceptional that I Multicrop Liquid Fertiliser Supplier countryside, (of) unique scenery. (Entering via) a express the fervent hope that Tractor Hire with Operator beautiful avenue of English trees (introduces) the it will never suffer too much

Contact OWEN HOGG 0407 424 501 ______‘With you in change’

______Local lawyers Helen McGowan and Matt Grogan are here for you.

Please contact us to have a chat about any issues that have a legal component.

We are available during Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1 to 5 pm) and at other times by appointment.

“Ardsville”, 32 High Street, Yackandandah VIC 3749 Phone: 02 6027 0553

Email: [email protected] and [email protected] After Hours email: [email protected]

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 11 It’s that time of year when storms are around us. Luck- mud. It is an essential part of Yackandandah’s rescue gear. Once again, ily the storm season hasn’t affected the Yackandandah thank you to YCC. and surrounding areas too much. A few trees across the roads have seen members attend along with In- As the festive season is fast approaching please be careful on our roads. digo shire, Vic roads and Police. If you come across a At such a special time of year we all want everyone to be safe. Merry tree on the road you need to call 132500 and SES will Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year. receive the job. SES volunteers are not always able to attend so the unit will forward the job to Council or Vic Please call 000 for emergencies and 13 25 00 for SES Storm events roads. Please be patient during these times. YACKANDANDAH SES

The Yackandandah unit would like to welcome Tory. He PO Box 666 Yackandandah, Vic, 3749 has joined the unit recently and has just begun his train- ing as a volunteer. We would like to welcome Tory to our unit and we hope that he enjoys being part of our wonderful community.

On Sunday 1st December, SES members will be competing in the Albury/Wodonga women’s triatha- lon. This event is to be held at the Hume Weir with a 300m swim, a 9km bike ride and a 3km run. Good luck to these members.

We would like to say a big THANK YOU to the Yackandandah Community Centre (YCC) for a grant we received. The SES Unit were able to purchase a “MULE” Stretcher. This is a stretcher with a single large wheel that allows members to carry out an injured person safely over rough terrain. For example: If someone falls from their bike on our lovely bike trails, the SES will be able to walk in with the wheel stretcher, collect the casualty and wheel them back out to the awaiting ambulance. The stretcher allows members to navigate over rocks, around bends, go over rough areas and through

Toastmasters can assist you in overcoming interviews and book launches. your fear of public speaking (glossophobia). Toastmasters International is a non-profit Indigo Speakers held a special Halloween Murder educational organization teaching public speaking Mystery event on October 30 which featured and leadership skills through a worldwide network seven suspects and seven sleuths who gave their of clubs. Membership exceeds 358,000 in more testimonies with stealth and intrigue. This event was that 16,800 in 143 countries. a great success and a lot of fun with the Wooragee Hall dressed up in Halloween style. Three Toastmasters clubs operate in the North East BBQ at Wooragee Centenary Hall at 6:30 pm on of Victoria and invite you to visit (Albury Wodonga Wednesday December 4. Toastmasters, Indigo Speakers or Wangaratta Toastmasters) to find out more. You can find more Our members are keen to hear from Guest details of clubs in Speakers who would like to speak at our area using the our meetings in 2020 on such topics Find-a-Club menu as: Sustainability, Men’s Health, here https://www. Community Development, End of Life toastmasters.org/ Preparations, Pitching for Charity Fund find-a-club or contact Raising and other topics of interest. Carole McCulloch, Contact President Trish McGowan if Halloween Murder Mystery at Wooragee Hall Area Director on you are interested on 0418 602 340. Join 0414 532 785 us at our social media groups in Facebook Toastmasters provides a comprehensive educational and LinkedIn – just search for North East Your local club, path to success in many fields and specialises in Murder Mystery suspects! Victoria Toastmasters. Indigo Speakers, providing online learning at their Pathways Learning meets twice a The club meetings are friendly and fun, Experience. Find out for yourself and try the new st rd month – 1 and 3 bringing you opportunities for practising Fast Track opportunity for improving your speech Wednesdays – at Wooragee and Yackandandah. for that special occasion speech you may need to organisation. https://www.onlineevent.com/ deliver, eg weddings and funerals, special work or toastmasters/courses/12539 The final meeting for Indigo Speakers is a special community presentations or help you with your Christmas celebration with a Kris Kringle and a

Tailored pet care solutions when you cannot be there. Weddings & m: 0411 496 062 Other Life Ceremonies

e :[email protected] Phone; 0416 17 14 88 w: www.thegoodneighbour.com.au Website; www.magicalceremonies.com.au Find us on Facebook Now taking Christmas bookings

12 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 A Ramble with the Editor MERLYN JEAN LUMBY née KEAT Pamela Inez Crosthwaite (née Zwar) 28 July, 1929 to 2 July, 2019 15th May 1928 – 26th October 2019

The Love Yack teamMerlyn will Jean be back Keat in was July born with theirat Yackandandah, fi rst cut at the being the youngest child of Funeral – Friday, 1st November, 2019 at Christ Church, Beechworth Walter and Ellen (Maud) Keat of Upper Gundowring. Laid to rest in Beechworth Cemetery Yak - she made some signifi cant design changes She grew up with her parents and siblings, Aleck and twins, Ellen (Nell) and Fred, on her father’s dairy farm, being the original Pam, who had been resident at Yackandandah Health for the past few years, farming property, which her grandfather, William was born in Beechworth, at home. When she was 14 or Keat had selected in 1871. Merl had loving so she went to boarding school in Melbourne parents and enjoyed a wonderful life with then back to Beechworth where them on the farm. Her brothers were she completed the first two years great musicians, with Aleck of Pharmacy apprenticeship playing for many years in a Band, at what was J.G. Downes - now and performing at many dances Kelly’s. Pam finished the and balls in the North East. course after 2 more years in Melbourne. She met Merl attended Upper the son of the Beechworth Gundowring State School based School Inspector - and say that I dotill myself Year at the moment, 8, but I defi nitely have obtaining he was a naval officer her Merit. During her just back from courses in teenage years, she attended England. He was sent to the local dances with her sister Korea and they married on Nell, and then in later years his return. After time spent with her friends, Margaret and overseas and also in Melbourne Eileen Arundel. Merl just loved to and Sydney, Pam returned to the well known to most, have just boughtdance their and fi rst had all electric some car - more on that next wonderful dance Beechworth area and worked as a partners over the years. Merl would design Pharmacist at Mayday for 10 years. She had dresses or evening gowns for herself, and then she two sons – Luke and Simon. and Nell would make them, detailing them with beads and sequins. Pam was a great traveller and over the years, visited Southern Ireland, Greece, Canada, America, China and Russia, with cruises to the Pacific Merl worked at The Co-Store in Wangaratta, where she met her future Islands and Alaska. weren’t steady enough to paint. The small boy Do youhusband, have some John ti Lumby.me to go Merl for a and walk John with marrieda at St. Matthews Church, replied, “Don’t worry, I will help you.” resident,Albury help on with 26th the February, gardening, 1955. work Merl in our continued to work for a time then The following is from Pam’s son, Luke’s eulogy given on the day of her funeral. café or just have a chat? Our most recent recruit For Easter, the happily, after a number of years, their daughter Sharon was born, bringing is helpingsuch greatto document joy to them residents’ both. life stories. A “Another sense Mum had was that of community, a member of countless children enjoyed wonderful project that captures a person’s story and book groups, Meals on Wheels, the Beechworth Historical Society, the an Easter egg triggers memories and recollecti ons. Beechworth Singers and Theatre Group, U3A lectures and many I probably Litt le Yacks - Enrolments conti nue to increase, and hunt. Aft erwards Merl’s father, Walter passed away on 16/1/1968, aged 92 years and her didn’t even know about. we are very pleased with the feedback we are they all received We havemother, a small Maud number passed of away talented on 1/12/1973 local “cooks” aged 78 years. Both are buried at receiving from parents and the children who have a hand knitt ed that Yackandandahprovide baked Cemetery.goodies for our café each week. all sett led in well and are very happy. We have Mum never did things by halves, which could work to my benefit - or bunny made by This is a place where detriment. It can be a fine line between passion and ”a bee in your bonnet”. added to our staff in Litt le Yacks with 10 staff now the older ladies John sadly passed awayresidents in November can meet 2011, with after a 9 month battle in hospital In my defence, I was the one to email her dictated letters to the Editor when on board. knitti ng group. A due to complicationsfamily after and heart friends surgery. and After 56 years of marriage, John’s the Age newspaper discontinued its phone service. But she truly was a small treasure to tragic loss left Merl shareand her a cuppa family and devastated. get It has been a joy to watch our small children and champion for the underdog or less advantaged, a paid up member of many our elders share art, music and theme days. The take home. together, do some shopping Early this year, Merland became catch up seriously on news. ill and remained in hospital until support groups and almost arrested for her involvement with the Save our art program we have in place for our elders is The children are learning new things every day. The March to return home to be cared for by her family. Sadly, on 2nd July, 2019, Sons anti-Vietnam war movement when that just wasn’t the thing to do. educati on program includes learning about the Merl passed away peacefullyWe would at like home to say with a BIG Sharon and Jordan by her side, environment, the world, lett ers, numbers and all BIG thankjust a youfew weeksto Lauren before Salathiel her 90 ofth SaintBirthday. Monday When I look at you today, I see you divided roughly into 4 groups: sorts of constructi on. The children are busy and fame, for providing delicious cakes, doughnuts, enjoying exploring slices,Merl muffi was ns andthe lastbiscuits. of the Lauren original was Keat one familyof with her brothers and sister • those that Mum would ask “what are you currently reading?” the many acti viti es the fi rstpassing to jump years on boardbefore. and off er her services the educators when we opened the café 3 years ago and has been • those that would be challenged to a friendly, yet fiercely contested game present to them. donati ng baked goods on a monthly basis since then of Scrabble. Our older folks’ - a big ask when you are running a busy eatery in eyes light up when • Those that she’d pounce upon with the cry “Did you get 16-down in the the children arrive SIDOTI ELECTRICAL SERVICE cryptic crossword today? Oh, it’s ridiculous!” and many of them We wishY ALauren C Kand A N D A N D A H • And those of you that she’d ask if she could join in song. sit outside just Chris all the bestVic withREC 15340 - NSW REC 108615C to listen to the the next chapter of So, let ME recognize you Mum. Recognize and thank you. Thank you for now being shared with the children. On one day, children play. their lives and passMICHAEL SIDOTI the theme was autumn, with autumn leaves, on our thanks andElectrical Contractor showing me and sharing with me the meaning of a life well lived, full of pinecones and other natural treasures found in the Volunteers - We appreciati on from all of adventure, humour, compassion, thoughtfulness, loyalty, laughter and love.” gardens taken inside, explored and shared before have a number us herePO at BoxYack 201 Health Yackandandah, Victoria 3749 producing lovely painti ngs. One of our older ladies of vacancies for beingTelephone: part of 02 our 6027 1950 Mobile: 0410 543 377 Luke Crosthwaite commented to a three year old that her hands for volunteers. team. We do regular visits to Yackandandah for house calls and farm visits. Call us to discuss how we can help you to keep your animals healthy BIRTHS : Trimboli (Kelley) Anthony, Rebecca & big brothers, Patrick & Elijah, welcomed Louis Antonio on Monday 28/10/19 in Mildura. Louis was 4.03kg (8lb 14oz) and 51 cm long.

Louis is the 5th grandchild for Jack & Carmel Kelley of Yackandan- dah & the 4th grandchild for Tony & Nancy Trimboli of Mildura. PO Box 45, Yackandandah Vic 3749

Yackity Yak 3 Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 13 YACKANDANDAH GARDEN CLUB

Biodynamic Gardening: myth, moonshine or a a treat. It was also a laborious process and difficult to street trees and outside the school – along with mulching masterclass? source the best horns and the best manure, but they still using mulch obtained through the Shire. retain their spraying equipment and refuse to apply When I first heard about stuffing cow horns with manure either commercial fertilisers or toxic control chemicals. and burying it in the ground for six months before stirring They’re happy and they’re well – and Steiner was There are new tools purchased it into spring water and spraying it across the garden in certainly a genius. from the Yack Community moonlight, I wondered what sort of witchcraft or wizardry Centre (YCC) grant and was involved. The practice was, in fact, revealed by The November edition of Gardening Australia happens volunteers are more than seemingly sane and to carry an article by Professor Tim Entwistle entitled welcome to use them by joining the most visible Garden intelligent friends “Fact or Fiction?” and explores five common (and often Club members in town all whose garden was the strongly held) myths. They include: through the year. Turn up on epitome of vitality and the first Tuesday of the month goodness. Could it be • Moon planting (Does the moon’s gravity assist the rising sap?} at 8am outside YCC for your hi- true? viz vest and.a couple of hours • Companion planting (Are the benefits symbiotic or of rewarding work Rudolph Steiner sacrificial?} (1861-1925) was an • Plants in the bedroom (Will you die from a lack of One of the colourful High Austrian clairvoyant, oxygen?) Street barrels that are looked FRUIT FLY - The adult philosopher, after by our thoughtful and female fruit fly lays its eggs social reformer, architect, economist and founder of • The sound of music (Is it your singing or the diligent Garden Club in the flesh of ripening and anthroposophy – a fusion of science and spirituality. additional CO2 that stirs a response in the plant?) ripe fruits and vegetables. Steiner schools are named after him and apply many of • Over my dead body. (How does a buried placenta or Once the eggs hatch, the his philosophical principles, often with startling results in dead kangaroo change soil chemistry?) larvae begin to feed within the fruit, causing it to rot and liberating the inner life and creativity of children. drop to the ground. This is a curse for agriculturalists and Check it out at: https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/ gardeners and every attempt must be made to eradicate It was Steiner who developed the biodynamic farming the problem, principles in 1924 in response to farmers’ requests for a To quote Hamlet: “There are more things in heaven and solution to the declining quality and yield of their crops. earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”I Yack Info Centre, where the calendar photos are currently He claimed that vital cosmic forces influenced both plants couldn’t have said it better myself. displayed, has information and products for fruit fly. and animals. The cow, in particular, was central to the There are male and female traps and baits, supplied by process because the horns are functionally and spiritually CLUB ACTIVITIES Wooragee Landcare, at a reasonable price. See the article important. They are a sense organ with their own blood The calendar of events for the Garden Club is more extensive below. supply as well as being connected to the sinuses which than ever. Spring, after all, is a spectacular time in most allow air to circulate through the bone. Reaching to the gardens and an opportunity to share the beauty that comes Thanks to all those who hosted a “Come and See My sky, they are also receptors of the sun’s energy and light. from planning, planting and hard work. Here are some of the highlights. Besides the horns, a cow’s gut has four chambers and - Merle and Ken Bray were finally processes an eighth of the cow’s weight in grass each A celebration awarded their certificate for 25 years of good service day. The nutrient rich manure is the vital ingredient for to the Garden Club at an afternoon tea at the Rusty biodynamic compost generating a plethora of micro- Bike. Their reward is a life membership. A few of organisms to the old stagers who remember enrich the their contributions were on hand. soil. Grass is Merle and Ken were the original transformed streetscapers and were always into compost, there when needed at functions retaining water and events. and feeding the plants’ roots. Garden Club Calendar - Calendars Members of the Garden Club enjoying a visit to Liz and Barry are now available from the Quinn’s Camellia Cottage in the Indigo Valley Sceptics Newsagency and Garden Club maintain that members for $15. It features local Garden” event and participated in potting up days and this is more gardens that celebrate Yack and makes a preparation for the Club’s many activities. philosophy than timely gift that’s both personal and useful. COMING EVENTS science and • Tuesday, 3rd December – Streetscape working bee Streetscape - It’s encouraging that the ‘pooh-pooh’ the (8am outside YCC) idea as hocus- Garden Club is still getting positive pocus. Believers Merle Bray receiving Life Membership of the feedback from locals and visitors on the • Saturday, 7th December 8.00 am– Rose pruning and say their crops Yackandandah Garden Club - not sure where Ken is? Out appearance of the tubs and gardens in working bee at the cemetery. the street as the members of our happy have never been pruning the roses?? little band of workers can testify. The Happy gardening everyone! better. I haven’t past two working bees have been mainly tried it, but my friends say that despite the questioning Michael Metzger involved with weeding and tidying up the beds around the looks of their traditionalist neighbours, it seemed to work Communications & Media Secretary

IT’S TIME TO KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR monitoring traps can identify whether Queensland fruit fly Ryan said. QUEENSLAND FRUIT FLY is in the area, and let you know whether it’s time to ramp up your management.” You can purchase your fruit fly traps locally at the Agriculture Victoria Fruit Fly Action Plan Senior Project Beechworth and Yackandandah Information Centres or Officer, Jane Ryan, said Queensland fruit fly was a serious For the greatest chance of successful control, speak to your through Wooragee Landcare. If you are interested please horticultural pest that can destroy home gardens and neighbours for a consistent approach and use the following contact [email protected]. commercial horticultural production if not managed. techniques in your garden: Ovens Landcare Network are offering subsidised control products for Queensland Fruit Fly. Traps - $5 per unit “Fruit flies are usually active from September to May, so Following good garden including instructions. There are male and female traps. now is the time to keep a look out at in your garden or on hygiene such as picking Top up kits - $3 per unit to use with existing traps. your farm to see if they are present,” Ms Ryan said. “Fruit fruit and vegetables as Netting - $15/piece. 6m x 6m of fruit fly netting suitable flies can spread quickly, so community involvement is they ripen, disposing of unwanted fruit and for backyard trees. Max. of 3 per person.They will also essential to monitor and control it. One way fruit flies can be available at our stall at the Wooragee markets which spread is through movement of fruit and vegetables, so it’s scraps carefully, regularly will be at the Wooragee Hall on 28 November and 5, 12 important not to travel with home- grown fruit.” monitoring for fruit fly presence in your garden, & 19 December, 2019 from 5pm. For more information on managing Queensland fruit Ms Ryan advised all Victorians not to accept home-grown protecting trees, plants . fruit and vegetables from friends or family travelling from and produce through netting, gazebos and bags, baiting and fly, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff infested areas. trapping, and using insecticide control. It would be great if the Indigo Shire Council and “Infested fruit must be disposed of properly, such as putting “If you have fruit trees in your garden but don’t manage VicRoads could remove the massive number of feral fruit them in the sun in a sealed plastic bag to destroy eggs and them, it’s best to remove them so they don’t become a trees that are in the road reserves. These trees MUST maggots – do not put them in compost,” she said. “Male haven for fruit fly and grow a population in your area,” Ms be responsible for harbouring the pesky fly. Ed

14 Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak Flying start for our Pig Wooragee Weekly Produce running again Pigs don’t fly PWY greatly Wooragee Weekly Produce Market is running for 4 weeks before Christmas. It will they say but this one sure does! The appreciates the generosity of these again be a place where locals can gather and catch up with people, while buying Plasticwise Yackandandah’s many sponsors. High five to local products and having delicious food and a glass of wine. (PWY) Dish Pig is off to all of you! a flying start thanks The aim of the market is to provide an outlet where people can sell their produce, to sponsorship Other items such but also where customers can have access to great locally grown or made food from Indigo Shire, as bag trolleys, and wares. Yackandandah caravan wheel While it’s called a produce market, Folk Festival, Folk chocks/ this is produce in the broader Rhythm and Life levellers and sense… goods that people produce Festival, WAW wheelbarrows themselves. So, fruit veggies, wine, Credit Union, are needed. If cheese, pâté, pork, soap, preserves, Hume Bank and anyone can help but also art and craft. Geoff makes crowd funding. with these please contact Mim Poyner classy wooden products, Chris sells Every little bit helps beautiful art pieces, Joanne packages the project lift off and on mim.poyner@ gmail.com. locally collected seed. It will be a great has enabled the build of our place to buy Christmas presents. prototype community transportable Plasticwise Yack believes we can Mr Mushroom and Beechworth Berries and commercial dishwash station. It will While we have our previous turn around the current prevalent the wineries are so local you could walk to be finished, tested and ready to use favourites, we have some new disposable culture with outside the their places from the market at the Folk Festival in March 2020. stallholders – saffron, insect hotels, square innovative projects like the plants in decorative pots, native plants Dish Pig. Our future does not have to and many more. The aim is to reuse as much as be full of plastic. possible. So, the Dish Pig is made Wooragee Landcare will be selling Fruit fly from pre-used materials. It is housed We are excited to be helping the products like traps, baits and netting and will in what was once a horse float and Festival Green Team take a leap also be giving out Landcare advice. materials will be second hand as towards reducing the waste of far as possible. Lots of locals are the Festival. It’s great that the It’s a chance to forget about cooking for 4 enthusiastic about the Dish Pig and Yackandandah community is so ready Thursdays and come and get dinner from Sally are helping the concept become a to support this project and make (Tastetrekkers), Osamu (Haha Vegan) and reality. Insurance for volunteers and positive change. Thank you all for Wooragee Primary school BBQ. There are also public liability has been secured your enthusiasm for our Dish Pig. sweet sellers – sweet crepes, waffles, gluten with the help of Halliday’s Solicitors. free treats, berry ice cream. Buskers will also Reusable crockery and cutlery have Our next step is to gather volunteers add a lovely addition this time. been sourced at kindly prices from to operate the Dish Pig on its launch the Anglican Church Op Shop and at Yackandandah Folk Festival on 20 Wooragee Markets is a place to slow down Albury and Wodonga tip shops. Yack March 2020. Washing up with Dish after a busy day. Wander around the stalls and Ingredients have offered to sponsor Pig will have its own special festival Growers of some of the tastiest buy great products at a leisurely pace and have the crockery purchase. Milk crates, vibe and will be fun!!! If you are able berries in the area! some food and a glass of wine and sit at one which will store the reusable service to give your time on Friday 20 March of the tables or picnic rugs. There are only 4 ware, are being gathered from during the evening or any time on weeks so might be a good idea to put it on the calendar. Beechworth Transfer Station. Keep Saturday 21 March, please contact Wooragee Hall 5-8 pm, Thursdays 28th November, 5th, 12th, 19th December. Cup has donated 150 keep cups. Mim Poyner on mim.poyner@gmail. com See our Facebook page “Wooragee Weekly Produce Market”

FROM THE LIONS’ DEN We wish to call out for anyone who has historical data about the Yack Scouts Group for them to make contact with us. Old Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion. Lions Australia is Australia’s largest service photos of their kids or leaders when in uniform would be club with more than 1200 clubs in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Lions are appreciated. Please contact Kevin Poyner on 0439 849 785 to friends, family and neighbours who share a core belief: community is what we discuss your treasures and arrange scanning or collection. make it.

DID YOU KNOW - Wellsford House is available for use to community groups for a small donation; a BBQ fundraising opportunity is available at the monthly market for community groups and a community site is available at the market for use to community groups (all subject to availability). New members always welcome. Please contact Jane on 0400 271 992.

Up-Coming Events: 3rd Sunday of the Month – Community Market from 9am to 1 pm 2nd Wed of the Month – Meeting at Wellsford House from 6 p.m.

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 15 YACK & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC.

An extract from the Ovens and Murray Advertiser There has been plenty of activity at the Museum over September and October. The new Exhibition, Squatters (Beechworth, Victoria) dated Saturday 11 and Selectors opened, as well as staging of the 13th Cemetery Walk. The nine featured past residents of February 1899, page 7. Yackandandah were chosen for their unfortunate & untimely death. One of the more heart-rending was the story of young Flora (Tottie) Seymour: YACKANDANDAH SHIRE COUNCIL - Thursday, Flora Mary Seymour (1883-1886) was the fourth daughter to be born to Thomas Weller Seymour and Elizabeth February 9, 1899. Sudney Gay. Both of her parents were born in Australia, Thomas in New South Wales to George and Catherine, who had been sent to Australia for stealing clothes. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Yackandandah Shire Council was held at the On the evening of the 29th of September 1886, Thomas came home from rounding up wild Council Chambers, when there were present— horses in the high country (around Mount Bogong). He arrived home around sundown and Crs. O’Connor (President), Macdonald, turned his horse into a paddock opposite the house. He was sitting talking to his wife when Whitehead, Beatty, Crosthwaite, Bowran, Nevin, one of the children called out, ‘Mamma, Tottie is hurt.’ One of the girls was carrying their Sutherland and Priestley. The minutes of the three-year old sister in her arms. Isabella (7) and Alice (5) had been out picking wildflowers with Tottie around a hundred yards from the back of the house, when Tottie climbed up on previous meeting were read and confirmed. a fence to look at some foals. The chock on the top rail of the old chock-and-log fence was rotten and gave way and the log, which was sound, rolled on her. Thomas estimated that it From the Secretary, Prahran Women’s Franchise weighed around three hundredweight. League, pointing out that clause 50 of the Local Government Act 90 forbade a woman to stand Lottie, with It was too late to take her to the doctor’s in town that night, so they took her into as a councillor of any municipality, and advising brother Thomas Yackandandah at 6.30am the next morning. Doctor Mueller was away, so they hired a horse the council to move for the removal of this and buggy and started for Beechworth. They called in at Richard Kain’s Hotel at Wooragee disability. for a drink of water for the child, and that was where she died. Thomas returned to Yackandandah, leaving his daughter and at Mrs Leonard’s Hotel (the Clarence) in Yackandandah, where the inquest It was moved — “That this council does not was held on 1 October. approve of the action of the Prahran Women’s At the inquest, Thomas said he didn’t notice any marks on her except a slight black mark Franchise League, their reason being that on her spine, which became greatly discoloured after her death. There was a bend in as unrivalled lovers of the opposite sex they the log, which he assumed had stopped her from being instantly crushed to death. The consider that the direct and natural duties magistrate, George Reid, delivered the ruling that the deceased ‘died at Wooragge [sic pertaining to womanhood ought to leave them – read Wooragee] from the effect of a heavy log falling on her whilst climbing a fence neither time nor inclination to seek after other at her Father’s Paddock at Mullagong, on the twenty-ninth day of October [sic – read September] in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty-six’ things.” The receipt for At the time of her death, the first son had just been born – Thomas is with his sister in the Lottie’s coffin Cr. WHITEHEAD, as one who admired and photograph. There were then two more sons and five daughters. The third last child, Vera respected the fair sex, said he would advise the Hilda, was barely 9 months old when she died and is buried with her older sister, Tottie. ladies to keep away from the council table, the associations of which would not tend to develop On a lighter note, the spring garden at their womanly qualities. He thought a woman the Museum has not disappointed. In who was worthy of her traditions, and who the yard is a Weigela originally from wished to adorn the home, should have nothing Betty Searle’s garden (stone cottage to do with the management of either municipal next to the Public Hall). It first went to or political affairs. (Laughter and applause.) the Community Centre and was then transferred to the Museum, a crab Cr. BEATTY endorsed these sentiments and apple tree that just delights when in flower and we have an Alistair Clarke expressed the belief that the law ought to step “Sunny South” heritage rose. The in and prohibit masculine women from getting Azalia garden bed at the front of the married. (Dumb-founded silence). Glorious azaleas in full flower The beautiful crab apple cottage is also worth a mention. tree in the back garden Crs. Macdonald and the President were asked We currently have a large selection of jams, pickles, to express their opinions, but both were too plants and books that would make delightful Christmas gifts. nervous to trust themselves to speech. In addition we have a Christmas raffle with 1st, 2nd & 3rd prizes being a hamper. 1st The motion was then put without further delay, prize contains a leg of ham and is drawn on 7th December. Drop into the Museum and unanimously carried. for your tickets or find us out the front of the Newsagency on Sat To give some context to the above, South 30th Nov and Sat 7th Dec between Australia had already given women the right to 9am and 12:30pm. Your support, as vote in 1894 and it was only 4 years until women always, is greatly appreciated. were enfranchised to vote and entitled to stand Did you know 108 Plum Puddings for elections. were made by the women (and one The first woman elected was Edith Cowan in man) of Yackandandah, contributing 1921 - the lady on our $50 note. It was not until to the Coronation Dinner of King 1943 that the first two women were elected to Edward V11 in June 1902. More of The Alistair Clarke “Sunny this story and the celebrations that Federal politics. South” rose living up to its Jams and preserves galore - all home made Yackandandah citizens enjoyed can Thelma Buchanan name be viewed in the Museum. DON’T MISS OUR CURRENT EXHIBITION “SQUATTERS AND SELECTORS”, a fascinating insight into European settlement in the Yackandandah Valley.

Visitor Quotes: “Very well done, documentation was exemplary”- Kerrville, Texas. “Fabulous & interesting, super informative folks”- Canberra. “Liked it a lot, will come again”- Albury. “Very interesting. Thank you!!!”- Edward McEwan – Glasgow Scotland

COME IN AND SEE FOR YOURSELF! Open: Wednesday–Sunday (Vic school holidays–every day.) Current hrs: 11 am – 4 pm.

THE COMMITTEE AND STAFF OF THE MUSEUM WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

16 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 Our local circus school has enjoyed transformation and for the support proud moment to walk in the parade another full year of activities both in our and dynamic we receive with on World Circus Day. venue at 33 High Street and out in the change. staffing from Albury’s community. Vinyasa yoga ‘Flying Fruit Fly • Beechworth Secondary College’s school production - Such a talented reminds us Circus’. This support group of people to work with! IN THE VENUE: to accept, enables us to offer embrace and an incredibly rich • ‘From little things – Beechworth Little Yack’s Yogis by Stacey Hogan – surf the wave program in Circus Spring Music Festival’ – Circus This year we have enjoyed three terms of of life. On Arts to the Yack workshops. the mat, this community. • Indigo Shire’s Skate Series in means flowing fun filled adventure. Our students have Rutherglen and Yackandandah – more through a In September we Circus workshops learnt to move through a Sun Salutation, sequence hosted our annual recognise feelings and emotions in their of different performance. This • Yackandandah’s Arts Festival: bodies and notice the beautiful things poses, being year we presented in nature. The class ‘flow’ begins with mindful of two shows, each with December 7, we will open the venue for our Dance performances. a high energy game then moves onto your breath. approximately 50 a more focussed and settled practise, Off the mat, artists ranging from December 8 finishing off with a specific pose and , our Drama students we want to show up in life, work on finding 3yrs to adulthood. Over the weekend we will present their production, guided relaxation. Children almost float our place within the flow and importantly, saw over 300 people from the community addressing the growing climate out of Stacey’s classes in calm and to be part of a community. come together to celebrate our students change debate. Teen/Adultpeaceful bubbles. Yoga from Katja achievements. I would like to thanks all Shoenfelder – Practising Yoga puts This year, Yack Circus has welcomed me the family helpers - we couldn’t have • Beechworth Bourke Museum, January you on the path to a happier version of 2020 - a special museum/circus with open arms and I am very proud to be pulled this together without you! A special experience. yourself – who wouldn’t like to find that! part of this community. I want to thank thanks to YCDco for the straw bales, the Zoe Pinard and all the students who have Public Hall Committee for loan of their For the last two years, ‘Yack Circus’ has * Hammock Yoga - When Zoe asked if come to my classes, I feel very honoured. chairs, and to Charles and Nancy Sluga for been operating under the umbrella of I would be interested in creating a class once again loaning us tables for the event. Albury’s ‘Flying Fruit Fly Circus’. In these combining her passion, Aerial Arts, with Drama by Brendan Hogan – Brendan’s The weekend was certainly a highlight of two years, Richard Hull and the Albury my passion, Yoga, I was instantly hooked drama classes have been full of movement 2019 for me! team have provided a ‘safety net’ for Yack, and the Aerial Yoga class at Yack Circus and mayhem this year, culminating allowing us to try new programs and to was born! We trained together over ten in a small production as part of the We are motivated to empower everyone grow. This opportunity has been incredibly weeks and I soon realised that this hybrid Yackandandah Arts Festival. The senior who comes through our doors. One valuable for our school and for my own of yoga, pilates and aerial circus is not students have spent the last term of the ways we do this is through our understanding of running the business. only lots of fun, but its also an amazing improvising and devising short plays in student trainer program. Here, students The time has come for us to find our workout, developing strength, flexibility, response to the growing climate change learn on the job various teaching tips independence once again. Commencing coordination, balance and mindfulness debate happening on a local whilst being both energising and calming. and global scale. Filled with wit and wisdom, the short plays Students experience decompression of the are an imaginative addition joints and spine, in a peaceful setting. The to the conversation. You can come and check out their work at the Public Hall on Sunday, December 8, at 2pm.

Dance by Chelsea Harrison - It’s been an absolute pleasure being involved with the Yack community for another year. 2019 has seen the dance students really embrace learning new styles and perfecting their ensemble routines. From teens down to tots, I feel grateful to play a role in their creative and Beechworth Easter Parade technical dance development. A highlight for me each week is the pre school class. I really enjoy and consolidate their learnt circus skills in 2020, ‘Yack Circus’ will go back to gross motor helping the little ones learn through sharing these with the younger operating independently. The two circus movements and find their rhythm whilst students, under the guidance of our senior organisations will continue to support each also practicing skills such as taking turns, The Savasana relaxation pose trainers. It’s heart warming to see all other with staffing, rigging and general spatial awareness and independence - all these students bring to our classes. Their sharing of circus resources. such important skills in preparing them presence is certainly cherished and valued! Savasana (relaxation pose) whilst hanging for the next step in their learning journey. Sending out a heartfelt thank you to all the in a silky hammock is a favourite for all We continue to welcome the Bright and staff from Albury for your help over the who try this fun class! Circus by Zoe Pinard – This year we Myrtleford Outside School Hours Care past two years! have welcomed 10 of Australia’s talented (OSHC) children to our venue for holiday * Vinyasa Yoga - Everyone knows how circus artists to teach in Yack. Each of circus workshops. Enrolments for 2020 will open in important it is in life, to go with the flow. these trainers has brought an excellent December. For all enquiries please email Well, that is what “Vinyasa” means, understanding of the foundations of circus Out in the community: Zoe – [email protected] to flow or move your body with the arts plus unique and specialised skills to breath in a particular way. Life is about share. I’m grateful to all who come to Yack • Beechworth Easter Parade - It was a

PO Box 28 www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au Beechworth 3747 www.facebook.com/indigoshire Upcoming Council meeting Indigo phone 03 5728 8000 [email protected] 6.30pm Tuesday 17 December 2019 local call 1300 365 003 Beechworth Council Chambers, Mayday Hills. Connection Heritage Shire – Bold Future LIVESTREAM: indigoshire.vic.gov.au/live QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL FIRE HAZARD INSPECTIONS SWIMMING SEASON NOW OPEN

Do you have a question about a Council matter? If your property has overgrown grass, weeds, vegetation or Yackandandah pool is now open for low-season Send it to us in writing and have it answered during the rubbish that may pose a fire hazard, it is important to clean it up swimming: Open Forum section of a Council Meeting. as soon as possible. • Monday - Friday, 3pm to 7pm You must attend the meeting for your question to be To prepare for the fire season, the Municipal Fire Prevention • Saturday - Sunday, 1pm to 7.30pm answered. Officer has started inspections of properties for fire hazards, or The pool is also open for early morning swimming Submit your question at indigoshire.vic.gov.au/ potential fire hazards. from 6.30am to 8.30am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. For more information go to questionsforcouncil For more information go to indigoshire.vic.gov.au/firehazards indigoshire.vic.gov.au/pools

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 17 ght e Ni Lat ng Big Night oppi Ou Sh t 2040 Film s Group iter’ ry Wr Poet eatre Th Christmas Fair

Stude ibition nt V Exh Perfo iol Art  rma in 6- 8 CeE 21 nce e Children’s Tre Work sh sho Wi ps

Yackandandah Arts Festival is an High Country Christmas Fair Yackandandah Theatre Company presents Explore this boutique market and wonderful ‘Letters to Greta’ exciting new event for our town. opportunity to purchase high quality products Performances of three plays, in collaboration from a wide range of artists and crafters. with Climate Change Theatre Action, plus The Festival runs over three days Saturday 7th December short plays by Brendan Hogan's drama class 9am – 2pm from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus. and celebrates the extraordinary Memorial Gardens Sunday 8th December 2pm – 3.30pm talent of our artistic community. Author Presentation & Yackandandah Public Hall Writer’s Group Rachael Kable is a mindfulness mentor, come Artist Open Studios: Handsome & Co, The aim of the Arts Festival is to combine and find out more about this fascinating Gordon Dickson Studio Gallery, Kirby’s Flat performance and art with a strong sustainable author and podcaster. Pottery, Sluga Gallery & Yack Station message. The Festival committee have been Five fabulous artist venues, an opportunity to overwhelmed with support from many Saturday 7th December explore a world of creativity. Pick up a sections of the community, including the 10.30am – 11.30am brochure from the Information Centre and Men’s Shed, the kinders, Yack Health, the Public Library follow the artist’s trail. Library, TRY, Plasticwise, the Community Garden Club and local schools and businesses. Yackandandah ‘Flickside’ presents ‘2040’ film Saturday 7th – Sunday 8th December The film ‘2040’ gives a message of hope if we See brochure for times (Available from the Yackandandah Arts Festival is sponsored by continue to look after our planet. The Information Centre) Arts Yackandandah, Yackandandah documentary gives practical solutions to Community Centre and Indigo Shire Council. environmental concerns. Saturday 7th December Community Activities You’ll see posters round the town. Copies of 7pm – 9.30pm the program can be obtained from the Public Hall Information Centre and Yackandandah A number of activities have been running in Community Centre. You can use this page too. Art Exhibition the weeks leading up to the Yackandandah The theme is ‘Intergenerational’ and the Arts Festival. Courthouse will be featuring the artistic talents What’s On & Where of Yack Kinder, Yack Health residents and local At the Community Centre a Weaving Project artists. has been created to form a piece of art, highlighting the fabric of our community. Courthouse Official Opening by Cathy McGowan During the Festival you can add to the loom Saturday 7th December with items provided or bring your own. Friday 6th December 10am – 5pm 5.30pm AND Sunday 8th December Children from local schools have participated The Star Hotel, Garden Stage 10am – 2pm in ‘sustainability’ workshops at the Library, listening to stories, writing and drawing Big Night Out Summer Concert & BBQ Poet’s Breakfast with Steve Masters messages for the ‘environmental wish tree’. Join in a foot tapping, hand-clapping, family Explore the mastery of poetry with one of friendly event featuring a wide range of The six foot ‘environmental wish tree’ forms the Yack’s best, be it narrative, dramatic or lyrical in performers. centre-piece of the Festival, constructed by the style and presentation. Friday 6th December Men’s Shed, anyone is encouraged to write a Sunday 8th December 5.30pm – 10pm message on an oak leaf and hang it on the 9am – 10am The Star Hotel, Garden Stage ‘wish tree’. The ideas and messages will form Rusty Bike the theme for next year’s event. Late Night Shopping in Main Street Violindigo with David Pietsch & student Look out for the ‘environmental wish tree’ at A chance to browse for that special gift and performers the Library and the Public Hall over the Festival join in the activities during the festive late Violindigo students will be performing some weekend. night shopping experience at Yack’s boutique of your favourite Christmas carols, come along shopping outlets. and join in with Yack’s local young talent. Sustainability is our main message, please take Friday 7th & Saturday 8th December Sunday 8th December ‘keep cups’ to eateries. Enjoy the inaugural Main Street, Yackandandah 1.30pm – 2pm Yackandandah Arts Festival! Public Hall

Sponsored by: Follow us on: /yackartsfestival

Latest Event Information: [email protected] | www.yackartsfestival.com.au

18 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 powerful theatre great conversations

subscribe before 23 December 2020 and save up to $80 hothousetheatre.com.au

There are few more pressing 21st century issues than the threat to the world’s natural environment. Yackandandah Arts Festival YACKSTATION ARTS HUB - ARTS FESTIVAL Yet how can we halt the loss of wildlife across the YACK STATION Earth? How can we balance economic development OPEN WEEKEND OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND PROGRAM and population growth against ecological concerns? In The Moth Snowstorm, one of Britain’s leading SATURDAY 7th December and SUNDAY 9th December environmental writers, the journalist Michael Mc- Carthy, presents a timely reminder of the state of the CLAY PLAY with Helen Lemke destruction of the natural world. WORKSHOPS & • 11am -1pm Clay play- modelling at $5 pp for material costs. DEMONSTRATIONS ALL The wildlife population of Britain has halved in his lifetime, he tells us: “This was the great thinning”. WEEKEND CALLIGRAPHY DEMONSTRATIONS & WORKSHOPS with Marta Lett: We need such statistics to see the extent of ecologi- cal destruction wrought through the second half of *CALLIGRAPHY • 10.00 - 10.30am: Demonstration: bookmarks /Cards $2/$8pp the 20th century. Yet as Homo sapiens – “Earth’s *CLAY PLAY • 11.00 - 12.00 noon: Mini workshops: Italic Script/Gothic capital *WEAVING problem child” – we so often seem to sit apparently letters *INDIGENOUS ARTIST ON SITE impotent and useless in our response. *WOODTURNING • 12.30 - 1.00pm: Demonstration of Celtic Art/Gilding Celtic Art *MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY McCarthy’s love of his home turf of the Dee estuary, near Liverpool, is detailed and contrasted against *YACK STATION & RAIL HISTORY • 1.30 - 2.30pm: Mini workshop in Celtic Art TOURS the example of The mini workshops can be booked ahead (0423 947 472) or pay on the the far vaster day at $20/pp including materials used. tidal flats of the Yellow Sea at WEAVING DEMONSTATIONS and DEMONSTATIONS with Ian McKinnon Saemangeum in South Korea, AuSome • 10am -3pm - Continuous weaving demonstrations throughout day once home to Follow the Stars on High millions of mi- • Inkle loom – come and try your own bit of weaving using an inkle grant birds, now loom a “deadscape” INDIGENOUS PAINTING DEMONSTRATION by Stephen Berger (Arrernte of unused, artist) currently living and painting in Albury. reclaimed land measuring AUSMENTOS YACKANDANDAH BOOKS 15 High Street 02 6027 1025 24 High Street 02 6027 1226 • Continuous throughout day 40,000ha en- Quality Australiana & Books All the Newspapers & Magazines closed in a wall Ken Arnold, Aboriginal, Gardening, Nature Books for Young and Old Christmas, Christian Classic Childrens MODEL TRAIN DISPLAY - Darryn Coulston’s Kookaburra train display will 33km long. Jeremy Boot Cards for every occasion Artwork, Cards China Toys, Puzzles and Games be on show and working throughout the day. Static model of the Yackan- Didgeridoonas Didgeridoonas dandah train station will be available to view. Books really Oilskin products Oilskin products Bell Art Koh can change the Placemats,Coasters,Cards,Gifts Australian themed giftware! RAIL & YACK STATION HISTORY TOURS world. Here’s Bulurru & Utopia Jewellery and Watches Aboriginal Designs on Homewares An eclectic mix-Fun & Dressy hoping that McCarthy’s The Moth Snowstorm, like Rodriquez Australian Tea Towels Home décor- • By appointment or on the hour as required - Free. Phone 0439 Carson’s Silent Spring, is one such work that truly Belinda Fraser local Tea Towels Vases, Plaques, Cushions 849 785 Humphrey Law Stationery starts to make the world’s human population shift the Australian Socks For Celebrations & Planning way we see, experience and act towards the remain- Lavender Patch Cinderella Soap SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER ONLY Local lavender products Local hand made soap. ing wildlife that we share this planet with. Australian Animals Printer and Communications Supplies Stuffed toys &Puppets Recharge-Gift Cards WOODTURNING and PRYOGRAPHY DEMONSTATIONS Ashdene James Canton, Lecturer in Literature, Mugs, Trays,Tableware Yackandandah University of Essex Art on Tile • Come and see local Staghorn Flat artist Harry Dennis doing Badged souvenirs Dodson woodturning on his lathe whilst Esther Dennis undertakes the art of Exquisite Glass Birds In both stores This article is republished from theconversation.com under

pyrography. a Creative Commons license. Read theconversation.com/the-moth-snowstorm-an-envi- Warren and Denise Gould ABN 12872076481 [email protected] • Ongoing demonstrations throughout the day. ronmental-call-to-arms-as-powerful-as-silent-spring-67576 original article Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 19 THE ARTS IN YACKANDANDAH

wedding,’ chuckles the character of Mrs Soames (Jan affection between man and horse even though the ‘I love a good wedding’ and Salter) - and, finally, the sadness of an early death, horse was only air. other memorable lines’ - Our that shapes the three acts of the play. The story, such a familiar one, is made poignant because of the Other cast members, who all brought their roles Town Review conviction and emotion the two young people bring to life no matter how small, were Matt Lane (Mr to these roles. Webb), Trevor Matthews (Dr Gibbs), Georgie Rootsey Our Town, performed by the Yackandandah Theatre (Rebecca Gibbs), Connor Wall (Joe Crowell & Si Company in September, was an outstanding success. The set was a simple one: tables and chairs to mark Crowell), Henry Rotherham (Wally Webb), Brendan The company performed four shows in total, the kitchens of the two families; ladders to represent Hogan (Prof. Willard, baseball player & Sam Craig), including a Saturday matinee. This is not a new being upstairs and close to the moon and stars; a Geordie Graham (Simon Stimson) and Patrick Thurtell play. It was written by the American playwright, (Joe Stoddard), Dead Thornton Wilder, and Man (Alan Grogan), premiered in New York in Dead Man (Rob 1938. However, a good Dickens). Archer play is timeless, and the Mason did a great job Yackandandah Theatre on sound effects. Company proved this to be so. Co-directors, The choir was a bonus, Lisa Mason & Margie the lyrics of the songs Gleeson, had a clear vision commenting chorus in the shaping of the like on the action. The play and teased out the choir members were best in their large cast of Louise Kaye-Smith, seventeen locals, several Geoff Simmons, Kevin of whom had never been Poyner, Patten Bridge, on stage before. Bill Buchanan, Paula Mobach and Don At the heart of the play Cameron. is the character of Stage Manager (Colin Thornton). Audience feedback He speaks directly to the included such audience and orchestrates comments as the play within a play. ‘Wonderful play In the second act he and powerful wisely says, “You’ve got performances – stays to love life to have life, with you and will and you’ve got to have linger in our hearts.’ life to love life… it’s what ‘Seeing our own leafy arch to define the space between the two they call a vicious circle.” Colin’s assured and relaxed townspeople in these roles – telling the lifelong houses; chairs rearranged to form the pews in a manner drew the audience into the ordinary world of community stories of connection, friendship, routine, church and the gravestones of the dead. Mime was Grover’s Corner where we meet the Gibbs and Webb roles, travails and tribulations alongside the making also used skilfully and effectively. Mrs Gibbs (Louise family and an assortment of townspeople going of marriage and death – was poignant.’ Scheidl) and Mrs Webb (Donna Picton) prepared the about their everyday tasks. Love blossoms between meals for their family, shelled peas, fed the hens, Emily Webb (Madeleine Hewson) and George Gibbs We look forward to another play in 2020 from our all without the use of a single physical prop. Howie (Alex Cameron) and it’s their friendship, the process very own theatre company. Newsome (Matt Charles-Jones) lead his horse across of falling in love and deciding to marry - ‘I love a good the stage and delivered milk and conveyed the Bev Lello

Thank you to those new volunteers who read about us in Yackity Radiothon Month – Our Radiothon for 2019 has now concluded Yak. Welcome aboard, we look forward to helping you get your with a number of current and new members taking the sessions up and running. opportunity to join and renew their Membership for 2020 and be part of the prize draw. A huge congratulations to the major prize NEWS GRABS from Indigo FM: winners of our Radiothon, Lauren Salathiel and Chris McGorlick. Lauren and Chris will be able to spend a relaxing few days at Yackandandah Arts Festival - Indigo FM is proud to support Lochwood Cottage B&B in Beechworth Yackandandah Community Centre and Arts Yackandandah who are presenting the inaugural Yackandandah Arts Festival from 6-8 December. This Other winners from Yackandandah include Arts Yackandandah and Harvey Ballantyne. exciting new event celebrates all areas of the Arts including live music, film, poetry, art They will be off to enjoy Albury’s By The Banks Music Festival on Saturday 30 November exhibition etc. Check out their website to read all about it - yackartsfestival.com.au which features well-known acts in The Maes, Scott Cook, The Northern Folk, This Way North and a host of others. Community News – Feel free to make contact and we can put your news out over the airwaves of Indigo FM. Have you got a great story to tell? An achievement to share with Join Up - If you would like to join Indigo FM it’s as easy as heading along to our website the community? Get in contact via [email protected] and we can help - indigofmradio.com and clicking the Get Involved Tab at the top of the page, then spread your news. clicking Membership which takes you through to our Membership sign-up module where you can provide your details and make payment. Our rates for 2020 are:- $14 Student / Concession, $28 Individual, $42 Couple, $48 Community Group JOHN DERMER and $80 for a Business. KIRBY’S FLAT POTTERY Opportunities at Indigo FM – we are always looking for people who are interested in getting involved with Indigo FM. You may wish to present a music Unique durable porcelain oven show, or a conversation piece, or report on local news and events. If so email & tableware as well as exhibition us on [email protected] with your wish to become a presenter pieces for that very special gift. and we will arrange to train you up to get your show up and running. This training is free, so the pathway to becoming a radio presenter is very easy. OPEN EACH WEEKEND, MOST SCHOOL HOLIDAYS If being in front of the microphone is not for you, then we have a range of ‘back AND BY APPOINTMENT. of house’ jobs, in marketing, technical support and event management that you can be involved in. FROM 10.30 am - 5.00 pm Tel: 02 6027 1416 johndermer.com.au If you are interested in knowing more about what Indigo FM here in Yack is all 225 KIRBY’S FLAT ROAD YACKANDANDAH about, then shoot Karen an email at [email protected]

20 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 THE ARTS IN YACK ANDANDAH

Yackandandah Writers “Illara” Owen Smith – an Elyne Mitchell Winner The Elyne Mitchell Writing Award commemorates the life and work of the celebrated author of the Silver Brumby book and has been Music and Visual Art Projections established to encourage all writers to focus their stories on the Yackandandah Town Hall Australian rural landscape. This year the successful writer was Owen 7:30pm Saturday 30 November Smith, a member of Yackandandah Writers. The theme was New Beginnings and Owen’s story Newmarket Sales was the top story out of 140 entries. Well done Owen.

About Owen - Owen spent his childhood in Rand, NSW, and went to boarding school near Goulburn. He spent his working life alternating between his profession (teaching) and oil rigs, theatre companies, travelling and hitch-hiking through various countries. He lived for fifteen years in Japan. He’s now in Wodonga gardening, writing short stories and researching for a book on the life of Thomas Henry Smith, one of the four men who wrote the “Melbourne Rules’ of football in 1859.

Extract from ‘Newmarket Sales’ Catapulted into a dreamscape where music and projection intertwine, beauty is found in Illara; a world of serenity and chaotic contrast I was driving along in the ute last month, on my way to fix a gap in the swamp paddock fence. Featuring Jenny O’Hara (flute), Stephen O’Connell (saxophone), Adrian Smith (drums), It’d been one of those glory mornings, one so still and so soundless you could hear the stars. Chris Pidd (dramaturg/sound and lighting) The colours of the sunrise were the colours of forgiveness. You couldn’t imagine angst or

pain anywhere in the world. Anyway, I’m driving along and I look up and here’s old Claude

$25 Adult. $20 Concession. $5 Child. Barraclough heading my way in his beat up Bedford. Claude’s farm joins ours but I hadn’t seen Tickets available at the door or Pre-book on 0425 807 955 him for months. He’s not a footy man and you’ll never have to shout him a beer at the pub.

We pull up side by side on the road, engines go off, elbows out the window. POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY “Frank.”

the first Sunday of each month at “Claude.” 2 p.m. in The Board Room at Yackandandah Community Centre, Claude’s one of those blokes you never know if he’s pullin’ yer leg, and a long-story-short sort of High Street, Yack man too. A traveller once asked him which direction the rain came from around here. Claude just looked at him and pointed up at the sky. Sunday 1st December “So Claude, what do you know?” Bring your favourites to share - poems of all styles and eras welcome. You don’t need to be Claude pushes his old felt hat, pasted together with grease and dirt, back on his head. He turns a poet or have to read - just come to enjoy and his gaze to the grassless paddocks crackling in the heat and squints from the glare. explore the magic of poetry and words. POETRY POETRY POETRY POETRY “Frank,” he says. “There’s some times I dunno what to do. Then there’s other times...” He slowly shakes his head, turns away to look along the road and his voice goes quiet. “I just don’t know what to do.”

I look at him in profile for a minute, silver cheeks, floppy jowls, then turn away and look ahead myself, down the road I’m travelling.

You can read the full story and other winning stories here: http://www.elynemitchell.com. au/2019-winning stories/

Yackandandah Writers meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 2 pm in the Yack Court House. Contact Beverley Lello: [email protected]

UKE-N-DANDAH

Yackandandah’s own Ukulele Club is proudly associated with Arts Yackandandah. We meet every Monday night between 7:15 - 8:30 pm at the Court House during term time.

New members are most welcome, and if you are a beginner, no problem as basic instruction is given. Come on - have fun and strum! For further details, contact Frances on 0417 292 917

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 21 DOING WHAT YOU LIKE IS Give Us Five this Folk Festival FREEDOM. LIKING WHAT YOU Reg’s Rain Report Planning for reusable DO IS HAPPINESS. Yackandandah cup, a 2019 Millimetres Days of Rain Folk Festival is reusable January 15.6 7 in full swing, bottle, a February 22.0 and for 2020, reusable 5 the Festival’s container for March 68.0 9 Green Team takeaway, April 15.8 3 wants you to reusable May 174.0 12 “Give Us Five”! cutlery and a reusable June 75.4 10 That is, the bag. At July 72.8 15 Green Team the shop Aug 67.2 9 wants you to counter, Sept 37.6 8 count off on we want five fingers, festival- October 27.0 8 the reusable goers to be Nov to 14th 35.8 6 items you need prepared to TOTAL 611.2 92 to bring to the have their To 14/11/17 681.4 89 festival - a reusable cup, a reusable food and drink packaged in reusable water bottle, a reusable container for packaging - and show us your efforts To 14/11/18 550.2 84 takeaway food, reusable cutlery and a on social media!” reusable bag. Doug said the great thing about the 7 THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE While the Green Team is stepping up campaign was that it required no KNOWN ABOUT YOUR LOCAL the efforts of its renowned resource fancy purchases to take part. “We all COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT sorting stations in High Street this year, have cups, water bottles, bags, cutlery COMPANY! it’s also dreaming up new ways for and containers floating around in our festival-goers to minimise their waste kitchen cupboards - make yourself a kit 1. We give a proportion of our annual profits to local community groups, in the first place. of these five things, and you’re ready who can apply to us for funding at any time. for the Festival!” he said. 2. We have a reciprocal arrangement with Foodworks in Yack. Buy up to The team’s head honcho, Doug 80 litres of fuel at the servo, spend $30 minimum (excluding tobacco) Westland, said the “Give Us Five” idea The shiny new “DishPig”, a mobile- at Foodworks, provide them with your YFuel receipt and you will get 4 was a visual way of reminding festival dishwashing project of PlasticWise cents/litre deducted from your grocery bill. goers to take responsibility for refusing Yackandandah, will make its exciting single-use packaging at the point of festival debut, helping keep reusable 3. YCDCo made a profit of $115,595 in the 2018/19 financial year and purchase and reusing packaging of dishes sparkling during the Friday night $28,228 in grants was made to local community groups to directly their own. and Saturday of the Festival - keep your benefit your township. eyes peeled for the Pig! 4. That Yfuel/YCDCo provides significant employment in the township of “We’re getting pretty good at dealing Yack with 2 full time positions, 3 part-time positions and up to 15 casual with the resources at the ‘end point’, The Festival Green Team’s volunteers positions which benefit our young Yack people directly. when cans, bottles, paper and food will also be out in force again in 2020, 5. That the price of fuel is checked daily with local outlets in Wodonga, scraps get to the bin, but this year we guiding festival attendees through Wangaratta, Albury and surrounding towns, and the Yack price, which want to start turning our minds to the the resource management stations has a set margin, is then amended. We can’t always guarantee to origin of waste - the point at which and ensuring that discarded materials people leave home in the first place, are properly sorted to minimise match other outlets who run ridiculously tight profit margins, but then they very likely won’t be benefitting their local community in many if and the moment they are standing at the contamination of recycling and any way either! a shop counter ordering their food or compost bins. drink,” Doug said. 6. Shares are generally always available for purchase in your friendly For more information on the Community Development Company. They are currently worth $228.76 “Before leaving home to come and join Yackandandah Folk Festival Green each. Contact Marion at [email protected] for more us at the Festival, we want people to Team, or to become a Green Team information. ‘give us five’ and count off the things volunteer, visit https://yackfolkfestival. 7. The shares have increased by in excess of 120% since being launched they need to bring on five fingers - a com/join-in/volunteers/ in 2002 and will be paying a dividend in the 2019/20 financial year. Now, still keen on buying your fuel from anywhere other than Yack??

WATER & GENERAL CARTAGE

John Rodda’s  Drop deck available - with ramps  Machinery, wide loads, hay  Local & interstate

YACK

MOWER

SHED  Stainless steel tanker - 23,000 litre capacity  Food grade liquids REPAIRS & SERVICING  Registered water carter  Drinking water

Ride-Ons, Mowers, Phone: Rod Wait Chainsaws, ATVs etc. Whippet Transport Pty Ltd. Indigo Valley

0419 133 046 0438 269 238 (AH 02 6026 9238) 68 Back Creek Road

22 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 KEENAN brothers at War – The youngest enlisted under an Indigo Shire welcomed into WHO Global Network for assumed name because he was underage Age-Friendly Cities and Communities

This Memorial photo deceased. He signed his name thus. Indigo Shire Council has been welcomed as a member of the of Thomas Keenan who World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly was killed at Pozieres Cities and Communities. Indigo Shire Mayor, Jenny O’Connor said in July 1916 is in the recognition by WHO is testament to our commitment to creating Yackandandah Museum’s an age-friendly community. collection. By March 1916 he was declared a deserter, but the charges were dropped when his “We are honoured to receive this acknowledgement of our Tom was the second friend asserted that he had left aboard work to improve the lives of older people living in Indigo Shire. eldest of the four sons Thomas Keenan HMAS Nestor on 20 October 1916. Ageing isn’t what it used to be. People are living longer and of John and Catherine more active lives and it’s important that we are able to meet (Purcell) Keenan, all of This website also produced a James the needs of our older residents. We know that 45 per cent of whom enlisted in World War 1. John Patrick Ashworth from Staghorn Flat as well. He people living in Indigo Shire are over the age of 50 and people (the eldest) and William (third son) both said he was 22 and that his parents were over 65 make up more than 20 per cent of the population. With returned to Australia. Their photos were deceased. This James gave his next of kin an ageing population, our goal is to celebrate ageing and provide included on a beautiful Staghorn Flat World as his friend, John Keenan. He enlisted in opportunities for good health, social and economic participation War 1 Honour Roll Board. February 1916 and embarked aboard the and personal security,” Cr O’Connor said. HMAS Nestor 2 October 1916. He was Mystery, however, surrounded the military severely wounded in September 1917 and Indigo Shire Council’s Ageing Well Strategy endorsed earlier this history of the youngest son, James, starting returned home in April 1918. year, outlines their plans to create an age-friendly community. with this snippet on 14 September 1916 in “Since the introduction of the Ageing Well Strategy, we’ve the Yackandandah Times. It appears that While Ashworth is a common name in introduced a number of initiatives to increase social and civic Staghorn Flat, the parentage of this James participation of older people including the Rutherglen Skillshare could not be established until an eagle- and Repair Café, as well as supporting new skill-sharing initiatives eyed researcher, Jessamy, noticed that he at the Chiltern Neighbourhood House and Beechworth Repair gave his religion as Roman Catholic, which Café. We also have a new Ageing Well Officer on board who has Yackandandah knew that he was already at was a surprise as all the other Ashworths in the front along with his brother (William), been working closely with the community and local businesses to Staghorn Flat were Church of England. She increase access and inclusion,” Cr O’Connor said. with Sgt John Patrick about to leave, and also noticed this item in the Police Gazette Tom already dead. of 31 July, 1919. The Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities was The mystery intensified with this informa- formed in 2010 with the vision of making communities great tion in an article places to grow old in with the full participation of older people in the Yackan- in community life, characterised by healthy and active ageing. dandah Times of By joining the network, Indigo Shire Council commits to sharing and promoting the values and principles central to the WHO Age- 10 January 1918. This description is very similar to what friendly approach. appears on both attestation papers. And On the website this is how he signed his second attestation for the Australian A Watchbox Wedding paper. War Memorial, there was no indication of The Watchbox Winery and Café in what his assumed name was. His parentage the Indigo Valley recently hosted its and date of birth was established with the help of Ancestry.com. He was born in Albury first wedding since its reopening a few months ago. in 1898 which meant that at the start of the On the Staghorn Flat World War One War in 1914 he was 16 years old. Former locals, Daniel Toohey and plaque there are the names of both James Kassie Wareham tied the knot in a

Using the website Ashworth and James Keenan, although lovely garden wedding at the Watchbox https://honouringanzacs.net.au/ it is only James Keenan’s name appears on the on the 26th October. The wedding was possible to search for possible soldiers Yackandandah Soldiers’ and Kiewa RSL’s conducted by local celebrant, Angela using their place of birth. That search Memorials. Bishop. yielded a James Jones from Staghorn Flat who in January 1916 gave his age as 22 and Thelma Buchanan and Ian Touzel The couple also celebrated their listed a friend in Melbourne as his next-of- reception at the Watchbox and are kin, claiming falsely that his parents were happy to recommend this venue for a great wedding experience.

Daniel and Kassie celebrating at the Watchbox Winery, in the lovely Indigo Valley

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 23 If the Poms can do it with their weather, why on earth can’t we? Renewable energy sources provided more electricity to UK homes and Kwasi Kwarteng, the minister for energy and clean growth, said the businesses than fossil fuels for the first time over the last quarter, according renewables record is “yet another milestone on our path towards ending to new research. The renewables record was set in the third quarter of 2019 our contribution to climate change altogether by 2050”. He said: “Already, after its share of the electricity mix rose to 40%. It is the first time that we’ve cut emissions by 40% while growing the economy by two thirds electricity from British wind farms, solar panels and renewable biomass since 1990. Now, with more offshore wind projects on the way at record plants has surpassed fossil fuels since the UK’s first power plant fired up in low prices we plan to go even further and faster in the years to come.” 1882. Luke Clark, of Renewable UK, said the industry hopes to treble the size of its offshore wind sector by 2030 to generate more than a third of the UK’s The new milestone confirms predictions made by National Grid that 2019 electricity. “The cost of new offshore wind projects, for example, has just will be the first year since the Industrial Revolution that zero-carbon fallen to an all-time low, making onshore and offshore wind our lowest-cost electricity – renewables and nuclear – overtakes gas and coal-fired power. large scale power sources,” Clark said.

A string of new offshore wind farms built this year helped nudge Under the Labour party’s plans for Green Industrial Revolution the offshore renewables past fossil fuels, which made up 39% of UK electricity, in a wind industry would grow five-fold in a decade, with the addition of an crucial tipping point in Britain’s energy transition. Fossil fuels made up extra 37 giant offshore wind farms and 70,000 new jobs. According to four-fifths of the country’s electricity fewer than 10 years ago, split between Renewable UK, the growth of the renewables industry is good news for gas and coal, but the latest analysis by Carbon Brief shows that coal-fired energy bills, as well as the environment, due to the steep fall in the cost of power was less than 1% of all electricity generated. British coal plants are wind and solar power technologies over recent years. shutting down ahead of a 2025 ban. By next spring just four coal plants will remain in the UK. The next generation of offshore wind farms is expected to cost about £40 for every megawatt hour of electricity generated, less than the Gas-fired power makes up the bulk of the dwindling share of fossil fuels in average market price for electricity on the wholesale energy markets. “If the energy system at 38%. Nuclear power provided slightly less than a fifth government were to back a range of technologies – like onshore wind of the UK’s electricity in the last quarter, the report said. and marine renewables – in the same way as it is backing offshore wind, Wind power is the UK’s strongest source of renewable energy and made up consumers and businesses would be able to fully reap the benefits of the transition to a low carbon economy,” Clark said. 20% of the UK’s electricity following a series of major wind farm openings in recent years. Electricity from renewable biomass plants made up 12% of From an article by Jillian Ambrose produced for the Guardian in October 2019 the energy system, while solar panels contributed 6%. The world’s largest offshore wind farm, the Hornsea One project, began generating electricity off the Yorkshire coast in February, reaching a peak capacity of 1,200MW Thank heavens for TRY, Indigo Power and like mnded community in October. It followed the opening of the Beatrice wind farm off the north- organisations for beavering away to see progress in renewables. Even east coast of Scotland over the summer. Together these schemes almost if you don’t believe in man-made climate change, why wouldn’t you doubled the 2,100MW worth of offshore capacity which began powering want to leave a better, cleaner planet for those coming after us? Ed. homes in 2018.

24 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 YACKANDANDAH KINDERGARTEN

LITTLE DIGGERS them toasty warm at just the right NEWS temperature in an incubator, the eggs collaborative partnerships have created a great were watched over for even the slightest sign of a space for our children, staff and families to share Recently the crack or a cheep whilst the children learnt about the and we are confident our Bush Kinder will teach new Kinder received life cycle of a chicken, from egg to hatching. When generations of children the importance of our natural a visit from the greatly anticipated due date arrived and no chicks world through regular incursions and working bees. the Bunnings were to be seen, Wodonga the children Marisel will be attending the Award Presentation activities co- decided that we Ceremony at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne ordinators, Kylie should use one of on Thursday 21st November. and Jess. They the iPads to play brought along hen-yard noises MANGOES IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS a wonderful to encourage selection of them into the An amazing 410 trays of mangoes were ordered goodies for our world. It worked, from the Yackandandah, Beechworth and nearby vegie garden – all Little Diggers planting up a storm because within Babies at last... communities! donations! 48 hours we had 14 fluffy chicks Delivery will occur approx. two weeks before The girls and the warming themselves under the heat lamp and a lot Christmas and pick-up will be from the Yack Public children shared of excited 3 and 4yo’s. They are now growing fast and Hall (a pick-up point in Beechworth is being arranged their knowledge of entertaining everyone with their extraordinarily loud well). Our YackMangoes Co-Ordinator will inform gardening with each cheeping and wobbly-footed antics. you by email of exact other and how to delivery date (dependent grow happy, healthy YACKANDANDAH KINDER IS AN AWARD upon ripening). You can A garden to be proud of plants with love and ENTRY FINALIST FOR THE VICTORIAN contact the Co-Ordinator at SCHOOLS GARDEN [email protected]. care. Planting strategies agreed AWARDS FOR THE MOST upon, the girls then stayed to help ENGAGING PLAY SPACE ENROLLING IN OUR 2020 the children prepare the earth, CATEGORY 3YO AND 4YO PROGRAMS plant and water in. Everyone got involved and the children’s A big thank to all involved We are still welcoming enthusiasm was infectious as in helping to develop our enrolments, so if it is your strawberry, parsely, basil, lettuce, garden and bush kindergarten. We intention to enrol your child cucumber, sweet corn, tomatoes have been selected as a finalist for in either the 3 Year Old or 4 Year Old programs, and lettuce were tucked into their the Victorian Schools Garden Awards please complete an ENROLMENT APPLICATION form new soil beds and mulched with in a new category recently included [available from our website or from the Kinder office] sugarcane. for Kindergartens. The development, and return it to Kinder as soon as possible. implementation, revegetation and CHICK CHICK CHICKADEES continuing improvements have been Contact our service on 02 6027 1560 to make a possible through the foresight of our time for a tour and to discuss your child’s learning Over recent weeks, the children Kinder Director, Marisel Blefari and needs and goals for 2020. Visit our website at f have been eagerly awaiting the Technology helping with chicken- the generous support of our families, yackandandahkinder.com.au or an insight into our hatching of some chicks from hatching. What a great use for an YCDCo, Yackandandah Men’s Shed and Kinder community. donated fertilised eggs. Keeping Ipod! the Yackandandah Lions Club. These

WHEN SLIM DUSTY WENT TO HEAVEN Yackandandah We hear no country music from Tamworth or Gympie, now They’ve changed to Rock and Roll – another Woodstock, I’ll allow. Hire Car With their guitars down around the knees like the modern singers do, When Slim Dusty went to heaven, Country Music followed too. Be driven anywhere, any time

They sing no Bushland Ballads; all words sound just the same. TO BOOK, PLEASE CALL ‘Tis a mass of rotating bedlam that insults Country Music’s name. It’s “The Biggest Disappointment” when it goes “Sweet Bye & Bye”. 0407 100 111 Pretend there’s “Lights upon the Hill” ‘Til the “Rain Comes in July.” Dennis and Pauline Cook There’s a plan to stop old Country like the things I see around me. But we’ll keep to “Country Living” underneath the “Gidgee Tree”. There’s ”Gumtrees by the Roadside”, “Trumby” was an overseer. TJ & ER GLASS EARTHMOVING “Ned Kelly as a gentleman” “In the Pub that sells no beer”. CALL US FOR A QUOTE

We live for Country Music, the tunes just make us dance, SERVICING THE MITTA & KIEWA VALLEYS With “A Cunnamulla Fella” or a “Drover’s Cook” by chance. We miss “Old Time Country Music”, ”Leave Him in the Long Yard” do! TIM GLASS– 0428 989 771 For when they buried old Slim Dusty, they buried Country Music too. SCOTT RIDGEWAY– 0403 296 336 Bill - we clearly need to introduce you to our Bill Whitham EBONY GLASS– 0407 254 175 very own Pete Denahy, who is a Yack-based Country, Bluegrass and comedy specialist with several Tamworth Golden Guitars. Ed. Email: [email protected]

Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 25 We have an Australian Terrier, now a couple of years old, but we are not able to let her off the lead as she absolutely refuses to come back to us. It’s really Two of our brilliant local vets, Frances Higgins and Helen Robertson, frustrating as she never really gets the opportunity to run properly and enjoy have kindly offered to field a Vet’s Column in Yackity Yak. This could herself, but must always be on a lead when out of the house and garden, plus take form of a question and answer forum, or a typical scenario we only have a very small garden. We have done the dog training thing but she depending on the season - such as lambing or calving questions. Let just won’t come back to us if she gets loose. She is also a real barker and nearly us have your questions and we will put them to our vets. Both Frances drives us mad with her barking. Could this be something to do with the fact that and Helen have extensive experience with all types of animals. we can’t let her run free anywhere? She gets a good hour on the lead in the Email: [email protected] morning with our daily walk and then a smaller walk at night. you a comprehensive questionnaire, but broadly it will include when, where, at who or what Part 1 of this question was dealt with in the last edition of Yackity Yak. The barking is the barking starts? What does the bark sound like? What is the dog doing when it starts discussed in depth below and as this is clearly an issue in Yack with a number of barking barking? What methods have been used to stop barking? (sometimes these can inadvertently dogs, it may be worth taking advice on this irritating problem. cause the problem to become worse). The main thing to remember is that punishment does not have a role in managing a barking dog. Now to the barking. The The next step involves removing the reason why your dog thinks barking is worthwhile. first step is for Using distraction techniques or giving the dog something else to do can be useful. Teach your dog to the dog to be quiet when requested. One possible method of doing this is to teach the dog have a clinical to bark only when asked and reward the dog whenever it is quiet. A good trainer can help examination with this technique to ensure the dog learns what you require it to. A trainer can also help and assessment you develop the skills to distract the dog when it is in a situation where it is likely to bark. with your vet, to The type of distraction and the timing is critical because if this is not done properly there is make sure there a risk of inadvertently rewarding the dog and making the barking worse. This is another area are no medical where an experienced trainer can help. or behavioural Teach your dog to relax. This can be achieved by you rewarding the dog every time it is abnormalities relaxed and being quiet. You can verbally praise the dog bywhispering “good dog” whenever contributing it is being quiet and relaxed. An experienced trainer or veterinary behaviour specialist can to the barking. help you learn how to get the dog to relax when asked. This may include testing It is important to remember that if these steps are followed, a normal dog will learn relatively Australian Terrier - an obedient one! for any medical quickly that barking is not worthwhile. However, dogs that have been barking for a long time condition that will take longer to work out barking is not a worthwhile behaviour for them anymore. If, could be contributing to its behaviour. There are many different reasons dogs bark. It’s after a comprehensive management plan has been in place for some time, the dog still thinks how they communicate- they may be excited and want to play, they may be anxious, barking is a worthwhile behaviour, then a full behavioural assessment and comprehensive fearful, territorial or experiencing pain or cognitive dysfunction (more common in older treatment plan, devised by a veterinary behaviourist or a veterinary behaviour specialist, animals). A normal, healthy dog will learn quickly that barking is no longer worthwhile. is recommended. An individualised plan covers environmental management, behaviour modification and medication. The earlier this plan is implemented the better the outcome The next step is to consider your dog’s mental and physical simulation. You have recognised will be for the dog. that your dog may be bored. Does she have enough to amuse her when she is not being walked? Toys, a sandpit for digging, or extra walks with other people during the day may This is a lot to take on board, but hopefully it helps to give you some direction with your be an option. little dog.

Your dog has decided that barking is worthwhile so there are lots of questions to consider Reference: Australian Veterinary Association, Treating and Managing Barking Dogs which will help determine what has contributed over the past two years. Your vet can give

Mark Boehm Pat Murphy 0437 331 559 0407 529 947 22 High Street, Yackandandah Experience is Everything. Contact us PJ Murphy Real Estate for a Wodonga | Albury | Yackandandah free appraisal 02 6057 7777 | pjmurphy.com.au

26 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019 LOOKING FOR A VENUE?? The Yack Sports Park is a great venue for weddings, 21st parties, engagements parties, reunions, trivia nights, club presentations, deb balls, music events, funerals, meetings and sporting events. With its beautiful views, heating and cooling, it makes the perfect place for just about anything.

So, the next time you are looking for a venue to hire, consider the Yackandandah Sports Park. More information can be found on our website: sportspark.yackandandah.com email: [email protected]

Contact the Booking Manager on 0439 849 785 to arrange a time to inspect this great venue in fantastic surroundings, and find out about their very reasonable prices!

YACK GOLF CLUB (LADIES)

The Golf Club has enjoyed the last games for the season with both the Men and Ladies Club Champions being de- cided and the respective Annual Tournaments held. Even though competition has closed for the year, the course is always open to members and the public, so don’t let those sticks grow cobwebs, enjoy an early morning or twilight stroll (the best time over the hot summer months) with club in hand, a great way to exercise and enjoy the scenery.

A night on the green for new golfers with Gavin Vearing, the golf pro from Wodonga GC.

with membership to the YGC, just go to the To all the ladies who partici- website for further information:.golfclub. pated in our Pitching, Put- yackandandah.com ting and Prosecco night and to those who then followed Club Champions for 2019 are: LADIES: A up with the six-week mixed Grade: Angela Bishop, B Grade: Wendy twilight comp, we hope you Dwyer, C Grade: Chris Zerbst, 9 Hole: Anne Best Pitcher: Devina Budge with Coach, Frances continue to enjoy the facili- Corr. A grade winner, Angela Bishop with Boehm and Best Putter, Rosaleen Kerin ties and social side of golf. For B Grade winner, Wendy Dywer any interested in following up MEN: Due to inclement weather, the Men’s tournament was postponed to the 24th Nov, results not available at time of printing. YACK COMMUNITY BOWLING CLUB Chris Zerbst, [email protected] Our pennant season has commenced with our teams having a mixed bag of results to date. RECIPE OF THE SEASON With all those mangoes Our ladies tournament named heading their way into Yack, Ida’s Day to respect one of our what better than this? long time stalwarts, Ida Scholz, was a successful day with 12 Tropical slaw teams competing (the ladies 1 small red cabbage did a wonderful job catering as 1 small green cabbage Yackandandah did not have any power that day). 2 green capsicums 2 red onions Yackandandah Community Bowling Club are always on the lookout 4 carrots Tropical Mango Slaw - for new members. You are most 3 firm/ripe mangoes,photography byroughly Toufic Charabati. welcome to join us for a social roll chopped from 4 pm on Fridays with nibbles and drinks to follow. 60 ml (¼ cup) apple cider vinegar 60 ml (¼ cup) lime juice The renovations to our clubhouse continue to progress smoothly. Salt and black pepper Instructions The annual Community Challenge is set to commence Thursday To prepare the vegetables, wash, peel and remove any evening 23rd January 2020. Please discoloured leaves. Cut all the vegetables into long thin forward an email to strips (julienne) and combine with the mango. Season [email protected] and with salt, add the vinegar and lime juice, and mix well. provide contact name and Lawn bowls is a sport for all ages. Check for seasoning, and add salt and black pepper to telephone number for your team. Ted Hurse, a long-time member, is 93 whilst Duncan Sparkes taste. (15) is in his first season with us. Anne Corcoran, Secretary Recipe Foodfrom Safari by Fire Maeve O’Meara Dec/Jan 2019 Yackity Yak 27 YCDCo - Summer Opening Hours Mon-Friday: 7 am to 7 pm YACKANDANDAH Saturday: 8 am to 5 pm COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO Sunday: 8.30 am to 5 pm

Summer on our doorstep at YCDCo Come into YCDCo today for all your gardening products. We can supply all your potting mixes, mulches, fertilisers, seeds, tools, sprays and much, much more...

...... Chook . chook . chook! . The fire season is . now well and truly on our doorstep. . YfuelYfarm can supply Don’t get caught you with chickens for your out. Make sure you . take CFA advice and backyard or farm. Great make your property . eggs & insect control! as fireproof as you possibly can. . Order your point of lay pullets We carry a great at YfuelYfarm for delivery range of pumps, . hoses, reels and once a month. attachments to give . you a bit more peace of mind in the hotter days to come over . the next few months. . Phone us with your requirements and we . will help you. . Your Local Community Owned and Operated *FUEL * HARDWARE * PRODUCE & FARM SUPPLIES

Phone: 02 6027 1901 Website: yfuelfarm.com facebook.com/yfarmfuel 28 Yackity Yak Dec/Jan 2019