A Close Call for Yack by Lauren Salathiel “We’D Gone to Sydney “I Told Him That I Trees,” He Said

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ABN 58 129 541 706 February / March 2016 Issue 64

After the fires: Indigo Valley resident Denis Ginnivan (pictured bottom left) has spent the weeks since the December 20 fire cleaning up his burnt-out farm, finding agistment space for his cattle, and receiving substantial help from a dedicated troop of BlazeAid volunteers (pictured top left). Miraculously, the fire burnt almost everything on Denis’ property, except for his home (main picture - see arrow!). A close call for Yack By Lauren Salathiel “We’d gone to Sydney “I told him that I trees,” he said. have had no access in or (disrupting his water His farm was left for a pre-Christmas didn’t expect him to do “Our road had out’,” he said. supply) and left nine of a charred mess by family gathering,” Denis anything, but if he had been taped off, which The fire had left a his 40 steers with burnt the December 20 fire said. time to duck over to obviously meant that no 15m unburnt radius hoofs. that ripped through “I was just walking the house, perhaps he firetrucks had been in or around Denis’ home, “The Department Barnawartha and the down the street in could just flick on the out, and we could see skirting around a grass of Primary Industries Indigo Valley, and yet Sydney, minding my own evaporative cooler to that these trees looked as area - which Denis had vets came the day after valley resident Denis business, and at about create a bit of outwards though they were about kept carefully whipper- the fires to look at our Ginnivan is one grateful midday Helen started to pressure and moisture to tip over, so we ended snippered - on two sides stock, and we ended up man. see things popping up inside the house.” up staying at a mate’s of the house, and a gravel being able to sell the The fire stopped 15 online about this fire at By five o’clock in place for the night and driveway on the other nine injured beasts to an metres short of his home, Barnawartha.” the afternoon, however, going back the next two sides. abattoir and agist the rest leaving it standing like a With 100km an hour Denis said he could no morning.” “The heat of the wind at a property in Leneva,” small white beacon amid winds whipping up the longer stay in Sydney, Upon their return the had scorched the grass, Denis said. a blackened, smouldering flames on the 42-degree and began the long next morning, the road but amazingly, the house In the weeks since landscape. day, Denis said he and drive home with his two was blocked by a large was unscarred,” he said. the fire, a team of Blaze What’s most amazing Helen had resigned daughters, Leah and fallen tree, forcing Denis “The fire stopped Aid volunteers has rolled about this closest of calls themselves to fate. Georgia. to cut fencing to get into about 30cm away from up to help with the mop is that Denis and his wife, “We were thinking to “We drove through the his property. my ute and Tarago.” up, spending days fixing Helen McGowan, weren’t ourselves, ‘well, that’s it. night, taking it in turns “The driveway to our The flames decimated fences and helping Denis even in the state during the There’s nothing we can sleeping and driving, property was also littered about 50 wooden fence attend to the long list of blaze, and no firetrucks do about it’,” he said. and got home at about with trees, and all I was posts and strainers, tasks that need to be done or helicopters had been “My neighbour called 3.30am to find that our thinking when I was burnt his shed and small to get his family’s farm anywhere near the and said that things were road [Dicksons Road] going in was, ‘if we had farm equipment, melted back on track. property during the crisis. looking pretty grim. was just lit up by burning still been at home, we’d three kilometres of pipe • Continued page 3

Visit Yackandandah’s visitor 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 www.uniqueyackandandah.com.au

Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 1 YACKITY YAK Yackity Yak is a free bi-monthly publication aimed Fire shock at providing news, entertainment and information Dam project up for to the people of Yackandandah. • Continued from the community’s Yackity Yak is published by YCDCo (Yackity Yak) Another two for page 1 willingness to provide Pty Ltd. and 1,500 copies of Yackity Yak are “All I can say is support. printed with each release with a minimum of 900 the pool room: town discussion that these Blaze Aid “One day, I was copies distributed free of charge to homes in the Yackandandah volunteers are the most outside and looked Yackandandah and surrounding area via Australia folk musician Pete The Yackandandah Water’s infrastructure “I’m really happy I know there is funding Post. Denahy is going to community is urged to rationalisation process,” to North East Water available through the amazing bunch of down my driveway need to stabilise his gather to discuss the Michael said. to make the dam safe, Williamson Foundation people,” Denis said. and saw seven vehicles Submissions are welcome, encouraged and mantelpiece, after future of a beautiful “I have no qualms but what I want is for for environmental “They work so pulling up - people valued, although the editor reserves the right to picking up two more local natural feature, the about making the dam the community to be leadership and efficiently, are great coming by to help, edit reports for the purposes of space. Golden Guitar awards Commissioner’s Creek safe, however I’m very involved and for the dam educational projects at communicators, have bringing hampers of at the recent Tamworth Dam, at a community concerned about what to be rescued for the the moment. great leaders providing Christmas food,” he CONTACT DETAILS: Country Music meeting at the Senior this means for the dam as good of the community,” “Any funding or the teams with terrific said. Editor / Advertising / Printing / Accounts Festival. Citizens Clubrooms on an ecosystem and public Michael said. project is contingent briefings each day “It’s a harrowing Lauren Salathiel Pete’s stash of the January 28 at 7.30pm. recreational area. “There is so much on community support, before we start work. thing to have happen Yackity Yak awards now sits at five, Yackandandah Michael said of potential here - the and with the wealth of “It’s been a real to you, but something C/- Yackandandah Post Office, with the addition of an resident Michael High Street, greatest importance to dam could be a stop-off talent and skills in town, experience to have them like this shows you the award for bluegrass Metzger has lobbied for Yackandandah VIC 3749 him - and he hoped, to point along the railt rail, I know that we could do at the farm to help us.” important things in life recording of the year a meeting with North Ph: 0422 854 909 the community - was the and could have picnic something wonderful Denis said he - it’s family, and it’s for his song, Singin’ East Water to enable the Email: [email protected] dam’s status as unique facilities, interpretive with this resource, if we was also floored by community.” Shoes, and another community to discuss Web: uniqueyackandandah.com.au habitat to a range of signage, walking tracks. could all come together for instrumental of the the water authority’s year for the tune Cluck native species, some of “With Totally to discuss this.” Yackity Yak wishes to advise that the views and plans to substantially Old Hen. which are threatened. Renewable This is exactly what the or remarks expressed in this publication are not reduce the water levels Well done, Pete! “Commissioner’s Yackandandah currently January 28 community necessarily the views of Yackity Yak editorial of the dam in order Creek Dam has become looking at making meeting, which is to be or production staff, and no endorsement or to comply with safety service is implied by the listing of advertisers or habitat for many species Yackandandah 100 per attended by North East guidelines. contributors. Although every effort is taken in including birds, fish, cent renewable, there Water representatives, is The spring-fed dam reproducing and printing advertisements correctly, marsupials mammals,” might be the potential for aimed at. currently holds 20ML of we take no responsibility for errors. he said. there to be some kind of Michael, who will chair water, and is zoned as an “It’s a large and micro-hydro plant at the the meeting, said he hoped informal livestock water 2016 DEADLINES: beautiful wetlands area, dam, as there is a 65m it would be a form for Forthcoming deadlines for submission of supply, reservoir for Attention turns to Yack, for many reasons and is home to complex drop from the dam to positive discussion about advertisements and articles for the Yackity Yak firefighting, for farming “Yackandandah” ecosystems. town. how the water authority are 5pm on the following days: the flames. and public conservation. has been a word on A Ramble with the Editor In light of this, I have “I’m very worried that “With the recent and the community could Issue 65, April-May: Monday, March 14 Michael said concerns everyone’s lips during been pondering how these ecosystems will be fires, I think it’s more work together to preserve Issue 66, June-July: Monday, May 9 about a lack of capacity the past few months. stage, the town itself. There exist very best to say “thank you” destroyed by the work important than ever that the dam. Issue 67, Aug-Sept: Monday, July 11 for the dam’s spillway to Issue 68, Oct-Nov: Monday, September 12 First, it was due to It was during this few volunteer roles to our local volunteer that is being planned by we maintain reserves of “We have a wonderful, cope with extreme flood Issue 69, Dec ‘16-Jan ‘17: Monday, November 14 the amazing coverage fire that the community that require people to brigade, and it has led North East Water.” non-potable water that unique asset here, events had led North of the town on the spirit depicted in put themselves, quite me to wonder whether These concerns could be utilised in the that we can never East Water (which owns * Please note that all advertising must be paid in ABC’s “Backroads” Backroads came to the literally, in the line of perhaps the best thing have led Michael to event of another major recreate once we start full prior to that issue deadline. We can make no program, which fore, as our amazing fire, so selflessly and we, as community the dam infrastructure, create a Change.org fire in the area, as well.” reducing the water exceptions. All new advertisements or alterations depicted the lives of a CFA volunteers so courageously. members, can do is while Goulburn Murray petition, which garnered Michael said that, as a levels and changing the to current advertisements must be submitted one number of the town’s donned their uniforms The hubbub around to not just thank the Water owns the water 189 petitions, calling former educator, he was characteristics of the business week (5 days) before the deadline. residents, groups and and toiled to protect the fires may have brigade, but ensure itself) to seek to lower As per media law requirements, no businesses. property and life. simmered down a little that we all plan well for on the community particularly excited about ecosystems,” he said. the spillway by 2.4m, to rally around the the potential for the area “As much as is advertisements can be printed without a current, A mere week later, it It was a close for most of us, but for fire season, and use reducing the dam’s completed and signed booking slip. Please dam and demand to become an educational humanly possible needs was because the town call - too close - these volunteers, every the months leading up volume by 83 per cent, to contact the editor for the booking slip. day of summer, and that it be maintained resource. to be rescued, because it found itself in the path and one that really to summer to learn as approximately 3.5ML. for community, “The dam could has benefits for the whole of a raging grassfire, highlighted the fact every “high fire danger” much as we can about “This seems to be that CFA volunteers rating, brings with it the environmental and be an environmental human and non-human which threatened local how to make our firies’ part of North East farms and properties, are volunteers like no possibility that one will jobs easier. firefighting purposes. educational resource, and community.” as well as, at one other. be called out to battle - Lauren

Program jogs memory Farewell and thanks! To the townspeople of Yackandandah was my home Yackandandah, for 10 years while I worked I watched a program on at music director at Catholic television recently all about your College Wodonga. town. I love the avenue of trees. After two years in Boston, I was returning home with USA and a lot of thought, I have Letters to a group in a small bus, we had decided to move closer to family been to a folk festival in Victor in Melbourne for 2016. the editor Harbour, I think, about 2008 or I will never forget coming into could have been earlier. Yack from the Beechworth Rd We had a short stay in your and seeing that beautiful view town, we women were running every afternoon after work, or in and out of shops, I bought a the Wednesday music sessions at handbag which I still use often the Star each week, Carols in the but in the pocket inside the bag I Park, or unforgettable times at Send your letters to the the folk festival each year. had written on a piece of paper, “I editor to yackity_yak@ But most of all I will miss “the bought this bag in Yackandandah”. yackandandah.com, It is still in the pocket! people of this place” (as the song The program brought back goes!). I am so grateful for the great or snail-mail them to pleasant memories. community of this great town. Lauren Salathiel, Yackity Doreen O’Keefe, Thank you, and see you at the Yak, C/- Yackandandah Fairy Meadow, NSW folk Festival! Post Office, High Street, Fiona Dyball Yackandandah, VIC, 3749 Now of Melbourne!

2 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 3 Let’s say An extraordinary day By Cameron McKern, Additionally, Indigo thank you Captain, Yackandandah Shire Council deserves Fire Brigade much credit for its speedy Yackandandah will Yackandandah Public On Sunday, December response in re-opening celebrate the effort of Hall, is being organised 20, a little before roads, assisting with the the volunteer firefighters as a means of expressing midday, a fire started at disposal of destroyed who worked so hard to the community’s Barnawartha. This fire livestock, facilitating the keep the town and the gratitude to the firies and caused major damage to district safe from harm their families. fodder drop and its overall Indigo Valley and posed during the recent fires, at The programming recovery program. Now a special concert during for the concert will be a significant threat to it’s over to the community, the Yackandandah Folk announced closer to the Yackandandah. with the assistance of Festival. festival, however CFA Our thoughts are with groups such as the team The concert, which members and families our neighbours, family and of Blaze Aid volunteers, is scheduled to take are invited to attend as friends of Indigo Valley. to complete the recovery place on the evening of the community’s guests Fortunately, no lives were – let’s hope our summer is Friday, March 18 at the of honour. lost, but the damage was interspersed with regular major. Four dwellings rain! were destroyed, 34 sheds Neighbourhood Help is at hand and other structures were Safer Places Natural disasters like • Lifeline 13 11 14 destroyed or damaged, 44 Yackandandah has bushfires are extremely • Kids Helpline 1800 vehicles (motorbikes, cars, two Neighbourhood boats, trailers, caravans, challenging for the people 55 1800 Hard workers: A group of Yackandandah Men’s Shed volunteers has worked tirelessly over recent weeks Safer Places (NSPs) – etc) were destroyed, 1100 directly affected. Some • For financial to help local farmers clean up after the December 20 fires. the Memorial Gardens people are able to manage assistance: Salvation sheep and 70 cattle died Smoke and fire: Residents of the district watched in horror as flames and smoke tore down the Indigo Valley. and the Senior Citizens the stress, others can find Army, St Vincent de Paul, or had to be slaughtered, (Photographs: Cameron McKern) Centre. it difficult to cope. Department of Human Men’s shed helps with mop up and 210km of fencing this purpose. Instead, it Note that the Sports If you or someone close Services. BlazeAid had set up at the fire. The farmer had no notice The fire burned nearly all of his was lost. More than has become a community Park is not a NSP. It was to you is having difficulty Indigo Shire Council’s Barnawartha to help properties and had to round up their horses 30 acres and most of his fencing, 6,500 hectares was burnt alerting device. If you assessed but failed to coping in the aftermath Community Development affected by the December within minutes of seeing the fire but they saved the house. with the fire’s perimeter hear the siren going meet the criteria - it is of the bushfires, there are and Planning Manager fires. It uses voluneters to work come over the Hume Freeway. The men’s shed team measuring more than off for more than a few not a safer place to be. a number of ways to get Kate Biglin can also refer with farmers who had property He had to cut fences to lead dismantled 1105 metres of 100km. seconds, that means we NSPs are not refuges damaged. them to safety as the horses damaged fencing, under the help, including contacting: individuals on for outreach Three of are using it to alert the or relief centres. Relief The men’s shed members farmer’s direction, and he thought support from partner fled to the extremes of their Yackandandah’s four fire centres are set up in • Your GP started work at 6.30am on one of paddocks and they could not that would save him weeks of community to a potential agencies. Please contact trucks were dispatched places where the risk is • Psychologist or the first properties be affected by access gates. work. emergency – listen to counsellor Kate on 1300 365 003. to the fire within minutes your radio, check the considerably less. On of the call-out, while our emergency website, Sunday, December 20, The pumper-tanker stayed check with neighbours Cube in Wodonga was set in the town, ready for or check with us at the up as a relief centre. any local emergency Evacuation: Yackandandah residents were warned to evacuate the town as the It is worth having a blaze approached. fire station to find out and town protection. why the siren is being look at the signs at our Several hundred sounded. two NSPs to remind firefighters fought the Remember, it is yourself of what a NSP fire on the day from your responsibility is. To pick up a few: Country Fire Authority to be aware on days • Locations thatmay (CFA), NSW Rural Fire of high fire danger – provide some protection Service (RFS) and the look outside, listen from direct flame and Victorian Department to the radio, use the radiant heat, but they do of Environment, Land, FireReady App – it is not guarantee safety. Water and Planning. up to you. • Not an alternative to It was a close call for Don’t expect a knock planning to leave early Yackandandah, with at your door – there or to stay and defend the fire jumping the Team effort: Yackandandah’s firefighters were joined by firefighters from the your property; they are CFA, NSW Rural Fire Service and Department of Environment, Land, Water and are 600 dwellings in Beechworth-Wodonga places of last resort if Planning. our brigade area, too Road at several places. If many to visit with four all other fire plans have not for the extraordinary several quiet weeks now – ready to step-up to a fire call, as well as firetrucks (especially if failed. efforts of firefighters, they deserve it. protect Yackandandah, if for monthly testing. only one is available) • In a fire, the CFA or aircraft and a timely wind It was an extraordinary needed. The Yackandandah and 50 volunteer other emergency services change, we may have had day. At its peak, the The brigade would like Fire Brigade averages firefighters. may not be present at an a much worse story to fire danger rating for to thank the vast majority more than 50 such calls We would like to thank NSP. tell. The fire was stopped Yackandandah was in our community for each year. With the Yackandandah Lions • There will be no 4km from our town – higher than it was at any remaining aware and introduction of new and for feeding many tired support services (food more than close enough stage on Black Saturday informed, for heeding improved pagers, we no and hungry firefighters or drink, material aid) or for our liking! 2009, with wind gusts the advice, warning and longer use the siren for on the Sunday evening. provision for pets. It was several days exceeding 70km/h. emergency messages before the fire could be The fire service that were issued on the declared under control. day, for enacting their response was similarly Even on day four of the fire extraordinary. The CFA fire plans, for remaining To report a fire (Wednesday), more than response, together with calm, and for their offers 000 250 personnel were still our friends at NSW of support on the day and Burn-off notification deployed at the incident. RFS and colleagues at subsequently. 1800 668 511 The local brigades – DELWP was magnificent. Longer term residents mostly Indigo Valley and Our brigade put in a huge of Yackandandah will Bushfire information line Barnawartha - continued effort on the day, and recall the days when 1800 240 667 to receive calls to trees on for the next few days. the siren at the fire CFA website fire within the burnt area Neighbouring brigades, station was activated for a couple of weeks after mostly from our Bogong to summon firefighters www.cfa.vic.gov.au the fire. We hope they get Group, were on stand-by each time there was 4 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 5 Radio powered by 88.0 local people FM Great response to

9.30am to 11.30am Mon Morning Morning Memo with Greg television program By Lauren Salathiel 12 noon to 2pm The ABC’s Backroads program, filmed in and Tues Musical Mash with Spencer around Yackandandah throughout 2015, 7.30pm to 9.30pm# generated such a spike in traffic to Bullfrog’s Roadhouse with Mark Indigo Shire Council’s Yackandandah webpage 10am to 12 noon that the website’s service Wed provider thought it was Music with Phil with Phil under cyber-attack! Backroads, broadcast 4pm to 5pm on December 13, 2015, School News with Dayna & Jordyn looked at the lives and social fabric of our unique little town, 10am to 12 noon focusing on community Fri Light Classical with Phil organisations such as Great success: An ABC film crew spent months in Yackandandah filming a the community garden, documentary, which screened on December 13, and caused a huge spike in old time dance group interest in the town. 8am to 10am* and youth theatre group, and businesses such as “This January, we have here, and the excellent weekends!” Sat Everyone Deserves Music with Scott Nelmac and Yfuel. had around 2700 visitors range of services The information Yackandandah Visitor come in, compared to available to residents. centre volunteers 12.15pm to 1.15pm Information Centre 1058 in January 2015. “Overwhelmingly, have handed out an Musical Mash with Spencer representative Rod “We’re seeing people are saying things unprecedented number Millechamp said the incredible numbers of like ‘this is such a of brochures and maps, program had been the people, with a lot of beautiful town’, ‘it’s such and about 20 copies of # - Program broadcast when available catalyst for a massive people saying that they’ve a friendly, happy, vibrant a special “welcome to * - Program broadcast fortnightly increase in the number been in other towns place’, and commenting Yackandandah” pack, of visitors and wannabe around Australia, and on how family friendly it designed for those Indigo FM transmits 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When lives treechangers stopping into have heard people talking seems,” he said. thinking of moving to the programs are not on air, the station plays a diverse and eclectic mix of the information centre. about the Yackandandah “There has also been area. music from all eras. Indigo FM also broadcasts shows from other Indigo “During December, we Backroads program!” great interest in the “It has been a huge Shire towns - Beechworth and Rutherglen - as part of its playlist, and had 1120 people through Rod said the things natural features around boon for the town,” Rod repeat shows from Yackandandah, just in case you missed them! the door of the information upon which people were town, and we’ve handed said. centre, compared with 689 most often commenting out up to 40 copies of “We now have to think were the aesthetics of our town walking trails about how to maintain Ausmentos in December 2014,” Rod Like wombat in “Wombat Goes Walkabout” Become a radio presenter - email this momentum.” said. the town, the pace of life map a day during some we dig a lot and think a lot and have unearthed yackandandah@indigofmradio. a quality range of Australiana , Books and Puzzles com to find out how! Warren and Denise Gould 15 High St Yackandandah 3749 Cut me out and put me on your fridge! Council seeks design input ausmentos @gmail.com Her happy place: Yackandandah song-writer Magdalena Macdonald had a song Indigo Shire Council and the on the project. can register their interest with the phone 0260171025 placed in the Australian Songwriter’s Awards top 10 for lyrics. Yackandandah Community Centre “People with special expertise Community Centre.” are seeking input into the design of or interest in these sorts of Please register your interest with Open M-Sat 10-5pm Sun 1-5pm a garden space at the centre and a community facilities could be part the Yackandandah Community Like the look of this space? toilet facility for the disabled next of the group. Centre by Friday 26 February 2016 Magdalena boogies to it. “They may have great by phoning 02 6027 1743, calling It could be all yours! “We wanted to get some ideas suggestions that we can include in in during office hours (Tuesday/ Become a Yackity Yak advertiser in 2016. Email yackity_yak@ from the community before we put a brief to a designer.” Wednesday 9am- 5pm, and her way into top 10 this proposal to a designer,” Indigo “If anyone has a special yackandandah.com, or phone 0422 854 909 for details. Thursday 9am - 4pm) or emailing Shire Mayor Cr James Trenery interest or experience in heritage, [email protected]. By Lauren Salathiel was a natural extension such as drugs. said. commerce, disability, tourism Council has $10,000 for the What started as a to her love of wordplay. Mr Boogey Man was “We will be putting together a and gardens/design and would design of the disabled toilet hobby for Magdalena “I’ve always loved about the experience of small community group to advise like to be part of this group, they facility. Macdonald 10 years playing with words, I raising children. ago, has earnt the love poems,” she said. “I’ve written 60 or 70 Yackandandah woman “For me, song- songs, and have recorded national accolades, with writing is all about the about 50 to demo level,” the placement of a song wordsmithing. Magdalena said. she wrote in one of the “I start with the “I find song-writing Australian Songwriter’s lyrics first - there’s is a great way to get Association’s top 10 usually a hook, a title, my thoughts down, and listings for 2015. then I look for a line I like the idea that it’s Magdalena’s song, or a phrase that can be something I can leave for Thinking of Mr Boogey Man, made repeated as a refrain, my kids. travelling soon? For all your travel needs it into the top 10 “lyrics” and that’s when I pick “It just pours out of flights, accommodation, section of the awards. up the guitar.” me - I wish I had started river cruising, travel insurance, visas and Magdalena took Many of Magdalena’s writing songs sooner!” general travel enquiries. up song-writing after songs also feature You can listen to Call or email today - I completing an online social messages, with Magdalena’s songs will personally assist you course, and taught her having written on the Today Country with your requirements herself guitar in order to pieces dealing with digital radio station, or at compose her pieces. communities’ experience https://soundcloud.com/ She said song-writing of bushfire and issues magdalena-macdonald. 6 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 7 War commemorated in writing Energy blueprint on horizon To commemorate the Sir Keith Murdoch’s Gallipoli By Leah Ginnivan centenary of World War Yack Library letter or the writing of pacifist What are all those Totally Renewable Yackandandah Vida Goldstein. I, Indigo Shire Libraries perspex yellow yaks Some were never and the Beechworth Burke different backgrounds – a doing in town? That’s the intended to be read in Museum are presenting teacher, a nurse, a bank question on everyone’s public, like the diaries of a touring exhibition from clerk, a farmer, a journalist, lips as Totally Renewable George Auchterlonie which the State Library Victoria an artist and an activist. Yackandandah (TRY) remained in his family’s exploring the stories Their experiences are gathered pace this possession for more than 70 of ordinary Australians conveyed through personal summer. years. told through their own and published writings, Those yaks are a mark “These diaries and letters photographs, letters, diaries photos, drawings and that the householders of both prominent and and writings. multimedia which take us are supporting the goal ordinary Australians give The exhibit, Writing from Gallipoli to Egypt, Gaza to get Yack onto 100 per us an insight into WWI that the war: Personal stories and the Western Front, and cent renewable energy by is immediate and intimate from WWI tells the story capture a diverse range of 2022. because it is told in their of Australia’s involvement perspectives. Totally Renewable own words,” Indigo Shire in WWI seen through the Some of these writings Yackandandah, with Libraries team leader Wendy eyes of seven ordinary helped shape public opinion support from Charles Kerr said. Australians from very about the war effort, such as Sturt University’s Community-University Partnerships Grants Program, commissioned a report on community Yak-tastic!: Chris McGorlick earned himself a TRY attitudes towards yak for his 100 per cent renewable-powered home. renewable energy in Yackandandah. goal,” he said. the space to conduct As well as undertaking “TRY is very grateful these interviews, as Quality, professional a community survey, that a diverse range well as the interviewees TRY interviewed 26 Town first:Yackandandah Community Centre was the first community people were so willing for making time on childcare in a warm, secure community leaders, organisation in town to earn itself a TRY yak. to give of their time and their weekend to chat home environment including business involvement in, the knowledge and help TRY about these important operators, health project. The need for decipher the next steps.” issues and the future of professionals, farmers and households to have access The report authors, Yackandandah. Vacancies for 2016 artists, people involved in to quality, affordable Leah Ginnivan and Tom The report is arts, cultural, community advice from trusted Stayner, would like available at http:// Phone (02) 6027 1288 groups and sports, as sources (who aren’t trying to say a big thanks to totallyrenewableyack. well as renters and to sell them things) also Dr Joanne Millar, who org.au/watts-happening/ homeowners, parents and came up in the interviews. assisted in the project, news/. To stay updated on retirees. TRY is taking this on as well as Ali Pockley TRY, jump onto http:// There’s overwhelming board, and the next big and the Yackandandah totallyrenewableyack. support, in-principle, step is figuring out how to Community Centre who org.au/get-involved/ for TRY’s goals. Almost get it happening! allowed them to use subscribe/ every interviewee TRY president reckoned TRY’s plan Matthew Charles-Jones to switch to cleaner said a new Victorian power sources was worth Government grants going for - especially Thinking of the future: Ben Gilbert, with son Fela, program may well allow following on from have their eyes firmly on the future with the design of the group to take the next similar challenges, such their energy efficient home. crucial step identified by as YCDCo, that Yack’s community. be developed so the the interviewees. tackled before. This One key message, community can then “We need a strategic innovative character is raised by many discuss how to best blueprint, which brings together the technological, also evident amongst interviewees, was that reach the target. This All-Car Auto Electrical financial and community the sporting, arts, theatre some clear possible will prompt community Ph: (03)5728 1585 Mobile: 0409 120 392 and service parts of our scenarios need to ownership of, and dimensions of 100% Auto Electrical and Air Conditioning on-site service 5 1/2 Days per Week

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8 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 9 Your community centre Quite the craftsman By Lauren Salathiel online. Give Arli Waddell a “I looked at the basics - a cool place to be! piece of wood and a set on the internet, and used of tools, and chances Happy new year the first bow as a test, 1, particularly as it’s a has the knack of taking Wi-Fi facilities and learning from that one to all our friends, are the 14-year-old will short term. So we will extraordinary photos of generally chill out in turn them into something to make the second one customers and be in touch with our birdlife. Please register our air-conditioning. amazing. as good as possible,” he volunteers. We’re regular young thespians your interest as soon as You can also potter The Yackandandah said. looking forward to a little nearer Easter possible. This will be around our lovely Op teenager is currently in “It will soon be ready another productive to let you know what a one-off opportunity Shop and chat with our the process of creating a to shoot, and I plan to use year at your Brendan has planned unlikely to be repeated great volunteers. Make handmade wooden bow, it to shoot targets.” community centre so for term 2. anytime soon! Chris yourself a tea or coffee. the second such bow he Arli said the most please let us know if MUSIC LESSONS knows the area well Listen to Indigo FM, has made. satisfying part of the there’s anything you What makes the bow process had been “building – Vanessa Delaine and a wonderfully but don’t sit at home in would particularly like even more fascinating something out of nothing” will be continuing her productive workshop the heat feeling hot and to see put on in the is that it is built from - a feat for which he is great music making can be guaranteed. bothered. way of courses. discarded pieces of wood already known, having classes on Tuesday There will be some We also have the JUNIOR DRAMA that Arli has found in the last year constructed a afternoons in Yack. theory at the centre and “Hot Office’ where you – Brendan is taking shed at his house. billy kart out of recycled She may have limited then a trip into the bush can rent office space by a well-earned rest “I’ve made one bow materials for the town spaces available, so to put your skills into the hour, session or day. from drama for term before, which was kind billy kart race. call her on 0403 412 action. Very reasonable costs of like a prototype,” he “The hardest part has 346 to see availability PERMACULTURE with photocopying/ said. been getting the bits of of keyboard, guitar, – under the auspices scanning facilities and “It had detachable wood for lamination thin voice and music theory. of the Professional Wi-Fi available. You limbs made out of an old enough. I’ve had to plane Vanessa’s latest CD Permaculture Guild, can book on the internet set of skis. each piece ot the exact was release around a design certificate if you prefer: http:// “I wanted to try thickness that I want,” he Christmas time and has course will be held from ycc.org.au/facilities/ making a one-piece bow, said. proved to be a great the end of February hot-office-bookings/ so I hunted around for “The most useful tool seller on iTunes. She until early June. Cost We can do your whatever I could find in I used was a kettle, for the shed. helping me to steam and will also be going to $640 per person. This printing, scanning, “I’ve used some old bend the pieces of timber Tamworth later on in will be a wonderful laminating and verandah boards, window into a recurve bow (a the year. opportunity to learn all photocopying for Skilled craftsman: Yackandandah’s Arli Waddell has frames, railway sleepers, bow with its tips bent, BIRD about the very topical you as well at very built himself his very own wooden bow. and have laminated them which turns in on itself).” PHOTOGRAPHY principles and ethics reasonable rates. We together.” limbs using epoxy glue. the riser. (Arli’s mother Frances – We are planning a of permaculture. Call guarantee that we can It has taken two He has only just added This amazing creation added that a new kettle photography workshop Susan on 03 5728 1458 undercut Officeworks, months for Arli to make fibreglass to the top of is the product of Arli’s was almost on the cards, with Chris Tzaros in for further details or so don’t waste fuel the riser (handle of the the limbs to give them natural ingenuity, and after the old one was the autumn/winter. leave your details with driving into town! bow), shape the limbs strength, and is now hours of avid reading boiled dry so many He’s currently working us. Our office is and glue on the bow shaping the other side of of articles and how-tos times!) on a project with WHAT ELSE open from 9am-5pm the local Swamps, YOUR CENTRE Tuesdays/Wednesdays, Rivers and Rangers OFFERS – please and 9am-4pm on Do you know of a local young person doing something amazing? Let the whole initiative operating in remember that we are Thursdays. Phone (02) town know! Email [email protected] or phone 0422 854 909. north-east Victoria. a Cool Relief Centre. 6027 1743 or email Chris is an amazing That means that you [email protected]. photographer and if are welcome to drop in au. You can find our you are a member of and use our facilities website at http://ycc. Yack artists join forces for exhibit Birds Australia, then when the weather is org.au. The Op Shop is Three prominent Yackandandah studying painting at RMIT in landscapes whilst Mandy uses a you will have seen his hot. Bring your craft open 10-4 Mon/Fri. artists will come together to Melbourne.In 1998 they made the mixed media technique to help us work – he thinks like a work, a magazine, write Looking forward to stage an exhibition of paintings, treechange from Melbourne to look closer into the natural world. bird and consequently some letters, use our seeing you soon! sculptures and mixed media Yackandandah. Linda has concerns about artworks at Wodonga’s GIG Early in 1994 sculptor Linda how we have become removed Galley from January 26 to Fish also made the move from the from nature. Her sculptures are New community opportunities February 21. city life to Yackandandah. They small comments about the plastic Painters Mandy and Scott have become good friends and and chemicals we use in our Yackandandah arranging rosters, re-invigorate this Community Op upgrading facilities wonderful community Murray will join with sculptor encourage each other’s artwork. environment. Linda Fish to stage The Murrays Husband and wife Scott and All artists are creating a Shop and forward asset. and a Fish exhibition. Mandy make an impressive artistic personal response to their This great little Op planning. This will be a paid Mandy and Scott met whilst team. Scott creates contemporary surroundings. Shop (probably the Please register short-term contract best in north-east your interest at the (which may well be Victoria!) runs out of Yack Community extended) to recruit the Yackandandah Centre, 02 6027 more members, Community Centre in 1743 or email coordinate gardening the High Street. manager@ycc. sessions and plan We are seeking org.au and we will for the future. expressions of arrange to forward Please register interest from qualified you details of the your interest at the people who are position when it Yack Community interested in a limited becomes available. Centre, 02 6027 hour paid short-term 1743 or email contract (which may Yackandandah manager@ycc. well be extended) to Community Garden org.au and we will manage the Op Shop. We are seeking arrange to forward Duties would expressions of you details of the include recruiting interest from suitably position when it new volunteers, qualified people to becomes available.

10 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 11 Mud all part of Jambouree fun unmistakable. It’s festival time again! By “Kingfisher” (Anna Kusmierski) and “Sparky” Scouts would rise before (Rob Gollan) 7am and generally be at The Yackandandah Folk volunteering your time The logistics of bringing activities between 7.30am and Festival is back for its 19th and skills. 9am, depending on whether year from March 18 to 20, The first few bands 8371 Scouts, 194 Venturers bringing to town some of on this year’s festival and 2351 leader, Rovers they were on- or off-site. the finest musicians you’ll program have already been and support staff together Duty patrols would pick up food supplies and ice from hear this year! announced - make sure for a 10 day Jambouree is an For Yackandandah you’re the first one to hear extraordinary accomplishment the Q-store and be in charge of cooking and cleaning. Free locals, that means it’s about additional bands and to think it was all done time to start thinking by liking the festival’s by volunteers is an incredibly time was between 8pm and gifts), and considering 10pm. about purchasing early Facebook page, and proud thing for any member of bird tickets to ensure how you might be able to keeping your eye on the Each member of D625 the Scout Movement to brag you snare a great deal contribute to the smooth festival website at www. contributed to the overall running of the festival by about. experience and it was great (they also make terrific yackfolkfestival.com! Overnight a tent city springs to see the Yack Scouts have up, set with everything from such a great time and also get a hospital to a coffee shop. to know the other leaders and Jamboree TV, radio station their scouts. We had a happy and newspaper keeps everyone troop with lots of laughing informed of daily activities. and joking, card playing and There is no time to miss mum walking. and dad as there is something At opening ceremony it going all the time. was said that Jamboree would Despite the deluge of rain in change a doubtful Scout and Big happy family: Scouts from the 1st Yackandandah troop joined with those from Bright, Seville after talking to Scouts when the first few days of the 24th and Wonga Park to form Troop D625 at the recent 24th Australian Jambouree in Sydney. Australian Jambouree, held we arrived back it Victoria it Audience favourite: It’s always standing room-only in the Public Hall when the Arts Yackandandah Community Choir performs. recently at Cataract Scout Park two years ago. Troop D625 was made up of We dug trenches to divert seems this truly is the case. in Sydney, the Scouts did not There have been a lot of 35 scouts and five leaders from the rain but it still went under Without a doubt Jamboree is the pinnacle of the forget their Scout Law – “A people who have helped us 1st Yackandandah, 1st Bright, and through tents, stretchers, Scouting experience, it brings Hit the stage with town choir Scout is cheerful”. Soggy feet along the way and we would 1st Seville and 1st Wonga and bags. We became quite together mateship, resilience, By Michelle Croker This year, we are the Yackandandah Public did not stop them from leaping like to say thank you and share Park. good at making clothes out of perseverance, comradeship, Tired of singing in excited to have Chris Hall, High St. (opposite into adventure! our experiences. As you will The 24th Jamboree was plastic bags. skills, knowledge, leadership, the shower with no- Pidd as our choir leader the school) except for The planning to get as many see these children have had hosted by the NSW contingent It was amazing to see the personal development, physical one to appreciate your once again. Sunday, March 13 at the Scouts from 1st Yackandandah the time of their lives and have at Cataract Scout Park. Scouts adapt so quickly to a We were able to set up camp challenging situation and when development and solidarity. talents? The Arts Yackandandah Sports Scout Group to Cataract Scout made friendships and have in the dry but it wasn’t long It was a great honour to Do you want to be Yackandandah Park. experiences which they will the sun finally came out and Park for the 24th Australian before the rain started, and the clothes, socks and boots serve as line leaders for 1st part of an exhilarating Community Choir Taster workshop: Jamboree started more than Canadian folk artist have for a lifetime. stayed, for four days. started to dry, the sheer joy was Yackandandah as part of D625. sound? commences with a 3pm to 5 pm, Sunday, Then join the Arts taster workshop on January 31. Yack Community Choir Sunday, January 31 Rehearsals 2pm to leads festival line-up and perform at the next from 3pm to 5pm at the 4pm, Sunday February Yackandandah Folk Yackandandah Town and her blend of country, folk, 7, 14, 21, 28; March Much of the line-up for the Festival. Hall, with rehearsals 6, 13; 7pm to 9 pm upcoming Yackandandah Folk blues and soul. You don’t need to be culminating in a Thursday, March 10, 17. Festival is still a closely guarded David Francey, who produced an experienced singer. performance at the 2016 It’s an uplifting secret, however one name that Condon’s 2013 album, and who All ages and abilities Yackandandah Folk experience that may just slipped from the lips of the festival himself has appeared at the are welcome. Festival on Sunday, keep you coming back organisers is Ashley Condon festival in past years, This Great We would especially March 20. each year. (pictured). Compromise, has called Condon like to encourage lots of Rehearsals every For more info or Raised between two potato “the finest writer and performer I blokes this year and the Sunday through to register email have heard in many years”. fields on Prince Edward Island, more kids the merrier. February and March at [email protected]. Canada, Condon is the grandchild One thing’s the be sure - Home away from home: The Scouts spent 10 days Fun park: A visit to a water park was a highlight of Bill Leblanc, a Canadian Condon is not to be missed. at Jambouree, working together to maintain their of this year’s Jambouree. for members of the country pioneer who once spent Find out more about her camp and trying a range of fun activities. Yackandandah Scout troop. the night in jail with Hank Snow. music by visiting http://www. Condon has won over ashleycondon.com, and check Early bird catches a bargain! Tickets are now on sale for the 19th Tickets will also be available in town audiences across the globe out the festival line-up as it annual Yackandandah Folk Festival, in the lead-up to the festival - keep an with her larger-than-life stage is made available at www. and there are still several weeks left eye on the Yackandandah Folk Festival Straight from the Scout’s mouth... presence, down-to-earth charm, yackfolkfestival.com.au. Jamboree was fun. night we had to get our bags and ate lunch of my life and for punters to take advantage of special website for further details as to where anyone who has the early-bird ticket rates. to purchase your tickets. It changed my life. up at 5.50am to pack and played cards. Yackandandah Scout Lachlan picks his opportunity to go Dirty boots: To book and pay for your early bird During the festival weekend It was easy to make our stretchers and Then we were told way carefully through the mud at the 24th Australian lots of friends. I got sleeping bags but it we had to leave and should. ticket, head online to Eventbrite, a itself, tickets will be sold at the Jambouree campground. Join in, get involved secure booking site. Yackandandah Community Centre. lost once. It rained a was definitely better that was the end, back - Lara Johnson lot. Jamberoo Water than having to pack up to camp to help clean learnt new card games the beach. I also really Volunteers are integral information to the hours of volunteer work • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Ticket type Eligibility Early bird Full price Park was the most fun nine tents. and pack. The whole My favourite off-site and it was really fun. enjoyed Caving and to the running of the volunteers with designated will receive a half-price activity. My favourite We caught a bus 10 days were amazing! activity was the water I learnt that I should Challenge Valley, a big festival and in contributing tasks and duties. festival ticket, while those (until rides were the Funnel which took about an We went through park, Jamboroo when pack more jumpers…. mud course. The water a few hours of your time, The committee is open who do 12 hours will 28/2/16) web and the Taipan. hour. Once we arrived rain, wind, thunder we went on the funnel just in case the park at Jamberoo was you become part of the to enthusiastic individuals receive a free ticket! Adult Aged over 18 $84 $99 I’m going to start we got a bracelet and and then finally some web, tobogganing weather isn’t what you brilliant with lots of fast community that enables wanting to take on a All volunteers are also saving for venturers were sent to a place to sunshine. and all the other rides think it is going to be. exciting rides. All of this festival to happen. greater role with the folk invited to a vibrant social Student Full-time student with $70 $85 AB2018 in Brisbane. put down our bags and We made friends and water slides. - Mia Kusmierski the night activities and Similar to 2015, the Ffestival so if you are keen gather after the festival, concession card - Oliver Cottee we then applied sun that hopefully will last My favourite on site • • • • • • • • • • • • • • concerts that were put volunteer application to get more involved, talk with food and drink Concession Valid Centrelink Health $74 $89 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • cream and ran off to go a lifetime and most activity was Endurance Jamboree was on were heaps of fun process will utilise to a committee member provided. Care Card only On the last day of swim in the ocean. importantly we had an when we got soaked fantastic! One of my and we made lots of the website, requiring Volunteers are asked To find out more Jamboree my patrol I went on an amazing time. in green and blue favourite activities was new friends. Although Youth Aged 16 to 18, photo $39 $39 volunteers to complete the to commit to at least two about volunteering, and ID required for ticket went to a beach on obstacle course and Even though it is food dye. My most City Sites where we the weather was online application form hours as a minimum, but to learn about the range collection Botany Bay while the then went canoeing. over I am still ecstatic memorable moment spent the day exploring very wet at the start, below indicating which the more the better! of roles available to other half of our troop and would do it again Sydney and even AJ2016 was still one of We saw jelly fish is the fireworks at roles and tasks you prefer. Volunteering comes volunteers, visit http:// Child Aged 15 and under Free Free were left to pack up and we went into the in a heartbeat. the open and closing caught a ferry over to the best experiences The volunteer with a great range of perks yackfolkfestival.com/ accompanied by our tents. Because mangrove. After a AJ2016 was one of ceremonies. I made Manley and swim at I’ve had. paying adult we were leaving that while we went back to the best experiences lots of new friends and - Lily McPherson committee will email - those who complete six join-in/volunteers. 12 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 13 Program of upcoming events Supporting the

Arts Yackandandah is looking forward to 2016 and Arts providing a range of visual and performing arts experiences in Yackandandah. Make sure you arts in Yack mark you calendars for the following events at the Yackandandah Public Hall: By Frances Higgins Other groups and events family. Your membership fee Arts Yackandandah is a include: covers public liability and Saturday, Tenzin Choegyal (Tibet) and volunteer organisation which acts • Fresh and Unframed- visual volunteer insurance, Regional February 6 Taro Terahara (Japan) as an umbrella organisation for art exhibition Arts Victoria membership, Arts Yackandandah Public Hall a number of vibrant community • Uke-n-dandah- ukulele group Yackandandah community choir Tibetan singer songwriter Tenzin Choegyal draws groups. meets weekly on a Monday night. subsidy, organisational costs and on his roots to create original compositions which Arts Yackandandah Community • Yack Poetry Group meets on general support of the arts in uniquely express his musical lineage. He joins with Choir performs annually at the Yackandandah. Taro Terahara, one of the leading musicians in the the first Sunday of the month. thriving and high competitive Indian classical music Yackandandah Folk Festival. Arts Yackandandah also hosts It also entitles you to discounted UKE-N-DANDAH scene in Japan. Yackandandah Theatre performances by travelling theatre ticket prices to Arts Yackandandah Company stages a performance groups, music acts including folk, events and free attendance to Wednesday, Yackandandah’s once a year. They frequently classical, opera and jazz, film Flickside screenings. August 3 Melbourne Chamber Orchestra own Ukulele Yackandandah Public Hall perform locally written plays and festivals and any other event the If you would like to join or Club is proudly are active in encouraging local committee feels enhances the renew your membership please associated with Arts Melbourne Chamber Orchestra returns with Mozart’s actors and playwrights. creative and artistic qualities of visit our website at www.arts. Yackandandah. Piano Yackandandah Young Players our community. yackandandah.com. If you have exists to support performances by Arts Yackandandah any enquiries please email arts@ We meet every Stay tuned for more Arts Yackandandah events. For talented young actors. membership yackandandah.com or phone 0417 Monday night further information as it becomes available, visit www. Flickside film society Membership of Arts 292 917 between 7.15pm - arts.yackandandah.com, and don’t forget to “like” the Facebook page - www.facebook.com/artsyackandan- screens movies in the local Yackandandah is for the calendar Look forward to seeing you at 8.30pm at the Court dah. courthouse - entry is free for Arts year and is very affordable, the next Arts Yackandandah event! House. Yackandandah members just $20 individual or $30 Cut me out and put me on your fridge! New members are most welcome, and if you are a beginner, no problem Bekerk!: Yack Station will host a chook-themed art fundraiser from March 12 to Easter Monday. as we offer basic “FRESH & Another year of great films instruction. Saturday 20 February 2016-Double Iran in 1980. UNFRAMED” – Feature; 6.30pm Belle and Sebastian -PG | 104 Come on - have fun min | Adventure, Family | 2013 |France Yack Station rounds up and strum! CALL for HELPERS Saturday 18 June 2016 - 7.15pm Les A six-year-old boy and his dog look to foil a Nazi effort Tim Evans, 0412 106 Miserables- M| 158 min | Drama, Musical, Romance | to capture French Resistance fighters. 085 Arts Yackandandah is looking for 2012 |USA fresh enthusiastic people interested 8.40pm The Women on the Sixth Floor- PG | 102 the chooks for Gemma In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades min | Comedy | 2010 | France in helping out with the organising has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after Yack Station will of this year’s Visual arts exhibition In 1960s Paris, a conservative couple’s lives are turned breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker’s host the “All Things “Fresh and Unframed”, which will be upside down by two Spanish maids daughter. The decision changes their lives forever. Chook” exhibition, a community event to help Saturday 16 April 2016 –Double Saturday 20 August held towards the end of the year raise money for Gemma, Feature; 6.30pm The Lunchbox -PG | 104 2016 - 7.15pm Pride- M | 119 (dates to be confirmed). a young wheelchair- min | Drama, Romance | 2013 | India min | Biography, Comedy, Drama | 2014 |UK bound resident who has As is the natural way of things we A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their outgrown her carseat need new people to assist in order lunchbox delivery system connects a young housewife lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in and needs to travel in her for this wonderful community event to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a the summer of 1984. wheelchair instead. fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox. This means major to continue into the future. Saturday 15 October 2016 - 7.15pm The make chooks or anything the sale to Gemma or modification of the family 8.40pm Chef- M | 114 Dressmaker –M | 118 min | Drama | 2016| Australia relating to chooks in any simply display your work. car. Many families would “Fresh and Unframed” began in min | Comedy, Drama | 2014 | USA medium they like e.g Of course there will be A glamorous woman returns to her small town in rural know Gemma through the 2000 to encourage the visual arts paint, sculpture, appliqué a chook raffle. A chef who loses his restaurant job starts up a food Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture Yack Kinder. etc. All age groups for all the local community. It has truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet The artists at Yack included contributed to encouraging the piecing back together his estranged family. revenge on those who did her wrong. Station and the Wooly Cost is $5 per entry, Date March 12 through There will be no prizes, Yackers Spinners and careers of many local artists and Saturday 21 May 2016 - 7.15pm Argo- M | 120 3 December 2016 - 7.15pm It’s A Wonderful Life - to Easter Monday just fun! Knitters are asking the min | Biography, Drama, History | 2012 | USA PG |130 min | Drama, Family, Fantasy | 1947 | USA You can sell you Contact Heather. collectors. wider community to Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly exhibit, 10% or donate [email protected] There is currently a small group scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA frustrated businessman by showing what life would who are happy to continue and agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six have been like if he never existed. who would warmly welcome new Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in members to assist with this year’s organisation. Share your art with If you are interested please contact: Yackandandah! • Jenny Poyner : 0260271458 Mb Yackity Yak will embark :0448754538 upon a series of artist • Helen MacCalman : 0260271397 profiles in upcoming Mb: 0438499910 editions. If you are an artist - emerging or established, get Or email : [email protected] in touch, and see your name in the pages of your local newspaper!

14 February 2016 / March 2016 Yackity Yak Yackity Yak February 2016 / March 2016 15 Many hands Creek projects identified Indigo - ‘well-governed, More than 30 keen to undertake a Yackandandah Creek make light work community members Friends of project to clean up group will be working attended a workshop the wetland/swamp with the Chamber open, efficient’ Working bee The release of the one of the lowest levels other key areas including value services to our on Tuesday, Yack Creek area at the front of of Commerce to Thank you to all Yack Victorian Government of rates and expenses per the cost of running our community.” who attended the November 24 to the Sports Park. This see where the Know Your Council head of population in five swimming pools, Indigo Shire chief Yackandandah cemetery Cemetery share their vision for priorities identified by is being supported two projects can website on the Victoria.” the cost of sealed local executive officer Gerry annual working bee on Yackandandah Creek workshop participants by the Sports Park collaborate. Trust performance of all local The website, which road resealing and Smith said the Victorian Saturday, December 5. and surrounds (which included; Committee. Many thanks to government Councils captures data from the reconstruction, the cost Government introduced Morning tea (scones includes the whole • weed reduction Kiewa Catchment NECMA, Indigo Shire, Walk, featuring creek catchment). and revegetation Landcare Group was Kiewa Catchment shows Indigo Shire new Local Government of animal management, the new methodology and tea) were kindly servicemen from First provided by Kevin The workshop, • construction of a recently successful Landcare and local is performing well in Performance Reporting food safety inspections for 2014-15 to measure World War. supported by the walking bridge across in securing $14,000 participants for many core areas when Framework, shows that and the openness the performance of and Lyn Williams. We Thank you to all of would love to see more North East Catchment the Yackandandah for a project titled making this happen. compared to other rural the average residential of council decision the 79 councils across the trust members for Management Authority Creek from Bells Flat ‘Creating Homes Thanks also to Tony councils and the state rate per residential making.” Victoria. people help as we never preparing the graves (NECMA) and Road and Habitat for and Jocelyn McAlister average. property assessment “Our community The website www. quite get everything and walkways for the Indigo Shire Council, • installation of Yackandandah Creek for their commitment This includes Indigo for Indigo Shire was satisfaction rating knowyourcouncil.vic. done and then we add event. it to the long list of included a guided historical informative Threatened Species: to Landcare in Shire having one of the $972.01. for consultation and gov.au publishes data A special thank you tour of the parkland signage - A community-led Yackandandah over jobs that needs tending to Cameron Parker, lowest levels of rates in This compares engagement remains high for all councils cross the throughout the year. followed by a BBQ and • improvements to initiative’, which many years. the state. favourably to the average at 61, well above the state. a volunteer who did a facilitated workshop. will be based in the The new Friends On this list is water flow and quality Indigo Shire Mayor for the small councils state and small councils’ “We will use this a huge amount of Discussion was parkland. of Yackandandah cleaning the headstones • development of a Cr James Trenery said group at above $1100 average of 56,” Cr data to keep us on our maintenance work in focused aroun