December 2019 #26
Better services for Murchison East Murchison East passengers can look forward to more comfortable and reliable journeys due to the Shepparton Line Upgrade. The $356M project has delivered benefits for Shepparton line passengers, with hundreds each week enjoying additional services introduced in April as part of Stage 1. An extra weekly morning service departing Murchison East at 8:11am allows passengers to reach Shepparton before 9am. A mid-morning Melbourne-bound service departing at 10:00am also gives more choice on when and how passengers travel. The stabling upgrade at Shepparton Station which enabled 10 extra weekly train services was fast-tracked by nearly 1 year to ensure passengers benefit from the extra services. An additional 29 coach services each week between Seymour and Shepparton have improved the region’s transport connections. Work now begun on Stage 2 will bring more modern and reliable VLocity trains to the line. Murchison East’s platform will be extended to suit longer VLocity trains and the nearby crossing loop will be extended to boost the line’s capacity. The project will upgrade up to 59 level crossings between Donnybrook and Shepparton, making them compatible with VLocity trains and boosting safety for motorists and passengers, with Rail Projects Victoria to appoint a contractor in mid-2020 to deliver these critical upgrades, and construction expected in late 2020 subject to planning and environmental approvals. Work is also underway to identify upgrades to support delivery of 9 daily return services between Shepparton and Melbourne (part of Stage 3). For updates, go to regionalrailrevival.vic.gov.au/Shepparton.
Next Deadline is 17th January for February Release October 1st saw the beginning of a watershed moment in Murchison's history with the end of Murchison Community Care The Health of our Town and its fall out begin. During this time, the community has rallied Rachel Smith, Murchison Medical Centre to save DP Jones Nursing Home, Murchison Neighbourhood It’s exciting to see a pathway being laid to ensure there will be a long-term nursing home in Murchison. We are also hopeful for House, Medical Clinic and Pharmacy building. The fight is not resolutions for the Neighbourhood House and Medical Centre buildings. What has become clearer than ever is the community’s calibre and well established health care fabric. It’s something we can model for many Australian rural communities and more over yet. Where are we now? Key players speak. important now to help our community and those advocating for us to understand why DPJ and its model of care is special.
There aren’t many places you can find quality care, in one area, from birth through to the end of life – and serving some families for 4 or more generations, including indigenous families. To live in a place creating deep family bonds to come back to when People Power children and grandchildren move away, with carers and medical professionals who know you and your family history and have been always been there. Drs Leslie and Furphy have seen some of you for 20+ years, with the Centre’’s doctors and nurses by Royden James & Warwick Gregory, MCAG attracting regular patients across the region.
We have child and maternal health, child care, a preschool and primary school. The Centre gives immunisations for children and Over the last couple of weeks the Murchison community has proved that people power does work. adults, with shingles, whooping cough and annual flu clinics at the Centre and in the community.
When news was received on Tuesday 22 October that the DP Jones Nursing Home was to close some concerned community If we are fortunate to reach retirement, the Wybalena units are where you can downsize but still live independently, and when members immediately got together and formed the Murchison Community Action Group (MCAG) with the goal of saving the time comes for additional care, DPJ has been the place our elders and families know and trust to care for “the oldies”. At DPJ Nursing Home, the Murchison Neighbourhood House and the Medical Centre. the residents befriend each other and the staff, have good food, fun activities, music and outings, and the school children come to sing songs and do crafts together. MCAG didn’t waste any time and immediately called a community meeting for Monday 28 October. MCAG Chairman Warwick Gregory said it was unbelievable the way the town got behind the push to save the Nursing Home and the number of people, The clinic doctors visit DPJ 2-3 times per week and are available after hours to take calls if nurses need additional advice. There almost 400, who turned up at the community meeting not only emphasised how important the Nursing Home, Neighbourhood are aged care facilities in larger towns and cities that do not have access to regular doctors or take after hours calls. House and Medical Centre are but also showed our local Federal members Damian Drum and Steph Ryan just how important the Murchison Community Care was created by visionary people who pictured exactly this. Who knows when it’s finally time to use facilities are to the whole town, and district. the facilities for their families and start to think about their future. We will not give up on what has taken so long to build. Over the ensuing couple of weeks the MCAG with help from the whole community made sure the possible closure received This doesn’t even touch on the Neighbourhood House’s integrated fabric of programs and activities, the community pool, local national attention with headlines in newspapers and interviews on national and local television and radio. A lot of work went on businesses, clubs and teams. No wonder the outcry to keep the doors open was so loud - it was heard throughout the country. behind the scenes and it worked. With the help of Damian Drum senior Federal politicians started to take notice, and so did the Right now, an assistance package from the Federal government is sitting on the Prime Minister’s desk. Then comes the process administrator who had been working with the Commonwealth Department of Health. to find a new provider and, with government support, there are now contenders. Mr Gregory said there had been ups and downs over the last two weeks as first it appeared that things could be saved, then lost, and then saved again. As this production of 3610 is being prepared, MCAG has taken great confidence from the comments by Damian Drum that the nursing home will remain open. We are just waiting for an official announcement. People power does work. Here for the Long term Home Sweet Home Told by Eileen Pitts by Frank Mattea pharmacist and staff
Thanks to our loyal customers, in Murchison and surrounding district. We would like to reassure that Murchison Pharmacy have “The town of Murchison is so important to me,” said Eileen Pitts. “I love the place. I was born here 91 years ago, in a nursing no intention to leave/move from this incredible and supportive community. In the time we have been part of the Murchison, we home called Mrs Pavey’s. My father was working at the Charlton Post Office at the time, and he drove my mother over here to be have invested significant time, money and effort in being a responsive and reliable business. We are not going anywhere. We are with his mother. I love Murchison. My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents are in the Murchison Cemetery, and I want in Murchison for the long haul. to hop in there also. Mrs Pitts has lived at DPJ Nursing Home for a couple of years now, and has enjoyed every day of it. “There are wonderful staff, wonderful food and nothing more I could ask.”
Recently, Mrs Pitts was moved to another nursing home in Melbourne. “It was a wonderful place down there,” she said. “Well run, and lovely people who ran it, but it just wasn’t where I wanted to be. I wanted to be back here in Murchison and so I asked my Onward and Upward family if I could come back and they said, “Wherever you want to be Mum, that’s where you’ll be.” With regard to other residents returning to DPJ, Mrs Pitts said: “Well, if they feel the way I feel, they should. I think it’s by Jenny Lister, Co-ordinator Murchison Neighbourhood House extremely important for the town. Every town should have a nursing home. People do grow old and when they do they like to be near their relatives so that they can visit them. It’s no use wanting the relatives to drive 100 miles so they can see their loved one.” The power of hope, people and the need to deliver relevant services are powerful motivators when talking with others about why “It made me feel very sad to see many of the staff leave but, on the other hand, they have to make a living and, if the place is your service needs to continue. To this end, our work with the Department of Health and Human Services, Neighbourhood Houses going to be closed down, well it’s only natural that they would want to earn a living elsewhere.” Victoria and Goulburn North East Association of Community Centres is paying off. We have made a positive start to securing ongoing funding for the House in Murchison and are exploring options to secure purchase of the building. Greater Shepparton “My family believe that wherever Mum is happy, that’s what they want. I’ve got a very wonderful family; they are very Çity Council are prepared to offer practical support and funding to develop and restructure the Neighbourhood House as a newly charitable.” incorporated entity in the future. The Neighbourhood House will close for a summer break on December 20. Most groups are holding their end of year break ups now. Monday January 20 is out 2022 opening date. I’d like to take this chance to thank “I would implore the Federal government to save DP Jones Nursing Home. I think every small town should have a nursing home, everyone for their messages of support and for making the effort to call politicians about how you would be impacted by the so that the inhabitants can spend their last days being in a happy environment close to the people they love.” Mrs Pitts’ son, closure of the Neighbourhood House. It has moved me to know how the House has been of value to you and that we have been Michael, also stated that: “When we took Mum to Melbourne, we realised how lucky we were with Murchison.” able to meet diverse community needs through our operation over time. Damian Drum Federal Member for Nicholls
The DP Jones Nursing Home Murchison is staying open. Whilst, it is of significant concern and distress to the community what has occurred with DP Jones Nursing Home at Murchison, I want to reassure you that I have been actively working with the nursing home for some time to assist in whatever way I can with the challenges they are currently facing.
In my capacity as your local Federal member of Parliament, I have held two aged care forums in the electorate in the last 9 months and hosted both the Aged Care ministers into our electorate in that time. The most recent visit to our electorate by the current Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Senator Richard Colbeck, was 6 weeks ago and DP Jones Nursing Home was involved in both of these forums along with additional meetings.
The administrator Richard Cauchi of SV Partners has been appointed by the immediate past board of the DP Jones Nursing Home. It is his job to investigate what has occurred and he must be allowed to complete his investigation unencumbered as he is required to do under the Corporations Act. Steph Ryan At the creditors meeting held on Wednesday, November 6th that I attended, the vote was to place the current entity into liquidation thus ensuring the payments of the bonds and employee entitlements are covered under the relevant Federal Member for Euroa government schemes. The Murchison community requires help from all levels of government to deal with the ramifications of the collapse of DP Jones.
The facility remains open for business and is staying open. While Damian Drum as the Federal Member has been working flat out trying to find a solution, the neighbourhood house remains the responsibility of the Victorian Government. The administrator is working proactively with the government to appoint a new accredited provider after a competitive process. The strong message that we need to get out is that the DP Jones Nursing Home is open for business and the details regarding the As the State Member representing Murchison, I am working to support the community in every way that I can through this new provider are being negotiated. We don’t want to lose any more residents from the home. challenging set of circumstances.
I have been regularly communicating with the Murchison Community Action Group, as have my staff, and when the Deputy Earlier this month in Parliament, I called on the Andrews Labor Government to examine purchasing the town’s Neighbourhood Prime Minister Michael McCormick was in town a few days ago we met firsthand with representatives of the aAction gGroup in House, which provides a number of critical services to the local community. Murchison to see firsthand what the government could do to assist. I have been working with my Federal colleagues including the Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Richard Colbeck, the Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Health, the Hon Greg I have highlighted the town’s key concerns and issues following last month’s community meeting with the Minister for Disability, Hunt to keep the facility open. Ageing and Carers both in Parliament and by letter.
I, along with the coalition government, have heard the voice of Murchison and we will not rest until this facility is stronger than I have also been in touch with the Neighbourhood House about a petition which will be available soon. before. I encourage residents to keep up the fight and continue writing to their Members of Parliament – both state and federal, as well It is in the National Party DNA that you should be entitled to spend the last years of your life in comfort residing in the as the local newspapers. community where you have worked and contributed to the community over your life. This sits at the heart of this fight and I am The community rallying together has been truly impressive and your work to make your concerns known is so important to proud to be working hard to ensure that this nursing home will not close. achieving a positive outcome. We want as many residents that have already left to consider returning, as the more residents we have in the nursing home the easier it will be to ensure its future under a new provider.
If you have any queries, please don’t ever hesitate to contact my office on [email protected] or 03 58215371.
Seema Abdullah Mayor, Greater Shepparton City Council
Greater Shepparton City Council supports the vital role that the Murchison and District Neighbourhood House has in the Murchison Community.
Council has written a letter to the Hon. Luke Donnellan, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers to ask for funding and support for the continuation of the Neighbourhood House.
The letter outlines the positive impact the facility has on the community and the loss that would be incurred if it is no longer available.
We have requested an urgent meeting with the Minister and will advocate strongly on behalf of the Murchison community to save your community hub. Meteorite Park Screen For Me CWA Stalwart in the Shed Iconic Town Cemetery Gates Margaret Lock Juliet Palmer Ann Dennis Jenny Lister Rhonda Chrisanthou Sue Brown As part of the 50th anniversary In the last edition we discussed Organising a class for women who Mid-August saw preparations get celebrations of the fall of the Murchison cervical screening, but there are other want to learn about woodwork has not underway to plant a corridor of native meteorite from 27-29 September, 2019, forms of health screening available and been easy. Finding someone with the plants on the south side of High Street an updated meteorite display board are equally important to ensure early time, confidence and skills has taken in East Murchison. Initiated under in Meteorite Park, Murchison, was detection of some of the most common a while – but there’s no turning back Greater Shepparton City Council’s, One unveiled by Cr Kim O’Keeffe, followed by and treatable cancers. now. Tree Per Child program, two lines of soil the opening of a solar system labyrinth It is noted that fewer people within revealing lovely, rich, loam soils were installed in the Park. the Goulburn Valley participate in cultivated for the plantings. Murchison Located under the shelter at regular cancer screening compared to Primary School children and community Meteorite Park, the newly renovated other parts of Victoria. Unfortunately, members helped Council officers on The Murchison Cemetery Trust and updated meteorite display board Victorians living in regional and 3610 recently had the chance to catch the first day of planting of 300 trees, was successful in obtaining a grant is eye-catching and educational, telling remote locations have a poorer cancer up with Lyn Trezise, one of the many shrubs and groundcovers. Another from the State government to update the story of the day the meteorite survival expectancy: approximately very busy women in our town. Lyn is 500 were planted on subsequent days. the appearance and access to the landed, complete with eyewitness 4% lower than those who live in one of the new State Vice Presidents of They include a understory of wattles, Cemetery. The old wire gates have been reports, scientific facts and colouorful Melbourne. Increased medical the Country Womens Association. She grasses, Hop Bush, Billy-buttons, some replaced with beautiful stone pillars images. screening participation could combat made it clear that CWA is not just about Red Box and Silver Banksia which will and decorative gates. Towards the far end of the Park on these statistics and make our region scones and sponge cakes! Mid way through a seven week complement existing plantings of large The stone work was completed by the left near the Preschool, Stage 1 healthier and more resilient. She explained the main point of the course, the ladies involved jumped into Grey Box trees also planted by local Webb Stone Work, and the wrought iron of the la byrinth installation began in Breast Screening is available to CWA is to help women and children the chance immediately recognising school children some 30 years ago. gates were designed and made by FJ mid-August. Stage 2, to be completed women between the ages of 40 – 74. who are experiencing disadvantage of the limited group size, but why? Wrought Iron, both of Shepparton. The at a later date, involves the permanent One in eight women will be diagnosed one sort or another. This could be from Answers vary from wanting to learn Trust members are very pleased with marking out of the pathway around with breast cancer during their lives. 75 drought or flood, or it could be from about wood equipment and how to use the completed work, and the feedback the labyrinth, together with images per cent of these women will be aged isolation or illness, or any number of it, it is a great DIY workshop and my from the community has been very of the planets positioned at the time over 50. Over 90 per cent of women other causes. As a group the CWA also favourite – why not? positive. the meteor broke up over Murchison’s diagnosed with breast cancer will advocate for change in issues where Other groups are planned for 2020, The Murchison Trust members are: skies at 10.58 a.m. on Sunday, 28th survive, largely due to early detection. community minded womens’ voice is and enrolments are being taken now. Stan McMaster (Chairperson), Sue Brown September 1969. Breast Screening is a free service that needed. Follow the Neighbourhood House (Secretary), Michelle Keady (Treasurer), Beside the labyrinth, an interpretive takes less than 10 minutes and does Lyn has been involved as a Group Facebook page and website for program Looking to enhance our riverbank Doug Brown, Helen Quin, Gordon panel displays images of the planets, not require a doctor’s referral. A small president of seven branches of the CWA updates. gateway, the next stage of the project Newton, Graeme Trevaskis, Warwick describing “what is a labyrinth”, amount of discomfort far outweighs the for two years. Some of the highlights of A big thank you to the Murchison will look at implementing design plans Gregory and Justin Appleton. Much of “walking a labyrinth” and “the planets”. benefits of early detection. To make an her work in the CWA so far have been Men’s Shed for use of their facilities initiated by the Murchison Community the maintenance at the cemetery is The bottom of the panel also describes appointment, or find out more about to be able to mentor and oversee the and equipment to make this possible. Plan Group to create an attractive done by the Murchison Lions Club, with the Murchison meteorite, one of the breast screening call 13 20 50 or visit creation of the Toolamba Wrens, who We are hoping that the application for corridor on the north side of High assistance from the prisoners from most celebrated and studied primitive BreastScreen Victoria. are a vibrant younger group of women, a new shed is successful as it would be Road and to remove unsightly weeds Dhurringile. The Trust members are meteorites to have landed on Earth, two Bowel Cancer Screening is to target wanting to engage in the community great to have a larger space to work in. and pest species, before revegetating very appreciative of the wonderful job months following man’s first footsteps Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, and contribute their skills to good For more information, contact Jenny our roadsides with garden beds and they are doing. For any enquiries email on the Moon. which is easily treated if found early. causes. There’s talk of an even younger 5826 2373. selected species. Sue [email protected] The labyrinth is sure to attract When found early, 90 per cent of bowel group, Junior Toolamba Wrens forming! visitors from far and wide, along with cancer is successfully treated and the Lyn is really looking forward to seeing er aft Ce s r e e many locals who, with their families, best way to find it is by screening. that take shape! m
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u in Murchison both educational and Valley are not up to date with their other craft are dear to Lyn’s heart. As D inspirational. bowel screening. The test is simple well as sitting on the State Creative and free and can be conducted in the Arts Committee of the CWA she has privacy of your own home. All people organised several successful craft aged 50 and over should do this simple exhibitions in our nearby towns. test every two years. To arrange a free When State Conference delegates at home bowel test, or find out more were invited to contribute suggestions about bowel screening call the National for new projects which could be Sunday 26th January Bowel Cancer Screening Program assisted by CWA, Lyn flagged the little information line on 1800 118 868. known Batten’s Disease. She had, by Discover who has won awards for the As well as cervical screening, chance, recently met a couple of young Murchison Medical Clinic and Monthly women who were raising awareness in school competitions, photography Women’s Health Clinic are available of Battens Disease. Its a rare disease competition, Christmas lights and for consultation on the above cancer of the nervous system and patients The labyrinth is sponsored by screening tests and can provide further have a seriously negative prognosis. municipal awards, something for all the Murchison and District Historical information on how you can better Through Lyn’s sugggestion, Batten’s family. BYO hat, sunscreen and chair. Society Inc. and Greater Shepparton your health. Disease is the 2019 recipient of the CWA Murchison Swimming Pool Starts at 8am Free BBQ breakfast City Council. Call 58 262 575 to make a booking. Thanksgiving Fund. Well done Lyn! 7 Parks Victoria Platinum Years Just in Time for Summer Emma Banting Lisa Niglia Jenny Lister Become a Junior Ranger... Have you ever wanted to discover the secrets of Victoria's national parks and reserves? Junior Rangers and parents can find out
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A a park ranger! 6-12-year old's can take C O part in fun ranger-guided activities P L O Y during school holidays. Junior Ranger E B M ES will be running through the Summer S & RI from SHORT STO school holidays in the Shepparton a & Regional Park and Arcadia Streamside 0 St Reserve in Murchison and Toolamba. 361 Forest Night Keep an eye out around town for flyers fam advertising our events that will be thier ilies happening over summer- these flyers Most marriages today can barely Driving through forest after-dark I will go up late December. get past the 7 year itch, but for Pat search the road both left and right Campfire Safety Just a reminder and Grace Niglia it takes commitment, for shape or shift; awake, aware that fire regulations have come into understanding and a great partnership like what the forest does not sleep at night. force. Please be mindful of this when for a successful marriage. Pat and Grace you are having a campfire in the forest who recently celebrated 70 years of Past me it moves and ensure you are extinguishing your marriage, it is a Platinum Achievement. u read? with shadows bounding fire properly. If you see an unattended Local identities of Dhurringile (where into scrub, with muffled cries, with campfire please report to 000. they lived and worked hard for most of help pay shuffling in the undergrowth or their lives), they were married at Sacred wing-soft white in silent glide. Heart Church in Tatura on September 3, 1949. Celebrating Mass with family and for it Night creatures cross friends. Fr. Michael Morely gave them When next walking in the park near the bridge, check out the newly installed with silvery leaps a special blessing and spoke about drinking fountain and BBQ upgrade. Thanks to the Greater Shepparton City Council “how wonderful and incredible it is to advertise for responding to requests for a fountain installation and making renovations or, startled, track back to their hide; Days Mill Open Day On the 10th of May achieve such a milestone”. Celebrations that encourage people to get to enjoy the public facilities and great park space I watch as other eyes watch me, 2020 we will be opening Days Mill and were later held at the P 'n’ F Palladium now that we have in Murchison. small points of light, we would like to invite the community function room at Dhurringile where soon out of sight. to join us to celebrate Mother's Day. Pat and Grace’s siblings and their We will have tours and a market on the partners, Mary & John, Frank & Trish, Hum of tyres on bitumen, day. If anyone is interested in having a Lena (Deceased) Amelia & Gerry, Roc smell of car-crushed eucalypt; stall on the day please contact 1319 63 & Lulu, along with 11 grandchildren forest freedom darkly lies and ask for Emma Banting. and 14 great-grandchildren enjoyed far-reaching beyond all of this. Platypus Monitoring Recently the a celebration dinner and cake. Both Australian Platypus Monitoring Network Pat and Grace in their 90’s, still live a Though I am the intruder here, (APMN) ran community education full and active life that would exhaust and watching trees loom eerily, sessions to invite the community to some of those who are 10 to 30 years Daily Entry Family $17, Adult $5.00 Child $4, Senior $4. the forest night escorts me without learn about how to undertake platypus younger! Grace loves to cook and monitoring in their local area. We would continues to bake her famous Italian Season passes are available, early bird rates apply before Regular Opening Hours question through its mystery. December 14th. Call the pool for details in December* like to invite the community to visit the biscuits and Pat potters and tinkers Weekends 1pm to 6pm by Vonnie Deering APMN website at: platypusnetwork.org. in the garden and loves to read the Murchison Pool is now open, check out our Aqua Aerobics, au/home and register as a volunteer to papers. Congratulations Pat and Grace Lap Swimming, and Swimming Lessons. Weekdays 3:30pm to 6pm create sites in your area. Niglia. Bookings The pool can be booked for other social occasions, until Dec 21 (end of term) cost may vary. For bookings call School holidays 1pm to 6pm St Vincent de Paul Jade 0422 229 378 Churc or Leanne 0458 561 095. 7 days a week Closed Christmas Day ChristmasTIMES Fridays 3 - 4 pm Murchison Neighbourhood House View full price list on murchison.org.au The pool may stay open later at the lifeguard’s discretion. 25th December Operating as usual through Christmas/New Year Anglican Church Murchison...... 9:30am Uniting Church...... 9:00am Murchison Swimming Pool Stevenson Street Murchison 03 5826 2568 St Bridgids Catholic Church.... 10:00am *Season Opening, weather permitting, needs to be higher than 23°C at 12 noon on the BOM website).
9 TALK ABOUT My extended host family at a baby shower View from the school window
Town school, converted convent The village gates before school
Me & another exchange student
3610 Have you always lived in Murchison? 3610 How did the Spanish culture differ to our own laid up in the mountains. The parade is to thank God for the different culture and language. My family are considering back Australian culture? provision of coal and celebrate the wealth it brought to becoming a host family too. Alex I have, I went to Murchison Preschool and was the town. Over 10oo people carrying fire torches walked up School captain at the Primary school. I’m now in Year 11 at Alex my host family was very kind and my 14 yr old host 3610: Coming back home to Murchison, what is it that you the mountain track to the top and then back into the town Goulburn Valley Grammar School and have fast tracked my sister was lovely. The family dynamics were so different to love about our your hometown? square where everyone had garlic soup and hot chocolate. language subject - Spanish. After a busy day at school, it’s my own family’s. The communication style is the biggest Alex I loved coming home and being re-united with my nice to come home to mum and dad’s farm. It's so peaceful difference; there is so much yelling! No one is angry, it’s all 3610 What would you say are the benefits of the exchange family. Murchison has a great atmosphere, so much space looking out over the garden and farmland. good natured, and about the smallest things. But so loud program? and natural scenery. We have a good community, with so and dramatic! But I always felt welcomed and safe with my 3610 You were recently a part of the Southern Cross Alex I feel that by travelling, I have grown up a lot. So many people giving their time, trying to make our town a host family, and wherever I went. I did get home sick over Cultural Exchange. Where did you travel to? many once in a lifetime experiences. I started out very better place to live in. It’s a generous place. I really noticed Christmas, but thankfully, I could Facetime and message my timid, but my confidence has developed and I am now that when I got home. I would like to help with volunteering Alex I stayed in Spain for 3 months, in a little village called family and friends whenever I wanted. happy to talk to new people. Because I spent so much too; at the nursing home and as a lifesaver at our local Barruelo De Santullăn. Over New Years we visited Madrid 3610 What is a stand out moment for you? time independently, I had time to focus and concentrate pool. I can see how important that is to a community. I and saw some amazing architecture. It was over their winter on myself and I feel that I better understand myself. And would like to continue travelling, I definitely have the bug! months and I can honestly say I have never felt so cold in Alex Being an exchange student is easily one of the best the host family benefits too. To welcome a new person, But Murchison will always be my home. my life! It snowed a lot and much to my host family's shock, times of my life. So many wonderful memories made. One experience that generosity and perhaps explore your own I often kept my window open so I could watch the snow of my favourite times was being a part of a torch parade. area that previously have not noticed. It’s great to learn a Above photos taken by Alex while in Spain. falling and feel the fresh air. Barruelo De Santullăn was founded as a coal mining town Murchison RSL Meteorite Murals Moorilim CFA Christina Taylor Sue Brown Murchison RSL commemorated its & Book Launch You might think there are not many Full Service Pharmacy 100-year anniversary with a plaque in Margaret Lock people, and not too much left at their rose garden at the Community On Sunday 22nd September, five Moorilim, but 35 adults and 15 children Centre on Sunday 10th November. meteorite-inspired panels by local turned up to our September gathering. It was formed in 1919 by service artist Jane Spencer were unveiled The day started with the Moorilim personal recently returned from active outside Murchison Heritage Centre, CFA Brigade making use of the great service after a visit from a member facing the gardens, before a crowd facilities at the Dargalong Reserve for a of the recently formed Victorian RSL. of 50 people. The meteorite murals training session. Members have supported each other beautifully illustrate the effects of the The session was well attended with and the local community since that Murchison meteor’s fall and the ‘sonic 12 members who completed a burn time. Many of the community will booms’ on humans and animals in the over and dangerous tree drill. This remember events which were great fun Murchison district on Sept. 28th 1969. annual training is mandatory for active in the “Old RSL Hall” which was brought A book launch for Space Gem: members. in from Camp 13. mysteries of the Murchison meteorite The brigade now has a defibrillator During the 1950s and 60s it was a very written, researched by Margaret Lock machine, and the wider Moorilim strong RSL, with many members and an followed inside the Heritage Centre. community was invited to come along active ladies auxiliary. Although most Space Gem contains amazing for a demonstration. have passed on, it still has a group of meteorite facts, eyewitness reports very dedicated members. and an extensive glossary, together Murchison RSL President Justin with a host of resources and images Appleton welcomed everyone to the to encourage readers to navigate the We hope we never need it, but it was unveiling with many community members never-ending treasure trove relating to a great opportunity to have a hands on attending. Guests included Steph the world-famous meteorite. . try out, and good to know that we have Ryan Member for Euroa and Greater Space Gem is available at Murchison’s a machine in our community. Shepparton Mayor Seema Abdullah who Heritage Centre, Post Office and Supa The evening concluded with a BBQ unveiled the plaque which is an ongoing Valu Centre. For more information, meal, a few social drinks, lots of laughs memorial to display thanks for sacrifice. contact Margaret Lock on 0419 544 657 and sharing of memories.
With Lyndal
Daily Delivery Murchison Area nside or utside ny Jo ny here ny i e YOGA o estic etai o ercia ura ro erties
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MURCHISON UNITING CHURCH HALL [email protected] 21 Impey Street Murchison Ph 5826 2208 2 IMPEY ST MURCHISON Open Monday to Fridays 9am to 5:30pm We do not close for lunch - Closed public holidays 13 The Heat is On CFA News Oval Sprinklers Wow - What a Great Event Rachel Putts Sharon Reilly Jade Chetkett Kay Ball It’s that time of year when everyone With fire restrictions now in force, Celebration of the 2019 50th anniversary of the now world- is wishing for warmer weather and please keep up to date on the CFA site famous meteorite that broke up over Murchison on 28th looking for the pool to be open! cfa.vic.gov.au. Ensure that you have a September 1969 was hailed a great success. The pool opens Friday the 29th clear driveway that will fit our trucks The commemoration of the Murchison meteorite’s landing November 2019 and a turning space. Early preparations started with the issue of a commemorative $1 postage stamp The pool is having a complete make are a great help if things go wrong. Do by Australia Post on September 16th and brought Murchison over this year; old paint taken off, sealed you have a plan? Are you staying and to everyone’s attention around our nation. Sunday 22nd and repainted with a non slip surface defending or are you leaving early? Are The Murchison Soccer Club and The September saw the launch of a new book – Space Gem, around the edge. We are a community you equipped to defend your property? Murchison Cricket Club are fundraising Mysteries of the Murchison Meteorite by Marg Lock. This pool and are always looking for new These are just some of the things you for an automatic irrigation system to book records the local story at the time of the fall and also and familiar faces to lend a hand, so need to ask yourself. And a big thing be installed into the small oval at the the continuing scientific interest over the following 50 years. feel free to come and join in. to remember is that you can’t rely on a Murchison Recreation Reserve. Since Unveiling of murals on the external wall of the Heritage Once again we will be offering truck to be at your property if it’s a bad the turf was put down in 2017, the oval Centre that record the reactions by a bird, a cow, a dog and fitness classes, lap swimming, fitness day. There are more houses than there has been watered manually meaning a boy, to the impressively loud sonic booms that announced swimming, pool parties, group are trucks. Merry Christmas. Stay safe! sprinklers are moved throughout the the arrival of the meteorite in 1969, also took place that day. The weekend of 27th September started with a direct bookings, swim lessons, aerobics and day to ensure the coverage of the oval. broadcast by the ABC breakfast show from the Heritage yoga new to our activities for this year. There is a minimum of 70 sprinklers Centre on Friday morning and it was an enjoyable experience Like us on Facebook to stay up to date required to be installed, and your help working with well-known radio presenters Warwick Long and with what is happening. Junior CFA is needed. Matt Dowling interviewing locals who had a story to tell. We are continuing to work with Sharon Reilly Sprinklers can be purchased for The Heritage Centre was open each day providing council on the architectural drawings To be a member of the juniors you $50 (includes installation), and all meteorite displays and showing of related short films and for the redevelopment at the pool. Stay need to be 11 yrs. At 16 you can join our purchasers will be named on a donations also solar viewing. A fantastic privately-owned meteorite tuned. We will let you know as soon as seniors. We meet first Tuesday each board at the Recreation Reserve. collection was a big attraction on the Saturday and Sunday, we have news to share. month, except for school holidays and If you would like to contribute, please and a huge iron-stone meteorite that the children could Look for our ad in 3610, the Pool public holidays, 7-8 pm. We are winding contact Brandan Reilly 0447 773 937. handle was very popular. Facebook page and murchison.org.au up for Christmas so our next date is Bank transfer is available by request. A wonderful ‘Dinner Under the Stars’ was the official for a list of current prices and programs. Feb. 4th. If you are interested, give us a Thanks in advance for getting behind opening event on the Friday evening. Cosmos inspired music call, Sharon 0438 262 172. this great project. compiled by our local primary school students and fabulous decorations of a twinkling starry ceiling in the main hall of the Community Centre, greeted the diners as each guest was presented with a glass of bubbly in a souvenir wine glass. Vince Peters, g. g. g. grandson of our aboriginal leader King Charles Tattambo, who rests in Murchison cemetery, performed Welcome to Country. A superb meal was catered by Murchison’s Longleat Winery, and a specially composed song and humorous film clip The Meteorite Speaks provided some amusing entertainment. Each Scientist was introduced as a lead into the talks that took place on Saturday and Sunday and also Dave Reneke, Astronomy Educator, who presented engaging sessions on both days. Saturday morning, Mayor of Shepparton, Cr. Kim O’Keeffe officially unveiled the refurbished meteorite information board and new labyrinth in Meteorite Park. The labyrinth is a permanent addition to the park that all can now enjoy, take a walk around to unwind, take time out and also learn about our universe. On Sunday morning the Space Treasure Hunt in the Riverbank Gardens attracted many families with small children. A meteorite hunt for older children allowed them to find a real piece of meteorite and have a Scientist explain and record the name, type, and weight of their take home find. Local clubs were given the opportunity to provide catering and the local shops were very busy as were the Hotels. Over 1600 people attended the various events on offer even though we were competing with the AFL long weekend and it was school holidays. Feed-back has been overwhelmingly positive especially from the visiting Scientists, and, as they travel the world with their work, this is praise indeed. 15 Ambulance News Dhurringile PS Golf Club News Singing to the Stars Men's Shed Bec Hance Lisa Wilson Gail Gregory Elly French Con Scarvelis 2019 season came to an end with a Term 4 at Murchison Primary has What a frustrating few months we late start and an early finish due to dry been bumper to bumper with special have endured in Murchison with the weather conditions. There was good events. To carry on with celebrations uncertainty of losing our nursing attendance throughout the year playing of the Murchison Meteorite the school home and possible closure of the on Sundays and during the week. concert was ‘Space’ themed. Students neighbourhood house. The course fairways were in great rehearsed with gusto – and performed We are determined that the Murch condition having been fertilised early spectacularly at both the matinee Men's Shed will survive. Unfortunately in the season and were well maintained and evening performances. We hope we have lost a small amount of money by Bob (master mower) McAdam and that footage of the staff number which has been absorbed by the 15 Mile Creek Camp The first week the sand scrapes were well looked after hasn’t travelled too far… Well done to liquidators, but nothing compared Well it’s that time of year again and this term was filled with adventure and by Jim Ewart extraordinaire. the Murch has Talent acts that also to others caught up in the horrible summer is here! With increased heat, excitement at 15 Mile Creek camp along This year was a rescue mission for the performed at the concert – those extra situation. snakes about, and bushfires you need with our friends from Zeerust, Waaia- club and the golf was played socially. practise sessions definitely paid off! Throughout this ordeal our grant to be prepared and ready in case of an Yalca South and Wunghnu Primary Next year we will endeavour to The Grade 6’s have been especially application for a new shed has been emergency. Stay safe out in the heat, Schools. All students from Foundation play Handicap events and return the busy in the second half of Term 4 – disrupted and now we will have to drink adequate water, wear sunscreen through to year 6 attended for the Dargalong Cup Tournament as well as yachting and heading to Melbourne for start over again with a new application and clothing/hat protection as well as four days. Students were divided into social days. Urban Camp. Catching trains and trams to the Victorian Government for the utilise cooling measures such as air year level groups with each group The last event of the year was the is always an exciting experience. By all grant process which should reopen in conditioners when inside. rotating through a variety of activities Meteorite trophy won by Jeff Mills & accounts the students and staff had February. In the extreme weather it is also which included archery, bush walking, Phil Neville (Nagambie) with Jimmy and a ball, and managed to pack a lot in. Fortunately we are still working and important to remember your neighbours orienteering, hut making, canoeing, bike G Thompson (Dhurringile). Nearest the They have also been preparing for their communicating with our members and those vulnerable people that riding, rock walk climbing, flying fox and Pin was Keith Smith -longest drive, Bob Graduation ceremony- we are sure it and others in the town. We have reside here in our community. Please a night hike. The Dhurringile students McAdam on the first and Dave Murray will be a great (maybe a little teary) and finished projects started prior to the look out for one another, and pop in to thoroughly enjoyed themselves and on the ninth. memorable night for them. development, and started new projects see those that may be doing it tough in are already talking about going back in A BBQ followed with approximately With a day at the pool on the cards since. Dennis McCullagh and Con the heat. This includes animals too! two years’ time. 40 in attendance. We look forward to for the last full day of school (Thursday, Scarvelis attended the Victoria Men’s Our new facility in Watson St is Annual Melbourne Shopping Trip 2020 and invite all Murchison & District 19th December) we have our fingers Shed Association AGM in Bendigo just over a year old now, and starting Dhurringile Primary School hold an residents to come and use our course crossed for glorious weather. where we received great support and to feel like home. We have hosted annual Melbourne shopping trip on the whether a Handicap player or a hacker. encouragement from members of other training for locals and staff from other first Saturday following the Melbourne We also encourage Junior players to sheds. areas. Murchison Lions Club have Cup each year. come along. Keep on Hooking. Transitioning to School Our shed members have attended held meetings at the new facility and This year 23 ladies attended the trip functions in the past months, where we they have generously donated over on Saturday 9th November along with have received support and well wishes $800 towards training equipment. our hostess Val and bus driver Bob. All from the communities of Mooroopna, We appreciate this and hope you will of the ladies received one of the new Boomerang Bag Tatura and Shepparton. support them as they in turn support Dhurringile Primary School shopping Jenny Lister Murchison Men's Shed members us! We are aiming to hold a long bags to use during the trip. The school Be an active contributor to the war on also attended Murchison RSL 100-year awaited Community Open Day at the would like to give a huge thank you to waste and the eradication of the plastic memorial plaque unveiling and new branch in the near future. Stay Adelaide for the donation of Nutrimetic bag. Join us in making Boomerang bags, participated on Remembrance Day, tuned for more details. gift packs which were used as raffle a cloth re-usable option. where Dennis McCullagh and Wal We would like to wish Kasey Baker, prizes. The commissions given by the Harrison laid a wreath on our behalf. one of our Ambulance Community shops visited totalled over $1000 with On Wednesday, 13th November, club Officers all the best for her future who the final figure to come in during the members attended the car museum in is moving on to become a paramedic in next couple of weeks. Shepparton and on 14th December it Craigieburn. Kasey has been studying will be our Christmas get-together. paramedicine and been an ACO with Now we are back to the drawing board us for 2 years and has provided an with more vigour and determination to exceptional contribution as well as a continue to grow the Murchison Men’s high standard to volunteering in our Shed for the benefit of all men in community. Murchison Primary’s transition program has really kicked in to high gear in Murchison and surrounding areas. Bec Hance has stepped down from Term 4. Apart from transition sessions on every second Friday, Kinder students her manager role to focus on other End of Year Christmas Concert This have also walked across to the school each Tuesday morning. It’s been wonderful areas, but still will be out and about year the Dhurringile Primary School seeing them so relaxed and comfortable in their future surroundings. They have in the Murchison community. Paul end of year concert will be held on Materials and equipment provided, been happily mixing and working with older students from Grade 5 who will Johansson and Ben Johansen from Wednesday 11th December at 7pm at but it will help if you can bring a sewing become their buddies next year. As the aim of the schools transition program is to Numurkah and Tatura respectively will the Dhurringile Community Hall. The machine, scissors, pins, cotton and make Kinder students feel at ease, we think they are well on their way to settling be sharing the role in the district but community are invited to attend the recycled fabric. All welcome to help, in beautifully next year. New members are most welcome. contact details remain the same at concert. Please call the school for morning tea provided, BYO lunch. We conclude transition with the state wide transition day on Tuesday, 10th Inquiries contact Dennis 0428 148 210 [email protected] further information on 5826 6222. 9:30-1:30pm January 19th, 2020. December, we look forward to seeing their inquisitive faces each day next year! or Con 0468 786 454. 17 Remembrance Football Netball Garden Group Jnr Tennis Cup De-stress with Yoga Lions Club News Beth Brisbane Lisa Niglia Lyndal Pope Bruce Smith Day 2019 Club News Garden Group finished the year at Local Dhurringile resident Aaron Science is now proving that Yoga is As the response from Murchison Rachel Putts Shelly McCormack Murchison East Hotel where we had a Niglia was selected to represent the an effective way to de-stress the mind, Residents to our emergency concerning Murchison Toolamba Football delicious meal and lots of chatter and Goulburn Valley’s 15/U junior tennis the nervous system and the body. DP Jones and Murchison Community Netball Club are stoked to announce thoughts for 2020. We have had a good team where ten regions from across Stress most typically occurs in the Care shows, this town can be strong the resigning of our senior football year with garden walks to interesting Victoria merged to McEwen Reserve to mind from a thought or experience. This if we all put a little time to help one coach Nick Iorianni! Nick has made gardens, Speakers talking about the battle it out for the Bradtke Luczak Cup stress is stored throughout the physical another. an immediate impact at the hoppers, care of roses at Flemington, pruning of on July 27 & 28. Team Goulburn Valley, body, creating tension which can lead The Murchison Lions with the pushing our senior side into the top 4 various shrubs in our gardens, various to more stress on the nervous system support from the good members of in 2019. The club and Nick are working bugs in our gardens – good and bad and body organs. If left unchecked this the community is still supporting local tirelessly to set us up to ensure we bugs, among others. can ultimately lead to disease and ill organisations with funds from our build on that for season 2020! Our 2020 We will be back in 2020 beginning health. wood raffle and Christmas raffle. We are Reserves coach will be Daniel ‘Skittles’ on Wednesday 26th February (4th The ancient practice of Yoga works selling tickets for the Christmas Raffle McCrimmon who joined the club last Wednesday of the month). Planning is to reduce this tension in the body, (a wheelbarrow loaded with goodies year and has been a loyal servant to already underway with garden walks, balancing the nervous system and for all ages), so we encourage people Longwood FNC in years before that. A Bonsai and caring for orchids. More to relaxing the mind through physical to support us. sharp reserves player, Daniel brings come. postures, breath work and mindfulness. The Lions Club has recently distributed a wealth of knowledge about the KDL All welcome. Any queries contact Mindful Yoga by Jon Kabat-Zinn is a monies to local organisations. landscape and with his network will Beth Brisbane 0458 262 240 great article if you’d like to know more. These include Murchison Primary add to our promising reserves list! Aaron Niglia, Jeremy O’Brien, Alana Birch, Ella Rhode (absent) Murchison has a thriving Yoga School, Shepparton Legacy, Murchison Welcome Daniel and Leticia and their community with classes three times a RSL, Murchison Ambulance Station young family! comprising of two junior boys and week and would love for you to come training equipment, and St Vincent de Peter Miller is our 2020 Under 18’s Coaches two junior girls, were evenly matched along and join us. Classes are open to Paul, as well as monetary support to Remembrance Day 2019 was held in Thirds Coach! A passionate footy man, against other teams but eventually all levels from beginners to advanced Murchison Historical Society for the beautiful sunshine in Murchison with Pete has been co-coach (2018 & 2019) ended up 4th in their Poole. Local practitioners. Please feel free to reach Meteorite 50th Celebrations. a large crowd attending to remember with Craig Thompson, however he will Wanted Tatura junior player Charlie Murdoch, out and give us a call if you have any We are still collecting old batteries those who served, those who died now take the reigns outright! Pete who missed out on representing the questions. from which the funds go to our long and those who returned mentally or is looking to attract local connected Goulburn region was invited to fill You can join Skye Nixon on Saturdays standing support to the DP Jones physically damaged from conflicts in players to the club, and develop our in and strengthen Team Mornington 8-9am at the Murchison Community Nursing Home, so we urge people to many places around the world. current promising list! Peninsula side who were short on a Centre or Lyndal Pope at The Uniting put aside your old car batteries for Justin Appleton, President of the We would like to formally announce junior player. The event was hosted Church Hall on Wednesday evenings collection by John Ferguson. Our final Murchison RSL, led the service during Jenni McCluskey as our 2020 A grade by McEwen Reserve and organized by 6 - 7:15pm until December 18th 2019 and activity for this year will be the drawing which many wreaths were laid and netball coach! Jenni will also be taking Tennis Victoria Cup Manager Shelly starting in the new year Wednesdays of the Christmas Raffle on Saturday included readings from Murchison charge of our Under 17’s team! Hart and Tennis Victoria tournament 6 - 7:15pm and Friday 9.30 - 10:45am 14th December, followed by our usual Primary School students, Cr Kim The club is very proud to announce Director and Goulburn Valley’s (perfect time for after school drop off). visit by Santa to the Senior Residents O’Keeffe of Greater Shepparton Council the rest of our senior netball coaches Participation Leader Sam Condon. The Too much stress in your life? Yoga of Murchison. and Mrs Polly Cutcliffe who told of her for season 2020. Carly Tuhan steps in to atmosphere was buzzing at McEwen could be the answer. New students The Lions Club wishes you all a mother's Nursing service during WW1. take on B grade, whilst Tara Feehan will with Win News and Shepparton News welcome at all classes. healthy and happy 2020. This was an amazing speech. Her continue as C grade and Kat Ferguson covering the event. It was great to see mother Edith had only recently as C Res coach, with Shan Gregory as tennis included in the mix of sport at This publication is dependent on the contributions of community members for completed nursing training when she her assistant! McEwen Rec Reserve. its content. While we are proud to support news for the people by the people, decided to enlist and assist with the For season 2020, we have been lucky responsibility for the content remains with the author to ensure accurate dates, nursing of injured soldiers overseas enough to secure co coaches for our time and prices and content. The 3610 editorial team reserves the right to edit sailing to Lemnos, where at first there junior teams Brooke Thompson & content for spelling, grammar and article length. Items submitted for publication were only 200 patients and increasing Kristy Lee Ralph for our 15’s and Kirsten Barefoot Bowls are published on this premise. to 800 several days later. Lack of Parr & Jordan Merriman for our 13’s, The Murchison Soccer Club are medical supplies and bandages caused meaning extra help, extra leadership seeking expressions of interest for This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions the nurses to tear up their petticoats and extra organisation which will coaches and players for the 2020 expressed in these article are those of the authors and do not necessarily to dress the wounds of injured soldiers. benefit all of our juniors! Under 17’s, reflect the official policy or position of 3610 Magazine and its volunteers. It must have been quite a shock to will be coached by Jenni McCluskey as season. This will include the MSC these women to be thrown into such a mentioned previously! very 1st under 18s team. situation, but their service was and still Welcome on board coaches and good Deadline Release Deadline Release is outstanding. luck for season 2020! Go hoppers!! If you or your child would like to Jan 17th February May 13th June Murchison RSL is grateful to all those The club and these coaches are be a part of the Murchison Soccer Mar 11th April Jul 15th August who attend each year and crowds do super excited about season 2020, and Resumes 2020 on Thursday get bigger. I doubt if those who served look forward to what is to come for a Club, please contact January 9th at 6pm. Email contributions to would have credited that so many years big season at the Hoppers! Michelle on 0408 138 197 later we would still be honouring them. [email protected] We Will Remember Them. Christina or Jade on 0422 229 378 Contact Wendy 0419 622 909 or Phone 5826 2373 Taylor 19 Sunday 15th December, 2019
Performances by local artists and carollers from 7pm
Riverbank Gardens near the Heritage Centre wet weather alternative is under cover at Murchison Primary School Lucky door prizes to be won This is an alcohol free event BBQ from 6pm BYO chairs and rugs