goornong guide december 2015

Volume 30, Issue 6

December 2016

Goornong Guide

Farewell This is my last issue as Editor of the Guide. I has been an interesting and in many ways a rewarding ex-perience, but I am not sure whether the “written” word is how today’s communities connect. If you have any ideas on how to improve the Guide, please come to a meeting at 7.30pm, Thursday 17th December 2015, at the Soldiers Memorial Hall. I want to thank you all for your sup-port over the past two and half years and especially to those who regularly contributed articles, Matt Comer and Sen Constable Darren Scherger, Kath Reid and Barry Winzar. Thank you to Morrie Sharkey for your continuous en-couragement. A very special thanks to Jacinta Allan her wonderful team who al-ways get the Guide printed on time.

To those who wrote the early histo-ry of Goornong you deserve a big “well done” and I hope that what we have printed in the Guide will make sure that this history is not lost. I know I have enjoyed reading about the past and the people who made this town the place that I chose to call home. I hope the future will be about people who were just as strong and resilient as our early settlers. I have enjoyed time spent at foot-ball and cricket matches, sheep shows and local events. There are a few more of these coming up at the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall so, please support them. Traditionally we will not be publish-ing a January issue so I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, safe and healthy New Year. Cheers,

Christine

Goornong Guide—December 2015,

Frogs of our area

T he 30 odd mm of

rain we had around

Goornong a few

weeks ago really got the

frogs going around my

place. This prompted me to

make this months article

about the frogs you may

encounter in the Goornong

area.

Most frogs live in aquatic

habitats for all or part of

their life. Some will burrow

into the soil or hide under

logs, rocks or leaf litter dur-

ing dry times. Some will live under crevices in the

bark of trees. It is a remarkable thing that thousands

of frogs can suddenly emerge seemingly from no-

where after a decent rain, filling the air with their call-

ing. Most local species lay their eggs in still or slow

moving water including seasonal

wetlands and swamps or even

roadside drains and dams. Frogs

are responsive to rain events and

also influenced by temperature

meaning they are more likely to

be heard calling at certain times

of the year.

There are five species of frogs

that I have observed around our

area and another four or five that

could potentially be found here.

The Peron’s Tree Frog (Litoria

peronii) is one member of the

tree frog family that can be found

here. Tree frogs have circular

discs on their toes which allow them to climb. Peron’s

tree frog has been calling recently, particularly on

warm humid nights or when thunderstorms are about.

They are also known as the maniacal cackle frog be-

cause of the call they make. It is easy to identify as it

is the only Victorian frog that has a cross shaped pu-

pil in it’s eye. It also has numerous small bright green

flecks on it’s skin. They may be found in trees and

shrubs, or sometimes even sheltering in hanging bas-

kets and pot plants. They also occasionally shelter in

downpipes.

The banjo frog or pobblebonk (Limnodynastes

dumerilii) is also common here.

It is a large frog and is some-

times encountered when dig-

ging in the garden as it buries

itself in moist soil. It is named

for it’s call and creates quite a

sound when large numbers are

found calling together. It lays

eggs in a foamy mass that may

be familiar to some readers.

Another common local frog is

the spotted marsh frog

(Limnodynastes tasmaniensis)

which has a distinctive rapid

repetitive “kuk-kuk-kuk” call. I

have heard it calling recently after the rain also. It

occurs in almost any temporary or permanent water

and breeds opportunistically after rain.

The Plains Froglet (Crinia parinsignifera) and the

Common Froglet (Crinia signifera) are the small frogs

you are likely to encounter in our area. They grow up

to 20mm. They are both very sim-

ilar in appearance and may have

quite variable colours and mark-

ings on their skin. They are very

difficult to tell apart from appear-

ance, but their calls are quite dis-

tinctive and so they can be easily

identified this way. The Plains

Froglet has a call described as a

harsh, drawn out, squelching note

“eeeeeeeek”. The Common

Froglet sounds more like “crick

crick crick crick”. These are prob-

ably the two most common frogs

in our area.

Frogs are most easily identified by listening to their

calls, as it is often difficult to find and see the frog

because they are usually well hidden. There are

great resources available online for identifying frogs,

with audio recordings of the calls readily available.

For example, try the Museum of Victoria website. The

book “Frogs and Reptiles of the Bendigo District” by

Darren Green and Dale Gibbons (Published by Ben-

digo Field Naturalists Club) was used as a reference

for this article.

Around Goornong in the bush and garden


R emembrance Day

saw at least 70

adults and 45

children attend the first

Commemorative Service

held at the Goornong Sol-

diers’ Memorial Hall.

The service was well re-

ceived by all with Mr. Fred

Wawrzik officiating and Mr.

Ken Ingram delivering the

“Ode of Remembrance”

and laying the wreath on

behalf of the Sub-Branch

for all those that had paid

the supreme sacrifice.

The pupils of the Goor-

nong Primary School par-

ticipated in the service with

readings of their well writ-

ten short compositions and

poems and singing the

song “The ANZAC”. They

also recited the traditional

poem “Flanders Field”.

The Reverend Ross Cra-

ven of the Anglican Church

delivered a prayer for the

fallen and then led all in

the “The Lord’s Prayer”.

A light morning tea turned

into a sumptuous lunch

with coffee and tea along

with many platters of

cakes, pastries and sand-

wiches.

Many thanks to the Goor-

nong Hall Committee for

the organisation of the day

and we hope to see you all

again at next year’s

ANZAC Day Service.

Left: The Goornong Primary School

did a fabulous job, with the students

reciting some of their own works and

singing some beautiful melodies, one

of which (The ANZAC) put a tear in

more than a few eyes.

Below: MC Mr Fred Wawrzik with

some of the pupils who read out their

own compositions.

It was so good to see the Soldiers Memorial

Hall hold a remembrance service on Novem-

ber 11 and even better to see the support of

those who attended. Congratulations to the

Committee for the endeavours and enthusi-

asm to get the Hall “working” again…….Editor


Fred Wawrzik from the Elmore RSL and Ken Ingram ex Australian Navy and Vietnam veteran with the Reverend Ross Craven. Ken laid a wreath on behalf of the Elmore RSL and Secretary of the Goornong Soldiers Me-morial Hall, Pam Rogers also laid a wreath at the base of the flag-pole.


ELECTRICIAN

1-STEP PTY LTD

*Security

*Television

*Electrical

*Telephone

Residential & Commercial

David McCullagh,

Electrician, Goornong

(REC 20840)

Phone: 0410 019 801

Mobile: 0400 578 192


Merry Christmas to all our advertisers, their staff and families. Thank you for your wonderful support over the last year and we wish you every success for 2016. From the Editor and staff of the Goornong Guide


Crime Report. On 18/10/2015, unknown offender/s have removed a set of number plates off a vehicle in Fitzgerald Road, Huntly. Enquiries are still on-going. On 23/10/2015, 2 X offenders have attempted to gain entry into the Drovers Arms Hotel in the early hours of the morning by forcing the front door and attempting to gain entry via the side toilet win-dow. No entry was gained and damage was mini-mal. Enquiries are still on-going. On 01/11/2015, Goornong Police were called to a family violence incident at a private residence on the Midland Highway, Huntly. Whilst awaiting for additional units from Bendigo to attend, a 17 year old disqualified driver travelling along Midland High-way who was coming to incite further violence at the incident, upon sighting the Police vehicle on the side of the road, conducted a handbrake turn and drove back towards Huntly in an erratic man-ner. The vehicle was intercepted and the driver immediately jumped from his vehicle in an aggres-sive manner. His friends and brother attempted to calm him before they ended up wrestling on the ground. Both males were subdued with Capsicum Spray at the scene, and aftercare was provid-ed. The disqualified driver has been charged on summons in relation to dangerous driving, disquali-fied driving and acting in a riotous manner. The male involved in the domestic dispute was arrested and remanded into custody in relation to Assaults and Criminal Damages and will appear at the Ben-digo Magistrates Court in December. Traffic Report. Operation “WIDENET” was run in the Huntly – Goornong – Heathcote area utilising the “BLUENET” vehicle from Bendigo. This vehicle is equipped with “Automatic Number Plate Recogni-tion” cameras fitted to the vehicle, and was manned by a member of the Bendigo HWP and my-self. This operation was conducted over two days in October. The results were disconcerting to say the least, but resulted in three drivers being detect-ed driving while impaired by Cannabis and/or Am-phetamine, three drivers being detect for disquali-fied or suspended driving, and 23 penalty notices being issued for unlicensed, unregistered or other related offences. This type of operation will contin-ue into the new year. High speeds continue to be an issue in our area, with drivers being detected at speeds of 154/100 km/h zone, 139/100 km/h zone, 131/100 km/h

zones and similar speeds. These drivers were de-tected and issued large fines and had their licences to drive suspended. This type of speeding is dan-gerous to everyone and will not be tolerated. During October, five drivers were also detected driving while their licences were either disqualified or suspended, and have been summonsed to ap-pear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court. Three of the offenders apprehended had false registration plates fitted to their vehicles, and one failed to pull over and evaded police. Further enquiries were conducted and this male was interviewed later that day and charged in relation to his offending. Three unlicensed drivers have already been de-tected driving during November, one at high speed in heavy rain and in possession of a knife. These offenders have also been summonsed to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates Court later in December. Enough of the negative…. Please stay vigilant while driving and take care. I hope everyone has a happy and safe Christmas break, and look forward to a crime free and fatality free 2016. (fingers crossed)

MERRY CHRISTMAS.

POLICE REPORT


LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

We can supply 45kg Domestic cylinders as well as Gas for your Forklift,

BBQ, or Bulk Gas to your home or business

Contact Neil on 5447 0520

32 Allington Street

Golden Square www.sandhurstgas.com.au


From this to

This

The infamous “Ark” nears

completion, let’s hope

there is enough water to

launch her and we wish

safety and happy times to

all who “sail” in her…...


Goornong Craft Market

9am-1pm Saturday December 12th

In the park opposite the Goornong Memorial Hall

Wonderful gift ideas for Christmas (made by local people)

Wine, olives and locally grown produce

Enquiries call Sue on 5432 2203 or email: [email protected]

The Goornong Memorial Hall Management Committee Inc.


Are you interested in the Goornong Guide & the role it plays in

your community? Do you have any suggestions on how to make

the Guide more relevant in today’s digital environment?

The Guide is looking for an Editor and Committee

If you are interested come along to a meeting at the Memorial

Hall on Thursday 17th December 2015 @ 7.30

Or contact Christine 54322448 for further information

At the time we went to

press this was the only

entry received for the

Short Story, Poetry com-

petition.

However it was a wonder-

ful poem written by Chloe

Triplett and of such a high

standard that I have cho-

sen it to be our winner for

the 10 and under 16 years

section.

Congratulations Chloe you

have won $100. A

cheque will be posted to

your address (just in time

for Christmas) ....Christine

(Editor)


ADAM ELLERTON

0447 303 063

Mobile Seed Cleaning

112 Martins Road

Goornong Vic 3557

[email protected]


GOORNONG NIGHT OWLS C.F.A

SANTA LOLLY RUN

FRIDAY DECEMBER 11TH 2014

6.00pm START

Only in the TOWN area.

B.B.Q. TEA at the C.F.A STATION at 7.oopm

Everyone Welcome


NO NEED TO BE ALONE FOR CHRISTMAS LUNCH Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe is inviting people who will be alone, feel left out or in need of company on Christmas Day

to register for the Community Christmas Lunch at the All Seasons Hotel. Cr Fyffe said he encouraged anyone, for whatever rea-son, who may find themselves alone on Christmas Day to register for the free lunch. “Christmas Day can be very stressful for some people especially those who do not have any family or friends to share the day with but they can come together with other members of the community and enjoy a lovely tra-ditional lunch courtesy of the All Seasons Hotel. “The lunch will take place in The Conservatory at the All Seasons Hotel on Christmas Day from 12pm to 2pm but people do need to register their attendance before Fri-day December 11, 2015 by phoning the City of Greater Bendigo on 54346000,” said Cr Fyffe. This year’s Community Christmas Lunch is again being sponsored by the All Seasons Hotel and the City of Greater Bendigo. “The Christmas lunch is a very generous and giving ges-ture by the All Seasons at such an important time of the year. “We are very fortunate in Bendigo to have businesses and organisations like the All Seasons who are willing and pleased to support the community at this time of the year. It’s just wonderful and a great reflection on our community. “It’s going to be a great day, with good food and compa-ny and I encourage anyone who may be alone on the day to make sure they register as soon as possible,” said Cr Fyffe. All Seasons Hotel Owner Jeanine Cook said the All Seasons is again looking forward to hosting the Com-munity Christmas Lunch. “This is the second year we have hosted this important community event that involves many in our community. “We look forward to providing some great community hospitality on the day and we will make sure the meal includes the traditional trimmings that people look for-ward to at Christmas to give our guests a special day out said Jeanine Cook said.

Warning - don’t use homemade European wasp baits With the arrival of warmer weather and increased Euro-pean wasp activity, Victorians are being urged not to create illegal homemade wasp baits

A number of recipes outlining how to use veterinary chemicals to create illegal baits have recently been pub-lished online. Statewide Chemicals Specialist Steven Field from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) said the use of illegal baits posed an unacceptable risk to other animals, the envi-ronment and people. “Anyone providing advice to another person outlining how to create and use these illegal baits may be provid-ing false and misleading information,” Mr Field said. “It’s dangerous for people to be providing instructions on how to create and use these illegal baits.” Mr Field said providing information that leads to some-one committing an offence was considered to be ‘providing false and misleading information’ and was an offence under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992.’ “The maximum penalty for an individual for this offence is $7,500,” he said. “We are urging people concerned about wasps not to put their health and that of their community at risk by making and using these baits. “The instructions currently being circulated have not been assessed by the Australian Pesticides and Veteri-nary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and therefore pose an unacceptable risk to the person creating the bait and the public.” Mr Field encouraged people concerned about European wasps to use products registered for their control or to engage a licensed contractor. A searchable database of registered products is availa-ble at the APVMA website at www.apvma.gov.au.

For more information on the rules regarding chemical use in

Victoria contact the DEDJTR Customer Service Centre on 136

186 or visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Press Releases


Aircraft arrive in Bendigo to

boost firefighting efforts

Two helicopters arrived in Bendigo this week for summer in preparation for an early and above average fire season forecast for this year. The aircraft will be used by the Department of En-vironment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) and CFA in the event of fires in Central Victoria. DELWP Loddon Mallee Program Manager Prepar-edness and Response, Carsten Nannestad, said: “The helicopters will be deployed using the pre-determined dispatch system that has been successfully used in Bendigo over the last three seasons.” ”On high fire danger days, as soon as the call goes out for DELWP or CFA to respond to a fire, the water-bombing helicopter will be deployed so we can hit the fire hard and fast in the initial stag-es and stop it spreading,” Mr Nannestad said. “Aircraft is also particularly useful for blazes in inaccessible areas where it could take vehicles some time to reach a fire.” CFA Loddon Mallee Regional Agency Command-er, Mark Gilmore, said: “The early arrival of the aircraft and subsequent fire bombing is a signifi-cant contributor to stopping bushfires, especially with an early and above average fire season fore-cast for this year. “The overall opinion from fire crews is that the size and duration of fires in the District are significantly reduced as a result of pre-determined dispatch arrangements,” Mr Gilmore said. “The flow-on effect of this is that potentially less property is lost or damaged by bushfires and having rapid response aircraft reduces the length of time firefighters were required on scene.” “We have had lots of feedback from the communi-ty over the last couple of years that seeing and hearing the helicopter in the sky on a bad fire day gives them more confidence and reassurance the fire is being

Ashley Christian DELWP Air Attach Supervisor

& Carsten Nannestad

handled by experienced crews.” The firefighting aircraft will be based at the Bendigo airport and include: Helitack 335: Bell 214B water bombing helicopter. Car-ries 2,650 litres of water in its belly tank. It can fill the tank in 40 seconds by dropping its three metre snorkel into a water source and hovering 2.5 metres above the water source. Firebird 305: Airbus EC120 helicopter. Carries the Air Attack Supervisor who oversees and coordinates the aerial tactical operation of the fire. Acts as a liaison between the on-the-ground firefighting and aerial water bombing. The aircraft based in Bendigo are part of Victoria’s fleet of 47 firefighting aircraft that will be positioned across the state this summer.


Nominate a name for this local bridge and you’ll be in the run-

ning to be a part of history.

The Huntly-Fosterville Road bridge (pictured above) is located

1.5km south-east of Huntly.

You have a chance to name this bridge through

VicTrack’s Bridge Naming Competition.

New names for our historic rail bridges will help guide our

emergency services in the event of a bush-fire, flood or other

emergency.

For information about the bridge and how

to enter, visit: www.victrack.com.au/

bridge

Nominations are open to all and close on

31 December, 2015. A shortlist of names will

then be put to a community vote.

Bridge Naming Competition

GET SET FOR A BIG SUMMER IN THE PARKS

One of Greater Bendigo’s most enduring and much loved events - the Bendigo Tel-stra Stores Summer in the Parks program - will be back this Summer bigger and better than ever and featuring more than 50 free or low cost events over December, January and February. City of Greater Bendigo Major Events Man-ager Terry Karamaloudis said programs for the 2015/2016 Bendigo Telstra Stores Summer in the Parks program are now available in hard copy from the Bendigo Visitor Centre or online at www.bendigosummerintheparks.com “The program has something for everyone, from the very young to the not so young to enjoy including Christmas celebrations, outdoor cinema, music events, garden and nature tours and health and fitness activi-ties. “Activities will kick off on December 4 with the annual lighting of the Christmas tree in Rosalind Park and a range of other commu-nity carol events. “December will culminate with a special family New Year’s Eve Pool Party at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre and not one, but two fantastic fireworks displays at approxi-mately 9.15pm and midnight to ring in the new-year. “January will feature a terrific range of mu-sic and other events including Australia Day community celebrations throughout Greater Bendigo while February is all about outdoor cinema, the Chinese New Year Festival and a range of other terrific activities. “Summer is the perfect time to pack a pic-nic, visit our beautiful parks and gardens and enjoy the fantastic entertainment and activities on offer. “It’s a great way for friends and family to spend time together over the summer months,” Mr Karamaloudis said. Telstra’s Nick Papaz said the Bendigo Tel-stra Stores are delighted to again sponsor the Summer in the Parks program. “It’s a great community event and we are pleased to be involved and support the lo-cal community in this way,” he said. For further information visit or pick up a program from the Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. The Centre is open 9am - 5pm every day except Christmas Day.

http://www.victrack.com.au/bridge

http://www.victrack.com.au/bridge

http://www.bendigosummerintheparks.com


A large number of dead and dying cypress trees have been observed in rural Victoria in recent years. DEPI investigations in south and west Gipps-

land, the Mornington Peninsula and the Western District have found trees affected by various fungal pathogens, in particular cypress canker (Seiridium species), but also Botryosphaeria, Phomopsis and Pestalotiopsis species. These fungi can all cause dieback symptoms, especially when environmental conditions have placed trees under stress. They are a mixture of primary pathogens (which can attack intact plants) and secondary pathogens (which usually attack plants at sites where another infection al-ready exists). DEPI believes that the last drought weakened the cy-presses and left them vulnerable to infection. Disease development has also been favoured over the past 12-18 months by waterlogging and/or warm, humid conditions in some areas. Cypress canker is the most significant of the pathogens currently affecting exotic conifers in Victoria. Unfortunate-ly there is no proven cure for this disease. Cypress canker attacks at least 25 conifer species of the Cupressaceous family in many parts of the world, includ-ing Australia, the United States and Europe. It is not known to affect other plant families. Previously this disease was thought to be caused by a single Seiridium species, but scientists now believe that three species (S.cardinale, S.cupressi and S.unicorne) can cause the same symptoms. These fungi have been present in Victoria for more than 50 years.

How does cypress canker infection occur? Cypress canker infects a plant through spores (conidia) which are carried on the wind, in water droplets or by in-sects. Spores that land on healthy foliage can germinate under warm, moist conditions and infection occurs through natural fissures in the bark or through scars caused by mechanical damage (e.g. pruning, animals or falling branches). The pathogen then girdles twigs, branches and the main trunk, interfering with the sap-conducting system and causing the foliage to die. Death may occur progressively from branch to branch. New local infections can also develop when spores are washed down the tree or splashed from tree to tree by rain or overhead irrigation. They can also be transferred from plant to plant on pruning tools, or through the transport of infected cuttings or plants.

Symptoms After the initial infection, the fungus kills the plant's vascu-lar tissue, causing characteristic sunken, lens-shaped cankers and ringbarking. This interferes with the vascular system of the tree and eventually causes death above the wound. Generally, older trees are more susceptible but any tree is susceptible if in a stressed state (e.g. through drought, waterlogging or poor nutrient status). Reddish cankers form at the infection site and resin often exudes from around the edges of the cankers or through cracks in the bark (Figure 1). Individual cankers can be elongated and there may be many along each infected branch.

The spore-producing structures of the fungus can be identified on the surface of the bark as small, circular, black dots on the canker surface. Branches die rapidly, yellowing almost overnight as the foliage is starved of sap (Figure 2). If the infection is not managed, it can eventually lead to the death of the whole plant. Hot, humid weather, drought and insects (e.g. bark bee-tles) can hasten the decline of trees infected with cypress canker, due to splitting bark and poor wound responses from the tree.

(Continued on page 19)

Figure 2. Cypress branches and whole trees affected by cypress canker. The whole row is not necessarily infected at the same time.

Cypress Decline The previous Editor of The Guide, Susan Pintos, has contacted us to say how she is loosing many of the

pine tress and cypress on her property, and how heart-breaking it is to see these old trees dying. So she

sent in some information about what is causing this problem. For more information go to http://

agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/plant-diseases/shrubs-and-trees/

cypress-decline


Management Management of cypress canker is the responsibility of the land owner/manager. In significantly affected trees, replacement with known tolerant cypress species or varieties (see above) may be the only long-term option. Cypresses can also be replaced with unrelated plant species, such as Australian natives, including for use as shelterbelts. In re-planted or existing cypresses, canker damage can be minimised by ensuring trees are well-sited and well-managed; for example:

Avoid planting susceptible species on disease-prone sites, such as those with high levels of nitrogen.

Keep trees healthy to improve their natural defences against an initial infection. If fertilisers are required, they should be evenly distributed around the drip line of the trees. Watering may be needed during dry spells.

Reduce the chances of branch or stem wounding e.g. by fencing off trees from livestock.

Prune infected branches a minimum of 10 centime-tres below the canker to help prevent infection spreading to the main stems (but take care not to over-prune). Pruning should preferably be done in winter or following dry weather, when spores are less likely to infect pruning wounds. After pruning, wound dressings may help to prevent spore infec-tion. All pruning tools should be sterilised before and after use with either alcohol or diluted bleach.

Remove and destroy severely diseased plants by deep burial or burning to help to reduce the risk of neighbour-ing trees becoming infected.

Chemical use There are no fungicides registered for the control of cy-press canker and limited science about off-label options. Off-label use of fungicide protectants is only likely to be of value on trees without obvious signs of infection and should only be undertaken if the user understands the risks associated with off-label chemical use. See Off-label use. For enquiries about chemical use, contact your local DEPI Chemical Standards Officer – phone 136 186.

Movement of host plant material Cypress canker is not a regulated disease in Victoria and there are no legal restrictions on the movement of host plant material. However, to minimise the risk of spreading the disease, infected material should not be moved from the property unless it is covered or in a sealed container.

Reporting If you wish to report cypresses affected by disease, please forward the details to [email protected] and attach photo-graphs if possible. Reports of disease on public land can be directed to the relevant authority. If you wish to have a suspected case of cypress canker diagnosed, you can contact DEPI's Crop Health Ser-vices on (03) 9032 7515 or [email protected] and arrange to submit a sample. A fee applies.

(Continued from page 18)

Time to take stock as hot and dry conditions bite Hot and dry conditions are increasing across the state, and with long-range weather predictions offering little in terms of relief, now is the time for farmers to take action to protect the welfare of their animals. With soil moisture and on-farm water storages continuing to decline, some farmers are increasingly facing drought conditions particularly in north-western Victoria. Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Charles Milne is urging all animal owners to plan ahead now before the availability of on-farm water and fodder deteriorates. “Tough conditions call for tough decisions, many farms should consider reducing livestock numbers now even if this was not their intention,” Dr Milne said. “Farmers have an obligation to protect the welfare of their animals and I know the vast majority will be doing the right thing.” “Making these decisions is not easy especially when the outlook for your business is challenging.”

The Victorian Government is actively monitoring condi-tions and providing targeted support to farmers, for ex-ample the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) has been running an increased number of dry conditions workshops across the state. “I know the Minister for Agriculture is keeping a close watch on the drought and will be looking at targeted sup-port within the sector but key decisions continue to be required at the on-farm level,” Dr Milne said. “There’s lots of advice and resources available to help farmers assess where their business is at, if they can afford feed and water and if they need to sell stock at a lower price than they hoped,” “Speak to your vet or a DEDJTR animal health officer to help determine your situation, more information is also available atwww.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186,” “If you are facing financial hardship, contact the Rural Financial Counsel-ling Service and please don’t go it alone.”

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/chemical-use/agricultural-chemical-use/off-label-use

http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/chemical-use/agricultural-chemical-use/off-label-use

http://www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought


THANK YOU:

A massive thank you to everyone who volun-teered their time to work at the Elmore Field days on behalf of the Goornong Pool. The committee is extremely grateful for all your hard work and the money we receive will be put to good use dur-ing the coming season.

POOL OPENING DATE -

SATURDAY 5th DECEMBER:

A working bee was held a few weekends ago to pressure wash both the pools, mow the lawns and clean the inside facilities of the pool. The pool is now undergoing some maintenance and will be well and truly ready for the opening date. Thank you to the families who came along to help out.

SWIMMING LESSONS:

We will be holding our week of swimming lessons again in January 2016. They will run from Mon-day 18th to Friday 22nd January. The cost will be $50 per child. Claire James will be the instructor. Claire ran the weekly swimming lessons during the first term of school this year so most of you will be familiar with her. Any child 3 years and older is welcome to attend. For more information or to make a booking please call Sharon Hipwell on 0409246539.

HIRE OF THE POOL:

We would like to let the community know that the Goornong Swimming Pool can be hired for private use. This can include Family Gatherings, Birth-day Parties, Sporting Groups etc. For further in-formation please contact Sharon Hipwell 0409246539.

GOORNONG COMMUNITY

SWIMMING POOL NEWS Christmas Services

St Georges Anglican

Church

Railway Place Goornong

Ecumenical Carol Service:

Sunday the 20th

December at 7:00 pm.

Christmas Day Service:

8:00 am

ALL WELCOME For further details contact:

The Rev Ross Craven on 54326058

Or Mark Taig on 54322459

Goornong Memorial Hall Management

Committee Inc.

Meets in the Hall on

The first Thursday of the Month

Our next meeting will be on

Thursday December 3 at 7.30pm

New members are always welcome

Pam Rogers, Secretary.

Phone 5432 2268


T he Community Shade Grants Program will in-crease the availability of shade in public places where Victorians spend time outdoors, like parks, playgrounds, sports facilities and other

community venues. There are three grant bands available: • Band 1: up to $5,000 • Band 2: $5,000-$20,000 • Band 3: $20,000-$50,000

The grants are open to a range of community organi-sations including sports clubs, local councils, not for profit organisations and other community groups to apply, and will fund new built shade, purchase of port-able shade, planting of natural shade and repair of existing shade. To view the application guidelines and apply, please visit http://health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants/ Applications close 11.59 pm ADST on 13 Decem-ber 2015

For more information about the Community Shade Grants Program, contact the Department of Health & Human Services Shade Grant Program on 1300 547 596 or email [email protected]

CHURCH SERVICES

ST GEORGE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

GOORNONG

WHEN: 2nd & 4th Sundays

SERVICE TIME: 8.00am Holy Communion

CONTACTS - Rev Ross Craven: 44 Michie St

Elmore 3558

PH: 03 5432 6058 or 0409847630 (Thursday off)

Mark Taig: PH: 03 5432 2459

OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART 18 JEFFREY STREET ELMORE

ELMORE: *Please note new times*

Sunday @ 10.30 am Tuesday 5.00pm. Convent Chapel - Weekday Masses: Wed:9.30am Thurs; Fri. @ 9.30am. Saturday 6.pm

ST MARTINS OF TOURS CATHOLIC CHURCH,

MUSKERRY Sunday @ 8.30am

All enquiries to be directed through the Priest of

the Parish. Fr. Alex Lim(03) 5434 6018

Venues &Services

Goornong Recreation Reserve Hall Sam Ellis

0477 662 550

Soldiers Memorial Hall Pam Rogers, Secretary

5432 2268 or email [email protected]

Bagshot Hall. A great venue for meetings, par-

ties, and family occasions. Very reasonable rates.

Phone Barry Clay 5448 8247/0428556006

Mobile Library 5449 2790

Mondays 4:00pm–4:30pm

The mobile library stops outside Goornong Primary

School, Come along and support our local library.

LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS

Goornong Rural Fire Brigade 0431 695984

Goornong Cemetery Trust 54322236

Goornong Recreation Reserve 0477 662 550

Goornong Swimming Pool 5432 2220

http://health.vic.gov.au/community-shade-grants/

mailto:[email protected]


LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY BOOKKEEPING SOLUTIONS

Phone; Annette Harris 0413 183

836

BUILDING SERVICES

Elmore Sand & Soil

Phone before collection of any mate-

rial

0418 351 418

ELECTRICAL

1-Step Pty Ltd

Residential & Commercial Electri-

cian David

0410 019 801 or 0400 578 192

FARM SUPPLIES

GE Silos 5432 2384

Seed Cleaning

Adam—0447 303 063

Wool broker &

Farm Services

Alister Carr

Website - http://kareewool.com.au

Mobile - 0419 382 273

FENCING

CB Fencing

Carol Bennett

0428 397 494

Barnadown Rural Fencing

Shane 0419 646 442

FLORIST

The Petal Factory

5443 5519

GAS SUPPLIER

Supagas

5432 2220 or 0417 399 796

Sandhurst Gas

5447 0520 or 0417 559805

HEALTH

Fun Fitness

Clair Ellis, Personal Trainer

0459 330 070

Dragon City Karate. Allan 5448

7197/0422 317273

HOUSE & GARDEN

Dingo Mini-Digger

Electronic Detection &

Tracing

Kel O’Brien

5432 2295 or 0418700554

Handy-Man Tim McCrohan

0458 762 605

Email: [email protected]

LOCAL PRODUCE

Bridgeward Grove

Olives and Olive Oils

5432 2291/0417 521409

Hay:

IJ & JL Whatley 5432 2217/0417 500

266

MECHANICAL

Farm & Diesel Mechanical

Maintenance

5432 2583 or 0467 554 302

PLUMBING

Kevin Hayes Plumbing

0417 114 603

POSTAL & LOGISTICS

Postal Details Goornong

Wes White

5432 2210

Goornong Police Station

5432 2207

Goornong General Store

5432 2203

Goornong CFA Enquiries;

Tony Trotter Captain,

Goornong Rural Fire Brigade

Phone: 0407 018 948

Email: [email protected]

PUBS & CLUBS

Drovers Arms Hotel

5432 2210

WASTE

Liquid Waste

5448 8478

Goornong Recycling & Transfer

Station

0458 346 952

http://kareewool.com.au/

goornong guide december 2015

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