Tuesday, June 30, 2009

SES Tree Clearing - Register by 3rd July

The SES will be undertaking tree clearing across the Kinglake Ranges.

You need to register by 3rd July, i just saw it, the notice and contact details are set out below

SES Tree Clearing

Monday, June 29, 2009

Lessons from Greensburg

On Sunday 28th June, Bob and Ann Dixson addressed the Flowerdale community. Bob is the Mayor of Greensburg, a town that was devastated by a tornado in May 2007. Greensburg is two years into the recovery process and they are building back green.


Bob told us that Greensburg is a rural community, they are not your stereotypical "green" people, however, they have a long history of caring for the environment. They also believe that we need to leave behind something better for future generations. When they needed to rebuild their town they took the perspective of "what will future generations say in 100 years about the decisions we make today". Greensburg is rapidly proceeding to become the greenest town in America. They have an engaged community working together to rebuild.

The definition Greensburg uses for sustainability is:

Sustainable design “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs"

Bob stressed the importance of community in the recovery process. The spirit of neighbour helping neighbour, looking out for each other and especially helping those in need. Bob also talked about patience, making sure that options were considered before going too fsst and making wrong decisions.






Ann spoke about the emotional side of the recovery. Many people are stressed and emotions go up and down. The importance of understanding that sometimes people get angry about the situation and it projects onto those around them. Ann said that for many people it wasn't until the second year that the emotional burden started to take its toll.

For those in attendance I think the things that stood out were:

  • Bob and Ann's empathy and understanding, they lost all their possessions in the tornado
  • The way the community was involved in driving the outcomes for Greensburg and involved in creating their destiny
  • The inspiration that Greensburg provides particularly with the willingness to share and help others through what they have learned
  • The down to earth, rural community perspective. Very similar to Flowerdale
  • The way that young people in Greensburg have a real role and stake in the outcomes
  • The fact that some times you need to learn as you go
Bob also talked about accepting help and being a "gracious recipient". Many people are so busy helping others or feeling that there are those that need help more than they do. Others feel uncomfortable asking for help, they have been brought up with the view that you need to look after yourself. If help is available be a "gracious recipient".



We had lunch and Bob and Ann told us that the opportunity to come and meet the community of Flowerdale was important for them as part of their own personal recovery journey. They said the people of Flowerdale were "just like us". The opportunity to share their story and give hope to another community across the other side of the world helps them heal.





A huge thanks for Bob and Ann for coming to Flowerdale. Check out the Greensburg Website if you would like to know more.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

The Planning Process - VBRRA and Flowerdale Recovery Committee

We had a good meeting with VBRRA on Friday where they presented the process they will undertake to prepare a masterplan for Flowerdale.

They are on board with the principle of rebuilding a sustainable Flowerdale

The key areas to cover in the plan are:
  • A Vision for Flowerdale
  • Sustainable future development with a long term view
  • Safety
  • Infrastructure - Water, Sewage, Renewable Energy, Communications
  • Services - Health, Transport
  • Community Building
  • Economic Development
Three key short term priorities are:
  • A Community House
  • A Kindergarten
  • A Memorial
The first part of the Community House and Kindergarten will be to identify the preferred location with a community consutlation process. We will have more on how the consultation process over the next week.

Overall we are very pleased that some of the key priorities are moving forward and the masterplan will take into account the priorities identified at the community workshop on 19th April, 2009.

We are also well underway with the acquisition of a new tanker for the CFA which was also identified as a key priority for the community.

We will go through the process in more detail at the next Community Meeting on Friday night.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Build it back Green - What we can learn from Greensburg

In May 2007 the town of Greensburg, Kansas was destroyed in a tornado. Greensburg has now built back green and has become a model for disaster recovery around the world. To find out more see the Greensburg website. The site has videos of the rebuilding process as well as the recovery plan for Greensburg.

The Mayor of Greensburg, Bob Dixson will visit Flowerdale for a Community Presentation on how Greensburg went about rebuilding and where it is at today. The event will take place at 11.00am at the Spring Valley Recreation Reserve.








So put in in your diary, it will be great opportunity for Flowerdale from someone that has recently gone through the disaster recovery process. The motto of Greensburg is "Stronger, Better, Greener"Better,Greener"

This is an event that is open to others in surrounding communities and their supporters.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

“Flowerdale Choir brings tears to the eyes of Steve and Greg”

When Steve Polz and Gregory Page came to Flowerdale it was a cold evening, tinged with rain, and a good deal of mud lay on the ground outside the little Flowerdale Hall. The Flowerdale Primary School Singing Group were filled with pre-performance excitement, while the rest of us were filled with delicious home made pastas – exquisitely rich Spag Bol, creamy chicken & vege pasta bake – pumpkin soup, and crumble desserts.

Steve Polz and Gregory Page, from San Diego, California, interrupted their Australian Tour to visit Flowerdale for a night of food, fun and free entertainment. The lads won our hearts with their bluesy music, clever lyrics and funny performances. They were not the slightest bit interested in promoting themselves, preferring to be immersed in the Flowerdale culture and vibe, and to soak up the energetic performance of our little Flowerdale Primary School Singing Group which was a great prelude to the night. The kids brought a tear to the eyes of our visitors, and they were a credit to our lovely Gerri, who was plucked from obscurity, after a few drinks and a bit of karaoke at a staff Christmas party, and elevated to the lofty heights of Singing Teacher at the school.

Very few adult musical artists of international fame can lay claim to keeping a bunch of pre-schoolers dancing to their music – but these guys can. While some of the parents were experiencing elevated stress levels because their toddlers were “bouncing around the hall while the performance was on”, Steve and Greg were clearly enjoying their young captive audience. Captive too, were the 78 adults who came to the hall that night. Some of us were huge fans, others had never heard of Steve and Greg before. It didn’t seem to matter much which group one fell into. The vibe by the end of the evening was fantastic, and we’ve been listening to Steve Polz and Gregory Page CDs ever since – well worth investigating if you like easy music with a bit of cerebral stimulation.

Thank you to Steve and Gregory. That was a night which will linger in our memories for a long time. I think these guys were perfect for Flowerdale – perhaps they should think of moving here. How cool would that be?

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Kevin Rudd vists Flowerdale & Kinglake

Kevin Rudd vistited Flowerdale and Kinglake on Wednesday 10th June, the main purpose of this visit was to inspect and discuss issues at the relevant hubs.Mr Rudd had lunch at the Flowerdale Hotel ( a roast I believe) and then proceeded to the hub where he met and talked to most there, and had a private meeting with DHS staff.
It was good to see the PM take the time out of his busy schedule and visit the Fire effected areas... John Burgess and Julie Bateman (Flowerdale Recovery Committee) were in attendance and although we didn't get much time to discuss issues with Mr Rudd, we did manage to suggest that keeping the Solar Panel Rebate going for the people that lost thier homes would be a good thing and managed to get a photo opportunity.


Flowerdale Recovery Committee

First meeting was to discuss what stage the existing committee was up to, and whom they were networking with.

Second meeting committee decisions were made on protocol, procedures and planning for community recovery.

The following are now Chair, Secretary & Communications:

John Burgess (Chair)
Annie Robertson (Secretary)
Julie Bateman (Communications)

Community consultation process will be discussed at the Community Meetings held on Fridays at the Rec Reserve at 8pm. This will enable the community to decide the best way to to gather information for their wants and needs.
If you have any ideas as to what the community needs are for present & future please feel free to have your say at the meetings. In the near future there will be suggestion boxes set up a the Hazeldene General Store, The Hub & The Rec Reserve.
The Committee looks forward to working the Community & assist with recovery of the Community.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Cold and Wet but signs of rebuilding

It was a cold and wet long weekend in Flowerdale. With rain during the week and the cold snap on the weekend many of the blocks that have been cleared were wet and muddy.

For those living in caravans or tents times will get tougher with the combination of cramped conditions and muddy ground.

There is still a huge amount of debris around the place particularly fallen trees and branches as you go down places like Silver Creek Rd. The empty blocks do remind you of just how many places were lost.

Among the cleared sites however there are signs of rebuilding with one house at frame stage and a few blocks have builders boards out the front indicating more people are embarking on the rebuilding phase.



It is still a concern that there is not much information out there for people ready to rebuild and we are trying to get the relevant parties to provide assistance to residents on the ground in Flowerdale, we will keep you posted.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Tennis Club Newsletter

Flowerdale Tennis Club
Division of Flowerdale Sports Club Inc.
Spring Valley Recreation Reserve
Spring Valley Road, Flowerdale
Phone: (03) 5780 2201
Enquiries: Jeannette Kamar 5780 1520
Postal Address:
C/- Hazeldene Store, P.O. Box 2026
Flowerdale, 3658, Vic
flowerdaletennis@bigpond.com


TENNIS NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2009




WHERE TO START?

Flowerdale Tennis Club was ambling along really well during the second half of 2008 and start to 2009 getting many small things attended to, such as a new gate at the other end of the courts; our mid-week social competition is now established as an enjoyable part of community life in Flowerdale. Our annual fundraiser family events, the ever-successful and fantastic Cup Eve Calcutta and Family fun day in November and the annual Australia Day round-robin all went well ….and then Black Saturday took us all to some other place.
Since then, there has been a whirlwind of activities, both at our home base at the Spring Valley Recreation
Reserve and behind the scenes planning for four new courts.




PLANNING FOR NEW COURTS
Most of you will be aware that among the many priorities for our community following the evastating fires was to help provide fun, healthy social activity for the many families in our district desperately n need of all of those things – among everything else. Flowerdale Tennis Club was happy to help firstly opening our courts to be available to all in our community, and in particular those living at the reserve.
Initial inquiries showed that around 50 of our fellow Flowerdalians were interested in having a go, doubling our number of players! Tennis Victoria volunteered to assist and supplied us with new rackets and balls. Soon they also established coaching and offered to help built new tennis courts to accommodate our new tennis activities.




PROFESSIONAL TENNIS COACHING IN FLOWERDALE
The free coaching arranged by Tennis Victoria during school term 2 continuous to be very successful. Bernadette McGrady has provided the sessions at the Flowerdale Primary School on Mondays. While we have had a number of different coaches on Sundays. Currently Matt Cronin, who will remain with us until the end of this term, provides them. All coaches have been absolutely wonderful and many players of all ages are making the most of this great opportunity.
As from Term 3: Colin Grace, a professional tennis coach has offered to provide coaching in Flowerdale on Mondays. His normal method is sessions for 1-hour with 4 to 6 players per group; the cost will be $10 per person per session. In case of younger pupils e.g. age from 5 to 7 years he finds that ½ hour sessions with 4 players per group are most effective; these sessions will cost $5 per pupil.
Session times are still being negotiated, with possible lunchtime session at the Flowerdale Primary School followed by afternoon and evening sessions on our courts at the Recreation Reserve.
If you are interested in the proposed coaching sessions, please contact Jeannette on 5780 1520 ASAP. The groups are small and available places are filling fast.
When players begin to play competition, Colin likes to run squad training sessions from time to time, these sessions run for about an hour each and the aim is to teach the finer points of match play, such as zoning, tactics, practice drills, shot selection proper ball placement etc. Once a player starts to understand the finer points of the game they then thrive on competition and the game becomes more enjoyable.
Later in the year we are looking to enrol junior teams in the regional competition that is played during Terms 4 & 1 on Saturday mornings (Please contact Jeannette to register your interest).




MONDAY LADIES COMPETITION
The Flowerdale Tennis Club’s ladies team plays in Section 1 of the Broadford District Ladies Tennis Association (BDLTA) competition held on Monday morning at 10 AM during school terms. The matches are followed by lunch, supplied by the home team. It is lots of fun and a great way to meet people from around the district.
We are now ready to enrol extra teams, probably in section 2/3 of the BDLTA. The level of competition in this section is competitive but not quite so demanding and suitable for all. Anyone interested in playing should phone
Jeannette Kamar on 5780 1520.




MID-WEEK MIXED SOCIAL TENNIS COMPETITION
The finals of our current social mid-week competition will be played on Tuesday 2nd June at 6.30PM.
The next season is due to start late August / early September. Anyone interested please register by 15th August.
You can either put your name on lists at the Flowerdale Hotel or at the Spring Valley Recreation Reserve.
Alternatively phone Jeannette Kamar on 5780 1520.
All home and away matches of this social mid-week tennis competition are played on our courts at the Rec Reserve. It has proven to be very successful as it involves players of all ages and varying abilities. Teams are formed by the Committee and vary each season. For the uninitiated, teams are structured to include players at levels, 1, 2, 3 & 4. A number 4-player could be someone who has never played before or is just developing their game. A No.1 player is usually an experienced and possibly competitive player. The idea is to make the game accessible and fun for a range of abilities and experience levels so that families and friends can all enjoy an even and fair tennis match together.




LOCATION OF NEW COURTS
To support the increased tennis activity in Flowerdale, we are looking forward to develop the 4 proposed new courts. There has been much discussion about where these courts should be situated. A great deal of investigation showed that the north-western corner of the rec reserve was the only alternative (given that courts can only run in a north-south direction so that players are not playing into the east-west sun).
We have obtained a planning permit for the proposed site, however there are still some issues with the reserve boundaries and legal problems with land ownership. We are continuing to work with all parties to resolve these.
Council, Flowerdale Rec Reserve, Sport Club and Cricket Club are all very supportive and with the assistance from all we are confident that construction will begin soon.




TENNIS VICTORIA A MAJOR SUPPORTER
Tennis Victoria has been very supportive, helping us through this process including applying for grants. WM Louds (Engineering company that built the tennis courts at Melbourne park) have offered to project manage the development of the new courts free of charge. We also found new tennis friends in Essendon who, under the leadership of tennis coach Phil Conlan, raised $10,000 to go towards our courts. It is important to note that no money for the courts is coming from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.
The courts will have an artificial grass surface, which is softer than our current courts and much kinder to those of us with slightly ageing bodies. It is also better in damp conditions as it does not require mopping after rain (remember that stuff?)




REPLANTING DAY – PHELAN’S RESERVE: 10 AM on 19th July
The tennis community is now working with Flowerdale Junior Landcare to re-plant the Phelan Reserve (This is public land - opposite pub). Planting is being co-ordinated by Peter Auty and is scheduled for Sunday 19th July at 10.00 am. We would like to see as many people as possible to come and assist.




MEMBERSHIP FEES
Club membership forms, and yearly fees should be paid before the end of July either to Viv at the Flowerdale Hotel or by posting the completed form and money to our Post Box number 2026 at the Hazeldene Store.
If Flowerdale is your “Primary” Club, the fee includes personal accident insurance from Tennis Victoria. A summary of items covered and what to do when injured, etc. is displayed on our notice board at the Rec. Reserve.
Annual fees for 2009 – 2010 financial year:
• If Flowerdale is your “Primary Club: Adult $50 - Junior $27 (under 18) - Family $120
• If we are not your “Primary” Club: Adult $30 - Junior $5 (under 18) - Family: not available
Deposit to key to courts is $5 per key




PLEASE COME TO OUR ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
This will be held on July 20 from 7.30pm at the Flowerdale Hotel. We would love to see everyone there. You can also pay membership fees on the night and court keys will be given out upon payment.

Upcoming Events as at 4th June

6th-8th June
Art & Quilt Show, Exhibition & Sale, Flowerdale Hall. Saturday 4-6pm Sunday & Monday 10am-4pm. For information contact Brenda Beckett 5780 1356.

6th & 7th June
Alexandra Truck, Ute & Rod Show & Street Party. All monies raised will assist in the rebuilding of BBQ shelters at Marysville

10th June
Playgroup, “Play Group Victoria, Fun Day in Whittlesea, New Horizons Church” 10am

12th June
Sunflower Day, 9.30-2.30pm in Big Tent, Kinglake Hub. Fun Games, Massages, Hair Care, Facials etc. Free gifts to take home. Bookings required phone Bronwyn Taylor, Global Care, 57 861 452 or 0408 929 594.

17th June
Play Group, Flowerdale Hall, “Fun, Games & Craft” 10am

21st June
Flowerdale Market will be held again at the Flowerdale Hall. Arts, Crafts, Fresh Fruit & Vegies, Plants & lots more. If you would like to be a stall holder the cost is $10, please call Alison on 57801223.

24th June
Play Group, Flowerdale Hall “Term Break Up – Hot Chips Lunch” 10am

19th July
Replanting at Flowerdale Primary School for the kids

16,17&18 Oct
Hoof Over Hills

Community Newsletter Update

Updates from Community Meeting 29TH May

  • New Flowerdale Community Recovery Committee was announced. The voted in members are:
    · Ric Stubbings
    · Peter Auty
    · Judy Baker
    · Julie Bateman
    · Annie Robertson
    · John Burgess
    Votes were scrutinised by Ross Davis, Principal, Flowerdale Primary School as DHS Personnel counted all the votes.

Preference Votes are listed below:
92 Rick Stubbings

89 Peter Auty

89 Judy Baker

83 Julie Bateman

79 Annie Robertson

77 John Burgess

69 Steve Phelan

62 Vicki Parry

55 Sally Abbott Smith

48 Diane Linskins

46 Christine Grant

43 Jessica Greig

38 Dayle Klave

35 Karen Gunter

21 Colin Edwards

7 Tracie Hanna

  • Grocon have cleared approx 245 sites and will be finished area by the long weekend.
  • Telstra should be finished in area by the long weekend. Ongoing work will be done as necessary.
  • Loads of wood are trying to be organised through the Shire to Moores Road and South of Hazeldene.
  • Shipping Containers available for people that lost their primary place of residence in the Black Saturday fires can register with Yarra Glen Recovery Centre for a shipping container to use as storage on their properties while they rebuild. It is believed that 100 shipping containers are available, with free drop off and collection, and free rent for 12 months.
    Anyone interested needs to register in person at the Yarra Glen Recovery Centre, with documentation that proves their primary residence did burn down (e.g. insurance letter/assessment or Destroyed Homes grant). People already registered with the Centre, can apply for a shipping container over the phone. For more information, call Terry, 0403 698 393.
  • Mens Shed at Yea has some bikes available for kids, men & women for people who have lost theirs in the bushfires. They are open Tuesdays & Thursdays. For enquiries or pick up please phone 0427 138 383.

“Dial before you dig’ before rebuilding perimeter fences
As many home owners, volunteers and contractors start to re-install fences in some of Victoria’s worst hit bushfire regions, Telstra is issuing an urgent reminder about the need to contact Dial Before You Dig before any work is started.
A free enquiry to Dial Before You Dig provides important information about telecommunication networks that may run underneath property, along fence lines or along private and public roads. This simple checking process ensures that vital telecommunications services are not disrupted, as well as saving on repair costs and preventing personal injury.
Once the property owner or contractor has contacted the free Dial Before You Dig service, Telstra will be able to provide plans of where its telecommunications infrastructure is located.
Anyone needing to lodge a free enquiry can visit Dial Before You Dig’s website www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or can call 1100 between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Maps showing the proposed work site are quickly accessible and viewed online to make it easy for property owners to mark up the proposed work site. Requests for site plans and information about underground pipes and cables are generally returned to the enquirer within two working days by email or fax, or slightly longer if by post.
For further information please contact:
Telstra - Paul Crisp, Vic Corporate Affairs Manager Ph: 03 9634 4984 or Mb: 0439 414 069
Dial Before You Dig - Mark Binks, State Manager Ph: 03 9094 1891 or Mb: 0407 123 370

Goulburn Catchment Management
The GBCMA has started selective clearing of trees as at 25th May that have fallen across or been felled into the King Parrot Creek. This is being done to prevent further damage being done to the creek by creating spots which could cause erosion. The work will be done with minimum damage to the creek and creek banks.
“Dial before you dig’ before rebuilding perimeter fences
As many home owners, volunteers and contractors start to re-install fences in some of Victoria’s worst hit bushfire regions, Telstra is issuing an urgent reminder about the need to contact Dial Before You Dig before any work is started.
A free enquiry to Dial Before You Dig provides important information about telecommunication networks that may run underneath property, along fence lines or along private and public roads. This simple checking process ensures that vital telecommunications services are not disrupted, as well as saving on repair costs and preventing personal injury.
Once the property owner or contractor has contacted the free Dial Before You Dig service, Telstra will be able to provide plans of where its telecommunications infrastructure is located.
Anyone needing to lodge a free enquiry can visit Dial Before You Dig’s website www.dialbeforeyoudig.com.au, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or can call 1100 between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Maps showing the proposed work site are quickly accessible and viewed online to make it easy for property owners to mark up the proposed work site. Requests for site plans and information about underground pipes and cables are generally returned to the enquirer within two working days by email or fax, or slightly longer if by post.
For further information please contact:
Telstra - Paul Crisp, Vic Corporate Affairs Manager Ph: 03 9634 4984 or Mb: 0439 414 069
Dial Before You Dig - Mark Binks, State Manager Ph: 03 9094 1891 or Mb: 0407 123 370

Goulburn Catchment Management
The GBCMA has started selective clearing of trees as at 25th May that have fallen across or been felled into the King Parrot Creek. This is being done to prevent further damage being done to the creek by creating spots which could cause erosion. The work will be done with minimum damage to the creek and creek banks.