Friday, April 30, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Chainsaw Classes for Women
A number of women in the area have expressed interest in learning how to use chainsaws. Pete Auty who is a certified trainer for Chainsaws is going to run a training course in the next few weeks and so far 13 people have already signed up.
If you would like to attend please contact Odette at Community House.
If you would like to attend please contact Odette at Community House.
Sustainability gains momentum with Grant Announcements
A significant announcement relating to Sustainability Grants was made by Premier John Brumby, Gavin Jennings, Minister for Sustainability and Environment and Mara Bun, CEO of Green Cross Australia at Gary Exton's property in Flowerdale.
An extract of the release from the VBRRA Website is below:
"Small projects will be able to have a big impact on climate change thanks to $10 million made available through the Brumby Government’s $23 million Climate Communities Program.
Announcing the opening round of funding for the program today at Flowerdale, Premier John Brumby said the Victorian Government was committed to assisting grass roots community efforts meet the challenges of climate change.
“The $10 million for the Climate Communities program will help bring about real and positive outcomes that will help ensure Victoria has a sustainable future,” Mr Brumby said.
“Climate change is one of the most serious issues facing us all which is why it is important all sections of the community are empowered to meet the climate change challenges we will face.
“This program is designed specifically to assist climate change projects undertaken by community groups in Victoria. It recognises the important contribution these groups have as well as the role Government must play in partnership with them.
“I encourage community groups to work with local networks – including councils, business, schools and service groups – to identify practical sustainable local projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Brumby said projects may include retrofitting a community hall to reduce energy use, establishing a shared transport scheme such as a bike hire cooperative or introducing an energy cooperative to trial a new clean technology.
The Climate Communities Grants program will consider new projects that meet one or more of the key objectives:
• Reduce emissions;
• Build community resilience by adaptation to climate change; and
• Trial and/or promote new processes or technologies to help tackle climate change.
The Climate Communities Grants Program will be allocated $6 million to fund projects for communities with grants of up to $50,000. The remaining $4 million be used to provide expert advice, research and information through 9 Climate Communities facilitators who will be located across Victoria and to provide state-wide education and support programs.
While in Flowerdale, the Mr Brumby also announced the fourth round of the Sustainability Fund grants totalling $4.2 million which included a $100,000 grant to a Flowerdale project Green Cross Australia to develop a web resource to support the rebuilding of homes for local residents and others in bushfire-affected communities.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Climate Communities program will give new impetus to what has been achieved by the Sustainability Fund, with the current Sustainability Fund grants round to become part of Climate Communities.
“The 39 projects supported through this round of Sustainability Fund grants will see such projects as aged care facilities in Shepparton powered with renewable energy, development of sustainable living programs specifically for small towns and farming communities in Victoria’s west as well as trialling new energy saving down lights in 250 Victorian homes” Mr Jennings said.
“The Sustainability Fund grants also includes $1.1 million for 11 projects that specifically help low income households to save energy and water.”
Green Cross Australia was given to develop a detailed website for asisting people rebuilding in a sustainable way. We have been working closely with Green Cross Australia for nearly a year and it is great to see some traction. We will provide further details on grants as they are confirmed.
We are also looking at establishing a Renewable Energy Work engine to look at potential for Renewable Energy in the area and to consult with the Community. There is some local expertise in the area which gives us a good start. If you would like to be involved please contact Pete Williams at petfwill@gmail.com.
An extract of the release from the VBRRA Website is below:
"Small projects will be able to have a big impact on climate change thanks to $10 million made available through the Brumby Government’s $23 million Climate Communities Program.
Announcing the opening round of funding for the program today at Flowerdale, Premier John Brumby said the Victorian Government was committed to assisting grass roots community efforts meet the challenges of climate change.
“The $10 million for the Climate Communities program will help bring about real and positive outcomes that will help ensure Victoria has a sustainable future,” Mr Brumby said.
“Climate change is one of the most serious issues facing us all which is why it is important all sections of the community are empowered to meet the climate change challenges we will face.
“This program is designed specifically to assist climate change projects undertaken by community groups in Victoria. It recognises the important contribution these groups have as well as the role Government must play in partnership with them.
“I encourage community groups to work with local networks – including councils, business, schools and service groups – to identify practical sustainable local projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Brumby said projects may include retrofitting a community hall to reduce energy use, establishing a shared transport scheme such as a bike hire cooperative or introducing an energy cooperative to trial a new clean technology.
The Climate Communities Grants program will consider new projects that meet one or more of the key objectives:
• Reduce emissions;
• Build community resilience by adaptation to climate change; and
• Trial and/or promote new processes or technologies to help tackle climate change.
The Climate Communities Grants Program will be allocated $6 million to fund projects for communities with grants of up to $50,000. The remaining $4 million be used to provide expert advice, research and information through 9 Climate Communities facilitators who will be located across Victoria and to provide state-wide education and support programs.
While in Flowerdale, the Mr Brumby also announced the fourth round of the Sustainability Fund grants totalling $4.2 million which included a $100,000 grant to a Flowerdale project Green Cross Australia to develop a web resource to support the rebuilding of homes for local residents and others in bushfire-affected communities.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Climate Communities program will give new impetus to what has been achieved by the Sustainability Fund, with the current Sustainability Fund grants round to become part of Climate Communities.
“The 39 projects supported through this round of Sustainability Fund grants will see such projects as aged care facilities in Shepparton powered with renewable energy, development of sustainable living programs specifically for small towns and farming communities in Victoria’s west as well as trialling new energy saving down lights in 250 Victorian homes” Mr Jennings said.
“The Sustainability Fund grants also includes $1.1 million for 11 projects that specifically help low income households to save energy and water.”
Green Cross Australia was given to develop a detailed website for asisting people rebuilding in a sustainable way. We have been working closely with Green Cross Australia for nearly a year and it is great to see some traction. We will provide further details on grants as they are confirmed.
We are also looking at establishing a Renewable Energy Work engine to look at potential for Renewable Energy in the area and to consult with the Community. There is some local expertise in the area which gives us a good start. If you would like to be involved please contact Pete Williams at petfwill@gmail.com.
Victorian State Government Community Cabinet meeting held in Flowerdale
On Friday 23rd April, 2010 the Victorian Government held a Community Cabinet meeting at the Flowerdale Estate.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Ministers together with representatives of Community Recovery Committee members from across Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires, together with representatives of Volunteer Groups.
The Premier welcomed and thanked the attendees for the work done to date and had an informal lunch.
The meeting provided all communities to network and discuss town issues with the relevant Ministers. Following the lunch the Cabinet went to meet various people in Communities about specific issues.
The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Ministers together with representatives of Community Recovery Committee members from across Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires, together with representatives of Volunteer Groups.
The Premier welcomed and thanked the attendees for the work done to date and had an informal lunch.
The meeting provided all communities to network and discuss town issues with the relevant Ministers. Following the lunch the Cabinet went to meet various people in Communities about specific issues.
Men's Shed funding announced by DPCD
On Friday at Kinglake Men's Shed it was announced that DPCD would provide funding for a Men's Shed in the Flowerdale Community. It was pleasing to see this project funded.
This was a project included in the Flowerdale and Hazeldene Community Recovery Plan as part of the Arts Precinct.
It was acknowledged that rural areas need a place for Men's activities to allow social interaction and community connectedness.
This was a project included in the Flowerdale and Hazeldene Community Recovery Plan as part of the Arts Precinct.
It was acknowledged that rural areas need a place for Men's activities to allow social interaction and community connectedness.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Organics Forum attracts a Crowd
The organics forum held on 21 April at Flowerdale Estate attracted a crowd of about 40 people.
There were presentations from the Victorian Farmers Federation, CERES, Regional Development Victoria as well as a number of Case Studies.
The forum was the first step in moving forward with an Organics Work Engine.
If you are interested in finding out more contact Peter Auty at peterjauty@gmail.com
There were presentations from the Victorian Farmers Federation, CERES, Regional Development Victoria as well as a number of Case Studies.
The forum was the first step in moving forward with an Organics Work Engine.
If you are interested in finding out more contact Peter Auty at peterjauty@gmail.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Johnny and the Paperwork
The fourth video in the Johnny poem series. This poem was written after trying to battle through 17 pages of paperwork for a $5000 grant for an event.
The good news is that VBRRA are working with a number of agencies to streamline the funding process through the various Government agencies.
The good news is that VBRRA are working with a number of agencies to streamline the funding process through the various Government agencies.
Youth Forum Outcomes
The Youth Forum was held on Friday 16th April, 2010. Approximately 50 people attended with a good number of the younger members of the Community together with their parents.
The forum decided that the most important item was a Youth Space where youth can congregate. In addition they would like some outdoor recreation facilities such as a BMX track, skate park, basketball/netball etc.
The Youth facilities have been identified as a major project for the area and the next step is for the Youth Work Engine to prepare a project scoping and funding application. We will also be looking to liaise with charitable organisations to help provide funding or goods and services.
If you want to have some involvement in the Work Engine please contact Vicky Parry 57801434 or John Leary 0425840999.
The forum decided that the most important item was a Youth Space where youth can congregate. In addition they would like some outdoor recreation facilities such as a BMX track, skate park, basketball/netball etc.
The Youth facilities have been identified as a major project for the area and the next step is for the Youth Work Engine to prepare a project scoping and funding application. We will also be looking to liaise with charitable organisations to help provide funding or goods and services.
If you want to have some involvement in the Work Engine please contact Vicky Parry 57801434 or John Leary 0425840999.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Rainwater Tank Grants
Sustainability Victoria has released details of a new grant for Bushfire Victims rebuilding their homes.
A one-off grant will be provided to residents rebuilding homes after the 2009 bushfires to purchase and install rainwater tanks. To claim the grant, residents will need to have been eligible for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Destroyed Homes payments.
Current building standards must be met, and tanks must be plumbed into all toilets in the house. To be eligible for the grant, residents must provide a Plumbing Industry Certificate and an invoice/receipt for the rainwater tank.
Grants will be provided on the following basis:
• $1000 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to all toilets and laundry
• $900 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to all toilets
• $500 for tank 2000-3999 litres connected to all toilets (connection to
laundry optional)
The grants will be available until 30 June 2011 and claims must be lodged by 30 September 2011.
For further information, please contact Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744 or email rebates@sustainability.vic.gov.au
A one-off grant will be provided to residents rebuilding homes after the 2009 bushfires to purchase and install rainwater tanks. To claim the grant, residents will need to have been eligible for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund Destroyed Homes payments.
Current building standards must be met, and tanks must be plumbed into all toilets in the house. To be eligible for the grant, residents must provide a Plumbing Industry Certificate and an invoice/receipt for the rainwater tank.
Grants will be provided on the following basis:
• $1000 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to all toilets and laundry
• $900 for a tank 4000+ litres connected to all toilets
• $500 for tank 2000-3999 litres connected to all toilets (connection to
laundry optional)
The grants will be available until 30 June 2011 and claims must be lodged by 30 September 2011.
For further information, please contact Sustainability Victoria on 1300 363 744 or email rebates@sustainability.vic.gov.au
The Wombats are Restless
Hot on the heels of the recent world wide story on the wombat attack, I heard on the weekend that another resident who was looking after an injured wombat as part of a wildlife rehabilitation program also was attacked on the same weekend.
When the wombat was released rather than saying thanks it turned around, bit our unsuspecting resident on the buttocks and then chased him 50 metres down the road.
Be careful out there, the wombats are restless.
When the wombat was released rather than saying thanks it turned around, bit our unsuspecting resident on the buttocks and then chased him 50 metres down the road.
Be careful out there, the wombats are restless.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Flowerdale Kinder Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The Flowerdale Kinder AGM is at Kinder 20th April 7pm.
All Welcome.
All Welcome.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
TShirts back on Sale at the Shop
The first batch of Flowerdale T Shirts sold out in a hurry and we have just received our next batch which are on sale at the shop.
We have expanded the range of sizes to 4,6,8,10,12, S,M,L,XL and XXL and the price is the same at $20 each.
Like the Model T Ford you can have any colour you like as long as it is black.
We have expanded the range of sizes to 4,6,8,10,12, S,M,L,XL and XXL and the price is the same at $20 each.
Like the Model T Ford you can have any colour you like as long as it is black.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Arts Material donation by Eckersleys
Our Arts Work Engine continues to gain traction with a donation of assorted art materials, papers, and calligraphy makers. Eckersleys will provide ongoing support with a discount on all future orders. Thank you to Wednesday and her team for all their support. If you would like to get involved in the Arts Group emailSharon Collins at s_acollins@hotmail.com
Also pencil in 23 May 2010 for the Arts Draw for people who lost their homes or possessions in the fires. More details will follow as we work through the logistics.
Also pencil in 23 May 2010 for the Arts Draw for people who lost their homes or possessions in the fires. More details will follow as we work through the logistics.
Flowerdale Local VS Wombat
Man-mauling wombat felled by axe
REID SEXTON AND MEGAN LEVY
April 6, 2010 - 12:18PM
Don't call me 'Fatso' ... This portly marsupial may not be as docile as he seems.
A Black Saturday bushfire survivor is recovering in hospital after he was attacked by a wombat outside his caravan north-east of Melbourne today.
Bruce Kringle, 60, lay on top of the animal in a desperate bid to stop the attack in Flowerdale just before 7am.
A neighbour heard his cries for help and, after telling Mr Kringle to move off the animal, killed it with a blow from the back of an axe.
Mr Kringle, an animal lover who is living in a caravan while his new house to be built, has told family he feared for his life during the attack.
He was taken to The Northern Hospital in Epping with puncture wounds to his legs and arms.
A Rural Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said Mr Kringle told paramedics another person had complained about a rogue wombat in the area two days ago.
Geoff McClure, compliance team leader for the Department of Sustainability and Environment, said a wombat attack was extremely unusual.
He said wombats could feel threatened and rush at a person, especially if the animal was suffering from the skin condition mange, caused by parasitic mites.
‘‘In the advanced stages wombats become very irritable and anyone who approaches them, they usually view as a threat and may run towards them,’’ he said.
‘‘They appear aggressive but we have never had reports of wombats actually attacking people.’’
Article from The Age http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/manmauling-wombat-felled-by-axe-20100406-rnqk.html
Hope Bruce is feeling better soon.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Horses for People who lost them in Fires
More horses for people who lost theirs in the bushfires
Misty Stebbing has previously matched up 200 horses to people who lost theirs in the fires. She has received another nine horses to donate to people whose horse died in the fires or because of the fires. The horses will be appropriate for young adults and adults, but not for young children.
Generally, one horse is made available to each family.
Misty asks that people (or their case managers) who would like a horse email her details about their experience, age, height and the details of the horse that they lost in or because of the fires, and she will contact them to try to match them up.
Call Misty 0409 332 532 or email charon2@bigpond.net.au
Misty Stebbing has previously matched up 200 horses to people who lost theirs in the fires. She has received another nine horses to donate to people whose horse died in the fires or because of the fires. The horses will be appropriate for young adults and adults, but not for young children.
Generally, one horse is made available to each family.
Misty asks that people (or their case managers) who would like a horse email her details about their experience, age, height and the details of the horse that they lost in or because of the fires, and she will contact them to try to match them up.
Call Misty 0409 332 532 or email charon2@bigpond.net.au
Flowerdale Junior Youth Group Dates
Other dates are being considered & will be advised if others are organised eg: after school etc
Flowrdale Junior Youth Group
Flowrdale Junior Youth Group
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