Arthurs Creek's turns are highlighted in blue.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Hurstbridge Farmer's Market
Another 3 months has rolled around, and it's time to man the gates again at the Hurstbridge Farmers Market and collect donations for the Brigade.
It is on Sunday 6 December at Brockie's BBQ at Hurstbridge. There are two shifts available: 07:30-10:30 and 10:30-13:30. We need at least 6 people for each shift. Please contact Geoff if you can help.
It is on Sunday 6 December at Brockie's BBQ at Hurstbridge. There are two shifts available: 07:30-10:30 and 10:30-13:30. We need at least 6 people for each shift. Please contact Geoff if you can help.
Community news is moving
As you can tell from the blog, there is a lot of community news that gets posted. Although I am happy to post it, I think it can sometimes overpower the specific Brigade posts. As such, I'm creating a new blog to hold the community news: http://acrfb-community.blogspot.com/
I welcome you all to follow both blogs.
Geoff
I welcome you all to follow both blogs.
Geoff
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Chocolate Lillies Community Choir at Strathewen Community Centre
After their visit two weeks ago, the Chocolate Lillies Community Choir is coming again to the Strathewen Community Centre this Sunday 29 November from 12.30 - 2.30. The Choir includes singers from local areas who have been learning songs of beauty and joy and of the land.
The Choir leader Nerida Kirov welcomes all voices who want to join in the 3/4 part harmonies. Children are welcome too with a supervising adult. The choir usually rehearses at the St Andrews Hall on Sundays and all are welcome.
Come and enjoy the vibe.
Contact Barbara Joyce 9714 8553
E: barbara@dunmoochin.org
The Choir leader Nerida Kirov welcomes all voices who want to join in the 3/4 part harmonies. Children are welcome too with a supervising adult. The choir usually rehearses at the St Andrews Hall on Sundays and all are welcome.
Come and enjoy the vibe.
Contact Barbara Joyce 9714 8553
E: barbara@dunmoochin.org
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Christmas Pudding Making at Strathewen
Are you interested in making your own Christmas Pudding, and having a little fun along the way?
Agnus Perry will be helping us to make these. All ingredients will be supplied, you just need to bring along your wooden spoon, a tea towel and a bowl to make it in. 5”-6”.
We are prepared to run two sessions TUESDAY 1ST DECEMBER, 2009 FROM 10.30am. AND / OR WEDNESDAY 2ND EVENING from 7.00pm. depending on interest.
Please advise your preference to Mary Avola via email maryavola3754@gmail.com or by phone 0418 315 810 as soon as possible.
Hope you will come along.
Strathewen Community Renewal Association
Agnus Perry will be helping us to make these. All ingredients will be supplied, you just need to bring along your wooden spoon, a tea towel and a bowl to make it in. 5”-6”.
We are prepared to run two sessions TUESDAY 1ST DECEMBER, 2009 FROM 10.30am. AND / OR WEDNESDAY 2ND EVENING from 7.00pm. depending on interest.
Please advise your preference to Mary Avola via email maryavola3754@gmail.com or by phone 0418 315 810 as soon as possible.
Hope you will come along.
Strathewen Community Renewal Association
Landholder information sesssion Sat 5th December 9AM
An information session will be held on Saturday 5 December from 9am-1pm at 470 Eagles Nest Road, Strathewen.
This session will discuss a range of land management recovery topics including an introduction to property recovery planning, pasture recovery, pest plant and animal control, dams and erosion, waterway management and biodiversity. The session will be followed by lunch where representatives from relevant agencies will be available for informal discussion. Please RSVP to Georgia Ramsey on 9433 3210 or email Georgia.Ramsey@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
This session will discuss a range of land management recovery topics including an introduction to property recovery planning, pasture recovery, pest plant and animal control, dams and erosion, waterway management and biodiversity. The session will be followed by lunch where representatives from relevant agencies will be available for informal discussion. Please RSVP to Georgia Ramsey on 9433 3210 or email Georgia.Ramsey@nillumbik.vic.gov.au
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Declaration of Fire Danger Period - 30 November 2009
Good Morning All,
Chief Officer Rees has approved the declaration of the Fire Danger Period as follows:
Kind regards
Michelle Koehler
SECC Officer State Control Centre (SCC)
Chief Officer Rees has approved the declaration of the Fire Danger Period as follows:
To commence from 0100 hours on 30 November 2009
- Mitchell Shire
- Murrindindi Shire
- City of Banyule (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- City of Manningham (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- City of Maroondah (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- Shire of Nillumbik (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- Melton Shire
- City Hume (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- City of Whittlesea (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- Wyndham City (That part outside of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade District)
- Hepburn Shire
- Macedon Ranges Shire
- Moorabool Shire
- City of Ballarat
- Northern Grampians Shire
- Ararat Rural City
- Pyrenees Shire
- Shire of Mansfield
- Mt Buller and Mt Stirling Alpine Resort
- Alpine Shire
- Towong Shire
- Mt Hotham Alpine Resort
- Falls Creek Alpine Resort
Kind regards
Michelle Koehler
SECC Officer State Control Centre (SCC)
CFA DSE Joint SOPs
Since Geoff sent out the email below, a few minor amendments have been made to CFA/DSE SOPs 2.03 (IMT Preparedness Arrangements) and 3.08 (Appointment of the Incident Controller) which were sent to you last week. I have attached the amended versions.
Doreen and Mernda Bank Project
Hi all,
Sorry if you have already received this email but it is so important that we need to make sure that everyone received this wonderful news. We am so pleased to inform you that due to the overwhelming support from the community Valley Financial services has provided us with the follow time line for the establishment of our community bank. Please find the attached PDF file which contains the exciting news to all involved with the setting up of our community bank. It is thanks to you our pledgees that we are now at this point. There is still alot of work to do and the pledging will continue as long as possible. I urge you to read the attached file and ask us any questions that it might have.
Regards
The Steering Committee of the Doreen and Mernda Community Bank Project
Sorry if you have already received this email but it is so important that we need to make sure that everyone received this wonderful news. We am so pleased to inform you that due to the overwhelming support from the community Valley Financial services has provided us with the follow time line for the establishment of our community bank. Please find the attached PDF file which contains the exciting news to all involved with the setting up of our community bank. It is thanks to you our pledgees that we are now at this point. There is still alot of work to do and the pledging will continue as long as possible. I urge you to read the attached file and ask us any questions that it might have.
Regards
The Steering Committee of the Doreen and Mernda Community Bank Project
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Re-building expo - car-parking assistance
We have been asked to help with car-parking for the re-building expo being held on Saturday 29 November at Ryders Flat (opposite Arthurs Creek station).
We’ll require two shifts of people: 10:00-13:00 and 13:00-16:00.
Can you please call, e-mail or SMS Geoff if you are available to help.
We’ll require two shifts of people: 10:00-13:00 and 13:00-16:00.
Can you please call, e-mail or SMS Geoff if you are available to help.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Volunteer Picnic Day Invitation
Please find attached the flyer for this year's Whittlesea Volunteer Picnic to celebrate International Volunteers Day. This year's event is in partnership with the City of Whittlesea, and will have a special focus on the volunteer effort in response to the February bushfires.
All volunteers are welcome, please forward this on to anyone who may be interested
Regards
Annette McKail
Coordinator, Volunteer Resource Service
Whittlesea Community Connections
All volunteers are welcome, please forward this on to anyone who may be interested
Regards
Annette McKail
Coordinator, Volunteer Resource Service
Whittlesea Community Connections
Thermogel Demo
There is a demonstration of Thermogel on Sunday 22 November 11.00am at Arthurs Creek station. Friends and neighbours are also welcome.
Pre-season BBQ and awards presentation
Reminder that we are holding our pre-season BBQ and awards presentation on Sunday 29 November from 4.00pm at Arthurs Creek station.
Could you please reply to me or Michael via e-mail asap if you are attending and how many you are bringing so that Michael can finalise catering.
The people due for awards are listed below, so we are particuarly keen to see them at the BBQ:
Vicki-Anne Mitchell 5 yr cert
Ben Apted 10 yr bar
Lachlan Bakewell 10 yr bar
Keith Jephcott 10 yr bar
Gordon Norris 10 yr bar
Brendan Parkinson 10 yr bar
Michael Chapman 15 yr bar
Robyn Harris 15 yr bar
Peter Jenkinson 15 yr bar
Andrew Alford 20 yr bar
Warren Rees 20 yr bar
Carole Stubley 20 yr bar
Leonard Delacca 25 yr bar
Lindsay Brian 25 yr bar
Dale Murphy 25 yr bar
Marie Apted 30 yr bar
Gayle Corr 30 yr bar
Patt Corr 30 yr bar
Pam Gabler 30 yr bar
Bruce Donelly 30 yr bar
Lennetta Hurrey 30 yr bar
Marilan McGahy 30 yr bar
Graeme Simmons 30 yr bar
Could you please reply to me or Michael via e-mail asap if you are attending and how many you are bringing so that Michael can finalise catering.
The people due for awards are listed below, so we are particuarly keen to see them at the BBQ:
Important resident notification: Temporary GSM mobile coverage turned off with new Next G coverage available
Notification to residents of Strathewen, Arthurs Creek and Kinglake West
As Telstra completes construction of three permanent Next G™ mobile base stations in Strathewen, Arthurs Creek and Kinglake West in the Nillumbik and Murrindindi shires, we will be turning off some of the temporary coverage cells we deployed immediately after Black Saturday.
Telstra has also prepared some important tips to help ready residents for the upcoming bushfire season. The tips have been developed in response to customer enquiries about ways to optimise their telephone services during natural disasters, such as the Victorian bushfires or Queensland floods.
Telstra’s 10 Tips:
Debra Farrelly
External Relations Advisor
Melbourne
Telstra
As Telstra completes construction of three permanent Next G™ mobile base stations in Strathewen, Arthurs Creek and Kinglake West in the Nillumbik and Murrindindi shires, we will be turning off some of the temporary coverage cells we deployed immediately after Black Saturday.
These temporary coverage cells provided temporary GSM (2G) and Next G™ network coverage in areas where existing coverage was patchy and not reliable. We now have permanent Next G™ mobile coverage - namely Strathewen and Kinglake West, with Arthurs Creek to come online at the end of November 2009.
Some residents will notice that their older GSM phones won’t get the same coverage as they experienced with the temporary mobile cells. Our permanent mobile coverage investment is in the Next G™ network only – not the old GSM network.
Telstra recommends customers move across to the Next G™ network to take advantage of the new coverage and our shop at Westfield Shopping Centre in McDonald’s Road in Plenty Valley (03 9437 8650 or mrobins@tlifeplentyvalley.com.au) is ready to help customers move across to the new network.
This move could be as easy as porting their old number onto a new phone and SIM card at no charge, or could involve a charge depending on the contract and phone customer’s want.
We are advising customers to visit the store and speak to Michael, Sebastian and the team about their individual circumstances.
Important tips ahead of the summer
As Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges residents prepare their homes and families for the bushfire season, it’s also critical they audit their communications devices and services.
Telstra has also prepared some important tips to help ready residents for the upcoming bushfire season. The tips have been developed in response to customer enquiries about ways to optimise their telephone services during natural disasters, such as the Victorian bushfires or Queensland floods.
Telstra’s 10 Tips:
- Think about a Blue Tick mobile phone – different mobile phones have different capabilities. Telstra’s Blue Tick accreditation program identifies mobile handsets that have enhanced coverage for country areas. People can check here: http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/index.html
- Upgrade your 2G SIM – it’s important that customers upgrade their 2G SIM card when purchasing a Next G™ mobile handset to receive the benefits of Telstra’s extensive 3G network coverage. Customer can keep their number and it’s a free service unless a new plan or handset is required.
- Have a spare mobile battery – it’s advisable to have a spare, fully charged battery on stand-by.
- Carry additional mobile phone chargers – an in-car and a separate AC mains charger are essential in case of evacuation.
- Consider a standard fixed phone - power failures will affect cordless PSTN phones and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services that require 240V power to operate. Customers using VoIP should check with their service providers.
- Keep essential numbers close by – have a list of essential contact numbers close at hand, including local Police, Fire, SES and Telstra’s fault line - 132203.
- Use Triple Zero (000) appropriately – only call Triple Zero in life threatening emergencies. If your situation is not time critical but requires the attention of an emergency services organisation, you can obtain alternate numbers for these organisations by calling Telstra Call Connect – 12456.
- Keep calls to a minimum – although Telstra monitors the network closely in times of emergency to avoid congestion, it’s advisable to keep calls to a minimum during natural disasters to allow people to call emergency service organisations.
- Gauge the benefits of a satellite phone – if living or travelling in isolated areas, consider purchasing a satellite phone for continuous phone coverage. 10.
- Consider a Yagi antennae – having one of these antennas maximises mobile phone reception from your home or vehicle.
Debra Farrelly
External Relations Advisor
Melbourne
Telstra
Strathewen power outage
There will be a electricity supply disruption on:
- Sunday 29 November 2009 from 8.30am to 4.00pm
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Flag flying at half mast
The image below demostrates the correct method of flying a flag at half mast. The image is courtesy of the Australian Army Ceremonial Manual.
Jenny Broadhurst
Brigade Support Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment
Brigade Support Officer
Whittlesea Diamond Valley Catchment
Workin' Clobber - Fire Retardant Clothing
I am now stocking a new range of Fire Retardant clothing at Workin' Clobber. The fabric is “Indura”, and is far superior to other FR fabrics previously available. The protection does not wash out or wear off, it will last the life of the garment.
Orange coveralls retail at $166. I am offering them at $150 to Brigade members and families. A better price can be arranged for quantities. Shirts and trousers are available also.
Kay Bichard
Workin' Clobber
Orange coveralls retail at $166. I am offering them at $150 to Brigade members and families. A better price can be arranged for quantities. Shirts and trousers are available also.
Kay Bichard
Workin' Clobber
SCRA - Interior Design and Decoration Forum Wed 18th November
Strathewen Community Renewal Association Inc
Auxiliary - Rebuilding Expo
Dear Auxiliary Members and Friends,
The Strathewen Renewal Committee is organising a "Rebuilding Expo" to be held on Saturday, 28 November at Ryders Flat between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Please see attached flier. The CFA has been asked to provide some refreshments for sale on the day. We think we will keep it simple - sausage sizzle, cans of soft drink/water. We can discuss other options at our meeting next week, Wednesday, 18 November, 2.00 p.m. at Robyn Harris'.
If you are available that day we would appreciate some help with some of the following - setting up, cooking, serving, packing up. Please let me know if you can help.
Also our turn collecting entrance money at the Hurstbridge Farmers' Market is on Sunday, 6 December. Again please let me know if you are available for either the early (7.30 a.m.) or second (10.30 a.m.) shift.
Many thanks.
Gayle
The Strathewen Renewal Committee is organising a "Rebuilding Expo" to be held on Saturday, 28 November at Ryders Flat between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Please see attached flier. The CFA has been asked to provide some refreshments for sale on the day. We think we will keep it simple - sausage sizzle, cans of soft drink/water. We can discuss other options at our meeting next week, Wednesday, 18 November, 2.00 p.m. at Robyn Harris'.
If you are available that day we would appreciate some help with some of the following - setting up, cooking, serving, packing up. Please let me know if you can help.
Also our turn collecting entrance money at the Hurstbridge Farmers' Market is on Sunday, 6 December. Again please let me know if you are available for either the early (7.30 a.m.) or second (10.30 a.m.) shift.
Many thanks.
Gayle
Auxiliary Meeting Minutes - 19 August
Find attached the minutes for our last meeting on 19 August.
Our next meeting is to be held at Robyn Harris’ in Brennans Road East next Wednesday, 18 November at 2p.m.
Regards,
Lois
Our next meeting is to be held at Robyn Harris’ in Brennans Road East next Wednesday, 18 November at 2p.m.
Regards,
Lois
Rebuilding Expo
On Saturday November 28th from 11.00am to 4.00pm the Strathewen and St Andrews Joint Rebuilding Group will run a Rebuilding Expo on Ryder’s Flat in Arthurs Creek opposite the CFA station.
Having run nine very successful forums on planning, design, building and material issues we have a wealth of information to share. The Expo will consist of presentations by building experts who have impressed us with their depth of knowledge and the importance of their information to the rebuilding task.
Like our very successful Building Forums the presentations will be of assistance to owner builders as well as those looking to engage a local or volume builder. The Expo will also be attended by the many Supportive Suppliers who have rallied around our community giving free advice, honest service and significant discounts.
Exhibits will include a wide range of building materials including systems suitable for BAL‐FZ; earth construction, steel framing, brick, concrete and compressed block, plumbing, waste water solutions, alternate energy, fire and domestic water pumps, tools and equipment suppliers. We’ve also arranged some amusements for the kids while you listen, talk and browse.
Some people are well underway with their building plans but many of us are still at the getting ready stage. This will be a great opportunity to move forward. Our presenters and suppliers are sympathetic, they know what we’ve been through and it’s about information not the hard sell. The Expo is a free event although a donation to our CFA Brigade for parking would be appreciated.
For further information contact: Callum Donoghue 0414 932 051 or Karl Apted 0418 350 345
Having run nine very successful forums on planning, design, building and material issues we have a wealth of information to share. The Expo will consist of presentations by building experts who have impressed us with their depth of knowledge and the importance of their information to the rebuilding task.
Like our very successful Building Forums the presentations will be of assistance to owner builders as well as those looking to engage a local or volume builder. The Expo will also be attended by the many Supportive Suppliers who have rallied around our community giving free advice, honest service and significant discounts.
Exhibits will include a wide range of building materials including systems suitable for BAL‐FZ; earth construction, steel framing, brick, concrete and compressed block, plumbing, waste water solutions, alternate energy, fire and domestic water pumps, tools and equipment suppliers. We’ve also arranged some amusements for the kids while you listen, talk and browse.
Some people are well underway with their building plans but many of us are still at the getting ready stage. This will be a great opportunity to move forward. Our presenters and suppliers are sympathetic, they know what we’ve been through and it’s about information not the hard sell. The Expo is a free event although a donation to our CFA Brigade for parking would be appreciated.
For further information contact: Callum Donoghue 0414 932 051 or Karl Apted 0418 350 345
Fire Danger Period media release from CFA Region 14
Fire Danger Period (‘fire restrictions’) for the municipalities of Macedon Ranges, Whittlesea, Moorabool, Nillumbik, Wyndham, Melton, Mitchell and Hume will commence at 1am on Monday 30 November 2009 and remain in force until 1 May 2010.
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
Kris Perkovic
Media & Marketing Coordinator
CFA Outer Metro Norwest Area
CFA Connect news articles
Some key articles from CFA Connect from the last couple of weeks:
- Schools to close on Code Red Days. I checked the list - Strathewen and St Andrews Primary Schools are closing on Code Red days, but Arthurs Creek is not. We will need to remember that in our emergency response
- CEO update: Ready for the Future
- Changes to Victoria's Road Rules
- Observing Teamwork and Teamwork effectiveness
2009/10 Pre-Season Briefing
There are seven video parts to the pre-season briefing. Please spend some time watching them. It will take approx. 15 minutes, depending on your Internet connection speed.
Geoff
Geoff
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Pagers must be on
A reminder that now we are into the fire season, it is imperative that your pager is on at all times. The pager is not only for alerts, but is also for communicating other important information to you.
Batteries are always available at the station, so a lack of batteries can never be an excuse. If you need to put your pager on silent mode at times, and you don't know how, ask one of the BMT.
Geoff
Batteries are always available at the station, so a lack of batteries can never be an excuse. If you need to put your pager on silent mode at times, and you don't know how, ask one of the BMT.
Geoff
Poll: Should SCRA publications be included on the blog?
Only 5 votes: 3 in favour and 2 against.
I'll keep posting the publications and re-run the poll again next year. If there are any issues publishing this material, please contact me.
Geoff
I'll keep posting the publications and re-run the poll again next year. If there are any issues publishing this material, please contact me.
Geoff
Monday, November 9, 2009
Creswick Woollen Blankets
Please see the attached information from Creswick Woollen Mills.
They are selling crew protection blankets to the public and a portion of the sale goes to the Brigade of their choice.
Regards,
Jenny Broadhurst
Brigade Support Officer
They are selling crew protection blankets to the public and a portion of the sale goes to the Brigade of their choice.
Regards,
Jenny Broadhurst
Brigade Support Officer
60 Minutes story
If you missed the 60 Minutes story that included interviews with David and Dini (and a little bit of Michael), you can watch it on the Internet. Go to: http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/videoindex.aspx and look for the story called "Burning Question".
Geoff
Geoff
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Remembrance Day - Wednesday 11 November 2009
Remembrance Day is a day of special significance to all Australians, commemorating the loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts.
A specific flag protocol has been developed for Remembrance Day to allow for the traditional ceremonial duties to be carried out, including a minute of silence from 11:00am.
On Remembrance Day, 11 November 2009, the Australian National Flag should be flown at the peak from approximately 8:00am until precisely 10:30am when it should be adjusted to the half-mast position. At 11:02am the Australian National Flag should be moved back to the peak for the remainder of the day.
All flags normally flown at a flag station should also be flown at half-mast during the ceremonial period. Your assistance in following this protocol is appreciated.
Regards
Julie McClaren
Advisor, Government Relations
CFA Headquarters
A specific flag protocol has been developed for Remembrance Day to allow for the traditional ceremonial duties to be carried out, including a minute of silence from 11:00am.
On Remembrance Day, 11 November 2009, the Australian National Flag should be flown at the peak from approximately 8:00am until precisely 10:30am when it should be adjusted to the half-mast position. At 11:02am the Australian National Flag should be moved back to the peak for the remainder of the day.
All flags normally flown at a flag station should also be flown at half-mast during the ceremonial period. Your assistance in following this protocol is appreciated.
Regards
Julie McClaren
Advisor, Government Relations
CFA Headquarters
2010 Rural State Championships
- Rural Championships Flyer - Region 14 Sunday 21st March & State Saturday 27th March 2010
- Letter re Whittlesea Diamond Valley Group Access to Competition Track
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