Thomas Haylock remembered

From Friends and Members of Paynesville Maritime Museum...

As you are aware, the Museum is undertaking a research program to identify those World War 1 servicemen with Paynesville connections to the maritime industry. Rather than leave this material to be published “sometime in the future” as a book, we have decided to issue a short news bulletin as each of the 100 years anniversary dates of relevant activity comes around …. much the same as the news would have been circulated around the town at the time.

Here is the latest issue reporting the loss of Thomas Haylock. Current bulletins are pinned to the ANZAC board in the museum and a book of all issued bulletins will be available for interested visitors to look through.

As always, we welcome comment and input if you have some.

Rob Cook

Secretary PMM

2015 Burn and Mulch

 From Jack Pearce: 

Well done cleaning up your properties, Islanders - a lot less risk for you this summer!

What a team!

A big thank you to Max and Jamie Curtis for working so many hours to make the parts to fix our ferry. Also a big thank you to Ian and his wonderful staff for getting us to and from overseas; putting up with all the ribbing, joking and flack from the islanders.
The biggest thank you goes to all those who volunteered on the bus and made my job a lot easier. I had about 20 phone calls from some wanting to help more on the bus.
What a wonderful place we live in.
The big bus boss, Cathy.

Koala count 2015

 Seventy volunteers of all ages,  including 30 year 11 students from Nagle College, worked alongside staff from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria on Friday 16 October to count Koalas on Raymond Island. 

The Koalas are counted every two years as part of a plan to actively manage their numbers on the island to protect their health and their habitat. This year the head count was 255 adults and 27 young. This is a decrease of about 50 since the 2013 count. 

DELWP Wildlife Officer, Leona Waldegrave-Knight said: “The day went very well and we want to say a huge thanks to everyone who gave up their time to help organise the event, feed the troops, count Koalas and tidy up afterwards. We couldn’t do it without you! Now we know the number of Koalas and where they are, we will be checking their health and fertility soon as part of the ongoing management plan.” 

A weekend with Alvis

Kay Mooney writes...

I’d like to share with you a great weekend I spent on the first burst of warm spring weather - I was invited along on a “run” of the Alvis car club.  What great people they are, welcoming me into their group. Some had traveled a long way to join the run, one pair of Tasmanians. We had great fun over two days driving out in their beautiful cars around the lovely spring roads of Metung, Nowa Nowa, Lake Tyres, Lakes Entrance to Paynesville, and sampling the hospitality of East Gipsland.  I was the passenger in a 1926 Alvis---- sun on my face, wind in my hair (lots of wind), and the scents of spring as we drove the lovely backroads.  This is something you don’t get in modern motoring, we are insulated from the world we drive through. And sometimes that is a good thing.  The sense of speed was exhilarating at 40 ish mph ( what’s that in Kms?).  There was some dressing up, speeches, and fun and games at the dinner. On Sunday we visited a fabulous collection of motoring and military “stuff” in Paynesville, and  an excellent lunch at the Boathouse, concluded a great weekend.

Children's Week activities

Ode to a gypsy wheel

The Raymond Island ferry has broken down again

the Raymond island fery has not got many friends

Its back to bikes,and walking and hailing our wonderful bus ( thanks Ian)

Oh so much is offered for a lot of fuss.

 

But we get to talk to Stewie who tells us all the news

The repairs will take forever 5 - 6 weeks is his latest view (Stewie humour)

The new gypsy wheel is ordered and spare parts are coming tooooooooo

From Germany and Europe - lots of Euros due.

 

Our wonderful bus and drivers are rising to the call

Husband, wives and their close mates do their shifts working oh so very late

Amazing what fate does bring, when they are all cut loose

A good reason to be out, when you don't need an excuse.

 

Koalas, kangas, ducks and the 'black geese'

Love it when the ferry out gives lots of peace

The roads are quiet and empty, the same as my ice box

Now here is more bad news, we're all heading to be detoxed

Ever tried to carry six slabs home with the shopping

Lets pray to God, that Ugly Betty also is not stopping........

 

The Elegant Pelican

50 years A-Frame celebration

Sunday in Paynesville

Kay Mooney reports: The town was lively and bustling this Sunday. The Market was back after a winter absence, the Maritime Museum had flung open its doors, there were kids on the swings and Seniors Month was presenting an Expo of local things to do, so in spite of a threat of rain lots of people were out and about. There were local musicians to gladden the air, morning tea, and sausages in bread for the hungry. Congratulations to the Shire and everyone involved. A lovely day.

Counting birds and cross kangaroos

Susan Crosby features in a terrific news story at the ABC... she caught a kangaroo confrontation up close and personal!

Kay Mooney has sent advice about this year's Back Yard Bird Count:

This is a fun scientific family friendly and free event as part of National Bird Week.  You are asked to choose a green space, such as your garden, and record the birds seen in a twenty minute period.  If you don’t recognize them it is hoped you will look them up.  There is a free app to help you with this. You can then submit the result on the web site aussiebirdcount.org.au, go to the top of the page and click on “submit checklist”.  (Or record on the free Internet at the library for those without). Do it as many times as you like. In addition there is to be a National Challenge bird count on 5^th and 6^th December: visit aussiebirdcount.org.au for details.

Fire season 2015-2016

With one of the warmest starts to October on record, we're well into the fire pre-season and there's plenty of action to help the Island stay prepared. Also a reminder for residents and regular visitors should check the resources on our Emergencies page.
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The CFA will be at the Ferry Park to host a brunch with Brigade members on Saturday 24 October 2015, starting at 10.00am. There'll be a presentation of localised information for Raymond Island to ensure we are 'Fire Ready'. Come along and speak with your local CFA.
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The RI Risk Management Community Group recently conducted a field trip on Raymond Island to have a look and discuss different fuel reduction methods. A comprehensive video was produced with some very informative discussion about fuel reduction, a topic that all Islanders need to start thinking about. This video is the start of information that this working group will be posting so Islanders can start discussing and debating this very important topic.

Information night
An information night will be held on Tuesday, 27 October 2015 at the RI Community Hall at 7.15pm to 9.30pm. The evening will begin with a video presentation for those who can't access youtube. 

The RIRMCG was formed in early September to assist the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria to consult effectively with the Raymond Island community on managing bushfire risk. Representatives of the group include community members and representatives from DELWP, Parks Victoria and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation.

DELWP District Manager Tambo, Brad Fisher said: “The information session will look at how bushfire risk is assessed and managed on the island and how it will be managed into the future.” “Current activities we are conducting on the island to reduce the risk of bushfire include planned burning, slashing and mulching.”

Member and community contact for the group, Victor Trofimovs said: “We will be exploring the impacts of these activities on Raymond Island’s plants and animals. We want to consider what the bushfire risk is to both the Island’s natural environment and Islanders. We would encourage all Islanders to come to the session, and take the opportunity to share in the information and to ask questions.”

“We hope this information session will be useful when we consider options, later in the year, for managing the bushfire risk and maintaining the natural environment of the Island,” Mr Trofimovs said.

Information about managing bushfire risk on the Island will be made available on the Raymond Island website and at the ferry hub. Updates about the progress of this community consultation process will also be made available.

For further information please contact Victor Trofimovs by email victrof@live.com.au.(Thanks to REG-FM for advertising this event.)

Public Forum
The Information night will be followed up with a Raymond Island Public Forum which will be held at the RI Community Hall on Monday, 23 November 2015, 7.30PM to 9.30 PM.
The forum will be facilitated by Dave Munday.
More information about the forum will be posted in coming weeks.

In the meantime, please view this youtube video, and if you have any question to put to the working group, please email them to Victor.

And finally, in the wake of the Lancefield fires, Sylvia reminds us...

I have been following these events with a heavy heart. The photos of the fires are just heartbreaking. I keep going back to the photos of the koala drinking water from a bottle. Poor little thing is a symbol of all the creatures who died or will suffer from the lack of habitat. God bless the Aussie families who have lost so much.

Important letter: bushfire risk

Raymond Island Risk Management Community Group

Community Contact: Victor Trofimovs

Email: victrof@live.com.au

CONSULTING WITH RAYMOND ISLANDERS ON MANAGING THE RISK OF BUSHFIRES

Over the last six months there has been a lot of discussion amongst Raymond Island residents about fuel reduction, to help minimise the risk of bush fire.

Raymond Island is a unique situation with homes and properties surrounded by natural bushland. Raymond Island is also unique because of our diverse population who are very passionate about our island life and very emotional about the way Government authorities and locals look after it.

A working group has been formed to engage the community about the fuel reduction program. This will allow residents, holiday makers and renters to be informed, in a non-confrontational way, about this very important situation which will no doubt be upon us in the near future.

The group consists of Raymond Island locals, Government representatives and an independent facilitator:

Name	Role / Responsibility
Dave Munday	Independent facilitator who will chair each meeting and basically keep us on track and make sure we don’t divert from the task in hand.
Jack Pearce	Represents the Raymond Island Community Association (RICA) and the community-based, emergency preparation working group (EmPrep) to oversee the consultation on the island’s risk.
Andrew Bould	Resident of the island for over 50 years, expert on fire history of the island, interested in the environment and local flora and fauna.
Victor Trofimovs	Property owner for 15 years and now lives here permanently. Has been operating a tourism business on the island for one year as and has a genuine interest in the community and the environment. He will report to the RI Landcare group and is the acting coordinator for the group.
Susie Pulis	Manages the Raymond Island Koala and Wildlife Shelter, and here as part of the group to gather information to provide to the community and work out how best to consult with the community.
Varo Dharmarajah	Resident of the island and interested in the local environment and preventing bushfires.
Brian Joshua	Resident for 10 years, farming background, interested in the island and being part of this group that will plan the consultation with the community.
Mick Beckers (currently standing in for Brad Fisher)	Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Fire Management Officer based in Bairnsdale, overseeing fuel management and bushfire risk management on Crown land managed by Parks Victoria and DELWP, and to oversee the associated consultation process.
Catherine Burton	DELWP Community Engagement Facilitator based in Bairnsdale whose role is to support this process and provide administrative support to this group.
Jeremy Tscharke	Parks Victoria Area Chief Ranger for Lakes & Eastern ALPS, managing public land on RI with the Gunaikurnai.
Grattan Mullett	Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) Joint Management Coordinator taking care of all Registered Aboriginal Party matters and works with other land managers on jointly managed land.

The key roles of the consultation group are:

      

-        Compile the evidence based information for community dissemination

-        dissemination of information to the community about risk g
-    gathering information/feedback from the community

-        conveying the government’s negotiables and non-negotiables

-        organising the consultation activities e.g.  forum / workshop / meetings.

Key themes and detail

The following broad themes and detail were identified as at the core of the consultation:

RISK

-        Understanding the risk assessment process.

-        What is the actual risk vs the perceived risk? (Consider survey, LIMP planning.)

-        What evidence is used to decide what areas are to be treated?

ECOLOGY

-        What are the effects of the various fuel management techniques on the flora / fauna / ecosystem?

-        What research is available from very similar / like habitats?

-        What are the effects of fuel management on bracken?

-        How will wildlife be considered in the fuel management process?

PROTECTING SIGNIFICANT SITES

-        What are the significant sites that require protection and management options, e.g. cultural, heritage, environmental?

JOINT MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES

-        What are the other priorities held by the Gunaikurnai / GLaWAC for this area of jointly managed estate?

RECOVERY

-        What recovery process would be put in place after fuel management treatment?

RESEARCH

-        What other research has been undertaken in similar habitats?

NON-NEGOTIABLES

-        What are the Government’s legislative non-negotiables?

The community contact for more information is Victor Trofimovs, email: victrof@live.com.au.

Project updates will be made available on the website and at the ferry shelter noticeboard.

People can register with the website to receive information updates.

Victor Trofimovs

Raymond Island Risk Management Community Group

RI Football wins again!

Those of you who were lucky enough to be part of our great game will know what a success it was on Saturday.  The Blues triumphed and we raised $1,450 for the Paynesville Ambulance Auxiliary.

A full report will be available shortly but we just want to say thank you to all the volunteers who made the day so amazing.  We couldn’t do it without your help and you are too many to name.

We will make an exception, however, and mention the following individuals who really didn’t do much at all.   Dirty Nails Richardson alias Rafferty for his superb umpiring skills, Jack and his long suffering wife for the sausage sizzle, Sam for her corporate marquee hosting skills and last but not least Joy and RG. A special mention also goes to Lauren Docking and Jo Muller for entertaining us pre-match and half time.

Thank you to our loyal sponsors – Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai, Patties Foods, Dahlsens Mitre 10, Bairnsdale Tyrepower, A’Beckett Park, Nagle College, I Do Massage, Priceline, Little Alice Café and Kmart.

But we must not forget the players, without whom we wouldn’t have a football match.

A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU

Seniors' Week in full swing

Here is a list of what's coming up during Seniors Week:

Monday 5^th October – Card Making Workshop 10am till 11.45pm

Tuesday 6^th October - Storytime with a Special Senior 11am

Tuesday 6^th October – Afternoon Tea 1930’s and 1940’s 2.30pm till 3.30pm

Thursday 8^th October – Introduction to BorrowBox eBooks & eAudio 10am till Thursday 8^th October – Introduction to Axis 360 eBooks 11.30 till 1pm

Thursday 8^th October – Introduction to Zinio eMagazines 2pm till 3.30pm

Friday 9^th October – Film Screening The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 2.30pm till 4.45pm

Sunday 11^th October – Paynesville Community Group Mini-Expo 10am till 1pm

If you would like further information on any of these things or would like to book please pop in here at the Paynesville Service Centre or call us on 5153 9500.

Annual koala count

Help needed to count Koalas on Raymond Island 

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria are undertaking another count of Koalas on Raymond Island.

The count, which will help inform the management of the Koala population on the island, will be held on Friday 16 October 2015.

DELWP Biodiversity officer, Leona Waldegrave-Knight said: “Since the introduction of 42 Koalas to Raymond Island in 1953, the numbers have steadily grown. Numbers peaked in 2003 with 605 Koalas. Since then there has been active management of the population in an effort to protect the welfare of the Koalas and their habitat,” Ms Waldegrave-Knight said. “Our main management strategy in recent years is the use of fertility control to slow down the population growth, but translocation of small numbers of Koalas to suitable areas near Bairnsdale has occurred in the past and may occur this year. Knowing the number of Koalas on the island is important information that is used to help make decisions on their management. We’re working towards a healthy and sustainable population to protect Koala welfare and for the local community and visitors to enjoy.”

If you are interested in volunteering to help count Koalas please register with the DELWP office in Bairnsdale on 51 520600 before Wednesday 14 October, so teams can be organised and for catering.

Volunteers are asked to arrive at the Raymond Island Community Hall between 9.00am and 11.00 am on Friday 15 October. They will be given instructions and a safety briefing and led by DELWP and Parks Victoria staff to various parts of the island to count Koalas. A sausage sizzle lunch will be provided at the hall.

Participants are asked to dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes, preferably with long sleeves and pants and bring their own water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Binoculars would also be beneficial.

The count may be postponed at short notice if weather conditions are extreme.

Rachel Dawkins
Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning

Annual burn off

Notice

Raymond Island Burn Off and Mulching day.

Saturday 10th October

This is the last chance, so get your pruning’s to the tip site before 9am on Saturday. (Centre Rd between 7th & 10th Parade). 

The Burn starts after 9am depending on weather. BBQ Sizzle will be operating on the day so come along and join in the fun.

Paynesville Foreshore Plan

Help shape future of Paynesville’s foreshores

Paynesville residents and ratepayers are encouraged to provide their thoughts on the town’s foreshore areas as part of plans that will frame management of the precincts for the next 15 years.

East Gippsland Shire Council has released a paper outlining the issues and opportunities for all foreshore areas, including Newlands Backwater, Sunset Cove, the township precinct, Slip Road, Fort King, Point Fullarton and Bay Road.

The information provided from the community members and groups will be considered when developing the Draft Paynesville Foreshore Management Plan. The Shire will also consult with relevant government agencies when preparing the draft.

To complete this project, Paynesville’s foreshore has been divided into seven zones. The final plan will describe the environmental and community values that characterise the different zones, develop a vision for each zone and identify where improvements can be made to meet environmental and community needs. 

Shire Mayor Councillor Peter Neal said the Foreshore Management Plan is another step toward ensuring Paynesville remains one of the most visited tourism precincts in East Gippsland. “We keen to see as much community participation as possible in the development of this plan. We’ve recently completed foreshore management plans in other towns with a good response from those communities, so I hope we’ll get a similar engagement from the Paynesville community,” Cr Neal said. 

Comment can be made by visiting the Shire’s engagement portal at www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au, by emailing feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au or by post to Paynesville FMP, EGSC, PO Box 1618, Bairnsdale VIC 3875.


Feedback closes Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Community Groups Mini Expo