RI Football: only 4 more sleeps!

Don't forget the big footy match is coming up this weekend on Saturday 24 September at A'Beckett Park. 

All you Hawthorn and Crows supporters can make up for your absence a the AFL Grand Final and barrack for your favourite Raymond Island Team.

Gates open at 12 and the match starts at 1.30. Come along and join in the VIP Marquee or have a sausage at the sausage sizzle. Kids can have fun on the Jumping Castle and have their faces painted for their favourite team.

Support the Paynesville Ambulance Service by supporting your team - is it the Raymond Island Reds or the Raymond Island Blues?

We've got lots of great raffle prizes including tools from Dahlsens, a special gift from Bairnsale Mazda, a beautiful koala pendant hand crafted by Marion Marshall Studios, gift vouchers from Momentum Health, Lloyd's Menswear, Kmart and the Thai Restaurant at the Paynesville Cruiser Club.

See you there!

Blessing of the animals

Blessing of The Animals

3pm | 2nd October 2016

The Abbey Oval, Raymond Island

All animals, all people

ALL WELCOME

(03) 5156 6580 or info@theabbey.org.au

PMM heritage exhibition

Members and Supporters of Paynesville Maritime Museum,

The PMM Committee are proud to be able to pass to you the below invitation to attend the official opening of the Heritage Network East Gippsland exhibition "Our Maritime Heritage".

This will take place at 6.00 pm on Thursday 6 October at the East Gippsland Art Gallery.

Would you please respond to HNEG (contact@heritageeastgippsland.com.au) by 3 October to let them know you will be there.

Friends with an interest in maritime history will also be welcome.

Being a maritime history related exhibition we are looking to have a strong PMM delegation present to celebrate the occasion and to show support for the work the PMM team have put into our display there.

Shire news for Raymond Islanders

Dog owners reminded to BYO bag

No bag? No excuses. That’s the message to dog owners in East Gippsland as they are put on notice to clean up after their dogs or face a maximum fine of $777.30. East Gippsland Shire Council Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen reminded dog owners they need to be prepared by carrying plastic bags with them when they take their pet for a walk so that they clean up after them. “Some owners may be unaware that it is an offence not to be carrying a bag or similar item to collect their dog’s droppings. If an owner isn’t carrying a bag, it’s a clear indication they have no intention of picking up after their dog.” The Shire’s warning period is now over, and owners found without a way to collect droppings face a fine." The Shire does have dog bag dispensers in popular walking areas throughout the region. However, these are a back-up for the times when owners may have forgotten a bag, rather than a substitute for bringing a bag from home.

Council supports events big or small

East Gippsland Shire Council’s event sponsorship program continues to develop and build the region’s calendar of events, showcasing the area as a great destination to visit and explore. The Shire Grants Program has a community events and festivals category, which aims to attract new events to East Gippsland. As well as providing immediate economic benefits such as accommodation bookings and hospitality services, they also provide activities for the local community to enjoy. Another funding program is the Regional and District Events Sponsorship (RADES).

In 2016-17 event funding will go towards East Gippsland Dragon Boat Regatta, Omeo High Country and RV Muster, Lakes Entrance Beach Netball Competition, Tour of East Gippsland, Paynesville Music Festival, and new events, Metung Village Green Cinema Nights and the Mountain Cattlemen’s Buchan Get Together. 

If you are thinking about organising an event, visit the Shire’s website for a toolkit and templates to help you get started.

New instalment option for council rates

Ratepayers will now be able to split their rate payment over 10 months thanks to a new option offered by East Gippsland Shire Council. Paid in 10 even instalments, this option is only available by direct debit and replaces the eight instalment format. 

Ratepayers should now have received their 2016-17 rates notices, which were recently issued by Council. Anyone wishing to pay by 10 instalments needs to register by early September as the first instalment is paid on 15 September. However, customers can join this program after it has begun if they pay the instalments that have already passed. 

Other options to pay rates include quarterly instalments and paying in full on 15 February 2017. Customers do not need to sign up to quarterly instalments but payments need to be received by the due dates. If not received, they are considered part payments with the balance due by 15 February. “We can also set up individual payment arrangements for any customers who find the other options don’t suit their financial circumstances. Anyone who thinks they may have difficulty paying their rates is encouraged to contact us early as it allows payments to be spread out over a longer time and can avoid interest,” Mr Gaffney said. For more information on Council rates and payment options, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/rates or call 5153 9500.

Council celebrates community project

A vibrant piece of public art has been officially opened in Nicholson Street, overlooking the Aldi carpark. The mural takes inspiration from the history of the Gunai Kurnai people. It shows the journey of the Bogong moth and dingo making their way from the mountains to the sea, a journey also taken by the Gunai Kurnai people. The project, aimed at engaging young people and reducing graffiti in the town’s central business district, and seeks to create a future of mutual respect and harmony by strengthening partnerships and relationships with the Aboriginal community. The Shire partnered with Federation Training, Victoria Police, Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Co-operative, Local Aboriginal Network, and Aboriginal artists. The mural was created by young Aboriginal people enrolled in Federation Training’s Koorie VCAL program as well as Aboriginal youth who may have a history of graffiti vandalism, and at-risk youth. They were mentored by local artists. The project was funded by a Graffiti Prevention Grant of $18,282 from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program. 

Council collaboration recognised

A new way to deliver information technology services to East Gippsland and Wellington shire councils has seen the two organisations recognised by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). Some members of Wellington Shire Council’s Information Communications and Technology team spend a portion of their time with the East Gippsland team as part of a shared services arrangement. The two teams work together on a wide range of projects to be rolled out across both shires. The arrangement is reducing both councils’ operating costs while increasing their capacities to respond quickly and capably.

Council wins innovation award

East Gippsland Shire Council has won an Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo Council Innovation Award. The Shire won the award for its development and roll-out of split waste and recycling trailers to address issues with providing waste services in our remote areas.
More details about this project were published in the Shire news update on this web site on 11 August 2016.

Victorian councils to update bushfire overlay maps 

Planning scheme maps across the state are being updated to ensure maps of the Bushfire Management Overlays are consistent in their coverage of areas at bushfire risk. Planning schemes set out objectives for the use, development and protection of various land. Zones and overlays help determine the type of uses that can occur on a property. While all land falls within a zone, such as farming or residential, not all properties will have an overlay, and some will have more than one overlay. 

Bushfire controls were first introduced into Victorian planning schemes after the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. Significant areas of the state are at risk from bushfire but are not included in the existing Bushfire Management Overlay. In East Gippsland this includes areas within a 150-metre buffer of forest-type vegetation at risk of ember attack and areas that are surrounded by bushfire risk land. 

East Gippsland Shire Council CEO Gary Gaffney said that having the best possible bushfire mapping and ensuring a streamlined development process is Council’s focus. “Council is aware that there are people already in the process of applying for development approval or who are building and they should not be caught up in the new requirements,” Mr Gaffney said. "A process is also being developed to fast track planning approval where measures such as defendable space and dedicated firefighting water supply can be provided,” Mr Gaffney said. It is expected the new Bushfire Management Overlay maps and planning policy will introduced through a state-wide planning scheme amendment early next year. At this time the Victorian Government will also announce how property owners can ask for a review of the new controls over their land.

Council elections candidates

Accessing candidate information for the 2016 Victorian local council elections

Nominations for the 78 Victorian councils undergoing elections this October open on Thursday 15 September. Candidate information will be progressively made available on the VEC website from Thursday—check individual council election pages at vec.vic.gov.au/Elections/2016LocalCouncilElections.html and see details below. Finding out who has nominated Candidates for each council will be updated progressively on the VEC website during the nomination period, from Thursday 15 September until 12 noon Tuesday 20 September. The list will be updated twice-daily each weekday during the nomination period. No nominations will be taken over the weekend. Accessing the final list of candidates Following the close of nominations at 12 noon Tuesday 20 September, each council’s Returning Officer will conduct a ballot draw for each election to determine the order that candidates’ names will appear on the ballot paper. This final list of candidates, in ballot paper order, will be available on the VEC website late Tuesday afternoon. Candidate contact information Contact details for candidates, where provided, will be available on the VEC website as candidates are listed during the nomination period. A list will also be posted at the end of the day at each council’s election office. Candidate questionnaires, statements and how-to-vote cards 2016 council election candidates have the option of completing a questionnaire to allow voters to compare candidates’ experience. Answers, where provided, will be available on the VEC website from Thursday 22 September. For postal elections, candidate statements and photographs, where provided, will be available online from Monday 26 September. For attendance elections, the VEC website will note which candidates, groups, individuals or organisations have registered a how-to-vote card from Wednesday 21 September. Registered how-to-vote cards are available for inspection at the relevant election office.

Santiago pilgrimage

Images of the French and Spanish paths to Santiago, will take you on a journey of pilgrimage and prayer. 

The Rev John Baldock, Rector of St John’s Anglican Church East Malvern, will tell some of the Camino story and history and provides opportunity for those present to ‘walk their own road’ – sharing thoughts, responses and prayers about the journey.

At The Abbey 1-25 First Parade, Raymond Island 

14 – 16 October 2016 

Full Weekend: 5pm Friday evening – after lunch Sunday

Cost per person incl. dinner Fri, breakfast, lunch, dinner Sat, breakfast,& lunch Sun. twin/share accommodation: $235: single accommodation – additional: $55 Non residential: incl. All meals: $165 

Friday evening – Saturday afternoon: Cost per person incl. dinner Fri, breakfast and lunch Sat twin/share accommodation: $135 single accommodation – additional: $35 Non residential: incl. dinner Fri & Lunch Sat: $85 

To book or further information contact the Abbey:

t: (03) 5156 6580 or e: info@theabbey.org.au

Beauty and the Beast

Dear all,

It is with great pleasure that I write to inform you that the Production Team for Beauty and the Beast has been appointed.

There was a lot of interest in the show and hard decisions had to be made, but the committee is confident that the team that has been chosen will work well together to bring Beauty and the Beast to life here in Bairnsdale.

The Production Team is as follows:

Director - Skye Smith

Assistant Director - Peter Martingnoles

Production Manager - Jennifer Green

Choreographer - Casey Davidge

Stage Manager - Susan Gibson

Assistant Stage Manager - Rick Edney

Lighting/Tech support - Haylee Treasure

You will notice that a Musical Director has not been appointed yet, we are still talking to interested people.

Keep an eye out for auditions ads - we hope to see lots of you there!

Kind regards, Jodi Gray

Secretary, BPLTC

Mind games

Cockie's corner

There was a blonde who was tired of all the blonde jokes and decided to dye her hair brown. She felt happy and went for a drive out the back Sarsfield, where good old farmer Jane was moving her mob of sheep along a country lane. The blonde asked the farmer "If I guess the number of sheep you have, may I have one?" "Sure," he said. Out of the blue she blurted out "352".The farmer was stunned but kept his word and allowed her to pick out a sheep. She looked, and searched, and finally picked out the cutest. The farmer looked hard at her and said, "If I guess what colour your hair really is, may I have my dog back!"

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Greg Juckert sent in the link to a very French, very funny stage act... Be sure to watch the diner's expression when the plate is removed:
Mariele's Dinner

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A travelling salesman was on his way to an appointment but had no idea what the time was. As he was driving pass farmer Toms property he noticed the farmer in the paddock sitting on a bucket and brushing his prized bull's back legs. The salesman climbed over the fence, walked up to the front of the bull and asked "Could you please tell me the time." The farmer slowly lifted the left testicle and said "It's three," he then lifted the right testicle and said "twenty. The correct time is 3.20 pm." The salesman was absolutely astounded and asked the farmer how can he tell the time by lifting the bulls testicle whist sitting on the bucket. "Well." said the farmer, "from where I am sitting I can see the Town Hall clock behind you."

Garden group springs into action

It looks like spring is well and truly here. The fruit trees in the community garden are blooming along with a colourful display of annuals scattered through the veggie patch. We’re pleased to see our seeds sprouting, our strawberries coming into early fruit and the herbs putting out new shoots. 

The experimental crop of Yacon has begun to grow from the root stock planted just over a month ago and we wait with impatience to see how they will develop. If you’re coming past the garden drop in and read the information on the bed – the humble Yacon could become a healthy addition to everyone's diet. We will be able to share root stock next autumn so get in early and let us know if you want to trial it at home.

First ever no dig potato patch

Our last community garden day was a real challenge as we were all new to the concept of no dig gardens, but with information in hand from the web and materials delivered to our site we tackled it enthusiastically. A big thanks must go to The Grain Store for supplying the straw and hay, to Dahlsens for donating the manure and compost and to Goodman's who provided the seed potatoes.

For everyone's information and just in case we can tempt you to try this technique yourself we followed these simple steps.

For every layer , particularly the first two layers, we watered the bed well.

First layer was cardboard overlapped, the second newspapers also overlapped - this provides the bed for the garden and will stop weeds growing through from the lawn.

Subsequent layers comprised Lucerne hay broken into thin bats and laid down, a generous scattering of manure (we used cow and horse manure) and wood ash. Straw can also be included. We made just 3 layers before our materials ran out but you could do more to make the bed higher.

The final layer was a thick covering of straw. On top of this we laid the potatoes where they were to grow and then for each potato parted the straw and filled the hole with compost and then planted. In total 24 potatoes were planted with two varieties used - Dutch cream (a good all-rounder) and Ruby Lou (a pink skinned variety good for salads, baking & frying).

The simple concept of a no dig potato patch is that the potatoes get a head start while the layers below slowly turn into beautiful organic compost providing all the nutrients they will need to produce a bumper crop. We’re looking forward to some tasty results.

We’ve had visitors

Our community garden has recently been contacted by a small group of interested residents from Paynesville and surrounds. They visited us on our last gardening day and were keen to know about our beginnings and what we had achieved so far. Their goal is to create a community garden space in Paynesville. Looks like gardens will be popping up everywhere!

Got some spare gardening equipment that you no longer use?

Our group is in need of two lidded compost bins to help keep the garden area tidy. We’re also on the lookout for a wheelbarrow for general garden use.

Please contact Pat & John Wilson 5156 6850 if you are able to help out.

We warmly invite all islanders to drop in catch up with what is happening in the garden. Our next gardening morning is on 14th September. Free cuppa and chat available. Hope you can make it.

Abbey working bee

Council news

Mountain bike racing returns to East Gippsland

National level mountain biking will return to the East Gippsland region in 2017 for the Mountain Bike Australia XCO National Series. Mount Taylor, near Bairnsdale, will host round five and six of the cross country (XCO) competition on February 11 and 12, 2017.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz said the region’s environment lends itself to these type of events. “We are pleased to host this series and to be able to provide $15,000 to support the 2017 and 2018 races. Events like these build awareness of East Gippsland as a destination for adventure racing and have economic benefits, both through the event at the time, but also by return visits,” Cr Pelz said.

Taxi rank extended

East Gippsland Shire Council is extending the shelter at the taxi rank in Bairnsdale’s Nicholson Street. Funded through the Victorian Government, the new shelter (on the left) complements the existing shelter and will provide extra protection from the weather for taxi patrons. The project has been completed with feedback from taxi operators and members of the public. It is anticipated the works will be finished in mid-September.

Audit Committee Vacancy

East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a new member for its independent Audit Committee.

Operating since 1995, the committee’s main role is to help Council fulfil its governance and oversight responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, internal control, risk management, ethical accountability and audits.

The Audit Committee is a formally appointed Committee of Council made up of seven members, four of which are external and completely independent of Council. The Mayor and two other Councillors make up the balance. Shire CEO Gary Gaffney said Council is looking for a new independent member to join the Committee for a three-year term beginning on 1 December 2016. “The appointment of independent members is consistent with the guidelines prepared by the Victorian Government which state that external members bring to the committee skills, knowledge and experience that may not otherwise be available from within the Council and a facility for checks and balances,” Mr Gaffney said. “The Committee meets at least five times a year, and to ensure it is well equipped to perform its role we’re always keen to hear from interested community members with knowledge and skills that align with its Terms of Reference. “Ideally applicants should have a strong financial background. Risk management and governance experience are also ideal but really, we’re happy to hear from anyone who believes they can bring skills to the table that will add value to the work of the committee,” Mr Gaffney said. 

Audit Committee members are paid a fee to attend meetings and reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed. Nominations close Wednesday, September 21. For more information and nomination forms visit the Shire’s website, www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au or call 5153 9500.

Bored dogs bother East Gippsland

Dogs in East Gippsland seem to understand the old saying that the squeaky wheel gets all the oil, with excessive dog barking increasing this quarter across the municipality. Complaints to East Gippsland Shire Council’s Community Laws Unit about barking dogs have increased by 18 in the last quarter, with over 76 calls to Council.

Community Laws Coordinator Bill Petersen said in most cases owners and their frustrated neighbours can take a number of simple steps to address the animal’s nuisance behaviour. “When owners work long hours and infrequently walk their dogs during the week, dogs often become bored, lonely or frustrated,” Mr Petersen said. “A barking dog is generally a sign of a poorly or inappropriately cared for animal. Pet owners need to look at their behaviour, not their pet’s, when their dog is barking excessively. “Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and companionship. If you can’t walk your pet during the week, ask your kids or a friendly neighbour to walk your pet, or consider engaging the services of a professional walker. 

“Barking at night is often a result of a fearful or uncomfortable dog – so make sure you dog has a comfortable, safe and enclosed place to sleep.” Mr Petersen said obedience training can also help dogs stop barking, but if previous attempts have failed there are services available that will provide professional advice on preventing behavioural problems such as barking. If residents continually fail to take the right steps towards correcting their dogs behaviour, they can face escalating fines and ultimately legal action. Residents are encouraged to call Community Laws on 5153 9500 for a fact sheet on barking dogs and responsible pet ownership, or visit the 

Responsible Pet Ownership website at: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/pets.

Chance for small businesses to have say on red tape 

East Gippsland Shire Council is encouraging small businesses to provide feedback to a review on regulation impacting the sector. The Victorian Government is currently examining how regulation is impacting the state’s small businesses through the Small Business Regulation Review. Council recognises that red tape and regulation can significantly impact a business’ operations and growth and is raising awareness of the review. The review will include three sectors, with retail being the first sector to be reviewed. 

You can get involved in any of the following ways: 
1. Visit the website at: vic.gov.au/smallbizreview; 
2. Email: smallbiz.review@ecodev.vic.gov.au; 
3. Attend a roundtable in Melbourne or Traralgon – details available on the website; 
4. Submit your reform ideas to the Red Tape Commissioner’s website at: dtf.vic.gov.au/redtaperubbishbin. 

Submissions close September 30, 2016. 

Don't contaminate recycling bin

Recycling as much as possible diverts waste from landfills, extending their life, and reduces the burden on the world’s resources. However, including non-recyclable items in your recycling can undo not only your good work, but that of other residents.

East Gippsland Shire Council has received some complaints of non-recyclable items being placed into recycling bins. Director Operations Chris Waites said this is called contamination and creates a number of issues. “Putting items that can’t be recycled into a recycling bin can lead to entire loads of recyclables being sent to landfill, and is a workplace health and safety issue for staff at the site where the different types of recyclables are sorted,” Mr Waites said.

Common contaminants include plastic bags, disposable nappies, food waste, clothing, pots and pans, crockery, broken toys, gas bottles and batteries.

“We’re reminding residents the six types of material that can be recycled are glass jars (no window, drinking or cooking glass), aluminium, steel, paper and cardboard and rigid plastics numbered one to seven. Plastic bags, even if marked with a recycling symbol, shouldn’t be placed in the recycling bin. For safety reasons, staff at the MRF will not open plastic bags in case of broken glass, syringes etc; anything in a plastic bag will go to landfill,” Mr Waites said.

Ensure your jars, bottles and cans are empty and contain no liquid or food, if possible, give them a quick rinse.
If you are unsure about how best to dispose of an item or to find out how you can reduce your waste at home, check Council’s website, www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/waste. You can also book a waste and recycling information session for your school, kindergarten or community group with Council’s waste education officer.

RI Football match update

Plans are well underway for the 4^th annual RI Football Match on Saturday 24 September.

Have you got it in your diary?  It’s at A’Beckett Park and play commences at 1.30 pm.

The gates open at 12, so come early have a sausage or hamburger and enjoy the pre-match entertainment.  Entry fee is $5 if you are over 16 years of age.

Better still, join the VIP Marquee for an extra $15.00 and sample some of these delights:

club sandwiches, salmon blinis, bbq pork, beef on croute, sushi and Quescadilla.  Or if you’d prefer something hot what about vol au vents, prawn gyoza, mini spring rolls, party pies and sausage rolls, salt & pepper calamari and pizza meatballs.  To make sure you are totally satisfied we have cheesecake, mousse & pavlova shots, rumballs and passionfruit slice to finish. Where else can you get a feast like that for $15.00?  Personal attention will be guaranteed by our hosts.

This year we have a  Jumping Castle and face painting for the kids so there will be something for the non-playing kids to do. The major raffle prizes will once again be provided by our fantastic sponsors, Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai and Dahlsens Mitre 10.  There also be some lucky ticket prizes. I Do Massage will be there again to ease your aching shoulders and necks, for a small fee.

You can pre-book a seat at the VIP Marquee by emailing riflmatch2016@gmail.com.

You can register to play at this email address too.  Early registrations will go into a draw for the game football signed by all the papers.  All ages are welcome, male and female but you must be over 8 years old

Don’t forget to check out the highlights from last year’s match, courtesy of Victor Trofimovs

https://youtu.be/ayffdZo3Xlc   -   Youtube link for the 2015 Match.

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

GATES OPEN AT 12.00

BALL BOUNCED AT 1.30 PM

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UpcomingCouncil elections

Call for candidates for upcoming East Gippsland Shire Council election Nominations to stand as a candidate for the 2016 East Gippsland Shire Council election open on Thursday 15 September. ‘I encourage anyone interested in representing their local community to nominate,’ said Returning Officer Sandra Wood. ‘Prospective candidates should prepare now so they are ready to lodge their nomination in person during the short nomination period.’ Nomination forms must be lodged in person, together with the $250 nomination fee, with the Returning Officer during business hours from Thursday 15 September until 12 noon Tuesday 20 September at the election office: Community Hub Office Building, 27 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale.  Late nominations cannot be accepted. To prepare, prospective candidates can call the Returning Officer from Wednesday 14 September on 1300 589 010 to make a nomination appointment. They can also pre-fill their nomination form online using the VEC’s Candidate Helper at vec.vic.gov.au. Prospective candidates are also strongly encouraged to attend a candidate information session. Information sessions will be held: When: 7.00 pm Tuesday 13 September Where: Bairnsdale Corporate Centre, 273 Main Street, Bairnsdale Candidate Information Kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available at the sessions. Further information on nominating as a candidate is available at vec.vic.gov.au.

Shire news for Raymond Islanders

NEST: East Gippsland Youth Space

East Gippsland Shire Council, along with the Youth Ambassadors and Freeza will be running a ‘Youth Space’ pilot program for ages 12-25 years. This initiative has been called ‘Nest’ and is aiming to determine whether there is a need for a generalized youth service in the Bairnsdale area. On the last Friday for the coming three months, beginning on the 29th of July at 5pm, Nest will encourage young people to engage with youth workers, participate in fun, safe and exciting activities, also offering live music and local DJs. 

The aim of the pilot program is to offer all young people from diverse background a chance to socialize in a safe and supportive environment. Each session will offer local young people different activities and opportunities to connect with other young people and learn new skills. The first session will offer Tie Dyed T-shirts, a set by a local DJ and all you can play board games! Not to mention FREE pizza and other food! There will also be free transport to and from the event for anyone who may have trouble getting there. And who knows, you may even catch a sneaky Pokémon or two!

Shire supports ‘I Love Leftovers’ campaign

A campaign encouraging people to reduce their food waste The Victorian Government is encouraging people to love their leftovers with a new promotion by Sustainability Victoria’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign. The ‘I Love Leftovers’ promotion shares tips, advice and recipes to help Victorian households reduce their food waste by making the most of their leftovers. 

Victorian households throw away an estimated 250,000 tonnes of wasted food a year, enough to fill the Eureka Tower. It’s also hitting their hip pocket, costing families $2200 a year on average. The promotion aims to help Victorian households take simple steps to reduce the amount of food they throw away by seeing the beauty in their leftovers.

Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said by turning leftovers into lunches or new meals Victorian households will waste less food, save money and do a little bit for the environment while they’re at it. “The way food waste breaks down in landfill can create methane, a greenhouse gas which can lead to potential environmental and public health risks,” Mr Krpan said. “Avoidable food waste disposed of to landfill from Victorian households has the potential to generate up to 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide-equivalent per year. Wasting food has a significant impact on our precious resources too. When we waste food, we also waste the resources used to grow our food and the energy used to process, package and transport food from markets to our homes. “Through the I Love Leftovers promotion Victorians can do little things at home every day that could save them a small fortune and do the environment a big favour,” Mr Krpan said.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor, Cr Marianne Pelz, said Victorian households throw out $4 billion worth of food each year which could feed 367,000 families for a year. “Victorians can adopt easy methods to help them reduce their food waste, while also getting more from their grocery bill,” Cr Pelz said. “There are practical ways to get more from your leftovers – from last night’s dinner to the last few mushrooms in your fridge.”

Globally, one third of all food produced is wasted, so get involved with the promotion by following the Love Food Hate Waste Victoria Facebook page or visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.vic.gov.au to find tips, advice and recipes to help your family get more from your food.

Council a finalist in innovation awards
East Gippsland Shire Council has been announced as a finalist for this year’s Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo Council Innovation Awards. The awards celebrate councils who pursue innovation in waste management. They recognise councils that create and implement waste strategies and deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to their communities and drive innovation across the industry.

The Shire is a finalist for the innovative design of its split waste and recycling trailers. Created for use in remote locations throughout East Gippsland, the trailers are eight cubic metres in size. Shire Acting Chief Executive Officer, Chris Waites, said the trailers were designed to introduce a better, safer, environmentally sound and financially viable waste service to the Shire’s more remote communities and introduce recycling to these areas.

“Each split trailer is caged, enclosed with a swivel-style partition and comes with a hydraulic tipper,” Mr Waites said. "The bin has two caged doors on each side (one for recycling and the other for general waste) that are locked. These bins are only accessible to local residents who have been provided with keys and pay an annual fee for this service.

The award winners will be announced at the Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo, to be held in Sydney in mid-August.

Council elections coming up

Local government elections are being held later this year across Victoria and this is your opportunity to stand for East Gippsland Shire Council. Information on how to run as a candidate for Council is now available from the shire, the Municipal Association of Victoria, and the Victorian Electoral Commission.

East Gippsland Shire Council is represented by nine councillors, who are each elected for a four-year term. There are criteria to meet to be able to stand for council, and some people are not allowed to stand for council. These people include undischarged bankrupts, people disqualified from managing corporations, and others. Council creates opportunities for residents and ratepayers to influence and participate in the decisions that shape our society and local communities.

Being a councillor means talking to many people to understand the needs and wants of the community. East Gippsland covers a large area and not all townships will have the same issues or priorities. As well as making decisions on areas of council responsibility, councillors push for investment in local projects and infrastructure at state and national levels. They also raise issues of importance to the region, such as climate change, mining, and coal seam gas. Called advocacy, representing the community in this way aims to address issues that affect the wellbeing of the area. One of the main roles of a councillor is to work with other councillors to make decisions in the best interest of the community. Councillors will be given reports, background information and advice on each issue from council officers.

East Gippsland Shire Council generally meets formally once a month to consider these reports and make decisions. It is important that council’s decision-making process be open, accessible, and transparent, except in limited situations where confidentiality is needed. The time Councillors spend on their duties varies, but is usually between 10 to 20 hours a week. Councillors should expect to attend at least one meeting a week. 

To stand for council, you pay a $250 nomination fee to the Victorian Electoral Commission and complete a form. You will have the fee returned if you’re elected to Council or you receive at least four per cent of the total number of first preference votes. 

Nominations close on Tuesday, September 20 and the election will be conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission by postal ballot. For more information on the election, or standing as a candidate, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/election.

Arts around the traps

Applications for the Production Team for Bairnsdale Production Line’s 2017 Musical, Beauty and the Beast are now open.
Call 0476 956 349 or email bairnsdaleproductionline@gmail.com to book an interview.
Interviews will be held 31st August from 7pm.

Kay Mooney visited a recent exhibition at East Gippsland Art Gallery showed the skills and artistry of embroidery, lace making, felt craft, quilting, working with paper, and probably some crafts I haven’t mentioned. The skill and imagination exhibited was just breathtaking. Unfortunately this Exhibition is closing on Saturday the 23rd July having been on tour, and I had only just heard about it. A fantastic experience.

Recommended reading
Retirement can turned Islanders into avid readers churning through a book every two days or less and haunting the ladies at the library. Other Islanders have always been a reader, as a child hidden under the bed cloths with a torch, now always with a book handy, on the ferry, waiting for something to cook or finish washing; playing hooky for an hour on the verandah. You can always have a quick few minutes with a good book. So, we would like to share, with others, books we have enjoyed and pass on the addiction.

DOLORES GORDON-SMITH has magically combined the talents of Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes to create JACK HALDEAN (a retired army officer)and Inspector BILL RACKHAM in a post world-war-one setting confronted with what appears to be a murder in a most puzzling manner. In the two books I have read; “Trouble Brewing”, and “After The Exhibition”, the two men sift through what appears to be an impossible task to solve these crimes. The characters and situations are fantastic and have the reader constantly changing their minds as to the outcome. Jack, in some way, reminds me of Christopher Fowlers Arthur Bryant. Both these books are guaranteed page turners, with brilliant endings. Definitely FOUR STARS, and a must read. Both these books are in the Paynesville Library. Just read them! JM

Sulari Gentill: The Rowland Sinclair Series
Stories set in the 1930s against the dark rise of Nazism. The Sinclairs are Australian “aristocracy” a wealthy landowning family. Rowland, the hero, is an artist with a band of eccentric friends who rally round to extricate him from various dangers and adventures while together trying to raise the alarm in regard to events in Germany. This is an ongoing theme through the books we have read, the stories interwoven with real background events and persons, bringing the times to real life. There are seven books to date with number eight due to hit the shops in 2017. It’s even printed in Australia - Hurrah! KM

M.C. Beaton: The Agatha Raisin Series
These are much more light hearted who-dunn-its with a blundering, and not always likeable, heroin Agatha. It has been made into a couple of T.V. episodes. Set in the picture perfect Cotswolds of England, it has a cast of very appealing characters and follows the transforming of Agatha from a monster of the Public Relations world of big business in London, to a more likable, and much happier, village dweller who solves the local crimes of country living, sometimes more by luck than skill. A lot of fun. KM

A global age-friendly community

East Gippsland Shire Council is one of seven Victorian councils to receive $100,000 from the Department of Health and Human Services to become an age-friendly community.

Age-friendly communities encourage active ageing and opportunities for good health, social and economic participation and personal security.

Mayor, Cr Marianne Pelz, said the Shire would embrace its potential to be a leading age-friendly community. “We will use the project to work towards membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities,” Cr Pelz said. “Council also recently became a signatory partner to the Age-Friendly Victoria Declaration in recognition of the need to take significant steps towards ensuring East Gippsland is a community which respects and works alongside our ageing population.”

Through the Age-friendly Communities grant, the Shire will consult with older community members to achieve the following aims:

· Enabling people of all ages to have an active role in their community;
· Treating people with respect, regardless of their age;
· Helping people of all ages to stay connected to their community;
· Ensuring East Gippsland is a place that helps people stay healthy and active, regardless of age; and
· Helping people of all ages to live with dignity and enjoyment.

Gippsland Primary Health Network, Heart Foundation Victoria and East Gippsland Primary Care Partnership are also supporters of the project, which will run until June 2018.

For more information on the Age-friendly Communities Project contact the Shire on 1300 555 886 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au.

Paynesville Maritime Museum

Coming up

Aug 14 Open day at the PMM Display Facility in Gilsenan Reserve. 8.30 am to 12.30 pm

September 11—Open day at the PMM Display Facility in Gilsenan Reserve. 8.30 am to 12.30 pm

October 15 - PMM Annual General Meeting in Community Centre. 1.30pm

To further explain the crafts that the fishermen of the village needed access to we are presently building a display showing the sailmaker's art. A generous donation of an old cotton sail with hand worked corners and edges will underpin the display with a selection of sail making tools overlaid on top. We have some needles but are looking for a sailmaker's palm if you have one to spare - the older and gnarled the better.

Contented koala

Stella Sakkeus wrote:

Hi there - I know you would have masses of koala photos but I just wanted to share this one from our wander on the island yesterday. Such a contented koala enjoying the Winter sun. Bliss.

Mind games

A few chuckles and 'ooh ahs' for the week:

Bernadette Williams shared this web site link with one of our regular contributors:

Period: Traveling back in time - 1944 to 2014
Just click or click and hold on each photo, and then drag your mouse gently from left to right on the original photograph and it will be become a photo of the exact same location and view in 2014. Drag it back to the left and you are back in 1944! Scroll down for more of the same. Just fascinating!

Sign in the window of Wood St. Tiles:
SELECTION POLICY
HUSBANDS AND BOYFRIENDS
CHOOSING TILES
MUST HAVE A NOTE
FROM WIFE OR GIRLFRIEND'

Cockie's Corner.

There was a farmer with a wonderful orchard of apples that were growing splendidly. But he was disturbed by some of the local kids who would sneak into the orchard at night and eat the apples. He came up with a clever idea and he thought would scare the kids away. He made up a sign and posted in the field. The sigh read “ WARNING!! One of these apples on these trees have been injected with cyanide.” So the kids ran off home made up their own sign and posted next to the farmers sign. The farmer showed up the next day he look over the paddock and noticed not one apple was missing but a new sign stood next to his. He drove up and read the new sign and read “ Now there are two”.

and...

The rural school next door to farmer Tom's was a buzz. A new student was starting school today, a Russian boy named, Ivan Skivinski-Scavaa. To mark the occasion, and after introductions, the teacher, Miss. Jones, said: "Today's lesson will be about Victorian History, to help Ivan understand about our state heritage." Miss Jones's first question was: "In what year was the Eureka Stockade stand?" The whole class went quiet, except for Ivan Skivinski-Scavaa, “ Miss, the Eureka Stockade happened on December 3rd 1854. It was organized by Peter Lalor, to fight the colonial forces over mining rights." “Well done Ivan! It's actually unbelievable - you have only been here for 10 minutes and you can answer questions the class cannot." The next question was: "Who was the first Premier of Victoria?" Again, the class went quiet. Ivan put up his hand. “Miss, his name was William Haines and he was elected in 1857." The teacher was astonished. “Class," she asked, are you not ashamed? Here we have Ivan, who has been here a a very short time and can answer all my questions." From up the back of the class, a voice piped up: “Bugger the Russians!” "Who said that?" Miss Jones asked. Little Sally put up her hand - “Winston Churchill 1942".

RI Football League

Raymond Island Football Match – yes it’s on again.

Put Saturday 24 September in your diary and make sure you’re ready for to cheer on the Raymond Island Reds and the Raymond Island Blues at 1.30 pm,  A’Beckett Park, Raymond Island.  Once again, all proceeds will go to the Paynesville Ambulance Service.

The Blues were victorious in 2013 and the Reds took away the Premiership Cup in 2014.  The Blues dominated in 2015, so you better be there to see who steals the show this year.

If you want to see lots of girls and boys (and old men) running around the ground, all in the peak of fitness, then this is the event for you.

We will have the Corporate Marquee again, with delicious gourmet delights to please all palates as well as the traditional sausage sizzle with soft drinks available for sale.

Pre match and half time entertainment will be another highlight as well as face painting for the kids and “I Do Massage” offering massages in their spa room.  Other activities will be announced soon.

But the most important ingredient will be the players – so register now!  You must have a reasonable level of fitness, but that is all that is required.  You can register your interest at our email address riflmatch2016@gmail.com and a player registration form will be sent to you. 

And check out the highlights from last year’s match, courtesy of Victor Trofimovs

https://youtu.be/ayffdZo3Xlc   -   Youtube link for the 2015 Match.

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

GATES OPEN AT 12.00

BALL BOUNCED AT 1.30 PM

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Mind games

 Graeme Alexander forwarded this wonderful ferry picture and asks the question: "What could possibly go wrong?"

Cockies' corner.

Farmer Greg bought his first farm at a young age, it was old, run down, abandoned and very unloved with plans to turn it into a thriving enterprise.

The paddocks were grown over with weeds, the farmhouse was falling down, the fences were broken. During his first day on the farm the local priest called in to bless the man's work, saying “May you and god work together to make this the farm of your dreams.”

A few months later the priest calls in again to see the farmer. The farmhouse is completely rebuilt, the fences are all strained up,the farm is stocked with prime cattle munching on luscious green paddocks. The crops are starting to head. “Amazing," the priest says "Look what God and you have accomplished together!" “Yes Father,‘’ said Farmer Greg, “But remember what the farm was like before, when God was working it alone.”