Mind games

Keep those little grey cells warm and working and beat the clock unscrambling these winter anagrams:

1. LOCD	11. LKNEFWSAO
2. ETAHER	12. TRSFO
3. ATCO	13. KSI
4. AOENSS	14. IABRETHEN
5. WOSN	15. OSDNWARBO
6. ICCRAT	16. FREI
7. CIE	17. IECILC
8. SARFC	18. SGEOLV
9. IDLAZRZB	19. SNNWMAO
10. EZREFE	20. SREATWE

Cockies Corner.

A Texas rancher was travelling past farmer Brians front gate, noticed him in the paddock, so decided to call in and say hello. "I am Earl from Texas, how big is your farm?”. "About a thousand acres" answered Brian.  “Well," said Earl, "my smallest paddock is four thousand acres and my fences are bigger than yours. That's because my cattle are huge, my sheep weigh in at 80 pounds and my chooks are the size of turkeys. Yes sir, everything is bigger in Texas".  At that moment a mob of kangaroos raced through the paddock “What the hell are those?” asked the astonished Texan. Farmer Brian, looked and said “Don’t you have grasshoppers in Texas?”

RI Football League

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY 24 SEPTEMBER

A’BECKETT PARK, RAYMOND ISLAND

REDS VS BLUES

Can the Reds defeat the Blues this year to make it two all?

PLAYERS WANTED

All ages, boys and girls (over 8 years old), men and women

Email your interest to riflmatch2016@gmail.com

Early registrations will go in a draw to win the match football

VIP MARQUEE AVAILABLE

EXAMPLE OF MENU

Smoked Salmon Blinis

Gourmet Sandwiches

Hot Party Pies & Sausage Rolls

Sushi

AND MUCH MUCH MORE!!!

ENTRY TO GROUND $5 PP, CHILDREN UNDER 16 FREE

VIP MARQUEE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT $20 (including entry fee)

Early VIP marquee bookings are welcome at the email address above.

What's important to RI?

All welcome! 
Discussion and action groups for the advancement of Raymond Island to the Council - 7 PM - 4 July @ The Community Hall.

In conjunction with East Gippsland Shire Council, the Raymond Island community met in 2014 to establish those issues which are important to the community and communications channels with the shire.

Below is a list of the agreed issues, some of which have progressed, others have not. The RICA committee has undertaken to prioritise and pursue them on behalf of the Raymond Island Community and will be discussing how to do that at the July RICA meeting at 7PM on July 4^th.

RICA members and other Islanders who would like to assist are invited to attend.
    

Important to the Raymond Island Community

·         Protection of the natural environment

o   Fauna and flora

o   Foreshore erosion

o   Weeds

·         Roads and pathways

o   Road and drainage maintenance as required

o   Maintenance and expansion of pathways and boardwalks

o   Improved condition of existing footpaths and pathways

·         Access

o   Reliable access on the Raymond Island Ferry through all-weather conditions.

o   Continuation of the current resident passes and fee structure. No increase in fees beyond CPI.

o   Open dialogue between Raymond Island residents and EGSC on ferry operations and maintenance when residents may be affected.

·         Preservation of the character of Raymond Island

o   Building location, design and size

o   Residential and other proposed developments

·         Tourism

o   Promote low impact tourism – bicycles and walking with ferry as key component.

o   Develop more low impact walking trails similar to the koala walk including along McMillan Strait

·         Fire prevention

o   Necessary fire prevention measures to protect life and property.

o   Minimal disturbance to native flora and fauna to be a key goal.

·         Sense of Community

o   Raymond Island residents enjoy and value the sense of community that exists.

o   Continuation of community engagement in varied activities including social, recreational , environmental  and mutual community support is vital.

RICA Winter Warmer

For the diehard islanders who haven't gone North, try a mug of Gluh Wein, snowballs and marshmallows after the next RICA Meeting, July 4 at 7pm.

Gluh Wein

185ml (3/4 cup) orange juice

100g (1/2 cup) caster sugar

1 orange, rind peeled

3 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

           1.5L (6 cups) red wine

Combine orange juice, sugar, orange rind, cinnamon and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 3-4 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. Cover. Set aside for 30 minutes to develop flavours.

       
 Add wine. Place pan over low heat and cook until just before boiling.   

           Pour into heatproof glasses.

Come one, come all, even if you're not a RICA Member. Join in with the RICA Committee and community for some winter warming beverages and conversation.

Our hot winter topic is "What's important to the Raymond Island Community".

It's been raining

Stella Sakkeus enjoyed a wander on Tuesday while the sun was out - after the day of torrential rains.

The kangaroos were all out sunning themselves in Ferry Park. Here’s a view She enjoyed on our walk looking for bedraggled koalas.

Paynesville Growth Plan

Paynesville’s population is predicted to increase to almost 5000 people by 2036 as the town continues to attract young families, professionals and retirees to the town’s unique lakeside lifestyle.

East Gippsland Shire Council has been working with the local community and landowners to plan for this growth and the facilities needed to sustain the community into the future.

Community forums and workshops have made it clear that Paynesville people expect future growth of the town to maintain the spacious, accessible, lakeside character of the town, avoiding repetitive suburban-style development and providing a safe, attractive and convenient living environment.

The Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan has been prepared with this community input in mind to guide the future expansion of the town and is now available as a draft plan for further public comment.

The growth area structure plan completes the picture for Paynesville’s future growth over the next 30-40 years as the town expands towards Grandview Road.

After a series of community workshops, meetings and focus groups, technical studies and investigations, the draft Structure Plan outlines a preferred layout of streets, open spaces, pedestrian/cycle paths and land uses to as a blueprint for future growth.

It also describes the requirements for future subdivision and development that will provide a range of housing, facilities and services to meet local needs, while protecting the surrounding environment.

To view the draft Structure Plan and answer a short survey, please visit the Shire’s engagement portal, and sign in to have your say.

http://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/paynesville-growth-area-structure-plan/

Hard copies of the draft Structure Plan, survey and frequently asked questions are also on display at the Paynesville Customer Service Centre, 55 The Esplanade, Paynesville.

Consultation closes 5pm Monday 4 July 2016.

New paths for Paynesville

Paynesville residents will soon enjoy safer pedestrian access along a large section of Main Road, with a footpath being built by East Gippsland Shire Council. 

The footpath will extend north from the footpath built last year between King and Ashley streets almost to the intersection with Paynesville Road. The 520-metre stretch is being constructed by the Shire’s concreting crew. 

Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz said the project was made possible through savings made during the works for the earlier section. “We received a TAC Local Government Grant for $31,760 for the first footpath, which was built to create pedestrian access to a number of Paynesville’s community facilities,” Cr Pelz said. “Council matched that funding. However, using our own staff we were able to complete the footpath for half the cost and were able to invest the unspent TAC and Council funding into this next section of footpath for Main Road. “Council also contributed an extra $30,000 to allow the footpath to extend almost to Paynesville Road. Paths to navigate the roundabout at that intersection will require further planning and funding.” 

A footpath along the length of Main Road is identified in the Shire’s Access and Mobility Plan, however, the cost means this cannot be fully completed to date. “We are proud that through cost-effectiveness we are able to deliver this large section of footpath on this popular route. Council is committed to developing its footpath infrastructure in all our communities to enhance connectivity and create better urban living and quality lifestyles,” Cr Pelz said. 

The footpath is expected to be completed by the end of July if weather remains favourable. Footpath works have also recently been completed on a small section of The Esplanade, opposite the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club. The footpath wasn’t upgraded at the time of the town centre’s streetscape works as underground fuel tanks had to be removed from the site first. With that step completed, the Shire finished the footpath in mid-June. 

Renting disputes free session

The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) is holding a free information session in Bairnsdale for tenants, landlords, property managers and others about taking residential tenancies disputes to VCAT.
Free information session about taking renting disputes to VCAT

Tenants, landlords, property managers and others are invited to a free information session in Bairnsdale about taking renting issues and other residential tenancies matters to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). 

The session on Thursday, 14 July will cover private rentals, public housing, caravan park and rooming house issues. 

Topics include coming to VCAT and presenting your case landlords applying to regain possession of rental premises, and applying for compensation for damage or other reasons. 

The session will be presented by experienced VCAT members who hear residential tenancies cases, and will be held from 12:30 to 3:30pm at Bairnsdale RSL. 

There is no cost to attend but you must register. For more information and to book your place, visit vcat.vic.gov.au.

Residential Tenancies Forum – Bairnsdale
Thursday 14 July 2016
12:30-3:30pm
Bairnsdale RSL
Bookings essential: vcat.vic.gov.au

Short course on Italian art

Youth Ambassadors on the go

 A number of East Gippsland Shire Council Youth Ambassadors will compete in this year’s YMCA Youth Parliament.

The team of Katie Stewart, Sarah Collier, Brodee Turner, Michelle Perry, Danica Lunavich and David Storey-Mills have developed a bill on an issue they are passionate about and will present it to the Youth Parliament.

Youth Parliament is a program run by the YMCA in which 20 teams, comprising 120 young people from across Victoria, draft a bill and attend Youth Parliament. East Gippsland’s team represents a diverse group of local youth that are passionate about raising awareness of issues affecting young Victorians.

The team is looking forward to debating their bill proposal within the highest level of State Government.

As part of the program’s application process, the Youth Ambassadors submitted three bill proposals.  The team’s selected bill, titled “Entrepreneurship Classes in Secondary Schools”, aims to create classes that educate teens on essential business and life skills, promoting creative thinking in the process.

Aims of the classes are to show entrepreneurship as a potential career path to young Australians and increase employment opportunities to students who don’t necessarily wish to pursue tertiary education.

The team recently travelled to the YMCA camp in Myrniong to undertake a two-day intensive training session to prepare for their week in Parliament. The camp, while being a lot of fun for all participants, also included workshops on the inner workings of Parliament in order to help each team better understand the process of debating a bill in Parliament.

Youth Ambassador Sarah Collier said the team is excited to be a part of such a unique experience.

“This is such a great opportunity for us as a group to voice our opinions within State Government, ensuring that the voices of our local young people are being heard,” Sarah said.

Brodee Turner is also enjoying the Youth Parliament program.

 “I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to learn so much from this great program and am looking forward to the rest of it,” Brodee said.

The Youth Ambassador team looks forward to representing East Gippsland and advocating a bill with the potential for positive change for the youth of our region.

(Left to right: David Storey-Mills, Katie Stewart, Sarah Collier, Michelle Perry and Brodee Turner. Absent: Danica Lunavich)

Take2 climate change pledge

Victoria’s collective pledge initiative to take action on climate change to help Victoria reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 was launched last week.

To reach our target, and for Victoria to play its part on the global stage, we need to act together.

TAKE2 enables all Victorians - businesses, local councils, community and educational organisations and individuals - to be part of Victoria’s action on climate change, and contribute to the first Victorian state-wide interim emissions reduction target for 2020.

All Victorians are called to TAKE2 steps:

1. Right now: take the universal pledge Working together, we pledge to play our part and take action on climate change for Victoria, our country and our planet by signing up
2. In August: share the actions you are taking to help meet Victoria's universal pledge.

Find out more on the Take 2 web site: www.take2.vic.gov.au

Winter warmer at the Abbey

Need to de stress? Relax? Get away for a quiet weekend? Love the bush, native birds, koala bears? Come and join us at our Winter Warmer Weekend 

Don’t miss this opportunity, there is so much included in this package Yoga and meditation Hypnotherapy, reflexology, NLP, Lifestyle advice 

Excellent cuisine supplied by Ian Pearson Motel type accommodation - the rooms are newly refurbished and very comfortable 

Explore new ways of relaxing and understanding how to better manage stress and anxiety Explore own inner self Have fun, meet new people Reconnect with the natural environment 

Optional extras 
Relaxation massage, kinesiology with Mary Cunningham 
Reflexology with Ali Kelly 

We had excellent feedback from our first retreat last year and hope to offer an even better one this year. 

Group and one on one sessions are provided Chris Taplin, Steve Fletcher and Jane Smith to work with participants on how to use mindfulness, hypnosis and NLP to reach their potential. 

An opportunity to watch koalas; or stars through a telescope if the nights are fine! Socialise with the group, sharing a bottle of wine if you choose or rest and relax in your room, the choice is yours 

This wonderful weekend is delivered by qualified therapists; 
Chris Taplin lives and works in Paynesville, and uses a variety of techniques to best suit her clients needs. She has a Diploma in clinical hypnotherapy, cert 4 in alcohol and other drugs and is also a mental health nurse with a Master in Mental Health degree. Her qualifications and experience enable her to specialise with clients suffering anxiety, depression, with confidence, empathy and a common sense approach that reassures and empowers the client to take back control of their life. 
Steve Fletcher is a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist from Sale who brings a tailor made approach to client sessions. He is an experienced health care practitioner specialising in helping clients to lose weight, empowering them to affect change in every session. 
Jane Lindsey Smith is a qualified and experienced hypnotherapist from Yarram, she has developed her own unique style that allows her to connect with, and give, a mix of intuitive and clinical Hypnosis that works very well for stress related problems and unwanted patterns of behaviour. Her philosophy is the same as this saying which goes something like this “Give a person food and he will eat for a day, teach him to grow his own food and he will eat for life” she likes to teach people how to improve their lives by giving information they can use on a daily basis if they wish.

There are 10 places still available out of 15 

Intrepid travellers

The colder weather is here and many Islanders are heading for warmer regions over the winter months.

Our intrepid travelling koala, Raymond, was recently seen at Cahill's Crossing into Arnhem Land on the Alligator River.

If you see Raymond - or his friends and family - on your travels send us photos for our newsletter!

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Ahead of the United Nations’ World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, East Gippsland Shire Council is urging the community to recognise elder abuse and take steps to prevent it. 

The awareness day reminds our community that human rights do not diminish as people get older, and that everyone has the right to live with dignity and respect. 

Elder abuse is any act which causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. The abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect. National Ageing Research Institute data shows that financial abuse and psychological/emotional abuse together are the most common forms of abuse reported by older Victorians (81%). Victims are most likely to be female (72%), and the perpetrators are 60% male and 40% female. Approximately 92% of abuse is perpetrated by persons related to the older person or in a de facto relationship: 66% of abuse is perpetrated by a child of the older person. Warning signs of elder abuse may include a person seeming fearful, anxious or isolated. There may be injuries, or an absence of personal care. Disappearance of possessions, unexplained financial transactions, and changes to a will, title or other documents are also of concern, as are arguments with a caregiver. 

Given that most elder abuse occurs behind closed doors, it is important for loved ones to watch out for signs, listen and offer help. To guard against elder abuse, older people should make sure their financial, medical, legal and other affairs are in order and speak out if they have concerns. 

Anyone experiencing elder abuse can get help by calling Seniors Rights Victoria on 1300 368 821 or visiting www.seniorsrights.org.au. 

Twin Rivers Bream Classic

Download the application form at: http://www.raymondisland.net/Fishing.html

200 Years of Australian Fashion

Kay Mooney was in Melbourne last weekend and went to see "200 Years of Australian Fashion"  held by the National Gallery of Victoria at Federation Square. 

This is a truly wonderful exhibition of Australian design talent over the last 200 years.  If you are planning a trip to Melbourne be sure to include it in your "to do" list.  

But please note: it is at Federation Square (not the main Gallery).

Venue: NGV Australia, Ground level temporary exhibitions.
Dates: showing until 31 July, 10.00am - 5.00pm daily.

Mind games

Brainteaser...
The day before yesterday, Jack was 7 years old. Next year, he'll turn 10. how is this possible.

Spoiler: the answer is at the bottom of this post.


'The cockies corner'

Farmer Brian was leaving the church with his new bride, in their horse and jinker.

Trotting along the horse stumbled. “That's once’’ said the farmer. A short distance down the track the horse stumbled again. “ That's twice" said the farmer. Rounding the bend the poor horse again stumbled. "That's three times." The farmer reached under the seat, pulled out a shot gun and shot the horse dead. The bride then called the farmer everything under the sun. The farmer slowly replied “ THATS ONCE’’.

...
...
...

Brainteaser answer: Today is January 1st. Yesterday, December 31st, was Jack's 8th birthday. On December 30th he was still 7. This year he will turn 9 and next year he will turn 10.

Mind games

Visiting author gives clues to crossword fun...

Whether you’re young or old, if you enjoy crosswords, you’ll want to take part in these free East Gippsland Shire Libraries events. The Bairnsdale Library will host David Astle, crossword maker for 'The Age' and the 'Sydney Morning Herald'. He is also star of the SBS show 'Letter and Numbers' and author of 'Wordburger', a guide to cryptic crosswords for children or beginners.

The author will visit on Wednesday, June 15 and host two workshops, one aimed at children aged 7–13 and one for adults. For the adults a cryptic crossword workshop will be held from 2pm. David will help you peek inside the black-and-white box of a cryptic crossword. Far more than your chance to unravel a single puzzle, David’s chat is a challenge to open your mind to deeper wordplay. The session will allow your brain to flex and your imagination to germinate, ready for any future conundrum.

Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting the library on 5152 4225.


'The Cockie's' corner...

Farmer Brian was driving his John Deere tractor and trailer down the road.
Peter a small boy of eight was playing in his yard.
What’s in the trailer asked Peter.
Manure, I am going to put them on my strawberries.

*

*
Well, you better come to my house to eat strawberries, we put ice cream on ours.

Assistant rain recorder

As you know, Mark Pritchard has handed over the baton as our rain watcher to Greg Juckert. What we didn't know was that Greg secretly has an assistant rain recorder!

This week the secret's out! We're introducing Mistral (named after the ferocious wind that blows from the alps, through the Rhone Valley to the Mediterranean, and driving every one insane in Provence
France.  

That's funny Greg - he doesn't look that ferocious!
Jane
Webmaster

Regional awards

The search is on for individuals, businesses and community groups that are making a difference in our local community through the annual Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz invites all residents to consider nominating an individual, business or group that is helping to reshape and inspire the community.

“These awards are specifically for people in regional areas. If you know someone that has provided support and made a real difference in your life, why not give them a pat on the back and nominate them for an award. It would be great for our community’s contributors to be showcased in these awards,” Cr Pelz said.

Nominations are now open in the following award categories:

• Regional Development Victoria Leadership and Innovation
• Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care
• Parks Victoria Environmental Sustainability
• Federation Training Gippsland Regional Achiever
• MOA Benchmarking Community Service in Aged Care
• Ricoh Australia Customer Service
• Life Activities Clubs Victoria and Henry Carus & Associates Senior Achievement
• Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement
• Prime Super Community Group of the Year

Category winners will each receive $2,000 from the Bank of Melbourne or an airtime package on PRIME7.

Nominations close Wednesday, July 20, 2016.

To make a nomination, simply head to www.awardsaustralia.com and select Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards, then ‘Nominate Now’. For assistance please contact the awards office on 03 9720 1638 or vic@awardsaustralia.com

Paynesville’s growth plan revealed

A draft structure plan that sets out the location for future residential and medium density living in Paynesville has been released for public comment.

The draft Paynesville Growth Area Structure Plan also details the standards for parks, road design, and the look and feel of streets. 

Developed by East Gippsland Shire Council, the draft plan covers land in the western edge of town out to Grandview Road. The structure plan, if adopted by Council and included in the East Gippsland Planning Scheme, will set the guidelines for developers as they apply for subdivision and development. It will be included in the East Gippsland Planning Scheme and be referred to when deciding planning applications.

 

Paynesville’s population is predicted to increase to almost 5000 people by 2036. Earlier community feedback and focus groups have identified that the town needs to maintain the spacious, accessible, lakeside character, avoiding repetitive suburban-style development and providing a safe, attractive and convenient living. 

Mayor Cr Marianne Pelz said focus groups identified good traffic planning, safe pedestrian and cycle paths and protection of wetlands and foreshore areas as important. “Paynesville residents want to maintain the town’s character, with spacious, green streets and good pathway connections to the school, foreshore and community facilities,” Cr Pelz said. “There is a strong feeling in the community that future growth needs to be well-managed and that planning should take advantage of the town’s unique features. The draft plan outlines a preferred layout of streets, open spaces, pedestrian/cycle paths and land uses to as a blueprint for growth.” 

To view the draft plan, visit http://yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au. You can provide feedback at this site, or by contacting the Shire on 1300 555 886 or emailing feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au. Consultation closes 5pm on Monday, July 4.

Fire operations planning

Report of the Raymond Island fire operations planning community meeting held Wednesday 25 May.

On Wednesday 25 May DELWP, Parks Victoria, CFA and the East Gippsland Shire met with the local community to review fuel and bushfire risk management on Raymond Island. This meeting followed on from last year's community consultation, and with the four agencies present it was a good opportunity to provide clarification about the three-year Fire Operations Plan (developed with input from the local community) and to consider what the next 10 years may look like in terms of fuel management on the Island's public land.

The three year plan was well received, and the findings from the feedback sheet that was circulated, which 16 of the 22 attendees filled out, showed that 100% of respondents had a measure of satisfaction with the plan.

At the meeting, there was also a focus on how private property owners could manage their own backyards, and how we could all work together for the best possible outcomes for the Island. Parks Victoria, DELWP and other agencies will return to the Island in spring to talk about the plan again and what fuel management works will be happening on the Island over next spring and autumn.

The full notes and survey results are online at: http://www.raymondisland.net/Emergencies/Bushfires.html

Catherine Burton

Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning

Diabetes study on RI

Dear Raymond Islanders,

Hi my name is Kirsten Mackintosh. I live here on the Island and am a registered nutritionist with Nutrition Society Australia.

I have been working with Diabetes Australia Vic for 8 years and deliver the Life! program to Victorians at risk of developing diabetes. Part of my work is gathering data on the lifestyles of Victorians to help us identify what are the easiest/smallest changes people could make to their lifestyle to mitigate their risk of developing chronic disease.

I need 45 people who are willing to be interviewed for a study to help us learn more about preventing diabetes in our community. 

• Are you over 45?
• Don’t have Diabetes?
• Not had cancer in the past three months?
• Do you have a spare hour for an interview?
• If you fit any of the above criteria please call me on 0438526933.

Your help with this large, Victorian Government funded longitudinal study is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely,

Kirsten Mackintosh
Life! Facilitator Diabetes Australia Victoria

390 Centre Rd Raymond Island

Email: kmacki@swancove.com.au