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Apollo
Bay, what's happening in paradise!
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49-29 6/12/07 -
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MERRY
CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE MUMS
I've been a good mum all year. I've fed, cleaned
and cuddled my children on demand, visited the doctor's
office more than my doctor, sold sixty-two cases
of choc .bars to raise money to plant a shade tree
on the school playground. I was hoping you could
spread my list out over several Christmases, since
I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon,
on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between
cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free
time in the next 18 years.
Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of
legs that don't ache (in any colour, except purple,
which I already have) and arms that don't hurt or
flap in the breeze; but are strong enough to pull
my screaming child out of the lolly aisle in the
grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost
mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.
If you're hauling big ticket items this year I'd
like fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that
only plays adult music; a television that doesn't
broadcast any programs containing talking animals;
and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind
the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.
On the practical side, I could use a talking doll
that says, 'Yes, Mummy' to boost my parental confidence,
along with two kids who don't fight and three pairs
of jeans that will zip all the way up without the
use of power tools.
I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting
'Don't eat in the living room' and 'Take your hands
off your brother,' because my voice seems to be
just out of my children's hearing range and can
only be heard by the dog.
If it's too late to find any of these products,
I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and
comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury
of eating food warmer than room temperature without
it being served in a Styrofoam container. If you
don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles
to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too
much trouble to declare tomato sauce a vegetable?
It will clear my conscience immensely. It would
be helpful if you could coerce my children to help
around the house without demanding payment as if
they were the bosses of an organized crime family.
Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing
and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door.
I think he wants his crayon back. Have a safe trip
and remember to leave your wet boots by the door
and come in and dry off so you don't catch cold.
Help yourself to cookies on the table but don't
eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet. P.S.
One more thing...you can cancel all my requests
if you can keep my children happy, healthy and
always beliveing |
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Recipe For Success!
The kinder would love your help to produce
a local Cook Book,
with all proceeds going to the Kinder
We would greatly appreciate donations of
your much loved family recipies which you
would like to share.
We are also interested in:
'Kinder Kids' Healthy eating recipes
Aussie 'Barbie' cooking tricks and recipes
Old fashioned handy hints
The kinder would also appreciate any donations
(copies) of early settlers photos &.
old/ new photos
of the area,which would help to make this
publication
a wonderful souvenir of our town, and The
Otways.
All recipies,tips & photos can be posted
to
PO Box 346 Apollo Bay, or dopped in at the
Kinder, or
handed in to Sista Mermaids. Please include
your
name and telephone number. Your support
would be greatly appreciatied!
END OF YEAR SCHOOL CONCERT
Friday 7th December
Prompt start at 9.15am to finish at 10.40am
At the School Leisure Centre.
Parents, friends and community members are
invited to come and listen to our young
performers singing, playing piano and violin.
Gold Coin Donation
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING,
Hey kids, Santa is coming to the Post Office
on Monday, 24 December from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Wear your Santa costume and hats. Santa
is bringing in good cheer and that special
surprise.
Mums and Dads bring your cameras and help
spread fun, laughter and the spirit of Christmas.
Eddie and Sylvia wish you all a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year,
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apollobay.com
would like to acknowledge
with thanks the content supplied by
the APOLLO BAY NEWS SHEET.
If you would like to have an article
or advertisement printed in the
Apollo Bay News Sheet please email
it to ApolloNS@bigpond.net.au
by
5PM on Tuesday (printed weekly) |
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Southern Otway Landcare
Network 'Landtalk' |
| SOLN
XMAS BBO - Wed 12th Dec 6.30pm
SOLN would like to invite all Southern
Otway community
members to our end of year Christmas
BBQ.
When: Wednesday 12* Dec 2007 at 6.30pm
Where: Apollo Bay Youth Club, Moore
St
Bring: Drinks and a salad or desert
plate to share
SOLN will provide all the BBQ meat
and veggie burgers. To help with catering,
please RSVP before the 11th Dec by
phoning the SOLN office on 5237 6904
or by e-mailing
Anna on solnanna@vicnet.net.au.
2007 has been a busy year for SOLN
members. It's time to kick back and
share our stories.
Chemical Certificate Training
Jan 2008
SOLN will be hosting a Chemical Certificate
training course in Apollo Bay from
29th to 31st of Jan 2008 with instructor
Ian Lane. If you are interested in
attending the full course or just
need to update your current certificate
please contact the SOLN office on
5237 6904 / solnanna@vicnet.net.au
before 20th Dec 2007. The full course
will run for 3 days from 29th to 31stt
Jan from 10am to 3pm each day. To
update your current chemical certificate
you only need to attend the last day
of the course (31st Jan). The full
course will cost approximately $200
depending on numbers.
For All OBCLO members
Barham River Walks
SOLN and the Otway Barham Catchment
Landcare Group (OBCLG) will be conducting
River Walks for the East Barham on
Sat 15th Dec and for Beauty Gully
on Sun 16th Dec. All OBCLG members
are welcome, particularly those with
river frontage. The focus of these
walks is on the health of the waterways
and on how we can continue to protect
and enhance their natural environment.
Greg Peters (River Health, CCMA) will
also be joining us. These walks will
be from top to bottom and may take
between 3-6 hours each, so you'll
need a good heart and good boots!
When: \5th & 16th Dec 2007
Meet: At the SOLN office at 10am,
a bus will pick everyone up from there
& drop them off after the walk.
Bring: Packed lunch, water, good walking
boots (that can get wet!), sunscreen
& a hat
Otway Barham Catchment Landcare Group
AGM
The OBCLG will conduct their AGM following
the East Barham River walk on 15th
Dec 2007 under the Chestnut Trees
near the Barham River confluence.
The AGM will be kept short and sweet,
and will be followed by open discussion
with representatives from CCMA and
Barwon Water. The event will begin
at 5.30pm and will be catered. Bring
your own chair, a glass and refreshments.
RSVP through Simon - 0418 575 525
or Denise - 5237 6097.
Anna O'Brien. Greg John, Kristen Lees,
Dianne Inglis
(PH) 5237 6904 69-71 Nelson St. Apollo
Bay. Office hours 9 am-lpm daily
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2008
Immunisation Calendar
Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective
way of protecting children against certain
diseases. The risk of these diseases is
far greater than the very small risk of
immunisation.
Our sessions are held in the Colac Otway
Performing Arts & Cultural Centre (COPACC)
meeting room (entry via the main entrance).
First Thursday of Month Session Times: 10.30
- 11.30am Session Dates:
3 January 2008 7 February 2008 6 March 2008
3 April 2008 1 May 2008 5 June 2008
3 July 2008 7 August 2008 4 September 2008
2 October 2008 6 November 2008
4 December 2008
Third Monday of Month Session Times: 2.30
- 4.30pm Session Dates:
21 January 2008 18 February 2008 17 March
2008 21 April 2008 19 May 2008 16 June 2008
21July2008 18August2008 15 September 2008
20 October 2008 17 November 2008 15 December
2008
Preschool News
Congratulations to the 2007 Preschool
Committee for making it through this year!
We now welcome on board the committee for
2008!
Thank you to all who came along to our AGM!
Looking forward to working with you all
in the new year!
Wanted:
Is there anyone out there who may have a
couple
of 1-2 Week old chicks, our preschool chick
is looking for some companions! Please call
Kate at the Preschool
52 376 494 Mon, Tues, Wed. 1-3.30pm
APOLLO BAY AL-ANON GROUP
Please note meeting change. We are currently
meeting fortnightly, every 2nd and 4th Monday
of the month, 8-9pm in the Blue Room, Uniting
Church Hall, Nelson Street, Apollo Bay.
Visitors and newcomers welcome! Al-anon
is anonymous. "If you have been affected
by the drinking of someone close - Al-anon
offers hope."
The Apollo Bay Library is open Wednesday
Mornings from 10am - 1pm and Friday Afternoon
from 1.30pm -5pm at Marrar Woorn.
Interpretive Signage Raises Environmental
Awareness
Colac Otway Shire has installed interpretive
signage at
various sites around the Shire to raise
awareness
about the location and protection of significant
native
vegetation. Further signage will be installed
later this month to
highlight weed hotspots across the Shire.
Colac Otway Shire's Environment Officer,
Travis Riches said the program, funded through
the State Government, would help to protect
reserves from potentially degrading activities.
"The security of these significant
native vegetation
sites is often compromised through illegal
spraying,
slashing, grazing and burning, which will
have a
significant negative effect on these high
conservation
reserves," Mr Riches said. "Similarly,
the weed hotspot signs will identify areas
containing significant weed species that
are being treated by Council. "These
sites shouldn't be disturbed to avoid seeds
being carried from the site and spread to
other areas. "Ultimately, this will
result in more coordinated
management and ensure the ongoing survival
important native species and community assets."
Mr Riches said Council would discuss the
project with
landowners undertaking maintenance works
along the
roadsides.
For further information, contact Council
on 52 329512.
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Planning and Environment
Act 1987
COLAC OTWAY PLANNING SCHEME
Notice of Preparation of Amendment
Amendment C55 Authorisation A0809
Coiac Otway Shire Council has prepared Amendment
C55 to the Colac Otway Planning Scheme. In
accordance with section 9(2) of the Planning
and Environment Act 1987, the Minister for
Planning authorised the Colac Otway Shire
Council as planning authority to prepare the
amendment. The land affected by the amendment
is all land within the municipality.
The amendment proposes to introduce a new
Municipal Strategic Statement (Clause 21)
and delete Local Planning Policies (Clause
22) by inserting relevant guidance and direction
from these policies into the MSS (Clause 21)
and overlays. The purpose of the MSS is primarily
to guide the assessment of planning permit
applications. The structure of the new MSS
is:
• Clause 21.01 Municipal Profile
• Clause 21.02 Vision
. Clause 21.03 Settlement
• Clause
21.04 Environment
• Clause 21.05
Economic Development
• Clause 21.06
Implementation Program
• Clause
21.07 Reference Documents
The amendment also proposes to introduce the
Apollo Bay and Colac Structure Plans and Rural
Land Strategy as reference documents into
the Colac Otway Planning Scheme, some of which
also introduce zoning, overlay and schedule
changes. The new reference documents and the
associated zoning, overlay and/or schedule
changes that form part of this amendment and
impact on the coastal areas of the Shire are
detailed below. Apollo Bay Structure Plan
(2007)
• Strategic direction of
the Apollo Bay Structure Plan is introduced
into the MSS, such as:
• Major coastal
urban development to be directed to Apollo
Bay and contained within the settlement boundary
(as revised by the Apollo Bay Structure Plan).
Controlled building heights and medium density
close to town centre.
• Apollo Bay,
Marengo and Skenes Creek will remain as distinct
coastal settlements, each with a separate
identity and local character.
•
Opportunities for tourist related activities
in the hinterland of Apollo Bay.
. Provide limited tourist related opportunities
in the Otway Ranges.
. Apply a new Significant Landscape Overlay
(SLO) schedule 5 to land on the coastal strip
between Skenes Creek and Apollo Bay. The statement,
landscape objectives and decision guidelines
are derived from the Apollo Bay Structure
Plan (ABSP). Permit requirements and exemptions
are adapted from the existing SLO2.
•
Apply a new Design & Development Overlay
(DDO) schedule 5 and DDO schedule 6 to the
Apollo Bay township to implement the Apollo
Bay Neighbourhood Character Study as updated
by the ABSP. DDO5 and 6 include mandatory
height
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limits and provide for front
set backs on upper levels. Buildings and works
requirements cannot be varied by a permit.
. Apply a new DDO schedule 7 to the Apollo
Bay and Marengo townships that establishes
mandatory height limits that cannot be varied
by a permit and includes minimum areas for
subdivision in accordance with the precincts
recognised by the Apollo Bay and Marengo Neighbourhood
Character Study. It establishes building and
works permit exemptions in relation to a single
dwelling on a lot (with conditions).
•
Airport Environs Overlay (AEO) schedule 2
is reduced in extent to align with the Australian
Noise Exposure Forecast 15 Contour as recommended
in the Apollo Bay Airfield Development Review
2001.
. Schedule to clause 52.01 is amended to require
a 10% open space contribution for all residential
zoned land in Apollo Bay.
Colac Otway Rural Land Strategy (2007)
• Rezone the following land from Rural
Conservation Zone to Rural Activity Zone to
implement the recommendations of the Rural
Land Strategy:
o Lot 1 TP757287 (305 Barham River Road) o
Lot 2 PS515118 (305 Barham River Road) o Lots
1 and 2 PS545877 (30 Conns Lane)
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Insert a schedule to the Rural Activity Zone
applying a minimum area for subdivision of
40ha for Lot 1 TP757287 (305 Barham River
Road), Lot 2 PS515118 (305 Barham River Road)
and Lots 1 and 2 PS545877 (30 Conns Lane)
Apollo Bay.
Great Ocean Road Region Landscape Assessment
Study (2003)
• Apply a new SLO schedule
3 to the Apollo Bay Coastal Valley and Hills
precinct as identified in the Great Ocean
Road Region Landscape Assessment Study (GORRLAS).
The statement, landscape objectives and application
requirements are adapted from GORRLAS. The
permit requirements, exemptions and decision
guidelines are adapted from the existing SLO2.
• Apply a new SLO schedule 4 to the
Johanna Coast to Cape Otway Coastal Valley
and Hills precinct as identified in GORRLAS.
The statement, landscape objectives and application
requirements are adapted from GORRLAS. Permit
requirements, exemptions and decision guidelines
are adapted from the existing SLO2.
For further detail about these changes, including
changes arising out of the Colac Structure
Plan and Planning Scheme Review, please inspect
the explanatory report.
You may inspect the amendment, any documents
that support the amendment and the explanatory
report about the amendment at the following
locations:
¦ At the office of the
planning authority, Colac Otway Shire Council
Colac Customer Service Centre 2-5 Rae Street,
Colac; or Apollo Bay Customer Service Centre,
Nelson Street, Apollo Bay.
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 APOLLO
BAY COMMUNITY NEWS |
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APOLLO
BAY
CHURCH
SERVICES |
St.
Aidans Anglican
9.00am
Rev Tim Cohen 5237 6615
Also 5pm 1st & 3rd Sundays
Uniting Church
9.30am
Rev
Kevin Cranwell 5232 1360
Sunday School every 2nd & 4th Sundays
Star of the Sea Catholic
10.30am
Fr Gerry Prunty 5237 6782
Apollo Bay Assembly
of God
6.00pm
Ps Peter Smith 5237 7668.
Youth programs each Friday night |
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Karl Francis Walters 20 years' Memorial
Walk
from Wild Dog Bridge to Marengo Friday 14
December 2007
Starts at midnight. Bring lanterns. All
welcome. Yvonne & Don 5237 6468
Apollo Bay Informal Fishing Group.
Next meeting will be held on
Thursday 6th December, 2007 at 10.30am at
the
Apollo Bay Shire conference room, Nelson
Street,
Apollo Bay. All welcome.
Apollo Bay Probus Club Members
Next General Meeting to be held at 11am
on
Friday December 7th at the Bowling Club
followed by Christmas Luncheon. Please have
correct money in an envelope with your
name on it. Mary Ormrod, Sec.
APOLLO BAY GARDENING GROUP
Please note that the next meeting of the
Gardening group will be held at 2pm on Monday
18th February 2008 at
Marra Woorn House.
SENIORS CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Seniors Christmas Dinner is at 12
noon Friday
14th December.
Please note that bookings close
Tuesday 11th December
Contact Jeanette Babb 5237 6268 or
Clarice Mustafa 5237 6690
SENIOR CITIZENS
Saturday 8 December Carpet bowls 2pm
Monday 10 December Carpet bowls 2pm
Tuesday 11 December carpet bowls 2pm
RED CROSS
We wish to thank everyone who helped and
to all
those who supported us.
1st Prize Maybelle Fisk 2nd Irene Newton.
Many thanks to Akiko for a lovely morning
tea.
SPECIAL NOTICE TO R.S.L. WOMENS
AUXILIARY
The scheduled November meeting will be
held on Tuesday 11th December and will
be our last meeting of the year. Meeting
will be starting at 10am All members welcome
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AIDAN'S ANGLICAN LADIES GUILD
CHRISTMAS STREET
STALL
SATURDAY DECEMBER & 9.00AM
Home Made
Christinas Cakes (Large & Small) Christmas
Puddings(Large&Small Shortbread
Other Christmas "Goodies" If you
wish to purchase any items, please be early,
to avoid disappointment.
Raffle- Christmas Food Hamper. Thankyou
Avis Coles,
Secretary.
The President invites members and their
partners
to attend the annual Christmas party to
be held on
Wednesday 19th December at 6.30pm at
RSL sub-branch rooms
RSL AUXILIARY - SPECIAL NOTICE.
The November meeting of the Auxiliary has
beei moved to TUESDAY 11th DECEMBER. The
meetin; will commence at 10pm and will be
the last meeting c the year. All members
welcome.
Please note the change in date.
Barwon Water
Gardeners to benefit from new water conservation
A new Barwon Water conservation program
has been developed to show gardeners how
to adapt their gardens to survive and
flourish with less water. WaterSecure
Garden is a 12-month pilot program targeting
residential gardens in the
Barwon Water region.
Participants in the WaterSecure Garden
pilot program will receive an assessment
of their garden and advice from a qualified
horticulturist about what they can do
to make their gardenmore water efficient.
Five local garden centres have received
training for the WaterSecure Garden program
and each will conduct 100 assessments
during the next 12-months. During the
site visit the horticulturalist will:
assess lawns and garden plants, soil condition
and microclimatic conditions
provide a watering schedule detailing
how long, and how often, to water specific
garden beds and sections of lawn
• install helpful tools such as
a rain gauge and tap timers, and provide
advice about how they can help determine
when to water
provide tips on maintaining a healthy
garden
identify if the property is suitable for
greywater re-use
suggest an appropriate rainwater tank
size for the garden
• provide a personalised report
with the technical information and recommendations.
Barwon Water Deputy Chairman John McDonald
said there was no doubt gardeners had
found Stage 4 water restrictions tough,
but through wise plant selection and garden
design, water efficient products and the
use of alternate water sources, it was
possible to maintain a great garden.
"When we are not on water restrictions,
up to 34 per cent of water used by a typical
household in the Barwon Water region is
used in the garden and that is why the
restrictions focus on outdoor water use,"
Mr McDonald said. "At the same time,
we know gardens bring great enjoyment
to many people and the WaterSecure program
is a way Barwon Water can help these people
continue to take pleasure in gardening."
WaterSecure Garden and its companion programs,
WaterSecure Business and WaterSecure Home,
have been developed to provide targeted
water saving information and tools for
residential and non-residential customers.
"With our customers' help, we are
confident we can achieve our aim to reduce
water consumption in the region by 25
per cent by 2015 and 30 per cent by 2030,"
Mr McDonald said.
A WaterSecure Garden assessment is valued
at $190. However, Barwon Water is providing
a $100 subsidy for each garden assessment.
Residents may also be eligible for a $50
water audit rebate from the Victorian
Government. If this is the case, the assessment
will cost residents $40
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OTWAY
HEALTH NEWS |
10,000 Steps
Program
21 November -14 December 2007
The 10,000 Steps Challenge is well and truly underway
with two teams having passed Adelaide already. Don't
take your walking shoes off just yet though, get
your weekly total in by 4pm Monday and you could
still take home an amazing prize from Anaconda.
All those taking part in the 10,000 Steps Challenge
are invited to join us for a post challenge celebration,
including the major prize draw, at 7.30am on Wednesday
19 December 2007 on the Apollo Bay Foreshore. Registrations
essential.
Marrar Woorn Advisory
Group
Interested members of the community are invited
to Marrar Woorn on Tuesday 11 December from 3pm
- 4pm to become part of this group. It will be a
forum for sharing ideas and advocating on behalf
of the community. Everyone welcome! Afternoon tea
provided.
Community Groups at
Marrar Woorn
Community groups wishing to use the facilities at
Marrar Woorn can now do so free of charge, although
a gold coin donation would be appreciated should
you wish to make one.
To find out if your group is eligible to use Marrar
Woorn for free please contact Karen Washfold, Marrar
Woorn coordinator, on (03) 5237 8500.
Join Us For Christmas Lunch
Will you be alone on Christmas Day or do you know
someone who will? Otway Health invites residents
of our community who will be alone on Christmas
Day to join us for a traditional Christmas lunch
with all the trimmings. Lunch will be at 12 noon
in the Laura Pengilley wing. Cost: $10.00
To join us for Christmas lunch, or for more details,
please contact Helen Pini, Director Clinical Care
on (03) 5237 8500 by Monday 17 December 2007. |
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| Vision
Australia Calendars
The year is almost over and it's time to start
thinking about 2008. Vision Australia's large
print
2008 wall calendar is now available. The perfect
gift, calendars feature art work by visually impaired
or blind artists and have plenty of room to write
notes and appointments.
Calendars are $8.00 each and can
be purchased from Customer Service, Pengilley
Avenue.
Mens Shed
What: A barbeque - all food provided
When: Thursday 13 December 2007 6pm -
8pm
Where: Behind Marrar Woorn Pengilley
Avenue, Apollo Bay
Who: For all interested Men
Why: To discuss a tidy up and re-organisation
of the Men's Shed. This would also be a great
opportunity for men in the community to provide
feedback on programs or activities they would
like to see happening in this Men's Space. For
any further information please contact Customer
Services on (03) 5237 8500.
Christmas Operating Hours
Over the Christmas and New Year period the Community
Services Centre, including the Marrar Woorn Community
Centre and the Child Care Centre, will be closed
from 5pm on Monday 24 December 2007 and will re-open
on Wednesday 2 January 2008. Centrelink Services
will be available from the Corporate Services
Office, Ramsden Avenue entrance on the 27th, 28th
and 31st December 2007.
If you have any enquires or concerns regarding
accessing services between Christmas and News
Year please contact Customer Service.
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| Letters
to the Editor |
Dear Editor,
The community should be advised that under the C55
Planning Amendment (refer last weeks News Sheet)
is the Apollo Bay Structure Plan Accordingly submissions
on the Plan are invited by Colac Otway Shire. If
you have a view on the boundary changes or anything
else for that matter, write to the Council to express
it. Submissions close on January 31, 2008. A Planning
Panel Hearing will then follow. The draft Victorian
Coastal Strategy (2007) is also calling for comment
and submissions for that must also be submitted
by January 31. I shall put more information on the
Otway Forum website in due course. Visit www.forum.apollobay.org.au
John Spencer (for Otway Forum)
APOLLO
BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
NEWS WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?
Interested in family history? Looking to find out
where and how to go about finding information? Watch
SBS TV at 7.30pm on Sunday nights for some clues.
Who Do You Think You Are? is a BBC television documentary
series, made by Wall to Wall that started in 2004.
In each episode, a celebrity goes on a journey,
in order to try and trace some aspect of their family
tree. Four series have currently been aired in the
UK and a fifth series will air in 2008. In September
2007, a Canadian version comprised of 13 episodes
began airing on CBC. SBS has commenced showing six
BBC episodes featuring Stephen Fry, Bill Oddie,
Julia Sawalha, Jeremy Clarkson, Gurinder Chadha
and Nigella Lawson. The episode on Stephen Fry aired
last Sunday. Next week is Julia Sawalha -the actress
who plays the daughter in Absolutely Fabulous. An
Australian series of Who Do You Think You Are? is
also scheduled to air on SBS. The Australian episodes
will begin on 13 January 2008 and will be followed
by six more from the BBC series.
Celebrities profiled on the Australian series will
include Cathy Freeman, Jack Thompson, Geoffrey Robertson,
Kate Ceberano, Ita Buttrose and Dennis Commetti.
This is one of the most interesting programs currently
on TV. Sit down and watch or set your recorder for
SBS at 7.30pm on Sunday nights. I can promise you
an hour of entertaining TV.
Rotary
Club of Apollo Bay Otways
Special Dinner Meeting
Last week members were treated to a visit by 3 young
women, Leah Aylward, Perth Rosen, & Amanda Rader
who have recently completed their Masters studies
as 'Peace Fellows'. The Peace Fellows program is
an international Rotary program actively promoting
peace by actively involving people in social justice
programs and conflict resolution. The program allows
students to complete masters degrees and Phd's in
peace studies and is offered at 6 'Peace Centres'
in universities around the world, including the
University of Queensland in Brisbane where these
3 young Americans have been studying. Their presentation
was inspirational and featured their on ground work
in developing countries. The main message members
came away with was that while its good to give aid
to problems around the here was a program that was
actively developing skills in dedicated individuals
who were then going on to work in administrations
from the UN to the World Bank and other pro-active
capacity building programs around the world.
As noted it was inspiring to hear the dedication
of these women and to see the work they have been
and will be involved in as well as the work of other
'Peace Fellows' around the world. President Gary
McPike
Funding For War Memorials
Funding of up to $10,000 is available to community
groups and ex-service organisations to restore and
enhance local war memorials and honour rolls under
the State Government's Restoring Community War Memorials
Grants Program. Since its inception in 2004, almost
200 war memorial and honour boards across Victoria
have received funding through this important program.
Colac Otway Shire Economic Development and Grants
Officer, Joel Kimber said the grants aim to ensure
that Victoria's war memorials and honour rolls remain
places of community pride and respect for future
generations. "The types of projects that will
be considered for funding include repairs to broken
statues, the re-lettering of honour rolls, the installation
of plaques, landscaping and seating," Mr Kimber
said. "Preference will be given to that increase
community understanding of memorials and those that
involve partnerships between ex-service organisations,
local councils, local businesses, schools and other
bodies. "It should be noted that organisations
and communities are expected to contribute towards
the project financially or through in-kind support."
Applications forms are available from the Department
of Planning and Community Development website -www.qrants.dvc.vic.qov.au
or by contacting Mr Kimhpr on 5232 9523. |
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75th Anniversary Great Ocean
Road
Congratulations and a big thank you to all the hard
working people who organised this great event, from
the beginning of the programme to the last event
on Monday. It was fantasti! Meaningful and fun for
families. A task well done and stored in our memory
banks.
It brought to mind my memories of the women who
also played their part by giving comfort and support
to their menfolk I really don't know how many women
were involved but 1 had the privilege of knowing
two. Mrs Ada Mercer and Gertrude O'Malley. Both
had similar backgrounds, reared in an orphanage
in England. Mrs Mercer was put into Service (which
means you work for your keep and clothing - no wages)
Mrs O'Malley, being penniless, enlisted into one
of the Womens' Services. Both met their husbands-to-be
in England and came to Australia after the war as
war brides.
Mrs Alf Mercer whom I knew affectionately as "Ada
Elsie" would reminisce at times about her experiences
on the Great Ocean Road when she was a patient in
our local hospital for many years. She arrived in
Melbourne where Alf was waiting for her ship to
come in. Not having seen each other for some time,
she wondered if she would recognise him in "civvies"
so had pre-arrange to wear a coloured ribbon; "but
we knew each other straight away" she said.
Alf brought her to the camp at Wye River where he
joined his comrades to start work on putting the
road through. She said that even though her home
was a tent with very meagre facilities to her it
was own, her castle. Mrs O'Malley and Ada became
great friends, facing the trials and joys of tent
keeping, getting supplies, getting clothes washed
and dry and having babies. Can you imagine it!?
Getting supplies from Lome in the winter months
was difficult. There was mud everywhere and more
mud, no proper road. The women had to walk, then
carry their supplies back on their backs. They would
tie newspaper, tightly to be effective, from the
top of their boots to their knees so that when they
sank into the mud they wouldn't lose their boots
when taking the next step. "It was much better
when we got a pack horse" she said with a wry
smile. The horse was also on ambulance duty at the
time Eileen was born. Mrs O'Malley rode to Lome,
had her baby, breech birth and as soon as she could,
rode back to Tent City with her new baby. I wonder
if Jack O'Malley had time off to look after the
other 3 children? Eileen (Leorke) has memories of
her early years in camp that could be captured at
another time.
After the Road was completed, Mr and Mrs Mercer
with their two sons, Alf and Brian, set up home
at Grey River. Hardship stuck again during the 1939
bushfires, they were burnt out and lost everything.
They moved to Apollo Bay where Jack worked as a
linesman for the PMG. They then moved to Birregurra
where Nancy was born A brief snippet from Val Flitton
Thanks for the contribution Val. Editors To all
staff at the Apollo Bay Newsheet. Thank you for
looking after Jacko and I. Keep up the
good work.
Robert Telford
75th GREAT OCEAN
ROAD CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to Les Noseda and Doris Hansen and
the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism on
a well organised and entertaining celebration of
the 75th Anniversary of the Opening of the GOR between
Lorne and Apollo Bay. For those who missed out a
reminder that the display on the Construction of
the GOR is still on at the Apollo Bay Museum. Ted
Stuckey
THANKS McFarlane - Neil
Dawn, Paul, Janine, Tammy and families would like
to thank family and friends for all the flowers,
cards, phone calls and personal condolences on the
loss of our dearly loved husband, father and pop.
Your kindness, support and sympathy have been a
great source of comfort to us all. We would also
like to thank family and friends for the love and
support given Neil during his long illness, especially
the past few years, Please accept this an our personal
Thank You.
Register To Be a Part of Council's Events Calendar
Tell everyone in the community about your event
by registering to be part of Colac Otway Shire's
Events Calendar. Registering your event gives you
free publicity via the Shire's website. A free events
listing is also provided to the community via Visitor
Information Centres. Colac Otway Shire Events Coordinator,
Jodie Fincham said the calendar was great exposure
for events, particularly those with limited marketing
budgets. "The calendar is a one stop resource
for the local community and is a particularly good
reference for event planners who want to ensure
their event doesn't clash with another event,"
Ms Fincham said. To register your event log on to
the Shire's website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au,
or phone Megan Leersen on 52329 527.
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